AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT - GSA · 3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT ... on South Capitol Street to C Str enue;...

3.0

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

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FOB 8 EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

3.1

This section

CULTURAL RESOURCES

within the surrounding area. Thi documents the potential archaeol

s information ogical, historic, was derived from

and vihist

suoric maps, Nationaal resources that are present on t

l Register nominatiohe FOB 8 site and

disturbing and field surveys. It was determined that the only impacts to archaeological resources would

ns, prior studies,

athe building and the c

ctivities. Thus, theurbline. T

Area of Potential Effects (APE) for archeological resources includes the area between toccur as a result of ground

he face of

potential fogenerally bounded by: 4th

r the proposed securits was defined based o

3rdW

unding the site. Thn the

Street, Sy improvements to be visible

hrough the Section 106 process,from historic properties s the APE for historic resource

in the west, north to Jeffeurro e area is

Street, SW to Maryland Avon South Capitol Street to C Str

enue; northeast on Maryland Avenue torson Drive; east on Jefferson Dr

the U.S. Capitol Building; soive to 3rd Street, SW; south on

uth from the Capitol Building

3‐1). The study area ftracks; west along the railroad

or visual restrac

Street,

oks to Virg

eet, SW; west oninia Avenue, C Street to 1st

SW; and northwest on VirgiSW; south along the 1

nia Avst Street alig

urces is identical to the APE for historic resources. enue, SW to 4th Street, SW

nment to the railroad (Figure

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 3 ‐1

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOB 8 EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS

3 ‐2 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

1

2 3

Figure 31: Area of Potential Effects for Historic Resources Source: EDAW 2009


3.1.1 Archaeological

As part of the larger Potomac Ri

Resources

reflect 1815, the

this Whashingtoistory: according to

n Canal was the U.S. Departconstructed north and

ment of

ver watershed, the land sueast of rroun

the dingsite, resulting in t the Mall was historic

he fillingally marshland. Between 1810

of these marshes. The area’s sand

soils. Urban soils have a man‐maAgric

de surface layer that has been produlture’s soil surveys, t

uced by mixing, fillinhe area

g, around FOB 8 is composed of Urb

oilsan

disturbed through consurface in urban and sub

struction aurban ar

cteas. ivities for th

Due to the nature oe building, roa

f the dways, and sidewalsoils, and the fact that the site

ation of land

archaeological resources ar sks, it is unlikely that

and immediate aor by the contamin

inr

tea were

e pre ent near the surface on the FOB 8 site. tact prehis oric

spread wworkers due to the proximity tDuring the 19th century, the pro

o ject site was part of a residenthe Capitol, the area became a

tial covibrant residentia

mmunity known as Sol neighborhood. As residential dev

uthwest. Attractive to government elopment

scale residential and commercial uses until thithin Southwest, commercial establis

e mid‐20th hments ben

centurefited. T

y whhis portion of Southwest DC reen urban renewal resulted in

ma the dined a

emolition of combination of low‐

office buildings during half of the area’s buildings. T

the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. he area now known as the Southwest Federal Center was redeveloped with large‐scale federal

more than

the 19thAccording to historic Sanborn and Baist maps, the block now occupied by FOB 8 was fairly densely developed from the end of

stables exisbrick struct

ted nearer the cente century through the middle of the 20th century. Th

r of the site, off the main streets. The e structures

Metropolitan were brick or frame

Wesley A.and small in scale. A number of

ure, was located on D Street near the center of the block. The Watts and Brothers Coal and WM.E. Zion Church, a modest sized

on C Street near the center oparking (Sanborn 1928‐1959).

f the block. By 1959, the buildings on the site had been razed and the block was being used for ood Yard was located

the 18th century were doNo archaeological surveys have b

cumented in a survey ceen completed on the FOB 8 site.

ompleted prior to the Norconth of FOB 8, historic archaeological remains dating from

Associates 1993). Although it is possible that similar historic archaeological resstructio

ources were n of the NMA

present on the FOB 8 site, it iI building (John Milner and

s likely that they have been disturbed due to the urban renewal efforts in the 1950s and the construction of FOB 8 itself.



3.1.2

FOB 8

Historic Resources

FOB 8 was constructed in 19buildings from this period, FOB

65 as laboratory 8 is set back significan

space for thtly fro

e Food and m C Street, SW. The ar

Drug Administratea betw

ion. eAens is characteristic of m the north face of the building

any modern

and C Street was designed as a parking lot. GSA and the District of Columbia State Historic Preservation Officer are in concurrence that FOB 8 does not meet the criteria for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

L’Enfant and McMillan Plans

the countryThe project

’site is bordered by sts most notable achievements i

reets originn urally planned by Pierre Charles L’Enfant in the 18th century. Recognized as one of

example of Bcoordinated system of radiating

aroque city planning, L’Enfant’s Plan defines the pavenues, vistas, and parks over

ban planning, the laid upoL’Enfant Plan, c

n an orthogonal grid of strompleted in 1791, is characterized

hysical and symbolic character of the capital city teets (Figure 3‐2). A

by a

arrangement of roadways, buildinhrough its

notable

the L’Enfant Plan in a manner consistent with gs, parks, and views. At the

the City Beautifuturn of the 20th century, the l movement. The McMillan Plan e

McMillan Commission expandextended the Mall to the west

d on

and terminated sdevelopment of the c

everality today. important visual axes with monuments. The principles articulated in these plans still guide the



Figure 32: L’Enfant Plan for the City of Washington, 1791 Source: NCPC

District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites. The designation recognizes components of the McMillan Plan that contribute The Plan of the City of Washington is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and is also a city landmark, listed in the

to, exte

AFFECTED

nd,

or enhance t

ENVIRONMENT

he L’Enfant Plan. The period of signifi

cance is 1791‐1942. The National Register nomination for the

3 ‐5


The portions of 3rd

Appropriatthe L’Enfant Plan. In addition

ion Number 2. The vis, the

Street, SW, C Street, SW, and D Street, SW that border the project site are all contributing elements within

ta Capitol Groualong C Stre

nds and thet, SW, is ide

e Natntified within the noional Mall east of 14th Street c

mination as bomprise L’Enfant’s Original eing interrupted by I‐395 east of

th

L’Enfant Plan identifies historic streets, reservations and appropriations, and vistas that contribute to the plan’s significance.

the project site and at 5 Street west of the project site.


Mall

Northwest Capitol Grounds in the east to 14

of FOB 8, the Mall was th Street in ta key component o

he west, fand f L’Enfant an

rom Cod Mcnstitution Ave

Millan’s plans for nue in the n

the cityorth

. The Mto Independence Av

all extends from the enue in

Mall was listed in the Dthe south (Figure 3‐3).

C InventoNumerou

rys national museums line the Mall, and a tree‐lined greensward runs through the center. The

identified contributing features aMultiple Property Nomination for

n the L’Enfant Plan. In in 1964 and the Nation

2006, a al Register in 1966. It is also a comp

cultural landscape inventory was completed for the Maonent of the National Register

ll which

significance. FOB 8 is visible in views south on 3rdd concluded that, while not

Street from the Mall (Figure 3‐4). a National Historic Landmark, the Mall clearly has national


Figure 33: The Mall Source: EDAW, 2009




Figure 34: View south on 3rd Street from the National Mall Source: EDAW, 2009


The U.S. Capitol Building and Grounds


The U.S. Capitol Building is one of the nation’s iconic historic buildings. Located approximately ¼ mile northeast of FOB 8

the 19th century by (Figure 3‐6), the Neoclassical style structure was designed by

columned portico on the front ofBenjamin Latro

thebe, Charles Bulfin building, and a massive dome that caps the

ch, and Thomas U. Walter. The sstructure (

tructure iWilliam Thornton in 1793, and the

s characterin renovated and

zed by a large expanded in

building is sited on an originalthe Capitol dome and the grounds are visible from the nor

L’Enfant Appropriation and is set withFigure 3‐5). The monumental

theastin a landsc

corner of FOB 8. ape desiThe Capi

gned by Fredertol was designated a National

ick Law Olmsted. Both

Historic Landmark in 1960 and listed in the DC Inventory of Historic Sites in 1964.


Figure 35: U.S. Capitol Building Source: EDAW, 2009



Figure 36: View to U.S. Capitol from the northeast corner of the project site Source: EDAW, 2008



Hubert H. Humphrey Building

one of two Modernist style structuThe Hubert H. Humphrey Building is located north of FOB 8 across C

of Housing and Urban Developmentres in Southwest DC by renown Building. The Humphrey Buildi

ed ang is a six‐strchitect Marcel Breuer, Street (Figure 3‐8). Constructed in

the other being 1976, the building is

ory concrete structure with a brise soleil, a the Department

penthouse, and a recessed ground floor (Figure 3‐7). Although not yet 50 years old, the Humphrey Building could potentially


be eligible for the National Register both for its design and as the work of a master architect.

Figure 37: Hubert H. Humphrey Building Source: EDAW, 2008


Figure 38: View of Hubert H. Humphrey Building from FOB 8 Source: EDAW, 2009



Mary Switzer Building (Railroad Retirement Board Building)


One of tBuilding is

he last buildingLocated directly west of

s erecte FOB 8,

d under ththe Mary Switz

e massive federer Building

al offwas designed by Charl

ice construction program of es Klauder and constructed in

the 1920s and 1930s, the Switze1939‐1940.

r

Distinctivconstructed

e features inclu for the Social Secura secondary componen

ity Administt within a jointly planned complex that includes the Wilbur J. Cohen Building (originally

3‐9). In plan, the building resede monumental win

ration) to the nort

mbles a half‐fisdows and pylons, and Egyptian motifs that ador

h. The structure was designed inn the sandstone facade the Stripped Classical style.

s (Figure

determined to be eligible for listing in the National Register hbone, with six

of Historic Places. wings that extend off a main base. The Switzer Building has been


Figure 39: Mary Switzer Building Source: EDAW, 2008



Wilbur J. Cohen Building


Switzer Building to the south, tNorthwest of FOB 8, the Wilbur J. Cohen Building was constructed in 1939 for the Social Security Administration. Like the

style with its bands of verticaDistrict of Columbia, as well as

lly oriented windows (Figure 3‐1he structure was designed by Charles

0). The building is significant Klauder and is representative of t

for its role in he Stripped

city planning iClassical

n the

modern programmatic needs. Deal. The Wilbur J. Cohen Buildi

It is further significant for it the last work of a prominent a

s association with the Srchitect known for his skill in melding hi

ocial Security Adminstistorricaatio

l refe

in 2007. ng was listed in the DC Invento

n and rences with

ry of Historic Sites and the National Register of Histthoric Plac

e New es


Figure 310: Wilbur J. Cohen Building Source: EDAW, 2008



U.S. Botanic Garden


in varThe Botani

ying cc Garden, located limatic exhibits. The ga

north rden was originaof FOB 8 within the Ca

Dlly est

pitol Grounds, showcases diverse vegetative species a

kind in North America. esigned in the Beaux Arts Stylabli

e by Bennett Parsons & Frost in 1902,shed by Congress in 1820, and rem

the garden ains one of the larg

nd ecoest of its systems

was listed in the DC Inventory of Historic Sites in 1964. It also lies within the bounds of the National Mall (Figures 3‐11 and 3‐12).

Figure 311: U.S. Botanic Garden Source: EDAW, 2008


Figure 312: View of U.S. Botanic Garden from FOB 8 Source: EDAW, 2009



Bartholdi Fountain


tiered cast iron fountaiThe Bartholdi Fountain h

n is theas been a prominent feature on th

exhibit work of Frederic Auguste Barth

e grouoldi, sc

nds of the U.S. Boulptor of the Statue o

tanic Gardenf Liberty. The fountain was

since 1878. The elaborate

ed alongside the Statue o

supporting a water basipurchased by the federal governm

entennial Exhibition in 1876 and was then subsequently

fountain was listed in the DC Inn, attended

ent. Its elaborate ff Liberty at the Philadelphia C

ventory of His

by tritons, reptiles,

corner of F B 8 during the winter months. toric Sites in 19

and doorm rises 30 feet above a m

lphins. Twelve light globes circarble pool, wi

le the rim of the basin. The th three colossal caryatids

O64 (Figure 3‐13). The fountain may be visible from the northeast


Figure 313: The Bartholdi Fountain Source: Wikipedia, 2009



3.1.3 Visual Resources

Methodology

was detThis sect

eiormn documents the exined by estimating

itsthe visibility of Fing visual character of

OB 8, and thus FOB 8 a

the proposed exterior improvnd the surrounding area. The stu

ements, to viewers from public dy area for visual resources

afforded alplaces and

ohistoric resources. Due to the urban density of the Southwest Federal Center neighborhood, views are generally

open parcelThe visual character of

s east of the site, nng the streets that border the site, including C, 3

ortheast towards the U.S. Capitrd, D, and 2nd Streetol Building, and sou

s, SW. In addition, views are afforded from the

the roadways, buildings, and open space that border the site are described below. thwest from the Capitol Grounds to FOB 8.



Existing Visual Environment


C Street,

C Street, SW

SW/North of the Site

mid‐rise federal office building borders the FOB 8 site to the north. The two‐lane roadway is bordered on the north and south sides by massive

currently encircled by from C Street, allowing for surfa

a tall fence. ce parkinIn addition

g bettween t

s. On the south side of the str

o surface parhe buildin

eet, both FOB 8 and the Switzer g entrances and the street. The surface

Building are setback substantia

c lly

low wall divides the C Street sidewalk from the drive at the eaking, FOB 8 has an ac ess drive

parking lot at FOB 8 is

Humphrey and Cohen Buildings are set closer to the roadway, botstern end of the block. On the north side of C Str

h buildings lacking substantial building yards. Eeet, the

to a below‐grade parking garage. A

of the site, the roadway and associated view corridors are interrupted. The view west from the site terminates at a large ast and west

now small greenbuilding at 5th Street, SW (Figure 3‐15). The C Street view

that it turns to the northea parcel (Figure 3‐14). When I‐395 was constru

st (Figure 3‐16). Views are thucted in

s afford the 1960s,

corridor terminates at 2nd Street immediately igned east of

east of the site at a

the project ed of the Capitol Buildi

C Street, SW, was real 2

site. ng from the northeas

nd

t corner of Street, such


Figure 314: View east on C Street from 3rd Street, SW Source: EDAW, 2008



Figure 315: View west on C Street with FOB 8 and the Switzer Building in the foreground Source: EDAW, 2008



Figure 316: View along the diagonal portion of C Street from the northeast corner of the project site Source: EDAW, 2008



3rd Street, SW/West of the Site

along 3rd

rdBorderin

Street are frag FOB 8 to the

mwest, 3ed by mid‐rise b

Street, SW is a four‐lane roadway that runs north‐south, following L’Enfant’s city grid. Views

and a sunken garden lomirroring the walk on the west si

cated betwdeeen t of the st

he sidreet adjacent to the Switz

uildings and a variety of street er Building trees. The sidewalk adjacent t

(Figure 3‐17). There o is aFOB 8 is narrow, small planting bed

Views green stri

are ap ffordis wider an

ed to tdh extends e north along 3rd

to the face ofewalk and FO the building; h

B 8 at towev

he ea is currently

south end of the block. At the nortlocked from view by a tall fence.

h end of the block, the

Street to the Mall (Figure 3‐er, this ar b

the elevated railroad lines one block south of FOB 8. 18). Views to the south along 3rd Street are obstructed by



Figure 317: View looking north along 3rd Street from D Street, SW Source: EDAW, 2008



Figure 318: View looking north on 3rd Street near C Street, SW Source: EDAW, 2008



D Street, SW/South of the Site

sidewalk iD Street, S

s W is a narnarrow.

roA line ow one‐way street tha

natural lighslightly raised planting

f street trees and lampposts run bt borders FOB 8 to t

etween the curb and the sidewalkhe south. On the north side of D Street, adjacent to FOB 8, th

. Inside of the walk, a narrow,e

bed contains a line of low shrubs and small trees. Between the trees, a series of light wells provide

t to the building’s

sizes and modern mid‐rsidewalk and the roadway encircl

ise buildines the Ford House Office

lower level. On the south side

gs. Views to the east include Building. Views alonof the street, a line of unifor

g D Street are framed by street trm bollards placed between the

ees of va

infrastructure (Figure 3‐19). Views to the west terminate at 4ththe on ramp to I‐395 and gr Street, SW, where a building interr

eenspace beyond the higupts L’Enfant’s hist

hway rying

street alignment (Figure 3‐20). oric



Figure 319: View looking east on D Street, SW with FOB 8 on the left Source: EDAW, 2008



Figure 320: View along D Street, SW looking west with FOB 8 on the right Source: EDAW, 2008



2nd Street,

East of FOB 8, 2nd

SW/East of the Site

FOB 8, the sidewalk is narrow. Between t Street, SW runs in two lanes one‐way from the north to the south. On the west side of the street, adjacent to

createAmerican

s a gr Veen edge. eterans Dis

Oan the east side of the sbled for Life Memorial

treet, thhe sidewalk and

e sid ewthe building face, a planting bed containing both trees and shrubs

ramp to the recessed portion of . To the south, at

I‐395 (Figure 3‐21). Views nortthe intersection of 2nd and D

alk divides the roadway from a small park, the future site of t Streets, SW, there is an access

he

buildings, open greensAvenue (Figure 3‐22).

pace, highFrom the corner of 2nd

way infrastructure, surface parking, and the

northeas and C Streets, SW views are affo

elevated h and south along the 2

rnd Street corridor include mid‐rise office

rded of the ailwU.S. Capitol Building to the ay south of FOB 8 at Virginia

t.



Figure 321: View south on 2nd Street from C Street, with FOB 8 on the right Source: EDAW, 2008



Figure 322: View north on 2nd Street, SW with the Humphrey Building on the left and the National Mall and U.S. Botanic Garden in the Center of the View Source: EDAW, 2008



3.2 SOCIOECONOMIC RESOURCES

3.2.1

FOB 8 is a g

Land Use

overnment‐and grounds. Bounded by 2nd

owned building locat Street to the east, 3rd

ed within the Southwe

acre site oc Street to the west, C Street to t

st Federal Center, two blocks frhe north, and D Street to the south, the 2.1‐

om the U.S. Capitol Building

An additiopedestrian

neantrance is ocupies a full city block. The structure is six‐stories high, with two addition

l below‐grade parkn C Street,

ing area is accessed via a ramp owhere an approximately 100‐

ff of 2nd Street. Constructed foot setback allows for a surface

al stories located below grade. The

in 1965 as laboratory sp parking lot for the building.

main

lU.S. Food and Drug Administrati B 8 has been vacant since FDA relocated in 2002. While GSA owns the building,

ace for the

the surrounding sidewa ks are undon (FDA), FOer the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia.

The area surrounding Fcity block. The Hubert Humphrey

OB 8 is dominateBuilding is

d by mid‐rise fede

Department of Health and Human Ssited directly nort

ral offich of F

e buildings. LikOB 8, across C Street.

e FOB 8, many This structure houses the

of these structures fill a full

Building is occupied by the U.S.ervices. Northeast of FOB 8, across Interstate 395 (I‐395), the Rayburn House Office

ArchitecDepartment of Health and Human Services. T

House of Representatives. The

t of the Capitol, borders FOB 8 to the south. Privatelyhe Ford House Office Bu

Cohen Building lies northwest ofilding, which houses Congressional staff and the

FOB 8 and is occupied by the

8 at 3rd and D Streets, and 4

There are severa

th and E Streets. owned commercial office buildings are located southwest of FOB

parcel dirthe site, across 2nd

l small parks and larger areas of open space in the immediate vicinity of FOB 8. Directly east and northeast of

for the American Vetectly east o

erf the site a

Street, are several small, irregularly shaped parcels, each landscaped and traversed by sidewalks. The

and the ans Disabl

cts as a partial barrier to the I‐395 underpass. A parcel to the northeast is the planned location

U.S. Capitol Grounds offeMall, lies one block north of FOB

r additioned for Life Memorial. Further north and east of the site, the National Garden, Bartholdi Park,

grounds in the west. 8 and stretches from the

al public open sU.S.pace. The largest area o

Capitol grounds in the east to tf greenspace in

he Washingthe downtown, th

ton Monument e National

Other land uses in the area include cultural attractions, retail establishments, and transportation infrastructure. The National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of the American Indian are located to the north of FOB 8 along the edge of



is open daily for public tours.

The Federal Center‐SW MetroraiInterstate 395 runs below grade d

l Station irectly east of

is located less than the site and a

SW. A rail line also runs along Virginia Ave SW and crosses ov one block from the site, at the intersecticcess to this highway is provided via an o

on of 3nramp at 2nd

rd Street.

er I‐395 two blocks to the south. Finally, several surface lots and D Streets,

and

the Mall. The U.S. Capitol Building, located two blocks northeast of FOB 8, also functions as a civic and cultural institution and


parking structures are located within the vicinity of FOB 8.

3.2.2

Zoning

Planning Controls and Policies

federal property are under the pAs a federally‐owned property, FOB 8 is not subject to DC zonin

urview of NCPC, pursuant to the District of Cg regulations. Instead, new design

Stat. 802 and DC ST § 6‐641.15). In accordance with the olumbia Zoning Enabling

and rAenovatioct of 1938

n projects on

Act, NCPC has approval authority for use, open space, height, and (ch. 534, 52

Com

The

prehensive Plan fo

bulk, for projects on fe

r the Nation

deral proper

al

ty.

Capital (2004)

planning of fedeComprehensive Plan

ral facilitifor es ithe n WaNational Capital, Federal shington, DC. The Plan is

Elements is the principal planning tool

growth and development in the Nation’s Capital. There are two elements that are of particular relevance to the procomprised of goals, objectives, and policies intended to guide

used by NCPC to guide the

perimeter security project at FOB 8, the Federal Workplace Element and the Preservation and Historic Features Element. posed

the fedeThe Federa

ral workforce to enhance tl Workplace Element states that it

he efficiencis y, productivthe goal of

ity, the federal and public image of

governmenthe fedet in the N

ral ational Capital

economic well‐being and expand egovernment; to strengthen the

Region to: “Locate

the Distriaddress pe

ct orimeter security af Columbia as the

nd incseat of the national govern

mployment opportunitmenties of the

.” This region and thelement out

el localities tines policie

herein; and to give es in support of this goal that

mphasis to

•

lude the following:

Design such improvements in accordance with guidance included in The National Capital Urban Design and Security Plan (and related policies).


•

excessmanner tha

ively trestri: enhances a

ct or impede operationnd beautifies the public realm, resultin

impact the health of exial use of sidewalks or pedest

g in co

• sting mature trees.

riherenan, han

t and dicap

welcoming streetscapes; does not , or vehicular mobility; and does not

• security wDesign proj

itects in ah the need t

manner thato enhance and main

does not impetain the vitality of

de commerce and urban areas.

economic vitality, but balances the need for perimeter

•

Design security barrlocated and that respe

ier lines act the histor

nd eliements tc context of

hat the area when complement and enha

applicable. nce the character of the area in which they will be

•

Design sminimize t

ecurity he size of

elemen sec

ts to responurity elements when p

d to site‐spossible. ecific conditions, such as vehicle approach speed and angles, in order to

Place security elements in the building yard, rather than in public space where possible.

The Prthe image

eseranvationd identi

and ty Hof the nationistoric Features Element states t

’s capital and region throuhat it is the

gh design and devegoal of the federa

lopment thl govern

atment to: “Preserve a

principles of the L’Enfant and McMillan Plans, the enduring val is respectful of the guiding

nd enhance

following: of the capital’s setting.” Policies in support of this goal that ar

ue of historic buildings and plae applicable to the FOB 8 exterior improvements include the

ces, and the symbolic character

•

• image. Protect and enhance the vistas and views, both natural and designed, that are an integral part of the national capital’s

• views, and principles oPromote continuity in t

fh the L’Enfae historic

ndesigt Plan.

n framework of the nation’s capital by protecting and enhancing the elements,

Protect the the historic c

settings of haracter o

historic pro

National Capital Urban Design and Security

f the propert

y. perties, including views to and from the sites where significant, as integral parts of

Plan (2002) and

NCPC’s

Urban

(adopted May

Design and Security Plan Policies and Objectives (2005)

Natirequiremen

onal ts of federa

Capital l agencUrban Desi

ies wgn and ith the n

Secueed

rity Plan to protect the historic urban fabric of Washingt

5, 2005) seeks to balance the security needs and on, DC. The Plan holds that

Incorporate security needs into the design of buildings, streetscapes, and landscapes using urban design principals in a



security elements for federal buildings should be enhanced in a manner that does not compromise the vitality and function of

the Plan estthe public realm, be it

ablishes a spedestrianeries of goa

circulation, ls. These goals are as foll

vehicular mobilows: ity, commerce, or the aesthetic experience of visitors. To this end,

•

•

Provide apby unautho

propriatrized vehicles appr

e levels of perioach

meter seing or ent

curity forering them.

sensitive buildings and their occupants against threats generated

•

Providrather t

e sechan

uas a separity in the

ratcontext e or red

ofundant sys a city‐wide p

tem rogram of streetscape eof components whose o

nhancement and pubnly purpose is security.

lic realm beautification,

•

Expand the palette of elemeendless lines of jersey barriers

nts tor b

hat can gracefully providollards, which only invoke

e peri defens

mieter veness.

standoff security, avoiding the monotony of

Produce a cgiven to ach

oieving aeherent str

stheategy for tic cont

deploying specific families of streetscape and security elements in which priority

• needs of a particular building u

inuity along streets, and wnder the jurisdiction of one pu

ithin areas, rablic agency.

ther than solutions selected solely by the is

Provide perimeter mobility, or operation

security in al use of

a manner that does not impede tsidewalks within the Monumental

he City's commerce Core or downtown.

and vitality, pedestrian or vehicular

In oThese

rder to solutions

achieve include

these such pgoals, the P

hysical lan offers elements

a as var“hariety of design elements that can be used in perimeter security projects.

plinth walls, bolmeasures. Poten

lards, large rotial security me

unasd linear plantersures should be des

withigne seatindened”

g, obr ficycle rortified st

acks, reet and

furniturecurbside

, hedges planters,

w ith eand fences

d to be applied in a variety of different contexts and waysmbedd

, ed low securitystone

to meet the

specific security a

The

inte

Urban

nded to

Design

n

and

d d

esign

Security

needs of each particular downtown area.

vehicular and pedestrian controlbe used to guide feder

Plan

al agenc

Policies

ies

and s, and the place

when evment andObjectives

aluating, design

plann of p

ih

was adopted in 2005 ysical security

to clarify isselements.

ues related The objectives and po

to contextual design,

ng, and designing proposed perimeter securitlicies ar

y projects. e

•

The policies and objectives include the following:

Strike a balance between physical perimeter security for federal buildings and the vitality of the public realm.



•

• structural engineerininformation, operational and pro

g, window glazing, emergency egress, and pcedural measures (such as surveilla

hysicance and screening), anl perimeter barriers).

d design strategies (such as

•

Intelligeborne explosives.

nce information, operational controls, and physical design measures should be used to protect against vehicle‐

• The placement of physical security barriers in public space is discouraged and should be minimized. For existi

the sng

face of face of

the ensitive building t

building to the outso the

buildings in urban areas, perimetoutside edge

er security of the build

barriing yard is ers should be located within

a minimum of 20 feet. If the building yard when the

•permitted in public space adjacen

ide tedge of the to the building.

building yard is less than 20 feet, then perimeter s the disecurity

tance from the barriers may be

Perimeter seed; barriers curity barriers

that arat i

•

be minimizmovement.

entersections, corners and near needed should be located to allow safe pedestrian waiting

crosswalks or other highly uareas and pedestriased pedestrian areas

n should

The design landscape c

oontext in f security

•associat

wbarriers,hich they are located an

including their mass, form andd complement and aesthetically enhan

materials should respond to the architectural and

ed building and precinct.

ce the special character of the

Perimeter security barriers in pbenches, parking meters, trash receptacles an

ublic space should incorporate dd other elements a

end pcorative t

ublic amenities typicree wells, plante

ally found in a strers, light poles, signage,

National Capital Framework Plan (2008)

etscape.

The National Capital Framework and the U.S. Commission of Fine A

Plan, released in the surts (CFA). The Plan serves as a t

mmer of 2008, is the ool to guide strategic decisi

result of a joint planning effort between NCPons to coordinate federal and

C

goals of the Plan are to: Plan flocal interests, identifying opportunities to coordinate lan

or the future needs of the feded ural goverse, urban design, and transportation improvements. The principal

the Nationpublic gathering spaces, and fed

al Mall and protect it from overbuilding; eral offices in a way that cont

and extend the spributes t

noment, including space for new memorials, museums,

ecial civic sustainab

qualities of le city life;

thpresere Nation

ve the historic opal Mall and the vital

en spity ace of

Encourage a multi‐faceted approach to selection of appropriate security measures that considers intelligence

and vibrancy of the city into the adjacent federal precincts.



In order to accomplish these goals, the Plan identifies four major precincts adjacent to the National Mall which are to be the

Triangle, focus for future cultural attractions and government offices. The four

precincts in order to meet tthe Southwest Rectangl

he future needs of the federal govee, and East Potomac Park. The

rnmentFramew

precincork Pl

ts ana ere: xaminthe Northwest Rectangle, Federal

realm. , while also

e protecting th

s opportunitiee city’s ope

s to enhn space an

ance these d public

As identified within the Plan, the Southwest Rectangle precinct generally stretches from Jefferson Drive, SW on the north to

FreewayRectangle

onis to tranthe east

the Southeast Freeway and the 10th Street Overlook on the south, and from 15th Street, SW on the west to the Center Leg

through improved consfor

nections betm it from a ster

. FOB 8 is located at the east end of this area. The Plan states that the primary objective for the Southwest

and the Jefferson Memorial. Specifiween the S

ile office precinct tmithsonian

oC astle a desira

andble workplace, cultural venue, and visitor destination

•

c strategies to achieve this objective include the following: the Southwest waterfront, and between the U.S. Capitol

• National Mall and the Establish 10th Street, SW and the O

Southwest waterfront; verlook as a lively mixed‐use corridor and premier cultural destination to connect the

• •

Establish Maryland Avenue, SW as a grand urban boulevard to link the U.S. Capitol to the Jefferson Memorial; Create new places for museums, offices, shops, and residences to increase the mix of uses within the precinct; and Bridge the Potomac River and restore the street grid to improve mobility.

Tree Removal Permit

The Urban removal of street tr

Forestry Adees.

m

et

inist

seq.

ratSpecifically

ion, under the

), established a, the Urban

Distr

Official Code 8‐6501.01 Forest Pr

n urban foreeserv

ict Departmenation

t of TransportatioAct of 2002, effective J

n (DDOT), requires permits for the

prior to the removal of a tree with a circumference of 55 inchest preservation program requirin

Forestry s or more. If a tree removal p

g a Special Tune 12, 2003 (D.C. Law 14‐309; D.

ree Removal Permit C.

Administration will require the replacement of lost trees based on caliper, either on the site or ermit is approved, the Urban

in a comparable area.



3.2.3

The District

Public Space

of Columbia Department of Transportation, Public Space Management

The Districtthe public space. Accor

Department of Trading to D

ns

a street Dportation (DDOT) has management and oversight responsibility for the use and occupancy of

athe walks and curbline a

nd includes, but is not limOited to, the T, public space is defined as all the publicly owned property

round FOB 8 are considerroadway, tree

ed to be public spa spaces, sidewalks,

ce under the jurisdiction of DDOT. and alleys. The sidewalks and the area betw

between the property lines on een

DDOT encourages that buildings, not on sidewalks, cur

security perimetbs, gutters, str

ers be establishedeets, or public

within priv alleys. In the event that perimeter s

ately‐owned space or federecurity al public space adjacent to

closer than within public space, a Public Sp

two feet from the curb line and neither block pedesace Permit must be obtained fro

trian traffic flow frm DDOT. Further,

om the curbDDOT requires that peri

elements ameter barr

re proiers be no

posed

line to the sidewalk, nor present unreasonable barriers to pedestrians traveling within the sidewalk.

GSA: Achieving Great Federal Public Spaces

Federal Although not directly related to DDOT’s public

Guide space policy and review, GSA has published guidelines titled

and improvPublic

spaces should:

Spaces: A e public spaces and t

Propertyr Manager’s ansform federal spaces into civ

. This publication was released ic places. According to this guide, GSA

in 2007 as part of GSA’bs effo

Acrt

uildings as to ehieving Great

nd public

valuate

• • •

Reflect the dignity and accessibility of government;

•

Be secure and welcoming;

•

Improve tenant satisfaction and building revenue; Provide a forum for tenant activity and public use; and Act as a catalyst for downtown revitalization.

partneThe guide p

rshipresents an s with communities,

overall strategy fto better ma

or impnagementrovement

proaf a facctices. It

ility’ recognizes a key challens public spaces, from physical enh

ge to be the need tancements

o incto rease

security at federal facilities while providing welcoming public spaces.



3.3

The study area fo

NATURAL

r the inven

RESOURCES

as bordered by C, D, 2nd rdtory

Streets, SW. In preparing this and analysis of physical and b

Survey (USGS) mapping, aeri, and 3

al photos, local comprehensive and lanalysis, the following riological resources has been

esources wer defined a

e rs eviewed: the area ar

U.ound FOB 8 S. Geological

databases, conceptual design drawings, scientific literature, government reports, other preand use plans, Geographic Informat

vious studioies, agency cn System (GIS)

omments, and other materials as needed. Site visits to the grounds around FOB 8 were also conducted.

3.3.1

Vegetation a

Vegetation

The vegetation consists entirelyround FOB 8 was inve

of Taxus

ntoried through site restreetscape plantings and m

connaiss

these plantings consist of yews ( sp.), creeping juniper (Juniperus horizoBuxux

odest landscaping

nclude boxwood, crepe myrtle, jMalus

building. Along C Street, SW,

gntalis

ance and a review of theadjacent the

most recent survey drafted in 2006.

and two lar e oak tr), and crepe myrtle (

SW. Along D Street, SW, shrubs iees at the curbline. Boxwoods (

unipers (

Lagerstroemia

Juniperus sp.) and flowering cherries (

sp.), holly (Ilex sp.), and abelia (sp.) are planted along 2nd

indica Street,

)

) with some yarrow ( sp.) planted as well. Scarlet oaks (

(

grandiflora Achillea Quercus bicolor

MagnoliaStreet trees along 3rd Str

sp.) at the building’s northweseet include swamp white oaks (

t corner (Figure 3Quercus

Acer japonica‐23). Additio

), white oak (Q.) are presen along the st

Abelia coccinea

albat reet.

nal plantings along 3rd), scarlet oaks, and a large magnolia

and Japanese maples ( ).

Street, SW include crepe myrtle,



Figure 323: Magnolia at the corner of C and 3rd Streets, SW Source: EDAW, 2008



3.3.2 Wa

The Distri

te

ct

r Resources

of Columbia Department of Health (DDOH)

administer the U.S. Envi

pronmental rograms create

Protectid by t

on Ahe Federal gency (EP

WAater P) regulate

Wwater rater Quality Division, the DDOH Watershed Protection Division, and

the federal Water Quality Act of 1987, and a 1984 amendmollution Con

esources and water pollution in the District. Together, they

ent to ttrohe federal Resource Conl Act of 1972 (commonl

servaty known as the Clean Water Act),

ion and Recovery Act (RCRA).

ecosystemsimplementsIn addition,

the Water Qthe Water Quality Di

uality Standards for Surface Wavision administers programs en

ter. Buildacted by the Water Pollutioning construction and use can affect water qualit

Control Act of 1948 y and

by altering the dominand aquatic

contributing pollutants and particulates to downstream surface ant hydrodynamics (i.e., the vo

walume and timter bodies.

ing of flows), increasing water temperature, and

There are no surface wstreet curb and gutter system fo

ater bodies r diin the vicinity of FOB 8. Allscharge to the DC Water and Sewer Authority (

stormwater drainage moves oveDC WASA) sto

rland into area drains or the

floodplain mapping produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has indicated that if the current levee rm sewer system. Preliminary

expectsystem is

ed to not updated, tcommence in 2009. As a result, it i

he FOB 8 site would be within s unlikely t

the hat100‐year fl

FOB 8 will be located withioodplain. Construction of the new levee sy

n the 100‐year floodplain. stem is



3.4 TRANSPORTATION

3.4.1

The transportati

Vehicular

on net

Circulation

work in the vicinibordered by four local roadways, C Street, S

ty oW in the north, 3rdf FOB 8 includes bo

Street, SW in theth local roadways and a federal highway.

west, D Street, SW in the south, and 2ndThe FOB 8 site is

Street, SW in the east. Interstate 395 (I‐395) is located immediately east of 2nd Street, SW.

C Street, SW

east‐wesinclude intermediaryC Street is classified as

streets that a collector roadway according to DDOT’s roadway classification system. Collector roadways

t, with one trthis, the roadway turns

avel lane in eto the north

ach directfunnel vehicu

ion. The roalar traffic from

dway is int local str

errupted at 2ndeets to arterial str

east towards the U.S. Capitol Building. Adjacent to F Street, SW

eets and back. C Street runs

OB 8, metered parking is , by a small park. Beyond

provided oparking. Acc

n both sides of the roaording to DDOT, the average

dway most times of the day; ho weekday volume on the portion of

wever, the portion east of 3the roadway adj

rd

acent t Street provides no

o FOB 8 was 5,500 vehicles in 2007. The posted speed limit is 25 mph.

2nd Street, SW

left turn only lane that pAs it passes the FOB 8 site, 2nd

rovides ac Street, SW is a o

cess to I‐395, and the righne‐way, two‐la

t lane is both a left turn and throune roadway that runs southbound. The left hand lane i

to I‐395. According to DDOT, 2nd Street is classified as a local roadway. Parking is provided along the west sidgh lane, providing acc

s a

e of the ess

roadway. The posted speed limit is 25 mph.

intersection of 2Truck access to FOB 8 is also provided via 2nd Street, SW. A guard station is located off of 2nd

nd and C Streets. A secure ram Street, near the

deliveries, as well as to secure parking below. p sloping downward from east to west provides access for service and



D Street, SW


travD Street, S

el lane. WThe majority of its borders the FOB 8 site to the south. This local ro

users are federal workers acceadway ssing the

is one direc buildings in the

tional and pimmediate ar

rovides onea. Parking is e eastbound

provided on both sides of the roadway. The posted speed limit is 25 mph.

3rd Street, SW

two travThe District

el lanes i classifies 3rd

a.m. and 4:00 – 6:30 p.n the north‐south direction

Street, SW as a collector streeduring off‐peak times, and four trav

t. As it passes the western eside of FOB 8, 3rd Street, SW provides

m.). Two lanes of parking are provided during off‐peak hours whel lanes during peak hours (7:00 – 9:30

purposes. According to DDOT, the average weekday volume in 2007 on 3rd Street adjacent to n not in use for travel

FOB 8 was 6,600 vehicles. The posted speed limit is 25 mph.

Interstate 395

Located directly east of 2ndsouthbound on‐ramp located at 2

Street, nd and D Streets, SW andSW, I‐395 carries a large

an off‐ra proportio

mpn of the daily traf located to the northeast on Washington Avenue

fic into and out of the District. A

accommodate travel to and from the FOB 8 site. According to DDOT, the average weekday volume on I‐395 was 107,000 in 2007. The posted speed limit is 55 mph.

Park

3.4.2

ing

Parking

and garageis provided wi parking. A t

tohin and arotal of 38 metered park

und the FOB 8 site in ting spaces,

he forand 3

m of metered parking spaces, permit parking, at‐gr

FOB 8. On C Street, SW there are eight metered spaces on each side of the roadw5 permit spaces, a

ay. On tre provi

he nded along the roadways t

ade parkinghat border

,

2nd Street, Snot allowed

Wbetween 7:00 and 9:30 there are eight meter

a.m. On the south side of theed spaces on the west side of the street. Ther

street, parking is e are restricted b

orth side of the stretween 4:00 and

eet, parking is6:30 p.m. On

allowed on the east side of 2nd Street. On D Street, SW, there are 18 parking spno peak hour restrictions. Parking is not

the north side of the street. Similarly, there are 17 permit spaces on the south side of the straces reserved

eet. There arfor local government w

e seven metered orkers on


parking spaces on each of the east and west sides of 3rd Street, SW. The metered spaces permit public parking for two hour increments and follow the DC guidelines for accessible parking spaces.

An at‐gr

garagemotorbike parking spa

ade parking lot c

lding provides f

within the building. The es. These spaces servelocated on the C Street side of the bui orty‐eight autom

garage is accessible via an entrancd employees at FOB

e 8. on 2ndFifty‐nine a

Street. dditionA guard stat

al spaces are located obile parking spaces and 15

in a below‐grade

and exiting both lots. Due to the fact that FOB 8 is vacant, utilization of these lots is minimal. ion monitors vehicles entering

several managed and privately oAdditional parking throughout th

perate study ar

ed parking gea is av

aragailable in th

es. The cloe form of metered spaces alosest garages to the FOB 8 site are loc

ng local roadways as well as ated on Virginia Avenue


and 4th Street, both managed and operated by Colonial Parking.

3.4.3 Public Transit

Metrorail

The FOB 8 site is accessFederal Center SW station is loc

ed by the Federal Center SW Metrorail sated one block from FOB 8 along

tation D Street, near the int

, which is served by theersection of D and 2nd

Blue and Orange lines. The

served by the Blue and Orange lines, the Capitol South Metrorai Streets, SW. Also

FOB 8. Although not accessible by either of these lines, Union Statiol Stat

n, one of ion is locat

the region’s med approximately six blocks to the so

ost significant intermodal utheast of

transportation terminals, is easily accessible via Metrorail (Red line) and Metrobus.

Metrobus

site, whilpoint for The second major component o

the Metrobus, served by f thnearly 100 e public transit system

Metrobus routes. Tserving the study area is WMATA’s Metrobus. Ward 2 is the focal

e the P6 linnorth of the site, connecting th

e has stops on C Street, Sis portion of So

W adjacent to tuthwest with Ca

he site.

the west pitol Hill to the eas

Numerous lines rhe P1 and P2 lines run along 3rd

un along Independence Street, SW adjacent to the

t and the MaAven

ll and Pennsylvania Avenue to ue, one block

and north.


3.4.4 Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation

Pedestrian activity in the vicinity of the FOB 8 site is generally light, with the majority of pedestrian consisting of federal workers in the surrounding office buildings. The highest levels of pedestrian activity occur during the a.m. and p.m. peak

as the frothat accessed the main entrance and one that bordered the roadwhours, and during lunch time. When FOB 8 was occupied, there we

ay. The sidewalk closest to the re two sidewalks along the C Street side of the building, on

building is currently closed, e

but is difficult to navigate duent of the building and

to the below‐grade parking area to it

(Figure 3‐24s changing widths. It is

feet wid). Sidewalks

the surface parking lot are co

substantialntained

lwithin ay narrowe

fence. The outer sidewalk remains operational,

on 2nd, D, and 3rdr at the eas

e. Streets, SW are relatively

t end of the block due to the ramp narrow, between 5 and 8

route connects to its east‐west paAccording to DDOT’s Bicycle Map,

th along I Street in the sout the closest designated bicycle route to the FOB 8 site is alo

h and up north to the National Mng 4th Street. This signed bike

signed bicycle paths along the roadways immediately surrounding the site. all. There are no designated or



Figure 324: Narrow sidewalk at the east end of C Street, SW with FOB 8 on the left Source: EDAW, 2008



3.5 UTILITIES/INFRASTRUCTURE

3.5.1 Site Utilities

The following utility information is based on a 2006 utility plan compiled by A. Morton Thomas and Associates, Inc. (AMT).

Water

Water service is supplied to FOB 8 by the DC Water and Sewer Authority (WAS

crosses the sidewalk aroadways surrounding the site. Water lines cro

nd enters the building at the north end oss the sidewalk o

f the block along 3rdn D Streets, entering

A). Eight inthe buildi

ch waterng at mid‐block. Another line

lines are located below the

nd Street. An abandoned water line is also

located near the southeast corner of the site, within the 2 Street right‐of‐way (ROW).

Sanitary Sewer

WASA provides wacollected and transported for tre

stewater management for atment at WASA’s Blue Plains Was

DC, including the collection, tretewater Tr

atment, and dieatment Plant. T

schareated rge of

discharged eeffluent. Seffluent is then

wage is

into the Potomac River.

tunnel to the Ford Building and aA 24 inch (610 mm) sewer line ru

gansin further e below D Street, cros

ast on D Street.sing the sid

Another 24 ewalk and entering the

inch (610 mm) linbe is located within uilding near the ped

the 3rdestrian

ROW. A 15 inch (381 mm) sewer line runs south along 2nd Street, entering FOB 8 at the buildings northeast corner. In a Street ddition,

manholes include one on the soutseveral storm sewer manholes are

heast corner of the building al located on the periphery of the s

ong itthe, along the e curb, three along

curbline. Thnde identified locations of the

rdthe 2 Street curbline, one in the

northeast corner, and two along 3 Street near the front of the building.

Electric

Electric service is provided to Street curb/gutter line. Smaller

thfeeder lines run along the pere building by PEPCO. The main lin

imeteres are located of the building a

within the 3rdnd below adjacent sidewalks.

Street ROW and alo ng the 3rd



Steam


Heating PlanThe FOB 8 building is

t), which is operateheated by s

d tand owned eam provided by the Heating O

by GSA. The main stperation and Transmission Districeam line serving the site is located within the 3

t (Steam Distrrd Sibution and treet ROW

and enters the building from the west, crossing below the sidewalk near the pedestrian tunnel to the Switzer Building.

Communications

According system along D Street, entering a

to the survey conducted by AMT in 2006, fnd leaving the south wall of t

iber optic lineshe metro

were vent. Additional fiber optic lines were

not locatable but are believed to exist wifound

thin ato be

duct

located outside of the curbline along C Street. Telephone lines run below the sidewalk on D Street.

Other

two along 3Street lampposts are located along the perimeter of the site, three along D Street, two along 2nd

rd Street. An additional six lampposts are located along the at‐grade parking lot on C Str

Street, eet.

three along Because the metro

C Street, and

tunnel is located immediately to the south of the site, several metro vents are located along D Street.

3.5.2 Stormwater

Typical of the urban environment

Management

general area have been altered a throughout the District, the natur

collected in storm drains and combined sewer lis a result of urbanization. Stor

nes located alonmwateg the pe

r within theal stormwater

area drainage p

riphery of the sitdrainse, as

away fratterns of t

om thehe site

noted in the Uti buildi

and ng and iwithin t

s he

Combined sewer lines that convey both stormwater and sanitary sewage are located along the perimeter of the sitlities s

e. ection.

sewer overStormwater is treated at the Blue Pl

flows (CSOs) may be released dirains Wastewater Treatment Plant. However, under extreme stormwater events, combined

stormwater management in DC is the Stormwater Maectly into th

nage ePotomament Sectio

c River, impacting watn of the Department of Consu

er quality. Thmer e governing body for and Regulatory Affairs.


3.5.3 Hazardous Materials

Due to the age of the building a

a 1998‐1999, a

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

the

Final Environmental

nd p

Hazards hazardous substances at FOB 8. These studies i

Reportnclude a

rior uses, several environmental st

Chemical

udies have

Decommission

been completed t

ing Report

o assess potential

Fly Ash

PCBs (in electrical fixtu

Contamination Sampling Report Environmental Conditions Report

(Phase 1 ESA) undertaken in

Environmental

these substances a

Con

re b

ditions Report final

completed in 2

documented ized in 20

the pr0esence7, and an

003, a released

completed in 2005,

res) in the of asbestos containing materials (ACMs

in 2008. Although

eing remediated during the renovation process, a separabuilding, it is unlikely that such substances ar

te actioe present o

n froumtside of the structure. In ad

), lead based paint, adition,

nd

and metals of interest above theEA. The 2007 sampling of fly ash

limit of detection. This contaat FOB 8 established the prese

mination is due to the prior opence of dioxins and furans, Polyn

what is being uclear Aromatic H

analyzyed in this drocarbons,

incinerator system by the FDA. It is possible that these materials are present in the soil immediately surrration of a biological waste

due to the ventilation of the system through a stack on the roof. ounding the building,



3.6 AIR QUALITY

In response to the Clean Air Act (CAA) of 1970 and the

monoxide (CO), ozone (O3Agency (EPA) has established Nat

), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxidional Ambient Air Quality Stand

CAA Amendments of 1977 and 1990, the U.S. Environmental Protection

microns in size (PM10), and fine particulate matter eqe (SO2), lead (Pards (NAAQS) for criteria air pollutants including carbon

ual to or less than 2.5 microns in size (PM2.5

b), particulate matter e). The NAAQS include

qual to or less than 10

primary standards designed to protect human health and secondary standards to protect public welfare.

attainment areas are classified Regions of the country that are

as “curr

mentlyargin

naot meeting tl”, “moderate”,

he NAAQS are identified as “nonattainment” areas. These non‐

quality regas moderat

ie non‐attainment for ton, which includes Washington, DC and ten su

“serrroundi

ious”, “severe”, or “extreme”. Tng counties in Virginia and Maryland,

he Metropolitan Washington air

he federal eight‐hour ozone standard and non‐atta is currently designated

standaWashington Air Qualit

rd. The Washington DC metry Committee

opolitan a(MWAQC)

rea is also located w, as the region’s lead

ithin an ozone transport rinment f

egion. Tor the fin

he e Mparticulate (PM2.5)

to bring the region into compliance with the NAAQS. air quality planning agency, has undertaken pl

etropolitan anning efforts

The EPA requires that non‐attainment regio agenc

ns prepare a

determine if the action either coto reach compliance with the NAAQS. Federal

nforms to the prepared ies r

ttaesponsibinment

le for an action in a non‐at plans aimed at reducing ozone

tainment area ar‐causing emi

e required to ssions in order

direct and idetermined

de minimis

that federandirect emissions of

l actions aregiona

noo

r

ne exempt fr‐attainment pollutants: (1)

m conformity determinations where the tl attainment plan or is exempt

otal of all reasonably foreseeable from conformity. The EPA has

known as conformity de minimis

lim limits for ozone nonaits, and (2) would be less than 10 percent of the area’s an

would be less than their specified emission rate thrnual emission budget. The general

esholds,

is 100 organic co

tons per year. mpounds (VOC) and 100 tons per y

ttaiear nment areas insifor nitrogen oxid

de an ozone traes (NOx). The

nde sport regminimis

ion are limit for d

50 toirect ns per year

emissions of PMfor volatil

2.5

e



3.7

Noise can be

NOISE

gen

LEVELS

logarithmic scale, that erally

are wdefined a

eights unwanted or unwelcome sound. Noise levels are usually measured in decibels (dB), on a

as an average over a period of tdecibels account for the fact that the human ea

ed to sounds perceivr is not equally

able by t sensitivehe human ear (A‐

to all frequencies. Noweighted sou

ise levels arnd level (dBA)). A‐w

e typically expreighted

operation or occurrence. ime (Leq) since noise sources may produce varying degrees of sound throughout the period of

essed

Noise regulations property, based on t

in the Distrime of day an

ict esd land use category (i.e., residtablish maximum permissible

ential sound levels for an operation, activity, or noise source on a

There are exceptions to the maxicommercial, such as the project site, have a ma

mum allowable noise levels in tximum allowable

he noisDC noise e limit of 65

noise ed ergency

regulations sdBA (dayti

, commercial, and industrial). Areas that are zoned me) and 60 dBA (nighttime).

emitting from em vehicles. From 7:00 a.m. to 7:00u

or demolition are limit to a maximum of 80 dBA. p.m. on any weekday, noise levels res

ch as for constructionulting from

activities anconstructio

dn

The maximambient no

uise. Certain land usesm allowable noise levels are designed to pro

hospitals, nursing homes, educational facilities, and libraries are considered to be noise‐se

tect humansitive

n activities orreceptors, i

land uses thncluding residen

at may be infringed uptial dwellings, hotels,

on by

potentially be classified as a nois. The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) would

land uses are generally not considee‐sensitive rered to be no

ceptor becise sensitiv

ausee receptors.

it serves an educational function. Commercial and industrial

prominent Ambient noise leve

vehicle typsource of n

ls ato ise is the vthe project site a

ehicular trand sur

es on those adjacent ffic on the rrounding are

oadwas are primarily generated by t

streets corresponds with the volume of noise generated. ays adjacent to the site. Level

ransportation activity. The most

buses, further contribute to the volume of noise. Because traffic is the largest source of noiIdls of traffic congestion ing vehicles, such as WMATA

and mix of

period of the day is anticipated to be the peak hour traffic period. Thse in the study area, the peak noise

pedestrians on the sidewalks surrounding the site and visitors o

to the museums and the Mase primarily affected by this traffic noise wo

ll one block to the north. uld be


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AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT - GSA · 3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT ... on South Capitol Street to C Str enue;...

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