[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 185 (Tuesday, September 24, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59844-59850]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-24200]


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GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION


Record of Decision (ROD)

AGENCY: General Services Administration.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The General Services Administration (GSA), Public Buildings 
Service, Portfolio Management (9PT), has prepared a Record of Decision 
for the development of a new U.S. Courthouse in Los Angeles, CA.
    The purpose of the proposed action is to meet the U.S. Courts' 
expansion need, and consolidate the U.S. Courts' operations into one 
location to increase efficiency and security.

[[Page 59845]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Javad Soltani, Asset Manager, 
General Services Administration, Public Buildings Service, Portfolio 
Management, at (415) 522-3493.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Record of Decision is as follows:

Record of Decision

    The United States General Services Administration (GSA) has 
published a Final Environmental Impact Statement on the following 
project: Los Angeles U.S. Courthouse, Los Angeles, California.
    GSA announces its decision in accordance with the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 40 CFR parts 1500-1508 and the 
Regulations issued by the Council on Environmental Quality, November 
29, 1978, to construct a new U.S. Courthouse.

I. Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action

    Three major federal buildings are located in the downtown Los 
Angeles Civic Center area--the Federal Building at 300 North Los 
Angeles Street, the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building & Courthouse 
at 255 East Temple Street, and the historic U.S. Courthouse at 312 
North Spring Street.
    The existing federal buildings in downtown Los Angeles cannot 
adequately house the U.S. Courts and their specialized requirements. 
The U.S. Courts and courts-related agencies current space deficit 
greatly impacts their daily operations and the manner in which the 
judicial system is able to address its caseload. This has created a 
problem in achieving their mission to deliver justice efficiently 
and expeditiously in a safe and timely manner.
    The ``U.S. Courts (Los Angeles) Prospectus Development Study'' 
(Kaplan et al., 1998) estimated that given projected case-loads, the 
U.S. Courts and courts-related agencies would need to expand from 
their current occupancy by 31 percent in 10 years. The existing 
federal buildings in downtown Los Angeles cannot provide this space 
and adequately house the U.S. Courts and their specialized 
requirements.
    A ``Stand-Alone Courthouse Site Evaluation'' study was prepared 
in June 2000 by CH2M HILL. The evaluation concluded that a stand-
alone courthouse was the only option that would meet the long-term 
needs of the U.S. Courts. None of the existing federal buildings 
would lend themselves to the extensive remodeling that is required 
by the U.S. Courts and court-related agencies. Additionally, the 
surrounding properties are unsuitable for construction of a new 
courthouse.
    Therefore, the purposes for the proposed action are: (1) meet 
the U.S. Courts' expansion need, and (2) consolidate the U.S. 
Courts' operations into one location to increase efficiency and 
security.

II. Alternatives Examined

    Prior to beginning this EIS there were several studies completed 
to analyze the feasibility of several alternative methods to meet 
the long-term needs of the U.S. Courts in Los Angeles.
    The ``U.S. Courts Feasibility Study and Master Plan: Los 
Angeles'' was prepared in 1997 to assist GSA in determining a plan 
to meet the long-term needs of the U.S. Courts, Central District of 
California, in downtown Los Angeles. Agency requirements for 
function, operation, and adjacencies were considered as part of the 
process. Compliance with the U.S. Courts Design Guide was determined 
to be critical. For operational and functional reasons, it was 
determined that the preferred alternative must include all U.S. 
Courts in one complex.
    A ``Companion Courthouse Site Evaluation' was prepared in May 
2000 to document the site development consequences for sites being 
considered at the time by the GSA for a new companion courthouse. A 
companion courthouse would serve as an extension of the existing 
courthouse facilities in downtown Los Angeles by providing 
supplemental space. The consequences of this action that were 
considered in the evaluation included: conflicts with future city 
plans for the sites, potential for site contamination, tunneling 
costs, demolition costs and utility relocation, and other important 
issues determined through scoping.
    Following this study, it was determined that a companion 
courthouse could not meet all of the criteria for the project, and a 
stand-alone building was the only option to meet the long-term 
requirements of the U.S. Courts. Finally, a ``Stand-Alone Courthouse 
Site Evaluation'' study was prepared in June 2000 to document the 
site development consequences for a new stand-alone courthouse.
    Based on the previous studies and scoping process, the following 
alternatives were analyzed in the EIS:

Site A

    Site A encompasses 3.11 acres of the city block bounded by West 
Temple Street, North Spring Street, West First Street, and North 
Broadway. Currently, Site A is occupied by a parking lot and vacant 
area where a building was once located. A mixture of office 
buildings generally characterizes the area surrounding Site A. The 
Los Angeles County Criminal Courts Buildings is located on the north 
half of the block. To the east, across North Spring Street, is the 
landmark City Hall building. To the south, across West First Street, 
is the historic art deco Los Angeles Times Mirror building. West, 
across North Broadway, are the Los Angeles County Law Library, Court 
of Flags, and Hall of Records. Site A is currently owned by Los 
Angeles County and the State of California and has a zoning 
designation of C-4 Commercial.

Site B

    Site B is comprised of a full city block (3.75 acres) bounded by 
West First Street, South Broadway, West Second Street, and South 
Hill Street. Currently, Site B is occupied by the Junipero Serra 
State of California Office Building and an adjacent parking 
structure. The area surrounding Site B is generally characterized as 
a mixture of office buildings and privately owned parking lots. To 
the north of Site B, across West First Street, is the Los Angeles 
County Law Library. To the east, across South Broadway, is the 
historic art deco Los Angeles Times Mirror building. To the south, 
across West Second Street, are the Kawada Hotel and an office 
building. To the west, across South Hill Street, is a privately 
owned parking lot. Site B is currently owned by the State of 
California and has a zoning designation of C-4 Commercial.

Site C

    Site C consists of a full city block (3.3 acres) bounded by West 
First Street, South Olive Street, West Second Street, and South 
Grand Avenue. Currently, Site C is occupied by an above ground 
parking structure. A mixture of public and private buildings and 
privately owned parking lots generally characterizes the area 
surrounding Site C. To the north of the site, across West First 
Street, is the Los Angeles County Courthouse. To the east, across 
South Olive Street, is a privately owned parking facility. To the 
south, across West Second Street, are the Colburn School of 
Performing Arts and a privately owned parking lot. To the west, 
across South Grand Avenue, is the future site of the Walt Disney 
Concert Hall (under construction).

No Action Alternative

    Section 1502.14(d) of NEPA requires that a No Action Alternative 
be examined in the EIS. Under this alternative the U.S. Courts and 
federal agencies would continue to be housed in the Roybal Federal 
Buildings & Courthouse and U.S. Courthouse 312 North Spring. The 
Courts and court-related agencies would outgrow their existing 
facilities and not be able to expand. They would continue to operate 
under growing space deficits and caseload quantities would continue 
to increase.

Preferred Alternative

    GSA has selected Site B as the preferred site for the new Los 
Angeles U.S. Courthouse. Site B best meets the need of GSA in 
providing a location for the U.S. Courthouse because the site 
provides the area that can accommodate the structure while meeting 
the security requirements of the U.S. Courthouse facility. In 
addition, Site B best fits the surrounding uses and proximity to 
adjacent court-related facilities that will provide for efficient 
court operations.
    Site A would require variances for floor area ratio and height 
restrictions on portions of the site and would require exceptions to 
development restrictions related to the proposed open space mall 
associated with the Los Angeles Civic Center area.
    Site C would require rezoning to accommodate the new Los Angeles 
U.S. Courthouse. The presence of the large-scale U.S. Courthouse 
would have a negative impact on the visual aspects associated with 
the Walt Disney Concert Hall on the adjacent block. In addition, 
parking at this location would be deficient in approximately 257 
parking spaces within a \1/4\-mile radius based on the City of Los 
Angeles Parking Code.

Environmentally Preferable Alternative

    The No Action Alternative is the environmentally preferable 
alternative, which results in the least damage to the environment. 
However, it does not meet the primary objective of meeting the 
projected

[[Page 59846]]

needs of the U.S. Courts. The U.S. Courts would be required to 
utilize existing substandard facilities that do not meet U.S. Courts 
Design Guide.

III. Environmental Consequences and Mitigation

    The following discussion presents the findings and mitigation 
identified in the EIS for Site B.

Geology and Landform

    According to the California Department of Conservation Division 
of Mines and Geology Seismic Hazard Zones Map (March 25, 1999), Site 
B is located in an area where historic occurrence of liquefaction, 
or local geological, geotechnical and groundwater conditions 
indicate a potential for permanent ground displacements. Impacts are 
significant but mitigatable.
    Mitigation. Mitigation for liquefaction potential is required in 
the building design as defined in Public Resources Code Section 
2693(c). A comprehensive geotechnical survey of the site has been 
performed. Construction and building design measures recommended by 
the geotechnical study will be incorporated into the overall design 
of the building.

Hydrology

    Site B is not located in a flood zone according to FEMA Flood 
Insurance Rate Maps. The site is located within La Brea Subarea sub-
basin of the Central Groundwater Basin. Groundwater extends to a 
depth of at least 1,600 feet and includes several distinct water 
bearing aquifers. The depth to groundwater is estimated to be 
approximately 30 to 40 feet below the ground surface. Groundwater 
flow direction is to the south and southeast. According to the Los 
Angeles Hydrologic Basin Planning Map and the Water Quality Control 
Plan for the Los Angeles Basin, all aquifers in the project area are 
designated as being of beneficial use (LARWQCP, 1994).
    Short-term impacts to hydrology were found to be significant, 
but mitigatable.
    Mitigation. Construction plans will implement erosion and 
sediment control measures. Grading and other activities involving 
soil displacement should, to the extent feasible, be conducted 
during the dry season, May-October. A spill control and 
countermeasure plan will be prepared to properly address any spills 
of hazardous construction materials.

Vegetation and Wildlife

    There have been no recorded occurrences of threatened, 
endangered, or sensitive plants, animals, or natural communities in 
the immediate vicinity Site B. Short-term and long-term impacts to 
vegetation and wildlife were found to be less than significant. 
Therefore, no mitigation measures are required.
    Mitigation. None.

Shadows

    On the summer solstice, June 21, the shadows cast by the 
proposed U.S. courthouse are smallest, and at noon and 3:00 PM only 
the streets and sidewalk areas adjacent to the proposed structure 
are impacted. At 9:00 AM the shadow from the proposed structure 
extends to the east and impacts small portions of the Kawada Hotel.
    At the vernal and autumnal equinoxes (March 21 and September 
21), the shadows cast by the proposed U.S. courthouse are longer 
than those at the summer solstice. In addition to the sidewalks, 
parking areas, and streets being shaded in the immediate vicinity of 
the proposed courthouse, the open parking lot to the west of Site B 
will be significantly shaded. At 3:00 PM, most of the Los Angeles 
County Law Library to the north of Site B will be shaded.
    The shadows on the winter solstice (December 21) are long enough 
to block sunlight at several neighboring buildings. At 9:00 AM, the 
shadows from the proposed building extend west past Grand Avenue, 
almost completely shading the parking structure on Site C. At noon 
the shadows extend to the north and shade a small part of the lower 
floors of the County Courthouse and the surface parking lot on the 
other side of Hill Street. At 3:00 PM, the shadows extend northeast 
covering most of the Los Angeles County Law Library and 
approximately half of the Court of Flags, open spaces within the 
Civic Center area. This is considered an adverse affect since the 
cool winter temperatures will be amplified with the shading.
    During most of the year the shading from the proposed U.S. 
courthouse at Site B does not pose a significant impact. However, 
the impact to open space areas at 3:00 PM on the winter solstice is 
adverse, and not mitigatable. The impact is significant.
    Mitigation. None.

Air Quality

    Published air quality monitoring data indicated ambient levels 
of PM10 that exceed the State ambient air standard were 
recorded at one of the monitoring stations located near the study 
area. The PM10 emissions are generated by mobile source 
exhaust, fugitive dust sources, and various industrial sources.
    The study area is in a commercial zone surrounded by other 
commercial businesses. Most of the air pollution in this area is 
produced by vehicular traffic. The air quality in the Civic Center 
area of downtown Los Angeles may be affected by the construction of 
the new courthouse by contributing to the level of total suspended 
particulate (TSP), PM10, and ozone in the ambient air 
measured on a 24-hour or daily average.
    Particulate matter, in the form of TSP and PM10, will 
be generated in the construction process. Ozone may be generated 
from the photochemical reaction of exhaust gases (CO and VOCs) in 
the atmosphere from mobile sources used during construction and 
vehicular traffic. Fugitive particulate matter emissions will be 
generated by various construction activities such as earthmoving, 
excavation, and grading operations. CO and VOC emissions will also 
be generated from the exhaust of the construction vehicles. Other 
organic gaseous emissions may be emitted from solvents, adhesives, 
non water-based paints, some insulation materials, and asphaltic 
material. These emissions contribute to the formation of ozone in 
the lower atmosphere.
    Since Los Angeles County is in non-attainment for both 
PM10 and ozone, and since ambient air monitors near the 
study area have recorded elevated levels of these pollutants, 
control measures may be required to minimize air pollution generated 
from construction activities and building operations.
    This project is expected to have a significant short-term impact 
on the regional air quality due to construction activities. These 
activities are expected to last from 3-4 years, and could elevate 
levels of ozone and PM during periods of peak activity. It is 
expected that long-term, non-construction related air quality 
impacts from this project could also be significant due to the 
vehicle trip generated by the courthouse employees, staff, and civil 
servants.

Construction Impacts

    The emissions from construction activities are primarily from 
demolition, excavation, off-road mobile source equipment, and on-
road motor vehicles (construction worker trips). The mitigation 
measures listed below are intended to minimize the emissions 
associated with construction activities. Construction activities to 
build the new courthouse would be subject to SCAQMD Rule 403, which 
requires application of best available control measures to reduce 
fugitive dust emissions.

Building Operations Impacts

    The increase in 2,000 gross daily vehicle trips identified in 
the traffic section may result in potential significant impacts to 
air quality. This would elevate emission levels and contribute to 
increased pollutant levels in the project area.
    SCAQMD Rule 2202 is designed to reduce mobile source emissions 
from employee commuting. This rule provides employers with options 
to meet an emission reduction target for their worksite. GSA 
promotes the Employee Commute Reduction Program and will provide a 
mass transit subsidy to its employees to reduce worker trips and 
vehicle emissions. This program reduces vehicles trips and miles 
traveled by implementing carpooling, rideshare programs, public 
transportation vouchers, and alternative transportation.

Mitigation

    Construction-Related Mitigation Measures:
    1. Restrict construction activities that affect traffic flow to 
off-peak hours
    2. Route construction trips to avoid congested streets
    3. Provide dedicated turn lanes for movement of construction 
equipment on- and off-site
    4. Obtain electrical power from power poles instead of 
electrical generators
    5. Use ``clean'' fuels for mobile construction equipment instead 
of diesel
    6. Do not allow trucks to idle for more than two minutes
    7. Water active portions of construction site daily
    8. Apply non-toxic soil stabilizers to graded areas that are 
will be inactive for 10 days or more

[[Page 59847]]

    9. Suspend excavation and grading when wind speeds (as 
instantaneous gusts) exceeds 25 miles per hour
    10. Earth material transported off-site will be covered or 
trucks will maintain at least two feet of freeboard
    11. Paved streets adjacent to the construction site shall be 
swept as needed to remove dust and silt that may have accumulated as 
a result of construction activities
    12. Curtail all construction requiring heavy equipment during 
second stage smog alerts
    The SCAQMD identified no feasible mitigation measures that could 
be implemented to reduce emissions associated with construction 
worker trips to and from construction sites. Health and Safety Code 
Sec.  40929 specifically prohibits air districts and other public 
agencies from requiring an employee trip reduction program making 
such mitigation infeasible. Furthermore, the fact that most 
construction workers would be coming from different parts of the 
district makes carpooling impractical. No other feasible measures 
have been identified to reduce emissions from this source.
    Building Operations Mitigation Measures:
    1. Provide mass transit vouchers to all jurors located outside 
of the metropolitan Los Angeles area.
    2. Provide mass transit information and schedules with each 
juror's information packet.

Noise

    Site B is located in an urban environment, the Civic Center area 
of downtown Los Angeles. The majority of consistent existing noise 
levels are dominated by traffic related sources. The noise levels 
vary by time of day. Daytime noise levels are predominantly louder 
than nighttime noise levels, especially during peak morning and 
evening traffic periods.
    There would be a minor increase in traffic volumes due to the 
construction of a new courthouse. From a noise perspective, this 
traffic increase should result in noise levels less than 3 dBA. A 
noise increase less than 3 dBA is not perceptible and no further 
studies or mitigation is recommended. The impact is adverse, but 
minor.
    Mitigation. None.

Land Use

    Site B covers a full city block bounded by West First Street, 
South Broadway, West Second Street, and South Hill Street. 
Currently, the Junipero Serra State of California Office Building 
and an adjacent parking structure occupy Site B.
    The area surrounding Site B is primarily a mixture of office 
buildings and privately-owned parking lots. To the north of Site B, 
across West First Street, is the Law Library. To the east, across 
South Broadway, is the historic art deco Los Angeles Time mirror 
building. To the south, across West Second Street, are the Kawada 
Hotel and an office building. To the west, across South Hill Street, 
is a privately-owned parking lot.
    This proposed alternative Site B is designated as Commercial 
District C-4. Retail activity is usually the primary focus of the 
Downtown Center, but it can also accommodate a wide range of uses, 
including public facilities such as the proposed courthouse 
building.
    The proposed land use for Site B is consistent with local land 
use policies and compatible with the adjacent existing or proposed 
land use, therefore there are no adverse impacts.
    Mitigation. None.

Commercial Activity

    Employment in Los Angeles County grew by 2.1 percent in 1999 and 
is projected to grow in 2000 and 2001, but at a slightly slower 
rate. The University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Anderson 
forecast projects Los Angeles County employment growth of 2 percent 
in 2000 and 1.9 percent in 2001. The Los Angeles County Economic 
Development Corporation forecasts similar growth (1999 Real Estate 
Planning Guide, NAI, Inc. & Landauer Associates, Inc. 1999).
    The Framework Element's economic development policies are 
designed to facilitate job growth by emphasizing that Los Angeles 
plays a proactive role in the retention and attraction of businesses 
in order to have a sufficient job base to maintain and enhance the 
quality of life. Two such policies include the concentration of 
commercial and office development in centers, corridors, and in 
proximity to transit stations and retain the City's employment base 
and an ongoing assessment of their specific land use requirements 
(General Plan of the City of Los Angeles, Framework Element, January 
26, 2000).
    Economic development and job opportunities in the downtown area 
are a key component to the City's General Plan. Construction of the 
proposed U.S. Courthouse at Site B would create new short-term and 
long-term employment in the area, thus increasing the aggregate 
level of disposable income. It would also create a stronger 
municipal tax base.
    Per Southern California Association of Governments, the proposed 
project will result in a total direct, indirect and induced 
employment impact of nearly 7,000 jobs (1,391 jobs per year) over 
the five-year construction period. A total of 3,304 jobs would be in 
the construction sector with the other jobs coming from indirect 
purchases of goods and materials and induced spending from the wages 
paid to workers. The total impact on output from the project is $715 
million (1997 dollars) or $143 million annually. The project would 
have a total impact on value added of $397 million or $79 million 
(1997 dollars) annually over the five-year construction period. The 
impact is beneficial.
    Mitigation. None.

Real Estate & Socioeconomics

    Upon completion of the new courthouse facility, consolidation of 
the federal agencies currently located in other buildings throughout 
the city will be used to backfill the existing facilities, thus 
providing an increase in the supply of rental office space 
throughout the city.
    The implementation of the proposed project at Site B would not 
displace existing housing or retail/commercial tenants. The addition 
of employees and visitors to the area may provide additional 
opportunities to businesses in the area. The impact is beneficial.
    Mitigation. None.

Demographics

    Historically, the Central City has attracted only a small 
residential population. Currently, land-use policies are encouraging 
residential development in the city. The total housing stock of 
Central City has increased by over 800 units since 1996. The City 
will continue to offer opportunities for higher density residential 
development specifically in the Bunker Hill, Spring Street and South 
Park areas world (Annual Report on Growth and Infrastructure, Third 
Edition, 1999).
    Economic development and job opportunities in the downtown area 
are a key component of the City's General Plan. Construction of the 
proposed U.S. Courthouse at Site B would create new short-term and 
long-term employment in the area, and may indirectly increase local 
population and a need for affordable housing. Employment and income 
would have both direct and indirect benefits for the area economy. 
Construction of the proposed U.S. Courthouse at Site B would result 
in overall beneficial impacts on the local economy.
    Mitigation. None.

Archaeological Resources

    The Junipero Serra State Office building and associated parking 
garage occupies the majority of this block. The only open space is 
on the southern one-third of the block. This area could not be 
surveyed because it is currently covered with asphalt. No 
archaeological resources were previously recovered within Site B. 
While archaeological sensitivity is not considered high for this 
site, there is the potential for small areas of undisturbed soil to 
yield either historic or prehistoric features. This impact has the 
potential to be significant, but mitigatable.
    Mitigation. An archaeological and Native American monitor should 
be present during construction excavation. If any cultural resources 
are found, work should be halted in the area immediately until the 
resource can be assessed and treatment is determined through 
consultation under Section 106 of the NHPA. Depending on the 
resource(s) that are discovered, the impact may be significant.
    If human remains are unearthed during construction, all activity 
must stop and a mitigation plan prepared to protect the remains. 
Additionally, the GSA Historic Official must immediately notify the 
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) by telephone, followed 
with written notification. The Native American tribe culturally 
affiliated with the geographic area must also be contacted by 
telephone and written correspondence. Activity at the site may 
resume thirty days after certification issued by the GSA Historic 
Official. This certification is contingent upon agreement between 
the GSA and the Native American Tribe for recovery of the remains.

[[Page 59848]]

Historic Resources

    Site B exhibited a residential look in the early period. The 
1888 Sanborn map recorded mostly single story dwellings and stores 
on the block. There were a number of changes by 1906. A two-story 
Police station and three-story jail sat on the northwest portion of 
the site. Several multi-story structures stood on the southern 
portion of the block, including the California Hotel, the Mason 
Opera House, and the Union League Club.
    The block changed little over the next 40 years, but in the 
early 1960s, most of the northern portion of the block was cleared 
to make way for the Junipero Serra State Office Building. This L-
shaped multi-story building was accompanied by a multi-level parking 
structure and together; they occupy the northern two-thirds of the 
block. The few storefronts that remained on the southern portion of 
the block were gone by 1970, replaced by a paved parking lot. The 
block looks much the same today as it did in 1970.
    The area surrounding the block currently consists of the Los 
Angeles Times Building to the east, the Los Angeles Law Library to 
the north, four buildings to the south (including the Kawada Hotel 
and the Los Angles Law Center), and empty lots to the west.

On-Site Historic Resources

    One building is situated on Site B, the Junipero Serra State 
Office Building. Although this structure is less than 50 years old, 
it was found potentially eligible based on its association with 
well-known architects, J.E. Stanton and William Stockwell. These 
architects also took part in designing several other public 
buildings in downtown Los Angeles and at the University of 
California at Los Angeles and the University of Southern California 
campuses.

Adjacent Historic Resources

    Site B is bordered by several structures, which were examined 
for this study. Three buildings border the southern side of Site B. 
None of these buildings are considered eligible due to the fact that 
they are not associated with persons or events significant in 
history, do not represent an unusual architectural style, are not 
outstanding examples of their architectural style, or have lost 
integrity through alterations. Two buildings border the site and are 
considered eligible. One building adjacent to Site B was previously 
determined eligible for listing in the NRHP, and one other building 
is potentially eligible.
    Neither of these buildings will be directly affected by the 
project, but potential indirect impacts must be considered. If these 
buildings retained their historical setting, construction of a new 
buildings could affect the setting. However, the historical setting 
of these buildings has not remained intact, since several buildings 
surrounding them are both newer and older than the structures in 
question. Construction of a new building adjacent to these buildings 
would not have an affect and no mitigation is necessary.
    The Junipero Serra State Office Building is located on Site B. 
This building will be directly affected, as it will need to be 
demolished. Documentation and supplemental information were provided 
to the California Office of Historic Preservation. After reviewing 
that information, the State Historic Preservation Officer has 
determined that the Junipero Serra Office Building is not eligible 
for inclusion into the NRHP.
    Mitigation. None.

Electricity

    Existing electrical facilities consist of underground lines 
located along West First Street, South Broadway, West Second Street, 
and South Hill Street. The LADWP will supply power to this site 
through one of these underground lines.
    Project implementation at Site B would result in the 
introduction of a federal courthouse with approximately 1,200,000 
gross square feet (GSF), which in turn will increase the electrical 
demand onsite. The specific design is not available for the proposed 
courthouse; therefore, exact electrical demands could not be 
determined.
    Construction of the proposed courthouse may require expansion of 
the substation serving the site. This expansion may cause some 
short-term service interruptions in the vicinity of the new 
courthouse. However, any interruption in service would be temporary 
and considered less than significant.
    The project design should also be in accordance with applicable 
electrical codes, including the National Fire Protection Association 
Code, the National Electric Code, as well as City and County 
electrical codes. To maximize energy conservation, it is recommended 
that energy saving equipment be installed as stated in the energy 
conservation regulations contained in Title 24 of the California 
Code.
    Impacts associated with providing electricity for the proposed 
alternative are considered to be less than significant.
    Mitigation. None.

Natural Gas

    Site B is serviced by underground high-pressure natural gas 
lines from both Broadway and 2nd Streets.
    Project implementation at Site B would result in the 
introduction of a Federal Courthouse with approximately 1,200,000 
gross square feet (GSF), thereby increasing natural gas demand 
onsite. Although natural gas consumption required by the proposed 
Courthouse has not been determined, demand would primarily be 
associated with heating of the facility.
    It is not anticipated that the additional natural gas demands 
for the proposed project would adversely affect natural gas service 
in the project are. Therefore, impacts to natural gas associated 
with project implementation would be less than significant.
    Mitigation. None.

Solid Waste

    Site B is occupied by the State of California Office Building 
and an adjacent parking structure that will require removal of the 
structure, thus creating a larger increase in solid waster than 
would occur at the proposed Sites A and C. Special demolition and 
solid waste removal will be the responsibility of a contractor 
selected to perform the demolition and hauling of the materials to 
the City landfill.
    Project implementation at Site B would result in the 
introduction of a Federal Courthouse land use with approximately 
1,200,000 gross square feet (GSF), thereby increasing the solid 
waste generation onsite.
    Solid waste generated at the proposed Site B would increase with 
the construction of a new courthouse. The overall amount of solid 
waste collected in the downtown area would not significantly 
increase, nor will it significantly impact the overall capacity of a 
landfill. There is an impact, but it is not significant.
    Mitigation. GSA will implement a solid waste management program 
at the new courthouse.

Water Supply

    The State of California Office Building is serviced from 1st 
Street by a twelve-inch water main, from Hill Street with a twelve-
inch water main and from Broadway with an eight-inch water main.
    Service to the site would have to be expanded, and would involve 
site connection to water lines located in the streets surrounding 
the site. Connection would be made utilizing standard construction 
connection procedures, and are not expected to result in any service 
interruption.
    Project implementation at the site would result in the 
introduction of a Federal Courthouse land use with approximately 
1,200,000 gross square feet (GSF), thereby increasing the water 
demand onsite. The infrastructure development will be evaluated 
along with the development proposal. Although it appears that the 
existing infrastructure is sufficient to serve any one of the 
alternatives, an infrastructure capacity evaluation will determine 
the need for any necessary system enhancements. Therefore, impacts 
to the water supply are considered to be less than significant.
    Mitigation. None.

Wastewater

    The City of Los Angeles Public Works Department indicates that 
the capacity of the existing sewer lines located at Site B are 
sufficient to accommodate existing flows, however, projected flows 
of the proposed courthouse must be evaluated during design before 
any upgrades to the sewer lines can be determined. There is an 
impact, but it is not significant.
    Mitigation. None.

Police Protection

    The proposed federal courthouse would not significantly increase 
the daytime population of the downtown area. The existing Roybal 
Federal Building & Courthouse and the U.S. Courthouse 312 North 
Spring will be backfilled by employees who are currently housed in 
other buildings throughout the region; therefore, the downtown 
population will increase by approximately 800 after implementation 
of the proposed project. This increase should not result in a 
significant level-of-service impact to the LAPD.
    The Federal Protection Services (FPS) has legal jurisdiction 
over federal buildings and has law enforcement officers who usually 
are responsible for the interior of the building and the sidewalks 
surrounding the structure.

[[Page 59849]]

Usually the FPS has a Memorandum of Understanding with the local 
police with the FPS and shares jurisdiction.
    There will be a temporary need for security to protect against 
theft of equipment, trespassing and vandalism during construction. 
Standards security measures during construction activities include 
the installation of chain-link fencing around the perimeter of the 
project site, and securing of all construction equipment during 
periods of non-use.
    So long as proper safety measures, such as well lighted and 
secure parking areas, are incorporated into the design, it does not 
appear that the proposed will have a direct impact on the LAPD's 
current police staffing numbers or their ability to provide adequate 
police protection.
    Impacts associated with project implementation at this site are 
considered to be less than significant.
    Mitigation. None.

Fire Protection

    A fire flow rate of 12,000 gallons per minute is required for 
the Downtown Area and the average response time for Fire Stations, 
3, 4 and 9 within the Downtown Area is within 5 minutes 90% of the 
time. With three fire stations possessing adequate manpower and 
equipment resources within close proximity to the site, the 
consideration of increased personnel and/or equipment would be 
unnecessary for the implementation of this project at Site B. 
However, the potential for construction related accidents could 
temporarily increase the utilization of these resources. A fire 
inspector is required to be onsite from the start of construction 
through final sign-off of the shall structure.
    Fire flow to the downtown areas is considered to be adequate to 
serve high-rise structures located in the Downtown Area. However, 
fire flow calculations and flow test based upon final site design 
would be required in order to assure adequate fire flow is provided 
to the proposed project site.
    The proposed courthouse at Site B should not require additional 
fire protection personnel and equipment; therefore impacts to fire 
protection services are considered less than significant.
    Mitigation. None.

Traffic

    During the AM peak hour signalized intersections in the study 
area operate at LOS D or better. With the exception of one 
unsignalized intersection, Grand Avenue at the 101 & I-110 ramps 
(LOS F), all of the unsignalized intersections operate at Los C or 
better.
    During the PM peak hour, all of the signalized intersections 
were found to operate at LOS D or better. With the exception of one 
unsignalized interstation, Grand Avenue at the 101 & I-110 ramps 
(LOS F), all of the unsignalized intersections operate at LOS D or 
better.
    From any location in the Civic Center area of downtown Los 
Angeles, public transit is located within one block. Generally, 
during the peak periods local bus lines operate on short headways 
ranging from 3 to 15 minutes. The express bus services range from 
single trips on the longer distance services to between 5 and 15 
minutes on most other routes. Regional connectivity to sites A, B, 
and C is also provided via connections with the Metro Red and Blue 
Lines as well as Metrolink. Additional public transportation 
services are provided by taxicabs. These services are available at 
Taxi stands, generally located nearby major hotels or via radio 
dispatch.
    With the project in place four intersections would operate at 
LOS E during the morning peak hour. The remaining intersections 
would operate at LOS D or better. Compared to the future baseline 
conditions (without project) there would be a worsening in the level 
of service at four intersections. Two intersections would go from 
LOS B to LOS C. Two intersections would go from LOS C to LOS D. Four 
intersections would be significantly impacted based on the City of 
Los Angeles Criteria. Three of these intersections would operate at 
LOS D or better. The forth, Olive Street at 1st Street, would 
(continue to) operate at LOS E.
    At the unsignalized intersections, one of the intersections 
would continue to operate at LOS F.
    At the signalized intersections during the PM peak hour, two 
intersections would operate at LOS E and one at LOS F. The remaining 
intersections would operate at LOS D or better. Compared to the 
future baseline conditions (without project) there would be a 
worsening in the level of service at four intersections. Three would 
go from LOS B to LOS C. One intersection would go from LOS D to LOS 
E. Three intersections would be significantly impacted based on the 
City of Los Angeles Criteria. Two of these intersections would 
operate at LOS D or better. One intersection, Main Street at Temple 
Street, would deteriorate from LOS D to LOS E.
    At the unsignalized intersections, one of the intersections 
would continue to operate at LOS F.
    In sum, during the morning peak hour, four intersections would 
be significantly impacted. During the evening peak hour, three 
intersections would be impacted. The impact is significant.
    Mitigation. As noted in the traffic analysis, during the morning 
peak hour, four intersections would be significantly impacted. 
During the evening peak hour, three intersections would be impacted.
    All but two of the intersections would operate at LOS of D or 
better. During the morning peak hour the intersection of Olive 
Street at 1st Street would operate at LOS E with the addition of 
project related traffic. This impact can be mitigated as follows:
    [sbull] Restripe the westbound approach to accommodate a second 
westbound left turn lane.
    [sbull] Construct a new traffic signal to provide protected left 
turn phasing for eastbound and westbound traffic.
    The implementation of these measures would improve the LOS to D.
    During the evening peak hour the intersection of Main Street/
Temple Street would operate at LOS E with the addition of project 
related traffic. No feasible mitigation measures could be 
identified.

Parking

    A parking analysis was conducted for the project site. The 
quarter-mile walking distance used in the analysis extends from just 
north of Temple Street in the north, almost to Los Angeles Street to 
the east, between 3rd and 4th Streets to the south, and almost to 
Hope Street to the west. There are 8,710 parking spaces in this 
walking zone. Of these, 89 percent of these are generally occupied 
resulting in about 997 available spaces.
    The total code requirement for parking is 763 spaces. Site B 
will provide 352 spaces as part of the building structure, which 
means the remaining 411 spaces must be provided within the quarter-
mile walking radius. In addition, the structure itself will displace 
some 125 spaces resulting in a net parking requirement of 536 spaces 
(411 plus the displaced 125 spaces). Thus, there will be an excess 
of 461 spaces within the ``walking distance'' area. There are no 
adverse impacts.
    Mitigation. None.

Hazardous Materials

    The Junipero Serra State Office Building and state-owned parking 
garage are listed with the appropriate regulatory agencies as small 
quantity generators of non-acutely hazardous waste, and as 
underground storage tank sites. The listing of this facility as a 
small quantity generator implies that the facility is operating in 
accordance with local regulations regarding the generation of 
hazardous waste.
    Historically, Site B contained several businesses that may have 
been engaged in hazardous waste activities. One gasoline/oil station 
occupied 102 South Hill Street from at least 1950-1955. A print shop 
occupied 311 West Second Street from at least 1906-1960. An 
additional print shop is depicted at 315 West Second Street on a 
1906 Sanborn Map. Asbestos containing material (ACM) has been 
identified throughout the building in pipe wrapping, heat exchanger 
wrapping, and used as sprayed-on sound and fire proofing. The ACM 
observed was in generally good condition.
    Soil and groundwater analytical results for gasoline, diesel, 
heavy hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds were below the 
detection limit for all of the analyses tested. Soil samples 
analyzed for Title 22 Metals had concentrations that were 
significantly less than the California Title 22 Hazardous Waste 
threshold.
    Lead-based paint was detected in multiple locations within the 
building at 107 South Broadway Street including the boiler room, 
stairwells, and restrooms.
    There are adverse impacts, but they are mitigatable.
    Mitigation. The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment dated 
November 22, 2000 and the Phase II Subsurface Investigated dated 
January 2001 at Site B, recommends the following remediation 
measures take place prior to construction.
    [sbull] Based on the nature of activities at the Site (vehicle 
service and multiple underground storage tanks), additional concerns 
may be identified during any construction or demolition activities. 
The reports also recommend that personnel

[[Page 59850]]

trained in hazardous materials and the identification of 
environmental issues is present at the Site during any construction 
or demolition activities.
    [sbull] There are currently four (4) underground storage tanks 
(USTs) located on the Site. One 5,000-gallon steel tank with diesel 
fuel is located along the east side of the Junipero Serra State 
Building (107 South Broadway Street). Three 10,000 fiberglass USTs 
(diesel and unleaded gasoline) are located underneath the sidewalk 
at the parking garage. All of the tanks appear to be encased within 
vaults; therefore, subsurface sampling in the areas of the tanks was 
not performed. Based on the information obtained during the Phase I 
Assessment, none of these tanks are currently in use. The reports 
recommend that all of the underground storage tanks on-site be 
removed or returned to service (upgrading required) in accordance 
with appropriate local and state regulations.
    [sbull] Approximately 19 hydraulic lifts are located on the 
bottom floor of the parking garage (122 South Hill Street). One of 
the lifts is not functioning and has a vault flooded with a 
substance with motor oil characteristics (Section 4.2). The reports 
recommend that the lift be repaired or removed in accordance with 
appropriate regulations. In addition, the fluid contained within the 
lift should be removed, as it is a threat to soil and groundwater in 
the area.
    Asbestos containing material (ACM) and lead-based paint has been 
documented at the Site. Prior to any demolition/construction 
activities, all ACM and lead-based paint should be abated in 
accordance with appropriate local and state regulations. The results 
and recommendations contained in the Limited Lead-Based Paint 
Inspection Report and any ACM reports at the Junipero Serra State 
Building should be provided to any individuals involved in the 
disruption of any painted surfaces or ACM.

IV. Conclusion

    The General Services Administration believes there are no 
additional outstanding issues to be resolved with respect to the 
proposed project. GSA will proceed with construction of the Los 
Angeles U.S. Courthouse at Site B and incorporate all the mitigation 
measures identified, with the exception of those associated with 
traffic impacts. The traffic mitigation measures will be implemented 
by others and are beyond the control of GSA.


    Dated: August 22, 2002.
Peter G. Stamison,
Regional Administrator, Pacific Rim Region.
[FR Doc. 02-24200 Filed 9-23-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-34-M