FEDERAL CONSISTENCY REPORT PROJECT: CRUZ BAY FIRE STATION PROJECT SITE: V.I. FIRE & EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (VIFEMS) REM. EST.CONTANT & ENIGHED CRUZ BAY QTR CRUZ BAY, ST. JOHN, USVI 00801 PREPARED BY: 7-1 BONNE ESPERANCE P.O. BOX 8269 CHRISTIANSTED, ST. CROIX USVI 00820 Email: dcartwright@buildteceng.com April 15, 2025 ____________________ Damian Cartwright, P.E. USVI License No. 28851-1B SITE LOCATION CARIBBEAN SEA CRUZ BAY ENIGHED POND TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 3 PROJECT LOCATION ...................................................................................................................................... 3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................................................. 4 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS .......................................................................................................................... 7 1.0 Climate & Weather ...................................................................................................................... 7 2.0 Landform Geology, Soils, and Historic Land Use ......................................................................... 7 3.0 Drainage, Flooding, and Erosion Control ..................................................................................... 8 4.0 Drainage Patterns ........................................................................................................................ 8 5.0 Coastal Floodplain ....................................................................................................................... 8 6.0 Fresh Water Resources ................................................................................................................ 8 7.0 Oceanography ............................................................................................................................. 9 8.0 Marine Resources ........................................................................................................................ 9 9.0 Terrestrial Resources ................................................................................................................... 9 10.0 Wetlands ...................................................................................................................................... 9 11.0 Rare and Endangered Species ..................................................................................................... 9 12.0 Air Quality .................................................................................................................................... 9 IMPACT ON MAN’S ENVIRONMENT.............................................................................................................. 9 13.0 Land and Water Use plans ........................................................................................................... 9 14.0 Visual Impacts .............................................................................................................................. 9 15.0 Social and Economic Impacts ...................................................................................................... 9 16.0 Historical and Archeological Resources ..................................................................................... 10 17.0 Water Disposal and Accidental Spills......................................................................................... 10 COASTAL CONSISTENCY .............................................................................................................................. 10 INTRODUCTION The Virgin Islands Fire & Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) intends to construct a new Fire Station Facility located at Remainder Estate Contant & Enighed Cruz Bay Quarter, Cruz Bay, St. John, USVI 00801. The existing facility consists of approximately 3,000 SF. While the exact date of construction is unknown, research of available historic photography indicates that it was constructed prior to 1985. It’s safe to assume that the building is close to or in excess of 40 years in age which puts it very near the end of its design service life. The building sustained significant damage during Category 5 hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 and has been non-operational since. The significant age of the facility, coupled with stringent building code changes and expanded programmatic needs, requires a completely new Fire Station facility. The new structure will be three (3) stories measuring approximately 9,825 gross square feet. The proposed facility will be constructed in virtually the same footprint as the existing with a minor expanded footprint to accommodate the additional square footage. The existing facility will be demolished prior to the commencement of new construction. PROJECT LOCATION The project site is located at Remainder Estate Contant & Enighed Cruz Bay Quarter, St. John, USVI 00801. It is located on the western side of St. John approximately one thousand (1,000) feet east of the passenger ferry terminal in Cruz Bay, and approximately nine hundred and fifty (950) feet north of the car ferry dock in Enighed Pond. Exhibit 1 – Location Map PROJECT SITE CRUZ BAY PASSENGER FERRY TERMINAL PROJECT DESCRIPTION The disturbed project site measures approximately 0.20 acres and is a part of a larger parcel designated as Remainder Estate Contant & Enighed Cruz Bay Quarter measuring 1.4 acres in total, zoned Public (P) and owned by the Government of the Virgin Islands. The disturbed project site generally slopes from north to south with the topography ranging from +24.00 ft. MSL to +10.00 ft. MSL. The existing fire station facility is constructed of concrete masonry units (cmu) with a galvalume metal roof. The exact date of construction of this structure is unknown. Research of available historical photography on google earth dating to 1985, illustrates that the facility was existing prior to 1985. Building codes were significantly less stringent in the early 1980s having been drastically modified with increased design requirements due to the passing of major hurricanes such as Hugo in 1989, and Irma and Maria in 2017. The structure sustained damage during both storms in 2017 and immediate repairs were made to keep it operational given that it is an essential emergency response facility. SITE Photo 1 – Front View of Existing Facility – (North Elevation) Photo 2 – Front View of Existing Facility – (North-East Elevation) Photo 3 – Side View of Existing Facility – (East Elevation) A new 9,825 SF facility is being proposed, designed to International Building Code (IBC) 2021 standards. The new facility will consist of three (3) levels broken down as follows: Level 1 - (2) apparatus bays measuring 1376 square feet along with a cistern, pump room, vertical circulation, mechanical room, and other operational and storage spaces totally 4,212 square feet on Level 1. Level 2 – consist of a kitchen, day room, fitness room, rest rooms, multiple offices, and vertical circulation for a total of 2,316 square feet. Level 3 – consist of dormitories, locker rooms, and vertical circulation for a total of 1,921 square feet. The new square footage represents an approximate 200% increase over the existing facility which is necessary to meet the current and future programmatic requirements of the Fire Service Department especially given that this is an essential first responders facility. This new design results in a much more efficient and functional layout for current and future operational needs. Hazard Mitigation measures include reinforced cmu construction, structural steel, impact resistant glass and hurricane shutters. The mechanical systems proposed are as energy efficient as possible to reduce power consumption and operational cost. Necessary programmatic functions addressed in the new facility are as follows:  Office Spaces  Dining/Day Room  Male and Female Showers and Lockers  Male and Female Dormitories  ADA Accessibility  Equipment Room  Apparatus Bays Construction Plans prepared by Jaredian Design Group – Architects, Engineers and Construction Managers; detail all of the building design elements to include architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, life safety. In addition to the building improvements, major site improvements are also detailed on the construction documents such as new portland cement concrete driveways, improved grading to enhance positive stormwater drainage away from the building, and new building cistern for fire protection and supplemental potable water. The new building will be connected to both municipal potable water and sanitary sewer mains that exist within the project limits. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 1.0 Climate & Weather Best Management Practices (BMPs) implementing sediment and erosion control measures will be utilized to ensure that rainfall runoff does not adversely impact adjacent properties. These measures will include a combination of silt fences, gravel construction entrance and egress points with wash down areas, and hay bales. All new structures will be designed to current IBC 2021 building code requirements meeting the regions high velocity hurricane force wind load requirements and earthquake zone seismic requirements. The new construction will incorporate many hazard mitigation measures to account for climate and weather. 2.0 Landform Geology, Soils, and Historic Land Use The soil type across the project site consists of Ustorthents (Us). The Ustorthents (Us) series consist of the following: Characterized by being dry and typically found in hot climates. They belong to the Entisols order, which are soils with little to no soil profile development, meaning they don't have distinct horizons. Ustorthents are distinguished by their ustic moisture regime, meaning they have a period of dryness during the growing season. SITE These are specifically Entisols with a ustic moisture regime, meaning they have a period of dryness during the growing season due to low precipitation and high evaporation rates. 3.0 Drainage, Flooding, and Erosion Control The actual project site, and more specifically the actual building location, is in FEMA Flood Zone X, an area of minimal flood hazard. To further reduce the chance of flooding, a grading plan has been developed to enhance positive drainage away from the building structure. Best Management Practices (BMP’s) will be implemented from the onset of construction to manage sediment and erosion control. 4.0 Drainage Patterns The proposed improvements will maintain historic north to south drainage patterns across the site. 5.0 Coastal Floodplain The project site is located approximately 800 feet inland away from the coastal waters of St. John. The site area is only 0.20 acres and coupled with the distance away from the coastal waters, any minimal runoff from the site is not anticipated to have any adverse impacts to said coastal waters. 6.0 Fresh Water Resources Best Management Practices (BMP’s) will be implemented to manage sediment and erosion control and ensure no adverse impacts to any freshwater resources. BUILDING LOCATION 7.0 Oceanography This project is located inland and will not be affected by sea storm surge events. 8.0 Marine Resources This project is located inland and will not have an impact on marine resources. 9.0 Terrestrial Resources The project will occur within the footprint of existing buildings, paved roadways, paved and gravel parking lots, concrete sidewalks etc. There will be no significant impacts to existing terrestrial resources or native vegetation. 10.0 Wetlands The project will have no impact on any wetlands as no wetlands exist within the project footprint or are adjacent to the project site. 11.0 Rare and Endangered Species The are no habitants present onsite for any rare and/or endangered species and as such, no federal, local or threatened endangered species will be impacted by this project. 12.0 Air Quality All of St. John is designated Class II by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. In Class II air quality regions, the following air pollutants are regulated: open burning, visible air contaminants, particulate matter emissions, volatile petroleum products, sulfur compounds, and internal combustion engine exhaust (Virgin Islands Code Rules and Regulations). Heavy equipment such as excavators, backhoes, dump trucks etc. will be used during construction that will create engine exhaust fumes that will go away upon completion of construction when air quality will be returned to ambient pre-construction conditions. The project will also have a standby generator for which the appropriate air quality permits will be applied for. IMPACT ON MAN’S ENVIRONMENT 13.0 Land and Water Use plans The project site is located at Remainder Estate Contant & Enighed Cruz Bay Quarter, Cruz Bay, St. John, USVI 00801. The impacted area is approximately 0.20 acres and is zoned Public (P) and owned by the Government of the Virgin Islands. 14.0 Visual Impacts The new fire station facility will be a beautiful state-of-the-art modern contemporary facility that will be an aesthetic statement in architecture. 15.0 Social and Economic Impacts The new fire station facility will have a significant social and economic impact on the surrounding community. It is the first response center for Cruz Bay, St. John. The new state-of-the-art facility will provide a sense of community pride and an uplift to the surrounding areas. In addition, the new facility will better serve the VIFEMS’ needs, allowing it to be more efficient and effective in protecting and preserving life and property for the Cruz Bay community of St. John. 16.0 Historical and Archeological Resources The project site is previously disturbed land. As such, there are no known historical and archeological resources in the project footprint. 17.0 Water Disposal and Accidental Spills Impacted area is minimal and stormwater runoff will be positively drained away from the building structure and eventually offsite. Equipment and company vehicles will be kept in good operational condition to mitigate any potential leaking of fluids COASTAL CONSISTENCY The proposed Virgin Islands Fire & Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) Cruz Bay Fire Station will have a negligible impact on environmental resources and ambient water quality during construction. Best Management Practices (BMPs) involving sediment and erosion control devices such as silt fences, hay bales, and gravel construction access driveways will be implemented during construction to negate the potential of adverse environmental impacts. The proposed project will only occur within the footprint of previously disturbed/improved areas and as such there is no anticipated impact on any historical and/or cultural resources. The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 requires that federal actions, within and outside the coastal zone, which have reasonably foreseeable effects on any coastal use (land or water), or natural resources of the Coastal Zone be consistent with the enforceable policies of a state's federally approved Coastal Management Program. The Fire Station facility is designed to fall within existing roadways and previously disturbed areas. The project will not impact any natural resources and will improve the visual landscape within the Cruz Bay Community. As proposed, it will be undertaken in a manner consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the enforceable policies of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ CZM Program. This Federal Consistency Determination demonstrates this Project’s compliance with the U.S. Virgin Islands’ CZM Program. The project meets each of the basic goals of the USVI for its coastal zone as set forth in the Virgin Islands Code Title 12, Conservation Chapter 21, Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management [V.I. Code tit. 12, §903(b)]. Additional details are as follows: USVI Code Title Twelve Conservation, Chapter 21 § 903 (b) 1. Protect, maintain, preserve and, where feasible, enhance and restore, the overall quality of the environment in the coastal zone, the natural and man-made resources therein, and the scenic and historic resources of the coastal zone for the benefit of residents of and visitors of the United States Virgin Islands. The proposed Fire Station Facility is designed to fall within existing roadways and previously disturbed areas. The project will not impact any natural resources and will improve the visual landscape within the Cruz Bay Community. 2. Promote economic development and growth in the coastal zone and consider the need for development of greater than territorial concern by managing: (1) the impacts of human activity and (2) the use and development of renewable and nonrenewable resources so as to maintain and enhance the long-term productivity of the coastal environment. This proposed project promotes economic development and growth in the coastal zone by fulfilling the required programmatic needs for the Virgin Islands Fire & Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS). The enhanced, expanded and efficient layout of the new facility will allow VIFEMS to provide emergency first response services to the community aiding in the preservation of life and property. This new facility will mitigate potential human and property loss, thereby fostering economic stability and growth for the community. The new facility itself will employ new technologies to reduce energy cost related to cooling and also enhance the use of natural lighting. 3. Assure priority for coastal-dependent development over other development in the coastal zone by reserving areas suitable for commercial uses including hotels and related facilities, industrial uses including port and marine facilities, and recreation uses. The proposed project does not impact coastal dependent development within the coastal zone area. 4. Assure the orderly, balanced utilization and conservation of the resources of the coastal zone, taking into account the social and economic needs of the residents of the United States Virgin Islands. The proposed project is designed to fall within existing roadways and previously disturbed areas. The project will not impact any natural resources and will improve the visual landscape within the Cruz Bay Community. The proposed project will provide critical public services and therefore will meet the economic and social needs of the residents of the Cruz Bay Community. 5. Preserve, protect and maintain the trust lands and other submerged and filled lands of the United States Virgin Islands so as to promote the general welfare of the people of the United States Virgin Islands. The proposed project will not impact trust lands or other submerged or filled lands of the U.S. Virgin Islands. 6. Preserve what has been a tradition and protect what has become a right of the public by ensuring that the public, individually and collectively, has and shall continue to have the right to use and enjoy the shorelines and to maximize public access to and along the shorelines consistent with constitutionally protected rights of private property owners. The proposed project will in no way affect public access to, or use of, the shoreline. The project is located well inland. 7. Promote and provide affordable and diverse public recreational opportunities in the coastal zone for all residents of the United States Virgin Islands through acquisition, development and restoration of areas consistent with sound resource conservation principles. The proposed project will not affect public recreational opportunities in the coastal zone. 8. Conserve ecologically significant resource areas for their contribution to marine productivity and value as wildlife habitats, and preserve the function and integrity of reefs, marine meadows, salt ponds, mangroves, and other significant natural areas. The proposed project is designed so that it impacts only previously disturbed areas like paved and unpaved roadways and parking lots. The project will have no impact on natural resources and will utilize best management practices (BMPs) to minimize areas of disturbance, thereby protecting adjacent habitats. 9. Maintain or increase coastal water quality through control of erosion, sedimentation, runoff, siltation, and sewage discharge. The proposed project will have no long-term change on sedimentation or erosion. The proposed project is designed to fall within existing roadways and previously disturbed areas. The project will not impact any natural resources and will improve the visual landscape within the Cruz Bay Community. It will maintain coastal water quality through control of erosion, sedimentation, runoff, and siltation. As designed, it protects, maintains, preserves, and enhances the overall quality of the environment in the coastal zone, the natural and man-made resources therein, and the scenic and historic resources of the coastal zone for the benefit of residents of and visitors of the USVI. It is therefore consistent with the policy set forth in the Virgin Islands Code Title 12, Conservation Chapter 21, Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management [V.I. Code tit. 12, § 903 (b)]. END COASTAL CONSISTENCY DETERMINATION REQUEST