Proposed MultiSpecialty Care Outpatient Clinic Jonathan M Wainwright Memorial Veterans Affairs Medical Center Walla Walla Washington March 29 2011 Opening Statements Mr Brian Westfield Director ID: 700057
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Public Meeting Draft Environmental AssessmentProposed Multi-Specialty Care Outpatient Clinic
Jonathan M. WainwrightMemorial Veterans Affairs Medical CenterWalla Walla, WashingtonMarch 29, 2011Slide2
Opening Statements
Mr. Brian Westfield, DirectorSlide3
AgendaHouse KeepingPurpose and NeedEnvironmental Consequences Assessment Public Involvement Management MeasuresConclusionsQuestions / CommentsSlide4
House Keeping
Mr. Brian WestfieldDirectorSlide5
House KeepingCourt Reporter Recording Oral DiscussionsDuring the question and answer session, please state your name and then ask a question directly into the microphoneRestroom LocationsPublic Meeting Proposed from 7PM to 9PMA question and answer session will follow the EA presentation. Slide6
Outpatient Clinic
Purpose and Need
S. Lorraine Norwood, MA, RPASlide7
Need for Projects (Undertakings)Proposed UndertakingsVISN 20 Inland North Sub Market serves 65,000 veteransConsolidates VA activities into 24 acres of western portion of campus Allows remaining 64 acres to be candidate for Enhanced Use Lease or other functionsSlide8
Need for Projects (Undertakings)New Outpatient Clinic BuildingConsolidates clinical, administrative and support functions into one facility that are currently spread across 88 acres Residential Recovery Unit Existing Building (Building 69) is a 104 years old and not adequately designed to provide for mental health services. Separate EA in progress.
Specialty Care Unit Consolidates audiology, optometry, and dental services into one facility adjacent to other care facilities and parking. Separate EA in progress.Slide9
Project LocationIn 1857, (1) square mile of land was set aside for the Fort Walla Walla military reservationIn 1921, the U.S. Veterans Bureau took over 88 acres of this propertyOn July 21, 1930 the Veterans Medical Center (VAMC) became part of the newly established Veterans AdministrationThe VAMC currently consists of 51 buildings and structures that total approx. 336,000 SF and employ more than 300 staff membersSlide10
Proposed Buildings
OPCSlide11
Proposed OPCThe proposed OPC would be located on the west portion of the campusConstruction will consist of a two story approximately 67,000 SF building to serve as the VA Outpatient Clinic.Slide12
Proposed Building FootprintSlide13
Proposed Building: Front Elevation All BrickSlide14
Proposed Building: View from Southwest – All BrickSlide15
Proposed Building: View from Southwest - Brick ColumnsSlide16
Services ProvidedOPC functional design reflects an extensive planning effort by VA staff and the A/E Design Team to provide a state-of-the-art healthcare facility tailored to the needs of veterans of the Walla Walla community including: Large modular clinic adaptable for accommodating both current and future healthcare delivery activities.
Purpose-designed women’s exam and treatment area. Specialized Ambulatory Surgery Unit with private intake and recovery stations. Specialized Sleep Lab facility to permit convenient on-site sleep studies.Slide17
Services Provided (Continued)Modern clinical laboratory with convenient waiting, multiple blood draw stations and large open-plan area to accommodate the latest high-tech equipment. Pharmacy with convenient line-of-sight dedicated waiting.
Amenities including “café-style” extension of the Canteen.Mental health clinic encompassing various treatment disciplines and support services in a single area.Consolidated Physical Therapy area allowing exercise and training equipment to be located together in a single large gym. Slide18
Site Selection ConsiderationsIdentification and evaluation of potential sites for the new OPC facility targeted the following key considerations:Compatibility with the overall Wainwright campus renewal and redevelopment plan.
Coordination with on-going utility and infrastructure upgrades and improvements.Slide19
Environmental Consequences Assessment
. Lorraine Norwood, MA, RPASlide20
Information Gathered for NEPA
Land Use
Archeological, Cultural and Historic
Noise
Traffic
Disruption
Air Quality,
Odor and Dust
Cumulative
Impacts
Environmentally
Sensitive Area
Commitment of
Irreversible and
Irretrievable Resources
Visual
Resources
Erosion and
Sedimentation
Compliance with
Regulatory Requirements
Socioeconomic
Conditions
Threatened and
Endangered Species
Biological and
Botanical Resources
Surface and
Groundwater
Resources
NEPASlide21
Cultural ResourcesSlide22
Cultural ResourcesApproximately 180 archaeological shovel test probes were completed to assess historic and archeological resources.Historic Fort Era and VA artifacts were discovered in the western portion of the campus.The nature of the deposits indicate that most artifacts are within a disturbed context resulting from past demolition and construction.
A stone flake was encountered in three separate shovel test probes.Slide23
Historical ResourcesA total of 15 buildings are currently listed on the National Register of Historic PlacesAn assessment of the eligibility for listing of 43 buildings that are over 50 years old is currently underwaySlide24
Construction of the OPC, Residential Recovery Unit, Specialty Care Unit, and associated infrastructure project may have an adverse effect on archaeological sites and historic resources that are listed on or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.A Memorandum of Agreement was signed to ensure compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.Signatories include the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.Stipulations include:
Notify parties and evaluate new APE if the Area of Potential Effect (APE) changes or is alteredPrepare inventory reports to DAHP guidelinesMemorandum of AgreementSlide25
Evaluate historic significance and determine NRHP eligibilityPrepare Supplemental Treatment Plan in consultation with DAHP, affected tribes and other Consulting Parties if NRHP-eligible archaeological resources will be adversely affectedAvoid and protect two existing archaeological sitesDevelop a Site Treatment and Management Plan addressing future care of the two sitesPhase II/III evaluations will be completed at two locations and possible data recovery will take place.Implement the Monitoring Plan and Discovery Protocol to ensure monitoring for all ground-disturbing activities associated with construction.Curate and analyze artifacts in the Hussey Collection. Curation Plan will be based on the Vet Curation Program of the USACE.
Memorandum of Agreement, continuedSlide26
Memorandum of Agreement, continuedPrepare Design Guidelines for new building constructionAfford construction Design Review on the RRU, OPC, and SCU BuildingsPrepare a Cultural Landscape ReportArchive and curate VA historic mapsPrepare a revised National Register Nomination Form to update the 1974 formPrepare a Historic Preservation Plan to include long-range vision, goals and policies, management, and long-term preservation plans.Slide27
Biological ResourcesWetland were not identified within the proposed undertakingsFederal and State listed threatened or endangered species were not identified within the proposed undertakingsSuitable habitat for endangered species was not identified within the proposed undertakingsSlide28
Aesthetics
A significant impact is not anticipatedRemoval of mature trees will occur during construction.Trees and shrubs will be planted in accordance with landscape plan.
Visual impacts are addressed by the MOA and stipulations will be taken to mitigate the impacts.Slide29
Land Use
A significant effect is not anticipated.Existing land use conditions include the hospital, adjoining park, nearby non-profits, nearby cemetery and residential area.These adjoining areas will not be affected.Slide30
Air Quality
A significant effect is not anticipated.Some impact during construction due to dust.Project specifications required dust abatement provisions.
Abatement permit for asbestos containing material will be obtained and ACM will be abated before disturbance.Slide31
Geology and Soils
A significant effect is not anticipated.The OPC building is located within a seismically active portion of the US.OPC building will be designed to reduce impacts from earthquakes as required in the International Building Code Seismic Standard.
Procedures will be put in place to reduce transport of sediment during inclement weather through Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.Slide32
Hydrology and Water Quality
A significant effect is not anticipated.Contaminants including oil and grease may be discharged to groundwater.Maintaining adequate stormwater and runoff controls in accordance with construction requirements will reduce discharges of contamination to groundwater.Slide33
Noise
A significant effect is not anticipated.There will be a temporary increase in noise levels during construction.The contractor will be required to implement Best Management Practices to reduce noise levels during construction.Slide34
Floodplains, Wetlands and Coastal Zone Management
A significant effect is not anticipated.Stormwater during construction will be managed in accordance with Best Management Practices to reduce stormwater impacts.
Sediment control will reduce the potential for sediment discharge to nearby wetlands.Slide35
Socioeconomics
A significant effect is not anticipated.Short-term positive impact on employment during construction.OPC will retain employment of personnel within the greater Walla Walla community and these personnel will contribute to the economy and community development.Slide36
Community Service
A significant effect is not anticipated.Additional impacts to community services during construction are not anticipated due to onsite water wells providing potable water, VA police providing security, and use of portable toilets.Slide37
Solid and Hazardous Materials
A significant effect is not anticipated.Asbestos and lead based paint may be encountered during renovation activities. Contractor will be required to remove ACM prior to disturbing.
Best Management Practices will be put into place regarding accidental spills.Slide38
Transportation and Parking
A significant effect is not anticipated.Construction will result in the loss of 170 standard and 9 ADA parking spaces in two parking lots.Staff parking (70 spaces) will be relocated to an existing gravel lot to the east of the campus.
Patient parking will be located within existing Lot 1 with capacity of 125 spaces to meet patient demand.
Handicapped equipped bus or van will be used for patient pickup and drop off.
A shelter will be constructed on Lot 1 and pick-up/drop-off of passengers will likely be at the rear or front of ADA compliant entrances to Buildings 74 and 86.Slide39
Utilities
A significant effect is not anticipated.Utility improvements include installation of a fire suppression water line, natural gas pipeline, and electrical and fiber optic line for the campus.
OPC building will be connected to existing campus utilities including potable water pipelines and sanitary sewer.Slide40
Environmental Justice
A significant effect is not anticipated.Construction of the OPC is not anticipated to change minority or disenfranchised population affected environments including air, water, land use or natural resources.Slide41
Cumulative Impacts
A significant effect is not anticipated.Impacts to cultural and historical resources are addressed by the MOA. The MOA stipulates actions the VA will take to mitigate the impacts to a level of non-significance.Slide42
Potential for Generating Substantial Controversy
Noted in previous meetings: impacts from construction or disturbance to the Parade Ground, removal of existing mature trees within the campus and modern appearance of the proposed OPC building The Parade Ground has been eliminated as proposed parking area.
There is consultation and public outreach to discuss the proposed aesthetics of new buildings within the context of the historic campus.
Trees will be replaced in accordance with the proposed landscaping plans.
No significant effect.Slide43
Public Involvement
Previous public meetings held in June 2010 and August 2010.Notice of Availability issued to public in March. In the local newspaper, Walla Wall VAMC website, and VAMC complex canteen. Public has 30 days to comment on the draft EA.Slide44
Conclusions
Environmental Assessment concludes that there would be no significant adverse impact to the human environment provided management measures consisting of Best Management Practices and regulatory compliance measures are implemented.EA concludes that a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is appropriate and an Environmental Impact Statement is not required.Slide45
Questions or Comments
PublicSlide46
Closing Statements
Mr. Brian WestfieldDirectorSlide47
Closing StatementsPublic Comment PeriodGround Breaking Ceremony