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Herbert C. Hoover Building Exterior Improvements

GSA proposes to install exterior improvements at the U.S. Department of Commerce – Herbert C. Hoover Building (HCHB), located at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. An Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared that analyzed the impacts that could result from the proposed action and its alternatives.

The actions analyzed in the EA included relocating the visitor entrance of the National Aquarium (NAQ) to Constitution Avenue to enhance the facility and make it more accessible to visitors; installing new entrance ramps, curb cuts, and raised cross walks to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations; and replacing temporary perimeter security with permanent perimeter security, which could intrude on public space, to provide Level IV security for employees and visitors.

The EA evaluated two action alternatives and a no action alternative. The two action alternatives differed in the location and treatment of perimeter security around the HCHB. The ADA improvements and new entrance to the NAQ, are consistent between the two action alternatives. The impacts of each of these alternatives on the natural and man-made environment are analyzed in the EA.

Environmental Assessment Conclusion

A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was finalized on May 21, 2010.  No substantial comments were received.  An Environmental Impact Statement will not be prepared.

Action Selected for Implementation

GSA initially identified Alternative A as the preferred alternative.  However, based on  analysis provided within the EA and public comments, GSA decided to pursue only the handicap accessibility improvements and the relocated entrance for the NAQ.  These actions do not constitute a significant impact on the environment and have independent utility from any of the proposed perimeter security schemes. 

The design of the NAQ entrance and handicap accessibility improvements in no way effects, influences, or prohibits any future determinations on the design or location of perimeter security as analyzed under Alternatives A or B.  The proposed perimeter security elements in Alternatives A and B will be subjected to additional NEPA analysis and documentation.