2

Agency US Fish and Wildlife Service - Puerto Rico

Ecological Services Office US Environmental Protection Agency, Region

US Army Corps of Engineers - Antilles Area

Office Departmento de Recursos Naturales y

Ambientales {Puerto Rico Department of Junta de Calidad Ambiental (Puerto Rico

Environmental Quality Board) Departmento de Transportacion y Obras

Publicas (Puerto Rico Highway and Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation

Officer (SHPO)

Puerto Rico Board of Planning

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Morovis Mayor's Office

US Department of Agriculture, Arecibo Service Center US Geological Survey, Caribbean Water

Science Center

Puerto Rico Telephone Company (Claro

Puerto Rico)

Federal Office, Municipality of Morovis

Puerto Rico Aqueducts and Sewers Authority

(PRASA)

Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA)

Organizaci6n Ciudadanos del Karso

Puerto Rico Department of Education

Attention

Office of External Affairs

Office of Public Affairs

Public Affairs Office

Director Edificio de Agencias Ambientales Cruz A.

Matos

Director (or Access Control Office)

State Historic Preservation Officer

Director

Morovis Service Center

The Honorable Heriberto Rodriguez Adorno

District Conservationist

Director

Director of Commerical Customers, Morovis

Mr. Luis Rivera Carrion, Director

Ms. Lynette Ramirez, PE, Executive Director

for Infrastructure Mr. Rafael Carrera, P.E., Director of

Environmental Office

Mr. Abel Vale Nieves, President

Director of Morovis School District

Street

P.O. Box 491, Road 301 Km 5.1

290 Broadway

400 Fernandez Juncos - Parada 7.5

P.O. Box 366147 Urbanizaci6n San Jose Industrial Park, 1375

Avenida Ponce de Leon

P.O. Box 42007

P.O. Box 9066581

Governmental Center Robert Sanchez Vilella

State Road 6622, Km 0.2 - Sector La Linea

Oscar Rodriguez Plaza, Progreso Street

Caribbean Cinemas Building, Suite 203, 1562

Miramar Ave.

651 Federal Drive, Suite 400-15

1515 F.D. Roosevelt Ave.

P.O. Box 655

P.O. Box 7066

P.O. Box 364267

PMB 230 267 Sierra Morena Street

Calle Teniente Cesar Luis Gonzalez

City State Zip

Boquer6n, Puerto Rico

New York, New York 10007-1866

Puerta de Tierra, Puerto Rico 00901-3299

San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936

San Juan, Puerto Rico 00926-2604

San Juan, PR 00940-2007

San Juan, Puerto Rico 00906-6581

Santurce, Puerto Rico 00940,1119

Morovis, Puerto Rico 00687

Morovis, Puerto Rico 00687

Arecibo, Puerto Rico 00612-2863

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, 00965

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, 00968

Morovis, Puerto Rico 00687

San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00916-7066

San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00926-5583

San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00926

San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00927

Telephone

Phone: (787) 851-7297

Phone: (303) 312-6312

Phone: (787) 729-6874

Phone: (787) 999-2200

Phone: (787) 767-8181

Phone: (787)721-8787

Phone: (787) 721-3737

Phone: (787) 725,0355

Phone: (787) 862-2095

Phone: (787) 862-2155

Phone: (787) 817-2473

Phone: (787) 749-4346

Phone: (787) 781-1314

Phone: (787) 384-4406

Phone: (787) 759-2000

Email

jose cruz-burgos@fws.gov

may.jennifer@epa.gov Anti lles.AO@usace.army.mil phone for

admin section rezeile@hotmail.com. eliezernieves@drna.g

obierno.pr

ebaez@ads.pr.gov Deputy Director Ana Del Moral

adelmoral@dtop.gov.pr

dlopez@prshpo.pr.gov

comentariosjp@jo.pr.gov

Carmen.Sanchez@pr.usda.gov

comunicacionesmorovis@gmail.com

javier.medina@pr.usda.gov pldiaz@usgs.gov (Pedro Diaz):

rrodrigu@usgs.gov (Rafael W. Rodriguez)

ma risol .colon6@cla ropr.com

sec8morovis@gmail.com

Director Efrain Acosta efrain.acosta@acueductospr.com

luis-figueroa@aeepr.com ciudadanosdelkarsopr@gmail.com &

info@cdk-pr.org

donaldsbc@de.gobierno.com

mailto:donaldsbc@de.gobierno.commailto:info@cdk-pr.orgmailto:ciudadanosdelkarsopr@gmail.commailto:luis-figueroa@aeepr.commailto:efrain.acosta@acueductospr.commailto:sec8morovis@gmail.commailto:rrodrigu@usgs.govmailto:pldiaz@usgs.govmailto:javier.medina@pr.usda.govmailto:comunicacionesmorovis@gmail.commailto:Carmen.Sanchez@pr.usda.govmailto:comentariosjp@jo.pr.govmailto:dlopez@prshpo.pr.govmailto:ebaez@ads.pr.govhttp:obierno.prmailto:eliezernieves@drna.gmailto:rezeile@hotmail.commailto:Antilles.AO@usace.army.milmailto:may.jennifer@epa.govmailto:cruz-burgos@fws.gov

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Office of Construction and Facilities Management

Washington DC 20420

March 20, 2017

Morovis Mayor's Office The Honorable Heriberto Rodriguez Adorno Oscar Rodriguez Plaza, Progreso Street Morovis, Puerto Rico 00687

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announces the preparation and availability ofa Draft Site-Specific Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the VA's Proposed Action to construct and operate Phase l of the proposed Puerto Rico National Cemetery Replacement on approximately 50-acres of the VA 's approximately 250-acre property located at 11.2 km PR l 3 7 in Morovis, Puerto Rico. The Proposed Action Phase I cemetery would provide approximately 14,000 interment sites, supporting physical infrastructure, and require approximately 30 months to construct. Full details of the Proposed Action are provided in the Draft SEA. The purpose of the Proposed Action is to continue to enable the National Cemetery Association (NCA) to provide eligible Veterans and their families with a National Cemetery ofsufficient size and capacity to serve the projected needs in Puerto Rico for the next l Oyears. The existing Puerto Rico National Cemetery located in Bayamon is anticipated to reach full in-ground interment capacity by 2022 and full colurnbarium capacity by 2030. The Proposed Action is needed to meet the NCA' s goal of providing eligible Veterans with reasonable access to VA burial options.

The VA would like to invite your organization to participate in the review of the Draft SEA, which evaluates the potential environmental consequences of the Proposed Action and No Action Alternative. The Draft SEA is available electronically at http//www.cem.va.gov/cem/EA.asp, and in printed form at the Bayamon National Cemetery and Morovis Town Hall. In addition to requesting input from your agency, the VA has published a Notice ofAvailability of the Draft SEA in El Nuevo Dia and Primera Hora and to inform the public to obtain, review, and comment on the Draft SEA during a 30-day period beginning on March 24, 2017. Comments received from your organization and the public will be considered and addressed in the Final SEA.

The VA wishes to take every opportunity to work together in a relationship where a Federal, State or local agency has decision-making authority or special expertise that can enhance VA's decision making efforts. If you would like to provide connnents or request additional information regarding the Draft SEA, please contact Mr. Glenn Elliott, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Construction & Facilities Management, 425 I (eye) Street, NW, Room 6W417a, Washington, D.C. 20001; via email at glenn.elliott@va.gov; via fax to (202) 632-5832; or calling (202) 632-5879. Please reference "Puerto Rico National Cemetery Replacement Draft SEA" m any correspondence. The VA respectfully requests your comments within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Sincerely,

Glenn Elliott Environmental Engineer U.S. Department ofVeterans Affairs Office ofConstruction & Facilities Management

mailto:glenn.elliott@va.gov

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United States Department ofthe Interior

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Canbbean-FkrilaWatJ:rScienceCaltcr SAN JUAN OFF1CE

GSACenter,651 FedralDrive,Suite~15

Guaynabo,PROOJ65

Phone: (7'67) 749-7400

Fax: (7'67) 749-740I

April 28, 2017

Mr. Glenn Elliot

Environmental Engineer

U.S. Department ofVeterans Affairs

Washington, DC 20420

Dear Mr. Elliot:

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC) reviewed the Draft SiteSpecific Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the proposed Puerto Rico National Cemetery Replacement, Sections

3.4 (Geology, Topography, and Soils) and 3.5 (Hydrology and Water Quality). The only comment to the SEA is

related to the nomenclature ofthe hydrogeological units identified at the proposed site and presented in Section 3.5.1.2 (Groundwater). The intention ofthe comment is to suggest the use ofthe nomenclature presented in previous reports

to maintain consistency in the description ofthe hydrogeological units.

In the second paragraph ofSection 3.5.1.2 the following information is provided: "The site is located on the southern zone ofthe Karstic Platform ofthe North Coast ofPuerto Rico, specifically on the Lares Formatinn (GMTS, 2016).

The hydrogeologic unit of the Lares Limestone forms a superficial phreatic (unconfined) aquifer, while the San Sebastian Formation is considered a confining base level. The Cibao Formation, north ofthe site, overlies the Lares Limestone, and represents a confining top level ofthe Lares Limestone aquifer."

Comment: According to Renken and others (2002, https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/pp 1419), platform carbonates and minor elastic rocks that underlie Puerto Rico's northern coastal plain make up the North Coast limestone aquifer system. The North Coast limestone aquifer system comprises four principal hydrogeologic units that include an upper aquifer, a middle confining unit, a lower aquifer, and a basal confining unit (Renken and others, 2002). A lower aquifer, that contains water under confined conditions where buried, consists ofcarbonate and some elastic rocks of the Montebello Limestone Member, the Lares Limestone, Mucarabones Sand, and in updip areas, water-bearing sand and conglomeratic beds ofthe San Sebastian Formation and the Quebrada Arenas and Rio Indio Limestone Members

(Renken and others, 2002). Unconfined conditions occur where the principal carbonate-rock units that make up the

lower aquifer crop out or lie in the shallow subsurface. The Lares Limestone crops out at the proposed site area,

presenting unconfined conditions as mentioned in the SEA.

Ifyou have any questions, please call me at 787-749-7414 or email me atjmrod@usgs.gov.

Cordially,

~,hl9'-SL~ Jose M. Rodriguez, PE Supervisory Hydrologist USGS Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center Telephoue: 787-749-7414 E-mail: jmod@usgs.gov

mailto:jmod@usgs.govmailto:atjmrod@usgs.govhttps://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/pp

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Office of Construction & Facilities Management

Washington DC 20420

May 26, 2017

Mr. Edwin E. Muniz Mr. Angel Colon

Mr. Felix Lopez U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Caribbean Ecological Services Field Office P.O. Box491 Boqueron, Puerto Rico 00622

RE: FWS/R4/CESF0/72-101-024 Section 7 Consultation

Proposed Construction and Operation of the Puerto Rico National Cemetery, Morovis

Messrs. Muniz, Colon, and Lopez:

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is in receipt of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) comment letter dated May 10, 2017, regarding the VA's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Draft Site-Specific Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Proposed Action to construct and operate the SO-acre Phase 1 portion of the Puerto Rico National Cemetery Replacement, which will be located within the boundaries of the VA's 247.5acre parcel located at PR-137, Km 11.2 in the municipality of Morovis, Puerto Rico.

Based on the USFWS comment letter and our follow-up discussion of the letter during our teleconference on May 16, 2017, the VA was able to complete the Final SEA and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONS!) for the Proposed Action. The Final SEA and FONSI reiterate the VA's commitment stated in the Draft SEA to incorporate the USFWS Conservation Measures for the Puerto Rican Boa. This conservation measure is needed to avoid or minimize impacts to the Puerto Rican Boa, which was the only federally-listed species observed at the parcel.

Therefore, based on the results of the VA's biological surveys and commitment to implement the USFWS Conservation Measures for the Puerto Rican Boa, as well as other Best Management Practices (BMPs) to further avoid and minimize habitat impacts at the parcel, the VA has determined that the Proposed Action would result in an Endangered Species Act (ESA) determination of "may affect, but not likely to adversely affect (MANLAA)" for the Puerto Rican Boa and respectfully requests your concurrence under this Section 7 consultation.

We appreciate your assistance with the planning of t his project.

Sincerely,

Glenn Elliott, Program/Project Manager Environmental Engineer

cc: Andrew Glucksman, Mabbett & Associates, Inc. Kelley Samuels, AECOM

United States ·Department of the Interior

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

Caribbean Ecological Services

Field Office

P.O. Box491

Boqueron, PR 00622

MAY 1o·2017In Reply Refer To:

FWS/R 4/CESFO/72-101-024

Glenn Elliott Construction and Facilities Management U.S. Department ofVeterans Affairs 425 I (eye) Street, NW, Room 6w417a Washington, DC 20001

Re: Proposed Construction and Operation of the Puerto Rico National Cemetery Replacement, Morovis

Dear Engineer Elliott:

We have reviewed your request for information regarding endangered and threatened species and their habitats for the above referenced action. Our comments are provided as technical assistance under the Endangered Species Act (Act) (87 Stat. 884, as amended; 16 United States Code 1531 et seq.), and in accordance with the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (47 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.).

The proposed project consists of the construction and operation ofthe Puerto Rico National Cemetery Replacement within an approximately 50-acre area at the 247.5-acre site located at PR-13 7, Km 11.2 in the municipality ofMoro vis, Puerto Rico. The · proposed action would provide all facilities and infrastructure necessary to maintain and operate the cemetery and sufficient interment capacity for 10 years. The site is comprised ofa natural landscape with forestlands (hardwood), pasturelands and urbanized areas.

Based on the review ofthe infonnation provided and available in our office, the proposed project site lies within the range of the Puerto Rican Boa (Epicrates inornatus). The Service has developed recommendations to avoid or minimize possible effects on the boa during construction activities in areas where the boa may occur (see enclosure). We recommend you to implement the enclosed recommendations as conservation measures for the species in the Environmental Assessment of the Project.

Since the project is funded by a Federal Agency, the Action Agency should initiate Section 7 consultation with the Service when the Environmental Assessment is concluded. A conservation plan to address possible effects to the Puerto Rican boa

2 Engineer Elliott

should be included with the consultation package and a determination regarding the possible effects of the action to listed species.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this project. We appreciate your interest in protecting endangered species and their habitats. It is the Service's mission to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance marine life, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit ofour people. Please do not hesitate to contact Angel Colon at 787-851-7297, extension 214 or angel_colon-santiago@fws.gov, should you have any questions concerning our comments.

Sincerely yours,

;!~~ ages

mailto:angel_colon-santiago@fws.gov

CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR THE PUERTO RICAN BOA - USFWS

General Information:

The Endangered Puerto Rican boa (Epicrates inornatus) is an endemic species and it is the largest snake that inhabits the Puerto Rico Island Shelf. The color and pattern of the Puerto Rican boa is highly variable. The species color can range from tan to dark brown with irregular diffuse marking on the dorsum but some individuals lack marking and are uniformly dark. Juveniles have reddish brown ground color with numerous pronounced markings. The Puerto Ric,m bca c.:.n be found ln the habitat range from the sea level to about 400 m of elevation. The boa tolerates a wide variety of habitat types ranging from wet montane to subtropical dry forest and can be found from virgin forest to areas that exhibit various degrees of human disturbance like roadside or out buildings. Boas are more active at night, remaining less active concealed or basking in the sun during the day. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Federal Register October I 3, 1970) listed the Puerto Rican boa (Epicrates inornatus) as endangered in 1970 and it is protected by the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. Any person that injures, captures, or kills a Puerto Rican boa is subject to penalties under federal Jaw of up to $100,000, one year in prison or a combination ofboth.

Recommendations:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereafter the Service) has developed recommendations to avoid or minimize impacts on the boa during a project development in an area where the boa may occur. The recommendations are the following:

A. Prior to any earth movements or vegetation clearing, the boundaries of the project area, the buffer areas and areas to be protected should be clearly marked in the project plan and in the field.

B. A pre-construction meeting should be conducted to inform supervisors and employees about the conservation ofprotected species, as well as penalties for harassing or harming such species.

· C. Prior to any use of machinery on areas where the boa may occur, the vegetation should be cleared by hand to provide time to the boa, ifpresent, to be detected or move away from the area. All personnel involved in site clearing must be informed of the potential presence of the snake, and the importance of protecting the snakes.

D. ~efore activities commence each workday during the vegetation clearing phase, the experienced personal in identifying and searching for boas should survey the areas to be cleared that day, to ensure that no boas are present or affected within the work area. If boas are found within the working area, activities should stop at the area where the boas are found until the boas move out of the area on their own. Activities at other work

sites, where no boas have been found after surveying the area, may continue. If relocation of the species is necessary, any relocated boas should be transferred by authorized personnel of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (ONER) to appropriate habitat close to the project site. Any findings should be reported to the Service and to the ONER Ranger office so they can further assist you in developing sound conservation measures and specific recommendations to avoid, minimize and/or compensate for any irnpacts to this species.

E. Stii.~: ~cas~r~s :;~vuld t;:. cstab!is!~,cd ~v n1i;-d1-1iiZ(; boa ccciualties by 1noi:or vehicles or other equipment. Before operating or moving equipment and vehicles in staging areas near potential boa habitats (within 25 meters of potential boa habitat), these should be thoroughly inspected to ensure that no boas are lodged in the standing equipment or vehicles. If boas are found within vehicles or equipment, authorized personnel of DNER must be notified immediately for proper handling and relocation. Any relocated boas should be transferred to appropriate habitat close to the project site.

For more information:

US Fish and Wildlife Service

Caribbean Ecological Services Field Office

Road 301, Km. 5.1 / Bo. Corozo

Boqueron, PR 00622

Telephone: (787) 851-7297

Fax: (787) 851-7440 Email: caribbean _es@fws.gov

mailto:es@fws.gov

GOBIERNO DE PUERTO RICO Oficina Estatal de Conservaci6n Hist6rica

Friday, March 24, 2017

Mr. Glenn Elliott Environmental Engineer P Pt M Office ofConstruction & Facilities Management US Dcparlmcnl of Vctcr~ns AfT;iirs 425 I (eye) Slrcct, NW, Room 6W417n Washington, D.C. 20001

SHPO: 04-08-10-02 PROPOSED NATIONAL CEMETERY, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, PR-137, KM. 11, BARAHONA AND FRANQUEZ WARDS, MOROVIS, PUERTO RICO

Dear Mr. Elliot,

We acknowledge the receipt of the report we requested, titled "Phase II Cultural Resources Investigation, Field Work Report, Puerto Rico National Cemetery, Municipality of Morovis, Puerto Rico" (henceforth, "report"), dated June 2016 and written by A. Font Negron for CSA Architects & Engineers. LLP.

After evaluating the second version of the Stage I archaeological survey report prepared for this undertaking, our Office requested an intensive archaeological survey (Stage II) work plan for our review and concurrence. In letter dated March 2, 2016 we notified the US Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) of our conditional concurrence with the survey strategy presented in the work p lan dated January 2016 (henceforth, "plan").

Earlier this year, we received and commented in letter to you, dated February 13, 2017, on a report titled "Archaeological Investigations for the propose (sic) VA National Cemetery, Morovis, Puerto Rico" by N. Medina Carrillo PhD.

Dr. Medina Carrillo, who did not participated in the fieldwork carried out by A. Font Negron, did nevertheless cite his report. We consider the Medina Carrillo and Font Negron reports as two components of what should be a single document. These should be incorporated into a single report that meets Federal standards.

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Mr. Elliott Murch 24, 2017 Page 2

SHPO: 04-08-10-02 PROPOSED NATIONAL CEMETERY, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, PR-137, KM. 11, BARAHONA AND FRANQUEZ WARDS, MOROVIS, PUERTO RICO

An intensive (Stage II) archaeological survey and report should be consistent with the Secretary of the Interior' Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation (48 FR 44716) and supporting technical information like the National Register Bulletins: Guidelines for Evaluating and Registering Archeological Properties, How to Apply for National Register Criteria and Defining Boundaries for National Register Properties. The report should include an "Abstract" and also an "Introduction" that, at the least, contains information regarding the dates of the performance of field work, staff, a description of the proposed undertaking and its background complemented with drawings to scale, etc. The aerial photograph found in page 1 of the Font Negron report should be presented in a legible scale and identified, as well as Cueva de la Mora site in Figure 1 and the "ward limit" in Figure 2.

Regarding the methodology implemented "to identify the approximate boundaries of each site" (section 2 .1). the systematic shovel testing at five (5) meters from a posit ive shovel test until reaching a negative result are not shown in Figure 3 for Quebrada Franquez 7(QFl) and Figure 4 for Quebrada Franquez 2 (QF2). Also, there are inconsistencies between the number of positive shovel tests for both sites mentioned in the narrative versus the ones depicted in the aerial photographs; this should be corrected. Please explain which sources were consulted and how the original archaeological site boundaries for QFl and QF2, shown in Figures 3 and 4 respectively, were defined. Moreover, the shovel testing performed for every site, as well as the archaeological test units, should be depicted in an as-built plan, to scale. A shovel test log that includes strata. depths and results, in addition to coordinates, for every area surveyed, should be part of the document.

As for the archaeological excavation units at sites QFl and QF2, a thorough description including the rationale for their location and dimensions, description of strata, depth, features (if any), excavation methods, photographs, plan and profile scale drawings, analysis of artifacts recovered in each strata, should be included for each one.

Information related to Cueva de la Mora should be incorporated as well. Regardless VA's intention ofavoiding the site, the boundaries should be defined and the establishment of a reasonable buffer zone for protection in perpetuity should be clear in the narrative and in graphics in order to adequately manage the resource.

SHPO OHCINA ISTA IAl.111 C'ONSERVACION HIST6RJCA Ofk IN,, OFU~ONAl>OI:

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SHPO: 04-08-10-02 PROPOSED NATIONAL CEMETERY, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, PR-I37, KM. 11, BARAHONA AND FRANQUEZ WARDS, MOROVIS, PUERTO RICO

On the other hand, as proposed in the plan, Las Cruces de Catalina petroglyphs should be thoroughly documented. This location should be evaluated considering its traditional cultural significance. Please refer to the National Register Bulletin - Guidelines for Evaluating and Documenting Traditional Cultural Properties.

The cursory description of the previously unreported buildings/structures identified within the proposed project area, contained in section 4.4 of the report, should be supplemented with a site plan, detailed photographic documentation of every building/structure and documentary research referring to, if possible, primary sources to identify precise year of construction, designer, owners, uses, etc.

Throughout the June 2016 report. the author states that the fieldwork followed the strategy contained in the January 2016 plan. This does not appear to be the case. We have found several inconsistencies between the January 2016 plan and the field work described in the report with no explanation given for the deviation. As stated in our letter of March 2, 2016, any changes to the field testing strategy, in response to observed field conditions, should be made only after consultation and concurrence among the consulting parties (i. e. VA and SHPO). For example, the archaeological units of 5.00 m x 5.00 m executed in QF2 exceeded that proposed in the January 2016 plan. Archeological testing for evaluation should not proceed beyond the point of providing the information necessary for evaluation and should not unnecessarily affect significant features or values of the property. Testing that destroys large portions of a property may foreclose the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's opportunity to comment and may circumvent the intent of Section 106.

Likewise, most of the proposed methods of investigation contained in the plan were not implemented: archival research, laboratory processing, additional Phase I survey (once the Area of Potential Effects was defined by VA for the construction of the proposed cemetery) and curation of cultural materials.

Because of the significant discrepancies between the narrative and the figures provided, we request a copy of the field work notes.

An intensive (Stage II) archaeological survey report should be prepared taking into account the above recommendations. At this point we can neither support the overall conclusion of a lack of integrity of the archaeological sites, nor the recommendation for archaeological monitoring.

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SHPO: 04-08-10.02 PROPOSED NATIONAL CEMETERY, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, PR-137, KM. 11 , BARAHONA AND FRANOUEZ WARDS, MOROVIS, PUERTO RICO

As soon as we receive the revised report, we w ill continue with the evaluation of this undertaking. If you have any questions you may contact Archaeologist Marines Colon, Historic Property Specialist. at (787) 721-3737 or mcolon@prshpo.pr.gov.

Sincerely,

Carlos A. Rubi~ancclu State Historic Preservation Officer

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mailto:mcolon@prshpo.pr.govhttp:04-08-10.02

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Office of Construction & Facilities Management

Washington DC 20420

June 9, 2017

Mr. Carlos A. Rubio-Cancela State Historic Preservation Officer Oficina Estatal De Conservacion Hist6rica Central de Ballaja P.O. Box 9023935 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00902-3935

RE: SHPO 04-08-02 Proposed National Cemetery, Department of Veterans Affairs, PR-137, Barahona and Fraoquez Wards, Morovis, Puerto Rico: Your correspondence dated March 24,2017

Dear Mr. Rubio-Cancela:

Thank you very much for your letter of March 24, 2017 pertaining to the above-cited project. That letter pointed to deficiencies in the Stage II reporting on archaeological testing at the sites Quebrada Franquez 1 (QFI) and Quebrada Franquez 2 (QF2). It also noted that information on Cueva de la Mora pertaining to its boundaries and a protective buff er should have been incorporated into the report. Furthermore, your letter asked that the petroglyphs at Las Cruces de Catalina be " thoroughly documented ... (and) evaluated considering its traditional cultural significance."

Since the time of our last correspondence, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has revised the project plans and re-defined the Area of Potential Effect (APE) based on those revisions. The revised plan is attached to this letter for your information. As you will see, the APE now corresponds to the Limits of Development (LOD). which is labelled "Contract Limits" on the revised plan. In addition, and pursuant to Act No. 183 (December 27, 2001), entitled, "Ley de Servidumbre de Conservacfon de Puerto Rico," the Department of Veterans Affairs has created and constituted a conservation easement in favor of the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources over and for all of remainder of the subject property outside of the APE.

Since all of the archaeological sites recorded during the prior survey (QFI , QF2, Cueva de la Mora. Las Cruces de Catalina) are outside of the APE and within the dedicated conservation easement (no disturbance) area, the VA has applied the criteria of adverse effect and determined pursuant to 36 CFR 800.5(b) that this planned undertaking will have no adverse effect to historic properties. Because the project has been modified and conditions have been imposed to avoid adverse effects to historic properties, we request your concurrence in this determination.

Please note that the VA also has detennined for NEPA purposes that a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is appropriate for this undertaking. However, this finding anticipates continuing consultation with the Puerto Rico SHPO pursuant to Section I 06.

In this regard, the VA is planning to provide your offices with sufficient additional data to enable formal assessment of the archaeological sites in question applying the National Register of Historic Places

SHPO 04-08-01 Proposed National Cemerery, Depar1111enr ofVerera11s Affairs

Criteria for Evaluation (36 CFR 60.4 [a-d]). The resulting report that we will submit for your review will incorporate an analysis of the artifacts collected previously ("Archaeological Investigations for the propose (sic) VA National Cemetery, Morovis, Puerto Rico" (N_ Medina Carrillo, Feb. 13, 2017). Since the sites will be preserved i11 situ, and because the undertaking no longer has the potential to prose adverse effects to historic properties, the purpose of the additional work and report planned on behalf of the VA is to provide the Puerto Rico SHPO with adequate infonnation for evaluation and long tenn management of these resources. Finally, the VA also will assure curation of all project field notes, photographs, records and artifacts in a repository meeting the standards outlined in 36 CFR Part 79.

Please let me know if you have any comments on this approach to completion of the Section I 06 process for this undertaking. In addition, please notify me if you concur with the determination of no adverse effect based on: (1 ) the revised project plan, and (2) the establishment of the conservation easement containing the sites dedicated to the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources. We look forward to working with you to complete the Section 106 process.

Sincerely,

Glenn Elliott, Program/Project Manager Environmental Engineer

Attachment: Revised Area of Potential Effect

cc: Andrew Glucksman, Mabbett & Associates, Inc. R. Christopher Goodwin, PhD, R. Christopher Goodwin & Associates, Inc.

June 9. 2017 Page 2of2

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