asia trail elephant facility - National Zoo - Smithsonian Institution

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ASIA TRAIL - ELEPHANT FACILITY SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Contaminated Storm Sewer As discussed under Section 3.2, Water Resources, the contaminated storm sewer collects stormwater runoff from animal exhibit areas, which contain solid animal waste. The Zoo’s contaminated storm sewer system including the project site is scheduled for improvements and selective replacement of contaminated storm sewer pipes and pumps due to deterioration with age. Stormwater Management Systems As discussed under Section 3.2, Water Resources, the stormwater management system at the Zoo collects stormwater runoff from areas of the Zoo, other than animal exhibit areas, including impervious surfaces such as parking lots, streets, and pathways. The Zoo’s stormwater system including the project site is scheduled for improvements and selective replacement of stormwater pipes and pumps due to deterioration with age. Energy Systems The Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO) provides electricity to the Zoo. Zoo facilities are currently heated by a variety of systems including: electricity (smaller exhibit enclosures), natural gas (Panda House), and steam (Elephant House). SI plans to convert to natural gas heating for future Zoo facilities. The Energy Management Branch of the Smithsonian Institution is responsible for energy conservation at the Zoo. Solid Waste The Zoo’s solid waste includes non-hazardous waste such as rubbish from employees and visitors as well as manure from animals. SI contracts with waste haulers to remove nonhazardous solid waste. Currently, there is not enough animal waste generated at the Zoo to warrant recycling of the waste via a fuel generation cell. Hazardous Waste Hazardous materials such as solvents, paints, pesticides, and chemicals are used at the Zoo’s animal hospital and other facilities. Hazardous waste generated at the Zoo is centrally collected at an accumulation facility prior to transport and disposal. The Zoo’s hazardous waste generation is relatively small by volume, requiring only one 55-gallon drum to contain the accumulation. The existing facilities at the project site, built in the 1970s, potentially contain hazardous building materials such as lead-based paint, PCB-containing fluorescent lighting, and asbestoscontaining materials. The proposed demolition and renovation activities would potentially disturb these materials if they exist, creating health hazards for workers (e.g. incidental ingestion, absorption of materials from contact, or inhalation of airborne particles). SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION – NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK 3-11
ASIA TRAIL - ELEPHANT FACILITY SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SI has established policies for handling and disposing of hazardous materials. If encountered, hazardous materials are removed from the Zoo, properly treated, and disposed of at an appropriate hazardous waste facility, in compliance with applicable regulations. Licensed hazardous waste haulers, not general solid waste haulers, are contracted to handle hazardous wastes. Zoo Security Security elements for visitors and animals include animal containment measures to contain Zoo animals, to allow visitors to view animals from a safe distance, provide pleasant interpretive experiences by remaining unobtrusive, and prevent intrusion into exhibits by animals in other exhibits, outside wildlife, and visitors. The National Zoo is bisected by Rock Creek, Rock Creek Parkway and an adjacent recreation trail, and accessed by roadway entrances along the southern and eastern Zoo perimeter. Independent of the Asia Trail project, the Zoo’s perimeter fence is undergoing renovations due to age, and is being upgraded to preclude access via Rock Creek. Near to the Asia Trail project area, the Zoo’s perimeter fence is located along Hawthorne Street by the main entrance to the Zoo. Potential Infrastructure/Utilities Impacts Demolition and construction activities would generate an additional short term quantity of solid waste which may require additional waste haulers. The proposed relocation of the elephant exhibit into a new, modern facility would provide improved sanitary, sewer, contaminated storm sewer, and stormwater lines, an expanded natural gas system, and updated security for the elephant exhibit. Therefore, the project would result in minor positive impacts with respect to overall Zoo infrastructure/utilities and exhibit security. Clearing of the project site and construction of the elephant facility may occur during the same time period as the on-going construction activities of Asia Trail Phase I. Therefore, the changes to the elephant exhibit infrastructure and utilities would cumulatively contribute to the changes under Phase I. However, these would be positive changes with the replacement and upgrade of aged piping systems, reducing the release of water and wastewater. Mitigation Appropriate BMPs for the removal and disposal of stockpiled demolition and construction materials would be implemented. SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION – NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK 3-12
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asia trail elephant facility - National Zoo - Smithsonian Institution

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