Topics to Consider for Rehabilitating the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center and Wastewater System

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park will be preparing an Environmental Assessment to analyze the environmental effects of a proposed project to rehabilitate the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center and its wastewater system.

The Fort Clatsop Visitor Center at Lewis and Clark National Park was constructed in 1963 as part of the National Park Service "Mission 66" initiative and underwent a major expansion in 1991. Several accessibility and safety issues have developed that need to be corrected. The building's energy efficiency can also be significantly improved.

In addition, the current septic drainfield that services the Visitor Center is near the end of its useful life. Soils tests have indicated that the current drainfield is not suitable to be reused or expanded. This planning process will locate a location for a new drainfield.

The Park is looking at improving the visitor experience in the following areas:

• Renovating the existing restrooms including a new family restroom area.
• Expanding the enclosed entryway to improve visitor orientation and correct accessibility issues.
• Upgrading the energy efficiency of the building by replacing outdated heating and cooling systems, replacing light fixtures, improving the insulation of the building, and replacing some windows.
• Improving safety with fire sprinkler changes and modernizing exits.
• Increasing the storage capacity of the curatorial storage room.
• Abandoning the current septic field and installing a new wastewater system and septic drainfield.

The project has the potential to cause short term impacts to visitors. While access to the Fort Clatsop replica would remain open, portions of the Visitor Center could be closed to visitors and staff for up to 6 months. The park is considering bringing in trailers to serve as a temporary visitor center and office space. A tanked trailer restroom system will be used to provide accessible restrooms during construction.

An Environmental Assessment will be prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). It will provide the decision-making framework that 1) analyzes a reasonable range of alternatives to meet project objectives, 2) evaluates issues and impacts to Lewis and Clark National Historical Park's resources and values, and 3) identifies mitigation measures to lessen the degree or extent of these impacts.

As park staff analyze impacts to resources, we want to be sure not to overlook anything. The National Park Service values public comment. We invite you to submit your written comments about what impacts to natural and cultural resources we should consider in our analysis and how we can best accommodate visitors during construction.

You can comment online at the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/FortClatsop_VisitorCenter. If you are unable to submit comments electronically through this website, you may submit written comments to: Superintendent, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Attention: Visitor Center and Wastewater Project 92343 Fort Clatsop Road, Astoria, Oregon 97103.

Once the Environmental Assessment document is complete, the public will have another opportunity

We look forward to hearing from you.

Jon Burpee
Superintendent
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

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