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DFC energy conservation measures environmental assessment
BACKGROUND
The Denver Federal Center (DFC) is a 570-acre campus open to the public and located along U.S. Route 6 in Lakewood, Colorado, approximately eight miles west of downtown Denver. The DFC is one of the largest contiguous parcels of land in Lakewood that is owned by a single entity. The DFC was acquired in 1941 by the federal government for the purpose of small arms ammunition production. After World War II, the ammunition plant was closed, and the buildings were converted to office, research, and administrative use by a number of federal agencies. The DFC continues to serve numerous federal agencies to this day.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The purpose of the proposed project is to decarbonize and electrify the DFC, to the extent practicable, using onsite renewable energy generation and electrification solutions. To achieve this, GSA would install a geothermal heat pump system(s) and a solar photovoltaic (PV) system to supply year-round heating and cooling and electrical power. These systems, along with other energy conservation measures, would replace approximately 90 percent of fossil fuel consumption on campus and allow for self-generated solar PV to electrify approximately half of the campus. The proposed project is needed to cut DFC grid-purchased energy use by approximately 65% and water usage by approximately 29%. The proposed project would also modernize energy infrastructure on the DFC, reduce lifecycle operating costs, and mitigate risk associated with future fossil-fuel price volatility.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
GSA has released a Final Environmental Assessment [PDF - 9 MB] (Final EA) for the project in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. Two action alternatives were considered in the Final EA. The first action alternative would use a centralized geothermal bore field co-located with a solar PV array. The second action alternative would use decentralized geothermal bore fields adjacent to each building receiving geothermal heating and cooling. Both action alternatives would install the solar PV array in the southeast field of the DFC.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
GSA selected Alternative A - Centralized Geothermal System with Ground-Mounted Solar Array as the alternative for implementation because it meets the purpose of, and need for, the project without causing significant impacts on the resources analyzed in the Final EA. Mitigation measures provided in the Amended Finding of No Significant Impact [PDF - 355 KB] (FONSI) will be implemented to ensure that the action avoids or minimizes potentially adverse environmental aspects.
The FONSI will be available for public review and comment between September 13, 2024 and October 13, 2024.
Comments may be submitted electronically to R8NEPA@gsa.gov. Please ensure the subject line of the email reads: DFC ECMs Amended FONSI. Public comments on the FONSI must be received by October 13, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. MST.
PROJECT SCHEDULE
November 15, 2023: Virtual Public and Stakeholder Scoping Meeting
March 6, 2024: Draft Environmental Assessment Available for Public Comment
March 12, 2024: Virtual Public Meeting
March 14, 2024: In-Person Public Meeting
May 21, 2024: Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact Available for Public Review
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