When federal dollars fund a community project, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires a thorough environmental review before construction begins. For the Wood Dale Park District’s Central Park redevelopment — a $324,475 HUD-funded project in DuPage County, Illinois — that meant a full 24 CFR Part 58 NEPA Environmental Review to clear the site for new playground equipment, fitness stations, and community recreation amenities.
Project Overview
| Client | Wood Dale Park District / Housing & Urban Development (HUD) |
| Location | Wood Dale, Illinois (DuPage County) |
| Services | Phase I ESA (ASTM E1527-21), 24 CFR Part 58 Environmental Assessment / NEPA Compliance, Environmental Justice Review, CADD Figures & Mapping |
| Key Staff | Brian Englert – Due Diligence Manager; Patrick Hook – Lead Consultant |
| Duration | 2024 |
| Value | $5,000 |
Why a 24 CFR Part 58 NEPA Review Was Required
The Wood Dale Park District received a $324,475 HUD Community Project Fund grant to build Phase 2 of Central Park — a two-acre site in a neighborhood identified as low to moderate income. The project scope included new playground equipment, swing sets, tot play features, and adult fitness stations. As a HUD-assisted project, the grant required full compliance with 24 CFR Part 58 — the federal environmental review procedures under NEPA — before any funds could be released or construction could begin.
Scope of the Environmental Assessment
A3 Environmental Consultants (A3E) prepared the complete NEPA Environmental Assessment, including a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment conducted in accordance with ASTM E1527-21. Under 24 CFR Part 58, A3E evaluated the project site against more than 15 compliance factors:
- Airport hazards
- Flood insurance and floodplain management
- Clean air compliance
- Coastal zone management
- Contamination and toxic substances
- Endangered species
- Explosive and flammable hazards
- Farmlands protection
- Historic preservation
- Noise abatement
- Sole source aquifers
- Wetlands
- Wild and scenic rivers
- Environmental Justice (Executive Order 12898)
Each factor was documented with compliance determinations, supporting worksheets, regulatory database research, and CADD-generated figures.
Environmental Justice and Community Impact
Because the project site is in a neighborhood classified as low to moderate income, the Environmental Justice review under Executive Order 12898 was a critical component of the assessment. A3E evaluated whether the project would create disproportionate environmental or health impacts on the surrounding community. The assessment also addressed socioeconomic factors, community facilities, natural features, climate and energy impacts, and land development compatibility.
The Result
The project received a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) with no mitigation measures required — clearing the path for the Wood Dale Park District to proceed with construction and bring much-needed recreational amenities to the community.
HUD Part 58 NEPA Consulting Services
A3E provides 24 CFR Part 58 NEPA Environmental Reviews for HUD-funded projects throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and across Illinois. From park districts and municipalities to housing authorities and community development organizations, our team manages the full Part 58 process — environmental assessments, Phase I ESAs, Environmental Justice reviews, agency coordination, and FONSI documentation. Contact us to discuss your project.
