This EA evaluates the environmental impacts of a proposal to provide a grant to Boston Architectural College (BAC) to design, construct and implement the renovation of Public Alley #444 in Boston's Historic Back Bay District. The project would include the installation of 7 to 10 open loop geothermal wells to provide heating and cooling energy to BAC's facilities; the installation of a green screen trellis system, planting soils, concrete pavement, pavers, and landscaping; and mechanical upgrades (plumbing and electrical) to accommodate the geothermal solution into the benefiting facilities.
Based on the analyses in the EA, DOE determined that the proposed action of providing financial assistance for the BAC project would not have a significant impact on the human environment and that an environmental impact statement is not required.