Final Environmental Impact Report - Whittier Bridge/I-95 ...

Whittier Bridge/I-95 Improvement Project FEIR
Chapter 2.0: Response to Comments on the Environmental Assessment/Draft Environmental Impact Report
EEA-26: I have received a number of comments requesting that MassDOT provide additional mitigation for visual
impacts to residential neighborhoods. The FEIR should continue to evaluate measures to mitigate adverse impacts to
visual resources.
Response: The EA/DEIR analysis concluded that overall visual impacts of the project will be minor.
A major visual impact to the existing Whittier Point Condominiums, located east of the I-95
northbound roadway in Amesbury, was identified and mitigation measures to minimize the impact
will be implemented. MassDOT will reconstruct the existing stone retaining wall with mechanically
stabilized earth (MSE) components, construct a jersey barrier topped with a snow fence and provide
vegetative screening and landscaping to mitigate the visual impact.
MassDOT is developing landscaping plans as part of the 25% design plans for the project.
EEA-27: The FEIR should include a separate chapter that identifies all mitigation measures. This chapter should also
include revised and updated draft Section 61 Findings for each State Agency that will issue permits for the project.
The draft Section 61 Findings should contain clear commitments to implement mitigation measures, estimate the
individual costs of each proposed measure, identify the parties responsible for implementation, and include a
schedule for implementation. MassDOT's Section 61 Finding should cover the remaining mitigation measures not
covered in other Section 61 Findings. I suggest that MassDOT supply this information in a tabular format.
Response: Chapter 3 includes updated mitigation information along with updated draft Section 61
Findings.
EEA-28: The FEIR should contain a copy of this Certificate and a copy of each comment letter received on the DEIR.
In order to ensure that the issues raised by commenters are addressed, the FEIR should include responses to
comments received to the extent they are within MEPA jurisdiction. … I recommend that MassDOT use either an
indexed response to comments format, or else a direct narrative response. The FEIR should present any additional
narrative or analysis necessary to respond to the comments received.
Response: A copy of the DEIR Certificate is included at the beginning of the FEIR. Direct narrative
responses to the certificate and the comments received on the DEIR are included in this chapter.
Additional narrative and analysis required to respond to individual comments, as noted in the
responses, is included in Chapter 1.
2.2 FEDERAL AGENCIES
2.2.1 United States Coast Guard
The USCG submitted a comment letter dated December 28, 2011.
USCG-1: Reference to inclusion of a protective fender system is made at various places in the EA. (page 5-64,
Section 5.17.2 and Page 6-15, Section 6.14) However, discussion with MassDOT project personnel as well as project
consultants have revealed that no fender system is included in the proposed construction and presently the Coast
Guard does not plan on requiring fender protective system.
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