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
therein, the proposed project will neither diminish the existing navigational clearances nor the widths of those
channels. Staging of work, demolition of the existing structure, and construction of the new infrastructure crossing
may close one channel for limited time periods, during which MassDOT must notify in a timely manner the United
States Coast Guard for publication in the Notice to Mariners, as well as any recreational and commercial boating
facilities in the project area, harbormasters of affected municipalities. As may be necessary, MassDOT shall also
provide channel closure notification to local newspapers and radio stations broadcasting in the project area.
Response: The comment is noted. MassDOT will require the design/build contractor to comply with
all relevant channel closure notification requirements.
DEP-29: In reviewing the temporary and permanent C.91-related impacts of this project, MassDEP's comments were
informed by MassDOT's chapter 91 license application, which contained a more detailed analysis of the work
scheduling, construction staging, and navigational impacts of the project. MassDEP recommends that MassDOT
disclose that information in the FEIR, as it provides a more thorough and systematic investigation of the C.91-related
impacts.
Response: The information from the Chapter 91 license application is included in section 1.4.10.
DEP-30: During demolition of the existing superstructure precautions should be taken to prevent any material from
entering the Merrimack River. Any material that does enter the waterway should immediately be removed so as not
to create a navigational or environmental hazard within the waterway. Work equipment will be situated outside of the
navigational channels. If there are dedicated anchorage areas for work barges and other vessels during various
construction stages, these areas should delineated by navigational markers.
Response: The comment is noted. MassDOT will require the design/build contractor to comply with
all relevant requirements to maintain clearance through the navigation channels. There will be short
periods of time when a maximum of one channel will be blocked due to span construction, barge
placement, etc. Contract specifications will require that the contractor remove any material or debris
within the channels as soon as possible. MassDOT will also require the contractor to locate any work
equipment outside of the navigational channels and to delineate with navigational markers any work
areas for barges and other vessels.
DEP-31: In the event that either Newburyport or Amesbury develops future plans for pedestrian/bike access along the
shoreline of the Merrimack River, MassDEP recommends that MassDOT coordinate with the municipalities to ensure
that such future access would not be precluded by the project.
Response: MassDOT will coordinate with Amesbury and Newburyport in the event that either
Newburyport or Amesbury develops future plans for pedestrian/bike access along the shoreline of
the Merrimack River.
DEP-32: The ENF Certificate required that the DEIR confirm that the project would be subject to the SIP and reduce
GHG emissions through reduced traffic congestion. It further directed that the GHG emission analysis calculate and
compare emissions associated with current and future no-build alternatives for each of the Bridge replacement and
rehabilitation alternatives. The DEIR documented that the project has been included in the Merrimack Valley
Metropolitan Planning Program and the emissions analysis demonstrated that the pollutant levels were below the
budget limits for NOx and VOCs in the SIP and meet conformity requirements. The DEIR also documents the air
quality construction mitigation measures MassDOT is committed to ensure its contractors implement in order reduce
control diesel emissions and dust.
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