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
Salisbury-3: Storm water drainage. The Town's primary concern involves the potential impact of the Project on storm
water drainage on or near the intersection of I-95 and Route 110 (Elm Street) in Salisbury. We strongly believe that
drainage calculations for storm water runoff in this area need to be verified so that this run off does not undermine
existing roadway infrastructure and negatively affect the business community along Route 110.
Response: See the response to comment Salisbury-4 below.
Salisbury-4: In addition, we are concerned about the effects of this untreated run off on the quality of water in the
Merrimack River. According to the EA/DEIR. (p. 5-53), the Preferred Alternative for storm water drainage systems
associated with the Project in this area will involve the construction of "major storm water management
improvements" in compliance with storm water management standards. The Town requests that the FEIR requires
that these improvements be constructed so as to not worsen an already problematic drainage situation in the vicinity
of what is identified as Wetland No.7 [see Figure 5-15 (2 of 4)], which exists along the east side of Rabbit Road,
drains under Rte. 110 and flows in a southwesterly direction toward the Merrimack River, with an outfall behind the
Crossroads Plaza business complex. A large sinkhole developed on the property of a local business in recent years
due to this drainage situation, resulting in a tense situation between the property owner, the Town and the State. The
sinkhole was repaired, but the repair has failed and the sinkhole has appeared again. The Town urges that the storm
water management improvements in this area (see also Figure 4-26B) mitigate existing conditions to the largest
extent possible, but at the very least ensure that a bad situation is not made worse.
Response: Information on the efforts of MassDOT District 4 was included in the EA/DEIR in
response to previous comments by the Town of Salisbury (Response to comments Salisbury-5 and
6, page 8-29). As noted, MassDOT is aware of this situation and is addressing a long-term solution
separate from the Whittier Bridge/I-95 Improvement Project. Note that the proposed stormwater
management system for the portion of I-95 which drains to this location will reduce the volume of
stormwater runoff from I-95 to this outfall. At the time of writing of the DEIR, MassDOT District 4 was
awaiting a Certificate of Compliance (COC) from MassDEP for the work performed on the south side
of Route 110, and the Town of Salisbury will be notified by MassDOT District 4 once the COC is
received and prior to starting the final stage of work. MassDOT is continuing coordination with the
Town of Salisbury on stormwater management topics through the Notice of Intent process with the
conservation commission.
Salisbury-5: The Town also requests that the FEIR require that the Project comply with all applicable regulations
relative to drainage and protection of water quality in the Town's watershed district. As is noted on Page 4-38 of the
EA/DEIR., " ... the northern portion of the study area is within Zone II areas for two wells located east of I-95 and just
north of the study area. Both of the wells are located in an aquifer with a high vulnerability due to the absence of
hydrologic barriers that could prevent contaminant migration." (see also Figure 4-20B) The Town requests that
special attention be paid during construction to erosion controls in our watershed areas to prevent pollution and
possible contamination of our water supply.
Response: The response to comment DEP-16 details a series of BMPs for winter maintenance to be
investigated by MassDOT and implemented in the Cains Brook watershed. The BMPs include the
following:
1. Provide annual snow and ice training to the MassDOT personnel working in this area. The
training will include a component that will describe the environmental setting and public water
supply. In addition, MassDOT will perform a tailgate training session to reinforce similar
topics to the hired vendors working in this area. Municipal employees will also be invited to
attend;
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