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

project. MassDEP recommends that MassDOT disclose that infOlmation in the FEIR, as it
provides a more thorough and systematic investigation ofthe c.9l-related impacts.
During demolition ofthe 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 ofthe navigational channels. Ifthere are
dedicated anchorage areas for work barges and other vessels during various construction stages,
these areas should delineated by navigational markers.
Public Access
MassDEP commends MassDOT for integrating a shared-use path with overlooks for pedestrians
and bicyclists that will extend a needed network ofnon-motorized access from the Newburyport
Park and Ride facility nOlih to Rte. 110 in Amesbury and Salisbury. In the event that either
Newburyport or Amesbury develops future plans for pedestrian/bike access along the shoreline
ofthe Merrimack River, MassDEP recommends that MassDOT coordinate with the
municipalities to ensure that such future access would not be precluded by the project.
Waterways Application Status
The Department has received an application and will assign a file number and issue a public
notice upon receipt ofthe Secretary's Certificate on the FEIR.
Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas
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 ofthe Bridge replacement and rehabilitation alternatives. The DEIR
documented that the project has been included in the Men'imack 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.
The results ofthe GHG analysis indicate an increase of38,406 kg/day in C02eq between existing
conditions and both build and the no build alternative. The report concludes that while the traffic
analysis shows a reduction in queuing and delay, the C02 emissions' differential between these
scenarios is below the detection limit. Consequently, it was not necessary for the proponent to
conduct a comparative analysis among the build alternatives. MassDOT notes that the project
does not add additional capacity but creates conformity between a section ofthe roadway and the
existing lane configuration to its nOlih and south, which accounts for its negligible impact on
GHG emissions and mode shifts.
Although not quantifiable in terms ofGHG tons reduced, the project will incorporate TDM
measures that suppOli reductions in VMT including constructing a shared use path on the
. Whittier Bridge that will connect the Salisbury Ghost bike trail with the Newburyport park and
11