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

Secretary Richard K. Sullivan, Jr.
December 23, 2011
Page two
According to the EAlDEIR. (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
ofwhat is identified as Wetland No.7 [see Figure 5-15 (2 of4)], 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.
The Town also requests that the FEIR. require that the Project comply with all applicable
regulations relative to drainage and protection ofwater quality in the Town's watershed
district. As is noted on Page 4-38 ofthe EAlDEIR., "...the northern portion ofthe study
area is within Zone IT areas for two wells located east of1-95 and just north ofthe 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 4-208) The Town requests that special attention be paid during construction to
erosion controls in our watershed areas to prevent pollution and possible contamination
ofour water supply.
b) Shared Use Path
The Town's comments in this area are more extensive and are included in a separate
document (enclosed), along with accompanying illustrations.
Finally, the Town requests that two other items of interest to us be included within the scope
ofthe Project, as it is likely that the Project will involve the last major reconstruction of1-95 in
several years:
1) Verification ofthe loeation ofan existing water main beneath 1-95, along the intersection
with Main Street, and
2) Installation of two new 2-inch replacement conduits for fire alarm cables under 1-95 at
the intersection with Main Street, with connection to existing utility poles on either side
ofthe Main Street bridge.