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

EEA#14427 DEIR Certificate December 30,2011
The FEIR should disclose the information that was submitted to MassDEP as part of the
Chapter 91 License application in order to provide a more thorough and systematic investigation
of Chapter 91-related impacts. The FEIR should outline how materials will be managed during
demolition to prevent any navigational or environmental hazards within the waterway.
Stormwater
Comments from MassDEP enumerate its concerns that the "macro approach" for
managing stormwater as established in MassDOT's Stormwater Handbook for Highways and
Bridges (2004) does not address new wetlands and Section 401 regulations promulgated in 2008
regarding stormwater. I note that MassDOT concurs with this view and is in the process of
updating its Stormwater Handbook to address stormwater compliance issues. MassDEP
comments indicate that its review entails explicit modifications of the "macro approach"
including but limited to the redevelopment and recharge provisions at 310 CMR 10.00 and 314
CMR 9.00.
The project corridor includes approximately 49.2 acres of impervious area. The proposed
project will add approximately 15.2 acres of new impervious area for a total of 64.4 acres of
impervious area (a 27 percent increase). MassDEP will treat 49.2 acres as redevelopment and
15.2 acres as new development pursuant to 310 CMR 1O.05(6)(k)(7) and 314 CMR 9.06(6)(a)(7)
towards meeting the stormwater regulatory standards. The FEIR should identify any changes to
the stormwater management system. I expect that the FEIR will fully address the detailed
comments provided by MassDEP regarding Stormwater Standards 1 through 10. The FEIR
should discuss the submission of any updated applications/information to the local conservation
commissions or discuss how the project will be conditioned by the conservation commissions to
comply with the stormwater standards. MassDOT should continue consultation with MassDEP
to ensure that the project fully complies with the stormwater provisions pursuant to 310 CMR
10.00 and 314 CMR 9.00.
Rare Species
The FEIR should provide an update on consultations regarding rare species habitat with
the local conservation commission, NHESP, and NMFS. The FEIR should confirm that the inwater
work utilizing cofferdams will be installed one at a time. The FEIR should confirm that
NHESP's conditional no-take determination is still valid subsequent to submission of any
additional information or consultation. The FEIR should clarify the impacts, beneficial and
adverse, to wildlife habitats under NHESP and MassDEP jurisdiction and discuss whether
mitigation is required.
Water Supply
Comments from MassDEP confirm that Bartlett Spring Pond is an active PWS and that
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