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

Whittier Bridge/I-95 Improvement Project FEIR
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT CERTIFICATE
1.0 CHANGES SINCE THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND
RESOLUTION OF ADDITIONAL ISSUES .................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 Project Information ..................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Permits and Approvals Required ............................................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Changes to the Project Since the EA/DEIR ............................................................................... 1-3
1.4 Resolution of Additional Issues .................................................................................................. 1-5
1.4.1 Project Phasing .................................................................................................................. 1-5
1.4.2 Updated Wetlands Permitting Status ................................................................................. 1-5
1.4.3 Wetlands Protection Measures During Construction ....................................................... 1-13
1.4.4 Riverfront Area Mitgation and Restoration ....................................................................... 1-14
1.4.5 Wetland Mitigation ............................................................................................................ 1-24
1.4.6 Hydraulic Analysis and Floodplain Issues ........................................................................ 1-38
1.4.7 Dredging ........................................................................................................................... 1-42
1.4.8 Flooding Events During Construction............................................................................... 1-43
1.4.9 Cofferdam Dewatering Protocol ....................................................................................... 1-45
1.4.10 Chapter 91 Compliance ................................................................................................... 1-45
1.4.11 Navigation Survey Results ............................................................................................... 1-56
1.4.12 Public Benefit Determination ............................................................................................ 1-56
1.4.13 Stormwater Management ................................................................................................. 1-59
2.0 RESPONSE TO COMMENTS ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASESSMENT/DRAFT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT ......................................................................................... 2-1
2.1 Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs – MEPA DEIR
Certificate ................................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Federal Agencies ..................................................................................................................... 2-10
2.2.1 United States Coast Guard .............................................................................................. 2-10
2.2.2 US Environmental Protection Agency Region 1 .............................................................. 2-11
2.2.3 Essex National Heritage Commission .............................................................................. 2-12
2.3 State Agencies ......................................................................................................................... 2-13
2.3.1 Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection ................................................ 2-13
2.3.2 Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program ............................. 2-31
2.3.3 Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries .................................................................... 2-32
2.3.4 Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management ..................................................................... 2-32
2.3.5 Merrimack Valley Planning Commission .......................................................................... 2-34
2.4 Municipalities ............................................................................................................................ 2-35
2.4.1 City of Newburyport .......................................................................................................... 2-35
2.4.2 City of Amesbury .............................................................................................................. 2-38
2.4.3 Town of Salisbury ............................................................................................................. 2-43
2.4.4 Jack Bailey, Amesbury Harbormaster .............................................................................. 2-47
2.5 Non-Profit Organizations .......................................................................................................... 2-48
2.5.1 Coastal Trails Coalition .................................................................................................... 2-48
2.5.2 Foundation for Resilient Societies .................................................................................... 2-49
2.5.3 WalkBoston ...................................................................................................................... 2-52
2.6 Citizen Comments .................................................................................................................... 2-55
2.6.1 Alphonse Sevigny............................................................................................................. 2-55
2.6.2 Dallas Haines ................................................................................................................... 2-56
2.6.3 Leonard Johnson.............................................................................................................. 2-57
2.6.4 Jay Harris ......................................................................................................................... 2-58
2.6.5 Anne Federici, Whittier Point Condominium Association ................................................. 2-61
2.6.6 Nancy Boyd Webb............................................................................................................ 2-62
2.6.7 Kathy Marshall .................................................................................................................. 2-63
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