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

Whittier Bridge/I-95 Improvement Project FEIR
Chapter 1.0: Changes Since the Draft Environmental Impact Report and Resolution of Additional Issues
preserved or extended to the maximum extent feasible. The post construction condition will result in
a 70-foot side slope with natural vegetation, and consequently there will be a net environmental
benefit to the RFA. No direct impacts will occur to the wetlands under the Amesbury end of the
bridge.
b. Stormwater is managed according to standards established by the Department in its
Stormwater Policy.
The project will comply with stormwater management requirements.
c. Proposed work does not impair the capacity of the riverfront area to provide important
wildlife habitat functions. Work shall not result in an impairment of the capacity to provide
vernal pool habitat identified by evidence from a competent source, but not yet certified. For
work within an undeveloped riverfront area which exceeds 5,000 square feet, the issuing
authority may require a wildlife habitat evaluation study under 310 CMR 10.60.
By constructing the new abutments behind the existing abutments, the project will maintain and
enhance the corridors that currently allow wildlife to cross under the bridge on both the southern and
northern banks of the Merrimack River. All temporarily impacted RFA will be restored in place. The
939 square feet of alteration requiring mitigation in Newburyport will be addressed with 12,200
square feet of on-site restoration of existing degraded areas. The RFA in this area contains several
weedy non-native species, including Norway maple (Acer platanoides), oriental bittersweet
(Celastrus orbiculatus), and Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii). The proposed impacts to the
low-quality habitat present in this area will have little to no effect on overall wildlife habitat quality.
In Amesbury, the 6,000 square feet of alteration requiring mitigation will be addressed with 11,800
square feet of on-site restoration of existing degraded areas. The RFA in this area contains a mix of
natives and non-native species, including Norway maple (Acer platanoides), privet (Ligustrum sp.),
and oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus). The proposed impacts to the low-quality habitat
present in this area will have little to no effect on overall wildlife habitat quality.
d. Proposed work shall not impair groundwater or surface water quality by incorporating
erosion and sedimentation controls and other measures to attenuate nonpoint source
pollution.
The project will not impair groundwater or surface water quality. The design/build contractor will
incorporate erosion and sedimentation controls during construction to minimize impacts to resource
areas. An environmental monitor will inspect erosion and sedimentation control weekly and after
significant rain events.
(5) Redevelopment Within Previously Developed Riverfront Areas; Restoration and Mitigation.
Notwithstanding the provisions of 310 CMR 10.58(4)(c) and (d), the issuing authority may allow work
to redevelop a previously developed riverfront area, provided the proposed work improves existing
conditions. Redevelopment means replacement, rehabilitation or expansion of existing structures,
improvement of existing roads, or reuse of degraded or previously developed areas. A previously
developed riverfront area contains areas degraded prior to August 7, 1996 by impervious surfaces
from existing structures or pavement, absence of topsoil, junkyards, or abandoned dumping
grounds. Work to redevelop previously developed riverfront areas shall conform to the following
criteria:
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