TO:FILE
FROM:P. Coulthart, Landscape Architecture/Environmental Services Unit
SUBJECT:ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING
Accelerated Bridge Program – Second Letting
TOWN OF HOMER, CORTLANDCOUNTY
BIN 1044430 – Route 281 Over Cold Brook
DATE:February 14, 2012
Environmental Screening results for BIN 1044430are as follows:
Threatened and Endangered Species – There are no federally protected threatened or endangered species in Cortland County. There is a known occurrence of a New York State threatened fresh water mussel (Brook Floater) approximately 0.4 miles downstream in the West Branch of the Tioughnioga River. Based on the current scope of work, there should not be any impacts to the mussels.
Aquifers – The site is within the Cortland Homer Preble Sole Source Aquifer. Drainage patterns must not be altered. In addition, a public water supply well is located approximately ¼ mile north of the project site.
Wetland Impacts – There are no mapped wetlands within the project area that will be impacted.
Stream Impacts –BIN 1044430 crosses Cold Brook which is a Class “C” stream as defined by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). There are no stream restriction dates associated with Cold Brook. It is not anticipated that the activities associated with the scope of this project will require any work within the bed or banks of Cold Brook.
However, should any activity be necessary within the bed and banks of Cold Brook to complete the proposed bridge work, this work shall be in accordance with the US Army Corps of Engineer Nationwide Permit #3. It is anticipated that a NYSDEC Blanket Section 401 Water Quality Certification would apply to this project since the work required will meet the requirements of a Section 404 or Section 10 Nationwide Permit #3. A site specific erosion and sediment control and a restoration plan must be developed prior to commencing work activities to ensure permit compliance.
Any activity outside of the intended scope of work may require additional permits.
Air – Given the scope of the work, there are no air quality concerns.
Noise – Given the scope of the work, there are no noise concerns.
Historic and Cultural Resources –According to SHPO GIS BIN 1024320 is located in an area of archaeological sensitivity. During the 1945 bridge construction a trolley bridge was removed from the east crossing of Cold Brook. If construction requires work outside of the ROW, a cultural resource survey is required.
Hazardous Waste – Based on the scope of work and aHazardous Waste/Contaminated Material Screening (performed in accordance with Chapter 5 of the NYSDOT Environmental Procedures Manual), it is not anticipated that contaminated/hazardous materials will be encountered at this project location.The scope of work is limited to bridge deck replacement, and minimally intrusive soil disturbance activity in previously placed fill material. Further analysis must be conducted if the scope of work changes to include any: change in excavation plans; ROW acquisition or easements; utility relocation; or building demolition.
Lead-based Paint & Asbestos– This bridge was built by NYSDOT in 1946. Bridges built prior to 1989 are considered positive for lead-based paint. The NYSDOT tested BIN 1044430 for dumdum paint in 2003 and it was negative. However, no copy of the report could be located. An updated asbestos survey of the entire bridge will be performed prior to construction.
Water Quality – The scope of the project will result in less than one acre of disturbance, therefore a NYSDEC SPDES is not required for this project. Notes will be added to the contract directing the contractor to properly control, contain, and dispose of any water involved in the demolition and all construction.
Pedestrian Facilities – There are no existing pedestrian facilities.
Tree Removals –Tree removals are not anticipated.
Prime Farmland – BIN 1044430 is adjacent to Prime Farmland. No Prime Farmland will be acquired or impacted.
Temporary road, detour or ramp closure – Any use of a temporary road, detour or ramp closure must accommodate pedestrianaccess (as applicable) and should not adversely affect local business or events.