facilities renewal master plan - National Zoo - Smithsonian Institution

FACILITIES MASTER PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
throughout the National Zoo under Alternative A would have a minor beneficial impact
to water quality.
The construction of an aerial tram would require clearing of a section of undeveloped
forest within close proximity to Rock Creek. The loss of vegetation could potentially
cause minor adverse impacts to water quality.
The creation of the Discovery Zone and Stormwater Management exhibit at the current
Parking Lot D site occurs within the Rock Creek floodplain. The replacement of
impervious surface with a functioning wetland at this location would have a minor longterm
beneficial impact to water quality.
Alternative B
Alternative B improvements, including reclamation of designated parking lots and flat
areas for exhibits and visitor walkways, consolidation and revitalization of visitor
entrances, and renovation/expansion of older exhibits and park administration facilities,
would also occur mainly within previously developed areas. During construction,
erosion and sediment control measures would be implemented according to Washington,
DC requirements, and impacts to water resources due to these activities would be
negligible. The reduction in the total amount of impervious surface throughout the
National Zoo would have a net beneficial impact to water quality.
The construction of a new service road from Amazonia Science Gallery to Bird Hill
through an intact forest area would require a crossing over a Rock Creek tributary.
Erosion and sediment control measures would be in place during construction, however,
the addition of new impervious surface to this undeveloped area would have minor
adverse impacts to water quality.
Alternative C (Preferred Alternative)
Under Alternative C, reclamation of parking lots and flat land areas for exhibits and
visitor walkways, consolidation and revitalization of visitor entrances, and
renovation/expansion of older exhibits and park administration facilities would occur
mainly within previously developed areas. During construction, erosion and sediment
control measures would be implemented according to Washington, DC requirements, and
impacts to water resources due to these activities would be negligible. The reduction of
impervious surface throughout the National Zoo under Alternative C would have a net
beneficial impact to water quality.
The construction of an aerial tram would require clearing of a section of undeveloped
forest within close proximity to Rock Creek. The loss of vegetation could potentially
cause minor adverse impacts to water quality.
Construction of a new service road from Amazonia Science Gallery to Bird Hill through
an intact forest area would require a crossing over a Rock Creek tributary. Erosion and
sediment control measures would be in place during construction, however, the addition
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