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

EEA#I4427
DEIR Certificate December 30,2011
Water Supply
In response to the Scope, MassDOT consulted with MassDEP on the status ofthe Zone A
for Bartlett Spring Pond in Newburyport. According to the DEIR, MassDEP responded in
writing that there is currently no 400-foot Zone A associated with Bartlett Spring Pond because
it is not so listed in 314 CMR 4.00, and it was not approved by MassDEP after December 29,
2006 in accordance with 314 CMR 4.06(3). However, MassDEP notes that the use of Bartlett
Spring Pond as a public water supply (PWS) must be protected and maintained and that
conditions that are reasonable to protect the pond as a drinking water source may be included in
any permit approvals (e.g., strict compliance with stormwater standards.) MassDEP also notes
that the pond may be listed as a PWS/Outstanding Resource Water (ORW) in the next revisions
to 314 CMR 4.00 and that the current status may change. Ifit is listed as a Class AlORW, the
provisions applicable to waters designated as PWSs and ORWs in 314 CMR 4.00, such as no
discharge of dredged or fill material into wetlands or waters within 400-feet of the high water
mark ofBartlett Spring Pond per 314 CMR 4.06(l)(d)(l) without a variance under 314 CMR
9.00, would be applicable. Additionally, provisions in other regulations pertaining to ORWs
and/or waters designated as PWSs may also apply.
The Preferred Alternative does not change the location of the existing western edge of the
1-95 roadway and it will not create new impervious surfaces within 400 feet ofBartlett Spring
Pond. As previously noted in the alternatives analysis, the widening of1-95 southbound in this
area will occur within the existing highway median. The proposed stormwater management
system in Newburyport, like the existing stormwater collection system, will be a closed system
ultimately discharging to the Merrimack River outside the drainage area ofBartlett Springs
Pond.
Hazardous Materials
A review of environmental databases identified 33 Release Tracking Numbers (RTNs)
within and proximate to the project area. Nine of these release sites are within the project
boundaries. As required by the Scope, the DEIR discussed three contamination sites with
REMOPS (Remedy Operation Status) status with respect to potential impacts and remediation
within the project area. These RTNs include: 3-13812 in Amesbury (located within the project
boundaries); 3-3360 in Newburyport (located outside the project boundaries); and 3-19369 in
Salisbury (located outside the project boundaries).
• RTN 3-13812: the potential exists for impacts to soil and groundwater within the
project area, particularly if dewatering pumping is required during construction.
• RTN 3-3360: based on the upgradient location of this site and the proximity to the
project area, this release may impact groundwater in the project area.
• RTN 3-19369: based on remedial actions conducted at the site, this release is not
expected to affect the project area, unless significant dewatering pumping is
required during construction.
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