T.F. Green Airport Improvement Program - FEIS Chapters - PVD

T.F. Green Airport Improvement ProgramEnvironmental Impact Statement and Final Section 4(f) Evaluationinclude a design of the Runway 5 End in order to reduce the curve in Main Avenue for better, more efficientroadway design, avoidance of cemetery impacts, and reduced land acquisition. Mitigation for surfacetransportation impacts is described in Chapter 6, Mitigation.5.7 Air QualityThis section provides an overview of the direct and cumulative impact analysis, including the methodology andresults, conducted for determining impacts for Air Quality that can be expected from the Improvement Program. Inaccordance with FAA guidelines, these analyses comprise air emissions inventories, atmospheric dispersion modeling,and “hot-spot” modeling. Hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and greenhouse gases (GHGs) are also addressed.5.7.1 Regulatory ContextAir quality is governed by state and federal requirements. The federal Clean Air Act (CAA) of 1970, as amendedin 1990, 366 requires EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), under 40 CFR part 50, forpollutants considered harmful to public health and the environment. 367 EPA established the NAAQS, or airpollution limits, for six principal pollutants: carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, ozone,and sulfur dioxide. The CAA established two types of national air quality standards. Primary standards setlimits to protect public health, including the health, of “sensitive” populations such as asthmatics, children, andthe elderly. Secondary standards set limits to protect public welfare, including protection against decreasedvisibility, damage to animals, crops, vegetation, and buildings.The NAAQSs define outdoor levels of air pollutants that are considered safe for public health, welfare and theenvironment. The EPA also establishes emission standards for “mobile” sources of air pollution (i.e., aircraft,motor vehicles and off-road vehicles such as airport GSE and construction vehicles).RIDEM is the primary authority for ensuring that the federal and state air quality regulations and standards aremet in Rhode Island. 368 RIDEM is also responsible for air quality monitoring throughout the state as well asdeveloping and implementing a State Implementation Plan (SIP) to address non-attainment of the ozone (O 3)NAAQS. The review and permitting of stationary sources of air emissions and the regulation of some aspects ofmobile source emissions (i.e., motor vehicle inspection and maintenance, fuel oxygen content, etc.) are also underthe jurisdiction of RIDEM.5.7.2 Significance Thresholds and Additional AnalysesThe air quality analysis considers the impacts of the No-Action Alternative and Alternatives B2 and B4 inaccordance with FAA guidance. Additional air quality analyses were also performed to gain a fullerunderstanding of the air quality environment.5.7.2.1 Finding: No Significant Air Quality ImpactsAs presented previously in Table 5-6, the significance threshold for changes in air quality, in accordance withFAA Order 1050.1E, is when a project or action exceeds one or more of the NAAQS. Neither Alternative B2 nor366 The Clean Air Act of 1970, U. S. Congress, Public Law 91-604; Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, U.S. Congress, Public Law 101-549.367 CFR Title 40, Part 50.368 The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is also involved in the evaluation of air quality conditions in the State as these conditions pertain toprotecting public health.Chapter 5 - Environmental Consequences 5-148 July 2011\\mawatr\ev\09228.00\reports\FEIS_Final_July_2011\PVD_CH05_Environmental_Cons_JUL_2011.doc