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

T.F. Green Airport Improvement ProgramEnvironmental Impact Statement and Final Section 4(f) EvaluationAmbient concentrations of O 3, sulfur dioxide (SO 2), and lead are not analyzed as part of the atmosphericdispersion analysis because O 3is a “secondary” pollutant formed from the reaction of other precursors – mainlyNO xand VOC; SO 2emissions from airport sources are small, and Jet A fuel does not contain lead. 374A NAAQS assessment was required because of the number of enplanements at the Airport. A generalconformity determination was performed because the Airport is in a nonattainment area for ozone.5.7.2.2 Additional AnalysesIn addition to the emission inventory, atmospheric dispersion analysis, and CO “Hot Spot” analysis conductedto assess the potential for significant air quality impacts, this FEIS also conducts a HAPs emission inventory.Of growing concern is the impact of all proposed projects on climate change. GHGs are those that trap heat in the earth’satmosphere. Both naturally occurring and anthropogenic (man-made) GHGs include water vapor (H 2O), carbon dioxide(CO 2), 375 methane (CH 4), nitrous oxide (N 2O), and O 3. 376 At this time, there are no NAAQS for GHGs. The scientificcommunity is developing areas of further study to enable them to more precisely estimate aviation’s effects on theglobal atmosphere. The FAA is also currently leading or participating in several efforts intended to clarify the role thatcommercial aviation plays in GHG emissions and climate change, described in greater detail in Chapter 4, AffectedEnvironment. RIAC reports the GHGs generated at T.F. Green Airport annually to RIDEM in conformance with theRhode Island Permanent Air Quality Monitoring Act. It is unlikely that the planned improvements to T.F. Green Airportwill result in an increase of GHG emissions in excess of 25,000 metric tons, which is the principal factor whenconsidering whether to include an analysis under current NEPA guidelines for GHG reporting. 377This section also includes a review of available air monitoring data which forms the basis for many of the airquality management plans within the state.5.7.3 MethodologyThis section describes the methods used to evaluate the potential future-year air quality impacts of the No-Action Alternative and Alternatives B2 and B4.This assessment was conducted following the guidelines contained in FAA Order 1050.1E, FAA Order 5050.4B, and theFAA’s Air Quality Procedures for Civilian Airports and Air Force Bases. 378 The methodology for conducting the air qualityassessment varies with the type of technical analyses conducted (i.e., emissions inventory, atmospheric dispersion analysis,CO “Hot-Spot” analysis, etc.) The individual analyses involve different sources and levels of data and information.The emissions inventory and dispersion modeling results contained within the Draft EIS were adjusted basedon the revised forecasts for future-year enplanements and aircraft operations at T.F. Green. These revised373 The categories of HAPs sources are stationary major, minor, and area.374 Lead emissions would be minimal at approximately 700 pound (0.35 tons) per year based on a lead content of 2.12 grams per gallon. EPA is recommending leadambient monitoring at airports that emit at least 0.5 tons per year. Thus, T.F. Green Airport would be below this threshold and further assessment is not warranted.375 All greenhouse gas inventories measure CO 2emissions, but beyond CO 2different inventories include different greenhouse gases (GHGs).376 Several classes of halogenated substances that contain fluorine, chlorine, or bromine are also greenhouse gases, but they are, for the most part, solely aproduct of industrial activities. For example, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are halocarbons that contain chlorine,while halocarbons that contain bromine are referred to as bromofluorocarbons (i.e., halons) or sulfur (sulfur hexafluoride: SF6).377 Draft NEPA Guidance on Consideration of the Effects of Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, February 18, 2010.378 Air Quality Procedures for Civilian Airports & Air Force Bases, AEE-120. U.S. Department of Transportation, FAA, Office of Environment and Energy. ReportNumber FAA-AEE-97-03. Washington, DC. April 1997.Chapter 5 - Environmental Consequences 5-150 July 2011\\mawatr\ev\09228.00\reports\FEIS_Final_July_2011\PVD_CH05_Environmental_Cons_JUL_2011.doc