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

T.F. Green Airport Improvement ProgramEnvironmental Impact Statement and Final Section 4(f) EvaluationACHP (for filing) along with supporting documentation as specified in 36 CFR Part 800.11(f). Refer to AppendixI, Historic, Architectural, Archaeological, and Cultural Resources, for a signed copy of the MOA.5.8.2.2 Additional AnalysesThree historical cemeteries (WHC 76, WHC 77, and WHC 78) located in the APE, in addition to WHC 26(discussed previously), may be impacted by proposed enhancements associated with Alternative B4. WHC 76lies within an area of Future Build VLAP for noise mitigation, and WHC 77 and 78 may be impacted due toRealigned Main Avenue. FAA conducted additional archaeological surveys in April 2011, including surveys todefine the limits of these three historical cemeteries (as well as WHC 26) and a Phase I(c) archaeologicalinvestigation along Realigned Main Avenue (in response to a request from NITHPO) under Permit Numbers2011-02 and 2011-03, respectively both issued by the RIHPHC on January 7, 2011. Archaeological investigationswere undertaken between April 7 and 12, 2011. Further details of these archaeological studies are documentedin Chapter 4, Affected Environment, Section 4.7.2, Affected Environment.5.8.3 MethodologyUnder Section 106, the APE is defined as “the geographic area or areas within which the undertaking maydirectly or indirectly cause alterations in the character or use of historical properties, if any such propertiesexist” [36 CFR 800.16 (d)]. This section discusses the methods used to evaluate the potential impacts tohistorical, architectural, archaeological and cultural resources caused by either direct impacts (physical taking)or by indirect impacts (the introduction of environmental impacts).5.8.3.1 Direct Impact MethodologyThe APE for direct impacts is the geographic area in which properties would be directly impacted by either aphysical taking or modification (such as land acquisition for the RPZs or building demolition to enhance safety)or by a construction-related taking or modification (such as the construction of Runway 5-23 safety areas). Thisarea includes the Airport property and any properties that would be acquired for Alternatives B2 and B4. Threehistorical architectural properties, one eligible historic district, three archaeological sites, and five historicalcemeteries have been identified within the APE for direct impacts, as shown in Figure 4-20.5.8.3.2 Indirect Impact Methodology“Indirect impacts” are incompatible environmental intrusions such as increased noise or visual changes that couldaffect the qualities for which the resource is eligible for listing or listed in the NRHP. Changes in noise level andvisual setting are anticipated to be the only indirect impacts that could adversely affect historical properties. Notall historical resources are considered noise-sensitive; for example, the on-Airport structure listed on the NRHP isnot noise-sensitive because its original use is airport-related. The “indirect impacts” APE includes the area thatcould be adversely affected by noise, as defined by 14 CFR Part 150, Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of1979, and FAA Orders 1050.1E and 5050.4B. Eight historical resources and one historical cemetery were identifiedwithin the limits of the APE for potential indirect impacts, as defined by noise analysis. “Indirect impacts” alsoinclude potential alteration or obstruction of the setting of those historical properties for which setting is one of thecharacteristics that qualify them for listing in the NRHP. The FAA evaluates impacts to historical resources wherean undisturbed setting without modern transportation elements (equipment, structures, and associated buildings)is important to the reasons why the property is listed, or eligible for listing, in the NRHP.Chapter 5 - Environmental Consequences 5-173 July 2011\\mawatr\ev\09228.00\reports\FEIS_Final_July_2011\PVD_CH05_Environmental_Cons_JUL_2011.doc