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

T.F. Green Airport Improvement ProgramEnvironmental Impact Statement and Final Section 4(f) EvaluationSignificant Impacts: Alternative B4 includes the removal of Hangar No. 1, a contributing element of the eligibleairport historic district, as well as a property that has been determined individually eligible for listing in the NRHP.The construction of the Integrated Cargo Facility will also result in a direct and indirect impact to the eligible airporthistoric district and the Rhode Island State Airport Terminal, a contributing element as well as a propertyindividually listed in the NRHP. Alternative B4 also calls for airside enhancements that will further alter the overallhistorical configuration of the runways and taxiways that are included as contributing elements to the eligible airporthistoric district. These elements of Alternative B4 result in a significant impact under NEPA because of the physicaldestruction of a historical property and changes in a historical property’s character defining setting. Alternative B4also requires construction activities in or within 25 feet of several historical cemeteries that are considered importantto the history of the City of Warwick and Rhode Island. These physical impacts to WHC 26 would also be significant.5.8.5 Short-term Impacts from Temporary Construction ActivitiesUnder Alternatives B2 and B4, there are no anticipated temporary construction impacts to the historical andarchaeological resources or historical cemeteries. Any vibration associated with construction activities would beminor and would have no impact.5.8.6 Cumulative ImpactsSince the 1970s, there have been improvements and new development on the north ramps at T.F. Green in closeproximity to the now identified historical buildings within the APE. Beginning in the late 1970s, the spacesbetween the terminal building and the hangars have been in-filled with corrugated metal buildings that serve ashangars for private aircraft. Airside modifications have incrementally altered the original runway, taxiway, andapron configuration that contribute to the eligible airport historic district. Alternatives B2 and B4 will further alterthe composition and setting of this part of the Airport with the removal of Hangar No. 1, the construction of anintegrated cargo facility under Alternative B4, relocation of Airport Road under Alternative B2, and furtherrealignment of the runways, taxiways, and aprons within the eligible airport historic district. There are no futureanticipated projects that would result in cumulative impacts to historical properties as a result of Alternatives B2and B4. It is anticipated that the Rhode Island State Airport Terminal will continue to house airport-related uses;Hangar No. 2, which currently serves as a cargo facility, will remain and continue to be used for cargo operationsas part of the Integrated Cargo Facility; and aviation activities would continue to occur within the eligible airporthistoric district.5.8.7 Comparison of Alternatives B2 and B4 – Significant ImpactsThis section compares the impacts to historical resources that would result from Alternative B2 andB4.Each Alternative would result in direct and indirect impacts to historical properties, resulting in a finding ofadverse effect under Section 106 of the NHPA and a significant impact under NEPA. 392 Table 5-97 presents acomparison of impacts for Alternatives B2 and B4.392 Impacts to the historic cemeteries would not be adverse effects under Section 106 because cemeteries are not eligible for the NRHP.Chapter 5 - Environmental Consequences 5-179 July 2011\\mawatr\ev\09228.00\reports\FEIS_Final_July_2011\PVD_CH05_Environmental_Cons_JUL_2011.doc