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

T.F. Green Airport Improvement ProgramEnvironmental Impact Statement and Final Section 4(f) EvaluationAct (also known as the RIDEM Rules). 400 In addition to several specific review criteria, the RIDEM Rules wouldnot allow an action that results in an alteration of wetlands that is either unnecessary or undesirable. According tothe RIDEM Rules, an alteration is unnecessary unless it is essential, vital, or indispensable to the project andcannot be avoided by exhausting all other non-wetland alternatives. An undesirable alteration “is any alterationto freshwater wetlands that individually or cumulatively may reduce or degrade any freshwater wetlandfunctions and values as set forth herein, which does not avoid and minimize to the maximum extent possibleany damaging effects on wetland functions and values, or does not satisfy the review criteria in Rule 10.05.”According to the Rhode Island Fresh Water Wetlands Act and the RIDEM Rules, perimeter and riverbankwetlands, which are dimensional offsets from the edges of certain wetland types and stream and river channels,along with floodplains are also regulated as Freshwater Wetlands.5.10.2 Significance ThresholdThe analysis considers impacts of the No-Action and Alternatives B2 and B4 to wetlands resources in the ProjectArea and Study Area, pursuant to FAA’s guidance.5.10.2.1 Finding: Significant Wetlands and Waterways Resources ImpactsBoth Alternatives B2 and B4 would result in significant impacts to wetlands, as 5.8 acres or 5.0 acres would befilled, respectively. The filled wetland areas would be substantially modified and would not sustain the existingwetland functions and values. These losses would be offset through a compensatory wetland mitigationprogram consisting of restoration of filled wetlands, creation of new wetland in existing uplands, wetlandenhancement, and wetland and upland buffer preservation as described in Chapter 6, Mitigation.In accordance with the FAA Order 1050.1E, an action would result in a significant impact to wetlands if it:• Adversely affects a wetland’s functions to protect the quality or quantity of a municipal water supply,including sole source and potable water aquifers.• Substantially alters hydrology needed to sustain affected wetland values and functions or those of awetland to which it is connected.• Substantially reduces the affected wetland’s ability to retain floodwater or storm runoff, thereby threateningpublic health, safety, or welfare.• Adversely affects the maintenance of natural systems supporting wildlife and fish habitat or economicallyimportant timber, food, or fiber resources in the affected or surrounding wetlands.• Promotes development of secondary activities or services that causes any of the above impacts.• Is inconsistent with applicable state wetland strategies.According to these criteria, the wetland impacts for both Alternatives B2 safety and efficiency enhancementsand Alternative B4 safety enhancements would be considered significant.400 Rules and Regulations Governing the Administration and Enforcement of the Freshwater Wetlands Act, RIDEM, December 2010.Chapter 5 - Environmental Consequences 5-191 July 2011\\mawatr\ev\09228.00\reports\FEIS_Final_July_2011\PVD_CH05_Environmental_Cons_JUL_2011.doc