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

T.F. Green Airport Improvement ProgramEnvironmental Impact Statement and Final Section 4(f) EvaluationIndirect impacts were evaluated by examining remaining habitats beyond the limits of direct impact to evaluatethe potential effects such as the loss of wildlife corridors, habitat fragmentation, introduction of invasive plantor animal species, or the loss of a critical wildlife habitat element. For example, an action which obstructs theriver herring run between Warwick Pond and Spring Green Pond would indirectly curtail spawning in SpringGreen Pond potentially affecting not only river herring recruitment, but also the populations of predator specieswhich feed on young of the year river herring migrating downstream to the coast. Mussel populations in SpringGreen Pond that use river herring as larva host species would also be indirectly impacted.Effects on water quality could also impact aquatic fish, wildlife and plant populations. These impacts areconsisted in the previous Section 5.11, Water Quality.5.12.3.3 Cumulative Impacts MethodologyCumulative impacts were determined for the Study and Project Areas for the time frame between 1939 and 2006and the 2025 horizon. Published literature was reviewed for state-wide or regional trends for the fish andwildlife populations and the plant associations present in the Study Area to document historical changes thathave occurred in the Study Area or more generally in the region. Rhode Island’s Comprehensive WildlifeConservation Strategy 417 is an important source of data for historic trends for fish and wildlife species populationsand changes in the plant associations in Rhode Island and this document further identifies fish and wildlifespecies of Greatest Conservation Need based on an analysis of trends. Information on the location of state-listedplant and animal species was also obtained through correspondence with state wildlife specialists.5.12.4 Impact AssessmentThis section evaluates impacts of Alternatives B2 and B4 on aquatic habitats (streams and ponds that supportfish and shellfish populations), terrestrial plant associations, and associated wildlife assemblages. Aquatichabitats are present at the Runway 23 and Runway 34 Ends. Refer to Section 5.10, Wetlands and Waterways, foradditional information on these resources.5.12.4.1 No-Action AlternativeThe No-Action Alternative would not result in any new or changed direct impacts to aquatic habitatssupporting fish and shellfish. The anadromous (migratory) fish run from Narragansett Bay to Warwick Pondand from Warwick Pond to Spring Green Pond would not be altered, and existing restrictions to fish passagesuch as the culvert under Lakeshore Drive would remain. The No-Action Alternative would not significantlyimpact aquatic or terrestrial biodiversity. It would maintain desirable terrestrial diversity by maintaining thesmall pine barren, Atlantic White Cedar stand, and grassland community present at the Runway 34 End. TheNo-Action Alternative does not involve the direct loss of habitats as shown in Figures 5-44 and 5-45. However,the No-Action Alternative includes ongoing activities that directly impact biotic communities, including theVMP and WHMP to maintain airfield visibility and control wildlife that may interfere with safe airportoperations. 418, 419 The No-Action Alternative would include beneficial VMP activities south of Runway 34 that417 RIDEM Division of Fish and Wildlife, 2005. 418 Vegetation Management Program, Rhode Island Airport Corporation, Revised August 2004.419 Wildlife Hazard Management Plan, Rhode Island Airport Corporation, Revised February 3, 2006.Chapter 5 - Environmental Consequences 5-227 July 2011\\mawatr\ev\09228.00\reports\FEIS_Final_July_2011\PVD_CH05_Environmental_Cons_JUL_2011.doc