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

T.F. Green Airport Improvement ProgramEnvironmental Impact Statement and Final Section 4(f) EvaluationIndirect ImpactsAlternative B4 would impact 602 linear feet of Tributary A11, an intermittent watercourse that provides lowquality macroinvertebrate habitat and does not support fish or shellfish populations. This stream originates atan outfall from the Airport drainage system (Outfall 08) and much of the existing channel was constructed as adiversion when Runway 16-34 was extended to 6,081 feet in 1967. Relocating 262 linear feet of Tributary A11and placing two sections of the stream, totaling 340 linear feet, in culverts could reduce a minimal level ofproduction export which may occur from the stream bed of Tributary A11 to Tributary A and Buckeye Brookbelow Warwick Pond. Any reduction is not anticipated to diminish the productivity or vigor of fish populationsin Buckeye Brook below Warwick Pond.Most of the direct impacts to terrestrial habitats would occur at the Runway 34 End along the edge of the existingrunway and in areas managed by the VMP. Expansion along the sides of the runway would clear wetland habitatthat currently has limited wildlife value due to its fragmented setting within an operating airport and theperimeter fencing which excludes larger species. Since this clearing would occur along the edge of the existinghabitat, this direct impact would not result in further habitat fragmentation or loss of wildlife corridors.Significant Impacts: While there is no specific significance threshold established for non-listed species,Alternative B4 would not adversely affect common species population dynamics, sustainability, reproductionrates, natural and artificial mortality, and would not impact the minimum population size needed to maintainthe affected population in the Study Area. Alternative B4 would not impact aquatic biotic communities because itwould avoid direct impact to Buckeye Brook and Spring Green Brook which support migratory fish runs alongwith other aquatic biota. While Alternative B4 would impact terrestrial habitats, the impacts are not of sufficientsize to adversely affect species commonly found in the affected area and would not adversely impact sensitivehabitat supporting species not commonly occurring in the vicinity of the Airport.Alternative B4 would avoid impact to habitat of two state-listed species, the pine barrens tiger beetle, andsickle-leaved golden aster. Existing VMP practices, which maintain this locally uncommon habitat, wouldcontinue. Potential habitat for Greatest Conservation Need grassland bird species habitat south of Runway 34would not be affected. A small (1.4 acres) remnant of a locally uncommon plant community, Atlantic whitecedar forested wetland, south of Runway 34 and east of Buckeye Brook would not be impacted byAlternative B4.5.12.5 Short-term Impacts from Temporary Construction ActivitiesThis section describes the potential temporary impacts to biotic communities from construction activities. Therewould not be construction impacts due to Alternatives B2 and B4 with the planned construction managementpractices.5.12.5.1 Alternative B2Impacts during construction could include disturbance associated with equipment operating in and adjacent towildlife habitats. Wildlife utilization patterns that are disrupted during construction are often restored onceconstruction is complete.Chapter 5 - Environmental Consequences 5-234 July 2011\\mawatr\ev\09228.00\reports\FEIS_Final_July_2011\PVD_CH05_Environmental_Cons_JUL_2011.doc