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

T.F. Green Airport Improvement ProgramEnvironmental Impact Statement and Final Section 4(f) Evaluationunder RICRMC jurisdiction. The evaluation of CZM consistency for Alternative B4 is the same as Alternative B2(see Section 5.14.4.2, Alternative B2).Significant Impacts: While there is no established significance threshold for Coastal Resources, the PreferredAlternative will be designed to comply with applicable performance standards of the CRMP, Rhode Island SoilErosion and Sediment Control Handbook, and Rhode Island Stormwater Design and Installation Standards Manual, andthe SAMP goals and objectives.5.15.5 Short-Term Impacts from Temporary Construction ActivitiesProject-related actions such as increased impervious surfaces and potential construction period erosion andcontamination could contribute to water quality impacts if not mitigated. Section 5.11, Water Quality, discussespotential water quality impacts resulting from the No-Action and Alternatives B2 and B4, as well asminimization and mitigation measures to address potential water quality impacts. These stormwater and runoffquality mitigation measures would address the goals and objectives of the Greenwich Bay SAMP, as well asother applicable RIDEM regulations. Potential direct impacts to freshwater wetlands are discussed inSection 5.10, Wetlands and Waterways.5.15.6 Cumulative Impact AssessmentNeither Alternative B2 nor B4 would have direct impacts on any coastal resources because the Project Area doesnot contain any coastal resources.5.15.7 Comparison of Alternatives B2 and B4The No-Action Alternative and Alternatives B2 and B4 will not impact coastal resources and will comply withRICRMC policies and the regional goals in the Greenwich Bay SAMP. Alternatives B2 and B4 are addressed as agroup due to their similar potential effects on coastal resources.5.15.8 Avoidance and MinimizationAlternatives B2 and B4 will incorporate BMPs to comply with CRMP goals and are expected to satisfy the CZMConsistency requirement.5.16 FarmlandsThis section provides an overview of the impacts analysis for farmlands and includes the methodology fordetermining these potential impacts.5.16.1 Regulatory ContextThe USDA passed the Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA) 440 to regulate actions with the potential to convertexisting important farmlands to nonagricultural uses. 441 The FPPA protects three classes of farmland soils: PrimeFarmland; Unique Farmland; and farmland other than prime or unique farmland that is of statewide or local440 7 U.S.C. 4201-4209441 Environmental Desk Reference for Airport Actions, FAA, October 5, 2007.Chapter 5 - Environmental Consequences 5-254 July 2011\\mawatr\ev\09228.00\reports\FEIS_Final_July_2011\PVD_CH05_Environmental_Cons_JUL_2011.doc