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

T.F. Green Airport Improvement ProgramEnvironmental Impact Statement and Final Section 4(f) Evaluation6Mitigation6.1 IntroductionThis chapter describes measures considered to minimize adverse impacts from the Alternatives B2 and B4, andthe proposed measures aimed at mitigating significant environmental impacts. Significant impacts weredetermined based on guidance for significant adverse effects provided in FAA Orders 1050.1E and 5050.4B.Other impacts were determined based on additional impact analyses as required by local, state, or federalrequirements, including the short-term construction impacts of Alternatives B2 and B4. The CEQ regulations(40 CFR section 1508.20) define mitigation to include:• Avoiding the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action• Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation• Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment• Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the life ofthe action• Compensating for the impact by replacing or providing substitute resources or environmentsIn the DEIS Chapter 6, Mitigation, mitigation measures were identified for the T.F. Green Airport ImprovementProgram where either Alternative B2 or B4 would result in significant impacts that are either permanent ortemporary in nature (occur during construction). The results of the environmental consequences analysis leadthe FAA to identify Alternative B4 as the Preferred Alternative and RIAC has identified Alternative B4 as itsProposed Action (see Chapter 3, Alternatives Analysis). Alternative B4, which includes extension of Runway 5-23to the south approximately 1,530 feet for a total length of 8,700 feet by 2015, would be substantially lessdisruptive to residential properties and businesses, and would impact fewer acres of wetlands compared toAlternative B2. Alternative B4 was developed to avoid land use impacts to the residential communities andbusinesses north of the Airport and to minimize the amount of construction-related residential and commercialland acquisition by limiting construction as much as possible to land already owned by RIAC located south ofthe Runway 5 End.Chapter 6 – Mitigation 6-1 July 2011\\Mawatr\ev\09228.00\reports\FEIS_Final_July_2011\PVD_CH06_Mitigation_JUL_2011.doc