TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS
VOLUME I – URBAN RING PHASE 2 RDEIR/DEIS LIST OF ACRONYMS SECRETARY’S CERTIFICATES ON THE DEIR AND NPC EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................... ES­1
1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................... ES­1
1.1 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 Project Purpose and Need............................................................................................ ES­4
2.1 Project Purpose............................................................................................. ES­4
2.2 Project Need.................................................................................................. ES­4
2.3 Project Study Area ........................................................................................ ES­5
Locally Preferred Alternative......................................................................................... ES­7
3.1 Description of LPA......................................................................................... ES­7
3.2 Benefits of the LPA...................................................................................... ES­15
3.3 Impacts of the LPA ...................................................................................... ES­22
Alternatives Evaluation ............................................................................................... ES­33
4.1 Overview of Alternatives Analysis Process ................................................. ES­33
4.2 Evaluation of Alternatives............................................................................ ES­34
Financial Review ......................................................................................................... ES­38
5.1 1.0 Capital Cost................................................................................................. ES­38
5.2 Operating Cost ............................................................................................ ES­38
5.3 Potential Funding Allocation and Sources .................................................. ES­39
6.0 Phasing and Implementation ...................................................................................... ES­39
7.0 Summary, Conclusions, and Next Steps .................................................................... ES­40
8.0 Overview of Document................................................................................................ ES­44
PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PROPOSED ACTION ................................ 1­1
1.1 1.2 2.0 Project Overview ........................................................................................... ES­1
Project Purpose................................................................................................................ 1­3
Project Need .................................................................................................................... 1­3
1.2.1 Urban Ring Phase 2 Study Area ...................................................................... 1­4
1.2.2 Issues and Challenges in the Study Area ........................................................ 1­7
1.2.3 Travel Demand and Transit Accessibility in the Urban Ring Corridor.............. 1­8
1.2.4 Land Use and Demographics........................................................................... 1­9
1.2.5 Transportation Network .................................................................................. 1­11
LOCALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE ........................................................ 2­1
2.1 Locally Preferred Alternative Description......................................................................... 2­2
2.1.1 Sector 1: East Boston/Logan Airport................................................................ 2­8
2.1.2 Sector 2: Chelsea........................................................................................... 2­11
2.1.3 Sector 3: Everett............................................................................................. 2­13
2.1.4 Sector 4: Wellington/Somerville/Charlestown ................................................ 2­15
Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS i November 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2.2 Sector 5: East Cambridge .............................................................................. 2­17
2.1.6 Sector 6: Cambridgeport/Charles River Crossing.......................................... 2­19
2.1.7 Sector 7: Allston/Harvard Square Cambridge ................................................ 2­22
2.1.8 Sector 8: Boston/Fenway/Longwood Medical and Academic Area ............... 2­29
2.1.9 Sector 9: Roxbury/ BU Medical Center .......................................................... 2­33
2.1.10 Sector 10: Dorchester .................................................................................... 2­35
2.1.11 Sector 11: South Boston/ World Trade Center .............................................. 2­37
Transportation ................................................................................................................ 2­59
2.2.1 Transit ............................................................................................................ 2­59
2.2.2 Local Traffic.................................................................................................... 2­60
2.2.3 Regional Traffic .............................................................................................. 2­61
2.2.4 Urban Ring Phase 3 Compatibility ................................................................. 2­61
2.3 Maintenance Facilities ................................................................................................... 2­62
2.4 Environment ................................................................................................................... 2­63
2.5 3.0 2.1.5 2.4.1 Land Use and Economic Activity.................................................................... 2­64
2.4.2 Displacements and Relocations ..................................................................... 2­65
2.4.3 Neighborhoods and Population...................................................................... 2­65
2.4.4 Visual Resources and Aesthetics................................................................... 2­65
2.4.5 Air Quality....................................................................................................... 2­65
2.4.6 Noise and Vibration ........................................................................................ 2­66
2.4.7 Plant and Animal Species and Habitats, and Water Resources and
Wetlands ........................................................................................................ 2­66
2.4.8 Energy ............................................................................................................ 2­67
2.4.9 Hazardous Materials ...................................................................................... 2­67
2.4.10 EMF and Moving Metal .................................................................................. 2­67
2.4.11 Historic and Archaeological............................................................................ 2­68
2.4.12 Parklands and Open Space ........................................................................... 2­85
LPA Costs ...................................................................................................................... 2­86
2.5.1 Capital Costs .................................................................................................. 2­86
2.5.2 Operations and Maintenance Costs............................................................... 2­87
ALTERNATIVES AND EVALUATION .............................................................. 3­1
3.1 Alternatives Background .................................................................................................. 3­2
3.1.1 Major Investment Study (MIS).......................................................................... 3­2
3.1.2 Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR)...................................................... 3­4
3.1.3 Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report/Draft Environmental Impact
Statement (RDEIR/DEIS) ................................................................................. 3­6
3.2 3.3 Variant Screening and Alternative Development ............................................................. 3­7
3.2.1 Variant Screening............................................................................................. 3­7
3.2.2 Evaluation Criteria and Alternative Development .......................................... 3­11
3.2.3 Tunnel Alternatives......................................................................................... 3­11
Mode and Technology ................................................................................................... 3­13
3.3.1 Implications of BRT Vehicle Engine Choice on Tunnel Ventilation
Requirements ................................................................................................. 3­13
Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS ii November 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS 3.3.2 Implications of BRT Vehicle Engine Choice on Electromagnetic
Interference .................................................................................................... 3­15
3.3.3 Operations and Maintenance Costs for BRT Vehicles................................... 3­17
3.4 Capacity Requirements.................................................................................................. 3­20
3.5 Right of Way................................................................................................................... 3­21
3.5.1 3.6 3.7 Busway Transitions, Protection, and Separation ........................................... 3­21
Stations .......................................................................................................................... 3­22
3.6.1 BRT Stations .................................................................................................. 3­22
3.6.2 Commuter Rail Stations ................................................................................. 3­32
Operating Plan ............................................................................................................... 3­35
3.8 Routing and Service Levels ........................................................................................... 3­35
3.9 Phasing Plan and Phase 3 Compatibility ....................................................................... 3­36
3.10 Regional Systems Interface/Integration with other Transportation Facilities................. 3­37
3.11 Safety and Security ........................................................................................................ 3­38
3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 Maintenance Facilities ................................................................................................... 3­39
3.12.1 Northern Service Area.................................................................................... 3­40
3.12.2 Southern Service Area ................................................................................... 3­40
Alternatives and Options Considered ............................................................................ 3­41
3.13.1 No­Build Alternative........................................................................................ 3­41
3.13.2 Baseline Alternative........................................................................................ 3­44
3.13.3 Build Alternative 1 – DEIR Locally Preferred Alternative ............................... 3­48
3.13.4 Build Alternative 2 – Optimized Surface Alternative ...................................... 3­51
3.13.5 Build Alternative 3 – Shorter Tunnel ............................................................ 3­56
3.13.6 Build Alternative 4 – Longer Tunnel ............................................................... 3­67
3.13.7 Hybrid Alternatives Considered...................................................................... 3­73
Additional Tunnel Options Considered .......................................................................... 3­80
3.14.1 Summary Descriptions ................................................................................... 3­80
3.14.2 Engineering Feasibility ................................................................................... 3­80
3.14.3 Performance................................................................................................... 3­83
3.14.4 Costs .............................................................................................................. 3­84
3.14.5 Phase 3 Compatibility..................................................................................... 3­84
Busway Tunnel............................................................................................................... 3­85
3.15.1 Tunnel Background ........................................................................................ 3­85
3.15.2 Tunnel Definitions........................................................................................... 3­86
3.15.3 Physical Context and Constraints .................................................................. 3­86
3.15.4 Tunnel Standards and Characteristics ........................................................... 3­86
3.15.5 Construction Methodology ............................................................................. 3­93
Systemwide Evaluation ................................................................................................ 3­104
Comparative Analysis .................................................................................................. 3­106
3.17.1 Baseline Alternative Comparison ................................................................. 3­111
3.17.2 Build Alternatives Comparison ..................................................................... 3­111
3.17.3 Hybrid Alternatives Comparison................................................................... 3­114
3.17.4 Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA).............................................................. 3­118
Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS iii November 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS 4.0 TRANSPORTATION IMPACTS AND MITIGATION ......................................... 4­1
4.1 Travel Patterns, Mobility and Accessibility....................................................................... 4­1
4.2 Transportation Plans and Policies ................................................................................... 4­2
4.2.1 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 Plans and Policy Approach .............................................................................. 4­2
Transit ............................................................................................................................ 4­11
4.3.1 Local and Express Buses............................................................................... 4­15
4.3.2 Silver Line....................................................................................................... 4­19
4.3.3 Rail Rapid Transit System.............................................................................. 4­20
4.3.4 Commuter Rail System .................................................................................. 4­23
4.3.5 MBTA Reverse Commuting ........................................................................... 4­26
4.3.6 Water Transportation...................................................................................... 4­26
4.3.7 Private Transportation Services ..................................................................... 4­27
4.3.8 Proposed Bus Rapid Transit .......................................................................... 4­28
4.3.9 Systemwide Performance, Mobility and Accessibility .................................... 4­34
4.3.10 Summary of Project Transit Benefits.............................................................. 4­54
Arterials, Local Streets, and Parking.............................................................................. 4­55
4.4.1 Study Roadways Description ......................................................................... 4­55
4.4.2 Study Intersections Description...................................................................... 4­60
4.4.3 Roadway Traffic Volumes .............................................................................. 4­64
4.4.4 Intersection Traffic Volumes........................................................................... 4­69
4.4.5 Roadway Capacity Analysis........................................................................... 4­70
4.4.6 Intersection Capacity Analysis ....................................................................... 4­71
4.4.7 Traffic Safety .................................................................................................. 4­81
4.4.8 Parking Impacts.............................................................................................. 4­81
Regional Travel .............................................................................................................. 4­84
4.5.1 System­wide Travel........................................................................................ 4­84
4.5.2 Urban Ring Transit Operating Statistics......................................................... 4­85
4.5.3 Mode Choice .................................................................................................. 4­85
Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation .......................................................................... 4­85
4.6.1 Existing Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities ...................................................... 4­85
4.6.2 Bicycle and Pedestrian Project Impacts......................................................... 4­87
Focused Areas of Study................................................................................................. 4­91
4.7.1 Malden River Crossing ................................................................................... 4­91
4.7.2 Inner Belt Road and New Lechmere Connection........................................... 4­92
4.7.3 Cambridgeport/MIT Corridor and Charles River Crossing ............................. 4­92
4.7.4 North Allston Routing ..................................................................................... 4­93
4.7.5 BU Bridge/Carlton Street/Commonwealth Avenue Alignment ....................... 4­93
4.7.6 Fenway/Back Bay/Longwood Medical and Academic Area........................... 4­94
4.7.7 Melnea Cass Boulevard and Boston Medical Center .................................... 4­95
Freight Movement .......................................................................................................... 4­95
4.8.1 Existing Freight System.................................................................................. 4­96
4.8.2 Rail Right­of­Way Issues................................................................................ 4­96
4.8.3 Project Impacts on Freight Movement ........................................................... 4­97
Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS iv November 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS 4.9 5.0 Navigable Waterways .................................................................................................... 4­97
4.9.1 Existing Navigable Waterways ....................................................................... 4­97
4.9.2 Future Navigable Waterways ......................................................................... 4­98
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES AND MITIGATION ............................. 5­1
5.1 Land Use and Economic Activity ..................................................................................... 5­1
5.1.1 Affected Environment ....................................................................................... 5­1
5.1.2 Environmental Consequences ......................................................................... 5­5
5.2 Displacements and Relocations....................................................................................... 5­3
5.3 Neighborhoods and Population...................................................................................... 5­14
5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9 5.3.1 Affected Environment ..................................................................................... 5­14
5.3.2 Environmental Consequences ....................................................................... 5­16
Visual Resources and Aesthetics .................................................................................. 5­27
5.4.1 Existing Conditions......................................................................................... 5­27
5.4.2 Sample Site Plans and Visual Impacts .......................................................... 5­38
5.4.3 Visual Analysis of BRT Busway corridors ...................................................... 5­49
5.4.4 Conclusions .................................................................................................... 5­49
Air Quality....................................................................................................................... 5­54
5.5.1 Introduction..................................................................................................... 5­54
5.5.2 Air Quality Modeling Analyses ....................................................................... 5­55
5.5.3 Particulate Matter & Emission Controls.......................................................... 5­60
Noise and Vibration........................................................................................................ 5­60
5.6.1 Existing Noise Conditions .............................................................................. 5­61
5.6.2 Existing Vibration Conditions ......................................................................... 5­61
5.6.3 Segment A...................................................................................................... 5­61
5.6.4 Segment B...................................................................................................... 5­64
5.6.5 Segment C ..................................................................................................... 5­65
5.6.6 Construction Noise and Vibration Impacts ..................................................... 5­66
Plant and Animal Species and Habitats......................................................................... 5­67
5.7.1 Segment A...................................................................................................... 5­68
5.7.2 Segment B...................................................................................................... 5­68
5.7.3 Segment C ..................................................................................................... 5­69
Water Resources ........................................................................................................... 5­69
5.8.1 Segment A...................................................................................................... 5­79
5.8.2 Segment B...................................................................................................... 5­83
5.8.3 Segment C ..................................................................................................... 5­84
Energy............................................................................................................................ 5­85
5.9.1 Affected Environment ..................................................................................... 5­85
5.9.2 Environmental Consequences ....................................................................... 5­85
5.10 Geology and Soils .......................................................................................................... 5­86
5.11 Hazardous Materials ...................................................................................................... 5­91
5.11.1 Proposed BRT Stations.................................................................................. 5­91
5.11.2 Segment A...................................................................................................... 5­91
5.11.3 Segment B...................................................................................................... 5­95
Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS v November 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS 5.11.4 5.12 Segment C ..................................................................................................... 5­97
EMF and Moving Metal .................................................................................................. 5­99
5.12.1 Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) and Their Sources................................. 5­99
5.13 Public Service and Utilities................................................................................................ 5­104
5.14 5.15 6.0 Affected Environment ................................................................................... 5­104
5.13.2 Environmental Consequences ..................................................................... 5­104
Historic and Archaeological ......................................................................................... 5­108
5.14.1 Introduction................................................................................................... 5­108
5.14.2 Historical....................................................................................................... 5­109
5.14.3 Archaeological.............................................................................................. 5­116
Parks and Open Space ................................................................................................ 5­124
5.15.1 Statutory and Regulatory Considerations .................................................... 5­125
5.15.2 Segment A.................................................................................................... 5­139
5.15.3 Segment B.................................................................................................... 5­144
5.15.4 Segment C ................................................................................................... 5­148
COSTS, FUNDING AND IMPLEMENTATION ................................................. 6­1
6.1 6.2 6.3 7.0 5.13.1 Costs ................................................................................................................................6­1
6.1.1 Capital Costs .................................................................................................... 6­1
6.1.2 Operating and Maintenance Costs................................................................... 6­2
Financial Framework........................................................................................................6­3
6.2.1 Overview .......................................................................................................... 6­3
6.2.2 Capital Funding Plan ........................................................................................ 6­4
6.2.4 Operating and Maintenance Plan..................................................................... 6­9
Phasing and Implementation .........................................................................................6­11
COMPLIANCE/CONSISTENCY WITH MASSACHUSETTS AND FEDERAL
ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, REGULATIONS AND PROGRAMS ..................... 7­1
7.1 Federal Laws, Regulations and Programs....................................................................... 7­1
7.1.1 7.2 7.3 Draft Programmatic Section 4(f) Evaluation..................................................... 7­1
State Laws, Regulations and Programs ........................................................................ 7­10
7.2.1 Draft Executive Order 385 Finding................................................................. 7­10
7.2.1 Draft MGL Section 61 Finding........................................................................ 7­22
Coastal Zone Management Consistency Determination ............................................... 7­24
7.3.1 Water Quality Policies .................................................................................... 7­24
7.3.2 Habitat Policies............................................................................................... 7­25
7.3.3 Protected Areas Policies ................................................................................ 7­25
7.3.4 Coastal Hazard Policies ................................................................................. 7­25
7.3.5 Port and Harbor Infrastructure Policies .......................................................... 7­26
7.3.6 Public Access Management Principles .......................................................... 7­26
7.3.7 Energy Policy and Management Principle ..................................................... 7­27
7.3.8 Ocean Resources Policies ............................................................................. 7­27
7.3.9 Growth Management Principles ..................................................................... 7­27
Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS vi November 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS 8.0 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PLAN........................................................................ 8­1
8.1 Public Involvement Plan Purpose and Overview ............................................................. 8­1
8.2 Meetings and Briefings .................................................................................................... 8­2
8.3 9.0 8.2.1 Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) ................................................................ 8­3
8.2.2 Major Public Meetings ...................................................................................... 8­4
8.2.3 Community and Neighborhood Meetings......................................................... 8­5
8.2.4 Local and Elected Officials Briefings................................................................ 8­5
8.2.5 Agency Coordination Meetings ........................................................................ 8­6
8.2.6 Institutional, Business and Advocacy Group Meetings .................................... 8­6
Public Involvement Tools ................................................................................................. 8­6
8.3.1 Databases ........................................................................................................ 8­6
8.3.2 Website ............................................................................................................ 8­6
8.3.3 Presentations ................................................................................................... 8­7
8.3.4 Written Materials .............................................................................................. 8­7
8.3.5 Media Outlets and Press Releases.................................................................. 8­8
8.3.6 Email Notifications............................................................................................ 8­8
RESPONSE TO COMMENTS........................................................................... 9­1
10.0 LIST OF PREPARERS ................................................................................... 10­1
11.0 DISTRIBUTION LIST ...................................................................................... 12­1
11.1 Federal Agencies and Federal Elected Officials............................................................ 12­1
11.2 State Agencies and Elected Officials ............................................................................. 12­2
11.3 Other Agencies/Authorities ............................................................................................ 12­5
11.4 Local Agencies/Municipalities ........................................................................................ 12­5
11.5 CAC Members................................................................................................................ 12­7
11.6 Institutions ...................................................................................................................... 12­8
11.7 Other Organizations ....................................................................................................... 12­9
11.8 DEIR Commenters ......................................................................................................... 12­9
VOLUME II – RESPONSE TO COMMENTS
Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS vii November 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES
Table ES­1: Urban Ring Phase 2 LPA Characteristics and Statistics .............................................. ES­8 Table ES­2: Urban Ring Phase 2 Systemwide Daily Ridership Forecasts – 2030 Alternatives ..... ES­16 Table ES­3: Urban Ring Phase 2 Travel Time Savings – Year 2030 PM Peak Period .................. ES­17 Table ES­4: Preliminary Effect Finding for Historic Resources within the LPA .............................. ES­30 Table ES­5: Urban Ring Phase 2 Year 2030 Alternatives Comparison.......................................... ES­37 Table ES­6: LPA Capital Cost Summary ........................................................................................ ES­38 Table ES­7: Summary Evaluation of LPA by Segments ................................................................. ES­42 Table 1­1: Daily Person Trips With Origin and/or Destination in Urban Ring Corridor 2005 and 2030 .................................................................................................................................1­9 Table 1­2: Existing and Future Population and Employment in the Urban Ring Corridor and the Boston Region..................................................................................................................1­9
Table 1­3: Signalized Intersection Peak Hour Level of Service Criteria .........................................1­14
Table 1­4: Summary of Traffic Level of Service at Corridor Intersections ......................................1­14
Table 2­1: LPA Characteristics and Statistics ...................................................................................2­2
Table 2­2: Summary Evaluation of LPA by Segments ....................................................................2­39
Table 2­3: Evaluation of LPA – Sector 1 .........................................................................................2­40
Table 2­4: Evaluation of LPA – Sector 2 .........................................................................................2­41
Table 2­5: Evaluation of LPA – Sector 3 .........................................................................................2­42
Table 2­6: Evaluation of LPA – Sector 4 .........................................................................................2­43
Table 2­7: Evaluation of LPA – Sector 5 .........................................................................................2­44
Table 2­8: Evaluation of LPA – Sector 6 .........................................................................................2­45
Table 2­9: Evaluation of LPA – Sector 7 .........................................................................................2­46
Table 2­10: Evaluation of LPA – Sector 8 .........................................................................................2­47
Table 2­11: Evaluation of LPA – Sector 9 .........................................................................................2­48
Table 2­12: Evaluation of LPA – Sector 10 .......................................................................................2­49
Table 2­13: Evaluation of LPA – Sector 11 .......................................................................................2­50
Table 2­14: Summary of BRT Vehicle Fleet Size by BRT Route ......................................................2­63
Table 2­15: Historic Resources: Locally Preferred Alternative: Segment A ­ Sector 1 .....................2­69
Table 2­16: Historic Resources: Locally Preferred Alternative: Segment A ­ Sector 2 .....................2­69
Table 2­17: Historic Resources: Locally Preferred Alternative: Segment A ­ Sector 3 .....................2­70
Table 2­18: Historic Properties: Locally Preferred Alternative: Segment A ­ Sector 4......................2­71
Table 2­19: Historic Properties: Locally Preferred Alternative: Segment B ­ Sector 5......................2­72
Table 2­20: Historic Properties: Locally Preferred Alternative: Segment B ­ Sector 6......................2­73
Table 2­20A: Historic Properties: Locally Preferred Alternative: Segment B ­ Sector 6......................2­73
Table 2­21: Historic Resources: Locally Preferred Alternative: Segment B ­ Sector 7 .....................2­74
Table 2­21A: Historic Resources: Locally Preferred Alternative: Segment B ­ Sector 7 .....................2­75
Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS viii November 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS Table 2­22: Historic Properties: Locally Preferred Alternative: Segment B ­ Sector 8......................2­76
Table 2­23: Historic Properties: Locally Preferred Alternative: Segment C ­ Sector 9......................2­78
Table 2­24: Historic Properties: Locally Preferred Alternative: Segment C ­ Sector 10....................2­79
Table 2­25: Historic Properties: Locally Preferred Alternative: Segment C ­ Sector 11....................2­80
Table 2­26: Preliminary Effect Finding for Historic Resources within the LPA .................................2­82
Table 2­27: Publicly Owned Open Space Impact Summary .............................................................2­86
Table 2­28: LPA Capital Cost Summary ...........................................................................................2­86
Table 2­29: LPA Operations and Maintenance Cost Summary ........................................................2­87
Table 3­1: Preliminary Assessment of Variants with DRAFT Conceptual Screening ...................... 3­9
Table 3­2: Summary of Tunnel Ventilation Implications on BRT Vehicle Engine Choice .............. 3­15
Table 3­3: Summary of Electromagnetic Influences due to BRT Vehicle Engine Choice.............. 3­17
Table 3­4: Summary of Operations and Maintenance Costs of BRT Systems .............................. 3­19
Table 3­5: Segment A – BRT Stations by Location, Connections, Routes and Headways ........... 3­23
Table 3­6: Segment B – BRT Stations by Location, Connections, Routes, and Headways .......... 3­24
Table 3­7: Segment C – BRT Stations by Location, Connections, Routes, and Headways .......... 3­25
Table 3­8: Prototype Stations­ Program Comparison .................................................................... 3­26
Table 3­9: BRT Routes................................................................................................................... 3­36
Table 3­10: Urban Ring Phase 2 Matrix of Fare & Transfer Assumptions ....................................... 3­37
Table 3­11: Summary of BRT Vehicle Fleet Size by BRT Route ..................................................... 3­40
Table 3­12: Summary Comparison of Additional Tunnel Options with Preliminary LPA.................. 3­84
Table 3­13: Summary of Tunnel Alignment Criteria ......................................................................... 3­89
Table 3­14: Tunnel Station Platform Lengths................................................................................... 3­90
Table 3­15: Tunnel Alternatives Summary Comparison .................................................................. 3­91
Table 3­16: Preliminary Alternatives Evaluation Criteria................................................................ 3­107
Table 3­17: Evaluation of Build Alternatives compared to FTA Baseline....................................... 3­108
Table 3­18: Evaluation of Build Alternatives: Segments A, B, & C ................................................ 3­109
Table 3­19: Evaluation of Hybrid Alternatives compared to FTA Baseline .................................... 3­115
Table 3­20: Evaluation of Hybrids: Segments A, B, & C ................................................................ 3­116
Table 3­21: LPA Selection Process Comparison of Alternatives ................................................... 3­119
Table 4­1: Summary of Local Plans and Policies..............................................................................4­3
Table 4­2: Summary of Institutional Plans and Policies ....................................................................4­6
Table 4­3: Existing Weekday Ridership for MBTA Radial Bus Routes in Study Corridor ...............4­16
Table 4­4: Existing Weekday Ridership for MBTA Crosstown Bus Routes in Study Corridor ........4­17
Table 4­5: Ridership Trends for Study Corridor Circumferential Forecasts ....................................4­18
Table 4­6: Ridership Trends for MBTA Rapid Transit and Light Rail Line – Average Weekday
Boardings .......................................................................................................................4­22
Table 4­7: Ridership Trends for MBTA Commuter Rail – Average Weekday.................................4­25
Table 4­8: Summary of Private Shuttle Daily Ridership by Owner for Selected Routes.................4­29
Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS ix November 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS Table 4­9: Potential Shift in Daily Ridership – Private Shuttle to LPA – 2030 ................................4­30 Table 4­10: Urban Ring Roadways by Alternative – Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS ..................4­32 Table 4­11: Urban Ring Phase 2 Systemwide Daily Ridership Forecasts – 2030 No­Build and Build ........................................................................................................................4­36 Table 4­12: Urban Ring Phase 2 Systemwide Daily Ridership Forecasts – 2030 No­Build and Build Hybrid Alternatives .........................................................................................4­37 Table 4­13: Urban Ring Phase 2 – 2030 Ridership on the Commuter Rail and the Rapid Transit System ...............................................................................................................4­38 Table 4­14: Rapid Transit Line Peak Load Points (AM Peak Hour Passengers) – 2030 Alternatives.....................................................................................................................4­38 Table 4­15: Urban Ring Phase 2 – Daily Transit Operating Statistics – 2030 Alternatives ..............4­39 Table 4­16: Urban Ring Phase 2 – 2030 Daily BRT Boardings by Route.........................................4­43 Table 4­17: Urban Ring Phase 2 – 2030 Daily BRT Station Boardings – Segment A (Airport to Somerville via Chelsea and Everett) ..............................................................................4­47 Table 4­18: Urban Ring Phase 2 – 2030 Daily BRT Station Boardings – Segment B (New Lechmere to Ruggles via Cambridge and Brookline) ....................................................4­48 Table 4­19: Urban Ring Phase 2 – 2030 Daily BRT Station Boardings – Segment C and Grand Totals (Washington Street to Seaport District, Boston) ......................................4­49 Table 4­20: BRT Peak Load Points (AM Peak Hour Passengers) on Urban Ring Services – 2030 Alternatives............................................................................................................4­50 Table 4­21: Urban Ring Phase 2 – Trip Origins and Destinations by Municipality – BRT Daily Year 2030 LPA ...............................................................................................................4­52 Table 4­22: Urban Ring Phase 2 – Mode of Access at Major Intermodal Points – Daily Year 2030 Ridership – LPA ....................................................................................................4­52 Table 4­23: Urban Ring Phase 2, BRT Travel Time Savings Year 2030 PM Peak Period...............4­53 Table 4­24: Urban Ring Phase 2 – Proposed Intersection and Roadway Improvements/ Modifications ..................................................................................................................4­58 Table 4­25: Future Intersection Improvements Planned by Others in Urban Ring Project Corridor (for 2030)..........................................................................................................4­61 Table 4­26: Roadway Traffic Volumes on Selected Links – Existing 2006 Conditions.....................4­65 Table 4­27: Roadway Traffic Volumes on Selected Links – Future 2030 Conditions .......................4­68 Table 4­28: Intersection LOS Summary – Existing Conditions 2006 ................................................4­72 Table 4­29: Intersections by LOS Grade Summary – AM Peak Hour...............................................4­79 Table 4­30: Intersections by LOS Grade Summary – PM Peak Hour...............................................4­80 Table 4­31: Parking Impacts Summary .............................................................................................4­82 Table 4­32: Potential Pedestrian Impact Locations of LPA...............................................................4­89 Table 5­1: Existing Land Use in the Urban Ring Corridor .................................................................5­2 Table 5­2: Capital Cost Expenditures by Jurisdiction ($millions) ......................................................5­7 Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS x November 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS Table 5­3: Summary of Temporary Economic Effects from Project Construction ($ in millions) ......5­8 Table 5­4: Summary of Permanent Economic Effects from Project Operations ($ in millions).........5­9 Table 5­5.A: Affected Land Use in Each Segment A Station .............................................................5­10 Table 5­5.B: Affected Land Use in Each Segment B Station .............................................................5­11 Table 5­5.C: Affected Land Use in Each Segment C Station .............................................................5­12 Table 5­6: Summary of Anticipated ROW Impacts Along the Urban Ring Project Corridor Based on Current Land Uses.........................................................................................5­13 Table 5­7: Existing and Future Population in the Urban Ring Project Corridor and Communities ..................................................................................................................5­15 Table 5­8: Existing and Future Households in the Urban Ring Project Corridor and Communities ..................................................................................................................5­15 Table 5­9: Existing and Future Employment in the Urban Ring Project Corridor and Communities ..................................................................................................................5­17 Table 5­10.A: Segment A BRT Stations: Residential Population within Each Station Catchment Area (One­half Mile Radius)...........................................................................................5­20 Table 5­10.B: Segment B BRT Stations: Residential Population within Each Station Catchment Area (One­half Mile Radius)...........................................................................................5­21 Table 5­10.C: Segment C BRT Stations: Residential Population within Each Station Catchment Area (One­half Mile Radius)...........................................................................................5­22 Table 5­11.A: Segment A BRT Stations: Employment within Each Station Catchment Area (One­half Mile Radius) ...................................................................................................5­23 Table 5­11.B: Segment B BRT Stations: Employment within Each Station Catchment Area (One­half Mile Radius) ...................................................................................................5­24 Table 5­11.C: Segment C BRT Stations: Employment within Each Station Catchment Area (One­half Mile Radius) ...................................................................................................5­25
Table 5­12: Summary of Visual Resources and Aesthetics Analysis................................................5­28
Table 5­13: Massachusetts Monitoring Data in Project Area ............................................................5­55
Table 5­14: Existing Mesoscale Area Emissions – Year 2000..........................................................5­56
Table 5­15: Future Mesoscale Area Emissions by Alternative – Year 2030....................................5­56
Table 5­16: Maximum Existing Case CO Concentrations at Study Intersections – Year 2006 ........5­58
Table 5­17: Maximum Future Year CO Concentrations at Study Intersections – Year 2030 ...........5­58
Table 5­18: Maximum CO Concentrations at Busiest Roadway Sections ........................................5­59
Table 5­19: Maximum CO Concentrations at Bus Stations...............................................................5­59
Table 5­20: Water Quality Classifications .........................................................................................5­78
Table 5­21: Estimated Water Resources Impacts by Alternative (acres) .........................................5­81
Table 5­22: Estimated Wetland Impacts by Alternative (acres) ........................................................5­81
Table 5­23: Estimated Filled Tideland Impacts by Alternative (acres) ..............................................5­82
Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS xi November 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS Table 5­24: Indirect Energy Impacts of Urban Ring Project Alternatives – Year 2030 Weekday .....5­86
Table 5­25: Soil and Water Features ................................................................................................5­89
Table 5­26: Building Site Development Properties ...........................................................................5­90
Table 5­27: Urban Ring Stations with Construction in Proximity to Open DEP Site .........................5­92
Table 5­28: Areas of Hazardous Material Concern within Segment A..............................................5­93
Table 5­29: Areas of Hazardous Material Concern within Segment A..............................................5­95
Table 5­30: Areas of Hazardous Material Concern within Segment B..............................................5­96
Table 5­31: Areas of Hazardous Material Concern within Segment B..............................................5­97
Table 5­32: Areas of Hazardous Material Concern within Segment C..............................................5­98
Table 5­33: Areas of Hazardous Material Concern within Segment C..............................................5­99
Table 5­34: Magnetic Fields (mG) from Various Transportation Technologies, Variations with
Distance (given as radial distance, in feet) ..................................................................5­100 Table 5­35: Public Service Providers for Urban Ring Communities................................................5­105 Table 5­36: Utility Providers for Urban Ring Communities..............................................................5­107 Table 5­37: Summary of Historic Resources By Segment and Alternative – Urban Ring Phase 2 ........................................................................................................................5­110
Table 5­38: Summary of Historic Resources Near Stations/Stops – Urban Ring Phase 2.............5­112
Table 5­39: Summary of Historic Resources within Segment A .....................................................5­113
Table 5­40: Summary of Historic Resources within Segment B .....................................................5­114
Table 5­41: Summary of Historic Resources within Segment C .....................................................5­115
Table 5­42: Parklands and Open Space .........................................................................................5­126
Table 5­43: DCR Parkways Use in Urban Ring Corridor by Alternative .........................................5­141
Table 5­44: Areas of Moderate to Significant Impact in Segment A ...............................................5­143
Table 5­45: Areas of Moderate to Significant Impact in Segment B ...............................................5­147
Table 6­1: Urban Ring Phase 2 ­ Capital Cost Summary .................................................................6­1
Table 6­2: LPA Capital Cost Summary .............................................................................................6­2
Table 6­3: Sources of Capital Funds, Midpoint of Construction (2018 dollars).................................6­5
Table 7­1: Compliance with Federal Laws, Regulations and Programs ...........................................7­2
Table 7­2: Publicly Owned Open Space Impact Summary ...............................................................7­9
Table 7­3: Compliance with Massachusetts Laws, Regulations and Programs .............................7­11
Table 7­4: BRT Stations by Location, Connections, Routes and Headways: LPA Segment A ......7­13
Table 7­5: BRT Stations by Location, Connections, Routes and Headways: LPA Segment B ......7­14
Table 7­6: BRT Stations by Location, Connections, Routes and Headways: LPA Segment C ......7­15
Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS xii November 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES
Figure ES­1 Boston Region MPO – Regional Location Map ............................................................ ES­3
Figure ES­2 Study Area and Urban Ring Corridor ............................................................................ ES­6
Figure ES­3 Urban Ring Phase 2 Locally Preferred Alternative ..................................................... ES­13
Figure ES­4 Locally Preferred Alternative BRT Routes .................................................................. ES­14
Figure ES­5 LPA Ridership and Travel Time Summary.................................................................. ES­18
Figure ES­6 MBTA System Ridership by Line Comparison – Existing, No­Build and LPA
Alternatives.................................................................................................................. ES­19 Figure ES­7 Change in Rapid Transit Passenger Loads ­ Urban Ring Compared to No­Build Year 2030.................................................................................................................... ES­20
Figure ES­8 RDEIR/DEIS Flow Chart of Alternatives Process ....................................................... ES­34
Figure ES­9 Overview of Corridor Segments .................................................................................. ES­41
Figure 1­1 Boston Region MPO – Regional Location Map ...............................................................1­2
Figure 1­2 Study Area and Urban Ring Corridor ...............................................................................1­6
Figure 2­1 Urban Ring Phase 2 Locally Preferred Alternative ..........................................................2­5
Figure 2­2 Locally Preferred Alternative BRT Routes .......................................................................2­6
Figure 2­3 Overview of Corridor Segment.........................................................................................2­9
Figure 2­4 LPA ­ East Boston/Logan Airport ..................................................................................2­51
Figure 2­5 LPA – East Boston/Chelsea...........................................................................................2­52
Figure 2­6 LPA ­ Everett/Medford/Somerville..................................................................................2­53
Figure 2­7 LPA – Charlestown / Cambridge....................................................................................2­54
Figure 2­8 LPA ­ East Cambridge/ Allston/ Fenway & LMA ............................................................2­55
Figure 2­9 LPA – Fenway & LMA/Roxbury/Crosstown ...................................................................2­56
Figure 2­10 LPA – Dorchester ...........................................................................................................2­57
Figure 2­11 LPA – South Boston .......................................................................................................2­58
Figure 2­12 LPA – Historic Properties ...............................................................................................2­84
Figure 3­1 2004 DEIR – Urban Ring Phase 2 LPA .......................................................................... 3­5
Figure 3­2 RDEIR/DEIS Flow Chart of Alternatives ......................................................................... 3­7
Figure 3­3 Urban Ring Phase 2 Segment and Sectors .................................................................... 3­8
Figure 3­4 Stand­Alone Prototype Station...................................................................................... 3­28
Figure 3­5 Joint Development Station Prototype............................................................................ 3­29
Figure 3­6 Intermodal Station Prototype ........................................................................................ 3­30
Figure 3­7 Underground Tunnel Station Prototype ........................................................................ 3­31
Figure 3­8 2030 No­Build Transit Network ..................................................................................... 3­43
Figure 3­9 FTA Baseline Alternative .............................................................................................. 3­47
Figure 3­10 Build Alternative 1 ......................................................................................................... 3­50
Figure 3­11 Build Alternative 2 ......................................................................................................... 3­53
xiii Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS November 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS Figure 3­12 Build Alternative 2A....................................................................................................... 3­55 Figure 3­13 Build Alternative 3 ......................................................................................................... 3­59 Figure 3­14 Build Alternative 3A....................................................................................................... 3­61 Figure 3­15 Build Alternative 3B....................................................................................................... 3­64 Figure 3­16 Build Alternative 3C....................................................................................................... 3­66 Figure 3­17 Build Alternative 4 ......................................................................................................... 3­70 Figure 3­18 Build Alternative 4A....................................................................................................... 3­72 Figure 3­19 Hybrid Alternative 1....................................................................................................... 3­76 Figure 3­20 Hybrid Alternative 2....................................................................................................... 3­77 Figure 3­21 Hybrid Alternative 2T..................................................................................................... 3­79 Figure 3­22 BRT Clearance Envelope (One­way Tunnel Busway).................................................. 3­87 Figure 3­23 Phase 3 Clearance Envelope (rail) ............................................................................... 3­88 Figure 3­24 Typical Tunnel Cross Section ..................................................................................... 3­100 Figure 3­25 Typical Tunnel Cross Section – Phase 3, Light Rail................................................... 3­101 Figure 3­26 Typical Tunnel Cross Section – Phase 3, Heavy Rail ................................................ 3­102 Figure 3­27 Daily Boardings per Capital Cost Comparison – Build Alternatives ........................... 3­114 Figure 3­28 Daily Boardings per Capital Cost Comparison – Hybrid Alternatives ......................... 3­118 Figure 4­1 Existing Public Transportation Network .........................................................................4­13 Figure 4­2 Existing (2007) Rapid Transit and Light Rail Weekday Boardings by Station ...............4­21 Figure 4­3 Commuter Rail Weekday Inbound Boardings By Stations – Existing 2006 Conditions ......................................................................................................................4­24 Figure 4­4 Change in 2030 Systemwide Daily Linked Transit Person Trips – No­Build Compared to Build Alternatives .....................................................................................4­40 Figure 4­5 Change in 2030 Systemwide Daily Linked Transit Person Trips – No­Build Compared to Hybrid Alternatives ...................................................................................4­40 Figure 4­6 Commuter Rail Ridership by Alternative – Existing and Build Alternatives and the LPA ...................................................................................................................4­41 Figure 4­7 Commuter Rail Ridership by Alternative – Existing and Hybrid Alternatives and the LPA ...................................................................................................................4­41 Figure 4­8 Rapid Transit Ridership by Line by Alternative – Existing, No­Build, Baseline, Build Alternatives and the LPA ......................................................................................4­42 Figure 4­9 Rapid Transit Ridership by Line by Alternative – Existing, No­Build, Baseline, Hybrid Alternatives and the LPA ....................................................................................4­42 Figure 4­10 Urban Ring Daily Ridership – 2030 Baseline, Build, and LPA Alternatives...................4­44 Figure 4­11 Urban Ring Daily Ridership – 2030 Baseline, Hybrid and LPA Alternatives ................4­44 Figure 4­12 Overview of Corridor Segments.....................................................................................4­46 Figure 5­1 Land Use within Urban Ring ............................................................................................5­3 Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS xiv November 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS Figure 5­2 Environmental Justice Population in Urban Ring Corridor.............................................5­26
Figure 5­3 Segment A (Sectors 1 ­ 4) .............................................................................................5­31
Figure 5­4 Segment B (Sectors 5 ­ 8) .............................................................................................5­34
Figure 5­5 Segment C (Sectors 9 ­ 11) ...........................................................................................5­37
Figure 5­6 Chelsea Commuter Rail Station Site Plan Analysis.......................................................5­39
Figure 5­7 Chelsea Commuter Rail Station Visual and Aesthetics Impacts ...................................5­40
Figure 5­8 Wellington Station Site Plan Analysis ............................................................................5­41
Figure 5­9 Wellington Station Visual and Aesthetics Impacts.........................................................5­42
Figure 5­10 Kendall Square Station Site Plan Analysis ....................................................................5­43
Figure 5­11 Kendall Square Station Visual and Aesthetics Impacts .................................................5­44
Figure 5­12 Longwood Medical and Academic Area Site Plan Analysis ..........................................5­45
Figure 5­13 Longwood Medical and Academic Area Visual and Aesthetics Impacts .......................5­46
Figure 5­14 Melnea Cass Station Site Plan Analysis ........................................................................5­47
Figure 5­15 Melnea Cass Station Visual and Aesthetics Impacts.....................................................5­48
Figure 5­16 East Boston Haul Road BRT Busway............................................................................5­50
Figure 5­17 First Street Bus Lanes, Cambridge................................................................................5­51
Figure 5­18 Main Street Bus Lanes, Cambridge ...............................................................................5­52
Figure 5­19 Northeastern University Tunnel Portal, Boston..............................................................5­53
Figure 5­20 Ambient Noise Monitoring Locations .............................................................................5­62
Figure 5­21 Existing Vibration Measurement Locations....................................................................5­63
Figure 5­22 Federal and State Jurisdictional Wetland Areas............................................................5­70
Figure 5­23 Federal and State Jurisdictional Wetland Areas............................................................5­71
Figure 5­24 Federal and State Jurisdictional Wetland Areas............................................................5­72
Figure 5­25 Federal and State Jurisdictional Wetland Areas............................................................5­73
Figure 5­26 Federal and State Jurisdictional Wetland Areas............................................................5­74
Figure 5­27 Federal and State Jurisdictional Wetland Areas............................................................5­75
Figure 5­28 Federal and State Jurisdictional Wetland Areas............................................................5­76
Figure 5­29 Federal and State Jurisdictional Wetland Areas............................................................5­77
Figure 5­30 Surficial Geology ............................................................................................................5­88
Figure 5­31 Potential EMF Levels in LMA – Alternative 3B Tunnel ................................................5­102
Figure 5­32 Potential EMF Levels in MIT – Alternative 4 ................................................................5­103
Figure 5­33 DCR Parkway Segments Used in Urban Ring.............................................................5­130
Figure 5­34 Parks, Open Space, and Cultural Resources ..............................................................5­131
Figure 5­35 Parks, Open Space, and Cultural Resources ..............................................................5­132
Figure 5­36 Parks, Open Space, and Cultural Resources ..............................................................5­133
Figure 5­37 Parks, Open Space, and Cultural Resources ..............................................................5­134
Figure 5­38 Parks, Open Space, and Cultural Resources ..............................................................5­135
Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS xv November 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS Figure 5­39 Parks, Open Space, and Cultural Resources ..............................................................5­136 Figure 5­40 Parks, Open Space, and Cultural Resources ..............................................................5­137 Figure 5­41 Parks, Open Space, and Cultural Resources ..............................................................5­138 Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS xvi November 2008 LIST OF ACRONYMS LIST OF ACRONYMS
Acronym Definition µg/m Microgram per cubic meter µT MicroTeslas °C Degrees Celsius °F Degrees Fahrenheit ABN Association of Boston Neighborhoods ACEC Areas of Critical Environmental Concern ACHP Advisory Council on Historic Preservation ACM agriculture, construction and mining ACOE Army Corps of Engineers AITC Airport Intermodal Transit Connector ANSI American National Standards Institute APA American Planning Association, MA chapter APE Area of Potential Effect APT Association for Public Transit, Inc. AST Aboveground storage tank ATR Automatic traffic recorder AUL Activity and Use Limitation BCEC Boston Convention and Exhibition Center Be Beryllium BED City of Boston Environment Department BET Boston Engine Terminal BHCC Bunker Hill Community College BMP Best Management Practice BNAF Boston Natural Areas Fund, Inc. BP Before present BRA Boston Redevelopment Authority BRT Bus Rapid Transit BTD City of Boston Transportation Department BTPR Boston Transportation Planning Review BU Boston University BVW Bordering vegetated wetland CAA Federal Clean Air Act, as amended CAAA Clean Air Act Amendments of 1997 CAC Citizens Advisory Committee CCAG Chelsea Creek Action Group CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act 3
Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS i November 2008 LIST OF ACRONYMS Acronym Definition CERCLIS Comprehensive Environmental Response Liability Information System CFR Code of federal regulations cfu Cubic feet per unit chsil Channery silt loam CLF Conservation Law Foundation CMR Code of Massachusetts Regulations CMS Congestion Management System CNG Compressed natural gas CO Carbon monoxide CO2 Carbon dioxide CR Commuter rail CRM Cultural resource management CRR Charles River Reservation CSO Combined Sewer Overflow CSX CSX Corporation CT Cross town CTEC Circumferential Transit Employers Committee CTPS/MAPC Central Transportation Planning Staff/ Metropolitan Area Planning Council CZMA Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 dB Decibels dBA A­weighted decibels DC Direct current DCR Department of Conservation and Recreation DEIR Draft Environmental Impact Report DMU Diesel multiple units DOT Department of Transportation DPA Designated Port Area DPH Department of Public Health DPS Downgradient Property Status DSTRA Dedicated Sales Tax Revenue Amount DUPR Division of Urban Parks and Recreation E Electrical EB Eastbound EC Express commuter ECD Emission controlled diesel EENF Expanded Environmental Notification Form EIS Environmental Impact Statement EJ Environmental Justice EMF Electromagnetic field Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS ii November 2008 LIST OF ACRONYMS Acronym Definition EMI Electromagnetic field interference EMS Emergency Medical Service ENF Environmental Notification Form EO Executive Order EOEA Executive Office of Environmental Affairs EOT or EOTPW Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works EPA Environmental Protection Agency ESA Endangered Species Act FEIR Final Environmental Impact Report FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FHWA Federal Highway Administration FIR Finance, insurance and real estate FMVECP Federal Motor Vehicle Emission Control Program fsl Fine sandy loam FTA Federal Transit Administration FY Fiscal year G Gauss GHG Greenhouse gases GIS Geographic Information System GJRR Grand Junction Railroad GPS Global positioning system HABS/HAER Historic American Building Survey/ Historic American Engineering Record HCM Highway Capacity Manual Heavy Rail Heavy Rail Transit HL Highland Avenue Hz Hertz ips Inches per second ISA Initial Site Assessment ITS Intelligent Transportation Systems kg/day Kilograms per day Khz Kilohertz
Ldn
Noise levels (day/night weighted)
Leq
Equivalent sound levels Lmax maximum noise level LOS Level of service LMA Longwood Medical Area LOS Level of Service LPA Locally Preferred Alternative LSP Licensed Site Professional Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS iii November 2008 LIST OF ACRONYMS Acronym Definition LTBI Locations to be Investigated LUST Leaking Underground Storage Tank m Magnetic MAAQS Massachusetts Ambient Air Quality Standards MADEP Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection MAPC Metropolitan Area Planning Council MAS Massachusetts Archaeological Society MASCO Medical Academic and Scientific Community Organization MassGIS Massachusetts Geological Information System Mass Pike Massachusetts Turnpike Authority Massport Massachusetts Port Authority MBTA Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority MCB Melnea Cass Boulevard MCP Municipal Compliance Plan MCZM Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management Office MDC Metropolitan District Commission MDPW Massachusetts Department of Public Works MEPA Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act MESA Massachusetts Endangered Species Act mG Milligauss mg/l Milligrams per liter mg/kg Milligrams per kilogram MGL Massachusetts General Laws MHC Massachusetts Historical Commission MHD Massachusetts Highway Department MHW Mean High Water MIP Marine Industrial Park mips Micro inch(es) per second MIS Major Investment Study MIT Massachusetts Institute of Technology ml Milliliter MNH&ESP Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program MOU Memorandum of Understanding mph Miles per hour MPN Most Probable Number MPO Metropolitan Planning Organization MWPA Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act MWRA Massachusetts Water Resource Authority NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS iv November 2008 LIST OF ACRONYMS Acronym Definition NB Northbound
NEPA
National Environmental Policy Act
NESHAPs
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
NFA
No Further Action
NHPA
National Historic Preservation Act
NPDES
National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
NMFS
National Marine Fisheries Service
NO
Nitrogen oxide
NO
2 Nitrogen dioxide NOI Notification of Intent
NOx
Nitrogen oxides
NPS
National Park Service
NRHP
National Register of Historic Places
nT
NanoTeslas
NTD
National Transit Database
O&M
Operations and maintenance
OCD
Office of Commonwealth Development
OHM
Oil and hazardous materials
ORWs
Outstanding Resource Waters
PAH
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Pb
Lead
PCB
Polychlorinated Biphenyl
pH
Potential of hydrogen
PM10
Particulate matter with a diameter of 10 microns or less
PM2.5
Fine particle; particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less
PMT
Program for Mass Transportation
ppm
Parts per million
ppmv
Parts per million by volume
PUD
Planned Unit Development
R&D
Research & Development
RAM
Release Abatement Measure
RAMS
Regional Atmospheric Modeling System
RAO
Response Action Outcome
RBP
Revere Beach Parkway
RC
Reportable concentrations
RCP
Reinforced concrete pipe
RMS
Root Mean Square
ROW
Right­of­way
RTN
Release tracking number Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS v November 2008 LIST OF ACRONYMS Acronym Definition RTP Regional Transportation Plan SB Southbound SCAD Southwest Corridor Archaeological District SHPA State Historic Preservation Act SHPO State Historic Preservation Officer SIP State Implementation Plan SO2 Sulfur dioxide SOVs Single occupant vehicles SPD Special Project Designation SWL Solid Waste Landfills SWPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan T&E Threatened & Endangered TAZ Traffic Analysis Zones tcu Transportation, communications and utilities TDM Transportation demand management TEA Transportation Equity Act TIP Transportation Improvement Program TMA Transportation Management Associations TOD Transit­oriented development TP Transportation Plan TPH Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons tpy Tons per year TransComm Transportation Solutions for Commuters, Inc. TSM Transportation system management TSS Total suspended solids U.S. EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency Ud Udorthents, loamy Ue Udorthents, wet substratum �ips Micro inches per second Ur Urban Land ULSD Ultra­Low Sulfur Diesel URAM Utility Related Abatement Measure USDA United States Department of Agriculture U.S. EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service USGS United States Geological Survey USPS United States Postal Service UST Underground storage tank Uw Urban Land, wet substratum Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS vi November 2008 LIST OF ACRONYMS Acronym Definition V/m Volts per meter VdB Vibration velocity level in dB vfsl Very fine sandy loam VMT Vehicle miles traveled VOC Volatile organic compounds vpd Vehicles per day WB Westbound WIT Wentworth Institute of Technology WPA Wetlands Protection Act Urban Ring Phase 2 RDEIR/DEIS vii November 2008