Draft Environmental Impact Report
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
List of Tables ........................................................................................................................................... vii
List of Figures ........................................................................................................................................... xi
1. SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT............................................................................................... 1-1
1.1.
Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.2.
Project Components .................................................................................................................. 1-1
1.2.1.
Expand South Station Terminal ......................................................................................... 1-2
1.2.2.
Acquire and Demolish the USPS Facility ............................................................................ 1-2
1.2.3.
Construct Rail Layover Facilities ........................................................................................ 1-2
1.2.4.
Reopen Dorchester Avenue and Extend Harborwalk........................................................ 1-2
1.2.5.
Provide for Future Development Adjacent to or Above Station ....................................... 1-3
1.3.
Alternatives Evaluated ............................................................................................................... 1-3
1.4.
Project Benefits ......................................................................................................................... 1-4
1.4.1.
Transportation ................................................................................................................... 1-4
1.4.2.
Environment ...................................................................................................................... 1-5
1.4.3.
Economic Impacts.............................................................................................................. 1-6
1.4.4.
Public Amenities ................................................................................................................ 1-6
1.5.
Changes in the Project since the ENF ........................................................................................ 1-6
1.6.
Summary of Potential Environmental Impacts.......................................................................... 1-8
1.6.1.
South Station Site .............................................................................................................. 1-8
1.6.2.
Layover Facility Sites.......................................................................................................... 1-12
1.7.
Summary of Public Involvement and Agency Coordination ...................................................... 1-14
1.8.
Permits and Approvals............................................................................................................... 1-15
2. PROJECT PURPOSE AND NEED .............................................................................................................. 2-1
2.1.
Project Context .......................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2.
Project Purpose ......................................................................................................................... 2-2
2.3.
Project Needs............................................................................................................................. 2-2
2.3.1.
Terminal Capacity Constraints........................................................................................... 2-3
2.3.2.
Insufficient Layover Space ................................................................................................. 2-6
2.3.3.
Inadequate Station Facilities ............................................................................................. 2-8
2.4.
Performance Objectives ............................................................................................................ 2-9
2.4.1.
Meet 95% on-time performance and minimize delays ..................................................... 2-9
2.4.2.
Provide adequate vehicle layover capacity ....................................................................... 2-10
2.4.3.
Accommodate passenger service needs ........................................................................... 2-10
2.5.
Other Transportation-related Goals .......................................................................................... 2-10
2.5.1.
Support regional and local economic development ......................................................... 2-10
2.5.2.
Improve and expand Boston’s intermodal and multimodal transportation network ...... 2-11
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Massachusetts Department of Transportation
October 2014
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2.5.3.
2.6.
Draft Environmental Impact Report
Extend the Harborwalk and reactivate the Fort Point Channel area ................................ 2-12
Consistency with Planning ......................................................................................................... 2-12
2.6.1.
Federal Planning ................................................................................................................ 2-13
2.6.2.
State Planning .................................................................................................................... 2-13
2.6.3.
Regional Planning .............................................................................................................. 2-14
2.6.4.
Local Planning .................................................................................................................... 2-14
3. ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS AND CONCEPT DESIGN ................................................................................ 3-1
3.1.
Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.2.
Existing Conditions..................................................................................................................... 3-2
3.2.1.
South Station ..................................................................................................................... 3-2
3.2.2.
Layover Facility Sites.......................................................................................................... 3-5
3.3.
No Build Alternative................................................................................................................... 3-6
3.3.1.
South Station Site Conditions ............................................................................................ 3-6
3.3.2.
Layover Facility Conditions ................................................................................................ 3-7
3.4.
Terminal Track Configurations Alternatives Analysis ................................................................ 3-9
3.4.1.
Initial Screening ................................................................................................................. 3-9
3.4.2.
Initial Screening Results..................................................................................................... 3-10
3.4.3.
Next Steps – Terminal Track Configurations ..................................................................... 3-11
3.5.
Station Conceptual Design......................................................................................................... 3-11
3.5.1.
Initial Screening ................................................................................................................. 3-11
3.5.2.
Initial Screening Results - Design Principles ...................................................................... 3-12
3.5.3.
Next Steps – Station Concept Design ................................................................................ 3-12
3.6.
Layover Facility Site Alternatives Analysis ................................................................................. 3-13
3.6.1.
Initial Screening ................................................................................................................. 3-13
3.6.2.
Initial Screening Results..................................................................................................... 3-14
3.6.3.
Next Steps - Layover .......................................................................................................... 3-15
3.7.
Joint/Private Development Alternatives Assessment ............................................................... 3-16
3.7.1.
Alternative 1 – Transportation Improvements Only ......................................................... 3-16
3.7.2.
Alternative 2 – Joint/Private Development Minimum Build ............................................. 3-16
3.7.3.
Alternative 3 – Joint/Private Development Maximum Build ............................................ 3-17
3.7.4.
Summary of Joint/Private Development Alternatives....................................................... 3-18
3.7.5.
Next Steps – Joint/Private Development Alternatives ...................................................... 3-19
3.8.
DEIR Alternatives ....................................................................................................................... 3-19
3.9.
SSX Project Alternatives Drawings............................................................................................. 3-20
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION ................................................................. 4-1
4.1.
Land Use and Zoning.................................................................................................................. 4-2
4.1.1.
Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................ 4-2
4.1.2.
Potential Impacts............................................................................................................... 4-3
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South Station Expansion
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report
4.1.3.
4.2.
Table of Contents
Regulatory Consistency ..................................................................................................... 4-3
Wetlands and Ecology ............................................................................................................... 4-4
4.2.1.
Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................ 4-5
4.2.2.
Potential Impacts............................................................................................................... 4-6
4.2.3.
Regulatory Consistency ..................................................................................................... 4-8
4.3.
Waterways and Tidelands ......................................................................................................... 4-10
4.3.1.
Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................ 4-10
4.3.2.
Potential Impacts............................................................................................................... 4-12
4.3.3.
Regulatory Consistency ..................................................................................................... 4-19
4.4.
Coastal Zone .............................................................................................................................. 4-22
4.4.1.
Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................ 4-22
4.4.2.
Potential Impacts and Regulatory Consistency ................................................................. 4-22
4.5.
Water Quality and Stormwater ................................................................................................. 4-24
4.5.1.
Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................ 4-24
4.5.2.
Potential Impacts............................................................................................................... 4-27
4.5.3.
Mitigation Measures ......................................................................................................... 4-35
4.5.4.
Regulatory Consistency ..................................................................................................... 4-36
4.6.
Water and Wastewater ............................................................................................................. 4-39
4.6.1.
Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................ 4-40
4.6.2.
Potential Impacts............................................................................................................... 4-42
4.6.3.
Mitigation Measures ......................................................................................................... 4-50
4.6.4.
Regulatory Consistency ..................................................................................................... 4-51
4.7.
Transportation ........................................................................................................................... 4-51
4.7.1.
Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................ 4-52
4.7.2.
Potential Impacts............................................................................................................... 4-55
4.7.3.
Mitigation Measures ......................................................................................................... 4-58
4.8.
Traffic – Vehicles, Pedestrians, and Bicycles ............................................................................. 4-58
4.8.1.
Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................ 4-59
4.8.2.
Potential Impacts............................................................................................................... 4-63
4.8.3.
Mitigation Measures ......................................................................................................... 4-65
4.9.
Air Quality .................................................................................................................................. 4-68
4.9.1.
Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................ 4-68
4.9.2.
Potential Impacts............................................................................................................... 4-71
4.9.3.
Mitigation Measures ......................................................................................................... 4-77
4.10. Noise and Vibration ................................................................................................................... 4-77
4.10.1. Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................ 4-78
4.10.2. Potential Impacts............................................................................................................... 4-80
4.10.3. Mitigation Measures ......................................................................................................... 4-81
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Massachusetts Department of Transportation
October 2014
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Draft Environmental Impact Report
4.11. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis .......................................................................................... 4-82
4.11.1. Potential Impacts............................................................................................................... 4-82
4.11.2. Mitigation Measures ......................................................................................................... 4-86
4.12. Historic Architectural Resources ............................................................................................... 4-90
4.12.1. Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................ 4-90
4.12.2. Potential Impacts............................................................................................................... 4-93
4.12.3. Mitigation Measures ......................................................................................................... 4-99
4.13. Archaeological Resources .......................................................................................................... 4-101
4.13.1. Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................ 4-101
4.13.2. Potential Impacts............................................................................................................... 4-102
4.13.3. Mitigation Measures ......................................................................................................... 4-103
4.14. Site Contamination and Hazardous Materials ........................................................................... 4-103
4.14.1. Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................ 4-103
4.14.2. Potential Impacts............................................................................................................... 4-106
4.14.3. Regulatory Consistency ..................................................................................................... 4-107
4.15. Socioeconomic Conditions......................................................................................................... 4-108
4.15.1. Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................ 4-108
4.15.2. Potential Impacts............................................................................................................... 4-113
4.15.3. Mitigation Measures ......................................................................................................... 4-115
4.16. Environmental Justice................................................................................................................ 4-116
4.16.1. Public Outreach ................................................................................................................. 4-116
4.16.2. Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................ 4-117
4.16.3. Potential Impacts............................................................................................................... 4-119
5. SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION .............................................................. 5-1
5.1.
Standards and Guidelines .......................................................................................................... 5-1
5.1.1.
Overview of GreenDOT ..................................................................................................... 5-1
5.1.2.
Overview of Complete Streets Initiative ........................................................................... 5-2
5.1.3.
Overview of Sustainable Design Guidelines ...................................................................... 5-3
5.2.
Demonstration of Consistency .................................................................................................. 5-7
5.2.1.
Consistency with GreenDOT .............................................................................................. 5-7
5.2.2.
Next Steps.......................................................................................................................... 5-9
5.2.3.
Consistency with Complete Streets Initiative.................................................................... 5-10
5.2.4.
Next Steps.......................................................................................................................... 5-16
5.3.
Climate Change .......................................................................................................................... 5-16
5.3.1.
Storm Intensity and Frequency ......................................................................................... 5-16
5.3.2.
Excessive Heat ................................................................................................................... 5-17
5.3.3.
Sea Level Rise, Storm Surge, and Floodplains ................................................................... 5-17
5.3.4.
Hurricane Surge ................................................................................................................. 5-22
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Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Draft Environmental Impact Report
Table of Contents
6. CONSTRUCTION .................................................................................................................................... 6-1
6.1.
Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 6-1
6.2.
Construction Sequencing ........................................................................................................... 6-2
6.3.
Potential Construction Period Impacts...................................................................................... 6-3
6.3.1.
Air Quality Impacts ............................................................................................................ 6-3
6.3.2.
Noise and Vibration Impacts ............................................................................................. 6-3
6.3.3.
Site Contamination and Hazardous Material Impacts....................................................... 6-4
6.3.4.
Utility Impacts.................................................................................................................... 6-4
6.4.
Construction Management Plan ................................................................................................ 6-4
6.4.1.
Traffic Management Plan .................................................................................................. 6-4
6.4.2.
Emissions Control Plan ...................................................................................................... 6-5
6.4.3.
Noise Control Plan ............................................................................................................. 6-6
6.4.4.
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.............................................................................. 6-7
6.5.
Contract Specifications .............................................................................................................. 6-8
6.5.1.
Sustainability and Recycling Requirements....................................................................... 6-8
6.5.2.
Utility Usage ...................................................................................................................... 6-8
6.6.
Construction Waste Management Plan .................................................................................... 6-9
7. REQUEST FOR A PUBLIC BENEFIT REVIEW AND DETERMINATION ....................................................... 7-1
7.1.
Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 7-1
7.2.
Nature of Affected Tidelands..................................................................................................... 7-1
7.3.
Assessment of Public Benefits ................................................................................................... 7-2
7.3.1.
Purpose and Effect of the Development ........................................................................... 7-2
7.3.2.
Impact on Abutters and Community ................................................................................. 7-2
7.3.3.
Enhancement of Property ................................................................................................. 7-3
7.3.4.
Benefits to the Public Trust Rights in Tidelands or Other Associated Rights .................... 7-4
7.3.5.
Community Activities on the Site ...................................................................................... 7-5
7.3.6.
Environmental Protection/Preservation ........................................................................... 7-5
7.3.7.
Public Health and Safety.................................................................................................... 7-6
7.3.8.
General Welfare ................................................................................................................ 7-6
7.3.9.
Protection of Groundwater ............................................................................................... 7-6
7.4.
Summary .................................................................................................................................... 7-7
8. DRAFT SECTION 61 FINDINGS & MITIGATION ...................................................................................... 8-1
8.1.
Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 8-1
8.2.
Proposed Section 61 Findings .................................................................................................... 8-1
8.2.1.
Project Description ............................................................................................................ 8-1
8.2.2.
MEPA History ..................................................................................................................... 8-2
8.2.3.
Required State Permits and Reviews ................................................................................ 8-2
8.2.4.
A Draft Section 61 Finding ................................................................................................. 8-3
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Massachusetts Department of Transportation
October 2014
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8.3.
Draft Environmental Impact Report
Project Mitigation ...................................................................................................................... 8-4
8.3.1.
Land Use ............................................................................................................................ 8-4
8.3.2.
Wetlands, Floodplain, and Ecology ................................................................................... 8-5
8.3.3.
Waterways, Tidelands, and Coastal Zone.......................................................................... 8-5
8.3.4.
Water Quality and Stormwater ......................................................................................... 8-6
8.3.5.
Water and Wastewater ..................................................................................................... 8-6
8.3.6.
Transportation and Traffic................................................................................................. 8-7
8.3.7.
Air Quality .......................................................................................................................... 8-8
8.3.8.
Noise and Vibration ........................................................................................................... 8-9
8.3.9.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions................................................................................................ 8-10
8.3.10. Historic Resources ............................................................................................................. 8-10
8.3.11. Site Contamination and Hazardous Materials................................................................... 8-10
8.3.12. Environmental Justice ....................................................................................................... 8-11
8.3.13. Summary of Mitigation Commitments .............................................................................. 8-11
9. RESPONSE TO COMMENTS ON THE ENF............................................................................................... 9-1
9.1.
Secretary’s Certificate on the ENF ............................................................................................. 9-1
9.2.
ENF Comment Letters ................................................................................................................ 9-29
9.3.
Responses to Comments ........................................................................................................... 9-233
10.
DEIR CIRCULATION LIST .................................................................................................................... 10-1
10.1. Federal Agencies ........................................................................................................................ 10-1
10.2. State Agencies ........................................................................................................................... 10-1
10.3. Elected Officials ......................................................................................................................... 10-3
10.4. Boston and Regional Agencies................................................................................................... 10-6
10.5. Libraries ..................................................................................................................................... 10-7
10.6. Private Organizations................................................................................................................. 10-8
10.7. Individuals and Businesses ........................................................................................................ 10-10
11.
ACRONYMS AND GLOSSARY OF TERMS ........................................................................................... 11-1
11.1. Acronyms ................................................................................................................................... 11-1
11.2. Glossary of Terms ...................................................................................................................... 11-7
12.
REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................................... 12-1
APPENDICES
October 2014
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South Station Expansion
Massachusetts Department of Transportation