Technical Memorandum 5

Transcription

1 Technical Memorandum 5 Environmental Resources August 2015 PREPARED BY AECOM

2 Table of Contents Introduction... 3 Natural Features... 6 Watersheds... 6 Rivers, Lakes, Creeks... 6 Wetlands... 8 Floodplains... 9 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Trails and Greenways Historic and Cultural Resources Historic Objects Historic Structures Historic Buildings Historic Districts Preliminary Environmental Screening Conclusions... 17

3 List of Tables Table 1 - Square Mile of Watersheds within Study Area... 6 Table 2 - Square Mile of Waterbodies and Crossings within Study Area... 7 Table 3 - Acres of Wetlands... 8 Table 4 - Acres of Wetlands by Types... 8 Table 5 - Areas Within the 100 Year Floodplain... 9 Table 6 - Parks, Recreation, and Open SPaces Table 7 - Existing Trails and Greenways Table 8 - Planned Trails and Greenways Table 9 - Areas of Potential Impact and Anticipated Mitigation List of Figures Figure 1 - BEST: Michigan Avenue Corridor and Study Area... 5 Figure 2 - Watersheds and Topography... 7 Figure 3 - Environmentally Sensitive Areas... 9 Figure 4 - Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Figure 5 - Historic and Cultural Resources... 13

4 Introduction This memorandum provides an overview of environmental resource conditions in the BEST: Michigan Avenue Corridor Study Area. Documented resources include natural resources; parks, recreation, and open space; and historic and cultural resources. These natural and cultural features need to be considered for protection and minimization of impacts within the BEST: Michigan Avenue Corridor Communities and Study Area (Map 1.1). The BEST: Michigan Avenue Corridor consists of: Potential arterial transit alignments, including Michigan Avenue/Washtenaw Avenue from downtown Detroit (Campus Martius) to downtown Ann Arbor (Blake Transit Center) and Merriman Road from Michigan Avenue to Detroit Wayne County Metropolitan (Metro) Airport; Existing and potential station areas along the parallel MDOT railroad between Ann Arbor and Dearborn and Amtrak railroad between Dearborn and West Detroit; and Highway interchanges where existing and potential express freeway transit service meets the arterial transit alignments. The Study Area is the area within a one-mile buffer on either side of the potential arterial transit alignments. The Corridor Communities include the following cities and townships within Wayne and Washtenaw Counties along the BEST: Michigan Avenue Corridor: Ann Arbor Westland Dearborn Ypsilanti Dearborn Heights Ann Arbor Township Detroit Canton Township Garden City Pittsfield Township Inkster Superior Township Romulus Van Buren Township Wayne Ypsilanti Township This information will assist with the development of the project purpose and need, and will also form the basis for the development and evaluation of Corridor alternatives. In addition, information derived from these existing environmental resource conditions have been summarized into a preliminary environmental screening table.

5 This table will be used as a guiding framework tool for NEPA compliance planning and be further refined in the Alternative Analysis involving an initial environmental screening of multiple alternatives. The Alternative Analysis will determine if the proposed project is likely to result in significant adverse impacts which will determine the level of planning and environmental compliance required to be analyzed during the NEPA process. This technical memorandum is divided into the following sections: Section 2: Natural Features Section 3: Parks, Recreation and Open Space Section 4: Historic and Cultural Resources Section 5: Preliminary Environmental Screening Section 6: Conclusions FIGURE 1 - BEST: MICHIGAN AVENUE CORRIDOR AND STUDY AREA Source: AECOM

6 Natural Features Natural systems are an integral part of the entire ecosystem. The rivers, lakes, creeks, wetlands, and floodplains within a watershed have to be considered based on existing conditions within the Study Area and beyond. Data from analyzing both quantitative and qualitative environmental factors will be used to provide a better understanding of these natural systems interaction with the BEST: Michigan Avenue Corridor Study Area. Watersheds The Study Area is located within portions of three major watersheds. Table 1 shows that approximately 74% of the Study Area is located in the Detroit/Rouge River watershed as well as 23% and 3% in the Huron River and Stony Creek watersheds, respectively. Map 1 shows the locations of watersheds and topography in the Study Area. Glacial activity has shaped the modern topography of the Study Area. Generally higher elevations in a watershed include the headwaters while the relatively flat and lower elevations are where the water flows and drains eventually to the mouth of the river. Surface elevations along the entire Corridor range from a high of approximately 950 feet in Ann Arbor to a low of 570 feet in downtown Detroit. Topography of the Study Area, starting from the west in the Huron River watershed, ranges from rolling hills and well-defined patterns of tributaries, lakes, and wetlands into Ann Arbor. Before reaching Ypsilanti Township the topography gradually starts becoming mostly flat to gently sloping to the east, towards the Detroit River. Rivers, Lakes, Creeks Table 2.2 shows a total of 11 waterbody crossings exist within the BEST: Michigan Avenue Study Area. The majority of these are within the Rouge River communities of Canton, Wayne, Westland, Inkster, Dearborn Heights, and Dearborn. TABLE 1 - SQUARE MILE OF WATERSHEDS WITHIN STUDY AREA Source: Michigan Spatial Data Framework WATERSHED AREA (SQUARE MILES) PERCENT OF TOTAL Detroit/Rouge River (Study Area) % Huron River (Study Area) % Stony Creek (Study Area) 3 3.2%

7 TABLE 2 - SQUARE MILE OF WATERBODIES AND CROSSINGS WITHIN STUDY AREA Source: Michigan Spatial Data Framework WATERSHED AREA (SQUARE MILES) WATERBODIES CROSSING THE CORRIDOR Study Area Total Detroit/Rouge River (Study Area) 68 8 Huron River (Study Area) 21 3 Stony Creek (Study Area) 2 0 FIGURE 2 - WATERSHEDS AND TOPOGRAPHY

8 Wetlands Within the BEST: Michigan Avenue Study Area, the general majority of wetlands are located within the communities within the Detroit/Rouge River watershed. These areas include Canton, Wayne, Westland, Inkster, Dearborn Heights, and Dearborn. These wetland complexes remain intact along the Rouge River and its tributaries within a built-out urbanized area of the watershed. They remain in existence due in great part to their location within protected parks, recreation, and open space areas. Map 3 shows the locations of the environmentally sensitive areas, including waterbodies, wetlands, and floodplains, in the Study Area. TABLE 3 - ACRES OF WETLANDS Source: Michigan Spatial Data Framework, National Wetlands Inventory WATERSHED WATERSHED AREA (SQUARE MILES) WETLANDS Study Area Total Detroit/Rouge River (Study Area) Huron River (Study Area) Stony Creek (Study Area) 2 9 TABLE 4 - ACRES OF WETLANDS BY TYPES Michigan Spatial Data Framework, National Wetlands Inventory DETROIT/ROUGE RIVER TOTAL AREA (ACRES) QUANTITY Emergent Wetland Scrub Shrub Wetland Forested Wetland HURON RIVER AREA (ACRES) Emergent Wetland 36 8 Scrub Shrub Wetland Forested Wetland STONY CREEK AREA (ACRES) Emergent Wetland 4 4 Scrub Shrub Wetland 45 3 Forested Wetland 10 2

9 Floodplains Within the Study Area, the Rouge River communities of Canton, Wayne, Westland, Inkster, Dearborn Heights, and Dearborn are the most suspect to potential floodplain impacts. A total of 4.8 square miles of floodplain exists in the entire Study Area. Nearly 73%of this floodplain exists within the Detroit/Rouge River watershed as depicted in Table 5. TABLE 5 - AREAS WITHIN THE 100 YEAR FLOODPLAIN Source: Michigan Spatial Data Framework, FEMA, Ann Arbor GIS WATERSHED TOTAL AREA 100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN* Sq. Miles Sq. Miles % Study Area Total % Detroit/Rouge River (Study Area) % Huron River (Study Area) % Stony Creek (Study Area) % *1% probability of flooding every year (also known as the "100-year floodplain") FIGURE 3 - ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS

10 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space The Study Area provides a wide array of regional, community, and local recreational attractions offered by both private and public lands. The parks, recreation, and open spaces are generally characterized by regional, community, and neighborhood parks, trails, and recreational golf courses which provide the opportunities for a well-balanced mix between both active and passive recreational uses. Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Map 4 shows the parks, recreation, and open spaces within the communities along the Corridor. In general, these facilities and open spaces are especially concentrated in the communities of Ann Arbor, Canton Township, Wayne, Inkster, and Dearborn. The Department of Natural Resources announced in January 2015 a regionally significant trail system known as Michigan s Iron Belle Trail. Within the Study Area, the proposed hiking route generally uses the Border-to-Border Trail in Washtenaw County and the Detroit Riverwalk in Wayne County. Table 6 shows the breakdown of communities by parks, recreation, and open spaces. TABLE 6 - PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACES Source: SEMCOG 2008 Land Use, City of Ann Arbor GIS COMMUNITY AREA IN ACRES BEST: Michigan Avenue Study Area 5,070 Wayne County 29,024 Washtenaw County 80,162 Trails and Greenways Recreational use of trails and greenways are vitally important in connecting residents to nature and their communities. Nearly 66% of the existing trails and greenways are located in the Washtenaw County portion of the Study Area. Another 23 miles is expected to be added to the existing network of off-road trails and greenways. The planned trails and greenways are more evenly distributed across the Corridor Communities. Table 7 shows the linear miles of existing trails and greenways. Table 8 displays the network for planned facilities based on the 2014 SEMCOG Non-Motorized Plan.

11 TABLE 7 - EXISTING TRAILS AND GREENWAYS Source: SEMCOG Non-Motorized Plan 2014 GIS COMMUNITY BEST: Michigan Avenue Study Area Wayne County Washtenaw County LINEAR MILES TABLE 8 - PLANNED TRAILS AND GREENWAYS Source: SEMCOG Non-Motorized Plan 2014 GIS COMMUNITY BEST: Michigan Avenue Study Area Wayne County Washtenaw County FIGURE 4 - PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACES LINEAR MILES

12 Historic and Cultural Resources Known historic and cultural resources found in the National Register of Historic Places have been inventoried to help anticipate and mitigate potential impacts during alternative development and evaluation. The different types of cultural resources listed in the NRHP include historic objects, historic structures, historic buildings, and historic districts. Historic sites are also listed, but none were identified within the Study Area. At this phase of the project cultural resources were researched at a very high level of study. A total of 150 cultural resources were identified on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) within the entire Study Area. Further consultation with the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) during later phases of the project will refine the area of potential effects on cultural resources. The majority of these cultural resources are located within the City of Detroit, City of Dearborn, City of Ypsilanti, and the City of Ann Arbor. The following is a detailed analysis of these NRHP listings that could potentially be impacted in the Study Area. Map 5 shows the location of the identified historic and cultural resources in the Study Area. Historic Objects Located in close proximity to Michigan Avenue in downtown Detroit are the Bagley Memorial Fountain and the Michigan Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Historic Structures A total of four historic structures are found within the Corridor Communities. These include two US-12 bridges in the City of Dearborn, Liley Road, and the Ypsilanti Water Tower. Historic Buildings A total of 110 historic structures are identified within the Corridor Communities. Most of these, approximately 73, are located in the City of Detroit. These include churches, fire stations, residential houses and the Michigan Central Station. Ann Arbor has 29 buildings which include the Michigan Central Railroad Depot currently in use as a restaurant and office space. Historic Districts A total of 32 historic districts listed in the NRHP database are identified within the Corridor Communities. Approximately five square miles of the Study Area is designated as a historic district.

13 FIGURE 5 - HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

14 Preliminary Environmental Screening The results of a preliminary environmental screening completed for the BEST: Michigan Avenue Study Area indicates that the proposed project is not likely to result in significant adverse environmental impacts. Consequently, the BEST: Michigan Avenue Project Team believes that the proposed project is a Class III action and will only require the completion of a NEPA-compliant Environmental Assessment, which is anticipated to result in a Finding of No Significant Impact. A preliminary assessment of potential impacts is shown in Table 1 below. A further analysis of impacts will be conducted during the Alternative Analysis and the NEPA\Environmental Assessment process. However, adverse impacts requiring mitigation are not anticipated at this time for most impact areas. TABLE 9 - AREAS OF POTENTIAL IMPACT AND ANTICIPATED MITIGATION AREA OF POTENTIAL IMPACT Land Use Threatened and Endangered Species Water Quality Wetlands Air Quality POTENTIAL MITIGATION Not anticipated. The project would have temporary land use impacts during construction with limited access and use for some areas. However, over the long term it is expected the project will offer benefits by allowing for greater accessibility for commercial and residential land use in the study area. Subject to study. Forested floodplain and wetland habitat exist within the study area. Consequently, Federally listed Threatened and Endangered (T\E) species including the Indiana bat, Northern Long-Eared Bat, and Eastern Massasauga may be impacted by the project. A T\E species habitat assessment will need to be performed by a qualified biologist for the project. Not anticipated. Potential water quality impacts due to construction of the project will be protected with soil erosion and sedimentation control (SESC) measures employed during construction activities under the applicable soil erosion and sedimentation control (SESC) and storm water permits. Subject to study. There are several regulated wetlands within the study area. Once the construction footprint is known, a field survey and wetland delineation will be necessary. Not anticipated. The proposed project would help to reduce dependence on single-occupant vehicles and increase transit ridership. Construction activities associated with the project could cause short-term, localized impacts to air quality within the study area. An increase in vehicle emissions and dust from construction equipment will temporarily impact the air quality of the study area.

15 AREA OF POTENTIAL IMPACT Hazardous Waste Noise and Vibration Cultural Resources Section 4(f)\6(f) Properties Social and Economic Utilities Construction POTENTIAL MITIGATION Subject to study. A desktop review for federal and state regulatory agency listings of properties that may present a potential environmental risk was performed with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) Environmental Mapper. The database listed several leaking underground storage tanks (part 213) closed, leaking underground storage tanks (part 213) open, sites of environmental contamination (part 201), underground storage tanks (part 211) closed, and active underground storage tanks (part 211) within the study area. Specific mitigation may be required once the construction footprint is determined and environmental investigation process begins. Subject to study. The proposed project could result in noise and vibration impacts on different resources along the alignment. Additional studies will be completed during environmental review and advanced design to determine potential noise and vibration impacts and, as needed, to develop and implement mitigation strategies. Subject to study. A total of 150 cultural resources were identified on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) within the entire Study Area. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) application for Section 106 Review will be prepared as part of the NEPA documentation. However, it is unknown at this time if any effects to known or unknown cultural resources that may result from the recommended Locally Preferred Alternative once the Alternative Analysis is completed. More detailed analysis would be completed during the NEPA and Section 106 process. Subject to study. A review of Map 3.1 Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces and Map 4.1 Historic and Cultural Resources depicts the known sites within the study area of expected publically-owned park lands, recreation areas, or wildlife and waterfowl refuges, or land of historic sites within the study area. The proposed project is not anticipating to result in significant adverse impacts but additional study will be necessary. Specific mitigation specific to Section 4(f) and Section 6(f) may be required and will be determined in compliance during the NEPA process. Not anticipated. Overall the project would have a positive impact within the study area by improving the experience of transit patrons. The population and employers along the corridor would be afforded enhanced commuting and travel options. Subject to study. It is anticipated that the proposed project will result in the relocation of utilities. Additional studies would be completed during advanced concept design to minimize impacts, including development and implementation of mitigation strategies. Subject to study. Construction is anticipated to result in temporary disruptions to roadway traffic, sidewalks and pedestrians, access to transit services, community services and utilities. Some businesses in the project area may experience economic impacts during construction. Specific mitigations would be determined during the environmental process and design phase.

16 AREA OF POTENTIAL IMPACT Environmental Justice Property Acquisitions and Displacements Agricultural Visual POTENTIAL MITIGATION Subject to study. Using the American Fact Finder website, demographic data showed population percentage living below the poverty line rose by 77.6% between 2000 and The average poverty rate in the Corridor Communities (30% in 2013) is roughly twice the national average. The proposed project is not anticipated to result in significant, permanent disproportionate adverse impacts on environmental justice populations other than temporary and short-term construction impacts. Additional study during the EA will determine the need for mitigation when further analysis will be conducted in compliance with the Executive Order on Environmental Justice and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Subject to study. It is anticipated that limited amount of ROW will be required for this project. Specific mitigations for the proposed project will need to be determined as part of the environmental process and in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act. Subject to study. The Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program known as PA 116 will require a review of prime and unique farmlands to determine if good or specialized soils that are well suited for producing crops are located in the study area. Subject to study. The proposed project would be located within an existing built out urban corridor and is compatible with the visual character of the surrounding area. The proposed project could result in adverse visual impacts to adjacent areas surrounding the proposed project and may be required as identified during the environmental process.

17 Conclusions A review of the natural resources, parks and recreation, historic and cultural resources for the BEST: Michigan Avenue Study Area reveals the following: The majority of the Study Area (74%) is located in the Detroit/Rouge River Watershed (HUC ), which is Michigan s most urbanized watershed; The Study Area topography is generally flat and the predominant land uses are urban; Issues within this watershed include impervious surfaces, which contribute to very flashy streams prone to flooding and stormwater pollution; The majority of the waterbodies and associated wetlands in the Study Area are within the Lower Branch of the Rouge River between Canton to the mouth of the river (in Dearborn); Parks along the river host several popular recreational activities within the Study Area, including hiking, fishing, and paddling; Momentum is increasing for proposed regional connector trails, including the Iron Belle Trail (a regionally significant trail including the Border to Border Trail in Washtenaw County and the Detroit Riverwalk in Wayne County) and Detroit s Inner Circle Greenway (connecting Southwest Detroit to the Riverfront, the East Side, Hamtramck, Highland Park, and the West Side); A total of 23 miles is expected to be added to the existing network of off-road trails and greenways; Within the Study Area, 73 of 110 historic buildings including churches, fire stations, residential houses and the Michigan Central Station were identified within the City of Detroit; and Approximately five square miles of the Study Area is within a historic district. Results from a preliminary environmental screening indicate that the proposed project is not likely to result in potentially significant adverse environmental impacts. Consequently, the BEST: Michigan Avenue Corridor Project Team anticipates the proposed project is a Class III action and will only require the completion of a NEPA-compliant Environmental Assessment, which is anticipated to result in a Finding of No Significant Impact.