Environmental information document (draft), Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project — February 2005
Prepared by SGD Environmental Services
for Environmental Engineering Associates, LLP
PROPOSED LEAD AGENCY
Onondaga County, Department of Water Environment Protection
650 Hiawatha Blvd., W., Syracuse, NY 13204 Contact: Richard L. Elander, PE, Commissioner, 315-435-2260

Summary assessment

As stipulated by a 1998 Amended Consent Judgment between Onondaga County, New York State, and Atlantic States Legal Foundation, Onondaga County is required to implement a comprehensive program that focuses on improving the water quality of Onondaga Lake. The Onondaga County Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Lake Improvement Program is a collection of projects that focuses on meeting the requirements of the ACJ to improve Onondaga Lake water quality. One element of the comprehensive Lake Improvement Program is the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project. Specifically, the ACJ stipulates that the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project "will abate those CSO discharges located within the downtown portion of the Onondaga Creek basin."

In February 2005, following review of project-specific plans, reports and memorandums, as well as input from the City of Syracuse and potentially affected community groups (residential and business), a recommended/preferred alternative for the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project (siting and technology) was identified by the County. Specifically, and consistent with the dictates of the ACJ, it was identified that the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project will involve the conveyance, storage, and high-rate treatment of overflows at a Regional Treatment Facility (RTF) located at Clinton Station (i.e., the Trolley Lot).

Although the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project is the product of an enforcement action brought, among other things, by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), and as such the project is a Type II action pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) and its implementing regulations, the NYSDEC has required that a review of environmental factors associated with the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project be performed consistent with SEQR. Given such requirements, a full Environmental Assessment Form (fEAF) has been prepared to provide sufficient project information to evaluate the environmental significance or nonsignificance of the project. This document, the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project Environmental Information Document (EID), represents minimally Part 3 of the fEAF [Parts 1 and 2 (forms) have been prepared separately]. Consistent with Part 3 of a fEAF, the purpose of this document is to:

• Identify natural and human environmental resources found in the project area
• Identify those potential impacts associated with project implementation
• Identify the mitigation measures designed to minimize impacts to the project area.

Detailed information regarding both natural and human resources found in the project area is described in Sections 2 and 3 of this document. Natural resources of the project area consist of geology, air resources, water resources, ecological resources, and agricultural resources. Human resources consist of transportation, land use, community services, demographics, and cultural resources. The majority of the remainder of this document (Sections 4, 5, 6, and 8) describes in detail the potential impacts associated with the implementation of the project and mitigation measures to be employed to eliminate and/or minimize to the greatest extent practicable, the identified impacts. The alternatives evaluation process and community/public participation (Sections 7 and 9, respectively) are also described to aid in the environmental review process.

To further assist in the environmental review process, the following Summary Assessment table has been prepared to provide an overview of the detailed information described within this comprehensive EID. The table summarizes potential impacts identified by the County and the known and anticipated mitigation measures to be employed by the County (and its representatives) during project design, construction, and/or operation and maintenance of the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project. In addition, conclusions reached by the County regarding the resultant impact (if any) associated with area resources are described.

In summary, based on the mitigation measures to be imposed during project implementation/operation (as described in the Summary Assessment table and described in detail within this document), it is the preliminary conclusion of the County that the identified environmental impacts associated with the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project will not result in significant long-term adverse impacts to the natural or human setting of the project area. As summarized by the table (and detailed within this document), short-term (temporary) negative impacts and disruptions will occur. Such impacts, however, are an inevitable consequence of a project of this caliber and magnitude and would be expected in a similar urban setting. Furthermore, the identified impacts are minor when compared to the significant environmental, aesthetic, and public health benefits of the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project (and the Lake Improvement Program as a whole). The project, a mandate to comply with both State and Federal water quality regulations, will not only significantly improve the water quality of Onondaga Creek, the aesthetics of the Creek, and the odors currently observed in the project area, but may serve as an enhancement and/or enticement for growth in the downtown area (both commercial and residential) and its implementation will promote fulfillment of the State and County's environmental and public health goals of abating the pollution which results from the City's combined storm water and sanitary infrastructure.

Geology

Potential impacts (unmitigated)
Construction-related (short-term)
--Localized soil disruptions & limited topographic alterations from conveyance installation.
--Settlement along the elevated railroad embankment.
Operational (long-term)
--No geology-related impacts from normal operation and/or maintenance identified.
Mitigation measure
Construction-related (short-term)
--A complaint response program will be utilized.
--An erosion & sediment control plan & storm water pollution prevention plan designed to maximize erosion control & minimize nutrient & sediment runoff will be developed. As appropriate, plans will be based on detailed geotechnical study.
--The County will work closely with Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency (owner of the railway) to obtain the necessary permits and/or easements for work in proximity to the railroad tracks including boring under the tracks.
--Tight sheeting will be installed to prevent settlement during excavation activities.
--Ground improvements such as compaction & grouting will occur.
Conclusions
Construction-related (short-term)
--Erosion and/or sedimentation impacts will be temporary in nature & limited to construction activities.
--Impacts to the rail from conveyance installation activities are not anticipated based on the noted mitigation measures.
--No long-term permanent impacts to the geologic setting from the installation of the conveyances (or force main) will occur.

Air resources

Potential impacts (unmitigated)
Construction-related (short-term)
--Temporary increases in emissions from construction equipment, personnel vehicles, & delayed traffic.
--Temporary increase of fugitive dust from excavation & hauling activities.
Operational (long-term)
--Left unmitigated, sewage odor (hydrogen sulfide) from stored/treated CSO could be released from RTF operations.
--The RTF will function to remove solids & floatables that currently contribute to Creek odors and, therefore, significantly improve odors currently observed in & around the Creek.
Mitigation measure
Construction-related (short-term)
--A complaint response program will be utilized.
--Properly functioning construction equipment will be maintained.
--Construction limits will be defined & maintained.
--Idling of construction equipment/vehicles will be minimized.
--Construction material will be delivered during off-peak hours to the extent possible.
--Effective traffic detour routes will limit delays.
--Exposed soil/stone will be swept, sprayed and/or covered as necessary to limit fugitive dust.
Operational (long-term)
--Full enclosure of all storage, process treatment & disinfection facilities.
--The RTF will be designed with negative air pressurization.
--Odor control system will contain redundant components to provide for a backup system.
Conclusions
Construction-related (short-term)
--Construction-related emissions will not constitute a significant increase in overall emissions & no significant impacts to local air quality are expected.
--No or minor temporary & localized dust-related impacts are expected but will be minimized to the greatest extent through planned mitigation measures.
Operational (long-term)
--No odors during operation/maintenance activities anticipated.
--Odors from Creek will be substantially reduced and/or eliminated.

Water quality

Potential impacts (unmitigated)
Construction-related (short-term)
--Temp creek disturbances could impact water quality due to construction of bulkheads, diversion structures, trenching, installation of conveyances, force main piping, outfalls, & restoration activities.
--Pumping of ground water/accumulated storm water to Creek from excavations could temporarily impact water quality.
Operational (long-term)
--Overall improvement to the water quality of Onondaga Creek and, therefore Onondaga Lake.
--Channel restoration consistent with flood control requirements will improve flow during such events.
Mitigation measure
Construction-related (short-term)
--A complaint response program will be utilized.
--Adhere to an approved erosion & sediment control plan & storm water pollution prevention plan. Federal & state permits will be obtained.
--Placement of silt fenceing and/or hay bales along the creek & around spoil piles.
--Directional boring as an option to open trenching to cross the Creek may be employed. If open trenching method is utilized for creek crossings, utilize temporary creek diversions & turbidity barriers.
--Restore disturbed banks consistent with those required to maintain the flood control channel.
--Areas beyond the flood control portion of the channel will be restored to original or better condition.
--Appropriate analysis of ground water & pump tests will be performed to assess ground water quality & to define the pumping rate & expected volume of water & to establish appropriate disposal procedures.
--Silt-laden water will not be discharged directly into the Creek.
Operational (long-term)
--None: Proposed system is designed to maximize flow to Metro; most wet weather events will not require, or minimally result in, treated discharge to Creek. Chlorination/dechlorination accepted by NYS for ACJ & is recognized by USEPA as the best alternative for CSO treatment at this time.
Conclusions
Construction-related (short-term)
--Water quality impacts & impacts to localized ecosystems will occur but will be temporary & minor in nature due to the described mitigation measures.
Operational (long-term)
--The RTF will discharge treated effluent in accordance with permit requirements imposed by water pollution control laws.
--Positive improvement to water quality as a result of significant reductions of untreated combined sewer overflows.

Ecology

Potential impacts (unmitigated)
Construction-related (short-term)
--Unmitigated, siltation, flow disruptions, & contour changes of the Creek could damage existing habitats & eliminate food resources.
--Removal of vegetative cover & the temporary displacement of natural habitats to the existing urban terrestrial setting will occur.
Operational (long-term)
--Unmitigated, impacts to the aquatic ecology of Onondaga Creek could be expected if the treated effluent was not required to be dechlorinated prior to discharge to the Creek.
Mitigation measure
Construction-related (short-term)
--The complaint response program will be utilized.
--Adhere to an approved sediment & erosion control plan & storm water pollution prevention plan.
--Clear vegetation along creek banks only to the extent necessary.
--Restore area beyond the flood control portion of the channel to original or better condition.
--Inspect areas for rodent activity & bait the sewers as part of the County's Rodent Control Program.
Operational (long-term)
--The dechlorinating agent (sodium metabisulfate) will react with the chlorine to convert it to a non-toxic liquid byproduct.
Conclusions
Construction-related (short-term)
--No aquatic species of significance (rare, threatened and/or endangered species & species of special concern) as well as habitats of significance (Federal critical habitats & State Critical Environmental Area are known to exist.
--Temporary aquatic & terrestrial-related impacts will occur during construction & will be minor due to established mitigation measures.
Operational (long-term)
--Overall improvement of water quality will stimulate growth & diversification of the aquatic ecology (Creek & Lake).

Traffic patterns

Potential impacts (unmitigated)
Construction-related (short-term)
--Installation of piping will cause temporary delays & require temporary road closures.
--Select sidewalks will be temporarily rerouted.
--Various construction-related vehicles will access/egress from the streets affected by piping installation.
Operational (long-term)
--Operation & maintenance will require staff to be dispatched to the facility.
Mitigation measure
Construction-related (short-term)
--The complaint response program will be utilized.
--Temporary road closures & identification of detours for vehicular, mass transit, & pedestrian traffic will be identified in Maintenance & Protection of Traffic (MPT) Plan. County will coordinate implementation of street closures & detour routes with affected local agencies.
--The MPT Plan will also define signage requirements & safety requirements (flares, barricades, & flag persons).
--Access to affected businesses will remain open. Temporary pedestrian bridges will be used as needed.
--Separate design meetings with affected property owners will be held to specifically address & minimize impacts.
Operational (long-term)
--Operation-related traffic would primarily utilize the Fabius Street entrance proposed for repair thereby minimizing traffic through downtown.
Conclusions
Construction-related (short-term)
--Road closures, detours, & delays in traffic can be expected. Traffic-related impacts will be temporary & no significant traffic-related impacts are anticipated. Furthermore, the Armory Square area will be avoided by RTF-related construction traffic as the to-be renovated Fabius Street bridge will be used by RTF construction vehicles.
--No impact to rail service expected as construction of RTF & conveyances won't involve track closure.
Operational (long-term)
--Given that vehicular traffic & facility operations will blend with existing downtown traffic, no significant impacts from operation-related traffic associated with the RTF and/or conveyance system are expected.
--Reconstruction of the Fabius Street bridge will allow an alternate route for pedestrians to access downtown businesses & residential properties.

Parking areas

Potential impacts (unmitigated)
Construction-related (short-term)
--Parking availability will be temporarily altered during conveyance installation activities.
--Construction of the RTF at Clinton Station will affect an estimated 455 parking spaces within the lot (185 temporarily & 270 permanently, estimated). Although a 2002 assessment by the City indicates that sufficient parking options exist in the Armory area, such temporary disruptions should not produce an adverse impact with appropriate mitigation.
Operational (long-term)
--Construction of RTF at Clinton Station will require permanent closure of 270 spaces.
Mitigation measure
Construction-related (short-term)
--The complaint response program will be utilized.
--Construction phase parking alternatives discussed as a means of mitigating the temporary inconvenience to patrons of Clinton Station, but not officially endorsed by the County at this time, include:
- Subsidize current patrons of the Clinton Station parking lot who volunteer to relinquish their parking spaces.
- County purchase of available parking passes at other existing garages & sell them at subsidized rates to Clinton Station parking lot patrons.
- Develop a new temporary parking lot.
- Provide a direct subsidy to the City that would be applied by the City to reduce monthly rates to accommodate lost parking spaces within a City-owned parking lot/garage.
--The County will develop temporary alternative parking plans with adequate signage & notification (such as press releases, webpage listing, & direct mailings).
--Contractors will be required to park outside the Armory Square area.
Operational (long-term)
Although a City parking assessment in 2002 identified that sufficient available vacant parking exists in the Armory area, the County will mitigate the actual loss of parking at Clinton Station. Operation phase parking alternatives discussed but not officially endorsed by the County at this time, include:
- Following construction of the RTF, allow parking at the Clinton Station parking lot outside the immediate area of the RTF. It is estimated this parking area would provide 430 spaces.
- Construct a parking deck within the Clinton Station parking lot.
- Develop one or more new surface parking lots.
- Provide parking mitigation funds to assist existing & proposed parking projects.
- Mitigation measures will focus on cost-effective enhancements.
Conclusions
Construction-related (short-term)
--No permanent parking alternatives will be required as a result of installing the conveyances.
--Parking patterns will be altered temporarily during construction of conveyances. Given findings of a 2002 parking assessment by City, but it is expected sufficient parking will be available during partial closure of affected parking lots.
Operational (long-term)
--For this project, the County seeks to work cooperatively with the local agencies to achieve a parking resources development program (both construction-related & operation of the RTF). A goal of this cooperative effort is to develop & implement a parking resource development program that will mitigate adverse parking disruptions from the Clinton Street project.

Land use

Potential impacts (unmitigated)
Construction-related (short-term)
--The installation of the conveyance pipes will restrict building development.
--The potential for impacts to planned land use projects exist if mitigation measures are not employed (e.g., Creekwalk, Hanford expansion, SU occupancy of former Dunk & Bright, & Rescue Mission park plans).
--Potential loss of patrons could potentially cause disruptions to a small number of businesses.
Operational (long-term)
--Long-term positive impacts (improved water quality, Creek aesthetics, reduction or elimination of sewage-type odors, attractive landscaped urban building) are enticements for area growth (both commercially & residentially).
Mitigation measure
Construction-related (short-term)
--The complaint response program will be utilized.
--The conveyance route will be within street rights-of-way, vacant lots, parking lots (private & public), & along & within Onondaga Creek. Such routing is compatible with current & proposed land uses such as the Creekwalk & surface parking amenities. However, even if the project were deemed not to be strictly compatible with existing land uses, the environmental, aesthetic, & public health benefits to be gained by its implementation further the State's & County's public purpose of promoting public health & environmental goals. These are critical public interest concerns that will be furthered by implementation of the project.
--To minimize potential business impacts:
- Meetings will be held on a regular basis to allow an opportunity for residents or businesses to discuss any issues or incidents directly with representatives of the contractor, project engineer & the County.
- Newsletters will be published & provide information of construction project status.
- The County will work in coordination with the impacted businesses, residents & organizations to produce appropriate public information materials.
- The County will work with local media representatives & provide information regarding detour routes & alternate parking areas.
- Public information brochures will be produced to depict improvements being developed within the area.
- Construction will be coordinated to minimize peak holiday season impacts.
- A business compensation program, proposed by the Armory Square Association, is being considered by the County.
- The County will assess providing nighttime security for the construction work zone.
- Hold events to celebrate completion of critical phases & announce new detours.
Operational (long-term)
--The character of the proposed RTF is benign in its operation, & its architecture will be compatible with other building structures in the area. However, even if it was determined that the project could result in disruptions to existing land use patterns, the environmental, aesthetic, & public health benefits to be gained by its implementation further the State's & County's public purpose of promoting public health & environmental goals. These are critical public interest concerns that will be furthered by implementation of the project that, on balance, outweigh such temporary or potential permanent disruptions.
Conclusions
Construction-related (short-term)
--Given that the RTF will be constructed within an existing parking lot, construction-related impacts to land use are not anticipated (alternate parking will be implemented to mitigate parking disruptions due to the construction of the RTF).
--Impacts to the New York State funded projects (parking garages & Landmark upgrades) are not expected as these projects are outside the project area.
Operational (long-term)
--It is the County's objective to continue to work closely with City & local businesses regarding construction schedules & activities planned for the immediate future.

Noise

Potential impacts (unmitigated)
Construction-related (short-term)
--Operation of construction equipment, normal construction activity, & placement of sheeting will temporarily increase ambient noise levels.
Operational (long-term)
--Operation of pump systems & vehicular traffic during facility operations.
Mitigation measure
Construction-related (short-term)
--The complaint response program will be utilized.
--Contractors will be required to maintain properly functioning equipment & noise suppression devices & properly maintained mufflers.
--Vehicles will be equipped with mufflers recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
--Unnecessary idling of equipment within noise sensitive areas will be minimized.
--Use of temporary sound fences or barriers will be evaluated.
--Notification will be given to residents & businesses within 300 feet of major noise generating activities.
--Noise levels will be monitored & compared to pre-determined acceptable noise levels.
--Placement of sheeting using vibratory and/or boring methods will be evaluated.
Operational (long-term)
--Design-related mitigation measures including orientation, landscaping & acoustical material will be utilized to the greatest extent possible.
--The RTF will not operate continuously (only during wet weather events).
--Full enclosure of all storage, process treatment & disinfection facilities.
--Vehicular traffic to & from facility will be limited & will blend with ambient vehicular noise in the Armory Square area.
--The County will maintain properly functioning equipment.
Conclusions
Construction-related (short-term)
--Noise-related disturbances will be limited to the duration of construction. Required mitigation measures will minimize identified impacts.
--As construction activities progress along the route of the conveyances, impacts to stationary receptors will diminish.
Operational (long-term)
--Given the noise avoidance & reduction measures to be employed, expected sound levels would not permanently impair the use of neighboring properties.

Community services

Potential impacts (unmitigated)
Construction-related (short-term)
--Community services. Unmitigated, disruptions to emergency response services from construction-related activities could exist.
--Waste management. Left unmitigated, construction-related impacts could include aesthetic impacts from disorderly & unsightly work areas & accidental releases of petroleum products and/or lubricants used onsite by the contractors.
Operational (long-term)
--Community services. No impacts to community-related services expected.
--Waste mgmt. Sanitary & nonsanitary solids & floatables will be pumped from RTF & transported by force main to main interceptor sewer for treatment at Metro. Larger materials & grit will be removed from site periodically & disposed at NYS-permitted (secure) landfill.
Mitigation measure
Construction-related (short-term)
--The complaint response program will be utilized.
Community services.
--The County will work closely with local representatives to minimize potential disruptions to community-related resources (including West Street egress from trucks at Fire Station #6).
--RTF will be designed & built to meet applicable federal, state & local codes.
Waste management.
--Dumpsters will be closed and/or locked when not in use.
--Fuels & lubricants stored onsite will be kept in locked, well-maintained storage areas accessible only by authorized personnel.
--Site-specific Health & Safety plans will be required for contractors.
--Federal & State regs will govern County's management of contaminated materials if identified during construction phase of project (e.g., contaminated soils, asbestos-containing materials, & lead-contaminated building materials).
Operational (long-term)
Community services.
--Not applicable.
Waste management.
--Adherence to applicable state & federal requirements governing disposal.
Conclusions
Construction-related (short-term)
Community services.
--Project will not place unusual burden on community services such as police or utilities. Disruptions in transportation network will be short-term & mitigated to greatest extent practicable based on community & City-identified concerns.
Waste management.
--Impacts associated with waste management activities from construction-related actions are not anticipated based on adherence to regulatory requirements.
Operational (long-term)
Community services.
--Project will not place an unusual burden on community services.
Waste management.
--Management of wastes generated at the RTF is not considered significant and, therefore, does not represent an adverse condition.

Demographics (population, housing, & employment)

Potential impacts (unmitigated)
Construction-related (short-term)
--No residential structures will be demolished.
--Construction jobs (including minority & woman-owned business opportunities) will be created.
Operational (long-term)
--Workforce increases within the County are not expected during operation/maintenance activities.
Mitigation measure
Construction-related (short-term)
--The complaint response program will be utilized.
Operational (long-term)
--None identified.
Conclusions
Construction-related (short-term)
--No residential structures will be demolished as a result of installation activities
Operational (long-term)
--Improved water quality, Creek aesthetics, reduction or elimination of sewage-type odors, & an attractive landscaped urban building are benefits that serve as an enticement for area growth (both commercially & residentially).

Economics

Potential impacts (unmitigated)
Construction-related (short-term)
--Potential loss of patrons could potentially cause disruptions to a small number of businesses. However, the County proposes to undertake mitigation measure to the extent practicable to maintain vehicular & pedestrian flow in the project area.
Operational (long-term)
--The total estimated project cost for in-line storage/vortex separator RTF at Clinton Station is $71,300,000 (EEA 2005).
Mitigation measure
Construction-related (short-term)
--The complaint response program will be utilized.
--To minimize potential adverse impacts to businesses:
- Meetings will be held on a regular basis to allow an opportunity for residents or businesses to discuss any issues or incidents directly with representatives of the contractor, project engineer & the County.
- Newsletters will be published & provide information of construction project status.
- The County will work in coordination with the impacted businesses, residents & organizations to produce appropriate public information materials.
- The County will work with local media representatives & provide information regarding detour routes & alternate parking areas.
- Public information brochures will be produced to depict improvements being developed within the area.
- Construction will be coordinated to minimize peak holiday season impacts.
- The County will assess providing nighttime security for the construction work zone.
- Hold events to celebrate completion of critical phases/announce new detours.
Operational (long-term)
--Cost of Lake Improvement Program, including operational expenses, will be born by Onondaga Co. Sanitary District, which includes ~ two-thirds of County's population & most businesses & industry. Therefore, cost of program will not fall unfairly on any one City or County resident. Total 15-year impact of program on sewer unit charge has been estimated to be ~$234 per unit. Increase is projected to rise over 15 yr between $5 & $25 per yr.
Conclusions
Construction-related (short-term)
--The project is a public works project intended to protect the health & welfare of the public & to improve the water quality of Onondaga Creek that flows through the project area & Onondaga Lake.
--Economic impacts to local businesses from construction & operation of project will be minimized to greatest extent practicable. Furthermore, RTF construction traffic will use Fabius St to enter Clinton Station thus avoiding Armory Square area.
Operational (long-term)
--Long-term positive impacts (improved water quality, Creek aesthetics, reduction or elimination of sewage-type odors, & attractive landscaped urban building) are benefits that serve as an enticement for growth commercially & residentially.

Historical/archeological

Potential impacts (unmitigated)
Construction-related (short-term)
--Historic and/or archeological resources known to exist in the area could experience damage and/or loss.
Operational (long-term)
--None identified.
Mitigation measure
Construction-related (short-term)
--The complaint response program will be utilized.
--County will continue to cooperate with the OPRHP in accordance with the April 2000 Letter of Understanding between the County & OPRHP.
--Mitigation measures identified to date include avoidance of certain areas and/or a combined Phase II/III archeological investigation.
Conclusions
Construction-related (short-term)
--The County will continue to consult with OPRHP (in conjunction with Onondaga Nation) to minimize impacts to the historical & archeological resources of the project area that may be identified.

Visual/aesthetic

Potential impacts (unmitigated)
Construction-related (short-term)
--Diminishment of the public enjoyment & appreciation of inventoried resources.
--The impairment of the character or quality of the area.
Mitigation measure
Construction-related (short-term)
--The complaint response program will be utilized.
--The character of the proposed RTF is benign in its operation. Landscaping & its architecture will be compatible with other building structures in the area.
--The RTF building will house only the minimum amount of equipment & staff-related space necessary to operate effectively the RTF building thus minimizing the footprint of the building to the greatest extent practicable.
--Views of the RTF building will be substantially obscured because of the elevated tracks, other multi-story buildings, & vegetation located along Onondaga Creek.
Conclusions
Construction-related (short-term)
--No impacts that diminish the public enjoyment & appreciation of inventoried resources, or that impairs the character or quality of such resources, have been identified. The RTF will be designed & landscaped to be compatible with surrounding architecture and, as such, will enhance the overall appearance of the view shed by replacing part of a barren parking lot & neglected creek bank with an attractively designed & landscaped facility.
--Benefits to the area will include improving the aesthetics of the creek bank as a result of landscaping activities following installation of the conveyances & RTF (currently the bank is overgrown with trees, shrubs, & grasses).
--The project provides an opportunity for a secondary aesthetic improvement of the proposed Creekwalk along Onondaga Creek.

Environmental justice

Potential impacts (unmitigated)
Construction-related (short-term)
--Disproportionate share of negative environmental impacts to minority and/or low-income community.
Mitigation measure
Construction-related (short-term)
--It is County's determination after evaluating project in accordance with relevant State & Federal guidance, that low-income/minority residents will not be disproportionately affected by negative impacts. To the contrary, project as proposed is designed to address longstanding environmental & public health concerns regarding untreated CSO discharges to Onondaga Creek/Lake.
--Furthermore, placement of the RTF in Clinton Station has less potential for directly impacting residential & commercial properties than the alternative (Dickerson Street) since no residential structures will be demolished.
Conclusions
Construction-related (short-term)
--Consistent with the policy's directives, the County will continue to communicate project activities with the community through various meetings & written documentation.
--The project will be of benefit to the community as a whole by removing a significant source of odors in Onondaga Creek as well as improve the water quality of both the Creek & Lake.

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Susan Miller, Project Deputy Director
Phone 315-435-2260   Fax 315-435-5023
 Onondaga County Dept of Water Environment Protection