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

2. Natural resources/setting

The purpose of this section is to provide a description of the existing environmental setting of natural resources located in the project area to be developed as a part of the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project (i.e., the RTF and conveyances). This section includes information regarding geology, air resources, water resources, ecological resources, and agricultural resources. Information in this section provides the basis for evaluating the degree natural resources in the project area will be impacted through project implementation and operation.

2.1 Geology

The geologic setting is a description of the topography, bedrock, and predominant soils that typify the project area.

2.1.1 Topography

Review of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Syracuse West quadrangle map illustrates that the elevation of the project area is approximately 390 - 400 feet above sea level (USGS 1978). Based on site observations, the approximate five-acre RTF parcel is relatively flat.

As described by Hartgen Archeological Associates (Hartgen), the terrain within the proposed project area is almost entirely manmade. The area is void of internal topography and lies on disturbed soils and fill that was brought into the area during the mid 19th century. The artificial terrain has been further filled and leveled by more recent development creating the flat, slightly elevated project areas (Hartgen 2001).

2.1.2 Bedrock

Based on the Geologic Map of New York, the bedrock geology in the project area appears to consist of the following formations of the Silurian age (440 - 410 millions of years ago) (NYSMSS 1970, NYSMGS 1986):

• Vernon Formation consisting of shale and
dolostone
• Syracuse Formation consisting of limestone,
shale, gypsum, and salt.

Based on information provided by Haley & Aldrich, geotechnical studies within Clinton Station did not encounter bedrock at depths of 70 feet (H&A 2003). Borings by the USGS at depths as great as 102 feet in the southeast portion of Armory Square did not encounter bedrock. Bedrock was encountered at 80-90 feet at the Federal Building located approximately 1250 feet northeast of Clinton Station (Kapel 2002).

2.1.3 Soils

As depicted in Soil Survey of Onondaga County, New York, the general soil designation for the RTF site and conveyances is "urban land." As defined, urban land consists of areas so altered or obscured by development that identification of the soils by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) is not feasible (USDA SCS 1977).

In general, based on subsurface investigations by Haley & Aldrich (2003), four major soil deposits exist in the project area:
 
Table 2-1 Major Soil Deposits in Project Area

Source: H&A 2003.

2.2 Air resources

2.2.1 Climate

The climate of Syracuse is classified by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration as "primarily continental in character and comparatively humid" (NOAA 2002). Continental refers to weather systems that are influenced by land mass rather than water, tropics, or poles (Fisher 2002). The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) indicates that average temperature from 1971 - 2001 for Syracuse was 47.8°F with a reported high temperature of 100°F in August 2001 and a low of -26°F in February 1979 (NCDC 2001).

2.2.2 Precipitation

The following data was compiled from information obtained from the Northeast Regional Climate Center (2002):
 
Rainfall:
   - Annual average: 37.03 inches (1971-2001)
   - Maximum monthly: 12.30 inches (June 1972)
   - Minimum monthly: 0.21 inches (October 1963)
Snowfall:
   - Annual average: 110.1 inches (1971-2001)
   - Maximum daily: 35.6 inches (March 1993)
   - Number of days with snowfall greater than 1.0 inch (annual average): 32.9 days

2.2.3 Air quality

Under the Clean Air Act and its amendments (CAA), the USEPA regulates the following pollutants as "criteria air pollutants":
 
- Carbon monoxide
- Ozone
- Lead
- Sulfur dioxide
- Nitrogen oxides
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Particulate matter (>10 microns)

The National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) were established to identify the permissible levels for these criteria pollutants. One set of limits (primary standard) protects human health; another set of limits (secondary standard) is intended to prevent environmental and property damage. A geographic area that meets or does better than the primary standard is called an attainment area; areas that do not meet the primary standard are called non-attainment areas (USEPA 1993). Federal regulations indicate that Syracuse is in an attainment area for the above priority pollutants (USEPA 2005). However, given New York State is in the Northeast Ozone Transport Region (regions established based on CAA), the State (therefore Syracuse) is effectively non-attainment for ozone (and its precursors VOC and NOx).

2.2.4 Odor

Although Onondaga County Department of Health (OCDOH) has received no formal odor complaints in the project area (Letteney 2005), local residents during project public meetings have identified sewage-type odors emanating from Onondaga Creek (EEA 2002).

2.3 Water resources

Water resources as it pertains to this document consist of ground water, surface waters (including lakes, ponds, streams, creeks, and wetlands), and areas prone to flooding. Documented water quality associated with the above identified resources is also provided. It should be noted that storm water as it relates to erosion and sedimentation is found in Section 4.1 - Geology.

2.3.1 Ground water

Relative ground water measurements by Haley & Aldrich within the project area varied from about 6 to 20 feet below the existing ground surface (H&A 2003). It appears from ground water readings, that levels in wells screened in or above the silt and clay (Lacustrine Deposits) can be up to 10 feet higher than for piezometers screened in the underlying sand and gravel (Glaciofluvial Deposits). Ground water levels should be expected to vary significantly with location, seasonal precipitation, runoff, construction activity, pumping from adjacent ground water supply wells, and other factors (H&A 2003). Ground water in the vicinity of the project flows towards Onondaga Lake, a north/northwest direction (OBG/MRJD 1979). Ground water is not used as a potable source of water within the City; the Syracuse public water supply is drawn from Skaneateles Lake and, as needed to supplement the City source, Lake Ontario through the Metropolitan Water Board. According to OCDOH, there is no record of public wells with the project area (Letteney 2002). Sole source aquifers do not exist within the boundaries of the project area (USEPA 2002).

2.3.2 Surface waters

This section provides information regarding those water bodies in and around the project area as observed during site reconnaissance and those mapped by regulatory agencies.

2.3.2.1 Open waters

Onondaga Creek lies within the boundaries of the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project; Onondaga Lake is approximately two miles to the northwest of the project area. Onondaga Creek within the project boundaries is classified by the NYSDEC as a Class C waterway (6 NYCRR 895) which, as designated by the regulations, best suited for fishing and secondary water contact recreation such as boating (6 NYCRR 701). The southern end of Onondaga Lake, in the vicinity of Onondaga Creek, is also classified as a Class C waterway (6 NYCRR 895).

2.3.2.2 State wetlands

Indications of wetlands, such as standing water and wetland vegetation, were not observed during the site visits to the project area. Review of the NYSDEC Freshwater Wetland map covering the project area (Syracuse West quadrangle) indicates that no NYSDEC-regulated wetlands exist within the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project area (NYSDEC 1986). The closest State-regulated wetland is along the southern end of Onondaga Lake (approximately two miles away).

2.3.2.3 National wetlands

The National Wetland Inventory (NWI) map for the Syracuse West quadrangle (1978) was reviewed to identify whether NWI-mapped wetlands exist within the project boundaries (RTF site and conveyances). The presence of a NWI-mapped wetland in the project area would indicate the potential presence of United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) - jurisdictional wetlands. Based on review of the map, no NWI-mapped wetlands exist in the project area. The closest NWI-mapped wetland is located more than one mile to the southwest of the project area. Onondaga Creek is depicted on the NWI map as "R2OWH," a permanent intertidal, freshwater riverine system, intermittently flooded.

2.3.3 Flood prone areas

Based on the 1986 Flood Insurance Rate Map for the project area, a narrow band along Onondaga Creek (as well as Onondaga Creek itself) is located in a 100-year flood boundary (see Figure 2-1). A 100-year flood boundary is an area that has the potential of being flooded by a storm event once within a 100-year period.

Click to enlarge

Figure 2-1, flood prone areas in project area.

2.3.4 Water quality

It is the intent of this subsection to provide information regarding the water quality of Onondaga Creek in proximity of the project area. No specific water quality studies within the boundaries of the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project were identified. As such, inferences with regard to project area water quality are made based on studies by others in the immediate area downstream of Clinton Street. Table 2-2 summarizes the known physical characteristics of Onondaga Creek near the project.
 

Table 2-2 Onondaga Creek Water Quality Data
Date	Sampling location	Distance from project	Temp (°C)	pH (SU)	SpCond (mS/cm)	Salinity (ppt)	DO (mg/L)	Redox (mV)	Source
9/93	Plum Street	0.75 mile downstream	13.5	7.89	--	--	8.3	--	USEPA 1996
8/16/94	Spencer Street	1.0 mile downstream	19.41	8.02	3.25	1.3	9.88	0.145	Moffa 1996
8/24/94	Spencer Street	1.0 mile downstream	16.64	7.87	1.96	0.5	8.55	0.216	Moffa 1996
1997	Spencer Street	1.0 mile downstream	8.56	7.68	2.09	--	9.51	--	Powers 2003a
2002	Spencer Street	1.0 mile downstream	9.61	7.82	1.92	0.85	12.04	184	Powers 2003a
2003	Spencer Street	1.0 mile downstream	8.82	7.84	1.78	0.91	11.56	193.89	Powers 2005
Notes: * Values based on annual average concentrations.

°C - degrees Celsius
SpCond - specific conductivity
ppt - parts per trillion
SU - standard pH units
DO - dissolved oxygen
mg/L - milligrams per liter
mS/cm - milliSiemens/centimeter
Redox - oxidation-reduction potential
mV - millivolts

For comparison purposes (upstream versus downstream), Table 2-3 summarizes recent OCDWEP annual mean pollutant levels for several pollutants affecting the aquatic habitat and human health at the Onondaga Creek Kirkpatrick Street sampling location approximately one mile downstream from the project and the Onondaga Creek Dorwin Avenue sampling location approximately seven miles upstream.
 

Table 2-3 Annual Mean Pollutant Levels (2002)
Location/Analysis	Chloride# (mg/L)	Bacteria# (#/100ml)	Ammonia# (µg/L)	Total phosphorus# (µg/L)	TSS# (mg/L)	Habitat quality* (1-10 scale)	Invertebrate quality* (1-10 scale**)
Kirkpatrick - 2002	626	1980	108	60	29	5.0	2.1
Kirkpatrick - 2003	407	1755	0.1	3	26	--	--
Dorwin - 2002	168	178	74	39	22	4.0	4.8
Dorwin - 2003	118	129	0.07	54.7	28.6	--	--
#Source: Powers 2003a for 2002 data; Powers 2005 for 2003 data. *Source: Ecologic 2002 **Invertebrate quality = 10 - Family Level Biotic Index µg/L: microgram per liter TSS: total suspended solids

As noted above, Onondaga Creek within the project boundaries is classified by the NYSDEC as a Class C waterway (6 NYCRR 895) which, based on regulatory definitions, is best suited for fishing and secondary water contact recreation (6 NYCRR 701). However, based on a biological study conducted by the USEPA (1996), water quality in Onondaga Creek in the area of Plum Street is listed as moderately to severely impaired. NYSDEC studies also listed Onondaga Creek water quality as "moderately impacted." Moderately impacted is defined as "fair" water quality, whereas, severely impacted is defined as "poor" water quality (NYSDEC 1999). A more recent study conducted by OCDWEP has noted that the area located next to Spencer Street was still moderately impacted and did not show improvement over the 1989 study (Powers 2003b).

2.4 Ecological resources/setting

Land cover within the project area (RTF and conveyances) is consistent with that of a metropolitan urban area: predominantly paved and/or buildings. The following section, however, describes the predominant types of vegetation and wildlife (terrestrial and aquatic) observed or known to be present within the Clinton Station parking lot or along the conveyance route.

2.4.1 Terrestrial ecology

The terrestrial ecology of the project area encompasses various forms of wildlife, vegetation, and habitats.

2.4.1.1 Typical vegetation and wildlife

Based on NYSDEC - Nature Conservancy Natural Heritage Program (NHP) classification system identified in Ecological Communities of New York State (2002a), the terrestrial setting of the project area is characterized as a combination of mowed lawn with trees, mowed roadside/pathway, railroad, paved road, urban structure exterior, and urban vacant lot. Appendix C contains relevant site photographs of the RTF parcel and conveyances. The following types of vegetation and wildlife characterize the project area: Appendix C
 
Trees, shrubs, and vines:
   Box-elder (Acer negunda)
   Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina)
   Honeysuckle (Lonicer sp.)
   Silver maple (Acer saccharinum)
   Buckthorn (Rhamnus sp.)
   Ornamental basswood (Tilia americana)
   Willow (Salix sp.)
   Wild grape (Vitis sp.)
Predominant wildflowers:
   Mustard family (Crucifeae)
   Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)
   Goldenrods (Solidago spp.)
   Grasses (Graminoids)
Wildlife:
   Eastern phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)
   Chimney swift (Chaetura pelagica)
   House sparrow (Passer domesticus)
   Barn swallow (Hirundo rustica)
   Song sparrow (Melospize melodia)
   American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
   European starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
   Rock dove (Columba livia)
   Killdeer (Charadius vociferus)
   Gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

The OCDOH has received complaints regarding rodent activity along Onondaga Creek in the project area (Letteney 2002). However, no rodents were observed during site visits made in connection with the project. Additionally, since inception of an Onondaga County Rodent Control Project in 1998, there has been no physical evidence of a rodent problem around Onondaga Creek within the project area (Letteney 2005). The OCDOH reported that formal mosquito complaints in the project area have not been received by the department (Letteney 2002).

2.4.1.2 Federally listed endangered or threatened species

The purpose of the Endangered Species Act (1973), administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), is to identify terrestrial and aquatic species in danger of extinction (endangered) and species likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future (threatened) (USFWS 2002). According to representatives from the USFWS New York Field Office, "except for occasional transient individuals, no federally listed or proposed endangered or threatened species" are known exist within the confines of the project area (RTF location and conveyances). As such, "no biological assessment or further Section 7 consultation under the ESA is required with the USFWS" (Clough 2003).

2.4.1.3 Federally listed critical habitats

Critical habitats are federally designated areas that are essential for the conservation of threatened or endangered species and, therefore, may require special management and protection (USFWS 2002). Correspondence from the USFWS indicates that no federally listed critical habitats exist within the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project area (Clough 2003).

2.4.1.4 State-listed rare, threatened, and endangered species

The NYSDEC/NHP compiles and maintains systematic information on New York State's native rare plants and animals and significant ecological communities; including native rare, threatened, and endangered (RTE) species as well as species of special concern (NYSDEC-NHP 2002b). Species of special concern are species of fish and wildlife found by the NYSDEC to be at risk of becoming either endangered or threatened in New York (these species are not currently regulated by the NYSDEC) (6 NYCRR 182). Based on correspondence from representatives of the NHP, "no known occurrences of rare or State-listed animals or plants, significant natural communities, or other significant habitats, exist on or in the immediate vicinity of the project" (Ketcham 2003).

2.4.1.5 State-listed critical environmental areas

A critical environmental area (CEA) is a designated geographic area that is unique because the area is of benefit (or threat) to human health, possesses agricultural, social, cultural, historic, archaeological, recreational, or educational values, and/or its ecological, geological, or hydrology setting may be adversely affected by any change (NYSDEC 2005). Based on correspondence from NHP, no known CEAs are located within the project area (Ketcham 2003). Based on NYSDEC database information, the closest CEA are "portions of Nine Mile Creek" located in the Town of Camillus (more than 4 miles from the project area) (NYSDEC 2005).

2.4.2 Aquatic ecology

The following section provides information regarding observed wildlife and habitats and those typically expected in the project area based on studies conducted by others in the Plum Street and Spencer Street areas (approximately 0.75-mile and 1-mile downstream, respectively). As previously noted in Section 2.3.2 - Surface waters, Onondaga Creek is the only waterbody within the confines of the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project area.

2.4.2.1 Typical vegetation and wildlife

Based on site observations, the banks of the Creek in the vicinity of the project area primarily consist of concrete bench walls that exhibit vegetative overgrowth from deposited sediment along the walls. The vegetated banks consist primarily of grasses and shrubs with algae in the Creek. A NYSDEC study in the vicinity of Spencer Street (approximately 1.0 mile downstream) indicated that aquatic vegetation in Onondaga Creek consisted of algae with a substrate of rubble, gravel, and fill (NYSDEC 1989a). This is consistent with USEPA (1996) findings in the vicinity of Plum Street (approximately 0.75 miles downstream) that the Creek consists of a cobble substrate with intermittent, well-developed riffles.

Macroinvertebrate studies at Spencer and Plum Streets revealed that predominant organisms within Onondaga Creek include (USEPA 1996, NYSDEC 1989a, NYSDEC 1999): - Worms (flat and segmented)
- Midgeflies
- Leeches
- Scuds
- Sowbugs
- Water mites
- Small crustaceans

More recent studies were conducted by OCDWEP in 1999, 2000 and 2002. These studies undertook a more intensive sampling effort to characterize the macroinvertebrate communities of Onondaga Creek. Macroinvertebrate samples collected from Onondaga Creek near West Taylor Street, Kirkpatrick Street (1999), and Spencer Street (2000) revealed that the predominant organisms included:
Kirkpatrick Street and West Taylor Street
- Segmented worms
- Snails
- Midgeflies
Spencer Street
- Segmented worms
- Leeches
- Midgeflies

Based on NYSDEC Onondaga Creek studies conducted in 1989 along Spencer Street, six different species of fish were captured:
- White perch
- White sucker
- Blue gill
- Brown trout
- Largemouth bass
- Smallmouth bass

The majority of the fish captured were white perch and white sucker with one or two of the other fish captured (NYSDEC 1989b).

2.4.2.2 Federally listed endangered or threatened species

No endangered or threatened aquatic plant or animal species are known to exist in the portion of Onondaga Creek located within the project area (Clough 2003).

2.4.2.3 Federally listed critical habitats

Critical habitats as designated by the USFWS do not exist in the Onondaga Creek project area (Clough 2003).

2.4.2.4 State-listed rare, threatened or endangered (RTE) species

Known aquatic RTE species (or species of special concern) do not exist in the Onondaga Creek project area (Ketcham 2003).

2.4.2.5 State-listed critical environmental areas

Critical environmental areas as designated by the NYSDEC do not exist in the Onondaga Creek Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project area (NYSDEC 2005, Ketcham 2003).

2.5 Agricultural

Although the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project is located in downtown Syracuse (an urban setting), the following information has been included to appropriately document the environmental setting of the natural resources in the project area.

2.5.1 Prime/unique farmlands

The purpose of the Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA), administered by the U.S. Department of Agricultural (USDA), is to identify the extent and location of the best land for producing food, feed, fiber forage, and oilseed crops. Prime farmland is land that has the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops, and is also available for such uses. Unique farmland is land other than prime farmland that is used for the production of specific high value food and fiber crops such as fruits and vegetables (7 CFR 657). Based on review of USDA mapping of unique and prime farmlands, no prime or unique farmlands exist within the project area. The closest such farmlands are located more than 5 miles from the project area (USDA SCS 1987).

2.5.2 Agricultural district

Agricultural districts are established by the New York State Department of Agricultural and Markets (NYS Ag & Mkts), and communities therein, to provide aide to those farmers wishing to reserve the right to keep their land zoned as agricultural and to provide some degree of protection against commercial development of the property (Article 25-AA). Based on review of the Onondaga County Agricultural District Map, no agricultural districts exist within the project area. The closest agricultural district is located more than 6 miles from the project area (USDA NRCS EMC 1995).

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