Clinton E I D
Summary
1. Introduction
2. Natural resources
3. Human resources
4. Impact, mitigation, natural resources
5. Impact, mitigation, human resources

6. Unavoidable impact
7. Alternatives
8. Commitments
9. Public participation
10. Coordination
References
Appendices

Facilities plan

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

6. Unavoidable adverse and cumulative impacts

Quick reference
— 6.1 Adverse impacts that cannot be avoided
— 6.2 Cumulative impacts

6.1 Adverse impacts that cannot be avoided

The Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project will result in several positive benefits and few long-term adverse environmental impacts. The significant project benefits (as discussed herein) include improving the water quality, ecology and aesthetics of Onondaga Creek, decreasing odors associated with the Creek, and improving the water quality of Onondaga Lake and its ecology. Mitigation measures to reduce adverse impacts have been identified in Sections 4 and 5. Regardless, certain short-term and long-term impacts are unavoidable and will be experienced despite the use of such mitigation measures. The following summarizes those adverse environmental effects that cannot be completely avoided upon implementation of the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project:

Construction activities will result in temporary adverse impacts to existing air quality, noise levels, and traffic and parking patterns. It is expected that the construction of the RTF and conveyances will require approximately 3 - 3.5 years to complete. Detailed mitigation measures based on public input, standard industry-related practices, and County-approved techniques, will reduce these impacts to the greatest extent practicable.
Installation of the conveyances across Onondaga Creek could temporarily impact the water quality and aquatic ecology of the Creek if open cut methods are utilized, but will be minimized through the implementation of erosion control measures.
The potential for short-term business revenue loss during construction of the project, primarily conveyances, is possible.
Although grant money will be provided for this project (see Section 5.4.4), an increase in user charges over the long-term operation of the RTF will be experienced.

Collectively, the unavoidable impacts described above are minor when compared to the significant benefits of the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project (and the Lake Improvement Program as a whole, see below) and, as such, should be acceptable in that context. The project is a mandate to comply with both state and federal water quality regulations.

6.2 Cumulative impacts

Implementation of the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project will:

Eliminate or capture for treatment at Metro at least 107 MG of combined sewage on an average annual basis.
Provide adequate facilities to eliminate or minimize floating substances (floatables) from discharging to Onondaga Creek from the Clinton Street service area CSOs.
In combination with other CSO abatement projects, provide sufficient facilities to reduce bacterial concentrations to less than 200 cfu/100 mL.
Satisfy ACJ requirements.

As such, the project will have the cumulative effect of improving the water quality of Onondaga Creek and Onondaga Lake, and improving the aesthetic appearance of the lakefront area compared to existing conditions. Reductions in bacteria within the Creek and, therefore the Lake, create a healthy environment within the watershed. In summary, implementation of the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project and the other ACJ-mandated projects herein, will:

Improve the quality of effluent-related discharges to Onondaga Lake.
Decrease odors associated with combined sewerage entering the Creek.
Improve tributary water quality and aquatic habitat.
Improve lake water quality and aquatic habitat.
Improve pedestrian access and mobility to and around the Lake (EEA 2000).

As described herein, significant negative long-term impacts were not identified. The implementation of the Lake Improvement Program is a significant benefit to the community with significant positive consequences.

Cumulative impacts (and associated mitigation measures) of projects planned in the area of the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project are described in greater detail in Section 5.2.2 (Planned land use by others).