|
Harbor Brook Environmental Information Document (Aug 2005)
by Brown and Caldwell and EcoLogic
for Onondaga County Dept of Water Environment Protection
2. Natural resources: Potential impacts and mitigation
Harbor Brook is a tributary to Onondaga Lake,
contributing about 2% of the total annual water flow
into the lake. The watershed is approximately 3,332
hectares (8,234 acres). However, the area served by
the combined sewer system is only about 16% of the
total watershed area (520 ha; 1,287 ac) (Moffa / Brown
and Caldwell 2001).
Onondaga Lake and the Harbor Brook watershed lie
entirely within the Ontario Lowlands province. This is
an area characterized by glacial deposits rather than
bedrock (Van Diver 1985).
Soils distribution within the Harbor Brook watershed is shown in Map 2-1 (SCS 1977).
Soils in the northern half of the project area are
classified as urban land, where the soil has been so
disturbed by human activities that further
classification is nearly impossible. Drainage is
generally good, with a small area of poorly drained
soil in the northeast corner of the watershed. The
southern half of the project falls on soils classified
mainly as Ontario-Hilton association. These soils are
deep, well to moderately well drained, with high lime
content and medium textured subsoils.
USGS topographic map contours for the Harbor Brook watershed are shown in Map 2-2.
Except for small intrusions in the north and
west-central part of the watershed, the area is
classified as gently sloping to level. Maximum
elevation is 1340 ft at the southernmost tip of the
watershed. Elevations in the northern half of the
watershed are closer to 500 ft.
On December 16, 1994, Onondaga Lake and those upland
areas which contribute or have contributed
contamination to the lake system were placed on the
EPA National Priorities List. The overall site is
listed as EPA ID#NYD986913580.
There are two NYSDEC-registered Inactive Hazardous
Waste Sites within the Harbor Brook watershed: sites
7-34-030 (Onondaga Lake bottom) and 7-34-075 (Harbor
Brook-Wastebed B). These sites are located on the
northern limits of the Harbor Brook watershed, along
the southern shore of Onondaga Lake. In December 2003
NYSDEC announced that they had entered into a consent
order with Honeywell International Inc. for a major
Interim Remedial Measure (IRM) at the Harbor
Brook-Wastebed B site. The project will address
potential contamination sources by building a vertical
barrier to isolate, collect and treat groundwater
before contaminants can enter Harbor Brook and
Onondaga Lake. This site is also the subject of an
ongoing Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study
(RI/FS).
In late November 2004, NYSDEC announced its proposed
cleanup plan for Site 7-34-030, the Onondaga Lake
bottom, based on the findings of the RI/FS. This
proposed plan includes dredging and capping sediments
in nearshore areas of Onondaga Lake adjacent to the
confluence of Harbor Brook among other actions. The
comment period for the proposed cleanup plan extends
until March 1, 2005.
The Syracuse Fire Training Center, located at 312
State Fair Blvd, is included in the EPA's list of
facilities handling hazardous wastes. This is a former
Class 2 Inactive Hazardous Waste site that has been
remediated. Site 5, located immediately adjacent to
the Fire Training Center, was eliminated from further
consideration in the Facilities Plan because of
potential contamination concerns.
Table 2-1. Hazardous waste sites
In addition, the U.S. EPA compiles and reports
information on 46 facilities in the watershed (Table
2-1) that handle hazardous material, have reported
toxic or air releases, and/or participate in the
Biennial Reporting System (BRS), a national system
that collects data on the generation, management, and
minimization of hazardous waste.
Forty-five of these facilities are located in the northern half of the watershed (Map 2-3).
The archeological assessment of the project area
included some intrusive subsurface investigations
where soils were excavated to search for artifacts.
The project team was accompanied by personnel trained
to detect evidence of subsurface contamination and
equipped with a photoionization detector (PID). No
visual evidence such as stained soils was detected and
PID measurements remained at background levels.
Under the Clean Air Act and its amendments, the USEPA regulates the following pollutants as "criteria air pollutants":
-
Ozone
-
Carbon monoxide
-
Nitrogen dioxide
-
Sulfur dioxide
-
Particulate matter
-
Lead.
The National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
were established to identify 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 surpasses the primary standard is
designated an Attainment Area. Areas that do not meet
the primary standard are considered Non-attainment
Areas (USEPA 1993). Based on the USEPA's, May 17,
2004, list of Currently Designated Non-attainment
Areas for All Criteria, Onondaga County is in
attainment for all air pollutants. Therefore, the
Harbor Brook watershed is an Attainment Area.
Land use distribution in upper Harbor Brook watershed is summarized in Map 2-4 and Table 2-2.
These data were provided by the Syracuse-Onondaga
County Planning Agency (SOCPA) in June 2001. The area
surrounding the proposed action is primarily
classified as High Intensity Residential, with some
Commercial-Industrial-Transportation areas. In
addition, there are pockets of Low Intensity
Residential and Residential-Recreational Grasses.
Mixed evergreen and deciduous forests make up about 2%
of the area.
| Table 2-2. Land use distribution in upper Harbor Brook watershed (SOCPA 2001) |
|
LC
|
Description
|
Acres
|
Hectares
|
Percent
|
|
11
|
Open water
|
24.1
|
9.8
|
0.3
|
|
21
|
Low intensity residential
|
5332.4
|
2157.9
|
68.5
|
|
22
|
High intensity residential
|
1842.4
|
745.6
|
23.7
|
|
23
|
Commercial/Industrial/Transportation
|
213.2
|
86.3
|
2.7
|
|
|
Combined residential and commercial land use
|
|
|
95
|
|
41
|
Deciduous forest
|
120.1
|
48.6
|
1.5
|
|
43
|
Mixed forest
|
44.1
|
17.9
|
0.6
|
|
|
Combined tree cover
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
81
|
Pasture/Hay
|
3.5
|
1.4
|
0.0
|
|
82
|
Row crops
|
11.4
|
4.6
|
0.1
|
|
85
|
Urban/Recreational grasses
|
190.7
|
77.2
|
2.5
|
|
|
Combined grass cover
|
|
|
2.6
|
|
Total
|
|
7782.0
|
3149.2
|
100.0
|
Onondaga County Department of Health (OCDH) was
contacted regarding formal complaints for animal and
mosquito activities in the project area.
Click here for Appendix A. Complaints of animal and mosquito activities.
The OCDH staff indicated that rodent complaints have
been received occasionally. Baiting would only be
conducted if the problem is associated with a public
area.
Mosquito complaints are not common. According to the
OCDH no major breeding sites have been recorded in the
area. This agency applies chemical larvicides to
stormwater catch basins and any breeding sites with
evidence of mosquito larvae.
The vegetative cover type within the project area is
classified as a Cultural Terrestrial community
according to the standard designations used by NYSDEC
Natural Heritage Program (Edinger et al. 2002). As
such, very limited wildlife is expected to be present
within the project site and the behavior and
distribution of any animals would be affected by human
activities. Several sub-types of the Cultural
Terrestrial community can be found within the Harbor
Brook project area including: sewers, mowed lawns,
basements, flower/vegetable gardens, junkyards, and
urban vacant lots. In addition, two CSX Railroad lines
run near sites 4 and 15. Characteristic animals
associated with the cover type include a wide variety
of insects and small vertebrates. Nooks and crannies
may provide nesting habitat for birds and insects, and
roosting sites for bats. Other animals that are
characteristic of an urban landscape include:
|
American robin (Turdus migratorius)
|
Mourning dove (Zenaida macroura)
|
|
Gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
|
Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)
|
|
Upland sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda)
|
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)
|
|
Common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor)
|
Rock dove (Columba livia)
|
|
House sparrow (Passer domesticus)
|
Chimney swift (Chaetura pelagica)
|
|
Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus)
|
Rabbi t (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
|
|
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
|
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Characteristic trees are often naturalized exotic
species such as Norway maple (Acer
platanoides), white
mulberry (Morus alba), and tree of heaven
(Ailanthus altissima). A wide variety of weeds and smaller
vegetation are widely distributed throughout the
project area, including lichens, mosses, and
terrestrial algae (Edinger et al. 2002).
2.1.7.1. Surface water
Harbor Brook is the main surface water body in the
project area. Its watershed drains a long and narrow
area of 12.9 mi² southwest of Onondaga Lake and enters
the lake approximately 1 km southwest of Onondaga
Creek. The main stem length is 12.1 miles. Land use in
the headwater segment of the Harbor Brook watershed is
a mixture of agriculture and residential. As the Brook
flows through the City of Syracuse, land use becomes
increasingly urban; the lower reaches of the watershed
include areas of high density residential, commercial,
and industrial land uses. Eighteen combined sewer
overflows (CSOs) discharge to the lower reaches of
Harbor Brook. On rare occasion, sanitary overflows
from the Hillcrest and Brookside pump stations enter
the Brook as well. Harbor Brook is monitored as part
of Onondaga County's AMP for streamflow and water
quality conditions at two sites, Velasko Rd. and
Hiawatha Boulevard.
There are two USGS gauging stations on Harbor Brook:
one at Holden St. (site number 04240100), located on
the stream's left bank 160 ft upstream from the Holden
Street bridge, 220 ft downstream from gated outlet of
Velasko Road Detention Basin, and 2.6 mi upstream of
the stream mouth. USGS remarks for this gauging
station state: "Records poor. Flow includes some
sewage and storm sewer inflow, some originating
outside the basin. Flows can be regulated at detention
basin by Onondaga County." The second gauging station
(number 04240105) is located on the left bank of the
stream, 250 ft downstream from a culvert on Hiawatha
Boulevard and 0.5 mi upstream from the confluence of
Harbor Brook and Onondaga Lake. USGS remarks for this
station state: "Records good except those for
estimated daily discharges, which are fair. Flow
includes some sewage and storm sewer inflow, some
originating outside the basin. Flow can be regulated
at Velasko Road Detention Basin 2.1 mi upstream."
Harbor Brook has three water quality designations as
listed in 6 NYCRR Part 895.4: Class C from the
headwaters to the City of Syracuse line (near Velasko
Rd. and CSO 078); Class B from the City line to the
covered section (near Delaware St. and CSO 014); and,
Class C through the covered section to Onondaga Lake.
See Map2-5 for Harbor Brook stream classifications.
Both Class B & C waters must be suitable for primary
and secondary contact recreation, and fish propagation
and survival.
Of the major inflows to Onondaga Lake, Harbor Brook
ranks fourth as a contributor of phosphorus. This
pattern has not changed since the late 1980s. The
same order of importance has been observed during
storm events. Consistency of this pattern implies that
there have been no major changes in contributions from
the various portions of the watershed over this
period. This is likely due to the relatively stable
land use patterns in the watersheds (EcoLogic 2003).
As discussed in later sections, the CSO remedial
projects will reduce the concentration of phosphorus
in the stream and its annual loading to Onondaga Lake.
Because the stream represents a small percentage of
the hydrologic load (approximately 2.3% of the annual
water flow into the lake) the reductions achieved with
the CSO project are not likely to affect the relative
contribution of phosphorus from the tributaries, nor
are they likely to reduce the phosphorus
concentrations of the lake waters.
Annual loading of major pollutants from Harbor Brook
into Onondaga Lake is presented in Table 2-3. Loading
data were calculated using the relationships between
flow and concentration of constituents in the
tributary; data are stratified into two flow regimes
and by season, and the relationship between flow and
concentration is used to project the concentration of
constituents over the unsampled period of the
hydrologic record. This method (described in the 2003
Annual AMP Report) was developed by Dr. William Walker
Jr. for application to the Onondaga Lake tributary
flows.
| Table 2-3. Annual loading of major pollutants from Harbor Brook into Onondaga Lake |
|
Pollutant
|
Unit
|
1999
load
|
2000 load
|
2001 load
|
2002 load
|
2003 load
|
5 yr average
|
Average % total load to lake
|
|
Fecal Coliform Bacteria
|
billion
cells
|
368,115
|
4,452
|
8,933
|
568,558
|
16,171
|
237,515
|
2%
|
|
Total Nitrogen
|
kg
|
16,405
|
20,983
|
21,714
|
20,171
|
27,360
|
19,818
|
1%
|
|
Total Phosphorus
|
kg
|
655
|
506
|
717
|
1,150
|
930
|
757
|
1%
|
|
Total Suspended Solids
|
kg
|
229,168
|
135,073
|
190,844
|
521,069
|
221,000
|
269,038
|
2%
|
|
Source: Annual AMP Reports, EcoLogic LLC
|
Although the percent load on an annual basis is small,
the contribution of pollutants from Harbor Brook has
the potential to affect water quality and aesthetics
in the nearshore area of Onondaga Lake. This is
evident when comparing the nearshore water quality
from different stations along the lake shoreline.
|
|
Figure 2-1. Percent compliance (white) of fecal coliform bacteria at Onondaga Lake nearshore stations. June-August (a) 2001, (b) 2002, (c) 2003.
|
Microbiological quality improves greatly as one moves
away from the southern tributaries (Figure 2-1).
However, the southern end of Onondaga Lake continues
to have unacceptably high levels of indicator bacteria
following storms and does not support water contact
recreation. This finding highlights the need for
continued progress with the CSO projects.
Collecting stream samples during rainstorms and
snowmelt is an important component of the County's
tributary monitoring program. Monitoring has
documented that most of the pollutants enter the lake
during these infrequent high flow periods. The storm
event monitoring program is collecting valuable data
to assess the effectiveness of the CSO remediation
program. Storm event monitoring is designed around the
construction schedule for the major CSO facilities
that will collect and treat overflows on Onondaga
Creek, Harbor Brook, and Ley Creek.
Average annual concentrations for major pollutants in
Harbor Brook, both upstream (Velasko Rd) and
downstream (Hiawatha Blvd) of the area affected by
CSOs, are shown in Table 2-4. Notice that, since 2001,
the concentration of suspended sediments in water
samples (TSS) has been higher in the upstream portion
of Harbor Brook, above the CSOs. This may be
attributed to construction activities.
| Table 2-4. Average annual concentration of pollutants in Harbor Brook, 1999-2003 |
|
|
Total P (mg/L)
|
TSS (mg/L)
|
E coli (per 100 mL)
|
Total N (mg/L)
|
|
Year
|
Hiawatha Blvd
|
Velasko
Rd
|
Hiawatha Blvd
|
Velasko Rd
|
Hiawatha Blvd
|
Velasko
Rd
|
Hiawatha Blvd
|
Velasko Rd
|
|
1999
|
0.085
|
0.025
|
39
|
8
|
708
|
200
|
2.02
|
1.77
|
|
2000
|
0.053
|
0.021
|
13
|
7
|
481
|
155
|
1.80
|
1.97
|
|
2001
|
0.058
|
0.051
|
12
|
27
|
1117
|
243
|
1.89
|
2.00
|
|
2002
|
0.065
|
0.021
|
19
|
40
|
7172
|
293
|
1.86
|
2.11
|
|
2003
|
0.068
|
0.049
|
13
|
23
|
1655
|
360
|
2.06
|
2.19
|
2.1.7.2. Flood prone areas
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has
published maps of flood elevations for the project
area. A review of the 1986 Flood Insurance Rate Map
reveals that Site 10 is within the 100 to 500-year
floodplain for Harbor Brook, while Site 11 is within
the 100 year floodplain. Areas within the 100-year
floodplain have a 1 in 100 (1%) probability of being
flooded in any year. For areas in the 500-year
floodplain, the probability of flooding is 1 in 500
(0.2%). Based on this information, a permit to
construct in flood prone areas will be required for
these two sites. Finished floor elevations are
required to be one foot above the 100-year floodplain.
2.1.7.3. State-designated wetlands
Four NYSDEC mapped wetlands are in the Harbor Brook watershed: SYW-16, SYW-17, SYW-19, and SON-9 (Map 2-7).
SYW-16 is a Class 3 wetland; the others are Class 2.
Class 3 wetlands are emergent marshes where purple
loosestrife and/or Phragmites comprise more than
two-thirds of the covertype; Class 2 wetlands are also
emergent marshes but with less than two-thirds of the
covertype comprised by purple loosestrife and/or
Phragmites. No project sites will be located in NYSDEC
mapped wetlands.
SYW-19 is located at the outlet of Harbor Brook,
adjacent to Onondaga Lake, and would benefit the most
from any improvements in the stream's water quality.
2.1.7.4. Federally designated wetlands
The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) GIS maps for the
Syracuse west and South Onondaga quadrangles were used
to map the location of NWI wetlands within the Harbor
Brook watershed. Wetland #109 is located
between Holden St. and Velasko Rd., in the most
upstream area of the CSO abatement project. This
wetland is classified as PFO1C
(palustrine-forested-broad leaved deciduous-seasonally
flooded).
See Map 2-8 for wetlands on federal Freshwater Wetlands Inventory.
The area is currently used as a detention basin for
Harbor Brook; Onondaga County can regulate flows into
the Brook from this gated area. The section of Rowland
Street that used to go through the southern end of
this wetland was dismantled when the area was
designated as the Velasko Street Detention Basin.
However, the Right-of-Way for Rowland Street remains
in place.
2.1.7.5. Created wetlands
A partnership composed of the SUNY College of
Environmental Science and Forestry, Onondaga County
Department of Water Environment Protection, Atlantic
States Legal Foundation, and The City of Syracuse is
proposing to construct treatment wetlands along Harbor
Brook, using the area currently designated as the
Velasko Road Detention Basin. The construction of this
wetland will incorporate two different designs, which
will allow investigators to assess the efficacy of
constructed or restored wetlands to remediate stormwater
runoff and CSOs in the urban sectors of the City. The
proposed project would have no adverse impacts on this
created wetland.
2.1.7.6. Groundwater
The Onondaga County Health Department was contacted
regarding the existence of groundwater supply wells in
the Harbor Brook watershed. According to a letter
dated February 24, 2004 (Appendix A), "there are no
public wells in the area." The area is served by
public water from either the City of Syracuse or
Onondaga County Water Authority. It may be inferred,
therefore, that private wells are not used for water
supply within the Harbor Brook CSO watershed area.
|
|
Photographs from July 2002 illustrating the habitat characteristics of Harbor Brook. Note channelization and barrier s stream is directed underground.
|
Within the project area, Harbor Brook is an urban
stream that has been channelized and, in some
sections, directed underground. Riparian areas are
mostly narrow and degraded, and aquatic habitat is
poor.
Stream mapping was conducted in 2000 and 2002 at seven
sites, each located within continuous one-mile reaches
in the above-ground portion of Harbor Brook. A
standard characterization and assessment protocol, the
Stream Visual Assessment Protocol (SVAP), was used for
this effort. This standard protocol was developed by
the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS
1999). The SVAP provides for the assessment of stream
conditions in both a qualitative and quantitative
manner and serves as a baseline against which future
stream changes can be measured.
This NRCS protocol is based primarily on physical
conditions within the assessment areas, standardized
as a stream segment extending about 12 times the
active stream width. The SVAP includes several
elements that are assessed in the field and assigned a
numerical score according to published guidelines. The
assessment criteria are scaled mostly to a designation
of one to ten (macroinvertebrate habitat is scaled to
15); the overall score relates to stream and habitat
quality. These criteria include:
-
Hydrology: base flow, high water marks; sediment and stream debris deposits; condition of and access to the stream's floodplain; and dams or other water withdrawals
-
Type and condition of riparian vegetation
-
Bank stability: signs of erosion including unvegetated reaches, evidence of construction, scalloped bank edges, vehicle or animal paths, and other obvious signs of bank failure
-
Water appearance: water clarity (turbidity), color, and other visual characteristics
-
Water quality: temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity
-
Nutrient enrichment: visual evaluation of macrophytes and algal growth
-
Barriers to fish movement: assessment of drop structures, dams, culverts, water withdrawals or other structures or activities that impede the movement of fish.
-
Instream fish cover: presence of logs or large woody debris, deep pools, overhanging vegetation, boulders/cobble substrates, undercut banks, riffle areas, root-wads, and any other fish sheltering cover
-
Insect/macroinvertebrate habitat: relative abundance and numbers of habitat types used by invertebrate populations including fine woody debris, submerged logs, leaf packs, undercut banks, cobble/boulders, and coarse gravels.
-
Canopy cover: assesses the amount of shade provided by overhanging vegetation.
-
Riffle embeddedness: estimates the degree to which gravel and cobble substrates are surrounded by or embedded in fine sediments
The assessment scores are then averaged and an overall
site score and status is designated based on the
following criteria: Poor 0 - 5.9; Fair 6.0 - 7.4;
Good 7.5 - 8.9; Excellent > 9.0.
Results for four sites in Harbor Brook are shown in
Table 2-5. Sites HB1, HB2, and HB3 fall within the
project area; all three scored as "poor" in both 2000
and 2002 (EcoLogic 2003). Site HB4 is the most
upstream and falls outside the project area; this site
scored "good."
| Table 2-5. Stream Visual Assessment scores for Harbor Brook, 2002. |
|
Variable
|
HB1
Hiawatha Blvd
|
HB2
Amy St.
|
HB3
Velasko Rd.
|
HB4
Grand Ave. Pump Station
|
|
Channel condition
|
2
|
3
|
3
|
8
|
|
Hydrologic alteration
|
2
|
1
|
4
|
7
|
|
Riparian zone
|
1
|
3
|
1
|
10
|
|
Bank stability
|
5
|
7
|
4
|
4
|
|
Water appearance
|
5
|
6
|
6
|
7
|
|
Nutrient enrichment
|
5
|
3
|
6
|
8
|
|
Barriers, fish movement
|
10
|
10
|
10
|
10
|
|
Instream fish cover
|
6
|
3
|
5
|
7
|
|
Pools
|
6
|
1
|
5
|
6
|
|
Invertebrate habitat
|
8
|
5
|
8
|
10
|
|
Canopy cover
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
7
|
|
Macroinvertebrates
|
3
|
0
|
1
|
10
|
|
SVAP
|
4.42
|
3.50
|
4.42
|
7.83
|
|
Designation
|
Poor
|
Poor
|
Poor
|
Good
|
|
Note: site numbers progress from downstream (HB1) to upstream (HB4). (Source: EcoLogic 2003).
|
See map with stream visualization assessment.
2.1.9.1. Macroinvertebrates
Macroinvertebrates are aquatic insects, worms, clams,
snails and other animals visible without the aid of a
microscope. These animals spend at least part of their
lives associated with the sediments and macrophytes of
streams and lakes. Macroinvertebrates are good
indicators of water quality conditions because they do
not move around like fish and are, therefore, more
affected by local water quality. As part of the ACJ,
Onondaga County is required to assess the
macroinvertebrate communities of tributaries to
Onondaga Lake with CSOs.
The Onondaga County macroinvertebrate program collects
samples at three locations in Harbor Brook: Site (1)
Velasko Road, which serves as a reference location, is
upstream of CSOs but impacted by urbanization; Site
(2) Hiawatha Blvd is downstream of all CSOs and serves
as the CSO impact location; and Site (3) Route 690,
which is impacted by the combined influence of all
upstream disturbances, including CSOs and the
abandoned AlliedSignal (Honeywell International)
wastebeds. Scores are assigned following a NYSDEC
protocol.
|
|
Figure 2-2. NYSDEC impact assessment for Harbor Brook in 2000 and 2002. Note: Error bars are standard error. Site numbers progress from downstream (Site 3) to upstream (Site 1). (Source: EcoLogic 2003)
|
Based on results of the 2000 and 2002 monitoring
(Figure 2-2), it is apparent that the
macroinvertebrate community of Harbor Brook is
negatively influenced by the combination of habitat
degradation, non-point source pollution, and CSO
discharges. In the 2002 survey, Harbor Brook was
moderately impacted at its most upstream site (Velasko
Road) and borderline moderately/severely impacted at
its two downstream locations (Hiawatha Blvd. and Rt.
690) (Ecologic 2001a, EcoLogic 2003). Increasing
impact from organic pollution was evident at the
Hiawatha Blvd and Rt. 690 sites, probably caused by a
combination of CSO discharges and urban runoff
(EcoLogic 2003).
2.1.9.2. Fish
Little is known regarding the fish community of Harbor
Brook. NYSDEC annually stocks trout in the Town of
Geddes portion of the Creek. In 2002, 200 brown trout
were stocked. Two dead brown trout were observed near
the upper end of the underground portion of Harbor
Brook, at the Amy Street crossing in 2002 (EcoLogic
2003). Also observed during that sampling effort were
carp and fathead minnow at Hiawatha Blvd.
2.1.10.1. Harbor Brook
Within the proposed project area, Harbor Brook is an
urban stream affected by CSOs, channelization, and
urban runoff. Water quality in the stream does not
meet its designated uses for secondary contact
recreation. Aquatic habitat is poor to non-existent.
Floatables and heavier debris detract from the
aesthetic qualities of the stream.
Under these conditions, abatement of CSOs in the
Harbor Brook watershed will help improve water
quality, habitat, and aesthetic conditions within both
Harbor Brook and Onondaga Lake. However, the habitat
conditions for aquatic life in Harbor Brook will
remain highly degraded due to the effects of
channelization and the highly urban landscape.
2.1.10.2. Onondaga Lake
Water quality and habitat conditions of Onondaga Lake
have improved over the past decade. Phosphorus and
ammonia concentrations have decreased, due to improved
wastewater treatment. In response, the levels of
dissolved oxygen have increased throughout the water
column. Improved water clarity has allowed the beds of
aquatic plants to expand; this has provided for
improved nesting and nursery habitat for the lake's
resident warm-water fish community.
Microbiological quality improves greatly as one moves
away from the southern tributaries, which include
Harbor Brook. However, the southern end of Onondaga
Lake continues to have unacceptably high levels of
indicator bacteria following storms and does not
support water contact recreation. This finding
highlights the need for continued progress with the
CSO projects.
2.1.11.1. Federally listed endangered or threatened species
Under the Endangered Species Act (1973), the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is responsible for the
identification of endangered and threatened species.
The New York USFWS field office was contacted
regarding the Harbor Brook CSO abatement project. In a
letter dated July 31, 2003 (Appendix
A),
representatives from that office stated that "except
for occasional transient individuals, no
federally listed endangered or threatened species are
known to exist in the project impact area."
2.1.11.2. State-listed rare, threatened, or endangered species
The NYSDEC Natural Heritage Program (NHP) compiles and
maintains a database of rare, threatened and
endangered species occurring in New York State.
According to a letter dated July 29, 2003 (Appendix
A), there are "no records of known occurrences of
rare or state listed animal or plants, significant natural communities, or other significant habitats, on or in the immediate vicinity" of the project area.
2.1.11.3. Federally- or state-listed critical habitats
The NYS field office of the USFWS stated that "no
habitat in the project impact area is designated or
proposed" as critical habitat. The NYSDEC NHP
concurred with this assessment. (See USFWS
and NHP letters in Appendix A)
This section describes the potential impacts on
natural resources associated with the implementation
of this project. It is important to understand that
these are potential impacts that might result when
mitigating measures are not implemented.
2.2.1.1. Potential impacts
Soils in the project area are classified as urban
soils and have already been subjected to considerable
disturbance from human activities. Impacts from the
proposed project to the geology and soils in the area
will be the result of required excavation activities
(to install conveyance pipes, for example). Excavation
activities can also affect water quality (through
stormwater runoff) and air quality (dust). However, it
is expected that any impacts from soil disturbance
will be short-term and limited to the construction
phase of the project.
2.2.1.2. Mitigating measures
All site activities will be compliant with a
Sedimentation and Erosion Control (E & SC) plan to be
developed during the design phase of this project. The
E & SC plan will be reviewed and approved by the
County and other concerned agencies and will be
referenced as a requirement for all contractors. The
plan will include use of industry specific and
accepted standard techniques, such as the use of silt
fences, hay bales, temporary sediment basins, and
seeding after project completion, among others. In
addition, the County's construction specifications
require comprehensive site erosion, runoff, and dust
control measures. All disturbed areas will be restored
to pre-project conditions, or better.
2.2.1.3. Compliance with Phase II stormwater regulations
As of March 10, 2003, any construction activity
disturbing more than 1 acre must comply with the
NYSDEC Phase II stormwater regulations. These require
the development of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention
Plan (SWPPP), review and approval by NYSDEC. The SWPPP
must follow the technical specifications found in the
"New York Standards and Specifications for Erosion and
Sediment Control" and "New York State Stormwater
Management Design Manual". Onondaga County is
participating in a Central New York Regional Planning
and Development Board (CNYRPDB) program designed to
assist municipalities with achieving compliance with
the Phase II stormwater regulations.
2.2.2.1. Potential impacts
The Harbor Brook project area falls within an
attainment zone for federally listed air quality
standards, as described in Section 2.1.4. Potential
impacts on local air quality will be limited to
emissions (including dust) and odors associated with
the construction and operations phase of the project.
No impacts to regional air quality are expected.
Odors.
Odors associated with the operation of the CSO storage
and treatment facility, as well as the floatable
control facilities (FCFs), could become problematic if
left unmitigated. Odors are produced when the supply
of oxygen is depleted in the wastewater and are the
result of microbial activity. Microbial decomposition
of waste produces hydrogen sulfide gas, which is
characterized by a rotten egg smell. The probability
of odor problems increases with the length of time the
wastewater is stored, higher temperatures, higher
solids concentrations, and increased number of access
points (OCDDS 1996). Chemicals used to treat the CSO
can also cause odor problems if left unmitigated.
Emissions and dust.
Potential emissions and dust sources related to
construction activities include the following:
-
Excavation of trenches
-
Movement of fill material (dirt, gravel)
-
Construction vehicles and equipment
-
Backed-up traffic
It is expected that emissions from construction
vehicles and equipment will fall well below regulated
thresholds. However, localized dust-related impacts
are expected.
2.2.2.2. Mitigating measures
Odor.
An odor control plan will be developed as part of the
final design for all Regional Treatment Facilities
(RTFs). Activated carbon systems and/or scrubbers will
be included in all these facilities. In addition, the
County will apply to the NYSDEC for an Air Facility
Registration, which includes documentation of odor
control units. Other odor control measures will be
incorporated in both the design and operation of the
RTFs.
Floatable control facilities (FCFs) will be located
underground. As such, odor-producing gases will be
trapped and should not be noticeable above ground.
Gases that reach the surface are not expected to
produce detectable odors. The proposed improvements to
the CSOs will produce far less odor and be less
objectionable than the existing conditions. The
objective of this project is to remove a mixture of
stormwater and wastewater that currently enters Harbor
Brook untreated. As such, this project will contribute
to the elimination of odors associated with current
CSO practices.
Emissions and dust.
Construction vehicles must comply with emissions
standards. Contractors will be responsible for
maintaining their equipment and instituting practices
that will minimize emissions, such as unnecessary
idling of vehicles and other equipment.
Dust-related concerns may be abated by covering and/or
wetting dirt piles, strategic placement of fill
material, application of wetting or stabilizing
agents, requiring the use of covers for trucks moving
dirt, and other practices. The County will work with
contractors and the affected public to minimize dust
related impacts.
2.2.3.1. Potential impacts
The area encompassed by the Harbor Brook CSO abatement
project is urban in character, with no known
occurrences of significant habitats or species
(Section 2.1.11). Potential impacts are expected to
be of short duration and to be restricted to the
construction phase of the project. These will include
disturbance and/or removal of vegetation along
conveyance routes and other construction areas.
2.2.3.2. Mitigating measures
As part of the E & SC plan (Section 2.2.1), disturbed
areas that are not paved over will be seeded and/or
replanted to restore or improve vegetation to
pre-construction standards. Native species of
vegetation will be used. Some areas disturbed during
construction will be covered with stone and/or rip-rap
and, therefore, will not be seeded/replanted.
Practices to be followed during the construction phase include:
-
Avoidance of vegetated areas that are not part of the construction project
-
Minimizing damage/removal of existing vegetation
2.2.4.1. Potential impacts
During the construction phase, erosion and
sedimentation could temporarily degrade water quality
in the Brook if proper controls are not utilized.
Spills in the construction areas, especially of
petroleum products, could also affect water quality.
During the operational phase, impacts associated with
high chlorine levels could be a concern unless
de-chlorination practices are consistently implemented
prior to discharge of treated CSO into Harbor Brook.
However, it is important to realize that the major
impacts from this project on the water quality of
Harbor Brook will be positive. By removing a major
percentage (88-90%) of the CSO that currently enters
the Brook without any treatment, the concentration and
loading of organic solids, bacteria, and floatables
will be significantly reduced. This will also lead to
improvements in the water quality of Onondaga Lake,
most notably in nearshore areas.
2.2.4.2. Mitigating measures
This project will require permits from different
agencies that will review the plan and ensure that the
approved technologies are implemented (Section 1.5).
The water quality and aquatic habitat conditions of
Harbor Brook will be monitored as part of the County's
AMP through the term of the ACJ. Annual reporting of
facility performance and discharges are likely to be
required components of the SPDES permit for the Harbor
Brook CSO facilities. Implementation of the E & SC
plan (Section 2.2.1.2) will result in the protection
of water quality during the construction phase.
Contractors will be required to develop, implement and
maintain an erosion and sediment control program
throughout the construction process.
During the operational phase, discharge of CSO and
related pollutants will be greatly reduced. It is
expected that sodium hypochlorite will be used to
treat (disinfect) the CSO. Sodium metabisulfite will
be added to remove chlorine from the treated water
prior to discharge. Residual chlorine concentrations
will meet NYSDEC Ambient Water Quality Standards in
Harbor Brook; the discharge will be considered
non-toxic by EPA and NYSDEC standards. Therefore,
adverse impacts on water quality from the treated
discharge are not expected.
2.2.5.1. Potential impacts
As described in Section 2.1.9, aquatic habitat within
the project area of Harbor Brook is poor. As such, it
is not expected that this project will have
significant detrimental effects to the aquatic biota
of the stream or Onondaga Lake. On the contrary,
improvements in water quality resulting from this
project should lead to improvements in the resident
aquatic community of Harbor Brook and the Lake.
2.2.5.2. Mitigating measures
Since no detrimental impacts are expected on the
aquatic biota of Harbor Brook due to the proposed
action, no mitigating measures are needed.
No detrimental impacts that cannot be mitigated have
been identified as a result of the proposed project.
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2. Natural resources
Susan Miller, Project Deputy Director
Onondaga County Dept of Water Environment Protection