Harbor Brook Environmental Information Document (Aug 2005)
by Brown and Caldwell and EcoLogic
for Onondaga County Dept of Water Environment Protection

3. Human resources: Potential impacts and mitigation

3.1. Existing conditions

3.1.1. Land use and zoning

3.1.1.1. Current

Map 3-1. Harbor Brook watershed municipalities. (Note: approximate conveyance route highlighted in blue.)

As shown in Table 2-2, just under half of the Harbor Brook watershed area is urbanized. The majority of the watershed area falls within three municipalities: City of Syracuse to the northeast, Town of Geddes to the northwest, and Town of Onondaga to the south (Map 3-1). A small portion to the west of the watershed falls within the Town of Camillus. All municipalities have some type of zoning ordinance (City of Syracuse, Town of Onondaga) or a Zoning Board of Appeals (Towns of Geddes and Camillus).

The project area for the Harbor Brook CSO abatement project falls almost completely within the City of Syracuse limits, with only a small section within the Village of Solvay (Town of Geddes). The area is roughly delimited by Geddes Street to the east, Bellevue Avenue to the south, Avery Avenue to the west, and Onondaga Lake to the north.

3.1.1.2. Planned/proposed actions by others

At this time, there are no known planned or proposed development actions in the Harbor Brook CSO abatement project area. The area is outside the Lakefront Development Zone, which includes the DestiNY USA mall project.

3.1.2. Transportation and traffic conditions

3.1.2.1. Areas Potentially Affected by the Proposed Action

The Harbor Brook Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Facilities Planning project identified nine locations where street closures or lane reductions would be necessary to install conveyances based on the range of alternatives under consideration. Each closure or lane reduction will occur for an approximate duration of six to eight weeks. This section identifies those locations and the proposed detour or alternative routes to accommodate traffic flow during construction. The actual impacts will be reduced as the routing of conveyances and locations of FCFs and RTFs are finalized.

Street closure/lane reduction locations include:

1. Hiawatha Boulevard, between Erie Boulevard and State Fair Boulevard

 

2. State Fair Boulevard, between Hiawatha Boulevard and Wait Avenue

 

3. West Genesee Street, between Sackett and Eureka Streets

 

4. West Fayette Street, between Magnolia and Geddes Streets

 

5. Delaware Street, between Amy Street and Grand Avenue

 

6. Grand Avenue, between Herriman and Cadwell Streets

 

7. Herriman Street, entire length from Grand Avenue to Rowland Avenue

 

8. Rowland Avenue, west of Herriman Street

 

9. Emerson Avenue, south of Erie Boulevard

Data Collection In order to assess the proposed detour routes, traffic volumes were obtained from the Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council (SMTC) in the vicinity of the street closures, where available. These traffic volumes were used to identify the order of magnitude of the traffic that would be either diverted or restricted and if the proposed detours, where applicable, could accommodate the diverted traffic.

Morning and evening peak hour traffic volumes were acquired for the following intersections.

1. W. Genesee Street/Erie Boulevard

 

2. W. Genesee Street/N. Geddes Street

 

3. N. Geddes Street/Richmond Ave.

 

4. Erie Boulevard/N. Geddes Street

 

5. W. Fayette Street/Geddes Street

 

6. S. Geddes Street/Grand Ave./Shonnard Street

Click to enlarge

Average daily traffic volume data were acquired for North Geddes Street and Grand Avenue in the project vicinity. These traffic volumes are presented in Figure 3-1.
In addition to traffic volume data, traffic operations, traffic control features, and intersection geometries were collected at affected locations. On-street parking, bus stop locations, and general signing were also collected for pertinent street segments.

Street Closures and Detour Routes The detour routes recommended in this EID were developed based on the traffic data discussed above and a review of the roadway network for logical operational routes. Any detours should be reviewed with the City of Syracuse and other affected agencies prior to implementation.

The street closures or lanes reductions and their impacts, potential detour/alternative routes and potential improvements are presented below.

Hiawatha Boulevard.
The Hiawatha Boulevard closure is located northeast of Erie Boulevard West and southwest of State Fair Boulevard. It is anticipated that only two of the four lanes will be closed at a time. This will allow for traffic to continue using Hiawatha Boulevard with one lane open in each direction.

Impacts.
Duration of Closure: Approximately six to eight weeks
On-Street Parking: None
Access to Driveways: Access to businesses will be maintained during construction. It is anticipated that the construction area will be limited to the portion of Hiawatha Boulevard southwest of the Napa building, therefore business access will not be affected.
CENTRO Bus Routes: No Centro bus routes will be directly affected by the Hiawatha Boulevard closure.

Potential Detour Route.
Hiawatha Boulevard will remain open but if congestion does occur due to the lane closures, State Fair Boulevard provides alternative access between Hiawatha Boulevard and West Genesee Street.

Potential Improvements.
No modifications are anticipated. Maintenance and Protection of Traffic (MPT) plans will be developed for the lane closures and approved by the City of Syracuse

State Fair Boulevard. The State Fair Boulevard closure is located north of Waite Avenue and south of Hiawatha Boulevard. Closure of both lanes is anticipated but only one lane will be closed at a time. Since State Fair Boulevard is 43 feet wide, it is possible to maintain directional traffic during construction. Eleven-foot lanes in each direction can be provided to maintain traffic flow in this area.

Impacts.
Duration of Closure: Approximately six to eight weeks
On-Street Parking: None
Access to Driveways: The actual construction area will be just north of Waite Avenue. Access to some buildings close to the construction area may be impacted. Separate design meetings will be held with the affected building/business owners to specifically address the impacts.
CENTRO Bus Routes: No Centro bus routes will be directly affected by the State Fair Boulevard closure.

Potential Detour Route.
State Fair Boulevard will remain open.

Potential Improvements.
No modifications are anticipated. Maintenance and Protection of Traffic (MPT) plans will be developed for the lane closures and approved by the City of Syracuse.

West Genesee Street. West Genesee will have two out of the four lanes closed, between Sackett Street and Eureka Street. It is anticipated that the majority of the work will occur in the two westbound lanes but directional traffic will be maintained. Traffic volumes in this section of Genesee Street are approximately 600-900 vehicles per hour in the peak direction during the morning and evening peak hour. This volume of traffic may be accommodated with one lane in each direction but some congestion will occur, especially during peak travel periods.

Impacts.
Duration of Closure: Approximately six to eight weeks.
Access to Driveways: Access to the Volvo dealership,
Enterprise Car Rental, Eastern Copy Products and Nase Motors will be the impacted by the construction. A separate design meeting will be held with the affected business owners to specifically address the impacts.
On-Street Parking: None
CENTRO Bus Routes: Bus Route 36 from Camillus and Route 78 from Fairmount travel along West Genesee Street. Combined, these bus routes make 47 trips per day during the week, 18 trips on Saturdays, and 16 trips on Sunday and holidays. Also, along West Genesee Street there are numerous bus route markers.

Figure 3-2.

Potential Detour Route.
West Genesee Street will remain open but an alternative route that could be signed is Erie Boulevard via North Geddes Street if congestion does occur due to the lane closures (Figure 3-2).

Potential Mitigation.
Use variable message signs to warn motorists of the lane closure prior to the construction and recommend alternative routes to avoid congestion. Identify alternative routes during construction well in advance of the construction site. Signal timings at the Genesee Street/North Geddes Street intersection may be adjusted to accommodate the change in travel patterns. Possible improvements will be evaluated in more detail during the design phase. Maintenance and Protection of Traffic (MPT) plans will be developed for the lane closures and approved by the City of Syracuse

West Fayette Street. The West Fayette Street Conveyance is located between Magnolia and Geddes Streets. It is anticipated that both lanes of West Fayette will be closed, one lane at a time. The peak directional traffic volumes range from 700 to 950 vehicles per hour on this section of West Fayette Street. It is recommended to maintain the westbound traffic and detour the eastbound traffic for the entire construction period.

Impacts.
Duration of Closure: Approximately two weeks.
On-Street Parking: None
Access to Driveways: Access to one business may be impacted. A separate design meeting will be held with the affected building/business owner to specifically address the impacts and identify solutions.
CENTRO Bus Routes: No Centro routes will be directly affected by the West Fayette St. closure.

Figure 3-3.

Potential Detour Route.
Eastbound Traffic: Erie Boulevard eastbound to West Street. From there, access is available to Fayette (south), I-690 (north) or into the City (east) (Figure 3-3).
Westbound Traffic: Westbound traffic will be maintained.

Potential Improvements.
The traffic signal timings at the West Fayette Street/North Geddes Street intersection may need to be adjusted based on changes in travel demand. This should be evaluated during the design phase. Maintenance and Protection of Traffic (MPT) plans will be developed for the lane closures and approved by the City of Syracuse

Delaware Street. The Delaware Street closure is located south of Amy Street and north of Grand Avenue. This section of Delaware Street will be completely closed.

Impacts.
Duration of Closure: Approximately six to eight weeks
On-Street Parking: None.
Access to Driveways: The road closure will not impact access to any buildings along Delaware Street.
CENTRO Bus Routes: No Centro bus routes will be directly affected by the Delaware Street closure.

Figure 3-4

Potential Detour Route.
Northbound Traffic: Grand Avenue northbound to Geddes Street northbound to Seymour Street westbound to South Wilbur Avenue.
Southbound Traffic: South Wilbur Avenue to Seymour Street eastbound to Geddes Street southbound to Grand Avenue southbound.
Recommended detours are shown in Figure 3-4.

Potential Improvements.
No modifications are necessary due to the relatively low traffic volumes impacted. Maintenance and Protection of Traffic (MPT) plans will be developed for the lane closures and approved by the City of Syracuse.

Grand Avenue. The Grand Avenue closure is located west of South Geddes Street and east of Velasko Road, between Herriman and Cadwell Streets. Both lanes will be closed, one lane at a time. The peak directional traffic volumes range from 1,050 to 1,250 vehicles per hour. It is recommended that the eastbound traffic on Grand Avenue is maintained throughout the construction period and that westbound traffic be detoured.

Impacts.
Duration of Closure: Approximately two weeks
On-Street Parking: All on street parking will be eliminated between Herriman and Cadwell Streets during construction.
Access to Driveways: Access to some properties close to the construction area may be impacted. Separate design meetings will be held with the affected property owners to specifically address the impacts.
CENTRO Bus Routes: Bus Route 236, Auburn to downtown Syracuse via Skaneateles will be affected.

Figure 3-5

Potential Detour Route.
Eastbound Traffic: Eastbound traffic will be maintained.
Westbound Traffic: South Geddes Street southbound to West Onondaga Street westbound to Velasko Road northbound to Grand Avenue (Figure 3-5).

Potential Improvements.
Some congestion may occur for the detoured traffic, particularly at the Velasko Road/Grand Avenue intersection, but it is anticipated that much of the traffic will disperse prior to arriving at this portion of the detour. The traffic signal timings at the Grand Avenue/South Avery Avenue and West Onondaga Street/Velasko Road intersections will need to be modified based on changes in travel patterns. This should be evaluated during the design phase of the project. Maintenance and Protection of Traffic (MPT) plans will be developed for the lane closures and approved by the City of Syracuse

Herriman Street. The Herriman Street Conveyance is located just south of the Grand Avenue. The entire length of Herriman Street will be affected by the closure. One lane will be maintained on Herriman Street in the northbound direction. The intersections of Fitch Street, Hartson Street, and Rowland Avenue with Herriman Street will be closed, one at a time with no cross street through traffic. The area of impact is shown in Figure 3-6.

Figure 3-6

Impacts.
Duration of Partial Closures: Approximately six to eight weeks, one week per intersection.
On-Street Parking: All on street parking on Herriman Street, in the vicinity of construction, will be eliminated during construction.
Access to Driveways: Access to homes along Herriman Street will be impacted but access will be maintained. Specific concerns with homeowners in the area will be addressed during the design phase of this project.
CENTRO Bus Routes: No Centro bus routes will be directly affected by the Herriman Street partial closure.

Potential Detour Route.
Herriman Street provides access to local residents that live in the area therefore motorists will find an alternative route through the residential street network based on their origin and destination. The grid street network allows for alternative routes without much inconvenience.

Potential Improvements.
No roadway improvements are necessary but a public outreach to the local neighborhood is necessary to inform the residents of the closure locations and schedule.

Rowland Avenue. The Rowland Avenue closure is located to the west of Herriman Street. One lane will be maintained on Rowland Avenue in the eastbound direction. The intersections of Holden Street, Hoeffler Street, Lydell Street, and Herriman Street with Rowland Avenue will be closed, one at a time with no cross street through traffic. The area of impact is shown in Figure 3-6.

Impacts.
Duration of Closure: Approximately six to eight weeks, one week per intersection.
On-Street Parking: All on street parking on Rowland Avenue, in the vicinity of construction, will be eliminated during construction.
Access to Driveways: Access to homes along Rowland Ave. will be impacted but access will be maintained. Specific concerns with homeowners will be addressed during the design phase.
CENTRO Bus Routes: No Centro bus routes will be affected by the Rowland Avenue closure.

Potential Detour Route.
Rowland Avenue provides access to local residents who live in the area; thus motorists will be able to use an alternative route based on their origin and destination. The grid street network allows for reasonably convenient alternative routes.

Potential Improvements.
No roadway improvements are necessary but a public outreach to the local neighborhood is necessary to inform the residents of the closure locations and schedule

Figure 3-7

Emerson Avenue. The Emerson Avenue closure is located between Erie Boulevard West and Chemung Street. One lane of traffic will be closed. The area of impact is shown in Figure 3-7.

Impacts.
Duration of Closure: Approximately two weeks
On-Street Parking: All on street parking in the vicinity of the construction will closed on Emerson Avenue during construction.
Access to Driveways: Access to homes along Emerson Avenue will be impacted but access will be maintained. Specific concerns with homeowners in the area will be addressed during the design phase of this project. Access to Oriend's Auto Body Shop and Larry & Son Automotive Repair will be affected during construction. Separate meetings will be held with these businesses to develop a plan to maintain access.
CENTRO Bus Routes: No Centro bus routes will be affected by the Emerson Avenue closure.

Potential Detour Route.
It is assumed that traffic can be maintained through alternating the travel direction based on the relatively low traffic demand. A flagperson will be required.

Potential Improvements.
No modifications will be necessary.

Conclusions. The analysis noted above provides proposed detour/alternative routes for the closures/lane reductions associated with the Harbor Brook CSO project. The suggested detour/alternative routes are based on order of magnitude traffic volumes and are adequate to characterize impacts to traffic in the project area. It should be noted that due to the various options available to motorists within the City street network, it is likely that some will choose routes other than the specified detour routes. These vehicles will disperse throughout the network and will not have a notable impact outside the study area. No permanent impacts are expected as a result of this project.

3.1.2.2. Planned/proposed actions by others

At this time, there are no known planned or proposed development actions in the Harbor Brook CSO abatement project area.

3.1.3. Noise

City of Syracuse's Noise Control Ordinance (General Ordinance 35-1977, 8-1-77) prohibits construction activities between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and at any time on Sundays and holidays. In addition, use of domestic power tools in residential neighborhoods is prohibited between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Predominant noise in the project area is a result of vehicular traffic and, as such, is much more noticeable during peak traffic hours.

3.1.4. Community services

3.1.4.1. Fire protection

The Syracuse Fire Department protects approximately 165,000 people living in an area of 25 square miles. They operate out of 11 stations in a primarily residential area. It is a public department whose members are on a paid status. Current staffing is 423 uniformed members, operating 10 Engines, 6 trucks, and a three-piece Rescue Company. Station 6, located on the intersection of South West Street and Fabius Street, is responsible for emergencies at Site 11 (northwest of the intersection of Grand Avenue and Delaware Street) and Site 10 (Amy Street). Station 5, located on 110 North Geddes Street, is responsible for emergencies at site 4 (located west of State Fair Blvd, between Hiawatha Blvd and W. Genesee St.). The Solvay Fire Department was incorporated in 1998 and is comprised entirely by volunteers. It operates out of three stations within the village. They are responsible for emergencies at Site 15 (Emerson Avenue).

3.1.4.2. Police protection

The Solvay Police Department, located on 1100 Woods Road, provides protection for the village of Solvay. The Department is comprised a Police Chief, three Sergeants, one Detective, seven full time police officers, four part time police officers and three civilian employees. It is responsible for the primary law enforcement in the Village of Solvay. The Solvay Police Department is responsible for emergencies at Site 15 (Emerson Avenue).

The Syracuse Police Department, located on 511 S. State St., is a metropolitan police department comprised of 486 sworn officers and 88 civilian employees. The department serves a population of approximately 164,000 city residents in 26 square miles. They are responsible for emergencies at Site 4 (west of State Fair Blvd, between Hiawatha Blvd and W. Genesee St.), at Site 10 on Amy Street, and at Site 11 (northwest of the intersection of Grand Avenue and Delaware Street).

3.1.4.3. Recreational facilities

The City of Syracuse operates over 170 parks, fields, and natural areas that span almost 1000 acres of land. Recreational facilities within the Harbor Brook project area include Frazer Park and Burnet Park. Frazer Park is a 5.7 acre neighborhood park located in the 800 block between Park Avenue and Richmond Avenue. It is adjacent to Frazer Public School and has a softball diamond, swimming pool, and playground.

Burnet Park extends over 88 acres and is bounded by Avery Avenue, Coleridge Avenue, and Grand Avenue. The park contains the following features: a 50-meter swimming pool, 2 softball diamonds and 1 baseball diamond, 2 multi-purpose athletic fields (for football, soccer, and lacrosse), 2 tennis courts, 1 basketball court, and 2 handball courts. In addition, there is a modern recreation building and playground, picnic areas, a nine-hole golf course, and an ice-skating rink.

Perhaps the best known feature of Burnet Park is Rosamond Gifford Zoo, which houses over 600 animals in diverse habitats ranging from the tropics to the woodlands. The zoo features indoor and outdoor exhibits, and offers educational and special events for public enjoyment. It is one of only 215 zoos in the U.S. accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Society. It is also a breeding zoo, working to help ensure the survival of threatened and endangered species around the world.

In 2003 Onondaga County's DWEP undertook the construction of two athletic fields in a corner of the Velasko Road Detention Basin, located upstream of Site 11. This project included a landscaping component, including the planting of 135 trees and 100 shrubs, to beautify the Basin. The project is designed to serve as an environmental resource for the community, provide an attractive natural urban park to which community residents can point with pride, and educational opportunities for both school aged children and adults the Syracuse area.

3.1.4.4. Utilities

Above and below ground utilities and associated equipment within the project area include:

• Potable water lines - City of Syracuse
• Sewer lines - City and County
• Natural gas and electric lines - Niagara Mohawk
• Telephone and cable lines - various (private)

3.1.4.5. Waste management

Federal and state regulations govern the management of solid and hazardous wastes. Onondaga County will be responsible for managing wastes from both the construction and operational phase of the project, and will require its contractors to dispose of debris on a daily basis. Construction and demolition (C&D) debris will primarily consist of asphalt, bricks, concrete, lumber, piping, and wiring.

3.1.5. Demographics

3.1.5.1. Population

Population statistics for the Harbor Brook project area and the City of Syracuse are presented in Table 3-1.

Click to enlarge

Census block groups used for these calculations are shown in Map 3-2.
Based on U.S. Census 2000 block group data, the approximate population within the project area was 3,844. About 24% are considered minorities (non-white). Within the City of Syracuse, minorities make up 36% of the total population. Age distribution in the project area closely parallels the age distribution within the City (Table 3-2), except that there is a much higher percentage of young adults (age 20-24) in the project area. Persons 65 years and older comprise 12 to 13% of the total population in both areas. According to 2000 Census data, the City of Syracuse has lost about 10% of its population since 1990 (163,860 in 1990 to 147,306 in 2000).
 

Table 3-1. Population statistics—2000 Statistics
	Harbor Brook Project Area* (approx.)	City of Syracuse

Total population	3,844	100%	147,306	100%
White alone	2,938	76%	94,663	64%
Black or African American alone	417	11%	37,336	25%
American Indian and Alaska Native alone	53	1%	1,670	1%
Asian alone	42	1%	4,961	3%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone	0	0%	72	0%
Some other race alone	182	5%	3,284	2%
Population of two or more races	212	6%	5,320	4%
* Census blocks 21(1 & 2), 29 (1), 38 (1). Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000.

3.1.5.2. Housing

As presented in Table 3-3, the majority (64%) of the occupied housing units within the project area are renter-occupied. This parallels the situation within the City of Syracuse, where 60% of the occupied housing is renter-occupied. Vacant housing units comprise about 13% of the available housing within the City. In the Harbor Brook project area, about 17% of the available housing units are vacant.
 

Table 3-3. Housing statistics
	Harbor Brook Project Area* (approx.)	City of Syracuse

Total housing units:	2016	-	68,192	-
Occupied	1667	-	59,482	-
Owner occupied	604	36%	23,991	40%
Renter occupied	1063	64%	35,491	60%
Vacant	349	17%	8,710	13%
* Census blocks 21(1 & 2), 29 (1), 38 (1). Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000.

3.1.5.3. Employment

Economic statistics presented in Table 3-4 show a significant parallel between population within the Harbor Brook project area and the City of Syracuse. Unemployment was at 9%, with 22 -26% of families living under the 1999 poverty level.
 

Table 3-4. Economic statistics
	Harbor Brook Project Area* (approx.)	City of Syracuse
Population 16 years and over	2861	114,165
% In labor force	63%	59%
% Employed	91%	91%
% Unemployed	9%	9%
% Not in labor force	37%	41%
1999 Median household income	$23,877	$25,000
1999 Median family income	$27,524	$33,026
Total family households	921	30,351
% below poverty level (1999)	26%	22%
* Census blocks 21(1 & 2), 29 (1), 38 (1). Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000.

A breakdown of employment statistics is presented in Table 3-5. The majority of the population (24 - 31%) is employed in the educational, health/social services field. Retail trade, manufacturing, and arts/food services are the next three largest employers. Each of these accounts for 10 - 14% employment.
 

Table 3-5. Employment statistics
	Harbor Brook Project Area* (approx.)	City of Syracuse
Employed civilian population 16 years and over	1,654	60,729
% Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining	0%	0%
% Construction	4%	3%
% Manufacturing	13%	11%
% Wholesale trade	5%	3%
% Retail trade	14%	11%
% Transportation and warehousing, and utilities	3%	4%
% Information	3%	4%
% Finance, insurance, real estate, and rental and leasing	5%	6%
% Professional, scientific, management, administrative, and waste management services	9%	8%
% Educational, health and social services	24%	31%
% Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services	10%	10%
% Other services (except public administration)	8%	6%
% Public administration	2%	4%
* Census blocks 21(1 & 2), 29 (1), 38 (1). Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000.

3.1.6. Cultural resources

3.1.6.1. Visual resources

This section includes photographs taken on March 11, 2004, of the four selected sites (4, 10, 11, 15) and their surroundings.
 

Site 4 from across State Fair Blvd.		Site 4 looking east toward State Fair Blvd.

Site 4 looking west		Site 4 looking south

From Site 4, looking north		Site 10 looking north across Amy Street

Site 10 looking east		Site 10 looking west toward Delaware Street

Site 10 looking south toward Grand		Site 11 looking north, shows part of surrounding stone wall.

Site 11 looking east		Site 11 looking south toward Grand Ave.

Site 11 looking west		Site 15 looking north through surrounding fence

Site 15 looking south		Site 15 looking west

As evidenced by these photographs, with Site 11 being a possible exception, the proposed action will not have an adverse impact on visual resources in the selected sites. Site 11, located in the corner of Delaware St. and Grand Ave., is a partially enclosed wooded area with attractive visual qualities. Planning for the development of this site should take into consideration the protection of existing visual resources.

3.1.6.2. Historical/archeological resources

The Harbor Brook CSO Abatement Project would take place in parts of the City of Syracuse that were occupied from the 17th to the 20th century. These areas were also within the center of the Onondaga territory. For these reasons, sensitivity to historical and archeological deposits in the area is high.

A Phase 1A cultural resource assessment was completed for this project by Hartgen Archeological Associates, Inc. (HAA, Inc.), in April 2002. Results from that effort showed that "the possibility of archeological deposits relevant to precontact Native Americans, 17th century French presence and 19th century development of the village and City of Syracuse is considered moderate to high." This finding applied to several of the sites originally proposed for this project (HAA, Inc. 2002).

Based on the results of the Phase 1A investigation, a Phase 1B field reconnaissance was conducted for proposed project sites 4, 10 and 11 between July 12 and September 9, 2004. Because two potentially historic areas were found within both sites 4 and 10, HAA, Inc. recommended that portions of these sites be avoided for construction. The NYS State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) must make a determination of the historical value of these findings. If merited, a full archeological evaluation will be conducted to determine the extent and value of the sites. Archeological monitoring during construction was recommended by HAA, Inc., for the Emerson Avenue FCF site, the CSO 003 and 004 conveyances, and the Rowland and Herriman Streets CSO conveyances (HAA, Inc. 2004).

A full Phase 1 Cultural Resources Survey (HAA, Inc. 2004) report is included as part of the complete submittal for this project.

3.1.7. Environmental justice considerations

The U.S. EPA defines environmental justice as:

the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Fair treatment means that no group of people, including a racial, ethnic, or a socioeconomic group, should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, municipal, and commercial operations or the execution of federal, state, local, and tribal programs and policies. Meaningful involvement means that: (1) potentially affected community residents have an appropriate opportunity to participate in decisions about a proposed activity that will affect their environment and/or health; (2) the public's contribution can influence the regulatory agency's decision; (3) the concerns of all participants involved will be considered in the decision making process; and (4) the decision makers seek out and facilitate the involvement of those potentially affected.

Steps to assess potential environmental justice concerns included an evaluation of the following:

• Existence of low-income and/or minority populations in the area (Section 3)
• Extent of impacts and mitigating measures (Sections 2 & 3)
• Evaluation of alternatives (Section 5)
• Public participation (Section 6).

This EID contains the review elements needed to assess whether the Harbor Brook CSO abatement project places a disproportionate environmental, economic, social or health burden on low-income and/or minority groups. Statistics presented in Section 3.1.5 support the conclusion that demographics in the Harbor Brook project area are very similar to those in the City of Syracuse.

The location of existing CSOs limits the range of alternative locations for project sites. The selection process for preferred project sites (Section 4.2) included issues such as disruption to the community and opportunities for community enhancement, in addition to engineering and costs considerations. As such, this project is not biased against any population group or neighborhood.

3.2. Impact Evaluation and Mitigating Measures - Human Resources

3.2.1. Land use

3.2.1.1. Potential impacts

Two sites were selected for the construction of the Harbor Brook RTFs (Section 4.2). One is located on State Fair Boulevard (#4) and the other (#10) is located on Grand Avenue, on the corner of Delaware Street.

Site 4 is a vacant lot currently surrounded by commercial land uses. It is zoned "Industrial District, Class A." There are no known proposed developments for these parcels. An RTF within these parcels would be consistent with existing zoning and would not pose any direct conflict with surrounding land uses. A new banquet facility adjacent to the proposed facility site could be impacted by odors from the facility if not mitigated through the use of odor control systems, negative air pressurization, and complete enclosure of the facility.

Site 10 is in a mixed-use area consisting of commercial and residential land use as well as vacant commercial buildings and vacant lots. The parcels are zoned "Residential District, Class B" and "Local Business District, Class A." There are no known development plans for this site. Construction of an RTF at this site would require a special zoning permit.

Construction of the proposed FCFs will be mostly within existing roads right-of way. Therefore, no impacts on existing land use are projected to occur.

3.2.1.2. Mitigating measures

Careful planning and attention to local concerns can help mitigate negative perceptions associated with the construction of RTFs. The selected sites were carefully evaluated for many attributes, including those directly related to potential impacts on the public (see Section 4.2). Selection criteria included minimizing adverse impacts on present and future land use. Vacant lots, which could be improved to include attractive landscaping and possible recreational areas, were selected for the proposed RTFs. Attractive landscaping and facility designs will be part of the requirements of this project.

3.2.2. Traffic

3.2.2.1. Potential impacts

Expected impacts on local traffic and CENTRO bus routes, and possible detour routes are detailed in Section 3.1.2. Impacts will vary during the different construction stages of the proposed project. It is expected that construction-related vehicles will be a locally significant portion of daily traffic during construction. Therefore, damage to local streets is to be expected.

3.2.2.2. Mitigating measures

A Maintenance and Protection of Traffic (MPT) plan is a requirement for this type of project. This plan will be developed by the contractor, working closely with the County and City of Syracuse officials. Detour routes must be approved in advance and will be well-publicized through local media as well as by appropriate signage. In addition, the project management team must coordinate with local residents, businesses and commercial operations, to maintain access and egress routes.

As each stage of the construction phase is completed, damage to local streets will be assessed and any needed repairs will be made promptly. The County will set up a mechanism to address complaints from local neighbors.

3.2.3. Noise

3.2.3.1. Potential impacts

Noise impacts from construction activities and equipment could be significant to neighboring areas. Impacts will diminish as distance between noise sources and receptors increases. Existing structures in the construction area could act to either block or amplify noise. Other factors that could influence the perception of noise include:

• Background noise level (louder during daytime hours)
• Surrounding terrain
• Duration
• Amplitude (loudness) and pitch (frequency)
• Sensitivity of receptor

3.2.3.2. Mitigating measures

It is expected that noise impacts will be most significant during the construction phase of this project. A discussion of long-term noise impacts during the operations phase is included at the end of this section. During the construction phase, significant impacts will be confined to an area ranging from 500 to 1000 feet from the noise source (NYSDEC 2001). The actual range will depend on factors outlined above.

A noise control plan will be implemented during the construction phase, incorporating the following specific recommendations from NYSDEC (2001):
 
1. Reduce noise frequency and impulse noise at the source of generation by:
   a. Replacing back-up beepers on machinery with strobe lights (subject to other requirements, e.g., OSHA and Mine Safety and Health Administration, as applicable). This eliminates the most annoying impulse beeping;
   b. Using appropriate mufflers to reduce the frequency of sound on machinery that pulses, such as diesel engines and compressed air machinery;
   c. Changing equipment: using electric motors instead of compressed air driven machinery; using low speed fans in place of high speed fans;
   d. Modifying machinery to reduce noise by using plastic liners, flexible noise control covers, and dampening plates and pads on large sheet metal surfaces; and
2. Reduce noise duration by:
   a. Limiting the number of days of operation, restricting the hours of operation and specifying the time of day and hours of access and egress can abate noise impacts.
   b. Limiting noisier operations to normal work day hours may reduce or eliminate complaints.
3. Reduce noise sound pressure levels by:
   a. Increasing the setback distance.
   b. Moving processing equipment during operation further from receptors.
   c. Substituting quieter equipment (example - replacing compressed air fan with an electric fan could result in a 20 dB reduction of noise level). Using mufflers selected to match the type of equipment and air or gas flow on mechanical equipment.
   d. Ensuring that equipment is regularly maintained.
   e. Enclosing processing equipment in buildings (example - enclosing noisy equipment could result in an 8-10 dB noise level reduction, a 9 inch brick wall can reduce SPL by 45-50 dB).
   f. Erecting sound barriers such as screens or berms around the noise generating equipment or near the point of reception. The angle of deflection also increases as the height of a screen or barrier increases. Screens or barriers should be located as close to the noise source or the receptor as possible. The closer the barrier is located to the source or the receptor, the greater the angle of deflection of the sound waves will be creating a larger "sound shadow" on the side opposite the barrier. Stockpiles of raw material or finished product can be an effective sound barrier if strategically placed.
   g. Phasing operations to preserve natural barriers as long as possible.
   h. Altering the direction, size, proximity of expanding operations.
   i. Designing enclosed facilities to prevent or minimize an SPL increases above ambient levels. This would require a noise analysis and building designed by a qualified engineer that includes adequate ventilation with noise abatement systems on the ventilation system.
   j. Public notification of upcoming loud events can also be used as a form of mitigation. Noise impacts during the operations phase will be limited to wet weather events when the RTF are operational. However, the facilities and equipment will be designed, constructed, and maintained to minimize noise. Design features will include facility siting and orientation to minimize exposure of potential receptors. Landscaping and site grading will consider noise buffering as a design criterion. The RTF buildings will house all noise-producing equipment and will be constructed with soundproofing. Overhead doors will remain closed.

Up to four vehicles could be dispatched to the RTF during a wet-weather event. These vehicles would include pickup trucks, panel trucks, dump trucks, and/or sewer jet-vac trucks; their noise would blend in with ambient traffic noise in this urbanized and industrial section of Syracuse.

3.2.4. Community Services

3.2.4.1. Potential impacts

Potential impacts to community services, such as emergency services, might result from disruption of traffic patterns during construction. Safety and security within the construction area will also be a concern to local community services. In addition, public utilities might be vulnerable to disruptions caused by construction activities.

Construction waste could create significant negative impacts if left unmitigated. Such impacts could range from aesthetic concerns, to health and safety issues.

The Harbor Brook CSO abatement projects will not pose an adverse impact on community services during the operational phase.

3.2.4.2. Mitigating measures

The MPT plan (Section 3.2.2) will be designed to maintain access for emergency vehicles in and around construction areas. A site-specific health and safety plan will be required from any contractor working on a construction zone for this project. The project management team, in coordination with local emergency services, will implement a chain of command to coordinate emergency response plans among contractors.

Construction contracts will require contractors to coordinate work with local utilities. This will be especially important where exact location of utilities is not known. In addition, contracts will require that the exact location of new utilities be recorded for future use.

Waste management practices, especially any hazardous waste, will be conducted in accordance with existing regulations, including health and safety. Contractors will be required to dispose of construction debris on a daily in approved locations.

3.2.5. Demographics

3.2.5.1. Potential impacts

These proposed improvements to the wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure will not have an adverse effect on demographics in the study area, or of the City of Syracuse.

3.2.5.2. Mitigating measures

The vacant lot sites proposed for use for the RTFs will be improved from their present conditions with respect to landscaping, sidewalks and lighting, and maintenance. In addition, proposed improvements to local sewer lines and CSOs will result in a better quality of life for area residents, businesses and institutions.

3.2.6. Cultural Resources

3.2.6.1. Potential impacts

Given the long history of settlement in the project area, it is possible that construction-related excavation could disturb potentially important historical and/or pre-historical sites.

3.2.6.2. Mitigating measures

A full Phase 1 archeological assessment has been completed by HAA, Inc., for proposed construction sites. Findings from that study included potential historical sites in areas selected for construction of RTFs. Pending a determination by New York's State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), a Phase 2 archeological study may be required to further determine historical value and extent of the sites.

3.2.7. Environmental justice review

In March, 2003, the NYSDEC adopted a policy on environmental justice (Commissioner's Policy #29). This policy applies to all major projects and major modifications to existing permits, such as those authorized under SPDES, that have the potential to pose a disproportionate adverse environmental impact on low-income or minority neighborhoods. The policy defines pertinent terms as follows:
 

1. Potential environmental justice area means a minority or low-income community that may bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, municipal, and commercial operations or the execution of federal, state, local, and tribal programs and policies.
2. Census block group means a unit for the U.S. Census used for reporting. Census block groups generally contain between 250 and 500 housing units.
3. Low-income community means a census block group, or contiguous area with multiple census block groups, having a low-income population equal to or greater than 23.59% of the total population.
4. Low-income population means a population having an annual income that is less than the poverty threshold. For purposes of this policy, poverty thresholds are established by the U.S. Census Bureau.
5. Minority community means a census block group, or contiguous area with multiple census block groups, having a minority population equal to or greater than 51.1% in an urban area and 33.8% in a rural area of the total population.
6. Minority population means a population that is identified or recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau as Hispanic, African-American or Black, Asian and Pacific Islander or American Indian.

Since the Harbor Brook CSO abatement project will require a revision to the Metro SPDES permit currently issued to Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection (DWEP), this project is subject to an environmental justice review. As such, the review process requires that the affected area be screened to determine if it would be classified as a low-income or minority area, as defined above. The second step in the review process identifies adverse environmental impacts. The purpose of this process is to determine if minority or low-income groups will have to bear a disproportionate amount of environmental, economic, social, or health impacts as a result of the proposed project. This EID contains the elements necessary for this assessment.

Affected project area. The affected project area is pre-determined, to some extent, by the location of the existing CSOs along Harbor Brook. Within this larger project area, a review process was conducted to evaluate alternative sites for the construction of the proposed RTFs (Section 4.2). Numerous public meetings were held as part of this process (Section 6).

The recommended sites were selected based on an evaluation process that included impacts on both environmental and human resources, as well as engineering factors. The evaluation process was not influenced by factors such as income or ethnicity. Selected sites are those with the least environmental/human impacts, and the best cost-effectiveness and engineering qualities. The project area, as delineated in Map 3-2, has economic characteristics that designate it as a low-income area, as defined above. As presented in Table 3-4, approximately 26% of households in the project area fall below the poverty level.

Potential adverse impacts.
Construction of the proposed Harbor Brook CSO abatement facilities will result in short-term adverse impacts as identified in sections 2.2 and 3.2 (e.g., noise, dust, traffic). In addition, these sections identify mitigating measures to be used to attenuate potential adverse impacts (e.g., use of BMPs, landscaping).

Overall, the major impacts from the proposed project are positive and will result in better quality of life for area residents, and improved environmental conditions. Short-term impacts will be minor compared to the expected improvements. No adverse long-term impacts from this project were identified.

Summary and conclusion. The Harbor Brook CSO abatement project, which includes FCFs, conveyances, and RTFs, is located in a low-income area as defined by NYS Environmental Justice Policy. Based on information included in this EID, no adverse impacts disproportionately affecting low-income or minority groups will occur. This project will, in fact, benefit the local community by removing a significant source of odors in Harbor Brook and improving the stream's sanitary quality (that is, reducing the concentration of sewage-derived bacteria and other microorganisms present). The project will improve water quality conditions in both the Brook and Onondaga Lake, particularly near-shore areas of the lake accessible to neighborhood residents.

Since no adverse impacts disproportionately affecting low-income or minority groups were identified, it may be concluded that the Harbor Brook CSO Abatement project is compliant with the state's environmental justice policy. However, consistent with the policy's directives, the County will continue to solicit public participation in this project (Section 6).

3.3. Summary of impacts that cannot be mitigated

No adverse impacts that cannot be mitigated were identified as a result of this project.

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