March 2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

construction approximately 30 large trees would remain along the North Shore Drive protection site, approximately 18 of which would be preserved through use of the bio -engineered erosion control turf instead of riprap. Over time natural vegetation will develop within the erosion control turf area resulting in improved wildlife habitat and aesthetics. 3.7 Threatened and Endangered Species. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service all three sites are within the range of the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), which is Federally listed as endangered, and the bald eagle (Haliaectus leucoconlialus), which is Federally listed as threatened (correspondence, February 24, 2000, Attachment B; Page B-1). They note that habitat for these species is not present at any of the bank protection sites. Therefore, the riverbank protection projects are not likely to impact any Federally listed species. 3.8 Water Oualitv: No significant adverse water quality effects are expected. The St. Joseph River will be the receiving waterway of project runoff. The proposed action will not adversely affect any municipal water supply sources, but actually will protect the municipal water wells on Leeper Park Island. Stone and fill material to be placed along the eroding riverbanks would be clean and would be obtained from active commercial sources. Sedimentation control measures such as straw bales, barriers and/or silt fencing will be included around disturbed upland areas to prevent soil runoff into the river. In -water project construction activities, including excavation and riprap placement, would result in temporary sediment resuspension. Water quality impacts would be localized, short duration, and similar to that occurring along these riverbanks during high water flow events when erosion occurs. The riverbank protection will reduce erosion -induced turbidity and sedimentation in this reach of the river. An evaluation of the effects of placing fill in the waters of the United States, pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, is included as Attachment C (Page C-1). 3.9 Air Oualitv: Construction air quality effects would be short term and minor, consisting primarily of vehicle emissions. All equipment would be required to meet emission standards. Emissions from the proposed construction activity are exempted as de minimis, and therefore meet the General Conformity Criteria pursuant to Section 107 of the Clean Air Act, as amended. 3.10 Recreation and Aesthetics: The St. Joseph River is used for many different forms of recreation, including fishing and boating. The Leeper Island Park and CSO sites are located . within public parks. Potential adverse project impacts to recreation would be temporary and minor, including traffic congestion, noise, and visual aesthetic degradation. The reconstructed wall at Leeper Park will improve aesthetics within the park. Construction activity will result in temporary noise and aesthetic impacts to residents of nearby houses due to the presence and operation of construction materials and equipment. Noise impacts would be reduced by limiting construction noise to daytime hours. 3.11 Traffic: All materials and waste material hauled to and from the project sites would use approved hauling routes and abide by local, state, and federal requirements. Because of the . limited space available between the road and the river along North Shore Drive, and to prevent -7-