Natural Environment

Noise Studies

First Faith Baptist Church

A preliminary traffic noise analysis was completed as part of the environmental clearance activities for the project. This preliminary traffic noise analysis was done in accordance with state and federal guidelines in place at the time of the preliminary design, with the goal of identifying where traffic noise abatement would be considered warranted, feasible, and reasonable. The Report will be made available during future public meetings.

Additional analysis may be required during the final design of the project due to regulatory changes enacted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in July 2011. The primary goal of the re-analysis would be to ensure that the analysis conducted during preliminary design is in compliance with the new regulations.

For more information about how noise studies are conducted please see http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/htnoise.htm

Air Quality

Qualitative and quantitative air quality analyses have been performed for this project. Based on the results of USEPA models, the project will have no significant adverse impact on air quality as a result of carbon monoxide emissions. This project has been included in regional conformity activities conducted by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) and associated with the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Therefore, the project complies with regional conformity requirements.

Natural Resources

The following activities are being conducted:

• Existing Wetlands

  Carlton Wilson Park

  A delineation of wetlands within the project study area was completed in fall 2006. The wetlands were re-delineated in spring 2010.
  
  
• A Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) Project Environmental Review was conducted to determine the presence of Threatened and Endangered Species within the project area. A Phase I Bog Turtle Survey was conducted and no bog turtle habitat was found within the project area; therefore, the project will have no impact on the bog turtle. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the agency with jurisdiction over the bog turtle, concurred with this finding. Threatened and Endangered plant surveys were conducted from 2009-2011, and the report is currently being prepared. The report will be submitted to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) for their review and comment.
  
  
• Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act requires that special efforts be made to protect publicly owned recreational lands, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and historic sites. A Section 4(f) Evaluation will be conducted for the Highland Gardens Historic District and the Carlton Wilson Park, both Section 4(f) resources.
  
  
• A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment was conducted in 2006 and resulted in the documentation of 12 sites within the project area that suggest the possible presence of environmentally sensitive materials. Depending on project impacts, it is recommended that further investigations occur at these 12 sites during future phases of this project.
  

Cultural Resources

• A Phase IA Archaeological Survey was conducted in the project area and concluded that the area near the Engle Street bridge was the only location with the potential for archaeological resources. A Phase IB study identified an archaeological site that yielded sherds of pottery and building foundations. The next step is a Phase II archaeological survey, which will evaluate whether the site is considered eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The Phase II study will be conducted in fall 2011.
  
  
• There is one resource in the project area that is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The Determination of Effect Report to assess the impact of the project on the Historic District will be submitted to the Pennsylvania Historic Museum Commission (PHMC) for their review.

Archaeologists at Work on Site Archaeologist uses a Sifting Screen on Site Sherds of Pottery and Building Foundations Found on Site