Glossary of Acronyms

• APE Area of Potential Effects
• DEIS Draft Environmental Impact Statement
• DVRPC Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
• FEIS Final Environmental Impact Statement
• FHWA Federal Highway Administration
• ID Identify
• MPO Metropolitan Planning Organization
• NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
• NJDEP New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
• NJDOT New Jersey Department of Transportation
• NJTPA North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority
• SDRP State Development and Redevelopment Plan
• SHPO State Historic Preservation Office
• USDA United States Department of Agriculture
• USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
• USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service

 

Existing Conditions, Impacts Assessment, and Proposed Mitigation
Presentation Organization:

• Each NEPA-Required Topic
• Analysis Technique
• Data Sources, At Minimum

 

NEPA-Required Topics

• Socioeconomics and Land Use
• Air Quality
• Noise
• Cultural Resources
• Section 4(f) Evaluation
• Water Quality
• Floodplains
• Wetlands
• Aquatic Ecology
• Vegetation and Wildlife
• Threatened and Endangered Species
• Wild and Scenic Rivers
• Coastal Zone and Coastal Barriers
• Contaminated Sites
• Aesthetics
• Construction Impacts
• Secondary and Cumulative Effects
• Relationship of Short-Term Uses to Long-Term Productivity
• Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources
• Permits and Approvals

 

Socioeconomics and Land Use

• Community Demographics
• Land Use
• Zoning
• Community Cohesiveness (Neighborhoods)
• Land Use Plan Compatibility (SDRP, MPO, County, Local)
• Right-of-Way Acquisitions, Displacements, and Relocations
• Environmental Justice

Analysis Technique:

• Interpret Available Information on Existing and Planned Conditions
• Identify and Quantify Potential Impacts of No Action and Action Alternatives
• Identify Potential to Avoid, Minimize, or Mitigate Impacts as Warranted

Data Sources:

• Federal (e.g., US Bureau of Census
• State (e.g., NJ Department of Labor)
• Regional (e.g., DVRPC)
• Local (e.g., Planning and Zoning Offices)
• Other (e.g., Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association)

 

Air Quality
Analysis Technique:

• Use USEPA Approved Methodology
  ­ Years 2008 and 2028 No Action and Action Alternatives
• Analyze for Carbon Monoxide
• Use Traffic Analysis Data
• Use USEPA and NJDEP Designated Emission Factors, Meteorological Criteria, and Background Carbon Monoxide Levels
• Compare Model Results to the National and NJ Ambient Air Quality Standards
• Confirm Project's Inclusion in the MPO-Approved Transportation Improvement Plan

Data Sources:

• USEPA Guideline for Modeling Carbon Monoxide From Roadway Intersections
• NJDEP/NJDOT Air Quality Analysis for Intersections
• Project Traffic Information
• Physical Characteristics of Alternative Actions
• Study Area Base Mapping (topography, structures, natural features)
• Land Use Data

 

Noise
Analysis Technique:

• FHWA Approved Traffic Noise Measurement and Modeling Policy and Procedure Documents
  ­ FHWA's Measurement of Highway-Related Noise
  ­ FHWA's Highway Traffic Noise Analysis and Abatement
  ­ FHWA's Procedures for Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and Construction Noise
  ­ FHWA's Traffic Noise Model (TNM)
  ­ NJDOT's Highway Traffic Noise Policy
• FHWA Noise Impact Criteria
  ­ Predicted noise levels that approach or exceed the FHWA Noise Abatement Criteria (NAC). Outdoor NAC is 67 decibels, or
  ­ Predicted noise levels substantially exceed existing noise levels. A substantial increase is 10 decibels or greater.
• Noise Measurements
  ­ Determine Existing Noise Environment
  ­ ID Locations Based on Land Use and Alternative Alignments
  ­ Measure During Peak, Non-Peak Traffic Periods
• Noise Modeling
  ­ Year 2028 No Action and Action Alternatives Inputs:
• Project traffic information
• Physical characteristics of alternative actions
• Study area base mapping (topography, structures, natural features)
• Land use data
• Noise Abatement
  ­ Examine Abatement Techniques:
  • Traffic management strategies
  • Alignment alteration
  • Property acquisition for buffer
  • Barriers
  • Noise insulation of public or non-profit use buildings

­ Follow NJDOT Technical Criteria for noise abatement feasibility and reasonableness

­ Demonstrate minimum noise level reduction is achievable

• Meet engineering requirements for abatement technique
• Meet safety considerations
• Meet NJDOT cost effective requirements
• Meet aesthetic considerations
• Include community and local officials' input

Data Sources:

• Land Use Data
• Project Traffic Analysis
• Existing and Proposed Topography
• Engineering Data for Alternatives
• NJDOT Highway Design Standards

 

Cultural Resources
36 CFR, Part 800 Protection of Historic Properties
National Register Criteria of Eligibility
Criteria of Adverse Effect

Analysis Technique:

• ID Area of Potential Effects (APE)
• ID Historic and Archaeological Resources Within APE
• Consult with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
• Avoid or Minimize Adverse Effects Through Alternatives Refinement
• Obtain Consulting Parties' Input and the SHPO's Opinion
• Develop Memorandum of Agreement

Data Sources:

• Previous Studies
• National and State Registers of Historic Places
• NJ Historic Preservation Office
• NJ State Archives
• NJ State Library
• Alexander Library, Rutgers University
• Consulting Parties
• Princeton Public Library
• West Windsor Township Library
• Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission
• West Windsor Historical Society
• Historical Society of Princeton
• Princeton University
• University of Delaware Library

 

Section 4(f) Evaluation
Analysis Technique:

• Identify Unavoidable Impacts to Historic Resources and Public Parklands
• Alternative Actions Analysis
• Identify Potential to Avoid, Minimize, or Mitigate Impacts Data Sources:
• Section 106 Process
• NJDEP Department of Parks and Forestry
• NJ Green Acres Program
• Municipal and County Planning Offices

 

Water Quality
Analysis Technique:

• Present and Interpret Available Water Quality Information, Including Standards
• Determine Impacts of Alternatives
• Describe Project's Preliminary Stormwater Management Concep
• Determine Consistency With Latest NJDEP Stormwater Management Rules
• NJDEP Recharge Capability Analysis
  ­ Inputs:
• Land use data
• Soils data
• Topography
• Wetlands and Water Bodies
• Existing and proposed impervious areas

­ Outputs:

• Recharge capability for each composite land use and soil type
• Study area recharge rate in millions of gallons per year

­ Existing
­ No Action Alternative
­ Action Alternatives

• FHWA Highway Runoff Modeling Parameters
  • Suspended solids and volatile suspended solids
  • Fecal Coliform
  • Nitrogen and nitrates
  • Biochemical oxygen demand
  • Total organic carbon
  • Phosphorus
  • Lead, zinc, iron, copper
  • Cadmium, chromium, Mercury

Inputs

• Drainage area
• Average daily traffic volume
• Curbed/uncurbed roadway type
• Project length, Impervious Area
• Rainfall records

Outputs

• Pollutant Concentrations:
  ­ Existing
  ­ No Action
  ­ Alternative Actions
  

• Toler Analysis for Chlorides
  ­ Road Salt Application Rates
  ­ Inputs Used for Runoff Model
  ­ Outputs:
  ­ Existing
  ­ No Action
  ­ Alternative Actions

Data Sources:

• U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Data
• USDA, County Soil Surveys
• National Weather Service
• NJ Water Supply Authority
• Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Associatio
• NJDEP
  ­ Sole Source Aquifer mapping
  ­ Standards for Drinking Water in NJ
  ­ Surface Water Quality Standards
  ­ NJ State Water Quality Inventory Report
  ­ USEPA Databases
  ­ Wellhead Protection Program

 

Floodplains
Analysis Technique:

• Present and Interpret Available Floodplain Data
• Avoid or Minimize Impacts of Action Alternatives
• Quantify and Report Unavoidable Floodplain Impacts of Each Action Alternative
• Preliminarily ID Measures to Mitigate Unavoidable Impacts
• Demonstrate Consistency of Action Alternatives with Executive Order 11988 on Floodplains Protection

Data Sources:

• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• NJDEP Floodplain Maps
• NJDEP Technical Manual for Stream Encroachment

 

Wetlands
Analysis Technique:

• ID and Map Wetlands in Project Area Using Federally Approved Procedures
• Assess Existing Functions and Values of Wetlands
• Avoid or Minimize Wetland Impacts of Action Alternatives
• Quantify and Assess Unavoidable Wetland Impacts of Each Action Alternative
• Preliminarily ID Measures to Mitigate Unavoidable Wetland Impacts in FEIS
• Demonstrate Consistency of Action Alternatives with Executive Order 11990 on Wetlands

Data Sources:

• NJDEP Freshwater Wetland Map
• Aerial Photography
• Field Reconnaissance

 

Aquatic Ecology
Analysis Technique:

• Present and Interpret Available Data
• Assess Functions and Values of Existing Resources
• Avoid or Minimize Impacts of Action Alternatives
• Preliminarily ID Measures to Minimize Construction Impacts
• Quantify and Report Unavoidable Impacts of Each Action Alternative
• Preliminarily ID Measures to Mitigate Unavoidable Impacts

Data Sources:

• USEPA Biological Assessment of the Millstone Rive
• NJDOT Macroinvertebrate Study
• NJDEP Macroinvertebrate Study
• NJ Water Supply Authority
• Stony Brook-Millstone River Watershed Association

 

Vegetation and Wildlife
Analysis Technique:

• Present and Interpret Available Data
• Conduct a General Field Reconnaissance
• Avoid or Minimize Impacts of Action Alternative
• Quantify and Report Unavoidable Impacts of Each Action Alternative
• Preliminarily ID Measures to Mitigate Unavoidable Impacts

Data Sources:

• State and Local Inventories, as Available
• Field Guides to Natural Resources

 

Threatened and Endangered Species
Analysis Technique:

• Present and Interpret Available Data
• Conduct Habitat Suitability Analysis and Field Survey for Target Species, if Warranted
• Avoid or Minimize Impacts of Action Alternatives
• Quantify and Report Unavoidable Impacts of Each Action Alternative
• Preliminarily ID Measures to Mitigate Unavoidable Impacts

Data Sources:

• NJDEP Natural Heritage Database
• US Fish and Wildlife Service Database

 

Wild and Scenic Rivers
Analysis Technique:

• Consult with NJDEP on Location of Designated Rivers Relative to the Study Area
• Report Findings of Consultation

Data Source:

• National Park Service
• NJDEP

 

Coastal Zone and Coastal Barriers
Analysis Technique:

• Consult with NJDEP on Location of the Coastal Zone and Coastal Barriers Relative to the Study Area
• Report Findings of Consultation

Data Source:

• NJDEP

 

Contaminated Sites
Analysis Technique:

• Present and Interpret Available Data
• Avoid or Minimize Impacts of Action Alternatives
• Quantify and Report Unavoidable Impacts of Each Action Alternative
• Preliminarily ID Measures to Mitigate Unavoidable Impacts

Data Sources:

• USEPA:
  ­ Comprehensive Emergency Response Compensation and Liabilities Information System
  ­ Resource Conservation and Recovery (RCRA) Information System
  ­ Civil Enforcement Docket
  ­ Emergency Release Notification System
  ­ Facility Identification Number Directory System
  ­ National Priorities List
• NJDEP:
  ­ Site Remediation Program
  ­ Office of Legal Affairs
  ­ Regional Enforcement Office
  ­ Water Resources Unit
  ­ Well Records Office
• Mercer and Middlesex Counties
• Sarnoff Corporation
• Municipal Health, Planning, Engineering Departments, Tax Assessors, and Fire Inspectors

 

Aesthetics
Analysis Technique:

• Use FHWA and NJDOT Visual Impact Assessment Guidance Documents
• Describe Visual Environment
• ID Visually Sensitive Resources
• Describe Viewers
• Avoid or Minimize Adverse Visual Impacts of Alternative Actions
• Quantify and Report Unavoidable Impacts of Each Action Alternative
• Preliminarily ID Measures to Mitigate Unavoidable Impacts

Data Sources:

• Land Use Data
• Municipal Plans
• Field Reconnaissance

 

Energy
Analysis Technique:

• Preliminarily ID Construction and Operational Requirements, as well as the Conservation Potential of Action and No Action Alternatives
• Avoid or Minimize Adverse Impacts of Alternative
• Report Unavoidable Impacts of Each Action Alternative
• Preliminarily ID Measures to Mitigate Unavoidable Impacts

Data Sources:

• Federal and/or State Fuel Usage Statistics

 

Construction Impacts
Analysis Technique:

• ID Potential Construction Impacts of Alternatives, Not Limited To:
  ­ Air Quality
  ­ Noise and Vibration
  ­ Soil Erosion and Sediment Control
  ­ Traffic and Access Management
  ­ Visual Effects
• ID Preliminary Strategies to Avoid or Minimize Construction Impacts

Data Sources:

• Federal, State, Regional, and Local Sources Utilized Throughout the EIS Process

 

Secondary and Cumulative Effects
Analysis Technique:

• Use Council on Environmental Quality Guidance, Considering Cumulative Effects
• Issues Under Consideration
  ­ Water Quality
  ­ Impervious Surfaces
  ­ Traffic and Roadway Infrastructure
  ­ Air Quality

Data Sources:

• Federal, State, Regional, and Local Sources Utilized Throughout the EIS Process

 

Relationship of Local Short-Term Uses to Long-Term Productivity
Analysis Technique:

• Summary of Benefits and Impacts of No Action and Action Alternatives

 

Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources
Analysis Technique:

• Summary of Natural and Human Resource Commitments for No Action and Action Alternatives

 

Permits and Approvals
Analysis Technique:

• Preliminarily ID Permits and Approvals in DEIS for Each Alternative Action
• ID Permits and Approvals in FEIS for the Preferred Alternative Action Based on Agency Coordination

Data Sources:

• US Army Corps of Engineers
• NJDEP
• Delaware & Raritan Canal Commission
• Natural Resources Conservation Service
  

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