Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
A full scoping process, an objective environmental impact analysis of
alternatives, and the NEPA process were proceeding smoothly. Then there
was a hiccup when many stakeholders, particularly those in the adjacent
neighborhoods, did not initially realize the magnitude and extent that some
of the residual solids management alternatives could potentially affect their
day-to-day life. Thus they did not pay close attention to the process until it
was well along and approaching the draft EIS stage.
Once the stakeholders did weigh-in, it was with vigor. They forced reopen-
ing of the alternative screening and identified over 100 additional alternatives
including off-site options that had to be preliminarily analyzed, including
comparison to purpose and need. The input also forced reevaluation of the
initial screening and several alternatives were added to the list for a detailed
evaluation. As it turned out, none of the off-site alternatives fully met the
purpose and need or proved to be superior to on-site alternatives.
However, the stakeholders' concerns and suggestions did prompt adjust-
ments and reevaluation to some of the on-site alternatives. Working with the
stakeholders, a layout was developed for on-site solids processing, including
mechanical dewatering. The layout maximized the screening and aesthetic
opportunities present on the site, by building the facilities into the side of
a hill. There was also coordination with the stakeholders to modify the
dewatered truck hauling operations to mitigate traffic impacts. The process
produced an alternative that mitigated noise, aesthetic, and perceived odor
impacts and was ultimately acceptable to the stakeholders. It is currently
being implemented.
References
Maughan, J.T., R. Whitman, and J. Gendron. 1997.
Marine Community Risk from
Submarine Mine Tailings Disposal Induced Reduction in Food Availability
. Society of
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, San Francisco, CA.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2005.
Baltimore District Washington Aqueduct.
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for a Proposed Water Treatment Residuals
Management Process for the Washington Aqueduct
, Washington, D.C.
U.S. Coast Guard. 2008.
Final Environmental Impact Statement: U.S. Coast Guard
Rulemaking for Dry Cargo Residue Discharges in the Great Lakes. DOT Document
Number: USCG-2004-19621
. Washington, DC: Commandant U.S. Coast Guard
Headquarters.
U.S. EPA. 1988.
Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for Boston Harbor
Wastewater Conveyance System
, Volume I and II. Boston, MA: U.S. EPA, Region I.
