DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY DC CLEAN RIVERS PROJECT DIVISION P FIRST STREET TUNNEL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

April 12, 2013

Prepared for:

Prepared by:

Program Consultants Organization Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant 5000 Overlook Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20032

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Table of Contents
1 PROJECT SUMMARY ........................................................................................................... 1-1 1.1 1.2 1.3 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Purpose and Need for the Action .............................................................................. 1-1 Overview of the Alternatives ..................................................................................... 1-1 How to Comment ...................................................................................................... 1-2 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 2-1 Overview of Related Studies..................................................................................... 2-1 Purpose and Need for the Action .............................................................................. 2-4 Project Area .............................................................................................................. 2-4 Relevant Laws, Regulations, and Policies ................................................................ 2-7 Federal Regulations .................................................................................................. 2-7 2.6.1 2.6.2 2.6.3 2.6.4 2.6.5 2.7 2.7.1 2.7.2 2.7.3 2.7.4 2.7.5 2.7.6 2.7.7 2.7.8 2.8 2.9 Clean Water Act [33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.] ................................................ 2-7 Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ................................................................................................................ 2-7 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act [42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.] ....... 2-7 Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations ..................... 2-7 Clean Air Act [P.L. 101-549] ....................................................................... 2-8 District of Columbia Environmental Policy Act ............................................. 2-8 District of Columbia Air Pollution Control Act............................................... 2-8 District of Columbia Municipal Regulations, Chapter 27, Noise Control ..... 2-8 District of Columbia Water Pollution Control Act of 1984 (DC Law 5-188) .. 2-8 District of Columbia Stormwater Management Regulations ........................ 2-8 District of Columbia Watershed Protection Regulations .............................. 2-9 District of Columbia Wildlife and Habitat Regulations ................................. 2-9 Historic Landmark and Historic District Protection Act of 1978 (DC Law 2-144, as amended) ..................................................................................... 2-9

PURPOSE AND NEED .......................................................................................................... 2-1

DC Regulations ......................................................................................................... 2-8

Overview of Public Participation ............................................................................... 2-9 Impact Topics Dismissed from Further Study ......................................................... 2-11 2.9.1 2.9.2 2.9.3 2.9.4 2.9.5 Wetlands .................................................................................................... 2-11 Floodplains ................................................................................................. 2-11 Vegetation .................................................................................................. 2-11 Wildlife including Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species ................ 2-12 Visual Resources and Aesthetics .............................................................. 2-12

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2.9.6 2.10

Environmental Justice ................................................................................ 2-13

Impact Topics Analyzed in Detail in this Environmental Assessment .................... 2-13 2.10.1 Soils and Topography ................................................................................ 2-13 2.10.2 Geology and Geologic Hazards ................................................................. 2-13 2.10.3 Groundwater and Hydrology ...................................................................... 2-14 2.10.4 Water Quality ............................................................................................. 2-14 2.10.5 Air Quality................................................................................................... 2-14 2.10.6 Noise and Vibration .................................................................................... 2-14 2.10.7 Land Use and Zoning ................................................................................. 2-15 2.10.8 Utilities/Infrastructure ................................................................................. 2-15 2.10.9 Cultural/Historic Resources ....................................................................... 2-15 2.10.10 Archeological Resources ........................................................................... 2-15 2.10.11 Human Health and Safety (including Hazardous Materials) ...................... 2-16 2.10.12 Transportation (Traffic) .............................................................................. 2-16 2.10.13 Socioeconomics ......................................................................................... 2-16

ALTERNATIVES .................................................................................................................... 3-1 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 3-1 Alternative A No Action .......................................................................................... 3-1 Alternative B First Street Tunnel ............................................................................ 3-2 Construction and Staging Areas ............................................................................... 3-4 3.4.1 3.4.2 3.4.3 3.4.4 3.4.5 3.4.6 3.4.7 3.5 3.6 Channing Street Mining Shaft & Sewer Connection (Construction Staging Area 1) ......................................................................................................... 3-4 Option 1 - Site at 160 Elevation .................................................................. 3-6 Option 2 - Site at 170 Elevation with Access from First Street, NW ........... 3-8 Option 3 - Site at 170 Elevation with Access from the Service Court ......... 3-8 Adams Street Diversion Chamber, Drop Shaft, & Staging Area (Construction Staging Area 2).................................................................... 3-10 V Street Diversion Chamber, Drop Shaft & Staging Area (Construction Staging Area 3) .......................................................................................... 3-11 Thomas and First Street Temporary Pumping Station & Staging Area (Construction Staging Area 4).................................................................... 3-11

Temporary Parking During Construction................................................................. 3-12 Alternatives Considered but Dismissed .................................................................. 3-13 3.6.1 3.6.2 3.6.3 3.6.4 McMillan Storage and Flagler Place Pumping Station............................... 3-13 Conveyance to Tiber Creek ....................................................................... 3-14 Catch Basin Inlet Restrictors...................................................................... 3-15 Inflatable Flood Walls ................................................................................. 3-16

3.7 4

Summary of Environmental Consequences of Alternatives Analyzed .................... 3-16

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................................ 4-1

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4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9

Soils and Topography ............................................................................................... 4-1 Geology and Geologic Hazards ................................................................................ 4-3 Groundwater and Hydrology ..................................................................................... 4-4 Water Quality ............................................................................................................ 4-4 Air Quality.................................................................................................................. 4-5 Noise and Vibration ................................................................................................... 4-5 Land Use and Zoning ................................................................................................ 4-7 Utilities/Infrastructure ................................................................................................ 4-9 Cultural/Historic Resources .................................................................................... 4-11 4.9.1 4.9.2 4.9.3 4.9.4 4.9.5 4.9.6 4.9.7 4.9.8 4.9.9 Historic Resources ..................................................................................... 4-12 McMillan Park Reservoir Historic Landmark .............................................. 4-14 Bloomingdale Historic District .................................................................... 4-15 Samuel Gompers House............................................................................ 4-16 LeDroit Park Historic District (Outside of APE) .......................................... 4-16 Mary Church Terrell House (Outside of APE) ............................................ 4-18 Prospect Hill Cemetery (Outside of APE) .................................................. 4-18 Glenwood Cemetery (Outside of APE) ...................................................... 4-19 Glenwood Cemetery Mortuary Chapel (Outside of APE) .......................... 4-20

4.9.10 Bryant Street Pumping Station................................................................... 4-21 4.9.11 Howard University, Main Yard (Outside of APE) ....................................... 4-22 4.10 4.11 Archeological Resources ........................................................................................ 4-23 Human Health and Safety (including Hazardous Materials) ................................... 4-24 4.11.1 Regulatory Database Listings .................................................................... 4-24 4.11.2 Environmental Data Report........................................................................ 4-27 4.11.3 Hazardous Materials Survey Report for McMillan Sand Filtration Site ...... 4-29 4.12 4.13 Transportation (Traffic) ........................................................................................... 4-29 Socioeconomics ...................................................................................................... 4-32 4.13.1 Population, Income, Employment and Education ...................................... 4-32 4.13.2 Community Facilities .................................................................................. 4-35 5 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES ................................................................................ 5-1 5.1 5.2 Cumulative Impacts Analysis Method ....................................................................... 5-1 Soils and Topography ............................................................................................... 5-4 5.2.1 5.2.2 5.2.3 5.2.4 5.3 5.3.1
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Impacts of Alternative A - No Action ............................................................ 5-4 Cumulative Impacts ..................................................................................... 5-4 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel .............................................. 5-4 Cumulative Impacts ..................................................................................... 5-5 Impacts of Alternative A - No Action ............................................................ 5-5

Geology and Geologic Hazards ................................................................................ 5-5

5.3.2 5.3.3 5.3.4 5.4 5.4.1 5.4.2 5.4.3 5.4.4 5.5 5.5.1 5.5.2 5.5.3 5.5.4 5.6 5.6.1 5.6.2 5.6.3 5.6.4 5.7 5.7.1 5.7.2 5.7.3 5.7.4 5.8 5.8.1 5.8.2 5.8.3 5.8.4 5.9 5.9.1 5.9.2 5.9.3 5.9.4 5.10

Cumulative Impacts ..................................................................................... 5-6 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel .............................................. 5-6 Cumulative Impacts ..................................................................................... 5-7 Impacts of Alternative A - No Action ............................................................ 5-7 Cumulative Impacts ..................................................................................... 5-7 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel .............................................. 5-7 Cumulative Impacts ..................................................................................... 5-7 Impacts of Alternative A - No Action ............................................................ 5-8 Cumulative Impacts ..................................................................................... 5-8 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel .............................................. 5-8 Cumulative Impacts ..................................................................................... 5-9 Impacts of Alternative A - No Action .......................................................... 5-10 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................... 5-10 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel ............................................ 5-10 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................... 5-10 Impacts of Alternative A - No Action .......................................................... 5-11 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................... 5-11 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel ............................................ 5-11 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................... 5-12 Impacts of Alternative A - No Action .......................................................... 5-12 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................... 5-13 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel ............................................ 5-13 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................... 5-13 Impacts of Alternative A - No Action .......................................................... 5-14 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................... 5-14 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel ............................................ 5-14 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................... 5-15

Groundwater and Hydrology ..................................................................................... 5-7

Water Quality ............................................................................................................ 5-8

Air Quality ................................................................................................................ 5-10

Noise and Vibration ................................................................................................. 5-11

Land Use and Zoning .............................................................................................. 5-12

Utilities/Infrastructure .............................................................................................. 5-14

Cultural/Historic Resources .................................................................................... 5-15 5.10.1 Impacts of Alternative A - No Action .......................................................... 5-16 5.10.2 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................... 5-16 5.10.3 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel ............................................ 5-17 5.10.4 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................... 5-20

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5.11

Archeological Resources ........................................................................................ 5-20 5.11.1 Impacts of Alternative A - No Action .......................................................... 5-20 5.11.2 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................... 5-20 5.11.3 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel ............................................ 5-20 5.11.4 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................... 5-21

5.12

Human Health and Safety (including Hazardous Materials) ................................... 5-22 5.12.1 Impacts of Alternative A - No Action .......................................................... 5-22 5.12.2 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................... 5-22 5.12.3 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel ............................................ 5-22 5.12.4 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................... 5-23

5.13

Transportation (Traffic) ........................................................................................... 5-23 5.13.1 Impacts of Alternative A - No Action .......................................................... 5-23 5.13.2 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................... 5-23 5.13.3 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel ............................................ 5-24 5.13.4 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................... 5-25

5.14

Socioeconomics ...................................................................................................... 5-25 5.14.1 Impacts of Alternative A - No Action .......................................................... 5-25 5.14.2 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................... 5-26 5.14.3 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel ............................................ 5-26 5.14.4 Cumulative Impacts ................................................................................... 5-27

CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION ............................................................................. 6-1 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 DC Historic Preservation Office ................................................................................ 6-1 DDOE/DCRA............................................................................................................. 6-2 DDOT ........................................................................................................................ 6-2 DMPED ..................................................................................................................... 6-2 DDOE Fisheries and Wildlife Division ....................................................................... 6-2 National Park Service ............................................................................................... 6-3 Washington Aqueduct for the Army Corps of Engineers .......................................... 6-3 DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services ............................................................... 6-3

7 8

LIST OF PREPARERS .......................................................................................................... 7-1 GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS ............................................................................................. 8-1 8.1 8.2 Glossary of Terms ..................................................................................................... 8-1 Acronyms and Abbreviations .................................................................................... 8-3

BIBLIOGRAPHY .................................................................................................................... 9-1

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List of Tables
Table 1: Additional Outreach to Community Organizations .................................................................... 2-10 Table 2: Summary of Environmental Consequences .............................................................................. 3-16 Table 3: Maximum Permissible Noise Levels ............................................................................................ 4-6 Table 4: Vibration Sources and Levels ...................................................................................................... 4-7 Table 5: Summary of Zone Districts .......................................................................................................... 4-9 Table 6: Regulatory Database Listings within 100 of Surface Disturbance Areas and the Tunnel Alignment ................................................................................................................................................. 4-26 Table 7: Level of Service (LOS) Definitions............................................................................................. 4-32 Table 8: Socioeconomic Data provided by the U.S. Census................................................................... 4-34 Table 9: Community Facilities ................................................................................................................. 4-35 Table 10: Cumulative Impacts Projects ..................................................................................................... 5-2

List of Figures
Figure 1: Overview of the Anacostia River Projects ................................................................................ 2-3 Figure 2: Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park Drainage Areas ....................................................................... 2-6 Figure 3: Alternative B ............................................................................................................................... 3-3 Figure 4: Cross Section of the First Street Tunnel .................................................................................... 3-4 Figure 5: Sand Filter Cells No. 25 and 26 ................................................................................................. 3-5 Figure 6: Construction Staging Area 1 ...................................................................................................... 3-6 Figure 7: Construction Staging Area 2 .................................................................................................... 3-10 Figure 8: Construction Staging Area 3 .................................................................................................... 3-11 Figure 9: Construction Staging Area 4 .................................................................................................... 3-12 Figure 10: Temporary Parking During Construction ................................................................................ 3-13 Figure 11: McMillan Storage and Flagler Place Pump Station ................................................................ 3-15 Figure 12: Soils .......................................................................................................................................... 4-2 Figure 13: Land Use .................................................................................................................................. 4-8 Figure 14: Zoning..................................................................................................................................... 4-10 Figure 15: Area of Potential Effect and Historic Resources .................................................................... 4-13 Figure 16: Regulatory Database Listings ................................................................................................ 4-28 Figure 17: Project Area Roadways .......................................................................................................... 4-31 Figure 18: Census Tracts ........................................................................................................................ 4-33

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Project Summary

1 PROJECT SUMMARY
The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) is proposing to construct the First Street Tunnel in order to reduce surface flooding and sewer backups in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park. The First Street Tunnel is a component of the Anacostia River Projects, which are being implemented by DC Water to comply with the requirements of a Consent Decree entered into by DC Water, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Anacostia River Projects are the portion of the DC Clean Rivers Project designed to control combined sewer overflows (CSOs) to the Anacostia River, and mitigate flooding in the Northeast Boundary area which includes Bloomingdale and Ledroit Park. Over the years, there has been sporadic flooding in the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park neighborhoods, located in northeast Washington, DC. The First Street Tunnel is also a central component of the Mayoral initiative to mitigate flooding in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park. In accordance with the District of Columbia Environmental Policy Act (DCEPA), DC Water has prepared this Environmental Assessment (EA) to identify alternatives and assess the potential impacts of the proposed action. Concurrently, DC Water has been conducting consultation in accordance with DC Historic Preservation Laws. This EA analyzes the potential environmental impacts that would result from implementing either Alternative A No Action or Alternative B First Street Tunnel and three options for the Channing Street, NW Mining Shaft construction.

1.1

Purpose and Need for the Action

Intense rainfall events in 2012 caused stormwater and combined sewage to flood the residential neighborhoods of Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park. Based on the capacity of the existing combined stormwater/sanitary sewers in the area, flooding will continue to occur unless corrective measures are taken. The purpose of the proposed project is to provide storage for runoff and combined sewage, to reduce future surface flooding and sewer backups, and to reduce CSOs into the Anacostia River.

1.2

Overview of the Alternatives

This EA analyzes the No Action Alternative (Alternative A) and the Action Alternative (Alternative B) for flood prevention. Under the No Action Alternative, DC Water would continue to employ small scale flood mitigation techniques in the project area to relieve the effects of flooding and wait for the future Northeast Boundary Tunnel Project, which includes the First Street Tunnel, to be implemented. Under the Action Alternative, DC Water would construct the First Street Tunnel immediately to store CSOs. The tunnel would be constructed between 40 to 160 feet beneath ground surface and would provide storage for up to six million gallons of combined sewage. A mining shaft and staging area would be required, diversion chambers and drop shafts would be constructed in two locations to convey flows to the tunnel, and a temporary pumping station would be constructed to empty the tunnel contents. The pumping station would no longer be required with completion of the remaining portion of the Northeast Boundary Tunnel beneath Rhode Island Avenue (a future Anacostia River Project).

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Project Summary

1.3

How to Comment

DC Water values and welcomes your input on this project. The public comment period closes on May 15, 2013. You can submit your comments electronically through the DC Water website at http://www.dcwater.com/FirstStreetTunnelEA where the EA is posted on the Internet. You can also mail comments to: DC Clean Rivers Project First Street Tunnel Project EA DC Water and Sewer Authority 5000 Overlook Ave., SW Washington, DC 20032

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Purpose and Need

2 PURPOSE AND NEED

2.1 Introduction
The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) has prepared this Environmental Assessment (EA) to identify and evaluate the potential environmental effects of the proposed First Street Tunnel project. The First Street Tunnel project is identified as a medium-term engineering recommendation in the Mayors Task Force Report on the Prevention of Flooding in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park, and is a priority project because of recurring flooding in the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park neighborhoods, particularly during the summer of 2012. The First Street Tunnel is also a component of the Anacostia River Projects (ARPs) that are being implemented as part of the DC Clean Rivers Project to control combined sewer overflows (CSOs) to the Anacostia River and to comply with the requirements of the Consent Decree entered into by DC Water, the District of Columbia, and the United States, as represented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). DC Water is responsible for implementation of the ARPs, which will help DC Water meet District and Federal water quality standards in the Anacostia River by reducing CSOs and reducing flooding and sewer backups in the northeast portion of the District.

2.2

Overview of Related Studies

On August 21, 2012, Mayor Vincent C. Gray acknowledged the need for government agencies and partners to work collaboratively towards mitigating the effects of flooding and sewer backups on the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park neighborhoods. The Mayors Task Force was assembled and included residents from the affected communities, government officials, and DC Water representatives. The Mayors Task Force was charged with advising the Mayor on the causes of, and potential actions to prevent, flooding in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park. The Mayors Task Force evaluated a range of options including engineering, regulatory, code revisions, and operation/maintenance improvements to mitigate flooding. The process included a series of public outreach activities and interagency coordination. The evaluation and recommendations of the Mayors Task Force are documented in the Mayors Task Force Report on the Prevention of Flooding in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park finalized in December 2012. The First Street Tunnel is identified by the Mayors Task Force as one of two medium term engineering recommendations to provide approximately 12 million gallons of storage to be in service by the spring of 2016. In 2010, the National Park Service (NPS) and DC Water prepared the Anacostia River Projects Environmental Assessment (ARP EA) (NPS, 2010) as part of the Long Term Control Plan for CSO control. The 2010 ARP EA identified and evaluated the potential environmental effects of the various alternatives of the proposed Anacostia River Projects. The First Street Tunnel project was included in the ARP EA, where it was identified as one of the Northeast Boundary Branch tunnels. Due to flooding events in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park in 2012, the First Street Tunnel project is now considered an independent project on an accelerated schedule to provide flood relief to the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park neighborhoods prior to 2022 when the long term Northeast Boundary Tunnel will be substantially completed. Figure 1 shows the location of the First Street Tunnel in relation to the other ARPs. Projects studied in the ARP EA to control CSOs to the Anacostia River include a system of tunnels, diversion sewers, and overflow facilities to capture, divert, and convey excess combined sewer system
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Purpose and Need

(CSS) flows to reduce CSOs to the Anacostia River by 98 percent annually as required by the Consent Decree. The graphic at the bottom of this page illustrates the concept of a CSS. The ARP EA acknowledged that, in addition to CSOs in the Anacostia River, there are recurring street floods and basement sewer backups along the Northeast Boundary Trunk Sewer (NEBTS), its branch sewer system, and other parts of the northeast area of the District. DC Water assessed the causes of these problems and developed solutions that were presented in the ARP EA. A summary of those findings as presented in the ARP EA are as follows: The NEBTS and portions of its branch sewers have inadequate capacities to carry stormwater flows generated by moderate storms. Surcharge, or overflows, of the trunk and branch sewers occur during short, intense storms and can cause basement backups in certain areas. Certain collection sewers that drain the area have adequate capacity but operate ineffectively due to backwater conditions in the Northeast Boundary (NEB) sewer system. Backwater conditions occur due to a rise in surface elevation of flowing water upstream from, and as a result of, an inability to convey large flows. Certain areas served by branch sewers are at lower elevations than the crown, or top, of the NEB Sewer at the point of connection, preventing gravity flow of sewage from these areas into the NEB Sewer and causing backups.

Graphic Illustrating Concept of Combined Sewer System (Mayors Task Force Report, 2012)

The First Street Trunk Sewer is one such branch sewer that has historically experienced street flooding and basement backups, but recent events in 2012 have accelerated the need for action.

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Purpose and Need

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Purpose and Need

2.3

Purpose and Need for the Action

On July 10, 18, 19, and September 2, 2012, intense rainfall events caused stormwater and combined sewage to flood the residential neighborhoods of Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park in Wards 5 and 1, respectively, of Washington, DC. During these intense storms, residents reported flooding of their basements, which occurred from either sewer backups, overland flow, or both. Overland flow entered basements over low door sills, window wells, and other openings. Combined sewage backups occurred through toilets, tubs, sinks, and floor drains. The extreme nature of the flooding, the damage to private property, and the health risks associated with exposure to sewage led to a multi-agency response and community calls for answers and action. As mandated by Mayor Gray, the Mayors Task Force Flooding at the intersection of First and V Streets, NW (Mayors Task Force Report, 2012) conducted studies to identify the causes of surface flooding and sewer backups that occurred in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park; provide recommendations on short, medium, and long term mitigation measures; and to summarize these issues within regulatory, economic, and social contexts. The First Street Tunnel project is identified as an important component of the recommended solutions. To date, more than 200 property owners have reported some type of flooding to DC Water. Specifically there were: 147 reports of sewer backups 88 reports of overland flooding 70 reports of both sewer backups and overland flooding 43 reports of an unspecified type of flooding.

The purpose of the project is to provide relief from flood events and sewer backups that have historically impacted the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park neighborhoods. This EA addresses the proposed First Street Tunnel limits and alignment and the anticipated environmental effects of the proposed project.

Flooded Basement (Mayors Task Force Report, 2012)

2.4

Project Area

The Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park neighborhoods are part of the NEB drainage area, which is served by the NEBTS. Runoff from rainfall collected in catch basins combines with sewage from homes and
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Purpose and Need

businesses and is then conveyed through the sewer system downstream towards the wastewater treatment plant. The NEBTS drainage area collects runoff and sewage from an area of more than 4,900 acres. This sewershed is bounded to the north by the Armed Forces Retirement Home (or Old Soldiers Home) north of Taylor Street, NE/NW; to the south by Capitol Hill East and the Anacostia River; to the east by the Brookland, Ivy City and Trinidad neighborhoods; and to the west by Logan Circle and Howard University. The Bloomingdale neighborhood occupies approximately 130 acres and is part of a drainage area that is 724 acres. The LeDroit Park neighborhood occupies approximately 80 acres and is part of a drainage area that is 405 acres (see Figure 2). The First Street Trunk Sewer, a combined sewer, originates at the intersection of First and V Streets, NW and flows south along First Street as a combined sewer until connecting with the NEBTS at Florida Avenue. The First Street Trunk Sewer is approximately 7,000 feet long and varies in diameter from 7.5 feet in the upper reaches to 9 feet at its connection with the NEBTS. The First Street Relief Sewer is a combined sewer that begins at the Armed Forces Retirement Home. The sewer flows south along First Street, NW and terminates at First and V Streets, NW. At its termination point, the sewer discharges into the First Street Trunk Sewer. The sewer ranges in diameter from 30 inches to 90 inches, and is about 5,000 feet long. The sewer was constructed as a relief sewer in the 1960s. The Flagler Place Trunk Sewer originates from the east and west sides of McMillan Reservoir, where it serves the Armed Forces Retirement Home and Howard University campus and neighborhoods to the north, respectively. It is a combined sewer and enters Bloomingdale at 2nd Street and Bryant Street, running south on Flagler Place to V Street, where it then travels east and connects with the First Street Trunk Sewer at First Street, NW and V Street, NW. The sewer is approximately 5,500 feet long and ranges in diameter from 36 to 78 inches. The North Capitol Street Trunk Sewer originates as a stormwater only line at the Armed Forces Retirement Home, and flows to the south along North Capitol Street until connecting with a 4 foot 9 inch combined sewer just to the south of Evarts Street. The trunk sewer continues as a combined sewer to the south along North Capitol Street to W Street, where it travels west until First Street, and then heads south to V Street where it connects with the First Street Trunk Sewer at First Street, NW and V Street, NW. The sewer is approximately 6,000 feet long and ranges in diameter from 42 to 63 inches.

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Purpose and Need

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Purpose and Need

2.5

Relevant Laws, Regulations, and Policies

The ARP EA, completed in 2010, was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and NPS Directors Order #12. The project also followed the procedural requirements outlined in Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). NEPA and NHPA requirements were applicable because the project studied in the ARP EA required a construction permit from the NPS, which constituted a Federal action. The First Street Tunnel does not cross Federal lands or have other Federal involvement that would require DC Water to comply with NEPA or NHPA. However, this EA follows the procedural requirements of NEPA and satisfies the DC Environmental Policy Act (DCEPA) requirement as a Functional Equivalent to a DC EPA Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). A decision to prepare an additional EA was made for project consistency to supplement and update information already contained in the 2010 ARP EA, which included the First Street Tunnel.

2.6
2.6.1

Federal Regulations
Clean Water Act [33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.]

The Clean Water Act (CWA) provides the basic instrument for regulating water pollution and ensuring that surface waters meet the standards allowing for their designated uses. As authorized by the CWA, the EPA enforces the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, which is designed to limit pollutant discharges to Waters of the United States through regulation of point sources. 2.6.2 Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) (also known as Superfund) was enacted in 1980 to provide Federal agencies with the authority to respond to releases of hazardous substances that may endanger the environment. The Act establishes requirements for closed and abandoned hazardous waste sites, prescribes liability for persons responsible in the release of hazardous wastes, and provides a trust fund (Superfund) for environmental cleanup where no responsible person can be identified. 2.6.3 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act [42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.]

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) authorizes the EPA to control hazardous wastes through their generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal (cradle-to-grave). Also, RCRA regulation provides a framework for the disposal of nonhazardous solid wastes. Amendments to RCRA set forth in 1986 enable the EPA to address environmental problems resulting from underground tank storage. 2.6.4 Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations

Executive Order (EO) 12898 focuses Federal attention on environmental health of minority and lowincome communities. Through the EO, disproportionately high and adverse effects on minority or lowincome communities stemming from Federal actions are identified and addressed. In addition, the EO prohibits discrimination in Federal actions and programs substantially affecting environmental health, and requires Federal agencies to provide communities access to environmental health information.

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Purpose and Need

2.6.5

Clean Air Act [P.L. 101-549]

Under the Clean Air Act (CAA), the EPA has the authority to set limits on air emissions to protect human health and welfare. In order to carry out the CAA, the EPA established National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for pollutants considered harmful to public health and the environment. States are required to achieve attainment with NAAQS through the development of state implementation plans. Specifically, Section 112 of the CAA addresses emissions of hazardous air pollutants.

2.7
2.7.1

DC Regulations
District of Columbia Environmental Policy Act

The District of Columbia enacted an Environmental Policy Act in 1989, which is complied with by DC Agencies whether Federal funding is available or not. In 1997, the final implementing regulations, Rules to Implement the District of Columbia Environmental Policy Act of 1989, were published. All projects within the District of Columbia that involve its agencies must comply with DCEPA. The regulations to implement DCEPA are provided in Chapter 72, Environment, of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR). 2.7.2 District of Columbia Air Pollution Control Act

The Air Quality Division of the District Department of the Environment (DDOE) manages air resources in accordance with Title 20 of the DCMR Air Pollution Control Act of 1984. 2.7.3 District of Columbia Municipal Regulations, Chapter 27, Noise Control

This policy indicates maximum noise levels for commercial, industrial, and residential land uses. Title 20, Section 2803 of the policy covers noise as a result of construction in residential zones. 2.7.4 District of Columbia Water Pollution Control Act of 1984 (DC Law 5-188)

The District of Columbia Water Pollution Control Act was enacted to restore and protect surface waters in the District of Columbia. Additional regulations that fall under the authority of the DDOE Water Quality Division include: Water Quality Standards for Surface Waters (21 DCMR Ch. 11) Ground Water Quality Standards (21 DCMR 11501158) Water Quality Monitoring Regulations (21 DCMR Ch.19) District of Columbia Stormwater Management Regulations

2.7.5

DDOEs Stormwater Management Division aims to reduce stormwater runoff pollution through the implementation of activities that go beyond those required under the NPDES Permit.

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2.7.6

District of Columbia Watershed Protection Regulations

DDOEs Watershed Protection Divisions mission is to conserve soil and water resources in the District of Columbia and protect its watersheds from nonpoint source pollution. 2.7.7 District of Columbia Wildlife and Habitat Regulations

DDOEs Fisheries and Wildlife Division has four major components: research and management, aquatic and wildlife education, licensing and regulations, and fishing. Activities regulated are mainly those with potential to harm species and habitat. The Districts Wildlife Action Plan covers threatened/endangered species, common habitat, and where those species and habitats are commonly found in the District of Columbia. 2.7.8 Historic Landmark and Historic District Protection Act of 1978 (DC Law 2-144, as amended)

This District law and its implementing regulations District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Title 10A Historic Preservation directs the Mayor, heads of subordinate agencies, or heads of independent agencies with jurisdiction over an undertaking to take into account the effect of that undertaking on properties listed or eligible for listing in the District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites. Further, the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to comment on the undertaking. This Act also authorizes a Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) to advise the Mayor on applications referred to it for the demolition or alteration of properties listed or eligible for listing in the District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites, including Historic Landmarks or structures within Historic Districts. After receiving recommendations from the HPRB, a Mayors Agent will provide a final decision on applications for demolition or alteration to properties listed or eligible for listing in the District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites.

2.8

Overview of Public Participation

Public input has been solicited through various channels since the beginning of the July 2012 storm events. In addition to sharing personal accounts of how flooding has impacted their individual properties and homes, residents within Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park have submitted several suggestions for improving DC Water and other DC government agencies response to future flood events. This information is presented in the Mayor's Task Force Report and was considered in the development of this EA. In conjunction with the development of the Task Force Report, DC Water collected information and communicated with the public in the following forums: An email address mailto:bloomingdale@dcwater.com and hotline (202) 787-2688 were established for questions.

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DC Water launched a web page at dcwater.com/bloomingdale, which contains background information, links, and a survey for residents of the area, and information about programs for property owners. A postcard survey was conducted with every home in the affected area. DC Water sent a letter detailing the history of the problem, their long-term solution, and interim steps to every home in the affected area. DC Water is providing community updates on a biweekly basis, or as needed. DC Water has been responding to customers who have contacted them with a concern by phone, email, or Twitter. DC Water attended the July 16 monthly meeting of the Bloomingdale Civic Association. DC Water attended a special meeting of the Bloomingdale Civic Association on Saturday, August 4. DC Water cosponsored backwater valve workshops with the Bloomingdale Civic Association on September 6 and September 8. DC Water General Manager George Hawkins is co-chairing the Mayor's Task Force on the Prevention of Flooding in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park. Five Mayors Task Force meetings were held (August 28, September 27, October 31, December 6, and December 18) which were open to the public.

Since the release of the Mayor's Task Force Report in December 2012, DC Water has conducted numerous outreach efforts, which are summarized in Table 1. In addition, DC Water has consulted with other DC agencies, which is presented in Chapter 6: Consultation and Coordination.
Table 1: Additional Outreach to Community Organizations Organization Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie ANC 5E ANC5E07 and Concerned Citizens of T Street Bloomingdale Civic Association Stronghold Civic Association Residents Mt. Bethel Baptist Church Division P First Street Tunnel Environmental Assessment 2-10 April 12, 2013 Meeting Information Met with Councilmember on 11/28/12. Councilmember also attended Bloomingdale Civic Association meeting on 12/12/13 and Stronghold Civic Association meeting on 2/4/13. Meeting with Small Members Districts (SMDs) occurred on 12/12/12. Meeting occurred on 2/27/13. Meeting occurred on 2/8/13. Meeting occurred with Bloomingdale on 12/12/12 and 1/28/13. Multiple email exchanges to share information. Presented to monthly meeting on 2/4/13. Door hangers distributed 12/7/12 for First Street Tunnel borings. Traffic Advisory distributed 12/5/12. First Street Tunnel Drilling Update distributed via Bloomingdale blog and DC Water website 1/15/13. Project Information Sheet created 1/29/13. Door hangers distributed 2/12/13 for McMillan work. Meetings held 1/4/13 and 1/17/13.

Purpose and Need

Organization Windows Caf & Market Washington Metropolitan High School

Meeting Information Project Team Member met with owner on 1/18/13, materials provided. Met with Principal, DCPS Facilities Management on 2/15/13, materials provided. Second meeting occurred 2/20/13 to discuss agreement to allow DC Water to use tennis court as temporary parking area. DC Water presented the First Street Tunnel project to the McMillan Advisory Group on 2/21/13. The presentation focused on the difference between the three site grading/access options (Options A, B, and C) and included a discussion of the site renderings. DC Water solicited feedback on the proposed plans at McMillan and found that the attendees were very receptive to the proposed project and positive regarding DC Waters proposed restoration at the mining shaft site.

McMillan Advisory Group

2.9

Impact Topics Dismissed from Further Study

The topics discussed below would either not be affected or would be affected negligibly by the alternatives evaluated in this document. Therefore, these topics are briefly discussed in this section of the EA and then dismissed from further consideration or evaluation. Negligible impacts are impacts that are localized and not measurable at the lowest level of detection. 2.9.1 Wetlands

A review of the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) online mapping application, maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), was conducted to determine if wetlands are present along or in the vicinity of First Street, NW that could be affected by the proposed project. No wetlands were identified from the NWI mapping and because of the high density residential nature of the project area, it is unlikely that wetlands exist that have not been identified by the NWI. Therefore, because the proposed First Street Tunnel would not affect wetlands, this topic has been dismissed from further analysis. 2.9.2 Floodplains

According to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map FM 1100010017C, First Street, NW is not located within the regulated 100-year FEMA floodplain. Because there would be no floodplain disturbance from the construction of the First Street Tunnel, this topic has been dismissed from further analysis. 2.9.3 Vegetation

First Street, NW is located within an urban- and human-dominated landscape. Vegetation along First Street, NW consists of landscaped areas, street trees, and small grass lawns maintained by adjacent residences. In addition, the McMillan Sand Filtration Site is sparsely vegetated with turf grass where construction staging would occur and where the deep vertical shaft would be drilled. Scattered trees also exist along the perimeter of the McMillan Sand Filtration Site. Construction and staging activities along Adams Street, NW; Flagler Place, NW; V Street, NW; and Thomas Street, NW would not result in clearing of natural vegetation, but would result in impacts to a limited number of street trees. DC Water would protect these trees to the extent feasible; however, any trees removed to accommodate construction staging would be replaced with acceptable species
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determined through coordination with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Urban Forestry Administration and in accordance with the DCs Urban Forest Preservation Act (UFPA). Because the majority of project disturbance would occur deep underground and vegetation on the surface would be protected or replaced, impacts to vegetation are expected to be negligible. Therefore, vegetation has been dismissed from detailed analysis. 2.9.4 Wildlife including Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species

Wildlife within the project area is characteristic of an urban environment, and consists primarily of birds and small mammals. Birds commonly observed in urban environments include house sparrows, European starlings, common grackles, and rock doves (pigeons). Other species present are those associated with edge habitats created by planting trees and shrubs and include gray catbirds, northern mockingbirds, eastern phoebes, blue jays, and northern cardinals. Mammals likely to be present include Eastern chipmunks and gray squirrels, and other small mammals adapted to urban environments. Trees and shrubs planted for landscaping purposes provide nesting sites, food, and cover for many of the wildlife species present. Construction of the First Street Tunnel would cause a negligible disruption to wildlife from the potential increases in noise associated with construction activities. The majority of the construction activities would occur deep underground, and wildlife present at the surface would remain relatively unaffected. Therefore, wildlife has been dismissed from detailed analysis. During the completion of the ARP EA in 2010, the USFWS, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and the District Department of Health Fisheries and Wildlife Division were contacted to determine if any existing District or Federally listed rare, threatened, or endangered species occur within the study area of the proposed ARPs in accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. This coordination determined no further consultation to be necessary based on the nature of the project and the low potential for the presence of species of concern. It was determined there would be no impact to rare, threatened, and endangered species from tunneling. The ARP EA proposed action included work near or in the Anacostia River and identified the short-nosed sturgeon as a species of concern. As a result, additional coordination with the NMFS occurred; however, the First Street Tunnel project is well removed from the Anacostia River and would not adversely affect any potential habitat for this species. Also, the project area was examined for potential habitat and there is no habitat that would support any endangered species known to exist in the District of Columbia. The conditions along First Street, NW and the slightly expanded project area are consistent with the conditions presented to the resources agencies in 2010. Therefore, rare, threatened, and endangered species has been dismissed from further analysis in this EA. 2.9.5 Visual Resources and Aesthetics

The proposed construction of the First Street Tunnel would not alter or obstruct views, or adversely impact local aesthetics in the long-term because the tunnel would be located deep underground. During construction, equipment staging at the McMillan Sand Filtration Site would have short-term minor adverse impacts on local aesthetics. However, these impacts would be eliminated immediately following project completion and would therefore not result in long-term impacts. Because impacts to visual resources and aesthetics caused by equipment staging and other activities at the McMillan Sand Filtration Site would only be short term in nature, this impact topic has been dismissed from further analysis in this EA.

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2.9.6

Environmental Justice

Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations, was issued on February 11, 1994 by President Clinton. This order directs Federal agencies to identify and address disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of their programs, policies, and activities on minority or low-income populations. Based on a review of U.S. Census data for 2011, minority and low-income populations reside in the homes surrounding the First Street Tunnel project. Census data on race provided that 69 percent of the population in Census tract 33.01 (Bloomingdale) and 68 percent of the population in Census tract 34.00 (LeDroit Park) reports as African American alone. These percentages are higher than in the District overall (52 percent). White alone is the second highest segment of the population in tract 33.01, 34.00 and the District. Census data also provided that in tracts 33.01 and 34.00, a percentage of the population reports income levels below the poverty level. The percentage of families whose income is below the poverty level was 5.2 percent in tract 33.01 and 23.5 percent in tract 34.00 as compared to the District percentage of 13.9 percent. Although there are minority and low-income populations within the surrounding neighborhoods, the proposed actions would not have disproportionately high and adverse effects on these groups. The project purpose is to reduce, and ultimately eliminate, the surface flooding and sewer backups in these neighborhoods. Overall, the proposed actions would provide long-term benefits to the neighborhood residents and business owners through flood prevention. There would be short-term impacts associated with the construction activities, but no residences or businesses would be displaced and there would be no long-term adverse impacts to human health or the environment associated with the project. Therefore, environmental justice is dismissed from further analysis in this EA.

2.10

Impact Topics Analyzed in Detail in this Environmental Assessment

Impact topics are resources of concern that would be affected either beneficially or adversely by the range of alternatives. Impact topics were considered in accordance with all applicable Federal and DC environmental regulations, policies, and orders. 2.10.1 Soils and Topography Construction of a 6 million gallon capacity tunnel beneath First Street, NW to store CSO would require excavation of approximately 33,000 cubic yards of soil, which would be removed from the project area permanently, or a small portion could be reused by the contractor onsite. Due to the amount of soil excavation associated with the proposed actions and disturbances at the ground surface, impacts to soils are assessed in this EA. 2.10.2 Geology and Geologic Hazards Construction of the tunnel would involve excavation of a tunnel shaft from 60 to 140 feet in depth and the tunnel would be constructed approximately 100 feet below the ground surface. This type of excavation has the potential to intersect different geological features and cause impacts; therefore, geology and geologic hazards are assessed in this EA.

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2.10.3 Groundwater and Hydrology Construction of a tunnel shaft and tunnel have the potential to cross through different ground water layers and cause impacts to hydrology in the area; therefore, groundwater and hydrology are assessed in this EA. 2.10.4 Water Quality Construction of the First Street Tunnel would cause land disturbances due to construction staging, tunnel boring, and other construction-related activities. Ground surface disturbance would occur at the McMillan Sand Filtration Site where construction staging, access, and the vertical shaft to the tunnel are proposed; within the DDOT right-of-way on Adams Street, NW; within the DDOT right-of-way on Flagler Place, NW; within the DDOT right-of-way on V Street, NW; and within a parking lot and DDOT right-of-way at Thomas Street, NW. The proposed earth disturbance has the potential to adversely affect water quality through sediment transport. In the existing condition, flood waters from CSOs in the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park neighborhoods eventually re-enter the sewer system and periodically discharge into the Anacostia River untreated, resulting in degraded water quality. Over the long-term, construction of the First Street Tunnel would reduce the risk of flooding in these neighborhoods, and would be part of a more permanent system to reduce CSOs into the Anacostia River, resulting in a measurable benefit to water quality. Therefore, because the construction of the First Street Tunnel would require activities during construction that could impact water quality, and because of the long-term benefit to water quality from a reduction in CSOs, water quality is being analyzed in more detail in this EA. 2.10.5 Air Quality Construction of the First Street Tunnel may have an effect on local air quality from construction equipment, truck hauling traffic, generator emissions, and fugitive dust caused by excavation, tunnel boring, demolition activities, and concrete recycling efforts at the McMillan Sand Filtration Site. To minimize the release of airborne pollutants, appropriate best management practices would be used during construction. Following project completion, impacts to local air quality would cease, but there would be the potential for limited venting of odors on rare occasions from the tunnel. Because the construction of the First Street Tunnel may have an effect on local air quality during construction, this impact topic has been retained for more detailed analysis in this EA. 2.10.6 Noise and Vibration The proposed construction of the First Street Tunnel involves the use of a tunnel boring machine, which is powered by either trailer-mounted diesel power generators or directly from available high-voltage power feeders. In addition, cranes, diesel powered light sources, portable generators, dump trucks, and other construction noise-generating equipment would be needed to complete the project. According to a Technical Memorandum (DCCR, 2013) prepared for the project, an analysis determined that projected noise levels from construction activities and equipment would exceed local noise limits at adjacent residences without noise mitigation measures. Therefore, noise is analyzed as an impact topic in this EA. Construction activity can result in varying degrees of ground vibration, depending on the equipment and methods employed. Operation of construction equipment causes ground vibrations that spread through the
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ground and diminish in strength with distance. Buildings founded on the soil in the vicinity of the construction site respond to these vibrations, with varying results ranging from no perceptible effects at the lowest levels, low rumbling sounds and perceptible vibrations at moderate levels, and slight architectural damage at the highest levels. On the First Street Tunnel Project, construction ground vibrations will be produced by activities to construct both the near surface structures and the subsurface tunnel construction. The tunnel alignment lies approximately 80 feet to 160 feet below mostly residential buildings, a few commercial buildings, and a church. The near surface structures are close proximity to adjacent residential and commercial buildings. Therefore, construction ground borne vibration is analyzed as an impact in this EA. 2.10.7 Land Use and Zoning Small amounts of land would be temporarily required for construction staging and permanent easements may be required for the tunnel shaft. A temporary pumping station would be required until the Anacostia River Projects are completed. Following construction, land use in the project area is generally expected to return to preconstruction conditions. The project would require the establishment of rights-of-way and easements for construction and to gain future access to the tunnel for maintenance. As a result, land use and zoning is assessed in this EA. 2.10.8 Utilities/Infrastructure Existing infrastructure in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park is inadequate, causing chronic combined sewer flooding. The purpose of the project is to provide additional combined sewer system storage to prevent flooding and reduce combined sewer overflow in the District, representing a major infrastructural upgrade. This upgrade in infrastructure would result in a beneficial impact on utilities, as flood damages to utilities would be prevented. However, minor impacts may occur where proposed construction activities come into conflict with existing utilities. Based on these considerations, utilities and infrastructure is analyzed in this EA. 2.10.9 Cultural/Historic Resources The First Street Tunnel requires approximately 3 acres for construction at the historic McMillan Sand Filtration Site and will permanently impact two of the storage cells. In addition, several historic sites and districts are located within the vicinity of the project area. Therefore, Cultural/Historic Resources is assessed in this EA. 2.10.10 Archeological Resources

Construction of the First Street Tunnel project would result in near surface ground-disturbing activities in a number of locations. Most ground disturbance associated with the First Street Tunnel project is confined to previously disturbed areas beneath District roadways, parking areas, or sidewalks, or has negligible disturbance, such as the installation of geotechnical documentation equipment to monitor settlement. Such areas were excluded from further consideration. However, review of the construction plans identified four areas of surface disturbance (ASDs) located outside of previously disturbed roadways, parking areas, or sidewalks that would result in significant ground disturbance. These ASDs are the McMillan Sand Filtration Site Cells No. 25 and 26, the McMillan Reservoir construction staging area, a diversion chamber along V Street, NW, and a temporary pumping station and meter vault at the
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southwest corner of the intersection of Thomas and First Streets, NW. In consultation with the District of Columbia Historic Preservation Office (DC HPO), DC Water has prepared an archeological site potential assessment, known as a Phase IA assessment, for these ASDs (Kreisa and McDowell 2013). The assessment is based on historical and archeological background research, GIS modeling, and archeological site potential in part based on predictive site location models. Due to the potential presence of previously unidentified archeological resources in these four ASDs, impacts to archeological resources are assessed in this EA. 2.10.11 Human Health and Safety (including Hazardous Materials)

For many years and as recently as 2012, rain events in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park strained local sewers beyond their capacity. Residential properties in proximity to surcharged sewers were flooded with untreated wastewater. A number of illnesses can result from exposure to untreated wastewaters, which contain harmful bacteria in addition to flood-related property damage such as mold and mildew growth can cause health risks. Flood prevention, through construction of the First Street Tunnel, would have health and safety benefits for Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park residents. Furthermore, in any project involving excavation, the potential presence of hazardous materials is an important consideration. Soil and groundwater in urban areas often contains petroleum products and other contaminants, which can lead to health risks. For these reasons, human health and safety is addressed in this EA. 2.10.12 Transportation (Traffic)

There would be no longterm impacts on traffic or transportation, but construction activities would require shortterm road detours, road closures, lane restrictions, and other disruptions to traffic. Therefore, traffic and transportation is addressed in this EA. 2.10.13 Socioeconomics The area surrounding project construction generally consists of residences built in the style of row houses. Under existing conditions, the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park neighborhoods experience flooding and property damage during significant storm events which reduces the quality of life for some residents. Construction of the tunnel would likely result in economic benefits derived from the reduced flooding. Temporary road closures and detours during construction may result in temporary access impacts to community facilities. In addition, the parking lot for the Mt. Bethel Baptist Church would lose spaces to accommodate vehicle and equipment staging during construction, and to accommodate the temporary pumping station. Once completed, the First Street Tunnel is expected to have a positive impact on the neighborhood character. Due to these considerations, socioeconomics is addressed as an impact topic in this EA.

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3 ALTERNATIVES
3.1 Introduction

DC Water has considered a wide array of alternatives and options during planning for the First Street Tunnel. These options were tested against the purpose and need and compatibility with future plans in the DC Water Long Term Control Plan (2002). Alternatives are described in the ARP EA and Task Force Report. This EA provides an assessment of the potential effects of the No Action Alternative and the recommended First Street Tunnel Alternative from the Task Force Report. Three options for construction and access at the McMillan Sand Filtration Site are also analyzed in detail. Other engineering and nonengineering alternatives to the First Street Tunnel are summarized in this chapter, but were dismissed from detailed impact assessment because they either did not fulfill the projects purpose and need, resulted in unacceptable impacts or costs, and/or were not compatible with future projects identified in the Long Term Control Plan.

3.2

Alternative A No Action

Alternative A - No Action would include the regular maintenance of the existing combined sewer system. During storms with intensities above the 2-year rainfall event (storms that occur an average of more than every 2 years), the sewer system would exceed its capacity and the excess sewage and stormwater runoff would continue to discharge and cause flooding in the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park neighborhoods. DC Water, in accordance with the Mayors Task Force Report recommendations, would continue to employ small scale flood mitigation projects in an attempt to minimize the impacts associated with CSO flooding. These mitigation activities include, but are not limited to the following. Backwater Valve Program: DC Water would continue to require backwater valves for properties that experienced sewer backups in 2012 and would encourage and provide financial incentives for additional residences within the eligible area. Although these measures do not reduce stormwater volumes or flooding, the backwater valve may minimize sewer backups into buildings, thereby reducing damages to personal property. Rain Barrel Program: DDOE would provide rain barrels to property owners to reduce stormwater runoff and mitigate flooding. Green Infrastructure Program: DDOT would continue to implement Green Infrastructure measures in the vicinity of First Street and in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park. Measures would include rain gardens, porous pavements, and tree plantings. Consultations and Floodproofing: Engineering consultations would continue to be provided to residents who request them in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park. This program provides residents with individual consultations regarding the possible causes of flooding to their property and recommendations to prevent overland flooding based on an inspection of the outside of the home. The program also offers rebates for homeowners who choose to implement floodproofing work such as downspout disconnection and installation of removable flood barriers at doorways.
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3.3

Alternative B First Street Tunnel

Alternative B First Street Tunnel would involve the construction of the First Street Tunnel and supporting infrastructure. The First Street Tunnel would have an inside diameter of approximately 18.5 feet, and would be 2,800 feet long, providing storage for approximately 6 million gallons of combined sewage until 2022 when it would join with the proposed Northeast Boundary Tunnel (NEBT). The First Street Tunnel crown would be 40 to 160 feet below ground. Diversions would be constructed around the existing sewers to divert combined sewage to the tunnel for storage when the capacity of the existing sewers is exceeded. Due to the proposed depth of the First Street Tunnel, drop shafts would be needed to convey this flow to the tunnel. The tunnel would hold the combined stormwater/sewage until flows in the existing sewers subside. A temporary pumping station would be constructed at the low end of the tunnel to empty the tunnel into the existing combined sewer system. Pumping would no longer be required when the NEBT project is completed and the tunnels are connected. Figure 3 shows the location of the First Street Tunnel and other staging areas for the supporting diversion chambers and drop shafts. Figure 4 shows a cross section of the tunnel location in relationship to First Street, NW. The total construction cost of the First Street Tunnel is estimated to be $70 to $140 Million and construction would occur from October 2013 through June 2016.

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Figure 4 - Cross Section of the First Street Tunnel

3.4
3.4.1

Construction and Staging Areas

Channing Street Mining Shaft & Sewer Connection (Construction Staging Area 1)

DC Water proposes the construction of the Channing Street Mining Shaft on the southern portion of the McMillan Sand Filtration Site near the intersection of First Street, NW and Channing Street, NW. At this location, the construction of the tunnel requires: 1) demolition of underground un-reinforced concrete Sand Filter Beds 25 and 26 (see Figure 5); 2) a 3-acre staging area for the construction of a below-grade vertical mining/maintenance shaft and tunnel at the McMillan Sand Filtration Site; 3) a connection to the 48-inch existing water main at First Street; and 4) final grading/backfilling and the construction of a concrete access road to the site. Approximately 1/3 acre of land would be required to accommodate a permanent tunnel maintenance access. Temporary and permanent easements would be needed for access for construction and long term maintenance. Figure 6 shows the Channing Street Mining Shaft work area. The areas highlighted in light blue within Figure 6 and other figures to follow represent the Influence Zone (IZ) of the First Street Tunnel project. Intermittent access in these areas is required to perform work including the installation and monitoring of geotechnical instrumentation equipment to monitor settlement and impacts of settlement of the ground and structures within the zone of influence of tunneling; surveys of the interior and exterior of buildings and structures, before, during, and after construction; site surveying and minimally intrusive programs to locate utilities; ground modification to protect and minimize impacts to existing facilities; utility protection and monitoring and excavation of portions of utilities for condition assessment and/or replacement; and other appurtenant work.

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DC Water proposes three options regarding the construction of an access road to the vertical shaft construction site within the McMillan Sand Filtration Site. 3.4.2 Option 1 - Site at 160 Elevation

Option 1 consists of the construction of a new concrete access roadway from First Street, NW, south of the historic service court. In addition, DC Water would lower the existing grade of the vertical shaft construction site by 10 feet, thereby altering the existing topography, historic landscape, and McMillan Sand Filtration Sites relationship to First Street, NW. The option, however, would protect and preserve all the historic elements within the service court (service court walls, sand storage bin, regulator houses, stationary sand washers, and filter bed portals) by directly connecting to the vertical shaft. Further, it reduces the potential for damage to historic materials, which could occur due to the amount of material needed to backfill the site to its original grade. The following renderings depict different views of the final site conditions following construction of Option 1.

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Option 1 - Birds Eye View

Option 1 - Street view of shaft site from the corner of First Street, NW and Channing Street, NW

Option 1 - Street view of proposed access road from the western side of First Street, NW looking southeast

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3.4.3

Option 2 - Site at 170 Elevation with Access from First Street, NW

Option 2 consists of constructing a concrete access roadway from First Street, NW, south of the historic service court. The grade of the land, however, would be restored to preconstruction conditions at the completion of the project. This effort necessitates hauling, backfilling, and compacting approximately 50,000 cubic yards of earth and fill material. Restoration of the perimeter berm of the McMillan Sand Filtration Site would obscure the view of the entrance to the vertical shaft. The option would protect and preserve all historic elements of the service court (service court walls, sand storage bin, regulator houses, stationary sand washers, filter bed portals, and stairs). Renderings would be similar to that shown for Option 3 except the entrance to the service road would be on First Street, NW. 3.4.4 Option 3 - Site at 170 Elevation with Access from the Service Court

Option 3 proposes the construction of the concrete access road from the historic service court to the vertical shaft. In order to access the service court, the existing narrow service ramp from First Street, NW, would be demolished and expanded to accommodate construction vehicles. The access to the service court from First Street, NW, however, would remain in its original historic location, thereby preserving the existing landscape design and the sites relationship to First Street, NW. In addition, Option 3 requires the demolition of a service ramp accessing the top of Sand Filter Cells 25 and 26. This service ramp has limited visibility from public rights-of-way due to the existing grade of the site. All efforts would be made to protect and preserve the existing historic resources within the service court (service court walls, sand storage bin, regulator houses, stationary sand washers, filter bed portals, and stairs), but construction vehicles and equipment would be in close proximity to these elements. DC Water would maintain the existing topography including rebuilding the berm upon completion of the project. The retention of the berm would obscure view of the entrance to the vertical shaft. The following renderings show the final site conditions following construction from different views for Option 3.

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Option 3 - Birds Eye View

Option 3 - Street view of shaft site from corner of First Street, NW and Channing Street, NW

Option 3 - Street view of shaft site from the western side of First Street, NW looking southeast

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3.4.5

Adams Street Diversion Chamber, Drop Shaft, & Staging Area (Construction Staging Area 2)

A diversion chamber and drop shaft would be constructed on Adams Street, NW between Flagler Place, NW and 2nd Street, NW. The adit connecting the dropshaft to the tunnel would be installed using microtunnel or other trenchless technology and would be approximately 450 linear feet and approximately 100 feet below Adams Street, NW. In addition, ground improvements, which are described in the following paragraph, would be made at the intersection of Adams Street, NW and First Street, NW. The limits of the construction staging area are shown in Figure 7. The total area of this construction staging area is approximately 1.5 acres.

Ground improvements are proposed at the intersection of Adams Street, NW and First Street, NW to stabilize project area soils at the adit / First Street Tunnel connection point. Soil stabilization is needed to minimize ground movement, prevent groundwater inflow into the excavation, and minimize the risk of failure to existing structures or utilities overlying the proposed tunnel. DC Water anticipates the project contractor would choose from a number of common methods to stabilize ground conditions. Possible methods include permeation grouting, jet grouting, soil mixing, ground freezing, and dewatering staged from the ground surface above the connection point. Once the ground improvement is complete, and the impacted ground surface area is restored, there would be no noticeable changes at the intersection. Construction would occur in two phases to prevent the need to close First Street.

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3.4.6

V Street Diversion Chamber, Drop Shaft & Staging Area (Construction Staging Area 3)

A diversion chamber and drop shaft would be constructed on V Street, NW between Flagler Place, NW and First Street, NW. The adit connection would be approximately 40 linear feet long and approximately 80 feet below V Street, NW. The limits of the construction staging area are shown in Figure 8. The total area of the construction staging area is approximately 0.35 acres.

3.4.7

Thomas and First Street Temporary Pumping Station & Staging Area (Construction Staging Area 4)

A temporary pumping station would be constructed at the corner of Thomas Street, NW and First Street, NW. Facilities would include a temporary pumping station shaft and pumps, valve vault, meter vault, discharge force main, discharge manhole, transformer, and electrical equipment. A diesel generator may be used to power the pumping station if PEPCO is unable to provide electrical service within the timeframe required. All facilities except the electrical gear and generator would be below grade, and DC Water is coordinating with the landowner with regards to acquisition of temporary easements. The Mt. Bethel Baptist Church parking lot is proposed for use as construction staging, and DC Water would provide replacement parking for Church use during Sunday services and special events. At the end of construction, the parking lot would be returned to original condition or better and returned to the church for their use. The limits of the construction staging area are shown in Figure 9. The total area of the construction staging area is approximately 0.35 acres.
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The First Street Tunnel would be connected to the NEBT once the latter is constructed in 2022, at which time the First Street Tunnel would serve as a conveyance sewer in place of a storage facility. The staging area would need to be briefly reoccupied, and once this occurs, the temporary pumping station at the lower end of the First Street Tunnel would be decommissioned.

3.5

Temporary Parking During Construction

In coordination with DDOT, DC Water is completing a traffic study that considers potential impacts to neighborhood parking and necessary parking for construction employees. Temporary parking lots are proposed to be constructed adjacent to the Washington Metropolitan High School off of W Street, NW and DC Waters Bryant Street equipment lot located at the corner of 2nd Street, NW and W Street, NW. Some limited parking would also remain at the Mt. Bethel Baptist Church construction staging area (see Figure 9). DC Water is coordinating with the DC Public School Facilities Management to use part of the school grounds currently occupied by tennis courts. An entrance/exit to the school lot would be constructed from W Street, NW. Approximately 30 parking spaces could be obtained at the High School, and approximately 60 would be obtained at DC Waters Bryant Street equipment lot. The location of the proposed parking areas at the Washington Metropolitan High School and the Byrant Street equipment lot are shown in Figure 10.

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In addition to the three parking locations identified in this EA for temporary alternative parking, DC Water would continue to explore other potential areas for parking for the Mt. Bethel Baptist Church and construction activities. Staging areas for the purposes of this EA have been conservatively estimated. DC Water may identify additional areas to further mitigate the loss of parking during construction.

3.6

Alternatives Considered but Dismissed

The following alternatives were considered but dismissed. These are discussed in detail in the Mayors Task Force Report. The following discussion is a summary of the primary alternatives and solutions presented in the Task Force Report, but should not be considered a substitute for the detailed information provided in that report. The Task Force Report would take precedence should there be any discrepancies between the following discussion and the Task Force Report. 3.6.1 McMillan Storage and Flagler Place Pumping Station

This alternative would entail storage of both stormwater and combined sewage flow at the McMillan Sand Filtration Site. In order to reduce or eliminate surcharging along Flagler Place, NW and First Street, NW near Rhode Island Avenue under the 5-year design storm (a storm with a 20 percent chance of occurrence per year), it would be necessary to divert a peak flow rate of approximately 100 million gallons per day (mgd) from the Flagler Place Trunk Sewer. This could be accomplished by constructing a
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pumping station that would intercept flow from the surcharged trunk sewer before it passes through the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park area. The pumping station would pump the intercepted flow to the McMillan Sand Filtration Site. To provide maximum benefits, the pumping station would be located on the Flagler Place Trunk Sewer, upstream of 2nd Street, NW and Adams Street, NW. The pumping station would be constructed on Bryant Street, NW and would require a footprint of approximately 31 feet by 35 feet. The force main piping alignment would require construction along Bryant Street, NW and First Street, NW. A disadvantage with this alternative is that the pumping station and force main would become unnecessary after the longterm solution (NEBT) is implemented. This alternative was dismissed due to the significant disruption to the community and the long-term incompatibility with the NEBT project. Figure 11 depicts the McMillan Storage and Flagler Place Pumping Station alternative. 3.6.2 Conveyance to Tiber Creek

This alternative would establish a connection from the First Street Trunk Sewer to the Tiber Creek Sewer that would provide relief for the sewer collection system in the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park neighborhoods. Three scenarios were evaluated for connecting the NEB area to Tiber Creek: A 200 mgd pumping station at First Street, NW just south of V Street, NW. The removal of an existing trunk sewer bulkhead in the First Street Trunk Sewer, south of Florida Ave to provide a downstream connection to the Tiber Creek Sewer. A siphon underneath (and disconnected from) the NEBTS would provide a direct connection to Bloomingdale but could potentially require a relief sewer and increased inlet capacity to reduce ponding and increase pipe capacity.

Used in conjunction with another mitigation measure, such as a relief sewer extending along the Flagler Place Trunk Sewer and increased inlet capacity, this option could result in reduced ponding and increased sewer capacity in the NEBTS area. However, because implementation would entail connecting only to the NEBTS, this option would only provide relief to the neighborhoods directly connected to the NEBTS, which does not fully accomplish the project purpose and need. Additionally, the project would take more than three years to construct due to various constructability challenges and potentially additional rightsof-way. Therefore, this alternative was dismissed from further consideration.

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3.6.3

Catch Basin Inlet Restrictors

This alternative would allow less water to enter the collection system in areas where flooding is not a significant issue, thereby providing additional sewer capacity in floodprone areas. Mechanical devices that restrict flow would be installed on catch basins in advance of predicted heavy rainfall events and rainwater would be conveyed by streets and other pathways before it would enter the collection system. Peak flows in the sewers would be reduced, reducing the potential for sewer backups and surface flooding from surcharged sewers. Although this alternative would reduce flooding in the Bloomingdale area, it may cause increased ponding in the areas where the inlet restrictors are implemented. Due to the uncertainty of risks associated with widespread implementation of this technology throughout the drainage area, this alternative was deemed impractical. The potential risk of worsening surface flooding by restricting flow from the sewer system outweighs the potential benefits that inlet restrictors would provide through surface diversion. Therefore, this alternative was dismissed from further consideration.

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3.6.4

Inflatable Flood Walls

There are numerous manufacturers who offer flood control dams that could be used to temporarily contain or re-direct flood water. These barriers are large tubes made of flexible material such as heavy duty nylon or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that can be rolled out and filled with water to create a flood barrier. These temporary barriers are often used in emergency situations where it is not practical to install a permanent floodwall or levee due to time constraints, logistical challenges, or funding availability. Inflatable barriers could be used to line one or both sides of a street to contain water that would otherwise overtop the street curbs or they could be used to contain water in a makeshift storage pond if open space is available. A network of inflatable barriers installed to contain the roadway areas that are most severely impacted by flooding could potentially detain up to 1.35 million gallons of surface water. The stormwater and combined sewage that currently spills over sidewalks and into buildings would be contained within the dams, but the inflatable barriers would not prevent sewer backups. Although they are effective, inflatable barriers are a considerable challenge within an urban environment. All obstacles would need to be removed from the affected streets, including vehicles, dumpsters, and construction equipment. The barriers would also create an obstacle for emergency vehicles, utility vehicles, city vehicles, transit busses, automobiles, and pedestrians. Homeowners may not be able to remain in their homes when barriers are in use due to inaccessibility and safety. Because of these concerns, this alternative was dismissed from further consideration.

3.7

Summary of Environmental Consequences of Alternatives Analyzed

A summary of the environmental consequences of each alternative is presented below in Table 2 and impact intensity levels (negligible, minor, moderate, and major) are defined on page 69.
Table 2: Summary of Environmental Consequences Impact Topic Soils and Topography Alternative A No Build No short-term impacts. Long-term negligible impacts due to future erosion of the cells and ground subsidence at the McMillan Sand Filtration Site. Geology and Geologic Hazards No impacts. Alternative B First Street Tunnel Short-term minor adverse impacts based on the volume of excavated materials to be removed. Long-term negligible impacts due to installation of facilities and removal of excavated materials below grade. Short-term negligible adverse impacts would result from excavation and stabilization of sedimentary layers. Long-term negligible adverse impacts through sound engineering and established mitigation and maintenance methods. Groundwater and Hydrology No impacts. Short-term negligible impacts based on implementation of best management practices. No long-term impacts.

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Impact Topic Water Quality

Alternative A No Build Short- and long- term moderate adverse impact with continuance of floodings, basement backups and combined sewer overflows during high intensity storms.

Alternative B First Street Tunnel Short-term minor adverse impacts due to the discharge of sediment laden waters to sewers. Long-term beneficial impact based on the prevention of untreated wastewater discharges to the Anacostia River. Short-term minor adverse impacts during construction from fugitive dust and equipment emissions. No long-term impacts to air quality following construction activities.

Air Quality

No impacts.

Noise and Vibration

No impacts.

Short-term moderate adverse impacts to residences and other sensitive-receptors due to construction. No long-term impacts.

Land Use and Zoning

No impacts.

Short-time minor adverse impacts due to the temporary use of local roads and the Mt. Bethel Church parking lot for construction staging. Longterm minor adverse impacts due to the permanent use of cell areas at the McMillan Filtration Site for tunnel access.

Utilities/Infrastructure

Short- and long-term moderate to major adverse impacts due to continued flooding. Another mitigation strategy to comply with the EPA Consent Decree would be required.

Short-term minor adverse impacts associated with temporary loss of utility services during construction. Long-term benefits resulting from infrastructural upgrade.

Cultural/Historic Resources

Moderate long-term adverse effects on individual historic architectural resources, based on the lack of flood protection.

Short-term moderate impacts in project areas based on potential cosmetic damages and temporary visual intrusions on historic viewsheds. Negligible long-term impacts to historic viewsheds based reestablishment of existing grades and beneficial long-term impacts from the reduced risk of flooding.

Archeological Resources

No impacts.

Potential long-term minor adverse impacts to unrecorded archeological resources at the Mt. Bethel Church parking lot.

Human Health and Safety (including Hazardous Materials)

Short- and long-term moderate adverse impacts due to health risks associated with continued surface flooding and sewer backups.

Negligible impacts associated with contaminated soils. Negligible impacts associated with construction and maintenance of tunnel facilities. Short- and long-term benefits from flood prevention.

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Impact Topic Transportation (Traffic)

Alternative A No Build Short-term moderate adverse impacts resulting from temporary disruptions caused by flooding.

Alternative B First Street Tunnel Short-term minor impacts due to road detours, road closures, lane restrictions, and other disruptions to surface traffic. No long-term impacts. Long-term beneficial impacts based on overall improvement of the neighborhoods.

Socioeconomics

Long-term minor to moderate impacts due to unfavorable effects on property values and the repeated nuisance and economic costs of property damage caused by flooding.

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4 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
The description of the affected environment is intended to document the existing conditions within the First Street Tunnel project area, and includes those resources that have the potential to be affected by the proposed alternatives. These descriptions provide a technical baseline for the subsequent evaluation of impacts of the proposed Action Alternative and the No-Action Alternative. Alternatives are described in Chapter 3 of this EA. Alternative A No Action provides a baseline for assessing the environmental effects of the action alternatives. In this EA, DC Water has made a reasonable effort to assess the potential effects of the alternatives outlined in Chapter 3. Impacts in this EA have been assessed based on preliminary project designs and similar past projects.

4.1

Soils and Topography

A comprehensive assessment of project area soils can be found in the Soil Survey of the District of Columbia (USDA 1976) compiled by the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. The Soil Survey provides locations, descriptions, recommended uses and limitations of soils. According to the Survey, project area soils generally consist of Urban land soils and Urban land complexes (see Figure 12). Urban land soil units describe areas where over 75 percent of the land is covered by asphalt, concrete, or structures. The soils are mostly composed of miscellaneous fill materials. Often the materials have been placed atop streams, wetlands and floodplains. Inclination of the soils ranges from nearly level to moderate slopes. Due to the variable composition of Urban land soils, recommended uses and limitations are not designated by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Careful examination is necessary to evaluate the potential for any proposed uses. Additional documentation on project area soils is a geotechnical report (Johnson & Malhotra 2000) prepared for the McMillan Sand Filtration Site. The purpose of the report was to determine the sites potential for residential or open space development. According to the report, the area was originally developed in 1903 to improve the quality of drinking water drawn from sources in the Washington, DC area. Twenty vault-like structures (filter cells) were installed underground at the site to facilitate water treatment. The cells were constructed from non-reinforced concrete and each cell occupies roughly 45,000 square feet.

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A geotechnical investigation was conducted to evaluate subsurface conditions beneath the floor of the filter cells. Soil borings identified fill materials with highly variable composition from beneath the cell floor. There was no organic material in the soils. The investigators compared the results of soil borings with historical topographic data and speculated that fill materials were placed to a depth of 35 feet beneath the cell floors. The investigators also report that a stream channel was buried and built upon at the southeast corner of the site. At the time of reporting, there was no known soil contamination at the McMillan Sand Filtration Site. Topographically, the project area slopes moderately to the south and to the west on First Street, NW from the McMillan Sand Filtration Site to Rhode Island Avenue. The original topographic setting of the area has been modified to accommodate residential dwellings. At the McMillan Sand Filtration Site, topography is generally flat at an elevation of approximately160 feet with a 5-foot berm established at the perimeter of the site.

4.2

Geology and Geologic Hazards

The study area is located within the Atlantic Coastal Plain Physiographic Province. According to the Geologic Map of the Washington West Quadrangle (Fleming, et. al., 1994), the geologic layers present within the study area would include the following (from the ground surface): Man-placed Fill Pleistocene-age Sedimentary Deposits (Pleistocene Deposits) Cretaceous-age Sedimentary Deposits of the Potomac Group (Potomac Group) Man-placed fill generally consists of mixed sand, silt, clay, and gravel, and may contain fragments of rock, construction debris, and organic material. The man-placed fill in the area of the First Street Tunnel was derived from previous episodes of land development and construction activity including McMillan Reservoir and McMillan Sand Filtration Site. The depth of the bottom of this layer within the project area ranges from about 5 to 20 feet. Due to the nature of man-placed fill and variable conditions under which the material was placed, man-placed fill may naturally subside over time. Therefore, existing man-placed fill requires thorough analysis if used to support new structures. Pleistocene-age Sedimentary Deposits consist of naturally formed layers of gravel, sand, silt, and clay. The depth to the bottom of this layer ranges from about 20 to 40 feet. No specific geologic hazards are associated with this layer. However, subsidence of Pleistocene Deposits may result from significant lowering of the groundwater level. Cretaceous-age Sedimentary Deposits of the Potomac Group are located below the Pleistocene Deposits. The Potomac Group soils are variable and range from silty and clayey sand and gravel to relatively clean sand and gravel layers, locally with silt and clay interbeds. Lignite (a material similar to coal) is common in this layer. Rock-like concretions of iron and sand may be encountered in this layer. The depth to the bottom of this layer ranges from about 100 to 170 feet. The soils in this layer have been highly compressed during previous geological events (i.e., overconsolidated). For this reason, subsidence is not a concern in this layer.

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Decomposed rock may be encountered at the bottom of the tunnel at the north end of the project. Decomposed rock consists of soil-like material derived from the in-situ weathering of the parent bedrock. Decomposed rock retains some relict features of the parent rock such as coloring, discontinuities and bedding planes. Decomposed rock typically contains large fragments or boulders of relatively unweathered rock.

4.3

Groundwater and Hydrology

Groundwater is present below the ground surface in the area of the First Street Tunnel. The depth to the groundwater from the ground surface ranges from about 10 to 50 feet along the alignment of the First Street Tunnel. The depth to the groundwater is generally less in lower-lying areas. Groundwater recharge occurs in upland areas by infiltration into areas with porous ground surfaces. The recharge in the upland areas to the north and west drives a vertical gradient whereby the groundwater slowly migrates across the proposed project area towards the Anacostia River to the south and east.

4.4

Water Quality

The District is a highly urbanized environment with a high percentage of impervious surfaces. During storms, the combined flow of runoff and sewage can exceed the capacity of the sewer system, and the excess flow is discharged into the Anacostia River and Potomac Rivers or their tributaries. The CSO release is necessary to prevent flooding in homes, businesses, and streets. CSO discharges contain pollutants that contribute to the degradation of the Anacostia River and Potomac River. Within the Middle Potomac-Anacostia Watershed, biological oxygen demand (BOD), fecal coliform bacteria, organics, metals, total suspended solids (TSS), and oil/grease are the pollutants of particular concern. These pollutants can adversely impact the ability of a water body to support aquatic life, accumulate in the tissues of fish and shellfish consumed by humans, cause human health ailments due to physical contact or the consumption of fish and shellfish, and degrade the physical appearance and odor of a water body. More detailed information on these pollutants, as well as the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) established by DDOE for the Potomac River for bacteria, can be found in the 2010 ARP EA. Initially, an estimated 2000 million gallons of CSO reached the Anacostia River annually. These overflows of untreated wastewater contribute to the impairment of the Anacostia River and Potomac River. Both channels are listed under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. Currently, with completion of Phase I controls (Nine Minimum Controls and pump station rehab) an estimated 1.485 million gallons of CSO reach the Anacostia River annually. In 2005, DC Water began implementation of the DC Clean Rivers Project, designed to achieve control of CSOs to the Anacostia River, Potomac River, and Rock Creek. The purpose was to improve water quality; mitigate flooding at chronic flood areas in the NEB drainage area for up to the 15-year design storm. In 2007, the planned CSO control facilities were modified to add an additional tunnel segment (the Blue Plains Tunnel) to provide storage of combined flows during wet weather events to reduce peak flows to the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant. This was required to allow practical enhanced nutrient removal and help meet the goals of the Chesapeake Bay Program (Mayors Task Force, 2012). Within the study area, a lack of conveyance capacity within the current sewer system has contributed to a history of flooding, sewer backups, and CSOs during storm events. Recently, as described in the Mayors Task Force Report (2012), intense rainfall events that occurred historically and most recently in 2012
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caused stormwater and sewage to flood the residential neighborhoods of Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park. During these storms, the trunk sewers in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park were observed to surcharge and overflow through manholes and catch basins at numerous locations. At the same time, NEBTS reached peak capacity and sent CSOs of untreated stormwater and sewage into the Anacostia River. The continued release of untreated wastewater into the Anacostia River from CSOs has resulted in reduced water quality in the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers.

4.5

Air Quality

Air quality became a national concern in the mid-1960s, leading to the passage of the Air Quality Act in 1967. The Act (now referred to as the Clean Air Act) and subsequent amendments have established procedures for improving conditions, including a set of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Under the authority of the Clean Air Act, EPA has developed NAAQS for six criteria pollutants deemed harmful to public health and the environment. These pollutants include: nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), ozone (O3), particulate matter equal to or less than 10 microns in size (PM10), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and lead (Pb). The EPA designates areas where concentrations of criteria pollutants are below the NAAQS as being in attainment. Conversely, areas where a criteria pollutant level exceeds the NAAQS are designated as nonattainment by the EPA. The First Street Tunnel project area is located within the National Capital Interstate Air Quality Control Region, which includes Washington, DC, and several surrounding counties of Maryland and Virginia. This region meets NAAQS for all criteria pollutants except ozone and PM2.5. Ozone levels are so severe that the EPA has designated the region as a serious nonattainment area for ozone where precautions should be taken to limit emissions. In response, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) has developed a State Implementation Plan (SIP) to guide improvements to air quality in the Washington, DC region. The SIP provides an inventory of existing air emissions and accounts for planned projects within the region that have a potential to increase pollution emissions. The SIP accounts for projected increases in vehicular travel throughout the region, as well as anticipated changes in land use, demographic, and employment patterns. Existing sources of air pollutants in and adjacent to the project area are emissions from development activities and vehicular traffic on First Street, NW and other surrounding roadways. These emissions contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are precursors to ozone, created when fuels or organic waste materials are burned. Ozone is formed in, and downwind of, urban areas when sunlight and high temperatures cause photochemical reactions between emissions of VOCs and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Major sources of VOCs and NOx include motor vehicles and construction equipment.

4.6

Noise and Vibration

The project area is located in an urban residential setting which experiences background noise and other short-lived disturbances caused by emergency vehicles and buses. Various sensitive receptors such as residences, childcare facilities, churches, etc., occur throughout the project area. In the District, noise control is addressed by DC Municipal Regulations. The general provisions of noise control regulation in DC promote public health, safety, welfare, and the peace and quiet of the inhabitants of the District, and facilitate the enjoyment of the natural attractions of the District (20 DCMR 2700.1). Allowable limits put forth by the regulations vary between zoning districts in DC. Table 3 provides maximum permissible
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noise levels by zone. For construction in a Residential zone, noise levels are measured 25 feet from the edge of the construction site. For the other zones listed in Table 3, nosie levels are measured at the property line of the property on which the noise originates.
Table 3: Maximum Permissible Noise Levels Noise Level (decibels) Zone Daytime (7am to 9pm) Commercial or light-manufacturing Industrial Residential, special purpose, or waterfront Construction in a Residential Zone, without variance* 65dB 70dB 60dB 80dB Nighttime (7am to 9pm) 60dB 65dB 55 dB 55 dB

* Daytime limits for Construction in a Residential Zone are between 7am and 7pm, Monday through Saturday. Construction noise is not permitted on Sundays.

Source: 20 DCMR 2701.1, 2802-2803

During January and February 2013, ambient acoustical site surveys were conducted at five locations within the project area to document ambient noise levels throughout a normal 24-hour weekday and weekend period. Data was collected by placing measuring instruments on the sidewalk adjacent to properties closest to the proposed construction staging areas. Data collection occurred at the following locations: Thomas and First Streets, NW; Rhode Island and First Streets, NW; Adams Street, NW; Channing Street, NW and First and V Streets, NW. During the surveys, measuring equipment collected ambient noise level data while technicians documented noise sources. During the 24-hour period, it was determined that ambient noise levels commonly exceeded both daytime and nighttime noise limits, by varying degrees of intensity on weekdays and weekends at all five survey locations. Ambient noise levels did not exceed the daytime 80 decibel limit for construction activities (DCCR, 2013). Vibrations are oscillatory motions that can be described in terms of displacement, velocity and acceleration. For example, when a floor vibrates, the displacement is the distance that a point on the floor moves from its static position. The velocity refers to the speed of the floor movement, and acceleration is the rate of the change in speed. Table 4 presents common vibration sources and corresponding levels. Velocity decibel notation (VdB) is used in the table to describe the magnitude of vibrations. The vibration indicated by one velocity decibel is 1 10-6 inches per second.

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Affected Environment Table 4: Vibration Sources and Levels Source (within 50 feet) VdB 50 Typical background vibration 60 Typical bus or truck Typical rapid transit Typical commuter rail Upper range rapid transit Upper range commuter rail 90 Bulldozers and heavy tracked construction equipment Blasting from construction projects 100 Minor cosmetic damage to fragile buildings Difficulty reading a computer screen 80 70 Residential annoyance, frequent events (e.g. rapid transit) Residential annoyance, infrequent events (e.g., commuter rail) Approx. threshold of human perception Human/Structural Response

Source: USDOT 2006

Baseline conditions in the project area are generally free from vibrations that are above the threshold of human perception (65 VdB or greater). DC Metrobus routes are active along Rhode Island Ave, NW and North Capitol Street, which may provide low level vibrations that are perceptible by project area residents. There are no DC Metrorail lines within the project area.

4.7

Land Use and Zoning

Land uses in the project area are depicted in Geographic Information System (GIS) data provided by the DC GIS Data Clearinghouse. The GIS data identifies 24 individual land use categories in the District. In the project area, common uses include low to medium density residential, transportation right-of ways and roads, and alleys. Small parcels in the project area are categorized under commercial uses. Land use at the McMillan Sand Filtration Site falls under the transportation, communications and utilities category. Figure 13 provides land use mapping of the project area.

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The GIS Data Clearinghouse also provides zoning boundaries in the District. The project area includes two residential zones and one commercial zone. Table 5 provides a summary of the zoning districts and Figure 14 shows the zone boundaries in the project area.
Table 5: Summary of Zone Districts
District Summary Permits matter-of-right development of single-family residential uses (including detached, semi-detached, row dwellings, and flats), churches and public schools with a minimum lot width of 18 feet, a minimum lot area of 1,800 square feet and a maximum lot occupancy of 60% for row dwellings, churches and flats minimum lot width of 30 feet and a minimum lot area of 3,000 square feet for semi-detached structures, a minimum lot width of 40 feet and a minimum lot area of 4,000 square feet and 40% lot occupancy for all other structures (20% lot occupancy for public recreation and community centers); and a maximum height of three (3) stories/forty (40) feet (60 feet for churches and schools and 45 feet for public recreation and community centers). Conversions of existing buildings to apartments are permitted for lots with a minimum lot area of 900 square feet per dwelling unit. Rear yard requirement is twenty (20) feet. Permits matter-of-right moderate development of general residential uses, including singlefamily dwellings, flats, and apartment buildings, to a maximum lot occupancy of 60% (20% for public recreation and community centers), a maximum FAR of 1.8, and a maximum height of 50 feet (90 feet for schools and 45 feet for public recreation and community centers). Rear yard requirements are not less than fifteen (15) feet. Permits matter-of-right low density development, including office employment centers, shopping centers, medium-bulk mixed use centers, and housing to a maximum lot occupancy of 60% for residential use and 100% for all other uses, a maximum FAR of 2.5 for residential use and 1.5 FAR for other permitted uses, and a maximum height of fifty (50) feet. Rear yard requirements are fifteen (15) feet; one family detached dwellings and one family semidetached dwellings side yard requirements are eight (8) feet.

R-4

R-5-B

C-2-A

Source: District of Columbia Office of Zoning (DCZ) 2010

4.8

Utilities/Infrastructure

The first homes in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park were built in the late 19th century. In this era, cities commonly installed combined sewers to carry both wastewater and stormwater from neighborhoods. Since then, urban transformation has taken place in the neighborhoods. The population has become denser and impervious area has increased, resulting in higher volumes of stormwater runoff. While wastewater and stormwater volumes have increased, the capacity of the existing sewer infrastructure has not increased. As a result, existing infrastructure in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park does not have the capacity to convey stormwater volumes above the threshold of a 2-year storm without flooding (Mayors Task Force Report, 2012). A 2-year storm refers to the amount of rainfall expected over a 24-hour period for an event that occurs every two years.

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Flooding associated with the existing combined system has been reported as early as the late 19th century. Over the years, numerous studies have been performed to determine the feasibility of sewer capacity improvements. Many of the proposed improvement plans were considered too costly or too complicated to implement, and combined sewer flooding continued. In 2005, DC Water signed a consent decree and began implementing the DC Clean Rivers Project. The Federal Consent Decree requires the Clean Rivers Project to be completed in 2025. The consent decree specifically includes mitigation of flooding in the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park areas. In the summer of 2012, intense flood events took place in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park. Costly damages incurred by residents and concerns about health risks associated with severe sewer overflow prompted city agencies to take action. The Mayors Task Force produced a comprehensive report in December 2012 to address the issue of flooding, and continues to serve the Mayor in an advisory role. Additional infrastructural elements in the project area include underground water, gas and electric lines. Potable water in the area is supplied by DC Water. Gas utilities in the area are maintained by Washington Gas, and electric utilities in the area are maintained by the Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco). There are no overhead electric lines. Traffic signals at larger intersections in the project area are mounted atop poles.

4.9

Cultural/Historic Resources

This section describes the cultural resources present at the project site and in the surrounding area. This information is derived from historic structures reports, National Register nominations, National Historic Landmarks documentation, the District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites, historic maps, and site reconnaissance and observation. The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (NHPA), is the guiding legislation for the preservation of historic properties. As broadly defined by 36 CFR 800, historic properties are any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure, or object included in, or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The formal DC Historic Preservation Review process requires that Federal agencies take into account the effects of their actions on properties listed, or eligible for listing, in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Any proposed demolition would be evaluated in accordance with consistency with DC Law-144, and if determined inconsistent, the proposal would be forwarded to the DC Mayors Agent. As the lead agency, DC Water has begun the initial steps to enter into consultation with the District of Columbia Historic Preservation Officer (DC HPO) and other interested agencies and individuals to identify historic properties that could be affected, to assess potential adverse effects, and to resolve the adverse effects through mutually agreed upon avoidance, minimization, or mitigation measures. To begin this process, a preliminary determination of the area of potential effect (APE) was completed. The APE, as defined by 36 CFR 800.16(d), represents the geographic area within which an undertaking may directly or indirectly cause alterations in the character or use of historic properties, if any such properties exist.

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The preliminary APE for historic resources accounts for the potential for one or both of the Alternatives to physically or visually affect historic landmarks, districts, parks, or other historic resources. The APE includes the footprint of these facility elements and associated construction disturbance or staging areas, and expands 50 feet from the center line of the proposed tunnel (primarily on First Street, NW). Figure 15 shows the APE for the First Street Tunnel project. 4.9.1 Historic Resources

Located in Northwest Washington, DC, the proposed First Street Tunnel Project is primarily sited in a residential neighborhood. The northern section of the project site is located within the McMillan Park Reservoir Historic District which is listed on the DC Inventory of Historic Sites and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), specifically the southeast corner of the historic McMillan Sand Filtration Plant. The remaining portion of the proposed project along First Street, NW bounded by Rhode Island Avenue to the south is located in Bloomingdale. The residential neighborhood of Bloomingdale was constructed at the turn of the 20th century and is potentially eligible for listing in the DC Inventory of Historic Places and the NRHP. The Samuel Gompers House is listed in the DC Inventory of Historic Places, NRHP, designated as a National Historic Landmark (NHL) and located within Bloomingdale along the proposed tunnel alignment. To the east of the McMillan Park Reservoir Historic Landmark and Bloomingdale is the Glenwood Cemetery (potentially NRHP-eligible), Glenwood Cemetery Mortuary Chapel (DC Inventory of Historic Sites and NRHP), and Prospect Hill Cemetery (DC Inventory of Historic Sites). To the west of the McMillan Park Reservoir Historic Landmark and Bloomingdale is Howard University (multiple buildings listed on the DC Inventory of Historic Sites, NRHP, and NHL), Bryant Street Pumping Station ((potentially NRHPeligible), LeDroit Park (DC Inventory of Historic Sites and NRHP), and Mary Church Terrell House (DC Inventory of Historic Sites, NRHP, and NHL). These properties are described on the following pages.

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4.9.2

McMillan Park Reservoir Historic Landmark

Date: 1883-1919 Architect: Army Corps of Engineers; F.L. Olmsted, Jr. Designation: DC Inventory of Historic Sites, 1991; National Register of Historic Places, 2012. The McMillan Sand Filtration Plant was constructed at the turn of the twentieth century as the first water treatment facility in the City of Washington. In March 1901, Congress appropriated money to construct a slow sand filtration plant consisting of 29 unreinforced concrete filter beds, sand bins, sand washers, and regulator houses. The plant was one of the last slow sand filtration facilities constructed in the United States and represented the success of advocates for the traditional filtration system at a time when new technologies were being introduced into the water purification process. Additionally, the new filtration system contributed to the elimination of typhoid epidemics and reduced incidence of other diseases. In 1906, the filtration plant and adjacent reservoir were renamed McMillan Park as a memorial to Senator James McMillan. From 1907 to 1911, renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. developed the landscape design for the park. Olmsteds application of sophisticated landscape design as a means to enhance the sites utilitarian infrastructure represents the importance of public works as a part of the City Beautiful Movement. The site continued to operate until 1986 and retains its historic, cultural, landscape, planning, engineering, and architectural significance as an urban engineering resource. The photograph below provides a view of the McMillan Sand Filtration Site as it can be seen today.

View of the McMillan Sand Filtration Plant, part of the McMillan Park Reservoir Historic District, looking northeast from the corner of First Street and Channing streets, NW (EHT Traceries, 2012).

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4.9.3

Bloomingdale Historic District

Date: 1892-1906 Designation: Potentially Eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places Bounded by R Street, North Capitol Street, Bryant Street, and 2nd Street, NW, Bloomingdale originated from several 19th-century estates. Towards the end of the century, however, the primarily rural land and light industrial area was subdivided due to an increase of population in Washington, DC and the creation of the streetcar system that allowed the middle-class to live farther from their places of business. Developers William Shannon and Ray E. Middaugh, who formed the firm Shannon & Middaugh, initiated the improvement of Bloomingdale with the construction of row houses. From 1900 to 1901, architect B. Stanley Simmons designed 47 of these row houses for Middaugh & Shannon. Beginning in 1902, however, the firm relied exclusively on Joseph Bohn, Jr. as its architect. The Washington Posts 1903 History of the City of Washington reported that, as a result of Middaugh & Shannons initial development in the neighborhood, there were 869 houses, accommodating 3,484 people. Other developers including Harry Wardman, Francis Blundon, and S.H. Meyers built a multitude of row house dwellings in the neighborhood. In an attempt to meet housing demands and maintain low costs, Wardman pioneered a style of row houses that divided the building into two identical apartment units within one row house. Called row house flats, the housing type never became popular in DC, but a number of examples remain in the Bloomingdale area. The neighborhood is significant for its development within the context of Washington, DC and architectural cohesiveness as a representation of Queen Anne, Richardsonian Romanesque, and Colonial Revival-styled row house dwellings. Notable individual buildings include Mt. Bethel Baptist Church (formerly Central Methodist Protestant Church) designed by architect James E. Denson in 1902. The following photographs show typical row houses located within Bloomingdale.

Row houses at 2125-2117 First Street, NW (left) and 148-154 Adams Street, NW (right), Bloomingdale (EHT Traceries, 2013).

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4.9.4

Samuel Gompers House

Date: 1873-1877 Architect: James McGill Designation: DC Inventory of Historic Sites, 1973; National Register of Historic Places, 1974; National Historic Landmark, 1974 Located within Bloomingdale, the narrow three-story row house with a raised basement at 2122 First Street, NW served as the dwelling of Samuel Gompers from 1902 to 1917. Gompers, a pioneer labor leader, established the union federation that became the American Federation of Labor (AFL) in 1886. Gompers remained president of the AFL until 1924, fighting for better wages, shorter hours, and improved working conditions. The dwelling at 2122 First Street, NW is associated with Gompers longer than any other residence but, more importantly, served as a venue for labor debate. The following photograph provides a view of Samuel Gompers House as it can be seen today.

Samuel Gompers House (center), 2122 First Street, NW, Bloomingdale (EHT Traceries, 2013).

4.9.5

LeDroit Park Historic District (Outside of APE)

Date: 1873-1877 Architect: James McGill Designation: DC Inventory of Historic Sites, 1973; National Register of Historic Places, 1974 Designed by local architect James McGill and constructed between 1873 and 1887, the original LeDroit Park neighborhood was a planned, architecturally unified subdivision of detached and semidetached houses from the late 19th century. McGills design principles were influenced by Andrew J. Downings
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The Architecture of County Houses (published in 1850) that presented cottages, farmhouses, and country houses in the style of Italian villas, Gothic cottages, and other stylistic variations. Amzi L. Barber, the developer of LeDroit Park, published two prospectuses lauding the dwellings varied facades and floor plans. The historic district retains 50 of the original 64 McGill houses. The remaining buildings within the historic district are row houses constructed towards the end of the 19th century. Primarily constructed of brick, these row houses have rooflines accented with turrets, towers, pedimented gables, iron cresting, and fine terra cotta and decorative brick work. LeDroit Park is further significant for its association with educators at Howard University and prominent African-American Washingtonians who lived in the community after its desegregation. The photographs below show typical turn-of-the-century row houses and a house designed by James McGill.

Double-house designed by James McGill, 1901-1903 Third Street, NW, LeDroit Park (EHT Traceries, 2013).

Row houses at the southwest corner of 2

nd

Street, NW, and T Street, NW, LeDroit Park (EHT Traceries 2013).

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4.9.6

Mary Church Terrell House (Outside of APE)

Date: 1887 (c.) Architect: George B. Phelps Designation: DC Inventory of Historic Sites, 1975; National Register of Historic Places, 1975; National Historic Landmark, 1975 Constructed circa 1894, the three-story duplex (half of the building was demolished due to a fire) at 326 T Street, NW is significant for its association with Mary Church Terrell. An educator, author, and civil rights activist, Terrell achieved national and local prominence as the first president of the National Association of Colored Women in 1897, first African-American woman to serve on the D.C. School Board between 1895 and 1919, and a member of the Committee of Forty, the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909. In the early 1950s, she was instrumental in outlawing segregation of dining facilities within the District of Columbia by means of economic boycotts and participating in a Supreme Court case. The dwelling is located within the LeDroit Park Historic District. 4.9.7 Prospect Hill Cemetery (Outside of APE)

Date: 1858-1955 Designation: DC Inventory of Historic Sites, 1995 Established in 1858 by the German Evangelical Society of Concordia Church, Prospect Hill is notable for its design, embodying the Romantic landscape architecture of the Victorian era. The cemetery is an early representation of the garden (rural) movement with its asymmetrical layout of roads and paths, grassy hills, and trees. The general topography of the cemetery with views of the surrounding neighborhoods, Washington Monument, and the Capitol all coalesce with the designers of the Romantic eras goal of creating park-like grounds to bury the dead and simultaneously provide access to urban residents. The burials are arranged in a combination of rows and plots and are denoted with classically-inspired markers. The cemetery is further significant for its association with Washingtons Protestant Germans, notable internments, and archeological potential.

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4.9.8

Glenwood Cemetery (Outside of APE)

Date: 1854-1938 Engineer/Landscape Designer: George F. de la Roche Designation: Potentially Eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places Created by an Act of Congress in 1854, the 49.4-acre Glenwood Cemetery (Glenwood) is one of two Rural Cemeteries located in the District of Columbia. Originally located outside the Federal city of Washington as required by law, Glenwood was laid out by civil engineer and Georgetown resident George Henri Frederic Franck de la Roche. Drawing from Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York, for inspiration, de la Roche created a picturesque landscape that was used and appreciated by the residents of Washington as a public park. This concept of rural cemetery-as-park was reinforced over time by the incorporation of elements of Landscaped Lawn Park and Memorial Park cemetery designs. Each of these nationally-recognized cemetery designs is defined by specific elements that relate to the placement, materials, and forms of the markers; the natural and planned landscape of the cemetery; and the social and religious interaction of mourners and visitors. The following photograph provides a view of Glenwood Cemetery.

View of Glenwood Cemetery from the eastern side of McMillan Sand Filtration Site towards Douglas Street, NW (EHT Traceries, 2013).

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4.9.9

Glenwood Cemetery Mortuary Chapel (Outside of APE)

Date: 1892 Architect: Glenn Brown Designation: DC Inventory of Historic Sites, 1988; National Register of Historic Places, 1989 Constructed in 1892, the chapel is significant as an excellent example of the Romanesque Revival style and focal point of Glenwood Cemetery. Designed by Glenn Brown, the one-story building is characterized by its Flemish bond brick walls, steep slate roof pierced by dormers, and Syrian-arched entrance. Further, Browns design, with its elemental massing, massive unbroken wall surfaces, and proportion is reflective of the influence of Henry Hobson Richardson. Brown was an influential local architect and national leader of the American Institute of Architects. The chapel represents his early design philosophy before campaigning to improve Washington, DC with classical-styled structures. The following photograph provides a view of the Glenwood Cemetery Mortuary Chapel.

Designed by Glenn Brown, the Glenwood Cemetery Mortuary Chapel is to the east of the First Street Tunnel project (EHT Traceries, 2012).

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4.9.10 Bryant Street Pumping Station Date: 1901 Architect: Henry F. Brauns Designation: Potentially eligible for DC Inventory of Historic Sites and National Register of Historic Places Designed by Henry F. Brauns in the Beaux Arts style, the Bryant Street Pumping Station distributes treated water from McMillan Park Reservoir to various areas within the District of Columbia. The masonry pumping stations plan consists of five parts anchored by projecting gables at its extents. Faced with grey brick, the building is capped with a flat-topped hip roof that is pierced by a character defining 204-foot smoke stack. The interior of the building originally housed five pumps with a combined capacity of 61 million gallons. Brauns design was lauded by the Washington Post in 1908 as not only one of the largest and most efficient, but also one of the handsomest buildings for such a purpose to be found in the United States. The site is significant for its role in the distribution of treated water from the McMillan Slow Sand Filtration Plant, its architectural representation of the Beaux Arts style and City Beautiful Movement in respect to public infrastructure, and its engineering. The photograph below provides a view of Bryant Street Pumping Station as it exists today.

Bryant Street Pumping Station is located to the west of the First Street Tunnel project (EHT Traceries, 2013).

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4.9.11 Howard University, Main Yard (Outside of APE) Date: 1929 -1955 Architect: Albert I. Cassell; David Williston (landscape architect) Designation: National Register of Historic Places; National Historic Landmark, 2001 Howard University, Main Yard is comprised of Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel, Founders Library, and Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall. The three buildings all face the main yard of the university, which consists of an open area with walkways to the adjacent buildings that surround it. The Founders Library and Frederick Douglas Memorial Hall were constructed by famed African American architect Albert I. Cassell from 1921 to 1948. These building are nationally significant as the setting for the institutions role in the legal establishment of racially desegregated public education. Further, the structures are associated with two nationally recognized civil rights leaders: Charles Hamilton Houston and Thurgood Marshall. Under Houstons supervision, Howard Law School trained activist lawyers dedicated to ending segregation and attaining civil rights for all people of color. Howard University further provided critical support to Marshall and the NAACP for Brown vs. Board of Education, thus playing a role in ending segregation in public education. The photograph below provides a view of Founders Library as it exists today.

The east elevation of Founders Library, Howard University, is visible from the McMillan Slow Sand Filtration Plant (EHT Traceries, 2013).

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4.10

Archeological Resources

The results of a Project Data Request submitted to the DC HPO in February 2013 indicated that none of the First Street Tunnel project area had previously been surveyed for archeological resources and that no archeological sites were present. Subsequently, a review of the project limits of disturbance indicated that the First Street Tunnel; the diversion chambers, ground improvement zones, and drop shafts, parking areas, and other infrastructure along Flagler Place NW, the intersection of First and V Streets, NW and along W Street, NW are within areas previously disturbed by road and infrastructure construction, or in the case of the tunnel itself, is being installed at a sufficient depth to avoid any potentially undisturbed archeological resources. Other areas along First Street, NW and several cross streets will have negligible disturbance associated with the installation of geotechnical instrumentation equipment to monitor settlement. In contrast, there are four areas that have not been previously disturbed; the Channing Street Mining Shaft, construction staging within the McMillan Reservoir property, a diversion chamber along V Street, NW and a temporary pumping station at Thomas and First Streets, NW. The Channing Street Mining Shaft will be constructed in the McMillan Sand Filtration Site. Sand Filtration Site Cells No. 25 and No. 26 will be demolished to accommodate construction activities. A GIS analysis was conducted to determine whether there exists a potential for intact (buried) preconstruction land surfaces below these two cells, comparing a pre-construction 1888 U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey topographic map with a 2009 topographic map. The analysis suggests that most of Cell No. 25 was cut between 23 feet and 28 feet below the original grade. Cutting ceased and fill was placed to the east Cell No. 26. Fill in those areas range from 22 feet to 35 feet in depth. This suggests that the pre-1903 land surface is absent in that portion of Cell No. 25 where the Channing Street Mining Shaft will would be excavated, whereas such a surface could be present 22 feet or more below the base of Cell No. 26. No excavations to that depth are planned for Cell No. 26. Based on this GIS analysis, there is no potential to impact intact archeological deposits at the Channing Street Mining Shaft location. Similarly, the GIS analysis indicates that the McMillan Reservoir construction staging area has been cut by 5 to 18 feet. As the pre-construction land surface is absent there is no potential for intact archeological deposits at the McMillan Reservoir construction staging area. The GIS analysis of the V Street, NW diversion chamber indicated that there has been only a slight decrease in elevation since 1888 at this location. Prior to the construction of the extant residence in circa 1905, the V Street, NW diversion chamber location had been rural, with no structures in the immediate vicinity. Twentieth century historic maps indicate that the footprint of this residential structure has not been altered since its construction. However, the location is between 75 m and 100 m west of an unnamed tributary of Tiber Creek. The elevated topographic position and proximity to the unnamed drainage of Tiber Creek suggests that the V Street location has a moderate potential for the presence of Native American archeological resources, as well as for Historic period artifacts associated with the extant structure. As this area has not been severely impacted by cutting, and as there appears to be a moderate potential for Native American resources and Historic period artifacts, it is recommended that, in lieu of shovel test pits, the V Street, NW location be monitored during construction excavation. Near surface disturbances consisting of a temporary pumping station, valve and meter vault, and replacement of pavement are proposed at the southwest corner of Thomas Street, NW and First Street, NW and in a lot currently used for parking by the Mt. Bethel Baptist Church. Building permits suggest
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that a structure was constructed at this location in 1903 and historic maps depict two structures at the corner of Thomas Street, NW and First Street, NW by 1904. Building permits indicate that the larger structure situated at the corner of Thomas Street, NW and First Street, NW was a grocery and apartment building while the smaller structure depicted is a stable (later a garage) located immediately west on Thomas Street, NW. A small gap was present between the two structures. The grocery/apartment building had a cellar or basement and vault (2 x 86). The 1928 Sanborn Fire Insurance map shows the construction of an addition connecting the three-story building to its two-story stable/garage. Located to the south of this building is a three-story apartment building (1918-1920 First Street, NW) constructed in 1908. Both buildings then comprised Ingleside Apartments. This configuration remained the same until the structure was demolished, between 1964 and 1980. Based on this research, and given the fact that previous geotechnical borings encountered demolition rubble in the parking lot, there is a high potential that the remains of the building are present within the Thomas Street, NW and First Street, NW temporary pumping station ASD. Construction of the valve and meter vault, the temporary pumping station, and within the ground improvement zone, could encounter previously unrecorded archeological resources.

4.11

Human Health and Safety (including Hazardous Materials)

In July and September of 2012, several intense localized rain events occurred in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park. The combined sewer system in the neighborhoods overtopped manholes and inlets at numerous locations. Homes and businesses in proximity to surcharged pipes experienced sewer backups. According to the Mayors Task Force Report, over 200 properties reported some type of flooding. A range of flood heights was reported, from 2 to 24 inches of standing water that lasted from 15 minutes to 3 hours. Most of the reports described backups occurring through toilet, bathtubs and sinks that were overtopped with sewage. Cleanup efforts after the floods included mold remediation and removal of soiled carpets. Data describing the extent of any illness caused by the sewer backups and associated cleanup efforts is unavailable. However, exposure to untreated wastewaters is known to have health risks. Sewage contains microorganisms, viruses and bacteria that can cause a range of symptoms from skin rashes to infection of the gastrointestinal tract. Exposure to harmful microorganisms can continue for months after a sewer backup in the walls, floors and furniture of a building (EPA 2013). In addition to the health risks from CSO, the potential health and safety issues as they pertain to hazardous materials were reviewed and evaluated. For this evaluation the following sources were reviewed: Federal and District of Columbia regulatory database listings pertaining to known and potential sources of environmental contamination; an Environmental Data Report (DCCR 2013); and a hazardous materials survey report prepared for the McMillan Sand Filtration Site (URS 2013). Summaries of these data sources are as follows: 4.11.1 Regulatory Database Listings Regulatory database listings were compiled for the project area by Environmental Data Resources, Inc. (EDR), on February 22, 2013. The listings were generated from numerous public databases including Federal and District of Columbia sources to identify known or potential environmental concerns. Due to
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the large number of databases researched and the standard search radii used by EDR for certain databases (one mile radius from the project area), only those database listings that are most likely to impact soil and groundwater conditions and potentially affect human health and safety are identified in this EA. Within the proposed tunnel alignment and associated areas of disturbance, there was one listing identified within the limits of the First Street Pumping Station area of disturbance. Further, listed properties were identified within approximately 100 feet of the proposed project areas. Table 6 identifies the property within the proposed tunnel alignment and associated areas of disturbance and identifies properties within 100 feet of the proposed tunnel alignment and associated areas of disturbance that possess known or potential environmental concerns. Figure 16 shows the locations of the database listings. For ease of reference, within each table the database listings are grouped based on their proximity to proposed surface disturbance areas (i.e., areas of shaft construction and construction staging). Since subsurface tunneling would occur between the areas of surface disturbance, it is possible that tunnel construction could intersect properties with known or suspect environmental impacts or could intersect migrating plumes of contamination; therefore, a row for the tunnel alignment has been included in the tables. Lastly, properties listed with a closed-case status (e.g., properties listed with closed-case status on leaking underground storage tank databases) and properties listed with no inspection violations (e.g., hazardous waste generators) are not included in the tables.

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Affected Environment Table 6: Regulatory Database Listings within 100 of Surface Disturbance Areas and the Tunnel Alignment Surface Disturbance Area Regulatory Site (Name and Address) McMillan Water Treatment Plant 2500 First Street, NW * (EDR Map ID: D10) Channing Street Shaft Possible Contaminants of Concern Gasoline and Heating Oil TPH-DRO TPH-GRO BTEX MTBE Naphthalene Ignitable D001 Corrosive D002 Reactive D003 Lead D008 Adams Street None Mott Elementary School Fourth and Bryant Street, NW (EDR Map ID: M62) District Auto Repair 200 Bryant Street, NW (EDR Map ID: E21) Highway Department W Street Second and Bryant Street, NW (EDR Map ID: E22) -Registered USTs: Two permanently out of use -EDR US Historic Auto Stations TPH-GRO TPH-DRO BTEX Naphthalene Gasoline and Heating Oil TPH-DRO TPH-GRO BTEX MTBE Naphthalene Commercial property 212 W Street, NW (EDR Map ID: F27) Commercial property 2201 Second Street, NW (EDR Map ID: F38) Residential property V Street 125 V Street, NW (EDR Map ID: C8) -Registered UST: One permanently out of use -Registered UST: One permanently out of use -Registered UST: One permanently out of use Heating Oil TPH-DRO Naphthalene Heating Oil TPH-DRO Naphthalene Heating Oil TPH-DRO Naphthalene None -Registered UST: One currently in use Not Applicable Heating Oil TPH-DRO Naphthalene

Database

-Registered USTs: Six permanently out of use -Registered UST: One currently in use -Registered AST: One permanently out of use -Manifest

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Surface Disturbance Area

Regulatory Site (Name and Address) Commercial property 1910 First Street, NW (EDR Map ID: B3) ** Commercial property 1912 First Street, NW (EDR Map ID: B5) Commercial property 104 Rhode Island Ave, NW (EDR Map ID: B14) Commercial property 2001 First Street, NW (EDR Map ID: 2) Commercial property 1902 First Street, NW (EDR Map ID: B4)

Database

Possible Contaminants of Concern Chlorinated VOCs

-EDR US Historic Cleaners

First Street Pumping Station

-EDR US Historic Cleaners

Chlorinated VOCs

-EDR US Historic Cleaners

Chlorinated VOCs

-EDR US Historic Cleaners

Chlorinated VOCs

Tunnel Alignment

-EDR US Historic Cleaners

Chlorinated VOCs

* Based on information obtained from the website for The District of Columbia Office of Planning, the address of 2500 First Street, NW (identified in the database report as McMillan Water Treatment Plant) is located northwest (and across First Street, NW) of the area of surface disturbance referred to as the Channing Street Mining Shaft. The Channing Street Mining Shaft area is located within the former McMillan Sand Filtration Site, which is identified on the website for the Office of Planning as having an address of 2501 First Street, NW. ** This listing was determined to be located within the boundaries of the First Street Pumping Station area of disturbance. Specifically, this listing was historically located within the portion of the First Street Pumping Station area of disturbance that is currently used as a parking lot for an adjacent church. BTEX: Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylenes MTBE: Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether TPH: Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons TPH-DRO: Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons-Diesel Range Organics TPH-GRO: Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons-Gasoline Range Organics VOCs: Volatile Organic Compounds

4.11.2 Environmental Data Report An Environmental Data Report was prepared for the project area by the DC Clean Rivers Project in March 2013. The report contains investigative and laboratory data pertaining to soil and groundwater at three proposed areas of disturbance (Adams Street, V Street, and First Street Pumping Station), as well as areas along the tunnel alignment. In the report, soils and groundwater were characterized to determine if contaminants could be encountered during excavation and tunneling activities at the three locations, thereby resulting in human health risks.
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Twenty-eight soil samples from 13 boring locations were investigated by the DC Clean Rivers Project Team. All but one of the samples were analyzed for the following constituents: Herbicides, Pesticides, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), RCRA Metals, Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons Diesel Range Organics (TPH-DRO), and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons Gasoline Range Organics (TPH-GRO). Sampling depths ranged from shallow (4 feet below ground surface) to deep (160 feet below ground surface). In addition, groundwater samples were collected from five boring locations. All but one of the groundwater samples were analyzed for the following constituents: Herbicides, Pesticides, PCBs, RCRA Metals, SVOCs, VOCs, TPH-DRO, and TPH-GRO.
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As described in the report, laboratory analysis resulted in the detection of contaminants in soil samples from several locations. SVOCs and VOCs were detected in samples collected from three borings located at the Adams Street area of disturbance. Concentrations of the detected constituents in these three borings exceeded the EPAs Region III November 2012 Resident and/or Industrial Regional Screening Levels (RSLs). TPH-DRO was detected in soil samples from seven of the borings, located at the Adams Street, V Street, and First Street Pumping Station areas of disturbance, and two boring locations along the tunnel alignment. The concentrations of TPH-DRO detected in the samples did not exceed District of Columbia Tier 1 Screening Levels (no screening limit for TPH-DRO in soil is specified by EPA). RCRA metals (Arsenic, Barium, Chromium, Lead, Mercury and Vanadium) were detected in the soil samples collected from all borings. With the exception of Arsenic, the concentrations of the detected metals did not exceed the EPAs Resident or Industrial RSLs. Concentrations of Arsenic exceeded the EPAs Resident and/or Industrial RSLs in soil samples collected from borings located at the Adams Street, V Street, and First Street Pumping Station areas of disturbance, as well as borings along the tunnel alignment. Groundwater samples were collected from five of the thirteen borings, specifically three borings at the V Street area of surface disturbance and two borings along the tunnel alignment. Analysis of groundwater samples from the borings at the V Street area of disturbance detected the presence of Barium, VOCs, and TPH-DRO. Analysis of groundwater samples from the two borings along the tunnel alignment detected the presence of barium. None of the constituents detected in the groundwater samples exceeded their respective comparison screening levels. 4.11.3 Hazardous Materials Survey Report for McMillan Sand Filtration Site A hazardous materials survey was conducted at the McMillan Sand Filtration Site on January 29, 2013 by URS Corporation. The survey included an evaluation of asbestos-containing materials, lead-containing paint, and inspection for chemicals, petroleum products or hazardous substances. Specifically, Sand Filter Cells 25 and 26 were investigated, which would be demolished under the First Street Tunnel project. As described in the survey, no asbestos containing materials were identified at the McMillan Sand Filtration Site. Further, no exposures to, or risks of spills from, chemicals, petroleum products, or hazardous substances were identified, as no systems involving the use/storage of such items were observed during the survey. With respect to lead-containing paint, only one suspect source was identified during the survey, a dark green stick up pipe located at the entrance of cell 26. Laboratory analysis of a paint chip sample collected from the pipe revealed the presence of lead-based paint on the pipe.

4.12

Transportation (Traffic)

Transportation in Washington, DC is comprised of a complex network of pedestrian, bicycle, vehicle, and mass transit systems. Generally, within the project area the Citys transportation systems are developed and maintained by DDOT. North Capitol Street, NW and First Street, NW are the main north-south routes within the project area. Several east-west neighborhood streets intersect First Street, NW within the project area, including from south to north - U Street, NW; V Street, NW; W Street, NW; Adams Street, NW; Bryant Street, NW; and Channing Street, NW. An entrance road to the McMillan Sand Filtration
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Site is located on First Street, NW north of Channing Street, NW. Rhode Island Ave represents the southern boundary of the project area. Project area roadways are depicted in Figure 17. A Traffic Study was prepared by DC Water in March 2013. Traffic counts were conducted by DC Water in January and February of 2013 for the signalized intersections within the traffic study area and turning movement counts were performed at the unsignalized intersections along First Street, NW and 2nd Street, NW to calculate AM and PM peak hour traffic volumes. The counts showed that the highest volumes were along North Capitol Street southbound and Rhode Island Avenue westbound during the AM peak hour. These roadways have approximately 2,000 motorists travelling in the peak direction and North Capitol Street northbound has another 1,000 vehicles travelling in the northbound direction during this period. First Street, NW carries approximately 200 to 300 vehicles in each direction, but the volumes increase to more than 500 vehicles travelling northbound between Channing Street and Michigan Avenue (DC Water, 2013). The PM peak hour volumes were along North Capitol Street southbound and Rhode Island Avenue eastbound with approximately 1,500 to 1,800 vehicles travelling in the peak direction. Volumes along First Street, NW range from 200 to 300 vehicle per hour in each direction, but increases to 400 vehicles between Michigan Avenue and Bryant Street (DC Water, 2013). The 2013 traffic analysis shows that the study area intersections operate at a level of service (LOS) C or better in the AM peak hour. During the PM peak hour, all but two intersections operate at LOS C or better. The intersections at 4th Street, NE at Franklin Street, and Michigan Avenue at First Street, NW operate at LOD D during the PM peak hour. Table 7 provides definitions for each LOS. On-street parking is provided on most of the streets within the project area, including on First Street, NW. The on-street parking is primarily utilized by residents and business patrons. A parking occupancy study was performed by DC Water in January 2013 to determine the parking capacity and occupancy. Many of the parking spaces require a residential permit, but 101 spaces along First Street, NW (from Channing Street, NW to Michigan Avenue, NW) are metered. Based on the parking occupancy study results, nearly all of the non-metered spaces were at capacity at some period during the day (DC Water, 2013).

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Affected Environment Table 7: Level of Service (LOS) Definitions Level of Service Definition This is a condition of free flow, accompanied by low volumes and high speeds. Traffic density will be low, with uninterrupted flow speeds controlled by driver desires, speed LOS A limits, and physical roadway conditions. There is little or no restriction in maneuverability due to the presence of other vehicles, and drivers can maintain their desired speeds with little or no delay. This occurs in the zone of stable flow, with operating speeds beginning to be restricted somewhat by traffic conditions. Drivers still have reasonable freedom to select their LOS B speed and lane of operation. Reductions in speed are not unreasonable, with a low probability of traffic flow being restricted. The lower limit (lowest speed, highest volume) of this level of service has been used in the design of rural roadways. This is still in the zone of stable flow, but speeds and maneuverability are more closely LOS C controlled by the higher volumes. Most of the drivers are restricted in their freedom to select their own speed, change lanes, or pass. A relatively satisfactory operating speed is still obtained, with service volumes suitable for urban design practice. This level of service approaches unstable flow, with tolerable operating speeds being maintained, through considerably affected by changes in operating conditions. LOS D Fluctuations in volume and temporary restrictions to flow may cause substantial drops in operating speeds. Drivers have little freedom to maneuver, and comfort and convenience are low. These conditions can be tolerated, however, for short periods of time. This cannot be described by speed alone, but represents operations at lower operating speeds, typically, but not always, in the neighborhood of 30 miles per hour, with volumes LOS E at or near capacity of the highway. Flow is unstable, and there may be stoppages of momentary duration. This level of service is associated with operation of a facility at capacity flows. This describes a forced-flow operation at low speeds, where volumes are below capacity. In the extreme, both speed and volume can drop to zero. These conditions LOS F usually result from queues of vehicles backing up for a restriction downstream. The section under study will be serving as a storage area during parts or all of the peak hour. Speeds are reduced substantially and stoppages may occur for short or long periods of time because of the downstream congestion. Sources: McShane and Roess, 1990 Pignataro, 1973

4.13

Socioeconomics

4.13.1 Population, Income, Employment and Education Two U.S. census tracts are located within the project area. Figure 18 depicts the census tract boundaries. A review of available data for each of the tracts was conducted using the U.S. Census Bureaus American Factfinder website (USCB 2011). For comparison, overall data for the District of Columbia was also extracted. Table 8 lists data pertaining to population, income, employment and education.

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Affected Environment Table 8: Socioeconomic Data provided by the U.S. Census Census Tract 33.01 (Bloomingdale) Population Total Population Population 16 years and over Population 25 years and over Employment Employed Unemployed Income Median household income Mean household income Percent of families whose income is below the poverty level (past 12 months) Percent of people whose income is below the poverty level (past 12 months) Education Less than 9 grade High school graduate Bachelors degree Graduate or professional degree
th

Census Tract 34.00 (LeDroit Park)

Washington D.C

2,840 2,432 1,939

5,526 5,092 2,095

593,955 502,503 407,596

1,772 (72%) 218 (8%)

1,931 (38%) 291 (6%)

300,913 (60%) 33,495 (6%)

$86, 101 $123, 178 5.2%

$46,365 $69,045 23.5%

$61,835 $96,183 13.9%

18.5%

20.4%

18.2%

0.7% 17.8% 21.2% 34.8%

12.4% 21.5% 27.9% 17.7%

5% 19.5% 22.4% 28.1%

Source: USCB 2011

Review of the census data indicates that employment rates are higher in tract 33.01 than in tract 34.00, but unemployment is relatively low in both tracts, 8 percent and 6 percent, respectively. Unemployment rates in both tracts are close to the overall rate in DC ( 2%). The inclusion of Howard University within tract 34.00 could indicate that a higher number of college students reside in this tract. Median and mean household income data shows that earnings in tract 34.00 are lower than in tract 33.01 and lower than in the District overall. The percentage of families and people whose income is below the poverty level is highest in tract 34.00 (23.5%). The Census data shows that 20 percent of households in

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tract 33.01 are renter occupied, whereas 43 percent of households in tract 34.00 are renter occupied. Again, this could be because of the number of college students that reside in the tract. Educational attainment data for the two tracts and the District is also listed in Table 8. Generally, attainment levels are somewhat similar between the two tracts and the District, with the highest percentage of graduate degree holders in tract 33.01. Residents in tract 34.00 hold high numbers of bachelors degrees, however 12 percent of the population in the tract has less than a ninth grade education. 4.13.2 Community Facilities Local and regional community resources are located in the vicinity of the project. Firmly established institutions such as Howard University and the Washington Hospital Center help to define the character of Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park. Also, churches and community parks are indications that members of the community are tightly-knit. Table 9 lists community facilities in the proposed project vicinity.
Table 9: Community Facilities Name Faith Temple Church Address 2029 First Street, NW Description Services held Sunday mornings. L. Frazier White II is listed as Senior Pastor (FTC 2013). Mt. Bethel Baptist Church 75 Rhode Island Ave, NW Sunday worship services start at 6:00 a.m. Additional services take place Tuesday evenings and Thursday afternoons. Bobby Livingston, Sr. listed as pastor. St. Georges Episcopal Church 160 U Street, NW Founded in 1930. Daily services held weekdays at noon and two services held Sunday mornings. No current rector. The Reverend Dr. J. Carleton Hayden is listed as Assistant (SGEC 2013). Crispus Attucks Park Courtyard within residential properties bound be V Street, U Street, First Street, and North Capitol Street Open space park maintained by the Crispus Attucks Development Corporation (CADC), a non-profit community interest group. Home to annual event Bloomingdales Biggest Yard Sale (CADC 2011) Common Good City Farm La Petite Academy Washington Metropolitan High School V Street, NW between 2 Streets 1 Michigan Ave, NW 300 Bryant Street, NW
nd

and 4

th

Urban community farm involving school children and volunteers in agriculture (CGCF 2013). Daycare facility located just outside the Washington Hospital Center (LPA 2013). High school instruction for grades 9-12. Carlos Perkins is listed as Principal (DCPS 2013).

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Name Howard University

Address 2400 6 Street, NW

th

Description Fully accredited University founded in 1867. Approximately 7,100 undergraduate students currently enrolled. Sidney Ribeau, Ph.D. is listed as President (HU 2013).

Howard University Hospital Medstar Washington Hospital Center

2041 Georgia Ave, NW 110 Irving Street, NW

Comprehensive health care facility including emergency care (HUH 2013). Largest private hospital in Washington DC. Comprehensive health care facility including emergency care assisted by air ambulance (MWHC 2011).

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5 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
This chapter analyzes both beneficial and adverse impacts that would result from implementing the alternatives considered in this EA. This chapter also includes definitions of impact thresholds (e.g., negligible, minor, moderate, and major), methods used to analyze impacts, and the analysis methods used for determining cumulative impacts. A summary of the environmental consequences for each alternative is provided in Table 2, which can be found in Chapter 3: Alternatives. The resource topics presented in this chapter, and the organization of the topics, correspond to the resource discussions contained in Chapter 4: Affected Environment. Direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts have been assessed in this chapter. Direct impacts are caused by a particular action and occur at the same time and place as the action. Indirect impacts are caused by the actions and are later in time or further removed in distance, but are still reasonably foreseeable. Cumulative impacts are the impacts on the environment, which result from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency (Federal or nonfederal) or persons undertake such other actions. Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor, but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time. Potential impacts are described in terms of: Intensity, the effects are negligible, minor, moderate, or major; Type, the effects are beneficial or adverse; Duration, the effects are short-term, lasting through construction or less than 1 year, or long-term, lasting more than 1 year; and Context, the effects are site specific, local, or regional. Negligible, the impact is localized and not measureable or at the lowest level of detection; Minor, the impact is localized and slight but detectable; Moderate, the impact is readily apparent and appreciable; or Major, the impact is severely adverse and highly noticeable.

The thresholds of change for the intensity of impacts are defined as follows:

At the end of each section when applicable, DC Water provides information on mitigation measures that would be employed to help avoid, minimize, or mitigate an adverse impact on a given resource.

5.1

Cumulative Impacts Analysis Method

Cumulative impacts are defined as the impact on the environment which results from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency or person undertakes such other actions (40 CFR 1508.7). As stated in the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) handbook, Considering Cumulative Effects (CEQ 1997), cumulative impacts need to be analyzed in terms of the specific resource, ecosystem, and human community being affected and should focus on effects that are truly meaningful. Cumulative impacts are considered for Alternative A No Action and Alternative B First Street Tunnel.
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Cumulative impacts were determined by combining the impacts of the proposed Action Alternative with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions. Ongoing and reasonably foreseeable future projects and plans in the project area sewershed are summarized in Table 10.
Table 10: Cumulative Impacts Projects Agency Armed Forces Retirement Home Cumulative Impact Project Armed Forces Retirement Home Description Consolidation and modernization of residential and healthcare facilities at an existing retirement home on 3700 North Capitol St. Multi-use development of southern portion of the site. Affected Resources: Soils, Groundwater, Water Quality, Air Quality, Noise, Utilities and Infrastructure, Archeological Resources, Traffic and Transportation DC Office of Planning Mid City East Plan (DCOP 2013) Small area plan involving renewal of commercial corridors on North Capitol St, Rhode Island Ave, New Jersey Ave, New York Ave, and Florida Ave. Preservation of neighborhood character is also an objective of the Plan. Affected Resources: Soils, Cultural/Historic Resources, Socioeconomics Howard University 2011 Central Campus Master Plan (HU 2011) Phased plan to renovate and construct campus facilities at Howard University. By 2014, plan proposes to construct two new academic halls, two new residential halls, and a multi-use facility within the central campus. Further developments are proposed through 2018. Affected Resources: Soils, Groundwater, Water Quality, Air Quality, Noise, Utilities and Infrastructure, Cultural/Historic Resources, Archeological Resources, Traffic and Transportation Ongoing Status Improvements to the AFRH are complete, Development of southern portion of property is in the planning phase Plan studies commenced in February 2013, Plan to be adopted in May 2014.

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Agency Vision McMillan Partners

Cumulative Impact Project Envision McMillan Redevelopment of the McMillan Property (EM 2013)

Description Plan development of the McMillan Sand Filtration Site, which would include historic preservation, new homes, offices, parks, retail stores, and cultural spaces. The project will combine historic preservation and large, high-quality open spaces with economic development that provides jobs, retail offerings, housing, and amenities to the community. Affected Resources: Soils, Groundwater, Water Quality, Land Use, Utilities and Infrastructure, Cultural/Historic Resources, Archeological Resources, Socioeconomics

Status Near Future

Crispus Attucks Development Corporation

Guiding Principles for the Physical Development of Crispus Attucks Park (CADC 2005)

Set of design principles established to guide the ongoing development of Crispus Attucks Park. Affected Resources: Soils, Water Quality, Cultural/Historic Resources, Archeological Resources, Socioeconomics Short-term solutions to reduce flooding at the 600 block and 500 block of Florida Ave, NW (new catch basins and a new inlet and pipe). Affected Resources: Soils, Water Quality, Infrastructure, Human Health and Safety Short-term solutions to reduce flooding at First Street, NW and T Street, NW. Affected Resources: Soils, Water Quality, Noise, Infrastructure, Human Health and Safety Long-term solution to combined sewer overflows, through the construction of storage tunnels. When combined with other completed CSO control projects, the tunnels are expected to reduce CSOs to the Anacostia River by 98 percent. Affected Resources: Soils, Geology, Groundwater, Water Quality, Noise, Infrastructure, Cultural/Historic Resources, Archeological Resources, Human Health and Safety, Traffic and Transportation, Socioeconomics

Ongoing

District Department of Transportation

LeDroit Park Surface Water Management Project (DDOT 2012)

Ongoing

District Department of Transportation

Bloomingdale Surface Water Management Project

Unknown

DC Water

Anacostia River Tunnel Projects (DC Water 2010)

Commenced in 2011, to be completed in 2022

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5.2
5.2.1

Soils and Topography

Impacts of Alternative A - No Action

Under Alternative A, there would be no construction activities in the project area. No short-term impacts on soils would occur and soils and topography in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park would remain unchanged. At the McMillan Sand Filtration Site, concrete cells beneath the ground would continue to deteriorate at a slow rate. Slight subsidence at the ground surface would continue to occur over time. However, future erosion of the cells and ground subsidence would not have appreciable effects, due to the abandonment of the site. As a result, Alternative A would have long-term negligible impacts on soils and topography. 5.2.2 Cumulative Impacts

Development projects in the vicinity of the proposed project were reviewed to determine potential cumulative impacts to soils and topography. All of the development projects proposed in the study area would have short-term minor impacts to soils. At the Armed Forces Retirement Home and at Howard University, construction plans would involve a small degree of earth moving. However, erosion and sediment controls would be utilized and the effects of new construction on soils would be barely detectable. Considerable short-term impacts to soils would occur with construction of the Anacostia River Tunnel projects. The project impacts would be similar to the First Street Tunnel project in that there would be a sizeable amount of soil removed during the tunnel excavation. However, once construction was complete, effects of the tunnels on soils would not be noticeable. Alternative A would have long-term negligible impacts on soils and topography. When combined with the effects of nearby development projects, there would be negligible cumulative impacts. 5.2.3 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel

Under Alternative B, DC Water would construct the First Street Tunnel, starting with a vertical entrance shaft at the Channing Street Mining Shaft. Sand Filter Cells 25 and 26 at the McMillan Sand Filtration Site would be demolished and concrete material from the cells would be recycled on site. Excavation of the entrance shaft and stabilization of the construction staging area would result in approximately 3 acres of ground disturbance at the McMillan Sand Filtration Site. Excavation of the shaft and tunnel would require removal of soils, which would be transported to permitted soil disposal sites or appropriately classified landfills. Any contaminated soil encountered during construction would be disposed of in accordance with Federal and District laws and regulations. Based on the depth of the proposed tunnel crown (60 to 140 feet below grade), horizontal excavation would take place in the Potomac Group soils, which consists of hard and overconsolidated fine-grained soils, dense to very dense coarse-grained cohesionless soils, and potentially a small amount of decomposed and highly weathered residual soil. Approximately 33,000 cubic yards of sediments and bedrock would be removed to construct the tunnel. Additional staging and construction would occur in three additional areas: Adams Street, NW; V Street, NW; and the First Street Pumping Station site. At the Adams Street, NW and V Street, NW sites, Alternative B would include construction of diversion chambers and drop shafts in order to carry heavy storm flow from the sewers to the storage tunnel. Near the intersection of Thomas Street and First Street,
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NW a temporary pumping station is proposed. Construction of these ancillary structures would occur in areas that are currently paved or otherwise disturbed. Ground improvement is proposed at the tunneling break out from the mining shaft and at the connections from adit to drop shafts, and from adits to First Street Tunnel. Additionally, ground improvement may be needed wherever monitoring of the ground and tunnel operations indicate a need to stabilize the ground along the alignment. Soil stabilization is needed to minimize ground movement and the risk of ground subsidence. It is anticipated that the project constructor would use a number of common methods to stabilize ground conditions, such as permeation grouting, jet grouting, soil mixing, ground freezing, and dewatering. Once the ground improvement is complete, the area would be repaved. There would be no noticeable changes at the intersection. During construction, staging areas and access routes would be designed to avoid impacts outside of the project areas. Erosion and sediment control measures would be implemented to prevent unintended soil migration. At the McMillan Sand Filtration Site, disturbed areas would be stabilized and re-vegetated following construction of the mining/maintenance shaft. At the other proposed staging and construction areas, stabilization of soils would involve restoring the excavated areas to preconstruction surface conditions. Under Alternative B, best management practices would be necessary and would likely be successful. Based on the considerable volume of excavated materials to be removed, there would be short-term minor adverse impacts to soils under Alternative B. The proposed actions under Alternative B, including installation of facilities such as the entrance shaft, diversion chambers, drop shafts, and a temporary pumping station, would, in general, be constructed below grade, and there would be no noticeable changes to project area topography. Similarly, the permanent removal of excavated materials from the project area would not result in noticeable changes to surface conditions. Option 1 160 elevation would result in lowering the site grade at the McMillan Sand Filtration Site by 10 feet, from its existing elevation. Options 2 and 3 would have no impact on the topography of the McMillan Sand Filtration Site. Based on these factors, Alternative B would result in long-term negligible impacts to soils and topography. 5.2.4 Cumulative Impacts

Impacts associated with cumulative impacts projects are addressed under the No Action Alternative. Under Alternative B, long-term impacts of the proposed project on soils would be negligible. As a result, when combined with the effects of the nearby development projects, there would be negligible cumulative impacts.

5.3
5.3.1

Geology and Geologic Hazards

Impacts of Alternative A - No Action

Under Alternative A, there would be no construction activities in the project area. Due to the nature of man-placed fill and variable conditions under which the material was placed, man-placed fill may naturally subside over the long-term. The Pleistocene Deposits and Potomac Group layers are relatively compressed by previous geological events and would experience negligible subsidence over the long-

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term. As such, there would be no short-term impacts and negligible long-term impacts under Alternative A. 5.3.2 Cumulative Impacts

Among the past, present and foreseeable future projects identified, the Anacostia River Tunnel projects would involve subsurface construction. Impacts of future tunnel projects such as the NEB Tunnel would be similar to impacts of the First Street Tunnel. Stabilization methods would be employed during construction to mitigate ground movement. Geologic resources in the area of the proposed Anacostia River tunnels are expected to include man-placed fill and sedimentary deposits from various geologic time periods. Based on the compression of geologic layers beneath the surface, impacts to geology as a result of the tunnels would be barely noticeable. Once the tunnels were complete, subsidence would only be noticeable at the lowest level of detection, with no adverse consequence. None of the other cumulative impacts projects would require alteration of local geologic features. Therefore, no cumulative impacts would result from the combination of the No Action Alternative and past, present and foreseeable future projects. 5.3.3 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel

The proposed First Street Tunnel would include several vertical shafts penetrating through the manplaced fill, Pleistocene Deposits, and Potomac Group geologic layers. The horizontal tunnel construction would primarily extend through the Potomac Group geologic layer. The shaft excavations would encounter soils of variable consistency and texture. The soils within the Potomac Group layer would generally be harder and denser compared to the soils within the overlying geologic layers. However, zones of soft or running ground could be encountered in localized zones. Soft or running ground can be the result of changing ground conditions, high soil and groundwater pressure and possibly inappropriate excavation/stabilization methods. During construction of the shafts and tunnels, minor subsidence could occur in the ground surrounding the tunnels and shafts. The subsidence could result in minor to moderate distortion of the ground surface immediately at the tunnel entrance and to the sides of the shafts. To prevent subsidence, the proposed action under Alternative B would include the selection of appropriate excavation and stabilization methods, development and implementation of a geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring program, and ground movement mitigation procedures. A geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring program would consist of an array of devices that detect adverse ground movements and alert the appropriate individuals in a timely manner. If subsidence is detected, mitigation procedures could be implemented before the impacts became adverse. Based on these considerations, there would be short-term negligible adverse impacts during construction. There would be no long-term impacts from the project on geologic resources provided the tunnel is periodically inspected to verify the integrity of the structure and intrusion of the surrounding site soils has not occurred. Because the proposed project is located in an area of minimal seismic activity, and there would be no noticeable impacts to geologic resources, long-term adverse impacts would be negligible.

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5.3.4

Cumulative Impacts

Impacts of past, present and reasonably foreseeable future projects are described under Alternative A. The Anacostia River Tunnel projects would involve subsurface construction, but the impacts of tunneling would only be noticeable at the lowest levels of detection. Subsidence would be negligible due to the compression of layers beneath the surface. None of the other cumulative impacts projects would require impacts to geologic resources. As a result, there would be negligible cumulative impacts when Alternative B is combined with past, present and reasonably foreseeable future projects.

5.4
5.4.1

Groundwater and Hydrology

Impacts of Alternative A - No Action

Under Alternative A, there would be no construction activities in the project area. There would be no short-term or long-term impacts to the groundwater or hydrology in the project area. 5.4.2 Cumulative Impacts

Under Alternative A, there would be no impacts to local groundwater or hydrology. As a result, there would be no cumulative impacts when Alternative A is combined with past, present and foreseeable future projects. 5.4.3 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel

Under Alternative B, DC Water proposes to construct the First Street Tunnel. During construction of the tunnels and shafts, it is possible that groundwater may be removed resulting in lowering of the groundwater surface in a localized area surrounding the tunnel and/or shafts. Groundwater levels would be monitored during construction and mitigation procedures would be implemented if adverse impacts were imminent, therefore, the First Street Tunnel project would result in localized short-term minor adverse impacts to groundwater. Under Alternative B, the ground surface would be temporarily compacted and hardened by construction equipment at the construction staging area at the McMillan Filter site. In the short-term this could result in a negligible reduction in the groundwater recharge. It is expected that any adverse impacts from hardening of the ground surface can be mitigated by the implementation of best management practices, such as constructing a temporary sediment trap. In the long-term there would be no impact to the groundwater and hydrology in the area of the First Street Tunnel because the project would not increase impervious area and would not impede movement of groundwater. 5.4.4 Cumulative Impacts

Among the past, present and foreseeable future projects identified, the Anacostia River Tunnel projects would have impacts on groundwater. Impacts to groundwater would be similar to those described for the First Street Tunnel project. Although the proposed tunnels would temporarily lower the groundwater surface, project contractors would prevent subsidence through monitoring and ground movement mitigation procedures. Other cumulative impact projects are not expected to have noticeable effects on groundwater. The Envision McMillan project, the redevelopment of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, and Howard University renovations would increase impervious surfaces resulting in minor, localized
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increases in overland flows and reduced groundwater recharge rates. However, based on the capacity that would be provided by the First Street Tunnel and stormwater management controls constructed as part of the Anacostia River Tunnel projects, any increase in overland flows as a result of these new developments would not be noticeable. As a result, there would be no cumulative impacts when Alternative B is combined with past, present and reasonably foreseeable future projects.

5.5
5.5.1

Water Quality
Impacts of Alternative A - No Action

Under the No Action Alternative, surcharging of the existing undersized combined sewers would continue to occur during high intensity storm events, flooding the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park neighborhoods, and degrading water quality in the Anacostia River watershed. Therefore, the No Action Alternative would have a short- and long-term moderate adverse impact on water quality, as CSOs in sections of the northeast portion of the District would continue to degrade water quality. 5.5.2 Cumulative Impacts

Development projects in the vicinity of the proposed project were reviewed to determine potential cumulative impacts to water quality. Overall, the projects would result in long-term beneficial impacts to water quality. Proposed developments at the Armed Forces Retirement Home and Howard University would incorporate management facilities where none currently exist. Surface Water Management Projects would reduce flooding in the LeDroit Park and Bloomingdale neighborhoods in the short-term, and the Anacostia River Tunnels would substantially reduce CSOs in the long-term. Similarly, the First Street Tunnel project would result in a long-term beneficial impact to water quality as flooding is reduced due to the increased storage capacity for sewage and stormwater, and the associated reduction in CSOs into the Anacostia River. The No Action Alternative would have short-and long-term moderate adverse impacts on water quality. Combined with the beneficial impacts of cumulative projects, there would be no cumulative impacts under Alternative A. 5.5.3 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel

During construction of the First Street Tunnel, land disturbances at the McMillan Sand Filtration Site from construction staging, tunnel boring, and other construction-related activities would result in the potential for erosion to occur. During storm events and tunnel boring, these sediments could be transported into the sewer system. In addition, dewatering during tunnel boring would require the discharge of water that may contain sediments, into the DC Water combined sewer system. To minimize sediment transport at construction staging areas, approved erosion and sediment control methods would be used. These methods would be included in all approved construction documents and contracts, and could include the use of silt fences, coffer dams or other dewatering devices, construction fences, hay bales, diversion channels and berms, temporary stormwater basins, and the dedication of an environmental manager to monitor the project during construction. Sediment laden water recovered from dewatering activities would be discharged into the combined sewer system upstream of diversion structures and during nonpeak, dry weather conditions so as to not overwhelm, cause backup, or exceed the capacity of the combined sewer lines. Discharges during nonpeak flows would be treated at the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant prior to being
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released into the Potomac River. If contaminated water that contains one or more constituents at or above current DC Water Combined Sewer discharge standards as listed in 21 DCMR 1501 is encountered during dewatering activities, onsite wastewater treatment would be implemented or transportation for offsite disposal would occur. Prior to construction, DC Water would prepare and approve a Water Treatment Plan that would contain procedures and designs of onsite treatment systems. These systems may include, but would not be limited to granular activated carbon, air strippers, and chemical treatment/flocculation should the need arise to mobilize and operate onsite treatment systems for contaminated water to comply with DC Water Combined Sewer discharge standards. The implementation of erosion and sediment controls to minimize sediment transport, and the discharge of sediment laden water into the combined sewer system for treatment prior to its release into the Anacostia River would likely result in short-term minor adverse impacts to water quality. Prior to construction, all required permits, discharge authorizations, and regulatory approvals would be obtained to discharge; treat and discharge; or collect, transport, and dispose of any groundwater or stormwater encountered. Project plans including erosion and sediment control strategies would be reviewed and approved by the DDOE to obtain coverage under the NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities, or other NPDES permit, as appropriate. Project approvals would also be obtained from DDOE in accordance with DCMR Title 21: Water and Sanitation, Chapter 11: Water Quality Standards and Chapter 15: Discharges to the Waste Water System, and a Temporary Discharge Authorization (TDA) Permit would be obtained to discharge to the DC Water combined sewer system. Following construction, disturbed areas would be stabilized using approved vegetative stabilization methods. Once the First Street Tunnel has been completed, the risk of flooding in the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park neighborhoods would be substantially reduced because of the increased storage capacity for sewage and stormwater. The reduction in flooding in the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park neighborhoods, as well as the reduction of untreated wastewater flowing into the Anacostia River would result in a longterm beneficial impact on the water quality of the Anacostia River. 5.5.4 Cumulative Impacts

In general, the impacts of past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects in the vicinity of the First Street Tunnel on water quality would be beneficial. Beneficial impacts of the projects are described under the No Action Alternative. In addition, the design of the proposed tunnel and diversion chambers under Alternative B accounts for the future development of the Armed Forces Retirement Home and McMillan Sand Filtration Site. It was assumed that 35% of the existing pervious area at the Armed Forces Retirement Home and the entire McMillan Sand Filtration Site would be developed based on currently available information. Even though these sites may include stormwater detention facilities to meet District requirements, it was assumed that all stormflow would be discharged to the existing collection system without detention or infiltration. This approach was the most conservative to estimate peak flow rates since both the Armed Forces Retirement Home and the McMillan Sand Filtration Site are in the early stages of planning. Based on these considerations, and the overall benefits of other projects, a long-term beneficial cumulative impact to water quality would result from the First Street Tunnel project in combination with nearby development projects.

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5.6
5.6.1

Air Quality
Impacts of Alternative A - No Action

Under the No Action Alternative, the First Street Tunnel would not be constructed. No construction activities would occur and no heavy construction equipment would be needed. Therefore, no impacts to air quality would result from the No Action Alternative. 5.6.2 Cumulative Impacts

Under Alternative A, there would be no impacts to air quality. Therefore, there would be no cumulative impacts. 5.6.3 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel

Under Alternative B, construction of the First Street Tunnel would have effects on local air quality from construction equipment and generator emissions; fugitive dust from demolition activities and concrete recycling efforts at the McMillan Sand Filtration Site; tunnel boring; and the numerous additional vehicular trips to and from the site by construction workers and equipment. To minimize the release of airborne pollutants, appropriate best management practices would be used during construction. Such practices could include, but would not be limited to, the use of water to control airborne dust during debris removal and transport and the use of temporary vegetative cover and/or barriers on inactive areas. To mitigate the effects of emissions, the project contractor would minimize equipment idling times. Stationary emissions sources would be distanced from each other and equipment would be run separately to the extent feasible. In accordance with the Districts Air Pollution Control Act, air quality permits would be required for activities related to construction, demolition, and concrete recycling, which are likely to create fugitive dust, and engine emissions. To prevent odorous emissions from being discharged to grade during the construction of the diversion chambers, temporary odor control will be implemented at the construction sites. The first level of protection to control odorous emissions to grade is to keep odors contained within the existing conduit or proposed structure. If odors are unable to be contained, a second level of protection will be utilized to withdraw and treat foul air prior to discharge to grade. An example of this would be an active carbon adsorption system that would pull foul air and maintain a negative pressure in the existing conduit or structure. Overall, construction of the First Street Tunnel would result in short-term minor adverse impacts on air quality during construction as a result of fugitive dust, emissions from construction equipment, and potential odorous emissions. Following project completion, impacts to local air quality due to construction activities would cease. Therefore, there would be no long-term impacts to air quality. 5.6.4 Cumulative Impacts

Development projects in the vicinity of the proposed project were reviewed to determine potential cumulative impacts to air quality. In general, other construction activities proposed in the vicinity of the First Street Tunnel would result in short-term effects. Construction at the Armed Forces Retirement Home and Howard University would require the use of heavy equipment and portable generators, which would
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have temporary minor adverse impacts. However, no long-term impacts to air quality would result from the projects. Similarly, short-term minor adverse impacts are anticipated during construction of the First Street Tunnel project. Combining the construction-related impacts of development projects and the First Street Tunnel project would result in short-term minor adverse cumulative impacts.

5.7
5.7.1

Noise and Vibration

Impacts of Alternative A - No Action

Under the No Action Alternative, no impacts to noise-sensitive receptors such as local residences would occur because construction would not occur. Noise from existing sources such as vehicular traffic would continue to result in ambient noise levels that commonly exceed both daytime and nighttime limits. Low levels of vibrations from sources such as the DC Metrobus may be perceptible. 5.7.2 Cumulative Impacts

Under Alternative A, there would be no noise or vibration impacts. Therefore, there would be no cumulative impacts. 5.7.3 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel

Per DC regulations, daytime (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) construction activities cannot exceed 80 dB at a residential property (20 DCMR 2802). Under Alternative B, above-ground construction noisegenerating equipment anticipated for this project, such as trailer-mounted diesel power generators, cranes, diesel powered light sources, portable generators, dump trucks, etc., would be needed. DC Water would ensure that all efforts be made by the contractor to reduce noise levels during construction of the First Street Tunnel. DC Water analyzed several potential mitigation measures with temporary noise barriers as the most common option. Noise barriers would be arranged around construction staging areas as practicable. Additional mitigation measures used to reduce noise levels from construction equipment could include but would not be limited to maintaining equipment mufflers; limiting the number and duration of idling equipment; locating loud construction equipment as far from sensitive-receptors as possible; scheduling construction events to reduce nighttime noise; and monitoring construction noise levels to confirm that noise levels are minimized at sensitive receptors adjacent to project areas such as residences, childcare facilities, and churches. Under Alternative B, noise-generating construction equipment would impact sensitive receptors. Mitigation measures would be used to reduce noise to the greatest extent possible by the contractor. Therefore, construction of the First Street Tunnel would result in short-term moderate adverse impacts to residences and other sensitive-receptors such as childcare facilities and churches near the construction staging areas. Following construction, which is expected to take approximately 2 3 years to complete, noise levels would return to existing levels resulting in no long-term impacts. Similarly, vibrations caused by construction activities would be above ambient levels in the neighborhoods. Alternative B would result in ground vibrations from the construction of near surface structures and the construction of tunnels beneath the surface. For near surface structures, demolition,
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excavation, shoring, and material transport would cause vibrations. For subsurface structures, vibrations would be caused by the action of the tunnel boring machine cutterhead, and by the jointed track used to move materials away from the tunnel face. Several strategies would be implemented to control vibration during construction. For above ground activities, project planning would involve the selection of material transport routes with the fewest homes, and truck speed limits. Where feasible, project constructors would perform demolition and earth moving separately to reduce vibrations. For subsurface activities, mitigation measures to reduce vibration are limited. The primary source of vibration from tunnel boring activities would be the jointed rail track behind the machine that delivers segmental lining and laborers, and removes tunnel excavated soils. To reduce vibration, every effort would be made to provide matched profile rails and tight rail joints. Also, installation of rubber pads beneath the track could be used to dampen vibrations. In general, the noticeable vibrations produced by the tunnel boring machine would be temporary and may only be detectable for a few days. As a result, there would be short-term minor adverse impacts to sensitive receptors near the vibration sources. There would be no long-term impacts following construction. 5.7.4 Cumulative Impacts

Development projects in the vicinity of the proposed project were reviewed to determine potential cumulative impacts to sensitive-receptors from noise and vibrations. Renovation of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, new construction at Howard University, and the Anacostia River Tunnel projects would result in various levels of noise due to construction or renovation of facilities and infrastructure, resulting in short-term levels that may exceed DCMR noise limits. Similarly, the First Street Tunnel project would result in a short-term moderate adverse impact to sensitive-receptors from noise caused by construction activities. Therefore, there would be short-term moderate adverse cumulative impacts when the noise impacts of the First Street Tunnel project are combined with the noise impacts of other development projects. Disruptions caused by vibrations were also considered among the cumulative impacts projects. Vibrations would result from the proposed Anacostia River Tunnel projects, and the associated impacts would be similar to those described under Alternative B. However, none of the Anacostia River Tunnels would be constructed at the same time as the First Street Tunnel. Because construction of the proposed tunnels would occur separately, there would be no cumulative impacts caused by vibrations.

5.8
5.8.1

Land Use and Zoning

Impacts of Alternative A - No Action

Under the No Action Alternative, there would be no construction in the project area. Existing residential land use and zoning would be expected to remain the same. Future development of the McMillan Sand Filtration Site could include construction of additional multi-family residential units and would occur with or without construction of the proposed First Street Tunnel. Any future development of the site would be consistent with existing land uses and residential zoning regulations specified by the DC Office of Zoning. Therefore, under Alternative A there would be no impacts to land use and zoning.

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5.8.2

Cumulative Impacts

Under Alternative A, there would be no impacts to land use or zoning. Therefore, there would be no cumulative impacts. 5.8.3 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel

Portions of the construction and staging for the First Street Tunnel would occur on private property, but zoning variances and land use changes are not anticipated. Most of the construction is proposed within existing DDOT right-of-way. Zoning in the project area consists of residential and commercial zones with varying characteristics. Implementation of Alternative B would involve coordination with the Board of Zoning Adjustment in order to obtain permits for project construction. However, since the construction activities at the ground surface are temporary, no permanent modification of existing zoning designations would be required by the project. During construction of the proposed tunnel, there would be temporary changes in land use within the project area. Several diversion chambers and drop shafts proposed under Alternative B would require temporary conversion of local roads to active construction sites. Also, the Mt. Bethel Baptist Church parking lot would be used for construction and staging. The bulk of earth moving and construction staging operations are proposed at the McMillan Sand Filtration Site. The site generally consists of open land that is fenced off from the public. Since the land is generally unused, land use impacts at the McMillan Sand Filtration Site would be minor. Based on the above considerations, there would be shortterm minor adverse impacts on project area land uses. At the Mt. Bethel Church parking lot, a temporary pumping station is proposed beneath the surface of the parking lot. The pumping station is required to dewater the First Street Tunnel, as needed. Upon completion of the NEB Tunnel project, the pumping station would be decommissioned. Since the proposed construction activities would require construction easements from the Church, the project would have a short-term minor impact on the use of the parking lot. Land use in the project area would return to preconstruction conditions following construction. At the McMillan Sand Filtration Site, the land would return to open space. Installation of the tunnel entrance would preclude future residential development in the area of Sand Filter Cells 25 and 26, but would not affect the future development of the remainder of the site. Diversion chambers and drop shafts proposed in the neighborhood roadways would be beneath the existing road grade. Once the structures are complete, roadways and adjacent sidewalks in the project area would revert to their previous use. Therefore, the project would result in short-term and long-term minor impacts to land use. 5.8.4 Cumulative Impacts

Future development plans in the vicinity of the proposed project were reviewed to determine potential cumulative impacts to land use and zoning. In general, all of the projects identified in Table 10 would maintain existing land uses, and there are no proposed modifications to zoning. The small area plan for Mid City East, as described by the DC Office of Planning (2013), is intended to preserve the existing neighborhood character in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park. The First Street Tunnel project would require temporary road closures and construction staging, which would disrupt existing land use. However,
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during the construction period, no other projects are proposed in the vicinity that would result in road closure or construction staging. Once the First Street Tunnel construction is complete, there would be no noticeable land use or zoning impacts.

5.9
5.9.1

Utilities/Infrastructure
Impacts of Alternative A - No Action

Under Alternative A, there would be no construction of the First Street Tunnel, and the capacity of the existing combined sewer system would remain the same. Combined sewer flooding would continue to occur, causing damage to utilities and infrastructure and general distress to Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park. Consequently, there would be short-term and long-term moderate to major adverse impacts under the No Action Alternative. 5.9.2 Cumulative Impacts

Cumulative impacts projects in the vicinity of the project area include new developments at the Armed Forces Retirement Home and Howard University. Infrastructure and utilities would be installed at the sites to meet the requirements of new facilities. As per the DDOE Stormwater Management Guidebook, output at the sites would be required to meet preconstruction conditions. Other new infrastructure and utility components would not be noticeable from outside of the sites. Construction of the Anacostia River Tunnels would represent major upgrades in local infrastructure, based on the additional combined sewer capacity provided to Washington DC. The No Action Alternative would have short-and long-term moderate to major adverse impacts on utilities and infrastructure. As a result, there would be no cumulative impacts under Alternative A. 5.9.3 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel

With construction of the First Street Tunnel and ancillary structures, there would be minor conflicts with existing buried utilities in the project area. Existing service connections would be maintained to the extent feasible. Where conflicts with existing buried utilities cannot be avoided, brief interruption in residential services such as electrical and natural gas service would occur. In order to avoid unexpected interruptions, a utility locator would be enlisted to identify buried utilities prior to construction. Residents would be notified in advance of temporary service disconnections. Buried utilities are commonly found in urban environments and would be temporarily interrupted using standard construction practices. Overall, the effects of interruption would be small, but would be noticeable among a few project area residents. As a result, there would be short-term minor adverse impacts associated with temporary loss of utility services. At the McMillan Sand Filtration Site, Sand Filter Cells 25 and 26 would be demolished to build the Channing Street Mining Shaft. Since the McMillan Sand Filtration Site has been out of use for 27 years, impacts to the infrastructure on the site would be negligible. In the long-term, the First Street Tunnel represents a sizeable upgrade in project area sewer capacity. The Tunnel would prevent surface flooding and sewer backups, and would bring the District closer to Anacostia water quality standards put forth by EPA. Therefore, Alternative B would have long-term beneficial impacts to utilities and infrastructure.

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5.9.4

Cumulative Impacts

The effects of past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects on utilities and infrastructure are described under the No Action Alternative. There would be non-noticeable impacts at the Armed Forces Retirement Home and Howard University. After completion of the First Street Tunnel, construction of the Anacostia River Tunnels would provide additional combined sewer capacity to Washington DC. The additional flood storage and water quality treatment provided by the projects would have beneficial cumulative impacts when combined with the First Street Tunnel project.

5.10

Cultural/Historic Resources

The NHPA is the guiding legislation for the preservation of historic properties and it establishes standards for evaluating potential effects on historic resources. The NHPA defines "effect" as an "alteration to the characteristics of a historic property qualifying it for inclusion in or eligibility for the National Register" (36 CFR 800.16), and requires that the lead agency, in consultation with the SHPO, determine whether the effect is adverse. According to the NHPA, an "adverse effect" occurs "when an undertaking may alter, directly or indirectly, any of the characteristics of the historic property that qualify the property for inclusion in the National Register in a manner that would diminish the integrity of the property's location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, or association" (36 CFR 800.5). Additionally, DC Water has begun the formal DC Historic Preservation Review process that applies to designated historic resources. The Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) reviews demolition proposals that would impact historic sites, such as the First Street Tunnel project. The initial review by the DC HPRB would determine if the proposed demolition is consistent with the purposes of the Historic Landmark and Historic District Preservation Act (D.C. Law 2-144), or if the proposed demolition would require review by the Mayors Agent. It is anticipated that the First Street Tunnel project would be considered inconsistent with the purposes of Historic Landmark and Historic District Preservation Act and a Mayors Agents hearing would be required. Impacts to historic properties can take the form of physical impacts to a property, alterations to the propertys setting, the introduction of visual or audible elements to the property, or its immediate vicinity, or other actions. Impacts resulting from a project may or may not represent an adverse effect to identified cultural resources. The criteria of adverse effect must be applied to evaluate whether a project would result in an adverse effect to historic properties. These criteria provide the basis for determining the projects potential effect on historic properties. Potential effects to historic resources include direct and indirect effects. The alteration, physical displacement, or demolition of a resource is a direct adverse effect; changes in the use, operation or character of a resource can be either direct or indirect effects; and changes to the visual context are considered indirect effects. Impact thresholds for cultural resources have been defined as follows: Negligible The impact would be at the lowest level of detection or barely perceptible and not measurable. Minor The impact would not affect the character defining features of an historic resource(s) listed on or eligible for the NRHP.
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Moderate The impact would alter a character defining feature(s) of an historic resource(s) but would not diminish the integrity of the resource to the extent that its NRHP listing would be jeopardized. Major The impact would alter a character defining feature(s) of an historic resource(s), diminishing the integrity of the resource to the extent that it is no longer eligible for listing on the NRHP. 5.10.1 Impacts of Alternative A - No Action Under the No Action Alternative (Alternative A) there would be no construction of the First Street Tunnel. Therefore, no demolition or construction would occur at the McMillan Park Reservoir Historic District, listed in the DC Inventory of Historic Sites and determined eligible for the NRHP, or at the three construction staging sites located in Bloomingdale that are potentially eligible for listing in the DC Inventory of Historic Sites and the NRHP. At McMillan Park Reservoir, the un-reinforced concrete filter beds (Filter Bed 26 was determined structurally unsound) would continue to slowly deteriorate. Similar deterioration would occur to the two service ramps exposed to weathering, including the service ramp from First Street, NW to the service court and from the service court to the top of Filter Bed 25 and 26. Based on these factors, the No Action Alternative would result in negligible impacts on the McMillan Park Reservoir Historic District. As a result of the No Action Alternative, the capacity of the existing combined sewer system would remain the same and flooding would continue to cause damage to dwellings within two historic neighborhoods: LeDroit Park, listed in the DC Inventory of Historic Sites and the NRHP, and Bloomingdale (potentially NRHP-eligible). Individual historic resources affected by the No Action Alternative include the Samuel Gompers House (located in Bloomingdale) and the Mary Church Terrell House (located in LeDroit Park). Both houses are listed in the DC Inventory of Historic Sites and NRHP, and are National Historic Landmarks (NHL). Uncontrolled moisture is one of the most prevalent and damaging causes of deterioration in historic buildings, leading to destruction of materials, finishes, and structural components. Further, the proposed small-scale flood mitigation projects would not have sufficient cumulative effect in limiting potential flood damage to these neighborhoods. The continued impact of flood water would have a long-term moderate adverse effect to the Samuel Gompers House, LeDroit Park and Bloomingdale. 5.10.2 Cumulative Impacts Impacts to historic structures, buildings, and districts would result from the projects identified in Table 10. Reasonably foreseeable development projects including the Envision McMillan project, the Mid City East Plan, the Anacostia River Tunnels, the Howard Master Plan, and the Crispus Attucks Parks developmental plan would have the potential for physical, visual, or auditory impacts on historic structures, buildings, or districts. All the proposed projects would be reviewed by the DC HPO, and plans to mitigate adverse effects would be incorporated into project designs. The proposed Envision McMillan plan calls for the preservation of a number of McMillan Sand Filtration Sites above-ground historic elements, including the service courts, service court walls, sand storage bins, filter bed portals, and regulator houses; however, the majority of the underground filter beds would be demolished. The Envision McMillan project is likely to occur even if the construction of the First Street Tunnel does not take place. As a result, Alternative A would not preserve Sand Filter Cells 25 or 26 or minimize the cumulative impact on the McMillan Park Reservoir Historic District. Further, Alternative A would lead to
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the continued flooding of Bloomingdale (potentially NRHP-eligible) and LeDroit Park (listed on NRHP), contributing to the structural deterioration of historic resources. As such, there would be a moderate to major cumulative impact on historic structures, buildings, and districts in the study area. 5.10.3 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel
5.10.3.1. McMillan Sand Filtration Site

At the McMillan Sand Filtration Plant, all three options for the proposed First Street Tunnel would require the demolition of un-reinforced concrete Filter Beds 25 and 26. The razing of the filter beds would result in changes to the relationship of contributing features to the demolished elements. The filter bed portals (doors) and service court wall, however, would continue to suggest the presence of the demolished underground filter beds. Potential adverse impacts to the McMillan Park Reservoir Historic District would be moderate as demolition is limited in scope. Filter Bed 26 was determined severely deteriorated, and eighteen other filter beds remain intact, allowing the sand filtration plant to continue to reflect its engineering significance. In addition, all three options require the construction of an asphalt parking lot on the west side of First Street, south of the entrance gate. The parking lot would be demolished after the completion of the project and the site would be restored to its existing condition, thereby limiting any adverse long-term visual impact. During construction and tunneling, short-term minor to moderate impacts to McMillan Park Reservoir Historic District could occur due to the vibration of construction equipment, visual impact of construction activity, temporary lowering of the existing grade during demolition of the filter beds, and material staging. All efforts would be made to protect the surrounding historic resources, including the adjacent filter beds, service court walls, filter bed portals, sand storage bins, and sand washers. Option 1 proposes the construction of a concrete access roadway for construction vehicles from First Street, NW, south of the service court. Further, the option calls for lowering the existing grade of the southwest corner of the McMillan Sand Filtration Plant by 10 feet to an elevation of 160, which is equal to the grade of First Street, NW. The removal of the berm, however, adversely interrupts Olmsteds landscape design along a portion of First Street, NW and Channing Street, NW. In addition, the action would have a long-term adverse effect on view sheds of McMillan Park Reservoir from surrounding historic resources. Therefore, Option 1 would have a short-term and long-term moderate impact to the McMillan Sand Filtration Plant as it diminishes its integrity of design and setting. Similar to Option 1, Option 2 proposes the construction of a concrete access roadway for construction vehicles from First Street, NW, south of the service court. The introduction of the access roadway interrupts the landscape and alters the sites relationship to First Street, NW. Option 2, however, reestablishes the 170 elevation consistent with the historic landscape. The retention of the berm would be beneficial as it further obscures views of the entrance to the vertical shaft from public right-of-ways, maintains the sites integrity of design and setting, and preserves historic view sheds to and from the site. As a result, Option 2 would have a short-term and long-term moderate impact to the McMillan Sand Filtration Plant. Option 3 proposes the construction of the concrete access road from the historic service court to the vertical shaft. In order to access the service court, a new concrete access road would be constructed
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immediately to the south of the existing historic narrow service ramp from First Street, NW. The placement on the ramp in this location would limit potential adverse impacts to the landscape and site plan; however, a historic service stair accessing the top of Filter Bed 25 would be demolished. In addition, Option 3 would require the demolition of a service ramp accessing the top of Filter Bed 25 and 26. This service ramp, however, has limited visibility from public right-of-ways due to the existing grade of the site. Further, the option would maintain the 170 elevation consistent with the existing historic landscape. The retention of the berm would be beneficial as it further obscures views of the entrance to the vertical shaft from public right-of-ways, maintains the sites integrity of design and setting, and preserves historic view sheds to and from the site. Therefore, Option 3 would have minor to moderate short-term and longterm impacts to the McMillan Sand Filtration site. In all three options, the completed vertical shaft would be located below grade with limited visibility from the surrounding public right-of-ways, thereby lessening a potential adverse visual impact on the McMillan Park Reservoir Historic Districts setting and the surrounding built environment. Minor short-term visual impacts on the surrounding historic resources with views of the McMillan Park Reservoir would occur during construction, including Bloomingdale, The Glenwood Cemetery, Prospect Hill Cemetery, Howard University, and Bryant Street Pumping Station. Only Option 1 would have a long-term visual impact on surrounding historic resources as the original grade would not be reestablished.
5.10.3.2 Temporary Access Zone

The Temporary Access Zone corresponds to the excavation of utilities for condition assessment and/or replacement, and the installation of geotechnical monitoring equipment to detect settlement and impacts of settlement on the ground and structures within the zone of influence of the tunnel boring machine. Due to the depth of tunneling (80 to 160 feet below the surface), the potential impact to the Samuel Gompers House (DC Inventory of Historic Sites, NRHP, and NHL) and historic resources within Bloomingdale (potentially eligible-NRHP) from tunneling should be limited. Vibration could result in cosmetic to minor damage to historic buildings, including the formation of hairline to large cracks on plaster, drywall surfaces, and mortar joints of brick. No potential major long-term impacts, however, would be anticipated from the activity. DC Water would survey the interior and exterior of all buildings and structures, before, during, and after the tunnels construction in order to document and mitigate any potential effects from construction activity. Therefore, the tunneling, excavation of portions of utilities, and installation of monitoring equipment would have a minor to moderate short-term and long-term impact on historic resources.
5.10.3.3 Diversion Chambers, Drop Shafts, and Construction Staging Areas at Adams and V Streets

Two construction staging areas at the intersection of Adams Street, NW and Flagger Place, NW, and V Street, NW are located within the Bloomingdale neighborhood, which is potentially eligible for inclusion in the DC Inventory of Historic Sites and the NRHP. Construction would entail the temporary closure of the streets, presence of machinery, and elevated noise levels during work hours. These efforts could result in minor short-term impacts to the surrounding historic resources stemming from: 1) vibrations from construction equipment that could result in minor cosmetic damage to historic buildings; 2) truck traffic during peak construction hours; and 3) temporary visual intrusions on historic view sheds primarily

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within Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park Historic District (located to the southwest) from cranes and other equipment. Located within Bloomingdale, the dwellings at 2100 and 2036 First Street, NW, may be subject to additional adverse effects. These two buildings would be considered contributing resources to the potentially NRHP-eligible Bloomingdale Historic District. The staging area and construction of the diversion chamber would intrude upon the private property at 2036 First Street, NW. Similarly, the staging area abuts a stone retaining wall on the south side of the property at 2100 First Street, NW. Located within 15 feet of construction activity, the proximity of these two dwellings and respective landscape features to the staging area and vibration-causing construction equipment could lead to additional minor to moderate short-term impacts. DC Water, however, would conduct interior and exterior surveys of these buildings as part of an effort to document and mitigate potential damage caused by construction related activities. Upon completion of the project, all residential aspects of the neighborhood would return to their previous use. Further, the diversion chambers and drop shafts would be located below grade at their respective sites. As a result, there would be a negligible long-term impact to the historic residential buildings adjacent to the construction sites or the nearby buildings within Bloomingdale. Moreover, beneficial long-term impacts would include the reduced incidence of flooding and subsequent deterioration to the dwellings adjacent to the construction sites and within Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park.
5.10.3.4 Temporary Pumping Station at First Street and Thomas Street

During construction of the temporary pumping station in Bloomingdale (potentially NRHP-eligible), construction activity would be limited to the public right-of-way and parking lot owned by Mt. Bethel Baptist Church. Construction would entail the temporary closure of the streets, presence of machinery, and elevated noise levels during work hours. There would be a minor short-term visual impact to the surrounding historic resources within Bloomingdale, particularly Mt. Bethel Baptist Church, and nearby LeDroit Park (NR Historic District). Vibration-causing construction could result in cosmetic damage to historic buildings, but no potential significant adverse vibration impacts would be anticipated from the construction of the pumping station. DC Water, however, would conduct interior and exterior surveys of these buildings as part of an effort to document and mitigate potential damage caused by construction related activities. Most of the proposed finished elements (pumping station, meter vault, etc.) would be located below grade. Further, the pumping station would only be operable until the completion of the NEB Tunnel, at which point it would be decommissioned. Therefore, there would be negligible long-term impact to the historic resources. Beneficial long-term impacts would include the reduced risk of flooding and subsequent deterioration to the historic structures adjacent to the construction site and within Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park.
5.10.3.5 Temporary Parking Lot near the intersection of W Street and 2
nd

Street

Temporary parking lots would be constructed at the Washington Metropolitan High School and DC Waters Bryant Street equipment lot located at the corner of 2nd Street, NW and W Street, NW. DC
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Water is coordinating with the DC Public School Facilities Management to use part of the school grounds currently occupied by tennis courts. Due to the current development and use of the proposed sites, the parking lots would have a negligible short-term and no long-term visual impact to the surrounding historic resources, including Bloomingdale (potentially NRHP-eligible) and the Bryant Street Pumping Station (potentially NRHP-eligible). 5.10.4 Cumulative Impacts Cumulative impacts to historic structures, buildings, and districts are described under Alternative A. Projects including Envision McMillan, the Mid City East Plan, the Anacostia River Tunnels, the Howard Master Plan, and the Crispus Attucks Parks developmental plan would have the potential for physical, visual, or auditory impacts on historic structures, buildings, or districts. Under Alternative B, there would be moderate adverse impacts associated with demolition activities within the McMillan Park Reservoir Historic District. Additional impacts could result from the removal of the berm at the southwest corner of the McMillan Sand Filter Site (under Option 1), and cosmetic damages caused by constructioninduced vibrations. As a result, Alternative B and past, present and reasonably foreseeable future projects would result in a moderate cumulative impact on historic structures, buildings, and districts in the study area.

5.11

Archeological Resources

5.11.1 Impacts of Alternative A - No Action Under Alternative A, there would be no construction activities in the project area. No short-term impacts on archeological resources would occur. In the long-term, archeological resources in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park would remain unchanged. At the McMillan Sand Filtration Site the concrete cells beneath the ground would continue to deteriorate. Slight subsidence at the ground surface would continue to occur over time. However, future erosion of the cells and ground subsidence would not have appreciable effects on archeological resources. As a result, the No Action Alternative would have no impacts on archeological resources. 5.11.2 Cumulative Impacts Under Alternative A, there would be no impacts on archeological resources. Therefore, there would be no cumulative impacts. 5.11.3 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel Alternative B proposes to construct the First Street Tunnel, starting with a vertical entrance shaft at the McMillan Sand Filtration Site, and staging and construction would occur between the McMillan Sand Filtration Site and Rhode Island Avenue. Most ground disturbance associated with the First Street Tunnel project is confined to previously disturbed areas beneath District roadways, parking areas, or sidewalks, or has negligible disturbance, such as the installation of geotechnical documentation equipment to monitor settlement. Such areas will have no impact on archeological resources. However, review of the construction plans identified four ASDs located outside of previously disturbed roadways, parking areas, or sidewalks that would result in significant ground disturbance. These ASDs
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are the McMillan Sand Filtration Site Cells No. 25 and 26, the McMillan Reservoir construction staging area, a diversion chamber just west of the intersection of First Street, NW and V Street, NW and a temporary pumping station and meter vault at the southwest corner of the intersection of Thomas Street, NW and First Street, NW. Existing filter cell structures (Nos. 26 and 26) at the McMillan Sand Filtration Site would be demolished. GIS analysis of the entrance mining shaft location indicates that the pre-1903 land surface was cut during the construction of the sand filter cell while the adjacent cell, to be used for staging, was located over fill. At the bottom of the mining shaft, excavation would continue horizontally to construct the tunnel. Based on the depth of the proposed tunnel (60 to140 feet below grade), horizontal excavation would take place in layers of unconsolidated materials and bedrock that are lacking in archeological resources. At the Thomas Street, NW and First Street, NW and V Street, NW and First Street, NW locations, Alternative B proposes to construct diversion chambers, a temporary pumping station, and drop shafts in order to carry heavy storm flow from the surface down to the storage tunnel. Historic maps and building permits document the presence of a commercial and residential structure at the Temporary Pumping Station ASD. Geotechnical borings have recovered materials associated with that structure. The construction of a temporary pumping station at this ASD has the potential to impact previously unidentified archeological resources. GIS analysis suggests that the V Street, NW and First Street, NW Diversion Chamber ASD may be relatively undisturbed. As this ASD is within 100 meters of an unnamed drainage of Tiber Creek, this location has a moderate potential for Native American resources. Alternative B would have long-term minor adverse impacts to unrecorded archeological resources at these two locations. As the presence of historically significant archeological sites within the First Street, NW and V Street, NW Diversion Chamber and the Temporary Pumping Station ASDs is at present unknown, only general strategies for the mitigation of adverse effects can be outlined. DC Water has consulted with the DC HPO on the preparation of a Phase IA archeological assessment to determine whether and to what extent further archeological investigations are necessary (Kreisa and McDowell 2013). Such investigations are include monitoring of construction activities or the controlled excavation of shovel test pits or trenches to determine whether currently unidentified archeological resources are present, and whether such resources, if present, are historically significant, at the First Street, NW and V Street, NW Diversion Chamber ASD and the Temporary Pumping Station ASD. If historically significant archeological resources are present, DC Water would continue to consult with DC HPO on measures to mitigate the proposed construction impacts. 5.11.4 Cumulative Impacts Development projects in the vicinity of the proposed project were reviewed to determine potential cumulative impacts to archeological resources. Presently, it is unknown if any of the projects identified for cumulative impact analysis would result in impacts to archeological resources. Among the projects, earth disturbance could result in adverse impacts to unidentified archeological resources. It is expected that archeological investigations would be conducted for the projects and if historically significant resources are located, coordination would occur with the DC HPO to determine appropriate mitigation measures. Similarly, it is presently unknown if significant archeological resources exist within the First

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Street Tunnel project area that would be impacted. Based on the nature of the project and the level of ground disturbance that would be required to construct the First Street Tunnel, it is anticipated that longterm minor adverse impacts would occur to unidentified archeological resources that may be present within the project area. Therefore, when the potential impacts to archeological resources from the First Street Tunnel project are combined with the potential impacts from other development projects a longterm minor adverse cumulative impact could result.

5.12

Human Health and Safety (including Hazardous Materials)

5.12.1 Impacts of Alternative A - No Action Under the No Action Alternative, the First Street Tunnel would not be constructed, and the existing combined sewer system would remain in place. Based on the limited capacity of the existing system, surface flooding and sewer backups would continue in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park. Ongoing sewer backups in the area would likely result in short-term and long-term health consequences for area residents, to varying degrees. In addition, indoor flooding may contribute to mold growth and other building deficiencies, reducing the overall environmental quality of neighborhood homes. Because of the health risks associated with neighborhood CSOs, the No Action Alternative would have short-term and long-term moderate adverse impacts on human health and safety. 5.12.2 Cumulative Impacts Ongoing and reasonably foreseeable future projects in the vicinity of the proposed project are intended to have beneficial impacts on human health and safety. Surface water management strategies in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park would provide small scale improvements in the sewershed, which would mitigate the effects of CSOs in the short-term. In the long-term, the Anacostia River Tunnel projects would provide the sewer capacity needed to resolve combined sewer flooding in the area permanently. When combined with the short-term and long-term moderate adverse impacts of the No Action Alternative, there would be no cumulative impacts among projects in the area. 5.12.3 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel The proposed actions involve excavation at the McMillan Sand Filtration Site and three other locations in the project area. Within the project area locations, one regulatory database listing of known or potential environmental concern was identified within the First Street Pumping Station area of disturbance. This listing is located at 1910 First Street, NW, where a dry cleaning operation resided historically. Listings were also identified within 100 feet surrounding the proposed construction areas. Based on these findings, it is possible that contamination, in the form of Chlorinated VOCs, could be located within the limits of the project associated with the dry cleaning operation. It is also a possibility that known contaminants from the surrounding listed sources could have migrated into the project area. During construction, monitoring would be conducted to identify any soil contamination in the project area. If encountered, contaminated soils would be removed and disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations. Results of the 2013 Environmental Data Report provide that contaminants were found in the soil at the Adams Street construction staging area, specifically soils with VOC and SVOC concentrations above EPA Regional Screening Levels. Also, the report cites concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons, RCRA metals, and arsenic at various locations throughout the site. Contamination of soils in urban environments
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is common due to the high quantity of controlled substances that are stored, transported, and used in these areas. During construction, safety measures would be employed to keep site workers from direct contact with the contaminated soils. The soils would be removed from the site separately from other excavated materials and disposed of in accordance with District regulations. Because the soils are not classified as hazardous waste, and site workers would be required to follow safety protocols, human health impacts associated with the contaminated soils would be negligible. Once completed, ongoing operation and maintenance of the proposed tunnel and ancillary structures would be carried out by DC Water. Site workers may be required to enter confined spaces to inspect and repair facilities as necessary. All underground work would be conducted in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for confined spaces. The use of safe work practices established by OSHA would be effective in preserving site worker health. Therefore, human health impacts associated with tunnel maintenance activities would be negligible. Ultimately, construction of the First Street Tunnel would reduce neighborhood flooding and sewer backups within homes. As a result, the First Street Tunnel would reduce the health risks associated with combined sewer flooding in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park. Therefore, short-term and long-term moderate benefits to human health and safety would occur under the proposed action. 5.12.4 Cumulative Impacts Impacts associated with projects in the vicinity of the First Street Tunnel are addressed under the No Action Alternative. There would be short-term and long-term beneficial impacts on human health and safety as a result of past, present and reasonably foreseeable future projects. When combined with the long-term benefits of the First Street Tunnel project, the cumulative impact of projects in the sewershed would result in beneficial impacts to human health and safety.

5.13

Transportation (Traffic)

5.13.1 Impacts of Alternative A - No Action Under Alternative A, the First Street Tunnel would not be constructed. Significant storm events would continue to cause surcharged sewers, and low lying areas would experience flooding. As with the storms in 2012, the flooding would require street closures during flooding and during storm cleanup activities. Parking, traffic, and public transportation would be temporarily disrupted during the flood events. The adverse impacts to traffic and transportation would be short-term during flood events but would be moderate and unpredictable. 5.13.2 Cumulative Impacts Impacts to local traffic and transportation would occur during construction of several projects listed in Table 10. Renovations at the Armed Forces Retirement Home would add construction related vehicles and equipment to roads north of the study area, and on North Capitol Street. Also, improvement projects at Howard University would add construction vehicles and equipment to roads west and northwest of the study area. To the south, the proposed NEB tunnel would result in road closures and disruptions to existing traffic patterns. It is expected that these projects would implement traffic control plans to mitigate the effects of construction related disruptions. However, short-term moderate adverse impacts would
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Environmental Consequences

result from the various projects surrounding the study area. No long-term impacts would occur as a result of the projects. After construction periods, local traffic would be expected to return to its previous condition. Under Alternative A, there would be moderate adverse impacts associated with flood events in the study area. When combined with the adverse effects of construction activities nearby, there would be short-term moderate adverse cumulative impacts during flooding. 5.13.3 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel There would be no longterm impacts on traffic or transportation, but construction areas for Alternative B would require shortterm road detours, road closures, lane restrictions, and other disruptions to traffic. Alternative B would require hauling of excavated material away from the tunneling sites. The hauling route to move materials for the McMillan Sand Filtration site is proposed along the following route: Truck route to site would take I-395 northbound to New York Avenue, NW eastbound to M Street, NW eastbound to North Capitol Street, NW to Irving Street, NW westbound to Michigan Avenue, NW westbound to First Street, NW southbound. Truck route from site would take First Street, NW northbound to Michigan Avenue, NW eastbound to North Capitol Street, NW southbound to New York Avenue westbound to I-395 southbound.

DC Water has estimated that approximately seven trucks per hour will enter and leave the McMillan Sand Filtration site during hauling operations, and that hauling would be conducted between the hours of 7:00 a.m and 7:00 p.m. Hauling routes for the other drop shaft and pumping station sites would follow a similar hauling route and would add an additional six to 12 trucks per hour (DC Water, 2013). The construction of Alternative B would have minimal impact on transit operations. One WMATA transit route exists within the project vicinity - the North Capitol Street line. Except for the minor increase in truck traffic due to hauling operations, the First Street Tunnel project would not impact this transit route (DC Water, 2013). The construction of the First Street tunnel would require a detour of traffic along southbound First Street, NW. Motorists would be detoured onto Bryant Street, NW then onto North Capitol Street and then onto Rhode Island Avenue. Other roadways that would be closed during construction include: First Street, NW south of Adams Street (2 months); Southbound lanes of First Street, NW south of V Street; Flagler Place, NW from Adams Street, NW to W Street, NW; V Street, NW at First Street, NW; Thomas Street, NW at First Street, NW; and 2nd Street, NW at Bryant Street, NW

Traffic volumes for the different phases of the construction of the First Street Tunnel were analyzed to determine levels of service and delays associated with all intersections in the study area. The study found
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that temporary contruction operations will have an impact on traffic during construction. DC Water will work with DDOT to minimize temporary impacts during construction. The parking study concluded that parking spaces would be reduced during construction along First Street, NW, Channing Street, NW, Flagler Place, NW, Adams Street, NW, V Street, NW, and Thomas Street, NW. The proposed project would require coordination with DDOT for detours, lane closures, parking closures, and signal impacts; and with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) for any disruption to bus operations during construction. Traffic impacts would be mitigated by limiting truck hauling volumes and hours of operations. Additional parking would be provided at temporary lots on V Street, NW and on W Street, NW. DC Water would provide traffic control plans (TCPs) to DDOT and would receive the required approval prior to street closures and lane restrictions. The traffic disruptions are expected to be temporary. With the appropriate traffic management and mitigation techniques developed by DC Water and specified in the TCPs, the proposed project would maintain access to all businesses and residences throughout construction. The adverse impacts to traffic and transportation under Alternative B would not occur on a regional level but would be noticable and potentially disruptive to residents in the Bloomingdale and LeDroit neighborhoods. Therefore, impacts would be short-term and minor. 5.13.4 Cumulative Impacts The effects of past, present and reasonably foreseeable future projects on traffic and transportation are described under the No Action Alternative. Construction at the Armed Forces Retirement Home, Howard University, and the NEB tunnel would have short-term moderate adverse impacts. No long-term effects would be expected, since existing traffic patterns would be reestablished after construction periods. Under Alternative B, there would be short-term minor adverse impacts. When combined with the effects of additional construction projects nearby, there would be an incremental effect on traffic and transportation. Due to the amount of construction vehicles and equipment in the area, Alternative B and nearby projects would cumulatively result in short-term moderate adverse impacts. Based on the scope and duration of the First Street Tunnel and the NEB Tunnel projects, there would be long-term moderate adverse cumulative impacts. The NEB Tunnel project would be completed by 2022 at which point local roads would revert to their preconstruction conditions, and there would be no permanent impacts to traffic.

5.14

Socioeconomics

5.14.1 Impacts of Alternative A - No Action Under Alternative A, the First Street Tunnel would not be constructed, and the existing combined sewer system would remain in its present condition. Under the No Action Alternative, flooding and sewer backups would continue in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park. In addition to the nuisance caused by flooding, resident suffer the costs of cleanup and damages to property when flooding occurs. As a result, the No Action Alternative would result in short-term moderate adverse impacts to the socioeconomic environment.
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Environmental Consequences

In the long-term, chronic flooding could reduce the socioeconomic standing of the neighborhoods. A review of U.S. Census data indicated that most residents in the Bloomingdale area (tract 33.01) have good socioeconomic status. They described themselves as employed, high income earners, and holders of bachelors and graduate level degrees. When confronted with chronic flood issues, residents in high socioeconomic standing may move to other areas. Other residents, who are unemployed, earn less income, and have lower educational attainment may be unable to move. Further, the threat of future flooding is likely to have unfavorable effects on property values. Based on these factors, in addition to the repeated nuisance and property damage caused by flooding, the No Action Alternative would result in long-term minor to moderate impacts to the socioeconomic environment. 5.14.2 Cumulative Impacts Among the cumulative impacts projects (see Table 10), several projects were identified that are likely to benefit the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park communities socioeconomically. Short-term surface water management projects and the Anacostia River Tunnel projects would provide flood relief to the area, helping to sustain the communities. Implementation of the Mid City East Plan and development plans at Crispus Attucks Park would also support healthy socioeconomic conditions. The Mid City East Plan would encourage revitalization of commercial spaces in the study area, and Crispus Attucks Park plans would preserve and enhance the communitys park resources. The No Action Alternative would have long-term minor to moderate adverse impacts on socioeconomics. As a result, no cumulative impacts would occur due to the combination of the No Action Alternative and past, present and reasonably foreseeable future projects. 5.14.3 Impacts of Alternative B - First Street Tunnel Implementation of Alternative B would provide flood mitigation during heavy storm events in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park. During construction area residents would experience construction related disruptions, including noise and travel disruptions. Construction would take place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Noise and travel disruptions would be minimized by implementing noise barriers around the Channing Street Mining Shaft, restricting truck traffic hours, and developing TMPs to manage traffic as efficiently as possible. At the Mt. Bethel Baptist Church, five parking spaces would be occupied during construction of the temporary pumping station. Road closures would require detours and potential relocation of a public bus stop. Trauma centers are located at hospital facilities to the north and to the west of the project area. DC Water would coordinate with emergency medical groups to establish emergency vehicle access during construction periods. Based on the disruptive nature of construction activities, there would be short-term minor adverse impacts to community resources. However, construction of the First Street Tunnel would also result in short-term benefits, as the project would employ temporary site workers. During construction periods, site workers would purchase goods and services in the study area and surrounding communities. Therefore there would be short-term economic benefits to local businesses. When construction is complete, the quality of the environment in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park would be expected to improve. The tunnel would reduce flooding and sewer backups, and the costs associated with cleanup and repairs from future flooding. In the long-term, the Mt. Bethel Baptist Church would regain the parking spaces lost during construction. The proposed action includes repaving and restriping
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Environmental Consequences

the lot, which would improve the church property. Based on the overall improvement of Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park, Alternative B would result in long-term beneficial impacts to the socioeconomic environment. 5.14.4 Cumulative Impacts As described under the No Action Alternative, past, present and reasonably foreseeable future projects would result in overall socioeconomic benefits. Although there would be short-term disruptions associated with its construction, the overall improvement provided by the First Street Tunnel would also have socioeconomic benefits. Therefore, the combined effects of cumulative effects projects and the First Street Tunnel would result in benefits to the socioeconomic environment.

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Consultation and Coordination

6 CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION

The Mayors Task Force is comprised of different project stakeholders including DC Agency representatives from the City Administrators Office, DC Water, Department of Public Works (DPW), District Department of Transportation (DDOT), District Department of Environment (DDOE), DC Homeland Security & Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), DC Department of Health (DOH), Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking, and DC Office of Budget and Finance. A cooperative interagency approach was taken to develop the engineering recommendations in the Task Force Report, and to find a solution to deliver priority projects on an accelerated schedule. Since the completion of the Task Force Report, DC Water has conducted a series of Federal; and DC agency meetings to give each agency a detailed overview of the First Street Project and hear upfront concerns or ideas with regards to the project. In addition, DC Water has met with the local Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, Civic Associations, businesses, residents and other community organization to share project information.

6.1

DC Historic Preservation Office

DC Water and project consultants met with DC HPO representatives on January 24, 2013 to initiate consultation with regards to the First Street Tunnel Project. DC Water gave an overview of the project and the parties discussed appropriate next steps to comply with the DC Historic Preservation Laws. A follow-up meeting took place between DC Water and DC HPO on February 6, 2013 to discuss different options for construction of, and long-term access to, the Channing Street Mining Shaft. Different demolition concepts were presented along with rendering of each option to show post construction conditions. In order to secure a spot on the March 28, 2013 Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) Meeting, DC Water filed a Raze Permit at DCRA (R1300051, HPA 13-208) on February 25, 2013. DC Water also coordinated with the DC HPO Archeologist regarding the investigation of archeological resources for the project. A teleconference was held on February 28, 2013, which outlined the desired steps to document the potential for intact archeological resources at the various surface construction sites associated with the project. A concept application package for the HPRB was prepared by DC Water and submitted to DCRA on March 1, 2013 and DC Water presented to the HPRB on March 28, 2013. At this meeting, the Board found the project to be inconsistent with the DC Historic Preservation Laws and recommended that the project have a Mayors Agent Hearing. Under the Historic Landmark and Historic District Protection Act, the Mayor's Agent is required to hold a public hearing on a permit application for the demolition of a historic landmark or building contributing to the character of a historic district. The Mayor's Agent reviews proposed work affecting historic properties, including demolition, alteration, subdivision, and new construction, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Historic Protection Act (D.C. Official Code 6-1104 through 6-1108). The Mayor's Agent considers the advice of the HPRB and makes preliminary and final findings on the issuance of permits or approvals, as provided in the Act.

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6.2

DDOE/DCRA

DC Water and project consultants met with the DCRA and DDOE representatives on February 4, 2013. DC Water gave an overview of the project and the parties discussed appropriate next steps to comply with the DC EPA and how the agencies could work together to meet the Mayors Task Force deadlines. DC Water explained different compliance options and the parties determined that an EA would be the appropriate level of documentation for the project to satisfy the DC EPA law, and to be consistent with previous documentation completed for the Anacostia River Projects in which the First Street Tunnel was part of the preferred alternative (refer to ARP EA). As defined by the DC EPA, an EA is an Environmental Impact Statement Equivalent and satisfies the environmental documentation requirements for obtaining a DCRA Building Permit. A separate EA is needed because the alignment for the project has changed since the 2010 ARP EA. DC Water also explained that the purpose and need has changed and as a result, the First Street Tunnel project was independent from the NEB Tunnel project. The First Street Tunnel project would be completed in advance of the NEB Tunnel and is intended to relieve flooding in the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park neighborhoods. A separate EA would be completed in the future for the NEB Tunnel as more detail becomes available.

6.3

DDOT

DC Water met with representatives of DDOT on January 10, 2013. At this meeting, DC Water gave an overview of the project and discussed the requirements to construct the project. From this meeting, DDOT requested that a detailed traffic study be completed. The meeting participants also discuss permit requirements and approvals needed from DDOT for road/lane closures and the use of the DDOT right-ofway for construction.

6.4

DMPED

DC Water met with representatives of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) and Envision McMillan Development Team on February 12, 2013. During this meeting, DC Water presented an overview of the Channing Street mining shaft site and outlined various restoration schemes suggested by the DC HPO.

6.5

DDOE Fisheries and Wildlife Division

As part of the 2010 ARP EA, DC Water coordinated with resource agencies to determine the potential presence of federally listed rare, threatened, or endangered species and/or their habitats. The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, and DC Fisheries and Wildlife Division were consulted in accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. This coordination determined no further consultation was needed based on the nature of the tunneling activities and the low potential for the presence of species of concern. It was determined there would be no impact to rare, threatened, and endangered species from tunneling. The ARP EA proposed action included work near or in the Anacostia River and identified the short-nosed sturgeon as a species of concern. As a result, additional coordination with the NMFS occurred (see Section 1.7.4 of the ARP EA for additional Information). The First Street Tunnel project is well removed from the Anacostia River and would not adversely affect any potential habitat for this species. Also, the project area was examined for potential habitat and there is no habitat that would support any endangered species known to exist in the District of Columbia. The conditions
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Consultation and Coordination

within the First Street project area are consistent with the conditions presented to the resources agencies in 2010.

6.6

National Park Service

DC Water met with representatives of the National Park Service (NPS) on December 18, 2012 to discuss the need to revise the alignment and construction contracts for the proposed Northeast Boundary Tunnel. DC Water explained the new development and also the need for early flood relief in the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park neighborhoods. The new alignment for the Northeast Boundary Tunnel completely avoids NPS land along New York Avenue and R Street. The parties agreed that NPS could issue permits for the proposed alignment based on the 2010 ARP EA and that NPS did not need to be involved in future compliance activities for the First Street Tunnel project because NPS lands are no longer being affected by the new alignment for the Northeast Boundary Tunnel.

6.7

Washington Aqueduct for the Army Corps of Engineers

DC Water presented the First Street Tunnel project to Tom Jacobus, General Manager of the Washington Aqueduct for the US Army Corps of Engineers on March 7, 2013. The presentation focused on a proposed temporary parking lot on the reservoir premises and potential truck activities and lane closings on First Street, NW. Mr. Jacobus was sympathetic to the goals of the project, and subsequently provided his offices support for the project and the use of Reservoir property for neighborhood parking relief.

6.8

DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services

DC Water met with DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS), Lieutenant Sean Egan on March 14, 2013 to present the First Street Tunnel project, discuss road closings, traffic detours, and the potential relocation of affected fire hydrants. DC FEMS was receptive to the project and will work with the DC Fire Department to coordinate revisions to ambulance/fire routes.

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List of Preparers

7 LIST OF PREPARERS
DC Clean Rivers Project Team Bill Levy, P.E., Program Manager, Tunnel Design Justin Donnelly, LEED AP, Third Party Coordinator Joel Kantola, Project Manager Steven Njoloma, Senior Project Engineer Donal Barron, Engineer Ed Shea, Engineer Justin Carl, Engineer Chris Gerber, Environmental Scientist Kathy Baumgaertner, NEPA Specialist Randy Lentell, Geotechnical Team Leader Stantec John Wiser, Project Manager Harry Canfield, PWS Environmental Scientist Joan Glynn, Environmental Planner Dr. Paul Kreisa, Principal Archeologist Brett Schrader, PWS Environmental Scientist Nick Vollentine, Environmental Scientist Mike Sybert, Technical Editor Nasrin Dahlgren, CFMM, PWS, GIS Specialist Julie Liptak, Graphic Artist EHT Traceries, LLC Laura Hughes, Historic Preservation Specialist John Liebertz, Historian Emma Waterloo, Preservation Specialist EBA Engineering, Inc. Sherri D. Waldon, Environmental Scientist James Sines, Environmental Scientist Nicholas Roles, P.E., Geotechnical Engineer Sylvan Burch Environmental Engineer Jason Kolenda Geotechnical Engineer

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Glossary and Acronyms

8 GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS

8.1 Glossary of Terms

Affected Environment The existing environment to be affected by a proposed action and alternatives. Adit The tunneled connection between the drop shaft and the proposed First Street Tunnel. Best Management Practices Methods that have been determined to be the most effective, practical means of preventing or reducing pollution or other adverse environmental impacts. Catch basin A receptacle at the entrance to a sewer designed to keep out large or obstructive matter. Collection system Pipes used to collect and carry wastewater from individual sources to an interceptor sewer that will carry it to a treatment facility. Consent Decree A final, binding judicial decree or judgment memorializing a voluntary agreement between parties to lawsuit in return for an end to a civil litigation. Contributing Resource A building, site, structure, or object that adds to the historic significance of a property or district. Combined Sewage Sewage conveyed in a combined sewer system, consisting of stormwater runoff, sanitary sewage, and industrial wastewater. Combined Sewer Overflow Discharge of a mixture of stormwater and sanitary wastewater when the flow capacity of a sewer system is exceeded during rainstorms. Combined Sewer System A sewer system that carries both sewage and stormwater runoff. Normally, its entire flow goes to a waste treatment plant, but during a heavy storm, the volume of water may be so great as to cause overflows of untreated mixtures of storm water and sewage into receiving waters. Stormwater runoff may also carry toxic chemicals from industrial areas or streets into the sewer system. Crown The top of a circular conduit. Cultural Landscape Environments that include natural and cultural resources associated with a historical context. Cultural Resources Prehistoric and historic districts, sites, buildings, objects, or any other physical evidence of human activity considered important to a culture, subculture, or community for scientific, traditional, religious, or other reason.

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Glossary and Acronyms

Cumulative Impacts Under NEPA regulations, the incremental environmental impact or effect of an action together with the effects of past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions, regardless of what agency or person undertakes such other actions (40 CFR Part 1508.7). Environmental Assessment An environmental analysis prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act to determine whether a Federal action would significantly affect the environment and thus require a more detailed EIS. Environmental Impact Statement An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a full disclosure document that details the process through which a project was developed, includes consideration of a range of reasonable alternatives, analyzes the potential impacts resulting from the alternatives, and demonstrates compliance with other applicable environmental laws and executive orders. Executive Order Official proclamation issued by the President that may set forth policy or direction or establish specific duties in connection with the execution of Federal laws and programs. Floodplain The flat or nearly flat land along a river or stream or in a tidal area that is covered by water during a flood. Level of Service (LOS) A letter designation that describes a range of operating conditions on a particular type of facility. It is a qualitative measure that characterizes operational conditions within a traffic stream and their perception by motorists and passengers. Long Term Control Plan (LTCP) A document developed by CSO communities to describe existing waterway conditions and various CSO abatement technologies that will be used to control overflows. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) The Act as amended, articulates the Federal law that mandates protecting the quality of the human environment. It requires Federal agencies to systematically assess the environmental impacts of their proposed activities, programs, and projects including the no action alternative. NEPA requires agencies to consider alternative ways of accomplishing their missions in ways which are less damaging to the environment. National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.) An Act to establish a program for the preservation of historic properties throughout the nation, and for other purposes, approved October 15, 1966. National Register of Historic Places A register of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects important in American history, architecture, archeology, and culture, maintained by the Secretary of the Interior under authority of Section 2(b) of the Historic Sites Act of 1935 and Section 101(a)(1) of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. Shotcrete Technique that consists of conveying concrete or mortar through a hose and pneumatically projecting it at a high velocity onto a surface.

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8.2

Acronyms and Abbreviations

American Federation of Labor Area of Potential Effect Anacostia River Projects Anacostia River Projects Environmental Assessment Area of Surface Disturbance Above ground Storage Tank Biological Oxygen Demand Clean Air Act Crispus Attucks Development Corporation Council on Environmental Quality Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act Code of Federal Regulations Common Good City Farm Carbon Dioxide Combined Sewer Overflow Combines Sewer System Clean Water Act District of Columbia District of Columbia Clean Rivers Project District of Columbia Environmental Policy Act District of Columbia Historic Preservation Office District of Columbia Municipal Regulations District of Columbia Office of Planning District of Columbia Public Schools District Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority District Department of Environment District Department of Transportation District of Columbia Office of Zoning Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Environmental Assessment Environmental Impact Statement Executive Order Environmental Data Resources, Inc. United States Environmental Protection Agency Federal Emergency Management Agency Fire and Emergency Medical Services Faith Temple Church Geographic Information Systems Historic Preservation Review Board Howard University Howard University Hospital
8-3 April 12, 2013

AFL APE ARPs ARP EA ASD AST BOD CAA CADC CEQ CERCLA CFR CGCF CO2 CSO CSS CWA DC DCCR DCEPA DC HPO DCMR DCOP DCPS DCRA DC Water DDOE DDOT DCZ DMPED EA EIS EO EDR EPA FEMA FEMS FTC GIS HPRB HU HUH
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Glossary and Acronyms

IZ LOS LPA LTCP Mayors Task Force Report Mgd MWCOG MWHC NAACP NAAQS NEB NEBTS NEPA NHL NHPA NO2 NOX NPDES NPS NRCS NRHP NWI O3 OSHA PCB Pb Pepco PM2.5 PM10 PVC RCRA RSLs SGEC SHPO SIP SO2 SVOC TCP TDA TMDL TPH-DRO TPH-GRO TSS UFPA
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Influence Zone Level of Service La Petite Academy Long Term Control Plan Mayors Task Force Report on the Prevention of Flooding in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park Million Gallons per Day Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Medstar Washington Hospital Center National Association for the Advancement of Colored People National Ambient Air Quality Standards Northeast Boundary Northeast Boundary Trunk Sewer National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended National Historic Landmark National Historic Preservation Act Nitrogen Dioxide Nitrogen Oxides National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System National Park Service Natural Resource Conservation Service National Register of Historic Places National Wetlands Inventory Ozone Occupational Safety and Health Administration Polychlorinated Biphenyls Lead Potomac Electric Power Company Fine particulate matter particulate matter equal to or less than 10 microns in size Polyvinyl chloride Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Regional Screening Levels St. Georges Episcopal Church State Historic Preservation Officer State Implementation Plan Sulfur Dioxide Semi-volatile Organic Compounds Traffic Control Plan Temporary Discharge Authorization Total Maximum Daily Load Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons Diesel Range Organics Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons Gasoline Range Organics Total Suspended Solids Urban Forest Preservation Act

8-4

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Glossary and Acronyms

USCB USDA USFWS UST VdB VOCs WMATA

United States Census Bureau United States Department of Agriculture United Stated Fish and Wildlife Service Underground Storage Tank Velocity decibel notation Volatile Organic Compounds Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

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Bibliography

9 BIBLIOGRAPHY
CGCF (Common Good City Farm) 2013 Common Good City Farm Growing Food, Cultivating Community. Online: http://commongoodcityfarm.org/. Accessed February 15, 2013. CADC (Crispus Attucks Development Corporation) 2005 Guiding Principles for the Physical Development of Crispus Attucks Park. Online: http://www.crispusattuckspark.org/docs/GuidingPrinciples_for_the_PhysicalDevelopment_of_Cri spusAttucksPark.pdf. Accessed March 14, 2013. CADC (Crispus Attucks Development Corporation) 2011 Welcome to Crispus Attucks Park. Online: http://www.crispusattuckspark.org/index.html. Accessed February 15, 2013. DC Clean Rivers Project (DCCR) 2013 Environmental Data Report: Volume 1 Report and Appendices. Division P First Street Tunnel. March 2013 DC Clean Rivers Project (DCCR) 2013 Northeast Boundary Neighborhood Protection Project Traffic Study. March 2013. DC Clean Rivers Project (DCCR) 2013 Technical Memorandum 12: Background Noise Study and Construction Noise Mitigation. Division P First Street Tunnel. March 1, 2013. D.C. Historic Preservation Office (HPO) 2012 D.C. Architects Directory. D.C. Historic Preservation Office Archives. D.C. Historic Preservation Office (HPO) 2009 District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites. Online: http://www.planning.dc.gov. Accessed March 18, 2013. D.C. Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) 1990 McMillan Park Reservoir. Washington, D.C. June 21, 1990. DC Office of Planning 2013 Mid City East Plan: For the Neighborhoods of North Capitol, Florida Avenue and Rhode Island. February 2013. DC Office of Planning 2013 PropertyQuest. Online: http://www.propertyquest.dc.gov. Accessed February 28 2013.

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Bibliography

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