Documents

environmental 2 pages

Also attached to this agenda item: QBR Wetlands Activity Permit App and Supporting Docs 2025 QBR-Coastal assessment 7.25.2025 QBRB Chapter 230 Finding Statement QBR CAF 7.10.2025 QBR Village LWRP Letter

To: file From: Melanie Osterhout, P.E. Date: 7/25/2025 Project #: 486-0-0 Re: Quaker Bridge Road Bridge Replacement Regarding the Village of Croton-on-Hudson Wetlands Findings Statement, per Village Code 227: 1) Whether the proposed activity is consistent with the findings and intent of this chapter as set forth in §§ 227-1 and 227-2 hereof. Yes, the proposed project is consistent with the findings and intent of 227-1 and 227-2. 2) Whether the proposed activity will have an environmental impact and the extent of that impact. The project proposes the removal of 76 trees in the project area (including 57 within the Village of Croton-on-Hudson) and impacts below the ordinary high water of the Croton River. These impacts include 550 CY of stone fill placed within 2,290 SF. In total, 250 LF of the river will be impacted. 100 trees are proposed to be placed in the project area as mitigation. 3) Whether there are possible or practicable alternatives to the proposed activity. The only other project alternative is to leave the bridge as is. This alternative would not replace the existing bridge and the crossing would remain closed. The rehabilitation alternative was deemed unfeasible due to the poor condition of the existing bridge and severe geometric restrictions of the bridge configuration (substandard bridge width and vertical clearance). 4) Whether the proposed activity will have a deleterious effect on the health, safety or welfare of the residents of the Village or its neighboring communities. No OSPA Engineering Services, PC 800 Route 146, Bldg. 200 Suite 280 Clifton Park, NY 12065 Phone: (518) 636-9956 July 25, 2025 5) Whether the proposed activity will have adequate safeguards for the protection and preservation of the environment and the wetlands, and for the natural functions of and benefits derived from such areas. No wetlands are located in the project area. Safeguards for work within the river include erosion and sediment controls such as silt fence, matting, turbidity curtains and coffer dams. Additionally, the construction activities will be governed by NYSDOT Standard Specifications, which have strict requirements for the use of specific materials and construction methods deemed safe by the Department of Transportation. The County will have two full-time inspectors on-site during construction to ensure the contractor abides by all NYSDOT specifications, environmental permits, and contract documents. 6) Whether the proposed activity will have adequate safeguards employing the best available technology to protect the surface water and groundwater supplies of the Village from drought, pollution, overuse and other forms of misuse. Yes, safeguards for work within the river include erosion and sediment controls such as silt fence, matting, turbidity curtains and coffer dams. Additionally, the construction activities will be governed by NYSDOT Standard Specifications, which have strict requirements for the use of specific materials and construction methods deemed safe by the Department of Transportation. The County will have two full-time inspectors on-site during construction to ensure the contractor abides by all NYSDOT specifications, environmental permits, and contract documents. 7) Whether the proposed activity has been planned or designed so as to create minimal disturbance; to prevent or mitigate damage from erosion, turbidity or siltation; to preserve the natural flora and fauna and their habitat; to protect against flood and pollution of the wetlands; and to protect any other benefits of wetlands as enumerated in §§ 227-1 and 227-2 hereof; and is the best practicable alternative available for accomplishing the proposed action. Yes, the proposed project was designed to minimize clearing to the maximum extent practicable. Erosion and sediment controls will be in place prior to any ground disturbance. Other than leaving the existing bridge which would remain closed, there is no other alternative to constructing a new bridge. 8) Whether there is a practicable alternative site for the proposed activity in another area of the subject property that is not a wetland. Impacts to wetlands are not proposed. The proposed project is a bridge crossing over the Croton River. There is no alternative to crossing the river, other than the alternative that is proposed. Please let me know if you require any additional information.