SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Project - Draft Environmental Impact Statement - Public Comment Report

Assu - Wsdot

Le téléchargement nécessite un accès à la bibliothèque YouScribe
Tout savoir sur nos offres

23 pages

English

Le téléchargement nécessite un accès à la bibliothèque YouScribe
Tout savoir sur nos offres

A propos
Informations
Extrait

Description

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Public Comment Report December 20, 2006 Table of Contents Introduction and Purpose of Report................................................................................. 2 Draft Environmental Impact Statement Distribution and Comment Period...................... 2 Public Information and Comment Opportunities.............................................................. 3 Number of Comment Submissions.................................................................................. 4 Comments by Source...................................................................................................... 5 Who Commented on the Draft EIS?................................................................................ 5 Alternative Preferences Identified ................................................................................... 6 Key Areas of Interest....................................................................................................... 7 Mitigation......................................................................................................................... 7 Explanation of the Key Areas of Interest ......................................................................... 8 Form and Group Letters................................................................................................ 11 Government Comments 12 Key Areas ...

Informations

Publié par	Assu
Nombre de lectures	36
Langue	English

Extrait

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Public DeCceommber m20e, 2n0t0 6 Report

Table of Contents Introduction and Purpose of Report.................................................................................2 Draft Environmental Impact Statement Distribution and Comment Period......................2 Public Information and Comment Opportunities..............................................................3 Number of Comment Submissions..................................................................................4 Comments by Source......................................................................................................5 Who Commented on the Draft EIS?................................................................................5 Alternative Preferences Identified...................................................................................6 Key Areas of Interest.......................................................................................................7 Mitigation.........................................................................................................................7 Explanation of the Key Areas of Interest.........................................................................8 Form and Group Letters................................................................................................11 Government Comments................................................................................................12 Key Areas of Interest Addressed by Government Entities.............................................13 Closing Comments........................................................................................................15 Exhibit 1: Sources of Each Comment Submission..........................................................5 Exhibit 2: Number of Submissions and Signatures by Individuals and Type of Group....5 Exhibit 3: Comment Details Regarding Each Proposed Alternative................................6 Exhibit 4: Ten Key Areas of Interest Addressed In Comment Details.............................7 Exhibit 5: Number of Submissions by Region...............................................................16 Exhibit 6: Submissions Received from each Zip Code Represented on the Map..........17 Attachments List of Exhibits Attachment 1: Zip Codes Represented Attachment 2: Governments, Community Organizations, and Arboretums that Submitted Comments Attachment 3: Number of Comment Details Regarding Each Category 12/20/06 SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Project Page 1 of 22 Draft EIS Comment Report

Introduction and Purpose of Report The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is providing this comment report as a way to recognize the major themes, comments, and alternative preferences submitted during the comment period for the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This report is intended to provide an overview of comments received from the public, community organizations, and government agencies. WSDOT acknowledges the high level of public involvement in this important project. The comments show a great deal of interest in and knowledge of the Project. Comment submissions vary widely; 66 percent of the total number of unique submissions indicate support for or opposition to one or more of the proposed alternatives and options evaluated in the Draft EIS, while 33 percent express general concerns on multiple topics. WSDOT identified each comment submission and categorized them into comment details according to topic. These topics are used to quantify comment details that address proposed alternatives, technical disciplines, or general areas of interest. In this report, WSDOT provides summaries of each topic with adjacent sample quotes to illustrate the divergent viewpoints in submissions received. All sections throughout the report refer to all unique submissions received from individuals, government entities, community groups, and arboretums unless otherwise noted. This report will not be part of the Final EIS; rather, the Final EIS will include WSDOT responses to the comments submitted through the Draft EIS comment period. Draft Environmental Impact Statement Distribution and Comment Period The SR 520 Project published its Draft EIS on August 18, 2006, marking the start of the 45-day comment period. On September 21, 2006, the comment period was extended to October 31, 2006, for a total of 74 days. To ensure adequate public access to the document by the time the formal comment period began, the Project team distributed the Draft EIS August 9 – 11, 2006, and placed ads in local papers on August 11 to announce its availability. The Project continues to provide free Executive Summaries and CD sets to the public, while the full Draft EIS document is available for $40.00. At the writing of this comment report, the Project team had distributed over 800 full Draft EIS documents, Executive Summaries, and CDs to agencies, organizations, libraries, and individuals. In addition, the Project provided free Executive Summaries and CDs to attendees at fairs, community events, and community organization briefings, as described in the “Public Information and Comment Opportunities” section. 12/20/06 SR 520 BrDirdagfet ERIeSp lCaocemmmeenntt aRnedp HorOt V Project Page 2 of 22

Public Information and Comment Opportunities The variety of comment opportunities allowed people to conveniently submit comments from their homes, businesses, or at public meetings. In addition, the Project conducted outreach and participated in fairs and festivals throughout the region informing people about Draft EIS comment procedures. Comment and information opportunities included: • Fair/Festivals: Between May and September 2006, the SR 520 Project team participated in 31 fairs, festivals, and markets, and provided information to more than 4,000 visitors to the Project booth. • Online comment system: The online system accessible at www.SR520DraftEIScomments.com allowed people to respond generally to the Draft EIS, or to submit comments regarding particular topics or certain pages in the document. • E-mail: The Project received comments via E-mail at SR520DraftEIScomments@wsdot.wa.gov. • Mail: The Project received comment submissions at the WSDOT SR 520 Project Office, 414 Olive Way, Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98101. • Public Hearings: 290 people attended two public hearings during the comment period. The Project conducted one hearing at the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) in Seattle on September 18; 180 people attended. The second hearing took place at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Bellevue on September 21; 110 people attended. Attendees could discuss project information with WSDOT staff and submit their comments at the hearings. Throughout the life of the Project, WSDOT has and will continue to accept public comments. This report specifically addresses those comments submitted during the Draft EIS comment period that will be addressed in the Final EIS. 12/20/06 SR 520 BrDirdagfet ERIeSp lCaocemmmeennt t aRned pHorOt V Project Page 3 of 22

Number of Comment Submissions Unique Submissions 1,734 Signatures 2,073 Comment Details 8,292 The Project received 1,734 unique submissions containing 2,073 signatures from individuals, organizations, and community groups. The Project team categorized each unique submission according to the topics addressed. The Project uses “comment details” within this report to describe specific topics addressed within submissions. The 1,734 unique submissions are categorized into 8,292 comment details. Submissions vary widely; from covering multiple topics to succinctly expressing support for or opposition to one particular proposed alternative. Submissions are unique because duplicate submissions containing information verbatim are considered one unique submission. For example, if an individual submitted two identical comments, one via email and one via hardcopy letters, the Project team reviewed and categorized one of the two identical submissions. The Project received 43 anonymous submissions; each of these was counted as a unique submission. 12/20/06 SR 520 BrDirdagfet ERIeSp lCaocemmmeenntt aRnedp HorOt V Project Page 4 of 22

Comments by Source Of the 1,734 total submissions, 1,019 were submitted via the Project’s online comment system. In addition, the Project received 129 letters at the Project office and 453 E-mails. The Project received 133 verbal and written submissions at the two hearings (102 at MOHAI and 31 at St. Luke’s). Exhibit 1: Sources of Each Comment Submission E-mail%62Letter %7MOHAI Hearing (9/18/06) %6St. Luke's Hearing Online Comment (9/21/06) 59% 2% The Project received the majority of submissions from residents of Seattle. The Project also received submissions from residents of Bellevue, Clyde Hill, Hunts Point, Kirkland, Medina, Redmond, and Yarrow Point. The remaining submissions were received from regions throughout Washington, the United States, and two from outside of the United States. The Project received 234 submissions without location information. See Attachment 1 for detailed description of the zip codes. Who Commented on the Draft EIS? The Project received 1,609 submissions (1,692 signatures) from individuals, and 125 submissions (381 signatures) from organizations and groups, including government entities (agencies and jurisdictions), community and special interest groups, and arboretums. See Attachment 2 for a complete list of government entities, groups, and arboretums. Of the 46 submissions received from arboretums, 40 are form letters from an international effort discussing concerns about construction and long-term impacts to the Washington Park Arboretum. In addition, 108 signatures in the community/special interest groups are from one petition submitted by the No Expansion of SR520 Citizens Coalition. See the “Form and Group Letters” section of this report for descriptions of the government, community groups, and arboretum submissions. Exhibit 2: Number of Submissions and Signatures by Individuals and Type of Group Number of Number of Type of Group Submissions Signatures Individuals 1,609 1,692 Government Entities 36 68 Community/Special Interest 43 267 Arboretums/Gardens 46 46 Total 1,734 2,073 12/20/06 SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Project Page 5 of 22 Draft EIS Comment Report

Alternative Preferences Identified The percentages and numbers in the “Alternative Preferences Identified” section refer to comment details, which are used to quantify the topics addressed within all unique submissions. See Attachment 3 for a complete list of topics used to categorize comment submissions for this report and the number of comment details assigned to each category. In comparison to comment details regarding any other proposed alternative or option, those regarding the 6-Lane Alternative with the Pacific Street Interchange option are highest, with 548 comment details noting support for the Pacific Street Interchange and 315 comment details expressing opposition to it. Of the 548 comment details in support of the Pacific Street Interchange, 60% were from outside the Montlake and Madison Park zip code. There are 56 comment details noting support for the proposed Pacific Street Interchange option and also expressing opposition to all other proposed alternatives. Exhibit 3: Comment Details Regarding Each Proposed Alternative 006845005622513FavorableUnfavorable0040030021411540210015650551710713704-Lane6-Lane with6-Lane with6-Lane with6-Lane with8-Lane Tube/Tunnel *MontlakePacificSecondSouthInterchangeInterchangeMontlakeKirkland *In addition to those in favor of a tube or tunnel concept, 119 comment details suggest WSDOT pursue researching it further. In addition to showing support for or opposition to a particular proposed alternative, 213 comment details mention other alternatives. Comment details classified as “Other Alternatives” include submissions suggesting new or combined alternatives not proposed in the Draft EIS. Examples of combined alternative suggestions include the 4-Lane Alternative with the addition of lids and dedicated high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, or the 4-Lane Alternative with Pacific Street Interchange. There are 209 comment details categorized under “Comments on All Alternatives.” Of these, 130 comment details denote concern for the environmental effects of the proposed alternatives, including air quality, ecosystems, fish and wildlife, energy, geology and soils, hazardous materials, noise, water resources/stormwater, wetlands, or other environmental effects. There are 15 comment details categorized under “Comment on All Alternatives” that state a preference for the No Build Alternative proposed in the Draft EIS. 12/20/06 SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Project Page 6 of 22 Draft EIS Comment Report

Key Areas of Interest The percentages and numbers in the “Key Areas of Interest” section refer to comment details, which are used to quantify the topics addressed within all unique submissions. See Attachment 3 for a complete list of topics used to categorize comment submissions for this report. Although submissions vary widely in their format, length, and content, common themes were found. Of the total 8,292 comment details addressed in the submissions, commenters address these ten topics most frequently: Exhibit 4: Ten Key Areas of Interest Addressed In Comment Details TrafficOther Comment Details13%%03Transportation Systems/Transit%01Parks and RecreationWetlands9%%4Urban Design/Visual Bicycle/Pedestrian Quality & Aesthetics/LidsAccess6%5%Noise5%Agency Coordination and Public InvolvementNeighborhoods & Funding and Tolling6%Communities6%%6 As shown in Exhibit 4, 30 percent of the total number of comment details cover a wide variety of topics that were not prevalent enough to be included in the top ten categories. More specifically, these comment details include, but are not limited to: construction effects; land use, relocations, and economics; fish and wildlife; cultural and historic resources; ecosystems; vulnerability and safety; indirect and cumulative effects; air quality; and water resources/stormwater. See Attachment 3 for a complete list of topics used to categorize comment submissions for this report and the number of comment details assigned to each category. Mitigation In addition to the key areas of interest discussed below, commenters raise questions about how the Project team would further develop mitigation measures. The Draft EIS describes environmental effects and general proposed mitigation measures related to the Project alternatives and design options. Commenters want to know the types, locations and costs of mitigation efforts associated with the proposed alternatives. As is typical among similar project scopes, much of the mitigation proposed was not developed to a high level of detail in the Draft EIS. As part of the EIS process, once a preferred alternative is selected, further details regarding the final design, construction methods, and mitigation will be developed. WSDOT will work collaboratively with the public, agencies, other stakeholders, and regulators to identify opportunities to avoid and/or minimize impacts associated with design alternatives, options, and ultimately the selected preferred alternative for the Project. The Final EIS and the Record of Decision will contain this detailed analysis. The regulatory permits and approvals issued for the Project will contain complete details of mitigation efforts for the SR 520 Project. 12/20/06 SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Project Page 7 of 22 Draft EIS Comment Report

Explanation of the Key Areas of Interest Traffic: 751 comment details Comment details categorized under “Traffic” note general concern for traffic/congestion, and general support for alternatives that propose improvements to traffic flow in local neighborhoods. Opinions on how to address traffic vary. These opinions include recommendations to build many lanes to prepare for future growth, as well as suggestions to keep a four-lane corridor because additional lanes might increase traffic. “I live in the city of Seattle because it is beautiful and convenient. However, traffic is getting unbearable in many areas…. Yes, everything costs money. But please invest in our region's future.” “Finally, a solution to the “Montlake mess”! Pacific Interchange dramatically improves local traffic circulation on arterials in Seattle. Compared with the other options for SR 520, Pacific Interchange does not differ substantially in the number of vehicles coming into any Seattle neighborhoods.” “It has been documented that building more roads does not decrease traffic problems, but rather increases them. If driving is made convenient, people will drive; drivers will fill the roads until it becomes crowded enough to become inconvenient again. Then we will be left with the same problem, only on a larger scale.” Global warming is noted as a concern in 44 submissions. Submissions on this topic discuss the importance of recognizing global warming and determining which proposed alternative for SR 520 has the least compounding effect on global warming. Transportation Systems/Transit: 596 comment details Comment details categorized under “Transportation Systems/Transit” emphasize the need to connect SR 520 with alternative modes of transportation, including HOV systems, high-capacity transit, and the Link Light Rail station at Husky Stadium. Opinions on this topic range from support for proposed alternatives because of their potential coordination with mass transit, to suggestions to reallocate SR 520 Project funding to public transportation. “[Pacific Street Interchange] is the ONLY OPTION that offers a fast and reliable link from buses to light rail at UW, linking these two multibillion dollar transportation projects.” “More lanes just means more people can sit in bumper to bumper next to one another. We need to spend this money on alternative transportation options such as forms of mass transit.” Parks and Recreation: 541 comment details The majority of those who commented on the Washington Park Arboretum highly value it. Comment details categorized under “Parks and Recreation” denote concern for the effects of the Project on the Arboretum and park areas, as well as support for the addition of green spaces that are included in the 6-Lane Alternative options. The minority of comment details on this topic include those that mention the effect of the Project on Husky Stadium and recreation related to the stadium. For example, commenters are concerned that the Pacific Street Interchange option would disrupt tailgating for Husky football games. 12/20/06 SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Project Page 8 of 22 Draft EIS Comment Report

“The Arboretum is a jewel that must NOT be adversely affected by more pavement and poor planning. It is a miracle that the Arboretum survived the last egregious example of the ‘pave it over’ mentality; removal of the hideous go-nowhere ramps is essential.” “The Pacific Interchange Plan is the best solution we have to finally address this situation. Among other things, the Plan will provide [with]… a continuous green belt reconnecting the playfield on Portage Bay to the Arboretum – a great new park for the whole city!” Urban Design/Visual Quality & Aesthetics/Lids: 373 comment details Comment details categorized under “Urban Design/Visual Quality & Aesthetics/Lids” range widely, from support for the proposed addition of lids for certain alternatives, to concern for the visual design of aspects of the proposed alternatives. This topic also includes submissions that suggest the addition of lids with the 4-Lane Alternative. “We support minimizing the visual scale and the total impervious surface area required for the project. Specific suggestions include larger landscaped lids and the narrowing of traffic lanes and shoulders.” “I want to thank you for such a comprehensive draft EIS, with its simulations of the visual impact the various options would have, from different vistas.” Agency Coordination and Public Involvement: 369 comment details Comment details regarding agency coordination reflect a desire for WSDOT to coordinate with Sound Transit, the University of Washington, and all necessary agencies. This category includes comment details that address the Draft EIS, the comment process, or WSDOT efforts throughout the process. In addition, comment details on this topic include those that find the Draft EIS processes to be confusing, as well as those that clearly state their praise for WSDOT’s demonstrated commitment to public involvement. “...the new SR 520 should be built to connect easily to Sound Transit’s Link light rail station at Pacific Street, not to mention the bus connections available there.” “…the 520 committee did an excellent job during the public educational seminars. Many people were there to answer questions and most tried to educate rather than promote their favorite proposal.” Funding and Tolling: 345 comment details Comment details categorized under “Funding and Tolling” include those discussing the importance of tolling the SR 520 bridge once complete, and those addressing the concern that tolling will not adequately reduce bridge traffic and is not a viable solution. Commenters also suggest starting to toll users now to pay for the new bridge, or remark on the cost of the Project overall. “We support initiating electronic toll collection on SR 520 as early as possible in order to help manage traffic during construction, while raising additional funds for the project.” “I am against tolling for this bridge when other bridges and community routes are not tolled. I think tolls should be used on routes where there is an easy option.” 12/20/06 SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Project Page 9 of 22 Draft EIS Comment Report

Neighborhoods and Communities: 328 comment details Comment details categorized under “Neighborhoods and Communities” vary from discussions of construction or long-term project effects on certain neighborhoods to concern for maintaining the integrity/character of a particular neighborhood. “I am a new member of the Montlake neighborhood and moved here precisely because of its character and feel. It is a gem; one of Seattle's best kept secrets. It is my hope that the 520 replacement will have little negative impact on the neighborhood….” Noise: 291 comment details Comment details categorizes under “Noise” include opinions on changes in noise levels, as well as the support of or opposition to noise walls or quieter pavement. “We are thrilled about the proposed sound walls along both sides of the 520 itself.” “I support additional funding for quiet pavement if effective and technically feasible, as a number of residences remain above Federal noise abatement criteria even with the Project’s proposed noise mitigation.” “… while there is mixed feelings about the sound walls [we] feel that the improvements that they give us are not worth the visual impacts…” Bicycle/Pedestrian Access: 283 comment details The majority of comment details categorized under “Bicycle/Pedestrian Access” reveal public support for additional bicycle and pedestrian access across Lake Washington. However, some comment details also exhibit lack of support for bicycle and pedestrian access, commenting that the proposed bike path will take up too much space and cost too much. “We need to invest more in efficient, safe, attractive walking routes and bicycle routes, both to lessen global warming, and also improve our health.” “Also, please do not waste any money building an extra bike path across the freeway on the eastside----bike/pedestrian access across 92nd Ave is sufficient.” Wetlands: 222 comment details The majority of comment details categorized under “Wetlands” convey concern for the effects of the proposed alternatives on the wetlands of the Arboretum and elsewhere. These commenters hope to avoid and/or minimize adverse effects on wetlands, both for the enjoyment of people through recreation and education, as well as to preserve the unique ecosystem functions provided by wetlands. “I oppose any option that would damage the Arboretum or its wetlands…. I frequently kayak and take nature walks through the Arboretum wetlands with friends, family and out of town visitors. They marvel at the Arboretum and wetlands.” “The unique wooded wetlands adjacent to the Arboretum are the last such habitat on Lake Washington and cannot be mitigated by constructing a replacement elsewhere.” 12/20/06 SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Project Page 10 of 22 Draft EIS Comment Report