draft design report/draft deis/section 4(f) …

DRAFT DESIGN REPORT/DRAFT DEIS/SECTION 4(F) EVALUATION

PIN 0054.05.103 NY Route 347 Safety and Mobility Improvement

Project Northern State Parkway to NY Route 25A

Smithtown, Islip & Brookhaven Suffolk County

May 2006

Wetlands Technical Report

Volume II, Appendix B

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration

NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION GEORGE E. PATAKI, Governor THOMAS J. MADISON, JR, Acting Commissioner

NYSDOT PIN 0054.05.103 CONTRACT NO: D006948

-- DRAFT --

WETLAND REPORT ADDENDUM

NY ROUTE 347 SAFETY AND MOBILITY PROJECT

Suffolk County, New York

PREPARED FOR

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION STATE OF NEW YORK

PREPARED BY:

KONHEIM & KETCHAM 175 Pacific Street

Brooklyn, NY 11201

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

EDWARD & KELCEY ENGINEERS, Inc.

September 2005

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The NY Route 347 Safety and Mobility Project is a State and federally funded project to improve a 15 mile arterial road that extends from the Northern State Parkway to NY Route25A in Suffolk County, NY. As part of a planning phase of the project, a delineation of wetlands within the NY Route 347 project area performed by B. Laing Associates was submitted to the NYS Department of Transportation (DOT) in January 1993. To update wetland conditions for the Design Phase of the project, a survey of the delineated wetlands was undertaken in November 2004 by Konheim & Ketcham (K&K). After evaluating K&K’s field observations, DOT determined that two wetland cells, C1C and C12A, do not fully meet the criteria to be classified as wetlands, and should be eliminated and that cell C1B should be modified (refer to the enclosed map for location of wetland cells). Data supporting these changes were collected in the summer of 2005. This Addendum Report documents the basis for the referenced changes and serves as a supplement and modification to the 1993 B. Laing wetland report. Regulatory Context Federal Executive Order 19900 requires that federally funded projects minimize impacts by reducing to the extent possible impacts on wetlands. To implement the directive for transportation projects, USDOT Order 5660.1A requires federal-aid applicants to consider wetland effects during the NEPA valuation process. The need for inter-agency coordination on wetland protection on projects within New York State is reinforced in a proposed rule published by the FHWA New York Division on June 9, 2004. The wetlands delineated within the project area are all subject to New York State wetland regulations administered by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), as well as federal regulations administered by the US Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE). DEC regulates wetlands that are shown on officially adopted DEC wetland maps, or are determined in the field to be hydrologically connected to DEC-mapped wetlands. DEC’s jurisdiction for freshwater wetlands, generally limited to wetlands of 12.4 acres or more, may be extended to smaller wetlands that have been determined to have “local significance,” “unusual local importance” or are hydrologically connected to other wetlands within 50 meters (165 feet), and the aggregate size of the hydrologically connected wetlands exceeds 12.4 acres. Some considerations related to the designation of wetlands in the NY Route 347 corridor are the underlying sole source aquifer and wetland connections to the large wetland tributary of the Nissequogue River, which is a designated Wild, Scenic and Recreational River. DEC wetland jurisdiction also extends to an “Adjacent Area”, a 100-foot wide buffer area upland of the boundaries. Federal wetland regulations apply to “waters of the United States,” which are navigable waters and waters that are tributary to them. Isolated waters and wetlands with no discernable hydrologic connection to waters of the United States are not federally regulated. No “adjacent area” or buffer is regulated under federal wetland regulations. The delineation of the wetland boundaries for both jurisdictions was based on the ACOE three-parameter approach. In this approach, hydric soils, hydrophytic vegetation, and wetland hydrology must all be present for an area to be determined as regulated wetland. Under New York State regulations, it is possible for an area to be classified as wetland without the presence of hydric soils, but such instances are uncommon.

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Methodology The three referenced wetland cells were reinvestigated using the federal three-parameter approach. In accordance with federal criteria, a wetland is defined by the coincident occurrence of hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology. One or more of these criteria were found lacking in the areas investigated. The following describes specific parameters by which the areas were assessed. Vegetation The attribution of plant species as “hydrophytic” or “upland” is based upon a system developed by the National Fish and Wildlife Service that classifies individual plant species based upon their likelihood to occur in wetlands. The five categories are as follows: Obligate (OBL) Found in wetlands 99% of occurrences or more

Facultative wet (FACW) Found in wetlands 67 - 99% of occurrences Facultative (FAC) Found in wetlands 33 - 67% of occurrences Facultative upland (FACU) Found in wetlands 1 - 33% of occurrences Upland (UPL) Found in wetlands less than 1% of occurrences

In addition, a “+” or “-” sign is often added to indicate that a species is more likely (+) to occur in wetlands or less likely (-). A vegetative community is considered to be hydrophytic (wetland) when it is dominated (more than 50%) by OBL, FACW, and FAC vegetation. The Fish and Wildlife Service classification recognizes that the likelihood of certain species to be found in wetlands differs regionally, and often assigns different classifications to a species specific to a particular region. The classifications utilized for the vegetation observed in the NY 347 corridor are for the Northeast region. Likewise, local microclimatic or soil conditions may support the growth of certain species in upland areas that are more often found in wetlands elsewhere in the region. To better assess the makeup of the upland and wetland vegetative associations specific to local site conditions, some undisputed upland areas were visited. From these visits, it was determined that red maple and spicebush were both very likely to be found in abundance in the NY 347 vicinity in upland areas, and therefore neither could be reliably used, by themselves, as wetland indicators within the immediate NY 347 corridor. Red maple trees with morphological adaptations, however, were still presumed to be wetland indicators (although caution was exercised in areas that may have been dewatered). Where red maples and spicebush were found in association with other hydrophytic vegetation or wetland indicators, the area was classified as wetland. It was also determined that the presence of certain upland species could be used as an extremely reliable indicator of non-wetland conditions. These include black cherry (Prunus serotina, FACU), umbrella magnolia (Magnolia tripelata, FACU), white oak (Quercus alba, FACU-), tree clubmoss (Lycopodium obscurum, FACU-), and hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula, UPL), among others. Soils Soil samples were taken with an auger to a depth of at least 18 inches. Each sample was examined for texture, color (as compared to a Munsell chart), mottling, gleying, and saturation. The most identifying soil characteristic of hydric soils is the color as compared to a Munsell soil color chart. The soil color is expressed in a designation indicating the hue, value, and chroma, i.e. 10YR 3/1. The critical portion of this designation is the chroma, expressed as the last digit following the slash

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(/). For monochromatic (single color) soils, a soil is generally considered hydric when the chroma of the subsoil (not topsoil) equals 1 or less. For mottled (multi-color or blotchy) soils, the soil is considered hydric when the chroma of the matrix, or dominant color, equals 2 or less. Hydrology For an area to develop hydric soil conditions and support hydrophytic vegetation requires a minimum of two consecutive weeks of saturation during the growing season. Primary wetland indicators include inundation, saturation within the upper 12 inches, water marks on trees, water carried sediment deposits, debris drift lines, etc. Secondary indicators include water stained leaves, morphological adaptations in trees such as buttressing and multi-trunking, oxidized root channels, etc. Using the above methodology, it was found that several areas delineated as wetland in 1993 were lacking one or more of the required criteria, and could be adjusted downward in area, or removed entirely. Of these, it was determined, in consultation with environmental staff from the DOT and the DEC to make adjustments to Wetland Cell C1B, and to remove Wetland Cells C1C and C12A. Detailed Findings C1B Boundaries were determined by NYSDOT. Documentation of site characteristics by NYSDOT is in progress. C1C Wetland cell C1C is located on the north side of NY 347 east of the entrance to Blydenburgh Park. It lacks both hydrologic and hydric soil conditions to be regulated as a federal wetland, and was likely delineated as a wetland based on the presence of species such as red maple and spicebush. However, while present, these two species were not dominant as a percentage of all the vegetation making up the community. Observed Vegetation Common Name Scientific Name Classification red maple Acer rubrum FAC black cherry Prunus serotina UPL black locust Robinia pseudoacacia FACU- white ash Fraxinus americana FACU flowering dogwood Cornus florida FACU- tulip poplar Lireodendron tulipifera FACU ironwood Carpinus caroliniana FAC spicebush Lindera benzoin FACW- Japanese honeysuckle Lonicera japonica FAC-

hay-scented fern Dennstaedtia punctilobula UPL Christmas fern Polystichum acrostichoides FACU-

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Soils Several soil samples taken throughout this area revealed a silty sand with a Munsell soil color of 10YR 3/4 in the A horizon and 10YR 4/4 in the B horizon. The entire area is very dry, elevated several feet above the level of the roadway. There is no evidence of wetland hydrology. Insufficient criteria are present for this area to be designated as a wetland. In fact, the mapped boundary appears to include the paved parking lot that serves Blydenburgh Park. This area is also not included on the official NYSDEC wetland maps. The designation of this cell as wetland can be removed. C12A Wetland cell C12A is shown as being directly connected to Wetland cell C1K. However, the area which is shown as C12A is situated approximately 10 to15 feet in elevation above the neighboring C1K, and exhibits no apparent characteristics of a wetland. As with other areas, C12A appears may have been mapped solely based on the presence of spicebush and red maple, contrary to the dominance of typically upland species and upland soils in this area. Observed Vegetation Common Name Scientific Name Classification red maple Acer rubrum FAC Norway maple Acer platanoides UPL

black oak Quercus velutina UPL Eastern white pine Pinus strobus FACU tulip poplar Lireodendron tulipifera FACU American beech Fagus grandifolia FACU umbrella magnolia Magnolia tripetala FACU sassafras Sassafras albidum FACU- spicebush Lindera benzoin FACW- northern arrowwood Viburnum dentatum FAC black raspberry Rubus occidentalis UPL Virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia FACU cat-brier Smilax glauca FACU common dewberry Rubus flagellaris FACU bittersweet Celastrus sp. FACU Japanese honeysuckle Lonicera japonica FAC-

hay-scented fern Dennstaedtia punctilobula UPL Christmas fern Polystichum acrostichoides FACU-

crab grass Digitaria sanguinalis FACU-

Soils As with Wetland Cell C1C, several soil samples taken throughout this area revealed a silty sand with a Munsell soil color of 10YR 3/4 in the A horizon and 10YR 4/4 in the B horizon. The entire area is very dry. There is no evidence of wetland hydrology. The entirety of C12A therefore should be removed from the wetland maps. Functional Analysis In general, the overall quality and function of the wetlands within the project area is high. The wetland cells are part of a much larger system of NYSDEC regulated wetlands. In total, these

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wetlands provide every function associated with wetlands, including wildlife habitat, stormwater attenuation, water quality treatment, aquifer recharge, recreation, education, aesthetics, etc. Given the regional location, all the wetlands discussed below provide an aquifer recharge function. The other functions listed above are provided in varying degrees by each of the wetland cells depending on various conditions. C1A Wetland Cell C1A is located on land within Bill Richards Memorial Park. It is a high quality wetland associated with a watercourse. In addition to the stormwater retention and treatment functions and serving as a wildlife habitat, its location within a park with adjacent walking trails lends it a high level of function in the areas of recreation, education, and aesthetics. C1B Wetland Cell C1B provides a high level of function for wildlife habitat and stormwater control/treatment functions. The western end of the wetland, near the County Center, has been historically disturbed by the construction of NY 347 and the County Center. Portions of the wetland in this area continue to suffer from contaminants and litter carried in road runoff. The remaining larger parts of the wetland system, however, are of extremely high quality. As the eastern end of the wetland extends into Blydenburgh Park, these portions also provide a high functional value for recreation, aesthetics, and potentially for education. C1D Wetland Cell C1D is a high quality wetland composed of open water with emergent vegetation, ringed by wetland shrubs and trees. It is one of the most picturesque wetlands that can be viewed from NY 347, and provides highly functioning wildlife habitat, stormwater attenuation, and stormwater treatment. C1E Wetland Cell C1E is located on the south side of NY 347 just west of Wetland cell C1D, separated only by a narrow dirt lane. The portion of the wetland closest to NY 347 wetland appears to have been impacted by historic road construction activities, dewatering by rerouting of stormwater, and ongoing impacts from litter and road-related contaminants. The same is true of the eastern edge of the wetland, which is adjacent to an office building and its parking lot. Soils and older vegetation indicate that the wetland boundary likely once extended to, and possibly under, NY 347. The portions of the wetland more distant from NY 347 and the adjacent office building are of better quality, though generally more disturbed than C1D. C1F Wetland Cell C1F is located on the south side of NY 347 east of the easterly State Office Building Accessway. While providing a high level of function, the wetland in this area has been subjected to alteration by channel dredging, grading, stormwater management improvements, and the construction of a large berm. Portions of the wetland close to NY 347 are occupied by invasive species such as Japanese knotweed, which compromise the overall quality of the wetland. Areas removed from NY 347 are of higher quality, and include many areas bordering watercourses that are subject to frequent flooding. Overall, functions provided by this wetland include wildlife habitat, and the transmission, attenuation, and treatment of stormwater flows.

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An area of upland between NY 347 and Wetland Cell C1F is composed of fill, which appears to be related to road construction activities as it contains a sizeable amount of broken macadam. It is largely occupied by field and early successional species with low value as wildlife habitat. Given these existing conditions, and its situation between the highway and the wetland, this area is an excellent candidate for wetland mitigation and/or stormwater management features. C1G Wetland Cell C1G is located to the east of C1F. The quality and the wildlife habitat function of this wetland are compromised by an invasive population of common reed (Phragmites australis). The wetland does provide a high level of water quality and storm water retention functions. C1H Wetland cell C1H is located on the north side of NY 347 opposite Town Line Road. The main body of this wetland, mostly away from NY 347, was manipulated and/or constructed to serve a stormwater management function. The rear edge of the wetland is bounded by large manmade berms, and a large diameter corrugated pipe protrudes from one berm into the wetland, lacking any control structure at the outlet. Invasive species and trash are evident in this area of the wetland, which may provide another opportunity as a site for stormwater management/wetland mitigation. The front portion of the wetland bordering NY 347 also shows evidence of some grading activities, and may have also been somewhat dewatered as a result of the stormwater management manipulations. Despite the manipulations, this wetland also continues to provide a high wildlife habitat function. C1I Wetland cell C1I is located on the south side of NY 347, and encompasses the Northeast Branch. The quality of the wetland is high, and all the wetland functions are provided at a high level. C1J Wetland cell C1J is located on the north side of NY 347, opposite Wetland cell C1I. The Northeast Branch passes through this wetland cell, which at one time was contiguous with Wetland Cell C1I, and is now separated by NY 347. The condition of Wetland Cell C1J, however, is much more disturbed than Wetland Cell C1I. Most of this disturbance, however, is confined to the area closest to the roadway, and the overall functional value of this wetland area is also high. C1K Wetland cell C1K is located on the north side of NY 347 immediately west of Raynors Way, the entrance to the Country Club. It is located on land within Bill Richards Memorial Park. This is a highly valuable wetland resource, providing essentially every function associated with wetlands, especially regarding wildlife habitat, recreation, education, stormwater management, and stormwater treatment. Observed enhancements, such as wood duck boxes, bridges, and boardwalks, increase some of these functions. C4B Wetland Cell C4B consists of open water with emergent vegetation surrounded by woody shrubs and trees. The roadway and some surrounding land uses encroach up to the edge of the wetland. This encroachment has resulted in the introduction of invasive species, litter, and road contaminants. Nevertheless, the wetland appears to still provide a high level of wildlife habitat

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function, and its bowl shape significantly enhances its value for stormwater detention and treatment. C7A, C7E, C7F The C7 group of wetland cells was greatly modified with the construction of Simeon Woods Road (Hauppauge Spur). As a result of these modifications, the primary function of these wetlands is stormwater management (detention and treatment). Other functions are provided, such as wildlife habitat and aesthetics, but to a lesser degree.

C1E C1D

C1BC1H

C7A C7F

C7E

C1FC1G

C4B

C1J

C1I

NY347

NY454

0 400 800 1,200 1,600200Meters

Reconstruction of

Route 347

WETLANDS

Source: National Wetland Inventory

Federally Regulated Wetland

NYSDOT PIN 0054.05Suffolk County

PHOTO 1: Wetland Cell #C1B (approximately 200 feet west of Blydenburgh Park

Entrance). Seasonally saturated soils and hydric conditions observed (low chroma matrix) close to Rt. 347. Dominant vegetation: red maple, spicebush; northern arrowwood. This area was excluded from the K&K delineation.

PHOTO 2: Wetland Cell #C1B (approximately 300 feet west of Blydenburgh Park Entrance).

Seasonally saturated soils and hydric conditions observed in rolling topography. Dominant vegetation: red maple, spicebush; northern arrowwood. Note close proximity to fenceline along Rt. 347. This area was excluded from the K&K delineation.

PHOTO 3: Wetland Cell #C7F (at southwest corner

of Rt. 347 and Simeon Woods Road). Seasonally saturated soils and hydric conditions observed. Dominant vegetation: red maple, spicebush. This pond drains toward Rt. 347 and flows into the highway culvert, eventually discharging north of Rt. 347 into waters of the United States. This wetland, therefore is regulated by USACE. Note K&K flag around pond. The swale was excluded from the K&K delineation.

PHOTO 4: Wetland Cell #C7F (at southwest corner of Rt. 347 and Simeon Woods Road).

Seasonally saturated soils and hydric conditions observed in rolling topography. Dominant vegetation: red maple, spicebush. This area was excluded from the K&K delineation.

PHOTO 5: Wetland Cell #C1F (southside of Rt.347 at Rt.347/Rt. 454 split). Seasonally

saturated soils and hydric conditions observed near roadway. Dominant vegetation: skunk cabbage, red maple, spicebush. Note K&K flag at arrow. The roadside area was excluded from the K&K delineation.

PHOTO 6: Wetland Cell #C1B (approximately 800 feet east of Old Willets Road). Photo

showing shallow water table (<12"). Seasonally saturated soils and hydric conditions observed in rolling topography. Dominant vegetation: red maple, spicebush, sweet pepperbush, Canada mayflower. This area was excluded from the K&K delineation.

DATA FORM ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION (1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual)

Project/Site: Route 347 Applicant/Owner: NYSDOT Investigator: Stephen M. Gross

Date: 7/27/05 County: Suffolk State: NY

Do Normal Circumstances exist on the site? Is the site significantly disturbed (Atypical Situation)? Is the area a potential Problem Area? (If needed, explain on reverse.)

Yes X No Yes No X Yes No X

Community ID: C1C Transect ID: Plot ID: 1

VEGETATION Dominant Plant Species Stratum Indicator 1. black locust tree FACU-

2. American dogwood tree FACU-

3. white ash tree FACU

4. red maple tree FAC

5. ironwood shrub FAC

6. spicebush shrub FACW-

7. Japanese honeysuckle vine FAC-

8. Christmas fern herb FACU-

Dominant Plant Species Stratum Indicator 9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15

16.

Percent of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW or FAC (excluding FAC-) 37%

Remarks: �

HYDROLOGY ___ Recorded Data (Describe in Remarks): ___ Stream, Lake, or Tide Gauge ___ Aerial Photographs ___ Other ___ No Recorded Data Available Field Observations: Depth of Surface Water: Depth of Free Water: Depth to Saturated Soils: �

Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Primary Indicators: ___ Inundated ___ Saturated in Upper 12 Inches ___ Water Marks ___ Drift Lines ___ Sediment Deposits ___ Drainage Patterns in Wetlands Secondary Indicators (2 or more required): ___ Oxidized Root Channels in Upper 12 Inches ___ Water-Stained Leaves ___ Local Soil Survey Data ___ FAC-Neutral Test ___ Other (Explain in Remarks)

Remarks: Very dry

Route 347 Plot ID: C1C-1 SOILS Map Unit Name (Series and Phase): Taxonomy (Subgroup):

Drainage Class: Field Observations Confirm Mapped Type?

Yes No

Profile Description Depth (inches) 0-15 15-18+ ______ ______ ______�

Horizon A B _______ _______ _______

Matrix Color (Munsell Moist) 10YR 3/4 10YR 4/4 _____________ _____________ _____________

Mottle Colors (Munsell Moist) _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Mottle Abundance/Contrast __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________

Texture Concretions, Structure, etc. silty sand silty sand ____________________ ____________________ ____________________

Hydric Soil Indicators: ___ Histosol ___ Histic Epipedon ___ Sulfidic Odor ___ Aquic Moisture Regime ___ Reducing Conditions ___ Gleyed or Low-Chroma Colors�

___ Concretions ___ High Organic Content in Surface Layer in Sandy Soils ___ Organic Streaking in Sandy Soils ___ Listed on Local Hydric Soils List ___ Listed on National Hydric Soils List ___ Other (Explain in Remarks)

Remarks: �

WETLAND DETERMINATION Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Hydric Soils Present?

Yes No X Yes No X Yes No X

Is this Sampling Point Within a Wetland?

Yes No X

Remarks: �






Community ID: C1C Transect ID: Plot ID: 2

VEGETATION Dominant Plant Species Stratum Indicator 1. red maple tree FAC

2. American dogwood tree FACU-

3. white ash tree FACU


5. Japanese honeysuckle vine FAC-

6. hay-scented fern herb UPL

7.

8.


10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15

16.


Remarks: �



Remarks: Very dry

Route 347 Plot ID: C1C-2 SOILS Map Unit Name (Series and Phase): Taxonomy (Subgroup):


Yes No


Horizon A B _______ _______ _______







Remarks: �




Yes No X

Remarks: �






Community ID: C12A Transect ID: Plot ID: 1


2. tulip poplar tree FACU

3. Eastern white pine tree FACU

4. umbrella magnolia tree FACU

5. Norway maple tree UPL

6. sassafras tree FACU-


8. bittersweet vine FACU

Dominant Plant Species Stratum Indicator 9. Virginia creeper vine FACU

10. hay-scented fern herb UPL

11.

12.

13.

14.

15

16.


Remarks: �



Remarks: Very dry

Route 347 Plot ID: C12A-1 SOILS Map Unit Name (Series and Phase): Taxonomy (Subgroup):


Yes No


Horizon A B _______ _______ _______







Remarks: �




Yes No X

Remarks: �







VEGETATION Dominant Plant Species Stratum Indicator 1. American beech tree FACU

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.


10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15

16.


Remarks: Monoculture of beech from small saplings to mature trees �



Remarks: Very dry



Yes No


Horizon A B _______ _______ _______







Remarks: �




Yes No X

Remarks: �








2. Eastern white pine tree FACU

3. black oak tree UPL


5. arrowwood shrub UPL

6. black raspberry shrub UPL

7. cat-brier vine FACU

8. common dewberry vine FACU

Dominant Plant Species Stratum Indicator 9. Virginia creeper vine FACU

10. crab grass herb FACU-

11.

12.

13.

14.

15

16.


Remarks: �



Remarks: Very dry



Yes No


Horizon A B _______ _______ _______







Remarks: �




Yes No X

Remarks: �

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