April 19, 2016
- Environmental Assessment for Off-Airport Tree Obstruction Removal, Windham Airport
- State Office Building Renovations, Hartford
- NEW! Intersection Improvements Route 34 and Route 490 at I-84 Interchange 11 Ramps, Newtown
- NEW! Various Bridge Rehabilitations at I-84 & Route 8 Northbound with Temporary Bypass, Waterbury
- NEW! Replacement of Bridge #03993 at West St. over Providence & Worcester R.R., Middletown
- Wildlife Hazard Deterrent Fence, Hartford-Brainard Airport, Hartford and Wethersfield
"Scoping" is for projects in the earliest stages of planning. At the scoping stage, detailed information on a project's design, alternatives, and environmental impacts does not yet exist. Sponsoring agencies are asking for comments from other agencies and from the public as to the scope of alternatives and environmental impacts that should be considered for further study. Send your comments to the contact person listed for the project by the date indicated.
1. Notice of Environmental Assessment for the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) –
Off-Airport Tree Obstruction Removal at the Windham Airport
Municipality where project is proposed: Town of Windham.
Address of Possible Project Location: Airport Road, Windham, CT (off of US Route 6).
Project Description: Preparation of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) environmental document as required to evaluate the potential impacts associated with tree obstruction removal in areas surrounding Windham Airport. The evaluation addresses tree obstruction removals associated with Federally-defined airspace surfaces surrounding the airport necessary for the continued safe operation of aircraft. Objects that penetrate these surfaces are classified as obstructions by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The project sponsoring agencies, the Connecticut Aviation Authority (CAA), and FAA have identified that trees penetrate the airspace at Windham Airport, including locations beyond the airport property boundaries. Per FAA practice, review of off-airport obstruction removal should be evaluated and documented via a NEPA Environmental Assessment (EA) and state CEPA Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE). This project includes the identification of each affected property owner and associated parcels (both public and private) with anticipated obstruction removals.
Project Diagram: Project maps can be found at the following location:
http://windhamairport.caa-analysis.com/project-documents/
The EA/EIE can be viewed in person at:
Mansfield Public Library
55 Warrenville Road
Mansfield Center, CT 06250
The EA/EIE can also be found on the study website:
http://windhamairport.caa-analysis.com/project-documents/
Written comments on this EA/EIE will be accepted until the close of business on: Monday, May 31, 2016.
Written comments should be sent to:
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Name: |
Mr. Robert J. Bruno, Director of Planning, Engineering, & Environmental |
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Agency: |
Connecticut Airport Authority |
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Address: |
334 Ella Grasso Turnpike, Suite 160 |
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Windsor Locks, CT 06096 |
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Phone: |
(860) 254-5516 |
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E-Mail: |
environmental@ctairports.org |
The CAA is holding an informal Public Information Meeting on Tuesday, March 29th 2016 from 7 to 9 PM, at the Mansfield Public Library in the Buchanan Auditorium (55 Warrenville Road, Mansfield Center, CT 06250). A formal public hearing has not been scheduled.
2. Notice of Scoping for State Office Building Renovations
Municipality where proposed project might be located: Hartford
Addresses of Possible Project Location: 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford and 309 Buckingham Street, Hartford
Project Description: The following main elements of the Proposed Action are: A complete interior renovation of the existing 321,000 gross square foot State Office Building, which was built in 1931, restoration and renovation of the building exterior, renovation of the central exterior courtyard, and reconfiguration of the existing building entrances. Site work includes the creation of a civic landscaped plaza located to the immediate east of the existing building, redevelopment of all existing perimeter streetscape and redevelopment of the existing surface parking lot on the eastern section of the site. The overall project also includes the demolition of the existing 450 car parking structure and the 309 Buckingham Trade Shop located at the corner of Washington and Buckingham Streets, the development of a new 1,000 space parking structure, and related site improvements. The new multi-level 1,000 space parking structure is proposed to have six levels above grade and three below on the Washington Street side. An option is to provide retail space along Washington Street as part of the overall parking structure. The remaining green space at the corner of Washington and Buckingham Streets would be a landscaped park-like area.
This Proposed Action is related to the long range planning strategy aimed at reducing the quantity of leased office facilities for State employees by maximizing the utilization of State owned properties. The process of this consolidation calls for the current occupants of the State Office Building to be relocated to other State owned facilities in Hartford so the existing space can be renovated, reprogrammed, and re-occupied by agencies currently in leased spaces. The Proposed Action of acquiring property for this overall long range planning was previously covered under a separate Early Public Scoping Notice (see CEQ, October 2, 2012, State Buildings Space Needs, Hartford, Environmental Monitor).
Project Map(s): Click here to general location (1.1 MB). Click here to view a map of the project area (6.1 MB). Click here to view the design concept (439 KB).
Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: May 5, 2016
Any person can ask the sponsoring agency to hold a Public Scoping Meeting by sending such a request to the address below. If a meeting is requested by 25 or more individuals, or by an association that represents 25 or more members, the sponsoring agency shall schedule a Public Scoping Meeting. Such requests must be made by April 15, 2016.
An Initial Environmental Review has been completed and is available to review by clicking here.
Written comments and/or requests for a Public Scoping Meeting should be sent to:
| Name: | Jeff Bolton, Supervising Environmental Analyst |
| Agency: | Department of Administrative Services |
| Address: | 165 Capitol Avenue, Room 483, Hartford, CT 06106 |
| Fax: | 860-713-7251 |
| E-Mail: | jeffrey.bolton@ct.gov |
If you have questions about the public meeting, or other questions about the scoping for this project, contact:
| Name: | Jeff Bolton, Supervising Environmental Analyst |
| Agency: | Department of Administrative Services |
| Address: | 165 Capitol Avenue, Room 483, Hartford, CT 06106 |
| Phone: | 860-713-5706 |
| Fax: | 860-713-7251 |
| E-Mail: | jeffrey.Bolton@ct.gov |
The agency expects to release an Environmental Impact Evaluation for this project, for public review and comment, in August, 2016.
3. Notice of Scoping for Intersection Improvements: Route 34 (Berkshire Rd.) at SR 490 (Wasserman Way), Route 34 (Berkshire Road) at Toddy Hill Road, and SR 490 (Wasserman Way) at I-84 Interchange 11 Ramps
Municipality where proposed project might be located: Newtown
Address of Possible Project Location: Route 34 (Berkshire Rd.) at SR 490 (Wasserman Way), Route 34 (Berkshire Road) at Toddy Hill Road, and SR 490 (Wasserman Way) at I-84 Interchange 11 Ramps
Project Description: The purpose of this project is to address congestion and improve traffic operations at a key junction between the major commuter routes of I-84 Interchange 11 ramps, Route 34 (Berkshire Road), and Route 25 via SR 490 (Wasserman Way).
The length of the proposed project area is 2600' along Route 34, 3700' along the I-84 ramps, 1500' along Wasserman Way, and approximately 100' on Toddy Hill Road. A bridge replacement project on Toddy Hill Road is currently programmed for construction under the town's state-funded bridge replacement project and is not part of these improvements.
The proposed improvements will address extensive congestion, improve traffic operations and safety by providing auxiliary turning lanes, improved geometry at intersections, and by constructing a slip ramp from Route 34 West Bound (WB) to access the I-84 East Bound (EB) and WB ramps.
Improvements include widening the roadway on Route 34 and Wasserman Way, adding turning lanes at the intersections, improving the sightlines at the Route 34 and Toddy Hill Road intersection by lowering the roadway profile, upgrading existing drainage, and constructing a retaining wall under the I-84 overpass to accommodate the proposed widening. The off-ramp from I-84 at the Exit 11 interchange will be reconfigured to accommodate an additional turn lane and realigned to normalize the intersection with Wasserman Way. The I-84 EB ramp will be realigned slightly north to accommodate the proposed slip ramp from Route 34. Route 34 will be widened at the westerly project limit to accommodate a WB bypass width shoulder for the High School driveway. The existing commuter lot located on Wasserman Way will be partially reconstructed. Illumination will be upgraded on the I-84 ramps as part of this project.
New traffic signals will replace the existing signals on Route 34 at Wasserman Way and on Wasserman Way at the I-84 ramp termini. A major upgrade to the traffic signal on Route 34 at Toddy Hill Road is also proposed.
Improvements to bicycle, pedestrian and commuter accommodations will be incorporated where possible. Four foot minimum shoulders will be included and 5 foot shoulders may be included where possible. Sidewalks are proposed along the south side of Route 34 from the Newtown High School to Toddy Hill Road, and along Wasserman Way from the Route 34 intersection south to Oakview Road. Sidewalk is also proposed on Wasserman Way to the commuter lot.
Project Maps: Click here to view location maps of the project area.
Click here to view the proposed project concept map.
Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: Friday May 20, 2016
Any person can ask the sponsoring agency to hold a Public Scoping Meeting by sending such a request to the address below. If a meeting is requested by 25 or more individuals, or by an association that represents 25 or more members, the sponsoring agency shall schedule a Public Scoping Meeting. Such requests must be made by Friday April 29, 2016.
Written comments and/or requests for a Public Scoping Meeting should be sent to:
| Name: | Mr. Mark W. Alexander, Transportation Assistant Planning Director |
| Agency: |
Connecticut Department of Transportation
Bureau of Policy and Planning
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| Address: | 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131 |
| E-Mail: |
If you have questions about the scoping for this project, contact:
| Name: | Mr. Neil M. Patel, Transportation Supervising Engineer |
| Agency: |
Connecticut Department of Transportation
Bureau of Engineering and Construction
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| Address: | 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131 |
| Phone: | 860-594-3411 |
| E-Mail: |
1. Post-Scoping Notice for Various Bridge Rehabilitation at Route 8/I-84 "Mixmaster" Interchange including Construction of Route 8 NB Temporary Bypass
Municipality where project will be located: Waterbury
CEPA Determination: On November 3, 2015 the Connecticut Department of Transportation published a Notice of Scoping to solicit public comments for this project in the Environmental Monitor. Comments were received from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Department of Public Health, and the City of Waterbury. The Connecticut Department of Transportation has taken those comments into consideration and has concluded that the project does not require the preparation of Environmental Impact Evaluation under CEPA.
The agency's conclusion is documented in an Environmental Assessment Checklist and Memo of Findings and Determination.
If you have questions about the project, you can contact the agency at:
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Name: |
Mr. Mark W. Alexander, Transportation Assistant Planning Director |
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Agency: |
Connecticut Department of Transportation, Bureau of Policy and Planning |
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Address: |
2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131 |
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Phone: |
860- 594-2931 |
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E-Mail: |
What happens next: The Connecticut Department of Transportation expects the project to go forward. This is expected to be the final notice of the project to be published in the Environmental Monitor.
2. Post-Scoping Notice for Replacement of Bridge No. 03993 - West Street over Providence and Worcester Railroad
Municipality where project will be located: Middletown
CEPA Determination: On January 19, 2016 the Connecticut Department of Transportation published a Notice of Scoping to solicit public comments for this project in the Environmental Monitor. Comments were received from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Department of Public Health, and the Office of Policy and Management. The Connecticut Department of Transportation has taken those comments into consideration and has concluded that the project does not require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation under CEPA.
The agency's conclusion is documented in an Environmental Assessment Checklist and a Memo of Findings and Determination.
If you have questions about the project, you can contact the agency at:
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Name: |
Mr. Mark W. Alexander, Transportation Assistant Planning Director |
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Agency: |
Connecticut Department of Transportation
Bureau of Policy and Planning
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Address: |
2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131 |
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Phone: |
860-594-2931 |
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E-Mail: |
What happens next: The Connecticut Department of Transportation expects the project to go forward. This is expected to be the final notice of the project to be published in the Environmental Monitor.
1. Notice of EIE for Wildlife Hazard Deterrent Fence at Hartford-Brainard Airport
Project Title: Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) Installation of a Wildlife Deterrent Fence
Municipalities where project is proposed: City of Hartford, Town of Wethersfield
Address of Possible Project Location: Hartford – Brainard Airport, Maxim Road, Hartford, CT
Project Description: This DRAFT Environmental Assessment (EA)/Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) was prepared to satisfy the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) to address potential impacts associated with the installation of a wildlife deterrent fence while providing the opportunity for public involvement and comments, since the project is partially funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The airport is a public-use General Aviation airport located entirely in the City of Hartford, Connecticut owned and operated by the CAA. All action alternatives were found to not be reasonable, feasible or practicable upon preliminary review, and the project will not be implemented at this time.
The purpose of the project was to enclose the entire Hartford-Brainard Airport with an 8 foot chain link fence with a 3 foot horizontal burrowing deterrent chain link “skirt” attached to the bottom and 3 strands of barbed wire on the top, in accordance with FAA specifications. The need for the proposed project is to protect aircraft and their passengers from hazardous conditions at the airport as a result of medium to large sized wildlife, including deer, coyote, raccoons and woodchuck, from entering the airport property. The airport is currently surrounded on the three landward sides by a wildlife fence. The project would have included inspection of and repairs to this fence, as well as the installation of additional fencing along a portion of the airport abutting Clark Dike and the Connecticut River.
Project Map of proposed action and alternatives: http://public.ctairports.org/dl/HFD-Wildlife_Fence/Plan/. Click here to view a map of the project area.
Written comments on this DRAFT EIE will be accepted until the close of business on: May 6, 2016.
The public can view a copy of the DRAFT EIE at: http://public.ctairports.org/dl/HFD-Wildlife_Fence/Report/.
Written comments about this DRAFT EIE should be sent to:
| Name: | Mr. Robert J. Bruno, Director of Planning, Engineering & Environmental | |
| Agency: |
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| Address: | 334 Ella Grasso Turnpike, Suite 160, Windsor Locks, CT 06096 | |
| E-Mail: | environmental@ctairports.org |
If you have questions on where you can review this DRAFT EIE, or similar matters, please contact:
| Name: | Mr. Robert J. Bruno, Director of Planning, Engineering & Environmental |
| Agency: | Connecticut Airport Authority |
| Address: | 334 Ella Grasso Turnpike, Suite 160, Windsor Locks, CT 06096 |
| E-Mail: | environmental@ctairports.org |
| Phone: | (860) 254-5516 |
A formal public hearing as not been scheduled. The sponsoring agency (CAA) will hold a public hearing on the draft evaluation if twenty-five persons, or if an association having not less than twenty-five persons, requests such a hearing within ten days of the publication of this notice in the Environmental Monitor, April 1, 2016.
No State Land Transfer Notice has been submitted for publication in this edition.
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