2000-04-24 Regular Called Meeting

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• ^ a background explanation of general acoustical terms relating to community noise; ^ identification of noise-sensitive land-uses (residences, hospitals, and schools) near the facility and along primary highway and railway access routes; and. ^ a summary of relevant federal and local noise standards and guidelines, including Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) significance thresholds and land use compatibility criteria from the U.S. Department, of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Based on available transportation-related information, EIP will estimate existing and future noise levels caused by heavy-duty diesel truck and rail traffic caused by the project along the major access routes. The FHWA Traffic Noise Prediction Model (FHWA-RD- 77-108) will be used to determine highway noise levels, and railway noise levels will be 'estimated through the use of Federal Transit Administration guidelines. The noise effects caused by the truck and rail traffic will be compared to the FHWA and HUD thresholds to determine significance. . Five (5) copies of the draft EA will be submitted for review to the Association within ten (10) weeks of authorization to proceed. The Association will have three (3) weeks to conduct review of the draft EA and identify changes, additions, or clarifications that are necessary. EIl' will then have two (2) weeks to amend the draft EA and prepare and submit a final EA to the Association. Five (5) copies of the final EA will be submitted to the Association. It should be noted that time allowed for preparation of the draft EA may be extended by mutual agreement with the Association if the final EA can be prepared and submitted to the Association prior to public review of the proponent's draft EIS. The work plan for this task also includes attendance at up to two (2) meetings or presentations to local community groups. Attendance at additional meetings are not currently part of this work plan, but can be authorized by the Association at an estimated cost of $2,350 per person for two days (including meeting and travel time and other direct costs). REVIEW OF DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT EIP Associates will conduct a review of the proponent's Draft EIS to determine if it conforms with the USACOE's NEPA Implementing Guidelines. In addition, EIP will review the EIS to determine if the document is accurate and provides adequate disclosure of the anticipated impacts. Evaluation of the impact analyses associated with water quality, air quality, biological resources, transportation infrastructure, and noise will be compared to the analyses in the Association's EA. EIP staff will conduct up to three days of site reconnaissance and data gathering at each of the identified alternative locations for the proposed project that are in the Galveston Bay and Freeport areas to facilitate a better understanding of the alternatives analysis presented in the draft EIS. Impact analyses associated with all other environmental issues will be evaluated for accuracy and adequacy based on the description of the change from the existing conditions and EIl''s professional knowledge and experience with the environmental issue. M:~APPROACH.WPD