TIER 1 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Affected 

Environment, 

Environmental 

Consequences, 

and Mitigation 

Strategies

7.

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | i

Table of Contents – Chapter 7

7 Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies .......... 7-i

INTRODUCTION AND GUIDE TO EFFECTS ASSESSMENT ...............................................................................7-I

Definition of Existing NEC, Representative Route, Affected Environment, and Context Area.......................... 7-i

Calculation of Environmental Consequences....................................................................................................7-v

Approach to the Analysis of the No Action Alternative....................................................................................7-vi

Level of Detail and Data Considerations ........................................................................................................7-viii

How to Read this Chapter.................................................................................................................................7-ix

Organization of this Chapter .............................................................................................................................7-x

7.1 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS .....................................................................................................7.1-1

7.1.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 7.1-1

7.1.2 Summary of Findings ....................................................................................................................... 7.1-1

7.2 LAND COVER ...................................................................................................................7.2-1

7.2.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 7.2-1

7.2.2 Resource Overview.......................................................................................................................... 7.2-3

7.2.3 Affected Environment...................................................................................................................... 7.2-5

7.2.4 Environmental Consequences ......................................................................................................... 7.2-7

7.2.5 Context Area .................................................................................................................................. 7.2-14

7.2.6 State and Regional Plan Analysis ................................................................................................... 7.2-14

7.2.7 Potential Mitigation Strategies...................................................................................................... 7.2-15

7.2.8 Subsequent Tier 2 Analysis............................................................................................................ 7.2-16

7.3 AGRICULTURAL LANDS (PRIME FARMLAND AND TIMBERLAND) ....................................................7.3-1

7.3.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 7.3-1

7.3.2 Resource Overview.......................................................................................................................... 7.3-2

7.3.3 Affected Environment...................................................................................................................... 7.3-2

7.3.4 Environmental Consequences ......................................................................................................... 7.3-4

7.3.5 Prime Farmland and Prime Timberland Land Use Plan Review..................................................... 7.3-10

7.3.6 Context Area .................................................................................................................................. 7.3-11

7.3.7 Potential Mitigation Strategies...................................................................................................... 7.3-11

7.3.8 Subsequent Tier 2 Analysis............................................................................................................ 7.3-11

7.4 PARKLANDS AND WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS ............................................................................7.4-1

7.4.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 7.4-1

7.4.2 Resource Overview.......................................................................................................................... 7.4-2

7.4.3 Affected Environment...................................................................................................................... 7.4-3

7.4.4 Environmental Consequences ......................................................................................................... 7.4-5

7.4.5 Context Area .................................................................................................................................. 7.4-20

7.4.6 Potential Mitigation Strategies...................................................................................................... 7.4-22

7.4.7 Subsequent Tier 2 Analysis............................................................................................................ 7.4-23

7.5 HYDROLOGIC/WATER RESOURCES ........................................................................................7.5-1

7.5.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 7.5-1

7.5.2 Resource Overview.......................................................................................................................... 7.5-3

7.5.3 Affected Environment...................................................................................................................... 7.5-4

7.5.4 Environmental Consequences ....................................................................................................... 7.5-16

7.5.5 Context Area .................................................................................................................................. 7.5-24

7.5.6 Potential Mitigation Strategies...................................................................................................... 7.5-24

7.5.7 Subsequent Tier 2 Analysis............................................................................................................ 7.5-25
Table of Contents – Chapter 7

Page | ii Tier 1 Draft EIS

7.6 ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES ....................................................................................................7.6-1

7.6.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 7.6-1

7.6.2 Resource Overview.......................................................................................................................... 7.6-2

7.6.3 Affected Environment...................................................................................................................... 7.6-4

7.6.4 Environmental Consequences ....................................................................................................... 7.6-11

7.6.5 Context Area .................................................................................................................................. 7.6-37

7.6.6 Potential Mitigation Strategies...................................................................................................... 7.6-38

7.6.7 Subsequent Tier 2 Analysis and ESA Section 7 compliance ........................................................... 7.6-38

7.7 GEOLOGIC RESOURCES .......................................................................................................7.7-1

7.7.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 7.7-1

7.7.2 Resource Overview.......................................................................................................................... 7.7-2

7.7.3 Affected Environment...................................................................................................................... 7.7-3

7.7.4 Environmental Consequences ......................................................................................................... 7.7-4

7.7.5 Context Area .................................................................................................................................... 7.7-5

7.7.6 Potential Mitigation Strategies........................................................................................................ 7.7-7

7.7.7 Subsequent Tier 2 Analysis.............................................................................................................. 7.7-7

7.8 HAZARDOUS WASTE AND CONTAMINATED MATERIAL ...............................................................7.8-1

7.8.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 7.8-1

7.8.2 Resource Overview.......................................................................................................................... 7.8-3

7.8.3 Affected Environment...................................................................................................................... 7.8-3

7.8.4 Environmental Consequences ....................................................................................................... 7.8-11

7.8.5 Context Area .................................................................................................................................. 7.8-17

7.8.6 Potential Mitigation Strategies...................................................................................................... 7.8-17

7.8.7 Subsequent Tier 2 Analysis............................................................................................................ 7.8-18

7.9 CULTURAL RESOURCES AND HISTORIC PROPERTIES....................................................................7.9-1

7.9.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 7.9-1

7.9.2 Resource Overview.......................................................................................................................... 7.9-5

7.9.3 Affected Environment...................................................................................................................... 7.9-6

7.9.4 Environmental Consequences ......................................................................................................... 7.9-9

7.9.5 Context Area .................................................................................................................................. 7.9-18

7.9.6 Potential Mitigation Strategies...................................................................................................... 7.9-19

7.9.7 Subsequent Tier 2 Analysis............................................................................................................ 7.9-19

7.10 VISUAL AND AESTHETIC RESOURCES ....................................................................................7.10-1

7.10.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 7.10-1

7.10.2 Resource Overview ................................................................................................................... 7.10-2

7.10.3 Affected Environment............................................................................................................... 7.10-2

7.10.4 Environmental Consequences................................................................................................... 7.10-3

7.10.5 Context Area ........................................................................................................................... 7.10-10

7.10.6 Potential Mitigation Strategies ............................................................................................... 7.10-10

7.10.7 Subsequent Tier 2 Analysis...................................................................................................... 7.10-11

7.11 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE .................................................................................................7.11-1

7.11.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 7.11-1

7.11.2 Resource Overview ................................................................................................................... 7.11-2

7.11.3 Affected Environment............................................................................................................... 7.11-5

7.11.4 Environmental Consequences................................................................................................... 7.11-7

7.11.5 Context Area Highlights........................................................................................................... 7.11-15

7.11.6 Potential Mitigation Strategies ............................................................................................... 7.11-15

7.11.7 Subsequent Tier 2 Analysis...................................................................................................... 7.11-16
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7.12 NOISE AND VIBRATION.....................................................................................................7.12-1

7.12.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 7.12-1

7.12.2 Resource Overview ................................................................................................................... 7.12-2

7.12.3 Affected Environment............................................................................................................... 7.12-2

7.12.4 Environmental Consequences................................................................................................... 7.12-5

7.12.5 Context Area ........................................................................................................................... 7.12-20

7.12.6 Potential Mitigation Strategies ............................................................................................... 7.12-20

7.12.7 Subsequent Tier 2 Analysis...................................................................................................... 7.12-20

7.13 AIR QUALITY .................................................................................................................7.13-1

7.13.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 7.13-1

7.13.2 Resource Overview ................................................................................................................... 7.13-4

7.13.3 Criteria Pollutants...................................................................................................................... 7.13-7

7.13.4 Mobile-Source Air Toxics......................................................................................................... 7.13-14

7.13.5 Greenhouse Gas Emissions ..................................................................................................... 7.13-16

7.13.6 Potential Mitigation Strategies ............................................................................................... 7.13-18

7.13.7 Subsequent Tier 2 Analysis...................................................................................................... 7.13-19

7.14 ENERGY........................................................................................................................7.14-1

7.14.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 7.14-1

7.14.2 Resource Overview ................................................................................................................... 7.14-2

7.14.3 Affected Environment............................................................................................................... 7.14-3

7.14.4 Environmental Consequences................................................................................................... 7.14-5

7.14.5 Potential Mitigation .................................................................................................................. 7.14-6

7.14.6 Subsequent Tier 2 Analysis........................................................................................................ 7.14-7

7.15 CLIMATE CHANGE AND ADAPTATION...................................................................................7.15-1

7.15.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 7.15-1

7.15.2 Resource Overview ................................................................................................................... 7.15-5

7.15.3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions ..................................................................................................... 7.15-10

7.15.4 Inundation Risks to Rail Infrastructure.................................................................................... 7.15-10

7.15.5 Stations at Risk ........................................................................................................................ 7.15-32

7.15.6 Context Area ........................................................................................................................... 7.15-33

7.15.7 Extreme Temperature Effects on Rail Infrastructure .............................................................. 7.15-34

7.15.8 Conclusions ............................................................................................................................. 7.15-36

7.15.9 Potential Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies...................................................................... 7.15-38

7.15.10 Subsequent Tier 2 Analysis...................................................................................................... 7.15-39

7.16 SECTION 4(F) AND SECTION 6(F) RESOURCES.........................................................................7.16-1

7.16.1 Section 4(f) Resources............................................................................................................... 7.16-1

7.16.2 Section 6(f) Resources............................................................................................................. 7.16-21

7.17 ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS AND ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE ASSESSMENT ...........................7.17-1

7.17.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 7.17-1

7.17.2 Resource Overview ................................................................................................................... 7.17-3

7.17.3 Affected Environment............................................................................................................... 7.17-4

7.17.4 Environmental Consequences................................................................................................... 7.17-4

7.17.5 Context Area ............................................................................................................................. 7.17-9

7.17.6 Potential Mitigation Strategies ................................................................................................. 7.17-9

7.17.7 Subsequent Tier 2 Analysis........................................................................................................ 7.17-9

7.18 SAFETY.........................................................................................................................7.18-1

7.18.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 7.18-1

7.18.2 Resource Overview ................................................................................................................... 7.18-2

7.18.3 Affected Environment............................................................................................................... 7.18-3

7.18.4 Environmental Consequences................................................................................................... 7.18-8

7.18.5 Potential Mitigation Strategies ............................................................................................... 7.18-10

7.18.6 Subsequent Tier 2 Analysis...................................................................................................... 7.18-10
Table of Contents – Chapter 7

Page | iv Tier 1 Draft EIS

7.19 SUMMARY OF PUBLIC HEALTH EFFECTS ................................................................................7.19-1

7.19.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 7.19-1

7.19.2 Qualitative Effects of Public Health........................................................................................... 7.19-1

7.19.3 Subsequent Tier 2 Analysis........................................................................................................ 7.19-3

7.20 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ......................................................................................................7.20-1

7.20.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 7.20-1

7.20.2 Resource Overview ................................................................................................................... 7.20-1

7.20.3 Cumulative Effects..................................................................................................................... 7.20-3

7.20.4 Summary ................................................................................................................................. 7.20-24

7.20.5 Subsequent Tier 2 Analysis...................................................................................................... 7.20-24

7.21 IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES ...............................................7.21-1

7.21.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 7.21-1

7.21.2 Definition of Resource............................................................................................................... 7.21-1

7.21.3 Commitment of Resources........................................................................................................ 7.21-1

7.21.4 Subsequent Tier 2 Analysis........................................................................................................ 7.21-2
Table of Contents – Chapter 7

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | v

Tables

Table 7-1: Limits of Affected Environment by Resource .................................................................7-iii

Table 7-2: Chapter Number/Resource Area Considered................................................................. 7-ix

Table 7-3: Guide to Chapter 7 Resource Areas................................................................................. 7-x

Table 7.1-1: Summary of Environmental Effects: No Action Alternative .........................................7.1-3

Table 7.1-2: Summary of Effects (totals) ..........................................................................................7.1-6

Table 7.1-3: Summary of Environmental Effects for New Segments (Alternative 1) .....................7.1-13

Table 7.1-4: Summary of Environmental Effects by New Segment (Alternative 2)........................7.1-14

Table 7.1-5: Summary of Environmental Effects by New Segment (Alternative 3 –

Washington, D.C., to New York City) ..........................................................................7.1-17

Table 7.1-6: Summary of Environmental Effects by New Segment (Alternative 3 – New York 

City to Hartford via Central Connecticut) ...................................................................7.1-18

Table 7.1-7: Summary of Environmental Effects by New Segment (Alternative 3 – New York 

City to Hartford via Long Island) .................................................................................7.1-19

Table 7.1-8: Summary of Environmental Effects by New Segment (Alternative 3 – Hartford to 

Boston via Providence) ...............................................................................................7.1-20

Table 7.1-9: Summary of Environmental Effects by New Segment (Alternative 3 – Hartford to 

Boston via Worcester) ................................................................................................7.1-21

Table 7.1-10: Summary of Environmental Effects for New Stations by County for Action 

Alternatives.................................................................................................................7.1-23

Table 7.2-1: Effects-Assessment Methodology Summary: Land Cover............................................7.2-2

Table 7.2-2: Affected Environment: Developed and Undeveloped Land Cover by Action 

Alternative ....................................................................................................................7.2-5

Table 7.2-3: Environmental Consequences: Potential Conversions of Developed and 

Undeveloped Land........................................................................................................7.2-7

Table 7.2-4: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route of Alternative 3 Route 

Options – Potential Conversions of Developed Land ...................................................7.2-8

Table 7.2-5: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route of Alternative 3 Route 

Options – Potential Conversions of Undeveloped Land...............................................7.2-8

Table 7.2-6: Environmental Consequences: Potential Acquisitions...............................................7.2-11

Table 7.2-7: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route of Alternative 3 Route 

Options – Potential Acquisitions of Developed Land .................................................7.2-11

Table 7.2-8: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route of Alternative 3 Route 

Options – Potential Acquisitions of Undeveloped Land .............................................7.2-12

Table 7.2-9: Environmental Consequences: Stations – Potential Conversions of Undeveloped 

Land Cover..................................................................................................................7.2-14

Table 7.3-1: Effects-Assessment Methodology Summary: Agricultural Lands.................................7.3-2

Table 7.3-2: Affected Environment: Prime Farmland Acreage.........................................................7.3-3

Table 7.3-3: Affected Environment: Prime Timberland Acreage......................................................7.3-4

Table 7.3-4: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route – Prime Farmland....................7.3-5

Table 7.3-5: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route of Alternative 3 Route 

Options – Prime Farmland............................................................................................7.3-5
Table of Contents – Chapter 7

Page | vi Tier 1 Draft EIS

Table 7.3-6: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route – Prime Timberland.................7.3-6

Table 7.3-7: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route of Alternative 3 Route 

Options – Prime Timberland.........................................................................................7.3-6

Table 7.3-8: Environmental Consequences: Stations – Prime Farmland..........................................7.3-9

Table 7.3-9: Environmental Consequences: Stations – Prime Timberland.....................................7.3-10

Table 7.4-1: Effects-Assessment Methodology Summary: Parklands and Wild and Scenic 

Rivers.............................................................................................................................7.4-2

Table 7.4-2: Parklands and Wild and Scenic Rivers Resources within the Affected 

Environment .................................................................................................................7.4-4

Table 7.4-3: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route – Parklands..............................7.4-6

Table 7.4-4: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route – Parklands (Alternative 1)......7.4-8

Table 7.4-5: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route – Parklands (Alternative 2)......7.4-9

Table 7.4-6: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route of Alternative 3 Route 

Options – Parklands....................................................................................................7.4-11

Table 7.4-7: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route – Parklands and Wild and 

Scenic Rivers Resources (Alternative 3 – Washington, D.C., to New York City) .........7.4-12

Table 7.4-8: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route – Parklands and Wild and 

Scenic Rivers Resources (Alternative 3 – New York City to Hartford via Central 

Connecticut)................................................................................................................7.4-16

Table 7.4-9: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route – Parklands and Wild and 

Scenic Rivers Resources (Alternative 3 – New York City to Hartford via Long 

Island)..........................................................................................................................7.4-17

Table 7.4-10: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route – Parklands and Wild and 

Scenic Rivers Resources (Alternative 3 – Hartford to Boston via Providence)...........7.4-18

Table 7.4-11: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route – Parklands Resources 

(Alternative 3 – Hartford to Boston via Worcester) ...................................................7.4-19

Table 7.4-12: Environmental Consequences: Stations – Parklands..................................................7.4-20

Table 7.5-1: Effect-Assessment Methodology Summary: Hydrologic/Water Resources.................7.5-3

Table 7.5-2: Summary of Water Resources within the Affected Environment by Action 

Alternative ....................................................................................................................7.5-5

Table 7.5-3: Affected Environment: Water Resources Associated with Freshwater Wetlands 

by Action Alternative ....................................................................................................7.5-6

Table 7.5-4: Affected Environment: Navigable Waterways Crossed by the Existing NEC and 

Action Alternatives .......................................................................................................7.5-7

Table 7.5-5: Affected Environment: Water Resources Associated with Floodplains by Action 

Alternative ....................................................................................................................7.5-8

Table 7.5-6: Affected Environment: Coastal Resources Associated with Saltwater Wetlands 

by Action Alternative ....................................................................................................7.5-9

Table 7.5-7: Affected Environment: Coastal Zone Management Act Description Intersected 

by Action Alternative ..................................................................................................7.5-10

Table 7.5-8: Environmental Consequences: Quantitative Impacts to Water Resources by 

Action Alternative.......................................................................................................7.5-17

Table 7.5-9: Environmental Consequences: Water Resources with Greatest Combined Impact 

within the Action Alternatives....................................................................................7.5-19
Table of Contents – Chapter 7

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | vii

Table 7.5-10: Water Quality/Stormwater Regulations by Geography .............................................7.5-26

Table 7.6-1: Effects-Assessment Methodology Summary: Ecological Resources.............................7.6-2

Table 7.6-2: Affected Environment: Total Ecologically Sensitive Habitats.......................................7.6-4

Table 7.6-3: Affected Environment: List of Threatened and Endangered Species...........................7.6-5

Table 7.6-4: Affected Environment: Threatened and Endangered Species Occurrences.................7.6-6

Table 7.6-5: Affected Environment: Federally Managed Species’ Essential Fish Habitats...............7.6-7

Table 7.6-6: Affected Environment: Federally Managed Fish Species (Number of 

Occurrences).................................................................................................................7.6-8

Table 7.6-7: National Marine Fisheries Service “Species of Concern”............................................7.6-10

Table 7.6-8: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route – Total Ecologically 

Sensitive Habitats (Acreage).......................................................................................7.6-11

Table 7.6-9: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route of Alternative 3 Route 

Options – Total Ecologically Sensitive Habitats (Acreage)..........................................7.6-11

Table 7.6-10: Environmental Consequences: Stations – Ecologically Sensitive Habitats 

(Occurrence) ...............................................................................................................7.6-14

Table 7.6-11: Environmental Consequences: Ecologically Sensitive Habitats Impacts 

10 Percent or Greater.................................................................................................7.6-15

Table 7.6-12: Environmental Consequences: Stations – T&E Species (Occurrence)........................7.6-19

Table 7.6-13: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route – Federally Managed Fish 

Species (Number of Occurrences) ..............................................................................7.6-20

Table 7.6-14: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route of Alternative 3 Route 

Options – Federally Managed Species (Number of Occurrences)..............................7.6-20

Table 7.6-15: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route Crossing Impact – Essential 

Fish Habitat.................................................................................................................7.6-21

Table 7.6-16: Environmental Consequences: Stations – Essential Fish Habitat (Occurrence).........7.6-24

Table 7.6-17: Ecologically Sensitive Habitat Acreage with Noise Effects .........................................7.6-26

Table 7.6-18: Ecologically Sensitive Habitat Acreage with Vibration Effects ...................................7.6-30

Table 7.6-19: Threatened and Endangered and Federally Managed Fish Species Occurrences 

with Noise Effects.......................................................................................................7.6-33

Table 7.6-20: Threatened and Endangered and Federally Managed Fish Species Occurrences

with Vibration Effects .................................................................................................7.6-35

Table 7.7-1: Effects-Assessment Methodology Summary: Geologic Resources...............................7.7-2

Table 7.7-2: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route – Geologic Resources..............7.7-4

Table 7.7-3: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route of Alternative 3 Route 

Options – Geologic Resources ......................................................................................7.7-5

Table 7.7-4: Environmental Consequences: Stations – Geologic Resources....................................7.7-6

Table 7.8-1: Effects-Assessment Methodological Summary: Hazardous Waste and 

Contaminated Material.................................................................................................7.8-3

Table 7.8-2: Affected Environment: Total Hazardous Waste and Contaminated Material Sites.....7.8-4

Table 7.8-3: Affected Environment: National Priority List Superfund and Resource 

Conservation and Recovery Act Corrective Actions Sites.............................................7.8-5

Table 7.8-4: Affected Environment: Hazardous Waste and Contaminated Material Sites of 

Alternative 3 Route Options.........................................................................................7.8-6
Table of Contents – Chapter 7

Page | viii Tier 1 Draft EIS

Table 7.8-5: High-Probability Areas: Hazardous Waste and Contaminated Materials Sites............7.8-8

Table 7.8-6: High-Probability Areas: Hazardous Waste and Contaminated Material Sites of 

Alternative 3 Route Options.......................................................................................7.8-10

Table 7.8-7: Environmental Consequences: Hazardous Waste and Contaminated Material 

Sites within the Representative Routes of Action Alternatives..................................7.8-13

Table 7.8-8: Environmental Consequences: Hazardous Waste and Contaminated Material 

Sites within the Representative Route of Alternative 3 Route Options.....................7.8-15

Table 7.8-9: Environmental Consequences: Hazardous Waste and Contaminated Materials 

Sites – Stations............................................................................................................7.8-17

Table 7.9-1: Effects-Assessment Methodology Summary: Cultural Resources and Historic 

Properties......................................................................................................................7.9-5

Table 7.9-2: Affected Environment: Cultural Resources and Historic Properties.............................7.9-7

Table 7.9-3: Counties of Interest to Federally Recognized Tribes....................................................7.9-8

Table 7.9-4: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route – Cultural Resources and 

Historic Properties......................................................................................................7.9-11

Table 7.9-5: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route of Alternative 3 Route 

Options – Cultural Resources and Historic Properties................................................7.9-12

Table 7.9-6: Environmental Consequences: Cultural Resources and Historic Properties 

Present in Station Locations .......................................................................................7.9-16

Table 7.9-7: Context Area: National Register of Historic Places and National Historic 

Landmarks Identified ..................................................................................................7.9-18

Table 7.10-1: Effects-Assessment Methodology Summary: Visual and Aesthetic Resources..........7.10-1

Table 7.10-2: Environmental Consequences: Potential Impacts to Visual and Aesthetic 

Resources – Alternative 1 ...........................................................................................7.10-4

Table 7.10-3: Environmental Consequences: Potential Impacts to Visual and Aesthetic 

Resources – Alternative 2 ...........................................................................................7.10-4

Table 7.10-4: Environmental Consequences: Potential Impacts to Visual and Aesthetic 

Resources – Alternative 3 (Washington, D.C., to New York City)...............................7.10-6

Table 7.10-5: Environmental Consequences: Potential Impacts to Visual and Aesthetic 

Resources – Alternative 3 (via Central Connecticut) ..................................................7.10-8

Table 7.10-6: Environmental Consequences: Potential Impacts to Visual and Aesthetic 

Resources – Alternative 3 (via Long Island)................................................................7.10-8

Table 7.10-7: Environmental Consequences: Potential Impacts to Visual and Aesthetic 

Resources – Alternative 3 (via Providence) ................................................................7.10-9

Table 7.10-8: Environmental Consequences: Potential Impacts to Visual and Aesthetic 

Resources – Alternative 3 (via Worcester) ...............................................................7.10-10

Table 7.11-1: Effects-Assessment Methodology Summary: Environmental Justice Populations.....7.11-2

Table 7.11-2: Demographic Characteristics by Region .....................................................................7.11-3

Table 7.11-3: Total Population and Total Minority/Low-Income Populations by Geography..........7.11-4

Table 7.11-4: Affected Environment: Total Environmental Justice Populations by Action 

Alternative ..................................................................................................................7.11-5

Table 7.11-5: Affected Environment: Total Environmental Justice Census Tracts by Action 

Alternative ..................................................................................................................7.11-5
Table of Contents – Chapter 7

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | ix

Table 7.11-6: Affected Environment: Total Environmental Justice Census Tracts for Alternative 

3 ..................................................................................................................................7.11-6

Table 7.11-7: Resources Considered for Environmental Justice Assessment...................................7.11-7

Table 7.11-8: Alternative 1 – Summary of Potential Effects in Counties where Environmental 

Justice Census Tracts Exist..........................................................................................7.11-9

Table 7.11-9: Alternative 2: Summary of Potential Effects in Counties where Environmental 

Justice Census Tracts Exist........................................................................................7.11-10

Table 7.11-10: Alternative 3 – Washington, D.C., to New York City: Summary of Potential 

Impacts in Environmental Justice Census Tracts......................................................7.11-11

Table 7.11-11: Alternative 3 – New York City to Hartford: Summary of Potential Effects in 

Counties where Environmental Justice Census Tracts Exist.....................................7.11-12

Table 7.11-12: Alternative 3 – Hartford to Boston: Summary of Potential Impacts in 

Environmental Justice Census Tracts........................................................................7.11-13

Table 7.11-13: Context Area: Total Environmental Justice Census Tracts by Action Alternative.....7.11-15

Table 7.12-1: Methodological Summary: Noise and Vibration.........................................................7.12-1

Table 7.12-2: Affected Environment: Noise and Vibration – Sensitive Land Uses...........................7.12-3

Table 7.12-3: Affected Environment: Noise and Vibration – Existing Levels....................................7.12-4

Table 7.12-4: Environmental Consequences: Noise and Vibration – Future Conditions..................7.12-7

Table 7.12-5: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route – Noise – Residential 

Impacts........................................................................................................................7.12-8

Table 7.12-6: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route of Alternative 3 Route 

Options – Noise – Severe Residential Impacts ...........................................................7.12-9

Table 7.12-7: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route of Alternative 3 Route 

Options – Noise – Moderate Residential Impacts....................................................7.12-10

Table 7.12-8: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route – Vibration – Residential 

Impacts......................................................................................................................7.12-11

Table 7.12-9: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route of Alternative 3 Route 

Options – Vibration – Residential Impacts ...............................................................7.12-12

Table 7.12-10: Environmental Consequences: Affected Environment – Noise – Summary of 

Related Resources.....................................................................................................7.12-13

Table 7.12-11: Environmental Consequences: Affected Environment – Vibration – Summary of 

Related Resources.....................................................................................................7.12-16

Table 7.13-1: Effects-Assessment Methodology Summary: Air Quality...........................................7.13-3

Table 7.13-2: National Ambient Air Quality Standards.....................................................................7.13-5

Table 7.13-3: Affected Environment: Air Quality Attainment Status by State and County..............7.13-8

Table 7.13-4: Affected Environment: Primary Source of Air Pollutants (2011)................................7.13-9

Table 7.13-5: 2040 Changes in Criteria Pollutant Burdens (tons/year) – Existing Energy Profile .7.13-11

Table 7.13-6: Renewable Energy Targets by Geography ................................................................7.13-12

Table 7.13-7: 2040 Changes in Criteria Pollutant Burdens (tons/year) – Future Energy Profile....7.13-13

Table 7.13-8: Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Geography (2012)....................................................7.13-17

Table 7.13-9: 2040 Changes in CO2e (tons/year) – Existing Energy Profile ....................................7.13-17

Table 7.13-10: 2040 Changes in CO2e (tons/year) – Future Energy Profile......................................7.13-18

Table 7.14-1: Effects-Assessment Methodology Summary: Energy .................................................7.14-2
Table of Contents – Chapter 7

Page | x Tier 1 Draft EIS

Table 7.14-2: Energy Consumption per Capita (2012)......................................................................7.14-3

Table 7.14-3: U.S. Transportation Energy Use by Mode (2012) .......................................................7.14-3

Table 7.14-4: 2040 Changes in Energy Use (MMBtu/year) ..............................................................7.14-5

Table 7.14-5: Energy Intensities by Mode (2012).............................................................................7.14-6

Table 7.15-1: Effects-Assessment Methodology Summary: Climate Change and Adaptation.........7.15-3

Table 7.15-2: Flooding and Extreme Temperature-Related Impacts to Rail Assets and 

Operations ..................................................................................................................7.15-7

Table 7.15-3: Current Climate Conditions: Counties along the Representative Routes of the 

Action Alternatives at Highest Risk of Inundation....................................................7.15-21

Table 7.15-4: Affected Environment (Current, Mid-Century, and End-of-Century Climate 

Conditions): Stations at Risk of Inundation from One or More Flood Hazards by 

Action Alternative.....................................................................................................7.15-32

Table 7.15-5: Summary of Potential Climate Change Adaptation Actions for the NEC..................7.15-41

Table 7.15-6: Overview of the Federal Highway Administration’s Virtual Framework for 

Vulnerability Assessment’s Modules and Their Application to Tier 2 Analysis........7.15-45

Table 7.16-1: Effects-Assessment Methodology Summary: Section 4(f) Resources........................7.16-3

Table 7.16-2: Affected Environment: Section 4(f) Resources – Parks, Recreational Areas, and 

Wildlife and Waterfowl Refuges.................................................................................7.16-7

Table 7.16-3: Affected Environment: Section 4(f) Resources – Cultural Resources and Historic 

Properties....................................................................................................................7.16-8

Table 7.16-4: Environmental Consequences: Parklands, Recreational Areas, and Wildlife and 

Waterfowl Refuges...................................................................................................7.16-10

Table 7.16-5: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route of Alternative 3 Route 

Options – Parklands, Recreational Areas, and Wildlife and Waterfowl Refuges .....7.16-10

Table 7.16-6: Environmental Consequences: Stations – Parklands, Recreational Areas, and 

Wildlife and Waterfowl Refuges...............................................................................7.16-11

Table 7.16-7: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route – Cultural and Historic 

Properties..................................................................................................................7.16-12

Table 7.16-8: Environmental Consequences: Representative Route of Alternative 3 Route 

Options – National Register of Historic Places-Listed Resources.............................7.16-13

Table 7.16-9: Environmental Consequences: Cultural Resources and Historic Properties 

Present in Station Locations .....................................................................................7.16-15

Table 7.16-10: Context Area: National Register of Historic Places and National Historic 

Landmarks Identified ................................................................................................7.16-18

Table 7.16-11: Effects-Assessment Methodology Summary: Section 6(f) Resources......................7.16-22

Table 7.16-12: Affected Environment: Section 6(f) Resources.........................................................7.16-23

Table 7.16-13: Affected Environment: Section 6(f) Resources – Alternative 3 Route Options........7.16-24

Table 7.16-14: Environmental Consequences: Section 6(f) Resources ............................................7.16-26

Table 7.16-15: Environmental Consequences: Section 6(f) Resources – Alternative 3 Route 

Options......................................................................................................................7.16-27

Table 7.17-1: Effects-Assessment Methodology Summary: Electromagnetic Fields / 

Electromagnetic Interference.....................................................................................7.17-2

Table 7.17-2: Affected Environment: Locations Potentially Sensitive to Electromagnetic 

Fields/Electromagnetic Interference (Action Alternatives)........................................7.17-5
Table of Contents – Chapter 7

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | xi

Table 7.17-3: Affected Environment: Locations Potentially Sensitive to Electromagnetic 

Fields/Electromagnetic Interference (Alternative 3 Route Options)..........................7.17-6

Table 7.17-4: Environmental Consequences: Land Uses Potentially Sensitive to 

Electromagnetic Fields/Electromagnetic Interference (No Action and Action 

Alternatives)................................................................................................................7.17-7

Table 7.17-5: Environmental Consequences: Land Uses Potentially Sensitive to 

Electromagnetic Fields/Electromagnetic Interference (Alternative 3).......................7.17-7

Table 7.18-1: Effects-Assessment Methodology Summary: Safety ..................................................7.18-2

Table 7.18-2: Affected Environment: Fatalities by Transportation Mode (2009–2013 Average) ....7.18-3

Table 7.18-3: Affected Environment: Passenger Accidents (2009–2013) ........................................7.18-4

Table 7.18-4: Affected Environment: Rail Accidents (2012).............................................................7.18-5

Table 7.18-5: Affected Environment: Rail Fatalities (2012)..............................................................7.18-6

Table 7.18-6: Affected Environment: Rail Fatalities of Trespassers (2012)......................................7.18-6

Table 7.18-7: Affected Environment: Rail Accidents from Infrastructure or Equipment 

Failures/Malfunctions (2012) .....................................................................................7.18-7

Table 7.18-8: Anticipated Tripmaking by Mode (2040)....................................................................7.18-8

Table 7.20-1: Effect-Assessment Methodology Summary: Cumulative Effects ...............................7.20-2

Table 7.20-2: Affected Environment: Existing Conditions and Trends of Key Resource Areas........7.20-4

Table 7.20-3: Environmental Consequences: Cumulative Effects – Impact of Action 

Alternatives on Key Resource Areas...........................................................................7.20-8

Table 7.20-4: Environmental Consequences: Qualitative Assessment of Resources Affected by 

Other Transportation Projects..................................................................................7.20-14

Table 7.20-5: Environmental Consequences: Qualitative Assessment of Resources Affected by 

Non-Transportation Projects....................................................................................7.20-19

Table 7.20-6: Environmental Consequences: Greatest Potential for Cumulative Effects on Key 

Resources – Alternative 1 .........................................................................................7.20-21

Table 7.20-7: Environmental Consequences: Greatest Potential for Cumulative Effects on Key 

Resources – Alternative 2 .........................................................................................7.20-22

Table 7.20-8: Environmental Consequences: Greatest Potential for Cumulative Effects on Key 

Resources – Alternative 3 .........................................................................................7.20-23
Table of Contents – Chapter 7

Page | xii Tier 1 Draft EIS

Figures

Figure 7-1: Representative Route, Affected Environment, and Context Area.................................. 7-iv

Figure 7.13-1: Relative Particulate Matter Size .................................................................................7.13-6

Figure 7.14-1: Energy Consumption by Sector...................................................................................7.14-4

Figure 7.15-1: Current Climate Conditions (All Flooding Hazards): Cumulative Percentage of the 

Total Acreage in the Affected Environment along the Existing NEC at Risk.............7.15-12

Figure 7.15-2: Current Climate Conditions (All Flooding Hazards): Cumulative Percentage of the 

Total Acreage in the Representative Route along the Existing NEC at Risk .............7.15-13

Figure 7.15-3: Current Climate Conditions (Sea Level Rise Flooding): Cumulative Percentage of 

the Total Acreage in the Affected Environment of the Action Alternatives at Risk .7.15-14

Figure 7.15-4: Current Climate Conditions (Storm Surge Flooding): Cumulative Percentage of 

the Total Acreage in the Affected Environment of the Action Alternatives at Risk .7.15-15

Figure 7.15-5: Current Climate Conditions (Riverine Flooding): Cumulative Percentage of the 

Total Acreage in the Affected Environment of the Action Alternatives at Risk........7.15-16

Figure 7.15-6: Current Climate Conditions (Sea Level Rise Flooding): Cumulative Percentage of 

the Total Acreage in the Representative Route of the Action Alternatives at Risk..7.15-18

Figure 7.15-7: Current Climate Conditions (Storm Surge Flooding): Cumulative Percentage of 

the Total Acreage in the Representative Route of the Action Alternatives at Risk..7.15-19

Figure 7.15-8: Current Climate Conditions (Riverine Flooding): Cumulative Percentage of the 

Total Acreage in the Representative Route of the Action Alternatives at Risk ........7.15-20

Figure 7.15-9: Current Climate Conditions (All Flooding Hazards): Old Saybrook-Kenyon New 

Segment – Cumulative Percentage of the Total Acreage in the Representative 

Route of the Existing NEC and Alternative 1 at Risk .................................................7.15-23

Figure 7.15-10: Current Climate Conditions (Storm Surge and Riverine Flooding): Construction 

Type – Total Percentage of Representative Route of Alternative 1 and the 

Existing NEC at Risk (Old Saybrook-Kenyon New Segment) .....................................7.15-24

Figure 7.15-11: Current Climate Conditions (All Flooding Hazards): New Haven-HartfordProvidence – Cumulative Percentage of the Total Acreage in the Representative 

Route of Action Alternative 2 and the Existing NEC at Risk......................................7.15-26

Figure 7.15-12: Current Climate Conditions (Storm Surge and Riverine Flooding): New HavenHartford-Providence – Construction Type – Total Percentage of Representative 

Route of Alternative 2 and the Existing NEC at Risk .................................................7.15-27

Figure 7.15-13: Current Climate Conditions (Storm Surge Flooding) Cumulative Percentage of 

the Total Acreage in the Representative Route of Action Alternative 3 (New York 

County, NY and Suffolk County, MA Route Option) .................................................7.15-28

Figure 7.15-14: Current Climate Conditions (Storm Surge Flooding): Construction Type – Total 

Percentage of Representative Route of Alternative 3 (New York County, NY, and 

Suffolk County, MA, Route Option) and the Existing NEC at Risk.............................7.15-29

Figure 7.15-15: Current Climate Conditions (Riverine Flooding): Total Percentage of 

Representative Route of Alternative 3 (New York County, NY, and Suffolk 

County, MA, Route Option) and the Existing NEC at Risk.........................................7.15-30

Figure 7.15-16: Current Climate Conditions (Riverine Flooding): Construction Type – Total 

Percentage of Representative Route of Alternative 3 (New York County, NY, and 

Suffolk County, MA, Route Option) and the Existing NEC at Risk.............................7.15-31
Table of Contents – Chapter 7

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | xiii

Figure 7.15-17: Example of Rail Buckle from Extreme Heat..............................................................7.15-34

Figure 7.15-18: Average Annual Number of Days Equal to or Above 95o

F, by Climate Scenario......7.15-37

TIER 1 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

7. Introduction

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | 7-i

7 Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences, and 

Mitigation Strategies

INTRODUCTION AND GUIDE TO EFFECTS ASSESSMENT

Chapter 7 presents the environmental and socioeconomic effects of the Action Alternatives

considered in the NEC FUTURE Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Tier 1 Draft EIS). As 

described in Chapter 2, Readers’ Guide, the Study Area includes a broad geographic area, extending

457 miles from Washington, D.C. (in the south) to Boston, MA (in the north), and covering over 50,000 

square miles. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) developed an approach to defining Action 

Alternatives and their Representative Routes in a way that allows for a meaningful assessment of 

potential Environmental Consequences. For each resource, the Affected Environment discussion 

documents existing conditions and sets the geographic boundaries where effects would occur and 

the Representative Route establishes a physical footprint for conducting Environmental 

Consequences assessments. The Context Area is a wider buffer around the Affected Environment that

identifies adjacent or nearby environmental features potentially affected by the Action Alternatives

should the Representative Route shift. The FRA applies this approach throughout the environmental 

effects assessment presented in this chapter.

Analysis in this chapter also reflects input from a variety of resource and regulatory agencies at the 

federal and state level obtained during a series of agency coordination meetings. These efforts 

included meetings about specific resource topics, Technical Working Groups, webinars, and mailings.

The various agencies have reviewed and commented on the effects-assessment methodologies, data, 

and preliminary Tier 1 Draft EIS findings as are relevant to their agencies jurisdiction or specialty. The 

FRA used this input to develop the Tier 1 Draft EIS.

Definition of Existing NEC, Representative Route, Affected Environment, and Context Area

The FRA uses the following concepts and terminology (first defined in Chapter 2, Readers’ Guide) in 

the effects assessment for each resource:

4 Existing NEC refers to the assumed right-of-way of the 

NEC and is the footprint used in this Tier 1 Draft EIS to 

characterize environmental conditions of the existing 

NEC. The FRA standardized the width of the existing NEC 

to 150 feet, conservatively accounting for a four-track 

right-of-way between Washington, D.C., and Boston. The 

150-foot width is inclusive of tracks, ballast, signals, etc.

4 Representative Route is the route associated with an 

Action Alternative. The Representative Route includes 

the physical footprint of the improvements associated 

with the Action Alternatives. The dimensions of the 

footprint of the Representative Route are based on 
7. Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies

Page | 7-ii Tier 1 Draft EIS

cross sections identifying construction types (e.g., 

tunnel, viaduct, bridge, embankment, at-grade) that are 

applied to topography or land use type, stations, 

supporting facilities, and right-of-way requirements. The 

footprints associated with the Representative Routes 

range from 150 feet to 300 feet wide. Improvements 

associated with stations and supporting facilities (i.e., 

tracks, platforms, parking) could flare out beyond the 

dimensions of the Representative Route.1

The width of the Representative Route for an Action 

Alternative includes the existing NEC and any new 

segment(s), where applicable. In some instances, a 

Representative Route consists of the existing NEC and 

new segment being adjacent and parallel to each other. 

In other instances, a Representative Route consists of 

the existing NEC and new segment being separated. An 

example would be a new segment proposed to create a 

bypass or an alternate route option to access a new geographic market. (See Section 4.2.4 for 

additional information.)

4 Affected Environment is the geographic area for which the FRA identified existing conditions and 

Environmental Consequences for the existing NEC and Action Alternatives. The width of the 

Affected Environment varies based on the resource, but at a minimum is 2,000 feet wide, 

centered on the Representative Route. In some cases where appropriate to accurately 

characterize the resource, the Affected Environment encompasses the entire Study Area. 

Table 7-1 provides specific sizes of the Affected Environments by resource. The size of each 

Affected Environment reflects the nature of the resource itself and any relevant regulatory 

requirements that influence the area of effect the FRA considered in determining potential effects 

for each specific resource. Appendix E provides the effects-assessment methodologies for each 

resource, in which the FRA provides the rationale used to determine the Affected Environment 

width for each resource.

 

1 The FRA did not evaluate other ancillary facilities, such as maintenance and storage yards, traction power 

substations, etc. in this Tier 1 Draft EIS. The FRA did not identify specific locations of these facilities as part of the 

development of alternatives (see Chapter 4, Alternatives Considered). 
7. Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | 7-iii

Table 7-1: Limits of Affected Environment by Resource

Resource Description of Resource Affected Environment

Land Cover Land cover within the Affected Environment

1⁄2-mile-wide swath centered 

on the Representative Route 

for each Action Alternative 

Agricultural Lands 

(Prime Farmlands and 

Timberlands)

Prime farmland and timberlands 

2,000-foot-wide swath 

centered along Representative 

Route for each Action 

Alternative

Parklands and Wild 

and Scenic Rivers

Publicly owned parklands; parklands receiving 

funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund 

Act; Rivers identified as Wild and Scenic by the 

National Rivers Inventory within the Affected 

Environment

2,000-foot-wide swath

centered along Representative 

Route for each Action 

Alternative

Hydrologic/Water 

Resources

Coastal zones and saltwater wetlands, freshwater 

resources (including wetlands), and floodplains 

2,000-foot-wide swath 

centered on the 

Representative Route

Ecological Resources Critical habitats and federally listed Threatened & 

Endangered Species

3,000-foot-wide swath

centered along Representative 

Route for each Action 

Alternative

Geologic Resources Soil, geological, groundwater and topographic 

resources

3,000-foot-wide swath

centered along Representative 

Route for each Action 

Alternative

Hazardous Waste and 

Contaminated 

Material Sites

Known sources and potential suspected sources of 

contaminated and hazardous materials

2-mile-wide swath centered 

along Representative Route 

for each Action Alternative

Cultural Resources

and Historic 

Properties

Resources listed in or eligible for listing in the 

National Register of Historic Places within the 

Affected Environment or identified as significant by 

Indian Tribes

1-mile-wide swath centered 

along Representative Route 

for each Action Alternative

Visual and Aesthetic 

Resources

Prominent visual resources and aesthetic qualities 

within the Affected Environment

1-mile-wide swath centered 

along Representative Route 

for each Action Alternative

Environmental Justice Minority and low-income populations within the 

Affected Environment

1-mile-wide swath centered 

along Representative Route 

for each Action Alternative

Noise and Vibration Ambient noise and vibration conditions, and noisesensitive land cover categories 

5,000-foot-wide swath

centered along Representative 

Route for each Action 

Alternative

Air Quality (including 

greenhouse gas 

emissions)

Current attainment status for criteria pollutants 

established by the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency for air-sheds within the Study Area

Determined by metropolitan 

planning organization by state 

within the Study Area

Energy Energy consumed, particularly by the transportation 

sector Entire Study Area

Climate Change and 

Adaptation

(excluding greenhouse 

gas emissions)

Identification of areas susceptible to the impacts of 

climate change (sea-level rise, storm surge and/or 

extreme heat and cold events)

For flood hazards: 2,000-footwide swath

For extreme heat and cold 

events: Entire Study Area
7. Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies

Page | 7-iv Tier 1 Draft EIS

Table 7-1: Limits of Affected Environment by Resource (continued)

Resource Description of Resource Affected Environment

Section 4(f) and 

Section 6(f) Resources

Parklands converted to transportation use, including 

publicly owned public parks, recreation areas, and 

wildlife/waterfowl refuges

2,000-foot-wide swath 

centered along Representative 

Route for each Action 

Alternative Converted lands or facilities that were acquired with 

Land and Water Conservation Fund Act funds

Historic resources converted to transportation use, 

including historic sites of local, state or national 

significance (eligible or listed)

1-mile-wide swath centered 

along Representative Route 

for each Action Alternative

Electromagnetic 

Fields and 

Electromagnetic 

Interference

Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) associated with electric 

conventional or high-speed train operations and 

electromagnetic interference that occurs when EMFs 

are produced 

2,000-foot-wide swath 

centered on Representative 

Route for each Action 

Alternatives

Safety Operational, infrastructure and overall modal safety Entire Study Area

Public Health Potential public health-related effects for each of the 

relevant Tier 1 Draft EIS resource areas As per the resource areas

Cumulative Effects

Combined result of the incremental direct and 

indirect effects of the Tier 1 Draft EIS Action 

Alternatives as well as the effects of other past, 

present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions, 

regardless of agency, on key resources

Study Area, expanded to 

include connecting corridors

1. Chapter 5 addresses transportation effects and Chapter 6 addresses economic effects and growth. 

4 Context Area is a broader geographic area that extends beyond the Affected Environment. The 

FRA defines a standardized Context Area of uniform width as 5 miles wide, centered on the 

Representative Route, for all resources. For those resources for which the Affected Environment 

encompasses the entire Study Area, there is no Context Area analysis. The Context Area allows 

for qualitative evaluation of potential shifts in Representative Routes. 

Figure 7-1 shows the relationship among the 

Representative Route, Affected Environment, 

and Context Area. These areas are all within 

the broader Study Area.

Figure 7-1: Representative Route, Affected 

Environment, and Context Area
7. Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | 7-v

Calculation of Environmental Consequences

The FRA describes the Environmental Consequences of Action Alternatives either quantitatively or 

qualitatively, depending on the resource. Quantitative analyses rely on geographic information 

system data and mapping to calculate the effects of the footprint of the Action Alternatives, or rely

on service data to calculate the effects of the service proposed by the Action Alternatives. Qualitative 

analysis may consider information from other sources, such as existing reports and studies, to assess 

potential effects. The FRA attributes Environmental Consequences to one or both of the following:

4 Physical footprint of the Action Alternatives – Environmental Consequences are based on either 

estimates of specific quantities of the resource (e.g., number of resources or resource-specific 

units of measurement such as acreage or linear feet) or the presence/absence of resources within 

the footprints of new or upgraded stations and within the Representative Route.

Chapter 7 provides information regarding the presence/absence of resources within the 

footprints of new or upgraded stations. Appendix E provides specific quantities of resources that 

have the potential to be affected within the footprints of new stations.

The calculation of footprint-related effects within the Representative Route for each resource in 

Chapter 7 assumes the use ofsix construction types: tunnel, trench, at-grade, embankment, aerial 

structure (viaduct), and major bridge. The analysis also uses these construction types to identify 

areas where impacts should be effectively mitigated. The construction types used in this analysis 

would be revisited during subsequent planning and environmental analysis at the (Tier 2) project 

level and changes to construction type may result in additional or different impacts. With the 

exception of the following resources, every other resource in Chapter 7 assumes that potential 

impacts would occur under all six construction types:

– Land Cover: The FRA excluded tunnels and major bridges in the analysis of potential land 

conversions because of the grade separation and resulting negligible conversion of land cover 

type at the surface. The FRA considered all construction types in the acquisitions and 

displacements analysis.

– Hydrologic/Water Resources: The FRA excluded tunnels in the analysis of wetlands (both 

freshwater and saltwater) and floodplains because tunnels typically go beneath the resources 

and therefore avoid or greatly minimize the impact to a resource. 

– Noise and Vibration: The FRA excluded tunnels from the noise propagation effects analysis

because tunnels would create a barrier between the noise source and a potentially sensitive 

receptor.

4 Service characteristics of the Action Alternatives – Environmental Consequences are based on 

end-to-end estimates of service characteristics, including metropolitan areas and city-pairs 

served, type of service (e.g., Intercity or Regional, frequency, travel times), type of equipment 

(e.g., diesel or electric, speed profiles), user benefits (e.g., passenger trips, passenger miles, train 

miles, vehicle miles traveled), costs (i.e., capital, operation and maintenance), and revenues.

These end-to-end statistics inform the environmental effects assessment for resource areas such 

as transportation, economic effects, environmental justice, noise and vibration, and air quality.
7. Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies

Page | 7-vi Tier 1 Draft EIS

Each of the resource-specific sections presents direct effects. Direct effects include effects related to 

encroachment (even if separated by space or time) or specific impacts that result from an action 

affecting a particular resource. Chapter 6 presents indirect effects related to induced growth and 

development resulting from construction and operation of the Action Alternatives.

Effects Assessment for Alternative 3 Route Options

Alternative 3 includes improvements to the existing NEC plus the creation of a new two-track, highspeed route from Washington, D.C., to Boston. The FRA considered several possible routing options 

during the alternatives development process (Chapter 4, Alternatives Development). Based on this 

analysis, the FRA selected a single route between Washington, D.C., and New York City; however, the 

FRA identified two route options between New York City and Hartford, CT, and two route options 

between Hartford and Boston for further consideration in this Tier 1 Draft EIS. The route south of 

New York City and route options north of New York City include the following:

4 Washington, D.C., to New York City (stops at the New Jersey/New York line at the Hudson 

County/New York County line bisecting the Hudson River)

4 New York City to Hartford:

– Via Central Connecticut (through Danbury)

– Via Long Island (through Ronkonkoma and New Haven)

4 Hartford to Boston:

– Via Providence

– Via Worcester

As a result, the FRA presents the findings for Alternative 3 as a range of values representative of the

entire route between Washington, D.C., and New York City as well as the four route options north of 

New York City. The FRA usually presents the effects that would occur specifically under the portion 

of Alternative 3 between Washington, D.C., and New York City and the different route options in 

separate tables within the environmental resource sections of this chapter. In some sections of this 

Tier 1 Draft EIS, Alternative 3 is represented as Alternative 3.1 (Central CT/Providence), Alternative 

3.2 (Long Island/Providence), Alternative 3.3 (Long Island/Worcester) and Alternative 3.4 (Central 

CT/Worcester). The FRA considers these as the 

representative end-to-end options for service-related 

analysis specific to Alternative 3. (Appendix B presents 

additional details about the Alternative 3 route options 

considered and their evaluation.)

Approach to the Analysis of the No Action Alternative

The No Action Alternative incorporates improvements such 

as track and signal upgrades within the existing NEC rightof-way. It also includes projects that may extend beyond 

the existing right-of-way, such as bridge and station 

rehabilitation or expansion projects, and other non-rail 

Analysis of the No Action Alternative:

§ Physical limits of the No Action 

Alternative are unknown; therefore,

quantitative analysis for a footprint of 

the No Action Alternative is not 

presented. 

§ Data for the existing NEC are 

presented as a proxy for the footprint 

of the majority of passenger rail 

investments included in the No Action 

Alternative.
7. Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | 7-vii

transportation projects. Because some of the projects included within the No Action Alternative are 

still in the planning stages of development, the physical limits of the No Action Alternative are not 

well defined. As a result, calculating the footprint-related Environmental Consequences for the No 

Action Alternative was not possible. However, for the purposes of comparison against the Action 

Alternatives, the FRA used the existing NEC as a proxy for understanding potential footprint-related 

effects of the rail projects included in the No Action Alternative because the physical footprint of 

improvements associated with rail projects included in the No Action Alternative would occur 

primarily within the physical footprint of the existing NEC.

2 As stated earlier in this section, the FRA 

assumed the footprint associated with the existing NEC to be 150 feet wide, which conservatively 

covers the width of a four-track railroad. Each of the Action Alternatives also includes the 

improvements that the No Action Alternative will undertake.

Therefore, in Chapter 7 of this Tier 1 Draft EIS:

4 The FRA considered resources within the existing NEC as a proxy for the resources that may be 

affected by the No Action Alternative. The existing NEC is referenced in both the Affected 

Environment and Environmental Consequences sections of this Draft Tier 1 EIS.

4 The FRA developed an “Affected Environment of the existing NEC” for each resource. For each 

resource, the width of the Affected Environment of the existing NEC is the same as the width of 

the Affected Environment of each Action Alternative. Existing conditions within this Affected 

Environment of the existing NEC are shown for each resource in order for the FRA to make valid 

comparisons between the Affected Environment of the No Action Alternative (as represented by 

the existing NEC) and the Affected Environments of the Action Alternatives. 

4 There is a qualitative discussion of potential effects of the No Action Alternative for all resources. 

The FRA used this qualitative assessment to further understand and assess NEC FUTURE’s 

potential contributions to cumulative effects on identified resources.

4 In presenting Environmental Consequences for each of the Action Alternatives, the numerical 

quantities for the Environmental Consequences include the quantities that occur within the 

existing NEC. This is because improvements on the existing NEC included in the No Action 

Alternative are also part of each Action Alternative. 

4 The FRA quantified service-related effects of the No Action Alternative. Service data for the No 

Action Alternative establish a baseline of service against which the FRA compared and evaluated

the Action Alternatives. These service data include quantifiable timetable-related data such as 

scheduled trains by time of day, stopping patterns, and travel times, as well as equipment types.

This approach to the analysis of the No Action Alternative is consistent with the following:

4 The programmatic level of detail across both the No Action and Action Alternatives, and inclusion 

of improvements to the existing NEC in the Action Alternatives

4 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) practice, particularly where the projects included as 

part of the No Action Alternative are an integral component of proposed Action Alternatives

 

2 Most rail improvement projects included in the No Action Alternative will take place within the existing NEC rightof-way, except for some projects underway such as East Side Access in New York City.
7. Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies

Page | 7-viii Tier 1 Draft EIS

Level of Detail and Data Considerations

The interaction of resource-specific data (e.g., land cover, 

demographics, and ecological resources), service data, and 

information about the Action Alternatives drives the 

Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

analyses of resources evaluated in Chapter 7. As described 

in Chapter 2, Readers’ Guide, the FRA analyzed readily 

available secondary source data (e.g., geographic 

information system [GIS]-based, published reports, 

technical analyses), and did not conduct fieldwork or 

subsurface testing of any kind as part of this Tier 1 Draft EIS. The FRA reviewed the data carefully to 

ensure a uniform level of detail since the data were collected from a variety of sources. For the Tier 

1 Draft EIS resources assessed in Chapter 7, the FRA collected data for each resource in 2012 for the 

latest year in which a complete year of data was available, depending on the resource and availability 

of data. For a list of data sources used for each resource, refer to Appendix E for the individual 

resource methodologies. For the Tier 1 Final EIS, the FRA will update information for the Preferred 

Alternative as available and as appropriate to inform the decision to be made.

Chapter 7 presents data as totals for each of the affected 

states and Washington, D.C. Areas of interest and 

corresponding data are called out by county as needed in 

each resource section of Chapter 7. The highest level of 

detail collected and presented is at the county level; data 

were collected for each county for each resource and is 

presented in Appendix E.

Level of Detail:

§ Broad environmental review

§ Analysis based on “readily available” 

data and information

§ No field work or subsurface testing

§ Detailed analysis will be carried out 

during Tier 2 actions

Data Considerations:

§ Quantities associated with “footprint” 

calculations are based on GIS 

mapping overlays.

§ Data are tallied by state.

§ Highest level of detail is the countylevel and is presented in Appendix E.
7. Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | 7-ix

How to Read this Chapter

Impacts to the resources listed in Table 7-2 are analyzed in this chapter in accordance with NEPA and 

FRA’s Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts (64 Fed. Reg. 28545). Other resources

evaluated in this Tier 1 Draft EIS, including Transportation Effects, Economic Effects and Growth and 

Indirect Effects, and Construction Effects are addressed in Chapters 5, 6, and 8, respectively. Table 7-2

also identifies the key resources identified by the FRA.

Table 7-2: Chapter Number/Resource Area Considered

Chapter Resource Key Resource 

7.2 Land Cover X

7.3 Agricultural Lands (Prime Farmland and Timberlands) 

7.4 Parklands and Wild And Scenic Rivers X

7.5 Hydrologic/Water Resources X

7.6 Ecological Resources X

7.7 Geologic Resources

7.8 Hazardous Waste and Contaminated Material Sites

7.9 Cultural Resources and Historic Properties X

7.10 Visual and Aesthetic Resources

7.11 Environmental Justice X

7.12 Noise and Vibration

7.13 Air Quality 

7.14 Energy

7.15 Climate Change and Adaptation X

7.16 Section 4(f) and Section 6(f) Resources X

7.17 Electromagnetic Fields and Electromagnetic Interference

7.18 Safety

7.19 Public Health

7.20 Cumulative Effects

7.21 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources

X = Key Resource. While all environmental factors are important, some have greater potential to influence the identification of a Preferred 

Alternative since they are tied to Executive Orders, environmental laws, regulations and regulatory requirements, including but not limited to 

Executive Order 12898 (Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-income Populations), Section 404 of 

the Clean Water Act, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 7 of the Endangered Species, and Section 4(f) of the U.S. 

Department of Transportation Act. Some of these laws require avoidance of impacts or selection of an alternative that has the least 

environmental impact. 
7. Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies

Page | 7-x Tier 1 Draft EIS

Organization of this Chapter

Table 7-3 summarizes the organization of this chapter. It also references appendices containing 

additional technical methodologies and analysis (Appendix E) and mapping (Appendix A). For each 

resource area, the FRA generally presents the Affected Environment and Environmental 

Consequences from south to north following the NEC or the Representative Route of each Action 

Alternative. This Tier 1 Draft EIS presents the findings by state; related appendices provide details for 

each state by county. Appendix A, Mapping Atlas, presents all resource mapping. 

Table 7-3: Guide to Chapter 7 Resource Areas 

Effects-Assessment 

Methodology

Affected Environment and 

Environmental 

Consequences

Potential Mitigation and 

Subsequent Tier 2 Analyses

In Each Chapter 7 

Resource Area:

A definition of the resource 

and summary of the 

methodology used to 

evaluate that particular 

resource

An overview of the 

character of the resource 

throughout the Study Area 

and within the Context 

Area, and identification of 

resources within the 

Affected Environment and 

effects on that resource by

Action Alternative

A list of potential mitigation 

strategies and best 

practices appropriate to be 

identified at the Tier 1 level 

and acknowledgement of 

where additional and more 

detailed analyses would be 

needed at the project level

(Tier 2) evaluation 

Visit Appendix E, 

Technical 

Resource 

Documentation,

for:

A complete effectsassessment methodology, 

defining the resource and 

data sources, and 

explaining how the Affected 

Environment was defined 

and established, and how 

the effects on each 

resource were evaluated 

and reported

Detailed data outputs, 

additional assumptions, and 

criteria used to focus 

presentation of

environmental findings in 

each resource area of 

Chapter 7

Visit Appendix A, 

Mapping Atlas,

for:

n Resources mapped 

within the Affected 

Environments of each 

resource area and 

within the 5-mile 

Context Area for each 

Action Alternative

(Part 1)

n Representative Route 

for each Action 

Alternative showing 

construction types 

(Part 2)