TIER 1 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Table of Contents

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | i

Table of Contents

Summary

S.1 TIER 1 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT..................................................................................... S-1

S.2 CONSIDERATION OF OTHER TRANSPORTATION MODES AND FREIGHT RAIL SERVICE............................................... S-3

S.3 AGENCY AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT........................................................................................................... S-3

S.4 NEED FOR NEC FUTURE........................................................................................................................ S-4

S.5 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND NEED (CHAPTER 3)......................................................................................... S-5

S.6 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED (CHAPTER 4).................................................................................................... S-6

S.6.1 Service Types............................................................................................................................................. S-11

S.6.2 Technology ................................................................................................................................................ S-12

S.7 ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES ........................................................................................... S-12

S.7.1 Transportation Effects (Chapter 5)............................................................................................................ S-12

S.7.2 Economic Effects (Chapter 6) .................................................................................................................... S-14

S.7.3 Environmental Consequences (Chapter 7)................................................................................................ S-16

S.7.4 Construction Effects (Chapter 8)............................................................................................................... S-23

S.7.5 Costs.......................................................................................................................................................... S-23

S.7.6 Comparison of Alternatives: Summary of Findings (Chapter 9)................................................................ S-25

S.7.7 Phasing and Implementation (Chapter 10) ............................................................................................... S-25

S.8 NEXT STEPS ........................................................................................................................................ S-32

1. Introduction

1.1 WHAT IS THE NEC FUTURE PROGRAM?....................................................................................................1-1

1.2 THE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NORTHEAST CORRIDOR......................................................1-2

1.3 HOW WAS THE PROGRAM INITIATED?........................................................................................................1-4

1.3.1 Federal Railroad Administration’s Involvement.......................................................................................... 1-5

1.3.2 Federal Transit Administration’s Involvement............................................................................................ 1-5

1.3.3 Planning Context ......................................................................................................................................... 1-5

1.4 WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES UNDER CONSIDERATION?................................................................................1-7

1.5 HOW ARE FREIGHT RAILROAD OPERATIONS CONSIDERED IN NEC FUTURE? ......................................................1-8

1.6 WHAT IS A TIER 1 EIS? HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER EIS DOCUMENTS? ...................................................1-8

1.7 HOW WILL THE FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION SELECT A VISION FOR THE NORTHEAST CORRIDOR? .................1-9

1.8 WHO ARE THE STAKEHOLDERS IN THE NEC FUTURE PROGRAM? ....................................................................1-9

1.9 WHO ARE POTENTIAL FUTURE PROJECT SPONSORS? HOW CAN THEY USE THIS TIER 1 EIS? .................................1-10

1.10 WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS AFTER PUBLICATION OF THE TIER 1 DRAFT EIS?.....................................................1-12

1.11 WHAT IS ENVISIONED AFTER THIS PROCESS IS COMPLETE? ............................................................................1-12

1.12 WHAT IS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IN RELATED ACTIONS AFTER THE TIER 1 EIS PROCESS IS COMPLETE?....1-13

2. Readers’ Guide

2.1 ORGANIZATION OF THIS TIER 1 DRAFT EIS...................................................................................................2-1

2.1.1 Main Body ................................................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.1.2 Appendices.................................................................................................................................................. 2-2

2.2 KEY CONCEPTS ......................................................................................................................................2-3

2.2.1 Environmental Level of Detail and Analysis ................................................................................................ 2-3

2.2.2 Horizon Year................................................................................................................................................ 2-5

2.2.3 Existing NEC, Representative Routes, Affected Environment, and Context Area ....................................... 2-5

2.2.4 Data Sources and Geographic Information System Tools........................................................................... 2-7

2.2.5 Alternatives Development and Terminology............................................................................................... 2-7
Table of Contents

Page | ii Tier 1 Draft EIS

3. Purpose and Need

3.1 OVERVIEW ...........................................................................................................................................3-1

3.2 DEVELOPMENT OF THE PURPOSE AND NEED.................................................................................................3-2

3.3 PURPOSE OF THE NEC FUTURE PROGRAM AND PROPOSED ACTION.................................................................3-3

3.4 THE NEED FOR PASSENGER RAIL IMPROVEMENTS ..........................................................................................3-3

3.4.1 Aging Infrastructure .................................................................................................................................... 3-5

3.4.2 Insufficient Capacity .................................................................................................................................... 3-7

3.4.3 Gaps in Connectivity.................................................................................................................................. 3-10

3.4.4 Compromised Performance ...................................................................................................................... 3-12

3.4.5 Lack of Resiliency....................................................................................................................................... 3-14

3.4.6 Environmental Sustainability..................................................................................................................... 3-15

3.4.7 Economic Growth...................................................................................................................................... 3-16

4. Alternatives Considered

4.1 ALTERNATIVES DEVELOPMENT PROCESS OVERVIEW ......................................................................................4-1

4.1.1 Initial Alternatives ....................................................................................................................................... 4-3

4.1.2 Preliminary Alternatives.............................................................................................................................. 4-5

4.1.3 No Action and Action Alternatives.............................................................................................................. 4-7

4.1.4 Balancing Near-Term and Long-Term Needs............................................................................................... 4-9

4.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF ACTION ALTERNATIVES..............................................................................................4-10

4.2.1 Markets Served ......................................................................................................................................... 4-11

4.2.2 Service and Station Types.......................................................................................................................... 4-12

4.2.3 Infrastructure Elements ............................................................................................................................ 4-27

4.2.4 Representative Route................................................................................................................................ 4-27

4.2.5 Ancillary Facilities and Supporting Structures........................................................................................... 4-31

4.3 NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE ......................................................................................................................4-33

4.3.1 Disinvestment Scenario............................................................................................................................. 4-35

4.4 ACTION ALTERNATIVES..........................................................................................................................4-36

4.4.1 Alternative 1.............................................................................................................................................. 4-36

4.4.2 Alternative 2.............................................................................................................................................. 4-36

4.4.3 Alternative 3.............................................................................................................................................. 4-36

4.5 MARKETS AND SERVICE .........................................................................................................................4-38

4.5.1 No Action Alternative................................................................................................................................ 4-38

4.5.2 Alternative 1.............................................................................................................................................. 4-41

4.5.3 Alternative 2.............................................................................................................................................. 4-41

4.5.4 Alternative 3.............................................................................................................................................. 4-42

4.5.5 Stations/Metropolitan Areas Served......................................................................................................... 4-43

4.6 INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENTS...................................................................................................................4-44

4.6.1 Alternative 1.............................................................................................................................................. 4-45

4.6.2 Alternative 2.............................................................................................................................................. 4-48

4.6.3 Alternative 3.............................................................................................................................................. 4-51

4.7 GEOGRAPHIC DEPICTION AND ORIENTATION OF ALTERNATIVES ......................................................................4-54

4.7.1 No Action Alternative................................................................................................................................ 4-54

4.7.2 Alternative 1.............................................................................................................................................. 4-62

4.7.3 Alternative 2.............................................................................................................................................. 4-64

4.7.4 Alternative 3.............................................................................................................................................. 4-70

4.8 COST................................................................................................................................................. 4-78

4.8.1 Capital Costs.............................................................................................................................................. 4-78

4.8.2 Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Costs.............................................................................................. 4-79

4.9 PRESENTATION OF ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS...............................................................................................4-80
Table of Contents

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | iii

5. Transportation

5.1 INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................5-1

5.1.1 Approach to Transportation Effects Assessment ........................................................................................ 5-2

5.1.2 Transportation Effects-Assessment Methodology ...................................................................................... 5-3

5.2 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS ..........................................................................................................................5-4

5.2.1 Travel Trends............................................................................................................................................... 5-5

5.2.2 Metropolitan-Area to Metropolitan-Area Travel ........................................................................................ 5-8

5.2.3 Highway and Intercity Bus........................................................................................................................... 5-9

5.2.4 Air.............................................................................................................................................................. 5-11

5.2.5 Public Transit............................................................................................................................................. 5-12

5.2.6 Passenger Rail............................................................................................................................................ 5-13

5.2.7 Freight ....................................................................................................................................................... 5-18

5.3 TRANSPORTATION EFFECTS.....................................................................................................................5-19

5.3.1 Corridor-wide Analysis.............................................................................................................................. 5-20

5.3.1.2 Metropolitan-Area to Metropolitan..................................................................................................... 5-21

5.3.2 Stations Analysis........................................................................................................................................ 5-23

5.4 TIER 2 ASSESSMENTS ............................................................................................................................5-39

6. Economic Effects and Growth, and Indirect Effects

6.1 INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................6-1

6.1.1 Definitions................................................................................................................................................... 6-4

6.1.2 Effects-Assessment Methodology............................................................................................................... 6-5

6.2 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS ..........................................................................................................................6-7

6.3 ECONOMIC EFFECTS AND INDIRECT EFFECTS .................................................................................................6-9

6.3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 6-9

6.3.2 Construction Effects.................................................................................................................................. 6-10

6.3.3 Rail Sector Employment Effects ................................................................................................................ 6-14

6.3.4 Travel Market Effects ................................................................................................................................ 6-17

6.3.5 Economic Development Response............................................................................................................ 6-28

6.3.6 Indirect Effects .......................................................................................................................................... 6-49

7 Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences, and Mitigation 

Strategies

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

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

7.2 LAND COVER

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 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 7.3-1
Table of Contents

Page | iv Tier 1 Draft EIS

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 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 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

7.6 ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES

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 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 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 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
Table of Contents

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | v

7.10 VISUAL AND AESTHETIC RESOURCES

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 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.................................................................................................................................... 7.11-15

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

7.11.7 Subsequent Tier 2 Analysis.............................................................................................................. 7.11-16

7.12 NOISE AND VIBRATION

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

7.16.2 Section 6(f) Resources..................................................................................................................... 7.16-21
Table of Contents

Page | vi Tier 1 Draft EIS

7.17 ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS AND ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE ASSESSMENT

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 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

7.19 SUMMARY OF PUBLIC HEALTH EFFECTS

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 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 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

8. Construction Effects

8.1 INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................8-1

8.2 CONSTRUCTION OVERVIEW ......................................................................................................................8-1

8.2.1 Construction Types...................................................................................................................................... 8-1

8.2.2 Construction Impacts on Train Operations ................................................................................................. 8-4

8.3 STATION CONSTRUCTION.........................................................................................................................8-6

8.4 CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT.....................................................................................................................8-7

8.5 TYPICAL CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCING ........................................................................................................8-8

8.6 CONSTRUCTION STAGING AREAS ...............................................................................................................8-8

8.7 TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EFFECTS.......................................................................................................8-10

8.8 POTENTIAL MITIGATION ........................................................................................................................8-13

8.9 SUBSEQUENT TIER 2 ANALYSIS ................................................................................................................8-14

9. Evaluation of Alternatives

9.1 A VISION FOR THE NORTHEAST CORRIDOR...................................................................................................9-1

9.2 OVERALL DECISION-MAKING PROCESS........................................................................................................9-1

9.2.1 Presentation of Evaluation.......................................................................................................................... 9-2

9.2.2 Technology Considerations......................................................................................................................... 9-3

9.3 EVALUATION FRAMEWORK.......................................................................................................................9-3

9.3.1 Factors and Metrics..................................................................................................................................... 9-4

9.4 EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES .................................................................................................................9-6

9.4.1 Need-Based Factors..................................................................................................................................... 9-6

9.4.2 Other Factors............................................................................................................................................. 9-32
Table of Contents

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | vii

9.5 COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES..............................................................................................................9-40

9.5.1 Discussion of Key Findings/Differences across Alternatives ..................................................................... 9-40

9.5.2 Key Findings by Need ................................................................................................................................ 9-46

10. Phasing and Implementation

10.1 NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE ......................................................................................................................10-2

10.2 UNIVERSAL FIRST PHASE........................................................................................................................10-3

10.2.1 Service Benefits.................................................................................................................................... 10-7

10.2.2 Transportation Benefits........................................................................................................................ 10-9

10.2.3 Capital Cost........................................................................................................................................... 10-9

10.3 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES AND CHALLENGES ...................................................................................... 10-10

10.3.1 Coordinated Corridor-Wide Planning................................................................................................. 10-11

10.3.2 Construction Staging and Planning Strategies.................................................................................... 10-12

10.4 DIFFERENCES IN DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION BETWEEN THE ACTION ALTERNATIVES...................................... 10-14

11. Agency and Public Involvement

11.1 INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................................11-1

11.2 OVERVIEW AND APPROACH TO PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND AGENCY CONSULTATION...........................................11-1

11.3 SCOPING PROCESS................................................................................................................................11-2

11.3.1 Public Scoping Meetings....................................................................................................................... 11-3

11.3.2 Agency Scoping Meetings..................................................................................................................... 11-4

11.3.3 Extension of Comment Period.............................................................................................................. 11-4

11.3.4 Comments Received............................................................................................................................. 11-4

11.3.5 Effect of Scoping Comments on Tier 1 EIS Development..................................................................... 11-5

11.4 AGENCY CONSULTATION........................................................................................................................11-5

11.4.1 Lead and Cooperating Agencies ........................................................................................................... 11-6

11.4.2 Federal Agencies................................................................................................................................... 11-7

11.4.3 Northeast Corridor Commission........................................................................................................... 11-7

11.4.4 State Transportation Agencies and Railroad Operators....................................................................... 11-7

11.4.5 Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Local Governments............................................................ 11-9

11.4.6 Agency Update Meetings ................................................................................................................... 11-10

11.4.7 Environmental Resource and Regulatory Agency Engagement Process ............................................ 11-11

11.4.8 Section 106 Consultation.................................................................................................................... 11-13

11.4.9 Section 4(f) Coordination ................................................................................................................... 11-13

11.4.10 Section 7 Coordination ....................................................................................................................... 11-13

11.5 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT (BEYOND SCOPING) .............................................................................................. 11-13

11.5.1 Communication Tools......................................................................................................................... 11-14

11.5.2 Regional Public Workshops................................................................................................................ 11-15

11.5.3 Public Open Houses............................................................................................................................ 11-18

11.5.4 Rail Station Outreach.......................................................................................................................... 11-20

11.6 OTHER STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS, BRIEFINGS, AND PRESENTATIONS .............................................................. 11-21

11.6.1 Economic Development Workshops .................................................................................................. 11-21

11.6.2 Presentations to Interested Organizations......................................................................................... 11-22

11.7 TARGETED OUTREACH TO ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE POPULATIONS ............................................................... 11-23

11.8 DOCUMENTATION.............................................................................................................................. 11-25

12. References

13. Glossary

14. List of Preparers

15. Index
Table of Contents

Page | viii Tier 1 Draft EIS

Appendices

Appendix A, Mapping Atlas

Appendix B, Alternatives Documentation

Appendix C, Transportation

Appendix D, Economic Effects

Appendix E, Environmental Resource Documentation

Appendix F, Agency and Public Involvement

Appendix G, Section 106 Documentation

Appendix H, Preliminary Section 4(f) and Section 6(f) Evaluations 
Table of Contents

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | ix

Tables

Table S-1: Number of Annual One-Way Trips (1,000s) by Service Type for the No Action and 

Action Alternatives (2040)....................................................................................................S-13

Table S-2: Number of Annual One-Way Trips (1,000s) by Service Type for the Alternative 3 

Route Options (2040) ...........................................................................................................S-13

Table S-3: Environmental Resources and Limits of Affected Environment...........................................S-16

Table S-4: Summary of Key Resource Findings by Action Alternative...................................................S-20

Table S-5: Capital Costs – Action Alternatives ($2014 billions).............................................................S-25

Table S-6: Capital Costs – Alternative 3 Route Options ($2014 billions) (end-to-end costs)................S-25

Table S-7: Summary of Alternatives – Characteristics and Evaluation Factors.....................................S-27

Table 3-1: Critical Infrastructure Needs on the Northeast Corridor........................................................3-6

Table 3-2: Peak and Off-Peak Weekday Inbound Commuter-Rail Arrivals at Penn Station New 

York (1990–2012) ...................................................................................................................3-9

Table 3-3: Comparative Travel Times by Mode.....................................................................................3-13

Table 3-4: Public Transportation Cost Savings (2011)...........................................................................3-17

Table 4-1: Initial Alternatives Building Blocks .........................................................................................4-3

Table 4-2: Summary of Preliminary Alternatives.....................................................................................4-5

Table 4-3: Preliminary Alternatives Evaluation Criteria ..........................................................................4-7

Table 4-4: Rolling Stock Assumptions Used for Service Planning Purposes..........................................4-16

Table 4-5: NEC FUTURE Stations............................................................................................................4-22

Table 4-6: Footprint Width of the Representative Route......................................................................4-29

Table 4-7: Potential Intercity Rail Storage and Maintenance Facilities.................................................4-32

Table 4-8: Trains per Peak Hour, Existing and 2040 Peak-Hour Peak Direction at Select 

Screenlines – All Alternatives...............................................................................................4-39

Table 4-9: Trains per Peak Hour, 2040 Peak-Hour Peak Direction at Select Screenlines –

Alternative 3 Route Options.................................................................................................4-40

Table 4-10: Existing NEC Stations (excluding Connecting Corridors) Served under the No Action 

Alternative ............................................................................................................................4-43

Table 4-11: Station Type for No Action and Action Alternatives.............................................................4-44

Table 4-12: Mapping Atlas Reference Guide...........................................................................................4-55

Table 4-13: Capital Costs – Action Alternatives ($2014 billions).............................................................4-79

Table 4-14: Capital Costs – Alternative 3 Route Options ($2014 billions) (end-to-end costs)................4-79

Table 4-15: Annual Intercity O&M Costs and Revenues by Alternative ($2014 millions).......................4-79

Table 4-16: Annual Intercity O&M Costs and Revenues – Alternative 3 ($2014 millions)......................4-80

Table 5-1: Existing Intercity Tripmaking (1,000s) by Transportation Mode (2012).................................5-5

Table 5-2: Daily Observed Average Commuter Behavior (2012).............................................................5-5

Table 5-3: Change in Commuting Patterns (2006–2012) ........................................................................5-6

Table 5-4: Travel Trends (2006–2012).....................................................................................................5-7

Table 5-5: Rates of Walking to Work by Top Ten Cities Ranked (2008–2012)........................................5-8

Table 5-6: Airport Enplanements by Airport (2006, 2012, 2040)..........................................................5-11

Table 5-7: Air Travel by Airport Pair (2012)...........................................................................................5-12

Table 5-8: Ridership and Trip Length Characteristics by Rail Carrier (2012).........................................5-13
Table of Contents

Page | x Tier 1 Draft EIS

Table 5-9: Intercity Ridership by Station (2006–2012)..........................................................................5-15

Table 5-10: Annual Passengers by Regional Rail Service Provider (2006 and 2012)...............................5-16

Table 5-11: Freight Movement by Metropolitan Area (2011).................................................................5-18

Table 5-12: Projected Freight Growth (2011–2040)................................................................................5-19

Table 5-13: Annual Trips (1,000s) by Mode for the No Action and Action Alternatives (2040)..............5-20

Table 5-14: Annual Trips (1,000s) by Mode for Alternative 3 Route Options (2040)..............................5-20

Table 5-15: Annual Intercity Trips by Selected Metropolitan Area Pair for the No Action 

Alternative (total) and Action Alternatives (difference from the No Action 

Alternative)(2040) ................................................................................................................5-22

Table 5-16: Highest Intercity Frequency Alternative by Representative Station (2040).........................5-26

Table 5-17: Changes in Service Types and/or Frequency by Representative Station in the Action 

Alternatives Compared to the No Action Alternative (2040)...............................................5-28

Table 5-18: Average Intercity Travel Time (Hours:Minutes) by Representative Station-Pair (2040)......5-32

Table 5-19: Average Number of Intercity Trains Per Day by Representative Station-Pair for the 

No Action and Action Alternatives (2040)............................................................................5-34

Table 5-20: Change in Intercity Service by Representative Station-Pair for the Action 

Alternatives (2040)...............................................................................................................5-35

Table 5-21: Annual Intercity One-Way Trips by Representative Station-Pairs for the No Action 

Alternative and Action Alternatives (2040)..........................................................................5-38

Table 5-22: Annual Regional Rail Trips by Selected Metropolitan Areas for the No Action and 

Action Alternatives (2040)....................................................................................................5-39

Table 5-23: Daily Two-Way Trips at Select Station Screenlines for the No Action and Action 

Alternatives (2040)...............................................................................................................5-39

Table 6-1: Potential Construction Employment Impacts.......................................................................6-13

Table 6-2: Potential Construction Earnings Impacts .............................................................................6-13

Table 6-3: 2040 Potential Employment Impacts for Full O&M Only .....................................................6-16

Table 6-4: 2040 Potential Earnings Impacts for Full O&M Only............................................................6-16

Table 6-5: Net Change in Value of Travel Time and Travel Cost Savings by Mode for Diverted 

Users.....................................................................................................................................6-19

Table 6-6: 2040 Annual Intercity Value of Travel Time Savings ............................................................6-21

Table 6-7: Annual Hours and Auto Diversions to Regional Rail Resulting in User Benefits...................6-22

Table 6-8: User Benefits of Regional Rail Net of No Action Alternative................................................6-22

Table 6-9: 2040 Potential Intercity Travel Cost Impacts by Mode ........................................................6-24

Table 6-10: Safety Benefits for VMT diverted to Intercity and Regional Rail Service in 2040.................6-25

Table 6-11: Total Value of 2040 Potential Emissions Impacts.................................................................6-25

Table 6-12: Intercity Net Revenue Contributions....................................................................................6-28

Table 6-13: 2040 Annual Interregional and Regional Linked Rail Trips...................................................6-30

Table 6-14: Summary of Planning by Market..........................................................................................6-38

Table 6-15: Range of Pricing/Service Type Options Serving Metropolitan Areas Daily ..........................6-40

Table 6-16: Daily Trains Serving Metropolitan Area (Number of Daily Trains at a Hub Station 

within Metropolitan Area)....................................................................................................6-41

Table 6-17: Number of Locations Accessible via Direct Connections......................................................6-42

Table 6-18: Frequency of Direct Connections.........................................................................................6-43

Table 6-19: Number of Intercity (non-Regional) Routes Traversing Broad New York Region.................6-44

Table 6-20: Shortest Travel Time to New York City.................................................................................6-45
Table of Contents

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | xi

Table 6-21: Longest Travel Time to New York City..................................................................................6-45

Table 6-22: Average Number of Daily Trains to New York City per Station ............................................6-46

Table 6-23: Jobs Accessible in a 30-Minute Train Travel Time................................................................6-48

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

Page | xii Tier 1 Draft EIS

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 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 of Contents

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | xiii

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 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 of Contents

Page | xiv Tier 1 Draft EIS

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 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 of Contents

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | xv

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 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 of Contents

Page | xvi Tier 1 Draft EIS

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 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 (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 of Contents

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | xvii

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 8-1: Typical Sequence of Construction Activities (Action Alternatives).........................................8-9

Table 8-2: Examples of Potential Construction-Related Effects............................................................8-10

Table 9-1: Evaluation Factors and Metrics..............................................................................................9-5

Table 9-2: Rail Service and Practical Capacity at Select Screenlines (Peak Hour, Peak Direction)..........9-9

Table 9-3: Passenger-Carrying Capacity at Select Screenlines (Peak Hour, Peak Direction).................9-10

Table 9-4: Percentage Change over No Action Alternative in Passenger Rail Trips and Miles..............9-11

Table 9-5: Alternative 3 Route Options, Percentage Change over No Action Alternative in 

Annual Intercity and Regional Trips and Passenger Miles....................................................9-11

Table 9-6: Intercity Rail Trips – Select Metropolitan Areas...................................................................9-13

Table 9-7: Intercity Rail Trips at Select Metropolitan Areas – Alternative 3 Route Options.................9-13

Table 9-8: Total Annual Passenger Rail Trips Diverted from Other Modes (1,000s of Trips)................9-14

Table 9-9: Annual Reduction in Vehicle-Miles Traveled Compared to No Action Alternative 

(millions of vehicle-miles traveled).......................................................................................9-14

Table 9-10: Annual Reduction in Vehicle-Miles Traveled Compared to No Action Alternative –

Alternative 3 Route Options (millions of vehicle-miles traveled).........................................9-14

Table 9-11: Daily Trains Serving Airport Stations (total number of trains) .............................................9-15

Table 9-12: Air-to-Rail Diversions (Annual Trips) ....................................................................................9-16

Table 9-13: Alternative 3 Route Options – Air-to-Rail Diversions (Annual Trips)....................................9-16

Table 9-14: Intercity Daily Service Volumes between Representative Station-Pairs..............................9-16

Table 9-15: Intercity Daily Service Volumes between Representative Station-Pairs – Connecting 

Corridors (Number of Trains) ...............................................................................................9-18

Table 9-16: Average Station-to-Station Travel Time at Selected Stations (in hours and minutes).........9-20

Table 9-17: Average Station-to-Station Travel Times Savings at Selected Stations – Alternative 3 

Route Options (in hours and minutes) .................................................................................9-21

Table 9-18: Intercity Travel-Time Difference between the No Action Alternative (in minutes).............9-23

Table 9-19: Intercity Travel-Time Difference between the No Action Alternative – Alternative 3 

Route Options (in minutes) ..................................................................................................9-23

Table 9-20: Old Saybrook-Kenyon New Segment – At-Grade and Trench Construction Type –

Number of Acres of Representative Route at Risk from Inundation....................................9-25

Table 9-21: New Haven-Hartford-Providence – At-Grade and Trench Construction Type –

Number of Acres of Representative Route at Risk from Inundation....................................9-25

Table 9-22: New York County, NY, to Suffolk County, MA – At-Grade and Trench Construction 

Type – Number of Acres of Representative Route at Risk from Inundation ........................9-26

Table 9-23: 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.................................................................................................................9-26
Table of Contents

Page | xviii Tier 1 Draft EIS

Table 9-24: 2040 Potential Employment Impacts in the Study Area.......................................................9-29

Table 9-25: 2040 Annual Travel Market Savings (in $2014M).................................................................9-29

Table 9-26: 2040 Annual Travel Market Savings (in $2014M).................................................................9-30

Table 9-27: Jobs Accessible in a 30-Minute Train Travel Time................................................................9-30

Table 9-28: Jobs Accessible in a 30-Minute Train Travel Time – Alternative 3 Route Options...............9-31

Table 9-29: Summary of Selected Environmental Consequences by Alternative ...................................9-34

Table 9-30: Summary of Selected Environmental Consequences – Alternative 3 Route Options 

(end-to-end) .........................................................................................................................9-35

Table 9-31: Capital Cost – No Action Alternative ($2014 millions) .........................................................9-38

Table 9-32: Capital Costs – Action Alternatives ($2014 billions).............................................................9-38

Table 9-33: Capital Costs – Alternative 3 Route Options ($2014 billions) (end-to-end costs)................9-39

Table 9-34: Annual Intercity O&M Costs and Revenues by Alternative ($2014 millions).......................9-39

Table 9-35: Annual Intercity O&M Costs and Revenues – Alternative 3 Route Options ($2014 

millions) ................................................................................................................................9-39

Table 9-36: Percentage of Route Miles by Construction Type – Washington, D.C., to Boston, MA .......9-40

Table 9-37: Summary of Alternatives – Characteristics and Evaluation Factors.....................................9-41

Table 10-1: Universal First Phase Projects – Aging Infrastructure and Major Chokepoints....................10-4

Table 10-2: Universal First Phase – Estimated Rail Ridership..................................................................10-9

Table 10-3: Universal First Phase – Capital Costs..................................................................................10-10

Table 11-1: Scoping Meeting Dates and Locations..................................................................................11-3

Table 11-2: Meetings with State Transportation Agencies and Railroad Operators...............................11-7

Table 11-3: Meetings with Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Local Government 

Agencies..............................................................................................................................11-10

Table 11-4: Regional Resource Meetings..............................................................................................11-12

Table 11-5: Newsletters.........................................................................................................................11-15

Table 11-6: December Dialogues Workshops Locations.......................................................................11-16

Table 11-7: April Dialogues Workshops Locations ................................................................................11-17

Table 11-8: Summary of Feedback on Preliminary Alternative Routes at April Dialogues, 2013 .........11-18

Table 11-9: Public Open House Locations.............................................................................................11-19

Table 11-10: Station Pop-Up Appearances..............................................................................................11-21

Table 11-11: Economic Development Workshop Locations....................................................................11-22

Table 11-12: Presentations to Interested Organizations.........................................................................11-23

Table 13-1: Frequently Used Terminology ..............................................................................................13-1

Table 13-2: Acronyms and Abbreviations..............................................................................................13-18
Table of Contents

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | xix

Figures

Figure S-1: Study Area Map......................................................................................................................S-2

Figure S-2: Alternative 1 (Chokepoint, New Track, and New Segment Locations)...................................S-8

Figure S-3: Alternative 2 (Chokepoint, New Track, and New Segment Locations)...................................S-9

Figure S-4: Alternative 3 (Chokepoint, New Track, and New Segment Locations).................................S-10

Figure S-5: Percentage of Route Miles by Construction Type – Washington, D.C., to Boston, MA .......S-24

Figure 2-1: Study Area Map......................................................................................................................2-4

Figure 2-2: Illustration of Representative Route, Affected Environment, and Context Area...................2-6

Figure 4-1: Alternatives Development Process ........................................................................................4-2

Figure 4-2: Initial Alternatives...................................................................................................................4-4

Figure 4-3: Study Area Connecting Corridors.........................................................................................4-20

Figure 4-4: Alternative 1 (Chokepoint, New Track, and New Segment Locations).................................4-47

Figure 4-5: Alternative 2 (Chokepoint, New Track, and New Segment Locations).................................4-50

Figure 4-6: Alternative 3 (Chokepoint, New Track, and New Segment Locations).................................4-53

Figure 4-7: No Action Alternative (Existing NEC through Baltimore) .....................................................4-57

Figure 4-8: No Action Alternative (Existing NEC through New York City)...............................................4-59

Figure 4-9: No Action Alternative (Existing NEC through Providence) ...................................................4-60

Figure 4-10: No Action Alternative (Existing NEC near Boston)................................................................4-61

Figure 4-11: Alternative 1 (Existing NEC and New Segment through Baltimore).....................................4-62

Figure 4-12: Alternative 1 (Existing NEC and New Segment through New York City Metropolitan 

Area) .....................................................................................................................................4-63

Figure 4-13: Alternative 1 (Existing NEC and New Segment near Old Saybrook, CT and Kenyon, RI)......4-64

Figure 4-14: Alternative 2 (Existing NEC and New Segment through Maryland and Delaware)..............4-66

Figure 4-15: Alternative 2 (Existing NEC and New Segment through Philadelphia).................................4-67

Figure 4-16: Alternative 2 (Existing NEC and New Segment through New York City Metropolitan 

Area) .....................................................................................................................................4-68

Figure 4-17: Alternative 3 (Existing NEC and New Segments through Baltimore) ...................................4-71

Figure 4-18: Alternative 3 (Existing NEC and New Segments through Philadelphia) ...............................4-72

Figure 4-19: Alternative 3 (Existing NEC and New Segments through New York City Metropolitan 

Area) .....................................................................................................................................4-73

Figure 4-20: Alternative 3 (Existing NEC and New Segments through Providence).................................4-76

Figure 4-21: Alternative 3 (Existing NEC and New Segments though Boston) .........................................4-77

Figure 5-1: Existing Trips by Mode between Representative Metropolitan-Area Pairs (2012)................5-9

Figure 5-2: Highway Vehicle-Miles Traveled (2000–2012).....................................................................5-10

Figure 5-3: Public Transit Annual Passengers (2006–2012)....................................................................5-13

Figure 5-4: Regional Rail Ridership (2006–2012)....................................................................................5-17

Figure 5-5: Regional Rail Annual Passengers (2000–2012).....................................................................5-17

Figure 5-6: Intercity Trains Per Day by Representative Station for the No Action and Action 

Alternatives (2040)...............................................................................................................5-24

Figure 5-7: Regional Rail Frequency by Representative Station for the No Action and Action 

Alternatives (2040)...............................................................................................................5-27

Figure 6-1: Cost of Doing Business Index (2009) along the Action Alternatives.......................................6-3
Table of Contents

Page | xx Tier 1 Draft EIS

Figure 6-2: 2040 Interregional Passenger Rail Trips...............................................................................6-31

Figure 6-3: 2040 Regional Passenger Rail Trips......................................................................................6-31

Figure 6-4: Number of Stations of Each Category in the NEC FUTURE Station Typology.......................6-36

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-Hartford-Providence 

– 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

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

Tier 1 Draft EIS Page | xxi

Figure 7.15-18: Average Annual Number of Days Equal to or Above 95oF, by Climate Scenario.............7.15-37

Figure 8-1: Percentage of Route Miles by Construction Type – Washington, D.C., to Boston, MA .........8-2

Figure 8-2: Tunnel Boring Machine ..........................................................................................................8-7

Figure 8-3: Gantry Crane System for Aerial Structure or Major Bridge Construction ..............................8-7

Figure 8-4: Typical New Track Construction Machine ..............................................................................8-8

Figure 9-1: Number of Stations of Each Category in the NEC FUTURE Station Typology.......................9-33