Interstate 66 - Somerset to London
Draft Environmental Impact Statement

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

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Chapter S – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

            S.1 Proposed Action

                          S.1.1 Purpose and Need

                          S.1.2 System Linkage

                          S.1.3 Modal Connections

                          S.1.4 Increased Travel Safety

                          S.1.5 Economic Development

                          S.1.6 Consistency with Other Plans

                          S.1.7 Logical Termini and Independent Utility

                S.2 Alternatives

                          S.2.1 Alternatives

                          S.2.2 Design Features

                          S.2.3 Projected Costs

                          S.2.4 Alternatives Previously Considered But Eliminated

                S.3 Environmental Consequences

                          S.3.1 Land Use Impacts

                          S.3.2 Community Service Impacts

                          S.3.3 Social and Economic Impacts

                          S.3.4 Natural Resource Impacts

                          S.3.5 Cultural Resources Impacts

                          S.3.6 Potential Section 4(f) Impacts

                          S.3.7 Potential Section 6(f) Impacts

                          S.3.8 Visual Impacts

                          S.3.9 Air Quality Impacts

                          S.3.10 Highway Traffic Noise Impacts

                          S.3.11 Hazardous Materials Impacts

                          S.3.12 Construction Impacts

                          S.3.13 Permits Required

 

Chapter 1 – INTERSTATE 66 PROJECT HISTORY AND DECISION MAKING

            1.1    Project Establishment

                          1.1.1 What are the Origins of the I-66 Project?

                1.2    Transamerica Corridor Study

                          1.2.1 What Alternatives did the completed 1994 Transamerica Transportation Corridor Feasibility Study Analyze?

                          1.2.2 What were the Conclusions of the Transamerica Corridor Study

                1.3    Kentucky Transportation Center Southern Kentucky Corridor Feasibility Study

                          1.3.1 What were the Conclusions of the SKC I-66 Study?

                          1.3.2 Economic Development

                          1.3.3 Economic Benefits

                          1.3.4 Cost Benefits Analysis

                          1.3.5 Priority Segments

                1.4    Southern Kentucky Corridor Planning Study

                          1.4.1 What was the Purpose of the Southern Kentucky Corridor Study?

                          1.4.2 What were the Conclusions of the Southern Kentucky Corridor Study?

                1.5    Public Involvement in the Decision Making Process

1.5.1 How was the Public Involved in Planning Decisions that led up to this Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?

1.5.2 How Has the Public Been Involved in the Development of the Draft EIS?

1.5.3 Now That the Draft EIS is Published, Is It Too Late to Get Involved?

                1.6    Future Decisions

                          1.6.1 Who Will Decide Which Alternative is Selected?

                1.7    Supporting Documentation to the DEIS

                          1.7.1 Where Can I View Supporting Documentation Referenced in this DEIS?

 

Chapter 2 – PROPOSED ACTION/PURPOSE AND NEED STATEMENT

                2.1    Proposed Action

                2.2    Proposed Project

                          2.2.1 Typical Sections

                          2.2.2 Logical Termini, Independent Utility and System Linkage

                2.3    Project Setting and Existing Conditions

                          2.3.1 Project Setting

                          2.3.2 Existing Conditions:  Land Use

                          2.3.3 Existing Conditions:  Topography

                          2.3.4 Existing Conditions:  Economic Setting

                          2.3.5 Economic Factors, Past and Present

                          2.3.6 Existing Conditions:  Transportation Facilities

                          2.3.7 Traffic Volumes and Future Travel Demand

                2.4    Roadway Deficiencies and Safety

                          2.4.1 At-grade intersections

                          2.4.2 Traffic Safety

                2.5    Decision Making Documentation

                          2.5.1 Legislative Directive for Transcontinental Corridor

                          2.5.2 Transamerica Transportation Corridor Study

                          2.5.3 Kentucky Transportation Center Study

                          2.5.4 I-66 Southern Kentucky Corridor Sturdy

                2.6    Project Purpose

                2.7    Project Need

                          2.7.1 Economic Conditions of Project Area and Region

                          2.7.2 Southern Kentucky Corridor Economic Modeling

                          2.7.3 Economic Development Benefits

                          2.7.4 Employment and Earning

                          2.7.5 Road User Benefits

                          2.7.6 Benefits from Induced Travel

                          2.7.7 Quality of Life and Commuting Benefits

                          2.7.8 Southern Kentucky Corridor I-66 Study Conclusions

                          2.7.9 Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) and Economic Growth

                          2.7.10 KY 80 and the Appalachian Initiative

                          2.7.11 Commuting Patterns and Travel Time

.                         2.7.12 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and Economic Improvements

                          2.7.13 Counties that “Got ARC” vs. Those that Did Not

                          2.7.14 Regional Growth Needed

                          2.7.15 The Local Recognition of the Need for Growth

                          2.7.16 Increased Utilization of Present Resources Labor Force

                          2.7.17 Tourism and Natural Resources

                          2.7.18 Decreased Accident Numbers and Cost Savings

                2.8    Other Regional Development Initiatives

                2.9    Area Development Initiatives Summary

                2.10  Project Status

                2.11  Decisions that Must be Made

                2.12  Laws, Regulations and Permits

 

Chapter 3 – ALTERNATIVES
Chapter 3 – ALTERNATIVE EXHIBITS

                3.1    Alternatives Development

                          3.1.1 What is an Alternative

                          3.1.2 Project Inception and Initial Feasibility Study

                          3.1.3 Kentucky Transportation Center Southern Kentucky Corridor Feasibility Study

                          3.1.4 Conclusions of the SKG I-66 Study

                          3.1.5 Southern Kentucky Corridor Planning Study

                          3.1.6 Alternatives Evaluated in the SKG I-66 Study

                          3.1.7 SKG I-66 Alternatives Analysis

                          3.1.8 Public Input on I-66 SKG Corridors

                          3.1.9 Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from I-66 SKG Corridor Study

                          3.1.10 The Preferred Corridor Alternative from SKG I-66 Study

                          3.1.11 Other Alternatives Previously Considered but Eliminated

                3.2    I-66 Somerset to London Segment Alternatives

                          3.2.1 From “N-4” Corridor to Highway Alignments

                          3.2.2 Alternatives Studied and Presented in This DEIS

                          3.2.3 Design Features

                          3.2.4 Alternatives Cost Comparison

                          3.2.5 Alternatives Resources Impacts Comparisons

                         

Chapter 4 – AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

                4.1    Chapter Introduction and Organization

                          4.1.1 Early Environmental Work

                4.2    The Natural Environment

                          4.2.1 Physiography, Geology and Soils

                          4.2.2 Floodplains

                          4.2.3 Karst Hydrology

                          4.2.4 Local Karst Hydrogeologic Setting

                          4.2.5 Karst Groundwater Tracing Studies

                          4.2.6 Sole Source Aquifers

                          4.2.7 Surface Streams

                          4.2.8 Wetlands

                          4.2.9 Karst and Geohazard Survey

                          4.2.10 Karst Fauna

                          4.2.11 Terrestrial Habitats and Wildlife

                          4.2.12 Threatened, Endangered and Rare Species

                          4.2.13 Farmland

                          4.2.14 Parks and Recreational Facilities

                          4.2.15 Hazardous Materials

                          4.2.16 Air Quality

                          4.2.17 Highway Traffic Noise

                          4.2.18 Existing Landscape Character, Visual Resources and Visual Quality

                4.3    The Social Environment

                          4.3.1 Land Use and Development

                          4.3.2 Demographic Characteristics of the Project Area

                          4.3.3 Demographics

                          4.3.4 Employment and Economic Characteristics

                          4.3.5 Community Facilities and Services

                          4.3.6 Environmental Justice

                4.4    Cultural Resources

                          4.4.1 Historic Properties Regulations

                          4.4.2 Historic Resources Survey Methodology

                          4.4.3 Historic Trends and Historic Context

                          4.4.4 Historic Property Identification

                          4.4.5 Archaeological Resources

                          4.4.6 What is the Purpose of the High Probability Survey

                          4.4.7 Archaeological High Probability Survey

                          4.4.8 Archaeological Survey Efforts and Findings

 

Chapter 5 – ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

                5.1    Chapter Introduction and Organization

                          5.1.1 Alternatives Considered for Impacts

                5.2    Impacts to the Natural Environment

                          5.2.1 Soil Hazard Impacts

                          5.2.2 Potential Coal Impacts

                          5.2.3 Industrial Mineral Potential Impacts

                          5.2.4 Oil and Gas Potential Impacts

                          5.2.5 Floodplain Impacts

                          5.2.6 Karst Terrain Impacts

                          5.2.7 Karst Hydrogeology

                          5.2.8 Potential Diminution of Water Supplies

                          5.2.9 Changes in the Recharge Areas/Flow paths/Drainage Basin Fragmentation

                          5.2.10 Mitigation of Karst Impacts

                          5.2.11 Mitigation of Karst Hydrogeology

                          5.2.12 Mitigating for Increased Flooding

                          5.2.13 Mitigation for Changes in Recharge Areas/Flow paths/

                                     Drainage Basin Fragmentation

                          5.2.14 Mitigation for Changes in Water Quality

                          5.2.15 Mitigation for Changes in Sedimentation Patterns,

                                     Suspended Load and Bed Load

                          5.2.16 Karst Fauna Identified in Project Area

                          5.2.17 Impacts to Karst Fauna from Construction Activities

                          5.2.18 Impacts to Rare Karst Fauna by Alternative

                          5.2.19 Avoidance/Mitigation of Karst Fauna Impacts

                          5.2.20 Karst Vulnerability Assessment Overview

                          5.2.21 Karst Vulnerability Assessment Process

                          5.2.22 Karst Vulnerability Assessment Conclusion

                          5.2.23 Impacts to Sole Source Aquifers

                          5.2.24 Impacts to Surface Streams

                          5.2.25 Total Impacts to All Streams

                          5.2.26 Total Impacts to Perennial Streams

                          5.2.27 Impacts to Streams After Accounting for Stream Bridges and Culverts

                          5.2.28 Intermittent and Ephemeral Stream Impacts

                          5.2.29 Impacts to Special Status Streams

                          5.2.30 Erosion Control

                          5.2.31 Waterways and Riparian (Located on the Bank of a Natural Watercourse)

                                      Vegetation Mitigation

                          5.2.32 Significance of Wetland Impacts

                          5.2.33 Types of Wetland Impacts Associated with Project Related Activities and

                                      Their Effects on Wetland Communities

                          5.2.34 Determining Wetland Impacts According to Wetland Classification

                          5.2.35 Wetland Impacts per Wetland Type and by Alternative

                          5.2.36 Alternative Rankings Based on Wetland Impact Type

                          5.2.38 Jurisdictional vs. Non-Jurisdictional Wetlands

                          5.2.39 Wetland Impact Mitigation

                          5.2.40 Daniel Boone National Forest (DBNF)

                          5.2.41 Mitigation Measures in the DBNF

                          5.2.42 Impacts to Other Significant Ecological Resources

                          5.2.43 Short Creek, Cedar reek and Pine Creek Gorge Mitigation

                          5.2.44 Terrestrial Ecosystems Impacts

                          5.2.45 Habitat Types Within the Project Area

                          5.2.46 Fragmentation of Forested Habitat

                          5.2.47 Habitat Impact Minimization and Mitigation

                          5.2.48 State and Federally Listed Species

                          5.2.49 Federally Listed Species in the Project Area Not Identified

                          5.2.50 KSNPC Listed and DBNF Sensitive Species

                          5.2.51 Federally Listed Mussel Species Habitat in the Project Area

                          5.2.52 Avoidance, Minimization and Mitigation of Impacts to Project Area Fauna.

                          5.2.53 Additional Species Listings by USFWS in Project Area

                          5.2.54 Control of Invasive Species

                          5.2.55 Migratory Bird Treaty Act Compensation

                          5.2.56 Permits that May be Necessary for Terrestrial and Aquatic Resources

                          5.2.57 Alternative Recommendations based on Terrestrial and Aquatic Studies

                          5.2.58 Farmland Impacts and Necessary Mitigation

                          5.2.59 Impacts to Parks and Recreational Facilities

                          5.2.60 Hazardous Materials Findings and Recommended Actions

                          5.2.61 Air Quality Impacts

                          5.2.62 Construction Related Air Quality Impacts and Mitigation

                          5.2.63 Noise Impacts and Abatement Criteria

                          5.2.64 Project Related Noise Impacts and Future Abatement Investigation Summary

                          5.2.65 Noise Impact Analyses for Historic Properties

                          5.2.66 Future Noise Analyses

                          5.2.67 Construction Noise

                          5.2.68 Visual Impact – Viewer Group Exposure and Sensitivity, Visually Sensitive          

                                   Resources

                          5.2.69 Viewer Group Exposure and Viewer Sensitivity Overview

                          5.2.70 Viewer Group Exposure and Sensitivity, Visually Sensitive Resources for

                                      for Each Landscape District

                          5.2.71 General Guidelines for Mitigating Visual Impacts

                5.3    Affected Social Environment

                          5.3.1 Land Use Impacts

                          5.3.2 Community Services Impacts

                          5.3.3 Relocations

                          5.3.4 Environmental Justice

                          5.3.5 Business Relocations

                          5.3.6 Impacts to Nonprofit Organizations

                          5.3.7 Neighborhood/Community Cohesion Impacts

                5.4    Impacts to Cultural Resources

                          5.4.1 Cultural Resources Impacts Introduction

                          5.4.2 Types of Impacts to Historic Resources

                          5.4.3 Historic Properties and Project Related Effects

                          5.4.4 Archaeological Impacts

 

Chapter 6 – SECTION 4(f) EVALUATION/SECTION 6(f)

6.1      Section 4(f)

                          6.1.1 Section 4(f) Evaluation

                          6.1.2 Proposed Action

                          6.1.3 Purpose and Need

                          6.1.4 Alternatives Selected for Study in the DEIS

                          6.1.5 Section 4(f) Resources

                6.2    Section 6(f) Resources

                          6.2.1 Section 6(f) Impacts

                         

Chapter 7 – INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ANALYSIS

                7.1    Indirect and Cumulative Effects Purpose and Background

                          7.1.1 Purpose of Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis

                          7.1.2 Alternatives Under Consideration

                          7.1.3 Definitions of Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Impacts

                          7.1.4 Scope of Indirect and Cumulative Impacts

                7.2    Summary of Direct and Indirect Project Impacts

                          7.2.1 Direct Project Impacts

                          7.2.2 Indirect Project Impacts

                          7.2.3 Conclusions Regarding Indirect Impacts

                7.3    Cumulative Impacts

                          7.3.1 Relevant Past, Present and Future Actions

                          7.3.2 Cumulative Impacts Analysis

                          7.3.3 Geographical and Temporal Limits of Analysis

                          7.3.4 Resource Specific Impacts

                          7.3.5 Discussion of Cumulative Benefits

                          7.3.6 Conclusions of the Cumulative Impacts Analysis

                         

Chapter 8 – PUBLIC INVOLEMENT AND AGENCY COORDINATION

                8.1    Public Involvement

                          8.1.1 NEPA Requirements and Goals for Public Involvement

                          8.1.2 Public Involvement in I-66 DEIS Development

                          8.1.3 Citizen’s Committee/Advisory Groups

                          8.1.4 Public Feedback Channels

                          8.1.5 Public Meetings

                          8.1.6 Newsletters

                          8.1.7 Internet Web Site

                          8.1.8 Public Involvement and Project Timeline

                8.2    Section 106 Process

                          8.2.1 Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act

                          8.2.2. Invitations to Become a Consulting Party for this Project

                          8.2.3 Section 106 Status for I-66 Somerset to London Project

                          8.2.4 Continuation of the Section 106 Process

                8.3    Agency Coordination

                          8.3.1 Early Coordination

                          8.3.2 Native American Consultation

                          8.3.3 Additional Coordination

                          8.3.4 Agency Coordination Letters and References to the Utilization/Response to the

                                    Information in the DEIS (in bold)

                          8.3.5 Resource Agency Meetings

 

Chapter 9 – DEIS PREPARERS

                9.1    List of Preparers

 

Chapter 10 – DEIS DISTRIBUTION LIST


APPENDIX A
- Index Acronyms List and References

APPENDIX B - Agency Coordination and Public Involvement

APPENDIX C - Supporting Figures and Tables

APPENDIX D - Supporting Documentation - CSR