Project
Background
Alternate Screening Process
A
rigorous alternative screening process was conducted to evaluate the alternatives for
suitability to meet the purpose and need of the project, and engineering design
requirements, and whether environmental constraints would be encountered, such
as threatened or endangered species and sensitive cultural resources, where
avoidance would be prudent. The
key environmental receptors included:
-
Threatened
and Endangered Species
-
Sensitive Species (e.g.,
raptor nest sites)
-
Ecology (e.g., riparian
habitat, wildlife crossings)
- Wetlands
- Floodplain
- Geology and Soils
- Cultural Resources (historical,
archaeological, paleontological)
- Land Use
Engineering
design elements were also included in the screening, and included:
- Mobility
and Safety
- Technical
Feasibility and Approximate Cost (e.g., length of bridging, amount of
cut/fill, bridge requirements at I-70, US 6 improvements).
The
objectives of the screening process were to identify the best alternatives in
terms cost/benefit in meeting engineering design, and cause the least
environmental impacts possible. Once
these alternatives are selected, detailed studies will be conducted to identify
impacts and the required mitigation measures to complete the EA.
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Environmental Assessment Findings
Data were collected and used to define the affected environment
and to assess direct and indirect impacts from the three action
alternatives and the No Action Alternative. Based on the impact
analysis results, Alternative L would cause the least impacts
on the environment of the three action alternatives. A comparison
of impacts of the three action alternatives on environmental
receptors is provided in Table
3-29 (PDF). The No Action Alternative would not
meet the purpose and need for the project. Alternative L met
the purpose and need for the project, which is to provide a
direct connection between I-70 and the Eagle County Airport.
Moreover, this alternative was expected to have the fewest impacts
on the environment when all receptors were considered, and Alternative
L would do the following:
- Cause less noise increases for residential and commercial receptors
- Cause the fewest access problems for existing developments
- Cause the least disturbance to existing parcels and landowners at Cooley Mesa Road
- Affect no known historic properties
- Affect the least aquatic resources, floodplains, and riparian habitats
- Cause the least effects to wildlife crossings of I-70
Additional information on the design of Alternative L can be
obtained at: www.eagleairportinterchange.com.
As documented in the EA, no significant impacts were identified
from the construction and operation of the Preferred Alternative
L. This decision was documented in a Finding of No Significant
Impact (FONSI) that serves as the decision document for the
EA. This document was completed in June 2005, and included comments
that were obtained at the public hearing and responses to these
comments.
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