Final Environmental Impact Statement - New Federal Courthouse

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Summary of Impacts in Springfield) consists of slightly less impervious area than the other site because of a greater amount of trees and landscaped areas. However, it is still heavily dominated by impervious surfaces. Based on preliminary designs, construction of the courthouse on either of the alternative sites is expected to maintain or slightly reduce the amount of onsite impervious surface area. The net change for each site would depend on the amount and type of open space incorporated into the site, which could consist of pervious surfaces such as grass lawns, or impervious surfaces such as terraces or fountains. Either of the alternatives could result in a slight reduction in runoff flow rates and volumes, resulting from the conversion of a greater proportion of impervious surfaces into pervious surfaces. Biological Resources Although no in-water construction activities are planned under either of the alternatives, there is the potential for impacts on fish resulting from sedimentation generated on construction sites and pollutants from spills entering the rivers and degrading water quality. Impacts on fisheries could be avoided by implementing best management practices for stormwater runoff during construction and maintaining a spill control plan. The proposed alternative sites have been previously developed and are highly urbanized. Loss of landscaped areas on any of the alternative sites would have minimal impact upon wildlife present, which consists predominantly of small mammals and birds adapted to urban habitats. There would be no significant adverse impact on threatened and endangered species. Construction of the courthouse facility would require land clearing and removal of some trees on the alternative sites under consideration. Based on preliminary siting studies, the tree removal requirements at each of the sites are described below. There are 15 existing trees within the preliminary building footprint shown on the Alternative 1 (Riverfront) site. Removal of these trees would not result in a significant adverse impact on biological resources. There are no trees within the preliminary building footprint shown for Alternative 2 (the Chiquita [formerly Agripac] site). Because there would be no significant adverse impacts at the Alternative 2 site, mitigation would not be required. However, landscaping should be designed to include open-space areas planted with native species that attract urban wildlife. Historic and Cultural Resources The Riverfront site (Alternative 1, option A) in Springfield includes three buildings that appear eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places as part of a historic commercial district. These buildings include Ruthie B's Antiques (100 Main Street), Stephen's planing mill (124 Mill Street), and Bright Oak Meats (130 Mill Street). Construction on the larger Riverfront site would result in the removal of these three potentially historic properties. The survey for this i Final E/S 8 New Federal Courthouse