HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB packet-CU GFR SEQR Determination 3-18-25 mtg1 PLANNING DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM TO: Planning Board Members FROM: Christine Balestra, Senior Planner DATE: March 11, 2025 RE: Cornell Game Farm Rd Field Hockey Field – SEQR Determination Enclosed please find a completed Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF), Parts 1-3 with attachments (Part 1 completed by the applicant), along with a draft SEQR resolution for the Cornell Game Farm Road Field Hockey Field project. Please note that the FEAF references documents and studies that the Planning Board reviewed at their 11/19/24, 1/7/25, and 3/4/25 Planning Board meetings. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board established themselves as the Lead Agency in the environmental review of the project on January 7, 2025. After a discussion, the Board asked the applicant and staff to prepare and provide additional research to assist them in making an environmental determination. These additional materials were provided to the board and were discussed at the March 4, 2025, meeting. The purpose of the March 18, 2025, Planning Board meeting is for the Board to review the attached materials, make any changes and modifications as necessary, and render an environmental determination for the Game Farm Road Field Hockey Field project. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions regarding this proposal by phone at 273-1721, extension 121, or by email at cbalestra@townithacany.gov. Cc: Elisabete Godden, Project Manager, Cornell University, Facilities and Campus Services Leslie Schill, Director of Campus Planning, Cornell University, Office of the University Architect Kimberly Van Leeuwen, Director of Landscape Architecture, Fisher Associates Page 1 of 2 PROPOSED RESOLUTION: SEQR Cornell Game Farm Road Field Hockey Field Project Tax Parcel No.’s 62.-2-4, 62.-2-5, 62.-2-6 Game Farm Road Town of Ithaca Planning Board March 18, 2025 WHEREAS: 1. This action involves consideration of a SEQR determination for the proposed Cornell Game Farm Road Field Hockey Field project on Game Farm Road, located immediately east of the existing Cornell soccer fields. The proposal involves constructing new field hockey facilities in two phases, with phase one including the conversion of the existing grass practice field into a synthetic turf field along with construction of a new driveway, formalized parking area, pedestrian amenities, and two support facilities (a 1,700 +/- square foot restroom/team room building, and a 480 +/- square foot press box). Phase two involves the construction of a clubhouse for the field hockey team, with locker rooms, meeting rooms, physical therapy rooms, lounge, toilets, showers, and indoor synthetic turf training space. Phase two is projected to be constructed within five years of the athletic field installation. The project also includes new lighting, landscaping, stormwater facilities, and other site improvements. Cornell University, Owner/Applicant; Kimberly Van Leeuwen, Fisher Associates, Applicant/Agent; 2. The proposed project, which requires Site Plan approval and Special Permit by the Planning Board, is a Type I action pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, 6 NYCRR Part 617, and Chapter 148 of the Town of Ithaca Code regarding Environmental Quality Review, because the proposal involves an activity, other than the construction of residential facilities, that involves the physical alteration of 10 acres (6 NYCRR 617.4 (b) (6) (i)), and parking for 100 vehicles (Town Code 148-5.C (3)); 3. At its meeting on November 19, 2024, the Town of Ithaca Planning Board (1) reviewed a Full Environmental Assessment Form, Part 1, submitted by the applicant, along with a report containing a narrative and studies titled “Game Farm Road Field Hockey Field, Site Plan Review Application Report,” dated October 3, 2024, prepared by Fisher Associates, drawings titled “Game Farm Road Field Hockey Field, Cornell University,” dated 09-27-2024, prepared by Sasaki, and other materials; and (2) proposed to establish itself as the Lead Agency to coordinate the environmental review of the above-referenced proposal. Potential Involved and Interested agencies were notified of its intent to serve as Lead Agency on November 20, 2024; 4. The Planning Board, having received no objections from other Involved Agencies, on January 7, 2025, established itself as Lead Agency to coordinate the environmental review of the above- described proposal; 5. The Planning Board, on March 18, 2025, has accepted as adequate the Full Environmental Assessment Form Part 1, submitted by the applicant, Parts 2 and 3, prepared by Town Planning staff, the materials noted in Whereas #3 above; additional materials in a binder titled “Game Farm Road Field Hockey Field Supplemental Materials Submission,” dated January 31, 2025, prepared by Fisher Associates; additional supplemental materials in a binder titled “Game Farm Road Field Hockey Field Supplemental Materials Submission,” dated February 21, 2025, prepared by Fisher Associates; and other materials; Page 2 of 2 6. The Town Planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental significance with respect to the proposal; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby makes a negative determination of environmental significance in accordance with Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law and 6 NYCRR Part 617 New York State Environmental Quality Review for the above referenced proposal, based on the information in the Full EAF Part 1 and for the reasons set forth in the Full EAF Parts 2 and 3, and, therefore, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement will not be required. DR A F T 17 Full Environmental Assessment Form DR A F T FEAF 2019 Full Environmental Assessment Form Part 1 - Project and Setting Instructions for Completing Part 1 Part 1 is to be completed by the applicant or project sponsor. Responses become part of the application for approval or funding, are subject to public review, and may be subject to further verification. Complete Part 1 based on information currently available. If additional research or investigation would be needed to fully respond to any item, please answer as thoroughly as possible based on current information; indicate whether missing information does not exist, or is not reasonably available to the sponsor; and,when possible, generally describe work or studies which would be necessary to update or fully develop that information. Applicants/sponsors must complete all items in Sections A & B. In Sections C, D & E, most items contain an initial question that must be answered either “Yes”or “No”. If the answer to the initial question is “Yes”, complete the sub-questions that follow. If the answer to the initial question is “No”,proceed to the next question. Section F allows the project sponsor to identify and attach any additional information. Section G requires the name and signature of the applicant or project sponsor to verify that the information contained in Part 1is accurate and complete. A.Project and Applicant/Sponsor Information. Name of Action or Project: Project Location (describe, and attach a general location map): Telephone: E-Mail: Address: City/PO: State: Zip Code: Project Contact (if not same as sponsor; give name and title/role): Telephone: E-Mail: Address: City/PO: State: Zip Code: Property Owner (if not same as sponsor): Telephone: E-Mail: Address: City/PO: State: Zip Code: Page 1 of 13 Cornell Field Hockey field On the west side of Game Farm Road, between the road and McGovern Fields; Town Parcel #62.-2-6 and #62.-2-5 607.227.1400 kmichaels@fisherassoc.com 1001 W. Seneca Street, Suite 201 Ithaca NY 14850 Elisabete Godden, Project Manager 607.255.2478 egodden@cornell.edu 102 Humphries Service Building Ithaca NY 14853 Cornell University Ithaca NY 14850 Brief Description of Proposed Action (include purpose or need): Cornell University is proposing to construct facilities for varsity field hockey at their Game Farm Road lands utilized for athletics. Construction of the project is proposed in two phases. Phase one will provide Cornell’s field hockey athletes with a NCAA-compliant synthetic turf field. The field is proposed on the site of an existing grass athletic field next to two improved grass soccer fields known as McGovern Fields. Phase one will include a field hockey pitch, a new driveway, formalized parking, pedestrian amenities, and small support facilities. The support facilities include a four-restroom building and a press box building. Phase two, which involves an additional building, is anticipated to move forward within five years of the athletic field installation. The proposed building will be a single-story clubhouse facility to serve the field hockey team. The clubhouse will include team locker rooms, offices, meeting rooms, a physical therapy/training room, a lounge, toilets, showers, and an indoor training space. The indoor training space will have a synthetic turf floor surface that matches the turf used for the exterior field hockey field and will be used for field hockey practice during inclement weather. The proposed septic system, storm water management system, and electrical transformer included in the Phase one construction will be sized to accommodate the needs of the future clubhouse. The enclosed documents and FEAF address the full project buildout (Phases one and two). Name of Applicant/Sponsor: Kimberly Van Leeuwen , and #62-2-4 DR A F T B.Government Approvals B.Government Approvals, Funding, or Sponsorship. (“Funding” includes grants, loans, tax relief, and any other forms of financial assistance.) Government Entity If Yes: Identify Agency and Approval(s) Required Application Date (Actual or projected) a.City Council, Town Board,9 Yes 9 No or Village Board of Trustees b. City, Town or Village 9 Yes 9 No Planning Board or Commission c. City, Town or 9 Yes 9 No Village Zoning Board of Appeals d.Other local agencies 9 Yes 9 No e. County agencies 9 Yes 9 No f. Regional agencies 9 Yes 9 No g.State agencies 9 Yes 9 No h. Federal agencies 9 Yes 9 No i. Coastal Resources. i. Is the project site within a Coastal Area, or the waterfront area of a Designated Inland Waterway?9 Yes 9 No ii. Is the project site located in a community with an approved Local Waterfront Revitalization Program?9 Yes 9 No iii. Is the project site within a Coastal Erosion Hazard Area?9 Yes 9 No C.Planning and Zoning C.1. Planning and zoning actions. Will administrative or legislative adoption, or amendment of a plan, local law, ordinance, rule or regulation be the 9 Yes 9 No only approval(s) which must be granted to enable the proposed action to proceed? •If Yes, complete sections C, F and G. •If No, proceed to question C.2 and complete all remaining sections and questions in Part 1 C.2. Adopted land use plans. a. Do any municipally- adopted (city, town, village or county) comprehensive land use plan(s) include the site 9 Yes 9 No where the proposed action would be located? If Yes, does the comprehensive plan include specific recommendations for the site where the proposed action 9 Yes 9 No would be located? b.Is the site of the proposed action within any local or regional special planning district (for example: Greenway;9 Yes 9 No Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA); designated State or Federal heritage area; watershed management plan; or other?) If Yes, identify the plan(s): _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ c. Is the proposed action located wholly or partially within an area listed in an adopted municipal open space plan,9 Yes 9 No or an adopted municipal farmland protection plan? If Yes, identify the plan(s): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 2 of 13 (Future Land Use designation is "campus") ✔Town Board: Sewer Exemption ✔Town Planning Board: SEQR, Site Plan Approval, Special Use Permit ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ZBA: Variance(s) NYSDEC: Stormwater Permit; SPDES Permit 10/3/2024 3/10/2025 TBD TC OWTS Permit TBD TC GML letter received 11/26/2024 TCHD Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Construction Permit; TC GML 239 Review/Referral DR A F T C.3. Zoning a.Is the site of the proposed action located in a municipality with an adopted zoning law or ordinance.9 Yes 9 No If Yes, what is the zoning classification(s) including any applicable overlay district? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ b.Is the use permitted or allowed by a special or conditional use permit?9 Yes 9 No c. Is a zoning change requested as part of the proposed action?9 Yes 9 No If Yes, i.What is the proposed new zoning for the site? ___________________________________________________________________ C.4. Existing community services. a. In what school district is the project site located? ________________________________________________________________ b. What police or other public protection forces serve the project site? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ d.What parks serve the project site? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ D.Project Details D.1. Proposed and Potential Development a.What is the general nature of the proposed action (e.g., residential, industrial, commercial, recreational; if mixed, include all components)? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ b.a. Total acreage of the site of the proposed action? b.Total acreage to be physically disturbed? c. Total acreage (project site and any contiguous properties) owned or controlled by the applicant or project sponsor? c. Is the proposed action an expansion of an existing project or use?9 Yes 9 No i.If Yes, what is the approximate percentage of the proposed expansion and identify the units (e.g., acres, miles, housing units, square feet)? % ____________________ Units: ____________________ d.Is the proposed action a subdivision, or does it include a subdivision?9 Yes 9 No If Yes, i.Purpose or type of subdivision? (e.g., residential, industrial, commercial; if mixed, specify types) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ii.Is a cluster/conservation layout proposed?9 Yes 9 No iii.Number of lots proposed? ________ iv.Minimum and maximum proposed lot sizes? Minimum __________ Maximum __________ e.Will the proposed action be constructed in multiple phases?9 Yes 9 No i.If No, anticipated period of construction: _____ months ii.If Yes: •Total number of phases anticip _____ated •Anticipated commencement date of phase 1 (including demolition) _____ month _____ year •Anticipated completion date of final phase _____ month _____year •Generally describe connections or relationships among phases, including any contingencies where progress of one phase may determine timing or duration of future phases: _______________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 3 of 13 ✔ LDR - Low Density Residential ✔ ✔ Ithaca City School District Cornell Campus Police, Tompkins County Sheriff East Hill Recreation Way Recreational - Field Hockey Field ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ 2 3 2025 tbd tbd It is anticipated that within five years, the phase two building could move forward. If so, it would likely take 12-18 months to complete. The infrastructure proposed for phase I is sized to accommodate phase II. c. Which fire protection and emergency medical services serve the project site? _It_h _a _c _a _F _ir _e Department, __Ba_n _g _s __A _m _b _ul _a _n _c _e ____________________________________________________________________________ _123 _+ _/-___1_5 _. _65 acres __________1_2 _. _22 acres ____________5 _06 acres DR A F T f. Does the project include new residential uses?9 Yes 9 No If Yes, show numbers of units proposed. One Family Two Family Three Family Multiple Family (four or more) __________________________________________________________Initial Phase At completion __________________________________________________________of all phases g. Does the proposed action include new non-residential construction (including expansions)?9 Yes 9 No If Yes, i. Total number of structures ___________ ii.Dimensions (in feet) of largest proposed structure: ________height; ________width; and _______ length iii.Approximate extent of building space to be heated or cooled: ______________________ square feet h. Does the proposed action include construction or other activities that will result in the impoundment of any 9 Yes 9 No liquids, such as creation of a water supply, reservoir, pond, lake, waste lagoon or other storage? If Yes, i.Purpose of the impoundment: ________________________________________________________________________________ ii.If a water impoundment, the principal source of the water: 9 Ground water 9 Surface water streams 9 Other specify: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii.If other than water, identify the type of impounded/contained liquids and their source. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ iv.VoApproximate size of the proposed impoundment.lume: ____________ million gallons; surface area: ____________ acres v.________ height; _______ lengthDimensions of the proposed dam or impounding structure: vi.Construction method/materials for the proposed dam or impounding structure (e.g., earth fill, rock, wood, concrete): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ D.2. Project Operations a. Does the proposed action include any excavation, mining, or dredging, during construction, operations, or both? 9 Yes 9 No (Not including general site preparation, grading or installation of utilities or foundations where all excavated materials will remain onsite) If Yes: i .What is the purpose of the excavation or dredging? _______________________________________________________________ ii.How much material (including rock, earth, sediments, etc.) is proposed to be removed from the site? •Volume (specify tons or cubic yards): ____________________________________________ •Over what duration of time? ____________________________________________________ iii.Describe nature and characteristics of materials to be excavated or dredged, and plans to use, manage or dispose of them. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ iv.Will there be onsite dewatering or processing of excavated materials? 9 Yes 9 No If yes, describe. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ v.What is the total area to be dredged or excavated? _____________________________________acres vi.What is the maximum area to be worked at any one time? _______________________________ acres vii.What would be the maximum depth of excavation or dredging? __________________________ feet viii.Will the excavation require blasting?9 Yes 9 No ix.Summarize site reclamation goals and plan: _____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ b. Would the proposed action cause or result in alteration of, increase or decrease in size of, or encroachment 9 Yes 9 No into any existing wetland, waterbody, shoreline, beach or adjacent area? If Yes: i.Identify the wetland or waterbody which would be affected (by name, water index number, wetland map number or geographic description): ______________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 4 of 13 ✔ ✔ 3 20'-0"97'-0"165'-0" 14,400 ✔ Stormwater detention and treatment ✔ N/A N/A 1.0 0.72 5'-14'375' Traditional construction techniques associated with the installation of a compacted earth fill embankment for stormwater mitigation ✔ ✔ Project does NOT include an "impoundment" per NYS DEC definition, just standard stormwater management facilities DR A F T ii.Describe how the proposed action would affect that waterbody or wetland, e.g. excavation,fill, placement of structures, or alteration of channels,banks and shorelines.Indicate extent of activities, alterations and additions in square feet or acres: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii.Will the proposed action cause or result in disturbance to bottom sediments?Yes 9 No If Yes,describe: __________________________________________________________________________________________ iv.Will the proposed action cause or result in the destruction or removal of aquatic vegetation? 9 Yes 9 No If Yes: •acres of aquatic vegetation proposed to be removed: ___________________________________________________________ •expected acreage of aquatic vegetation remaining after project completion:________________________________________ •purpose of proposed removal (e.g. beach clearing, invasive species control, boat access): ____________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ •proposed method of plant removal: ________________________________________________________________________ •if chemical/herbicide treatment will be used, specify product(s): _________________________________________________ v.Describe any proposed reclamation/mitigation following disturbance: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ c.Will the proposed action use, or create a new demand for water?9 Yes 9 No If Yes: i.Total anticipated water usage/demand per day: __________________________ gallons/day ii.Will the proposed action obtain water from an existing public water supply?9 Yes 9 No If Yes: •Name of district or service area: _________________________________________________________________________ •Does the existing public water supply have capacity to serve the proposal?9 Yes 9 No •Is the project site in the existing district?9 Yes 9 No •Is expansion of the district needed?9 Yes 9 No •Do existing lines serve the project site?9 Yes 9 No iii.Will line extension within an existing district be necessary to supply the project?9 Yes 9 No If Yes: •Describe extensions or capacity expansions proposed to serve this project: ________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ •Source(s) of supply for the district: ________________________________________________________________________ iv.Is a new water supply district or service area proposed to be formed to serve the project site?9 Yes 9 No If, Yes: •Applicant/sponsor for new district: ________________________________________________________________________ •Date application submitted or anticipated: __________________________________________________________________ •Proposed source(s) of supply for new district: _______________________________________________________________ v.If a public water supply will not be used, describe plans to provide water supply for the project: ___________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ vi.If water supply will be from wells (public or private),what is the maximum pumping capacity: _______ gallons/minute. d. Will the proposed action generate liquid wastes?9 Yes 9 No If Yes: i.Total anticipated liquid waste generation per day: _______________ gallons/day ii.Nature of liquid wastes to be generated (e.g., sanitary wastewater, industrial; if combination, describe all components and approximate volumes or proportions of each): __________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii.Will the proposed action use any existing public wastewater treatment facilities? 9 Yes 9 No If Yes: •Name of wastewater treatment plant to be used: _____________________________________________________________ •Name of district: ______________________________________________________________________________________ •Does the existing wastewater treatment plant have capacity to serve the project?9 Yes 9 No •Is the project site in the existing district?9 Yes 9 No •Is expansion of the district needed?9 Yes 9 No Page 5 of 13 ✔ 950 Domestic consumption only) ✔ Cornell University Water System (NYSDEC Permit #: 7-5030-00008/00007) ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ A new 8" HDPE water main will be connected to the existing system located at the McGovern Soccer Building and extended to the project. Fall Creek via the Cornell University Water Filtration Plant ✔ N/A N/A N/A A public water supply will be used for the proposed project. N/A ✔ 950 Sanitary wastewater ✔ N/A N/A DR A F T •Do existing sewer lines serve the project site?9 Yes 9 No •Will a line extension within an existing district be necessary to serve the project?9 Yes 9 No If Yes: •Describe extensions or capacity expansions proposed to serve this project: ____________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ iv.Will a new wastewater (sewage) treatment district be formed to serve the project site?9 Yes 9 No If Yes: •Applicant/sponsor for new district: ____________________________________________________________________ •Date application submitted or anticipated: _______________________________________________________________ •What is the receiving water for the wastewater discharge? __________________________________________________ v.If public facilities will not be used, describe plans to provide wastewater treatment for the project, including specifying proposed receiving water (name and classification if surface discharge or describe subsurface disposal plans): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ vi.Describe any plans or designs to capture, recycle or reuse liquid waste: _______________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ e.Will the proposed action disturb more than one acre and create stormwater runoff, either from new point 9 Yes 9 No sources (i.e. ditches, pipes, swales, curbs, gutters or other concentrated flows of stormwater) or non-point •Will stormwater runoff flow to adjacent properties?9 Yes 9 No iv.Does the proposed plan minimize impervious surfaces, use pervious materials or collect and re-use stormwater?9 Yes 9 No f.Does the proposed action include, or will it use on-site,one or more sources of air emissions, including fuel 9 Yes 9 No combustion, waste incineration, or other processes or operations? If Yes, identify: i.Mobile sources during project operations (e.g., heavy equipment, fleet or delivery vehicles) _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ii.Stationary sources during construction (e.g., power generation, structural heating, batch plant, crushers) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii.Stationary sources during operations (e.g., process emissions, large boilers, electric generation) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ g.Will any air emission sources named in D.2.f (above), require a NY State Air Registration, Air Facility Permit,9 Yes 9 No or Federal Clean Air Act Title IV or Title V Permit? If Yes: i.Is the project site located in an Air quality non-attainment area? (Area routinely or periodically fails to meet 9 Yes 9 No ambient air quality standards for all or some parts of the year) ii.In addition to emissions as calculated in the application, the project will generate: •___________Tons/year (short tons) of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) •___________Tons/year (short tons) of Nitrous Oxide (N2O) •___________Tons/year (short tons) of Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) •___________Tons/year (short tons) of Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) •___________Tons/year (short tons) of Carbon Dioxide equivalent of Hydroflourocarbons (HFCs) •___________Tons/year (short tons) of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) Page 6 of 13 N/A ✔ A septic system that includes a subsurface mound absorption bed, septic tank, and pump station will be installed to provide wastewater treatment for the project. The required onsite wastewater treatment system construction permit will be applied for and obtained from the Tompkins County Health Department. N/A ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ source (i.e. sheet flow) during construction or post construction? If Yes: i.How much impervious surface will the project create in relation to total size of project parcel? _____ Square feet or ___3._4 _7 acres (add'l impervious surface) _____ Square feet or ___1 _2 _3 acres (parcel size) ii. Describe types of new point sources. _D_ri _v _e _w _a _y/_p _a _rk_i _n _g _dr_a _i _na_g _e _s_y _st_e __m, _s__wa_l _es_, _a _t _hl _et _ic_f _i _el _d _u _n _d _er _d _r _ai _n _s _________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii. Where will the stormwater runoff be directed (i.e. on-site stormwater management facility/structures, adjacent properties, groundwater, on-site surface water or off-site surface waters)? __Ru_n _o _ff __wil_l _b _e _c _o _ll _e _ct _e _d _vi _a __a _s _ys_t _e _m _o_f _d _r _ai _n _a _g _e i _n _l _et _s, _s__wa_l _e _s, _a _n _d _u_n _d _e _r _dr _ai _n _s;_t _h _e _n _d _ir _e _ct _e _d _t _o _t _w _o _bi_o _r _et _e _nt_i _o _n f_il _t _er _s _a _n _d _a _n __ex _t _e _nd_e _d __de_t _e _nti_o _n _s _h _al _l _o _w _w _e _tl _a _n _d _b _ef_o _r _e _b _ei _n _g _r _el _e _a _s _e _d _to__C _a _s _ca _d _ill _a __Cr _e _e _k.__E _xi _st _i _ng__dr _a _in_a _g _e _p_a _tt _e _r _ns __a _nd_r _a _t _es__wi _ll _b _e __m _ai _n _t _ai _n _e _d. ______________________ •If to surface waters, identify receiving water bodies or wetlands: ________________________________________________ _C _a _s _c _ad_ill_a __C _re _e _k ________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ DR A F T h.Will the proposed action generate or emit methane (including, but not limited to, sewage treatment plants,9 Yes 9 No landfills, composting facilities)? If Yes: i.Estimate methane generation in tons/year (metric): ________________________________________________________________ ii. Describe any methane capture, control or elimination measures included in project design (e.g., combustion to generate heat or electricity, flaring): ________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ i.Will the proposed action result in the release of air pollutants from open-air operations or processes, such as 9 Yes 9 No quarry or landfill operations? If Yes: Describe operations and nature of emissions (e.g., diesel exhaust, rock particulates/dust): _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ j.Will the proposed action result in a substantial increase in traffic above present levels or generate substantial 9 Yes 9 No new demand for transportation facilities or services? If Yes: i.When is the peak traffic expected (Check all that apply): † Morning † Evening †Weekend † Randomly between hours of __________ to ________. ii.For commercial activities only, projected number of truck trips/day and type (e.g., semi trailers and dump trucks): _____________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii.ExistingParking spaces:___________________Proposed ___________Net increase/decrease _____________________ iv.Does the proposed action include any shared use parking? Yes No v.If the proposed action includes any modification of existing roads, creation of new roads or change in existing access, describe: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ vi.Are public/private transportation service(s)or facilities available within ½ mile of the proposed site?9 Yes 9 No vii Will the proposed action include access to public transportation or accommodations for use of hybrid, electric 9 Yes 9 No or other alternative fueled vehicles? viii.Will the proposed action include plans for pedestrian or bicycle accommodations for connections to existing 9 Yes 9 No pedestrian or bicycle routes? k.Will the proposed action (for commercial or industrial projects only) generate new or additional demand 9 Yes 9 No for energy? If Yes: i.Estimate annual electricity demand during operation of the proposed action: ____________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ii.Anticipated sources/suppliers of electricity for the project (e.g., on-site combustion, on-site renewable, via grid/local utility, or other): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii.Will the proposed action require a new,or an upgrade, to an existing substation?9 Yes 9 No l. Hours of operation. Answer all items which apply. i.During Construction:ii.During Operations: •Monday - Friday: _________________________•Monday - Friday: ____________________________ •Saturday: ________________________________•Saturday: ___________________________________ •Sunday: _________________________________•Sunday: ____________________________________ •Holidays: ________________________________•Holidays: ___________________________________ Page 7 of 13 N/A ✔ ✔ ✔ 7AM - 3PM 7AM - 3PM 7AM - 3PM 7AM - 3PM 6AM - 9PM 9AM - 9PM 9AM - 9PM n/a Project is not a commercial or industrial project Although checked "no," please see parts 2 & 3 DR A F T m. Will the proposed action produce noise that will exceed existing ambient noise levels during construction,9 Yes 9 No operation, or both? If yes: i.Provide details including sources, time of day and duration: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ii.Will the proposed action remove existing natural barriers that could act as a noise barrier or screen?9 Yes 9 No Describe: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ n.Will the proposed action have outdoor lighting?9 Yes 9 No If yes: i.Describe source(s), location(s), height of fixture(s), direction/aim, and proximity to nearest occupied structures: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ii.Will proposed action remove existing natural barriers that could act as a light barrier or screen? 9 Yes 9 No Describe: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ o.Does the proposed action have the potential to produce odors for more than one hour per day? 9 Yes 9 No If Yes, describe possible sources, potential frequency and duration of odor emissions, and proximity to nearest occupied structures: ______________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ p. Will the proposed action include any bulk storage of petroleum (combined capacity of over 1,100 gallons)9 Yes 9 No or chemical products 185 gallons in above ground storage or any amount in underground storage? If Yes: i.Product(s) to be stored ______________________________________________________________________________________ ii.Volume(s) ______ per unit time ___________ (e.g., month, year) iii.Generally, describe the proposed storage facilities:________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ q. Will the proposed action (commercial, industrial and recreational projects only) use pesticides (i.e., herbicides,9 Yes 9 No insecticides) during construction or operation? If Yes: i.Describe proposed treatment(s): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ii.Will the proposed action use Integrated Pest Management Practices?9 Yes 9 No r. Will the proposed action (commercial or industrial projects only) involve or require the management or disposal 9 Yes 9 No of solid waste (excluding hazardous materials)? If Yes: i.Describe any solid waste(s) to be generated during construction or operation of the facility: •Construction: ____________________ tons per ________________ (unit of time) •Operation : ____________________ tons per ________________ (unit of time) ii.Describe any proposals for on-site minimization, recycling or reuse of materials to avoid disposal as solid waste: •Construction: ________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ •Operation: __________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii.Proposed disposal methods/facilities for solid waste generated on-site: •Construction: ________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ •Operation: __________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 8 of 13 N/A ✔ Construction: Typical construction and jobsite activity noise: Diesel engines, dump trucks, excavators, etc. Operations: PA system, spectators, field hockey activity during practices and games ✔ ✔ Twenty-two 20' pedestrian lights will be installed in the proposed parking lot and along the sidewalk/path circulation areas between parking, field hockey field, and support facility locations. Four 70' tall standard athletic lighting poles will be sited at the corners of the field hockey field. ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ If necessary, a professional will apply pesticides or herbicides to control unwanted vegetation and pests. Cornell utilizes an Integrated Pest Management approach to grounds management on campus that will be used at this site as well. ✔ Project is not a commercial or industrial project DR A F T s. Does the proposed action include construction or modification of a solid waste management facility?9 Yes 9 No If Yes: i.Type of management or handling of waste proposed for the site (e.g., recycling or transfer station, composting, landfill, or other disposal activities): ___________________________________________________________________________________ ii.Anticipated rate of disposal/processing: •________ Tons/month, if transfer or other non-combustion/thermal treatment, or •________ Tons/hour, if combustion or thermal treatment iii.If landfill, anticipated site life: ________________________________ years t. Will the proposed action at the site involve the commercial generation, treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous 9 Yes 9 No waste? If Yes: i.Name(s) of all hazardous wastes or constituents to be generated, handled or managed at facility: ___________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ii.Generally describe processes or activities involving hazardous wastes or constituents: ___________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii. Specify amount to be handled or generated _____ tons/month iv.Describe any proposals for on-site minimization, recycling or reuse of hazardous constituents: ____________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ v.Will any hazardous wastes be disposed at an existing offsite hazardous waste facility? 9 Yes 9 No If Yes: provide name and location of facility: _______________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If No: describe proposed management of any hazardous wastes which will not be sent to a hazardous waste facility: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ E.Site and Setting of Proposed Action E.1. Land uses on and surrounding the project site a. Existing land uses. i.Check all uses that occur on, adjoining and near the project site. 9 Urban 9 Industrial 9 Commercial 9 Residential (suburban) 9 Rural (non-farm) 9 Forest 9 Agriculture 9 Aquatic 9 Other (specify): ____________________________________ ii.If mix of uses, generally describe: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ b. Land uses and covertypes on the project site. Land use or Covertype Current Acreage Acreage After Project Completion Change (Acres +/-) •Roads, buildings, and other paved or impervious surfaces •Forested •Meadows, grasslands or brushlands (non- agricultural, including abandoned agricultural) •Agricultural (includes active orchards, field, greenhouse etc.) •Surface water features (lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, etc.) •Wetlands (freshwater or tidal) •Non-vegetated (bare rock, earth or fill) •Other Describe: _______________________________ ________________________________________ Page 9 of 13 ✔ ✔ ✔✔✔ ✔✔✔soccer fields and baseball diamond 1.55 5.02 +3.47 4.70 2.53 -2.17 0.10 0.33 +0.23 Lawn 9.30 7.77 -1.53 (Cascadilla Creek is located approx. 575+/- ft north of project) DR A F T c. Is the project site presently used by members of the community for public recreation? 9 Yes 9 No i.If Yes: explain: __________________________________________________________________________________________ d. Are there any facilities serving children, the elderly, people with disabilities (e.g., schools, hospitals, licensed 9 Yes 9 No day care centers, or group homes) within 1500 feet of the project site? If Yes, i.Identify Facilities: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ e. Does the project site contain an existing dam? 9 Yes 9 No If Yes: i.Dimensions of the dam and impoundment: •Dam height: _________________________________ feet •Dam length: _________________________________ feet •Surface area: _________________________________ acres •Volume impounded: _______________________________ gallons OR acre-feet ii.Dam=s existing hazard classification: _________________________________________________________________________ iii.Provide date and summarize results of last inspection: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ f. Has the project site ever been used as a municipal, commercial or industrial solid waste management facility, 9 Yes 9 No or does the project site adjoin property which is now, or was at one time, used as a solid waste management facility? If Yes: i.Has the facility been formally closed? 9 Yes 9 No •If yes, cite sources/documentation: _______________________________________________________________________ ii.Describe the location of the project site relative to the boundaries of the solid waste management facility: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii.Describe any development constraints due to the prior solid waste activities: __________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ g. Have hazardous wastes been generated, treated and/or disposed of at the site, or does the project site adjoin 9 Yes 9 No property which is now or was at one time used to commercially treat, store and/or dispose of hazardous waste? If Yes: i.Describe waste(s) handled and waste management activities, including approximate time when activities occurred: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ h. Potential contamination history. Has there been a reported spill at the proposed project site, or have any 9 Yes 9 No remedial actions been conducted at or adjacent to the proposed site? If Yes: i.Is any portion of the site listed on the NYSDEC Spills Incidents database or Environmental Site 9 Yes 9 No Remediation database? Check all that apply: 9 Yes – Spills Incidents database Provide DEC ID number(s): ________________________________ 9 Yes – Environmental Site Remediation database Provide DEC ID number(s): ________________________________ 9 Neither database ii.If site has been subject of RCRA corrective activities, describe control measures:_______________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii.Is the project within 2000 feet of any site in the NYSDEC Environmental Site Remediation database? 9 Yes 9 No If yes, provide DEC ID number(s): ______________________________________________________________________________ iv.If yes to (i), (ii) or (iii) above, describe current status of site(s): _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 10 of 13 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ DR A F T v.Is the project site subject to an institutional control limiting property uses? 9 Yes 9 No •If yes, DEC site ID number: ____________________________________________________________________________ •Describe the type of institutional control (e.g., deed restriction or easement): ____________________________________ •Describe any use limitations: ___________________________________________________________________________ •Describe any engineering controls: _______________________________________________________________________ •Will the project affect the institutional or engineering controls in place? 9 Yes 9 No •Explain: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ E.2. Natural Resources On or Near Project Site a. What is the average depth to bedrock on the project site? ________________ feet b. Are there bedrock outcroppings on the project site? 9 Yes 9 No If Yes, what proportion of the site is comprised of bedrock outcroppings? __________________% c. Predominant soil type(s) present on project site: ___________________________ __________% ___________________________ __________% ____________________________ __________% d. What is the average depth to the water table on the project site? Average: _________ feet e. Drainage status of project site soils: 9 Well Drained: _____% of site 9 Moderately Well Drained: _____% of site 9 Poorly Drained _____% of site f. Approximate proportion of proposed action site with slopes: 9 0-10%: _____% of site 9 10-15%: _____% of site 9 15% or greater: _____% of site g. Are there any unique geologic features on the project site? 9 Yes 9 No If Yes, describe: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ h. Surface water features. i.Does any portion of the project site contain wetlands or other waterbodies (including streams, rivers, 9 Yes 9 No ponds or lakes)? ii.Do any wetlands or other waterbodies adjoin the project site? 9 Yes 9 No If Yes to either i or ii, continue. If No, skip to E.2.i. iii.Are any of the wetlands or waterbodies within or adjoining the project site regulated by any federal, 9 Yes 9 No state or local agency? iv.For each identified regulated wetland and waterbody on the project site, provide the following information: •Streams: Name ____________________________________________Classification _______________________•Lakes or Ponds:Name ____________________________________________Classification _______________________•Wetlands: Name ____________________________________________Approximate Size ___________________ •Wetland No. (if regulated by DEC) _____________________________ v.Are any of the above water bodies listed in the most recent compilation of NYS water quality-impaired 9 Yes 9 No waterbodies? If yes, name of impaired water body/bodies and basis for listing as impaired: _____________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ i.Is the project site in a designated Floodway? 9 Yes 9 No j.Is the project site in the 100-year Floodplain? 9 Yes 9 No k.Is the project site in the 500-year Floodplain? 9 Yes 9 No l. Is the project site located over, or immediately adjoining, a primary, principal or sole source aquifer? 9 Yes 9 No If Yes: i.Name of aquifer: _________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 11 of 13 ✔ >10 ✔ N/A Silt mixed with clay and trace sand. 100 Glacial Till (>13 ft depth) >10 ✔100 ✔100 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ RiverineCascadilla Creek ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ DR A F T ______________________________m. Identify the predominant wildlife species that occupy or use the project site: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ n. Does the project site contain a designated significant natural community? 9 Yes 9 No If Yes: i.Describe the habitat/community (composition, function, and basis for designation): _____________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ii.Source(s) of description or evaluation: ________________________________________________________________________ iii.Extent of community/habitat: •Currently:______________________ acres •Following completion of project as proposed: _____________________ acres •Gain or loss (indicate + or -): ______________________ acres o. Does project site contain any species of plant or animal that is listed by the federal government or NYS as 9 Yes 9 No endangered or threatened, or does it contain any areas identified as habitat for an endangered or threatened species? If Yes: i.Species and listing (endangered or threatened):______________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ p. Does the project site contain any species of plant or animal that is listed by NYS as rare, or as a species of 9 Yes 9 No special concern? If Yes: i.Species and listing:____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ q. Is the project site or adjoining area currently used for hunting, trapping, fishing or shell fishing? 9 Yes 9 No If yes, give a brief description of how the proposed action may affect that use: ___________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ E.3. Designated Public Resources On or Near Project Site a. Is the project site, or any portion of it, located in a designated agricultural district certified pursuant to 9 Yes 9 No Agriculture and Markets Law, Article 25-AA, Section 303 and 304? If Yes, provide county plus district name/number: _________________________________________________________________ b. Are agricultural lands consisting of highly productive soils present? 9 Yes 9 No i.If Yes: acreage(s) on project site? ___________________________________________________________________________ ii.Source(s) of soil rating(s): _________________________________________________________________________________ c. Does the project site contain all or part of, or is it substantially contiguous to, a registered National 9 Yes 9 No Natural Landmark? If Yes: i.Nature of the natural landmark: 9 Biological Community 9 Geological Feature ii.Provide brief description of landmark, including values behind designation and approximate size/extent: ___________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ d. Is the project site located in or does it adjoin a state listed Critical Environmental Area? 9 Yes 9 No If Yes: i.CEA name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ii.Basis for designation: _____________________________________________________________________________________ iii.Designating agency and date: ______________________________________________________________________________ Page 12 of 13 Deer Rodents Garter Snakes ✔ ✔ Three Birds Orchid is identified on the EAF Mapper, but the conditions for this species do not exist on the project site. ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ NRCS Soil Mapping ✔ ✔ Approx. 16 acres between 3 parcels, located south of the project. See Parts 2 & 3 DR A F T e. Does the project site contain, or is it substantially contiguous to, a building, archaeological site, or district 9 Yes 9 No which is listed on the National or State Register of Historic Places, or that has been determined by the Commissioner of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to be eligible for listing on the State Register of Historic Places? If Yes: i.Nature of historic/archaeological resource: 9 Archaeological Site 9 Historic Building or District ii.Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii.Brief description of attributes on which listing is based: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ f. Is the project site, or any portion of it, located in or adjacent to an area designated as sensitive for 9 Yes 9 No archaeological sites on the NY State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) archaeological site inventory? g. Have additional archaeological or historic site(s) or resources been identified on the project site? 9 Yes 9 No If Yes: i. Describe possible resource(s): _______________________________________________________________________________ ii.Basis for identification: ___________________________________________________________________________________ h.Is the project site within fives miles of any officially designated and publicly accessible federal, state, or local 9 Yes 9 No scenic or aesthetic resource? If Yes: i.Identify resource: _________________________________________________________________________________________ ii.Nature of, or basis for, designation (e.g., established highway overlook, state or local park, state historic trail or scenic byway, etc.): ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ iii.Distance between project and resource: _____________________ miles. i. Is the project site located within a designated river corridor under the Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers 9 Yes 9 No Program 6 NYCRR 666? If Yes: i.Identify the name of the river and its designation: ________________________________________________________________ ii.Is the activity consistent with development restrictions contained in 6NYCRR Part 666? 9 Yes 9 No F.Additional Information Attach any additional information which may be needed to clarify your project. If you have identified any adverse impacts which could be associated with your proposal, please describe those impacts plus any measures which you propose to avoid or minimize them. G. Verification I certify that the information provided is true to the best of my knowledge. Applicant/Sponsor Name ___________________________________ Date_______________________________________ Signature________________________________________________ Title_______________________________________ Page 13 of 13 ✔ ✔ Eligible property: CCC Camp SP-48 (140 Game Farm Road) Former Civilian Conservation Corp building (shed) located on the property ✔ ✔ Former CCC building (see above), 19th century farm sites, Native American sites Multiple archaeology investigations. ✔ Cayuga Lake Byway; Town-Designated View on Pine Tree Road; County-Designated View on Turkey Hill/Dodge Road Scenic byway, designated views Byway +/-2.7; Views +/- 0.5 ✔ Kimberly Michaels October 1, 2024 PRINT FORM Director of Landscape Architecture DR A F T DR A F T DR A F T 33 Supplemental Information DR A F T This page has been intentionally left blank. DR A F T 35 Impact on Land The proposed development is located adjacent to McGovern Soccer Fields on Game Farm Road, and two overhead NYSEG transmission lines. The project area currently consists of a previously developed grass soccer field and a drive lane that connects Game Farm Road to McGovern Fields. Land disturbance for the project will be limited to excavation for utilities (septic, water service, drainage, electrical), field development, support facility development, site earthwork, and pavement installation. All excavated material is intended to be used on site. Existing drainage patterns will be emulated to the extent possible. Erosion and sediment controls will be implemented during construction as outlined in the project SWPPP, and the site will ultimately be stabilized with vegetation. No significant adverse impacts to land are anticipated. Impact on Water The site currently drains to Cascadilla Creek, which lies north of the project site, and runs to the west, ultimately to Cayuga Lake. The watershed contributing to Cascadilla Creek is greater than 1,500 acres. The proposed development conforms to the Town of Ithaca Stream Setback Law and is greater than 100 feet from the southern stream bank. Based on a review of the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map for the Town of Ithaca, NY (dated June 19, 1985), the project property is located in flood zone “C” for Cascadilla Creek. The FEMA definition of flood zone “C” is areas that are of minimal flood hazard, and higher than the elevation of the 0.2-percent-annual-chance-flood. There are neither federal nor state wetlands located on the project site. The National Wetlands Inventory indicates that the adjacent Cascadilla Creek area is a Forested/Shrub Wetland, but the project will not disturb land within that area. The stormwater management design will reduce runoff discharge from the project area for the 1, 10, and 100-year storm events, and will provide Water Quality Treatment, Runoff Reduction, and Erosion Control Measures to meet the NYSDEC and Town of Ithaca requirements. Potable water for domestic, fire protection, and Field Hockey watering purposes will be supplied from the Cornell University Zone 3 distribution grid. This system has adequate capacity to accommodate the project. The distribution main will be protected from the Field Hockey watering system with an approved backflow prevention assembly. Wastewater collected from the proposed buildings will be directed to an on-site septic tank. No significant adverse impacts to water are anticipated as a result of the project. Impact on Air The proposed project will include no new emissions sources and therefore is expected to have no adverse impacts on air quality. Impact on Plants, Animals, & Agriculture The existing project site consists of a previously developed grass soccer field and a gravel drive lane; is adjacent to two other improved soccer fields; and is currently characterized by mowed grass, surrounded by fallow fields. One pine tree (4” DBH) will be removed as part of the construction of this project. This land has not been used in the last 20 years for agriculture and is not within an Agricultural or Farmland Protection Zone. According to the NYSDEC Environmental Resource Mapper which provides generalized locations of Rare Plants and Animals, the Three Birds Orchid is identified as potentially inhabiting these parcels. The Three Birds Orchid habitat is beech forest, which does not exist on the project site. No significant adverse impacts to plants, animals, or agriculture are expected as a result of this project. Impact on Aesthetic Resources The proposed project is not located within an identified viewshed and will be surrounded by similar athletic facilities, therefore no significant adverse impacts to aesthetic resources are expected. Supplemental Information DR A F T 36 Impact on Historic, Cultural, and Archaeological Resources According to SHPO CRIS, the entire project parcel is within an “archaeological buffer area”. Between 2003 to 2021, Public Archaeology Facility (PAF) and Panamerican archaeologists surveyed and investigated roughly 43% of the current and former agricultural fields owned by Cornell University along Game Farm Road, Ellis Hollow Road, and Pine Tree Road. From these investigations, four precontact Indigenous sites, one historic site, and one precontact site with an associated early historic component were identified within the properties owned by Cornell University. Most of these site areas were either investigated at the Phase 2 level of analysis and found to be not eligible for the National Register as individual sites or were not recommended as potentially eligible after the Phase 1 surveys. Of the precontact sites, only one produced the cultural material results consistent with a high research potential, and through consultation with NYS OPRHP an Alternative Mitigation Report was developed to summarize, analyze, and interpret all of the Cascadilla Creek Sites within an archaeological district focused on upland sites in marginal environmental settings. The studies have identified one area of potential archaeologic interest, and that area is not within the project site. For more information, refer to the Phase I Reconnaissance Addendum Survey (2024) appendix. There are no structures, sites, or districts within the project properties that are currently listed on the State or National Register of Historic Places. A shed located on the 62.-2-6 tax parcel (located north of the NYSEG transmission lines from the project site is listed as an “Eligible” facility, as a Civilian Conservation Corps structure CCC Camps SP-48 at 140 Game Farm Road), according to the New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Cultural Resources Information System (CRIS). This structure will not be impacted by the proposed project. The project team is coordinating with SHPO and expects to receive a letter of concurrence with PAF’s findings in November. This letter will be provided to planning staff once available. Impact on Open Space & Recreation The project site consists of a previously developed grass soccer field and a driveway with informal parking that is accessed from Game Farm Road. The project site is adjacent to McGovern soccer fields and a small fieldhouse used by Cornell Athletics. The new Field Hockey venue will be consistent with these active recreation land uses. The project site will not impact the East Ithaca Recreation Way trail, a nearby open space amenity. The project will have a positive impact on university recreational space by providing Cornell University’s field hockey athletes with a new playing field. No negative impacts to open space or recreation are anticipated as a result of the proposed project. Impact on Critical Environmental and Unique Natural Areas There are no designated critical environmental areas (CEA) within or immediately adjacent to the proposed project. The nearest CEA, Coy Glen, is located approximately four miles west of the project site. The Cascadilla Creek Woods and Fish Ponds Unique Natural Area is located north of the project site. As previously noted, all site development is at least over 100 feet from the creek, compliant with the Town of Ithaca’s Stream Setback Law. Site grading and other proposed improvements are outside of the UNA boundary. Stormwater management features are being designed for the project to protect downstream features. No adverse impact to Unique Natural Areas is anticipated as a result of the project. Impact on Transportation Parking Impacts The project will provide 120 paved parking spaces to support both the proposed field hockey venue and existing soccer practice fields. This will provide adequate parking, based on detailed projected use for these functions. The project is not anticipated to result in adverse impacts to parking. Traffic Impacts The complex lies on the west side of Game Farm Road, a Tompkins County road where the street centerline is identified as the municipal boundary between the Town of Ithaca and the Town of Dryden. The soccer and proposed field hockey facilities are accessed directly and solely via Game Farm Road, which runs for just over one mile between NYS Route 366 to the north and Supplemental Information DR A F T 37 Tompkins County’s Ellis Hollow Road to the south. Field hockey practices are anticipated to generate up to 18 vehicle trips between 6:30-9:00AM Mon-Friday. Field Hockey competitions are anticipated to generate up to 74 car roundtrips and one or two buses in the afternoon/evening hours. These additional vehicle trips are not expected to impact the level of service on Game Farm Road or to disrupt typical traffic patterns. Please see Traffic and Parking study memo appendix for more information. The project is not anticipated to result in adverse impacts to local traffic or parking. Impact on Energy The project is not anticipated to result in adverse impacts to energy. The project facilities and lighting will be supplied by the existing NYSEG electric service along Game Farm Road. Service is presently extended to the McGovern field soccer facility. The field hockey facilities are small and require relatively low energy loads, and the electrical capacity is sufficient to supply the programmatic needs of the project. No propane or other natural gas is proposed for this project. The project will comply with the Ithaca Energy Code Supplement. Impacts from Sound, Odor & Light Sound generation will be restricted to typical noise associated with athletic facilities, including a sound system for warm up music, and expected competition sound including spectator cheering and commentating. The sound system is designed to project sound from east to west across the field to reach spectators within the field area, the dugouts, and the press box, while minimizing the volume of noise to the surrounding area. A sound study has been completed for the proposed project and is provided as an appendix. By focusing sound west, toward the field hockey field, volume is greatly mitigated for the surrounding areas, including residences located to the south of the project site along Game Farm Road. Modeling for the audio system indicates that the project will not increase noise over existing sound levels. There are no significant odor-producing aspects from the field and associated operations. Four, 70’ tall athletics field light poles will flank the field hockey field to provide sufficient, safe lighting to support both competition and practice play. Pedestrian lighting will be Cornell standard LED fixtures that are energy efficient and dark-sky compliant. No light trespass will occur. No significant adverse impacts to sound, odor or light are anticipated as a result of the project. Impact on Human Health This project proposes to build one NCAA-compliant synthetic turf field hockey field to support a needed practice and competition venue for the varsity field hockey team. Much scrutiny and research has been completed to specify this field to ensure that Cornell athletes, visitors to the field, and the general public health are protected. Synthetic turf, as proposed for this project, has been shown to pose no health risk in more than 110 technical studies conducted by a variety of trusted scientific authorities, including the US EPA, US Department of Energy and Environment, Washington State Department of Health, and more. The proposed synthetic turf installed at Game Farm Road will meet the requirements set forth in New York State Environmental Conservation Law, Section 27-3313(2). (“On and after December thirty-first, two thousand twenty-six, no carpet sold or offered for sale in the state shall contain or be treated with PFAS substances for any purpose.”). Additionally, the synthetic turf will not include infill. From an air quality perspective, health agencies in New York State, New York City, and the State of Connecticut collected air samples on synthetic and natural turf fields during use. The air samples were analyzed for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), and airborne particulate matter. The studies showed that inhalation exposures Supplemental Information DR A F T 38 resulting from playing on synthetic turf fields were insignificant and not different from inhalation exposures on natural grass fields. Impact on Growth & Character of Community The field hockey field will expand athletics activities on Cornell’s Game Farm Road lands, while retaining a sense of openness, rural character and vernacular in its field and facility development. The update from a lightly used grass soccer field to a regularly used field hockey facility will not significantly change the area. There are no significant adverse impacts to the character of the community anticipated as a result of the project. Impacts from Construction Construction for phase I is anticipated to take approximately six months, beginning in March 2025 with completion in August 2025. Construction may have short-term impacts to the community as the development period is brief. Construction routes will utilize approved truck routes and Tompkins County roads to Ellis Hollow and Game Farm Road. The project will have erosion control features outlined in the SWPPP and as previously described, to protect the public and the environment. Construction will be limited to 7am to 3pm to minimize afternoon and evening disturbances. Staging and laydown will be located on a Cornell lot located just north of the proposed Field Hockey Field and Northeast of the existing McGovern Fields on a disturbed parking area previously used for other project staging. Temporary traffic controls will be provided on Game Farm Road only as needed but are not anticipated frequently. Emergency vehicles will have access to the site for the duration of construction. Waste from construction will be disposed of legally and appropriately. Construction vehicles will be directed to access the site via a prescribed route either north or south from Game Farm Road for field development. The project will generate approximately 300 truck roundtrips over a two-month period. The largest volumes of truck activity would be associated with importing general fill used for rough grading the site and bringing the new field up to finished grade elevation, when a maximum of 30 trucks could be expected to arrive on site in a single day. Most long-distance delivery routes to/from Cornell’s campus utilize route 81 north or south. Traffic leaving the site and heading north would utilize NYS Route 366 to NYS Routes 13 to 81 north. Traffic leaving the site and heading south would use Tompkins County Roads: Ellis Hollow Road to Pine Tree Road (an approved truck route), on to NYS Routes 79 to 81 south. Due to the project location and the fact that appropriate safety controls and best work practices will be followed, there should be negligible adverse impacts from construction. Supplemental Information DR A F T Figure: Site Logistics - March 2025 through August 2025 39 Supplemental Information DR A F T Page 1 of 10 Full Environmental Assessment Form Part 2 - Identification of Potential Project Impacts Part 2 is to be completed by the lead agency. Part 2 is designed to help the lead agency inventory all potential resources that could be affected by a proposed project or action. We recognize that the lead agency=s reviewer(s) will not necessarily be environmental professionals. So, the questions are designed to walk a reviewer through the assessment process by providing a series of questions that can be answered using the information found in Part 1. To further assist the lead agency in completing Part 2, the form identifies the most relevant questions in Part 1 that will provide the information needed to answer the Part 2 question. When Part 2 is completed, the lead agency will have identified the relevant environmental areas that may be impacted by the proposed activity. If the lead agency is a state agency and the action is in any Coastal Area, complete the Coastal Assessment Form before proceeding with this assessment. Tips for completing Part 2: •Review all of the information provided in Part 1. •Review any application, maps, supporting materials and the Full EAF Workbook. •Answer each of the 18 questions in Part 2. •If you answer “Yes” to a numbered question, please complete all the questions that follow in that section. •If you answer “No” to a numbered question, move on to the next numbered question. •Check appropriate column to indicate the anticipated size of the impact. •Proposed projects that would exceed a numeric threshold contained in a question should result in the reviewing agency checking the box “Moderate to large impact may occur.” •The reviewer is not expected to be an expert in environmental analysis. •If you are not sure or undecided about the size of an impact, it may help to review the sub-questions for the general question and consult the workbook. •When answering a question consider all components of the proposed activity, that is, the Awhole action@. •Consider the possibility for long-term and cumulative impacts as well as direct impacts. •Answer the question in a reasonable manner considering the scale and context of the project. 1.Impact on Land Proposed action may involve construction on, or physical alteration of,† NO † YES the land surface of the proposed site. (See Part 1. D.1) If “Yes”, answer questions a - j. If “No”, move on to Section 2. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. The proposed action may involve construction on land where depth to water table is less than 3 feet.E2d 9 9 b. The proposed action may involve construction on slopes of 15% or greater. E2f 9 9 c. The proposed action may involve construction on land where bedrock is exposed, or generally within 5 feet of existing ground surface. E2a 9 9 d. The proposed action may involve the excavation and removal of more than 1,000 tons of natural material. D2a 9 9 e. The proposed action may involve construction that continues for more than one year or in multiple phases. D1e 9 9 f. The proposed action may result in increased erosion, whether from physical disturbance or vegetation removal (including from treatment by herbicides). D2e, D2q 9 9 g. The proposed action is, or may be, located within a Coastal Erosion hazard area.B1i 9 9 h. Other impacts: _______________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ 9 9 Agency Use Only [If applicable] Project : Date : FEAF2019 Highlighted sections are elaborated in Part 3 attachment DR A F T Page 2 of 10 2.Impact on Geological Features The proposed action may result in the modification or destruction of, or inhibit access to, any unique or unusual land forms on the site (e.g., cliffs, dunes, † NO † YES minerals, fossils, caves). (See Part 1. E.2.g) If “Yes”, answer questions a - c. If “No”, move on to Section 3. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. Identify the specific land form(s) attached: ________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ E2g 9 9 b. The proposed action may affect or is adjacent to a geological feature listed as a registered National Natural Landmark. Specific feature: _____________________________________________________ E3c 9 9 c.Other impacts: ______________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ 9 9 3.Impacts on Surface Water The proposed action may affect one or more wetlands or other surface water † NO † YES bodies (e.g., streams, rivers, ponds or lakes). (See Part 1. D.2, E.2.h) If “Yes”, answer questions a - l. If “No”, move on to Section 4. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. The proposed action may create a new water body. D2b, D1h 9 9 b. The proposed action may result in an increase or decrease of over 10% or more than a 10 acre increase or decrease in the surface area of any body of water. D2b 9 9 c. The proposed action may involve dredging more than 100 cubic yards of material from a wetland or water body. D2a 9 9 d. The proposed action may involve construction within or adjoining a freshwater or tidal wetland, or in the bed or banks of any other water body. E2h 9 9 e. The proposed action may create turbidity in a waterbody, either from upland erosion, runoff or by disturbing bottom sediments. D2a, D2h 9 9 f.The proposed action may include construction of one or more intake(s) for withdrawal of water from surface water. D2c 9 9 g.The proposed action may include construction of one or more outfall(s) for discharge of wastewater to surface water(s). D2d 9 9 h.The proposed action may cause soil erosion, or otherwise create a source of stormwater discharge that may lead to siltation or other degradation of receiving water bodies. D2e 9 9 i. The proposed action may affect the water quality of any water bodies within or downstream of the site of the proposed action. E2h 9 9 j. The proposed action may involve the application of pesticides or herbicides in or around any water body. D2q, E2h 9 9 k. The proposed action may require the construction of new, or expansion of existing, wastewater treatment facilities. D1a, D2d 9 9 DR A F T Page 3 of 10 l. Other impacts: _______________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ 9 9 4.Impact on groundwater The proposed action may result in new or additional use of ground water, or † NO † YES may have the potential to introduce contaminants to ground water or an aquifer. (See Part 1. D.2.a, D.2.c, D.2.d, D.2.p, D.2.q, D.2.t) If “Yes”, answer questions a - h. If “No”, move on to Section 5. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. The proposed action may require new water supply wells, or create additional demand on supplies from existing water supply wells. D2c 9 9 b. Water supply demand from the proposed action may exceed safe and sustainable withdrawal capacity rate of the local supply or aquifer. Cite Source: ________________________________________________________ D2c 9 9 c. The proposed action may allow or result in residential uses in areas without water and sewer services. D1a, D2c 9 9 d. The proposed action may include or require wastewater discharged to groundwater.D2d, E2l 9 9 e. The proposed action may result in the construction of water supply wells in locations where groundwater is, or is suspected to be, contaminated. D2c, E1f, E1g, E1h 9 9 f. The proposed action may require the bulk storage of petroleum or chemical products over ground water or an aquifer. D2p, E2l 9 9 g. The proposed action may involve the commercial application of pesticides within 100 feet of potable drinking water or irrigation sources. E2h, D2q, E2l, D2c 9 9 h. Other impacts: ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 9 9 5.Impact on Flooding The proposed action may result in development on lands subject to flooding.† NO † YES (See Part 1. E.2) If “Yes”, answer questions a - g. If “No”, move on to Section 6. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. The proposed action may result in development in a designated floodway. E2i 9 9 b. The proposed action may result in development within a 100 year floodplain.E2j 9 9 c. The proposed action may result in development within a 500 year floodplain.E2k 9 9 d. The proposed action may result in, or require, modification of existing drainage patterns. D2b, D2e 9 9 e. The proposed action may change flood water flows that contribute to flooding.D2b, E2i, E2j, E2k 9 9 f.If there is a dam located on the site of the proposed action, is the dam in need of repair, or upgrade? E1e 9 9 DR A F T Page 4 of 10 g. Other impacts: ______________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ 9 9 6.Impacts on Air † NO † YES The proposed action may include a state regulated air emission source. (See Part 1. D.2.f., D.2.h, D.2.g) If “Yes”, answer questions a - f. If “No”, move on to Section 7. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. If the proposed action requires federal or state air emission permits, the action may also emit one or more greenhouse gases at or above the following levels: i. More than 1000 tons/year of carbon dioxide (CO2) ii.More than 3.5 tons/year of nitrous oxide (N2O) iii. More than 1000 tons/year of carbon equivalent of perfluorocarbons (PFCs) iv. More than .045 tons/year of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) v. More than 1000 tons/year of carbon dioxide equivalent of hydrochloroflourocarbons (HFCs) emissions vi. 43 tons/year or more of methane D2g D2g D2g D2g D2g D2h 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 b. The proposed action may generate 10 tons/year or more of any one designated hazardous air pollutant, or 25 tons/year or more of any combination of such hazardous air pollutants. D2g 9 9 c. The proposed action may require a state air registration, or may produce an emissions rate of total contaminants that may exceed 5 lbs. per hour, or may include a heat source capable of producing more than 10 million BTU=s per hour. D2f, D2g 9 9 d.The proposed action may reach 50% of any of the thresholds in “a” through “c”, above. D2g 9 9 e. The proposed action may result in the combustion or thermal treatment of more than 1 ton of refuse per hour. D2s 9 9 9 7.Impact on Plants and Animals The proposed action may result in a loss of flora or fauna. (See Part 1. E.2. m.-q.)† NO † YES If “Yes”, answer questions a - j. If “No”, move on to Section 8. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a.The proposed action may cause reduction in population or loss of individuals of any threatened or endangered species, as listed by New York State or the Federal government, that use the site, or are found on, over, or near the site. E2o 9 9 b. The proposed action may result in a reduction or degradation of any habitat used by any rare, threatened or endangered species, as listed by New York State or the federal government. E2o 9 9 c. The proposed action may cause reduction in population, or loss of individuals, of any species of special concern or conservation need, as listed by New York State or the Federal government, that use the site, or are found on, over, or near the site. E2p 9 9 d. The proposed action may result in a reduction or degradation of any habitat used by any species of special concern and conservation need, as listed by New York State or the Federal government. E2p 9 9 f. Other impacts: ___ _ _ _ ___ __ ___ _ ___ _ _ _ _ ____ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ ___ ___ __ _ __ _ _ _ 9 DR A F T Page 5 of 10 e. The proposed action may diminish the capacity of a registered National Natural Landmark to support the biological community it was established to protect. E3c 9 9 f. The proposed action may result in the removal of, or ground disturbance in, any portion of a designated significant natural community. Source: ____________________________________________________________ E2n 9 9 g. The proposed action may substantially interfere with nesting/breeding, foraging, or over-wintering habitat for the predominant species that occupy or use the project site.E2m 9 9 h. The proposed action requires the conversion of more than 10 acres of forest, grassland or any other regionally or locally important habitat. Habitat type & information source: ______________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ E1b 9 9 i. Proposed action (commercial, industrial or recreational projects, only) involves use of herbicides or pesticides. D2q 9 9 j. Other impacts: ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 9 9 8.Impact on Agricultural Resources The proposed action may impact agricultural resources. (See Part 1. E.3.a. and b.)† NO † YES If “Yes”, answer questions a - h. If “No”, move on to Section 9. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. The proposed action may impact soil classified within soil group 1 through 4 of the NYS Land Classification System. E2c, E3b 9 9 b. The proposed action may sever, cross or otherwise limit access to agricultural land (includes cropland, hayfields, pasture, vineyard, orchard, etc). E1a, Elb 9 9 c. The proposed action may result in the excavation or compaction of the soil profile of active agricultural land. E3b 9 9 d. The proposed action may irreversibly convert agricultural land to non-agricultural uses, either more than 2.5 acres if located in an Agricultural District, or more than 10 acres if not within an Agricultural District. E1b, E3a 9 9 e. The proposed action may disrupt or prevent installation of an agricultural land management system. El a, E1b 9 9 f. The proposed action may result, directly or indirectly, in increased development potential or pressure on farmland. C2c, C3, D2c, D2d 9 9 g. The proposed project is not consistent with the adopted municipal Farmland Protection Plan. C2c 9 9 9 9h. Other impacts: ____________________________ DR A F T Page 6 of 10 9. Impact on Aesthetic Resources The land use of the proposed action are obviously different from, or are in † NO † YES sharp contrast to, current land use patterns between the proposed project and a scenic or aesthetic resource. (Part 1. E.1.a, E.1.b, E.3.h.) If “Yes”, answer questions a - g. If “No”, go to Section 10. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. Proposed action may be visible from any officially designated federal, state, or local scenic or aesthetic resource. E3h 9 9 b. The proposed action may result in the obstruction, elimination or significant screening of one or more officially designated scenic views. E3h, C2b 9 9 c. The proposed action may be visible from publicly accessible vantage points: i. Seasonally (e.g., screened by summer foliage, but visible during other seasons) ii. Year round E3h 9 9 9 9 d. The situation or activity in which viewers are engaged while viewing the proposed action is: i. Routine travel by residents, including travel to and from work ii. Recreational or tourism based activities E3h E2q, E1c 9 9 9 9 e. The proposed action may cause a diminishment of the public enjoyment and appreciation of the designated aesthetic resource. E3h 9 9 f. There are similar projects visible within the following distance of the proposed project: 0-1/2 mile ½ -3 mile 3-5 mile 5+ mile D1a, E1a, D1f, D1g 9 9 g.Other impacts: ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 9 9 10. Impact on Historic and Archeological Resources The proposed action may occur in or adjacent to a historic or archaeological † NO † YES resource. (Part 1. E.3.e, f. and g.) If “Yes”, answer questions a - e. If “No”, go to Section 11. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur E3e 9 9 b. The proposed action may occur wholly or partially within, or substantially contiguous to, an area designated as sensitive for archaeological sites on the NY State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) archaeological site inventory. E3f 9 9 c. The proposed action may occur wholly or partially within, or substantially contiguous to, an archaeological site not included on the NY SHPO inventory. Source: ____________________________________________________________ E3g 9 9 a.The proposed action may occur wholly or partially within, or substantially contiguous to, any buildings, archaeological site or district which is listed on the National or State Register of Historical Places, or that has been determined by the Commissioner of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to be eligible for listing on the State Register of Historic Places. DR A F T Page 7 of 10 d. Other impacts: ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 9 9 e.If any of the above (a-d) are answered “Moderate to large impact may occur”, continue with the following questions to help support conclusions in Part 3: i.The proposed action may result in the destruction or alteration of all or part of the site or property. ii.The proposed action may result in the alteration of the property’s setting or integrity. iii.The proposed action may result in the introduction of visual elements which are out of character with the site or property, or may alter its setting. E3e, E3g, E3f E3e, E3f, E3g, E1a, E1b E3e, E3f, E3g, E3h, C2, C3 9 9 9 9 9 9 11. Impact on Open Space and Recreation The proposed action may result in a loss of recreational opportunities or a † NO † YES reduction of an open space resource as designated in any adopted municipal open space plan. (See Part 1. C.2.c, E.1.c., E.2.q.) If “Yes”, answer questions a - e. If “No”, go to Section 12. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. The proposed action may result in an impairment of natural functions, or “ecosystem services”, provided by an undeveloped area, including but not limited to stormwater storage, nutrient cycling, wildlife habitat. D2e, E1b E2h, E2m, E2o, E2n, E2p 9 9 b. The proposed action may result in the loss of a current or future recreational resource.C2a, E1c, C2c, E2q 9 9 c. The proposed action may eliminate open space or recreational resource in an area with few such resources. C2a, C2c E1c, E2q 9 9 d. The proposed action may result in loss of an area now used informally by the community as an open space resource. C2c, E1c 9 9 e. Other impacts: _____________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ 9 9 12. Impact on Critical Environmental Areas The proposed action may be located within or adjacent to a critical † NO † YES environmental area (CEA). (See Part 1. E.3.d) If “Yes”, answer questions a - c. If “No”, go to Section 13. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. The proposed action may result in a reduction in the quantity of the resource or characteristic which was the basis for designation of the CEA. E3d 9 9 b. The proposed action may result in a reduction in the quality of the resource or characteristic which was the basis for designation of the CEA. E3d 9 9 c. Other impacts: ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 9 9 DR A F T Page 8 of 10 13. Impact on Transportation The proposed action may result in a change to existing transportation systems.† NO † YES (See Part 1. D.2.j) If “Yes”, answer questions a - f. If “No”, go to Section 14. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. Projected traffic increase may exceed capacity of existing road network.D2j 9 9 b. The proposed action may result in the construction of paved parking area for 500 or more vehicles. D2j 9 9 c. The proposed action will degrade existing transit access.D2j 9 9 d. The proposed action will degrade existing pedestrian or bicycle accommodations.D2j 9 9 e.The proposed action may alter the present pattern of movement of people or goods.D2j 9 9 f.Other impacts: ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 9 9 14. Impact on Energy The proposed action may cause an increase in the use of any form of energy.† NO † YES (See Part 1. D.2.k) If “Yes”, answer questions a - e. If “No”, go to Section 15. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. The proposed action will require a new, or an upgrade to an existing, substation.D2k 9 9 b. The proposed action will require the creation or extension of an energy transmission or supply system to serve more than 50 single or two-family residences or to serve a commercial or industrial use. D1f, D1q, D2k 9 9 c. The proposed action may utilize more than 2,500 MWhrs per year of electricity. D2k 9 9 d. The proposed action may involve heating and/or cooling of more than 100,000 square feet of building area when completed. D1g 9 9 e. Other Impacts: ________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ 15. Impact on Noise, Odor, and Light The proposed action may result in an increase in noise, odors, or outdoor lighting. † NO † YES (See Part 1. D.2.m., n., and o.) If “Yes”, answer questions a - f. If “No”, go to Section 16. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. The proposed action may produce sound above noise levels established by local regulation. D2m 9 9 b. The proposed action may result in blasting within 1,500 feet of any residence, hospital, school, licensed day care center, or nursing home. D2m, E1d 9 9 c. The proposed action may result in routine odors for more than one hour per day.D2o 9 9 DR A F T Page 9 of 10 d. The proposed action may result in light shining onto adjoining properties.D2n 9 9 e. The proposed action may result in lighting creating sky-glow brighter than existing area conditions. D2n, E1a 9 9 f. Other impacts: ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 9 9 16. Impact on Human Health The proposed action may have an impact on human health from exposure † NO † YES to new or existing sources of contaminants. (See Part 1.D.2.q., E.1. d. f. g. and h.) If “Yes”, answer questions a - m. If “No”, go to Section 17. Relevant Part I Question(s) No,or small impact may cccur Moderate to large impact may occur a. The proposed action is located within 1500 feet of a school, hospital, licensed day care center, group home, nursing home or retirement community. E1d 9 9 b. The site of the proposed action is currently undergoing remediation. E1g, E1h 9 9 c. There is a completed emergency spill remediation, or a completed environmental site remediation on, or adjacent to, the site of the proposed action. E1g, E1h 9 9 d.The site of the action is subject to an institutional control limiting the use of the property (e.g., easement or deed restriction). E1g, E1h 9 9 e. The proposed action may affect institutional control measures that were put in place to ensure that the site remains protective of the environment and human health. E1g, E1h 9 9 f. The proposed action has adequate control measures in place to ensure that future generation, treatment and/or disposal of hazardous wastes will be protective of the environment and human health. D2t 9 9 g. The proposed action involves construction or modification of a solid waste management facility. D2q, E1f 9 9 h. The proposed action may result in the unearthing of solid or hazardous waste.D2q, E1f 9 9 i. The proposed action may result in an increase in the rate of disposal, or processing, of solid waste. D2r, D2s 9 9 j. The proposed action may result in excavation or other disturbance within 2000 feet of a site used for the disposal of solid or hazardous waste. E1f, E1g E1h 9 9 k. The proposed action may result in the migration of explosive gases from a landfill site to adjacent off site structures. E1f, E1g 9 9 l. The proposed action may result in the release of contaminated leachate from the project site. D2s, E1f, D2r 9 9 m. Other impacts: ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ DR A F T Page 10 of 10 17. Consistency with Community Plans The proposed action is not consistent with adopted land use plans. † NO † YES (See Part 1. C.1, C.2. and C.3.) If “Yes”, answer questions a - h. If “No”, go to Section 18. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. The proposed action’s land use components may be different from, or in sharp contrast to, current surrounding land use pattern(s). C2, C3, D1a E1a, E1b 9 9 b. The proposed action will cause the permanent population of the city, town or village in which the project is located to grow by more than 5%. C2 9 9 c. The proposed action is inconsistent with local land use plans or zoning regulations. C2, C2, C3 9 9 d. The proposed action is inconsistent with any County plans, or other regional land use plans. C2, C2 9 9 e. The proposed action may cause a change in the density of development that is not supported by existing infrastructure or is distant from existing infrastructure. C3, D1c, D1d, D1f, D1d, Elb 9 9 f. The proposed action is located in an area characterized by low density development that will require new or expanded public infrastructure. C4, D2c, D2d D2j 9 9 g. The proposed action may induce secondary development impacts (e.g., residential or commercial development not included in the proposed action) C2a 9 9 h. Other: _____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 9 9 18. Consistency with Community Character The proposed project is inconsistent with the existing community character. † NO † YES (See Part 1. C.2, C.3, D.2, E.3) If “Yes”, answer questions a - g. If “No”, proceed to Part 3. Relevant Part I Question(s) No, or small impact may occur Moderate to large impact may occur a. The proposed action may replace or eliminate existing facilities, structures, or areas of historic importance to the community. E3e, E3f, E3g 9 9 b. The proposed action may create a demand for additional community services (e.g. schools, police and fire) C4 9 9 c. The proposed action may displace affordable or low-income housing in an area where there is a shortage of such housing. C2, C3, D1f D1g, E1a 9 9 d. The proposed action may interfere with the use or enjoyment of officially recognized or designated public resources. C2, E3 9 9 e. The proposed action is inconsistent with the predominant architectural scale and character. C2, C3 9 9 f. Proposed action is inconsistent with the character of the existing natural landscape. C2, C3 E1a, E1b E2g, E2h 9 9 g. Other impacts: ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 9 9 DR A F T Full Environmental Assessment Form Part 3 - Evaluation of the Magnitude and Importance of Project Impacts and Determination of Significance Part 3 provides the reasons in support of the determination of significance. The lead agency must complete Part 3 for every question in Part 2 where the impact has been identified as potentially moderate to large or where there is a need to explain why a particular element of the proposed action will not, or may, result in a significant adverse environmental impact. Based on the analysis in Part 3, the lead agency must decide whether to require an environmental impact statement to further assess the proposed action or whether available information is sufficient for the lead agency to conclude that the proposed action will not have a significant adverse environmental impact. By completing the certification on the next page, the lead agency can complete its determination of significance. Reasons Supporting This Determination: To complete this section: •Identify the impact based on the Part 2 responses and describe its magnitude. Magnitude considers factors such as severity, size or extent of an impact. •Assess the importance of the impact. Importance relates to the geographic scope, duration, probability of the impact occurring, number of people affected by the impact and any additional environmental consequences if the impact were to occur. •The assessment should take into consideration any design element or project changes. •Repeat this process for each Part 2 question where the impact has been identified as potentially moderate to large or where there is a need to explain why a particular element of the proposed action will not, or may, result in a significant adverse environmental impact. •Provide the reason(s) why the impact may, or will not, result in a significant adverse environmental impact •For Conditional Negative Declarations identify the specific condition(s) imposed that will modify the proposed action so that no significant adverse environmental impacts will result. •Attach additional sheets, as needed. Determination of Significance - Type 1 and Unlisted Actions SEQR Status: † Type 1 † Unlisted Identify portions of EAF completed for this Project: † Part 1 † Part 2 † Part 3 Agency Use Only [IfApplicable] Project : Date : FEAF 2019 DR A F T Upon review of the information recorded on this EAF, as noted, plus this additional support information and considering both the magnitude and importance of each identified potential impact, it is the conclusion of the as lead agency that: † A. This project will result in no significant adverse impacts on the environment, and, therefore, an environmental impact statement need not be prepared. Accordingly, this negative declaration is issued. † B. Although this project could have a significant adverse impact on the environment, that impact will be avoided or substantially mitigated because of the following conditions which will be required by the lead agency: There will, therefore, be no significant adverse impacts from the project as conditioned, and, therefore, this conditioned negative declaration is issued. A conditioned negative declaration may be used only for UNLISTED actions (see 6 NYCRR 617.7(d)). † C. This Project may result in one or more significant adverse impacts on the environment, and an environmental impact statement must be prepared to further assess the impact(s) and possible mitigation and to explore alternatives to avoid or reduce those impacts. Accordingly, this positive declaration is issued. Name of Action: Name of Lead Agency: Name of Responsible Officer in Lead Agency: Title of Responsible Officer: Signature of Responsible Officer in Lead Agency: Date: Signature of Preparer (if different from Responsible Officer) Date: For Further Information: Contact Person: Address: Telephone Number: E-mail: For Type 1 Actions and Conditioned Negative Declarations, a copy of this Notice is sent to: Chief Executive Officer of the political subdivision in which the action will be principally located (e.g., Town / City / Village of) Other involved agencies (if any) Applicant (if any) Environmental Notice Bulletin: http://www.dec.ny.gov/enb/enb.html Page 2 of 2 1 Part 3 – Evaluation of the Magnitude and Importance of Project Impacts & Determination of Significance Cornell Game Farm Road Field Hockey Field State Environmental Quality Review Full Environmental Assessment Form Action(s): Site Plan Approval, Special Permit, Area Variances, Sewer Exemption Location: Game Farm Road, Tax Parcel No.’s 62.-2-4, 62.-2-5, and 62.-2-6 Lead Agency: Town of Ithaca Planning Board Involved Agencies: Town of Ithaca Zoning Board of Appeals, Town of Ithaca Town Board Description: The project involves Site Plan Approval, Special Permit, Area Variances, and a Sewer Exemption for the proposed Cornell Game Farm Road Field Hockey Field project on Game Farm Road, located immediately east of the existing Cornell soccer fields. The proposal involves constructing new field hockey facilities in two phases, with phase one including the conversion of the existing grass practice field into a synthetic turf field along with construction of a new driveway, formalized parking area, pedestrian amenities, and two support facilities (a 1,700 +/- square foot restroom/team room building, and a 480 +/- square foot press box). Phase two involves the construction of a clubhouse for the field hockey team, with locker rooms, meeting rooms, physical therapy rooms, lounge, toilets, showers, and indoor synthetic turf training space. Phase two is projected to be constructed within five years of the athletic field installation. The project also includes new lighting, landscaping, stormwater facilities, and other site improvements. The Planning Board will consider granting Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the project. The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider area variances related to light pole height and fence height. The Town Board will consider approving a sanitary sewer exemption, as the project includes construction of an onsite wastewater treatment system rather than connecting to an existing municipal system. The proposed action is a Type I Action, pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act, 6 NYCRR Part 617, and Chapter 148 of the Town of Ithaca Code regarding Environmental Quality Review, because the proposal involves an activity, other than the construction of residential facilities, that involves the physical alteration of 10 acres (6 NYCRR 617.4 (b) (6) (i)), and parking for 100 vehicles (Town Code 148-5.C (3)). 1. Impact on Land e. The proposed action may involve construction that continues for more than one year or in multiple phases. f. The proposed action may result in increased erosion, whether from physical disturbance or vegetation removal (including from treatment by herbicides). Briefly describe the impact on land: The existing project site consists of several large parcels, collectively approximately 123+/- acres in size, that are owned by Cornell University and utilized for various educational purposes. The properties are bound on the north by Cascadilla Creek, on the south by Ellis Hollow Road (CR 110), on the east by Game Farm Road (CR 173), and on the west by the 2 existing McGovern soccer fields, the Booth baseball field, and inactive agricultural fields. The East Hill Plaza/Summerhill Apartments are located approximately 3,000 feet west of the proposed project. The project site has been utilized for many years as a grass practice field for the Cornell University soccer program. The existing field, along with the adjacent soccer fields, were granted final site plan approval by the Planning Board in August 2003. The proposed project will involve two phases (described on page 1 above), with Phase I expected to take approximately six months to complete. Phase 2 is not expected to be constructed for another several years. However, the proposed septic system and stormwater management system will be sized to accommodate both project phases. This environmental assessment addresses as much of the full project buildout as is currently foreseeable. The Planning Board, as Lead Agency, will evaluate future project phases and reassess the environmental impacts of future phases once they are proposed. The Phase 1 portion of project will generate an expected 300 truck trips over a two-month period. The application materials explain that truck traffic associated with Phase 1 will utilize Interstate 81 North or South, with trucks leaving the site heading north using NYS Route 366/Dryden Road, and those heading south using Tompkins County roads. The potential for increased erosion and proposed mitigations related to the physical disturbance associated with the project are evaluated in #3 below. Based on the above information, impacts identified in this section can be considered small in magnitude. 3. Impact on Surface Water & 5. Impact on Flooding (sections combined due to related impacts) d. The proposed action may involve construction within or adjoining a freshwater or tidal wetland, or in the bed or banks of any other water body. h. The proposed action may cause soil erosion or otherwise create a source of stormwater discharge that may lead to siltation or other degradation of receiving water bodies. i. The proposed action may affect the water quality of any water bodies within or downstream of the site of the proposed action. j. The proposed action may involve the application of pesticides or herbicides in or around any water body. k. The proposed action may require the construction of new, or expansion of existing, wastewater treatment facilities. (5. Impact on Flooding) d. The proposed action may result in, or require, modification of existing drainage patterns. Briefly describe the impact on surface water and flooding: Cascadilla Creek is located along the northern edge of the project site and is regulated by the Town of Ithaca Stream Setback Law, which requires a 100’ setback from the stream for development of structures and certain land disturbing activities. Most of the proposed improvements will be located at least 400+/- feet from the bank of Cascadilla Creek, however a small portion of the extended detention shallow wetland (proposed for a stormwater practice and explained below), will encroach approximately 25+/- feet into Zone 2 of the setback (the zone farthest from the stream). This is permitted per the Town Code, §270-219.5. E (5) (b), which allows the construction of stormwater ponds and wetlands in stream setback Zone 2. 3 The application materials state that the project site drains to Cascadilla Creek and that “if necessary, a professional will apply pesticides and herbicides to control unwanted vegetation and pests.” However, the project will include erosion and stormwater controls noted below, along with the use of Integrated Pest Management practices that will mitigate potential pesticide impacts to the creek. There will be no pesticide application in or around the proposed extended detention shallow wetland. Soil Erosion, Water Quality/Quantity, & Flooding: The project involves earth-moving activities related to grading and preparing the site for the construction of the field, buildings, access drive, parking area, landscaping, septic system, and stormwater practices. The application materials state that the proposal will physically disturb 12+/- acres, although the increase in impervious area will only be 3.5+/- acres. To minimize soil erosion, the proposal includes an erosion and sedimentation control plan with silt fence, stabilized construction entrance, and other standard erosion control measures that will minimize soil tracking off-site and control dust. Regarding water quality treatment for the synthetic turf field, all water falling on the field will infiltrate through the field itself, which will not contain any infill of any kind. The applicant has chosen the “Greenfields TX Pro Plus” product manufactured by TenCate, which is comprised of UV-resistant, low density polyethylene monofilament fibers looped through a woven backing cloth. The turf product is PFAS-free (PFAS means perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and consists of recycled plastics, recycled rubber, and a binder material. The proposed turf will comply with NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) laws and regulations, including the requirements of the NYS Carpet Collection Program Law, Environmental Conservation Law §§ 27-3301 through 37-3319, Section 27-3313 states that “no carpet sold or offered for sale in the state shall contain or be treated with PFAS substances for any purpose.” The applicant will comply with this requirement even though it is not effective until the end of 2026. The applicant will also recycle the turf at its end of life. Runoff from the turf field will convey to a proprietary stormwater filter practice that uses a series of high surface area membrane filter cartridges capable of removing physical particulates of 0.025 millimeters (25 micrometers) or larger. The application materials note that most analytical methods can reliably detect microplastic particles as small as 20 to 50 micrometers. The proposed stormwater filtration system is therefore expected to capture and remove microplastics from stormwater runoff off the field to sizes that are consistent with what is measurable. To provide water quality and quantity treatment of stormwater runoff for the rest of the project, the applicant proposes to construct an extended detention shallow wetland, which will replace two existing small stormwater wet ponds located to the north that were constructed with the McGovern soccer field project (2003). This, along with two proposed bioretention filters, will capture and treat runoff, and provide water quantity reduction as well. The applicant has submitted a Full Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to the Town’s Engineering Department for their review and approval. The applicant has been working with the Engineering Department to provide additional calculations and details that meet NYS DEC permitting requirements. 4 The nearest municipal sewer main is located more than 3,000+/- feet west of the project, on Summerhill Lane. The applicant is therefore proposing an onsite wastewater treatment system, consisting of a 3,500-gallon septic tank and mound absorption bed. The mound absorption system will be located along the south side of the proposed parking lot and has been sized using the NYS DEC Design Standards for Intermediate Sized Wastewater Treatment Systems. As noted above, the proposed system is designed to accommodate all phases of the project. The private septic system requires a Sanitary Sewer Exemption authorization from the Town Board per Town Code § 214-5, along with a State Pollution Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit from the NYSDEC, and an Onsite Wastewater Treatment System construction permit from Tompkins Whole Health. Though the proposed septic system and leach field area cover significant space above ground, it is still limited in its capacity and would not induce commercial and residential development as municipal water and sewer availability would. Additionally, the proposed septic system is not located within a floodway or floodplain; the average depth to bedrock is more than ten feet in the area; and the proposed system/leach field is located more than 750+/- feet from Cascadilla Creek and the proposed stormwater wetland and biofiltration practices. Based on the above information, impacts identified in this section can be considered small in magnitude. 7. Impact on Plants and Animals j. Other Impacts. Briefly describe the impact on plants and animals: The project site has been previously disturbed with the development of athletic facilities, namely soccer fields, baseball fields, parking areas, access drives, lighting, and stormwater management facilities. The NYS DEC Nature Explorer Mapping program identified two species of dragonfly and two species of plants that have been historically confirmed in the area. The Midland Clubtail and Mocha Emerald dragonflies were last confirmed in the area in 1894 and 1926, respectively. The Delicate Rabbit Tobacco (endangered) and the Three Birds Orchid (threatened) were last confirmed in 1919 and 1922, respectively. The Midland Clubtail inhabits medium to large, moderate to rapid-flowing rivers and streams. Mocha Emeralds inhabit small, shaded streams in forested areas that are about 1-3 yards wide with sand, gravel, or rocky substrates. These habitat characteristics are potentially located within the adjacent Cascadilla Creek stream and streamside areas of the property but are not located within the project site. Similarly, the Delicate Rabbit Tobacco is found in dry woods and openings (occasionally along roadsides); and the Three Birds Orchid is found in forests, shrublands, and woodlands. If present, they would also likely be located in the woods within and surrounding Cascadilla Creek to the north of the project site. There is no evidence of the presence of the aforementioned plant and animal species on the proposed project site. Given that the species have not been confirmed on the project site for at least 99 years, and that the site has been previously disturbed and does not contain the habitat to support such species, impacts identified in this section can be considered small in magnitude. 5 8. Impact on Agricultural Resources h. Other Impacts. Briefly describe the impact on agricultural resources: The specific project site contains an existing grass soccer field, a gravel drive, and a small gravel parking area. The remainder of the project site is maintained as mowed grass, surrounded by fallow agricultural fields. There are two existing soccer fields and a synthetic turf baseball field on two adjacent properties (stormwater and septic facilities associated with the field hockey project will be located on these parcels). None of the properties have been used for agricultural purposes for many years and are not located within or near a Tompkins County Agricultural District. The Town of Ithaca has an Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan that was adopted in November 2011. The plan contains a map that shows a strip of land classified as “Farmland of Statewide Importance” that is approximately 16+/- acres in total across the three properties (attached). However, according to the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan, this project site has not been targeted for agricultural easements or any other agricultural protection. The proposed project will not impact the 16+/- acre strip of land. Based on the above information, impacts identified in this section can be considered small in magnitude. 9. Impact on Aesthetic Resources c. The proposed action may be visible from publicly accessible vantage points: seasonally (e.g., screened by summer foliage, but visible during other seasons), and/or year-round. d. The situation or activity in which viewers are engaged while viewing the proposed action is routine travel by residents, including to and from work, and recreational or tourism activities. f. There are similar projects visible within 0-1/2 mile of the proposed project. Briefly describe the impact on aesthetic resources: The proposed field hockey field will replace an existing grass soccer field, located near the edge of Game Farm Road. Those who commute to work in Ithaca via Ellis Hollow Road will likely pass the field on their way to and from work. The nearest development is on the adjacent parcel, which contains two lighted soccer fields and associated structures. The parcel to the west of the soccer fields contains the Booth synthetic turf baseball field, with associated buildings, lighting, signage, parking area, and access drive off Ellis Hollow Road. The new field and associated structures will be visible from Ellis Hollow Road and Game Farm Road year- round. The Town of Ithaca and Tompkins County have established Scenic Resources Inventories that identify significant views in the East Hill/Cornell area. The town’s inventory does identify the corner of Ellis Hollow and Game Farm Roads as “noteworthy” (Chapter 3, view #18). However, the view is not considered significant and therefore was not included in the list of significant views to protect. Although the Booth baseball field is within this viewshed, the proposed field hockey field is not. There are no other identified scenic resources around the project site that would be impacted by the proposed development. 6 Based on the above information, impacts identified in this section would be considered small in magnitude. 10. Impact on Historic and Archaeological Resources a. The proposed action may occur wholly or partially within, or substantially contiguous to, any buildings, archaeological site or district which is listed on the National or State Registers of Historic Places, or that has been determined by the Commissioner of the NYS Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation to be eligible for listing on the State Register of Historic Places. b. The proposed action may occur wholly or partially within, or substantially contiguous to, an area designated as sensitive for archaeological sites on the NY State Historic Preservation Office archaeological site inventory. Briefly describe the impact on historic and archaeological resources: The project site is not located on or adjacent to any buildings or areas officially listed on the National or State Registers of Historic Places. However, an archaeological investigation for the Cornell soccer field project on the same property identified a building associated with a 1930’s Civilian Conservation Corps camp that was located off Game Farm Road, along with the remains of three nineteenth century farms off Ellis Hollow Road, and several Native American sites near Cascadilla Creek. The applicant for the 2021 Booth baseball field project hired Panamerican Consultants Inc. to perform a Phase 1A Cultural Resources Investigation and Phase 1B Archaeological Survey to determine if such archaeological resources existed on the three parcels associated with the current project site. The purpose of the Phase 1A investigation was to research the area to identify if previously recorded archaeological resources would be impacted by the baseball field project. Based on the results of the Phase 1A investigation, the baseball field project did not impact previously identified resources. The purpose of the Phase 1B survey was to determine the presence of any new cultural resources in the project area. The Phase 1B survey did not unearth Native American artifacts or other artifacts of historical significance. As a result, the Panamerican Consultants did not recommend further investigation. An Archaeological Survey addendum was completed by a consultant with the Public Archaeology Facility in Binghamton in 2024 in association with the current field hockey field project. The results of the survey were included in the application materials for the project and provided to the Planning Board in November 2024. One of the statements in the addendum referenced a previously- investigated site that is located close to the proposed extended detention shallow wetland stormwater facility. The language from the addendum states: “The historic component at Locus 2 of the Cascadilla Creek 2 Site is still within the original 2003 to 2005 project APE for the Cornell University Athletic Fields, is intact, and in an undisturbed setting. This component area produced an abundance and diversity of early historic artifacts, possibly associated with a settler cabin or camp, and has the potential to produce significant archaeological information about the early historic period for the Town of Ithaca. Although this component area is well outside of the current addendum APE summarized for this report, we are recommending that this specific section of Locus 2 be maintained as an existing agricultural field and not subject to construction connected with the university athletic fields (or any other future development projects). As such, the NYS SHPO is likely to request an official avoidance plan from the university outlining the methods in which the early historic component at Locus 2 of the Cascadilla Creek 2 Site will be protected from future athletic field developments.” 7 All documents prepared by the 2024 consultant were submitted to NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) via the Cultural Resources Information System. NYS OPRHP reviewed the reports, determined that no archaeological sites were identified, and concurred with the recommendation that no additional archaeological work would be necessary for the project. Bradley W. Russell, Ph.D. Historic Preservation Specialist with OPRHP, stated in his letter to the applicant’s archaeological consultant on October 18, 2024, that “OPRHP has reviewed the Addendum Phase I Archaeological Survey report for the Addendum to the Cornell University Athletic Fields Project (24PR08775) prepared by The Public Archaeology Facility, Binghamton University, Consulting Archaeologists (September 2024; 24SR00535). OPRHP concurs with the report recommendation that no additional archaeological investigation is warranted.” Although OPRHP recommended no additional archaeological investigation, there should be extra protection of the “CC2 Locus 2” area of the site (see attached map) during construction of the shallow wetland/stormwater facilities associated with the field hockey field project. Based on the above information, impacts identified in this section would be considered small in magnitude. 13. Impact on Transportation e. The proposed action may alter the present patter of movement of people or goods. Briefly describe the impact on transportation: The project involves replacing an existing gravel entrance off Game Farm Road to access the field hockey field, along with replacing the existing informal parking lot with a new, paved 120-space parking lot (plus two bus parking pull off spaces), to accommodate the field hockey and soccer field uses. Other improvements include pedestrian sidewalks around the parking lot to the soccer fields and new field hockey field, eight bicycle racks that will provide 16 bicycle parking spaces, and a proposed 20-foot wide turnaround access. The existing circulation is characterized by gravel pathways that connect informal parking to the existing McGovern soccer fields and building. The proposal will formalize the parking and improve the connections and access for all users, with paving and striping, access lanes that are wide enough to accommodate fire and emergency vehicles, and ADA-compliant sidewalks and parking spaces. The proposal includes landscaping with native plantings to provide canopy cover to walkways and parking spaces. The application materials include a traffic analysis for the project. According to the analysis, which evaluated the parking needs for both soccer and field hockey team uses, field hockey practices will generate up to 18 vehicle trips between 6:30am and 9:00am, Monday through Friday. Field hockey competitions could generate up to 74 car round trips and two buses in the afternoon/evening hours. Soccer practice (men’s or women’s) would generate 21.5 trips on either end of the 5:00pm to 7:00pm time period, for a total of 43 round trips if both teams practice simultaneously. [Note that the soccer field use is existing, and its impact on traffic was previously analyzed when the soccer fields were approved.] According to the materials, the busiest time period will occur if a field hockey game coincides with practices by both soccer teams, which could happen on a weekend afternoon/evening. The highest demand would generate up to 117 vehicle trips on a fall weekend between the hours of 4:00pm and 7:00pm. This would be considered a small addition of traffic, on a weekend evening (no conflict with 8 typical workday traffic) and would not impact traffic flow for users of Game Farm Road or Ellis Hollow Road, which are both county roads. Like the previous baseball field application, there are no minimum parking requirements established in the Town Code for this type of project and therefore no mechanism for the Planning Board to consider a reduction in required parking. The project is in a residential zone, and the Town Code is silent in terms of parking requirements for an athletic field in a residential zone. The proposed number of parking spaces is based upon detailed projected use for the athletic field functions – which accommodates women’s and men’s soccer practices and field hockey practices and games. Field hockey practices are held in the morning and soccer practices are held in the afternoon, leaving a low likelihood of parking overlapping (except in the case outlined above, which would require up to 117 parking spaces, per the traffic analysis). Given that the project will be constructed on a site that is more than 100 acres in size, there is plenty of space to add future parking if necessary. The applicant would need to come back to the Planning Board for a site plan modification review and approval should they require future parking beyond five more spaces. This would involve another environmental review and analysis of stormwater impacts associated with the additional impervious surface. Based on the above information, impacts identified in this section would be considered small in magnitude. 15. Impact on Noise, Odor, and Light a. The proposed action may produce sound above ambient levels established by local regulation. d. The proposed action may result in light shining onto adjoining properties. Briefly describe the impact on noise and light: The project will create noise impacts during construction of the access road, parking, buildings, and related infrastructure. These impacts will be temporary and will cease once the project is completed. The application materials include an environmental sound analysis to evaluate the proposed public address (PA) system for the project. The PA system has been designed to cover the playing field and bleachers while minimizing sound to surrounding areas. The system includes seven loudspeakers mounted on three poles to the east side of the field (facing away from Game Farm Road, and toward the field). Three of the speakers will cover the playing field, and the other four will cover the spectator area, including the bleachers and sidelines. It is expected that the PA system will emit sound at 84dB at the center of the playing field, according to the CadnaA modeling software that was used to analyze sound for the project. The calculated sound levels shown in Figure 2 of the sound analysis indicate that sound drops from 84dB in the center of the field to 60dB immediately across Game Farm Road. The nearest residence is located approximately 1,600+/- feet (1/3 mile) south of the proposal, on the east side of Game Farm Road, in the Town of Dryden. Figure 2 indicates that sound will be at 50bB at this residence, as well as at most residences along the south side of Ellis Hollow Road (there are four residences along Ellis Hollow Road in the affected area). Sound will also be at 50bB for residents of the Summerhill Apartment complex, located approximately ½ mile west of the project. 9 According to a noise decibel level comparison chart created by Yale Environmental Health and Safety Office, 50dB is the equivalent to something between the sound of a suburban area at night and the hum of a household refrigerator. However, the Town of Ithaca does not regulate sound/noise in decibel levels. The Town of Ithaca noise ordinance prohibits “unreasonable noise,” defined as “any excessive or unusually loud sound which either annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of a reasonable person of normal sensitivities.” It is acknowledged from previous environmental reviews in this area of the town that residents who live along Game Farm Road just over the Town of Ithaca/Town of Dryden line have expressed concern about the noise from the existing soccer fields. It is possible that sound impacts could be exacerbated if soccer practices occur at the same time as field hockey games (noted above, weekend afternoons/evenings between 4:00pm and 7:00pm) and/or if field hockey practices during the morning hours (6:30am to 9:30am) are considered a nuisance to neighbors. Although the proposal is not expected to create significant noise impacts, the Planning Board has the authority through the environmental and site plan review and special permit process to control noise associated with construction and other activities. The board could mitigate potential adverse sound impacts in this case by limiting the PA system use to certain times of the day, certain days of the week, or by some other combination of techniques. In terms of lighting, the project includes four 70-feet tall athletic field light poles (two on the east side and two on the west side of the field) and 22, 20-feet tall parking lot light poles. Based on the submitted Lighting Plans, Sheets L6-01, L6-02, and L6-03, the proposed lighting will comply with most of the requirements of the Town Outdoor Lighting Law (Town Code §270-173). It is unclear from the submission whether the shielding for the proposed athletic field light poles comply with Town Code §270-173-9. The law requires all lighting to be fully shielded and angled; and according to page 13 of the application report, the lighting for the field will have a “sharp cutoff” and not a “fully shielded” luminaire. This needs to be clarified. Of note, there are no residences located immediately across the road from the project on Game Farm Road; and the nearest residences on the west side of the project are located ½ mile west, on Summerhill Lane. Based on the photometric information provided, these residences are unlikely to be affected by potential light glare associated with the project. However, as in the noise impact section above, the Planning Board could mitigate potential adverse lighting impacts by limiting hours of operation to certain times of the day, certain days of the week, or by some other combination of techniques. The specification sheets for the parking lot lights indicate that the LED lights can be 3000K, 4000K, or 5000K. As noted in other environmental reviews, the Outdoor Lighting law is currently silent in terms of LED color temperature, which equates to the perceived color of a light (warmer yellow lights versus cooler blue/white lights). Wherever possible, the Planning Board has been following the recommendations in the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council LED Advisory Guidelines, which suggest streetlighting and other outdoor lighting have no more than a 3000K color temperature (toward yellow or warm). For this project, it will not be possible for the applicant to modify the required color temperature for the field lights, but the applicant should consider using LEDs with a color temperature of 3000K for the parking lot lights, particularly in this part of Game Farm Road, where there is low to moderate ambient lighting. 10 Based on the above information, impacts identified in this section would be considered small in magnitude. 16. Impact on Human Health f. The proposed action has adequate control measures in place to ensure that future generation, treatment, and/or disposal of hazardous wastes will be protective of the environment and human health. Briefly describe the impact: The project includes the replacement of a natural grass athletic field with a synthetic turf field. The proposed turf will comply with NYS DEC and US EPA laws and regulations, including the requirements of the NYS Carpet Collection Program Law, Environmental Conservation Law §§ 27-3301 through 37-3319, Section 27-3313 states that “no carpet sold or offered for sale in the state shall contain or be treated with PFAS substances for any purpose.” The applicant will comply with this requirement even though it is not effective until the end of 2026. As stated in a previous section above, the proposed field will not contain any infill of any kind. The applicant has chosen the “Greenfields TX Pro Plus” product manufactured by TenCate, which is comprised of UV- resistant, low density polyethylene monofilament fibers looped through a woven backing cloth. The turf product is PFAS-free and consists of recycled plastics, recycled rubber, and a binder material. The application materials state the turf blades for the selected turf product are 100% linear low density polyethylene. Low density polyethylene is also used for food packaging, packaging film, squeezable bottles, pipes/tubing, and medical/health care items. The application materials state that since polyethylene is made from a polymer that is stable at high temperatures, it is inert and is not associated with any known health effects, nor is it considered to be carcinogenic by national and world health agencies. The application materials further state the selected turf product also contains additives that include heavy metal-free pigments, dulling agents, and UV stabilizers which are encapsulated in the polymer, meaning that exposure to them does not occur and they therefore do not pose a health concern. Regarding heat issues, the application materials state that while synthetic turf field surfaces do get warmer than natural turf field surfaces, air temperatures above synthetic turf surfaces warm only marginally more than those above natural turf field surfaces, and synthetic field surfaces do not retain heat once daytime heating is discontinued. These differences are substantially minimized on cloudy days and do not exist on overcast days. In that respect, synthetic turf fields are different than urban systems (aggregate buildings, roof tops, and pavement) which are associated with contributing to heat island effects because those materials continue to release heat well into the nighttime hours. The project will convey stormwater runoff to a proprietary stormwater filter practice that uses a series of high surface area membrane filter cartridges capable of removing physical particulates of 0.025 millimeters (25 micrometers) or larger. The application materials note that most analytical methods can reliably detect microplastic particles as small as 20 to 50 micrometers. The proposed stormwater filtration system is expected to capture and remove microplastics from stormwater runoff off the field to sizes that are consistent with what is measurable. 11 Finally, the applicant is committed to recycling the synthetic turf at the end of its life. Recycling facilities under consideration include Turf Recyclers in Rockland Maryland (opening May 2025) and re[TURN] Reclamation Program in Dalton, Georgia. Based on the above information, impacts identified in this section would be considered small in magnitude. 17. Consistency with Community Plans c. The proposed action is inconsistent with local land use plans or zoning regulations. Briefly describe the impact: The project is consistent with the Town Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map but requires area variances by the Zoning Board of Appeals. These variances are needed because Cornell University is an educational/institutional use in a residential zone, which occurs because the Town of Ithaca doesn’t currently have an Institutional zoning designation. Ithaca College, Cornell University, and other institutional uses are therefore restricted to residential height and area requirements. This project contains light poles that are required to be much taller than a residential structure (§270-59 of Town Code requires a structure height not to exceed 30 feet tall, where the proposed external light poles are approximately 70 feet in height and the proposed camera pole is 35 feet in height). The project also requires fence heights associated with the athletic field that wouldn’t typically be found on a residential property (§270-223, of Town Code, requires a maximum fence height of 6 feet, where the fence proposed for the netting located on the north and south sides of the field is 30 feet). The proposed variances are not expected to create significant adverse environmental impacts, given the location of the project in an area with other athletic fields with similarly tall light poles and fences and not located within or near a significant view, as identified in the Town of Ithaca and Tompkins County Scenic Resources Inventories. Based on the above information, impacts identified in this section would be considered small in magnitude. Staff Recommendation, Determination of Significance A negative determination of environmental significance is recommended for the action as proposed, based on review of the materials submitted for the proposed action, the information above, and analysis of the magnitude and importance of the project impacts. Once Phase two project details are proposed, the Planning Board, as Lead Agency, will look at whether the environmental review should be reconsidered. Lead Agency: Town of Ithaca Planning Board– Site Plan Approval, Special Permit Involved Agencies: Town of Ithaca Zoning Board of Appeals- Variances Town of Ithaca Town Board– Sewer Exemption Reviewer: Christine Balestra, Senior Planner Review Date: March 11, 2025 DR A F T User Defined Results Report Criteria: Selected Map Area New York Nature Explorer http://www.dec.ny.gov/natureexplorer/ Common Name State Distribution Status Protection Status Conservation RankSubgroup Federal State Global Year Last Documente Animal: Dragonflies and Damselflies Midland Clubtail Dragonflies S3Historically Confirmed G51894 Gomphurus fraternus Mocha Emerald Dragonflies S2S3Historically Confirmed G51926 Somatochlora linearis Plant: Flowering Plants Delicate Rabbit Tobacco Asters, Goldenrods and Daisies SHHistorically Confirmed G4G5T3?Endangered1919 Pseudognaphalium micradenium Three Birds Orchid Orchids S2Historically Confirmed G4?T4?Threatened1922 Triphora trianthophoros ssp. trianthophoros Page 1 of 3/7/25 3:40 PM 2New York State Department of Environmental Conservation DR A F T New York Nature Explorer Common Name State Distribution Status Protection Status Conservation RankSubgroup Federal State Global Year Last Documente New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 3/7/25 3:40 PM Page 2 of 2 Note: Restricted plants and animals may also have also been documented in one or more of the Towns or Cities in which your user-defined area is located, but are not listed in these results. This application does not provide information at the level of Town or City on state-listed animals and on other sensitive animals and plants. A list of the restricted animals and plants documented at the corresponding county level can be obtained via the County link(s) on the original User Defined Search Results page. Any individual plant or animal on this county’s restricted list may or may not occur in this particular user-defined area. This list only includes records of rare species and significant natural communities from the databases of the NY Natural Heritage Program. This list is not a definitive statement about the presence or absence of all plants and animals, including rare or state-listed species, or of all significant natural communities. For most areas, comprehensive field surveys have not been conducted, and this list should not be considered a substitute for on-site surveys. DR A F T Town of Ithaca Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan Farmland Targeted for Protection µ010.5 Mile FINAL MAP 9 Map Produced by: Town of Ithaca Planning Department November 2011 Data Source: Town of Ithaca Planning Department & Tompkins County Information Technology Services GIS Division City of Ithaca Village of Cayuga Heights Vi lla ge o f LansingTown of Lansing Town of Ulysses To w n of En fie l d Town of Newfield Town of D anb y To w n of D ry de n Note: Areas identified are approximate. Privately Owned and Operated Farmland Cornell University and State Owned Agricultural Research Land D r y d e n R d 79 79 89 96 13 96B Bundy Rd Hayts Rd Bostwick Rd King Rd W King Rd E C o d din g to n R d B urn s Rd Ellis Hollow Rd For e s t H o me Dr Hanshaw Rd Sheffield Rd C ulv e r R d Sandbank Rd DR A F T Town of Ithaca Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan Agricultural Soils µ010.5 Mile FINAL MAP 5 Map Produced by: Town of Ithaca Planning Department November 2011 Data Source: Town of Ithaca Planning Department & Tompkins County Information Technology Services GIS Division City of Ithaca Village of Cayuga Heights Vi lla ge o f LansingTown of Lansing Town of Ulysses To w n of En fie l d Town of Newfield Town of D anb y To w n of D ry de n USDA Prime Farmland Farmland of Statewide Importance D r y d e n R d 79 79 89 96 13 96B Bundy Rd Hayts Rd Bostwick Rd King Rd W King Rd E C o d din gto n R d B urn s Rd Ellis Hollow Rd For e s t H o me Dr Hanshaw Rd Sheffield Rd C ulv e r R d Sandbank Rd DR A F T Soil Map—Tompkins County, New York Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey National Cooperative Soil Survey 3/6/2025 Page 1 of 3 46 9 8 8 0 0 46 9 8 9 0 0 46 9 9 0 0 0 46 9 9 1 0 0 46 9 9 2 0 0 46 9 9 3 0 0 46 9 9 4 0 0 46 9 9 5 0 0 46 9 9 6 0 0 46 9 9 7 0 0 46 9 9 8 0 0 46 9 8 8 0 0 46 9 8 9 0 0 46 9 9 0 0 0 46 9 9 1 0 0 46 9 9 2 0 0 46 9 9 3 0 0 46 9 9 4 0 0 46 9 9 5 0 0 46 9 9 6 0 0 46 9 9 7 0 0 380300 380400 380500 380600 380700 380800 380900 381000 380200 380300 380400 380500 380600 380700 380800 380900 381000 42° 26' 28'' N 76 ° 2 7 ' 2 3 ' ' W 42° 26' 28'' N 76 ° 2 6 ' 4 7 ' ' W 42° 25' 53'' N 76 ° 2 7 ' 2 3 ' ' W 42° 25' 53'' N 76 ° 2 6 ' 4 7 ' ' W N Map projection: Web Mercator Corner coordinates: WGS84 Edge tics: UTM Zone 18N WGS84 0 250 500 1000 1500 Feet 0 50 100 200 300 Meters Map Scale: 1:5,270 if printed on A portrait (8.5" x 11") sheet. Soil Map may not be valid at this scale. DR A F T MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION Area of Interest (AOI) Area of Interest (AOI) Soils Soil Map Unit Polygons Soil Map Unit Lines Soil Map Unit Points Special Point Features Blowout Borrow Pit Clay Spot Closed Depression Gravel Pit Gravelly Spot Landfill Lava Flow Marsh or swamp Mine or Quarry Miscellaneous Water Perennial Water Rock Outcrop Saline Spot Sandy Spot Severely Eroded Spot Sinkhole Slide or Slip Sodic Spot Spoil Area Stony Spot Very Stony Spot Wet Spot Other Special Line Features Water Features Streams and Canals Transportation Rails Interstate Highways US Routes Major Roads Local Roads Background Aerial Photography The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at 1:20,000. Warning: Soil Map may not be valid at this scale. Enlargement of maps beyond the scale of mapping can cause misunderstanding of the detail of mapping and accuracy of soil line placement. The maps do not show the small areas of contrasting soils that could have been shown at a more detailed scale. Please rely on the bar scale on each map sheet for map measurements. Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey URL: Coordinate System: Web Mercator (EPSG:3857) Maps from the Web Soil Survey are based on the Web Mercator projection, which preserves direction and shape but distorts distance and area. A projection that preserves area, such as the Albers equal-area conic projection, should be used if more accurate calculations of distance or area are required. This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as of the version date(s) listed below. Soil Survey Area: Tompkins County, New York Survey Area Data: Version 20, Aug 29, 2024 Soil map units are labeled (as space allows) for map scales 1:50,000 or larger. Date(s) aerial images were photographed: Apr 1, 2020—Oct 1, 2020 The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were compiled and digitized probably differs from the background imagery displayed on these maps. As a result, some minor shifting of map unit boundaries may be evident. Soil Map—Tompkins County, New York Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey National Cooperative Soil Survey 3/6/2025 Page 2 of 3 DR A F T Map Unit Legend Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name Acres in AOI Percent of AOI BaC Bath channery silt loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes 2.1 1.6% BtF Bath, Valois, and Lansing soils, 35 to 60 percent slopes 0.1 0.1% CdC Chenango gravelly loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes 16.1 12.2% EbB Erie channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes 56.6 42.9% EcA Chippewa and Alden soils, 0 to 8 percent slopes 1.4 1.1% ErA Erie-Chippewa channery silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes 0.6 0.4% HsB Hudson silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes 3.8 2.9% HsC3 Hudson silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded 6.5 4.9% HsD3 Hudson silty clay loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded 0.5 0.4% LaB Langford channery silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes 3.0 2.3% LaC Langford channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes 8.8 6.6% LtB Lordstown, Tuller, and Ovid soils, shallow and very shallow, 0 to 15 percent slopes 0.3 0.2% Mm Madalin mucky silty clay loam 4.6 3.5% PhB Phelps gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes 3.3 2.5% RkB Rhinebeck silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes 20.4 15.5% VbB Volusia channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes 1.1 0.9% VbC Volusia channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes 2.7 2.0% Totals for Area of Interest 132.0 100.0% Soil Map—Tompkins County, New York Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey National Cooperative Soil Survey 3/6/2025 Page 3 of 3 DR A F T Tompkins County, New York CdC—Chenango gravelly loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes Map Unit Setting National map unit symbol: 9xl6 Elevation: 600 to 1,800 feet Mean annual precipitation: 32 to 42 inches Mean annual air temperature: 45 to 48 degrees F Frost-free period: 120 to 160 days Farmland classification: Farmland of statewide importance Map Unit Composition Chenango and similar soils:80 percent Minor components:20 percent Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit. Description of Chenango Setting Landform:Terraces, valley trains Landform position (two-dimensional):Shoulder Landform position (three-dimensional):Tread Down-slope shape:Convex Across-slope shape:Convex Parent material:Gravelly loamy glaciofluvial deposits over sandy and gravelly glaciofluvial deposits, derived mainly from sandstone, shale, and siltstone Typical profile H1 - 0 to 8 inches: gravelly loam H2 - 8 to 26 inches: gravelly silt loam H3 - 26 to 60 inches: very gravelly loamy coarse sand Properties and qualities Slope:5 to 15 percent Depth to restrictive feature:More than 80 inches Drainage class:Somewhat excessively drained Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat):Moderately high to high (0.57 to 5.95 in/hr) Depth to water table:More than 80 inches Frequency of flooding:None Frequency of ponding:None Available water supply, 0 to 60 inches: Low (about 4.0 inches) Interpretive groups Land capability classification (irrigated): None specified Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 3e Hydrologic Soil Group: A Ecological site: F140XY021NY - Dry Outwash Hydric soil rating: No Map Unit Description: Chenango gravelly loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes---Tompkins County, New York Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey National Cooperative Soil Survey 3/6/2025 Page 1 of 2 DR A F T Minor Components Tioga Percent of map unit:5 percent Hydric soil rating: No Howard Percent of map unit:5 percent Hydric soil rating: No Red hook Percent of map unit:5 percent Hydric soil rating: No Braceville Percent of map unit:5 percent Hydric soil rating: No Data Source Information Soil Survey Area: Tompkins County, New York Survey Area Data: Version 20, Aug 29, 2024 Map Unit Description: Chenango gravelly loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes---Tompkins County, New York Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey National Cooperative Soil Survey 3/6/2025 Page 2 of 2 DR A F T 177 Public Archaeology Facility 03PR00922, Addendum Phase 1 Report Page | 42 1 March 11, 2025 Dear Members of the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, I am writing to you with an update to my previous letter from February 28, 2025 to present you with the most recent data and analysis to ensure that the public record is current. In response to concerns raised about artiflcial turf, a dedicated group of fleld hockey parents and alumnae undertook an exhaustive review of the 151-page bibliography provided by Zero Waste Ithaca on their website (dated February 10, 2025). Our approach was meticulous and data-driven: • We started with 1,539 hyperlinks embedded in the document, of which 877 were duplicates, leaving us with 662 unique sources. • We then excluded non-scientiflc materials, such as personal opinions, news articles, community letters, conference manuscripts, lawsuits, manufacturers information, statements from advocacy groups, and YouTube videos. These sources, while valuable in the context of public discourse, do not meet the rigorous standards of scientiflc research. • We also excluded 11 sources or hyperlinks that pointed to the same peer-reviewed study • We further reflned our list by focusing only on peer-reviewed studies published in scientiflc journals, as these represent the highest standard of credible research. This process left us with 162 peer-reviewed studies, plus one EPA study that we included. Exhibit 1: Analysis of sources referenced in the bibliography of Zero Waste Ithaca (as of February 10, 2025) • Upon closer examination of the 163 peer-reviewed studies: o 106 of these studies did not address artiflcial turf at all. o 30 studies focused on turf containing inflll materials, which is not relevant to this project because the proposed fleld will not use crumb rubber inflll. o An additional 27 studies were not relevant because their subject was turf that was not only not the speciflc type of turf that is proposed, but not even in the general category of fleld hockey turf. These included studies whose subject was football 1,539 662 163 (877) (488) (11) Total Hyperlinks Duplicate Hyperlinks Unique Hyperlinks Non-peer-reviewed Sources Duplicate studies Peer-reviewed Studies 2 turf, general use recreational turf, park coverings, playground turf, as well as laminate fiooring. Exhibit 2: Review of 163 peer-reviewed studies referenced in the bibliography of Zero Waste Ithaca (as of February 10, 2025) The updated number of peer-reviewed studies compared to my previous letter and analysis still leaves us with zero studies that demonstrate a relationship between the artificial turf in the proposal for the field hockey turf, and any harm caused to the environment or people. Again, thank you very much for your willingness to serve on the Planning Board and for all your hard work on this decision. I truly appreciate your service. Respectfully, Beatrice Lechner MD Associate Professor of Pediatrics (retired) Alpert Medical School of Brown University 163 (106) (30) (27) Peer-reviewed Studies Not Artifical Turf Turf with Infill Not FH Turf Relevant Scientific Studies 0