HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2004-07-21 1
Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
July 21, 2004
Present: Mayor Carolyn Peterson, Comm. Chapman, Dotson, Jenkins, Tsegaye.
Moved by: Comm. Tsegaye, Seconded by: Comm. Jenkins
Tertiary Phosphorus Removal Upgrade Project
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant
State Environmental Quality Review Act
City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance
STATEMENT OF FINDINGS
Adopted July 21, 2004
City of Ithaca Board of Public Works
Whereas, on May 15, 2002, the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works declared
itself Lead Agency for the Phosphorus Reduction Design for the Ithaca Area
Wastewater Treatment Plan, located on Third Street in the City of Ithaca, which
project is described in more detail below; and
Whereas, the Board of Public Works identified this project as an Unlisted Action
under both the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and the City
Environmental Quality Review Ordinance (CEQRO) and reviewed the Long Form
EAF Parts 1 and 2 submitted by the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works,
Lawrence P. Fabbroni as applicant for the City of Ithaca, the Town of Ithaca, and
the Town of Dryden as joint owners, and
Whereas, on July 31, 2002, the Board of Public issued a Negative Declaration of
Environmental Significance stating that further environmental review was not
required,
Now therefore be it Resolved, that based on the foregoing planning and review
process, the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works declares and certifies in
compliance with 6NYCRR Part 617.11 the following:
That it has considered the relevant environmental impacts, facts and conclusions
for the proposed Tertiary Phosphorus Removal Upgrade Project at the Ithaca
Area Wastewater Treatment Plant,
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That it has weighed and balanced the relevant environmental impacts with social,
economic and other considerations,
That the requirements of 6NYCRR Part 617 have been met,
That consistent with the social, economic and other essential considerations,
from among the reasonable alternatives available, the action to be carried out
minimizes or avoids, to the maximum extent practicable, adverse environmental
impacts, and
Be it Further Resolved, That the Board of Public Works makes the following
Findings supporting this determination.
Project Description
The project will voluntarily upgrade the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant
to provide tertiary treatment for further reduction of phosphorus discharges to
Cayuga Lake involving the construction of a single –train, high rate, chemical
coagulation, flocculation, and settling (HRFS) system. The HRFS system will be
constructed adjacent to the existing plant effluent channel located along the
northwest side of Final Settling Tank No.4. The tertiary HRFS system is designed
to reduce the plant effluent total phosphorus concentration to 0.2 mg/l at the
design average daily (i.e., 12-month average) flow of 10 mgd. Hydraulic capacity
will be provided for treatment of peak hourly flows up to 30 mgd. Submersible
propeller pumps will allow more efficient use of the existing outfall under high
lake level and/or peak flow conditions.
Findings of Fact and Rational for Decision
The following discussion sets forth the Findings, basis and rational for the
Board’s decision.
IMPACT ON LAND
The project site is adjacent to the existing plant and will include a new process
structure with an approximate 5000 square feet foot print, two new phosphorus
stripper tanks, a new polymer and sand storage area, and an additional 3,200
square feet of paving. Total site disturbance is less than 10,000 square feet. The
project site is relatively flat with less than a 5% slope throughout. The proposed
addition to the plant is in keeping with the existing look, character, and use of the
facility and will be unobtrusive to the casual viewer.
The Board finds the impact to land as a result of this project is negligible.
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IMPACT ON WATER
With the presence of excess phosphorous in the lake comes an increase in algae
bloom. The current primary source of phosphorous in dry weather periods is
treatment plant effluent.
The Board finds that the proposed improvements to the IAWWTP, in combination
with
independent improvements included in the Ithaca Area Municipal Wastewater
Collection Improvement Project, which in part, will eliminate individual sewage
discharges at several facilities within the greater Ithaca urban area, will result in a
large net reduction in phosphorous discharge to the southern end of Cayuga
Lake.
The Board finds that there are no negative impacts to water quality as a result of
the proposed project but in fact, water quality will be improved as a result of this
project.
The Board further finds that as a result of this project, there will be a significant
reduction in the amount of phosphorous entering the lake during critical dry
periods of the year.
IMPACT ON DRAINAGE
Additionally, the applicant is required to obtain a permit for storm water
discharges associated with construction activities obtained under the general
permit for storm water discharges associated with a construction activity issued
by the NYSDEC. This is to insure that sedimentation and erosion will be
adequately addressed during and upon completion of construction until the site
has stabilized.
The Board finds there is no anticipated impact on drainage as a result of this
project.
IMPACT ON AIR
The Board finds there is no anticipated impact on air quality as a result of this
project.
IMPACTS ON PLANTS AND ANIMALS
The proposed improvement is in an existing lawn area.
The Board finds there is no anticipated negative impact on plants and animals as
a result of this project.
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IMPACT OF VISUAL RESOURCES
The location of the Phosphorous Reduction Facility is on the west side of the
existing IAWWTP. The Ithaca Farmer’s Market, one of Ithaca’s most popular
waterfront destination points and the proposed construction of Phase 2 and 3 of
the Cayuga Waterfront Trail are also located on the west side of the existing
plant but at a greater distance away. As the City of Ithaca moves ahead with the
design of the Waterfront Trail, it will take into account the view of the
Phosphorous Reduction Facility and the IAWWTP from both the Farmer’s Market
and the trail and will plan for screening of the facility if it is deemed necessary.
The Board finds the design is in keeping with the existing structure and, if any
negative impact on visual resources results from this project, recommends that
the City of Ithaca evaluate the extent of the impact and the appropriate mitigation
when it is designing Phase 2 and 3 of the Waterfront Trail.
IMPACT ON HISTORIC RESOURCES
The Board finds there is no anticipated impact on historic resources.
IMPACT ON OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION
The location of the Phosphorous Reduction Facility is on the west side of the
existing IAWWTP. The proposed construction of Phase 2 and 3 of the Cayuga
Waterfront Trail are also located on the west side of the existing plant but at a
greater distance away. As the City of Ithaca moves ahead with the design of the
Waterfront Trail, it will take into account the view of the Phosphorous Reduction
Facility and the IAWWTP from both the Farmer’s Market and the trail and will
plan for screening of the facility if it is deemed necessary.
The Board finds there is no anticipated impact on open space and recreation.
IMPACT ON TRANSPORTATION
The location of the Phosphorous Reduction Facility is on the west side of the
existing IAWWTP. The proposed construction of Phase 2 and 3 of the Cayuga
Waterfront Trail are also located on the west side of the existing plant but at a
greater distance away. As the City of Ithaca moves ahead with the design of the
Waterfront Trail, it will take into account the view of the Phosphorous Reduction
Facility and the IAWWTP from both the Farmer’s Market and the trail and will
plan for screening of the facility if it is deemed necessary.
The Board finds there is no anticipated impact on transportation.
IMPACT ON ENERGY
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The Board finds there is no anticipated impact on the community’s sources of
fuel or energy supply.
IMPACT ON QUALITY OF DAILY LIFE
It is reasonable to assume that the impact on the quality of daily life on the
properties immediately adjacent to the project site will be minimally impacted
during construction of the facility including a slight increase in construction noise,
traffic, and dust. The City of Ithaca Noise Ordinance restricts construction
activities between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., on any day.
The Board finds that the impact on the quality of daily life will be short lived
during the construction period and only during those times as specified in the
noise ordinance.
The Board further finds that the quality of daily life for those using the lake for
fishing and recreational purposes could see significant improvement over time.
IMPACT ON HEALTH AND HAZARDS
The Board finds there is no anticipated impact on the health and safety of area
residents.
IMPACT ON GROWTH AND CHARACTER OF COMMUNITY OR
NEIGHBORHOOD
The Board finds there is no anticipated impact on the growth and character of the
community or neighborhood.
A vote resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously