Chapter 4 ALTERNATIVES COMPARISON

Transcription

1 Chapter 4 ALTERNATES COMPARSON 4.1 NTRODUCTON This chapter presents a comparison of the alternatives that were considered during preparation of this Draft ES/ER. Section 1.6 of this Draft ES/ER presents potential alternatives to the Proposed Project, and Chapter 3 evaluates their suitability. Four alternatives, including the Proposed Project, have been analyzed in this Draft ES/ER to provide sufficient information about the environmental effects of each alternative, such that informed decision making can occur. The four alternatives, described in detail in Section and summarized in Table 4-1, are the following:,,, and The would involve construction of a new marine terminal at a 160- acre site with rail access and improvements to the Back Channel and Cerritos Channel to correct navigational safety and accommodate modern cargo vessels to increase and optimize the cargo-handling efficiency and capacity of the Port. of the wharf would include excavation of the existing shoreline to realign the existing dike and widen the Cerritos Channel to 808 feet between the Pier A and future Pier S pier headlines. Widening the Cerritos Channel would result in the creation of approximately 10.3 acres of new water surface area. The would also include buildings and other facilities needed to perform and support container terminal operations and administration (Figure 1-3). When optimized at maximum throughput capacity, the consolidated container terminal would be designed to accommodate approximately 1.8 million TEUs per year The is similar to the but would involve construction of a reduced-length wharf (Figure 1-7). This alternative would develop an approximately 150-acre Project site, and the shorter wharf in this alternative would only allow two berths for ships. As with the, this alternative would include construction, excavation, dredge and fill operations, and new wharf construction. of the wharf would include excavation of the existing shoreline to realign the Cerritos Channel dike, widening the channel to 808 feet between the Pier A and future Pier S pier headlines. Widening of the Cerritos Channel would result in the creation of approximately 9.4 acres of new water surface area under the Table 4-1. Comparison of Proposed Project and s at Full Buildout Project Site Gross Acreage Total TEUs 1.8 million 1.33 million 1.27 million N/A Annual Vessel Calls N/A N/A Average Daily Truck Trips (2013) 3,692 3,692 2,291 N/A Average Daily Truck Trips (2020) 7,168 4,861 4,731 N/A Wharf Length 3,200 ft 2,800 ft N/A N/A New Water Surface Area 10.3 ac 9.4 ac N/A N/A PER S MARNE TERMNAL & BACK CHANNEL MPROVEMENTS 4-1 DRAFT ES/ER SEPTEMBER 2011

2 CHAPTER 4 ALTERNATES COMPARSON. All other features would be the same as the, including the Back Channel improvements. When optimized at maximum throughput capacity, the consolidated container terminal would be designed to accommodate approximately 1.33 million TEUs per year The would not involve wharf construction or any other construction activities in the Cerritos Channel. No dredging or wharf excavation would occur, and rock for construction would not be imported. The Back Channel improvements would not be implemented as part of this alternative. The 150- acre terminal would require the same utilities as the previous alternatives and five buildings would be constructed. The would provide two functions: (1) additional container yard area (which would consequently provide additional throughput) for other terminals in both POLB/POLA and (2) empty container (for local exports) storage for all other POLB/POLA terminals that are projected to be berth constrained in This alternative would not have a secondary truck gate nor would it include a rail yard (Figure 1-8). When optimized at maximum throughput capacity, the additional throughput associated with this alternative is estimated to be 1.27 million TEUs. Although this alternative does not meet the Project objectives, the is equivalent to a No Federal Action because it only includes construction and operational activities that would not require issuance of federal permits and, therefore, is necessary for the NEPA analysis. As no federal action or permit would be required, there would be no significance determination under NEPA for this alternative This alternative considers what would be expected to occur on the site if the Port did not implement, or federal action did not permit, the Proposed Project. The Port would take no further action to construct and develop the site. USACE would not issue permits for dredge and fill actions needed for construction of wharves. This alternative would not allow implementation of the Proposed Project or other physical improvements at Pier S. The would maintain the current activities associated with maintenance of remediation Project. Forecasted increases in cargo at the ports would still occur as greater operational efficiencies were implemented outside of the Pier S Project (Figure 1-9). Under this alternative no construction and operation would occur on-site; consequently, no construction and operations-related impacts would occur. As the site is undeveloped, the would not result in any increased throughput at the Port s Considered but Not Carried Forward for Analysis The following alternatives were initially considered but eliminated from further analysis (refer to Section for detailed descriptions): Sites outside the Port of Long Beach, sites within the Port of Long Beach, Rail yard alternative, and Auto terminal alternative. 4.2 NEPA REQUREMENTS TO EVALUATE ALTERNATES Under NEPA, an ES must devote substantial treatment to all reasonable alternatives considered in detail, including the proposed action, so that reviewers may evaluate the comparative merits (40 CFR [b]). Based on provisions of Section 40 CFR , describing the alternatives in comparative form and defining the environmental issues of each alternative would provide a clear basis for choice among options by the decisionmaker and the public. Additionally, all alternatives must be evaluated under CWA Section 404(b)(1) and the Section PER S MARNE TERMNAL & BACK CHANNEL MPROVEMENTS 4-2 DRAFT ES/ER SEPTEMBER 2011

3 CHAPTER 4 ALTERNATES COMPARSON 404(b)(1) Guidelines (40 CFR 230). The purpose of these guidelines is to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of waters of the U.S. through the control of discharges of dredged or fill material. As stipulated in the Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines, dredged or fill material should not be discharged into the aquatic ecosystem, unless it can be demonstrated that such a discharge would not have an unacceptable adverse impact either individually or in combination with known and/or probable impacts of other activities affecting the ecosystems of concern. Consistent with these guidelines, USACE is required to identify the least environmentally damaging practicable alternative NEPA s Comparison Table 4-2 summarizes the results of the NEPA significance analysis under all alternatives for each resource area, as discussed in detail in Chapter 3. Table 4-3 compares the environmental impacts of the four analyzed alternatives to the NEPA Baseline. 4.3 CEQA REQUREMENTS TO EVALUATE ALTERNATES CEQA Guidelines, Section , requires that an ER present a range of reasonable alternatives to the Proposed Project, or to the location of the Project, that could feasibly attain most of the basic project objectives but would avoid or substantially lessen any significant impacts. Section requires considering potentially feasible alternatives that will foster informed decision making and public participation. An ER is not required to consider alternatives that are infeasible, such as those described in Section CEQA s Comparison Table 4-4 summarizes the results of the CEQA significance analysis under all alternatives for each resource area, as discussed in detail in Chapter 3. Table 4-5 compares the environmental impacts associated with the three analyzed alternatives to the CEQA Baseline. 4.4 ENVRONMENTALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATE The is equivalent to a No Federal Action because it only includes construction and operational activities that would not require issuance of federal permits (40 CFR [c]). As no inwater construction activities would occur and no federal action or permit would be required, the would be environmentally superior to all other alternatives under NEPA. The, by virtue of the absence of any development, would be environmentally superior to all other alternatives under CEQA. However, the Multi- Use Facility and would not achieve the majority of the overall Project objectives under NEPA and CEQA. Under both the NEPA and CEQA analysis, the is ranked as the environmentally preferred alternative because (1) it has fewer overall environmental impacts than the when compared to the NEPA and CEQA Baselines, and (2) it would achieve the objectives of the Project, although not as well due to its lower throughput capacity (see below). The would not avoid any of the significant impacts of the Proposed Project, although by reducing the size of the wharf and the cargo throughput it would reduce the extent of significant impacts on biological resources, air quality, and ground transportation. By providing a new wharf with two berths for ships, improved rail facilities, electrical and water infrastructure to support ships at berth, and Back Channel safety improvements, the would meet the overall Project objectives under NEPA and CEQA. Although the would accommodate reduced throughput levels when operating at maximum capacity compared to the Proposed Project, it would still achieve the overall Project objectives. Therefore, the Two- Berth is considered the environmentally preferred alternative. PER S MARNE TERMNAL & BACK CHANNEL MPROVEMENTS 4-3 DRAFT ES/ER SEPTEMBER 2011

4 CHAPTER 4 ALTERNATES COMPARSON Table 4-2. Comparison of NEPA Significance Analysis by Geology, Groundwater, Soils Alter topography Disturb geologic feature Accelerate geologic processes Render oil reserves inaccessible Expose construction personnel to hazardous substances Seismically induced ground rupture Seismically induced ground failure, liquefaction, and settlement Tsunamis and seiches Air Quality and Health Risk Exceed SCAQMD emission significance thresholds Exceed SCAQMD thresholds of significance for off-site ambient air pollutant concentrations Exceed SCAQMD emission significance thresholds Exceed SCAQMD thresholds of significance for off-site ambient air pollutant concentrations Create objectionable odors to sensitive receptors Expose receptors to significant levels of TACs Conflict with or obstruct implementation of applicable AQMP; conform with recent adopted SP Global Climate Change GHG emissions Exceed CEQA threshold GHG emissions Exceed CEQA PER S MARNE TERMNAL & BACK CHANNEL MPROVEMENTS 4-4 DRAFT ES/ER SEPTEMBER 2011

5 CHAPTER 4 ALTERNATES COMPARSON threshold Expose people and structures to risk of flooding Marine Water & Sediment Quality Result in violation of regulatory standards for dredging, excavation, wharf construction and fill operations, spillage and runoff from disturbed site water quality impact Alter water circulation or currents or water quality Result in flooding Result in wind and water erosion causing sediment runoff Biota and Habitats mpact any rare, threatened, or endangered species or habitats nterfere with migration or movement of fish or wildlife Result in a loss of or substantial alteration of marine habitat Affect a natural habitat or plant community, including wetlands Disrupt local biological communities mpact any rare, threatened, or endangered species or habitats nterfere with migration or movement of fish or wildlife Result in a loss of or substantial alteration of marine habitat Affect a natural habitat or plant community, including wetlands Disrupt local biological communities Ground Transportation PER S MARNE TERMNAL & BACK CHANNEL MPROVEMENTS 4-5 DRAFT ES/ER SEPTEMBER 2011

6 CHAPTER 4 ALTERNATES COMPARSON Result in short-term increases in auto and truck traffic at the study intersections Result in short-term significant impacts on highway location in the study area ncrease the demand for transit services Would result in increased rail activity Result in significant impacts at certain study area intersections as measured against the NEPA Baseline Result in significant impacts on certain highway segments in the study area as measured against both the CEQA and NEPA baselines Result in increased demand for transit services Additional trains result in significant impacts on at-grade crossings in the study area Vessel Transportation Cause a change in vessel traffic patterns, including an increase in traffic volumes or a change in location Cause a change in vessel traffic patterns, including an increase in traffic volumes or a change in location Public Services/Health and Safety Burden existing staff levels and facilities of LBPD Require addition of a new fire station or expansion, consolidation, or relocation of an existing facility ncrease demands on USCG staff levels and facilities PER S MARNE TERMNAL & BACK CHANNEL MPROVEMENTS 4-6 DRAFT ES/ER SEPTEMBER 2011

7 CHAPTER 4 ALTERNATES COMPARSON Result in a substantially diminished level of public protection services provided by SCCC nterfere with an existing emergency response or evacuation plan Burden existing staff levels and facilities of LBPD Require addition of a new fire station or expansion, consolidation, or relocation of an existing facility ncrease demands on USCG staff levels and facilities Result in a substantially diminished level of public protection services provided by SCCC nterfere with an existing emergency response or evacuation plan Noise ncrease ambient noise levels by 3 dba or more for any noise sensitive receptor Result in noise levels exceeding the limits established by the LBMC Permanently increase ambient noise levels by 3 dba or more for any noise sensitive receptor Exceed maximum noise levels allowed by LBMC Generate ground vibration levels that would exceed ANS S acceptability limits Hazards & Hazardous Materials Accidental release of hazardous materials from onshore facilities or vessels Result in noncompliance with state guidelines associated PER S MARNE TERMNAL & BACK CHANNEL MPROVEMENTS 4-7 DRAFT ES/ER SEPTEMBER 2011

8 CHAPTER 4 ALTERNATES COMPARSON with abandoned oil wells Cause accidental spills of petroleum product or hazardous substance Comply with POLB Risk Management Plan policies Socioeconomics Substantial decrease in area employment, either directly or Substantial population growth in an area, either directly or Substantial increase in housing in an area, either directly or Substantial decrease in area employment, either directly or Substantial population growth in an area, either directly or Substantial increase in housing in an area, either directly or Utilities and Service Systems Result in extension of new utility line connections to the site Exceed existing water supply, wastewater, gas, electricity, or landfill capacities Result in extension of new utility line connections to the site Exceed existing water supply, wastewater, gas, electricity, or landfill capacities Justice Disproportionate effects on minority or low-income persons PER S MARNE TERMNAL & BACK CHANNEL MPROVEMENTS 4-8 DRAFT ES/ER SEPTEMBER 2011

9 CHAPTER 4 ALTERNATES COMPARSON from air quality Disproportionate effects on minority or low-income persons from ground transportation Disproportionate effects on minority or low-income persons from air quality Disproportionate effects on minority or low-income persons from ground transportation Notes: = Unavoidable significant impact = Significant but mitigable impact = Less than significant impact (not significant) = No impact OR no impact determination Table 4-3. Comparison of s to the NEPA Baseline Geology, Groundwater, Soils + + = - Air Quality and Health Risk + + = - Global Climate Change + + = - Marine Water & Sediment Quality + + = - Biota and Habitats + + = - Ground Transportation + + = - Vessel Transportation + + = - Public Services/Health and Safety + + = - Noise + + = - Hazards & Hazardous Materials + + = - Socioeconomics + + = - Utilities and Service Systems + + = - Justice + + = - Notes: (-) = mpact considered to be less when compared with the NEPA Baseline (=) = mpact considered to be equal to the NEPA Baseline (+) = mpact considered to be greater when compared with the NEPA Baseline PER S MARNE TERMNAL & BACK CHANNEL MPROVEMENTS 4-9 DRAFT ES/ER SEPTEMBER 2011

10 CHAPTER 4 ALTERNATES COMPARSON Table 4-4. Comparison of CEQA Significance Analysis by Geology, Groundwater, Soils Alter topography Disturb geologic feature Accelerate geologic processes Render oil reserves inaccessible Expose construction personnel to hazardous substances Seismically induced ground rupture Seismically induced ground failure, liquefaction, and settlement Tsunamis and seiches Air Quality and Health Risk Exceed SCAQMD emission significance thresholds Exceed SCAQMD thresholds of significance for off-site ambient air pollutant concentrations Exceed SCAQMD emission significance thresholds Exceed SCAQMD thresholds of significance for off-site ambient air pollutant concentrations Create objectionable odors to sensitive receptors Expose receptors to significant levels of TACs Conflict with or obstruct implementation of applicable AQMP; conform with recent adopted SP Global Climate Change GHG emissions Exceed CEQA threshold GHG emissions Exceed CEQA threshold Expose people and structures PER S MARNE TERMNAL & BACK CHANNEL MPROVEMENTS 4-10 DRAFT ES/ER SEPTEMBER 2011

11 CHAPTER 4 ALTERNATES COMPARSON to risk of flooding Marine Water & Sediment Quality Result in violation of regulatory standards for dredging, excavation, wharf construction and fill operations, spillage and runoff from disturbed site water quality impact Alter water circulation or currents or water quality Result in flooding Result in wind and water erosion causing sediment runoff Biota and Habitats mpact any rare, threatened, or endangered species or habitats nterfere with migration or movement of fish or wildlife Result in a loss of or substantial alteration of marine habitat Affect a natural habitat or plant community, including wetlands Disrupt local biological communities mpact any rare, threatened, or endangered species or habitats nterfere with migration or movement of fish or wildlife Result in a loss of or substantial alteration of marine habitat Affect a natural habitat or plant community, including wetlands Disrupt local biological communities Ground Transportation Result in short-term increases in auto and truck traffic at the study intersections Result in short-term significant PER S MARNE TERMNAL & BACK CHANNEL MPROVEMENTS 4-11 DRAFT ES/ER SEPTEMBER 2011

12 CHAPTER 4 ALTERNATES COMPARSON impacts on highway location in the study area ncrease the demand for transit services Result in increased rail activity Result in significant impacts at certain study area intersections as measured against the NEPA Baseline Result in significant impacts on certain highway segments in the study area as measured against both the CEQA and NEPA baselines Result in increased demand for transit services Additional trains result in significant impacts on at-grade crossings in the study area Vessel Transportation Cause a change in vessel traffic patterns, including an increase in traffic volumes or a change in location Cause a change in vessel traffic patterns, including an increase in traffic volumes or a change in location Public Services/Health and Safety Burden existing staff levels and facilities of LBPD Require addition of a new fire station or expansion, consolidation, or relocation of an existing facility ncrease demands on USCG staff levels and facilities Result in a substantially diminished level of public protection services provided by SCCC nterfere with an existing emergency response or evacuation plan PER S MARNE TERMNAL & BACK CHANNEL MPROVEMENTS 4-12 DRAFT ES/ER SEPTEMBER 2011

13 CHAPTER 4 ALTERNATES COMPARSON Burden existing staff levels and facilities of LBPD Require addition of a new fire station or expansion, consolidation, or relocation of an existing facility ncrease demands on USCG staff levels and facilities Result in a substantially diminished level of public protection services provided by SCCC nterfere with an existing emergency response or evacuation plan Noise ncrease ambient noise levels by 3 dba or more for any noise sensitive receptor Result in noise levels exceeding the limits established by the LBMC Permanently increase ambient noise levels by 3 dba or more for any noise sensitive receptor Exceed maximum noise levels allowed by LBMC Generate ground vibration levels that would exceed ANS S acceptability limits Hazards & Hazardous Materials Accidental release of hazardous materials from onshore facilities or vessels Result in noncompliance with state guidelines associated with abandoned oil wells Cause accidental spills of petroleum product or hazardous substance Comply with POLB Risk Management Plan policies Socioeconomics PER S MARNE TERMNAL & BACK CHANNEL MPROVEMENTS 4-13 DRAFT ES/ER SEPTEMBER 2011

14 CHAPTER 4 ALTERNATES COMPARSON Substantial decrease in area employment, either directly or Substantial population growth in an area, either directly or Substantial increase in housing in an area, either directly or Substantial decrease in area employment, either directly or Substantial population growth in an area, either directly or Substantial increase in housing in an area, either directly or Utilities and Service Systems Result in extension of new utility line connections to the site Exceed existing water supply, wastewater, gas, electricity, or landfill capacities Result in extension of new utility line connections to the site Exceed existing water supply, wastewater, gas, electricity, or landfill capacities Justice N/A N/A N/A N/A Notes: = Unavoidable significant impact = Significant but mitigable impact = Less than significant impact (not significant) = No impact OR no impact determination PER S MARNE TERMNAL & BACK CHANNEL MPROVEMENTS 4-14 DRAFT ES/ER SEPTEMBER 2011

15 CHAPTER 4 ALTERNATES COMPARSON Table 4-5. Comparison of s to the CEQA Baseline Geology, Groundwater, Soils = Air Quality and Health Risk = Global Climate Change = Marine Water & Sediment Quality = Biota and Habitats = Ground Transportation = Vessel Transportation + + = = Public Services/Health and = Safety Noise = Hazards & Hazardous Materials = Socioeconomics = Utilities and Service Systems = Justice = Notes: (-) = mpact considered to be less when compared with the CEQA Baseline (=) = mpact considered to be equal to the CEQA Baseline (+) = mpact considered to be greater when compared with the CEQA Baseline PER S MARNE TERMNAL & BACK CHANNEL MPROVEMENTS 4-15 DRAFT ES/ER SEPTEMBER 2011

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