Final
Environmental
Impact Statement
WASTEWATER COLLECTION AND
TREATMENT FACILITIES
Cranston* R.I
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Region I
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JOHN f. KENNEDY FEDERAL BUILDING - GOVERNMENT CENTER - BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02203
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FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
on the
PROPOSED TREATMENT AND COLLECTION SYSTEM
for the
CITY OF CRANSTON, RHODE ISLAND
DATE: June 1. 1977
Prepared by:
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTION AGENCY
Region 1
JFK Federal Building
Boston, MA 02203
CITY OF CRANSTON
City Hall
Cranston, Rhode Island
With Technical Assistance by:
CE MAGUIRE, INC.
Architects Engineers Planners
Providence Waltham New Britain
Responsible Officials:
John A. S. VfcClennon ^ // ***'' /James L. Taft,
Regional Administrator ^ Mayor
Environmental Protection Agency City of Cranston, Rhode Island
Region 1
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CONTENTS OF FINAL EIS
EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
A
B
E
F
SUMMARY SHEET FINAL
ISSUES RAISED IN RESPONSES TO THE
DRAFT EIS
THE DRAFT EIS
Published October 18, 1976
PUBLIC HEARING SUMMARY
LETTERS OF COMMENT ON THE DRAFT EIS
SECTION
PAPER COLOR
Yellow
White
ERRATA & ADDENDA, THE DRAFT EIS, Green
SIGNIFICANT TO UNDERSTANDING OF ISSUES
Gold & Yellow
White
White
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EXHIBIT A
SUMMARY SHEET
Draft or Final:
FINAL
Agency:
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION I
7. Action:
Administrative
2. Description:
Includes consolidation, improvement and expansion of wastewater
treatment facilities in the City of Cranston, a portion of Providence
County in the State of Rhode Island
3. Anticipated Impacts:
Principal effects include:
a. improved water quality in the Pawtuxet River,
b. expansion of economic base and housing supply, and
c. elimination of odor nuisance.
Adverse effects include:
a. small increases in fuel use in, and air pollution from, solids incineration,
b. accelerate conversion of 7 square miles of forest and farm land to
urban uses, and
c. accelerate creation of substantial increases of traffic and traffic noise
in the once rural areas.
it. Alternatives Considered:
Alternatives considered included:
a. alternative methods of wastewater treatment,
b, alternative methods of treated effluent disposal including land
application in western Cranston and piped discharge into the
ocean, i.e. the Providence River estuary,
c. alternative methods of solids disposal including sanitary landfills
and pasteurization and land application as a soil conditioner/fertilizer,
d. the alternative of not extending the sewer system into now rural
lands, and
e. the alternative of more aggressively extending the system.
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5. Agencies from which Comments on this Draft Statement have been Requested
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
American Littoral Society
Appalachian Mountain Club
Aquidneck Island Ecology
Audubon Society of Rhode Island
AWARE. Inc.. Nashville. Tenn.
Blackstone River Watershed Association
Conservation Law Foundation
Cranston Historical Society
Ciba-Geigy Corporation
City of Cranston
Cranston City Council
Cranston Today
Coastal Resources Management Council
Council on Environmental Quality
Town of Coventry
Ecology Action for Rhode Island
Environmental Council of Rhode Island
Governor's Council on Environmental Quality
Historic American Engineering Record, Rl
Town of Johnston
League of Women Voters of Cranston
League of Women Voters of Rhode Island
National Wildlife Federation
New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission
New England Interstate River Basins Commission
City of Providence
Providence Journal - Bulletin
Rhode Island Association of Conservation Commissions
Rhode Island Governor's Office, Policy and Program Review Section
Rhode Island Historic Preservation Commission
Rhode Island Department of Health
Division of Air Pollution Control
Division of Solid Waste Management
Division of Water Quality and Pollution Control
Rhode Island Department of Natural Resources
Rhode Island Department of Community Affairs
Rhode Island Department of Transportation. Planning Division
Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General
Rhode Island Statewide Planning Program
Rhode Island "208" Program
Rhode Island Department of Administration, Budget Division
Rhode Island State Association of Conservation Districts
Rhode Island TB and RD Association
Rhode Island Water Resources Board
Save the Bay, Inc.
Town of Scituate
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Sierra Club. New England Chapter
City of Warwick
Town of West Warwick
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Regional Environ-
mental Officer
U. S. Coast Guard. First District
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Regional Admini-
strator
U.S. Department of Interior, Northeast Regional Coordinator
U. S. Department of Interior, Assistant Secretary for Program 6 Policy
Bureau of Sports, Fisheries & Wildlife, Northeast Regional Administrator
National Parks Service, District Chief
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Highway Administration, Regional Administrator
Farmers Home Administration
United States Geological Survey. Boston
U. S. Army, Corps of Engineers, N. E, Region
U.S. Department of Agriculture. State Conservationist
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Stabilization and Conserva-
tion Service
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Ecology and
Environment Conservation
U.S. Department of Commerce, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Environ-
mental Affairs
Honorable John O. Pastore
Honorable Claiborne deB . Pell
Honorable Fernand J . St. Germain
Honorable Edward P. Beard
6. Agencies which have Contributed to the Formation of this Statement:
Rhode Island Department of Health
Division of Water Quality and Pollution Control
Division of Air Pollution Control
Rhode Island Department of Natural Resources
Division of Fish and Wildlife
Division of Forest Environment
Division of Planning and Development
Rhode Island Statewide Planning Commission
Rhode Island Historic Preservation Commission
Historic American Engineering Record, Pawtucket. Rhode Island
U.S. Department of Agriculture. Soil Conservation Service, West Warwick, Rl
City of Cranston
Department of Public Works
Planning Commission
Sewer Department
Conservation Commission
Cranston Historical Society, Mrs. Gladys Bray ton
Mr. Kenneth M. Mowry, Sr., resident of western Cranston
Mr. JohnT. Sollars, resident of Cranston
Ciba-Ceigy Corporation
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7. Public Input to this Statement:
Prior to preparation of the Draft EIS a public workshop was held
at Cranston City Hall on 1/20/76. Issues discussed included:
a. odor problems in the Pontiac Avenue area,
b. sludge transportation problems,
c. extension of sewers into adjoining areas of Warwick,
d. coordination with regional and statewide planning, and
e. extension of the urbanization problem analysis beyond
the area of proposed sewerage extension.
After publication of the Draft EIS a public hearing was held at the
Hugh B. Bain School in Cranston on 11/18/76. Issues raised at
the hearing are described in Exhibit E, appended below.
Letters received in response to the Draft EIS are appended below
in Exhibit F.
WRITTEN COMMENTS RECEIVED ON DRAFT EIS
Issues Raised
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Department of Housing e Urban Development
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Transportation
U.S. Department of Commerce
R.I. Statewide Planning Program
R.I. Historical Preservation Commission
Cranston Conservation Commission
Cranston League of Women Voters
Ecology Action for Rhode Island
Concerned Citizens for Cranston's Future
Robert A. Flynn, Sr., Cranston, Rhode Island
Ciba-Ceigy Corporation
1 . Water Quality
*
*
*
*
2. Loss of Farm Productivity
*
*
*
*
3 . Population Forecasts
*
*
•
*
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EXHIBIT B
ISSUES RAISED IN RESPONSES TO THE DRAFT EIS
B.I INTRODUCTION
The public and interagency responses to circulation of the Draft EIS raised
a number of issues whose significance appears to warrant discussion beyond
that offered in the Draft EIS. These issues include:
a. Water Quality Classification: Is the degree of treatment proposed for
Cranston's wastewater justifiable both environmentally and economically?
b. Farms and Farm Productivity: Would the loss of farmland be more ad-
verse than the effects described in the Draft EIS?
c. Population Forecasts: A number of questions including requests for
specific numbers for specific future dates, differences in the size of fore-
casted increases, agreements in the size but differences in the reasons,
and, perhaps most importanct, the question of whether it is the purpose
of the proposed action to serve inevitable growth or to attract growth?
d- Land Use: A number of questions about the land uses assumed in the
assessments of impacts and in the proposed mitigating actions. Perhaps
the most important issue here, in an environmental planning sense,
albeit not so as a matter of public discord, is whether "open space"
should be provided in urbanizing areas in a manner other than proposed
in the Draft EIS.
e. Archeological Resources: The Rhode Island Historical Preservation Com-
mission pointed out the need to follow up on protection of possible arche-
ological resources in the design and construction phases of the project.
f. Institutional Problems: The Draft EIS proposed a number of mitigating
actions that could be taken to offset some of the adverse impacts of the
proposed project. A number of correspondents questioned how the miti-
gating actions might be accomplished.
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B.2 WATER QUALITY CLASSIFICATION
The existing condition of the Pawtuxet River in the worst reach below the
Cranston Wastewater Treatment Plant is Class "E". (See Chapter III of the
Draft EIS for definitions, locations, and criteria). The proposed condition
of that reach, and its next adjoining reach upstream, has been classified by
the State of Rhode Island as Class "D". This classification was the ostensible
goal of the Cranston proposal. However, just prior to publication of the
Draft EIS, a computer model of water quality in the Pawtuxet was completed.
That model appears to indicate that Class "C" may be "attainable" in the worst
reaches if all the discharges on the river are raised in quality to that proposed
for Cranston's.
This most recent revelation raises a number of questions including:
1. Should the river classification in the reaches below the Cranston dis-
charge be raised from Class "D" to Class "C"?
2. Should the Cranston treatment process be required to be even more
effective than that proposed to achieve Class "C"?
3. Would Class "D" be attainable with a less elaborate and presumeably
less costly treatment plant for Cranston?
4. And finally, as a frame of reference, is Class "E", the existing condition,
adequate for the uses to which the river is to be put, or should the river
be improved to Class "B"?
Taking these questions in reverse order:
1. on reclassification as Class "B": -- Reclassifying to Class "B" is not
possible without eliminating all industrial and municipal waste discharges
into the river. This does not appear to be economically or institutionally
feasible for the foreseeable future.
2. on reclassification as Class "E": —The Pawtuxet River flows through both
residential and historic neighborhoods. The odors that would arise from
time to time from Class E waters would be unacceptable.
3. on maintaining Class "D": — The principal foreseeable recreational and
habitat use of the river is for the seasonal passage of anadromous fish.
Since these fish would normally use the river during high to moderate
flow conditions, the annual low flows that are used for calculating classes
"C" 8 "D" are not particularly relevant, or said differently, there is little
difference between these classes so far as the highest likely use of the
river is concerned (see Table B-l) .
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Table B-1
Class!- Minimum Dissolved Said to be
fication Oxygen in once in Suitable
10/yr. for
7 day low flow
A 5 mg/1 or more drinking
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF WATER QUALITY CLASSIFICATIONS
Duration of Actual Suitability for
Drinking
Swimming1 Non-Migratory
Fish Habitat
at all times except for at all times* at all times*
one in 100 year draught
Migratory
Fish Passage
at all times*
Odor
Condition
no odors *
5 mg/l or more swimming
with treatment
at all times* at all times*
at all times*
no odors
C <* mg/l
non-migratory never**
fish habitat
never ** except for extreme
drought periods
every year except for
extreme drought
periods
normally no odors
D 2 mg/l
migratory fish never**
passage
never** except for drought
periods
every year except
during low flow periods
which usually occur
between June 1 £ Oct. 31.
only at times of
extreme drought
E 1 mg/l
E-
nuisance
less than 1 mg/l nuisance
never"
never
•**
never** unlikely
never** unlikely
* No effluent discharge in Rl in Class A 6 B
** No water supply or swimming in Class C or lower
most or every year
except during low flow
periods which usually
occurs between June 1
6 October 31.
most years except
during low flow periods
which usually occur
between June 1 6 Oct. 31,
occasional odors from
June 1 to October 31.
frequent odors from
June 1 to October 31
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H on attaining Class "D" less expensively: - The proposed improvements
at Cranston (specifically the ammonia removal system) are essential to
meeting the standards of Class "D" no matter what effluent quality is at
tained at other discharges on the river.
5 on attaining Class "C" by better treatment at Cranston alone: — It is
not possible to achieve Class "C" by further improving treatment at Cranston
without similar improvements at all other large discharges along the river.
6. on reclassifying as Class "C": — Reclassifying to Class "C" would not
change the proposed action at Cranston, i.e. the proposed actions are
necessary to meet Class "D" and further improvements to the process
of Cranston would be both very costly and ineffectual.
In summary, the proposed project in Cranston is consistent with achiev-
ing the highest water quality "attainable", the water quality classifica-
tion of the river cannot be met with any significantly less costly process,
and reclassifying the river to Class "C" would not change what is "at-
tainable" . Essentially the issue of changing the classification from "D"
to "C" is irrelevant to the proposed action.
The basis for these conclusions is outlined in Exhibit C, ERRATA & ADDENDA,
as "Addendum to Chapter III."
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B.3 FARMS & FARM PRODUCTIVITY
B.31 INTRODUCTION
A number of responses to the comments on farms and farm productivity
in the Draft EIS disagreed with the scope and conclusions of the Draft
in that area. The Draft EIS concluded ".. .the project will convert
a relatively large amount of rural land to urban use, about 7 square
miles, but this is not expected to reduce long-term productivity.
At the present time most of this land is in small holder forest and farm.
The forest is used only for firewood for the most part, with the actually
farmed lands declining year by year. In general, the high labor costs,
small field size, shallow stony soils, irregular topography, excessive
nutrient leaching, etc. limit long-term commercial agricultural value.
Conversion to house lots, while eliminating its commercial farming
value, will not reduce its value for home garden crops, home fruit
trees, flowers and microclimatic modifiers (shade and windbreakage)
in residential areas. If and when this land is ultimately needed for
food production in the very far future, (emphasis added) the large
populations living on it might be able to supply the intensive labor,
presumably as a hobby, necessary for high yields."
The disagreement with the conclusions were not substantiated but were
expressed as doubt of the Draft's conclusion. The disagreement with
the scope pointed out that CEQ has recently directed agencies to include
in EIS's consideration of impact of projects on "prime" and "unique"
farmlands. Each of these issues as well as a brief note on the history of
this issue are discussed seperately below.
B.32 AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY
As stated in the Draft EIS, preservation of lands for agriculture is a
complicated issue. Fear of hunger and dramatic photographs of starv-
ing children have exerted powerful influences on rational analysis
of the issue. Mathematical extrapolations of world population and food
supplies, from Thomas Malthus in An Essay on the Principle of Popula-
tion in 1798 to Jay Forrester in World Dynamics in 1971 have "proved"
thaTdisaster lies not far into the future. The Reverend Malthus argued
the logic that since populations grow geometrically and that since
food supplies grow arithmetically, the population of the world must
ultimately outrun its food supply while Professor Forrester used the
full computer capabilities of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
and a very much more complex set of extrapolative assumptions to reach
the same conclusions.
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Taking these one at a time, Malthus's logic was impeccable but his as-
sumptions are not, i.e. population growth rates appear to vary inversely
with the economic prosperity of a society (as countries become industrial-
ized and wealthier and their life expectancies increase, their birth rates
decline) and food production growth is not arithmetic but appears to be
allometrically"related to population growth with its rate varying from
somewhat less than that of population in more primitive societies to
one substantially greater than that of population in more technological
societies. The proof that Malthus was wrong however is quite simple,
i.e. the much larger population of the world now than in 1798 and
on the much higher food production per capita now as compared to
then.
Forrester, however, cannot be so easily dismissed since his "future"
has not yet occurred and his assumptions are much more complicated,
but he and others like him have, fortunately, provoked much serious
scholarly examination of his thesis, much of which is included in Scientific
American's special issues on "The Human Population" published in
September, 1974 and "Food and Agriculture" published in September,
1976, parts of which are quoted below and all of which are included
herein by reference.
In the keynote article of the 1976 issue, which attempts to encompass
the whole of the issue. Sterling Wortman, Vice President, Rockefeller
Foundation, first isolates food shortage as a problem of lesser developed
countries in contrast to food sufficiency or surplus in more developed
countries... "By the end of World War II the less developed countries
had lost their surplus... the export of grain from the developed world
to the less developed one rose from 4,000,000 tons a year in 1948 to
25 million in 1964... Since then the flow of grain... has continued
to rise... If the trends continue, the food grain deficit (in underdeveloped
countries) will be 100 million tons per year by 1985..." He concludes
that ".. .the problem is centered in the developing (non-industrialized)
countries..." but he also notes that ".. .there are developing countries
that export food and a few, such as China, that are virtually self-sufficient.
As a solution for the food problems of those developing countries and
elsewhere, Wortman submits with a caution, "... the first objective
must be to increase food production, but more food is not enough..."
That ".. .hungry people do not have money — in the developing countries
or in the U.S. or wherever else people are hungry..." that "... there are
two components to the solution of the food problem: increased production
of food, primarily in the developing countries, and widespread increases
in family incomes, particularly among the poor..."
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Wortman continues that "... the higher incomes will have to come primarily
from increased productivity..., from the development of industry (.. .parti-
cularly in the ... areas where most people live) , from employment in con-
struction and public works, and from the generation of diverse services..."
On the expansion of food production specifically, he warns "... Let me
mention three nonsolutions ... that are often proposed.
1. "Larger harvests in ... the U.S., Canada and Australia...," these
".. .are not a solution. . .it (would) simply allow (undeveloped nations')
governments to put off the tedious and unglamorous task of helping their
own people help themselves".
2. "The advent of synthetic foods ..., " these "... will not be a
solution. .. they have to be bought before they can be eaten. The
hungry have no money and the manufacture of novel foods does not
provide any increase in income for the poor..." and
3. "The introduction into developing countries of Western-style,
large-scale mechanized farming is also not a solution. Such methods
may be appropriate for thinly populated areas... (but) perhaps most
important, most large scale agriculture is less productive per unit
area than small-scale farming can be."
Continuing from this third point, he ultimately concludes "... the only
real solution to the world food problem is for poor countries to increase
production of crops and animals — and incomes — on millions of small
farms ..." that "... the farmer on a small holding can engage in intensive,
high-yield gardening systems such as intercropping (planting more than
one crop in the same field), multiple cropping (planting several crops
in succession), relay planting (sowing a second crop between the rows
of earlier maturing crops) or other techniques that require attention to
individual plants. The (key) point is that mechanized agriculture is
very productive in terms of output per man-year, but it is not as produc-
tive per unit of land as highly intensive systems are."
Note that these techniques are in fact gardening techniques, not small
farming as practiced in Rhode Island, that they are appropriate to lots
up to one acre and that they would not be necessary for food production
in the United States for many generations or centuries or possibly never.
Note also that Wortman was concerned with food production only, not the
totality of agricultural production described in the Draft EIS which
proposed as also having value, "microclimatic modifiers" (shade trees
and windbreakage) . That such non-food product of the land has value
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to the American people was ignored by the critics of the Draft EIS.
but that it does in fact have such value, is attested to both by the vast
sums spent annually for garden and lawn plants, fertilizers, tools,
etc., and also by the society's literature which describes as a golden
age, a Utopian state, in I Kings 4, that there was "... peace on all
sides round about. And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under
his vine and under his fig tree..."
B.33 PRIME LANDS
In the opinion of the State Conservationist, Mr. Austin Patrick, the Soil
Conservation Service's Class I and II soils should be considered prime
agricultural lands in Western Cranston. Class I soils are those having
few limitations on their use for agriculture while Class II soils have moderate
limitations including risk of erosion if cultivated, wetness that interferes
with cultivation, and stoniness.
Measurement by CE Maguire, Inc. of Soil Conservation Service maps of
western Cranston reveals only 130 acres of Class I soils with only 30 of
these in the proposed sewered area and 3160 acres of Class II soils with
only 1050 of these in the proposed sewered area. A city-wide analysis
by the Soil Conservation Service indicates that 65% of Cranston's Class II
soils tend toward wetness, 25% tend toward susceptibility to erosion,
and the balance tends toward stoniness.
Aerial photo analysis of the proposed sewered area, shown in Figure B-l
reveals that, of a total of 2500 acres of presumptively buildable land, only
1080 acres are Class I and II combined and that, of these, about 75 acres
are already used for housing, about 220 acres are in forest and about 260
acres are cleared but not tilled. This leaves a net of Class I and II soils
to be served by sewer of about 525 acres.
It might also be noted of the socio-economic milieu and the land marKet
that surrounds this land that most of this actually used "prime" land is
within the city's existing industrial zone; that, in the area of western
Cranston not proposed to be sewered, there are 880 acres of Class I and II
soils in forest and 170 acres in golf course; that, according to the Statisti-
cal Abstract of the United States, only one and one half percent of the
United States' total land area is used for all urban purposes, and that,
according to the Scientific American, September 1976, only 51% of North
America's total arrable land is actively in productive use.
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B ~
CLFI55 I SOILS. HOT FORESTED OR USED
FOR URBfltl PURPOSES
ClflS5 It 50IL5, NOT FORESTED OR. USED
FOR URBF1N PURPOSES
CLR5S I^I^OILS. FORESTED OR. USED FOR
URBHM PURPOSES
— flPPROXIMFITE LIMIT OF PROPOSED SEWERED F1REFI
RIME RGRICULTURnt LflND5
0\ooo' iooy' <\ooo' I mi I*.
map:
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B . 34 HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The decline of southern New England's agriculture and the issue of foster-
ing agriculture or manufacturing is almost as old as New England itself.
In "A History of Livestock Raising in the United States, 1607-1860,|| James
W. Thompson for the US Department of Agriculture points out that ". . .agri-
culture in Massachusetts was visibly declining in the first half of the eigh-
teenth century, and the same was true of Rhode Island and Connecticut...
Wheat was imported from New York. . .Trade, manufacturing and fisheries
grew much more than agriculture." Further, he notes that theses on the
relative merits of agriculture versus manufacturing were presented at
Harvard College in 1742, 1751, 1753, 1773, 1785, and 1787.
B.35 CONCLUSIONS
The conversion of farmland to suburbia in western Cranston does not appear
to pose, other than in a very narrow, culturally-relative esthetic sense,
any significant adverse environmental impact. In the short term there is
no absolute need for this land for food production and in the long term
(generations or centuries away) the proposed action may actually increase
it food production value. As for the esthetics, the loss of the ability to
enjoy an occassional scenic drive through the farm fields appears to be
more than made up for by the ability to enjoy daily trees and flowers
(and birds) at one's own doorstep.
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Exhibit B-1
Boston Globe, April 30, 1977
On feeding the world
Specialist forecasts 5-fold increase in crops
By Loretta McLaughlin
Globe Staff
NEWPORT, R.I.—After decades of
predictions that famine would sweep the
world, mankind has won a respite from Roger
Revelle, head of Harvard's Center for Popula-
tion Studies.
An astounding turnabout in food
production "brings the overwhelming hope
that the world population can now taper off
and be amply supported by presently
foreseeable resources," according to Revelle, a
world authority on the demographics of food
" supplies.
He told a Tufts Medical School alumni
meeting here yesterday that sufficient
arable land has been identified to increase
world crops to five times the amount now
reaped annually.
The yield will be enough, he said, to feed
a world population that is expected to grow
from its present four-plus billion to 10
billion by the year 2050.
Moreover, in the years ahead, Revelle
said, areas of the world that have had to beg
the greatest quantities of food to forestall
mass starvation will become the new^
breadbasket nations..
"The southern Sudan, the great plains of
Central Africa," he said, "could grow enough
food to feed the present world population all
by itself. And the Ganges plains of India
turn out to be one of the most fertile regions
on earth, capable of producing as much
food—400 million tons of grain per year—as
all of the US wheat lands."
The amazing improvement in food supply
is largely the result of the "Green
Revolution" that bred richer and hardier
.strains of corn, new fertilizers and scientific
:rop rotation.
Though a half-billion of the world's
leople still "go through life without ever
laving a square meal" and are tortured by.
"The southern Sudan, the great
plains of Central Africa could grow
enough food to feed the present
. world population all by itself."
- ROGER REVELLE
chronic hunger, Revelle emphasized that
developing nations are stepping up food
production and bringing their populations
under control.
"Incomes are going up
world," he reported, "and
all over the
goes up rapidly as income goes uj.
'increase in income also seems to be the
An
e key
to populationjxjntrQi
"When
hen there is enough food, it
e nope"tITaT if theyJKmit their f.
r things wtirgeTEetter for them."
Within the span of a single generation,;
Revelle said, at least 12 of the hungriest
nations of the world have brought their birth
rates down rapidly. Among them are China,
Chile, Korea, /Taiwan, Hong Kong and
Egypt.
Revelle's statements followed by a day a
warning from World Bank president Robert
McNamara that the world population
explosion is a greater threat to global tran-
quility than anything save thermonuclear war.
He spoke at MIT.
While the total world population
continues to expand relentlessly at a 2
.percent pace per year, Tufts University
president and nutrition authority Jean
Mayer pointed out, nowhere in the world is
the birth rate rising any more.
' This gain, however, is offset somewhat by
a decline in the death rate and a lengthening
.of the average life span, Mayer said.
Sri Lanka (Ceylon) was cited as the
"most beautiful example" of new food self-
sufficiency. The nation's birth rate is 50
* percent lower than in neighboring Pakistan
and Bangladesh, life expectancy is more
than 65 years and 80 percent of the populace
are literate. Everyone in the country gets a
small ration of food and two cents a week to
purchase additional food for their household.
, World supply exper^ Edwin Martin,
former US ambassador to Argentina, warned
that continued improvement in food supplies
is dependent on other international factors.
"If we hope to be able to truly feed the
people of the world globally," he said, "then
we cannot permit the world economy to
break down, nor can we have any major
political upheavals to divert our manpower
and disrupt supplies."
Martin and international food supply
consultant Kenneth Schlossberg, a trustee of
-the American Freedom from Hunger
'Foundation, urged creation of an American
and a world reserve of grain to stabilize the
price of food and to fill in when bad weather
destroys crops.
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DO
SI
X
UJ
City dwellers quit good lite
for farming — in backyard
By TONY L10CE
Journal-Bulletin Slaff Writer
PROVIDENCE - Five years
ago, Edward Neri "didn't know
anything about vegetable gar-
dens and cared less. I'd work at
my job all day fixing oil burners
and then I'd go for four or five
beers and I'd come home and
that was it."
These days, though, Neri gets
up every morning at 5 so he can
spend two hours out behind his
house at 173 Windmill St., tak-
ing care of his garlic plants,
parsley, Romaine lettuce and ice-
burg lettuce, onions and mustard
greens before he leaves for
work.
When he gets back home in
the late afternoon, he spends
another hour or so in the garden.
And on weekends, he's out there
10 or 12 hours a day.
"It's his fault," he jokes, point-
ing to his next door neighbor,
Ernest Capaldi, a 69-year-old
foundry worker who has been
"raising up" vegetables in his
backyard since moving here
from his family's farm in Italy
53 years ago.
"He got me started," says
Neri, 52. "I told him I was going
to put a lawn back here. Put a
little piece of garden in, he told
me, just a little piece. So I
planted some seeds on a 12-by-
12 foot plot.
"Now look. I'm up to 40-by-
80. I'll be planting peppers, egg-
plant, tomatoes, string beans,
celery and • basil in the next
couple of weeks. And you see all
that empty land behind the yard?
I just bought that. I want to put
potatoes and corn back there.
"I'd like to turn this whole
thing into a real farm. A farm in
the middle of the city."
Neri is only one of many city-
dwellers who in recent years
have put down beer cans and put
aside the TV set for a hoe, a rake
and a bag of seeds.
Yesterday, in Neri's neighbor-
hood around Charles Street, sev-
eral people weren't even think-
ing about the Celtics or the Red
Sox. They were in their back-
yards, wearing old clothes and
gloves, down on their haunches
with their hands in the dirt.
Some of them started garden-
ing when the prices at the super-
market vegetable counters start-
ed rising. But you don't keep
getting up two hours early every
day, and giving up your whole
weekend every week, just to
save a couple of bucks.
"Ernest and I end up giving
most of the stuff away to friends
and relatives," says Neri, "so it's
not like we're out here for the
money. It's fun. It's even better
than fun.
"It's hard to explain, but it's
really something to start with a
29-cent package of seeds —
me of the seeds are so small
rou can hardly even see them —
and end up with 100 quart
bottles full of tomatoes pre-
served for the winter. I'm really
proud of my vegetables. I really
am."
"You learn an awful lot," said
Neri. "For instance, I bought this
book about tomatoes just the
other night, and some of the
stuff in there is amazing. If you
do a certain thing at a certain
time, it makes all the difference.
I know about how the agricul-
tural lime gives the plants the
calcium, all sorts of things I
never knew before."
He pauses and smiles again.
"Imagine, me, buying books
about tomatoes." He laughs.
"That's really something, huh?
But I'm telling you, I love these
plants of mine and this garden
here. In the morning, it's so nice
out here, you can't believe it."
He invites a visitor to return in
a few months, when the toma-
toes will be ready, and his pride
knows no bounds. 'Til take
those tomatoes right off the
plant, and make up a tomato
salad, and you can't get any
fresher than that.
"I was really lucky last year,
and the year before, too. The
very first year, in fact, people
were flabbergasted. Me, too. The
plants were coming up extra-
large. It was a real abundance.
This year, I'm hoping to have
good luck again.
"How'm I doing, Ernest?," he
shouts to the yard next door.
Ernest stops raking his own
garden and looJts over. "You're
doing fine," he smiles. And they
both go back to work.
-Joumjl-Bullelm Pholo by ANESTIS DIAKOPOULO^-
RlrL I'lrrl /?n»/J/tn/\v*
in liiV tl/i*rt/-fn
-------
B-4 POPULATION FORECASTS
B.41 INTRODUCTION
The Draft EIS stimulated a number of questions and comments on the
population forecasts in the Draft, including differences among forecasts.
requests for specific numbers for specific dates, and the question of
whether it is the purpose of the proposed action to serve inevitable growth
or to attract growth.
B.42 DIFFERENCES AMONG FORECASTS
On the matter of what the future holds, and why, as stated in the Draft EIS,
Section 1.4, the future is inherently unknowable and planning for it,
other than with due regard to the uncertainty, is self-deluding. As
an example. Figure B-2 shows the population of the United States from
1790 to 1970 (on a semi-logarithmic scale) and the worst past popula-
tion projections of the U .S . Census Bureau (Statistical Abstract of the
United States, 1943 & 1965) . Note that these were the best available
projections by the most expert demographers, note that in 1970 the
U.S. had 30% more people than was forecast for that d'ate in 1943,
and note that in 1965 the Bureau expected twice as many people in
the U.S. by the year 2000 as it did in 1943.
B.43 FORECASTS USED IN THE FACILITIES PLAN
For the purpose of selecting size of facilities and for economic compari-
sons of alternatives, the Wastewater Facilities Plan for Cranston by
Universal Engineering Corporation used 96.700 people in 20 years and
119,000 people in 50 years.
B. 44 GROWTH OBJECTIVES OF THE PROPOSED ACTION
On whether it is the purpose of the proposed action to serve inevitable
growth or to attract growth from other areas, it is the objective of the
proposed action to (1) attract and support jobs and tax base to meet the
economic needs of the people of Cranston and to (2) provide for the
future housing needs, so far as possible, of Cranston's children.
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POPULATION OF THE UNITED STATES, 1790 TO 1970
; Population Projection!
1965
U.S. Census Bureau
Population Projection
t- 1943
1M
1800 20 40 60 80 1900 20 40 60 80 2000
Figure B-2
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B.5 LAND USE
B.51 INTRODUCTION
Land use questions raised in the comments on the Draft EIS included
whether open space should have been considered as a special problem
seperate from the noise and streamflow buffering problems, whether the
land zoned for industry along the Plainfield Pike should be used for
industry, and whether offices, apartments or neighborhood convenience
shopping should be provided in new urban growth areas.
B.52 OPEN SPACE
The Draft EIS suggested that open space for recreation, etc. in new
urbanizing areas could be provided by providing adequate noise buf-
fering space along needed new roads and adequate stream flow buffering
impoundments in all new land development projects. These two actions
were expected to systematically provide recreation of a variety of
types throughout the urbanizing areas with good physical continuity,
optimum spatial distribution and maximum esthetic values at minimum
cost to the community without relying on arbitrary standards of open
space adequacy. (The anticipated effectiveness of the proposed linked
open space/environmental mitigation program, if implemented, in this
case, depends on the conversion of almost entirely rural land to urban
use so that the mitigations can be required universally throughout
the urbanizing area. This solution would probably not work in areas
already heavily urbanized.) It does not apear that any seperate urban
open space program would be as effective either as open space or as
an environmental buffer between traffic noise and housing.
B.53 INDUSTRIAL ZONING
Several residents of western Cranston questioned whether industry
should be allowed in western Cranston as shown in the Draft EIS. The
areas shown to be developed for industry in the Draft EIS are also so
shown in the State of Rhode Island's Statewide Land Use Guide Plan,
the City's Master Plan and the City's land use zoning ordinance. The
need for industrial growth in explored in the Draft from several view-
points (Chapters II & III) and the comments appear to offer no new data
bearing on this issue.
B.54 OFFICE, APARTMENTS & CONVENIENCE SHOPPING
The Draft EIS indicated, as a concept only, two land uses changes in
western Cranston (see Figure VI-26), an office building site and a
neighborhood commercial center, that became the object of strong objec-
-------
tion by neighboring residents, the Mayor and an opposition-party
city council member. The land use changes were submitted as part of
the environmental buffering of a new roadway suggestion, also submitted
as a mitigating action necessary to avert adverse environmental effects
of urban growth. The key concept behind the submitted land use changes
is that housing has no place along main thoroughfares, that the noise
likely to be generated at night on such streets is disruptive of sleep
and that the traffic itself is a potentially lethal hazard to the residents,
particularly children. As alternative to housing along main streets
(the level between expressways and sidestreets) the Draft submitted
that all lands along such streets be either dedicated open space or
used for commercial or industrial purposes with proper traffic access
controls. (From an environmental safety and welfare point-of-view either
open space or commercial/ industrial land use is acceptable.)
Unfortunately (as it turned out) the City's zoning ordinance, as presently
worded, permits apartment buildings in office zones and both the neigh-
boring residents and city officials took the suggestion of office use (build-
ings where 3 AM traffic noise would be unobjectionable) to be a recommenda-
tion of apartment use (buildings that would be very sensitive to 3 AM traffic
noise) .
Compounding this confusion was the coincidence that the City's most recently
published "Master Plan" (1975) recommends apartment use for the area in
question for reasons quite different from those that were the basis of the
Draft EIS suggestion. So far as the EIS is concerned no recommendation
for apartments was intended and the conclusion that lands along major
thoroughfares not be residential is still valid.
On the neighborhood commercial zone suggestion, it is not clear whether
the neighboring residents and local officials object to this suggestion specifically
or because it was indicated concommitently with the office use suggestion.
This suggestion was made in part as a land use alternative to open
space for traffic noise buffering and in part to reduce traffic and fuel consumption
by intercepting some shopping trips from future residential areas
in western Cranston to commercial areas in eastern Cranston. Again
the confusion about this suggestion was compounded by a recommendation
in the City's Master Plan for commercial use in the subject area which
appears in this case to be based on similar reasoning. Further, it
might be noted that the subject site is already used for commercial
purposes, i.e. a dairy products retail delivery company and a data
processing service, and so its ultimate use may already have been
determined. So far as the EIS is concerned and the responsibility
of EPA to offer advice on restoring, maintaining, and enhancing the
environment this suggestion is also still valid.
-------
During the time the Draft EIS Statement was being prepared, the City
Planning Department and City Planning Commission were making pre-
liminary proposals and holding public hearings to amend the zoning
ordinance. As a result of its continuing revisions, the Planning Com-
mission's latest recommendations do not include office building sites
or commercial sites. The latest proposed zoning ordinance is designed
to achieve the same results by providing open space along main streets
by means of increased setbacks, permitting and encouraging cluster de-
velopment and other techniques. Consequently, the reference to the
office building site and neighborhood commercial center indicated on
Figure VI-26 (Pg. 176) should be deleted.
This alternative of using open space and deleting apartments, offices
and commercial uses is receiving the support of the Mayor, the Planning
Commission and those members of the City Council who have spoken on
the issue.
B.6 ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
As pointed out by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, the
apparently very significant resources of the Furnace Hill Brook vicinity must
be carefully protected both from the direct impacts of sewer construction and
from the concurrent or following secondary urbanization.
To do this, so far as the direct effects go, plans of the proposed sewers will be
submitted to the Commission when they are developed and the State Archeologist
will be invited to monitor the necessary excavations as they occur. For the
other effects, EPA has called the problem to the attention of the Federal Regional
Council for New England with the suggestion that that agency convene an inter-
agency committee including the Federal Highway Administration, the Department
of the Interior, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Environ-
mental Protection Agency, the Mayor of Cranston and the relevant state agencies
to jointly plan the development of this very special (and in some ways very normal)
problem.
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B.7 IMPLEMENTATION OF MITIGATING ACTIONS
B.71 INTRODUCTION
The Draft EIS proposes a number of mitigating actions that could be
taken to offset some of the adverse impacts of the proposed project.
Comments on the Draft EIS raised the question of how these actions
would be implemented.
Review of the proposed mitigating actions indicate that some of them can
be implemented by the City of Cranston as administrative actions as part
of the proposed project with EPA and State financial assistance; some
can be implemented by the City of Cranston as legislative actions of the
local government without outside assistance; and still others can be
implemented with substantial assistance from State and Federal agencies
other than EPA. To accomplish the mitigating actions, EPA will require
the City to include within the proposed project those actions which can
be included within that project, it will require the City to amend its
land subdivision and building codes to control the quality of storm water
runoff, and it will urge the City to undertake to accomplish the rest of
the actions, insofar as it is within the City's power to do so, as a condi-
tion of the EPA grant for construction of the proposed action. Actions
beyond the City's capabilities, outside the scope of EPA's programs,
and not being provided for by other agencies are called to the attention
of the Council of Environmental Quality for further consideration.
B.72 MITIGATING ACTIONS TO BE INCLUDED WITHIN THE PROPOSED PROJECT
A number of diverse mitigating actions will be included within the scope
of the proposed project including:
1. reduction of chlorine content of effluent discharges to levels not
inimicable to anadromous fish;
2. reduction of night noise levels in the vicinity of Cranston waste-
water treatment plant to those acceptable for sleep as specified in
the City's current zoning ordinance;
3. rehabilitation of areas now or formerly used for sludge disposal
in the vicinity of the Cranston wastewater treatment plant as de-
scribed on pages 92 and 93 of the Draft EIS;
4. relocation of new pipelines in western Cranston away from areas
of special resource value in the vicinity of Furnace Hill Brook
ravine; and
-------
5. submission of design drainage for sewer construction in western
Cranston to the Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission
and inspection of such sewer construction by the State Archeologist
as required.
B.73 MITIGATING ACTIONS TO BE REQUIRED OF THE CITY
One action that will protect water quality that can be accomplished by
the City, primarily as legislative action of the local government, will be
required as a condition of EPA's grant, i.e. amendment of the City's
building and land subdivision codes to require that land developments of
10 or more acres be so designed that peak stormwater runoff after develop-
ment (for peak runoff likely to occur in one year out of one hundred years)
not exceed that which existed before development, calculation of both to be
by the method referred to in the Draft EIS.
Note that this requirement is consistent with the intent and the specific
wording of the State's Wetlands Act, that such calculations are usually
required by the State's Department of Natural Resources if the project
directly impacts on a wetlands (other than by changing runoff character-
istics) , and that a universal requirement, except for very small devel-
opments, would be in the interests of the City as a public works mainten-
ance agency, of all downstream abuttors, and of land developers in that
it would insure equal treatment of all developers.
B . 74 MITIGATING ACTIONS TO BE RECOMMENDED TO THE CITY
Two actions that can be accomplished by the City as administractive actions
to enhance the City's future environmental quality, but that are not be-
lieved to be required by any statute or regulation are recommended to the
City, i.e.:
1. agreement by the City that any public development projects by the
City of Cranston in areas served by the proposed project will be
subject to the same cultural resource protection proceedures as
are required of EPA under Executive Order 11593. and
2. adoption by the City of Cranston of a Master Plan for western Cranston
showing both the proposed land use and a network of roads aeequate
to provide for future traffic, safely and without congestion, with ade-
quate provision for keeping residential buildings away from traffic
noise levels that would interfer with sleep or with normal daytime
use of the buildings.
-------
Notice that this last point is not an imposition of any specific land use or
transportation plan on the City of Cranston but rather a recommendation
that the City have an internally consistent plan for balanced and orderly
growth, similar to what HUD would call a "workable program", but with
the elements of the program designed to satisfy current environmental
standards.
B.75 MITIGATING ACTIONS PROBABLY BEYOND THE CITY'S FINANCIAL CAPA-
BILITIES £ OUTSIDE EPA's JURISDICTION -- N.B. CEQ
A number of mitigating actions identified in the Draft EIS appear to be
beyond the financial capabilities of the City of Cranston and outside the
scope of EPA assistance authorizations, specifically construction of new,
acoustically-attenuated, control led-access. limited-speed roadways in
the urbanizing fringe.
Possibly these actions can be accomplished by interagency cooperation
with the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation and the Department of Transporta-
tion, and EPA has brought the problem to the attention of the Federal
Regional Council for New England to try to arrange such cooperation.
Further, since the problems for which the proposed mitigations are
suggested exist in many urbanizing areas and the proposed mitigations
are suggested exist in many urbanizing areas and the proposed mitiga-
tions may be a widely effective remedy, the attention of the Council on
Environmental Quality is specifically directed to this problem. Note
that, while under NEPA, Section 102(2)F, EPA is required to "make
available to municipalities advice and information useful in restoring,
maintaining, and enhancing the quality of the environment," under
Section 204 it is the duty of the CEQ "to review the programs of the
Federal Government for the purpose of determining the extent to which
such programs are contributing to the achievement of the policy (set
forth in title I of NEPA) - and "to develop and recommend to the Presi-
dent national policies to foster and promote the improvement of environ-
mental quality."
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EXHIBIT C
ERRATA £ ADDENDA, THE DRAFT EIS, SIGNIFICANT TO UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUES
Under the pressure to examine a great variety of environmental effects,
simultaneous with the planning of the project, and to produce the EIS in a
timely fashion, a number of errors and ommissions were made in the Draft. In general
these errors are typographical and do not change the sense of the analyses
or the conclusions that were drawn. This section is included to clarify only
those parts of the Draft EIS where the errors (or unclear information) are
believed to be significant to understanding the issues.
Page 218 - The debt service costs shown in Table VIII-1 include both the costs
of enlarging and Improving the wastewater treatment plant and of ex-
tension of sewers into western Cranston as shown in Figure 1-4. The
1980 debt service cost to the City of Cranston of the treatment plant
alone was estimated in the Draft Wastewater Facility Plan by Universal
Engineering Corporation, dated September, 1976, to be $380,000 with
that of the sewer extension estimated to be $810,200.
Page 177 - Figure VI-26 should be entitled "Possible Future Development of
Western Cranston: A Concept for a Program Suggested for the Adequate
Mitigation of the Adverse Environmental Impacts of Sewering Western
Cranston." The note "Office Building Site (Proposed Zoning Change)"
should read "Park Buffer or Non-Residential Building Site," the note
"Neighborhood Commercial Site (Proposed Zoning Change)" should
read "Park Buffer or Non-Residential Building Site," and the note
"Signalized Intersection" should read "Signalized Intersection and/or
Traffic Circle."
Other errors included:
Preface - The 3rd paragraph should read "CE Maguire, Inc. was charged with
the task of independently reviewing the Facilities Planner's efforts as_
they relate to environmental impacts, performing..."
Page 2 - Item 1 should read "enlargement of the City's wastewater treatment
plant, consolidation of existing seperate industrial and institutional waste-
water discharges into the city facility and increase the efficiency of the
city's plant,"
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Page 3 - The 1st paragraph should read "The purposes of the proposed action are
to forestall immediate overloading of the existing treatment plant when Ciba-
Geigy, the State Institutions at Howard and the Howard Industrial Park are
tied into the Cranston Sewer System, to eliminate existing nuisance conditions
(both air and water) in and near the lower reaches of the Pawtuxet River,
to meet new water quality classification of the reaches of the Pawtuxet below
the municipal treatment plant, to comply with NPDES permit requirements
of EPA, and to provide a public utility which will be adequate for the
future planned needs of the community."
Page 5 - Mitigation item 5 should be amended by deleting the word "neglect" and
substituting the word "failure" so that the item reads ... "5- Destruction of
areas of special resource value by failure to rehabilitate areas partially de-
stroyed by operation of the existing Cranston wastewater treatment plant.
Recommended mitigating actions include regrading the subject areas to
restore their values esthetically and as wildlife habitat."
Page 7 - The 2nd paragraph should read "The water quality improvement will in-
clude overall upgrading of the entire river below the outfall of the treatment
plant to the officially designated classification including:"
Page 19 - Issue #1 of Chapter II should be redefined ... "1. Given that an ultimate
purpose of the proposed project is to provide a public utility to accommodate
orderly urban growth, is continued urban growth really necessary?"
Page 42 - The end of the second paragraph should read "... the 'tofts' of
'toft and croft' agriculture." (In feudal agriculture, a toft was the
fenced house lot of a tenant peasant on an estate while the croft was
the peasant's share of the estate's physically unsubdivided fields.)
Note that the agriculture productivity issue is discussed further in
Exhibits of this Final EIS.
Page 45 - The list of "givens" that describe the existing physical and programmatic
circumstances that surround the proposed action should be expanded to in-
clude. .. "5. and that there does now exist a portion of the Pawtuxet River
in which 'nuisance' conditions can exist from time to time during most years
(see page 50) ."
Page 45 - The list of issues, or questions, proposed to be treated in Chapter III -
WATER QUALITY should be amended toread..."1. will the proposed action
be effective in improving water quality to the adopted water quality classifi-
cations, 2. will the proposed action violate any presently proposed minimum
water quality standards, and 3. will the proposed action tend to preclude
any preferable longer-term alternatives or tend to commit the river to less
than optimum quality in the long term?"
-------
Page 50 - On figure 111-3, the section of the Pawtuxet River east of the Ciba-
Ceigy Corporation, index no. 171 on the map, is Class E.
Page 51 - The last sentence should read .. ."The more polluted condition further
north in the estuary, the Class 'SD1 area, reflects much larger pollutant
loads discharged by the City of Providence's sewage treatment plant and
by its combined sewer overflows."
Page 58 - The following corrections should be made in Table II1-3:
98% should read 92%
305 should read 1305
30111 should read 30222
Page 65 - In the first paragraph, the parenthetical phrase "and possibly Class C"
should be deleted.
Page 67 - At the end of the discussion of dechlorination alternatives, the following
sentence should be added: "The final Facilities Plan will recommend Sulfur
Dioxide dechlorination."
Page 70 - It should be noted of the discussion of solid wastes to be generated by
the proposed facility, that while large amounts of sludge will be generated
within the process, this sludge is only an intermediate product. Incineration
of the sludge, a integral part of the proposed action, will reduce the volume
of the solid material by over 90%, so that considerably less solid will remain
for ultimate disposal in the future (after the proposed action) than at present.
Page 87 - The last paragraph should be deleted and the following substituted ...
"Existing sludge that is excavated for construction of the proposed treatment
plant additions will be disposed of in a State approved sludge disposal site".
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Addendum #1: Chapter III WATER QUALITY, Section 3.1 BACKGROUND,
Sub-Section 3.11 THE PAWTUXET RIVER
A. Introduction
Since publication of the Draft EIS there have been three changes in its
programmatic milieu:
1. The computer model of the Pawtuxet River has been completed,
2. Consideration of revising upward the goals for water quality in
the Pawtuxet River has been initiated, in part because the computer
model results indicate that higher qulaity conditions are possible, or
said otherwise, technologically "attainable", with advanced waste-
water treatment (AWT) or NH removal (see figure Addendum-!), and
3. EPA national policy toward funding AWT is being reviewed as a re-
sult of criticism by the United States General Accounting Office (GAO)
that, in many cases, AWT has been expensive compared to secondary
treatment and that without reliable data and sound plans, these AWT's
may not be the most effective and efficient means for achieving water
quality goals.
B. The Computer Model
As part of the Water Quality Classification study, amodel (a computer simu-
lation) of the Pawtuxet River was prepared. This model was briefly referred
to in the Draft EIS but it was substantially refined after publication of the
Draft. The model, called RECEIV-II, dynamic hydraulic and water quality
model for the Pawtuxet River Basin, was developed by the Raytheon Company
as part of the New England River Basins Modeling project funded by EPA,
The effort was coordinated by EPA and the rhode Island Department of Health.
The model was based upon water quality studies of the Main Stem of the
Pawtuxet River conducted in 1968, 1971, 1973. and the time of travel studies
and sediment oxygen demand studies conducted in 1975 and 1973 respectivly.
EPA and the State both believe that it does represent the river hydraulics
and the dissolved oxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Nitro-
gen and Coliform Bacteria characteristics of the river.
-------
Figure Addendum - 1
COMPUTED WATER QUALITY
AT LOW FLOW
PAWTUXET RIVER - WEST WARWICK TO PAWTUXET COVE
5
9
I
5
I
u
at
2
u
u
u
U
X
I
Existing Conditions
Design Year Flows
with secondary treat-
ment at all plants
with ammonia re-
moval at Cranston
with ammonia re-
moval at Cranston
Warwick
with ammonia re-
moval at Cranston,
Warwick &W. Warwick
c
c
c
c
c C
c
c
c
c
c
1 '
c
c
c
c
t —
E-
0
0
c
C - conforms to the minimum standards of Class C at 7 day, 1 in! 0 year low flow
D - conforms to the minimum standards of Class D at 7 day, 1 in 10 year low flow
E - conforms to the minimum standards of Class E at 7 day, 1 in 10 year low flow
Source: EPA Region I
-------
Using the model, various "wasteload allocations" were developed for
point source discharges to the river based upon the total Oxygen Demand (TOD)
This procedure allowed both the computation of the effect on the receiving
stream of any given set of discharges and also an "allocation" of a maximum
amount of discharge to achieve any given water quality.
C. Results of the Computer Model
Figure Addendum-! shows the water quality conditions that will obtain at
low flow at a number of hypothesized wastewater treatment discharges.
In summary, it indicates that less effective treatment than that proposed
at Cranston, (i.e. AWT with ammonia removal, and secondary treat-
ment at Warwick and West Warwick) will preclude achievement of Class D
in the lowest reaches of the river, and it also indicates that Class C is pos-
sible throughout the river if all three treatment plants include ammonia removal.
Further the model points out that without ammonia removal at all three treatment
plants, at high summer temperatures and low flow conditions, the ammonia
concentrations in the river would violate the ammonia criterion in EPA's
Quality Criteria For Water. It is important to note of this ammonia problem
that the "Rationale" accompanying the criterion, explaining the setting
of the criterion level states: "Levels of un-ionized ammonia in the range
of 0.20 to 2 mg/l have been shown to be toxic to some species of freshwater
aquatic life. To provide safety for those life forms not examined, 1/10th
of the lower value of this toxic effect range results in a criterion of 0.02 mg/l
of un-ionized ammonia. This criterion is slightly lower than that recommended
for European inland fisheries..." and it is also important to note that
the maximum concentration expected at low flow in the Pawtuxet would
be about 0.026 mg/l or about I/8th of the lower value of the toxic effect
range.
D. Revisions of Pawtuxet River Classification
The Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (P.L. 92-500),
the law which governs EPA in this area, specifically states as a national goal
the highest water quality "attainable" (without defining that term) . The
Century Dictionary, An Encyclopedic Lexicon of the English Language de-
fines attainable as being capable of being attained and then goes on to dif-
ferentiate attain from some of its synonyms as follows: "attain involves the
idea of considerable effort, obtain does not necessarily imply effort at all,
and procure only a small degree of it. Thus we may obtain by inheritence,
procure a book by purchase, but we can attain an end only by exertion."
Just how much effort is "considerable" remains a matter of judgement, but
just as clearly the concept connotes more than simply achieving the best
water quality for the money, the best "procurement" as it were. Similarly,
and also implicit in the word "attain" and its definition is that there be a
valid "end" to be achieved, in this case say, a substantive improvement
in the environment rather than a change in letter grade on a regional map.
-------
Said otherwise, relating the issue to the Pawtuxet River, the question is not
whether the change from Class D to Class C is attainable, but rather whether
a real improvement in the habitat for fish, and in the opportunity for fishing,
can be attained.
E. Economic Constraints on Attainability
It is important to note that just as all parts of the environment are inter-
related, so all parts of the economy are interrelated. Just as the Draft
EIS describes the linkage of sewer construction to population growth, of popu-
lation to traffic increase, of traffic increase to noise, and of noise to sleep
interference, so labor, materials and credits spent to excess in any one area
will limit the supply available in other areas, which shortage in turn could
lead to lower maintenance of other components of the environment.
A recent study by the Government Accounting Office (GAO) for the Congress,
has questioned the propriety of spending large amounts of Federal funds for
AWT facilities merely to achieve paper classifications of water quality. It
is inescapable that treatment levels beyond secondary treatment are extremely
costly per unit of pollutant removed. GAO is recommending to Congress
that the Federal Water Pollution Law be amended in such a way as to pre-
clude funding of AWT unless satisfactory justification of the cost vs. benefits
can be made. This policy is not in effect at this time, it is not known when or if
it will go into effect, but the point has been made and is noted.
F. Applicability to the Pawtuxet River and the Cranston Wastewater Treat-
ment Plant
Resolution of the preceding conflict, so far as Cranston's ammonia removal
system is concerned, must take into account the following facts:
1. That the State of Rhode Island, after hearing and considering the argu-
ments for and against the various possible upgradings of the river's
quality, has selected and adopted Class D for the reach of the river
between the Pocasset River junction and Pawtuxet Cove.
2. That EPA must, under Executive Order 11593 (see Chapter VII of
the DEIS), if it is "prudent and feasible", insure that there will be no
nuisance conditions (Class E) at the Pawtuxet Village Historic
District.
3. That Class E with a dissolved oxygen level of less than 1 mg/l at low
flows is not avoidable without ammonia removal at the Cranston Waste-
water Treatment Plant. Therefore elimination of odor and nuisance condi-
tions in the 1.5 mi reach of the Pawtuxet above Pawtuxet Cove cannot be
achieved, at low flows, without the ammonia removal capabilities.
-------
Clearly these facts admit no alternative but to include ammonia removal at
Cranston as part of the proposed project.
To go further, and look into the question of changing the State's water quality
classification for the entire river to Class C, however, is a seperable issue.
The facts that bear on it include:
1. That reclassification would require no further upgrading at the Cranston
treatment plant.
2. That the reaches of the river that are Class D are of little value to
fish other than as a migration route for anadromous fish (shad &
herring) in spring and early summer, according to State game managers.
3. That Class D standards met at low flow during the late summer will
generally create quite adequate water quality conditions for shad and
herring during most of their seasons of migration.
U. That while restoration of the migratory fish suitability in the lower
Pawtuxet will have very large and visible, beneficial impacts on
the environment, including opening the entire river system to
migratory fish, creating a beneficial food chain effect in the adjoining
waterbodies, eliminating odor nuisance, etc., upgrading the river
further to Class C will only add a relatively very small number of
rather small fish to a relatively very short reach of the river.
5. That the Pawtuxet River, in its lower reaches, is a sluggish stream with
limited reaeration opportunities, running through a heavily urbanized
region, with storm drains discharging street dirt from a multitude of
high density land uses (with limited opportunity available for treatment
or settlement of the storm drainage) and with a substantial part of the
headwaters runoff diverted for public water supply purposes.
6. And finally, that achieving Class C standards apparently would require
ammonia removal at both the Warwick and West Warwick treatment plants.
In summary, the question of whether the lowest reaches of the Pawtuxet should
be Class C or Class D cannot be answered here, it is beyond the level of analysis
included in the Cranston Wastewater Treatment Plant's investigations,
and it appears that it might require careful analysis of just what real benefits
would be achieved. The only certain thing that can be said of it is that it
is not relevant to the decision to be made at Cranston since Cranston
would require about the same degree of ammonia removal for either classification.
-------
Addendum #2: Chapter III WATER QUALITY, Section 3.2 PROPOSED ACTION
FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL. Sub-Section 3 22—
ALTERNATIVES ' '
The costs and evaluations of the alternative wastewater disposal strategies and
treatment processes considered in the facilities plan are shown in Tables A-1
and A-2.
Table A-1 shows among the costs, the Present Worth of Future Operations and
Maintenance (O + M) . This figure is equal to the sum of money that would have
to be invested today to produce income adequate to pay for future annual 0 + M
costs. It is used herein to permit addition of construction costs (a one time cost)
and O + M costs (a recurring annual cost) so that the alternatives can be compared
fairly.
Table A-2, taken directly from the Facilities Plan report, is an attempt to compare
all the characteristics of the various alternatives. It should be noted of this com-
parison that it is not, and cannot be, a rigorous economic or scientific method,
but rather is an attempt to combine in one figure a very diverse set of economic,
environmental and engineering evaluations.
-------
Table A-1
SUMMARY OF COSTS
ALTERNATIVE WASTEWATER TREATMENT METHODS
2nd Q, 1977 Present Worth
TREATMENT ALTERNATIVE Construction Cost of O 6 M Tota!
Secondary/Discharge to Providence River $38,797,320 $20,476,360 $59.273,680
Secondary/Land Disposal of Effluent 36,583,450 31,331,960 67.968.040
Single Stage Biological Nitrification (1) 26,815.000 22,722,700 49.537,700
Two Stage Biological Nitrification 28,335,000 21.620,830 49,955,380
First Stage Biological.Fixed Film Nitrification (2) 26.114,290 21,467,430 47,581.720
Physical-Chemical 32.780,000 27,791,220 60,571,220
* Recommended Alternative
(1) Single Stage Biological Nitrification Alternative: not selected although
slightly less costly than recommended alternative for the following reasons:
a. This alternative does not provide protection against toxic sub-
stances in the wastewater which would hinder the nitrification
process. It was felt that, with considerable industrial flows of a
variable nature in the Cranston system, there was a high prob-
ability of such toxic substances being transmitted to the plant.
The selected alternative provides good protection against most
toxicants.
b. This alternative has only moderate stability of operation whereas
the selected alternative is a stable operation.
c. This alternative has considerably less flexibility of operation
than the selected alternative and savings in operational costs
may be realized by the selected alternatives.
(2) First Stage Biological. Fixed Film Nitrification Alternative: not selected
although slightly less costly than recommended alternative for the follow-
ing reasons:
a. No performance records are currently available for a facility of this
size in operation. Loading rates used to develop cost estimates may
be higher than what can actually be achieved for a plant of this size.
b. Bench scale studies conducted at Cranston showed difficulty In
achieving biological growth at 15°C (59°F) . Nitrification is to be
required during period of June 1 thru October 31 for the Cranston
facility, therefore it was concluded that reliability of this alterna-
tive was not favorable.
c. This alternative is less controllable and has less flexibility of opera-
tion than the selected alternative.
d. This alternative does not achieve as high a degree of ammonia re-
moval efficiency as the selected alternaive. Although this alterna-
tive would theoretically be able to achieve required ammonia removals
necessary to meet effluent standards it was concluded, based upon
above factors, that this alternative may in fact have some difficulties
in achieving the effluent standards whereas the selected alternative
was more fully capable of achieving the standards.
Sources: Universal Engineering Corporation
EPA Technology Transfer Process Design Manual, Nitrogen Control
EPA Advanced Wastewater Treatment Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio
-------
Table A-2
SUMMARY EVALUATION MATRIX OF
WASTEWATER TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES
O
o£
3 j
UJ 3
53
IT WITH
ENT
r^l
SECONDARY TRE
LAND DISPOSAL I
in
•K LU
^™ UJ
*^ O
Llf *•" 1
11
SECONDARY TRE
DISCHARGE TO Pi
5
o
3
o
SINGLE STAGE Bl
NITRIFICATION
<
U
5
o
TWO STAGE BIOL
NITRIFICATION
z
M
FIRST STAGE BIC
FIXED FILM NITR
UJ
<
gi
PHYSICAL-CHEMI
WITH EFFLUENT
CONSTRUCTION COST 1/3 55 33 3 4
OPERATING AND
MAINTENANCE COST 1/2 52 33 3 4
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 1/3 32 22 3 3
PERFORMANCE RECORD
AND RELIABILITY 1 323242
OTHER FACTORS* 1/4 33 32 2 2
WEIGHTED TOTAL
8.9 6.1
6.9 5.7 8.0 6.8
Integers of: 1 represent the most favorable rating
5 represent the least favorable rating
•Includes:
Ability to degrade wastewater; handle industrial wastes and shock loads
Flexibility, simplicity and expandability of operation
Disruption to existing system; ease of implementation
Ability to meet future standards
Protection of nitrifiers against heavy metals, shock
loadings, biological interference
Source: Universal Engineering Corporation
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DRAFT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
on the
PROPOSED TREATMENT AND COLLECTION SYSTEM
for the
CITY OF CRANSTON, RHODE ISLAND
DATE:
October 18. 1976
Prepared by:
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region I
JFK Federal Building
Boston, MA 02203
CITY OF CRANSTON
City Hall
Cranston, Rhode Island
With Technical Assistance by:
CEMAGUIRE, INC.
Architects • Engineers • Planners
Providence • Waltham • New Britain
Responsible Officials:
L. ai
l±onal. Administtfjltor
Environmental Protection Agency
Region I
fes L. Taft, Jr.
jayor
:ity of Cranston, Rliode Island
/f /
-------
Draft or Final:
DRAFT
Agency:
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION I
7. Action:
Administrative
2. Description:
Includes consolidation, improvement and expansion of wastewater
treatment facilities in the City of Cranston, a portion of Providence
County in the State of Rhode Island
3. Anticipated Impacts:
Principal effects include:
a. improved water quality in the Pawtuxet River,
b. expansion of economic base and housing supply, and
c. elimination of odor nuisance.
Adverse effects include:
a. small increases in fuel use in, and air pollution from, solids incineration,
b. accelerate conversion of 7 square miles of forest and form land to
urban uses, and
c. accelerate creation of substantial increases of traffic and traffic noise
in the once rural areas.
4. Alternatives Considered:
Alternatives considered included:
a. alternative methods of wastewater treatment,
b. alternative methods of treated effluent disposal including land
application in western Cranston and piped discharge into the
ocean, i.e. the Providence River estuary,
c. alternative methods of solids disposal including sanitary landfills
and pasteurization and land application as a soil conditioner/fertilizer,
d. the alternative of not extending the sewer system into now rural
lands, anc
e. the alternative of more aggressively extending the system.
-------
5. Agencies from which Comments on this Draft Statement have been Requested:
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
American Littoral Society
Appalachian Mountain Club
Aquidneck Island Ecology
Audubon Society of Rhode Island
AWARE, Inc., Nashville, Tenn.
Blackstone River Watershed Association
Conservation Law Foundation
Cranston Historical Society
Ciba-Ceigy Corporation
City of Cranston
Cranston City Council
Cranston Today
Coastal Resources Management Council
Council on Environmental Quality
Town of Coventry
Ecology Action for Rhode Island
Environmental Council of Rhode Island
Governor's Council on Environmental Quality
Historic American Engineering Record, Rl
Town of Johnston
League of Women Voters of Cranston
League of Women Voters of Rhode Island
National Wildlife Federation
New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission
New England Interstate River Basins Commission
City of Providence
Providence Journal - Bulletin
Rhode Island Association of Conservation Commissions
Rhode Island Governor's Office, Policy and Program Review Section
Rhode Island Historic Preservation Commission
Rhode Island Department of Health
Division of Air Pollution Control
Division of Solid Waste Management
Division of Water Quality and Pollution Control
Rhode Island Department of Natural Resources
Rhode Island Department of Community Affairs
Rhode Island Department of Transportation, Planning Division
Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General
Rhode Island Statewide Planning Program
Rhode Island "208" Program
Rhode Island Department of Administration, Budget Division
Rhode Island State Association of Conservation Districts
Rhode Island TB and RD Association
Rhode Island Water Resources Board
Save the Bay, Inc.
Town of Scituate
-------
Sierra Club, New England Chapter
City of Warwick
Town of West Warwick
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Regional Environ-
mental Officer
U. S. Coast Guard, First District
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Regional Admini-
strator
U.S. Department of Interior, Northeast Regional Coordinator
U.S. Department of Interior, Assistant Secretary for Program 6 Policy
Bureau of Sports, Fisheries & Wildlife, Northeast Regional Administrator
National Parks Service, District Chief
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Highway Administration, Regional Administrator
Farmers Home Administration
United States Geological Survey, Boston
U. S. Army, Corps of Engineers, N. E. Region
U. S. Department of Agriculture, State Conservationist
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Stabilization and Conserva-
tion Service
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Ecology and
Environment Conservation
U.S. Department of Commerce, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Environ-
mental Affairs
Honorable John O. Pastore
Honorable Claiborne deB . Pell
Honorable Fernand J. St. Germain
Honorable Edward P. Beard
6. Agencies which have Contributed to the Formation of this Statement:
Rhode Island Department of Health
Division of Water Quality and Pollution Control
Division of Air Pollution Control
Rhode Island Department of Natural Resources
Division of Fish and Wildlife
Division of Forest Environment
Division of Planning and Development
Rhode Island Statewide Planning Commission
Rhode Island Historic Preservation Commission
Historic American Engineering Record, Pawtucket, Rhode Island
U.S. Department of Agruculture, Soil Conservation Service, West Warwick, Rl
City of Cranston
Department of Public Works
Planning Commission
Sewer Department
Conservation Commission
Cranston Historical Society, Mrs. Gladys Brayton
Mr. Kenneth M. Mowry, Sr., resident of western Cranston
-------
Mr, JohnT. Sollars, resident of Cranston
Ciba-Ceigy Corporation
7. Public Input to this Statement:
Consequent to advertisements placed in the Providence Journal, 4/13,
the Cranston Herald Today, 4/14, and the Evening Bulletin, 4/15, an
open public meeting was held to discuss the proposed project at the
Cranston City Hall on 4/20/1976. Questions discussed included:
a. odor problems in the Pontiac Avenue area,
b. sludge transportation problems,
c. extension of sewers into adjoining areas of Warwick,
d. coordination with regional and statewide planning, and
e. extension of the urbanization problem analysis beyond
the area of proposed sewerage extension.
-------
PREFACE
This Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is the product of the cooperative and
concurrent efforts of
7. U.S. EPA, Region I
2. City of Cranston, Rhode Island
and their consultants
1. Universal Engineering Corporation
2. CE Maguire. Inc.
Universal Engineering Corporation is the "Facilities Planner" for the proposed
project and was charged with the responsibility to investigate the City of
Cranston's wastewater problems and treatment needs and to develop a program
for solving those problems and satisfying those needs, including identifica-
tion and analysis of all environmental constraints and influences and of all
reasonable alternatives to that program.
CE Maguire, Inc. was charged with the task of independently reviewing the
Facilities Planner's efforts, performing additional investigations where neces-
sary, identifying and describing the environmental impacts of the proposed
program, formulating a program of supplementary actions to mitigate adverse
impacts of the proposed wastewater program, and to prepare a "Draft" of the
EIS.
This concurrent effort is referred to, in in-house government jargon, as
"piggybacking," and this EIS is the first use of piggybacking by Region 1.
Its advantages are acceleration of the planning and review process and that
it makes the environmental reviews available to the Facility Planner earlier
than would otherwise be possible, hopefully broadening environmental
sensitivity and reducing adverse effects. Its disadvantages include some
degree of inconsistency in detail as the proposed action was repeatedly modi-
fied to satisfy the most recently identified environmental problems.
In addition it should be noted that this is also a Draft EIS and that some of
the mitigating actions suggested in this Draft are likely to be incorporated
into the proposed project prior to completion of the project planning and of
the Final EIS, reducing thereby the need to explore both the adverse effects
to be obviated by the mitigating actions and the mitigating actions them-
selves within that Final EIS.
-------
For detailed exposition of the proposed project and its characteristics (other
than environmental impacts and mitigating actions) the reader is referred to
the Facilities Plan by Universal Engineering Corporation. Copies of the
Facilities Plan and additional copies of this EIS can be reviewed at
Public Works Department
City Hall All Cranston Libraries
Cranston, Rhode Island
and
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 1, Room 2203
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
Boston, Massachusetts 02203
A public hearing on the proposed project, as described in the Draft EIS and the
Draft Facilities Plan will be held at:
Hugh B. Bain School ON: November 18, 1976
135 Cansett A venue
Cranston, Rhode Island at 7: 00 p.m.
Public comment on all aspects of the proposed project is invited both at the
public hearing and by mail to EPA Region 1 at the address above.
All public comments will be included in the Final EIS, will be used in revising
the proposed project as described in the Draft EIS and Draft Facilities Plan,
and will be answered, as appropriate, within the Final EIS. Copy of the
Final EIS will be mailed to everyone who submits a comment on the Draft.
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION & SUMMARY
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS 6
1.11 REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 102(2) (C) of NEPA 6
1.12 REQUIREMENTS OF SECTIONS 102 (2) (D) 6 102(2) (F) 11
1.2 RESULTS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 16
1.3 SCOPE OF THIS STATEMENT 18
1.4 NOTE ON THE CONSISTENCY OF DATA AND ON
INTERPRETATION OF FORECASTS 23
CHAPTER II: THE NEED FOR GROWTH AS AN ISSUE
2.0 INTRODUCTION 25
2.1 NATIONAL GROWTH NEEDS 25
2.2 SUITABILITY FOR URBANIZATION, RHODE ISLAND
& CRANSTON 28
2.21 RHODE ISLAND VS. UNITED STATES 28
2.211 As a Social Issue 28
2.212 As an Ecological Issue 28
2.2121 Air Quality Resources 29
2.2122 Water Supply Resources 30
2.2123 Climate 32
2.213 As a Geographic Phenomenon 35
2.22 CRANSTON VS. OTHER COMMUNITIES IN
RHODE ISLAND 35
2.221 As a Social Issue 35
2.222 As a Social Ecological Phenomenon 36
2.223 As an Environmental Resource Use Issue 40
2.224 As an Economics/Jobs/lndustrial De-
velopment Issue 43
2.3 SUMMARY & CONCLUSION 44
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CHAPTER III: WATER QUALITY
3.0 INTRODUCTION 45
3.1 BACKGROUND 46
3.11 THE PAWTUXET RIVER 46
3.12 WASTEWATER DISCHARGE 58
3.2 PROPOSED ACTION FOR WASTEW ATE R TREATMENT
& DISPOSAL 60
3.21 THE PROPOSED ACTION 60
3.22 ALTERNATIVES 62
3.3 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 64
3.31 WATER QUALITY IMPACTS 64
3.331 Long-Term Water Quality Impacts -
Oxygen Levels 64
3.312 Long-Term Water Quality Impacts -
Other Parameters 65
3.313 Short-Term Construction Impacts 65
3.4 MITIGATION OF IMPACTS 66
CHAPTER IV: THE IMPACTS OF SLUDGE & DISPOSAL
4.0 INTRODUCTION 69
4.1 BACKGROUND 70
4.11 SOLID WASTES 70
4.12 EXPECTED AIR EMISSIONS 74
4.13 AIR EMISSION REGULATIONS 75
4.14 AIR ENVIRONMENT 76
4.141 Meteorology & Topography 76
4.142 Dispersion of Pollutants 78
4.143 Ambient Air Quality 80
4.15 RESIDUAL SOLIDS 84
4.16 ADJACENT DISPOSAL SITE 84
4.17 ALTERNATIVE DISPOSAL SITES 86
4.2 PROPOSED ACTION FOR SOLID WASTE TREATMENT
S DISPOSAL 87
4.21 THE PROPOSED ACTION 87
4.22 ALTERNATIVES 88
4.3 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 90
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4.4 MITIGATION OF IMPACTS 92
CHAPTER V: NEIGHBORHOOD NUISANCE IN THE VICINITY OF
WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES
5.0 INTRODUCTION 95
5-1 BACKGROUND 96
5.11 CIBA-GEIGY NEIGHBORHOOD 96
5.12 CRANSTON TREATMENT PLANT NEIGHBORHOOD 98
5.13 PAWTUXET VILLAGE 9 8
5.14 AMBIENT ODORS AT CIBA-GEIGY 100
5.15 AMBIENT ODORS AT CRANSTON TREATMENT PLANT 101
5.16 AMBIENT NOISE AT CRANSTON TREATMENT PLANT 105
5.2 PROPOSED ACTIONS TO CONTROL NEIGHBOR-
HOOD NUISANCE 110
5.21 THE PROPOSED ACTIONS 110
5.22 ALTERNATIVES 111
5.3 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 111
5.4 MITIGATION OF ADVERSE IMPACTS 114
5.41 WETLANDS ODOR CONTROL 114
5.42 NOISE CONTROL 115
CHAPTER VI: GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF SECONDARY
URBAN GROWTH RESULTING FROM SEWERING NON-
URBAN AREAS
6.0 INTRODUCTION 117
6.1 SETTING
6.11 CITY-WIDE FRAMEWORK 118
6.12 PHYSIOGRAPHY 120
6.121 Topography 120
6.122 Watersheds 122
6.13 TRANSPORTATION 126
6.14 WILDLIFE 128
6.2 PROPOSED ACTION 130
6.21 THE PROPOSED ACTION 130
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6.22 ALTERNATIVES 132
6.221 No Action Alternative 137
6.222 Sewers But No Zoning Change Alternative 140
6.223 Zoning Change But No Sewer Alternative 140
6.224 The Proposed Action Repeated to Fully
Intensive Urbanization 141
6.3 ANTICIPATED IMPACTS 142
6.31 LAND SURFACE CHANGE EFFECTS 143
6.311 Streamflow S Croundwater Depletion 143
6.312 Water Quality 146
6.313 Esthetics 148
6.314 Wildlife Habitat 149
6.32 POPULATION CHANGE EFFECTS 150
5.321 Traffic & Traffic Fatalities 152
6.322 Noise 158
6.323 Air Quality 161
6.324 Municipal Costs S Revenues 162
6.3241 Future Projections 163
6.3242 Concurrent Population Changes 164
6.3243 Patterns of Development and Cost
of Sewering 166
6.4 MITIGATION OF IMPACTS . 167
6.41 TRAFFIC EFFECTS 168
6.411 The Institutional Problem 176
6.42 STREAMFLOW EFFECTS - FLOW QUANTITIES 178
6.43 STREAMFLOW EFFECTS - RUNOFF QUALITY 182
6.44 APPEARANCE & WILDLIFE HABITAT 183
CHAPTER VII: SITE - SPECIFIC PROBLEMS OF SEWERING
WESTERN CRANSTON
7.0 INTRODUCTION 185
7.1 SETTING 186
7.11 PHYSIOGRAPHY 187
7.12 ESTHETICS 6 HABITAT 192
7.13 ARCHEOLOGICAL VALUE (ABORIGINAL) 194
7.14 HISTORICAL VALUE 196
7.141 Seventeenth Century 198
7.142 Eighteenth Century 200
7.143 Nineteenth Century 208
7.15 PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS 209
7-2 PROPOSED ACTION 210
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7.3 ANTICIPATED IMPACTS 212
7.4 MITIGATING ACTIONS 214
CHAPTER VIII: OVERALL IMPACTS ON THE CITY AS A WHOLE
8.0 INTRODUCTION 217
8.1 SETTING 218
8.2 ALTERNATIVES 220
8.3 IMPACTS 223
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LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure
1-1 Urbanized Areas of the United States 1
1-2 Cranston & the Providence-Pawtucket-Warwick
Urbanized Area 2
1-3 Location of Proposed Action 3
1-4 Location of Proposed Sewer Extensions 5
11-1 United States Population by Age, 1970 - 1990 26
II-2 Days of High Air Pollution Potential Forecasted,
Nationally 29
II-3 Anticipated Water Shortages in the United States 30
II-4 Basic Resource Availability 31
II-5 Population Changes in the Providence Urbanized
Area, 1930 - 1970 36
11-6 Cranston and the Providence Urbanized Area 38
M-7 Surficial Geology in the Providence
Urbanized Area 39
11-8 Status of Agricultural Lands in the State of
Rhode Island 40
11-9 Cleared Lands 41
111-1 Location: Pawtuxet River Basin 47
III-2 Principal Features: Pawtuxet River Basin 49
III-3 Present Water Quality Condition 50
III-4 Water Quality Standards 53
IH-5 Flood Control Considerations 55
III-6 Croundwater Resources 57
111-7 Proposed Treatment Process 61
IM-8 Future Enlargement for Out-of-Basin Discharge 61
IV-1 Topography and Wind Rose for Providence Area 77
IV-2 Contours of 24-Hour TSP Dispersion 78
IV-3 Contours of 24-Hour SO2 Dispersion 78
IV-4 Contours of 3-Hour SO2 Dispersion 79
IV-5 1974 Annual Average TSP Concentrations 82
IV-6 1985 Annual Average TSP Concentrations 82
IV-7 1974 Annual Average SO2 Concentrations 83
IV-8 1985 Annual Average SO2 Concentrations 83
IV-9 Lowlands Adjacent to Cranston Treatment Plant 85
IV-10 Proposed Expansion of Treatment Plant 85
IV-11 Alternative Solid Waste Disposal Sites 86
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LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS - (Continued)
Figure
V-1 Ciba Ceigy, Site and Surrounding Area 97
V-2 Cranston Treatment Plant, Site and Surrounding Area 99
V-3 Cranston Treatment Plant, Odor Survey 103
V-4 Cranston Treatment Plant, Noise Survey 107
VI-1 City of Cranston, Schematic Land Use 118
VI-2 Generalized Physiography, City of Cranston 119
VI-3 Topography 121
VI-4 Watersheds 123
VI-5 On Site Sewage Disposal Suitability 125
VI-6 Existing Road Pattern 127
VI-7 Wildlife Habitat 129
VI-8 Future Land Use, Existing Zoning 133
VI-9 Future Land Use, 1975 Master Plan 134
VI-10 Future Land Use, 1975 Master Plan without
High Density 135
VI-11 Future Land Use, Full Urbanization 136
VI-12 Future Saturation Population Distribution,
Existing Zoning . 138
VI-13 Lands Difficult to Develop, Western Cranston 139
Vl-14 Future Saturation Population Distribution,
1975 Master Plan 140
VI-15 Future Saturation Population, Fully Urbanized 141
VI-16 Historical Growth of Selected Suburban
Communities, 1920 - 1970 151
VI-17 Principal Traffic Flows Expected, Existing Zoning 152
VI-18 Principal Traffic Flows Expected, 1975 Master Plan 153
VI-19 Principal Traffic Flows Expected, Fully Urbanized 154
VI-20 Capacity of Roads, Vicinity of Furnace Hill Brook 157
VI-21 Growth in Housing and Population, 1960 - 1970 164
VI-22 Growth Rates in Housing and Population, 1960 - 1970 165
VI-23 "Wythenshawe" 171
VI-24 Relationship between Traffic Volumes
and Accident Rates 173
VI-25 Accident Rates Likely as a Result of Urbanization 175
VI-26 Environmentally Buffered Development Concept 177
VI-27 Land Development Characteristics 179
VI1-1 Physiography, Western Cranston 189
VII-2 Topography in Vicinity of Furnace Hill Brook 191
VII-3 Photographs, Vicinity of Furnace Hill Brook 192
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LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS - (Continued)
Figure
VII-4 Furnace Hill Brook and Vicinity, Cultural History 197
VM-5 View of Furnace Hill Street, Earth 20th Century 199
VII-6 Proposed Interceptor 211
VI1-7 Impact of Installation of Interceptor on
Sidehill Site 213
VII-8 Proposed Alternate Location, Interceptor 215
VI11-1 Comparison of New Sewer Costs to Existing
City Budget 219
VIII-2 Property Values, City of Cranston 221
VI11-3 Ratios of Property Values to Population
and School Enrollments 222
VII1-4 Projections of Property Values and Population 223
VIII-5 Projections of School Enrollments 221
VIII-6 Ratio of Future Property Values to Future
School Enrollments 225
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LIST OF TABLES
Principal Characteristics of Existing 6
Proposed Wastewater Treatment Plants 4
1-2 Summary of- Costs and Proposed Sharing of Costs 4
1-3 Environmental Assessment Summary,
Cranston Facilities Plan 17
111-1 Key to Water Quality Classification 51
1 1 1-2 Key to Point Source Discharges 51
111-3 Existing Wastewater Discharges - Lower Pawtuxet River 58
1 11-4 Expected Future Increases in Wastewater Discharges 59
111-5 Total Residual Chlorine Concentration 66
IV-1 Solid Wastes Produced 71
IV-2 Analysis of Existing Sludge 71
IV-3 Analysis of Sludge from Pilot Plant 73
IV-4 Expected Air Emission Rates 74
IV-5 Applicable Air Emission Limitations 75
IV-6 Anticipated Maximum Degradation in Ambient
Air Quality 79
lV-7 Anticipated Maximum Ambient Air Pollutant Concentration 81
IV- 8 Anticipated Maximum Air Quality Impacts 91
V-1 Ambient Odor Measurements, Cranston WWTP 102
V-2 Noise Impact & Community Response 105
V-3 City of Cranston Noise Code 106
V-4 Ambient Noise Measurements, Cranston WWTP 108
V-5 Night Ambient Noise Levels 109
V-6 Night Noise Impact of Incinerators 113
VI- 1 Furnace Hill Brook, Runoff @ Elevation 50 144
VI-2 Average Annual Stormwater Runoff Pollutant
Concentration 146
VI-3 Summary of Saturation Population Distribution
Alternatives 151
VI-4 Traffic Characteristics, Vicinity of
Furnace Hill Brook 155
VI-5 Peak Hour LIQ Traffic Induced Noise 159
VI-6 Peak Hour LBQ Traffic Induced Noise 160
VIII-1 Costs 6 Revenues - Proposed Sewer System Expansion 218
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Choker 1 INTRODUCTION 4 SUMM^V
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The proposed project consists of improvements to and enlargements of the waste-
water collection, treatment,and disposal system of the City of Cranston, Rhode
Island.
The City of Cranston is a fairly steadily growing community of about 73,000
people (1970) and 28.6 square miles within the Providence-Pawtucket-Warwick
urbanized area. Figures |-1 and 1-2 show the urbanized area's location within
the United States and the city's location within the urbanized
^
Tk*
of
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THE T'tC'VIDEWdE -
A1S.EA
F.WdI-2
The specific improvements and enlargements of the project include:
1 • enlargement of the city's wastewater treatment plant and consolidation of
existing separate industrial and institutional wastewater discharges into
the municipal facility,
2. extension of the city sewer system into primarily rural lands in western
Cranston to allow for future growth of the city, and
3. reduction of storm water inflows and ground water infiltration into the
existing sewers to eliminate costly waste of treatment plant capacity.
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The purposes of the proposed action are to forestall forecasted, future overloading
of the existing treatment plant, to eliminate existing nuisance conditions (both
air and water) in and near the lower reaches of the Pawtuxet River, to meet new
water quality classification of the reaches of the Pawtuxet between the municipal
treatment plant and these lower reaches, and to facilitate the orderly and balanced
growth of the community.
Figure 1-3 shows the location of the treatment plant, the industrial and insti-
tutional discharges to be eliminated, the existing extent of municipal sewerage
within Cranston and the area of the city into which sewerage extensions are
proposed.
Industr'ia! Treatment
?|ant (To be abandoned )
Stuage Treatment
To be En breed)
InStitutionsTreatmtnt Plant
( To be abandoned )
Figure 1-3 LOWTlON OF T^090SEO -ftCTlON
Cransfon
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The principal characteristics of the existing and proposed wastewater treatment
plants are shown in Table 1-1.
Table 1-1
PplNf:iPAI.J_llARACTJRISTICSJJfJXISTINC AND
Tjfoi :osTi> wAsY|^\yAl]jiXRr^.yr/NT_pLAN/I s_
Extent of trpjilmrnt
Existing
secondary
Plnnl rapacity H.tmgd
Limiting water quality condition downstream Class E
Population served 68.000
Sludge disposal method anaerobic
digestion t
on-sito
stockpiling
Proposed
secondary and
ammonia removal
23.0 mgd
Class D
93,000
Incineration with
on-site ash dis~
posal
The major elements of the cost and proposed sharing of costs is shown in
Table 1-2.
TABLE. .1-2
OF COSTS AMD PROPOSED SHARING OF COSTS
Wastewater Sewers for
Treatment Western
? \a_nt Cranston
Total Cost, not
including oo
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1.1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS
The section below presents in summary form:
1. In Section 1.11, the environmental impacts of the project,
2. In Section 1.12, a program of mitigating actions that should
be explored and, where appropriate, implemented concur-
rently with the wastewater treatment facilities improvements
included in the proposed action.
1.11 REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 102 (2) (C) -OF THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL
POLICY ACT OF 1969
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, pursuant to which this state-
ment has been prepared, specifies in section 102(2) (C) that every recommenda-
tion for major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human
environment include a detailed statement on:
(i) the environment impact of the proposed action,
(ii) any adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided....
(iii) alternatives to the proposed action,
(iv) the relationship between local short-term uses of man's environment
and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity, and
(v) any Irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources which
would be involved in the proposed action
In general, this statement attempts to do this for the significant, long-term
impacts of the proposed set of actions, with the scope and detail of each
effect tailored to the specific nature of the effect. The sections below sum-
marize all the included analyses and expositions of the statement within the
framework of the statutory items (i) to (v) above.
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(i) THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT
The proposed project is expected to have three principal environmental
effects:
1. significantly improve the water quality of the Pawtuxet River,
2. expand the economic base and housing supply of the City of Cranston, and
3. eliminate an odor nuisance in and near a residential area.
The water quality improvement will include:
1. upgrading of the conditions of a short but critical section on the
lower reaches of the river so that the entire river system will
be reopened to anadromous fish,
2 . upgrading of conditions of a short but critical section of river
just below the outfall of the treatment plant to allow migration
of the indigenous fish between the main stem of the river above
the treatment plant and a major tributary, the Pocasset River, just
downstream, and
3. preclusion of nuisance conditions in the urban areas through
which the river flows including the Pawtuxet Village, a major
17th century settlement listed in the National Register of Historic
Places.
The expansion of economic base and housing supply will result from
expansion of the wastewater system's capacity and from extension of
sewers into undeveloped lands. This expansion is expected to have
the following effects:
1. significantly increase the supply of fully serviced industrial
land in the Providence metropolitan area, an area with sub-
stantial and persistent unemployment, and
2. significantly increase the supply of fully serviced land available
for housing in the City of Cranston, again a clearly needed
addition.
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The impact of these effects will include increased sewage flows, change
of rural land to urban uses, possible increase in stormwater runoff,
increased traffic and traffic noise, possible increase In traffic accidents,
increased air pollutant emissions, increased employment, increased
Incomes and Increased local tax base. It Is not expected that the proposed
actions or their effects will generate so much new employment or incomes
as to induce a net in-migration into the region or to cause population
growth in excess of the region's natural increase.
The elimination of odor nuisance in and near a residential area will be
accomplished by shutting down an inadequate existing industrial waste-
water treatment plant and consolidating the industrial wastewater into
the expanded upgraded municipal treatment plant.
(H) ADVERSE EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED
The adverse effects which cannot be avoided include:
1. those related to disposal of solid wastes resulting from the waste-
water treatment process, and
2. those related to urban growth.
The unavoidable adverse effects of solid wastes disposal include:
1. a small increase of total suspended particulates (TSP), sulfur
dioxide (SO2 ) and lead (Pb) in the air at concentrations believed
to pose only a negligible impact on public health, and
2. increased use of fuel for solid wastes incineration.
The unavoidable adverse effects of urban growth include:
1. short-term generation of noise, vibration, dust, stream siltation,
and traffic congestion during the construction period both, on a
small scale, at the treatment plant site and, on a much larger
scale, generally throughout the city, as growth occurs.
2. permanent loss of rural lands, mostly forest with some farms,
to urbanization but not necessarily resulting in permanent loss
of the agricultural productivity of the rural lands, and
3. long-term generation of traffic, traffic noise, and increased air
pollution emissions.
8
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(iii) ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION
Alternatives to the proposed action that were studied and evaluated included:
1. alternative methods of wastewater treatment,
2. alternative methods of treated effluent disposal,
3. alternative methods of solid waste disposal,
4. the alternative of not extending the sewer system and rezoning
now rural lands for urban use, and
5. the alternative of more aggressively extending the sewer system
and rezoning now rural land for urban use .
The alternative methods of wastewater treatment included:
1. single stage biological nitrification,
2. two stage biological nitrification,
3. first stage biological, fixed film nitrification,
4. high rate biological, fixed film nitrification,
5. physical-chemical treatment, and
6. biological-physical treatment.
The alternative methods of treated effluent disposal included:
1. land application in western Cranston after secondary
treatment and
2. discharge directly into the Providence River estuary after
secondary treatment.
The alternative methods of solid waste (sludge) disposal included:
1. off-site disposal in a sanitary landfill,
2. pasteurization and land application, and
3. incineration and off-site disposal of the ash in a sanitary landfill.
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(iv) RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM USES OF MAN'S ENVIR-
ONMENT-AS PROPOSED IN THE PROPOSED PROJECT - AND THE MAtNTENANr
OF LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY ~—
The proposed project is not expected to sacrifice the long-term produc-
tivity of the environment for short-term benefits. In the water environ-
ment, the project initially will improve the quality of the Pawtuxet River
benefiting the general welfare by enhancing the surrounding neighbor-
hoods' esthetics and recreation opportunities including restoration of
the anadromous fishery, a significant productivity gain of itself. In
the longer term, the proposed action will not preclude further improvement
of water quality in the future, since it leaves open the possibility of
upgrading the plant, of future pumping of the effluent to the sea, to
land irrigation use, or even back to the headwaters reservoir with
further treatment for complete recycling. This is in contrast to one
of the alternatives that was considered, lesser treatment with discharge
into Narragansett Bay, an alternative that would tend to preclude reuse
of the water or deepwater discharge in the future.
On the land environment, the project will convert relatively large amounts
of rural land to urban use, about 7 square miles, but this is not expected
to reduce long-term productivity. At the present time most of this
land is in small holder forest and farm. The forest is used only for
firewood for the most part, with the actually farmed lands declining
year by year. In general the high labor costs, small field size, shallow
stony soils, irregular topography, excessive nutrient leaching, etc.,
limit long-term commercial agricultural value. Conversion to house lots,
while eliminating its commercial farming value, will not reduce its value
for home garden crops, home fruit trees, flowers and microclimatic
modifiers (shade and windbreakage) in residential areas. If and when
this land is ultimately needed for food production in the very far future,
the large populations living on it might be able to supply the intensive
labor, presumably as a hobby, necessary for high yields.
(v) IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS OF RESOURCES
The proposed project requires a commitment of money, manpower
and materials for its construction; of money, manpower, chemicals and
fuel for its operation; and of land, in very small amount, for the treat-
ment plant and, in fairly large amounts, for urban growth.
10
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1.12 REQUIREMENTS OF SECTIONS 102 (2) (D) and 102 (2) (F) OF THE NATIONAL
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT OF 1969
Section 102(2} (D) requires that all agencies study, develop, and describe
appropriate alternatives to proposals which involve conflicts concerning
uses of resources, and section 102(2) (F) requires that all agencies make
available to states, municipalities, individuals, etc, advice and information
useful in restoring, maintaining, and enhancing the quality of the environment.
This statement includes such alternatives, advice and information. Specific
attention is called to the analysis of the difficulties of accepting "no-growth"
as an alternative to the proposed action in the chapter titled "Need For Growth"
Advice and information on maintaining and restoring environmental quality
is included as proposed "mitigating actions" wherever there appears to be
a possibility of avoiding an adverse environmental effect by implementation
of the mitigating action. These potentially adverse but avoidable effects
and the mitigating actions that appear to be most likely to either obviate or
soften their adverse effects, include:
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Runoff related effects - western Cranston:
]. Increased stormwater runoff and runoff pollution resulting from increased
paving of urbanizing areas.
Recommended mitigating actions include:
a. requirement by the City of Cranston that all development permitted
under either a building permit or a land subdivision permit be
designed to store enough of its runoff waters on-site so that the
developed stormwater runoff will not exceed the undeveloped runoff, and
b. construction by the City of Cranston of stormwater impoundment
reservoirs on the main streams of the major tributaries, where
feasible, to supplement the on-site run-off regulation measures
described above.
Collateral adverse effects of these mitigating actions would include:
a. increased cost of land development, and
b. possible loss of cultural (archeological) resources at the main
stream dam sites.
Second stage mitigating actions would include:
a. compensatory relaxation by the City of Cranston of zoning and
building requirements not essential to precluding adverse
environmental and/or performance characteristics of proposed
developments, and
b. submission by the City of Cranston to the same cultural resource
protection procedures in planning and design of stormwater impound-
ment reservoirs as are required of EPA under Executive Order 11593.
Collateral benefits of all these mitigating actions are expected to include:
a. enhancement of the appearance of the future urbanization by in-
creasing its visual variety and preserving open and/or wooded
spaces, and
b. enhancement of the wildlife habitat values of the urbanizing area by
providing a greater variety of size and type of habitat areas than
would otherwise be likely to occur.
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Traffic related effects - western Cranston:
2. Increased traffic congestion, traffic accidents and traffic noise resulting
from increased urbanization.
Recommended mitigating actions include:
construction of a new acoustically-attenuated, controlled-access,
limited-speed roadway westward from the end of Route 37 through
western Cranston to serve the urbanizing area.
Collateral adverse impacts of the mitigating action include:
commitment of substantial land areas to the roadway and to its
acoustical buffer zones, reducing municipal tax base and urban
growth areas.
Mitigation of this collateral adverse impact would include:
intensification of land use (by rezoning by the City of Cranston)
along the proposed new roadway and its buffer zones where con-
sistent with adjoining land uses.
Collateral benefits of these mitigating actions include:
a. enhancement of the appearance of the future urbanization by
preserving significant, and readily visible, unbuilt areas,
b. enhancement of the recreation opportunities, i.e. bicycleways,
bridle trails, streamways, etc. of western Cranston by preserv-
ing significantly large and continuous unbuilt areas, and
c. enhancement of the future wildlife habitat of western Cranston
by preserving significantly large and continuous unbuilt areas.
13
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Impacts on special resource values - western Cranston:
3. Destructionof areas of special resource value (cultural, historical,
ecological, esthetic, geologicaljby construction of pipelines through
the resource site
Recommended mitigating actions include:
a. identification of the areas of special resource value to permit
appropriate state and local agencies to plan their programs in
such manner that the special areas can be protected,
b. relocation of the proposed pipelines away from the areas of
special resource value, and
c. acquisition of all or key portions of the special areas as public
reservations.
4. Destructionof areas of special resource value (cultural, historical,
geological, esthetic and ecological) by inducing increased stormwater
runoff and traffic through the resource site as a consequence of urban
growth.
Recommended mitigating actions include all the actions recommended
to mitigate similar adverse effects in non-special resource value areas
as described in items 1 and 2 above.
Collateral benefits of the entire set of mitigating actions could lead
to establishment of a new park that:
a. protects and sets forth the rather complete evolution of man's
changing relationship to his environment from pre-colonial days
to the present as attested to by the special resource areas of
Western Cranston, and
b. sets a tone of quality for the inevitable urbanization of the
surrounding areas.
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Impacts on vicinity of Cranston wastewater treatment plant:
5. Destruction of areas of special resource value by neglect to rehabilitate
areas partially destroyed by operation of the existing Cranston waste-
water treatment plant.
Recommended mitigating actions include regrading the subject areas
to restore their values esthetically and as wildlife habitat.
6. Reduction in value and in utility of residences in the
vicinity of the proposed treatment plant improvements
by noise likely to be generated by the sludge incinerators,
Recommended mitigating actions include monetary compensa-
tion, receptor building soundproofing, and erection of noise
barriers.
Impacts on water quality in the Pawtuxet River below the treatment plant:
7. Creation of residual chlorine concentrations in excess of those ap-
propriate to the water quality classifications of the river as a result
of chlorination of the treated effluent.
Recommended mitigating actions include use of alternative
disinfectants or dechlorination of the effluent.
15
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1-2 RESULTS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT IN THE "FACILITIES
PLAN"
As part of the development of their "Facilities Plan1) the master plan for sewerage
for the City of Cranston, the proposed actions for which this statement has been
prepared, a comprehensive survey of Cranston's physical, social and cultural
environment was compiled and analyzed in a systematic, interdisciplinary manner
by the facilities planners, Universal Engineering Corporation of Boston, Mass-
achusetts, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act, section 102
(2) (A). This systematic analysis identified all the expected impacts of the
proposed action, negative and positive, short-term and long-term, major and
minor. The results of this analysis are shown in Table 1-3. Note that the
impacts described, in detail, in this Environmental Impact Statement are those
identified in Table 1-3 as negative, major, and long-term.
16
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1.3 SCOPE OF THIS STATEMENT
The preparation of any Environmental Impact Statement requires its authors to
establish some middle ground between:
* compilation of an encyclopedic analysis of all possible areas of
environmental impact, comprehensible only to patient experts, and
* oversimplification into a summary that does not allow its readers
to fully appreciate the consequences of the proposed action,
and between:
* analysis limited to those few parts of the environment traditionally
within the scope of the proposing agency, omitting consideration
of other important parts of the environment, and
* analysis of the impact of the project on all parts of environment
however trivial, with the result that important impacts might be
obscured.
The Council of Environmental Quality has, over the years, sought to identify
the middle ground,specifyfng in its Guidelines for Preparation of Environmental
Impact Statements, Section 1500.8 (6) that
"... agencies should make every effort to convey the required information
succinctly.. .giving attention to the substance rather than form.."
Further, in its most recent annual report, CEQ noted that
V, .too many statements have been deadly, voluminous and obscure...
with toe much space devoted to unnecessary description rather than to
analysis of impacts and alternatives..."
And finally, in its Memorandum For Head of Agencies on EIS's dated February
10, 1976, CEQ stated
"It is the Council's position, therefore, that descriptions of the existing
environment and the proposed action should be included in an EIS only
to the extent that they are necessary for a decisionmaker to understand
the proposal, its reasonable alternatives, and their significant impacts.
The EIS should explain how the scope of the statement and its level of
detail have been carefully delineated in accordance with the significant
environmental issues and problems foreseen by the agency. Data and
analyses in an EiS should consequently be commensurate with the impor-
tance of the impact as determined by the agency's environmental analysis.
Less important material should be summarized, consolidated or simply
referenced."
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The major issues foreseen by the agency, EPA Region I, and identified in its
Notice of Intent to Prepare an EIS and in its agreements with the City of
Cranston included, but were not limited to;
1. discharge to a water quality limited stream,
2. possible adverse air quality impacts of sewage sludge incineration,
3. possible violation of environmental laws, regulations or standards
resulting from development of presently undeveloped areas as a
result of the proposed project,
4. odors related to wastes of the Ciba-Ceigy Company, and
5. possible impacts on properties eligible for listing in the National
Register of Historic Places.
In analysis of each of the above issues, regardless of the desire for succinct-
ness, it still remains necessary to comply with the requirements of the National
Environmental Policy Act to evaluate the alternatives to the proposed action
(Section 102 (2) (D)), to consider the trade-offs between the short-term effect
of the proposed action and its long-term, irreversible effect (Section 102 (2)
(C) (iv) & (v)), to identify supplementary actions that might mitigate adverse
effects (Section 102 (2) (F)), and to do all the above in an interdisciplinary
manner utilizing not only the natural sciences but also the social sciences and
the design arts (Section 102 (2) (A)) .
Given the complexity of the above objectives, given the broad range of issues,
and given the variance in scale and scope of analysis required within each
area of issue, this statement has been organized to treat each issue (or problem)
separately, in turn, with each issue treated at a scale and level of detail appro-
priate to itself, each as an independent statement.
a. Chapter No. II
Title: Need for Urban Growth as an Issue
Issues:
1. Given that an ultimate purpose of the proposed project is orderly
urban growth, is continued urban growth really necessary?
2. If it is, should some of it be in Rhode Island rather than in other
places?
3. If it should be in Rhode Island, should some of it be in Cranston
rather than in other communities?
19
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b. Chapter No. Ill
Title: Water Quality
Issues:
1. Will disposal of treated wastewater into the Pawtuxet River, a
water quality limited stream, violate present minimum water
quality standards?
2. Will the proposed action, designed to meet the present mini-
mum water quality standards within the timeframe specified
in current law, tend to preclude alternative actions that may
be desirable in the long-term (but not feasible immediately)
or will it tend to commit the Pawtuxet River, the Providence
River Estuary, the Pawtuxet Village Historic District and the
surrounding urban areas, in an irretrievable manner, to
less than optimum quality ?
Alternatives:
1. Effluent discharge into the Providence River Estuary, into
Narragansett Bay, or into Block Island Sound.
2. Regionalization of sewerage.
c. Chapter No. IV
Title: The Impacts of Sludge Treatment and Disposal
Issues:
1. Is incineration of sewage sludge the best method for dis-
posing of Cranston's sludge? Evaluation of this can be
considered from at least two points-of-view, i.e., possible
violation of clean air standards and comparison with alter-
native disposal methods.
2. Will the proposed action tend to preclude more desirable ,
alternative disposal methods that might be developed in the
foreseeable future either as a result of changing technology
or changing political or administrative institutions?
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Alternatives:
1. Landfill, on or off treatment plant site.
2. Coincineration in a future regional resource recovery system.
3. Land application as a composted soil conditioner, as a fertilizer,
or as a component of a substitute for natural topsoil.
d. Chapter No. V
Title: Neighborhood Nuisance
Issues:
1. Will there by any adverse effect upon the surrounding neighbor-
hoods as a result of odor or noise? at the treatment plant? at
sludge disposal sites? along the river downstream from the
treatment plant?
2. Are there alternatives that would preclude nuisance?
3. Are there actions that can be taken to mitigate nuisance?
4. If adverse impacts are unavoidable, are the adverse impacts
justified by the anticipated benefits?
e. Chapter No. VI
Title: General Impacts of Urban Growth
Issue :
i
1. What effects would urban growth in western Cranston have
on the environment, physically, socially, esthetically?
2. What alternative growth patterns or standards are available
to preclude adverse effects?
3. What alternative growth patterns or standards are available
to mitigate adverse effects?
Z\
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f. Chapter No. VII
Title: Specific Problems of Urban Growth in Western Cranston
Issues:
1. Will the proposed action and its associated secondary effects
have any adverse impact on any specific sites, facilities or
locations of special cultural, historical, social, esthetic or
ecological significance?
2. Are there prudent and feasible alternatives that preclude the
adverse impacts?
3. Are there prudent and feasible actions that might be taken to
mitigate the adverse impacts?
g Chapter No. VIII
Title: Overall Impacts on the City as a Whole
Issue
1. What effect will the set of actions proposed have on the city
as a whole in the long term, given the city's overall socio-
economic milieu?
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NOTE ON THE CONSISTENCY OF DATA AND ON INTERPRETATIONS OF
FORECASTS
And finally, it is important to note at the outset, that the data, forecasts
and assessments of impact presented in this statement, in the Facilities
Plan, and in the various city and state planning reports were derived
from a variety of sources, by a number of agencies and individuals, with
varying experience, fields of expertise, and points of view, at different
points in time. As a result there are discrepencies between this state-
ment and other planning reports. These discrepencies should not be
construed as evidence that any of the documents are in error or have
not been researched and prepared by competent professionals, but
rather they should be taken as evidence of the rapid development of
the environmental sciences, their data resources, and analytical techniques.
On the matter of discrepencies between forecasts, it should be noted that the
future is inherently unknowable, that unforeseen conditions can and do occur
with distressing frequency and regularity, and that to act on the assumption
that the future is indeed known is probably one of the surer courses to error.
It is suggested that the reader upon coming to such a discrepancy in forecasts
not take the discrepancy as evidence of error, but rather as a caution on
accepting any forecast at face value.
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CKoDtir B THE NEED FO^ 61)0101*1
-AS ^N issue
2.0 INTRODUCTION
The proposed action includes both pollution abatement and capacity expansion.
It is assumed that pollution abatement is not a controversial environmental
issue but that capacity expansion can imply some fundamental environmental
issues including that:
there is a need to expand, and
the proposed expansion would be best served in the proposed manner
at the proposed location.
As a basis for evaluating these assumptions, as applied to the proposed project,
the following subjects are briefly explored below:
1. National growth needs.
2. Rhode Island's fitness for urban growth in comparison with other
geographic regions of the nation.
3. Cranston's fitness for urban growth in comparison with other regions
of Rhode Island.
The growth alternatives that might be adopted, their probable impacts,
and actions that might be taken to mitigate those impacts are explored below:
2.1 NATIONAL GROWTH NEEDS
As the birth rate of the United States continues to decline for the 20th
consecutive year, from a peak of about 25 births per thousand persons
per year in 1957 to something under 15 at the present time, the questions
of whether any new utilities are indeed required, and if so, on what scale,
do appear to be legitimate.
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The answers to these questions, paradoxically, are, yes, new utility
expansions are necessary somewhere in the nation, and they are necessary
on a large scale in the near future.
The basis of the answers can be found in analysis of the totality of the nation's
demographic characteristics and primarily in the phenomenon that as the
nation's population of children is declining, its population of adults in
increasing. Simply viewed, as the post-World War II "boom babies"
mature, the adult population will increase rapidly for some time into the
future regardless of what happens to the birthrate. Figure 11-1 United
States Population by Age, 1970-1990, from the U.S, Bureau of Census,
shows the broad outline of the anticipated maturation of the population.
1970
Age Span
1990
75
70-74
65-69
60-64
55-59
50-54
45-49
40-44
35-39
30-34
25-29
20-24
15-19
10-14
5-9
0-4
0 0
Millions of People
I
10
20
UNITED
1WULATI0M t*>Y
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Tht elements of this maturation will include:
a. Decrease In the number of teenagers In the population,
b. Substantial increase in both the percentage and absolute number
of young adults, say from 25 to 34 years old,
c. Decrease in the percentage of people 45 to 54 years old,
d. Significant increase in the percentage and absolute number of
senior citizens, say people over 65 years old, and perhaps most
interestingly,
e. Significant increase in the number of younger children resulting
from the ultimate reproduction of the post World-War II boom-babies,
The social and economic consequences of this prospective change are
well described in "Population and the American Future", the Report
of the Commission on Population Growth and the American Future,
submitted to the President and Congress of the United States in
March 1972:
"Now, as the youth cuuure or tne sixties evolves into the
young adult society of the seventies, the Impact is being felt in
the housing and job markets. In the two decades before 1965,
about 48 million Americans reached the age of 20. Between 1965
and 1985, over 78 million will cross this important threshold.
*As those born during the baby boom move off the campus
or leave their parents' homes, we can expect a 33-percent jump
in annual household formation by the end of this decade. Between
1950 and 1966, the number of households grew at a relatively
steady rate of around 900,000 per year. After that, the rate
began to climb, and last year we added well over one million
households. Our research shows that the rate will increase to
almost 1.5 million households added each year by the end of the
seventies, and will remain at that level until about 1985. These
figures understate future demand for the construction of new
housing, since additional new housing units will be required to
replace part of the older housing stock.
"Alonp with increased housing demands will come greater
demand for employment opportunities. The highest rates of
joblessness are found among the young. Consequently, one
factor to be considered, irrespective of the state of the economy
Itself, Is the sheer increase in the numbers of young people
seeking work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics tells us that we
can expect about 3 1/2 million persons to make their initial
entry Into the labor force each year during the 1970's. This
level of prospective job seekers exceeds the annual average
for the 1960's by about 700,000 persons a year. Here again, we
can attribute the large numbers to a heavy influx of new job-
seekers who were born during the baby boom.
"In sum, it should be evident that, even if the recent unex-
pected drop in the birthrate should develop into a sustained
trend, there Is little cause for complacency. Whether we see
It or not - whether we like It or not - we are in for a long period
of growth, and we had best prepare for it."
-------
2.2 SUITABILITY FOR URBANIZATION, RHODE ISLAND & CRANSTON
If one grants, based on the foregoing analysis, that new housing and work-
places will be needed in large amount in the near future,several new questions
arise, i.e. should part of the growth occur in Rhode Island; if in Rhode Island,
should it occur in Cranston; and if so, how much. The section below explores
the first two of these, i.e. the issue of Rhode Island's suitability for growth
vs. other parts of the United States, and the issue of Cranston's suitability
vs. other areas of Rhode Island. The question of how much growth is
appropriate for Cranston is largely a matter of what environmental impacts
various amounts of growth would generate, the subject of Chapter VI.
2.21 RHODE ISLAND VS. UNITED STATES
The issue of whether Rhode Island should play a continuing role in
supplying the growth needs of the nation can be viewed as a social
or moral issue, as an ecological issue, and as a geographic phenomenon.
2.211 As a Social Issue
In a moral sense, (or alternatively as an issue of social justice,
social equity, social stability, or protection of the general wel-
fare) it has long been a tenet of the culture of the overwhelming
majority of the population of the United States that they are, to
some extent, their brothers' keepers, that they have been
brought up to feel an obligation to provide for both their own
individual progeny and for their neighbors'. They do tax
the employed to feed the unemployed; they do tax the childless to
pay for the schooling of their neighbors' children; and they
do require, under penalties prescribed by law, fathers to support
their children. The post-war "boom babies" are, in part, their
own children and their neighbors' children and it can be said
the society will feel an obligation to insure that their children
can find both jobs and housing in the reasonably near future.
2.212 As an Ecological Issue
In an ecological sense, comparisons can be made between
Rhode Island and the rest of the United States as a suitable
urban habitat, specifically with regard to their relative potential
for high air pollution, their relative availability of water, and
their climate.
2.8
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2.2121 Air Quality Resources
Figure II-2, Days of High Air Pollution Potential
Forecasted taken from THE NATIONAL ATLAS of United
States of America published by the United States Geolo-
gical Survey,based on data provided by the National
Center for Air Pollution Control, shows the relative
susceptibility of the various parts of the country to air
pollution problems, or the relative difficulty of con-
trolling air pollution concentrations in those areas.
RHODE ISLAND
teO
-------
2.2122 Water Supply Resources
Figure 11-3, Anticipated Water Shortages in the
United States taken from POPULATION AND THE
AMERICAN FUTURE based on a paper on "Future Water
Needs and Supplies" by Ronald C, Ridker for the
Commission on Population Growth shows the relative
availability of potential water supply in excess of demand
in the United States.
rut UWIT&D
on
, 1172..
Note that Rhode Island is well into the zone of excess
potential supply over demand and note also that the
regions of impending shortage include some of the
fastest growing states in the nation.
Figure II-4, Basic Resource Availability simply super-
imposes Figures II-2 and II-3. Note that the regions
of low forecasted air pollution potential and abundant
30
-------
Cvtr (0O Jay* ff( hmlv an- p0lluiti0«1 pffltntigl ptt y/ar
C^tr 40 Jay* a( hi^K. 3«r fffllulicx. potential per yt&r
Ovtr tO dty* fff htqk. 3ir pcnutie*. poitrtitl ftr
O - 2.0 di\i$ of kijk t\r pffllu+iffn paitKti&l fir
W*ty 2.000
dtfie.d by
en
water include only eastern Maine, Southeastern New
England, the Carolina Capes, central Florida, the upper
Mississippi Valley and the western Ozarks.
The major urbanized areas of these favored regions include
Bangor, New Bedford/Fall River/Providence, Tampa/St.
Petersburg, Palm Beach/Ft. Lauderdale/ Miami, Minneapolis/
St. Paul, Cedar Rapids/Des Moines, and Tulsa/Ft. Smith.
31
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2.2123 Climate
Rhode Island enjoys a relatively moderate and even climate,
tempered by its location on the seacoast, surrounded by the
ocean on two sides. Its temperatures range from a normal
minimum for January of 20.6° F to a normal maximum for
July of 81.1°F with record peaks of -15°F in winter and
+100°F in summer. The moderation that this range in tempera-
ture represents can, perhaps, be best grasped by noting
that of the 70 major cities whose climate is reported on in the
Statistical Abstract of the United States (at least one in each
state), 33 had lower winter record temperatures than
Cranston and 57 had higher summer record temperatures.
This moderation in temperatures is reinforced by Rhode
Island's relatively low relative humidity, averaging 74%
at 7: 00 a.m. and 55% at 1:00 p.m., for the year. This
compares well for comfort with the rest of the 70 cities,
57 of which exceeded Rhode Island's 7:00 a.m. relative
humidity and 46 of which exceeded its 1:00 p.m. relative
humidity.
Rainfall is both ample and well distributed throughout
the year. The average annual precipitation is 42.75
inches with no month normally having less than 2.65
inches and none having more than 4.52 inches. The number
of days of some rain per month ranges from 8 to 12 with
6 months averaging 11.
Sunshine is similarly well distributed throughout the
year but is limited to occurring only 56% of the time,
somewhat less than 60% that is the median of the 70 cities.
The state is well-ventilated with an average annual
wind speed of 10.9 miles per hour, well above the median
of 9.3 miles per hour of the 70 cities and exceeding the
annual average of 58 of them. The region's winds are
well distributed through the year and range from a monthly
peak of 12.6 mph in April to a low of 9.7 mph in July,
August, and September.
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2.213 As a Geographic Phenomenon
Looking at Rhode Island's relative suitability for growth in
terms of classical economic geography (or, alternatively,
social ecology), note, as introduction, the words of
Preston E. James in A Geography of Man:
Most parts of the earth's surface are empty of human Inhabi-
tants. Vast areas are only very thinly peopled, with small
communities separated by many miles of empty land. In
southeastern Asia, on the other hand, about half of all the
people In the world are crowded into less than a tenth of
the world's habitable area. In Europe a little less than a
fifth of mankind is occupying an area which amounts to
less than one twentieth of the habitable world.
Yet to draw the conclusion that a great movement to the
empty lands of the world is about to take place would be quite
wrong. People are concentrated in certain parts of the world
because these parts offer greater opportunities for the support
of human life than other places. These opportunities are in
part the result of the resources of the earth itself, and in
part are man-made. But the tendency today, as always, is
for people to move fronvareas of lesser to areas of greater
economic opportunity. The population in areas of concen-
trated settlement is becoming more concentrated; the population
of thinly peopled areas is becoming thinner.
Rhode Island historically has been an area into which people
have moved, for hundreds of years, despite its economic ups
and downs, despite its limited mineral resources, despite its
limited agricultural resources, despite its limited fuel. Pre-
sumeably, compared to other areas, it has nonetheless been
33
-------
an area of greater economic opportunity, and it appears to
offer as its major development resource, its social infrastruc-
ture and its existing urban services nucleus. The importance
of these kinds of resources was noted by Richard L. Morrill
in his introduction to The Spatial Organization of Society
in 1974:
Geography has traditionally pointed out that certain areas
are more useful or attractive than others. They might be
favorable for specific economic activities, or they might be
focal points for trade factors as the abstract characteristics
of space (for example, distance and accessibility), and the
variable quality of the earth's surface and upon other
factors that are not strictly geographic... .including economic,
political, and cultural determinants Perhaps the most
Important determinant of all is the sheer force of past
patterns of development.
On the mechanism by which the past pattern operates he pointed
out:
Economically, production efficiency is increased by associ-
ations of related industries, such as the clustering of small
subcontractors around large automotive and aircraft complexes.
Distribution efficiency is gained by grouping the buyers and
sellers of goods and services in such places as fairs, the
market town, and the shopping center. The proximity of
various shops stimulates impulse-buying, thus increasing
business turnover and regional consumption in the area.
Not only does agglomeration reduce the total distance that
people travel, satisfying a geographic goal, but it enables
them to satisfy many purposes with little effort.
On the size of city that does this most effectively he pointed out:
Not until a city reaches a size of 250,000 to 350,000 people
does it attain a threshold that can provide some self-sufficiency
In central place services, support high-quality cultural and
educational amenities, and also attract modern industry. It
Is not surprising, then, that as transportation improves,
larger places ar^ the locus of most net growth. Places from
about 200,000 to perhaps two million appear most attractive
at the present time, evidently because they can support
a very wide range of services and activities, are rather
self-sufficient, and can support an efficient internal transport
system without the severe social costs and congestion of
the giant metropolis.
Note that the Providence Metropolitan Area falls right in the
center of Merrill's optimum size range.
34-
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2.22 CRANSTON VS. OTHER COMMUNITIES IN RHODE ISLAND
The issue of whether Cranston, or more precisely, western Cranston,
should play a significant role in accommodating the growth of population
of Rhode Island is, in some senses, similar to the issue of whether
Rhode Island should do so with regard to national growth. The social/
moral issue and the geographic phenonema are similar to the larger ones
that apply when one considers Rhode Island with respect to the nation,
the resource use factors, in contrast, are not so clear cut and militate
both for and against development in western Cranston, and the economics/
jobs/industrial development issue achieves special significance.
2.221 As a Social Issue
This issue is virtually identical to that of the Rhode Island
growth issue and need not be separately discussed.
-------
2.222 As a Social Ecological Phenomenon
As a social phenomenon, American cities historically have
grown by accretion of new development, mostly housing,
around their perimeters with gradual change of the older
core to non-residential services. The extensive urban re-
newal activities of the 1950's and 1960's did not reverse this
trend and in fact may have accelerated it. Figure 11-5,
Population Changes in the Providence Urbanized Area, 1930-1970,
show this tendency quite clearly.
.Figure n- 5 fl?FULATi0N
rwe
-------
In the future, it does not appear reasonable to expect so long-
standing a phenomenon to change. The Commission on Population
Growth and the American Future agrees and stated in its report:
"A third problem lies in the expanding periphery of
metropolitan areas. During the rapid expansion of
suburban areas since World War II, we failed to plan
for anticipated growth, instead, we allowed it to
spread at will. Whether or not we arc past a popula-
tion explosion, it is clear that the land use explosion
of "spread city' is currently in full blcom. In the
1970's and 1980's the baby-boom generation will marry,
have children, and set up house in the suburbs creat-
ing a tremendous demand for the conversion of rural
land to urban use."
-------
Exactly where this conversion of rural to urban land will
occur in the Providence region is part of the decision implicit
in the proposed project, i.e. should this conversion occur
in western Cranston or elsewhere. Figure 11-6, Cranston
and the Providence Urbanized Area, shows the relationship
between Cranston and the Providence Urbanized Area as defined
by the United States Geologic Survey in its 1: 250,000 map series.
Note that western Cranston lies quite close to the center of the
urbanized area and suggests that urbanization of western Cranston
would minimize urban sprawl and its associated costs.
A.WP TME. "P&7VIPEWCE,
38
-------
Figure 11-7, Surficial Geology in the Providence Urbanized Area,
in contrast, shows the patterns of urbanization and relative
soil developability for the same areas. Note that past urbanization
corresponded closely with easy to develop soils, that western
Cranston is mostly hard to develop soils, that there is an abun-
dance of easy to develop soils in other suburbs, as in Coventry and
North Kingston, and, finally, that there is a close correspondence
between the suburbs whose growth has accelerated most dramat-
ically in recent years, see Figure 11-5, and the large areas of
easy to develop soils. All these taken together suggest that with-
out overcoming Cranston's soils problems, i.e. installing public
sewers, urban growth in Rhode Island would tend to spread even
further out into more distant rural areas.
-------
2.223 As an Environmental Resource Use Issue
The principal resource-use issues that bear on the development
of western Cranston vs. other Rhode Island suburbs centers
on the preservation of productive and attractive farmlands.
Figure 11-8, Status of Agricultural Lands in the State of
Rhode Island, from the state's -Land Use Policies and Plan
indicates that western Cranston contains some of the best
agricultural land in the state and certainly the best near the
urbanized areas; and Figure 11-9, Cleared Lands, shows the
extent of lands either farmed or pastured, now or in the
M*ss*cHusrns
40
.^
\J -KvuNSTOfJ \^-'
-------
LUooded lands
Cleared Lands
E-q
SOURtt: U.S. GtOiflGlCAl
Cranston
x.
fairly recent past, in western Cranston as indicated on re-
cent U,S, Geological Survey maps. Whether these lands
should be preserved for agriculture is a complicated
issue and can be viewed in many ways including as infringe-
ment on private property beyond the business of the state,
as an irreplaceable productive resource, as a component
of the state's economic base, as an esthetic resource, etc.
The agricultural lands in question are privately owned
and the owners generally cannot be deprived of their
rights to develop, subject to the same limitations placed
on other lands, without compensation. In part, it can
be assumed, that some of this land has been kept in
agricultural use only for the purpose of generating cash
flow while the development market has been ripening.
The question of preserving the agricultural land as
a needed food production resource for that time in
the distant future in which the world's population will
be pressing sorely upon the world's productive capa-
city can be viewed from at least two viewpoints, i.e.,
the question of whether Rhode Island's total agricul-
tural land or output is meaningful when compared to
its food needs and the question of whether residential
development really precludes food production.
-------
On whether Rhode Island's agricultural lands or food
production is statistically meaningful, the U.S. Census
Bureau's County and City Data Book, 1972 indicates
that Rhode Island as a whole included only 1/15000th of the
nation's farmland and produced only 1/3000th of its total
retail food purchases. Looked at another way, Rhode
Island's retail food purchases were about $325 million
per year in the late 1960's while its annual commercial
agricultural output was only about $15 million. Adjusting
these figures for the spread between farm and retail
prices to allow for distribution costs, Rhode Island's
production amounted to only about 10% of its purchases.
On whether residential development will permanently
preclude food production it is important to note that the
large-scale agriculture of the American Mid-west is oriented
toward low-cost production in an economic {return on
investment) sense and not on highest yield per acre.
High yields usually are achieved by intensive care, a
condition that can exist in backyard gardens, or as they
used to be called, the"tofts of croft" agriculture.
v
Comparison of the value of Rhode Island's agriculture
with that of its other basic production industries, from
the County and City Data Book, 1972 shows commercial
agricultural output at about $15 million, mining output at
about $5 million and manufacturing output at about one billion
three hundred and fifty million, all per year in the late
1960's. Of these basic production industries, agriculture
in Rhode Island constituted only 1%. Adding the service
industries, i.e. trade, construction, finance, education,
repair, etc., to the total, agriculture would constitute less
than 1/2 of 1% of Rhode Island's total economy.
And finally while much of the farmland in western Cranston
is visually attractive, it must be noted that farmland, and
the specialized structures usually associated with it, is not
always attractive and that urban development, if properly
designed in an esthetic sense, with sufficient preserva-
tion of vegetation and open spaces, can be fully as attractive.
In the final analysis, beauty is in the eye, and in the
cultural heritage, of the beholder.
42
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2.221 As an Economics/Jobs/Industrial Development Issue
Key points to note with respect to economlcs/jobs/lndustrlal develop
ment issues are:
1. Rhode Island currently has, and has had for some time,
one of the worst unemployment problems in the nation and
In the developed world, with about 1 out of every 8 people in
the active labor force out of work and countless others either
working fewer hours than they would elect or not seeking work
because they have no hope of finding it. In all, about 50,000
people in the state are or have recently been out of work and
actively seeking jobs.
2. The potential annual increase in labor force of Rhode Island
(youths leaving school minus retirees) is now larger than
it ever was before as a result of the maturation of its own
youth, about 5,000 to 10,000 new potential job seekers
each year.
3 The environmental costs of the income foregone as a result
of unemployment are extensive including, as a result of:
a. increased crime and violence:
1) increasing flight of the middle-class from the
cities to the suburbs,
2) urban neglect and decay, and
3) increased commuting and consequent air pollution;
b. reduction of revenue to cities and states, in turn reducing:
1) capital expenditures for parks, recreation areas,
and isewage treatment plants, and
2) housekeeping functions such as street and park
maintenance, etc.
4 Cranston, particularly in the areas along its expressways, at
their interchanges, (given the city's excellent accessibility
and its public services, i.e. sewers, water, police and fire
protection, etc.) is one of the best locations in Rhode Island
for new industrial, commercial, and services growth with
such growth likely to result in minimum aggregate commuting
cost and minimum increase in public service costs.
5.
The industrially zoned areas of Cranston, developed with the
I,nd of industry typical of southern New England in recent
ylars could provide about 10.000 to 15,000 new jobs.
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2.3 SUMMARY & CONCLUSION
In sum, In answer to whether there should be growth in Rhode Island and
to whether some of it should be allowed to occur in Cranston, it appears that:
1. such growth is inevitable, i.e. the children born during the boom of
the 1950's and early 1960's will mature and take their places in adult
society,
2. the United States as a society accepts the responsibility of each genera-
tion to provide for its successors,
3. Rhode Island, in general, and Cranston, in particular, are more suitable
for urban growth than most of the rest of the United States,
4. the loss of farmland in Cranston is not likely to lead to a significant
loss of long-term productivity in any large sense,
5., urbanization of western Cranston can be viewed as the "least sprawl"
alternative of the feasible growth choices available, and
6. the economic benefits, direct and indirect, immediate and long-term,
that would be generated by the proposed growth supporting action,
are sorely needed by Cranston and the State of Rhode Island.
The answer ultimately lies in the question of alternatives, i.e. is there
a responsible alternative to urban growth, generally, and to urban
growth in Cranston, specifically?
44
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1 UWT«] QUAUTV
3.0 INTRODUCTION
The proposed action includes continued discharge of treated waste-
water into the Pawtuxet River at the site of the existing (and proposed)
wastewater treatment plant. Given:
1. that it will be necessary to expand Cranston's wastewater dis-
charges to serve the orderly and balanced growth of the community.
2. that the water quality of the river must be improved to meet
adopted water quality standards,
3. that the low flows of the river are relatively small compared to the
wastewater discharges, and
4. that there are substantial pollution discharges into the river over
and above those from the facilities directly related to this project,
the following questions arise:
1. will the proposed action violate presently proposed minimum
water quality standards.
2. will the proposed action tend to preclude any preferable longer-
term alternatives or tend to commit the river to less than optimum
quality in the long term?
The sections below describe the river system into which wastewaters
are to be discharged, the wastewaters, the proposed treatment process,
alternatives that have been considered, and the effects of the treated
wastewater discharge on the river.
45
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3.1 BACKGROUND
This section includes a description of the river environment into which
the wastewaters will be discharged, both present and future, and of the
wastewaters to be discharged, quantitatively and qualitatively, at the
present time and over the design life of the proposed plant.
3.11 THE PAWTUXET RIVER
The Pawtuxet River, the stream that receives the treated waste-
waters of the City of Cranston and most of its industries now, and
that is proposed to continue to receive them in the proposed pro-
ject, is a relatively small river in central Rhode Island, lying in
large part within the Providence Standard Metropolitan Statisti-
cal Area and including along its lower reaches a substantial por-
tion of the Providence urbanized area.
Figure 111-1 shows the extent of its watershed reaching from the
uplands along the Connecticut state line in the west, to the Provi-
dence River estuary, an arm of Narragansett Bay, on the east.
The City of Cranston lies along the lowest reach of the Pawtuxet
on its north side, the City of Warwick lies across the river to the
south, the City of Providence lies just outside the Pawtuxet water-
shed to the northeast.
-------
LEGEND
ffi MMM ol 100,000 «r
9r ovidinci ,
-------
Figure 111-2 shows the principal water bodies within the watershed
including:
1. the Scituate Reservoir system, the water source of the cities
of Providence, Cranston and Warwick, on the North Branch
of the Pawtuxet,
2. the North Branch itself,
3. the South Branch with a series of smaller industrial and
flow augmentation reservoirs, and
4. the "Main Stem" of the Pawtuxet.
Attention is called to the Pocasset River System in eastern Cranston,
the Meshanticut River in central and western Cranston, to Furnace
Hill Brook, the major tributary of the Meshanticut, and to the pro-
posed Big River Reservoir on the South Branch, an expansion of the
Scituate Reservoir system.
The overall area of the watershed is 232 square miles of which about
120 square miles is or will be intercepted by the Scituate Reservoir
system.
The flow of the river, measured just above the Cranston treatment
plant, has averaged 406 cubic feet per seond (cfs) or 262.5 million
gallons per day (MCD) with a record maximum of 3,110 cfs and a
record minimum of 22 cfs. The one-in-ten year seven-day low
flow, the minimum weekly flow that is likely to occur once in ten
years, the flow used in calculating compliance with water quality
standards, is 74.93 cfs or 48.4 MGD. Note that this low flow is
only 5 times Cranston's existing wastewater discharges (all out-
falls) and 2i times the project average annual design flow, both
relatively small supplies of effluent dilutant. (The reader's at-
tention is called to the fact that, in general, the more the flow in
the waste receiving stream, the more, or dirtier, effluent that may
be discharged without lowering stream quality below any set quality
limit).
-------
of ti&Hk, -piy. *f Water 7*Hirt\on
, if 75".
49
-------
The existing quality of water in the stream and the nearby bay
is shown in Figure 111-3, along with the location of the "point
source" polluters, i.e. municipal sewer and industrial discharges.
The key to the water quality condition is shown in Table 3-1 and
to the point sources in Table 3-2. The readers attention is called
specifically to the lowest reach of the river (to the right) which is
Class "E", a potentially malodorous, nuisance condition; to point
source discharge #171, the Ciba-Geigy Company; #13, the Cranston
municipal treatment plant, to #234, the Warwick municipal plant,
and to the Meshanticut and Furnace Hill Brooks (in central and
western Cranston) which are Class "B", suitable for bathing,
fishing, and, if treated, for water supply. Note also that the
portion of the Providence River estuary (to the right), into
IE -3
WATTE*. QUALITY C0NPIT10IU
of Health, VM+ien of Water tfeilution Control, I975-
50
-------
TABLE 111-1
KEY TO WATER QUALITY CLASSIFICATION
Class A Suitable for water supply,
Class B Suitable for bathing,
acceptable for public
water supply with
appropriate treatment.
Class C Suitable for fish habitat.
Class D Suitable for Industrial
processes and migration of
fish; good aesthetic value.
Class E Nuisance; unsuitable for
most uses.
Class SA
Class SB
Suitable for shellfish
harvest for direct human
consumption.
Suitable for bathing and
shellfish harvesting for
human consumption after
depuration.
Class SC Suitable for habitat.
Class SD Suitable for Industrial
cooling and migration of
fish; good aesthetic
value.
Class SE Nuisance, unsuitable for
most uses.
Wat«r Duality Cla»*e*
©
©
©••*
©
Pollution
Discharge
Number
13
132
153
168
171
213
228
234
315
331
414
493
525
TABLE HI-2
KEY TO POINT SOURCE DISCHARGES
Name
Cranston STP
American Hoechst Corporation
West Warwick STP
Brlarcllffe Nursing Home SrP
C1ba-Ge1gy Corporation
Leesona Corporation
Falvey Linen Supply
Warwick STP
Providence STP and combined sewer
overflows
Narragansett Village STP
United Wire & Supply Corporation
Narragansett Electric Co.
Hope Sanitary D1st. Sewer
which the Pawtuxet discharges, is Class "SC", a good recreational
fish and wildlife habitat (but not for bathing) despite the Pawtuxet
River discharge, an abrupt upward jump in class attributable
in part to the massive aeration of the river as it passes over
the Broad Street dam just above tidewater and in part to the
much larger volume of the estuarine waters. (The more
polluted condition further north in the estuary, the Class "SD" area,
reflects much larger pollutant loads discharged by the City of Provi-
dence's sewage treatment plant) .
-------
Figure 111-4 shows the water quality standards that have been adopted
by the State of Rhode Island for the future. The proposed project Is
required by law not to preclude attainment of these conditions. Note
that the Class "E" reach at the east end of the Pawtuxet is to be up-
graded to Class "D" and the Class "D" reach from the Warwick treat-
ment plant to the mouth of the Pocasset River is to be upgraded to
Class "C".
The objectively sensible results of these proposed changes would
include elimination of nuisance potential In Pawtuxet Village
and improvement of the river as an aquatic habitat. Abatement of
nuisance conditions generally can be considered desirable for the
public welfare, but. In this case, given that the entire neighbor-
hood around the mouth of the Pawtuxet River, Pawtuxet Village,
Is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, such abate-
ment cannot be precluded by any Federal action by law (Executive
Order 11593, see Chapter VII below).
The aquatic habitat changes called for would result In restoration of
anadromous fish, e.g. shad and herring, to the entire Pawtuxet
River System and connection of the Class "C" and better waters of
the Pocasset with similar waters of all the Pawtuxet system above
the Warwick treatment plant creating a condition that could lead to
the growth of "lunker" sport fish, e.g. big bass and pickerel. In
both rivers but particularly In the Pocasset.
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Water Duality
© • • •
Water Duality
®
®\\\
/,
DUALITY
\<,\&rvL P&frt. of H«alth, VM*i0n tf Water Pollution Control, 1075. 53
-------
Flood control on the river is provided as a by-product by Its many
dams but urban encroachment along the lower reaches including the
existing treatment plant has created economic justification for a
Corps of Engineers project for further control. Figure 111-5 shows
the actions that are currently being considered for such control.
Note particularly the "Natick Diversion" just upstream from the
Warwick treatment plant. This diversion would divert peak flows
out of the river directly to the bay, but would not alter low flows,
so necessary for effluent dilution, at all.
Other water quality related projects being considered for the river
include the section "208" planning program (Sec. 208 of the Water
Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972) which will analyze all
the water related problems of the Pawtuxet River in an intergrated,
basin-wide manner. Key elements of this program, as related to
the specific proposals herein, include evaluation of regionalization
of the wastewater facilities in the basin and analysis of basin-wide
non-point source pollution of the river including the effects of agri-
culture, sanitary land fills, on-slte sewage disposal, drainage from
street gutters, boating, etc. Chapter VI of this report does further
describe a part of this problem, I.e. drainage from street gutters In
the areas proposed to be sewered in western Cranston as part of this
project, including a discussion of the paucity of research that has
been done In these areas.
54.
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WARWICK
LOCAL PROTECTION
iORv/bgo.
LOCAL PROTECTION
StlKlia MHutrt of Major H&U*,!
miUa H* Wtltrill* tnf
FLOOD CONTROL CONSlD£U^T|OKIS
Ar-my C^r^ ^ grnfiiitff*»
55
-------
On ground water, it should be noted that while there Is a theoreti-
cally massive, local natural resource on the order of yield of 100
million gallons a day. It has been essentially cancelled out by total
urbanization of the aquifer's permeable surface. Figure 111-6 shows
the urbanized area superimposed on the surficial geology. The
areas of outwash Include all the principal aquifers of the locality,.
and, in all the areas downstream from the various parts of the
proposed project, these areas are all served by public (out-of-
locallty based) water supplies. Note further that there are no
known, significant bedrock aquifers In the vicinity of Cranston.
And finally, on public water supplies, it should be noted that the
Scituate Reservoir System of the Providence Water Supply Board
is both the principal withdrawer of the Pawtuxet River's waters
and the principal supplier of potable water in the eastern portions
of the river's watersheds. The Scituate Reservoir's safe yield Is
estimated to be 84 MGD, of which 12 MOD must be discharged to
maintain the river, leaving 72 MGD for public water supply purposes.
By 1974 actual usage had reached 66 MOD leaving a surplus of only
6 MGD, without assuming restrictions on lawn irrigation. The pro-
posed addition of the Big River Reservoir on the South Branch is
expected to increase the safe withdrawal by 26 MGD creating a total
surplus of 33 MGD, exactly 50% over existing demand (again without
assuming usage restrictions), an ample provision for the foreseeable
future.
-------
Art* of irrfifttiv*
ArtU of Till f
BE-
57
-------
3.12 WASTEWATER
Table III-3 shows the present annual average waterwater dis-
charges Into the Pawtuxet River from the City of Cranston, In-
cluding from the Clba-Ceigy Chemical Company and the State of
Rhode Island Institutions , and from the Warwick and West Warwick
municipal treatment plants. The data in the table shows the total
TABLE 1 11-3
EXISTING WASTEWATER
LOWER
PAWTUXET
DISCHARGES
RIVER
(Average of one sample per month for calendar year 1975)
(Weekdays)
Untreated
Cranston
C1ba Gelgy
R.I. Inst.
Sub-Total
Warwick
W. Warwick
Total
Source! R.I. Dept.
•Weighted averages
MOD
10.04
1.2S
1.13
12.42
.84
2.74
16.00
of Health,
BOOc
«ig/T
179
305
173
292*
340
168
273*
Division
BOD;
Ib/day
14988
13604
1630
30111
2382
3839
36443
reduction
X
98X
SOX
62X
72X*
85X
79S
73X*
Treated
BODc
mg/T
14
653
66
83*
51
35
73*
BODc
Ib/day
1172
6807
622
8601
357
800
9758
of Pollution Control.
•,
wastewater discharge from each source in millions of gallons per
day, the ^strength" of wastewater both before and after treatment in
terms of milligrams of BODs Per liter, the total BOD5 (the most
significant index of "pollution") and the percentage of BODs re~
moved by the various treatment facilities. (BOD = biological oxygen
demand - the weight of oxygen that could be absorbed from a water
body by biological decomposition of the organic compounds dissolved
or suspended in the water. BODs is the amount of oxygen that could
be absorbed in the first five days of decomposition at 20°C.) Usual
current standards for such discharges include 85% to 90% removal
of BODs with treated effluent discharges not to exceed 30 mg/l
58
-------
In any case. In the case of water quality limited streams, streams
with relatively low low flows when compared to their pollution
loads, as Is the case for the Pawtuxet, these standards would
be increased to meet the characteristics of the stream, in this
case assumed to require treatment to 15 mg/l of BOD5 as well
as including removal of inorganic chemicals (ammonia compounds)
that also combine with oxygen in water.
Inspection of the table suggests that the City of Cranston is in fact
doing an excellent job of treating its wastes, that Ciba-Geigy is
doing the least adequate job, and that the State of Rhode Island's
institutions are doing only slightly better. Further it appears that
improvement of the Ciba-Geigy discharge would be the single big-
gest improvement to the system as a whole followed by improvements
at the state institutions and West Warwick.
In the future, as Cranston's wastewater flows increase, as a result of
both industrial and residential growth, and allowing for some growth
of Ciba-Ceigy and the state Institutions, the total of Cransto.n's out-
put will increase substantially as shown in Table 111-4. Note that
wastewater output is expected to increase faster than population and
that BOD5 content is expected, to increase faster than wastewater
volumes. Both these effects reflect Cranston's continuous shift from
rural to suburban to urban land uses, in turn a reflection of the
spread of the Providence urbanized area.
TABLE IIt-4
EXPECTED FUTURE INCREASES IN WASTEWATER DISCHARGE
CRANSTON
(Weekdays)
Wastewater Flows: MGD BODs CONTENT: Ibs/day
1975 2000 Increase 1975 2000 Increase
MGD * BODs %
Cranston 10.04 20.1 10.06 100 15,000 38,200 23,200 155
C1ba Gelgy 1.25 1.8 .55 44 13.600 20,000 6,400 47
R.I. Inst. 1.13 1.1 - - 1.630 1,840 210 13
12.42 23.0 10.61 85 30,230 60,040 29,810 97
Source; Universal Engineering Corporation.
-------
3.2 PROPOSED ACTION FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL
3.21 THE PROPOSED ACTION
To abate existing excesswafte discharges Into the Pawtuxet River,
to provide for anticipated Increases In waste flows likely to be
generated in Cranston, and to provide for near future orderly
and balanced growth of the City of Cranston, residentially and
industrially, all without creating undue constraints for future
improvements of water quality in the Pawtuxet or for additional
future growth of the City of Cranston or for Incorporation Into a
regional wastewater system, it is proposed to:
1. discharge the now inadequately treated wastes of the Ciba-
Celgy Chemical Company and the State of Rhode Island's
institutions into the municipal wastewater treatment and dis-
posal system and
2. enlarge and Improve the existing municipal wastewater
treatment plant to adequately treat the resulting increased
waste flows.
The specific treatment process proposed for the enlargements and
improvement, two-stage biological nitrification, was selected because
it will:
1. over the design life implicit in the plant capacity, about twenty
years, permit very effective removal of oxygen demand from
the wastewater flows so that direct discharge of those flows
into the Pawtuxet River will not violate its proposed water
quality classification,
2. beyond its design life, if and when future flows exceed the
capacity for which it will provide adequate oxygen demand
removal for direct discharge into the Pawtuxet, permit the
plant to be economically converted into a much higher capacity
plant (say 40 MOD) producing an effluent adequate for dis-
charge into a larger, less limited receiving water body such
as the Providence River estuary or Block Island Sound rather
than into the Pawtuxet, and
3. provide the most economical method for achieving the pro-
posed effluent quality.
GO
-------
t
The location and extend of the proposed actions are shown in
Figures 1-3 and 1-4. Figures III-7 and 111-8 show the proposed
treatment process both for its design life and for its future possible
conversion to a larger, secondary plant for out-of-basin discharge.
3.4lidS_.
Fi'gune JI-7
JCHftMAT.C
ff)g«TVIeMT l^aCE
Pijurf HI- *
SCHEMATIC
SflSIM
a\
-------
3.22 ALTERNATIVES
Alternative waste disposal strategies considered and discarded
included:
1. improvement of wastewater treatment at the Ciba-Geigy
Chemical Company
2. adding a second municipal treatment plant in western
Cranston to provide for future user increases In that area
3. limiting treatment at the enlarged municipal plant to second-
ary treatment only and discharge of the effluent, by gravity
pipeline, to the Providence River estuary
4. limiting treatment to secondary and using the effluent for
irrigation in western Cranston, and
5. injecting treated influent into the underlying geologic structure
Alternative treatment processes for the readying of effluent for dis-
discharge to the Pawtuxet River included:
1. single stage biological nitrification
2. alternative methods of two stage biological nitrification,
the proposed process
3. physical-chemical treatment, and
1. biological-physical treatment.
Ail would achieve similar effluent quality and some would be slightly
less costly than the proposed process, but they were discarded be-
cause they are not believed to be as consistently reliable as the pro-
posed process and because they do not offer the future expansion
flexibility.
62
-------
Of the alternative strategies, the reasons for discard included:
1. for improvement of treatment at Ciba-Ceigy:
a. lack of land for expansion in the surrounding, con-
gested neighborhood;
b. persistent odor nuisance in the surrounding neighbor-
hood as a result of the treatment processes used for
the concentrated industrial wastes, and
c. probable inability to achieve the same degree of BOD5
removal from the concentrated industrial waste.
2. for a separate treatment plant for western Cranston:
a. duplication of personnel
b. inadequate receiving waters
c. probable inability to achieve the same consistent
degree of treatment as would be likely at a single larger
plant
3. for secondary treatment and effluent discharge to the Providence
River estuary:
a. excessive costs
b. environmental disruption all along the proposed pipe-
line
4. for irrigation use of the effluent:
a. very limited agriculture in Rhode Island
b. limited prospect that the existing agriculture will
survive for the design life of the project
5. for deep-well injection of the effluent:
unsuitable bedrock geology
a.
-------
3.3 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
The proposed actions are expected to have a variety of effects on the
environment Including, but not necessarily limited to, those on water
quality, on flood storage, on air quality, on neighborhood liveability,
on growth of the city, on cltywide environmental resources, and on the
city's long term fiscal well-being. The sections below describe the pro-
ject's impacts on the water quality of the Pawtuxet River both long term
and short term.
The impacts on air quality and on the adjoining floodplain as a result of
proposed solid waste disposal are described in Chapter IV; the impacts
on the surrounding neighborhood's liveability. I.e. noise and odor are
described in Chapter V; the general environmental impacts of urban growth
are described in Chapter VI; impacts on specific valuable natural and
cultural resources that would be threstened by additional urban growth are
described In Chapter VII; and the long-term impacts on the municipal
fiscal position are described In Chapter VIII.
3.31 WATER QUALITY IMPACTS
The sections below describe the impacts of the proposed project
on the water quality of the Pawtuxet River including:
1. long-term dissolved oxygen levels, the most general indi-
cator of water quality,
2. long-term quality Impacts other than oxygen levels, and
3. short-term construction effects
3.311 Long Term Water Quality Impacts - Oxygen Levels
Analysis of dissolved oxygen levels in the Pawtuxet River
was made by the Rhode Island Dept. of Health, Division of Pol-
lution Control, in the summer of 1976. using a computer
model developed by the Raytheon Company for EPA. This
model relates effluent discharges, water reaeration rates,
initial river dissolved oxygen concentrations, biological
oxygen demand concentration and rates of oxidation of that
demand, ammonia concentrations and rates of oxidation of
that ammonia, temperature, flow of the river, etc. to dis-
solved oxygen likely to obtain all along the river, assuming
that non-point source pollution remains constant.
-------
The results of this analysis indicated that:
1. if the proposed action is completed in Cranston and
if both the Warwick and West Warwick treatment plants
are Improved to discharge not over 30 milligrams of
BODs per liter at their current discharge rates of
1.0 and 2.8 MOD respectively, then the dissolved
oxygen in the river would meet the proposed water
quality classifications, i.e. no less than Class D
( and possibly Class C) in its lower reaches, and
2. if the proposed action is completed in Cranston and
if both Warwick and West Warwick treatment plants
are improved to discharge not over 15 milligrams of
BODs arid the equivalent 3 milligrams of ammonia
oxygen demand per liter at future discharge rates of
5.0 and 7.5 MGD respectively, then the dissolved
oxygen in the river would also meet the proposed
classifications, i.e. Class D.
3.312 Long Term Water Quality Impacts - Other Parameters
Beyond protecting the public health and abating nuisance
conditions, the objectives of water quality standards es-
tablished for the Pawtuxet River include creation of
suitable habitat for migratory fish in its lowest reaches.
The proposed action is expected to generate chlorine con-
centrations substantially in excess of those that would permit
such fish to survive. The maximum chlorine residual toler-
able by fish is about 0.01 milligrams per liter for most
fish expected in the river (and 0.003 for salmonid fish).
Table 111-5 shows the chlorine residuals expected for the
river at low flow. Note that for the effluent design
at low river flows, the chlorine residual will be 85 times
greater than the toleration level (for non-salmonid fish) and
that,at average river flows, the exceedance will still be over
15 times greater than the toleration level.
3.313 Short Term Construction Impacts
During construction, it is expected that excavation and grad-
ing will create a potential for severe erosion of soil particles
into the river. This impact is only a small part of a much
larger construction impact that could result from the contin-
uing growth of the city. This larger problem and methods
recommended for its mitigation are discussed in Chapter VI.
65
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TABLE I I 1-5
TOTAL RESIDUAL CHLORINE (TRCl CONCENTRATION
SITUATION
Existing
Dechlorlnatlon
Cranston Only
WEST WARWICK
2.74
2.0
2.74
2.0
Dechlorlnatlon 2.74
Cranston, Warwick, 0.0
West Warwick
Design Flow
Dechlorlnatlon
Cranston Only
5
2.0
5
2.0
Dechlorlnatlon 5
Cranston, Warwick, 0.0
West Warwick
*Due to sources
ASSUMPTIONS: '
_«««M««^M^— ^» ,
,
upstream of the Main
WARWICK
DISCHARSJ-
0.8S
2.0
0.85
2.0
0.85
0.0
5
2.0
5
2.0
• 5
0.0
Stem.
) Discharge TRC concentration maintained
:'\ Complete mixing of discharge and river
i) TRC does not decrease with time.
.) Cranston gage low flow value Includes
CRANSTON 6A6E
(LOW FLOW)
48.4
0.148
48.4
0.148
48.4
Trace*
54.81
0.365
54.81
0.365
54.81
Trace*
CRANSTON
D(SCHAR6
12
2.0
12
0.0
12
0.0
23
2.0
23
0.0
23
0.0
at 2 mg/1.
at calculated end result.
existing flows from Warwick and
END RESULT
[ (CALCULATED)
60.4 Flow (MGD)
0.52 TRC (Kg/1)
60.4 Flow
0.119 TRC
60.4 Flow
Trace* TRC
77.81 Flew
0.85 TRC
77.81 Flow
0.257 TRC
77.81 Flow
Trace* TRC
West Warwick.
Source; CE Magulre, Inc.
3.4 MITIGATION OF IMPACTS
The only expected adverse impact on river water quality resulting from
the proposed action, not included elsewhere in this statement, is increase
in chlorine concentration in the river. This chlorine, added to disinfect
the effluent, will make the river unsuitable for restoration of both anadro-
mous and sedentary fisheries, a significant part of the purpose of the
existing water quality goals, and should be removed or eliminated.
Two basic strategies for accomplishing this are evident:
1. substitution of non-chlorine using disinfection techniques, or
2. removal of residual chlorine after disinfection.
Specific methods for these include:
66
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Alternatives to Chlorination:
(1) Ozone: used for sixty years to treat water supplies in
Europe and Canada. Its application to wastewater is
limited to pilot plants. Ozone is produced by applying
an electrical discharge across oxygen or air. Research
is still required to find a parameter for controlling the ozone dosage.
(2) Ultra Violet Irradiation: requires a high quality effluent
so that the energy dose can reach the organisms. Low pressure
mercury lamps emit most of their energy at the proper wave-length
for a good bactericidal effect.
\
(3) Bromine Chloride: similar to chlorine in its germicidal
qualities. An advantage is that bromamines are far superior
to chloramines in bactericidal and virucidal activity yet are
less stable in water. Existing chlorination facilities would
require only minor modifications to convert from chlorine to
bromine chloride.
Dechlorination Alternatives:
(1) Sulfur Dioxide: available commercially as liquified gas
and applied to the chlorinated effluent with equipment very
similar to that used for chlorination. Because the reaction
of sulfur dioxide with both free and combined chlorine is
almost instantaneous,only rapid and complete mixing is
required rather than contact chambers. Research indi-
cates that sulfur dioxide dechlorinated effluents have no
adverse effects on fish. However, carelessness of appli-
cation could cause an overdose of sulfur dioxide and a sub-
sequent decrease in dissolved oxygen. Therefore, reaeration
is sometimes required to increase the dissolved oxygen con-
tent of the dechlorinated effluent.
(2) Activated Carbon: can be used for dechlorination. The
technique is a physical process of adsorption although there
are some chemical reactions between the carbon and residual
chlorine producing carbon monoxide and dioxide. The opera-
tion of a carbon column does not require the safety precautions
required with chlorine or sulfur dioxide use. However, de-
chlorination with activated carbon is the most costly of the
alternatives.
And finally, it should be noted that mitigation measures for the reduction of
residual chlorine from Cranston must also be applied to the discharges from
Warwick and West Warwick treatment plants as well to be effective.
67
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Clwptir IV TH6 IM1WTS OF
4.0 INTRODUCTION
Any wastewater treatment plant will generate large volumes of solid
wastes, ultimately the pollutants removed from the wastewaters, which
solid wastes in turn have ultimately to be put «omewhere. The solid
wastes from this proposed wastewater treatment plant will primarily be
in the form of sludge which is proposed to be incinerated both to reduce
its volume and to kill all pathogens, and the resulting ash is to be
buried in a sanitary landfill adjacent to the treatment plant.
The questions implicit in this proposed action, given that the surround-
ing Providence Air Quality Maintenance Area appears not to meet air quality
standards and that incineration will unavoidably increase air pollution
emissions, include:
1. will incineration preclude improvement air quality ?
2. are there better alternatives to incineration? and
3. will the proposed action tend to preclude more desirable, alterna-
tive disposal methods that might be developed in the foreseeable
future?
The sections below include a description of the materials to be discharged,
the air environment into which incinerator emissions are proposed to be
discharged, the areas in which residual solids are to be stored, the
proposed methods of solid waste disposal, alternatives that have been con-
sidered and reasons for selecting the proposed disposal methods, the
probable environmental effects of the proposed method, and finally a strategy
for mitigating the unavoidable adverse effects.
-------
4.1 BACKGROUND
This section includes a description of the solid wastes to be disposed of,
quantitively and qualitatively; the existing and future air environment
Into which Incinerator emissions are to be discharged, and the areas In
which residual solids are temporarily or ultimately to be stockpiled both
adjacent to the treatment plant and elsewhere in the vicinity.
4.11 SOLID WASTES
The solid wastes to be disposed of at the treatment plant will con-
sist in part of raw solid materials separated from the incoming waste-
water flows and in part of microorganisms grown within the treatment
process to absorb suspended and dissolved chemicals from the waste-
waters. The proposed enlarged and more effective plant is expected
to generate larger amounts of both types of solids than are generated
in the existing, in part because of the increased wastewater flows to
the plant, in part because of the higher concentration of pollutants
within the wastewater, and in part because of the higher degree
of pollutant removal. Overall the solids are expected to increase
from 470,000 cubic feet per year (1974-75) to 1,521,000 cubic
feet per year at peak plant capacity, with the bulk of increase to
consist of the secondary microorganisms grown in the plant pro-
cesses .
Table IV-1 shows the overall amounts and composition of the solid
wastes, existing and future. The screenings include primarily
cloth fragments, branches and other course materials that are
mechanically screened out of the wastewaters; the grit in sand,
foodwastes such as eggshell, bone, coffee, etc. and other dense
substances that can be quickly settled «ut of the wastewater; the
grease includes fats, oils and other floatable materials that can be
easily skimmed off the wastewaters, with the "sludge" including
everything else.
At the existing plant the sludge includes primary sludge, the particles
in the wastewaters which can be settled out in one to two hours,
and secondary sludge, microorganisms grown in the plant's aeration
tanks to decompose and absorb the organic materials in solution or
In suspension. Both are then processed through digestion tanks to
further decompose the solids (about 50%), to reduce odor, and to
kill the bulk of the pathogens, about 97%, with the resulting di-
gested material dewateredon a vacuum filter- Chemical analysis
of this dewatered digested sludge, still 84% water, indicates, as
shown in Table IV-2, that, after complete drying, the sludge con-
tains about 58% of its dry weights as combustible materials, mostly
organics with some ammonia compounds and about 41% incombustible
ash.
70
-------
TABLE IV - 1
-_ _-_-_--_
Cranston Mastewatcr treatment Hant
Existing and Proposed
(cubic feet per year)
COMPONENT
Screenings
Grit
Grease
Sludge
Total
Ash
PRESENT
2,200
4,400
42.000 (Skimmings]
422,000 (2)
470.600
0
FUTURE
32.000 (1)
11,000
28.000 (Concentrated)
1.450,000 (3)
1,521,000
118,000
(1) Due to smaller (1") screen size of new bar-screen resulting In greater
screenings capture
(2) Avg. moisture content - 84.35!
(3) Avg. moisture content * 65.OX
Source: Universal Engineering Corporation
TABLE IV - 2
Analysis of Existing Sludge
Cranston wastewater iroatment nant
Constituent
I. Combustibility Analysis (% by wt. of dried sludge):
Ash 41.47
Combustible Solids 58.53
Calorific Value, BTU/lb 6,566
II. Elemental Analysis of Combustibles (X by wt. of
total dried sludge):
Carbon 35.2
Hydrogen 5.9
Nitrogen 4.03
Sulfur 0.76
Oxygen, by difference 12.64
III. Heavy Metals Analysis (mg/kg of dried sludge):
Mercury 0.1158
Lead 197.642
Z1nc 202.358
Cadmium 9.9875
Copper 1050.6R6
Nickel 446.206
Arsenic 2.C83
Chromium 90.822
Manganese 303.458
*Source: New York Testing Laboratories, Inc.
71
-------
Metals in the sludge that might, in sufficient concentration pose a
hazard to health or environmental quality, are also shown in the
table as milligrams per kilogram of dried sludge or parts per mil-
lion. The concentrations found In the existing Cranston sludge are
consistent with that of other similar areas and do not of themselves
appear to pose any special environmental hazards if so placed as
to not have ready, concentrated entry to the food or water supply
chain.
Current disposal practice for this digested sludge consists of stock-
piling in the lowlands adjacent to the treatment plant with removal of
a corresponding volume of soils to maintain the floodplain volume.
With the passage of time however, this stockpile shrinks considerably
(75%) in weight and volume as its moisture content gradually evaporates.
At the proposed plant the sludge will include the same kind of primary
and secondary sludges plus a tertiary sludge derived from micro-
organisms grown in the plant's aeration tanks to decompose and ab-
sorb the ammonia compounds dissolved in the wastewaters. Unlike
the present process, these materials will not be digested but will
be pressure filtered to reduce their water content to about 65% and
the resultant mass will be burned, autogenously, in an incinerator
to reduce its volume and to kill all the pathogens. The proposed
incineration process and its environmental impacts are described
below in section 4.2 and 4.3. The composition of the raw sludge
expected to be generated by the proposed treatment plant is de-
scribed in the next paragraph in this section, the expected air
emissions are described in Section 4.12 below and the residual
ashes are described in Section 4.14.
Table IV-3 shows the chemical composition of sludge from a pilot
plant for the proposed wastewater treatment process. Comparison
with the existing sludge analysis shows the much smaller percentage
of mineral materials, ash and metals, and a higher percentage of
oxygen, differences that can be attributed to the lack of digestion,
to the addition of Ciba-Ceigy's wastes to the city sewage and to the
higher percentage of secondary sludge components.
-------
TABLE IV - 3
Analysis of Sludge From Pilot Plant for
Proposed Cranston Hastcwater Treatment riant
Constituent
I. Combustibility Analysis (X by wt. of dried sludge):
Ash
Combustible Solids
CaloHfle Content (BTU/lb)
Quantity
21.31
78.69
7942.
II. Elemental Analysis of Combustibles (% by wt. of total
dried sludge):
Carbon 43.2
Hydrogen 6.5
Nitrogen 4.43
Sulfur 0.75
Oxygen by D1ff. . 23.81
III. Heavy Metals (mg/kg of dried sludge):
Mercury
Lead
Zinc
Cadmlurn
Copper
Nickel
Arsenlc
Chromium
Manganese
0.0755
194.278
177.990
3.0754
412.537
131.048
2.4^8
121.450
97.943
IV. Pesticides (mg/kg of dried sludge):
alpha BHC
beta BHC
Total BHC
Undane
Heptachlor
Aldrln
Heptachlor Epoxide
P, P' DDE
Dleldrin
Endrln
0. P1 TOE
P, P1 TOE
0, P' DDT
P, P1 ODD
Total DDT
PCB's
*Not Detected
Source: New York Testing Laboratories, Inc.
0.062
*
*
0.080
*
8.471
73
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4.12 EXPECTED AlR EMISSIONS
Incineration of the proposed treatment plant's solid wastes are ex-
pected to generate large volumes of carbon dioxide and water vapor,
relatively small amounts of sulphur dioxide, (S02) and suspended
particlates (TSP) and only traces of mercury vapor. The carbon
dioxide and water vapor are not considered to be atmospheric pol-
lutants except in a global climatoligical sense, and they would be
the ultimate end product of the solid wastes proposed to be incin-
erated anyway, no matter how disposed of. The sulphur dioxide,
particulates and mercury vapor in contrast are significant air pol-
lutants, even in small amounts.
At maximum capacity it is expected that the proposed incinerator will
produce the emission rates listed in Table IV-4.
TABLE 1V-4
EXPECTED AIR EMISSION RATES
Sulfur dioxide (S02)
Particulates (TSP) (Maximum)
Mercury Vapor
Lead
Other emissions
Source: CE Magulre, Inc.
6.89 gin/sec.
0.29 gin/sec.
0.000053 gm/sec.
0.0089611 gm/sec.
Negligible
Note that these are "worst case" emission rates, and they assume
that all the sulfur and mercury and 10% of the lead in the sludge will
be emitted into the air. The complex organics in the sludge,
the pesticides and the polychlorinated biphenol's(PCB's), are
expected to be almost totally destroyed within the incinerator
or intercepted by the stack scrubbers and so not to be emitted
into the air.
Note also that the particulate emission rate is the minimum perform-
ance standard required by EPA regulation based on the dry weight
of the materials to be incinerated and that the incinerator will not
be accepted from Its vendor unless it meets this performance stand-
ard.
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4.13 AIR EMISSIONS REGULATIONS
Emissions of pollutants Into the atmosphere are regulated by a veri-
table plethora of standards including emission rate limitations from
specific new sources for some pollutants, maximum ambient air con-
centrations that are allowable for various periods of time at various
frequencies calculated by various methods for various pollutants,
and maximum increments to ambient air concentrations that are al-
lowable for various conditions for various pollutants. Table IV-5
shows the applicable standards.
TABLi: IV-5
APPLICABLE AIR EMISSIONS LIMITATIONS
Sulfur Dioxide
1. New source emission rates
2. Maximum ambient air pollutant
concentration
annual average, primary3.
annual average, secondary*
2nd worst day/yr., primary
2nd worst day/yr., secondary
2nd worst 3 hr./yr., 1
secondary
3. Maximum degradation in ambient air quality
(Increase in pollutant concentration) 5
annual average 15ug/m3-
BOug/m3-
365Ug/m3-
Particulates Mercury
.295g/sec.l .0266g/sec.?
75ua/m35
2nd worst day/hr.
2nd worst 3 hr./yr.
100ug/m3-
700ug/m3?
260ug/m3-
150ug/m3-
10ug/m3§
30ug/m3-
1 @ 1.3 pounds/ton of dry solid waste.
Z equal to 2,300 g/day.
2 primary: standard set to protect the public health.
4 secondary: standard set to otherwise protect the public welfare.
5 arithmetic mean.
6 geometric mean.
Z maximum
g/sec, • grains per second.
ug/m3 * micrograms per cubic meter.
T5
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4.14 AIR ENVIRON ME NT
To determine whether the proposed air emissions will exceed the
standards for maximum increments in ambient pollutant concentra-
tions it is necessary to calculate the probable dispersion of air pol-
lutant emissions into the.surrounding atmosphere, and for similar
determination for maximum total ambient pollutant concentration it
is further necessary to add the anticipated increments to the exist-
ing conditions. The probable dispersion of pollutant emissions is
a function of the surrounding meteorology , topography, and of the
incinerator stack parameters, while the existing conditions,
the product of the interaction of the totality of the surrounding
region's natural and economic environments, can only be approximated
by statistical analysis of very limited field sampling. The sections
below describe the meteorology and topography of the surrounding
region, the resulting patterns of dispersion of pollutants in
the air, and the available data on ambipnt air quality, existing
and future.
4.141 Meteorology and Topography
Cranston lies within one of the windiest regions of the United
States, with calms of less than 1.5 meters per second (3.4 mph)
occurring less than 4% of the time and with the most commonly
occurring wind speed class centering on 4.47 meters per sec-
ond (10.1 mph) . Figure 11-2 shows how the region compares
with the windiness for the rest of the contiguous United States.
In general these winds prevail from the west with northwest
winds typical of the winter, with southwest typical of the summer
with the summer winds added to by strong southerly sea breezes
in fair weather, and with northeasterly winds common in storms
throughout the year. Figure IV-1, the wind rose for Provi-
dence used in air pollutant dispersion calculations in this sec-
tion is based on the period 1964 to 1973.
The topography of the region is quite limited with the high-
est hills not over 500 feet above sea level and with no pro-
minences at all in the vicinity of the proposed incinerator or
between the incinerator and the bulk of the urban area.
7G
-------
NNW
NNE
WNW
ENE
wsw
sw
IV- 1 T0906
-------
4.142 Dispersion of Pollutants
Short time period ground level concentrations of sulfur
dioxide and partlculates were calculated by C.E. Maguire,
Inc. from the meter eo log I cat parameters, i.e. wind speed
and direction, atmospheric mixing height and ambient air
temperature and from proposed incinerator stack parameters,
i.e. height and diameter, gas exit speed and temperature,
and other factors, using proposed peak emission rates and the
PTMAX model (developed by EPA). Those concentrations
are the maximum levels likely to occur at the worst meteorolo-
gical conditions as a result of the proposed action. The re-
sults of the calculations are shown in Figures IV-2 through
IV-4. Note the rapid decrease in concentrations as the dis-
tances from the incinerators increase and note that the symmetry
of the pattern reflects the flatness of the terrain.
WARWICK
J5J—««» «• «••>
A- ««1 aiMUTV HKITM
^ ' 1 — 1 1
-------
TABLE IV-6
ANTICIPATED MAXIMUM DEGRADATION IN AMBIENT
AQNA
Receptor
3
S
22
23
24
25
26
V
29
0 = Less thin 0.
1 maximum
2 maximum
IN AND NEAR CRANSTON
ANNUAL AVERAGE INCREASES
MICROGRAMS PER CUBIC METER
No. Location TSpl
56 Eddy Street 0.
46 Eddy Street 0.
Cranston Police 0.
Cranston Hospital 0.
State Office Building 0.
Westminster Street 0.
Dyer Street 0.
Providence Police 0.
National Weather Service 0.
Warwick
S
allowable = 10 mlcrograms per cubic
allowable •= 15 micrograns per cubic
AIR QUALITY
S022
1.
1.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
meter.
meter
Source: CE Magulre. Inc.
MONIT^
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4.143 Ambient Air Quality
Figures IV-5 through IV-8, reproduced from "Technical Sup-
port to the State of Rhode Island <^n Development of Air Quality
Maintenance Plan" by Welden Research Division of Abcor, Inc.
for EPA. published September, 1975, (hereinafter called the
Walden Report), show the ambient:
1974 annual average SOj concentrations for Rhode Island
1974 annual average TSP concentrations for Rhode Island
1985 annual average SO2 concentrations for Rhode Island
1985 annual average TSP concentrations for Rhode Island
The 1985 TSP levels are based on the assumption that all gaso-
line will be unleaded by that time while the 1985 sulfur dioxide
levels shown assume that power stations will be allowed to use
fuels contining 2.2% sulfur rather than the 1.0% sulfur fuels
used in 1974. a most probable condition for TSP and a worst
assumption for S02-
80
-------
In addition, probable frequencies of 24 hour SOj and TSP
concentrations were calculated for two of the monitoring sta-
tions, the Cranston Police Station and the Cranston Hospital,
using the limited available data. Table IV-7 shows the key
ambient air parameters using two different statistical tech-
niques currently used in calculation of such parameters.
Note that by one of the techniques it could be said that the
air quality at the police station is in probable violation of
one of the standards, i.e. 2nd highest day, TSP.
Note also that the difference between results of the two methods
is greater than the purported amount of violation and that all
of these highs and 2nd highs are extrapolations, extensions of
mathematical curves beyond actual measurements, i.e. no
such violations have actually been measured.
TABLE IV-7
ANTICIPATED MAXIMUM AMBIENT AIR POLLUTANT CONCENTRATION
AT SELECTED! RECEPTORS IN CRANSTON
HICROT.RAHS PER CUBIC METER
1. Cranston Police Station 2. Cranston Hospital
Pollutant Applicable Maximum Anticipated Existing 1975 Anticipated Max? Existing 1975 Anticipated Max?
Parameter Allowable Increase A B A B ABA
TSP Annual average 602 0.0 52 52 52 52 45 45 45
2nd worst day/yr. 150? 3.1 137 163 140 166 102 124 105
$02 Annual average 80 1.0 14 17 15 18 30 36 31
2nd worst day/yr. 365 71.4 82 74 154 145 142 182 214
2nd worst 3 hr/yr.1300? 239.7 MA NA NA NA NA NA NA
NA Data not available.
1 Closest air quality monitoring stations to proposed Incinerator.
2 Assuming no Improvement In ambient air quality through the air quality maintenance plan.
3 Non-health related.
A Larson Analysis
B Least Squares Method
Source; CE Magulre, Inc.
B
45
127
37
253
NA
81
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Figure IV-5 shows assumed 1974 annual average TSP. Note
that the proposed incinerator is outside the zone of standards
violation, the striped zone.
Figure IV-6 shows what is expected to happen by 1985 to
this average annual TSP if all gasoline is unleaded. Note
that this action alone will result in lower TSP levels even with
larger populations, eliminating the area of violation.
,iVB'»*m (
i «,"> /"- ;V
1 MKWO"** ' L -- "
i «.«'« V , , u
, ,Mti, , umi
TSP CONCENTRATION
«VPJfl3S
-------
IQu 20""IU1T '30
PijufCIV-7
!0i CONCEHTHAT10NS
Mimet: uuuatN U9*a«CM
Figure IV-7 shows assumed 1974 annual average SO2 concen-
tration distribution. Note that there is no area of standards
violation.
Figure IV-8 shows what would happen by 1985 to this annual
average if major fuel users were allowed to use 2.2% sulfur
fuel. Note that the zone that would violate S02 standards is
well away from the proposed incinerator.
83
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4.15 RESIDUAL SOLIDS
At the design capacity of the plant, the solid residuals remaining
after incineration of the sludge, screenings, grit, etc. are expected
to amount to about 5300 tons or 4400 cubic yards per year. This
residual will be composed principally of ash containing some nitrate,
phosphates and other mineral materials. The ash will be biologically
inert but will contain some toxic chemicals. Physically it will be
finely divided material with sufficient moisture added to it to control
dust and wind erosion.
In addition to this annual increment, physical expansion of the treat-
ment plant will require excavation of about 15,000 cubic yards of
old (at least 10 years), digested sludge which was deposited years
ago in the areas into which the plant expansion is proposed. Biologi-
cal pathogens are unlikely to be present within this material but,
like the ash that will constitute the balance of the solid waste resi-
duum toxic chemicals may have persisted within the sludge mass
protected from leaching and weathering.
4.16 ADJACENT DISPOSAL SITE
Ultimate disposal of solid waste residuals from the Cranston waste-
water treatment plant has always been, in now, and is proposed
to be in the floodplain just north of the plant. (In the past and
at the present time this residual has been in the form of biological-
ly digested sludge while in the future it is to be incinerator ash).
Figure IV-9 is a map of the floodplain showing the existing use of
the area with Figure IV-10 showing the area proposed to be developed
for expansion of the plant itself.
-------
Industrial -Arta
Cranston Utosfciuater
Tfafacnt "Plant
lV-9 LOWLflNOS OOJflCBNT TO
CMNITM
/
Industrial -Area
'"""' n?C^'*i^:"~j.. / f /~~^-s-~\
/>
-------
4.17 ALTERNATIVE DISPOSAL SITES
There are a large number of potential alternative solid waste dis-
posal sites within reasonable proximity of the Cranston waste-
water treatment plant since the plant lies next to one of the major
highway intersections of the State of Rhode Island. Figure IV-11
shows the location of these alternative sites and the type of disposal
considered for them.
Two of the sites, the two golf courses, were considered only for
surface application of the sludge as a soil conditioner and/or
fertilizer; two of the sites, the Briggs Farm recreation area
and the grounds of the state institution were considered both for
such surface application and for sanitary landfill type disposal
of sludge or ash; and the other three, two commercial sanitary
landfills and a partially worked out quarry, were considered for
burial of sludge or ash.
A1/PIM6 COUHTilVeu»,L«WD f.!»!»UCHTlON
CfJflNSTON "
SITES
LOCATION OIIT-M 1TES9ECT
TO 7JOfl3S 4 LPfO USE-
86
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4.2 PROPOSED ACTION FOR SOLID WASTE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL
4.21 THE PROPOSED ACTION
Proposed residual solids disposal actions include steps to dispose
of both the large volumes of fresh sludge that will be generated
steadily by the enlarged treatment plant and the old sludge that
will have to be removed for construction of the new additions to
the plant.
To dispose of the large volume of fresh solid wastes to be steadily
generated by the proposed enlargment of the treatment plant,
it is proposed to incinerate the solids and dispose of the residual
ash in specially designed cells on the floodplain just north of
the treatment plant. Facilities for the incineration are to be
provided by reconstruction of the existing incinerator to meet
current clean-air standards and by construction of a new incinerator
to provide needed additional capacity.
The special cells for the ash will be similar to those currently
used for general domestic solid waste, except that they will
be lined and drained back into the treatment plant to prevent
ground water contamination and surrounded by dikes to protect
them from flooding. In addition, it is proposed to surround
the cells with monitor wells so that contamination of the ground
water can be detected if it should occur despite the proposed
precautions.
The old excavated sludge that will have to be removed for con-
struction of the new additions tothe treatment plant will similarly
be disposed of in the on-site cells except that it will not be incin-
erated and it will be similarly monitored for ground water effect.
&7
-------
4.22 ALTERNATIVES
Alternative solid waste disposal strategies other than incineration
considered and discarded included:
1. continuation of the present practice of biological digestion
and on-site stockpiling on the floodplain.
2. biological digestion of sludge, dewatering and off-site land
application with landfill of screenings and grit.
3. thermal conditioning, and off-site landfill of sludge, screen-
ings, grit and grease.
Alternative solid waste disposal strategies, that include incineration,
considered and discarded included:
1. incineration of all solids with off-site disposal of ash.
All the alternatives were discarded because they were expected
to be excessively costly, or could not be fully explored either
for total program cost or total environmental effect or both,
within the time allowable under Ciba-Geigy Chemical Company's
court ordered clean-up schedule.
Specific reasons for discard of the alternatives included:
1. for continued digestion and stockpiling on the floodplain:
a. expected sharp increase in sludge generation rate when
the Ciba-Geigy wastes are added to the municipal plant
b. limited knowledge of the environmental effects of the
existing stockpiling practice and inadequate time for
research
c. increasing value of floodplain for flood storage as the
watershed urbanizes and flood peaking increases.
88
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2. for digestion and disposal off-site for land application (agri-
culture, lawns, recreation areas) as a fertilizer and/or soil
conditioner:
a. excessive cost if no cash value is assumed for its organic
fiber (60% of dry weight) and nitrogen (4.4% of dry weight)
content.
b. limited knowledge of the market for the digested sludge
and inadequate time for research.
c. limited knowledge of the environmental effects of land
application and inadequate time for research.
d. possibility of creating unsafe highway conditions if
trucks track sludge and dirt back onto roads after
discharging their loads.
3. for thermal conditioning of sludge and disposal in an off-site
sanitary landfill:
a. excessive costs
b. possibility of creating unsafe highway conditions if
trucks track sludge and dirt onto pavements after
discharging their loads.
4. for incineration of sludge on-site with off-site disposal of
ash in a sanitary landfill:
a. less control by the City of Cranston of the costs and
operation of the sanitary landfill.
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4.3 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
The proposed actions are expected to have a variety of effects on the
environment including but not necessarily limited to those on air quality,
on water quality, on flood storage, on neighborhood liveability, and on
wildlife habitat.
The impacts on the neighborhood are likely to be mixed, a trade-off of
odor elimination, if the plant performs as expected, and the effects of a larger
plant impinging on its surrounding. See Chapter V for a more detailed
description.
The impacts on wildlife will be continued elimination of wetlands with the
ash disposal cells being proposed for the wetlands not yet spoiled by sludge
dumping. Further, it should be noted that the proposed action does
not include any steps to restore the loss of wildlife habitat that resulted
from the stockpilina of diaested sludge on the wetlands in the first
place.
The loss of floodplain, although an adverse environmental effect, is not
a serious loss and can be made up by compensentory enlargement of flood
storage in a number of places, both on and off site.
The water quality impacts may be significant and include passage of
chemicals leached out of the ash through the treatment plant and into
the river in the plant's effluent stream. The degree of solubility of the
ash, and as a result the concentration of solutes in the leachate, are
not known. No federal standards for such discharges have as yet been
established, but are scheduled to be so established in the near future.
And finally, the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere, while
the proposed action will increase the amount of pollutants in an absolute
sense, the percentage of change will not be large and the amount
of change will not violate clean-air standards, assuming a very small
ambient improvement as a result of the state's air quality maintenance plan.
Sulfur dioxide emissions, not over 7 grams per second, will increase aver-
age annual SO2 concentrations by up to 1 microgram per cubic meter, an
increase of only 2 or 3% over existing conditions, about 7% of the allowable
increase in present regulations, and a total ambient well under (less than
65% of) the ambient standards.
The short term impact of this emission rate under stagnant air condi-
tions will amount to maximum day ground lev«l SO2 concentrations at the
treatment plant site about 3/4 of the allowable increment or about 1/5 of
the allowable second worst day per year ambient standard. The maximum
90
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three hour S02 concentration similarly will amount to about 1/3 of the al-
lowable Increment or about 1/5 of the allowable second work 3 hour period
per year ambient standard,
Total suspended partlculate emissions, not over 0.3 grams per second,
wHI increase average annual TSP concentrations by less than one half of
1 mlcrogram per second, a negligible effect. The short term impact of
this emission rate under stagnant air conditions will amount to maximum-
day ground level TSP concentrations at the treatment plant site about
1/10 the allowable increment or about 2% of the allowable second worst
day per year ambient secondary standard (non-health realted) or about 1%
of the allowable second worst day per year ambient primary standard
(health related).
Mercury emission rates, about 0.00005 grams per second are about
2/10 of 1% of the allowable emission rates.
Table IV-8 shows this data in tabular form
Pollutant
S02
TSP
Mercury
TABLE IV-8
ANTICIPATED MAXIMUM AIR QUALITY IMPACTS
MICROGRAMS PER CUBIC METER
Applicable
Parameter
Maximum
Allowable
degradation
worst hour/yr No Standard
2nd worst 3 hr/yr 700
2nd worst day/yr TOO
annual averane 15
ambient concentration
2nd worst 3 hr/yr 1300
2nd worst day/yr 365
Anticipated
Maximum Impact
285
240
71
1
5.5% increase/
ambient
20.0% Increase/
ambient
emission rate
degradation solids
worst hour/yr. No Standard
2nd worst day/yr. 30
annual average 10
ambient concentration
2nd worst day/yrl 260
2nd worst day/yr? 150
1.3 Ibs/ton of 1.3 Ibs/ton of solids
12
3
0
1.25! increase/
ambient
2.It increase/
ambient
emission rate
.0266 grams/sec. .00005 grams/sec.
1 Primary Standard, health related.
2 Secondary Standard, non-health related.
Source: CE Maguire, Inc.
91
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4.4 MITIGATION OF IMPACTS
The principal adverse environmental effects of the proposed solid waste
disposal about which something could be done include:
1. the possibility that incineration of the solid wastes is waste of a
useful natural resource, i.e. a soil conditioner/fertilizer,
2. further loss of virgin wetlands to solid waste disposal, and
3. the neglect to restore or rehabilitate the wetlands that were smothered
by the current sludge disposal methods.
On the matter of the possibility that a useful resource may be wasted be-
cause there is inadequate time to study the economics and environmental
safety of its use as a result of clean-up deadlines within present legislation,
it may well be that short-term delay of present environmental goals will
produce long-term environmental benefits that transcend present goals.
On the loss of even more naturally vegetated wetlands to solid waste
disposal even though there are many acres of wetlands at the site now
covered by only a fairly thin mantle of old sludge, it appears further
study of the feasibility of reusing the already filled and denuded areas
ought to be made.
On the matter of restoration (or lack thereof) of the existing sludge dump,
field reconnaisance of the site indicates that the unspoiled remnants of the
area are rich in both flora and fauna and are exceedingly beautiful both
as small separate landscapes and in the aggregate.
Given that the area is a floodplain, that it is well separated from most resi-
dential areas, that it already has a bountiful wildlife and that it could be
restored as a productive wild park in its entirety for relatively little cost,
it would appear prudent to do so as soon as the alternative solid waste dis-
posal procedure is operable.
The only work that appears necessary to accomplish this includes
1. Picking up of the debris (household rubbish, tires, etc.) which
have been thrown down the bluff along the northwestern edge of
the site.
2. Scraping the old sludge up from its blanket like position across the
site into piles, exposing the underlying mineral soil wherever pos-
sible. Note that while the sludge when fresh contained 85% water
and hence could only be placed as a blanket on the ground but that
with aging the sludge has dried and become relatively solid.
-------
3. Possibly covering the sludge pi les with some of the underlying
mineral soils.
Beyond this point, nature will take its course, the mineral soils, especially
if poorly graded to include puddles and pools, given their lowland loca-
tion will be covered with volunteer native vegetation within a few years.
The mineral cover on the sludge piles will provide a roothold for plants
completing the rehabilitation. The wildlife, the bird watchersand
the hunters will come back quietly and do their thing.
If a more publicly recognizable park is desired a meandering walkway and
patrol road could be incorporated with landscape planting installed prior
to the park's "opening", presumably with a restriction on hunting re-
quired by the more open access.
Implementation will require a survey to identify landforms, vegetation, and,
possibly, archeological sites to be protected. Presumably rearrangement
of the old, weathered and washed siudge will not required detailed en-
vironmental impact assessments.
93
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94.
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IN T-H&
VICINITY OF UJASrStWlTB^
WCIUTI65
5.0 INTRODUCTION
The proposed action, described in Chapters III and IV, will impose a set of
short-lived nuisances in many parts of the City of Cranston (and adjoining Warwick)
during the various construction phases included in or expected to result from
the proposed action. Such short-term impact areas will include the vicinity
of the treatment plant, the routes of new pipelines and the areas of western
Cranston that are expected to urbanize as a result of the proposed action.
These short-term impacts are expected to include noise, dust and traffic
disruption, including increased risk of traffic accidents, despite the inclusion
of all current mitigating procedures within the various construction permits
and contracts. However, a fieldreconnaissanceof the sites of all this construc-
tion indicated no especially sensitive land use or resource areas immediately
adjacent to any of these expected short-lived impacts except as noted in Chapters
VI and VII.
Similarly, the proposed action will impose a set of long-term effects on the
environment, which effects, simply because they are long-term, must be viewed
quite carefully. The principal areas in which these effects are expected are
the neighborhoods surrounding the wastewater treatment plants and the river,
while the effects that appear to be the most serious are odor and noise.
The key elements of the background of this neighborhood nuisance problem
include:
1. that while there have been nuisances at both the municipal treatment
plant and at the Ciba-Geigy treatment plant, there has been a substantially
greater history of public complaint at the Ciba-Ceigy plant and;
2. that the proposed action will bring the Ciba-Ceigy wastes to the municipal
plant for treatment in the future because of:
a. lack of land for improvement of the Ciba-Ceigy treatment plant at
its present location,
b. greater sensitivity of the Ciba-Ceigy neighborhood to odor because
of its closer location to the treatment plant, and
c. the likelihood of more efficient, more effective treatment of the
combined wastes than of the Ciba-Ceigy wastes alone.
95
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The principal questions that arise include:
1. will there be an adverse odor or noise effect on the neighborhood of the
Cranston treatment plant as a result of the proposed action?
2. are there alternative actions that could preclude the nuisances?
3. are there any actions that can be taken to mitigate the nuisances? and,
perhaps most importantly,
4. if adverse impacts on the neighborhood of the Cranston treatment plant
are unavoidable, are these environmental losses justified by the environ-
mental benefits?
The sections below describe the neighborhoods for which nuisance is a concern, the
nature of the nuisances to which they are now subjected, the proposed changes in
plant that might change nuisance conditions, and their resulting environmental impacts.
5.1 BACKGROUND
This section includes a description of the neighborhoods around the Ciba-
Ceigy wastewater treatment plant, the City of Cranston treatment plant and
the lower reaches of the Pawtuxet River and of the relevant, ambient odor and
noise in each neighborhood.
5.11 CIBA-GEIGY NEIGHBORHOOD
Figure V-1 shows an aerial photograph of the neighborhood around
the Ciba-Geigy wastewater treatment plant, the area from which
most of the complaints of odor have originated, and a "windrose"
which shows the distribution of wind duration in the region.
Note the proximity of the treatment plant to the residential area
and that the area of complaint lies closely adjacent to the plant.
Note also that the windrose shows the annual distribution of the
winds, and that, in the summer when windows tend to be open
and people tend to be out-of-doors, southerly winds are most
common. And finally note the scarcity of undeveloped land
in the vicinity of the treatment plant.
-------
a
A
«?
=s
g
0-5 4-7 8-12 13-IE 13-24 23 +
MILES PER HOUR
LEGEND :
OBSERVED LIWIT OF ODOR
( (000*
*=l% OF OBSERVATIONS
FREQUENCY OF V.'iMD FROM WESTERN CUADRANTS iS 55.6%
FREQUENCY OF \V;S'D FROM EASTERN) QUADRANTS IS 72.9%
WERA3E WIND SPEEO FDOM WESTERN QUADRANTS IS ii,t> M.P.H.
AVERAGE WIND SPEED F^O.V. EASTERN OUA'jR.'-iTS '.3 iCPM.P.H.
OVERALL AVERAGE: \VIND SPEED, INCLUOING CALMS, is IOJM.V.H.
Y^INDROS^ FC3
FROVIOEIJCt. RK'JSr. lELAHn
OF MOST SIGNIFICAfsJT
AND CONSTANT
a:; CLIMATOGRAPHY OF THt UNITED
fr; NO.p?.-37 S'JMVi.'-DY OF HO'.JKLY
ODSEllVATlONS- I 'r GRCEN A'.RPCIU ,
l9Slr-l9GO
Clftfl- GEI6V C01?9. UKUIT/P.
SITE ^UD SU^OUSJDiMG
ODOTJ survey- p;9ure v-i
-------
5.12 CRANSTON TREATMENT PLANT NEIGHBORHOOD
Figure V-2 shows an aerial photograph of the neighborhood around
the City of Cranston's treatment plant, and the location where the digested
sewage sludge (from both the City of Cranston's sewage and Ciba-
Geigy's) Is dumped. Note:
1. that, in the proposed project, the use of the sludge dump
will be discontinued,
2. that there are almost no residence, within 800' of the plant
(not Including the sludge dump).
3. that the prevailing southerly summer winds will tend to waft
odors out over the site of the existing sludge dump,
4. that the balance of the common winds do blow out over route 95
for quite a long distance as measured along the road, and
5. that most of the land near the treatment plant (other than
disposal area to be abandoned and highway) is commercial
or industrial.
5.13 PAWTUXET VILLAGE
The only other area in which nuisance is believed to be of concern
is the lower reaches of the Pawtuxet River, an older residential
neighborhood that includes the Pawtuxet Village Historic District, a
neighborhood listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Note
that this district includes a substantial portion of the river itself within
the "place" listing.
Attention is drawn to this place for the following reasons:
1. EPA is compelled by Executive Order 11593 to protect all areas
so listed (or eligible for such listing) from environmental
degradation resulting from any of its actions (or non-actions)
if at all prudent and feasible.
2. Without effective removal of pollutants from the lower reaches
of the Pawtuxet River in the relatively near future, it is likely
that the river will, again in the relatively near future, become
anaerobic during low flows creating a serious and extensive
odor problem in the Pawtuxet Village Historic District.
The result is that any EPA assisted, or licensed, project on the
Pawtuxet River must be adequate to prevent any nuisances that can
prudently be prevented.
98
-------
Ci^HSTON UJ.U/.T.P. PROCESSING UNITS
LEGEND :
SUIT 4 G^GASE REMOVAL UNITS
ELUTRJATION TANKS
MAIN OFFICE BLDG. 4 VACUUM FILTER EQUIPMENT
SLUDGE DlGESTOR, TANKS
PRIMARV CLARIPIGRS
S6CONDARV AERATIOKJ
FINAL CLARIFIERS
fttOlUER 6QUIPMENT
CHLORINE CONTACT TANK
C^NSTON
T1]BflTMENT 9WNT
SITE flND SU^OUNDINQ
D€SC1]I9T]ON' Pigure V-Z
-------
5.14 AMBIENT ODORS AT CIBA-GIECY
The Ciba-Ceigy treatment plant (including two one (1) million
gallon equalization tanks, trickling filters, and a final clarifier)
was built in 1970, and since then residents just north of the treatment
facility have complained of odors from that plant. The majority of the odor
complaints from those residents started in 1971, immediately following
the completion of the facility. The source of the odor emissions
seemed to be from the trickling filter systems, so that Ciba-Ceigy,
responding to the complaints and the presumed cause, installed
corrective equipment, a nutrition (ammonia acid) holding tank to
feed the trickling filter and eliminate the low pH and anaerobic condi-
tions. Unfortunately the corrections did not work, complaints were
still received, and so, in the summer of 1974, an odor counteracting
system was installed around the trickling filter. This system masks
the unpleasant odor by blowing a sweet-smelling chemical around
the circumference of the trickling filter. This still was not satis-
factory and in July 1974, in a further experiment to eliminate the
odor emissions from the treatment facility, Ciba-Ceigy temporarily
turned off the forced draft fans under the trickling filter. The effect
of this action was to reduce the stripping of volatile solvents from
the wastewater. This appears to have worked, as there have been very
few odor complaints since. (It should be noted that while this action
appears to have been effective in reducing odor, it did not noteably
effect the efficiency of pollutant removal from the wastewater. )
Concurrent with this experimentation, and based on the same com-
plaints, public hearings were held in March, 1975, which hearings
led to establishment of a formal odor control program. The program
consisted of daily surveys of the surrounding neighborhood, as well
as actual air monitoring measurements. In the period of May through
June 1975, Ciba-Geigy, under the inspection of representatives of the
State Department of Health, tested the air to determine if the hydro-
carbon emissions associated with the odor were of sufficient quantity
to adversely effect the health of the nearby residents. These tests
were undertaken with the trickling filter forced draft fans on. The
tests were negative, indicating no health hazard in the area at the time
of testing.
On July 23, 1975, the forced draft fans were again turned off
(reducing solvent removal by air stripping), and remain off to
this date. The odor complaints have virtually stopped as a result of
this action and no_official complaints have been recorded at the Rhode
Island Department of Health since discontinuing use of the forced draft
fans. Since that time several field visits were conducted during the
preparation of this statement to further evaluate the odor climate in
the area.
too
-------
Currently there are no significant odor emissions from the trickling
filters at the plant, due most probably to the shut-off of the forced
draft fans and to the odor masking system. The wastewater at
the Ciba-Ceigy plant has, by past record, however, been shown
to be odorous when exposed to aeration treatment (trickling filters).
The extent of the area impacted by the odors when they were emitted
is shown on Figure V-1 based on records of odor complaints.
5.15 AMBIENT ODORS AT CRANSTON TREATMENT PLANT
Odors at the Cranston treatment plant, while plainly evident and
objectionable, have not been the object of the sustained and strong
complaint experienced at the Ciba-Geigy treatment plant. To
help determine whether the proposed action will abate or create
odor, a survey was made of existing odor conditions as part
of the preparation of this statement. It should be noted of this
survey (made through April and May of 1976) that residents and
workers in the effected area have indicated that odors on some occasions
may have been substantially more severe than those found during the
survey period. However, it should also be noted, that the source
of these more severe odors are likely to have been the same as
the sources of the less severe odors identified in the survey (same
sources, worse conditions) and that the odor mitigating actions
incorporated in the proposed project will probably be effective for
all of them.
In measuring the existing odor emissions within the Cranston
project area and evaluating odor conditions, there were a number
of established approaches which theoretically could have been
utilized, with the varying approaches broadly categorized
as either analytical or sensory. The analytical approaches
measure concentrations of known odor substances in the air,
while the sensory approach evaluates the human response to
the odor.
Since this particular area has so many varied and compounded
odorous substances and since there is no instrument or means of
chemical analysis presently available that can replace the function
of the nose in its ability for the detection and intensity rating of
complex odors, the sensory approach was selected for this survey.
The measuring instrument used consisted of a judging panel
randomly selected to be representative of the general population.
Three judges were used, a number identified in the literature
as being both convenient and accurate for general ambient odor
measurements of the type undertaken. (Comments were also
sought from local residents in order to obtain a more complete identi-
fication of any odor problem in the area.)
101
-------
The measuring procedure was by direct exposure of the panelists
to various odors in and surrounding the site. The investigative
format was to record date, time, location, weather conditions
estimated source of odor, strength of odor, acceptability of odor, and
any comments. Comparative and quantitative standards were set
for strength and acceptability of the odors. The strength measure-
ments were rated 0 to 5, ranging from no odor to strong. The accent-
ability measurements were also rated 0 to 5, with a range of Very
Pleasant to Very Unpleasant.
Site visits were scheduled to obtain a broad range of weather, wind,
and treatment plant conditions. The resulting average odor measure-
ments at the station locations are shown in Table V-1. The average
of the readings was calculated in order to account for both the changes
in the actual conditions as well as variations in the odor-perception
characteristics of the several judges and in the same judge from
day to day. In spite of the uncontrollable human factor in this
sensory testing, the number of measurements and the attention
to detail are considered to have yielded reliable and meaningful
results.
IOZ
Station
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
TABLE V-1
CRANSJpNJJA'-.T' V.'ATfR IRPATMl'M PI AMT
iKHT (;:/>m Mt/wihn;! iifs '
?
Location Strength**
(Estimated Spurt p nf Odor)* Averages
WWTP
(final clarifier tankr.)
WWTP
(secondary aerition tanks) 2
WWFP
(elutriation tanks) 4
WWTP
(sludge disposal area) 3
Residential Area
(swompy area below) 1
WWTP
(sludge disposal area) 3
WWTP
(sludge disposal area) 3
HWTP
(swampy wetland, North) 2
WWTP
(perched water east of fence) 4
WWTP
(secondary aeration luiiks)
Acceptability
Averages
3
3
4
3
2
4
4
2
5
*For location of Station, see Flour" .'in. V-3
**Sti v-n'.ith ranges iYuin 0 to E>, isc odcr to very strong; acceptability ranges from
0 to 5, very plenrant to very unple,i;,ant.
_?1 CE Magiilro, Inc.
-------
Pika
V-?
/ *•* •
0-? 4-7 8-1?. 13-18 19-2-5 25 +
M!L£S PEK HOUR
Cr C3SERV5TIONS
L66&HD :
SORVev STATIOW NUMBER
MEASU^eM£H7S IWTA&CE l)
X" lOOo' RA-DIOS CIHCLE ((JftSe^VCD LIMIT OP
FREQUENCY OF WIND FROM WESTERN QUADRANTS IS 556%
FSHOUENCY OF WIND FROM EAS1ERM Q'JADRAIv'TS IS 22.9V,
AVERAGE Wi'iD S = E!ID FRC'/l '.VESTERN CU^CR4MT3 IS II.R M.P.H.
AVERAGE V/IND SFif.ED FROV EASTERN CUADn..:;TS :3 10.3 M.P.H.
OVERALL flVESAGC WIND SPEED , INCLUDING CALM:;, IS I0.7M.RH.
SOURCE: CLIVATOGRAPHY OF THE ''M'TED WNDS05E HCP
STATED NO 02-37 S'lfWY OF HO"~'Y PROVIO'NCE. FHO^r. ISL&IJD
OBSERVATIONS-T.'F. GREEN AIRPORT,""
1951-1960.
AREA OF MOST SIGNIFICANT AND
CONSTAWT
C^PHSTON
SIT6 AHO SU^OUNDING
Figure V-3
-------
Site visits and measurements during the survey period showed that both
the treatment plant and adjacent sludge landfill appear to be major
odor sources in the area. In particular, the eiutriation tanks and
secondary aeration tanks were observed to be major sewage
treatment components emitting generally unpleasant odors. The
severity of the odor emissions for these sources varies from day
to day. In general, on some warm days, the secondary aeration
tanks overload beyond their oxidation capacity, become anaerobic
and emit a strong detergent-sewage type odor.
The eiutriation tanks, adjacent to the west side of the main office
building, emit a constant background and occasionally strong
sewage (digested sludge) type odor. These odors are for the most
part localized around the eiutriation tanks themselves, because of
the wind-screen afforded by the main office building.
The sludge disposal area almost contantly emits an easily noticeable
"farmy" type odor. Warm days and puddling of rain on the surface
of the sludge accent the sharpness of these odors presumeably due
to increased microbiologic activity.
Strong odors were also found just east of the fenced-in treatment
plant, and were emitted from small ponds of water in the winter dis-
posal area of the primary sewage grit.The algal formation on the
surface of the water-grit interface is the probable cause of these
odors.
Other less significant sources of odor at the treatment plant are:
1) primary and final clarifiers which are occasionally over-
loaded and form a surface scum;
2) the septic tank pumpings which are delivered by trucks several
times a day to the grit and grease removal area of the plant; and
3) the swamp north of the sludge landfill which on warm days
evaporates the stagnant water.
The observed sources of odor at the site, ranked from worst to best
according to strength and frequency of odor occurrence include:
1. Secondary aeration tanks
2. Sludge dump
3. Eiutriation tanks
4. Primary clarifiers
5. Final clarifiers
6. Septic tank pumpings ("septage")
7. Swamp north of sludge dump
104
-------
The odors perceived at the receptor stations west and north of the
plant, the commercial and residential areas respectively, were found
to be minimal at times of observation, although occasionally when the
treatment plant was emitting high odors at the source and the wind
direction was towards these several receptor stations, odors could
be detected. Comments from residents and workers in the commerical
and residential areas west and north of the plant revealed that on
intermittent occasions, the odors from the treatment plant may be much
higher than those detected in the survey. Frequent strong "sewage"
type odors are also reported from travelers on Route 95, east of the
site. The descriptions and times of occurrence of these odors seems
to indicate that they are strongest on warm days, and are more
frequent at this location because of the prevailing wind direction
from the west.
5.16 AMBIENT NOISE AT CRANSTON TREATMENT PLANT
Noise impacts are evaluated by:
1. comparison of total noise levels resulting from addition of
ambient noise levels to anticipated increases with acceptable
total noise levels for the proposed land use or activity, and
2. comparison of incremental total noise levels resulting from
subtraction of ambient noise levels from anticipated total
noise levels with acceptable noise level increments.
TABU j-2
NOISE IMPACT AND COMMUNITY RESPONSE
Noise Increase
Less than 5 (IB (A)
5-15 dB (A)
More than 15 dB (A)
Degree of Impact
Slight
Moderate
Severe
Conniunity Reaction
None
Occasional
complaints from
Individuals
Frequent
complaints from
Individuals and
group action likely
Source: Parrock, H.O. "Community Reaction to Noise", Ch. 36, Handbook of Noise
Control, td. C. M. Harris. McGraw-Hill, 1967.
105
-------
Table V-2 shows the likely social reaction intensity of various noise
increments while Table V-3 shows the more detailed noise standards
in the City of Cranston's zoning code. Special note should be made
of the desireability of maintaining sleeping noise levels at about
32dB(A) indoors (or 47 dB (A) outdoors allowing for 15 dB shielding
of an open-windowed structure).
To establish the existing daytime ambient noise levels at the treat-
ment plant, a survey was made in April, 1976, with a general pur-
pose sound level meter. At each of the measuring stations, the
minimum noise level (L min.), the maximum noise level (L max.)
median noise level (L 50) and the level of noise exceeded 10 percent
of the time (L 10) which provides an average upper limit of the range
of noise experience were determined. From these the equivalent
sound level (Leq), considered by EPA to be the best descriptor of
environmental noise, were calculated. The location of the sampling
point locations are shown in Figure V-4 and the results of the survey
are shown in Table V-4.
TABLE V-3
CITY OF CRANSTON NOISE CODE
Muxmmm -permissible sound-pressure levels ut specified
points at measurement tor noise radiated continuously from
a facility between the hour* of 11:00 P. H. and 7:00 A. M
Frequntey Baud; Sound Pnuurt Ltvtl:
Cycles per second Decibles*
20-75 76
75-160 70
ISO - SOO 62
300 - 600 55
600 -1200 49
1200-2400 48
2400-4800 37
4800 -10000 . 36
•Accordinc la lh« following furmuU: If
Sound PnutiH Uv«l In Decibels tansls 10 lot ——^—
0.0002 dyn«./«q. cm.
U the noise 'a not smooth and continuous or is not radiated
between the hours of 11:00 P. H. and 7:00 A. H., one or
more of the corrections in Table 2 below shall be added to or
subtracted from each of the decibel levels given above in
Table 1.
TAHLE2
Tm* of Operation or Correction in
Character of Noise ' Dteikttt
Daytime operation 7:00 A. M. to 11:00 P. M. plus 5
Noise source operates leas than
20% at any one-hour period plus 5"
Noise source operated less than
5% of any one-hour period plus 10*
Noise source operated leas than
I'/, of any one-hour period plus U*
Noise of impulsive character
(Hammering, and BO forth) minus 6
Noise of periodic character
(Hum, screech, and so forth) minus 6
•Apply on* Hi thm wrnctloiu only.
106
-------
LEGEND :
NOISE MONITORING STATION
WINSTON UJ£STeiUaT€^ T^EA7M£NT PLANT
SlTe 4 SltfffiOUNDlNS ^M
woise survey- Figurev-4
-------
TABLE
V-4
AMBIENT NOISE MEASUREMENTS
Station
Ho.*
1
2
ft
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
(Weekdays, Working Hours)
Land Use Distance from L (min) Ljn
(Location! Source of Noise dDA __ dBA
WWTP
(Blower Building)
WWTP
(Blower Building)
WVITP
(Final Settling)
WWTP
(E. Fence)
WWTP '
(£. Fence;
WWTP
(Digester)
Commercial
(Glen Road)
Residential
(Eddy St/Cel1st1a)
WWTP
(Sludge Landfill)
Commercial
(?eUaconsett Ave)
25'
2'
5'
150'
ZOO1
20'
10'
10'
400'
10'
65
74
67.5
53
62
69
52
53
45
52
67
76
67.5
61
63
70
53
53
48
64
MO
JiBA.
67
76
67.5
67 .
63
71
53
53
52
75
L (max)
dBA
63
7g
67.5
70
63
72
53
54
57
90
Leg.**
67
76
67.5
G4*
63
70
53
53
50 •
76
*See Figure V-4 for Map Locations of Stations.
**Note:
Source:
The Leq values are calculated
would most likely be lower.
CE Maguire, Inc.
from daytime
readings
only; values
for 24
hour period
The readings show a fairly wide spread of sound levels throughout
the study area. Within the treatment plant site the highest noise
emissions are at the blower building and the digesters, with the
blower building emitting a low frequency humming noise, the sound
level of which drops off rapidly within a few feet, and with the digester
air pump emitting a high pitched hissing sound, which was still de-
tectable over 50 feet distant. The general noise level at the plant
was approximately 65 dB(A), ten (10) feet from the water processing
tanks (water splash) . The key condition to note however is that existing
noise levels beyond the site boundary areas were not affected by,
nor were noises heard from, the Cranston Wastewater Treatment Facility.
Outside the treatment facility, the commercial area just to the west had
a quite high noise level of Leq=76dB(A) . This high noise level is mostly a
result of truck and commerical traffic which produces peak noises
close to 90 dB (A) . The ambient noise level in the commercial area,
without the traffic influence, as measured at station 7 is Ueq= 53dB(A).
108
-------
Nightime ambient noise levels (except at the plant) are expected to
be primarily a function of the traffic on Route 95 and have been
calculated from average hourly traffic characteristics on that road.
Table V-5 shows these ambient noise levels both at a point TOO1
from the highway and at the nearest residential area at the end of
Eddy Street.
TABLE V-5
NISHT AMBIENT NOISE LEVELS
db (A)
Typical Noise Levels
Typical
Traffic
Time Flow!
10-11 3000 vph
11-12 2400 vph
12-1 1?00 vph
1-2 1200 vph
2-3 900 vph
3-4 400 vph
4-5 300 vph
5-6 300 vph
6-7 700 vph
7-8 3300 vph
1 vehicles per hour.
2 assumes 10% trucks
100' from 1-95
Lsa L10g
71 77
69 76
66 74
66 74
64 73
58 NM
56 NM
56 NM
62 NM
75 82
.
* exceeds recommended Indoor sleeping noise level
KM not statistically
Source: CE Maguire.
meaningful.
Inc.
1600'
LBO
54*
52
49
49 '
47
41
39
39
45
58*
by over
from 1-95
LIO
56*
54*
52
52
50
44
43
43
48
61*
5 dB.
109
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5.2 THE PROPOSED ACTIONS TO CONTROL NEIGHBORHOOD NUISANCE
5.21 THE PROPOSED ACTIONS
To preclude the probability that continued growth of pollutant dis-
charges into the Pawtuxet River (without abating actions being
taken) will create an odor nuisance, all along the lower reaches of
the River but particularly at the Pawtuxet Village Historic District,
a neighborhood listed in the National Register of Historic Places,
to abate pollutant discharges into the river without creating an odor
nuisance at the Ciba Ceigy treatment plant neighborood, and to
abate odor nuisances in the areas surrounding the Cranston wastewater
treatment plant, it is proposed to:
1. . substantially increase Cranston's capability of reducing pol-
lutant discharges into the river including adequate capacity
for improved treatment of the city's current discharges, of
Ciba-Ceigy's current discharges and of the future growth
of both,
2. close down Ciba Geigy's existing treatment plant and add
its discharges to the city wastewater system,
3. improve (as well as enlarge) the city's wastewater treatment
plant to eliminate odor formation, and
4. change waste treatment processes to eliminate odor forming
processes including specifically:
a. substitution of solid waste incineration for digestion
and dumping eliminating odors stemming from elutriation,
from sludge dumping and from grit dumping, and
b. provision of special facilities for handling septage receipts.
110
-------
5.22 ALTERNATIVES
Primary alternative overall waste treatment strategies that might
alter neighborhood nuisance potentials, that were considered and
discarded included:
1. as alternatives to wastewater discharge into the river, to
protect the river's quality and the quality of neighborhoods
along the lower reaches of the river, direct discharge into the
Providence River by effluent pipeline.
2. as alternatives to incineration of solid wastes to protect neigh-
borhood and regional air quality:
a. burial of sludge in a controlled landfill on- or off-site
and
b, application of treated sludge on land as a soil conditioner
or fertilizer.
The alternative of direct discharge of effluent to the Providence River
was discarded both because it appeared to offer little or no better
quality in the lower reaches of river than the proposed action and be-
cause it would be more costly.
The alternatives of non-incineration of solid wastes were discarded
primarily because they might create neighborhood odor problems,
would not materially improve air quality, and, for the off-site dis-
posal alternatives, create a potentially life-threaten ing vehicle safety
hazard if the off-site materials handling were sloppy enough to allow
trucks to track sludge back onto public highways.
5.3 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
The proposed action is expected to:
1. preclude creation of nuisance conditions along the Pawtuxet River,
2. eliminate odors from the vicinity of the Ciba-Geigy treatment
plant.
III
-------
3. eliminate odors from the vicinity of the Cranston treatment plant
except for the odors generated by decay of seasonal algae blooms
that occur in the old oxbow and adjacent wooded swamp along the
bluff at the western edge of the lowlands, and
4. create noise problems of unknown severity in the residential
area just to the west of the site near the end of Eddy Street.
The odor elimination effect, other than the algae decay problem, is ex-
pected to be designed into the project and hence is dependent on the
quality of design, of operation, and of maintenance of the facility. The
decaying algae odors however are not expected to be significantly ef-
fected by the proposed treatment plant improvements, and a discussion
of how this might be eliminated is presented in Section 5.4 below.
Noise, in addition to that inevitably generated during construction, is
expected to effect the nearby neighborhood, almost up to Pontiac Avenue,
particularly at night. The noise is expected to be caused by the
sludge incinerators which must be operated continuously to provide
economical and fuel-efficient autogenous combustion , and as a result
will be constant and will continue through sleeping hours, even when
traffic dies down on the nearby Route 95. Table V-6 shows the probable
noise levels through the night hours for existing conditions and for
incinerators that would generate 75 and 80 dB(A) measured out-
side the enclosing structure. Note that the actual noise levels
that will be generated will depend on the detailed design of the
facility and that the 75 and 80 dB(A) impacts are illustrative.
The key features of the table are:
(1) that ambient conditions probably do not exceed over 5 dB above
EPA recommended sleeping levels between 11 PM and 7 AM except
for not over 6 minutes of peak between 11 PM and midnight,
(2) that with a 75 dB{A) incinerator, this short duration peaking ex-
ceedance period would be extended to 2 AM,the median noise level
would not fall to the 5 dB exceedance until midnight, and from
3 AM to 6 AM the median noise level would be increased by about
7dB, and
3. that with an 80 dB(A) incinerator, the peaking exceedance period
would be extended to 3 AM, the median noise level would not fall
to the 5 dB exceedance until 2 AM, and from 3 AM to 6 AM the median
noise level would be increased by 10 or 11 dB.
112
-------
TABLE V-6
NIGHT NOISE IMPACT OF INCINERATORS AT
EAST END OF EDDY STREET FOR
VARIOUS INCINERATOR NOISE LEVELS
(dB (A))
Hour Existing If 75 dB at Incinerator
Ambient Increment at Resultinq
1-50 LYn Eddy Street Ambient
L50 Mo
10-11 P.M. 54 56 46 55 56
11-12 52 54 46 53* 55
12-1 A.H. 49 52 46 51 53*
1-2 49 52 46 51 53*
2-3 47 50 v 46 50 51
3-4 41 44 46 47** 48
4-5 39 43 46 47** 48
5-6 39 43 46. 47** 48
6-7 45 48 46 49 50
7-8 58 61 46 59_ 61
Existing exceeds EPA recommended sleeping level of 32 dB
open window shielding by over 5 dB.
'Resulting will exceed EPA recommended sleeping level by over
"More than 5 dB increase over existing.
***Hore than 10 dB increase over existing.
Source: CE Maguire, Inc.
If 80 dB at
Incinerator
Increment at Resultinq
Eddy Street
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
indoor plus
5 dB.
Ambient
LSO Mo
55 57.
54* 55
53* 54*
53* 54*
51 53*
51** 51**
50***51**
5Q***51**
51** 52
59 Gl
15 dB
The significance of these noise increments is hard to evaluate, particularly
since there are no firm criteria or standards at this time and since human
toleration of noise apparently depends on a large number of factors, not the
least of which is quality of sound (soothing hum, shrill whine, clanging
cowbell, gurgling brook, etc.), a parameter not included in the forego-
ing analysis. Further there is the question of whether a small increase
in noise level is a negligible change or the straw that breaks the pro-
verbial camel's back. The impacts of the assumed 75 dB (A) incinerator
do not seem to be particularly severe, especially when the relatively
small geographic area of impact is considered in comparison with the
very large scale objectives of the project. This is not to say however
that this is no impact and that no mitigating actions are called for.
An 80 dB (A) incinerator would be quite another thing and, according
to the literature,can, rather certainly, be expected both to be upsetting
to people and to lead to nuisance complaints unless effective mitigating
actions are included in the project.
-------
5.4 MITIGATION OF ADVERSE IMPACTS
The only expected long-term adverse impacts of the proposed action
specifically effecting the surrounding neighborhoods (not including
those impacts discussed in Chapters VI and VII) include an odor
problem, probably stemming from rot of algae in the wetlands between
the existing sludge disposal area and the nearby residential area, and
the night noise problems at houses in the vicinity of Eddy Street. Actions
for mitigating these effects are described below.
5.41 Wetlands Odor Control
It is believed that the odor rising from the wetlands is the result
of seasonal decay of algae bloom that occurs as a result of nutrient
runoff from the sludge dump into almost stagnant, seasonally inter-
mittent water bodies. Elimination of the odor appears to require
elimination of the algae bloom, which in turn would require:
1. elimination of the wetlands by draining or filling,
2. elimination of the nutrient supplies by removal of all sludge
from the watershed of the wetlands, or
3. dilution and leaching away of the nutrients by diversion of
a significant stream through the wetlands.
The first of these alternatives appears to be in contrast with the
State of Rhode Island's present wetlands conservation policy
but not with the City of Cranston's zoning ordinance. It should
be noted however, that either filling or draining would be both
expensive and be likely to be resisted by the State which could de-
lay or deny required permission.
Elimination of the nutrient supply by sludge removal would be
expensive, pose a problem of alternative disposal of the old
sludge, and, possibly not work anyway.
The third route, dilution and leaching by diversion of a signifi-
cant stream through the wetlands, in this particular case, appears
to be both simple and economical, to be a return to a condition which
pre-existed the construction of the existing treatment plant, and
to almost be necessitated by the proposed plant expansion. At-
tention is called in Figure IV-10 to a stream which flows between
the existing plant and the sludge disposal area and to the plant
expansion which requires relocation of the stream. It should be
noted:
114-
-------
1. that this is a sizeable stream which drains about 400 acres
of Cranston including, fortunately for its flow stability, much
land within the undeveloped grounds of various state
institutions, and
2. that old maps of Cranston show that the stream originally did
discharge into the subject wetlands.
It appears appropriate at this time to more fully explore this
particular algae bloom control strategy especially in its relationship
with the problems of restoring or rehabitating the existing sludge
dumps as described in Chapter IV.
5.42 Noise Control
The strategies that will be appropriate to control noise in the vicinity
of the Cranston treatment plant will depend in large measure on the
final design of the facility and the resulting noise but it does
appear that the following actions might be required:
1. to quiet the noise (and visual blight) of the construction
near the residential area near the end of Eddy Street,
construction of a landscaped earthen barrier (dike),
say 5* to 10' high between the residential area and the
construction area.
2. to quiet the incinerator noise at the residences.
a. if the noise level just outside the incinerator is over
85dB(A),
1) offer to relocate the residents in the closest
residential areas including acquisition of their
property at fair market value plus compensation
for the costs and hardships of relocation and for
the higher mortgage interest payments their re-
location is likely to impose upon them, and
2) offer to sound-proof the homes next closest to
the plant (where this is technically feasible)
including double paned windows and central v
air conditioning plus compensation equal, at
the least, to the present worth of future op-
erating and maintenance costs (adjusted for
future fuel cost savings).
115
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b. if the noise level just outside the incinerator is less
than 85 dB (A) and over, say, 73 dB (A), offer to sound-
proof the impacted houses as described above.
c. if the noise level outside the incinerator is less than
73 dB (A), it appears that no receptor soundproofing
will be required.
Determination of specific actions for the residential soundproofing
will require detailed information on the design of the proposed
facility improvements, detailed survey of the local environments,
and detailed analyses of the effects.
Special note should be made of the fact that silencing the key noise
sources, the incinerators, is likely to be both less costly than paying
the above itemized costs and also a great deal less disruptive socially.
Requirement by EPA that the proposed plant either meet both the above
described 73 dBA outside the incinerator and the city's existing code
at the residential property lines or that the above described financial
compensation and soundproofing program be included in the project,
will be a positive incentive for the designers to do everything possible
to quiet the noise sources.
IIG
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Chapter VI GENH(Al iNVI^ON MENTAL EFFECTS
OP SECOND^
{]6$UIT)N6
NON
6.0 INTRODUCTION
The extension of public sewers into the rural areas of western Cranston,
regardless of the specific location of the facilities, can be expected to
contribute to a wide ranging set of environmental effects in those areas
including:
* those effects related to changing the surface quality of the land,
i.e. the effect of paving, loss of farmland, etc.
* those effects related to changes in population, i.e. increased
traffic, increased air emissions, etc.
The surface effects can be expected, depending on the design of the
urban development and its effects in changing storm-water runoff, to
alter the quality, extent, depth and frequency of flood and low flows
of the streams draining from the urbanizing area with consequent im-
pacts on land use capabilities, economy, wildlife habitat, cultural re-
sources, and esthetics.
The population changes can be expected, depending on density, to alter
traffic flows, air quality, noise, costs of some municipal services, pro-
perty values, etc.
The sections below set forth a brief description of western Cranston;
its future, as proposed in the city's master plan, including the proposed
sewering; some alternative futures; the anticipated impacts of the pro-
posed plan; some alternative actions that could be substituted to avoid
anticipated adverse impacts; and some mitigating actions that could be
substituted to lessen or ameliorate adverse impacts.
117
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6.1 SETTING
6.11 CITY-WIDE FRAMEWORK
Figure Vl-l, City of Cranston, Schematic Land Use, from the
City of Cranston, City Planning Commission's Land Use Analy-
sis: 1974, shows the sharp division between urbanized eastern
Cranston and rural western Cranston. Note that the "low" and
"medium11 density residential areas include lots as small as 6000
and 8000 square feet. Note also that the sharp demarcation be-
tween urban and rural lands that occurs in Cranston is very
unusual in southeastern New England where gradual transitions
are typical.
RESIDENTIAL
COMMERCIAL ond INDUSTRIAL
low
Ruicl
Community SuwMlt C«nMri
RECREATION and OPEN SPACE
Slon of K.l
1C-I
City »f Crontton
SCHEMATIC LAND t/S£
prtM'*« If
City Planning Commission
8000 Q ZOQQ 4000
118
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Figure VI-2, Generalized Physiography, City of Cranston, shows
the concurrence of a sharp change in bedrock geology, soils and
topography along the edge of the urbanized area, a similarly unusual
congruence in southeastern New England. Presumeably the sharply
defined physiographic edge has had some impact on the location and
clarity of definition of the urban edge.
C ify
Further, it should be noted that nearly all of eastern Cranston
is served by both public water and public sewer, that there are
currently no public sewers in western Cranston, and that new
public water services have only recently been installed in por-
tions of western Cranston. All public sewers in Cranston are
provided by the City of Cranston while public water in lowland
eastern Cranston is provided by a low pressure system operated
by the neighboring City of Providence's Water Supply Board, and,
in upland western Cranston, by a high pressure system operated
by the City of Cranston.
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6.12 PHYSIOGRAPHY
6.121 Topography
The principal topographic feature of western Cranston is
the scarp running generally North-South through the middle
of the City and it is particularly well defined in the south-
ern half of the City where the land rises from an elevation
(above mean sea level) of about 50 feet on the east to an
elevation of 200 to 250 feet on the west in a relatively short
distance. The area east of the scarp is generally quite flat
(with the exception of Sockanossett Hill and Rocky Hill),
while the area to the west of the scarp is a series of hills,
the highest of which. Bald Hill, has an elevation of about
500 feet. The slopes of the land in western Cranston ranges
from about 2% to greater than 15%, with the average about 4%.
Figure VI - 3 depicts the topographic features of Cranston.
120
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6.2 PROPOSED ACTION
6.21 THE PROPOSED ACTION
The proposed action, improving and expanding the sewerage
system of the City of Cranston, includes the extension of muni-
cipal sewers into western Cranston to facilitate urbanization of
that area both for industrial and residential growth. This action
is consistant in location and density with the City of Cranston's
1975 Master Plan and, in general, in amount of population, with
the State Land Use Policies andj^lan.
The specific action includes:
1. extension of sewers into the eastern portions of western
Cranston, i.e. the lower reaches of the Furnace Hill Brook
watershed, areas to the north of that watershed up to
and along Scituate Avenue and the Plainfield Pike, and
a small urban cluster south of the Furnace Hill Brook water
off Phenix Avenue, including two major new industrial are
one off Plainfield Pike and the other off Phenix Avenue, botl
near I-295 (Figure I-4) and
2. rezoning the residential portions of the sewered area from
minimum lots of 80, 000 sq. ft. to something on the order of
8,000 sq. ft., possibly with some limited areas zoned for
apartments and neighborhood commercial. (Figure VI-9)
130
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It should be noted that while the proposed action corresponds in
its geographic extent to the proposed sewered area described
in 1. above and in Figure 1-4, that the capacity of the pipelines
proposed in each watershed basin has been designed for intensive
urbanization (i.e. about 3 dwelling units per gross acre) of that
entire watershed. This should not be construed as a plan for
future zoning changes or for future sewer extensions, nor does it
preclude sewer extensions into or zoning changes within other
watersheds that are not included within the proposed action. The
decision to size the pipes within any watershed as though the entire
watershed is to be sewered is a standard and prudent engineering
practice which is based on the phenomena that:
1. it is only very little more costly initially to install a larger
pipe than a smaller one.
2. that the maintenance costs of larger pipes tend to be less
than those of smaller ones,
3. that increasing a pipeline's capacity after installation re-
quires duplication of the entire pipeline at even higher
cost than the original installation.
131
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6.22 ALTERNATIVES
By varying the assumptions of whether or not the sewers will be
extended, or whether or not the zoning will be changed, it is pos-
sible to generate a large number of alternative futures that might
result from the proposed action and, from them, to generate alter-
native environmental impacts.
The alternatives include, at the least:
1. no action including no sewers and no zoning change (Figure VI-8),
la. a "partial action" alternative, i.e. sewers by no zoning change,
1b. a second "partial action" alternative, i.e. no sewers but with
minor zoning change, from 80,000 sq. ft. lots to, say, 40,000
sq. ft., predicated on public water service,
2. the proposed action, i.e. intensive urbanization in the
sewered area and rural-residential development in the rest
of western Cranston (Figure VI-10), and
3. the proposed action, repeated in the future until all of western
Cranston is sewered and intensively urbanized (Figure VI-11)
in essence a "worst case".
132.
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6-221 No Action Alternative
The city does have the option of not sewering western Cranston
and not changing the zoning to facilitate residential growth. This
action, while probably precluding high employment and high
tax paying industry, will nonetheless allow continued residential
growth in western Cranston, and hence will not lead to no growth.
It must be noted with regard to this residential growth that:
1 - Denial of the reasonable use of property, without
compensation, is generally unconstitutional.
2. Acquisition, for compensation, of western Cranston
(orof its development rights) is certainly beyond the
financial means of the City and probably beyond that
of the State of Rhode Island.
(8,000 acres @ say $2500/acre = $20,000,000.)
3. Most of the undeveloped (and developable) land in
western Cranston (8000 acres) is zoned residential,
albeit at 80,000 square foot lots.
4. Recent changes in the Rhode Island expressway
system. Route 1-295 and 37, have moved western
Cranston from being relatively inaccessible to being
the most accessible, undeveloped area in the State.
5. Recent extension of public water onto the western
Cranston plateau by means of a high-pressure booster
system, has changed provision of water supply for
housing in that area from being a "crap-shooter's"
search for uncontaminated cracks in the underlying
bedrock at $2000 per shot to being a routine extension
of public water mains.
6. Despite the fact that on-site sewerage in western
Cranston is difficult because of soil conditions, it is,
none-the-less, possible and is happening in compli-
ance with applicable state and local regulations.
7. Technological changes in solid waste disposal, such
as the "clivus multrum" an in-house solid waste com-
posting system, recyclable mineral oil toilet systems
as are used on aircraft, or vacuum toilet systems,
coupled with irrigation use of wash waters, on indi-
vidual sites, could overcome soils permeability limi-
tations.
137
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8. As development costs in "good locations" in large por-
tions of large metropolitan areas rise, effectively squeez-
ing out lower-cost development (and tower-Income
people), development in such areas can be attracted by
the increase In snob value.
Putting these all together, the no-action alternative would
lead, ultimately, at the least, to the total development of
western Cranston, with large lots, ranging from about an
acre at the lower end of the scale in the better soil areas to
several acres in the poorer soil areas .
This alternative could lead to a total population of up to
16,000 people in about 5000 dwelling units distributed as
shown in Figure VI-12 . (These figures were calculated by
applying the present zoning standards to the land areas in
each zone after areas of steep slope, (over 15%), shallow
soils or poor drainage as reported by the U.S. Geologic
Survey, and public reservations were deleted, see Fig-
ure VI-13). The rate of growth would probably be slower
than would occur under the other alternatives, but it would,
nonetheless, occur.
VI • A FUTURE SATURATION 909UUTION DISTRIBUTION
Vfotern Crjn«+on
according to &x'i»iir»$ Z-oning *
(The N
Source : CE Majuire, Inc.
* *dju»t«d -fo
development
land
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TOTAL
.
: £4 (tOO
VI -14- FUTURE
POPULATION
accordi'ng fo CHq 1975 barter 9bn *
(ThelVoDOfled 4c4-ion )
Source: C& Maguire. Inc. * iwijusted io assumed land development constrsj
6.222 Sewers But No Zoning Change Alternative
Conceivably the city could install sewers in parts of western
Cranston to alleviate present sewer problems without chang-
ing the zoning, or with only very limited zoning change.
Note that this is really only a theoretical alternative with
the high sewer cost per resulting dwelling unit tending to
preclude its happening.
This alternative would be similar in population, etc. to the
no action alternative in most respects except that the eastern
areas of the plateau would grow very rapidly.
6.223 Zoning Change But No-Sewer Alternative
Conceivably the city could reduce lot size requirements in
western Cranston to about 40,000 sq. ft. on the strength of
extension of public water service. Presumeably if a lot is
140
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not sufficiently permeable and well drained to be acceptable
for on-site sewerage at 40,000 square feet, it will not be ac-
ceptable at 80,000. Further, it is possible such a change could
result from court action overturning the existing large lot
pattern as discriminatory, arbitrary, or an unwarranted
infringement on property rights.. This alternative would be
similar in general to the no action alternative except that
the ultimate populations would be doubled.
6.224 The Proposed Action Repeated to Fully Intensive Urbanization
Conceivably the city could implement the proposed action lead-
ing to intensive urbanization of the proposed sewered area
and deterring low-density development beyond that area
for, say, a decade, and then the city could make a similar
decision again, to extend its sewers and change its zoning.
Sufficient repetition would lead to total intensive urbaniza-
tion of all of western Cranston.
This alternative is not believed to be a likelihood, but rather
it is a possibility and it does pose the "worst-case" set of
environmental impacts. Figure VI-15 displays the population
distributions implicit in this alternative.
, 10O
<\OO
vi - IS P'/lVfE S47U?ATlCN 9CDUW710M
Cranston
Pullq Urbanized at 8,000 to 12,000 w.f*. Lots overall *
(The Worst Case -A Iterative)
Source: CC MaSu.rc,lnc. « adjusted to assumed land development constraints
141
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6.3 ANTICIPATED IMPACTS
Decision to implement the proposed action (extension of sewers into,
and zoning change in, western Cranston) or to follow any of the alterna-
tive courses of action outlined above, including taking no action at all,
will lead to a broad set of significant environmental impacts in western
Cranston and to a narrower set in the surrounding region. The mechan-
isms by which the impacts of the decision will be exerted will be through
urbanization of presently rural lands with the urbanization both changing
the character of the land surface and the numbers of people. The changes
in land surface could lead to:
1. quantitative changes in stream flow (flooding, etc.)
2. qualitative changes in stream flow (pollutants, etc.)
3. esthetic changes
4. wildlife habitat changes
The changes in population could lead to:
1. changes in traffic flows
2, changes in air quality
3. changes in noise
4. changes in municipal operating costs & revenues
(42
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6.31 LAND SURFACE CHANCE EFFECTS
All the alternatives will lead to changes in the land surface
including substitution of pavement and building roofs for vege-
tative surfaces, substitution of paved, roofed or vegetative sur-
faces for plowed surface, substitution of drain pipes for surface
runoff, and alteration of the vegetation including mostly clearing
of forest for housing but also reforesting (with shade, orna-
mental, and fruit trees) existing field and farms.
The most serious effect of these changes, with the details depending
on the specific alternative, will be changes in stream flow and water
quality with impacts on esthetics, microclimate and wildlife habitat
being relatively inconsequential.
6.311 Streamflow and Groundwater Depletion
Urbanization under any of the proposed alternatives will
lead, to some degree, by virtue of the changes in sur-
face permeability and the increased smoothness of the
drainage ways (e.g. pipes substituted for surface run-
off) , to increased floodflows and to reduced groundwater
recharge and low stream flows in western Cranston, The
increased floodflows could lead to destruction of down-
stream streambank properties, the need to replace culverts
and bridges, increase erosion, and broadening of down-
stream floodplains. particularly when the increased flood-
flow from western Cranston is added to that from other
tributary areas of the Pawtuxet River and Meshanticut
B rook.
The decreased groundwater and low-flows would result
from the stormwater being rapidly shed before it could in-
filtrate into the ground, the ultimate source of low flow in
streams. These two decreases would have adverse effects
on wildlife habitat, esthetics and, taken together with similar
losses in other tributaties, theoretically lead to reduction in
the volume of water available downstream for effluent dilution
-------
To quantify these impacts and to compare the various al-
ternatives, the peak runoff was calculated for Furnace
Hill Brook at Furnace Hill Street for storms of various
severities for the various alternatives. Table VI-1 shows
TABLE VI-1
FURNACE HILL BROOK
RUNOFF 0 ELEV. 50 IN CUBIC FEET PER SECOND
LAND USE ALTERNATIVE - WESTERN CRAMSTON
PRE-URBAN*
RUNOFF
EVENT
FREQUENCY
(YEARS)
2
5
10
25
50
100
190
345
545
825
1,050
1,300
250
460
730
900
1,340
1,520
315
575
795
1,155
1,440
1,755
4B5
B60
1,100
1,555
2,305
*Pre-Urban = Condition likely to have existed before any suburben development.
1 - Existing Zoning - fully developed.
4 - Master Plan - fully developed,
5 - All of western Cranston urbanized.
Source: CE Magulre, Inc.
the results of these calculations. The pre-urban column
shows the conditions as they would have been prior to
any suburbanization, alternative 1 shows the effect of
the proposed action and alternative 5 shows the effect of
total urbanization. Alternative 2 would be the same as
alternative 1 while alternative 3 would be similar to alter-
native 4.
(44
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The method used for the calculation was that described
in the U.S. Soil Conservation Service's Technical Re-
lease No. 55, Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds,
Chapter 2, a technique which entirely eliminates the need
for "engineering judgement" on surface permeability,
roughness of surface, etc. but rather relates runoff to pre-
cisely determineable watershed characteristics such as
soil type, dimensions, percentage paved, etc. The various
runoff events, from 2 to 100 yearrecurrenceperiods re-
flect the phenomenon that more severe storms are likely to
recur less frequently then less severe storms.
Inspecting the resulting changes in flood flows, several
kinds of observations could be made including:
1. that the impact of urbanization, the increase in
flood flow, is significant and deserving of ame-
lioration, but is hardly an ecological disaster (except
for the worst case, i.e. total urbanization),
2. that aj_[ the alternatives will have a significant impact
including "no-action", and
3. that the proposed action is not much more adverse in this
respect than no-action and is considerably less adverse
than the worst case.
And finally, it must be noted of these conclusions, for their proper
evaluation and subsequent decision making:
1. that the soils and topography of Furnace Hill Brook are such
that the impact of urbanization on streamflow is minimized
and that similar urbanization in other parts of the Pawtuxet
watershed, or in other watersheds may be much more ad-
verse in its effect, and
2. that relatively slight changes in the pattern and design
detail of the development could entirely obviate and/or
mitigate the adverse impacts.
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6.312 Water Quality
In addition to changing the rates and volumes of storm-
water runoff, urbanization will change its quality through
a number of interrelated processes involved in converting
farm and forest to street and lawn, including unpaved
land runoff effect construction effects and pavement run-
off effects.
As farmland is changed to paving, lawns, etc. there should
be a very large reduction in pollution of runoff carrying
suspended solids, phosphates and nitrates from cultivated
fields, while as woodlands are so changed, an opposite
effect should occur. Table VI-2 taken from the Corps of
Engineers, Omaha District, "Regional Wastewater Management
Study", October, 1974, shows those effects quantitatively for
long-term average conditions.
TABLE VI-2
Average Annual Stormwater Runoff Concentrations of Pollutant
Lan>1 Use
Residential (2-5 ppa)**
Residential (5-3 ppa)
Residential (8-12 ppa)
Residential (12-15 ppa)
Residential (Combined Sewer Overflows)
Commercial and Industrial
Agricultural (Adequate Controls)
Agricultural (Needing Control)
Rural (Adequate Controls)
Rural (Needing Control)
*Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, "
**Persons per acre.
Suspended
Solids
(«nq/l )
300
340
380
420
250
500
3,000
40,000
500
5,000
Regional Wastewater
BODs
(mg/ll
20
22
24
26
100
30
20
25.0
0.3
3.5
Management Study
Parameters*
Phosphorus
P (mg/1)
0.70
0.66
0.62
0.58
4.00
0.50
" .20
2.80
.002
.04
", October 1974.
N1 trogen
as
N (mq/1)
3.1
2.9
2.7
2.5
10.0
2.2
5.0
65.0
1.0
8.0
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During the urbanization process extensive areas of land
will be torn up. reshaped and ultimately resurfaced,
creating intensive but short-lived erosion and silt runoff
in a checkerboard pattern all over the city. At worst,
the erosion could reach and exceed the worst suspended
solids runoff loadings of the worst agricultural areas
listed in Table VI -2, but it would be limited in any one
location to one construction year and, unlike agricultural
runoff, not be repeated in the same place year after year.
The worst effects are likely from pavement runoff.with
severe pollution likely to occur after the urbanization
process is completed, as an erratic but endless series
of short-lived events, when short duration but intensive
storms follow long dry periods (e.g. summer thunderstorms
following periods of drought) . Such storms would wash
the dirt, dust, litter, vehicle drippings and rust, lawn
clippings, etc. that accummulate in street gutters into
the streams through the storm drain systems, and, in
the case of the low stream flows caused by the proceeding
drought and low runoffs caused by the short duration
of the storm, create high pollutant concentrations for
brief periods.
Techniques for the quantification of this effect, in terms of
calculation of concentration of pollutants, duration of
concentration, and frequency of occurrence, are only
now being developed while methods for evaluating the
acceptability of various concentrations for various durations
at various frequencies are even less advanced. In consequence
no quantifications of the effect have been prepared for
this statement. It should be noted however that a statewide
study of this problem is about to be undertaken by the
Rhode Island Statewide Planning Program under the Section
208 planning assistance program of the Water Pollution
Control Act Amendments of 1972, and that the Rhode Island
Department of Natural Resources appears to have adequate
authority to enforce any necessary mitigating action that
may evolve from the 208 study under the Rhode Island
Wetlands Act.
I47
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6.313 Esthetics
Bearing in mind:
1. that beauty is ultimately in the eye of the beholder, and
2. that impacts of the project on specific areas of esthetic
speciality are discussed in Chapter VII,
it must be noted that all of the alternatives, including no-
action, will lead to significant changes in the appearance of
western Cranston.
At the present time western Cranston is a fairly random
mixture of fields and forests with scattered houses and
agricultural buildings of highly varied qualities. The net
impact is judged by most observers to be highly attractive
for the most part. All the alternative actions described
above will lead, in the long run to the almost total replace-
ment of the pattern of fields and forests with urban land uses,
but with some qualitative differences between the alternatives.
The no-action alternative, no sewers and large lots, because
of the varied suitability of the soil for on-site sewerage, would
lead, at least in the early phases, to scattered, low density
growth that would be likely to preserve significant amounts of
forest throughout the area, and presumably result in a rela-
tively non-urban landscape.
The proposed action and the other sewered alternatives are
likely to lead to a fairly uniform coverage of the land with
houses with relatively little forest area preserved undevelopedf
and all presumably will result in a quite urban landscape
in the sewered areas.
The esthetic quality of resultant development, however, is
likely to be more dependent on the quality of design, the
zoning standards and the subdivision regulations than on
the decision of whether or not to sewer the area. The
148
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key factor in whether the results are likely to be attractive
or not probably will depend on whether adequate trees are
preserved in the original development phases of the wooded
areas and whether adequate space is provided for future
growth of trees in the cleared areas. Devices for providing
such space include adequate lot sizes, "cluster zoning", and
"planned unit development".
(Cluster zoning is a variant of zoning in which a developer
is allowed smaller lot sizes than would otherwise be applicable
in any zone, but the total number of such lots is usually
limited to the number of "normal" size lots otherwise appli-
cable. The resulting undeveloped land is usually placed in
some sort of open space trust or is held in common by all
the lot-owners in the development. Planned unit develop-
ment is similar to cluster zoning but development is not
necessarily limited to the land uses otherwise applicable
in the zone, i.e. dwelling units can be placed in apartment
buildings rather than in detached houses and commercial
activities are sometimes allowed in residential zones if
designed into a large development. The specifics of both
devices tend to be highly variable and to be tailored
to the character and attitudes of the community that elects
to adopt such zoning.)
6.3U Wildlife Habitat
Bearing in mind that the principal habitat value of western
Cranston (except for occasional deer which will be driven
away by urbanization no matter what alternative is selected)
is for small animals and birds, it appears: 1) that the pro-
posed action and other sewered alternatives, at the proposed
zoning standards, will lead to a substantial loss of wildlife
habitat, 2) that the no-action alternative, because it will
result in fragmented development and preservation of
varying size wooded areas, will substantially maintain
the numbers and variety of wildlife (but with substitution
of some species for others), and 3) that relatively slight
changes in the pattern and detail of the development,
i.e. cluster type zoning, etc. could entirely mitigate
the adverse effects of the proposed action.
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6.32 POPULATION CHANGE EFFECTS
All the alternatives will lead to changes in population, and the
changes in population, in turn, will effect the environment. The
most serious of the effects, with the details depending on the specific
alternative, will be Increases in traffic flow and increases in noise.
In addition, the alternatives could contribute to significant changes
in the balance of municipal operating costs and revenues and to some
change in air emissions.
Table VI-3 and Figures VI-12, 14. S 15 show the amounts and
distribution of population in western Cranston for the principal
alternatives. Note that these are saturation populations and
that it will probably take some time for these amounts to be
reached. Various studies done by the city and state planning
agencies have forecasted residential population growth on the
order of 15,000 new people in twenty years in Cranston, with
the city's forecast allocating half of this growth to the eastern
half of Cranston.
It must be noted in this regard:
1) that forecasts are, in the final analysis, educated guesses
and that while they are usually right, they can be very
wrong;
2) that population growth in suburban areas can be explosive,
inundating once rural land with buildings at unreasonable
densities before adequate planning for open spaces and
other public facilites can be accomplished;
3) that western Cranston is at or very near the center of ac-
cessibility in the metropolitan area;
4) that Cranston is a socially prestigious location within the
metropolitan area, a very important factor considering
that in the real estate selling profession every salesman
recounts the old saw that "the three most important factors
controlling the desireability of real property are location,
location,and location;"
5) that the adult population is growing very rapidly (as a re-
sult of the maturation of the post war boom-babies, actually
1946-1962) despite the slow growth of the total population;
6) that normal growth of families and housing in recent years
has been severely retarded by the recession and historically
unprecented, high interest rates, creating a backlog of
potential marriable people and potential housing demand.
\50
-------
lt,0» -,
/Win/id-
t
y/v
//
S /nf«ftrnC/*nfoK
„---" / (ivufr 145-I4M
fti I/**1 1^0—afe—ite—i%-
TABLE VI-3
SUHHARY_QFSATURATION POPULATION DISTRIBUTION ALTERNATES
WESTERN CRANSTON
1975 Fully
Raster-Plan Urbanized
Northwest Quadrant
north of aqueduct
west of proposed zoning change S.ztrj
Southwest Quadrant
south of aqueduct
west of proposed zoning change 5,500
Lower Furnace Hill Brook Watershed
proposed area of zoning change 4,900
Natlck Avenue Strip
between Natick Avenue and I-Z95 2,700
Total
Source; CE Maguire, Inc.
16,200
2,800
3,900
15,300
2.600
24,600
17,500
24,000
17,300
2,600
61,900
VI -16
, \<\W-
Figure Vll-16, Historical Growth of Selected Suburban
Communities, 1910 to 1970 shows "how quickly areas similar in
their location with respect to metropolitan centers have grown in
times past. Such growth could occur again in the future and it
very well could occur in western Cranston if public sewers are
provided.
In the following analyses, therefore, the saturation populations
implicit in each alternative are used as a basis for impact estima-
tion. In general, partial development will generate partial im-
pact. Note however that since the development will tend to grow
from urban edge out into the countryside, the areas where public
spaces should have been reserved or mitigating actions should
have been taken are likely to be among the first developed, pre-
cluding their ultimate provision. In essence a mitigating action
or ultimately needed public faciltiy whose planning is delayed may
be an action or facility that is denied.
-------
6 .321
Traffic 6 Traffic Fatalities
Urbanization of western Cranston, under any of the proposed
alternatives, will lead to very substantial changes in traffic volume
and, as a further consequence, to increased accidents.
In general, in the northern part of western Cranston, the
road network appears to be more-or-less readily adaptable
to traffic increases, but in the southern part of western Cranston,
the increased traffic is likely to lead to a virtually complete
breakdown of the transportation system, including the proba-
bility of impairment of public safety services (police, fire,
ambulance, etc.), reduction in property values, frustration
induced auto accidents, including needless fatalities and crip-
plings, and road-widenings whose design will be more guided
by desperation than by concern for environmental quality.
The most critical point of this transportation failure will be
between the intersection of Route 37 and Natick Avenue, on
the east,and the intersections of Phenix Avenue with Hope
and Olney Arnold Roads,on the west, with all the streets in
the surrounding areas impacted to variously adverse degrees
by the various alternatives.
9.000
2.100
-Piuiiiu.il a*d'<,' 900
VI -17 IfllNCfML TRAFFIC FLOWS EXPECTED TO BE 6ENKWE)
" SATURATION "
\52
o PCM! according t» Exifhng Zoninq
Source : It Maguina.lnc. /• —u, ufl *-1'-- « IJ-T__J.- .- "\
-------
The no-action alternative will ultimately generate some 26,000
trips per day on the two key streets, Wilbur-Conley Streets
and Phenix Avenue just west of Natick Ave. The combined
capacities of', these roads is about 7,000 trips per day, at
the densities recommended for safe operation by the USDOT,
and 21,000 trips per day,totally congested.
100,000
acate: r-100,000 n)rM/o«v
/---
( f-pjily T/>fV 7,
*• j ibfiiJft<0w' Z.
(.•p,./cll:i"| U*^-
:.feoo
qoo
Pigurt VI -18
Source.: CE Magu.Ve, Inc.
TilAFPIC PLOWS EXl>ECTeD TO UE GENERATED
FUTURE SflTUHATlON "DEVELOTSMENT *
Ma*TTfc>- '/Man
)
according io
The
The proposed action would generate some 45,000 trips per
day on these two streets and alternative 5, the worst case,
with public sewerage and 8.000 to 12,000 square foot lots throughout
western Cranston, would generate some 90.000 trips per day.
153
-------
' 92,000
(2,000
3900
1,300
4.1.000
iu >•• '1,400
I F ] V.VJ .V..; u'mA: 4.500
S"«,
•gurt VI • » 9^INCl1idL T^flFFlC FLOWS EXPECTED TO BE G6Ntf}flfTED
15V FUTURE SATURATION *
Source. : C f.
Fullq Urbanized ^ $,000 t» rt(OW s^.fi lota
(The Worst Coac
Clearly any of these futures ought not to be accepted and
cannot be ignored. The no-action alternative, no sewers
and 80.000 square foot lots will not avoid the problem, and
will ultimately compel the straightening and widening of most
of the streets in the area to their esthetic and cultural resource
and mi croclimatic, detriment. The proposed action, limited
sewers and 8,000 and 12,000 sq . ft. lots, would have an even
greater impact and require not only widespread straightening
and widening, but also a new roadway of at least 4 lanes west-
ward from the end of Route 37. The worst case alternative,
sewers and 8,000 and 12,000 sq . ft. lots throughout western
Cranston would ultimately require extension of Route 37 or
something very similar across the area to Hope.
In the northern areas, along the Plainfield Pike, the various
alternatives will have similar quantitative impacts but the
environmental costs would be substantially less as the areas
most affected are industrial.
-------
Figures VI-17, 18, 19 show the principal traffic streams likely
to be generated by the various alternatives based on trip
generation tables of the Institute of Traffic Engineers, the
terrain I imitations, and assumed destinations. Figure VI-20
shows the capacity of the roads in the most severely impacted
areas based on a parametric analysis of the roads as per the
USDOT's Highway Capacity Manual. Table VI-4 shows the
existing traffic on these roadways based on counts by CE
Maguire, Inc., their existing capacity at safe densities, their
existing capacity at worst conditions,and their expected future
load for each alternative.
TABLE VI-4
TRAFFIC CHARACTERISTICS
Safel !
Capacity
Maximum? ?
Capacity
Total Congestion
Existing Conditions
Existing Zoning
Fully Developed
Master Plan
Fully Developed
Master Plan
20 Year Development
Western Cranston
Fully Urbanized
1 U.S. FHWA "Level
? U.S. FHWA "Level
2 Peak hour equals
Source: CE Maguire
VICINITY OF FURNACE
Wilbur/
Conley St.
2,600
6,900
3,300
13,000
23,000
11,000
45,000
of Service B".
of Service F".
HILL BROOK
Furnace Hill Hope St. Phenix Ave.
Street (West of
Phenix)
3,200 3,900 4,550
6,000 9,200 13,900
1,450 1,800 2,300
9,000 14,000 13,000
14,000 22,000 25,000
7,000 11,000 13,000
23,000 40,000 45,000
7.75! of average daily flow
, Inc.
In particular, it should be noted that this forecasted transporta-
tion failure is more than inconvenience and loss of comfort
and time, it is loss of limb and of life itself. Automobile caused
fatalities are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States,
the third leading cause of years-of-life-lost to people under
65 years of age, and the leading cause of death and disablement
155
-------
to young people. Adding to this the disablement of otherwise
economically productive young people with otherwise long life
expectencies, this particular environmental problem could
well be considered the nation's and Cranston's primary en-
vironmental problem.
The causes of automobile related accidents have been much
discussed and attributed to a variety of causes including
vehicle failure and irresponsible drivers, but all they do
have in common an action of a driver with respect to the
roadway, driving faster than the roadway allows, not turn-
ing when the roadway turns, and entering an intersection or
passing without being able to see oncoming traffic. Presumably
if these drivers had not been impatient, if they had not been
acting unwisely or had not been easily frustrated, in short, had
not been human, they or the persons with whom they
collided would not be dead (or maimed). Equally if they
were driving in an environment with no sight-distance
limitations, no surprise turns, no slow-moving trucks
simultaneously blocking lightly used roads and obscur-
ing oncoming traffic (or children playing in the streets
ahead), the accidents may well have been averted.
However, regardless of presumed cause, statistical
analyses of highway accidents have indicated the
following:
1) that divided, limited-access, grade separated
expressways have far fewer accidents than all
other roads,
2) that the number of accidents on any roadway,
except on winding two-lane roads, is propor-
tional to the traffic density except for extremely
light or extremely heavy traffic,
3) that on two-lane winding roads the number of
accidents increases as the square of the traffic
density , and
4) that at very low densities, accident rates are
very high and that at very high densities,
accident rates are very low.
In general, these relationships are easily explainable,
with expressways precluding cross-traffic and vehicles
backing into the roadway, pedestrians fenced out, etc.;
with more traffic on most roads creating greater oppor-
tunity for accidents; with very low densities allowing
-------
the reckless to achieve unreasonable speeds; and with
very high densities binding all traffic into a slow lock-
step. The accidents on two lane winding roads, the
type characteristic of western Cranston, is somewhat
•CALl
VI -20 WMCITV OP T4I6
:6EMD : 11,600 VPD • S«F6 CAPACITY IN V6HICLSS P67? T)AV,
U.3.0EPT.OP TnAMS9O17TATIOM LEVEL OF Se^VICE '&"
(21,000 VPD)-Ai)SOLUTe CflPflCITV IN VEHICLES . ...
U.S.DE'PT. Of TRAM6PORTATION L6V6L OP 8ERVIC6 "F
r.BIUE MAP 15 ENL«neeD u.s.a.s. TOPOGRAPHIC
: CC MOCUIAC, INC.
CONTOUR IHTSVAL 10 P££T
'Phuix 4vtnut
6,700 VPD
IN THE MOST
more complicated. On these roads at low densities
drivers frequently approach curves and intersections
at speeds such that they could not stop if the roadway
were occupied by an on-coming vehicle, but since the
density is low, the probability that such a vehicle will
be approaching at the same time is also low. As the
density of traffic increases, the likelihood that a vehicle
will be approaching a blind spot too fast increases simul-
taneously from both directions and as a result the likeli-
hood of a collision increases even faster.
It should be noted that increased traffic density and
accidents will be an unavoidable adverse impact of the
proposed project, but that the hazards inherent in
increasing the use of the existing roadways can and
should be mitigated.
157
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6.322 Noise
The principal noise effect expected to be created in the urbani-
zation of western Cranston will be from traffic, generated
primarily by local traffic, particularly trucks serving the resi-
dential areas.
It should be noted that the principal roads in the southeastern
portion of western Cranston are probably already subjecting
the residential areas adjoining them to noise levels well in
excess of USDOT Federal Highway Administration standards
and EPA recommendations, and that all the alternative actions
will increase these noise levels significantly over varying
time periods. Table VI-5 shows the noise expected to be gene-
rated on Wilbur Avenue and Conley Streets for the existing
conditions, based on recent traffic counts, and for future condi-
tions likely to be created by the various alternative actions. The
calculations were performed according to the National Cooperative
Highway Research Program Report #117 and took into account
traffic and site conditions. The standards are from the most re-
cent edition of the US FHWA Policy and Program Memorandum 90-2.
The first line indicates the maximum allowable peak hour noise
level established by the Federal Highway Administration for out-
door activities where special quietness is not required and in-
cludes residential areas, schools, hospitals, recreation areas,
etc. (The peak hour LJO noise level is the level that will be ex-
ceeded 10% of the time at peak hour) . In general a peak hour,
outdoor Llo noise level of 70dBA will insure noise levels in-
doors, with windows open, that do not interfere with normal
functions such as conversation, radio listening, etc. most of
the time, and, in areas with no through trucking, do not inter-
fere with sleeping.
The second line is a calculation of existing conditions at a
number of locations in western Cranston. Note that these
figures are somewhat uncertain because of the relatively low
volume of truck traffic now using these streets and the nature
of LIO as a statistical parameter.
The third, fifth and sixth lines represent the three alternative
futures used earlier in this chapter and the fourth line represents
the "proposed action," i.e. limited sewering and zoning change.
158
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PEAK HOUR L,n TRAFFIC
(dl
Maximum Allowable
Noise -1
Existing Condition
Existing Zoning,
fully developed
Master Plan,
fully developed
Master Plan,
20 yr. development
Western Cranston.
fully urbanized
TABLE Vi-5
INDUCED NOISE LEVELS FOR SELECTED LOCATIONS
JA. 50' feet
Wilbur/
Conley St.
(78-85) 2
81-91
84-91
81-91
85-92
'rom edge of
Furnace
Hill St.
road)
Hope St.
(west of
Phenix)
Phenix Ave,
70
(8<»)2
90
90
90
91
(75-82) 2
81-88
81-88
81-88
82-89
(78-82) 2
84-88
84-88
84-88
85-89
a. Assumes 10% of ADT at peak hour and 5% trucks.
b. Reduction of peak hour to 5% and trucks to 2}% would reduce noise *~
levels about 6 dBA
c. First figure is noise level for the best sections,. 2nd figure is for worst
sections.
1 Federal Highway Administration
2 ( ) indicates uncertainty because of low truck volumes.
Source: CE Hagulrc, Inc.
Note that all the noise levels along all the main streets are in
excess of the standards. In part, in the worst locations, this
is a result of the steep grades and poor alignments of the
existing streets and in part, in all areas,is a result of heavy
traffic volumes. In a sense, this is a technical confirmation
of the common observation that heavily traveled main streets
are poor places on which to live.
Note also that these noise levels are quite insensitive to even
large changes in traffic volume. Essentially human percep-
153
-------
tion turns off louder noises so that twice as much energy
generates only 3 dB more perceptible sound, an amount so
small most observers would not notice it. Table VI-6 shows
a similar analysis based on the median conditions likely to
exist at peak hour.
TABLE VI-6
PEAK HOUR Ig0 TRAFFIC INDUCED NOISE LEVELS FOR SELECTED LOCATIONS
(cJBA. 50' feet from edge of road)
Maximum Allowable
Noise
f'xisting Condition
Existing Zoning.
fully developed
Master Plan,
fully developed
Master F'lan,
20 yr. development
Western Cranston,
fully urbanized
Wilbur/
Conlcy St.
Furnace
Hill St.
Hope St.
(west of
Phcnix)
Phcnix Avp.
60
61-64
72-75
75-78
72-75
79-82
63
74
77
74
81
58-61
69-72
72-75
69-72
76-79
61
72
75
72
79
a . X"i sumps 10% of ADT at pt'sk hour and 51 trucks.
b.
Rfduction of peak hour to 5°s and trucks to 2j% would reduce noise r
levels about 6 dBA
T'i'st fiqure is noise Ir-vcl for the host sections, 2nd figure is for worst
•.' • i ions .
1 45 dB interior of building plus 15 dB shielding ctf oper window val,l.
Source: CE Maguire, Inc.
160
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6.323 Air Quality
Urbanization of western Cranston, in accord with any of the
alternatives described, assuming no expecially fuel-intensive
industries in the industrial zones, is not expected to exceed
either the ambient or the non-degradation air quality standards
set by EPA, based on emission rates for various fuels and
atmospheric pollutant dispersion models specified by EPA.
In the areas of intensive development there will be some
small degradation of air quality, but this will be well within
allowable limits for areas not specially protected by law
(Class I areas, i.e. national park, etc.). Outside these
development areas themselves, e.g. in the already urbanized
areas of eastern Cranston and in Providence, the proposed
development of western Cranston will have a negligable ef-
fect, i.e. equal to, or less than, one microgram of particulates
or sulfur dioxide per cubic meter of air at ground level.
Ifel
-------
6.324 Municipal Costs £ Revenues
Additional urban growth, under any of the alternatives,
will lead to both additional municipal costs and revenues.
The costs will include not only the annual costs of con-
structing the sewers, and their operations and maintenance,
but will also include the costs of schools, street improve-
ment, police and fire protection, social services, etc. The
revenues will include not only the benefit charges and user
fees assessed on the land to be sewered but also the real
estate taxes on the value of the developed land, industrial
and commercial, as well as residential.
The larger part of the costs will be for operation of schools,
police and fire protection, etc., costs not associated with
the sewer program, while the larger part of the revenues
will be from real estate taxes.
On the cost side, almost all the increments to the municipal
budget will be more-or-less proportional to the number of
additional people served and, to a lesser degree, to the miles
of roadway added to the community. The area of land de-
veloped is unlikely to effect costs significantly. On the
revenue side, taxes collectible will be proportional to the
value of the developed real estate, not to the number of
people served. Hence to get the greatest revenue at the
least cost, ignoring the social values and objectives, one
would strive to create the greatest real estate value at the
least population. Classical city planning strategies to this
end include industrial/commercial land use wherever pos-
sible and large lot residential for the balance. The industrial/
commercial areas in New England are usually sewered while
the large lot residential areas may or may not be.
In the case of evaluating the impact of the alternatives for de-
velopment of western Cranston on municipal costs and revenues,
a number of conditions make quantitative analysis of these
western Cranstom impacts, very difficult, including that fore-
casting the future at the level of detail required for firm answers
is not really possible, that the social forces creating a market
for large - scale population change in western Cranston will
simultaneously create a similar one for eastern Cranston, and that
the costs of sewering are not necessarily related to population
densities.
-------
The only reasonably certain difference among the impacts of
the various alternatives is that all the alternatives that include
extending sewers to the industrial areas off Plainfield Pike
and Phenix Avenue will yield significant gains to the tax base,
ultimately over $100,000,000 in Industry alone, while without
the sewers very little new industrial real estate value is likely
to be created. Chapter VIII explores this subject quantitatively
in a city-wide context, while the sections below describe some
of the variables that must be considered in any such quantitative
estimation,
6.3241 Future Projections
Forecasting the future, particularly with any detail,
is a manifest impossibility. Beyond the likelihood
that the youth of today will grow older, assumptions
that they will marry and reproduce at any particular
rate are no more than guesses. Political, military,
economic and social forces of varying strength and
duration could delay, retard,or modify natural
tendencies so that effects that should occur over
decades might occur in a few years, with the effects
of the bunching having more impact than the effects
of the total pattern of growth.
In recent years, in the face of the rising maturity of
the post-war baby boom described in Chapter II, in
the face of rapid increase of the population between
20 and 30 years of age, the marriage rate, the rate of
homebuilding,and the rate of formation of new jobs
have all declined precipitously, all without forewarn-
ing of the agencies whose functions include such fore-
casting. For the future will these rates rebound to
the forecasted trends, will they continue to lag, will
the deficits of the past few years be made up over a
long period of time or will they be made up in a
short and furious jobs/marriage/housing boom in one
or two years?
In terms of impact, this is not an academic concern. If
the current jobs/marriage/housing recession continues
yet a few more years and then is corrected in a short
time period, the impact on municipal services and
costs could be severe, requiring design and staffing to
a peak of demand with consequent waste after the peak
subsides.
-------
6. 3242 Concurrent Population Changes
In gauging the impact of future growth in western
Cranston, it is important to bear in mind that sub-
stantial changes in population size and composition
are likely in eastern Cranston over the next two de-
cades whatever happens in western Cranston. The
modal age in almost all of Cranston's census tracts'
population is about 55 years and the average number
of people per dwelling unit, in 1970, was 2.7 or less,
for 10 out of 16 census tracts.
Note that these characteristics are not inconsistent
with other areas that experienced large growth in
the 1950's, that do not contain educational or military
institutions, and that have not grown very rapidly in
the recent past. Note, also that as the modal group
in these housing units ages, as their children mature
and leave home, as the current inhabitants move to
apartments and institutions, or simply pass away, they
will tend to be replaced by young families who will be
,i •• i TT; ^B^ ^p r
WS^T^S^^^Y-" fe^.A E
r^H^^^-rf^ c
i
LJL
• increase
©decrease
# insufficient data
5000 housing units
2500
1000
§ increase
decrease
r 25,000 people
-ll ^E£>bJTH irt
IC.4
-------
...^ u.^.7^r #
EATES lU rbus/i^ AWD muAT/00
leaving their current apartments in search of more
spacious quarters. This population replacement, without new
construction and without adding substantial, new tax base,
could increase Cranston's total population by about 15%
and it could increase the school population by several
times that increase. This particular population change
would have a more serious impact on the city's financial
condition than any change that might result from the pro-
posed project in western Cranston, in that it will repre-
sent increased costs without increased tax base.
Figures VI-21 and VI-22 show the relationship between
growth of population and of housing units for the com-
munities of the metropolitan area both in absolute terms
and as percentage change. Note that none of these
characteristics is rigidly tied to any of the others, that
Cranston did add more dwelling units between 1960
and 1970 than any other community in the area except
Warwick but that its rate of population growth was
among the lowest.
-------
6.3243 Patterns of Development and Cost of Sewering
Patterns of development, i.e. zoning densities, front-
age and setback requirements, subdivision regulations,
clustering etc. effect both the likely value of de-
velopment and its cost. In general low density require-
ments tend to attract development of high value per lot
while large frontage and inflexible subdivision regula-
tions, especially jn a sewered area, tend to generate
high costs per unit. It is possible to mix these in a
variety of ways and by selecting the proper mix to
generate relatively high values without expecially
high development costs.
The key point to note is that development costs are
closely tied to frontage requirements rather then to
density, since most of the cost of a finished subdivi-
sion lot is the cost of street and utilities and not of
raw land. To maximize value while minimizing develop-
ment costs, a combination of low density and limited
frontage requirements would be optimum. This could
take the form of traditional zoning with large area lots
and smallish frontage, of traditional zoning but with
minimum lot width measured across the building site
rather than at the lot line or minimum setback line,
or it could take the form of cluster type zoning or
planned unit development.
IGG
-------
6.4 MITIGATION OF IMPACTS
The most serious adverse environmental impacts of urbanizing
western Cranston, whether as the proposed action, i.e. limited
sewering and zoning change, or any of the alternatives, includ-
ing no-action, will be:
1. Increased traffic including congestion, increased accidents
and increased noise, and
2. Increased flood flows on the streams.
Lesser impacts will include reduction of air quality and changes in
appearance and wildlife habitat.
Impacts that cannot be clearly identified because they require fore-
casts of complete social and economic conditions include changes in
demand for municipal services and changes in the tax base.
Some of these anticipated impacts can be totally avoided by ade-
quate mitigating actions while others can only be softened; some
can be accomplished by changes in regulations (zoning, building
codes, subdivision codes) or law while others require major public
works improvements; some are merely modifications of current land
development practices while others would require fundamental change
in the mix of public and private responsibility in land development
practice. The sections below describe these mitigating strategies
in order of the severity of the impact to be mitigated and/or their
difficulty of accomplishment.
JG7
-------
6.41 TRAFFIC EFFECTS
The control of congestion, accidents, and noise in areas of
urban growth in most places in modern times has been a
catastrophic failure/generally unobserved because it ordinarily
takes place over so long a time span. (The difference be-
tween ordinary urban growth and what is likely in western
Cranston is primarily one of likely speed of development.)
Usually urbanization takes place slowly with rural roads
gradually becoming residential, then with subdivisions filling
in on the farmland and forests behind the pioneer houses. As
traffic congestion and noise grow, the streets are widened
and the pioneer houses are converted to businesses adding
further to the traffic. Gradually the businesses in the
houses are replaced, here and there, with commercial buildings,
and the end result is a commercial strip through a residential
neighborhood with the noise, glare, fumes, vibration, and
views of the business trip impinging upon the adjoining houses,
sowing the seeds of later urban decay.
Some people lay the blame for the end result on planning
boards and city councils for "caving in" to the requests to re-
zone from residential to business, but usually by the time
this happens, the lands along the onetime rural roads are
already too noisy for residential use.
Some people lay the blame on automobiles and propose that new
development be designed along public transit lines despite:
1. that, even in places like eastern Cranston, built up
when public transit was a common mode, only 10% of the
population now use transit to commute, and even fewer
use it for other purposes,
2. that the density of new development isgenerally less than
the density of older development, and that higher rather than
lower densities would be required to make transit feasible,
3. that in the pioneer stages of development, when pat-
terns of use are being determined and habits of the
residents are being shaped, the densities are very
much lower, and
4. that transit agencies are usually interested in eliminating
service rather than adding it.
168
-------
Some people blame the builders and developers, but they are
usually totally locked into their patterns of behaviour by zon-
ing and subdivision codes and by the need to stage their de-
velopments to minimize the capital investment requirements.
The builders, in their turn will cite the development codes,
but the codes were justifiably established to prevent the
worst kinds of development abuses by the worst kinds of builders.
And finally, some people will place the blame on growth it-
self, without recognizing that the young people seeking homes
were born a generation before, that they were not party to the
decision to be born, and that they only want a decent environment
for their own families.
Where then does the problem lie and what can be done about it?
169
-------
Most likely the answer is in the classical city design
literature, in the works of Ebenezer Howard, Frank Lloyd
Wright, LeCorbusier, Clarence Stein, etc., i.e. that main
streets are inherently unfit for residential use, indeed that
they ought not be used other than for transportation, for open
space, and, in special areas with special safeguards, for
industry and commerce.
Figure VI-23, ,a master plan for Wythenshawe, City of
Manchester, (prepared about 1931) shows what a new residential
area adjoining an existing city should look like. Note
first that Wythenshawe in many ways was just like western
Cranston, it adjoined a large metropolitan center, was incor-
porated within the city limits, and had been precluded from
earlier growth by a physiographic boundary (in this case the
River Merse); second, that the need for additional housing in
the Manchester area had led the city to bridge across the
river; and finally, that the two main new roadways were proposed
to be buffered by a park strip, 200' wide, on both sides, all
along their length.
In a similar response to the same kind of problem, the City
of Cranston's 1959 Development Plan for Western Cranston
called for extension of Dean Parkway to Hope Road atBriggs
Farm along a line just north of the Gammino quarry, and
showed the proposed road with a line about 300 feet wide.
170
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WyjHENSHAWE
\x—
vi-zs
WITH ACKNOWLEDGMENTS TO BARRY PARKKE, F.R.I.B.A., I'.P.T.P.l.
171
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Analysis of the traffic volumes, safety problems, and noise
impacts of urbanization of western Cranston, using more
recently developed techniques and contemporary noise control
standards suggests that the same approaches are still fundamentally
valid but that, at the least, the following standards be applied:
1. Noise buffering of 15dB consisting of park lands 225'
wide where the roadway is depressed 15' or more below the
height of land between the road and residential areas,
250' wide where depressed 10', 300' wide where depressed
5', 500' wide where flush with residential areas and 400'
wide where elevated above residential areas.
2. Control of access to eliminate all driveways and un-
controlled street intersections.
3. Consistent curvature limitations, both minimum and maximum,
to both limit speeds and avoid blind spots. >Jote, this
recommendation is at some variance with current road de-
sign practice which calls for minimum radius standards
only. The minimum radius ensures adequate sight distance
at the design speed of the road. Unfortunately in areas
where the roadway has less curvature than required many
drivers will accelerate beyond the posted speeds to that
speed physically comfortable, a speed not safe in the areas
of minimum curature. Establishment of a maximum curvature
and maximum tangent length will tend to keep all traffic bunched
within a closer range of speeds, and hence will tend to reduce
accidents.
(This principal was applied to the design of the Westchester
County parkway system in the 1930's1)
4. Limited maximum grades to eliminate segregation of trucks
and autos by speed on upgrades and to limit truck noise
generation.
5. Travel way widths and intersection approaches consistent
with the anticipated traffic volumes.
To illustrate the safety improvements that might be achieved,
note the relationships between accident rates and traffic
volumes for various kinds of roads shown in Figure VI -24.
Personal communication. Prof. Norman T. Newton, Emeritus
Harvard Graduate School of Design.
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> LMIl. HO ntDlut. HO "CCtil CWTIOl
. I LANI1 HO MIBIAN. MO ftCCtl! CONTIOL
» 19 « so >0 10
AVMACI DAIIT IftAMIC IHUHDtfOtl
til «! MOICO
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Figure VI-25 shows the future accident rates likely on the
major streets of western Cranston both with and without this
proposed mitigation program. Note, that at the levels of
traffic expected as a result of the proposed actions, miti-
gation programs can be expected to eliminate 85% of all auto-
mobile accidents on the major road network in the mile just
west of the end of Rt. 37. Put another way, in the design life
of the treatment plant, 20 years, it is likely that there will
be about 1500 accidents including 2 or 3 deaths and 60 personal
injuries as a result of the proposed action in the critical
mile described above without the suggested mitigation, while
with the proposed mitigation only about 200 accidents would be
likely with no deaths and only about 10 injuries.
-------
H CONGESTION
SYSTEM
2 LANEV NO MEDIAN, NO ACCESS CONTROL
LANES, NO MEDIAN, NO ACCESS CONTROL
LANES MEDIAN, FULL ACCESS CONTROL
3 0 T Jo 1') I iO 50 60 HO TOO I MO IJlOOJOO]510 6(10 Wl 1,10(1
AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC (HUNDREDS)
OF
£XP€Cr£D TRAFFIC LOADS
C^GNSTON
15 ACCIDENT HATES IIKEIY TO «
U1ITH 4 IDlTttOUT 'pqO'POSED
43 * RESULT OP
175
SOURCS :
P7?QM NATIONAL COOl5£t? ATIVB
41
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Figure VI-26 shows in a conceptual way, how these might be
applied to the impacts of the No-Action Alternative and of the
Proposed Action. Note that the lands along the main roads are
either park or commercial (with controlled access).
Note also, and note it particularly- that this is a concept only, not
a proposal or a recommendation for immediate action but for thorough
study of the concept and all its safety and environmental ramifi-
cations.
6.411 The Institutional Problem
Implementation of the above suggested mitigating action
appears to be constrained both by lack of any govern-
mental agency clearly responsible for such actions and by
lack of general awareness of the problem by the general
public. Generally the federal and state transportation
agencies focus their activities on intercommunity trans-
portation and city planning agencies focus on intra-
development transportation (subdivision plans) with no
agency focusing specifically, with meaningful resources,
on intracommunity or interdevelopment transportation.
Looking to the past, some tentative efforts were made by
the state in this area, notable locally in the Dean
Parkway in Cranston, but in recent years state attention
in this area has tended to apply interstate solutions to
local problems, e.g. extension of Rt. 37 into western
Cranston. The end result of present policy often con-
sists of winding, twentytwo foot wide streets serving as
the link between thirty foot subdivision streets and
seventy mile per hour expressways.
The cause of this gap. does not appear to be in the agencies,
state or local, but rather in public attitudes with the
business community limiting its demand for transportation,
understandably,to intercommunity needs and to access to
industrial and commercial zones; with most inhabitants of
individual residential areas primarily interested, again
understandably, in preserving their own microcosms; and
with significant segments of the more outspoken intel-
lectual leadership of the society tending to condemn the
system rather than attempting to find workable solutions.
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2. That on-site control of runoff from land development and/
or building projects is consistent both with the state
wetland act which treats the dumping of increased runoff
into streams and wetlands in the identical manner with
which it treats dumping of fill into such areas and also
with the power of municipalities to regulate drainage de-
sign as part of subdivision control and building codes.
3. That the methods of runoff calculation and control de-
scribed in the newly published Soil Conservation Service's
Urban Hydrology For Small Watersheds (technical release
No. 55),Chapters 2 and 7,allow simple, effective, and
impartial analysis and design without reliance on "engineering
judgement", a pitfall of earlier attempts at such regulation.
4. That onsite runoff control appears feasible with use of
as little as 10% and not more than 25% of any site or
tract of land for runoff storage.
5. That on-site runoff control I transfers the costs to the
developers at the time of development and hence neither
places any burden on the taxpayers nor does it require
any investment in expensive physical improvements prior
to actual use.
6. That on-site runoff controll will require the City to
establish a proceedures and standards manual, based on
the SCS method, to insure consistent application to
all subdivision, all buildings,and all other land devel-
opments as part of its subdivision and building codes.
7. That while runoff control will be generally effective, it
is not the whole answer, that some areas have already been
developed, that there will be special cases for which it is
not applicable,and that there are some special needs unre-
lated to the general problem, i.e. protection of the antique
industrial area in the Furnace Hill Brook ravine and com-
pensatory flood storage for loss of floodplain elsewhere
in Cranston along the Pawtuxet River System.
8. That two of the old mill pond sites south of Phenix Avenue
on Furnace Hill Brook could be used very effectively and
very efficiently as a multiple-use flood control, recreation,
habitat protection, archeological site protection, noise buf-
fer, scenic area, etc. project, IF PROPERLY DESIGNED. These
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two sites alone would not nearly resolve the increased
runoff problem without an on-site control program, but they
could quite adequately supplement such a program.
In consequence of the above, both an on-site runoff control program
and exploration of restoration of the two mill ponds as appropriate
mitigating actions appear desirable .although both these actions
in turn will have adverse impacts.
In the on-site runoff control program, it should be noted that
the mitigating action will impose a new layer of constraints on
land developers and, under the existing zoning format in Cranston,
reduce the number of units allowable on any tract of land in con-
travention of the number clearly authorized inthe City's zoning
ordinance. To offset these adverse effects, the City could alter
its zoning approach, reducing its dimensional requirements,
i.e. setbacks, lot size, dwelling units per building, etc. and
substituting density and spatial distribution (in terms of ratio
of setback distance to number of dwelling units per development
cluster, etc.) Note that this is not a recommendation for "cluster"
zoning or "planned unit development" as they are ordinarily
conceived, but rather a recommendation for zoning based on
environmental performance, i.e. amount of traffic likely to be
generated, noise (generated by screaming kids) and kids likely
to impinge upon neighbors, protection and enhancement of
the microclimate, etc. Further, it should be noted that such
an approach oriented toward environmental performance criteria,
IF PROPERLY DESIGNED, could simultaneous protect the economic
interests of developers and the quality of life of the community
(both the developers, their neighbors,and the city as a whole), that
it would tend not only to control runoff but it would enhance
the community's appearance, microclimate, habitat value for song-
birds and small mammals, recreational opportunities, etc.
Similarly, in the restoration of the two mill ponds, extreme
care and careful coordination will be required to protect the
archeological and esthetic values of the sites, conceivably
requiring structural forms not ordinarily used in small flood
control structures, perhaps restoration of the old stonework
or perhaps thin reinforced concrete walls carefully set just
upstream of the remnants of the old dams. In any case this
work ought to be done under the direct control of the Rhode
Island Historical Preservation Commission.
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8.43 STREAMFLOW EFFECTS - RUNOFF QUALITY
Control of the quality of urban stormwater runoff, like control of its quar
has only recently been recognized as a necessary environmental pro-
tection objective.
Methods for such quality control include frequent sweeping of streets
to pick up pollutants before they enter the stream system, trapping
the settlable materials in catch basin sumps as the runoff enters the
drainage system, collection and conventional sewage treatment plant
type treatment along with sanitary sewage (or in a parallel system)
as the runoff leaves the drainage system, settlement of the runoff
waters in sedimentation basins between the storms drain outfalls
and the natural streams, and filtration of the street runoff waters
by overland flows through grassy or weedy open swales between
the pipe outfalls and the natural streams.
Selection among these alternatives will depend in any particular case
on the interplay of costs among operations, initial construction, and
land. In this case, given the recommendation made previously for
mitigating the quantitative changes in streamflow (retarding runoff
waters on-site in all urbanizing areas) and given the almost complete
likelihood that the methods that will be used to retard runoff (broad
and shallow water storage reservoirs and substitution of open drain-
age swales for drainage pipelines) will almost certainly include sedi-
mentation basins and overland flow filters, the choice of runoff quality
control methods appears to be quite simple.
Implementation of this particular environmental quality protection
objective, in this case, will required the City to include in its run-
off control program described in Section 6.42 provisions:
1. for construction erosion protection: - construction of peak/
flow/sedimentation basins and drainage ways to them as a
first stage of all projects that require extensive grading, and
2. for post construction, street drainage pollution control: -
design of drainage systems to provide the maximum feasible
surface swale drainage (rather than piping) and sedimentation
basins between all street drain outfalls and all wetlands and
streams.
The effects of these actions will be similar to those described in
Section 6.42; they will add no substantial further burdens to developers;
they will required no further secondary mitigating actions, and final-
ly they will, similarly, not burden the City's taxpayers.
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6.14 APPEARANCE 6 WILDLIFE HABITAT
The rural beauty and the wildlife habitat value of western
Cranston in large measure stem from the variety of sizes of
spaces and blocks of woodlands characteristic of most New
England rural areas. With urbanization, the larger spaces and
forests are broken up into a uniform pattern of small lots and
buildings which when applied over miles of landscape without
adquate parks, open spaces, topographic features, etc. can be-
come visually and ecologically dull, sterile,and monotonous.
Classical remedies to this esthetic monotony and ecological
sterility of urbanization have included the parks, parkways,
and wilderness reservations proposed by Frederick Law Olmsted
and Charles Elliott, (reflected in Roger Williams Park in
Providence and the extensive metropolitan park system in
nearby Boston) and the agriculture belts of Sir Ebenezer
Howard (reflected in the design of Greenbelt, Maiyland). More
recent attempts to cope with this problem have included "cluster
zoning" and "planned unit development."
All these remedies have had their difficulties. The parks,
reservations, and agricultural zones all pose major economic
problems, basically that their costs must be borne years,
decades, even generations, before their benefits are experienced,
while the cluster zoning and planned unit development approaches
have the drawbacks of newness, lack of widespread public con-
fidence and acceptence, and, to some degree, lack of critical
testing of environmental impacts on the general physical
environment, on the community as whole and on the adjoining
residents and property holders.
It is believed that the remedies suggested hereinbefore, under
traffic impact control and streamflow impact control are
consistent with the general line of these traditions and that
these same remedies will probably do much to mitigate both
the esthetic and wildlife habitat impacts of the coming urbanization.
We have noted in those remedies, that they must be properly
designed to have the desired effects. It is not a matter of
"good" land uses vs. "bad", (houses vs. sewage treatment
plants), of "good " public facilities and services vs. "bad"
(parks vs roads),but rather a recognition that our culture is
extremely complex requiring many kinds of land use and many
kinds of services,and that all of these have impacts that
must be weighed and properly handled, essentially that planning,
in the words of the National Environmental Policy Act, "...
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utilize a systematic, interdisciplinary approach which will
insure the integrated use of the natural and social sciences and
the environmental design arts..." Note that this is not a call
for adversary relationship among the disciplines, it is not a
call for a sequential approach, it does not set one discipline above
any others, but that it does call for cooperation with, and sensi-
tivity to, the needs and viewpoints of others in developing
programs for the future. It appears that in developing
western Cranston, with better management of the environment
than has been done heretofore, Cranston will be pioneering
new ground and that it will need to develop new forms, new
procedures and new types of regulation. Whether the result
will obviate all the environmental problems is not known, but
it appears that the National Environment Policy Act does point
the way.
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VII SIT6 SPECIFIC WWL&M3 OF
7.0 INTRODUCTION
The extension of public sewers into western Cranston, in the manner im-
plicit in the proposed project, could have sentus adverse impact on areas
of significant cultural, historical, geological, esthetic and ecological value.
Western Cranston is rich in such resources, particularly in the area
through which the proposed sewer truck lines must pass and upon which
the secondary effects of urbanization, i.e. increased flooding, traffic con-
gestion, noise, etc. will probably be focused.
This coinciding of areas of probable impact and resource location is a
consequence of the unusual physiographic constraints of western Cranston.
This chapter describes:
1) constraints that lead to the problem.
2) the resources that appear to be threatened,
3) whether there are prudent and feasible alternatives that preclude
any potential adverse impacts, and
4) whether there are prudent and feasible actions that can be taken
to mitigate any potential adverse impacts.
Of special importance are:
1) the requirements of the Advisory Council On Historical Preserva-
tion, established in pursuance to Sections 1 (3) and 2(b) of Execu-
tive Order 11593, which order insures that no Federal action may
adversely impact any property eligible for inclusion in the National
Register of Historic Places if there is any prudent and feasible
alternative,
2) that there is reason to believe that the proposed action would
impact areas so eligible, and
3) that there do appear to be prudent and feasible alternatives which
would avoid and/or reduce the adverse impacts.
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7.1 SETTING
Western Cranston contains a graat number of areas with special interest
culturally (in an anthropological sense), historically, geologically, estheti-
cally and ecologically, In general, these areas vary in their specialness
from being commonplace to being probably unique or nearly unique within
the State of Rhode Island and within the United States as a whole, and they
also vary in their size, quality of setting, and degree of preservation.
from being unremarkable to being extraordinary.
A reconnaissance survey and preliminary literature search by a C.E.
Maguire, Inc. team,including people skilled in urban planning, landscape
architecture, civil engineering, geology, geography and photography, sup-
plemented by the State of Rhode Island's Archeologist, Mr. John Senulis,
and the Curator of the Slater Museum and Supervising Historian
for the Historic American Engineering Record, Mr. Gary B. Kulik, (all start-
ing with data provided by State and City historical preservation agencies and
by the Audubon Society) identified an area of western Cranston, primarily
along Furnace Hill Brook as:
1) having special values in all five senses, i.e. culturally, historically,
geologically, esthetically, and ecologically,
2) having settings that are sizeable, well preserved,and appropriate
to the original cultural or historical land use,
3) probably being eligible for inclusion in the National Register of
Historic Places.
4) being threatened by the proposed action, both by the action directly
and by the effects of urbanization.
The key point to bear in mind is that all of these come together in one fairly
small area, the area through or near which not only the sewer main but also
1 the impacts of urbanization, i.e. traffic and stcrmwater runoff, must pass.
The sections below describe this special area along the Furnace Hill Brook
in some detail, including the physiographic conditions which in great measure
lead to the locational conflicts, a description of the site including its history,
and a summary of applicable portions of the historic preservation regulations.
Other areas of western Cranston, not described below, were believed not
to be both likely to be adversely impacted by the proposed project and
either eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places or other-
wise of exceptional environmental value.
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7.11 PHYSIOGRAPHY
Physiographically, Cranston is mostly a flat outwash plain in the east
and a rolling glaciated upland in the west. Between the two is a granitic
scarp which forms a distinct north-south topographic division. At
about the midpoint in the scarp is a zone, somewhat lower in elevation,
that is somewhat softer, being composed of sedimentary materials.
This central soft spot is physiographically both the ultimate source of
a variety of natural and cultural resources and the cause of a set of
resource impacts resulting from the proposed sewer extension by re-
stricting possible sewer and road locations.
Furnace Hill Brook, the largest stream in western Cranston, runs
through this central zone in a deep ravine,
1) exposing interesting geology and topography,
2) creating a special microclimate.
3) providing an unusual habitat containing, at one time, anad-
romous fish, and
4} acting as the stage of a long history of human use.
The proposed extension of sanitary sewers into western Cranston
would not only place the main interceptor pipeline directly in the
ravine, but it would also induce lateral sanitary sewers, storm drains
and additional roadway improvements, necessary to accommodate
the resultant urbanization, in the vicinity.
Figure VI-2, in the proceeding chapter, shows the generalized
physiography of Cranston; Figure VI-3 shows the topography of
western Cranston; Figure VI-4, the watershed structure, and
Figure VI-6,the road system. Note,on Figure VI-4,that Furnace
Hill Brook is the only major stream that crosses from western Cranston
to eastern Cranston across the central scarp, and,on Figure VI-6 •
that there are only four streets that cross the scarp and that two of
these lie close to Furnace Hill Brook.
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Figure VII-1, Physiography of Western Cranston, shows the bedrock
geology of western Cranston superimposed on its topography. The
plutonic materials are the basis of the western Cranston upland, being
composed of hard, erosion resistant materials, while the softer sedimentary
rocks of the Rhode Island Formation underlie the lowlands. The Black-
stone Formation which occurs in a few small spots along their boundary
zone contains a considerable variety of metamorphic materials including
some with little resistance to erosion and/or chemical weathering
such as steatite and marble so that this formation tends to underly
tho major streams and valleys leading out of the uplands, and as
result, the major, older roadways.
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In the vicinity of the Furnace Hill Brook, the strike of the bedrock
strata is generally east-west and their dip is quite steep so that,
where the river runs east-west, steep ravines and gorges have
formed, notably south of PhenixAvenue between Furnace Hill Street
and Olney Arnold Road and north of Hope Street between Phenix
Avenue and Pippin Orchard Road. Where the stream runs across
the strata, small falls and rapids have developed below the more
sistant materials, with a number of these falls having been used as
power sources in times past. Figure VII-2, shows the topography of
the vicinity of Furnace Hill Brook in an enlargement of the United
States Geological Survey topography maps including the river and
ravines.
And finally, it ought to be noted of the geology that the Blackstone
Formation includes significant deposits of hematite and closely re-
lated minerals, which have been of economic value both, with cer-
tainty, as a major bedrock mine and, probably, as an ultimate source
of iron for bog iron deposits in the Meshanticut Valley just to the.east.
190
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7.12 ESTHETICS AND HABITAT
The distinctive and unusual topography of the Furnace Hill Brook
ravine and gorge stand in quite striking contrast visually and ecological-
ly from the surrounding areas. The general comment of members of
C.E. Maguire's reconnaissance team and of various state and federal
officials who surveyed the area was that they found it hard to believe
that areas so scenic could exist, first, in Rhode Island, and second,
so close to the city.
Ecologically, the contrast is most evident in the vegetation which
differs from that of the surrounding area. On the north facing slopes,
i.e. the microclimatically colder ones, the vegetation includes Moun-
tain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) , Canada Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis),
American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) and Yellow Birch (Betula lutea)
Figure VII -3a
I92
Furnace -Mill ^ropK just above Furnace fjjll Street, note
ruins in ui>|>ef right half of picture with mortared,
uncoursed f ield stone walls on tmmortared ,uncour5ed,
squared fleldstone foundations.
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Figure VII- 3 b, Quins of
uncoursed rubble dam
-pacing judf u-pe+reom
from null ruind.
r ^/ ^4,:^
es«¥»*SE£
all which do not normally jf.cn in the surrounding region's oak-
hickory forest but are typical of the forests of centra) New England .
Undoubtedly this change in forett composition is both indicative cf
otb->r microclimatic effects such as lowered water temperatures in
th.: brook and also contributive to the variety of birds sad small
animals that are likely to inhabit the area. The water—temperate
lowering-effects of the gorge and ravin?, combined with the rapid
aeration of the falls and rapids, do create a substantially different
(even though small scale) stream habitat from those typical of the
rather flat surrounding region, and the greater vegetation range
of the ravine is likely, to some degree, to increase, diversify, and
extend the season of, food and shelter availability of that region.
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7.13 ARCHEOLOCICAL VALUE (ABORIGINAL)
' *f '
The valley of the Furnace Hill Brook is believed to have been of
special value to the pre-colonial inhabitants of Rhode Island, in
part because of its value as an anadromous fishery and in part
because of part of its mineral composition, most specifically, its
steatite.
••i '.'•
As a fishery, the ravine does offer an excellent location for netting,
smoking,and drying the spring run of anadromous fish (fish that
breed in fresh water and mature at sea), presumably shad, and for
establishing a corn crop in the surrounding fields using fish wastes
as fertilizer while the fish were smoking and drying.
The steatite, a not too common, soft, easily carved mineral, quarried
not far from the ravine, would have been used by the Indians for
mortars in which to grind corn, and as such would have been an es-
sential raw material for the Indian economy.
Placing the two resources,food and minerals, together in close
proximity would have created a component of human habitat of
very special value to a food-gathering society of stone-working
technology, and the vicinity of the Furnace Hill Brook probably was
a major seasonal encampment of such a people for countless centuries.
As such it would have been a center, not only of the aboriginies'
economic activities but also of their social, educational, artistic, poli-
tical and religious activities, and hence the site probably has quite
special archeological value.
The preliminary reconnaissance of the site by the state archeologist,
undertaken as part of this statement, did uncover, along the south-
ern lip of the ravine, stone chips so formed that they were, very
probably, deliberately fashioned as tools, presumeably for splitting
and cleaning fish, and thereconnaissancedid confirm the existence
and location of the steatite quarry.
Unfortunately, from an archeological point of view, the most likely
sites of the camps and cornfields in the uplands immediately adjoining
the ravine have since been plowed and have even, in places, had their
topsoil stripped, while the most likely sites of the fish traps, the rapids
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Figure VII-3c - Ouins of coursed, rtfughJif squared and rqn^ed stone
dam oHth concrete fo^course further upstream just
meander in ravine.
in the bottom of the ravine became the site of a series of mills and dams
in colonial days. Both of these actions probably have spoiled those
specifically effected areas in a aboriginal archeological sense (but not
its historical archeology) .
Fortunately, from the same point of view, there are still substantial
areas in (what at one time were) the mill ponds that would have been
well protected from "development" by their impounded waters and in
slopes that were not plowed, and so do constitute a possibly significant
cultural resource and hence are probably eligible for protection from
federal action as an historic site.
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7.14 HISTORICAL VALUE
The valley of the Furnace Hill Brook in western Cranston contains
the remains of a chain of industrial activities that began in the middle
of the 17th century, reached its heyday in the late 18th century, faded
through the 19th century, and has remained substantially unchanged
through the 20th century, so far.
The principal features of those remains Include:
1) that the remains have been relatively undisturbed for a long
period of time (about a century).
2) that the remains are relatively well isolated from adjoining
land, and adjoining human activities, existing and probable
in the future, by the rough topography of the area.
3) that the surrounding lands have changed little in the last
century (although this is likely to change rapidly In the
near future).
4) that the remains appear to show the historical evolution of
industry in New England up to the mid 19th century, all in
one nearly contiguous setting.
5) that at least part of the remains can be related to historical-
ly important persons, technological developments,and political
events.
6) that the remains might, through archeological exploration and
historical research, contribute to resolving a major historical
debate, i.e. the cause of the American Revolution, economic
vs. ideologic, through its relationship with persons intimately
involved historically in both the economic and ideologic events
that led to the revolt.
Figure VI1-4 shows the principal remains superimposed on an aerial
photograph of the area.
The history of the area is synopsized below.
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7.141 Seventeenth Century
Industry came to the colonies quite early in their development
and included milling of grain, sawing of lumber, various
steps in the manufacture of textiles, and the smelting and fabri-
cation of metals, particularly of iron. The iron industry dates
back as far as the 1620's in Virginia and the 1640's across Nar-
ragansett Bay from Cranston in what, at that time, was the
Plymouth Colony.
The resources on which the industry was based were wide-
spread through southern New England, i.e. bog iron ore
(a post-glacial sedimentery deposit that occured in most
ponds, swamps, and rmarshes of the region as a result of
seasonal chemical reactions within such water bodies that
change the soluble iron salts that leach out of the mineral
matter of the adjoining uplands to insoluble salts which pre-
cipitate out of the water onto the wetland bottoms), charcoal
(readily manufactured from the extensive hardwood forests
—oak-hickory—of the region), and power for forcing air
through the furnaces (also readily developable from the many
rapidly falling streams of the region).
At Furnace Hill Brook, the brook would have been adequate
(by 17th century standards) for power, charcoal would also
have been easily obtained, and iron should have been even
more readily available in the Meshanticut Valley than else-
where in the region, given the rich iron deposits of the
Furnace Hill Brook Valley upstream.
Indeed, comparison of the Furnace Hill site with other
areas of the Narragansett Basin can easily show that the
Furnace Hill site is one of the better small waterpower sites
in the region that, simultaneously, is close to extensive wet-
lands, i.e. eastern Cranston, hence a good 17th century site.
Inspection of the site does indicate an old dam and mill founda-
tion just west of what is now called Furnace Hill Street, and
a sluiceway between the two, now filled, is recalled by several
people to have only recently been filled. Whether these are
17th century is not known but an old photograph of the area
from an unknown source mailed to CE Maguire, Inc. is cap-
tioned "Est. 1662."
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M'-.*V..V- .. • '
-•, v .- .
' '^i'.Vtf*' A/,1, '
F.st.
C.ourU'sy C.IMIOUV L. Holmes
Figure VII- 5 View of FURNACE -HILL ST^tfiT
AN
COPV )
Figure VII-5 is a copy of the photograph. It was taken along
the brook, from east of Furnace Hill Street and south of the
brook looking westward. Note:
1) the sparse forest indicating the photograph was taken
some time ago.
2) the proximity of the main building to the street, or rather
that the street was part of the industrial complex.
199
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The photo, shows the ruins somewhat more intact than today
but still only a ruins but with a large wood building to the
right of the ruins, now demolished. The whole complex,
connected to the house now standing at the corner of Phenix
Avenue, has the appearance, from its simple and direct
architectural lines, of a colonial period structure. It is locally
recalled that the wood second story of the building now gone
was entered from the uphill grade through a wide doorway.
Chimneys, separate from the main structure, were on the
lower grade and on the upstream side of the building. In the
period prior to its removal this building is said to have been
used as a foundry with shipping/receiving/storage in the
wooden second story, casting and forging at the chimneys
and shaping and finishing in the basement.
7.142 Eighteenth Century
In the eighteenth centnry, the western Cranston iron industry
moved from being one of many similar local industries of no
special note to what may have been a central role in bringing on
the American Revolution. Whether it actually was, is near the
focus of a major historical debate on the causes of that revolution
and that debate in turn is part of a wider intellectual debate
on the causes of history itself.
Ignoring the wider debate and looking to the debate on the
causes of the revolution, the issue is well defined in John
C. Walke's THE CAUSES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
(D.C. Heath S Co., 1973) which puts it thus:
Not so very long ago Americans were taught
that the American Revolution came about
solely and simply because all colonists
hated tyranny and loved freedom; because
all colonists resented a foreign govern-
mant's denying their right to share in
governing themselves; and because all
colonists, therefore, rising in heroic
resistance to the government vhich oppressed
them, determined to make America an
independent nation founded on the principles
of political liberty and equality. The
persistence of such a simple, black-and-white
picture of the revolutionary struggle is re-
flected in the widely held belief that the
chief point at issue between colonies and
mother country was the. Tightness or wrongness
of the principle that "taxation without
representation is tyranny.
Lstorical research and analyses by
iholars of the past two generations,
awever, have made it impossible to
elieve quite so surely that the Re-
olution was no more, and no less,
han a conflict produced by verbal
isagreements between a people united
.n the cause of freedom and a regime which
•efused to accept freedom as the
lecessary basis of all governments. The
reappraisal of the colonial and revolu-
:ionary era, begun by such scholars as
Jharles M. Andrews, George Louis Beer,
Herbert Levi Osgood, and others has
nade It clear that to see selfless devotion
of the patriots to political ideals as the
sole cause of the Revolution might well be
a national tradition, but it is hardly sound
history. Significant facts which today
200
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seem obvious - for example, the extreme
tardiness of the patriot leaders in
formulating the demand for independence, or
the apparent lack of unity among the colonists
concerning what they wanted, why they wanted
it, and how they proposed to get it - were
long overlooked by the traditional expla-
nations of why the revolutionists fought.
Beginning in the 1890's, historians directed
their attention more closely to the revolu-
tionary use of the political ideals of
freedom and equality, independence and self-
government; they carefully considered the
influence of economic interests, the accidental
conjunctures of men and events, and the per-
sonal ambitions and prejudices of revolu-
tionary leaders or members of Parliament;
they looked more closely into the everyday
attitudes and activities of working men, poor
farmers, and other hitherto neglected 'lesser
folk,1 as well as the historic actions and
pronouncements of historically preeminent
figures; and they sought to establish more
precisely the actual, as well as the abstract,
logical connections between each step In the
conflict. As a result, it is generally
recognized today that to understand why the
Revolution was fought, one must do more than
cite at face the familiar political slogans
and catchwords. The historian must consider
the actions and the motives of diverse
individuals, groups, sections, and classes;
and he must be aware of the relationship of
the British-American conflict to British
Imperial problems In general and to larger
problems of world affairs. There is
no longer any doubt that the causes of the
American Revolution were complex and deep-
seated.
Despite general agreement that the question,
'What caused the American Revolution?' has
no simple and easy answer, historians are
still far from agreeing about the relative
merits of different answers. Now, more than
ever, their works present an array of diverse
often contradictory and conflicting inter-
pretations, ...
Historians' disagreement about the causes of
the American Revolution involve much more,
than a difference in historical philosophy
between 'materialists' and Idealists.' There
are crucial disagreements about matters of
fact as well =s about the interpretations
to be put upon the facts; and there are dis-
agreements about the values and standards by
which historians should choose and evaluate
facts and about the meaning of such terms as
"explanation1 and 'understanding.1
The first group of historians propose the so-
called 'economic interpretation.' a general
name given to a number of related but by no
means identical explanations, all sharing
one common, central conclusion: that it
was the conflicts between colonial and
British economic interests - mercantile,
industrial, and landed - which led to the
Revolutionary War, and that the economic
motivations generating those conflicts
were the basic driving forces underlying
other, more superficial conflicts of poli-
tical ideas and ideals. Louis M. Hacker
offers the clearest possible statement of
the viewpoint:
'The stuggle was not over high-
sounding political and consti-
tutional concepts; over the
power of taxation or even, in
the final analysis, over natural
rights. It was over colonial
manufacturing, wild lands and
furs, sugar, wine, tea, and
currency, all of which meant,
simply, the survival or collapse
of English mercantile capitalism
within the imperial-colonial frame-
work of the mercantilist system.'
Other historians around the turn of the
century, not persuaded that economic
Interpretations satisfactorily explained
why the Revolution came about, but equally
concerned to push beyond stereotypical
generalizations were also moved to inspect
•ore closely the details of pre-Revolutionary
history. To a number of these writers it
seemed that, whatever the facts about
economic and related conflict earlier in
the colonial period, the decade or two
immediately preceding the outbreak of open
hostilities was crucial. They contended
that the course of events leading from that
point to the war itself was not preordained
or deterministically dictated by some
economic or other underlying force. It was,
in fact, shaped by the specific political
decisions taken during this period by
governments and politicians on both sides
of the Atlantic. Some writers placed
particular emphasis on what they saw as
stupidity, folly, and irresponsibility on
the part of George III and his court, who
were seen as surmounting the principled
opposition of Parliamentary Whigs and
forcing decisions which violated rights and
interests dear not just to American colonists
but to British liberals as well.
20)
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Relating this debate to western Cranston and its potential
historical and archeological significance it should be noted:
1) That Stephen Hopkins, signer of the Declaration of
Independence, nine times governor of Rhode Island,
member of the Continental Congress, Chief Justice
of the Rhode Island Superior Court, advocate of
colonial union as early as 1752 (two years after pas-
sage of the Iron Act of 1750, which prohibited a
number of iron finishing operations in the colonies),
publisher, pamphleteer, agitator, industrialist,
merchant, rum runner, entrepreneur, smuggler,
college president (Brown), slave trader, brother
of the first Commander-in-Chief of the U. S. Navy,
wearer of the hat on the back of the two dollar bill,
etc. owned, operated, and got a state subsidy for
an iron mine in western Cranston in the Furnace
Hill Brook Valley.
2) That Stephen Hopkins was much concerned about the
colonies' economy, particularly their balance of trade,
or as Hopkins himself put it (from Walke; op. cit.):
By the best computation I have seen, the
quantity"of flour made in these colonies
yearly Is such, that after all the English
inhabitants, as well of the continent as
of the islands, are fully supplied, with as
much as they can consume with the year,
there remains a surplusage of at least one
hundred thousand barrels. The quantity of
beef and pork remaining after the English
are in like manner supplied is very large. •
The fish, not fit for the European market,
and the lumber produced in the northern
colonies, so much exceed the market found
for them in the English West Indies, that
a vast surplusage remains that cannot be
used.... From the money and goods produced
by the sale of the surplusages, with many
others of less consequence, sold by one
means or other to the Spaniards, French,
and Dutch in America, the merchants of those
northern colonies are principally enabled
to make their remittances to the mother
country for the British manufactures con-
sumed in them....
Supposing this Intercourse of the colonies
with the Spanish, French, and Dutch entirely
stopped, the persons concerned in producing
the surplusages will of course change the
manner of their industry, and improvement and,
compelled by necessity, must set about making
those things they cannot live without, and
now rendered unable to purchase from their
mother country (i.e., manufactures).
3) That there appears to be a noteworthy coincidence
of interest in the iron industry among the otherwise
diverse signers of the Declaration of Independence.
John W. W. Sullivan of the American Iron and Steel
Institute (Encyclopedia Americana) raises the possi-
bility that the widespread distribution of the iron
industry through the colonies (probably the world's
-------
major iron producer of the time of the revolution)
and the ironmongers' common grievance with the
Iron Act of 1750 may have done much to unify the group
of quite separate colonies with little else in common.
Sullivan lists as signers with interests in the iron
industry:
John Carroll of Carrollton , Maryland
Stephen Hopkins, Rhode Island
Philip Livingston, New York
George Ross, Pennsylvania
James Smith, Pennsylvania
George Taylor, Pennsylvania
In addition, he notes as revolutionary officers with
iron interests, Ethan Allen, Nathanial Greene of
Potowomut and Coventry, Rhode Island, Daniel
Morgan, and one George Washington.
Vfl
-3d , Site of old -firkins min* just west of 9henix -Avenue
103
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Figure VII ~3e. Remains of former stream diversion channel used to
deioater flo^Kms mine site. Mote the bowed tree
characteristic of streambank vegetation.
4) That Sullivan (op. cit.) also notes that while the Iron
Act of 1750 specifically prohibited construction of
new steel furnaces (among other processes) and
while the consequent British census of the colonial
iron and steel industries listed no steel furnaces in
Rhode Island in 1750, that there was one in oper-
ation by 1776 in that state, location not noted.
Physically, the mine area that was owned by Governor Hopkins
is in good condition having been little changed since the 19th
century, although some land surveyors' clearings in the pit
have been made just this year. The remains of this operation
include:
204
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1) stream relocation works to dewater the excavation
including a 12 foot high, TOO foot long, earth backed,
stone diversion dam angled across the valley at about
45°, at least two man-made stream channels, one now
dry but clearly discernible, and with part of the di-
version channel blasted out of solid bedrock,
2) an earthen plateau with vegetation strikingly atypical
of the surrounding woods, apparently a spoil bank for
mine wastes ,
3) several ponds that may have been part of an early
strip mine or water supply reservoirs for the mine
operation, and
4) several minor stone constructions, including small
dams, foundations, etc.
Fiqure VII-3f, 9ari of stream diversion dam upstream of-Hopkins
0 " " mine, Male tuellands vege-M-ion in foreground.
tos
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V
Figure 711-35. V'eu> °f ^T^ins stream Aversion dam from uplands.
Locationally, the Hopkins mine is quite close to the presumed
17th century furnace just to the east and is also at the end
of "Hope Road," a road that runs directly to Hope Furnace,
a major supplier of Revolutionary War armaments, also owned
in part by Governor Hopkins, in southeastern Scituate on
a fall of the Pawtuxet River, 3 1/2 miles away.
Preliminary literature searches by CE Maguire, Inc. and
by Mr. Kulik, revealed the following interesting points about
the site:
1) An old map published by John Reed of New York
(otherwise not identified) entitled "The State of
Rhode Island. From the Latest Surveys, 1796,"
which shows what appears to be all the major in-
dustries of the state, notes the ore beds of western
Cranston (along the Furnace Hill Brook) but no
others.
206
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2) Mr. Kulik's researches led him to conclude that the
site ". . .saw the first use of steam power in Rhode
Island. A Newcomen engine, built by James Brown,
was constructed here in 1780. It pumped water from
a well (shaf*) 80 feet deep and °3 feet wide. Accord-
ing to one description, the engine had a cylinder two
feet in diameter and a beam four feet in diameter and
20 feet long . . . This was probably one of the first
two successful Newcomens (steam pumps) built in
the United States. Elijah Ormsi ee, who later went
on to develop a steamboat with David Wilkinson, worked
here and received his first int. oducticn to sleam power.
The ore was dug by black slaves. . . ."
Fiaure VII- 3h. -Ancient Oak at -Hopkins mine. Note -Hie broad shape
indicates -Hits tree once grew iri
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3) Other references indicated that Governor Hopkins was
intimately involved with both weapons and technology
and was chairman of the Continental Congress committee
which supervised the construction and use of David
BushneM's "Turtle," the first submarine. Hopkins'
reputation as a reliable and competent technical man
is attested to in the matter of the "Turtle" in a letter
written by John Hancock to George Washington on
October 20, 1775 which stated "Captain John Macpherson
having informed the Congress that he had invented a
method by which with their leave he would take or
destroy every ministerial armed vessel in North America,
they (the Continental Congress) appointed Governor
Hopkins. Mr. Randolph, and Mr. J. Rutledge to confer
with him on the subject, for he would not consent to
communicate the secret to any but a committee and you.
These Gentlemen (Hopkiris committee) reported that
the scheme in theory appeared practicable and that,
though its success could not be relied on without
experience, they thought it well worth attempting..."
7.143 Nineteenth Century
The ore bed ceased operation as a mine sometime in the
early 19th century and the subsequent use of its area is
not known. At the lower Furnace Hill Brook site there is
record in 1831 of a "Union Dye House," located at the ruins
area on Furnace Hill Street, and presumably the stream
was then used for both power and washing. By 1855 a
"Cranston Furnace" appears to have supplanted the dyehouse
and the water power could have been applied to operate
furnace bellows. A "Cranston Foundry" appears in the
records around 1862. Whether the furnace and foundry
were the same business, whether they coexisted with the
dyehouse, whether the dyehouse was preceded by an earlier
forge, etc. are not knows.
2.08
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7.15 PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
Cultural and historic resources of national significance are pro-
tected by law (Executive Order 11593) from adverse effects
of any federal action unless there is no prudent and feasible
alternative to the proposed action, and, where there is no prudent
and feasible alternative, that every prudent and feasible action be
taken to mitigate the adverse effects of the proposed action.
Such mandated protection is limited to properties eligible for listing
in the National Register of Historic Places. The criteria for such
listing are that the properties both:
A. possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials,
workmanship, feeling and association, and
B. that one of the following apply:
1. be associated with events that have made significant
contributions to the broad patterns of history, or
2. be associated with persons significant in our past, or
3a. embody the distinctive characteristics of a type of
construction, or
3b. represent the work of an artist, or
3c. possess high artistic value, or
3d, represent (as a group) a significant and distinguishable
entity whose several components may lack distinction
indjvkjuaMy, or have yielded or may yield information
to/in prehistory or history
Adverse effect includes, but is not limited to:
1. destruction or alteration of all or part of a property.
2. isolation from or alteration of its surrounding en-
vi ronment,
3 Introduction of visual, audible/or atmospheric elements
that are out of character or alter the setting, and
4. creation of conditions which would lead to neglect of
the property.
£09
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7.2 PROPOSED ACTION
The proposed action, so far as impacts on areas of special value and a
result of extension of sewers into western Cranston is concerned, in-
cludes:
1. extension of interceptor sewers as a federally aided project
2. construction of a system of lateral sewers (not federally assisted),
and
3. intensification (and probably acceleration) or urbanization in a
portion of western Cranston pursuant to the city's 1976 Master Plan.
The alternatives that have been advanced for the interceptors are major
pipelines 18" to 30" in diameter, run both in streets and open country, and,
for the vicinity of Furnace Hill Brook are shown in Figure VII-6.
The laterals are smaller pipelines generally laid in existing streets.
The urbanization generally will be private home development on all field
and forest lands in western Cranston except for public reservations , which
some of the wetlands.
2IO
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7.3 ANTICIPATED IMPACTS
The proposed action, extension of sewerage into western Cranston via
the Furnace Hill Brook Valley and change in land use as shown on the
city's 1976 Master Plan, with or without the proposed apartments, is
expected to cause, or lead to, the following impacts.
1. direct destruction and alteration of areas of great value culturally,
historically, geologically, esthetically and ecologically, by physical
construction, i.e. gaining access to, storing material for, excavating
for, and stockpiling earth from, the proposed interceptor sewer in
the valfey,
2. increase in flood volumes and frequencies through the archeological
and historic areas by increase in land development and paving in
the watershed upstream from the areas of special environmental
resource value causing increased and accelerated erosion of the
sites,
3. increase in traffic and traffic noise within the areas of special
resource values,
H. possible wfdening and reconstruction of roadways within the re-
source areas in response to growing traffic and traffic congestion,
and
5-. changes in the settings as a result of land use changes.
The no-action alternative, i.e. no sewer and no zoning change, would avofd
the first of the effects and to some degree lessen the others.
The worst case alternative, i.e. total sewering and zoning change to 8,000
and 12,000 square foot lots throughout western Cranston would create
all the effects of the proposed action but to a substantially more severe
degree for most of the adverse effects.
The mechanism by which the last four of these effects would come about
is described in Chapter VI, GENERAL EFFECTS OF SEWERING NON-URBAN
AREAS.
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The mechanism and magnitude of the first impact, disturbance of the land
surface, can best be gauged by considering that sewer construction will
require, at the least, clearing of an access road along the pipelines, stor-
ing pipes (up to 30" diameter), manhole materials, and pipe bedding (crushed
gravel, etc.) along the access roadway, excavating a trench at least 5' wide
along the trench, and then pushing (or scooping up) the backfill materials
back into the trench. In all,a swath at least 25' wide will be severely dis-
turbed on flatter lands,with even greater widths required on hillsides.
Figure VI1-7 shows such a hillside situation.
Figure Vlt • 7
fMMCT Of
OF i
sire
ON
Specific areas threatened include the ravine between Phenix Avenue and
Natick Avenue by the proposed action and the old iron mine west of Phenix
Avenue by future extensions along the brook.
Elsewhere in western Cranston no major adverse impacts are expected in
areas with special resource value.
2.13
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Ch»!*rviii OYE^LL IMTOCTS ON THE
CITV as £ UHWlfr
8 0 INTRODUCTION
The set of proposed actions, enlargement of the municipal wastewater
treatment plant, consolidation of other existing wastewater treatment
facilities into the municipal plant, rezoning western Cranston, and
extension of municipal sewers into western Cranston, particularly to
the areas zoned for industry, in addition to having the specific environ-
mental impacts in the specific localities described herein before, can
be expected to effect the City of Cranston and its residents and taxpayers,
all taken together, in a manner that can be called significant, originally
only financially, but since this financial impact will ultimately affect
all other environmental aspects, it can be concluded that the proposed
action will ultimately affect the City's total being.
The proposed actions will require a substantial investment of city funds,
of state funds (to which the people of the city are major contributors)
and of federal funds (to which the people of the city also contribute} for
its construction and financing and it will require an on-going commit-
ment to maintain and operate. In addition the proposed actions will
lead to increased populations and increased municipal services to those
increased populations.
Counterbalancing these costs will be increased revenues, in small part,
from sewer use charges but predominatly from increased property taxes
from the newly developed areas, while, overriding both the costs and
revenues attributable to the proposed actions, will be changes in munici-
pal costs for services to, and revenues from taxes levied upon, existing
properties as a result of changes in the city's socioeconomic milieu.
The financial impacts of the growth of western Cranston and its relationship
to the City's socioeconomic milieu are described in Chapter VII, Section
7.32U "Municipal Cost and Revenues".
The sections below attempt to set forth the significance of the financial
impacts of the proposed actions by comparing them both with the overall
city budget and with historic trends in costs and revenues.
2.17
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8.1 SETTING
The proposed action will result in a direct increase in the municipal
budget to cover the financing of the local share of the treatment plant
construction and, more important, its operation and maintenance. These
direct costs are expected to be on the order of well over a million dollars
per year, a not inconsiderable sum. Figure VIII-1 shows how this new
sewer debt service and operation and maintenance cost compares
with the City's overall operating costs and revenues. Note that
the sewer maintenance budget does not include any existing sewer debt
service. Note also the far greater importance of school, police, fire and
public works costs and of property taxes to the city as a whole, than the
sewer costs and revenues.
TABLE VIII-1
ANNUAL DIRECT COSTS AND
A. COSTS
1 . Debt Service hy City
(T. 20 yr.)
2. Operation and Maintenance
Sub-Total
B. REVENUES
1. Ciba-Geigy Estimated
2. Other User Charges
Sub-Total
C. NET ANNUAL DIRECT COST
REVENUES OF SYSTEM EXPANSION
1980 1990
$1,191,000 $ 843,000
1,720,000 2,780,000
$2.911.000 S3, 623, 000
S 403,000 $ 543,000
1,295,000 1,657,000
51,698,000 $2.300,000
$1.212,000 $1,323,000
1992
$ 531 ,000
4,400,000
$4,931,000
$1,023,000
2,019,000
$3,042,000
$1,888,000
Source: Universal Engineering Corparation
213
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Figure M- 1
OF NEW 3£WE^ COSTS TO EXISTING CITY BUDGET
Ssuer Use
•Additisno! Sttytr
Gt^OSS qt;VEHU5S 1*17^
33,oco,OOO
Sewer Maintenance-
Debt 3e«'vicft
School Operation*
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8.2 ALTERNATIVES
Each of the alternatives described herein before, the no action alterna-
tive (no sewers and no zoning changes), the proposed action (enlarge-
ment, upgrading and extension of the sewer system, and a limited zoning
change) and a worst case alternative (intensive sewering and urbaniza-
tion of all of western Cranston), will have a likely specific impact on
Cranston's school enrollments and tax base and on its relative financial
condition as a result, within a rather broad range of magnitude and time.
2ZO
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Figure VI 1-2 shows the trends in property tax base for the city as a
whole includmg its assessed values, its supposed full value based
on estimates of the Rhode Island State Reports on Tax Equalization, and
the constant dollar values for the assessed and full values based on the
United States Department of Commerce's Implicit Price Deflator. (The
dip in full values about 1965, not based on a decline in assessed value,
is believed to be an inconsistency in tax equalization estimation techniques,
and hence is ignored in the analyses below.)
Figure M - 2
9flO?fcTTV V4LU&5
CITV Or-
BOO
700
600
500
400
300
eoo
100
A
Pull Value
Pull Value
r.ht t)
•Asses?
td Yil
£d Value
/?55 1760
/9BO I
-------
SttU.tr'
* ^000,000,000 aofloc.ooo 1,000,000
100,000000 >,f>so:ooo 100,000
9-
4/OOOOO 10 OOO
'/P,000 IflOO
/RS5
Figure VIII-3
fyPTIOS OF 9ifO(i>E'iVrV VALUES TO 90f5ULATIOW -AND
SCHOOL ENROLLMENTS , |
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8.3 IMPACTS
Figure VI11-4 displays Cranston's probable population and full, constant
dollar property values for the various alternatives. These extrapola-
tions should be taken as descriptive rather than as forecasts and they
are based upon ultimately reaching saturation population after the turn
of the century and upon experiencing the most rapid growth rate (the
steepest slope on the semi-logarithmic graph) about 1990 as a result
of a roll-over of old dwelling units from elderly couples to young
families. This roll-over would occur as the elderly couples, now
between 50 and 60 years old, reach 65 to 75 years, and as the large
number of young people born in the 1950's and 1960's marry and
have children. The lowest line in each set shows what would hap-
pen if there were no new growth at all, the population will increase
anyway because of the roll-over and the property values will decline
because of wear and obsolescence.
SCAl!"
*lXiiOSf>Oi'-*iiC30,Oco,tOQ,ecc I
-/xooo --/a. ceo
!
tfyOOV- 1,000
j
I
L
1
v
v—
Pi3ureVlil"4 ?^OJECTIOSS OF-
V V4LU&S
2/23
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Figure VII1-5 displays the number of students for each alternative and
the ratio of students to total population. The decline in total school en-
rollments which only recently has become apparent is the result of the
decline in births since 1961 and it should continue for some time. Look-
ing to the future however, it is unlikely that the birth rate will not in-
crease as the post-war boom-babies in turn reproduce, say after 1980
and create a new peak in enrollments about 2000.
SOALt'
'10,000*-1,000
/«xs tno nes mo iri-s iieo
FijureVllf- 5 91?OJ£CTION3 OF- SCHOOL
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Figure VII-6 shows the ratios of property value to school enrollments
for each alternative and for the effect of no growth at all. The result is
striking and it appears that the following conclusions can be drawn:
(1)
(2)
(3)
that, without growth, in about a generation Cranston will begin to
experience the kind of shrinkage of tax base and increased demand
for services that has severely injured older cities,
that the impact of the differences in school enrollments among the
alternatives is quite small compared both to that of the differences in
tax bases of the various alternatives and also to that of changes in
age-composition-of-the-population on all of them,
that so long as schools are primarily paid for by local property tax,
so long as new buildings are worth more than old buildings, and so
long as old buildings decline in value with age, that cities that
eschew growth will ultimately be required to accept substantially
higher tax rates.
Tlflta,000,000r-
*rxoocax^ /fOOO,l>o&
,-on
Figure VIII -<5 'itfTIO OF FUTURE
VALUES TO FUTUTJ5 SCHOOL ENROLLMENTS
225
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Implicit in these conclusions are that no matter what Cranston does, it
will eventually exhaust its capacity for adding new growth when it
exhausts its land resources, and that ultimately, as Cranston becomes
old and obsolescent, it will decline in value and become increasingly de-
pendent, as have now older cities, on federal and state aid. Presumably
if Cranston develops its remaining resources wisely, with proper atten-
tion to preventing the causes of obsolescence (congestion, offenses to
the eye, nose, and ear, loss of its natural assets, etc.) as suggested in
Chapters VI and VII, it will forestall and hopefully obviate, its ultimate
decline.
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EXHIBIT E
PUBLIC HEARING SUMMARY
A public hearing on the proposed action was held on November 18, 1976, at
7:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Hugh B. Bain School. 135 Cansett Avenue,
Cranston, Rhode Island, before Mr. Wallace Stickney, EPA Region I.
At the outset of the meeting the Mayor of the City of Cranston, the Honorable
James L. Taft, Jr., addressed the hearing, endorsing the proposed project; he
cited the benefits to the city and its industries, clarified some of the annual cost
figures, and pointed out that some of the detailed land uses shown in the Draft
E1S, taken from the previous year's city Master Plan, were no longer city policy
and should be corrected in the Final EIS.
Presentations of the proposed action, of its anticipated impacts, and of the im-
portance of studying actions that might mitigate expected adverse impacts, were
made by Mr. Domenic V. Tutela and Dr. John J. Cochran of Universal Engineer-
ing Corporation, the project's planners, and by Mr. Daniel Bubly of CE Maguire, Inc.,
the project's environmental impact assessment consultants.
On opening the meeting to public comments, a questions was raised on the avail-
ability and distribution of the Draft EIS. Mr. Stickney announced in response
that additional copies would be mailed out immediately on request and that EPA
would extend the deadline for public comments to December 17, 1976.
Questions on the content of the Draft EIS, on the proposed action and on its
environmental impacts included:
1. Is industrial development in fact beneficial to local tax bases?
2. Could the wastes from the treatment plant be used as a fertilizer?
3. Could the waste heat from the incinerator of the treatment plant be used
in the neighboring state institutions?
4. Is the roadway shown in the Draft EIS as a possible mitigating action
for congestion that would stem from population growth supported by the
proposed action an adequate solution?
5. Is there a need for additional land for industrial development?
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6. Is the agricultural productivity of western Cranston underplayed in the
Draft EIS?
7. Are the statements in the Draft EIS about agricultural productivity true?
8. What would be the effects of the project on water quality?
9. What environmental problems would arise from the sludge? from the ash?
and finally ...
10. Should an EIS address the morality and social equity of government actions?
Speakers at the hearing included:
The Honorable James L. Taft, Jr.. Mayor of the City of Cranston
Domenic V. Tutela, Universal Engineering Corporation
John J. Cochran, " " "
Daniel Bubly, CE Maguire, Inc.
Anthony DeLuca, Cranston City Coundil
Joseph Martelli. Concerned Citizens for Cranston's Future
Senator Raymond Durfee
Edward Lannon
Dan Bolton
Robert Flynn
Alena Calderone, Cranston Conservation Commission
Steve OiMaio
Mr. Cray, Cranston
Joan Ciampietro, League of Women Voters
James Shaw
Fred Vincent, Cranston City Planning Staff
Robert Riley
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EXHIBIT F
LETTERS OF COMMENT ON THE DRAFT EIS
1. EPA - OFFICE OF WATER PROGRAM OPERATIONS
2. US DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
3. US DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR
4. US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
5. US DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
6. US DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
7. RHODE ISLAND STATEWIDE PLANNING PROGRAM
8. RHODE ISLAND HISTORICAL PRESERVATION COMMISSION
9. CITY OF CRANSTON, CONSERVATION COMMISSION
10. LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF CRANSTON
11. ECOLOGY ACTION FOR RHODE ISLAND, CLEAN WATER COMMITTEE
12. CONCERNED CITIZENS FOR CRANSTON'S FUTURE
13. ROBERTA. FLYNN, SR.
14. CIBA-GEIGY CORPORATION
15. COMMENTS OF UNIVERSAL ENGINEERING CORPORATION TO THE
LETTERS OF COMMENT
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
DATE; DLC ;, 1976
SUBJECT: Cranston. R.I.; Wastewater Collection and
Treatment Facilities, Draft EIS
FROM: Kenneth E. Biglane. Director
Division of Oil and Special Materials Control (WH-548)
T0: Regional Administrator
Region I
Attn: Robert Mendoza
The comments from the Office of Water Program Operations
concerning subject document are enclosed. If any of the issues
raised in these comments require clarification, please contact
John M. Hill, Chief, Environmental Evaluation Branch on
245-3054.
Enclosure
EPA Fran, 1370 t, 'Rev. 3 7f>\
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Office of Water Program Operations
Comments on
Cranston, Rhode Island
Wastewater Collection and Treatment Facilities
Draft EIS
November 1976
1. It is noted that the consultant (C.E. Maguire, Inc. ), in
preparing this EIS on behalf of the Region, has complied with
the recommendations of the CEQ memorandum to the Heads
of Agencies dated February 10, 1976 and the recent CEQ
annual report by preparing an "issue Oriented" EIS. Both
the Region and the consultant are commended for this action.
2. An EIS should be "... an essentially self contained instru-
ment, capable of being understood by the reader without the
need for undue cross reference. " [40 CFR 1500. 8(b}]
Particular care should be exercised when referencing material
in other documents which are not readily available to the public.
In the case of this EIS, reference is made to the applicant's
Facilities Plan which is available only in the Regional Office or
Cranston City Hall. ^Frequently public participation arises out-
side of the immediate area of the project and the burden should
not be placed upon the reader to locate information necessary
for the basic understanding of the EIS. Therefore, pertinent
data should be extracted from the Facility Plan as necessary
to support statements in the EIS.
3. It is stated, pg. 44, that "... urbanization of western Cranston
can be viewed as the 'least sprawl' alternative of the feasible
growth choices available... " This statement was not substan-
tiated by the preceding discussion. Further discussion should
be provided on this subject.
4. On page 54, it is stated that urban encroachment along the lower
reaches of the Pawtuxet River, including the existing treatment
plant, has created economic justification for a Corps of Engi-
neers project for further flood control. Further discussion of this
issue should be provided, particularly concerning any relation-
ship of the proposed treatment facilities to the requirements of
the Flood Disaster Protection Act (P.L. 93-234). On page 87,
it is indicated that the cells for storing the ash from the sludge
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will be surrounded by dikes to prevent them from flooding. The
discussion should also address the protection provided for the
treatment plant and the level of such protection in relation to
the 100 year flood. (See page 8 of EPA Technical Bulletin,
EPA-430-99-74-001, Design Criteria for Mechanical, Electric
and Fluid System and Component Reliability). Additional infor-
mation concerning the flood protection requirements may be
found in Program Requirement Memo 76-5 dated August 16, 1976.
5. The discussion of alternatives should be detailed enough to show
EPA's comparative evaluation of the impacts [40 CFR 6. 304(b)].
The statements indicating the reasons for rejection (page 63) do
not indicate a weighing of beneficial and adverse impacts to arrive
at the conclusion to accept or reject an alternative. Some of the
statements are not substantiated. Thus, the reader cannot make
an independent evaluation and appraisal. (Example: One of the
reasons for rejection of the alternative for secondary treatment
and effluent discharge to the Providence River estuary was
"excessive costs". No cost estimates of the alternatives,
including the proposed action, were given for comparison. ) It
is suggested that these alternative evaluations could be made in
tabular form to reduce volume.
6. The EIS indicates, page 131, that the capacity of the interceptor
from the western Cranston area was based upon intensive urbani-
zation at the rate of 3 dwellings per gross acre. This method
provides for development so as to saturate the available space.
It is noted, however, that development into this area has been slow
because of the natural barrier formed by the granitic scarp, pages
118-120. Experience also indicates that as population density
increases, there is a tendency to seek relief from crowding by
spreading to other undeveloped areas. Therefore, the saturated
condition for pipeline capacity may not be achieved for many years.
In accordance with the Cost Effectiveness Guidelines contained
in Appendix A of the Construction Grant Regulations (40 CFR 35)
the planning period is limited to 20 years and the service life
for pipelines is 30 to 50 years. The EIS should provide population
projections and capacities for these periods. Where feasible,
phased construction should be considered.
7. Figure VI-1 shown on page 118 shows the same symbols for
residential, commercial and industrial, and recreation and
open space. Since the discussion of land use relies upon
interpretation of this map, it is difficult to distinguish any
pattern of land use.
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DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
BOSTON AREA OFFICE
BULFINCH BUILDING, 15 NEW CHAROON STREET
BOSTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02114
John F. Kennedy Federal Building December 1 1 Q7fi
Boston, Massachusptts 02203 •*«=*. J, j.3> /o tN REPLY REFER TO:
1.1SE
Mr. John A.S. McGlennon, Regional Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region I, J.F.K. Federal Building
Boston, Massachusetts 02203
Dear Mr, McGlennon:
Subject: Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Wastewater Collection and Treatment Facilities
Cranston, Rhode Island
The Draft EIS submitted to the HUD Regional Office was sent to
the Boston Area Office for review and comment. The following
comments are offered for your consideration in the preparation
of the Final EIS:
1. As noted in the DEIS, Federal Highway Administration standards
were used in the statement to determine existing ambient noise levels
as well as the projection of future levels of noise. The median sound
level, L50-the sound level which is exceeded 50% of the time, indicates
that noise is a problem now and will be a problem in the future. It is
important to note that noise levels in excess of those established in
HUD standards (1390.2) for residential areas could present a problem
if financial assistance by HUD is sought. Where HUD assistance is. planned
or used in the development of residential areas, those areas with unaccept-
able noise exposure will generally be discouraged for approval. Therefore,
it is important that studies for the control and abatement of noise be
considered in the design of the treatment plan. Ameliorative measures
should also be pursued for the control of noise in future development of
the western area of Cranston.
2. This office concurs that predictions of a future activity in any
detail "is a manifest impossibility." However, expansion of a waste
water facility will increase the undeveloped land into lands that can
be developed, thus urban growth. Urban growth, the shifting of social
priorities without redressing the lack of open spaces and recreational
development, has led to the erosion of open space. There is no discussion
on the present outdoor recreational resources and the future planning of
outdoor recreational plans and open space.
Recreation and open space are a part of our society- The public
today and in years to come will have more leisure time to enjoy and yet
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in densely populated areas or in areas that could be densely populated,
the problem of providing recreation opportunities, especially in urban
areas, is not addressed. Conservation and land use management should
be identified, discussed and give consideration.
We hope that these comments are helpful. Thank you for giving this
office the opportunity to review and comment on the DEIS.
Sincerely,
Ac
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United States Department of the Interior
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
NORTHEAST REGION
JOHN F. KENNEDY FEDERAL BUILDING
ER 76/1018 ROOM 2003 M & N
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02203
December 17, 1976
Mr. John A. S. McGlennon
Regional Administrator
Environmental Protection Agency
JFK Federal Building, Rm. 2203
Boston, MA 02203
Dear Mr. McGlennon:
We have reviewed the draft environmental statement for wastewater
collection and treatment facilities proposed for Cranston, Rhode Island,
and offer the following comments.
General Comments
The draft statement is an admirable attempt at covering a very broad
topic, but its organization and layout makes comprehension difficult.
Analyzing the impacts is difficult because the statement lacks a complete
description of the project and area. We suggest reorganizing the final
statement to a more standard format, beginning with a complete description
of the project area, followed by the proposed project, the project's impact,
etc.
Generally, the statement does a good job of enumerating the various impacts
which the proposal will probably cause. While it comments on the variations
of these impacts and the rapidity with which they could occur, it says
little about what will probably occur given the distinctive socio-economic
and environmental setting of Cranston. Considering EPA's experience with
such projects, a prediction of the probable progression of secondary
impacts, i.e., development, public service costs, etc., in terms of kind
and time should be possible. Properly qualified such a prediction of the
most probable scenario of events would be an appropriate addition to the
environmental statement.
The final statement should more fully describe and map the recreational
areas which may provide public access to the watercourse. Public access
planning becomes increasingly important as the Pawtuxet River quality
continues to improve.
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-2-
We recommend that the Pawtuxet River Authority be consulted in regard to
current and proposed recreational activity along the river. The final
statement should contain evidence of consultation with that Authority,
including their views of river recreational use and access.
In general, the impacts of the proposed project on water resources have
been adequately discussed. The statement would be improved, however,
by including more specific data on frequency and magnitude of flooding
at the project site and by evaluating infiltration and exfiltration
effects for both the proposed collector system and the existing sewers.
The environmental statement lists many suggestions and recommendations
as to how adverse effects of the proposal can be mitigated or eliminated.
However, most of these are beyond EPA's scope of authority and/or
responsibility to act upon. While EPA cannot deal with all of these
positive measures it is not stated by whom or how they ever could be
implemented. Lacking such clarification, the credibility of the
recommendations is markedly diminished. To remedy this deficiency would
improve the statement's adequacy.
Section 6.411, The Institutional Problem, is an unusually well raised
point and one not often seen. Unfortunately, this valid point of
consideration is found to occur only in that part of the statement dealing
with transportation impacts, It seems to follow from the concerns expressed
in the preceding paragraph that a section on Institutional Problems should
accompany the discussion of all major elements and impacts associated with
this proposal.
Specific Comments
Page 7: This section should include all impacts, not just positive ones
or those that cannot be avoided. A concise description of the wildlife
resources (a biological inventory) in the project area is needed in order
to understand exactly what is being affected. If there are no fish
and/or wildlife resources within the area, the statement should say so.
The project impact section should cover the effects on aquatic life,
including fish and invertebrates, and wildlife, including wetland and
terrestrial habitat.
Chapter II: This section attempts to develop a rationale for development
in western Cranston which is based largely on availability of water and a
fairly high level of air quality. Whatever the merits of such an approach
may be, it cannot be said to be complete or comprehensive. Other factors
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-3-
of equal relevance would be the area's suitability in terms of geological
and soil considerations. In the case of the area soils suitability for
building foundations, Figure VI-5 shows that most of the area has "Severe
Limitations" in this respect. This suggests that all development will be
at inflated costs to the public as well as the private investor. Considera-
tions such as this are believed to have a legitimate place in determining
an area's development potential. It is suggested that Chapter II be
revised to reflect such points.
Page 66: We read with interest the discussion on the chlorinated discharge
resulting from the project. The Pawtuxet River may well contain Class D
water. Still, the purpose for sewage treatment is to help improve water
quality, enabling fish life to return to rivers that have become lifeless.
We recommend that either the chlorine be eliminated from the discharge or
an alternative to the chlorine treatment be adopted.
Page 90: This section contains the first mention of wetlands. More
information is needed, such as how many acres, the type of wetlands,
and wildlife usage, if any.
It also notes that floodplain losses can be mitigated ". . .by compensatory
enlargement of flood storage in a number of places, both on and off site."
This comment establishes that the proposal will create the necessity for a
second round of structures, costs to the public and environmental impacts.
While an adequate degree of specificity may not be achievable at this time,
these points should be addressed in as great a degree of detail as is
possible.
Page 114: Not only would draining the wetlands be expensive, but disastrous
to any wetlands-related wildlife utilizing the area.
Page 128: Figure VI-7 should denote wetland areas also.
Page 149: How much wildlife will be lost?
Page 192: Throughout the statement, one receives the impression that
the project area is rather desolate in terms of wildlife and habitat. As
mentioned earlier, this subject should be clarified. This section could
also contain the information on wetlands. Another point is that the loss
of any of the remaining "undisturbed" habitat might be a negative aesthetic
and educational impact for Cranston's people.
Page 194-216: Chapter VII makes clear that certain cultural resource
values will be seriously affected by the proposal. Figure VII-8 (page
215) indicates that a number of areas eligible for inclusion in the
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-4-
National Register of Historic Places are subject to adverse effect. Such
effect is also indicated in section 7.3 (page 212). Eligibility status
should be cited in the environmental statement as being confirmed by
consultation with the Director, Office of Archeology and Historic
Preservation, National Park Service, Washington, D. C.
Section 7.15 indicates awareness of protective procedures, yet section
7.4 states that certain requirements "might be considered." The
Environmental Protection Agency should be advised that upon a determination
of eligibility of historic sites or areas for inclusion in the National
Register of Historic Places further requirements of 36 CFR Part 800 will
be applicable. We note this draft statement is being provided to the
State Historic Preservation Officer and the Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation for their respective reviews and commentaries. We would
expect to find their responses displayed and discussed in the final
statement.
In regard to specific concern given to the protection of archeological
values, we note discussion of a reconnaissance by the State Archeologist
(page 194), which suggests that further evaluation should be given to
such values. Because of the anticipated impacts (sec. 7.3.1 and 7.3.2),
we suggest that further evaluation be accomplished soon so as to provide
sufficient material for a complete and adequate discussion of impacts and
presentation of mitigating measures in the final environmental statement.
Thank you for the opportunity to review the draft statement.
Sincerely yours,
toger Sumner Babb
Special Assistant
the Secretary,
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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
Quaker Lane, West Warwick, Rhode Island—07S9T
January 14, 1977
Mr. John McGlennon
Regional Director
U.S. Environmental Agency
JFK Federal Building
Boston, Mass. 02203
ATTENTION: Robert Mendoza
Dear Mr. McGlennon:
This is a late comment on the Environmental Impact Study for
Western Cranston which we have reviewed.
One question was alluded to but not really addressed is that
of prime agricultural land.
We believe the time will come within the lifetime of most of
the people living today when food will be very critical. In
fact, if we consider world needs right now, we barely have
enough.
Therefore, it behooves us to identify those lands which are and can
be readily available or retrieved for food production and work
toward its preservation for that purpose. This includes lands
currently forested.
The Environmental Impact Study mentions that if the land is used
for residential purposes, it can still be gardened. That is true,
but there are few individuals who are both capable and willing to
produce all their lot can. Then too, a good percentage of the space
is lost due to the houses, roads, and esthetic effects.
We, therefore, suggest development be encouraged on other than prime
agricultural land.
Sincerely,
Austin L. Patrick, Jr.
State Conservationist
cc's:
C. Rath (C.E. McGuire)
W. Bascombe
A. DelSesto
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^<2J£i
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
REGION ONE
Suite 250, Federal Bldg & USPO
Exchange Terrace
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
IN REPlY REFER TO;
November 18, 1976
Mr. John A. S. McGlennon
Regional Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
J.F.K. Federal Building
Boston, Massachusetts 02203
Dear Mr. McGlennon:
Subject: Draft EIS - Wastewater Collection and Treatment
Facilities - Cranston, Rhode Island
Our Regional Federal Highway Administrator has furnished the
subject report to our office for our review and action.
We have no significant comments on the factual data relating
to Federal-aid highways that is contained in the report.
Sincerely yours,
Gordon G. Hoxie
Division Administrator
cc *
Mr Kirby, 01-OO.U, FHWA
Mario H. Tocci, Assistant
Division Administrator
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December 17, 1976
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Th« Assistant Secretary for Scisnes and Technology
Washington. O.C. 20230
Mr. John A. S. McGlennon
Regional Administrator
Environmental Protection Agency
Region 1
J. F. Kennedy Federal Building
Boston, Massachusetts 02203
Dear Mr. McGlennon:
This is in reference to your draft environmental impact
statement entitled "Proposed Treatment and Collection
System for the City of Cranston, Rhode Island." The
enclosed comments from the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration are forwarded for your
consideration.
Thank you for giving us an opportunity to provide these
comments, which we hope will be of assistance to you.
We would appreciate receiving eight copies of the final
statement.
Sincerely,
Jidney R. (JailerI
Deputy Assistant Secretary
for Environmental Affairs
Enclosure
Memo from Mr. William G- Gordon
Regional Director, FNE
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
Northeast Region
Federal Building, 14 Elm Street
Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930
DATE : November 17, 1976
TO : Director, Office of Ecology and Environmental Conservation, EE
A fcjJdbL.S&^z^DEc 0*1976
THRU Aw Acting Asst. Director for Scientific and Technical Services, F5
V* ~ ' ^
FROM : T]William G. Gordon
Regional Director, FNE
SUBJECT: Draft Environmental Impact Statement—Wastewater Collection and
Treatment Facilities, Cranston, R.I.—EPA--DEIS #7610.40
The draft environmental impact statement for Wastewater Collection and
Treatment Facilities, Cranston, Rhode Island that accompanied your
memorandum of October 29, 1976, has been received by the National Marine
Fisheries Service for review and comment.
The statement has been reviewed and the following comments are offered
for your consideration.
General Comments
The proposed action described in the subject DEIS does nob suggest which
alternative, if any, of those listed wJ.ll be implemented to reduce or
eliminate chlorine from the discharge effluent. Presently, there are no
anadromous species in the Pawtuxet. River because of river obstruction
and poor water quality. It is our understanding that the State of Rhode
Island is investigating the possibility of restoring anadronious species
to the Pawtuxet River. The wastewater treatment facility, once in oper-
ation, will improve water quality; however, the introduction of chlorine
to the effluent discharge will reduce restoration possibilities. Unless
measures are taken to greatly reduce or eliminate chlorine from the dis-
charge effluent, the effort to restore anadromous species will bo
jeopardized.
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
Department of Administration
STATEWIDE PLANNING PROGRAM
265 Melrose Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02907
December 16, 1976
Mr. John A.S. MeGlennon
Regional Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
John P. Kennedy Federal Building
Government Center
Boston, Massachusetts 02203
Dear Mr. MeGlennon:
We have completed our review of the "Draft Environmental
Impact Statement on the Proposed Treatment and Collection
System for the City of Cranston, Rhode Island" (October 18,
1976). It addresses all of the important aspects of this
project in a clear and thorough manner. The well illustrated
format is a refreshing change from conventional engineering
reports and environmental impact statements, and is easily
readable.
We do have a few comments on the draft EIS which we feel
should be addressed before the final report is completed.
1) Our first comment concerns the extent of the proposed
expansion of the wastewater collection system as
shown on Figure 1-4 (p.5). We question if it is
necessary at this time to construct laterals as far
west on Scituate Road, and as far north and west on
Pippin Orchard Road and Hope Road, as is shown on
this figure. Presently, there is little development
in these areas and any use other than open space such
as agriculture, woodland, or open land would be in-
consistent with the recommended land use patterns in
the State Land Use Policies and Plan. In addition,
the 1975 Master Plan for the City of Cranston pro-
posed that Scituate Road west of Wildflower Drive be
zoned rural density residential, which would not
require sewer service. While we agree that western
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-2-
Cranston is an attractive location for future urban
growth we do have some reservations about the extent
and speed with which this development will take
place. It is our feeling that the laterals should
not be extended to these two particular areas until
the need for them has been definitely established.
In conjunction with this, we do not totally agree
with your analysis of the future growth and develop-
ment of Rhode Island, extrapolated from national
trends. Rather, we feel that growth within the
state will stabilize in the years ahead, and that
intrastate shifts of population will account for
most of the development pressures In western Cranston.
2) p.10, Par. 1, last sentence: I do not understand why
a discharge into Narragansett Bay at this time would
preclude reuse of the water or deepwater discharge in
the future.
3) p.8, Par. ii: Another adverse impact which cannot
be avoided appears to be the noise from incinerators,
and it should be listed here.
4) p.52, Par. 1, 1.5: The preliminary draft of the
Pawtuxet River basin water quality management plan
will be revised to indicate that the Class E reach
at the east end of the Pawtuxet is to be upgraded to
Class C. Based on results achieved with the mathe-
matical water quality simulation model, it is felt
that this classification can be attained with ad-
vanced treatment at municipal plants along the
Pawtuxet. However, this classification will not be
the legal classification of these waters until a
formal public hearing is held on the reclassiflcation.
The Department of Health will hold this hearing in
late spring or early summer.
5) p. 54, Par. 1, 1.3: This agency does not agree that
economic justification for the entire Natick diversion
project exists. In fact, the margin of benefits over
costs of this project as estimated by the Corps of
Engineers is too small to justify its construction.
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6) p. 8?: ¥111 the leachate collected from the ash
disposal cells be pretreated before being drained
back into the treatment plant? If not, won't this
increase the level of metals discharged to the
river? If pretreatment is required, how will the
pretreatment sludge be disposed of?
7) Some of the suggestions for mitigating impacts of
the project are good, particularly the recommended
re-routing of the interceptor near the historic
area and the suggested traffic improvements for
western Cranston. Who is responsible for deciding
if these mitigating actions will be adopted?
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the EIS.
If you have any questions on our comments please contact
Mr. Thomas Brueckner at the letterhead address or at 277-
2656.
Very^truly yours,
Daniel W. Varin, Chief
Statewide Planning
DWV/abg
cc: Carleton Maine
Daniel Bubly, C.E.Maguire
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
HISTORICAL PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Old State House
150 Benefit Street
Providence, R. I. 02903
(401) 277-2678
December 6, 1976
Mr. John A. S. McGlennon, Administrator
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region I
J. F. K. Federal Building
Government Center
Boston, Mass. 02203
Dear Mr. McGlennon:
This office has reviewed the draft Environmental Impact
Statement of the Proposed Treatment and Collection
System for theCityof Cranston, R. I.,and offers the
following comments.
In general, the consultant has prepared an excellent
statement with regard to historic and cultural resources.
The level of historical research conducted and the extent
of consultation with specialists of various disciplines
is far above that found in other comparable impact state-
ments. A preliminary historical and cultural survey was
conducted as a part of the impact study; we note, how-
ever, that further field investigation will be necessary
when final plans are made and prior to construction in
order to avoid adverse impact on cultural resources.
Regarding primary impact on cultural resources, we concur
with the impact statement's recommendation for relocating
the interceptor originally planned for placement within
the Furnace Hill Brook ravine. The ravine area is being
recommended for nomination to the National Register of
Historic Places as an archaeological district, since it
possesses a valuable and unusual blend of historic and
prehistoric sites. The ravine also has great natural
and scenic value, as noted in the report.
With regard to the possible use of two mill ponds on
Furnace Hill Brook for the control of increased storm-
water run-off caused by expanded road surfacing, we
concur with the recommendation of the impact statement
that any such action be undertaken only under the super-
vision of the Historical Preservation Commission. We
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Mr. John A. S. McGlennon page 2 December 6, 1976
urge the city to rely on on-site run-off controls; these
have the advantage of avoiding impact on sites eligible
for the National Register.
It is the implication of the impact statement that
without the proposed wastewater treatment improvements
the Pawtuxet River may become anaerobic during low
floods, creating a serious odor problem in the Pawtuxet
Village Historic District. The report also notes that
the village could be affected by the loss of floodplain
further ur»-river. Because a portion of the river itself
is within the National Register district, and is im-
portant to the district, we urge concern for the flow
level of the Pawtuxet.
The increased volume of traffic in Western Cranston will
have a significant effect on the environment. The al-
ternatives of over-congested existing streets or the
extension of a four-lane Route 37 are not attractive.
Either will mean a degradation of the visual and audible
environment of the Furnace Hill Brook historic site.
The extension of Route 37 will dramatically extend the
frontier of urban sprawl and thereby impact Oaklawn
Village and possibly Hope Road, both of which are areas
eligible for National Register nomination.
The general problem of secondary impacts resulting from
new sewers in Western Cranston has been thoroughly
addressed in the impact statement. It should be recog-
nized that providing new services will not only satisfy
projected growth requirements but will permit and
accelerate growth, thus altering existing historical
and natural landscapes. Our concern is that, as a part
of the general growth process, the cultural resources
of the city will be adequately considered in community
planning and protected during construction projects.
Frederick C. Williamson
State Historic Preservation Officer
FCW/mm
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L. TAFT. JR
MAYOR
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
FXFCUTIVE OFFICE
CITY HALL
CRANSTON, RHODE ISLAND 02910
PHONE 461-1000
MRS EI.ENA CALDARONF. CHRMN
ANTHONY J RODI. VICE CHHMN
ANIHONY VENrFIUOl O
f HFDFRICK J VINC'.rNI
HAYMONU F HOHHTHI
.1 ROBERT WAHI H|-H(,
JAMfS A SHAW
December 14, 1976
Mr. John S. McGlennon
Regional Administrator
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 1, Room 2203
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
Boston, Massachusetts 02203
SUBJECT: Comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Wastewater Collection and Treatment Facilities for the
City of Cranston, Rhode Island
Dear Mr. McGlennon:
This Commission is in favor of improvement and enlargement of the
sewerage treatment plant to prevent overloading of the existing plant
and to improve the water quality of the Pawtuxet River.
If western Cranston is more intensively urbanized, we have a
great concern with the runoff-related effects in this area; and we
are very much in favor of the mitigating actions, as presented under
"Runoff Related Effects-Western Cranston" pg. 12, section 1.12 of
the Draft. However, the important Table VI-I on page 144 needs
some refinement. If alternative 1 "shows the effect of the proposed
action" (intensive urbanization in the sewer area) it could not be
in the same column with the existing zoning, where most of the area
is zoned A-80 (80,000 s.f.)
The Conservation Commission also endorses the mitigating
actions included under "Traffic related effects-western Cranston"
pg. 13. It notes especially the concept of a control access parkway.
This concept merits further study.
Those mitigating actions listed under "Impacts on special
resource-values" sections #3 and #4, pg. 14 and section #5 under
"Impacts on vicinity on Cranston waste water treatment plant" pg. 15,
are also endorsed by the Commission.
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Mr. John S. McGlennon -2- December 14, 1976
Questionable judgment was expressed about paragraph II of the
Summary of Significant Impacts. Under "The unavoidable adverse effects
of urban growth," the report, point 2, includes the "Permanent loss
of rural land, mostly forest with some farms, to urbanization but
not necessarily resulting in permanent loss of the agriculture product-
ivity of the rural lands."
This Commission suggests including the loss of prime agricultural
land not in paragraph IV, but in paragraph V, "Irreversible and
Irretrievable Commitments of Resources."
Pages 41 and 42 deal with agriculture in a superficial manner.
There are only two viewpoints pursued:
1. Whether Rhode Island's total agricultural land or output
is meaningful when compared to its food needs, and
2. Whether residential development really precludes food
production.
The statistics quoted in the first point, from the 1972 U. S.
Census Bureau's County and City Data Book show the small percentage
of the nation's farmland that survived in Rhode Island. However, it
produced double this percentage in Rhode Island's total retail food
purchases. The 1960's statistics are meaningless in this decade of
accelerating energy costs which are reflected in the high costs of
food brought in from out of state. We can only assert the growing
popularity and success of vegetable and fruit producers in western
Cranston in the last few years. Both the residents and non-residents
of this area benefit by the purchase of the fresh produce grown here.
It is very meaningful in this metropolitan area.
We cannot find any substantiation of the Draft's second point
that the residential development wouldn't preclude food production.
Intensive urbanization certainly prevents agricultural use of the
same land.
There was no thought given in this Draft to the enhancement of
the present agricultural production in western Cranston and no
exploration of the agricultural belts of Sir Ebenezer Howard (reflected
in the design of Greenbelt, Maryland) mentioned only in passing on
page 183.
We have to consider seriously the impact on farmlands. The
Council on Environmental Quality recently asked heads of Federal
Agencies to include in the Environmental Impact Statements they
prepare an analysis of the effects of proposed actions on prime and
unique farmlands, Environmental Impact Statements should evaluate the
irreversible effects not only from direct construction activities,
but also from urbanization or other changes in land use that might
-------
Mr. John S. McGlennon -3- December 14, 1976
be induced by the federal action. The Department of Agriculture
plans a major new emphasis on reviewing and evaluating all
federal draft environmental impact statements with respect to
impact on prime and unique farmlands.
Should the proposed action suggested in this Draft be adopted
i.e. intensive urbanization in the sewered area, the Conservation
Commission does not feel that enough attention is given to the
restoration of the land.
The rephrasing of the sentences using the word "mitigate" is
suggested. For example, the statement (pg. 149) " . . . zoning,
etc. could entirely mitigate the adverse effects of the proposed
action" does not make sense when mitigate means to make less severe,
to moderate. The same reasoning should be applied to the last column,
page 167: "Some of these anticipated impacts can be totally avoided
by adequate mitigating actions while others can only be softened. . ."
The Cranston Conservation Commission is listed on the Summary
Sheet as an Agency which has contributed to the Formation of this
Statement. We did not help in any way to prepare this Draft and,
therefore, ask to have the Conservation Commission deleted from
the Summary Sheet.
Sincerelv yours,
(Mrs.) Alena Caldarone
Chairperson
AC: si
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UiAGUli Ol< WOMIiN VOTERS
OF CRANSTON, RHODE ISLAND
Affiliated with ihe
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTfRS OF THE
17, 1976 UNIIED SIA'ES
OS Environmental Protection Agency
Region 1, Room 2203
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
Boston, HA 02203
Rei Draft - EIS Waste Water Collection & Treatment Facility, Cranston, RI
Dear Sin
Basically we agree that the Cranston Waste Water Treatment Plant should be Improved
and enlarged to serve the present and future needs of the City, The EIS does make a
good case for Cranston as especially suitable for urban growth. However, development
should only be allowed after the Installation of sewers, a public water supply and
solid waste disposal are provided.
One of the unique characteristics of the Western Cranston area is the large amount of
prime farm land, according to the January 1975 State Land Use Policies Plan. The EPA
regulations on preparation of EIS Statements do say (Fed Reg, Volume jfaQt#72t page 1681*0
"Protection of prime agricultural land...has become an Important concern as a result
of the need to further increase food production from domestic sources., .and the con-
tinuing need to preserve the diversity of natural resources for future generations."
Did you seriously consider this in your study or did you ignore the EPA's regulations?
Cranston's forest land is valuable because it provides many benefits including water
shed protection, recreational values, esthetics, wild life habitat and forest products.
The rural character of this section must be preserved. Somehow we must reach a
balance In the development of this section. Land should be set aside for future
recreational areas excluding land already owned by the state.
Development cannot progress with the current "Cow Path Roads/' we support your Idea of
a limited access parkway with the widest possible buffer zones.
At all cost the areas of special resource value must be protected and preserved.
Sincerely,
Ansty, President (/Joa,n G&mpieliro, Land Use Chairman
y"""*rt"iilJSridi ^JWtffP' RT 02920 20 Hibiscus Dr., Cranston, RI 02920
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12/22/76
To: Environmental Impact Office, EPA - Region I, JFK Federal
Building, Boston, Mass. 02203 (att'n; Bob Mendo2a)
From: Clean Water Committee, Ecology Action for Rhode Island, 286
lhayer Street, Providence, H.I. 02906 (401-274-94-29)
(prepared by Linda Silversmith, chairperson)
He: Cranston, R.I., Environmental Impact Statement, V.'astewater
Collection and Treatment Facilities — Draft
(Comments due Dec.17, 1976; 10 day extension requested)
Copies to: C.E.Maguire, Universal Engineering, Cranston Conservation
Commission, Mayor Taft's office
The commentary of the Clean Vfater Committee will be divided
into two parts: a section with general comments and a section with
page by page notations.
A. General Coonents:
1. Water quality goals: it is not entirely clear in this document
that the water quai-i-ty ^oals for the Pawtuxet River will be at
least C classification; it is reasonable to assume -chat the D goal
will be changed, to _C in an early revision by the state and with
strong public support.
2. Land use plans: Nowhere is there a discussion of the discre-
pancies between Cranston's proposals for western Cranston and
the proposals (mostly open space) of the State Guide Plan for land
use. Since federal monies are not supposed to be granted for pro-
jects conflicting with the state guide plan, some discussion of the
differences here and methods for mediating these should be included.
3. Public -participation; 7/as there sufficient public participation ;
according to guidelines for P.L.92-500 in the preparation of ;
this 213 draft? Note (1) the lev; number of citizens' comments con- '
tributed to the draft, and (2) the short notice of only 1 week for
the April 20 meeting. V»hat was the attendance at that meeting?
4. Coordination with other -plans: It is obvious that this EIS
draft was preparsa on a constrained timetable. For instance,
a revision should'include expansion on the topics of related studies
1 and how Cranston's plans fit"with these: in particular, aore atten-
tion could be paid to (a) the 208 studies projected for tha Pawttucst
basin, (b) the'Pawtuxet River Basin's Water Duality Llanagenent Plan,
and (c) the Corps of Engineers' most recent proposals for flood
control in the basin. Areas where plans agree or disagree should
be stressed.
5. Sewer ordinance, pre-treatment, pass-throughs, etc: It appears
to this coriuiittee tnat tnese topics are relevant for consider-
ation in an SIS since the way in wnich each is handled can affect
the environmental impact of the overall project.
g. Para lands: The committee assessment is that the discussion of
loss of agricultural lands ignores completely the cumulative
effect of small changes. 2ach local change in environmental quality
should not be treated as an isolated impact, but as part of an
see next page
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CHANSTCN EIS/ CWC / p.2 12/22/76
t. General comments, continued, #6...
overall picture: thus, the loss of a supposedly small percentage
of R.I. and national farm land should "be treated in terms of overall
trends, not just as a small incident. Additionally, no mention is
made in this BIS of other studies existent in H.I. concerning the
national trend (problem?) towards loss of agricultural lands°and
recommendations for ways (e.g., via tax structure) to encourage
maintenance of H.I. farm land.
?• Flood plain disposal of asht While the recommended disposal
method for incinerator asn suggests a design to protect" ash from
contact with ground water, it is not clear lay what means the ash will
"be protected from contact with flood waters.
8. Soil surveyst It would be useful to have surerimposed on one
map all the information on topography, slopes, water tables,
drainage, etc. with the Soil Conservation Service's interpre-cations
also summarized in the one place for what is buildable, usable for
aeptic disposal, etc.
9. Commendations; the committee appreciates- the thorough, handling.
of jthe_j?urnace .drooK: area ana the points .stressed concerning
matching ~rin'sp"6rta.tion (and' surrounding open space corridors) to
p^pala^i6n^r33}jth""'±n western Cranston.
10. Coordination v.'it'a other federal agencies; Begirding the
proposal I'or open space corriacrs adjacent to transportation
netv«orks (and to sewer networks?), what kinds of consultation have
taken place or will take place with the federal Department of
Transportation and the Bureau of Outdoor Hscreation concerning
coordination with SPA water quality programs? (Seniinder: 30R and
2egion I Z?A have a memorandum of understanding concerning coordi-
nating recreational and water quality programs;.
R. Page-by-p3ge notations: commentary begins on next page—page 3«
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CBAHSTON EIS/ CV/C / 12/22/76 - page 3
B. Page-by-page notations;
1. page backing list of tables: While an occasional small sketch
enlivens this report, it does not seem right that the U.S. tax-
payers should have to pay for full-page sketches like this one.
2. p.l - These maps are so poorly legible as to be a ridiculous
waste of paper. (also true on page 2)
3. p»3» line 1: doesn't some overload already occur at peak flows?
4« P«3, Pig.I-3: (a) the state institutions are already tied in;
(b) Ciba-Geigy should not be listed as "to be abandoned" since
some pretreataent will be necessary.
5. p.4, Table 1-1: Proposed water quality condition downstream
should be changed to class Cf.
6. p.4, + later section on incineration: how will incineration by
Cranston fit in ^ith regional 208 planning?
7.
p.5, Fig.1-4: How does this compare with (1) Cranston zoning;
\2) State <*uide Plan; a map with superpositions for'comparison
would be useful.
8. p.7: (item 3 re Pawtuxet Village) Doesn't the Pawtuxet Village
have some septic or nonpoint discharge problems?
q. p.7, item 2 at bottom: again, what is the consistency of growth
plans with state and local planning?
10. p. 9: why doesn't this listing include mention of regional
alternatives (a» does p.20).
11. p.10, paragraph 2, bottom: is this really realistic to consider
home crops as a hobby as significant?
12 T> 12 item 1: will this include r
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CRANSTON SIS /
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CHANSTCN EIS/CYtC/ 12/22/76 — page 5
34. p.69: what ia the projected lifetime for the landfill for the ash
35. p. 71, Table IV-2: what happens when the heavy metals are in-
cinerated—what products (to they form?
36. p.72, parag.2: won't flooding renew moisture content in
this sludge?
37. P«74» Table IV-4: is there no way to decrease these emissions
further?
38. p.75» Table 17-5: footnoes 3 and 4 need clarification to draw
a distinction for the reader between primary and secondary
standards.
39:. P*76, part 4.141: "windiest region" is based on what standards?
Also how consistent are these wind figures with the air pollution
data presented earlier for H.I.?
40. p.82, parag.2: this assumption of all unleaded gas by 1985"
does not seem valid, given the lifetime of some of the older
models of automobile in ownership by poorer families.
41. p.84: continuing a policy of using the floodplain seema crazy
unless there is 10O# guarantee of floodproofing.
42. p.86: what is the cost of these alternatives vs. using the
floodplain?
43. p.87: parag.2 - please clarify what these specially designed
cells are. Parag»3 - what will be the lining, of the cells? To
what flood level will the dikes protect? What will the monitoring
be for?(be mare specific).
44. p.88: re incineration and off-site disposal: can the time
element be considered a valid excuse in an SIS?
re bottom item 1-c: good point
45. p.89: item 4-a., bottom? this may be inconvenient but is it
a valid reason for discarding an alternative?
46. p.90, parag.4: is there a more specific proposal on.this "com-
pensatory enlargement of flood storage"?
47 p.92: item 3, top - why is this being neglected? Also - lower
parag. re park: could BOH help in establishing this park?
48. p.95: please note that the Ciba-Geigy treatability study still
did not deal with company wastes untreated by the test procedure,
i.e., what is passing thrpugh untreated? How might this affect
Pawtuxet water quality?
4C p.100: since the July 1975 studies did show that turning off
the fans did decrease efficiency of pollutant removal from
wastewater, it is entirely unlikely that the last sentence in
paragraph 1 can be true for July 1974. Solvent not removed
by air stripping must be retained in the water.
50 TJ 110, item 4-b: good idea; should be standardly included in
* design of sewage treatment facilities in areas also having
septage.
more on page 6
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GRAN STOW EIS/OTC/ 12/22/76 — page 6
B. 51. p.112, middle parag. on noise: it would be useful to refer here
to future discussion (p.115) of ways to alleviate noise
52. p.118: is there a reference for the statement that "gradual
transitions are typical" in southeastern New ingland?
53- P«H9: how is the drainage in western Cranston without sewers?
54. p.120: Fig.VI-3 and description of topography would be more
useful in conjunction with parallel work indicating slopes and
SOS interpretation key re utility at various slopes for*land use.
55• p.122i given the conditions of parag.3, is it logical to worsen
these runoff conditions by more pavement and urbanization?
56. p.124: here is where superposition of the various limitations
of soils to give a total picture (septage,slope, runoff,etc.)
would be useful.
57. p.124, bottom line: who should be answering this Question—
is that a job for the city of Cranston?
58. p.128: even if the forest area has limited direct value for
wildlife, it would be useful to see forests indicated on a map.
59. p.131s bottom of paragraph - is this engineering practice for
sizing of pipes also a standard and prudent practice for control
of urbanization?
60, p. 137: Figures V-8 through V-ll should be compared v/ith the
State Guide Plan for Land Use.
61.' p.137: item 6: are there any data concerning the effects of
on-site sewerage in western Cranston — e.g., wet basements,
backed up septic tanks, etc.?
62. p.137: item 7: are these alternatives seriously evaluated here?
(or is the fact that R.I. does not allow some of these preventing
serious consideration as to whether they are viable solutions?)
63. p.141: last parag. - an explanation should be offered why this
alternative is "not believed to be a likelihood".
64. p.143, top: is there any correlation in studying these effects
with the "208" study in this area?
65. p.145, bottom: should calculations be extended to. the ether
watersheds where effects might be more adverse (item 1)? In
item 2 - "relatively slight changes" - such as? where are these
discussed further? - should be referenced here.
66. p«146: earlier the consultants on this report implied that farm-
land as such is a minor, usage; it Is inconsistent for this to
be a minor usage in one place and contribute to runoff signifi-
cantly in another (as parag.2 here) — which is more accurate?
67. p.147: what kind of authority is being referred to in the bottom
paragraph? whose legal opinion is it that this authority
exists? Is this,, jumping tiie^gun on the legal-institutional
study of the 208 program and its future recommendations?
more on page 7
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CRANSTON EIS/CV/C/ 12/22/76 - page 7
B. 68. p.159, Table VI-5: should the lines for the master plan, fully
developed and 20 yr.development be identical as in the table?
69. p.168: bottom * item 1: but where does the transit go vs.
where people want to go? item 2: is this relevant when you
are recommending cluster zoning? item 4: this is very opini-
onated - perhaps who wrote this should be stated here.
70. p.176: 6.411 section: is this an area where an agreement
is needed between DOT and EPA?
71. p.178, parag.l - not recognizing a problem does not mean it
did not exist earlier, although admittedly severity has increasei
72. p.178, parag.2 - we agree that channelization is not a good
approach.
73. p.178, parag.3 - in general isn't the small reservoir approach
better than the large one? Can the pro's and con's of large
vs. small impoundments be spelled out here?
74. p.181, middle parag.: to whom are these "adverse effects"
supposed to be adverse? to developers? to tax rate? this should
be spelled out. Also - concerning the recomnendation to base
zoning on environmental performance - shouldn't this ideally
always be a basis for zoning?
75. p.194: parag.2 is the first place in which anadromous fish
are defined; yet, they are mentioned several times earlier in
this report.
76. p.210, bottom: spme words or phrases are missing here.
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218 Oaklawn Avenue
Cranston, R.I. 02920
November 19, 1976
U.S. Lnvironmental Protection Agency
Attention: Mr. Stickney
Environmental Policy Coordination Office
Room 2203
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
Boston, Ma. 02203
Dear Mr. Stickney,
The E.P.A. Hearing which was conducted last night in Cranston was
most informative. Our worst fears were realized relative to the adverse
environmental effect that would ensue should the industrialization of
western Cranston become a reality.
The first draft did specify the many disadvantagesi .e. overcrowding,
traffic congestion, complete change in the character of the area, noise
pollution, visual pollution - to mention just some. These are exactly
the environmental destructions that good planning and good zoning are
required Lo not allow to happen.
The people retained to prepare this report admit the detrimental
impact of urbanization of this area but argue that this is the price
the citizens of Cranston should be willing to pay because "You are your
brother's keeper."
Those of us who have great concern about the continual destruction
•..••" our environment have an opposite view. We feel that we have a duty
to futurp generations to start reversing this process of destruction of
Liie planet Earth. Western Cranston has the potential like some adjacent
areas, to develop into one of the best residential areas in the New
England area. The City of Cranston can be proud that many residents
are genuinely interested in preserving the good characteristics of our city
and by sensible planning extend these advantages to the undeveloped
areas.
We would at this time, request an extension of time to file detailed
comments. Especially due to the proximity of the holidays this additional
time would be most helpful.
Do not construe our objections to some portions of this plan as an
objection to a new water treatment plant for Cranston, This seems
necessary even if there were a zero growth situation, which seems
unlikely.
-------
I would assume that your agency was established by the government
to protect the environment. I would strongly urge the E.P.A. to examine
the information already compiled. The only conclusion that can be
arrived at as a result of such a study would be a conclusion that the
urbanization of our rural areas would have a most adverse effect on our
environment.
I would appreciate your reply regarding an extension of time to
file written comments.
incerel
Vice President
Concerned Citizens for
JFM/mja Cranston's Future
C.C.:
Mayor James Taft
Planner - Anthony DelSesto
Providence Journal-Bulletin
Cranston Herald Today
Cranston Mirror
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28 November, 1976
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region I, Room 2203
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
Boston, Massachusetts 02203
Subject: Comment on Draft EIS
on the
Proposed Treatment and Collection System
for the
City of Cranston, R.I. dated October 18,1976
Gentlemen:
The following comment is offered for your consideration prior
to issuance of the Final EIS.
*• GENERAL; The considerations on which the DRAFT EIS are
based appear to be identical to those upon
which the City of Cranston Comprehensive Land
Use Plan was predicated - i.e. a projected
growth in the population of the City of Cranston
and maintenance of current population at the
R.I. State Institutions which are both unsub-
stantiated and contrary to current trends.
The writer has, over the past year, called
the matter of the need for more substantiated
population projections to the attention of both
the Cranston School Committee and the Cranston
City Council. Since the projected population
figures are the basis for City, State, Federal
and Ciba-Geigy participation in up to 52 million
dollars in expenditures, it is felt that reso-
lution of the basic question - "Is expansion of
Cranston's Treatment and Collection System re-
quired to accommodate or create a population
growth to extent projected in the comprehensive
land use plan and the Draft EIS?"
At the 18 November, 1976 Public Hearing, the EPA
representative admitted the "97,000 by 2000"
population projection differed from the StaTe
Planning Commission projection of 93,400 by 2000"
but dismissed it as unimportant. The writer
suggests a difference of over 20% in population
increase is significant enough to warrant review
prior to committment of 52 million dollars of
taxpayers or stockholders funds. (Current trends
and basic time-series analysis suggest more con-
servative projections.)
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II. SPECIFIC; Table 1-1 P.4 and Table 111-4 P. 59 comparison
1975 2000
Pop. Served 68,000 93,000
Pit. Capacity 11.4 MED 23,0 MGD
Waste Water Flows
Cranston 10.04 MGD 20.1 MGD
Ciba-Geigy 1.25 MGD 1.8 MGD
R.I.S. Inst. 1.13 MGD 1.1 MGD
BODc Content 1,630 1,840 13% inc.
Why a 46% increase in per capita wastewater
discharge?(Based on 68k at 10.04 and 93k at
20.1 MGD, or from 14.7G GPP to 216 GPP. Re-
ference is also made to the R.I. Development
Council, Fenton Keyes Associates, pp. 25-27
estimate of 155 GPP/day).
P.5 map: - has adequate consideration been given
to servicing the Phenix Ave-Natick Ave.
Brgokfield Hills areas of Cranston by
the new expanded West Warwick Pollution
Control Facility? Where pollution
control facilities have been heavily
federally-funded should not geographical
rather than municipal boundaries be
given prime consideration?
P.7,
P.43-44 "The expansion of economic base....
significantly increases the supply of
fully serviced industrial land....
substantially persistant unemployment.
The writer submits that the Providence
area has experienced substantial and
persistant unemployment not because
of a lack of fully serviced industrial
land but in spite of the same. The
Howard Industrial Park is notably un-
successful following considerable in-
vestment of R. I. taxpayers dollars.
Should we spend more dollars to compete
with ourselves?
Testimony before the Cranston City
Council within the last month has given
specific reasons why more preferred
industrial locations lie beyond the
city limits. (Leesona, Brown & Sharpe,
and BIF did not opt for available sites
in Cranston.
-------
The current efforts of the State of
R. I. to develop surplus government
facilities appear to offer best results
at minimum investment of taxpayer monies.
The relocation of minor industries within
the state to Western Cranston would not
represent a net economic gain. The need
for more fully serviced industrial land
should be substantiated - not assumed -
in the Final EIS.
P-8 (ii) Adverse effects can be avoided if their
causes are not created unnecessarily.
P.10 (iv.) The last sentence of the second paragraph
"If and when....for high yeiids" is cited
as an example of non-essential and
non-contributory comment which will
hopefully be eliminated from the Final EIS.
P.28-34 The general tenor of the "Suitability for
Urbanization" section is expressed in the
last paragraph of P.33 and first paragraph
of P.34. The optimistic statements in
these sections ignore such realities as:
1. The 1970 Census ranks R.I. 46th of 50^
states in % population growth since 1920.
(only W.Va., Penn., Ala. & Me. fared worse).
2. Conference Board projections through
1985 drop R.I. to 38th based on a 12.3%
growth rate from 1970 on - however -
3. The U.S. Bureau of the Census now
reveals R.I. as one of 2_ states which
have lost population since 1970.
4. R. I. has a chronic, but carefully
calculated, unemployment problem. It will
not be solved by creating industrial sites
at taxpayer expense in rural areas which
hold little hope of occupancy.
5. R. I., is limited by remoteness from
markets, natural industrial resources,
fuel prices and rail and highway systems
in the types of industry it could attract.
6. The only strong point made is one of
ample water supply which might attract
industries requiring high water usage
(e.g. textile, paper or chemical such as
Ciba-Geigy). We note the expansion capacity
-------
of the proposed facility would be hard
pressed to accommodate a high water
usage type industry.
P.43-44 Again the EIS conclusions defy published
projections of the U.S. Bureau of the
Census/ the R. I. Statewide Planning
Commission, the Conference Board and
actual history.
The writer suggests the Cranston has not
been viewed as a "least sprawl alternative"
by industry or population.
It has been noted that between the last two
U.S. Census periods, when 5 of R.I.'s older
cities lost population, Cranston ranked
32nd of 34 remaining communities in %
growth (out ranking only Burrilville and
New Shoreham (Block IslandyT
Current porjections (cited at the 18 Nov.,
1976 hearing) indicate the R.I. State
Planning Commission does not share the EIS
optimism.
P. 50-53 (Maps) - we note
1. The towns of Coventry and West Warwick
meet water quality standards downstream of
the outflows of the American Hoechst Corp.
chemical plant and the West Warwick Pollu-
tion Control Facility. Why is this quality
lost in Cranston? (Note: American Hoechst
maintains and paid for a separate facility) .
P. 59
Table III-4
1. To amplify earlier comments (above) we
feel no substantiation is given for a 100%
increase in cranston Wastewater flows.
2. The total present population of census
tracts 145 and 146 (which are to be not
100% sewered in the expansion) is only
slighly in excess of 10% of the city's
population. Even your most optimistic
projections of forced or created growth
would make (or hope to make) the total
population of these two tracts 11,856
-------
by the year 2000. A less than 20%
addition to the present load. Granting
this improbability and expanding it
into your unsubstantiated projection
of service to 36.7% more people, we
seek clarification of the 100% projected
wastewater flow increase.
3. The R.I. State Institution projection
is incbnsistant with its population trends
and projections.
Current thinking and policies of involved
social agencies seek alternatives to in-
stitutionalization. A R. I. State Insti-
tution Population Projection should be
included in the FINAL EIS.
P. 86 Alternative Disposal Sites - it would appear
that the use of the Gammino Quarry as a
landfill site could restore the city's major
eyesore to an area of foliage similar to
reclamation of southern strip-mined areas.
Chap. VI The recent history of "progress" in Western
Cranston has been one of disregard for en-
vironment - e.g. - the soil-stripping_c)f__
acreage between Natick Avenue—and Interstate
295 to transform recent farmland to a
motorcycle and mini-bike pit - the land
filling of the brook bounding Cranston and
West Warwick (which was purported to be a
Green Acres protected area with area tree
cutting prohibited).
The present creation of a plat between
Natick-Wilbur and Rte. 295 in an area
purported as not suitable for homes which
an attempt was made earlier this year to
re_zone as an apartment site.
P.150-6.32
to quote 6.32 I)"....they can be very wrong". Table Vl-3
proves the statement.
SUMMARY:
1. Rejuvenation of the present facility is necessary and
desirable.
2. Retention of the Ciba-Geigy plant is essential and should
be accommodated on an equitable basis.
-------
3. Absorption of the T.I. State Institution facility should
be state funded based on realistic projections of insti-
tutional population.
4. It should be the purpose of the EIS FINAL REPORT to
suggest a facility to cope with an expected requirement;
it should not be the purpose of the report to create~"a
situation which would justify the expanded facility."
5. It is requested that the FINAL EIS be witheld pending
new and more realistic projections of city and insti-
tutional populations. These projections would form the
basis for both the expansion of Wastewater Collection and
Treatment Facilities and a new Comprehensive Land Use
Plan.
It is hoped the above comment will receive consideration and action
prior to issuance of the FINAL EIS. Thank you for the opportunity
to offer comment.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Robert A. Flynn, Sr.
Robert A. Flynn, Sr.
605 Natick Avenue
Cranston, Rhode Island 02920
-------
Cranston Plant
CIBA-GEIGY Corporation
P 0. Box 2055
Providence. R.I. 02905
Telephone: 4O1 941 3000
Shipping Address:
180Mill Street
Cranston, R.I.
CIBA-GEIGY
December 16, 1976.
Mr. John A. S. McGlennon
Regional Administrator
Environmental Protection Agency
Region I, J. F. Kennedy Building
Boston, Massachusetts. 02203
RE: Cranston, R. I. Wastewater Collection & Treatment
Facility Plan, and Environmental impact Statement.
Dear Mr. McGlennon:
The draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
prepared by C. E. Maguire, Inc. and the draft Wastewater
Facility Plan for the City of Cranston prepared by Universal
Engineering, Inc. have been reviewed by CIBA-GEIGY Corporation.
We wish to compliment each group for the quality and timeli-
ness of its efforts in completing this phase of the project on
schedule.
The recommended treatment alternative in the facility
plan based on the two-stage activated sludge nitrification
process with effluent filtration has been piloted by CIBA-GEIGY
in a six month study costing nearly four hundred thousand dollars
The results of the pilot demonstration show that effluent from
this system will meet all anticipated discharge requirements.
We, therefore, concur with the conclusion of Universal Engineer-
ing and recommend that the two-stage activated sludge nitri-
fication process with effluent filtration be approved.
Approval of this project is in the best interest of
the people of Rhode Island, the City of Cranston and local
business and industry. First, the water quality of the
Pawtuxet River will be protected by a new, highly efficient
effluent system. Secondly, the City of Cranston will have the
new system it requires at the lowest possible cost since
-------
Mr. John A. S. McGlennon
(continued)
-2-
industries like CIBA-GEIGY will pay their share of the
expansion and the operation of the plant. In addition,
local jobs will be protected and expanded as business
and industries find the cost-effective wastewater
treatment alternatives they require.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on
these draft reports. We welcome any comments you have
concerning our responses and we will be happy to answer
any questions you may have regarding them.
Sincerely yours,
m Simas
Plant Manager
js/jcv
cc: C. E. Maine, Assistant Director
Environmental Health
R. I. Department of Health
-------
UNIVERSAL ENGINEERING CORPORATION
100 BOYLSTON .STREET
BOSTON, MASS. 02116
MEMORANDUM
From:__._Pi.E. ________ _ _____ _ __ Date:
E1S Comments fron» EPA office of Water Program Operations
The below responds to the comments of the EPA Office of Water Program Operations
dated 12/3/76 on the EIS to the Cranston Facility Plan but only as these comments
relate to the Facility Plan itself.
1-3. No comment necessary
4. The relationship of the existing treatment plant and the expansion
proposed in the Facility Plan to the 100 year flood area are discussed
in the Facility Plan on pI-45. Briefly, the plant is protected from
the 100 year flood.
5. Part V of the Facility Plan discusses the weighing and selection of the
most beneficial alternative. Part III discusses costs of the various
alternatives including the discharge to the Providence River estuary.
6. City growth management policy for western Cranston has outlined that
development be confined as much as possible to contiguous urban areas.
The configuration of interceptors shown in EIS Fig. 1-4 is based on
this policy. Population projections developed preliminary to the
Facility Plan indicates that the basins immediately west of 1-295, those
to be sewered, will be saturated or nearly so well within the 30-50 year
horizon for interceptor pipelines.
-------
UNIVERSAL ENGINEERING CORPORATION
100 BOYLSTON STREET
BOSTON, MASS. 02116
MEMORANDUM
TO'___Jii« Job:
From:.Jl:£' Dotr
Subtact EIS Coiranents from HUD
The below responds to the comments of the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) dated 12/3/76 on the EIS to the Cranston Facility Plan but only
as these comments relate to the*Facility Plan itself.
1. Noise abatement measures will be incorporated in the design of the
treatment plant.
2. As mentioned in the Facility Plan (p,IV-18) the City is aware of the
potential need for recreation and open space land in western Cranston.
-------
UNIVERSAL ENGINEERING CORPORATION
100 BOYL3TON STREET
BOSTON, MASS. 02116
MEMORANDUM
........ Job: ,„
From; D.JJ
Comments from RI Historical Preservation Commission
The below responds to the comments of the R I Historical Preservation
Commission dated 12/6/76 on the EIS to the Cranston Facility Plan but only as the
comments relate to the Facility Plan itself.
The City is in the process of conducting a drainage, erosion and sedimentation
control study. One of the purposes of this study is to propose methods to minimize
off-site impacts of storm runoff. The protection of the Furnace Hill Brook ravine
is a concern in this study. The interceptor shown in the Facility Plan as placed
within the ravine will be relocated outside it to minimize harm to this scenic and
historic area.
-------
UNIVERSAL ENGINEERING CORPORATION
100 iOYLSTON STREET
BOSTON, MASS. 02II«
MEMORANDUM
To= ____ Jilsa. _________________ Job:
From: ___ D.E. __________________ Date: ______ L2Z2JZ7.S
' EIS Comments b7 the Cranston Conservation Commission
The below responds to the comments of the Cranston Conservation Commission
dated 12/14/76 on the EIS to the Cranston Facility Plan but only as these comments
relate to the Facility Plan itself.
The City is in the process of conducting a drainage, erosion and sedimentation
control study. One of the purposes of the study is to propose regulations to minimize
off-site storm runoff. Another is to recommend structural methods to attentuate storm
runoffs to downstream areas,
Regarding the concern for urban development vs agricultural uses, it is a matter
which transcends local boundaries and involves forces existent without the proposed
project. It is also not an either/or situation. Land use control mechanisms are
being developed whereby agricultural land can be conserved and urban development
can still take place. Sewering a portion of western Cranston does not necessarily
mean the death-knell of agriculture throughout western Cranston. By sewering a
portion of western Cranston, urban sprawl otherwise more consumptive of rural land
is concentrated closer to existing City services, tending to relieve growth pressures
on outlying areas. About half of western Cranston will not be served by sewerage until
after the year 2000. Certainly long before that, mechanisms can be implemented to
conserve agricultural land worthy of such protection,
-------
UNIVERSAL ENGINEERING CORPORATION
100 BOYLSTON STREET
BOSTON, MASS. 02116
MEMORANDUM
TO' "£1. job: 7516
From: .DiE« Date: l*L2*!21.
Comments from Ecology Action
The below responds to the comments of Ecology Action for Rhode Island, Clean
Water Committee, dated 12/22/76 on the EIS to the Cranston Facility Plan, but only as
these comments relate to the Facility Plan itself.
A. General Comments
1. No comment
2. The Facility Plan treats these points in Part II Section B, Land Use.
3. No comment
4. No comment
5. The City's sewer use ordinance is currently under study and a new
ordinance is being prepared. Pre-treatment will be required of certain
industries. (Pass throughs ?)
6. The striking of a balance between urban development and agricultural
land transcends local boundaries and until of late, was not generally
thought of as a serious problem. Several mechanisms are possible, for use
today, others are still evolving, but many- are not possible in Rhode
Island due to lack of enabling legislation. The State itself does not
strongly address this issue in the State Guide Plan.
7. Fig V-7 of the Facility Plan shows protection of the incinerator ash
disposal cells from flooding. Disposal will be done inside of embank-
ments, the tops of which are above 100 year storm flood levels.
8-10. No comment
B. Page-By-Page Notations
t
1-2. No comment
3. Some overloading particularly during high groundwater does occur.
4-5. No comment
6. 208 has not begun its sludge management planning studies.
7. It is not clear that comparisons with existing zoning would show any
meaningful relationship since the basins adjacent to 1-295 are to be
rezoned for uses consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan.
A comparison with the Comprehensive Plan shows coterminous urbanized
and sewered areas contiguous to existing urban development. The State
Guide Plan is not fine grained enough at the intra-conmunity level to provide
for a meaningful comparison for the area to receive sewerage in Cranston.
8. Dwellings on Pawtuxet Neck do not receive City sewerage service.
-------
9. See A2 previous.
10. Regionalization as an alternative is implied.
11. No comment
12. If the City of Cranston were to construct such impoundments, it would of
course assume maintenance for same. No locations have been proposed by the
Facility Plan,
13-14. NO comment.
15. Multiple use of interceptor right-of-ways will be considered.
Undisturbed right-of-way between the mowed safety zone and right-of-way
fence does act as a habitat for many wildlife species,
16. No comment
17. Sludge or ash disposal would not have more than a local impact by any
parameter. Direct environmental impacts such as leaching, odors etc.
could be effectively dealt with. Indirect impacts such as trucking to
a particular site could be minimized but might in certain cases be an
adverse traffic or noise impact of a local nature centered on the disposal
site itself.
18-21. No comment
22. In 1975, it had been reported that the State of Rhode Island had actually
lost population since 1970. It is quite likely that this was due to the one-
time "shock" withdrawal of military and support personnel and their
dependents which left the State with a net-emigration for the 1970-75 period.
23-29. No comment.
30. Yes.
31. Out-of-basin discharge to the Providence River estuary eliminates the need
for tertiary treatment. Maintaining advanced treatment serves no purpose for
discharge to the Providence River,
32. In view of the project's time frame and need for a committed effluent dis-
charge (not one based on proposals), the use of treatment plant effluent
as agricultural irrigation in Cranston or anywhere in Rhode Island is not
realistic.
33. NO Comment
34. The ash landfill will be sufficient to the year 2000.
35. Incinerated heavy metals become oxidized.
36. NO Comment
37. The emissions given in Table IV-4 meet EPA regulations, It would be a
questionable use of scarce resources to further attempt to reduce emissions.
38-41. No comment
42. The Facility Plan analyzed costs of solids handling and disposal and the
data is contained in Tables III-30 to 33.
43. Part V of the Facility Plan p. V-47 and 48 contain the information desired.
44. The entire project is geared to a particular time schedule. Alternatives
which most cost effectively achieve the desired standards within the time
schedule with minimum adverse environmental effects shall be selected.
45. Selection of an off-site sanitary landfill may subject the City to uncontrolled
cost escalations , and uncertainties if the landfill violates the conditions
of its license.
46. No comment. This is a proposal of the EIS.
47. No Comment
In reference to the proposed park, this is a matter for the City to pursue.
48. No Comment
49-58. No comment
59. Decisions to provide utilities and the placement thereof are "standard
and prudent" tools to manage urban development.
60. No comment.
-------
61, See Facility Plan Part I Section A9 Water Resources, specifically
p, 1-50, the second paragraph.
62. See Facility Plan Part III Section C Alternative Waste Treatment Systems.
63-76. No comment.
-------
UNIVERSAL ENGINEERING CORPORATION
100 BOYLSTON STREET
BOSTON, MASS. 02116
MEMORANDUM
Job:
Date;
SubitCt>Robert F1ynn Comments on EIS
The following responses reply to the comments of Robert Flynn on the EIS.
I General ,
Mr. Flynn overemphasizes the difference between the Facility Flan (EIS)
population projection for the year 2000 and the R I Statewide Planning Program (RISPP)
projection by saying that there is a "difference of over 20% in population increase."
What also must accompany that statement is that the "20% difference" equals only
3000 people. Considering that the base by that year is almost 100,000 people
(93,400 vs 96,757), this is quite acceptable. Thus the discrepancy is actually 3%.
II Specific
The calculated increase in per capita wastewater discharge is incorrect. A
correct version of the table would be:
Pop Served
Pit. Capacity
Waste Water Flows
Cranston
Ciba-Geigy
R.I. S.Inst.
Howard Ind. Park
1975
68,000
11.4 MGD
11.5*MGD
0 "
0 "
0 "
2000
93,000
23.0 MGD
18.7 MGD
1.8 "
1.1 "
1.4 "
1975 per capita wastewater =11.4 MGD/68,000 = 169 gpd
2000 per capita wastewater = 18.7 MGD/93,000 = 201 gpd
This is a 19% increase.
*Note that the plant design capacity is exceeded by the flow generated by the 1975
population.
Tables II-7 and II-8 in the Facility Plan contain the wastewater flow projections upon
which the above figures are based.
Mr. Flynn must be aware that the per capita wastewater discharge figure includes
development of the Howard Industrial Park, other industrial growth and domestic flow
increase, all on a design flow basis. It is not knov.-n whether tho cpi"pnrison flTiirc
he quotes is a design flow figure or an average flow figure.
West Warwick was consulted and expressed an interest only in sliu'.go
-------
The Howard Industrial Park has lacked sewerage service until recently.
It is not known why Leesona, Brown and Sharp and BIF did not locate in
Cranston.
Cranston had a low rank in percent increase in population because of its large
base, (second only to Warwick of the communities that gained population between 1960
and 1970). While five of RI's other cities may have lost population according to
Mr. Flynn, Cranston continues to grow faster than the State since 1900 and faster
than the Providence SMSA since 1950 and will soon become RI's third largest city
behind Providence and Warwick. Only Middletown, Warwick, and North Kingstown gained
substantially more than Cranston in absolute terms between 1960 and 1970. Cumberland
gained slightly more. In other words, of the large communities in R I with a large
population increase, only Warwick surpassed Cranston.
(Re: page 4 of letter) The expansion of the wastewater treatment plant
increases the capacity for industrial wastewater from 2.2 MGD to 7.7 MGD (design
flow.) This capacity could service some high water-usage type industry.
The Gatnmino Quarry can be re-used in a more suitable manner than as a
landfill, with its visibility from and access to an Interstate highway.
The instances cited in "disregard for the environment" cited by Mr. Flynn in
Western Cranston are regulated by the City's Zoning Ordinance, R I Freshwater Wetlands
Act and the City's Subdivision Regulations respectively.
Routing
Initial
Copies
D, E. N.
VV. A H.
JRJ1. M.
n. • n.
J.A.Z.
-------
61. See Factlity Plan Part I Section A9 Water Resources, specifically
p. 1-50, the second paragraph.
™* wee Facility Plan Part I" Section C Alternative Waste Treatment Systems
76. No comment.
-------
UNIVERSAL ENGINEERING CORPORATION
100 BOYLSTON STREET
BOSTON, MASS. 02116
MEMORANDUM
To= —
From-.
us
Flynn Comments on EIS
Job:
Dote;
The following responses reply to the comments of Robert Flynn on the EIS,
I General »
Mr. Flynn overemphasizes the difference between the Facility Plan (EIS)
population projection for the year 2000 and the R I Statewide Planning Program (RISPP)
projection by saying that there is a "difference of over 20% in population increase."
What also must accompany that statement is that the "20% difference" equals only
3000 people. Considering that the base by that year is almost 100,000 people
(93,400 vs 96,757), this is quite acceptable. Thus the discrepancy is actually 3%.
II Specific
The calculated increase in per capita wastewater discharge is incorrect. A
correct version of the table would be:
Pop Served
Pit. Capacity x
Waste Water Flows
Cranston
Ciba-Geigy
R.I. S.Inst.
Howard Ind. Park
1975 per capita wastewater
2000 per capita wastewater
1975
68,000
11.4 MGD
11.5*MGD
0 "
0 "
0 "
2000
93,000
23.0 MGD
18.7 MGD
1.8 "
1.1 "
1.4 "
11.4 MGD/68,000 = 169 gpd
18.7 MGD/93,000 = 201 gpd
This is a 19% increase.
*Note that the plant design capacity is exceeded by the flow generated by the 1975
population.
Tables II-7 and II-8 in the Facility Plan contain the wastewater flow projections upon
which the above figures are based.
Mr. Flynn must be aware that the per capita wastewater discharge figure includes
development of the Howard Industrial Park, other industrial growth and domestic flow
increase, all on a design flow basis. Tt is not known whether the comnnrison figure
he quotes is a design flow figure or an average flow figure.
West Warwick was consulted and expressed an interest only in sludge disposal.
-------
The Howard Industrial Park has lacked sewerage service until recently.
It is not known why Leesona, Brown and Sharp and BIF did not locate in
Cranston.
Cranston had a low rank in percent increase in population because of its large
base, (second only to Warwick of the communities that gained population between 1960
.and 1970). While five of RI's other cities may have lost population according to
Mr. Flynn, Cranston continues to grow faster than the State since 1900 and faster
than the Providence SMSA since 1950 and will soon become RI's third largest city
behind Providence and Warwick. Only Middletown, Warwick, and North Kingstown gained
substantially more than Cranston in absolute terms between 1960 and 1970. Cumberland
gained slightly more. In other words, of the large communities in R I with a large
population increase, only Warwick surpassed Cranston.
(Re: page 4 of letter) The expansion of the wastewater treatment plant
increases the capacity for industrial wastewater from 2.2 MGD to 7.7 MGD (design
flow.) This capacity could service some high water-usage type industry.
The Ganunino Quarry can be re-used in a more suitable manner than as a
landfill, with its visibility from and access to an Interstate highway-
The instances cited in "disregard for the environment" cited by Mr. Flynn in
Western Cranston are regulated by the City's Zoning Ordinance, R I Freshwater Wetlands
Act and the City's Subdivision Regulations respectively.
-------
61. See Facility Plan Part I Section A9 Water Resources, specifically
p. 1-50, the second paragraph.
62. See Facility Plan Part III Section C Alternative Waste Treatment Systems.
63-76. No comment.
-------
UNIVERSAL ENGINEERING CORPORATION
100 BOYLSTON STREET
'BOSTON. MASS. 02116
MEMORANDUM
TO:
From-.. J£_* J«s
Subi§Ct-R°kert F^ynn Comments on EIS
Job:
Dote: _____ Jte££Bt££.2Q— 1326. ---
The following responses reply to the comments of Robert Flynn on the EIS.
I General ,
Mr. Flynn overemphasizes the difference between the Facility Plan (EIS)
population projection for the year 2000 and the R I Statewide Planning Program (RISPP)
projection by saying that there is a "difference of over 20% in population increase."
What also must accompany that statement is that the "20% difference" equals only
3000 people. Considering that the base by that year is almost 100,000 people
(93,400 vs 96,757), this is quite acceptable. Thus the discrepancy is actually 3%.
II Specific
The calculated increase in per capita wastewater discharge is incorrect. A
correct version of the table would be:
Pop Served
Pit. Capacity
Waste Water Flows
Cranston
Ciba-Geigy
R.I. S.Inst.
Howard Ind. Park
1975
68,000
11.4 MGD
11.5*MGD
0 "
0 "
0 "
2000
93,000
23.0 MGD
18.7 MGD
1.8 "
1.1 "
1.4 "
1975 per capita wastewater = 11.4 MGD/68,000 = 169 gpd
2000 per capita wastewater = 18.7 MGD/93,000 = 201 gpd
This is a 19% increase.
*Note that the plant design capacity is exceeded by the flow generated by the 1975
population.
Tables II-7 and II-8 in the Facility Plan contain the wastewater flow projections upon
which the above figures are based.
Mr. Flynn must be aware that the per capita wastewater discharge figure includes
development of the Howard Industrial Park, other industrial growth and domestic flow
increase, all on a design flow basis. It is not known whether tho compnrison figure
he quotes is a design flow figure or an average flow figure.
West Warwick was consulted and expressed an interest only in sludge
-------
The Howard Industrial Park has lacked sewerage service until recently.
It is not known why Leesona, Brown and Sharp and BIF did not locate in
Cranston.
Cranston had a low rank in percent increase in population because of its large
base, Second only to Warwick of the communities that gained population between 1960
and 19^P . While five of RI's other cities may have lost population according to
Mr. Flynn, Cranston continues to grow faster than the State since 1900 and faster
than the Providence SMSA since 1950 and will soon become RI's third largest city
behind Providence and Warwick. Only Middletown, Warwick, and North Kingstown gained
substantially more than Cranston in absolute terms between 1960 and 1970. Cumberland
gained slightly more. In other words, of the large communities in R I with a large
population increase, only Warwick surpassed Cranston.
(Re: page 4 of letter) The expansion of the wastewater treatment plant
increases the capacity for industrial wastewater from 2.2 MGD to 7.7 MGD (design
flow.) This capacity could service some high water-usage type industry.
The Gammino Quarry can be re-used in a more suitable manner than as a
landfill, with its visibility from and access to an Interstate highway.
The instances cited in "disregard for the environment" cited by Mr. Flynn in
Western Cranston are regulated by the City's Zoning Ordinance, R I Freshwater Wetlands
Act and the City's Subdivision Regulations respectively.
------- |