Wetland and Waterways Impacts
Wetland and waterway impacts were studied as a part of the NEPA process. Overall, a few intermittent and perennial streams were observed along the Study Area; namely Nescopeck and Black Creeks as well as a few other unnamed tributaries to Nescopeck Creek. A few wetlands were also observed along the edge of Nescopeck Creek.
For the bridge replacement over Nescopeck Creek, the proposed construction activities will result in:
|
Permanent |
Temporary |
Wetland Impacts |
0.049 acres |
0.118 acres |
Stream Impacts |
444 linear feet |
732 linear feet |
Nescopeck Creek is listed as Approved Trout Waters by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). Therefore, in-stream work restrictions will be required between February 15 to June 1, unless a waiver is obtained.
Alongside the road embankments of I-80 and local roadways at Exit 256 where new advance tolling signs would be placed, a few freshwater wetlands were found but all would be avoided by the proposed project.
Overall, the proposed project would result in minor permanent impacts to Nescopeck Creek and its abutting freshwater wetlands during the construction of the new bridge structures, and all temporary impacts would be restored in-kind after construction. The above in-stream work window restrictions would be followed by the contractor to avoid/minimize impacts to trout fishing. Finally, it is anticipated that minor stream and wetland mitigation requirements (offsite banking or onsite restoration) would be required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection during final design and permitting.