brooklyn-queens interconnect: environmental assessment statement

7/31/2019 Brooklyn-Queens Interconnect: Environmental Assessment Statement

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National Grid

Environmental Assessment Statement

Brooklyn-Queens Interconnect

Boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn, New York

CEQR NO. 12OOM001K

Prepared for: Prepared by:

National Grid AKRF, Inc.175 East Old Country Road 3900 Veterans Memorial Highway

Hicksville, New York 11801 Bohemia, New York 11716Phone: (516) 545-3157 Phone: (631) 285-6980

December 2011


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i

Table of Contents

Environmental Assessment Statement

Jamaica Bay Watershed Protection Plan Project Tracking Form

Attachment A: Project Description and Purpose and Need .................................................. A-1

A. Introduction .................................................................................................................... A-1

B. Project Description and Proposed Pipeline Route .......................................................... A-2

Phase I ............................................................................................................................... A-2

Williams Transco Project ................................................................................................. A-4Phase II .............................................................................................................................. A-5

C. Purpose and Need ........................................................................................................... A-6

Phase I ............................................................................................................................... A-7

Phase II .............................................................................................................................. A-8

D. Project Schedule ............................................................................................................. A-8

E. Required Permits and Approvals.................................................................................... A-8

Federal ............................................................................................................................... A-9

State ................................................................................................................................... A-9

Local ................................................................................................................................ A-10

F. Summary of Environmental Studies and Environmental Impact ................................. A-11

Land Use and Zoning ...................................................................................................... A-11

Historic Resources ........................................................................................................... A-11Natural Resources ........................................................................................................... A-12

Hazardous Materials ........................................................................................................ A-13

Coastal Zone Consistency ............................................................................................... A-14

Construction .................................................................................................................... A-14

Public Health and Safety ................................................................................................. A-16

B: EAS Screening Analyses ..................................................................................................... B-1

A. Introduction .................................................................................................................... B-1

B. Environmental Screening Analyses ............................................................................... B-1

Land Use and Zoning ........................................................................................................ B-1

Socioeconomic Conditions ................................................................................................ B-1

Community Facilities and Services ................................................................................... B-2Open Space ........................................................................................................................ B-2

Shadows ............................................................................................................................ B-2

Historic and Archaeological Resources ............................................................................ B-3

Urban Design and Visual Resources ................................................................................. B-3

Neighborhood Character ................................................................................................... B-3

Natural Resources ............................................................................................................. B-3

Hazardous Materials .......................................................................................................... B-4

Coastal Zone Consistency ................................................................................................. B-4


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National Grid Brooklyn-Queens Interconnect

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Infrastructure ...................................................................................................................... B-4

Solid Waste and Sanitation Services.................................................................................. B-4

Energy ................................................................................................................................ B-4

Traffic and Parking ............................................................................................................ B-5Transit and Pedestrians ...................................................................................................... B-5

Air Quality ......................................................................................................................... B-5

Noise .................................................................................................................................. B-5

Construction Impacts ......................................................................................................... B-5

Public Health and Safety .................................................................................................... B-6

C: Land Use, Zoning, and Public Policy ................................................................................. C-1

A. Introduction .................................................................................................................... C-1

B. Existing Conditions ........................................................................................................ C-1

Land Use ............................................................................................................................ C-1

Zoning ................................................................................................................................ C-5

Public Policy ...................................................................................................................... C-6C. Probable Impacts of the Proposed Project ...................................................................... C-8

Land Use ............................................................................................................................ C-8

Zoning .............................................................................................................................. C-10

Public Policy .................................................................................................................... C-10

D: Historic Resources ............................................................................................................... D-1

A. Introduction .................................................................................................................... D-1

B. Methodology ................................................................................................................... D-1

C. Existing Conditions ........................................................................................................ D-2

Architectural Resources ..................................................................................................... D-2

Archaeological Resources .................................................................................................. D-3

D. Conclusions and Recommendations ............................................................................... D-6

Architectural Resources ..................................................................................................... D-6

Archaeological Resources .................................................................................................. D-6

E: Natural Resources ............................................................................................................... E-1

A. Introduction .................................................................................................................... E-1

B. Methodology ................................................................................................................... E-1

Study Area ......................................................................................................................... E-1

Assessment of Existing Conditions ................................................................................... E-2

Assessment of Impacts On Natural Resources .................................................................. E-2

C. Existing Conditions ........................................................................................................ E-3

Aquatic Resources ............................................................................................................. E-3

Terrestrial Resources ......................................................................................................... E-5

Rare, Special Concern, Threatened and Endangered Species and Habitats ....................... E-7

D. Probable Impacts of the Proposed Project ...................................................................... E-8

Jamaica Bay Watershed Protection Plan .......................................................................... E-10

F: Hazardous Materials ........................................................................................................... F-1

A. Introduction .................................................................................................................... F-1

B. Historical and Existing Conditions ................................................................................. F-1

C. Probable Impacts of the Proposed Project ...................................................................... F-7


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Table of Contents

iii

G: Coastal Zone Consistency .................................................................................................. G-1

A. New York State Coastal Zone Management Program ................................................... G-1B. New York City Waterfront Revitalization Policies ........................................................ G-2

New York City Waterfront Revitalization Program Consistency AssessmentForm ................................................................................................................................... G-8

H: Construction Impacts ......................................................................................................... H-1

A. Introduction .................................................................................................................... H-1

B. Construction Schedule ................................................................................................... H-1

C. Construction Methods .................................................................................................... H-2

Phase I ............................................................................................................................... H-3

Phase II .............................................................................................................................. H-4

D. Impact Assessment and Controls ................................................................................... H-6

Traffic ................................................................................................................................ H-6

Air Quality......................................................................................................................... H-9

Noise ............................................................................................................................... H-10Tree Protection and Loss ................................................................................................. H-12

Stormwater Management ................................................................................................ H-13

I: Public Health and Safety ...................................................................................................... I-1

A. Introduction ...................................................................................................................... I-1

B. Potential Safety Risks ...................................................................................................... I-1

Third Party Excavation ........................................................................................................ I-1

Corrosion ............................................................................................................................. I-2Leaks and Breaks ................................................................................................................ I-2

C. Regulatory Context .......................................................................................................... I-4

D. Public Health and Safety Procedures ............................................................................... I-5

Additional Measures to Mitigate Risk ................................................................................. I-6

E. Potential Impacts of the Proposed Project ........................................................................ I-7

J: Bibliography .......................................................................................................................... J-1

Appendix I: Archaeological Surveys

Appendix II: Historic Resources Correspondence

Appendix III: Natural Resources Correspondence

Appendix IV: Engineering Drawings


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iv

List of Tables

E-1 New York State and Federally Listed Plants in the Vicinity of the Proposed Project ....... E-7

E-2 New York State and Federally Listed Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife

in the Vicinity of the Proposed Project............................................................................... E-8

F-1 Environmental Issues ......................................................................................................... F-2

H-1 Phase I Construction Activities .......................................................................................... H-4

H-2 Phase II Construction Activities ......................................................................................... H-5

H-3 Accident Data ..................................................................................................................... H-7


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v

List of Figures

Following Page

A-1 Project Location .................................................................................................................. A-2

A-2 USGS Topographic Map Coney Island Quadrangle ........................................................... A-2

A-3 Aerial Photograph ............................................................................................................... A-2

A-4 Photograph Key .................................................................................................................. A-2

A-5 Project Area Photos ............................................................................................................ A-2





A-10 Project Area Photos ....................................................................................................... A-2







C-1 Existing Land Use ............................................................................................................... C-2

C-2a to C-2c Sanborn Map ........................................................................................................ C-2

C-3a to C-3c Tax Map ................................................................................................................ C-2

C-4 Open Space Resources ........................................................................................................ C-2

C-5 Zoning ................................................................................................................................. C-6

D-1 Architectural Resources ...................................................................................................... D-2

D-2 Areas of Archaeological Sensitivity ................................................................................... D-2

E-1 Floodplains ......................................................................................................................... E-4

E-2 NWI Tidal and Freshwater Wetlands ................................................................................. E-4

E-3 NYSDEC Tidal Wetlands ................................................................................................... E-4E-4 Terrestrial Resources .......................................................................................................... E-6

G-1 Coastal Zone Boundary ...................................................................................................... G-2


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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

STATEMENT


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City Environmental Qual i ty Review

ENVIRONMENTAL A SSESSMENT STATEMENT FULL FORM

Please fill out, print and submit to the appropriate agency (see instructions)

PART I: GENERAL INFORMATION

PROJECT NAME Nati onal Gr id Brooklyn-Queens Inte rconnec t1. Reference Numbers

CEQR REFERENCE NUMBER (To Be Assigned by Lead Agency) BSA REFERENCE NUMBER (If Applicable)

12OOM001KULURP REFERENCE NUMBER (If Applicable) OTHER REFERENCE NUMBER(S) (If Applicable)

(e.g., Legislative Intro, CAPA, etc.)

2a. Lead Agency Information 2b. Applicant InformationNAME OF LEAD AGENCY NAME OF APPLICANT

Office of the Mayor National GridNAME OF LEAD AGENCY CONTACT PERSON NAME OF APPLICANTS REPRESENTATIVE OR CONTACT PERSON

Robert R. Kulikowski, Ph.D. John StavrakasADDRESS 253 Broadway 14th Floor ADDRESS 40 Sylvan RoadCITY New York STATE NY ZIP 10007 CITY Waltham STATE MA ZIP 02451TELEPHONE (212) 788-2937 FAX (212) 788-2941 TELEPHONE (781) 907-2759 FAX

EMAIL ADDRESS [email protected] EMAIL ADDRESS [email protected]

3. Action Classification and TypeSEQRA Classification

UNLISTED TYPE I; SPECIFY CATEGORY (see 6 NYCRR 617.4 and NYC Executive Order 91 of 1977, as amended): 6 NYCRR 617.4(b)(9)Action Type(refer to Chapter 2, Establishing the Analysis Framework for guidance)

LOCALIZED ACTION, SITE SPECIFIC LOCALIZED ACTION, SMALL AREA GENERIC ACTION

4. Project Description:National Grid proposes to expand its existing natural gas infrastructure in Brooklyn and Queens to reinforce its natural gas transmission and distribution systems and toprovide for projected increases in energy demand in both Brooklyn and Queens in the Rockaway Peninsula. National Grid proposes to install new steel natural gaspipelines in two phases. Phase I of the project would be the installation of two parallel (12- and 26-inch) underground natural gas pipelines between Flatbush Avenue at apoint in the vicinity of the southernmost airplane hangar on Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, to Beach 169th Street south of Rockaway Point Boulevard on the RockawayPeninsula in Queensa distance of approximately 8,300 feet. Phase II would result in the installation of a 30-inch steel natural gas pipeline beneath Hendrickson Streetsouth of Avenue U to Hendrickson Place then along Hendrickson Place to Flatbush Avenue and then south to the northern terminus of Phase Ia distance ofapproximately 12,000 feet. See Attachment A, Project Description and Purpose and Need, of the Environmental Assessment Statement (EAS) for more detail.

The proposed project would (1) improve gas system infrastructure in the New York metropolitan area, (2) reinforce the gas transmission and distributionsystems in Brooklyn and Queens in the Rockaway Peninsula, (3) provide added reliability of service, (4) diversify the natural gas supply source for Brooklynand Queens, (5) provide for projected future increases in energy demand (meeting both near and long term load growth in National Grids gas distributionsystem), (6) diversify overall energy supply sources in New York City, and (7) improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. See Attachment A,

Project Description and Purpose and Need, for more detail.4a. Project Location: Single Site(for a project at a single site, complete all the information below)

ADDRESS Hendrickson Street, Hendrickson Place, Flatbush Avenue from Avenue U in Brooklyn, along areasadjacent to the Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge in Brooklyn, under the Rockaway Inletand to Beach 169th Street on Rockaway Peninsula in Queens

NEIGHBORHOODNAME Mill Basin, Marine

Park, RoxburyTAX BLOCK AND LOT Brooklyn block 8590, lot 700; Queens block 16340,

lot 9 and block 25005, lot 9999

BOROUGH Queens andBrooklyn

COMMUNITYDISTRICT

Queens CD 14 andBrooklyn CD 18

DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY BY BOUNDING OR CROSS STREETS

The proposed natural gas pipelines would run under Hendrickson Street, Hendrickson Place, and Flatbush Avenue from Avenue U in Brooklynalong areas adjacent to the Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge in Brooklyn, under the Rockaway Inlet and to Beach 169th Street on theRockaway Peninsula in QueensEXISTING ZONING DISTRICT, INCLUDING SPECIAL ZONING DISTRICT DESIGNATION, IF ANY ZONING SECTIONAL MAP NO:

The proposed project is located within or directly adjacent to C8-1, R4, C3, M1-1, and M3-1 districts in theBoroughs of Brooklyn and Queens

23b, 29a, 29c, 29d

4b. Project Location: Multiple Sites(Provide a description of the size of the project area in both City Blocks and Lots. If the project would apply to the entire city or to areas thatare so extensive that a site-specific description is not appropriate or practicable, describe the area of the project, including bounding streets, etc.)

5. REQUIRED ACTIONS OR APPROVALS(check all that apply)

City Planning Commission: YES NO Board of Standards and Appeals: YES NO CITY MAP AMENDMENT ZONING CERTIFICATION SPECIAL PERMIT

ZONING MAP AMENDMENT ZONING AUTHORIZATION EXPIRATION DATE MONTH DAY YEAR

ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT HOUSING PLAN & PROJECT UNIFORM LAND USE REVIEW

PROCEDURE (ULURP) SITE SELECTIONPUBLIC FACILITY

CONCESSION FRANCHISE VARIANCE (USE) UDAAP DISPOSITIONREAL PROPERTY REVOCABLE CONSENT VARIANCE (BULK)

ZONING SPECIAL PERMIT, SPECIFY TYPE SPECIFY AFFECTED SECTION(S) OF THE ZONING RESOLUTION

MODIFICATION OF RENEWAL OF OTHER Approval by the Office of the Mayor of the lease agreement between MTA B&T and National Grid


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EAS FULL FORM PAGE 2

Department of Environmental Protection: YES NO

Other City Approvals: YES NO

LEGISLATION RULEMAKING

FUNDING OF CONSTRUCTION; SPECIFY CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC FACILITIES

POLICY OR PLAN; SPECIFY FUNDING OR PROGRAMS; SPECIFY

LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION APPROVAL (not subject to CEQR) PERMITS; SPECIFY

384(B)(4) APPROVAL OTHER; EXPLAIN

PERMITS FROM DOTS OFFICE OF CONSTRUCTION MITIGATION AND COORDINATION(OCMD) (not subject to CEQR)

Office of the Mayor approval of lease agreement betweenTriborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, popularly known asMTA Bridges And Tunnels (MTA B&T) and National Grid

New York City Department of City Planning Coastal ZoneConsistency;

New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission; New York City Department of Transportation street opening

permit for selective cuts in Flatbush Avenue and at Beach169th Street; and

New York City Departments of Parks and Recreation andTransportation revocable consent for directional drillingunder Belt Parkway and temporary work area in Marine Park

6. State or Federal Actions/Approvals/Funding: YES

NO IF YES, IDENTIFYNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation 401 Water Quality Certification and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan;New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation review and concurrence;MTA B&T lease agreement for property rights and long-term operation of the pipelines within property adjacent to the Marine ParkwayGil HodgesMemorial Bridge in Brooklyn, under the Rockaway Inlet, and on the Rockaway Peninsula, irrevocably assigned and conveyed by the City of New York toMTA B&T;

US Army Corp of Engineers Nationwide Permit 12

7. Site Description:Except where otherwise indicated, provide the following information with regard to the directly affected area. The directly affected area consists of the project site andthe area subject to any change in regulatory controls.GRAPHICS The following graphics must be attached and each box must be checked off before the EAS is complete. Each map must clearly depict the boundaries of the directly affected

area or areas, and indicate a 400-foot radius drawn from the outer boundaries of the project site. Maps may not exceed 11x17 inches in size and must be folded to 8.5x11inches for submission.

Site location map Figure A-1 Zoning mapFigure C-5

Photographs of the project site taken within 6 months of EAS submission and keyed to the site location mapFigures A-5 through A-16

Sanborn or other land use mapFigures C-1 and C-2a C2c

Tax mapFigures C-3a C3c

For large areas or multiple sites, a GIS shape file that defines the project s ites

PHYSICAL SETTING(both developed and undeveloped areas)Total directly affected area (sq. ft.):

103,300

Type of waterbody and surface area (sq. ft.):

15,250 (the area under Rockaway Inletwhere the pipelines would be installed)

Roads, building and other paved surfaces (sq. ft.):

88,050

Other, describe (sq. ft.):

8. Physical Dimensions and Scale of Project(if the project affects multiple sites, provide the total development below facilitated by the action)

Size of project to be developed: 20,300 linear feet (gross sq. ft.)

Does the proposed project involve changes in zoning on one or more sites? YES NO If Yes, identify the total square feet owned or controlled by the applicant: Total square feet of non-applicant owned development:

Does the proposed project involve in-ground excavation or subsurface disturbance, including but not limited to foundation work, pilings, utility lines, or grading? YES NO If Yes, indicate the estimated area and volume dimensions of subsurface disturbance (if known):

Area: 88,050 sq. ft. (width x length) Volume: 606,500 backfilled in trench cubic feet (width x length x depth)

Does the proposed project increase the population of residents and/or on-site workers? YES NO Number of additionalresidents?

Number ofadditional workers?

Provide a brief explanation of how these numbers were determined:

Does the project create new open space? YES NO If Yes: (sq. ft)Using Table 14-1, estimate the projects projected operation solid waste generation, if applicable: N/A (pounds per week)

Using energy modeling or Table 15-1, estimate the projects projected energy use: N/A (annual BTUs)

9. Analysis YearCEQR Technical Manual, Chapter 2ANTICIPATED BUILD YEAR (DATE THE PROJECT WOULD BE COMPLETED AND OPERATIONAL):

Phase I 2013; Phase II 2014ANTICIPATED PERIOD OF CONSTRUCTION IN MONTHS:

+/- 24 months

WOULD THE PROJECT BE IMPLEMENTED IN A SINGLE PHASE? YES NO IF MULTIPLE PHASES, HOW MANY PHASES: Two

BRIEFLY DESCRIBE PHASES AND CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE: See Attachment A, Project Description and Purpose and Need.

10. What is the Predominant Land Use in Vicinity of Project?(Check all that apply)

RESIDENTIAL MANUFACTURING COMMERCIAL PARK/FOREST/OPEN SPACE OTHER, Describe:Public Facilities andInstitutions


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DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING AND PROPOSED CONDITIONSThe information requested in this table applies to the directly affected area. The directly affected area consists of the project site and the area subject toany change in regulatory control. The increment is the difference between the No-Action and the With-Action conditions.

EXISTINGCONDITION

NO-ACTIONCONDITION

WITH-ACTIONCONDITION INCREMENT

Land Use

Residential Yes No Yes No Yes No

If yes, specify the following

No. of dwelling units

No. of low- to moderate-income units

No. of stories

Gross Floor Area (sq. ft.)

Describe Type of Residential Structures

Commercial Yes No Yes No Yes No

If yes, specify the following:

Describe type (retail, office, other)

No. of bldgs

GFA of each bldg (sq. ft.)

Manufacturing/Industrial Yes No Yes No Yes No


Type of use

No. of bldgs


No. of stories of each bldg.

Height of each bldg

Open storage area (sq. ft.)

If any unenclosed activities, specify

Community Facility Yes No Yes No Yes No

If yes, specify the following

Type

No. of bldgs


No. of stories of each bldg

Height of each bldg

Vacant Land Yes No Yes No Yes No

If yes, describe

Publicly Accessible Open Space Yes No Yes No Yes No If yes, specify type (mapped City, State, or FederalParkland, wetlandmapped or otherwise known,other)

The proposed pipelines would be installed in the vicinity of Floyd BennettField, Brooklyn Marine Park, Fort Tilden, and Jacob Riis Park but would notcause long-term disturbance of these open space uses. See Attachment C,

Land Use, Zoning, and Public Policy

Other Land Use Yes No Yes No Yes No

If yes, describe Roadways and sidewalks and the Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge

Parking

Garages Yes No Yes No Yes No


No. of public spaces

No. of accessory spaces

Operating hours

Attended or non-attended


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EXISTINGCONDITION

NO-ACTIONCONDITION

WITH-ACTIONCONDITION INCREMENT

Parking (continued)

Lots Yes No Yes No Yes No


No. of public spaces

No. of accessory spaces

Operating hours

Other (includes street parking) Yes No Yes No Yes No

If yes, describe

Storage Tanks

Storage Tanks Yes No Yes No Yes No


Gas/Service stations: Yes No Yes No Yes No

Oil storage facility: Yes No Yes No Yes No

Other; identify: Yes No Yes No Yes No

If yes to any of the above, describe:

No tanks are on land that

would be affected by theproposed project, but

some are adjacent to theroadway

Number of tanks

Size of tanks

Location of tanks

Depth of tanks

Most recent FDNY inspection date

Population

Residents Yes No Yes No Yes No

If any, specify number

Briefly explain how the number of residents wascalculated

Businesses Yes No Yes No Yes No

If any, specify the following:

No. and type

No. and type of workers by business

No. and type of non-residents who are notworkers

Briefly explain how the number of businesses wascalculated

Zoning*

Zoning classification

Zoning districts along oradjacent to the pipelinesinclude C8-1, R4, M3-1,

C3, and M1-1 No Change No ChangeMaximum amount of floor area that can be developed(in terms of bulk) N/A N/A N/APredominant land use and zoning classification within

a 0.25-radius of proposed projectCommercial, public

facilities/institutionaluses, parkland, andresidential. Zoning

classifications include C3,C8-1, M1-1, M3-1, R2, R4,

and R5 No Change No ChangeAttach any additional information as may be needed to describe the project.

If your project involves changes in regulatory controls that affect one or more sites not associated with a specific development, it is generally appropriate to include the total development projections in theabove table and attach separate tables outlining the reasonable development scenarios for each site.

*This section should be completed for all projects, except for such projects that would apply to the entire city or to areas that are so extensive that site-specific zoning information is not appropriate orpracticable.


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PART II: TECHNICAL ANALYSES

INSTRUCTIONS: For each of the analysis categories listed in this section, assess the proposed projects impacts based on the thresholds and criteriapresented in the CEQR Technical Manual. Check each box that applies.

If the proposed project can be demonstrated not to meet or exceed the threshold, check the NO box.

If the proposed project will meet or exceed the threshold, or if this cannot be determined, check the YES box.

For each Yes response, answer the subsequent questions for that technical area and consult the relevant chapter of the CEQR Technical Manualfoguidance on providing additional analyses (and attach supporting information, if needed) to determine whether the potential for significant impactsexists. Please note that a Yes answer does not mean that EIS must be preparedit often only means that more information is required for the leadagency to make a determination of significance.

The lead agency, upon reviewing Part II, may require an applicant to either provide additional information to support the Full EAS Form. For exampleif a question is answered No, an agency may request a short explanation for this response.

YES NO

1. LAND USE, ZONING AND PUBLIC POLICY:CEQR Technical Manual, Chapter 4

(a)Would the proposed project result in a change in land use or zoning that is different from surrounding land uses and/or zoning? Is therethe potential to affect an applicable public policy? If Yes, complete a preliminary assessment and attach. X

(b) Is the project a large, publicly sponsored project? If Yes, complete a PlaNYC assessment and attach. X

(c)

Is any part of the directly affected area within the Citys Waterfront Revitalization Program boundaries?

If Yes, complete the Consistency Assessment Form. See EAS Attachment G, Coastal Zone Consistency X2. SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS:CEQR Technical Manual, Chapter 5

(a) Would the proposed project:

Generate a net increase of 200 or more residential units? X

Generate a net increase of 200,000 or more square feet of commercial space? X

Directly displace more than 500 residents? X

Directly displace more than 100 employees? X

Affect conditions in a specific industry? X

(b)If Yes to any of the above, attach supporting information to answer the following questions, as appropriate. If No was checked foreach category above, the remaining questions in this technical area do not need to be answered. - -

(1) Direct Residential Displacement

If more than 500 residents would be displaced, would these displaced represent more than 5% of the primary study area population? - -If Yes, is the average income of the directly displaced population markedly lower than the average income of the rest of the study areapopulation? - -

(2) Indirect Residential Displacement

Would the expected average incomes of the new population exceed the average incomes of the study area populations? - -If Yes, would the population increase represent more than 5% of the primary study area population or otherwise potentially affect realestate market conditions? - -

If Yes, would the study area have a significant number of unprotected rental units? - -

Would more than 10 percent of all the housing units be renter-occupied and unprotected? - -Or, would more than 5 percent of all the housing units be renter-occupied and unprotected where no readily observable trend toward

increasing rents and new market rate development exists within the study area? - -


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YES NO

(3) Direct Business Displacement

Do any of the displaced businesses provide goods or service that otherwise could not be found within the trade area, either underexisting conditions or in the future with the proposed project? - -Do any of the displaced businesses provide goods or services that otherwise could not be found within the trade area, either underexisting conditions or in the future with the proposed project? - -

Or is any category of business to be displaced the subject of other regulations or publicly adopted plans to preserve, enhance, orotherwise protect it? - -

(4) Indirect Business Displacement

Would the project potentially introduce trends that make it difficult for businesses to remain in the area? - -Would the project capture the retail sales in a particular category of goods to the extent that the market for such goods would becomesaturated as a result, potential resulting in vacancies and disinvestment on neighborhood commercial streets? - -

(5) Effects on Industry

Would the project significantly affect business conditions in any industry or any category of businesses within or outside the study area? - -

Would the project indirectly substantially reduce employment or impair the economic viability in the industry or category of businesses? - -3. COMMUNITY FACILITIES:CEQR Technical Manual, Chapter 6

(a)Would the project directly eliminate, displace, or alter public or publicly funded community facilities such as educational facilities,libraries, hospitals and other health care facilities, day care centers, police stations, or fire stations? X

(b) Would the project exceed any of the thresholds outlines in Table 6-1 in Chapter 6? X

(c)If No was checked above, the remaining questions in this technical area do not need to be answered.If Yes was checked, attach supporting information to answer the following, if applicable. - -

(1) Child Care Centers

Would the project result in a collected utilization rate of the group child care/Head Start centers in the study area that is greater than 100percent? - -

If Yes, would the project increase the collective utilization rate by 5 percent from the No-Action scenario? - -(2) Libraries

Would the project increase the study area population by 5 percent from the No-Action levels? - -

If Yes, would the additional population impair the delivery of library services in the study area? - -(3) Public Schools

Would the project result in a collective utilization rate of the elementary and/or intermediate schools in the study area that is equal to or

greater than 105 percent? - -If Yes, would the project increase this collective utilization rate by 5 percent from the No-Action scenario? - -

(4) Health Care Facilities

Would the project affect the operation of health care facilities in the area? - -(5) Fire and Police Protection

Would the project affect the operation of fire or police protection in the area? - -4. OPEN SPACE:CEQR Technical Manual, Chapter 7

(a) Would the project change or eliminate existing open space? X(b) Is the project located within an underserved area in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, or Staten Island? X(c) If Yes, would the proposed project generate more than 50 additional residents or 125 additional employees? - -(d) Is the project located within a well-served area in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, or Staten Island? X(e) If Yes, would the project generate more than 350 additional residents or 750 additional employees? X

(f)If the project is not located within an underserved or well-served area, would it generate more than 200 additional residents or 500additional employees? - -

(g)If Yes to any of the above questions, attach supporting information to answer the following: Does the project result in a decrease in the open space ratio of more than 5%? See EAS Attachment B, EAS Screening

Analyses. The proposed project would not change the existing open space ratio. X

If the project site is within an underserved area, is the decrease in open space between 1% and 5%? - -

If Yes, are there qualitative considerations, such as the quality of open space, that need to be considered? - -


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YES NO

5. SHADOWS:CEQR Technical Manual, Chapter 8.

(a) Would the proposed project result in a net height increase of any structure of 50 feet or more? See EAS Attachment B, Screening X

(b)Would the proposed project result in any increase in structure height and be located adjacent to or across the street from a sunlight-sensitive resource? X

(c)If Yes to either of the above questions, attach supporting information explaining whether the projects shadow reach any sunlight-sensitive resource at any time of the year. - -

6. HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES:CEQR Technical Manual, Chapter 9

(a)

Does the proposed project site or an adjacent site contain any architectural and/or archaeological resource that is eligible for, or hasbeen designated (or is calendared for consideration) as a New York City Landmark, Interior Landmark or Scenic Landmark; is listed oreligible for listing on the New York State or National Register of Historic Places; or is within a designated or eligible New York City, NewYork State, or National Register Historic District?If Yes, list the resources and attach supporting information on whether the proposed project would affect any of these resources. SeeEAS Attachment D, Historic Resources X

7. URBAN DESIGN AND VISUAL RESOURCES:CEQR Technical Manual, Chapter 10

(a)Would the proposed project introduce a new building, a new building height, or result in any substantial physical alteration to thestreetscape or public space in the vicinity of the proposed project that is not currently allowed by existing zoning? See EAS AttachmentB, Screening X

(b)Would the proposed project result in obstruction of publicly accessible views to visual resources that is not currently allowed by existingzoning? X

(c) If Yes to either of the questions above, please provide the information requested in Chapter 10. - -

8. NATURAL RESOURCES:CEQR Technical Manual, Chapter 11(a) Is any part of the directly affected area within the Jamaica Bay Watershed? If Yes, complete the Jamaica Bay Watershed Form. X

(b)Does the proposed project site or a site adjacent to the project contain natural resources as defined in Section 100 of Chapter 11? IfYes, list the resources: Attach supporting information on whether the proposed project would affect any of these resources. SeeAttachment E, Natural Resources X

9. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS:CEQR Technical Manual, Chapter 12

(a)Would the proposed project allow commercial or residential use in an area that is currently, or was historically, a manufacturing areathat involved hazardous materials? X

(b)Does the proposed project site have existing institutional controls (e.g., (E) designations or a Restrictive Declaration) relating tohazardous materials that preclude the potential for significant adverse impacts? X

(c)Does the project require soil disturbance in a manufacturing zone or any development on or near a manufacturing zone orexisting/historic facilities listed in Appendix 1 (including nonconforming uses)? X

(d)Does the project result in the development of a site where there is reason to suspect the presence of hazardous materials,contamination, illegal dumping or fill, or fill material or unknown origin? X

(e)Does the project result in development where underground and/or aboveground storage tanks (e.g., gas stations) are or were on or

near the site? X(f)

Does the project result in renovation of interior existing space on a site with potential compromised air quality, vapor intrusion from on-site or off-site sources, asbestos, PCBs or lead-based paint? X

(g)Does the project result in development on or near a government-listed voluntary cleanup/brownfield site, current or former powergeneration/transmission facilities, municipal incinerators, coal gasification or gas storage sites, or railroad tracks and rights-of-way? X

(h)Has a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment been performed for the site?If Yes, were RECs identified? Briefly identify: A limited Phase I as is typical for linear projects was performed. See Attachment F,Hazardous Materials X

(i) Based on a Phase I Assessment, is a Phase II Assessment needed? X10. WATER AND SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE:CEQR Technical Manual, Chapter 13

(a) Would the project result in water demand of more than one million gallons per day? X

(b)Is the proposed project located in a combined sewer area and result in at least 1,000 residential units or 250,000 sq. ft. or more ofcommercial space in Manhattan or at least 400 residential units or 150,000 sq. ft. or more of commercial space in the Bronx, Brooklyn,Staten Island or Queens? X

(c) Is the proposed project located in a separately sewered area and result in the same or greater development than that listed in Table13-1 in Chapter 13? X

(d) Does the proposed project involve development on a site five acres or larger where the amount of impervious surface would increase? X

(e)Would the proposed project involve development on a site one acre or larger where the amount of impervious surface would increaseand is located within the Jamaica Bay Watershed or in certain specific drainage areas including: Bronx River, Coney Island Creek,Flushing Bay and Creek, Gowanus Canal, Hutchinson River, Newtown Creek, or Westchester Creek? X

(f) Would the proposed project be located in an area that is partially sewered or currently unsewered? X

(g)Is the project proposing an industrial facility or activity that would contribute industrial discharges to a WWTP and/or generatecontaminated stormwater in a separate storm sewer system? X

(h) Would the project involve construction of a new stormwater outfall that requires federal and/or state permits? X(i) If Yes to any of the above, conduct the appropriate preliminary analyses and attached supporting documentation. - -


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YES NO

11. SOLID WASTE AND SANITATION:CEQR Technical Manual, Chapter 14

(a) Would the proposed project have the potential to generate 100,000 pounds (50 tons) or more of solid waste per week? X

(b)Would the proposed project involve a reduction in capacity at a solid waste management facility used for refuse or recyclablesgenerated within the City? X

12. ENERGY:CEQR Technical Manual, Chapter 15

(a)Would the proposed project affect the transmission or generation of energy? The proposed project would increase natural gassupply and enhance system reliability. X

13. TRANSPORTATION:CEQR Technical Manual, Chapter 16

(a) Would the proposed project exceed any threshold identified in Table 16-1 in Chapter 16? X

(b)If Yes, conduct the screening analyses, attach appropriate back up data as needed for each stage, and answer the followingquestions: - -

(1) Would the proposed project result in 50 or more Passenger Car Equivalents (PCEs) per project peak hour?If Yes, would the proposed project result in 50 or more vehicle trips per project peak hour at any given intersection?**It should be noted that the lead agency may require further analysis of intersections of concern even when a projectgenerates fewer than 50 vehicles in the peak hour. See Subsection 313 in Chapter 16 for more information. - -

(2) Would the proposed project result in more than 200 subway/rail or bus trips per project peak hour?If Yes, would the proposed project result per project peak hour, in 50 or more bus trips on a single line (in one direction) or200 subway trips per station or line? - -

(3) Would the proposed project result in more than 200 pedestrian trips per project peak hour?If Yes, would the proposed project result in more than 200 pedestrian trips per project peak hour to any given pedestrian ortransit element, crosswalk, subway stair, or bus stop? - -

14. AIR QUALITY:CEQR Technical Manual, Chapter 17

(a) Mobile Sources:Would the proposed project result in the conditions outlined in Section 210 in Chapter 17? X

(b)Stationary Sources:Would the proposed project result in the conditions outlined in Section 220 in Chapter 17?If Yes, would the proposed project exceed the thresholds in the Figure 17-3, Stationary Source Screen Graph? (attach graph asneeded) X

(c) Does the proposed project involve multiple buildings on the project site? X(d) Does the proposed project require Federal approvals, support, licensing, or permits subject to conformity requirements? X

(e)Does the proposed project site have existing institutional controls (e.g., (E) designations or a Restrictive Declaration) relating to airquality that preclude the potential for significant adverse impacts? X

(f) If Yes, conduct the appropriate analyses and attach any supporting documentation. - -15. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS:CEQR Technical Manual, Chapter 18

(a) Is the proposed project a city capital project, a power plant, or would fundamentally change the Citys solid waste management system? X(b) If Yes, would the proposed project require a GHG emissions assessment based on the guidance in Chapter 18? - -

(c)If Yes, attach supporting documentation to answer the following;Would the project be consistent with the Citys GHG reduction goal? - -

16. NOISE:CEQR Technical Manual, Chapter 19

(a) Would the proposed project generate or reroute the vehicular traffic? X

(b)Would the proposed project introduce new or additional receptors (see Section 124 in Chapter 19) near heavily trafficked roadways,within one horizontal mile of an existing or proposed flight path, or within 1,500 feet of an existing or proposed rail line with a direct lineof sight to that rail line? X

(c)Would the proposed project cause a stationary noise source to operate within 1,500 feet of a receptor with a direct line of sight to thatreceptor or introduce receptors into an area with high ambient stationary noise? X

(d)Does the proposed project site have existing institutional controls (e.g., E-designations or a Restrictive Declaration) relating to noise thatpreclude the potential for significant adverse impacts? X

(e) If Yes, conduct the appropriate analyses and attach any supporting documentation. - -

17. PUBLIC HEALTH:CEQR Technical Manual, Chapter 20

(a)Would the proposed project warrant a public health assessment based upon the guidance in Chapter 20? See EAS Attachment I,Public Health and Safety X

18. NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTER:CEQR Technical Manual, Chapter 21

(a)Based upon the analyses conducted for the following technical areas, check Yes if any of the following technical areas required adetailed analysis: Land Use, Zoning, and Public Policy; Socioeconomic Conditions; Open Space; Historic and Cultural Resources;Urban Design and Visual Resources; Shadows; Transportation; Noise. X

(b)

If Yes, explain here why or why not an assessment of neighborhood character is warranted based on the guidance in Chapter 21,Neighborhood Character. Attach a preliminary analysis, if necessary. Because the proposed project is the installation of new gaspipelines beneath existing roadways (Hendrickson Street, Hendrickson Place, and Flatbush Avenue) and underwater landsadjacent to Marine Parkway Bridge, there would be no change to Neighborhood Character in the vicinity of the proposedproject.


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YES NO

19. CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS:CEQR Technical Manual, Chapter 22Would the projects construction activities involve (check all that apply):

Construction activities lasting longer than two years; X

Construction activities within a Central Business District or along an arterial or major thoroughfare; X Require closing, narrowing, or otherwise impeding traffic, transit or pedestrian elements (roadways, parking spaces, bicycle routes,

sidewalks, crosswalks, corners, etc); X

Construction of multiple buildings where there is a potential for on-site receptors on buildings completed before the f inal build-out; X

The operation of several pieces of diesel equipment in a single location at peak construction; X

Closure of community facilities or disruption in its service; X

Activities within 400 feet of a historic or cultural resource; or X

Disturbance of a site containing natural resources. XIf any boxes are checked, explain why or why not a preliminary construction assessment is warranted based on the guidance of in Chapter 22,Construction. It should be noted that the nature and extent or any commitment to use the Best Available Technology for construction equipment orBest Management Practices for construction activities should be considered when making this determination.

See EAS Attachment H, Construction Impacts, for information on the construction schedule, methods, and controls as well as an impactassessment.

20. APPLICANTS CERTIFICATIONI swear or affirm under oath and subject to the penalties for perjury that the information provided in this Environmental Assessment Statement (EAS) true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief, based upon my personal knowledge and familiarity with the information described hereinand after examination of pertinent books and records and/or after inquiry of persons who have personal knowledge or such information or who haveexamined pertinent books and records.

Still under oath, I further swear or affirm that I make this statement in my capacity as the President of National Grid, New York

Kenneth D. Dalyof

National GridAPPLICANT/SPONSOR NAME OF THE ENTITY OR OWNER

the entity which seeks the permits, approvals, funding or other governmental action described in this EAS.

Check if prepared by: APPLICANT/REPRESENTATIVE or LEAD AGENCY REPRESENTATIVE (FOR CITY-SPONSORED PROJECTS)

Kenneth D. DalyAPPLICANT/SPONSOR NAME: LEAD AGENCY REPRESENTATIVE NAME:

SIGNATURE: DATE:

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICANT MAY BE REQUIRED TO SUBSTANTIATE RESPONSES IN THIS FORM AT THE DISCRETION

OF THE LEAD AGENCY SO THAT IT MAY SUPPORT ITS DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE.


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PART II I : DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE (To Be Complet ed by Lead Agenc y)

INSTRUCTIONS:

In completing Part III, the lead agency should consult 6 NYCRR 617.7 and 43 RCNY 6-06 (Executive Order 91 of 1977, as amended) which contain theState and City criteria for determining significance.

1. For each of the impact categories listed below, consider whether the project may have a significant effect on theenvironment. For each of the impact categories listed below, consider whether the project may have a significant adverseeffect on the environment, taking into account its (a) location; (b) probability of occurring; (c) duration; (d) irreversibility; (e)geographic scope; and (f) magnitude

PotentialSignificant

Adverse Impact

IMPACT CATEGORY YES NO

Land Use, Zoning, and Public Policy X

Socioeconomic Conditions X

Community Facilities and Services X

Open Space X

Shadows X

Historic and Cultural Resources X

Urban Design/Visual Resources X

Natural Resources X

Hazardous Materials X

Water and Sewer Infrastructure X

Solid Waste and Sanitation Services X

Energy X

Transportation X

Air Quality X

Greenhouse Gas Emissions X

Noise XPublic Health X

Neighborhood Character X

Construction Impacts X

2. Are there any aspects of the project relevant to the determination whether the project may have a significant impact on theenvironment, such as combined or cumulative impacts, that were not fully covered by other responses and supportingmaterials? If there are such impacts, explain them and state where, as a result of them, the project may have a significantimpact on the environment. X

3. LEAD AGENCYS CERTIFICATION

Assistant to the Mayor Office of the Mayor

TITLE LEAD AGENCY

Robert R. Kulikowski, Ph.D. December 02, 2011NAME SIGNATURE


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Check this box if the lead agency has identified one or more potentially significant adverse impacts that MAY occur.

Issue Conditional Negative Declaration

A Conditional Negative Declaration (CND) may be appropriate if there is a private applicant for an Unlisted action AND when conditions

imposed by the lead agency will modify the proposed project so that no significant adverse environmental impacts would result. The CND is

prepared as a separate document and is subject to the requirements in 6 NYCRR Part 617.

Issue Positive Declarationand proceed to a draft scope of work for the Environmental Impact Statement.

If the lead agency has determined that the project may have a significant impact on the environment, and if a conditional negative declaration is

not appropriate, then the lead agency issues a Positive Declaration.

NEGATIVE DECLARATION (To Be Compl eted By Lead Agency)

Statement of No Significant Effect

Pursuant to Executive Order 91 of 1977, as amended, and the Rules of Procedure for City Environmental Quality Review, found at Title 62,Chapter 5 of the Rules of the City of New York and 6NYCRR, Part 617, State Environmental Quality Review, the [ ] assumed therole of lead agency for the environmental review of the proposed project. Based on a review of information about the project contained in thisenvironmental assessment statement and any attachments hereto, which are incorporated by reference herein, the [ ] has determinedthat the proposed project would not have a significant adverse impact on the environment.

Reasons Supporting this Determination

The above determination is based on information contained in this EAS that finds, because the proposed project:

No other significant effects upon the environment that would require the preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement are foreseeableThis Negative Declaration has been prepared in accordance with Article 8 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law (SEQRA).

TITLE LEAD AGENCY

NAME SIGNATURE


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Jamaica Bay Watershed Protection Plan

Project Tracking Form


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Page 1 of 4

Jamaica Bay Watershed Protection PlanProject Tracking Form

The Jamaica Bay Watershed Protection Plan, developed pursuant to Local Law 71 of 2005, mandatesthat the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) work with the Mayors Office ofEnvironmental Coordination (MOEC) to review and track proposed development projects in the JamaicaBay Watershed (http://www.nyc.gov/html/oec/downloads/pdf/ceqr/Jamaica_Bay_Watershed_Map.jpg)that are subject to CEQR in order to monitor growth and trends. If a project is located in the Jamaica BayWatershed, (the applicant should complete this form and submit it to DEP and MOEC. This form must be

updated with any project modifications and resubmitted to DEP and MOEC.

The information below will be used for tracking purposes only. It is not intended to indicate whether further CEQRanalysis is needed to substitute for the guidance offered in the relevant chapters of the CEQR Technical Manual.

A. GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION

1. CEQR Number 12OOM001K 1a. Modification

2. Project Name: National Grid Brooklyn-Queens Interconnect

3. Project DescriptionNational Grid proposes to expand its existing natural gas infrastructure in Brooklyn and Queens to reinforce itsnatural gas transmission and distribution systems and to provide for projected increases in energy demand inboth Brooklyn and Queens in the Rockaway Peninsula. National Grid proposes to install new natural gas

pipelines in two phases. Phase I of the project would be the installation of two parallel (12- and 26-inch)underground natural gas pipelines between Flatbush Avenue and a point in the vicinity of the southern mostairplane hangar on Floyd Bennett Field, and Beach 169th Street south of Rockaway Point Boulevard on theRockaway Peninsula in Queensa distance of approximately 8,300 feet. Phase II would result in theinstallation of a 30-inch steel natural gas pipeline beneath the following roadbeds: Hendrickson Street betweenAvenue U and Hendrickson Place, Hendrickson Place, and Flatbush Avenue between Hendrickson Place andthe northern terminus of Phase Ia distance of approximately 12,000 feet. See Attachment A, ProjectDescription and Purpose and Need, of the Environmental Assessment Statement (EAS) for more detail.

4. Project Sponsor: National Grid

5. Required approvals:

Office of the Mayor approval of lease agreement between the TriboroughBridge and Tunnel Authority, popularly known as MTA Bridges and Tunnels(MTA B&T), and National Grid

New York City Department of City Planning Coastal Zone Consistency;

New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission;

New York City Department of Transportation street opening permit forselective cuts in Flatbush Avenue;

New York City Departments of Parks and Recreation and Transportationrevocable consent to construct and maintain a pipeline under City-ownedinalienable property;

New York State Department of State Coastal Zone ManagementConcurrence;

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 401 Water QualityCertification and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan;

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation reviewand concurrence;

MTA B&T lease agreement for property rights and long-term operation of thepipelines within property adjacent to the Marine ParkwayGil HodgesMemorial Bridge on the Rockaway Peninsula, under the Rockaway Inlet, andin Brooklyn irrevocably assigned and conveyed by the City of New York toMTA B&T;

Construction permit from MTA B&T for construction and installation of thepipelines on property irrevocably assigned and conveyed by the City of NewYork to MTA B&T; and

US Army Corp of Engineers Nationwide Permit 12

6. Project Schedule (build year and construction schedule): Phase I 2012-2013, Phase II 2013-2014


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Page 2 of 4

B. PROJECT LOCATION:

1. Street address:

Hendrickson Street from Avenue U to Hendrickson Place, Hendrickson Place, andFlatbush Avenue from Hendrickson Place in Brooklyn, adjacent to the Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge, in Brooklyn, under the Rockaway Inlet, and to Beach 169thStreet on the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens

2. Tax block(s):

Brooklyn block 8590Queens block 16340Queens block 25005 Tax Lot(s):

70099999

3. Identify existing land use and zoning on the project site:

The proposed pipelines would be installedunder Hendrickson Street, Hendrickson Place,and Flatbush Avenue and beneath uplandsand underwater lands adjacent to MarineParkway Bridge, and thence to Beach 169thStreet. Zoning districts along or adjacent to thepipelines include C8-1, M3-1, C3, M1-1, andR4

4. Identify proposed land use and zoning on the project site: N/A

5. Identify land use of adjacent sites (include any open space):

Commercial, institutional, MarineParkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge,residential, parking facilities, vacant land,and open space associated with FloydBennett Field, Brooklyn Marine Park, FortTilden, and Jacob Riis Park

6. Describe existing density on the project site and the proposed density:

Existing Conditions Proposed Condition

N/A N/A

7. Is project within 100 or 500 year floodplain (specify)? 100 Year 500 Year NoFigure E-1 in EAS Attachment E, Natural Resources, shows the 100-year and 500-year floodplain boundaries forthe study area. The terrestrial portions of the Phase I and Phase II pipeline routes are outside of the 100-year and500-year floodplains, with the exception of the area immediately north of Marine Parkway Bridge along the Phase I

portion of the pipeline. The 100-year and 500-year floodplain boundaries that overlap the pipeline route north of thebridge are within a segment of the pipeline that would be placed underground through directional drilling. Thefloodplain boundaries on the south side of the bridge would be north of where the directionally drilled pipelinesegment would be connected to a trenched segment that heads west to Beach 169th Street on the RockawayPeninsula.


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Page 3 of 4

C. GROUND AND GROUNDWATER

1. Total area of in-ground disturbance, if any (in square feet): 88,050

2. Will soil be removed (if so, what is the volume in cubic yards)? Soil will be backfilled, if suitable.

3. Subsurface soil classification:(per the New York City Soil and Water Conservation Board):

Urban Land-Udorthents-Sudbury(Brooklyn section) and Urban Land-Udipsamments-Udorthents (Queenssection)

4. If project would change site grade, provide land contours (attach map showing existing in 1'contours and proposed in 1' contours). N/A

5. Will groundwater be used (list volumes/rates)? Yes No

Volumes: Rates:

6. Will project involve dewatering (list volumes/rates)? Yes No

Volumes: Rates:

7. Describe site elevation above season high groundwater:The project site is in a tidal area, and land ranges from 8 to 20 feet above high water in Jamaica Bay.

D. HABITAT

1. Will habitat be removed, particularly native vegetation? Yes No

If YES, Attach a detailed list (species, size and location on site) of vegetation to be removed

(including trees >2" caliper, shrubs, understory planting and groundcover). List species to remain on site. Provide a detailed list (species and sizes) of proposed landscape restoration plan (including

any wetland restoration plans).

2. Is the site used or inhabited by any rare, threatened or

endangered species?

Yes No

3. Will the project affect habitat characteristics? Yes No

If YES, describe existing wildlife use and habitat classification using Ecological Communities of NewYork State at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/29392.html.

4. Will pesticides, rodenticides or herbicides be used during construction? Yes No

If YES, estimate quantity, area and duration of application.

5. Will additional lighting be installed? Yes No

If YES and near existing open space or natural areas, what measures would be taken to reduce lightpenetration into these areas?


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Page 4 of 4

E. SURFACE COVERAGE AND CHARACTERISTICS(describe the following for both the existing and proposed condition):

Existing Condition Proposed Condition1. Surface area:

Roof: N/A N/A

Pavement/walkway: 73,050 square feet ,73,050 square feet

Grass/softscape 15,000 square feet 15,000 square feet

Other (describe): 9,900 linear feet of streetbed

9,900 linear feet ofhorizontal directionaldrilling under land

2. Wetland(regulated or non-regulated) area and classification:

N/A N/A

3. Water surface area:

3,815 linear feet ofhorizontal directionaldrilling under RockawayInlet.

4. Stormwater management(describe):

Existing how is the site drained?The roadways are directly drained into the nearest water body.

Proposed describe, including any infrastructure improvements necessary off-site:During construction, the following measures will be followed:

In locations where construction adjoins existing ROWs and road crossings, erosion control measureswould conform to the existing drainage pattern and runoff structures.

Silt fences would be used to slow surface runoff and trap sediment.

Where appropriate, water diversion devices would be used to control surface runoff on ROWs and adjacentwork areas.

Storm and/or sewer drain openings in the road or shoulder would be protected by completely covering theopenings during trenching and backfilling activities or by installing a geo-textile fabric under the grate of thedrain opening to prevent silt and sediment from entering the basin.

Storm drain inlets would be protected. Inlet protection would be installed at all catch basins where thecontributing drainage areas are not stabilized. Inlet protection would be installed at catch basins locateddownstream of soil stockpiles.

Temporary sediment traps would be provided.

Soil stockpiles would be protected and stabilized.

Stabilized construction entrances would be provided and maintained, with stone provided to remove mudfrom construction vehicle tires, all construction traffic directed to use the stabilized entrances, andadequate drainage provided to prevent ponding.

Landscape restoration as necessary.


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ATTACHMENTS


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A-1

Attachment A: Project Description and Purpose and Need

A. INTRODUCTIONTo reinforce its natural gas transmission and distribution systems and to provide for projected

increases in energy demand, National Grid proposes to install new natural gas pipelines in the

Boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens. In Phase I, two pipelines (a 12-inch and a 26-inch line)

would be installed beneath Flatbush Avenue from a point in the vicinity of the southernmost

airplane hangar on Floyd Bennett Field, using horizontal directional drilling (HDD) along areas

adjacent to the Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Bridge and under the Rockaway Inlet south to

Beach 169th Street on the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens (see Figure A-1). These two pipelines

would be connected to existing 8-inch distribution pipelines operating at the typical natural gas

distribution pressure used in households on both the Brooklyn and Queens sides of the

Rockaway Inlet and would deliver natural gas from Brooklyn to the Rockaway Peninsula as

distribution pipelines. In Phase II, one 30-inch pipeline would be installed beneath Hendrickson

Street from Avenue U south to Hendrickson Place, east under Hendrickson Place to Flatbush

Avenue, and then south to the point in the vicinity of the southernmost airplane hangar on Floyd

Bennett Field at the terminus of Phase I as described above. If any of the work proposed by

National Grid to install pipelines under inalienable New York City property is not authorized

under an existing franchise agreement with the City of New York, National Grid would be

required to petition the City of New York for a revocable consent for installation, operation, and

maintenance that portion of the pipeline. Prior to the completion of the Phase II pipeline, and at

the request of National Grid, The Williams Company Transco pipeline subsidiary (Williams

Transco) would bring a new 26-inch pipeline branch from the existing offshore Lower New

York Bay Extension pipeline to the Rockaway Peninsula (the Williams Transco Project). The

Williams Transco Project is undergoing a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

environmental review pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as part ofobtaining a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. When the National Grid Phase II

pipeline is installed, the Phase I 26-inch pipeline would be disconnected from the existing 8-inch

distribution lines and connected to the Phase II 30-inch pipeline at a proposed meter and

regulator (M&R) station (also known as a custody transfer station) within Floyd Bennett Field;

the southern end of the Phase I 26-inch pipeline would be connected to the new WilliamsTransco 26-inch pipeline. The Phase I 26-inch pipeline would then operate at normal

transmission pressure and serve as a new transmission line to bring natural gas north into New

York City. The total length of the proposed project is approximately 20,300 feet.

This Environmental Assessment Statement (EAS) has been prepared to provide a comprehensive

description of the proposed project and to present an analysis of the pertinent environmental

issues related to the projects potential environmental impacts. It has been prepared in

accordance with New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), Environmental

Conservation Law 8-0108 et seq., 6 NYCRR Part 617, and with Executive Order 91 of 1977,

as amended, and the Rules of Procedure for City Environmental Quality Review found at Title

62, Chapter 5 of the Rules of the City of New York (CEQR), following the methodologies in the


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AviatorSportsComplex

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EcologyVillageCampground

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GNRA ParkAdministrationHeadquarters

GNRA ParkAdministrationHeadquarters

USMCArmed

ForcesReserveCenter

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GatewayEnvironmentalStudyCenter

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Dept ofSanitationTrainingCenter

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R

N

ATIONALD

R

BAYS

IDE

BAYS

IDE

BEACH

169THST

BEACH

169THST

AVIATION

RD

AVIATION

RD

Project Location

Figure A-1

N

SCALE

0 2000 4000 FEET

9.

21.

11

NATIONAL GRID BROOKLYN-QUEENS INTERCONNECT

Phase I

Phase II

Transit Ferry Dock and Ferry Route

Directional Drill Entry

Directional Drill Exit

Proposed Natural Gas Pipelines

Source:2004USGSAerial,NYC

DOITT2006CityBaseMap


27/332

National Grid Brooklyn-Queens Interconnect

A-2

2010 City Environmental Quality Review Technical Manual. These methodologies were used to

assess the potential environmental impacts that would result from the proposed project.

B. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND PROPOSED PIPELINE ROUTEThe National Grid new underground natural gas pipelines are described in greater detail below.

Figures A-1 to A-3 illustrate the proposed pipelines routes while Figure A-4 provides a key to

photographs of the proposed route as shown in Figures A-5 through A-16.

PHASE I

The first phase of the project would be the installation of approximately 8,300 feet of two

parallel (12- and 26-inch) steel natural gas pipelines beneath Flatbush Avenue from a point in

the vicinity of the southernmost airplane hangar in Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn and Beach

169th Street south of Beach Channel Drive on the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. The 12-inch

pipeline is proposed to distribute natural gas to residential and commercial buildings as a

distribution pipeline, and the 26-inch pipeline is intended to transmit natural gas over longdistances at higher pressures as a transmission pipeline. However, the 26-inch pipeline would

initially operate as a distribution pipeline at lower pressures until the Williams Transco project

(described below) is completed.

Phase I construction is scheduled to begin in September 2012 and the pipelines are to be

operational in March 2013. Installing gas pipelines during the winter is unusual, but is necessary

in this case to satisfy the expected natural gas demand on the Rockaway Peninsula. Construction

equipment on the Rockaway Peninsula at the drill entry location (see Figure A-1) would include

the drill rig, the control house, pumps, slurry mixers, and a slurry recovery unit. This equipment

would be in operation through December 2012. On the Brooklyn side, the exit location area

would be approximately 50 feet by 50 feet. The pipe segments would be laid out on the shoulder

of Flatbush Avenue and welded together for a distance of about 6,200 feet. Slurry recovery and

storage equipment would also be used. For the entry location on Rockaway Peninsula, the area

of active construction would be within a fenced area of about 60 by 100 feet. All of the HDD

construction activity would take place within this area.

The 12-inch pipeline has been designed to operate at a typical transmission line maximum

allowable operating pressure (MAOP), but would be operated at the much lower household

distribution pressure. The 26-inch pipeline has also been designed to operate at a typical

transmission line MAOP. It would operate as a distribution pipeline until the Williams Transco

project is operationalplanned for November 2014. If the Williams Transco project does not

come to fruition, the 26-inch pipeline would continue to operate as a distribution line to feed the

Rockaway Peninsula. In 2014, the 26-inch pipeline is planned for transmission operation, which

would be at a much lower pressure than the design pressure for the Williams Transco Project.

The majority of parallel pipelines would be installed under Rockaway Inlet using HDD. HDD isa trenchless method of installing underground pipes, conduits, and cables and is used when cut

and cover installation or excavating is impractical (e.g., for road and waterway crossings). HDD

minimizes or eliminates traffic disruptions and impacts to environmentally sensitive and

urbanized areas. The remaining length of pipelines would be directly buried in the Flatbush

Avenue right-of-way using conventional open cut and cover construction methods.

The Phase I route would be parallel to the Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge within

property in Brooklyn, beneath the Rockaway Inlet, and on the Rockaway Peninsula that was


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R OC K

A WA Y

Area of Detail

AVIATION

RD

AVIATION

RD

USGS Topographic Map

Coney Island Quadrangle

Figure A-2

N

SCALE

0 2000 4000 FEET

10.

27.

11

NATIONAL GRID BROOKLYN-QUEENS INTERCONNECT

Phase IPhase II

Approximate coordinates of Project Site:

43 34 54" N, 73 53 34" W

Proposed Natural Gas Pipelines

Directional Drill Entry

Directional Drill Exit


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Floyd Bennett FieldFloyd Bennett Field

Brooklyn Marine

Park

Brooklyn Marine

Park

DEEP CREEKDEEP CREEK

MILLC

REEK

GER

RITSEN

CREEK

MILL BASIN

Plumb Beach

Point Breeze

Breezy Point

Long Pol Bar

DEAD HORSE BAYDEAD HORSE BAY

ISLAND CHANNEL

ROCKAWAY INLET

GERRITSEN INLETSHELL BANK CREEKSHELL BANK CREEK

Lindower ParkLindower Park

Fort

Tilden

Fort

Tilden

Jacob

Riis

Park

Jacob

Riis

Park

FLATBUSH

AVE

FLATBUSH

AVE

66THS

T

66THS

T

65THST

65THST

64TH

ST

64TH

ST

AVEN

UET

AVEN

UET

63RDST

63RDST

ROCK

AWAYPO

INTBLVD

ROCK

AWAYPO

INTBLVD

MILLAV

E

MILLAV

E

GER

RITSEN

AVE

GER

RITSEN

AVE

38THST

38THST

RYDER

ST

RYDER

ST

KIMBA

LLST

KIMBA

LLST

53RDST

53RDST

COLEM

ANST

COLEM

ANST

BEVYC

T

BEVYC

T

BAYSIDEBAYSIDE

DAREC

T

DAREC

T

STRICKLANDAVE

STRICKLANDAVE

MARINEPKWYBRIDGE

MARINEPKWYBRIDGE

HERORD

HERORD

ABBEYC

T

ABBEYC

T

MURR

AYRD

MURR

AYRD

MARS

HALL

RD

MARS

HALL

RD

MARKET STMARKET ST

51STST

51STST

MAYFAIRDRMAYFAIRDR

NOELAVE

NOELAVE

FANEC

T

FANEC

T

WHITMAN

DR

WHITMAN

DR

DAVIS

RD

DAVIS

RD

RANG

ERD

RANG

E

brooklyn-queens interconnect: environmental assessment statement

Documents