The Commonwealth of Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900 , MA 02114 Charles D. Baker GOVERNOR Tel: (617) 626-1000 Karyn E. Polito Fax: (617) 626-1081 LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR http://www.mass.gov/eea Kathleen A.Theoharides SECRETARY

May 8, 2020

CERTIFICATE OF THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL NOTIFICATION FORM

PROJECT NAME : Revere to Winthrop 23kV Cable Replacement Project PROJECT MUNICIPALITY : Revere and Winthrop PROJECT WATERSHED : Boston Harbor EEA NUMBER : 16179 PROJECT PROPONENT : Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a National Grid DATE NOTICED IN MONITOR : March 25, 2020

Pursuant to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA; M.G. L. c. 30, ss. 61-62I) and Section 11.06 of the MEPA regulations (301 CMR 11.00), I hereby determine that this project does not require an Environmental Impact Report (EIR).

Project Description

As described in the Environmental Notification Form (ENF), the project consists of replacement of existing 23 kilovolt (kV) supply cables along the 2350, 2351, and 2402 overhead and underground circuits from Revere Substation #7 to Winthrop Substation #22 within Revere and Winthrop. These cables are the only source of electricity to Winthrop, which is an electrical peninsula. Work includes installation of approximately 2.6 miles of 23kV underground cable in a new duct bank and removal of existing circuits which are located entirely within existing public roadway rights-of-way (ROWs). New cable will primarily be installed within the ROW along the route as the existing circuit; the exact alignment within the roadway will vary based on consultation with municipalities and State Agencies. Additional work involves the installation of new manholes, riser poles, and associated overhead activities. Proposed replacement and removal of aging underground cables installed in the 1950s and 1970s will improve the reliability and increase load capacity of the circuits and allow the Proponent to continue to provide reliable electric service to the region. EEA# 16179 ENF Certificate May 8, 2020

Project Site

The project corridor consists of a 2.6-mile section of ROW that includes three 23 kV lines comprised of a combination of overhead and underground cables. The 2350 and 2351 cables were installed in the 1950s and primarily consist of direct buried paper and lead insulated cables in conduit. The 2402 cable was installed in the 1970s and is a cross-linked polyethylene cable that has a history of dielectric failure that can lead to total failure. The cables run between the Revere Substation #7 (21 Railroad Avenue in Revere) and Winthrop Substation #22 (20 Argyle Street in Winthrop) primarily within the public roadway ROWs of Railroad Avenue, Lee Burbank Highway, Winthrop (Route 145), and Winthrop Avenue in Revere, and (Route 145), Revere Street, and Argyle Street in Winthrop. Portions of the ROW are under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) or the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The lines are located along existing paved surfaces such as roadways or parking lots, adjacent vegetated shoulders or medians, or within existing electrical substations. The project area is generally developed and characterized as a mix of urban, industrial, and suburban development. Land uses adjacent to the roadways include residential, small businesses, commercial retail centers, and community/municipal buildings.

The project ROW is adjacent to , Belle Isle Creek, and . Wetland resource areas in the vicinity of the project area include Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage (LSCSF), Short Beach Barrier Beach System, Coastal Bank and its Buffer Zone, Coastal Beach and its Buffer Zone, Land Containing Shellfish (LCS) and Riverfront Area (RFA). According to the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), Belle Isle Creek, Chelsea Creek, and Revere Beach are mapped as habitat suitable for soft shell clam (Mya arenaria), blue mussel (Mytilus edulis), and razor clam (Ensis directus). Chelsea Creek is also important for rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), designated as a Species of Concern by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The project area is located within the Belle Isle Marsh section of the Rumney Marsh Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). Portions of the site are located along the DCR Winthrop Shore Reservation and Winthrop Parkway, which is land held for conservation purposes under Article 97 of the amendments to the Massachusetts constitution. The project area includes portions of the Chelsea Creek Designated Port Area (DPA) south of Railroad Street in Revere and filled landlocked tidelands.

Construction access will be obtained using the Proponent’s existing access roads that are within its ROW. Where useable internal access roads are not available, the Proponent will develop temporary upland access facilities. Access to the Proponent’s ROW system will be via public roadways.

Environmental Impacts and Mitigation

The project will temporarily impact approximately 32,032 square feet (sf) of LSCSF, 1,020 sf of RFA, 2,587 sf of DPA, 5,265 sf Article 97 land, and 6,300 sf of ACEC. Measures to avoid, minimize and mitigate Damage to the Environment include development and implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for ROW access, maintenance, and construction, including erosion and sedimentation controls, restoration of areas disturbed during construction, and development and implementation of a construction period traffic management plan in coordination with MassDOT and DCR.

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EEA# 16179 ENF Certificate May 8, 2020

Jurisdiction and Permitting

This project is subject to MEPA review and preparation of an ENF pursuant to 301 CMR 11.03(3)(b)(1)(f), 301 CMR 11.03(6)(b)(2)(b), and 301 CMR 11.03(11)(b) because it requires Agency Actions and will alter one-half or more acres of other wetlands, require the cutting of five or more living public shade trees of 14 or more inches in diameter at breast height, and involve work within a designated ACEC. The project requires a Non-Vehicular Access Permit from MassDOT, a Rail Crossing Permit (MGL c. 40 sec. 56a) from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)1, a Construction Access/Grant of Location Permit from DCR, and a Section 8(m) Permit from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). As discussed below, while portions of the work will occur on Article 97 land, the work will not result in a land disposition or change in use that would separately trigger MEPA thresholds and require legislation.

The project requires an Order of Conditions from the Revere and Winthrop Conservation Commissions (or in the case of an appeal, a Superseding Order of Conditions (SOC) from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)), a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction General Permit (CGP) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), review from the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC), and a Massachusetts Public Shade Tree Permit from MassDOT, the City of Revere, and the Town of Winthrop.

The project is not receiving Financial Assistance from the Commonwealth. Therefore, MEPA jurisdiction is limited to those aspects of the project that are within the subject matter of any required or potentially required Agency Actions and that may cause Damage to the Environment, as defined in the MEPA regulations.

Review of the ENF

The ENF provides a description of existing and proposed conditions, preliminary project plans, and an alternatives analysis. It identifies measures to avoid, minimize and mitigate environmental impacts. The Proponent submitted supplemental information to the MEPA Office on April 16, 2020 to address concerns from DCR during the remote site meeting on April 7, 2020 to facilitate the review of the ENF. For purposes of clarity, this supplemental material is referred to herein as the EENF unless otherwise referenced.

Alternatives Analysis

According to the ENF, a wide range of alternatives was evaluated to determine which alternative best met the identified project needs while balancing reliability, cost and environmental considerations. Alternatives are constrained by the location of existing infrastructure, including locations of roadways, culverts, and other underground utilities, and the infeasibility of taking existing cable out of service for an extended period to support construction without leaving significant areas without power. Therefore, a new system must be ready for service prior to taking the existing cable out of service.

The following alternatives were identified: No-Build; Replace Cables in Place (Alternative 2);

1 Rail Crossing Permit identified in comments from MassDOT; the ENF did not identify this permit. 3

EEA# 16179 ENF Certificate May 8, 2020

Replace and Relocate Cables (Preferred Alternative); Replace and Relocate Cables - Alternative Route (Alternative 4); Build Overhead Lines; Build New Distribution Facility; and Build Non-Wires Alternative. The ENF provides a rationale for eliminating the latter three alternatives from further consideration because of their lack of viability primarily associated with greater costs. The No-Build Alternative would continue to rely upon the existing system configuration and facilities. The three existing aging circuits are the only supply source to the Winthrop area and are likely to require increasing levels of maintenance as they reach the end of their useful service life, with the possibility of complete failure. The No-Build Alternative was rejected because it would neither improve reliability nor address the need to repair the existing cable.

Alternative 2 would reuse the existing ROW. However, for this project, reusing the existing ROW is more complicated because new cables must be installed before old cables can be de-energized and removed. As such, it is not possible to locate the entire project within the existing system of duct banks and culverts because it would preclude removal of the old cables. In addition, due to the existing infrastructure within the roads, it was not possible to install the new duct bank and conduit directly adjacent to the existing cables along the entire route. Alternative 2 was rejected as it would require disconnection of electrical service while the existing cables were removed. Alternative 4 would include an alternate route to replace cables from Revere Substation #7 to Winthrop #22 via McClellan Highway. Compared to the Preferred Alternative, this route would be much longer (4 miles), disrupt a large highway (Route 1A) in Boston, require use of a bridge over Chelsea Creek and railway crossing, and cost at least twice as much ($20 million).

The Preferred Alternative would construct a new duct bank and manhole system within existing streets in a new location close to the existing route prior to removal of the existing cables to maintain electrical service in the region. According to the ENF, the Preferred Alternative (as described herein) was selected as it meets the project needs while providing greater reliability, less cost, and fewer environmental impacts than other alternatives.

Article 97

DCR has care, control, and custody over and Winthrop Parkway. The project will require a Construction and Access Permit from DCR. A portion of the project along Winthrop Parkway will alter grassed medians. Supplemental information provided by the Proponent indicates ongoing consultation between the Proponent and DCR, and inclusion of DCR property at Winthrop Parkway within the project route.

DCR comments indicate that a Grant of Location can be used to authorize the installation of the new conduit along DCR Parkways. DCR notes that this permit mechanism, in contrast to an easement, does not convey permanent rights or a property interest to the Proponent, nor does it prohibit or limit any future use of the area by DCR. The Proponent should provide a full landscape restoration plan for the project area within the Winthrop Parkway in its Construction and Access Permit application to DCR. DCR will require curb to curb paving of portions of the project area as mitigation for the utility installation. The Proponent will continue to coordinate with DCR to further clarify DCR boundaries and project details and to obtain the appropriate approvals for the project route during permitting.

4 EEA# 16179 ENF Certificate May 8, 2020

ACEC, Wetlands and Stormwater

The project is proposed as a Limited Project pursuant to 310 CMR 10.53(3)(d), pertaining to work performed by public utilities. The Revere and Winthrop Conservation Commissions will review the project to determine its consistency with the Wetlands Protection Act (WPA), the Wetlands Regulations (310 CMR 10.00), and associated performance standards, including the Massachusetts Stormwater Management Standards.

The project is anticipated to result in temporary impacts to approximately 32,032 sf of LSCSF, 1,020 sf of RFA, 2,587 sf of DPA, and 6,300 sf of impact within ACEC. As determined by a certified arborist, approximately 14 public shade trees will need to be removed to install the new duct bank or remove the existing cables. The Proponent will coordinate with the City of Revere, the Town of Winthrop, MassDOT, and DCR to mitigate for this loss of shade trees.

DMF comments emphasize the importance of minimizing impacts to salt marsh habitat. DMF does not anticipate proposed work will impact fisheries resources provided that all BMPs are maintained. BMPs include the containment of debris, erosion, sedimentation, and storm water runoff with appropriate barriers and construction practices while work is underway. I note the sensitive resources designated for special protection in the Belle Isle Marsh section of the Rumney Marsh ACEC,2 and encourage the Proponent to implement all available BMPs to minimize impacts.

Transportation

The project requires a Non-Vehicular Access Permit from MassDOT for aerial crossing of State highways (i.e., Route 145/Revere Beach Parkway, the Southbound Ramp to Route 1A, and possibly Bennington Street in Revere) and a Construction Access Permit from DCR for work within or crossing Winthrop Shore Reservation, including Winthrop Parkway and Revere Beach Parkway. The Proponent should consult with the MassDOT’s District 4 Office to clarify the roadway jurisdiction and permitting requirements associated with proposed work within or crossing Winthrop Parkway and Revere Beach Parkway. As discussed above, a Grant of Location permit should be obtained from DCR to allow for installation of infrastructure within Article 97 land. According to MassDOT comments, the proposed installation of a new duct bank in Winthrop Avenue to cross under an elevated MBTA Blue Line will likely require a Rail Crossing Permit from MBTA. Construction activities associated with the installation of the electrical transmission line will result in temporary traffic impacts at locations along public roadways where access to the Proponent’s ROW is provided. MassDOT comments do not recommend that further environmental review be required based on transportation issues, provided that safeguards are in place during project construction.

The Proponent should develop a traffic management plan (TMP) to maintain safe and efficient access for all modes of travel at access/egress locations along the ROW and along sections of public roadway. I refer the Proponent to MassDOT comments for guidance on preparation of the TMP. The Proponent should consult with the MassDOT’s District 6 and 4 offices, as well as with Traffic Operations (Boston Headquarters Division), to coordinate permitting, development of the TMP, and all project-related work located within the State highway layout or otherwise affecting State roadways. The Proponent should also coordinate all project related work with other proposed projects located within or

2 https://www.mass.gov/service-details/rumney-marshes-acec 5 EEA# 16179 ENF Certificate May 8, 2020 adjacent to the project area including the Suffolk Downs Redevelopment project in Revere (EEA: #15783), and MassDOT’s highway reconstruction project in Winthrop (607244).

Water and Wastewater

MWRA comments indicate that the project must comply with the MWRA Sewer Use Regulations (360 CMR 10.000), which prohibit the discharge of groundwater or stormwater to the sanitary sewer system; require compliance with all limits and specific prohibitions pursuant to 360 CMR 10.023-10.024; and prohibit discharge or allowance of any pollutants into the MWRA sewer system.

According to the ENF, the communities of Revere and Winthrop, as well as MWRA, own underground water infrastructure in the vicinity of the proposed and existing utility lines. Section 8(m) of MWRA’s enabling legislation (Chapter 372 of the Acts of 1984) allows MWRA to issue permits to build, construct, excavate, or cross within or near an easement or other property interest held by the MWRA. The project will require a Section 8(m) Permit due to the proximity of the project to MWRA infrastructure. The Proponent should consult with the MWRA to ensure that the project does not adversely impact infrastructure owned by the MWRA. The ENF indicates that the Proponent is working with both communities and the MWRA to avoid impacts to the existing underground infrastructure.

Construction Period

All construction and demolition (C&D) activities should be managed in accordance with applicable MassDEP’s regulations regarding Air Pollution Control (310 CMR 7.01, 7.09-7.10), and Solid Waste Facilities (310 CMR 16.00 and 310 CMR 19.00, including the waste ban provision at 310 CMR 19.017). The project should include measures to reduce construction period impacts (e.g., noise, dust, odor, solid waste management) and emissions of air pollutants from equipment, including anti- idling measures in accordance with the Air Quality regulations (310 CMR 7.11). I encourage the Proponent to require that its contractors use construction equipment with engines manufactured to Tier 4 federal emission standards, or select project contractors that have installed retrofit emissions control devices or vehicles that use alternative fuels to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM) from diesel-powered equipment. Off-road vehicles are required to use ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD). If oil and/or hazardous materials are found during construction, the Proponent should notify MassDEP in accordance with the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (310 CMR 40.00). All construction activities should be undertaken in compliance with the conditions of all State and local permits. I encourage the Proponent to reuse or recycle C&D debris to the maximum extent.

Conclusion

The ENF has adequately described and analyzed the project and its alternatives, and assessed its potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures. Based on review of the ENF and comments received on it, and in consultation with State Agencies, I have determined that an EIR is not required.

May 8, 2020 ______Date Kathleen A. Theoharides

6 EEA# 16179 ENF Certificate May 8, 2020

Comments received:

04/14/2020 Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) 04/14/2020 Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) 04/28/2020 Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) 05/07/2020 Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)

KAT/PPP/ppp

7 Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries 251 Causeway Street, Suite 400 Boston, Massachusetts 02114 (617) 626-1520 Daniel J. McKiernan Acting Director fax (617) 626-1509 Charles D. Baker Governor Karyn E. Polito Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Theoharides April 14, 2020 Secretary Ronald S. Amidon Kathleen A. Theoharides, Secretary Commissioner Mary-Lee King Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Deputy Commissioner Attn: MEPA Office, Purvi Patel 100 Cambridge Street, suite 900 Boston, Ma 02114

RE: EEA#16179 Environmental Notification Form

Dear Secretary Theoharides:

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF) has reviewed the Environmental Notification Form (ENF) for the proposed Revere to Winthrop 23kV cable replacement regarding the project’s impacts to marine fisheries resources and habitats. The proposed work consists of the installation and removal of 2.6mi of duct banks within existing public roadway rights-of-way adjacent to Chelsea Creek, Belle Isle Creek, and Revere Beach in order to improve the reliability of electrical services in the region.

The proposed project is anticipated to result in 6,300sf of temporary impacts within the Rumney Marshes ACEC adjacent to Belle Isle Creek. The Rumney Marshes ACEC is one of the most biologically significant estuaries in MA north of Boston. Salt marshes (310 CMR 10.32) are significant to the protection of marine fisheries as they support the base of coastal food webs and provide spawning, nursery, and forage habitat. Belle Isle Creek, Chelsea Creek, and Revere Beach also include Land Containing Shellfish (310 CMR 10.34) mapped by MA DMF as habitat suitable for soft shell clam (Mya arenaria), blue mussel (Mytilus edulis), and razor clam (Ensis directus) within shellfish growing areas GBH4.0, GBH5.0, and N26.0, all classified as closed for shellfish harvest. Chelsea Creek is also important for the passage, spawning, and early development of rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), a diadromous fish species designated as a Species of Concern by the National Marine Fisheries Service.

At this time, MA DMF does not anticipate the work described in the ENF will have an impact on the fisheries resources described above, provided that all Best Management Practices (BMPs) are maintained. BMPs include the containment of debris, erosion, sedimentation, and storm water runoff with appropriate barriers and construction practices while work is underway. MA DMF reiterates the importance of minimizing impacts to salt marsh habitat.

Thank you for considering our comments. Questions about this review may be directed to Forest Schenck in our Gloucester office at (978) 282-0308 x108 or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Daniel J. McKiernan Acting Director

DM/FS/sd

Cc. Melissa Kaplan, BSC Group, Inc. T. Evans, MA DMF K. Ford, MA DMF E. Reiner, EPA B. Boeri, CZM B. Newman, ACOE

April 14, 2020

Kathleen A. Theoharides, Secretary Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs 100 Cambridge St, Suite 900 Attn: MEPA Office, Purvi Patel Boston, MA 02114

Subject: EOEEA #16179 – Environmental Notification Form Revere to Winthrop 23kV Cable Replacement Project, Revere & Winthrop, MA

Dear Secretary Theoharides,

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the Environmental Notification Form (ENF) submitted by Massachusetts Electric Company (MECO) d/b/a National Grid (the “Proponent”) for Revere to Winthrop 23kV Cable Replacement Project (the “Project”) in Revere and Winthrop, Massachusetts. The Project involves upgrading the 2350, 2351 and 2402 cables from Revere #7 to Winthrop #22 Substation (located in Revere and Winthrop respectively). These cables are the only source of electricity to the Winthrop community, which is an electrical peninsula. Work will involve approximately 2.6 miles of new duct bank and replacement of the existing direct buried feeders with new 23kV underground cable in the new duct back. The Project aims to improve reliability and increase load capacity in the area.

MWRA prohibits the discharge of excavation dewatering groundwater drainage, dredging water or accumulated stormwater to the sanitary sewer system, pursuant to 360 CMR 10.023(1), except in a combined sewer area when permitted by the Authority and the local community. The Project site has access to storm drains and it is not located in a combined sewer area. Therefore, the discharge of any groundwater or stormwater to the sanitary sewer system associated with the installation of the underground electric transmission line is prohibited. Additionally, The Proponent must comply with all the limits and specific prohibitions pursuant to the MWRA Sewer Use Regulations, 360 CMR 10.023-10.024 and must not discharge, or cause to allow, any pollutants into the MWRA sewer system. The ENF indicates that the Proponent will ensure that all work associated with Project will comply with federally-approved water quality standards through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction General Permit and that best management practices will be implemented prior to the start of work, as needed.

Section 8(m) of Chapter 372 of the Acts of 1984, MWRA’s Enabling Legislation, allows the MWRA to issue permits to build, construct, excavate, or cross within or near an easement or other property interest held by the MWRA, with the goal of protecting Authority-owned infrastructure. As noted in the ENF, due to the proximity of MWRA infrastructure to the Project site an 8(m) permit will be required. The Proponent should coordinate with Kevin McKenna in the Water and Wastewater Permitting Group at 617-305-5956, for assistance related to this matter.

On behalf of the MWRA, thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on this Project. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (617) 788-4958 with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Beth Card Director Environmental and Regulatory Affairs cc: John Viola, DEP

April 28, 2020

Kathleen Theoharides, Secretary Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900 Boston, MA 02114-2150

RE: Revere: Revere to Winthrop 23kV Cable Replacement Project, Revere and Winthrop Reliability Project – ENF (EEA #16179)

ATTN: MEPA Unit Purvi Patel

Dear Secretary Theoharides:

On behalf of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, I am submitting comments regarding the Environmental Notification Form for the Revere to Winthrop 23kV Cable Replacement Project, Revere and Winthrop Reliability Project in Revere and Winthrop, as prepared by the Office of Transportation Planning. If you have any questions regarding these comments, please contact J. Lionel Lucien, P.E., Manager of the Public/Private Development Unit, at (857) 368-8862.

Sincerely,

David J. Mohler Executive Director Office of Transportation Planning

DJM/jll

Ten Park Plaza, Suite 4150, Boston, MA 02116 Tel: 857-368-4636, TTY: 857-368-0655 www.mass.gov/massdot

Revere- Reliability Project Page 2 4/28/20

cc: Jonathan Gulliver, Administrator, Highway Division Patricia Leavenworth, P.E., Chief Engineer, Highway Division Paul Stedman, District 4 Highway Director John McInerney, P.E., District 6 Highway Director Neil Boudreau, Assistant Administrator of Traffic and Highway Safety Planning Department, City of Revere Planning Board, Town of Winthrop Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization

MEMORANDUM

TO: David Mohler, Executive Director Office of Transportation Planning

FROM: J. Lionel Lucien, P.E, Manager Public/Private Development Unit

DATE: April 28, 2020

RE: Revere to Winthrop 23kV Cable Replacement Project, Revere and Winthrop Reliability Project – ENF (EEA #16179)

The Public/Private Development Unit (PPDU) has reviewed the Environmental Notification Form (ENF) for the proposed NSTAR Electric Revere to Winthrop Reliability Project. The Project consists of replacing the Massachusetts Electric Company’s (MECO) d/b/a National Grid ( Proponent) existing 23 kV overhead and underground supply cables with 2.6 miles of new 23 kV underground cable in a new duct bank within existing public roadway rights-of-way (ROWs) from Revere Substation #7 (21 Railroad Avenue, Revere) to Winthrop Substation #22 (20 Argyle Street, Winthrop).

The Project involves the installation of 2.6 miles of new duct bank and replacing the existing direct buried feeders between the existing Revere Substation #7 and Winthrop Substation #22. The 2350 and 2351 cables were installed in the 1950s and are mostly directly- buried paper and lead insulated cables in conduit. The 2402 cable was installed in the 1970s and is a cross-linked polyethylene cable that has a history of dielectric failure that can lead to total failure. The proposed replacements and removal of aging underground cables will improve the reliability and increase load capacity of the circuits and allow National Grid to continue to provide reliable electric service to the region. The lines are located along existing paved surfaces such as roadways or parking lots, adjacent vegetated shoulders or medians or within existing electrical substations. These substations subsequently provide power to the Town of Winthrop and communities served by Eversource Energy in East Boston and Deer Island.

The construction work will occur within National Grid’s right-of-way in existing public roadways in Winthrop and Revere. Land uses adjacent to these roadways include residential, small businesses, commercial retail centers, and community/municipal buildings. Efforts will be made to minimize disruptions to these land uses for the duration of the construction period. Construction access will be obtained using existing National Grid access roads that are within the company right-of-way and maintained by National Grid. Where

Ten Park Plaza, Suite 4150, Boston, MA 02116 Tel: 857-368-4636, TTY: 857-368-0655 www.mass.gov/massdot

Revere– 23 KV Cable Replacement Page 2 4/28/2020 useable internal access roads are not available, the company will develop temporary upland access facilities. Access to the National Grid system will be via public roadways.

As described in the ENF, the project requires a MassDOT Highway Access permit and a Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Construction Access Permit. According to the information provided in the ENF, the project may result in the alteration of more than 5 Public Shade Trees (301 CMR 11.03 (6) (b) 1. 2.), alteration of one or more acres of bordering vegetated wetlands, and work in an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). Among the necessary state approvals will be a MassDOT Non-Vehicular Access Permit for aerial crossing of state highways (i.e., Route 145/Revere Beach Parkway, the Southbound Ramp to Route 1A, and possibly Bennington Street in Revere). The Proponent should consult with the MassDOT’s District 4 office to clarify the roadway jurisdiction and permitting requirements associated with proposed work within or crossing Winthrop Parkway and Revere Beach Parkway. The proposed installation of a new duct bank in Winthrop Avenue to cross under an elevated MBTA Blue Line will also likely require an MBTA Rail Crossing Permit (MGL c. 40 sec. 56a).

The construction activities associated with the installation of the electrical transmission line will result in traffic impacts at locations along public roadways where access to the National Grid right-of-way is provided. However, these impacts will be of a temporary nature. Therefore, MassDOT recommends that no further environmental review be required based on transportation issues, provided that certain safeguards are in place during project construction. The Proponent should develop a traffic management plan (TMP) for the purpose of maintaining safe and efficient mobility for all modes of travel at access/egress locations for the National Grid right-of-way, as well as along sections of public roadway between said locations. The TMP should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following elements:

• Restriction of vehicle flow using the affected National Grid access/egress connections to public roadways to authorized users only (e.g., via gate, signage, identification card, etc.);

• Maintenance of adequate sight lines both for those vehicles exiting the National Grid right-of-way (onto public roadways) as well as for those traveling along public roadways and approaching National Grid right-of-way connections;

• Identification of the types and average number of construction vehicles that would be using area roadways on a daily and peak hour basis (for the project peak hour of generation as well as the AM and PM commuter peak hours);

• Identification of the expected hours of work and truck transport on a typical workday;

• Identification/illustration of construction vehicle routing to/from National Grid right- of-way access/egress points;

Revere– 23 KV Cable Replacement Page 3 4/28/2020

• Identification/illustration of the location of advance warning signage for access/egress points;

• Identification/illustration of proposed accommodations and safety measures for bicycles and pedestrians traveling past National Grid access/egress locations; and

• Identification/illustration of the type and location of any traffic control devices that would be used at access/egress points during construction. Where illustration is needed, the information should be provided on a large-scale plan (preferably at least one inch = 80 feet). To the degree possible, the selection of construction vehicle routes to/from and between access/egress points on public roadways should avoid roadway sections and intersections that experience vehicle congestion and/or high pedestrian and bicycle volumes. To the extent possible, project-related vehicle traffic on public roadways should be limited to off-peak (non-commuter period) hours. The Proponent should consult with the MassDOT’s District 6 and 4 offices, as well as with Traffic Operations (Boston Headquarters Division), to coordinate the permitting, development of the TMP, and all project-related work located within the state highway layout or otherwise affecting state roadways. The Proponent should also coordinate all project- related work with other proposed projects located within or adjacent to the project area including the Suffolk Downs Redevelopment project in Revere (EEA: #15783), and MassDOT’s highway reconstruction project in Winthrop (607244).

If you have any questions regarding these comments, please contact me at (857) 368- 8862 or [email protected].