St. Jones Greenway, Isaac Branch Trail

INITIAL CONCEPT STUDY St. Jones Greenway, Isaac Branch Trail - Phase III For the DelDOT Transportation Enhancements (TE) Program in conjunction with the Kent County Parks Division Delaware Department of Transportation

May 2009

WHITMAN , R EQUARDT AND A SSOCIATES , LLP Three Mill Road, Suite 309, Wilmington Delaware 19806 Location 1

Concept Plans 2

Initial Concept Study 3

Public Involvement 4

Photo Log 5

CTP Estimate 6 Tab 1 LOCATION MAP SCALE: 1”=2000’

Tab 2 LEGEND

ISAAC BRANCH TRAIL PHASE III N

PROPOSED BRIDGE Saint Jones River

PROPOSED TIMBER RETAINING WALL ISAAC BRANCH TRAIL CONNECT TO PROPOSED 5' PHASE 2 PROPOSED CONCRETE EXISTING SIDEWALK SIDEWALK CURB / CURB RAMP

REMOVE EXISTING CONCRETE

EXISTING SIDEWALK / TRAIL 10 TIMBER BRIDGE

EAST LEBANON ROAD (SR 10) Tidbury Creek

SECTION A SECTION A

GATEWAY SOUTH CONSERVATION DISTRICT GATEWAY SOUTH

SHOPPING CENTER SECTION B SECTION SECTION B SECTION TIMBER BRIDGE CONNECT TO PINE CABIN ROAD EXISTING SIDEWALK TIMBER BRIDGE TIMBER BRIDGE SECTION B

SECTION D PROPOSED 10' PATH

SECTION D GENERALS GREENE TWO ALIGNMENT OPTIONS, SECTION D APARTMENTS EXACT TRAIL LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED IN FINAL DESIGN

SECTION C

PROPOSED SORGHUM MILL ROAD OBSERVATION PROPOSED PARKING AREA, TOWER SITE EXACT CONFIGURATION TO BE PROPOSED LEBANON DETERMINED IN FINAL DESIGN BOARDWALK LANDING SECTION D HUNN CONSERVATION DISTRICT

PINE CABIN ROAD END GREENWAY AT PICNIC AREA

OLD LEBANON ROAD

Saint Jones River

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE

to Delaware Bay (7.5 mi) ST. JONES GREENWAY

ISAAC BRANCH TRAIL PHASE III

0 200' 400' MAY 2009 SHEET 1 OF 1 NN LEGENDLEGEND 1 SAINTSAINT JONESJONES RIVERRIVER ISAACISAAC BRANCHBRANCH TRAILTRAIL PHASEPHASE IIIIII

2 PROPOSEDPROPOSED BRIDGEBRIDGE

3 ISAACISAAC BRANCHBRANCH PROPOSEDPROPOSED TIMBERTIMBER RETAININGRETAINING WALLWALL TRAILTRAIL PHASE 2 PROPOSEDPROPOSED CONCRETECONCRETE PHASE 2 4 (EXISTING)(EXISTING) CURBCURB // CURBCURB RAMPRAMP SAINTSAINT JONESJONES RIVERRIVER 6 REMOVEREMOVE EXISTINGEXISTING CONCRETECONCRETE

EXISTINGEXISTING SIDEWALKSIDEWALK // TRAILTRAIL

SECTIONSECTION AA LIMITLIMIT OFOF WORKWORK

PROJECTPROJECT LIMITLIMIT BETWEENBETWEEN SECTIONS SECTIONS PROPOSEDPROPOSED A & B THREETHREE SPANSPAN A & B 10'10' PATHPATH TIMBERTIMBER BRIDGEBRIDGE EASTEAST LEBANONLEBANON ROADROAD (SR(SR 10)10)

RR75'75' SECTIONSECTION AA RR100'100' RR 100'100'

75'75' RR100'100' RR100'100' 92'92' 115'115' 92'92' RR2800'2800' RR8300'8300' ENDEND SPANSPAN CENTERCENTER SPANSPAN ENDEND SPANSPAN

PROPOSEDPROPOSED MATCH LINE SHEET 2 OF 6 OF 2 SHEET LINE MATCH MATCH LINE SHEET 2 OF 6 OF 2 SHEET LINE MATCH PEDESTRIANPEDESTRIAN 10'10' PATHPATH IMPROVEMENTSIMPROVEMENTS

SECTION B

PINE CABIN ROAD PINE CABIN ROAD MATCHMATCH LINELINE SHEETSHEET 33 OFOF 66

SAINTSAINT JONESJONES RIVERRIVER

ST. JONES GREENWAY

ISAAC BRANCH TRAIL PHASE III

0 50' 100' MAY 2009 SHEET 1 OF 6 LEGENDLEGEND

ISAACISAAC BRANCHBRANCH TRAILTRAIL PHASEPHASE IIIIII

PROPOSEDPROPOSED BRIDGEBRIDGE

PROPOSEDPROPOSED TIMBERTIMBER RETAININGRETAINING WALLWALL

PROPOSEDPROPOSED CONCRETECONCRETE CURBCURB // CURBCURB RAMPRAMP

REMOVEREMOVE EXISTINGEXISTING CONCRETECONCRETE NORTH PLANTERS LANE NORTH PLANTERS LANE WAWAWAWA EXISTINGEXISTING SIDEWALKSIDEWALK // TRAILTRAIL

CONNECT TO CONNECT TO CONNECTCONNECT TOTO EXISTING EXISTING EXISTINGEXISTING SIDEWALK SIDEWALK SIDEWALKSIDEWALK

PEDESTRIANPEDESTRIAN WINDSWEPT DRIVE

WINDSWEPT DRIVE IMPROVEMENTSIMPROVEMENTS

PROPOSEDPROPOSED 5'5' SIDEWALKSIDEWALK EASTEAST LEBANONLEBANON ROADROAD (SR(SR 10)10)

SECTIONSECTION AA

SONICSONIC

MATCH LINE SHEET 1 OF 6 OF 1 SHEET LINE MATCH MATCH LINE SHEET 1 OF 6 OF 1 SHEET LINE MATCH CONNECTCONNECT TOTO PROPOSEDPROPOSED 2 EXISTINGEXISTING 10'10' PATHPATH SIDEWALKSIDEWALK 3 GATEWAYGATEWAY SOUTHSOUTH GATEWAYGATEWAY SOUTHSOUTH BOULEVARDBOULEVARD SHOPPINGSHOPPING CENTERCENTER 4

5 ST. JONES GREENWAY

ISAAC BRANCH TRAIL PHASE III

0 50' 100' MAY 2009 SHEET 2 OF 6 NN

MATCHMATCH LINELINE SHEETSHEET 11 OFOF 66

GATEWAYGATEWAY SOUTHSOUTH SHOPPINGSHOPPING CENTERCENTER

PROPOSEDPROPOSED UU NN 10'10' PATHPATH NN AA M M RR 100'100' EE DD

TT RR MULTIPLEMULTIPLE SPANSPAN IIBB UU TIMBER BRIDGE TT TIMBER BRIDGE AA RR YY SECTIONSECTION DD RR 40'40' RR 50'50' 40'40' SECTIONSECTION BB

MATCHMATCH LINELINE SHEETSHEET 44 OFOF 66 MULTIPLEMULTIPLE SPANSPAN TWOTWO ALIGNMENTALIGNMENT OPTIONS,OPTIONS, TIMBER BRIDGE 170' +/- TIMBER BRIDGE 170' +/- RR 100'100' EXACTEXACT TRAILTRAIL LOCATIONLOCATION TO BE DETERMINED RR700'700' TO BE DETERMINED

170' +/- IN FINAL DESIGN 170' +/- RR IN FINAL DESIGN

SECTIONSECTION DD RR 50'50'

RR 300'300' RR 100'100' SECTIONSECTION BB

PROJECTPROJECT LIMITLIMIT BETWEENBETWEEN 1 SECTIONSSECTIONS BB && DD PROPOSEDPROPOSED 10'10' PATHPATH

LEGENDLEGEND 2

3 MATCHMATCH LINELINE SHEETSHEET 66 OFOF 66 ISAACISAAC BRANCHBRANCH TRAILTRAIL PHASEPHASE IIIIII

PROPOSEDPROPOSED BRIDGEBRIDGE 4

6 PROPOSEDPROPOSED TIMBERTIMBER RETAININGRETAINING WALLWALL

PROPOSEDPROPOSED CONCRETECONCRETE CURBCURB // CURBCURB RAMPRAMP

REMOVEREMOVE EXISTINGEXISTING CONCRETECONCRETE 5 SAINTSAINT JONESJONES RIVERRIVER

ST. JONES GREENWAY EXISTINGEXISTING SIDEWALKSIDEWALK // TRAILTRAIL ISAAC BRANCH TRAIL PHASE III

0 50' 100' MAY 2009 SHEET 3 OF 6 LEGENDLEGEND

ISAACISAAC BRANCHBRANCH TRAILTRAIL PHASEPHASE IIIIII

PROPOSEDPROPOSED BRIDGEBRIDGE

PROPOSEDPROPOSED TIMBERTIMBER RETAININGRETAINING WALLWALL

PROPOSEDPROPOSED CONCRETECONCRETE CURBCURB // CURBCURB RAMPRAMP

REMOVEREMOVE EXISTINGEXISTING CONCRETECONCRETE

EXISTINGEXISTING SIDEWALKSIDEWALK // TRAILTRAIL

PROPOSEDPROPOSED HOT-MIXHOT-MIX PARKINGPARKING LOTLOT

RR335'335'

100'100' RR120'120' RR1500'1500'

RR50'50'

SECTIONSECTION DD SECTIONSECTION DD

RR700'700'

PROPOSEDPROPOSED 10'10' PATHPATH

MATCH LINE SHEET 5 OF 6 MATCH LINE SHEET 5 OF 6

MATCH LINE SHEET 3 OF 6 HUNNHUNN FARMFARM HOUSEHOUSE MATCH LINE SHEET 3 OF 6

PROPOSEDPROPOSED PARKINGPARKING AREA,AREA, EXACTEXACT CONFIGURATIONCONFIGURATION TOTO BEBE DETERMINEDDETERMINED ININ FINALFINAL DESIGNDESIGN 1

6 SAINTSAINT JONESJONES RIVERRIVER

SAINTSAINT JONESJONES RIVERRIVER ST. JONES GREENWAY

ISAAC BRANCH TRAIL 5 PHASE III

0 50' 100' MAY 2009 SHEET 4 OF 6 PROJECTPROJECT

RR600'600' LIMITLIMIT BETWEENBETWEEN PROPOSEDPROPOSED RR2000'2000' SECTIONSSECTIONS AA && BB 10'10' PATHPATH

SORGHUMSORGHUM MILLMILL ROADROAD 70'70'

RR100'100'

N N

RR87'87' SECTIONSECTION CC LEBANONLEBANON LANDINGLANDING SECTIONSECTION CC BOATBOAT RAMPRAMP

RR70'70'

SINGLESINGLE SPANSPAN TIMBERTIMBER TIMBERTIMBER TIMBERTIMBER BRIDGEBRIDGE RETAININGRETAINING RETAINING RETAINING WALLWALL ENDEND GREENWAYGREENWAY WALLWALL SECTION D ATAT PICNICPICNIC AREAAREA SECTION D TIDBURYTIDBURY CREEKCREEK

SAINTSAINT JONESJONES RIVERRIVER PROPOSEDPROPOSED RR4200'4200' 10'10' PATHPATH

RR100'100'

LEGENDLEGEND 1

SECTION D ISAACISAAC BRANCHBRANCH TRAILTRAIL PHASEPHASE IIIIII SECTION D

2 EASTEAST LEBANONLEBANON ROADROAD (SR(SR 10)10) PROPOSEDPROPOSED BRIDGEBRIDGE 3

ISAACISAAC BRANCHBRANCH TRAILTRAIL PHASEPHASE IIIIII RR100'100' PROPOSEDPROPOSED TIMBERTIMBER RETAININGRETAINING WALLWALL SECTIONSECTION AA PROPOSEDPROPOSED CONCRETECONCRETE 4 CURBCURB // CURBCURB RAMPRAMP 6

REMOVEREMOVE EXISTINGEXISTING CONCRETECONCRETE HUNNHUNN FARMFARM HOUSEHOUSE SAINTSAINT JONESJONES RIVERRIVER EXISTINGEXISTING SIDEWALKSIDEWALK // TRAILTRAIL 5

MATCHMATCH LINELINE SHEETSHEET 44 OFOF 66 ST. JONES GREENWAY

ISAAC BRANCH TRAIL PHASE III

0 50' 100' MAY 2009 SHEET 5 OF 6 LEGENDLEGEND

ISAACISAAC BRANCHBRANCH TRAILTRAIL PHASEPHASE IIIIII NN

PROPOSEDPROPOSED BRIDGEBRIDGE

PROPOSEDPROPOSED TIMBERTIMBER RETAININGRETAINING WALLWALL

PROPOSEDPROPOSED CONCRETECONCRETE CURBCURB // CURBCURB RAMPRAMP

REMOVEREMOVE EXISTINGEXISTING CONCRETECONCRETE

EXISTINGEXISTING SIDEWALKSIDEWALK // TRAILTRAIL

SAINTSAINT JONESJONES RIVERRIVER

PROPOSEDPROPOSED OBSERVATIONOBSERVATION RR30'30' TOWERTOWER SITE,SITE, SEE NOTE

RR60'60' SEE NOTE MATCH LINE SHEET 4 OF 6 OF 4 SHEET LINE MATCH MATCH LINE SHEET 4 OF 6 OF 4 SHEET LINE MATCH SECTION D RR100'100' SECTION D

PROPOSEDPROPOSED BOARDWALK,BOARDWALK, SEESEE NOTENOTE 1 PROPOSEDPROPOSED 10'10' PATHPATH

4 NOTES:NOTES: 6 1.1. CONCEPTUALCONCEPTUAL LOCATIONLOCATION OFOF KENTKENT COUNTYCOUNTY BOARDWALKBOARDWALK ANDAND OBSERVATIONOBSERVATION TOWER.TOWER. COSTS,COSTS, DESIGN,DESIGN, ANDAND ENVIRONMENTALENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTSIMPACTS TOTO BEBE DETERMINEDDETERMINED

SAINTSAINT JONESJONES RIVERRIVER ST. JONES GREENWAY

ISAAC BRANCH TRAIL PHASE III

0 50' 100' MAY 2009 SHEET 6 OF 6

Tab 3 INITIAL CONCEPT STUDY St. Jones Greenway, Isaac Branch Trail Phase III

Introduction Kent County plans the St. Jones River Greenway as a 14-mile long riverside pathway linking central Dover to the Delaware Bay. The central feature of the Greenway is the Isaac Branch Trail, a ten-foot- wide paved pedestrian and bicycle path. The first two phases of the Isaac Branch Trail have been completed, connecting downtown Dover with the north side of Route 10. When complete, the Trail will connect residential communities, the City of Dover and recreation areas along the St. Jones River. It will serve important recreational and non-motorized transportation functions.

This report is an initial concept study prepared by Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP (WR&A) as part of the Delaware Department of Transportation’s (DelDOT’s) Transportation Enhancements program. Unlike most concept studies under the Transportation Enhancements (TE) program, this study was prepared at a broad-brush planning level, defining opportunities and constraints for the development of Isaac Branch Trail Phase III. This phase will connect the existing Phase II trailhead with the Lebanon Landing recreation area on Sorghum Mill Road. Additional, more detailed environmental studies and concept engineering will be required before the final design process can be initiated.

Opportunities As shown in the location map below, Phase II of Isaac Branch Trail ends at the signalized intersection of Route 10 (East Lebanon Road) with Pine Cabin Road. West of Pine Cabin Road, East Lebanon Road spans the St. Jones River without accommodations for walking or bicycling. West of the St. Jones River, East Lebanon Road serves residential communities, shopping centers, fuel stations and restaurants, many of which have internal sidewalks that end near East Lebanon Road. Recreational facilities will also be featured along the trail, with locations catered to boating, fishing and picnic areas.

Location map, scale 1” = ½ mile. Copyright ADC-The Map People, permitted use number 21203198.

1 Scope Due to anticipated costs and potential resource impacts, DelDOT and Kent County have agreed that Phase III is too large to be built as a single construction project. As a result, Phase III is proposed in four sections:

. Section A will begin at the intersection of Route 10 and Pine Cabin Road at the end of Phase II. It will parallel the south side of Route 10 and cross the St. Jones River. The section continues west to tie into Gateway South Shopping Center, and will include pedestrian improvements to re-cross Route 10 at the shopping center entrance, providing access to adjacent residential communities.

. Section B will begin at Section A near the west bank of the St. Jones River. It will run south behind the Gateway South Shopping Center and cross an unnamed tributary to the St. Jones at one of two alternative locations, accessing the Hunn Conservation District.

. Section C will link Lebanon Landing to the Hunn Conservation District along the east side of Sorghum Mill Road, crossing over Tidbury Creek and its associated wetlands.

. Section D will connect Sections B and C through the Hunn Conservation Area and will largely be built alongside an existing gravel driveway. Section D will also feature recreational facilities along the trail such as parking, rest areas, and an observation tower.

Constraints Phase III of the Isaac Branch Trail is located in an area containing notable natural and cultural resources, as well as man-made constraints on trail development. A. D. Marble and Company, as a subconsultant to WR&A, prepared a report summarizing natural and cultural resource features of the study area. This report can be found in Appendix A. Historic locations were identified, but further investigation will be needed to determine the significance of each resource. The presence of natural environmental features was verified through a desk review and initial field observation. However, wetlands and waters of the United States were not delineated. A Categorical Exclusion Evaluation (CEE) report must be prepared for each section of Phase III as funding becomes available. Environmental clearance obtained through the CEE report is required before final design may proceed.

Much of Section D within the Hunn Conservation Area is on the site of a remediated Superfund site, the Wildcat Landfill. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, it no longer poses a threat to human health or the environment, and was deleted from the National Priorities List in 2003. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment will be required as final design begins, and design and construction must be conducted to avoid disturbance to contaminants that remain in place. See Appendix B for EPA information on the landfill.

The Phase III trail alignment crosses three bodies of water: the St. Jones River, a small tributary behind the Gateway South Shopping Center, and Tidbury Creek. For these three locations, WR&A conducted a preliminary structures investigation, which can be found in Appendix C. This assessment recommends structure types based on currently available information, including:

. A three-span timber pedestrian bridge with a total length of 300 feet over the St. Jones River, parallel to but separate from the existing Route 10 bridges . A timber bridge over the tributary consisting of approximately 17 ten-foot spans . A 70-foot single-span timber bridge over Tidbury Creek parallel to Sorghum Mill Road

2 The approaches to the St. Jones River and Tidbury Creek bridges are currently expected to consist of retained fill, with the trail pushed as close to the existing roadway as possible to minimize resource impacts while maintaining safe clearance between motorized and non-motorized traffic. The configuration of these approaches and the bridges themselves may change during the agency coordination process.

Other constraints that have the potential to affect the project include utilities and available right of way.

Cost Planning-level cost estimates are provided below for each section of the trail. These estimates do not reflect detailed calculations and will be modified once final design is initiated. The estimates include construction, engineering design, and assumed costs for environmental permitting and mitigation, which may change through discussions with resource and regulatory agencies.

. Section A: $2.15 million

. Section B: approximately $250,000 – $300,000

. Section C: approximately $450,000 – $500,000

. Section D: approximately $500,000 – $600,000 (not including parking facilities, boardwalk, or observation tower)

Conclusion This report provides an initial assessment of opportunities and constraints and lays out a potential program for the implementation of Phase III of the Isaac Branch Trail. A number of additional steps must be taken to ensure the trail’s feasibility and determine parameters for final design. They include the following.

. Conduct a full field delineation of wetlands and waters of the United States.

. Initiate Section 106 consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office and conduct Phase I assessments for standing structures and archaeology.

. Prepare a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment.

. Consult with regulatory and resource agencies to confirm identified resources, refine the concept design, and determine permitting requirements.

. Obtain topographic and property survey to quantify right of way requirements.

APPENDIX A

Natural and Cultural Resource Investigation A.D. Marble & Company

St. Jones River Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Pathway Project Phase III - Isaac Branch Trail Segment Kent County, Delaware

A. NATURAL RESOURCES

Natural resources that exist within the limits of the proposed Isaac Branch Trail were identified through review of existing literature and mapping as well as field observation. The study area included a 50-foot wide corridor along the proposed footprint of the Isaac Branch Trail. Field investigation was completed on December 2, 2008. Existing natural resources and the proposed trail corridor have been depicted on Figure A-1 Natural Resources Constraints Map. Detailed discussion of the natural resources present in the project study area can be found in the sections below.

Watercourses and Wetlands An initial desk review to determine the presence of potential wetland areas, watercourses, or previously identified wetlands within the project study area was conducted by examining the following existing literature and mapping: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic quadrangles for Little Creek, Wyoming, and Frederica, Delaware (2008); the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Statewide Wetland Mapping Project (SWMP) mapping for Kent County, Delaware (2006); and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soils Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database for Kent County, Delaware (2006). A field visit completed on December 2, 2008, was performed to verify the presence/absence of any resources documented in the literature and to identify any additional resources.

The wetland assessment was completed in accordance with the procedures outlined in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987); however, no formal wetland delineation survey was conducted. Formal wetland/watercourse delineation will be required for the project in order to accurately depict the location and extent of all identified water resources and determine the need for permits. Once complete, the delineation should be verified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) through the Jurisdictional Determination process.

Watercourses The project study area is located within the Delaware Bay Basin of the St. Jones River Watershed. Results of the desk review and field visit revealed the presence of three watercourses within the study area: the St. Jones River, an unnamed tributary to the St. Jones River, and Tidbury Creek (Figure A-1). All of the streams are tidally influenced and eventually drain to the Delaware Bay. Crossings of all of the watercourses would be required to accommodate the proposed footprint of the trail. The proposed trail would cross the St. Jones River near the existing trail head adjacent to SR 10 (East Lebanon Road). The St. Jones River is classified as an estuarine subtidal unconsolidated bottom (E1UBL) deepwater habitat (DNREC 2006) and meanders adjacent to the proposed trail location throughout its length. The unnamed tributary is located within an upland forested buffer between the Gateway South Shopping Center and the Hunn Conservation Area, and would be crossed in one of two locations by the proposed trail.

1 The proposed trail would also cross Tidbury Creek near its mouth at Lebanon Landing County Park. Tidbury Creek is classified as an estuarine subtidal unconsolidated bottom (E1UBL) deepwater habitat (DNREC 2006).

Wetlands Results of the desk review indicate that five wetland systems are historically known to exist within the limits of the study area. These wetland systems are located at the crossings of the St. Jones River and Tidbury Creek and along the portion of the trail that will terminate at a wildlife observation deck. The wetland systems include the following wetland habitat types: palustrine forested broad-leaved deciduous seasonal-tidal (PFO1R), estuarine intertidal emergent persistent irregularly flooded (E2EM1P), estuarine intertidal emergent persistent regularly flooded (E2EM1N), and estuarine intertidal unconsolidated shore regularly flooded (E2USN; DNREC 2006). In addition, review of the soil survey data indicates that four hydric soil types underlie portions of the study area: Hurlock sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes (HvA); Mullica mucky sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes (MmA); Sassafras soils, 10 to 15 percent slopes (SSD); and Transquaking and Mispillion soils (TP) (USDA 2006). Field observation confirmed the presence of these wetland systems as well as one additional wetland area within the study area (Figure A- 1). The one additional wetland area is located within the Hunn Conservation Area and is classified as E2EMIP habitat. All wetlands within the study area are tidally influenced. Impacts to the wetland systems should be avoided and minimized to the extent practicable.

Threatened and Endangered Species Coordination with DNREC, USFWS, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has been conducted to determine if any state or federal threatened, endangered, or rare plants, animals, or natural communities are known to be present within the study area.

Coordination with NOAA indicates that there are no endangered or threatened species or essential fish habitat under their jurisdiction within the project study area. However, the St. Jones River does provide spawning and nursery habitat and a migratory pathway for anadromous fish such as alewife and blueback herring. As such, NOAA recommended that waterway crossings or in-stream construction be avoided during the migration and spawning season of these fish (typically March 1 to June 30) and that all impacts to wetlands and waterways be minimized to the extent practicable.

Response from USFWS indicates that no proposed or federally listed, endangered, or threatened species are known to exist within the project study area; therefore, no Biological Assessment or further Section 7 consultation is required for the project. However, it should be noted that USFWS recommends avoiding wetland impacts and disturbance to the bald eagle by complying with the May 2007 “National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines” to the extent practicable.

Coordination with DNREC indicates that there are no rare state or federally listed plants, animals, or natural communities at the project site that would be impacted due to project activities. DNREC does, however, recommend minimizing tree clearing along the shoreline of the St. Jones River in order to avoid disturbance to the bald eagle and protect water quality. In addition, DNREC recommends an adequately sized buffer (typically 100 feet) be maintained to protect wetlands and streams and that the trail be placed outside this buffer to the extent possible.

2 Conservation Areas and Parks The proposed footprint of the Isaac Branch Trail crosses two conservation areas within the study area boundaries. The Gateway South Conservation Area is located behind the Gateway South Shopping Center west of SR 10 (East Lebanon Road). The conservation area appears to be privately owned, as it is not listed as a county or state-owned natural area. Further investigation of the ownership of this parcel, the easement, and any restrictions will be required. The area is protected by a deed restriction and is comprised of an upland wooded buffer between the Gateway South Shopping Center and the second conservation area, the Hunn Conservation Area. An unnamed tributary to St. Jones River traverses this wooded buffer.

The second conservation area located within the study limits is the Hunn Conservation Area. This 174-acre property was acquired in January 2005 through a partnership agreement between DNREC’s Planning and Preservation Section, the Delaware Open Space Council, the Delaware Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund, and the Kent County Levy Court. A portion of the conservation area includes the remediated Wildcat Superfund Landfill site. The remainder of the conservation area includes upland riparian forest, high marsh tidal wetlands, high marsh herbaceous grassland and scrub-shrub early successional meadow, and an antebellum home and documented archaeology site. Various restoration projects are planned within the conservation area to restore natural areas that have been disturbed by past landfill activities (Delaware River and DRPS 2007).

An additional recreational facility, the Lebanon Landing County Park, is also located within the project study area. This park area is owned and maintained by Kent County. The park is comprised of a boat landing, fishing dock, and picnic area (Kent County Levy Court, Lebanon Landing County Park website, accessed 30 January 2009).

The Hunn and Gateway South Conservation Areas and the Lebanon Landing County Park are all located along the St. Jones River Greenway. The St. Jones River Greenway is a 14-mile long riverside pathway planned to connect the City of Dover and surrounding residential communities to recreational facilities (Kent County Levy Court, St. Jones River Greenway website, accessed 30 January 2009). The proposed Phase III segment of the Isaac Branch Trail will serve to open these recreational areas to the public as well as provide environmental and cultural educational opportunities to the local community.

The proposed trail alignment also lies adjacent to areas designated by DNREC as Natural Areas. Natural Areas, including forest land, stream corridors, and wetlands, have been deemed by the state as unique habitats that should be preserved. An inventory of natural areas and nature preserves was first mapped by DNREC in 1978 and has been updated since. The Natural Areas Advisory Council (NAAC) prepared and approved this inventory and advises DNREC on the preservation of these natural areas (DNREC, Open Spaces and Natural Areas website, accessed 3 February 2009). While these natural areas are not protected under state legislation, DNREC recommends avoiding or minimizing impacts to these areas as much as possible.

Implementation of the proposed project will require construction activities within both of the conservation areas and directly adjacent to areas deemed by DNREC as Natural Areas. As such, close coordination with DNREC, Kent County Levy Court, and the owner of the Gateway South

3 Shopping Center will be required in order to comply with the requirements set forth in the deed restrictions or easements for the areas.

Floodplains and Coastal Zone According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), the proposed trail corridor lies within the 100-year floodplain of the St. Jones River (FEMA 1996). The project study area has been mapped by FEMA as Zone AE, which is defined as an area that is subject to a 1 percent annual chance of flooding and where the base flood elevations have been determined. Coordination with Kent County will be required to ensure that the proposed project complies with local floodplain ordinances. Significant floodplain encroachment is not anticipated as a result of the project.

The study area does not lie within an area regulated by the Delaware Coastal Zone Act Chapter 70, Title 7, Delaware Code (DNREC, Coastal Zone Act website, accessed 29 January 2009); therefore, a Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Consistency Determination will not be required for the project.

Permit Requirements Anticipated permits for the construction of the proposed Isaac Branch Trail include a USACE Nationwide Permit, a DNREC Subaqueous Lands Permit, and a 401 Water Quality Certification. These permits will be required to authorize impacts to wetlands and waterways as a result of the proposed project. As design for the project progresses, specific coordination with the USACE and DNREC will be necessary to determine permitting requirements.

Conclusion/Recommendations Information that has been provided on existing natural resources within the Isaac Branch Trail study area have been obtained from online resources, GIS data, and field observations. Detailed field studies, including formal wetland/waterway delineation, is recommended in order to accurately depict the location and extent of aquatic resources. As design of the proposed trail progresses, impacts to natural resources such as wetlands and waterways should be avoided and/or minimized to the extent practicable. Unavoidable impacts to aquatic resources may require mitigation. A pre-application meeting or field view with permit agencies is recommended. Close coordination with the following regulatory agencies should be maintained in order to gain authorization for the proposed project: DNREC, USACE, Kent County, USFWS, and NOAA.

4 B. ARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES

Background Research Background research was performed to gain an understanding of the cultural and architectural development of the study area and to identify and assess previous documentation. A.D. Marble & Company’s project team researched pertinent literature to locate historical information about the project area and vicinity. Appropriate primary and secondary source materials pertaining to the area were also examined. Specific repositories consulted by A.D. Marble & Company during this phase include: the Delaware State Historic Preservation Office (DE SHPO) in Dover, the Delaware State Archives in Dover, the Kent County Planning website, and the Delaware Datamil website. A.D. Marble & Company examined the Byles 1859 Map of Kent County, Delaware; the Beers 1868 Atlas of Kent County; the Wyoming, DE 1931 United States Geological Survey (USGS) map; the Bowers 1936 USGS map; and aerial photographs dating to 1937, 1954, and 1961. The project team also reviewed previous cultural resources surveys and National Register nominations for properties, structures, and sites located within and around the study area.

For the purposes of this project, the cut-off date of construction for structures to be evaluated (1961) was developed using the National Register’s 50-year age consideration and the planned execution date of the project (2011). Resource construction dates were obtained by visiting the Kent County website for tax assessment data. These dates were then confirmed by an examination of historic mapping and a field examination of the resources in the study area.

Previously Identified Architectural Resources Table 1 identifies architectural resources located adjacent to or within view of the proposed improvements that have been previously surveyed. Please see Figure B-1 for more detailed location information and the relationship between the previously identified resources and the proposed improvements. Photographs of the resources described below and generalized photographs of the study area are attached.

Table 1. Previously Identified Architectural Resources Adjacent to or within View of the Proposed Improvements. Name/ CRS # Tax Parcel # Date Recommendations Address The proposed trail will be located north of the dwelling on the north side of a gravel driveway. Although a National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form was prepared for this resource in Wildcat 1972 for its significance in the area of Manor/1624 folklore, the nomination failed to merit Sorghum Mill K-119 7-00-086.00-01-37.00 ca. 1750 registration in the National Register Road, Camden- during a committee review. It appears Wyoming, DE to lack architectural significance and 19934 integrity. The proposed project has the potential to directly impact the associated property; therefore, additional coordination with the DE SHPO is recommended.

5 Name/ CRS # Tax Parcel # Date Recommendations Address Although located within the viewshed of the proposed trail, the trail will be Dwelling, 1633 obscured from view during the spring Sorghum Mill and summer months due to a Road, Camden- K-3335 7-00-095.00-01-10.00 ca. 1940 concentration of dense deciduous trees Wyoming, DE to the east of the resource. Appears to 19934 lack architectural significance and integrity. No further work is recommended. The bridge was determined not eligible for listing in the National Register as Bridge K-356A K-5676 N/A 1925 part of Delaware’s statewide bridge survey in 1988. No further work is necessary. Although located on a small rise southwest of the proposed trail, the trail will be obscured from view during the spring and summer months by a line of Dwelling, 1219 K-3265 7-00-095.11-01-01.00 ca. 1950 deciduous trees to the north and Sorghum Mill Road northeast of the resource. Appears to lack architectural significance and integrity. No further work is recommended.

Two resources, including a 1925 steel girder bridge and a circa-1750 dwelling, are located along or in close proximity to the proposed trail. The proposed trail will travel over or will be adjacent to Bridge K-356A (CRS No. K-5676). The steel girder bridge, constructed in 1925, was determined not eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (National Register) in 1988 as part of the statewide bridge survey. The proposed trail is also in close proximity to a second previously identified resource, Wildcat Manor (CRS No. K-119). A National Register nomination form was prepared for the property in 1972, but a committee discussion indicated that the property lacked sufficient significance to merit listing in the National Register. The resource does not have a formal determination of eligibility. The proposed trail will be located north of an existing gravel drive that runs along the north side of the dwelling. While construction of the proposed trail will introduce a new visual element in the viewshed of the dwelling, the trail will be located along the northern edge of an existing gravel drive; its impact to the associated property is anticipated to be minimal. The proposed project has the potential to impact the resource; therefore, additional coordination with the DE SHPO is recommended.

The remaining two previously identified resources (CRS No. K-3335 and CRS No. K-3265) are located within the viewshed of the proposed trail. The dwelling at 1633 Sorghum Mill Road (CRS No. K-3335) is located on the south side of Sorghum Mill Road approximately 215 feet west of the entrance to Wildcat Manor (CRS No. K-119). A tree line forms the eastern property boundary. The circa-1940, one-and-one-half-story cottage is clad in wood clapboard. The dwelling is lit by one-over-one, double-hung replacement windows and is in fair condition. The dwelling appears to lack architectural significance and integrity. The property includes a small shed. The one-story dwelling at 1219 Sorghum Mill Road (CRS No. K-3265) rests on a small rise overlooking the St. Jones River approximately 450 feet south of the Lebanon Landing Boat

6 Ramp (and the terminus of the proposed trail). The dwelling, constructed ca. 1950, is linear in form, clad in aluminum siding, and lit by replacement windows. The dwelling appears to lack architectural significance and integrity.

During the spring and summer months, the trail will be shielded from view from these two resources (CRS Nos. K-3335 and K-3265) by rows or concentrations of deciduous trees. Users of the trail will be visible from these properties only when the deciduous leaves have fallen. Both resources appear to lack architectural significance and integrity. An existing roadway will separate the proposed trail from the two resources; therefore, the proposed improvement does not have the potential to directly impact the resources. No further work is recommended for these two resources (CRS Nos. K-3335 and K-3265).

Newly Identified Architectural Resources Following an examination of online tax assessment data and a field view, no additional resources constructed before 1961 were identified on parcels adjacent to, or within the viewshed of, the proposed trail (Figure B-2); residential construction along the north side of the roadway was prompted by the mid-1960s construction of SR 10. The construction of SR 10 also prompted minimal residential and commercial development along Sorghum Mill Road west of the study area. The majority of resources located along SR 10 are commercial and residential properties dating to the last decade.

Conclusion and Recommendations for Architectural Resources This project area includes four previously identified architectural resources adjacent to or within view of the proposed improvements that were constructed before 1961. One resource, CRS No. K-5676, was determined not eligible for listing in the National Register as part of Delaware’s statewide bridge survey. No further work is necessary for this resource. Two resources, CRS Nos. K-3265 and K-3335, are within the viewshed of the proposed improvements. Both resources lack architectural significance and integrity and do not appear to be eligible for listing in the National Register. Since the proposed trail will only be partially visible once the leaves have fallen off the deciduous trees that are located on or near the properties, no further work is recommended for these two resources.

Additional consultation with the DE SHPO is necessary to discuss potential impacts to Wildcat Manor (CRS No. K-119), specifically to determine if this resource will require additional documentation and/or National Register eligibility evaluation as part of future efforts. While the dwelling appears to lack architectural significance and integrity, it has the potential to be directly impacted by the proposed improvements.

No newly identified architectural resources constructed prior to 1961 were identified adjacent to or within the viewshed of the proposed trail.

C. ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

Isaac Branch Trail - Area of Potential Effects (APE) The archaeological Area of Potential Effects (APE) for a proposed project is defined as the geographic area or areas within which an undertaking may directly or indirectly cause alterations

7 in the character or use of historic properties, if any such properties exist. The APE is influenced by the scale and nature of an undertaking and may be different for different kinds of effects caused by the undertaking (36 CFR Part 800 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966).

In the case of archaeological resources, the APE is defined by the limits of any areas of proposed ground disturbance, whether they be permanent or temporary. The APE for the Isaac Branch Trail project is composed of the areas to be directly disturbed by trail construction and to be indirectly disturbed by construction equipment staging (Figure B-1).

Archaeological Resources An examination of archaeological site forms and archival research conducted at the DE SHPO in Dover, Delaware, showed that no formerly recognized archaeological sites are located inside the Isaac Branch Trail APE. However, archaeological materials dating to the precontact and eighteenth and nineteenth centuries have been recovered, and associated distributions were delineated in the front yard of the Wildcat Manor dwelling where the proposed trail deviates from the Wildcat Manor driveway (Lukezic 2007). The proposed trail traverses the Wildcat Manor (CRS# K-119) for a distance of approximately 500 feet.

An investigation was also previously conducted along the right shoulder of SR 10 adjacent to the west side of the APE; precontact and historic archaeological materials were recovered at that location (Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, Section of Archaeology 1976). Thirteen archaeological sites are located within a 0.5-mile radius of the APE; four of these are situated adjacent (within hundreds of feet) to the APE (Table 2).

Table 2. Archaeological Sites in a 0.5-Mile Radius of the Project Area. Approximate General Direction # Site Name Distance from Site Type from APE APE (mi) 1 7K-C-22 Wildcat Farm West Adjacent Precontact 2 7K-C-416 Lebanon Landing East Adjacent Precontact/Historic 3 7K-D-3 Carey Farm North 0.25 Precontact 4 7K-D-132 Hoffecker North 0.50 No Info 5 7K-D-2 - West Adjacent Precontact 6 7K-C-62 - Northwest 0.50 No Info 7 7K-C-101 - West 0.25 Precontact 8 7K-C-14 - Southwest 0.25 Precontact 9 7K-D-1 St. Jones Adena* Southeast Adjacent Precontact 10 7K-D-5 Short Farm Southeast 0.25 Historic 11 7K-D-28 - South 0.25 No Info 12 7K-D-4 Pickering Farm South 0.50 No Info 13 7K-D-133 - Southeast 0.50 No Info *Site nominated for listing in the National Register of Historic Places

Based on the dense spatial distribution of archaeological sites in the project area, the Isaac Branch Trail APE appears to be situated within an area of very high precontact and historic archaeological resources potential. The nearby Lebanon Landing and St. Jones Adena sites are important archaeological resources. The National Register nomination form for the St. Jones Adena Site notes that there is a possibility of encountering additional precontact cemeteries in

8 the vicinity. Cultural materials discovered in front of the Wildcat Manor and the presence of the Lebanon Landing Site adjacent to the southern terminus of the trail and Hunntown, the former location of a recognized free African-American community between Sorghum Mill Road and Wildcat Manor, warrant major consideration when preparing the final construction plans for the Isaac Branch Trail.

Given the very high archaeological resources potential in and around the APE, A.D. Marble & Company strongly recommends that construction plans for the Isaac Branch Trail should attempt to avoid any ground-disturbing activities and remain on a pre-existing road or driveway alignment, wherever possible. This would very likely be the most effective method of trail construction in terms of cost and preservation of archaeological resources in the project area. The use of geo-matting may also be an appropriate construction strategy in light of the high potential for the project to encounter archaeological sites.

Conclusion and Recommendations A.D. Marble & Company identified 13 previously identified archaeological resources adjacent to or within a 0.5-mile radius of the project area. Thus, the Isaac Branch Trail APE is nested within an area characterized by very high potential to contain archaeological resources. It is the opinion of A.D. Marble & Company archaeology staff that, if final construction plans do not deviate from existing roads or driveways, then archaeological resources would not likely be encountered. Conversely, any proposed disturbance beyond the limit of existing roads or driveways will likely require subsurface archaeological testing to identify any archaeological resources that may be present in the APE.

9 REFERENCES

Beers, D.G. 1868 Atlas of the State of Delaware. Pomeroy and Beers, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Byles, A.D. 1859 Map of Kent County, Delaware. A.D. Byles, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe 1979 Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, FWS/OBS 79/31. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) 2006 Statewide Wetland Mapping. Kent County, Delaware.

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) n.d. Coastal Zone Act Program. http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/Admin/CZA/Pages/CZAHome.aspx, accessed 29 January 2009.

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC)

n.d. Open Spaces and Natural Areas. http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/OpenSpaces/Pages/NatAreasPresSys.aspx, accessed 3 February 2009.

Delaware Recreation and Parks Society (DRPS) 2007 The Hunn Conservation Area of the St. Jones River Greenway Restoration Planning. Kent County Community Services, Parks Division. Kent County, Delaware.

Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, Section of Archaeology 1976 Archaeological Investigations along the Proposed Dualization Project of State Route 10, Kent County. Report on file at DE SHPO, Dover, Delaware.

Environmental Laboratory 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual, Technical Report Y-87-01. U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 1996 Q3 Flood Data, Kent County, Delaware. Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington, D.C.

Kent County Levy Court website 2004 http://www.co.kent.de.us/, accessed 30 January 2009.

10 Kent County Levy Court 2004 Lebanon Landing County Park. http://www.co.kent.de.us/Departments/CommunitySvcs/Parks/greenway.htm, accessed 30 January 2009.

Kent County Levy Court 2004 St. Jones River Greenway. http://www.co.kent.de.us/Departments/CommunitySvcs/Parks/Lebanonlanding.htm, accessed 30 January 2009.

Lukezic, Craig 2007 An Archaeological Reconnaissance at Wildcat Manor and Hunntown. Report submitted to Kent County Parks and Recreations. On file at DE SHPO, Dover, Delaware.

National Geographic Society v.d. TOPO! Maps. Little Creek, Wyoming, and Frederica, Delaware. 7.5-minute United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic quadrangles.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) 2006 Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database for Kent County, Delaware.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service (USDA-SCS) 2007 National Hydric Soils of the United States. U.S. Government Printing Office. Washington, D.C.

United States Geological Survey (USGS) 1931 Wyoming, DE, 15-minute quadrangle. U.S. Geological Survey, Washington, D.C.

1936 Bowers, DE, 15-minute quadrangle. U.S. Geological Survey, Washington, D.C.

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 1937 Kent County aerial photographs on Delaware DataMIL, Data Mapping and Integrating Laboratory, http://datamil.delaware.gov/?c=HOME, accessed January 2009.

1954 Kent County aerial photographs on Delaware DataMIL, Data Mapping and Integrating Laboratory, http://datamil.delaware.gov/?c=HOME, accessed January 2009.

1961 Kent County aerial photographs on Delaware DataMIL, Data Mapping and Integrating Laboratory, http://datamil.delaware.gov/?c=HOME, accessed January 2009.

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Approximate Project Footprint Lebanon Landing County Park Conservation Area Figure A-1 400 0 400 Natural Resources Constraints Map Watercourse Proposed Trail Corridor DNREC Natural Areas Feet St. Jones River Greenway FEMA 100 Yr Floodplain Wetland DNREC Wetlands Isaac Branch Trail Phase III 1 inch = 400 feet Kent County, Delaware Source: FEMA, 1996; NRCS SCS; © 2008 i-cubed. Map Document:Map (X:\Projects\P1139\Mapping\NatRes\FigA1NatRes.mxd) PM 3:47:20 -- 2/11/2009 Figure B-1 Resource Location Map St. Jones River Bicycle and Pedestrian Path, Phase III Isaac Branch Trail Kent County, Delaware )m ?¡

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700 0 700 Feet Map Document: (X:\Projects\P1139\Mapping\Hist\FigB1ResLoc.mxd) Document: Map 4/22/2009 --1:06:33 PM Map Source: © 2008 National Geographic Society Figure B-2 1961 Aerial Map of the Study Area St. Jones River Bicycle and Pedestrian Path, Phase III Isaac Branch Trail Kent County, Delaware

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APPENDIX B

EPA Data for Wildcat Landfill

Wildcat Landfill

Current Site Information

EPA Region 3 (Mid-Atlantic)

Delaware Kent County 2 1/2 miles south of Dover, adjacent to the St. Jones River

EPA ID# DED980704951

1st Congressional District Last Update: June 2008 No future updates

Other Names

None

Current Site Status

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in conjunction with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) determined that the site contamination no longer posed a threat to human health or the environment, and EPA deleted the site from the National Priorities List on March 14, 2003. In January 2005 Kent County, Delaware purchased several parcels of land, including those containing the Wildcat Landfill Superfund Site, for re-use as a County conservation area and greenway, museum, and archaeological research site.

Site Description

The Wildcat Landfill Site located in Kent County, Delaware (1st Congressional District) is a 44-acre landfill, situated next to the St. Jones River, approximately 2.5 miles south of the city of Dover. The privately owned and operated landfill accepted municipal and industrial waste until it was closed under a State order for numerous violations of a State permit. Operators dumped wastes into wetlands and frequently left them uncovered. Open and empty metal drums, tires, solid latex, and municipal trash were scattered over the surface of the landfill. Groundwater is contaminated with heavy metals, organics, and low levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Sampling of drinking water wells in 2001 showed no site-related contamination. There has been a clear overall downward trend in contaminant levels in onsite monitoring wells, but the levels of some compounds in some wells (notably benzene in MW-4) remain high enough to merit continued monitoring. The State maintains a health advisory on fish caught from the St. Jones River due to PCBs and dioxin. A growing number of residences and businesses are located near the site, however the reliance on drinking water wells has decreased with the advent of water utility supply mains in the area.

Site Responsibility

Cleanup of this site is the responsibility of Federal and State governments and parties potentially responsible for site contamination.

NPL Listing History

This site was proposed to the National Priorities List of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites requiring long term remedial action on December 30, 1982. The site was formally added to the list September 8, 1983. The site was deleted from the list on March 14, 2003. http://www.epa.gov/reg3hwmd/npl/DED980704951.htm Threats and Contaminants

Shallow groundwater beneath the site is contaminated with heavy metals, organics, and low levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Sampling of drinking water wells in 2001 showed no site-related contamination. There has been a clear overall downward trend in contaminat levels in onsite monitoring wells, but the levels of some compounds in some wells (notably benzene in MW-4) remain high enough to merit continued monitoring. Contaminant descriptions and associated risk factors are available at: (ATSDR web site).

Cleanup Progress

Remedy Construction Completed

A final Record of Decision for cleanup of the site was reached between EPA and the State in June 1988. The cleanup decision includes the following actions: restricting development of the site and preventing installation of drinking water wells on or near the site; grading, covering, and seeding onsite areas where direct contact risks of contact with contaminants have been identified; removing and disposing of drums; replacing two private domestic wells adjacent to the site with wells drilled deeper into the aquifer; establishment by the State of groundwater management zones on and around the landfill; groundwater monitoring; and draining and filling in an existing pond and building a new shallow pond. In July 1989, the State established the groundwater management zones. In August 1989, EPA and the potentially responsible parties (Nabisco Brands, Inc., Playtex FP, Inc., Playtex Apparel, Inc., E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., Rapid-American Corporation, Reichhold Chemicals, Inc., General Metalcraft, Inc., and Texaco, Inc.) entered into a Consent Decree to conduct the design and construction of the remedy. All construction activities were completed in 1992. As part of the construction of the remedy, approximately 200 drums were encountered in the landfill and disposed of offsite. Draining of the pond consisted of removing and treating of approximately 16,000 gallons of contaminated surface water.

EPA deleted the site from the National Priorities List on March 14, 2003. In January 2005 Kent County, Delaware purchased several parcels of land, including those containing the Wildcat Landfill Superfund Site, for re-use as a County conservation area and greenway, museum, and archaeological research site.

EPA performs a Five-Year Review at all sites where there are hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants on-site above levels that allow for unlimited use and unrestricted exposure. The Five- Year Review requirement is independent of and unaffected by the deletion process. The third Five- Year Review for the Site was completed in June 2007 and concluded that the remedy was fully protective.

http://www.epa.gov/reg3hwmd/npl/DED980704951.htm

APPENDIX C

Conceptual Structural Assessment

ISAAC BRANCH TRAIL

Isaac Branch Trail

The proposed trail shall be designed to provide a 10‐foot clear width for pedestrians and bicyclists along its entire length and to be in conformance with all ADA criteria. General Discussion of Structures

As this trail will be used by pedestrians and bicyclists, aesthetics of the proposed structures will be of primary concern for this project. The aesthetic goal for the proposed structures will be for them to blend into and not detract from the surrounding environment, which for this project includes an attractive waterway, a wooded area, and an historic property. For this particular project, the look and feel of timber for use in the construction of the proposed structures is preferred to that of steel or concrete as timber more easily blends with the trail’s surrounding environment.

The use of timber would also allow for reduced time of construction by avoiding the lead times required for the fabrication of steel beams and concrete reinforcement. Additionally, a particular cost advantage to the use of timber is that it provides longevity through durability with low maintenance requirements. Timber is extremely durable when either painted or protected from moisture by the use of preservative treatments. Environmental impact concerns regarding preservative treatments stem from the use of toxic agents such as creosote. Several different inorganic preservative treatment alternatives to creosote are currently recommended by the American Wood‐ Preservers’ Association for use in commercial‐residential construction and approved by the EPA. The plans and specifications would require the use of such preservatives and disallow the use of creosote.

Some of the proposed superstructures for this project require span lengths greater than 50 feet. As these spans exceed the applicability of dimensional lumber for structural use, the primary alternative will be glued‐laminated (gluelam) timber members. As gluelam members are manufactured by bonding sawn lumber laminations with waterproof structural adhesives, these members are available in a wide range of sizes. Providing a broader range of design parameters than sawn lumber, gluelam allows construction of longer timber structural elements. Provided that they prove to be cost effective, these gluelam elements will be the preferred design alternative.

However, if design parameters require that the timber elements become too large, overpowering, or expensive, certain elements may be designed of steel or concrete to keep costs down. Even though these products may be required, it may still be possible to provide timber veneers for these elements for aesthetics at a reasonable cost.

Regardless of the material selected for the supporting structure to span the substructure units, it will be possible to return to timber as material to use for the bridge deck and railing systems. This will maintain the aesthetic goals of the project for the trail users even if it is not able to be maintained from the peripheries. Due to the presence of wetlands adjacent to the various structures, it is anticipated that the approaches will require fill to be retained by earth retaining structures. These proposed retaining structures will consist of shallow driven timber tongue‐and‐groove sheeting supported by timber soldier piles and wales. This type of retaining wall will minimize construction costs as well as minimize the impacts to the adjacent roadway and any areas delineated as wetlands.

Construction of cast‐in‐place reinforced concrete retaining walls and mechanically stabilized earth walls will not be ideal for these retaining structures as these types of construction would have significant impacts to the adjacent roadways. Cast‐in‐place reinforced concrete retaining walls of the proposed heights will require that large footings be constructed. As the face of the walls will only be approximately 15 from the edge of the existing roadway, construction of these footings will require that the existing roadway be removed for footing construction. Similarly, mechanically stabilized earth walls will require that the existing roadway be removed for the placement of the soil reinforcement straps. Both types of construction will then require that the roadways be rebuilt to restore the existing conditions. Isaac Branch Trail over Saint Jones River (east of Lebanon Road)

It is anticipated that the structure for this crossing will be an independent bridge structure constructed adjacent to the existing structure carrying Lebanon Road over Saint Jones River.

The existing structures carrying Lebanon Road over the St. Jones River are dual structures consisting of three‐span, steel I‐beam bridges with overall lengths of approximately 300’ and overall widths of approximately 34’ each. Each of these bridges is supported by cast‐in‐place reinforced concrete stub abutments and two cast‐in‐place concrete pier caps supported by cast‐in‐place reinforced concrete piles encased in steel shells.

There are two possible options to modify the existing structure to accommodate the trail crossing. The first option would be to widen the existing piers to accommodate a widened existing superstructure or a separate superstructure for the trail. However, the exterior existing piles of the piers are battered laterally. This configuration requires that the new piles for the widening would either need to be battered in the same direction or spaced a significant distance away from the existing piles to be driven vertically. The presence of the existing superstructure precludes installing battered piles at the existing pile spacing; therefore, a significant lengthening of the pier cap would be required to accommodate the new piles. Increasing the pile spacing to drive piles vertically will also require a significant lengthening of the pier cap to accommodate the new piles.

A second option would be to widen only the superstructure bridge deck to accommodate the trail on the bridge. This would require that the existing bridge deck be modified to cantilever a significant distance more than the existing bridge overhang, which will require significant strengthening of the existing bridge deck. The use of part of the existing shoulder to accommodate the trail would also require a new traffic barrier be installed to protect trail users and would reduce the width of shoulder available to vehicular traffic.

Both of these options appear to be very cost prohibitive. Additionally, correspondence with DelDOT disclosed their preference to not modify the existing bridge to accommodate the trail. Therefore, it would be more prudent to anticipate building an independent structure to carry the trail over Saint Jones River at this location. This structure would be located approximately 20’ to 30’ east of the existing northbound structure.

The recommended structure for this crossing will consist of timber superstructure supported by cast‐in‐place reinforced concrete pile bents. The proposed structure will be approximately 299’ long and will consist of a 115’ long center span with two 92’ long end spans, to match the configuration of the adjacent existing bridge. The superstructure will be set at an elevation to maintain the hydraulic opening provided by the existing bridges. Two piers will be located within Saint Jones River and will be aligned with the existing piers. The proposed abutments and piers will most probably consist of pile bents consisting of a cast‐in‐place reinforced concrete cap or column supported by either steel or precast concrete piles. The proposed superstructure will most probably consist of gluelam timber beams. However, based on the existing structure span lengths, the use of either steel beams or prestressed concrete beams may be more economical. Regardless of the beam type, the bridge deck and railing system will be constructed of timber as discussed previously.

The configuration of the Lebanon Road existing side slopes and the proposed alignment of the trail will require fill to be placed for the approaches to the proposed structure. Due to the presence of adjacent wetlands, it is anticipated that this fill will require earth retaining structures for both the north and south approaches of the proposed crossing. Based on preliminary investigations of the existing terrain, the lengths of these retaining structures will need to be approximately 700’ for the north approach and 200’ long for the south approach. As discussed previously, these proposed retaining structures will consist of shallow driven timber tongue‐and‐groove sheeting supported by timber soldier piles and wales. As discussed previously, this type of wall will minimize construction costs as well as minimize the impacts to the adjacent roadway and any areas delineated as wetlands.

During preliminary design, we will investigate whether it is more cost effective to build the structure as described above or to reduce the lengths of the approach fill earth retaining structures and increase the length of the proposed bridge by adding spans. Isaac Branch Trail over Unnamed Tributary to Saint Jones River (behind Gateway Shopping Center)

A structure will be required to span a small unnamed tributary of Saint Jones River east of the existing shopping center at Gateway South Boulevard. The proposed structure will consist of a multiple span timber superstructure supported by timber pile bents. The proposed structure will be approximately 170’ long and will consist of 17 ten‐foot long spans. The proposed timber superstructure will consist of dimensional lumber supporting a timber plank deck and timber railing system. The proposed timber pile bents will consist of driven timber piles supporting a dimensional lumber pile cap.

The natural slopes of the banks to the unnamed tributary will allow the superstructure to be constructed at an elevation approximately equal to the top of both banks. This will limit the need for approach fills to the proposed bridge and allow for the construction of wingwalls and abutments that are short in both length and height. These proposed retaining structures will consist of shallow driven timber tongue‐and‐groove sheeting supported by small dimensional timber columns and wales.

Although the current proposed trail alignment provides two options for the location of this tributary crossing, the proposed structure will be applicable to either location with minimal change to the overall structure length. The primary difference in the two crossing locations is the impact to forestation. Isaac Branch Trail over Tidbury Creek (east of Sorghum Mill Road)

It is anticipated that the structure for this crossing will be an independent bridge structure constructed adjacent to and east of the existing structure carrying Sorghum Mill Road over Tidbury Creek.

The existing structures carrying Sorghum Mill Road over Tidbury Creek is a single‐span, prestressed concrete adjacent beam bridge with an overall length of approximately 65’ and an overall width of approximately 33’. This bridge is supported by two cast‐in‐place reinforced concrete pile bents supported by cast‐in‐place reinforced concrete piles with steel sheet piling retaining the approach fills.

Because the existing bridge superstructure consists of adjacent prestressed concrete beams, there is not a viable option to widen the bridge to accommodate the trail. During construction, tie rods were installed to connect these beams laterally. Widening this type of structure would require that the existing tie rods be cut and new tie rods installed along with the new beams. As these tie rods are required for the structure to carry the design loads, it would be necessary to close the bridge to traffic in order to widen the structure. The use of a detour route to install a few beams is extremely cost prohibitive.

The recommended structure for this crossing will consist of timber superstructure supported by cast‐in‐place reinforced concrete pile bents. The proposed structure will be approximately 70’ long consisting of a single span to match the configuration of the adjacent existing bridge. The superstructure will be set at an elevation to maintain the hydraulic opening provided by the existing bridges. The proposed abutments and piers will most probably consist of pile bents consisting of a cast‐in‐place reinforced concrete cap or column supported by either steel or precast concrete piles. The proposed superstructure will most probably consist of gluelam timber beams. However, based on the existing structure span lengths, the use of either steel beams or prestressed concrete beams may be more economical. Regardless of the beam type, the bridge deck and railing system will be constructed of timber as discussed previously.

In order to properly tie into the wingwalls of the existing structure, it may be necessary to drive steel sheet piling along the face of the proposed abutments and for a short distance of approximately 20’ up to those faces. The proposed approach retaining walls will tie in behind this sheet piling.

The configuration of the Sorghum Mill Road existing side slopes and the proposed alignment of the trail will require fill to be placed for the approaches to the proposed structure. Due to the presence of adjacent wetlands, it is anticipated that this fill will require earth retaining structures for both the north and south approaches of the proposed crossing. Based on preliminary investigations of the existing terrain, the lengths of these retaining structures will need to be approximately 200’ for the north approach and 500’ long for the south approach. It is anticipated that these proposed retaining structures will consist of shallow driven timber tongue‐and‐groove sheeting supported by timber soldier piles and wales. As discussed previously, this type of wall will minimize construction costs as well as minimize the impacts to the adjacent roadway and any areas delineated as wetlands.

Tab 4 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT HISTORY AND KEY COMMITMENTS

St. Jones Greenway, Isaac Branch Trail Phase III

This project was initiated at the request of the Kent County Parks Division as an extension of the successful Isaac Branch Trail Phases I and II. The project will be implemented through DelDOT’s Transportation Enhancements program, and will consist of a ten-foot paved shared-use path to be implemented through four phases, extending from the intersection of SR 10 and Pine Cabin Road to Lebanon Landing along Sorghum Mill Road.

An initial kick-off meeting was held on October 17, 2007 among the DelDOT project team, the Kent County Parks Division, and DNREC to discuss project goals. It was agreed that initial efforts would focus on feasibility rather than a detailed concept design.

On March 31, 2009, a progress meeting was held with representatives from DelDOT and Kent County to discuss the findings of the draft initial concept study and environmental work. It was determined at that time that the proposed improvements will need to be constructed in four sections, as described in the concept section of this report. Funding is being requested only for Section A at this time.

Because the initial concept study effort is not a full concept design as usually developed by DelDOT, no public involvement has been conducted yet for Phase III. DelDOT and Kent County will work together to determine the extent of public involvement during subsequent concept design. If the Section A project is approved to move into final design, a public workshop will be conducted following the preliminary plan submittal. KICK-OFF MEETING. OCTOBER 17, 2007 - 1 - St. Jones Bike Ped – Phase III State Contract #27-200-18 St. Jones Phase III Plans, Specifications, Engineering, Right of Way Kick-Off Meeting

October 17, 2007

In Attendance:

Carl Solberg, Kent County Parks Division – 744-2490 David Bartoo, DNREC – 739-9244 Wayne McCarty, Kent County Parks Division – 744-2489 Jeff Riegner, WR&A – 571-9001 Bill Geschrei WR&A – 443-234-1530 Terry Foester, WR&A Jeff Niezgoda, DelDOT – 760-2178 Sarah Cookley, DelDOT– 760-2236 Joy Ford, DelDOT – 760-2107 Terry Fulmer, DelDOT – 760-2107 x 2095 Angela Short, Kent County Community Services – 744-2495

Summary:

The partners introduced themselves from: the DelDot-procured consultant: Whitman, Requardt and Associates, the DelDOT Planning Personnel present, the DNREC Parks & Rec representative, and Kent County Community Services-Parks Division.

Jeff described the purpose of the County/DelDOT Transportation Enhancement Project Agreement as yielding a 100% design plan with all approvals for construction, but no funding for actual implementation.

The parties agreed that the combined State TEP, State DTF, and Kent County funds available for this entire pre-construction project are $360,000.

The budget is itemized as follows:

Kent County General Funds FY2006 & FY2007: $130,000 DNREC Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund DTF 05-010: $80,000 DelDOT TEP Program Grant State Project #27-200-18: $150,000

Project Total: $360,000

Phase III, in its entirety – (possibly composed of two or three sub-phased construction projects) - consists of a loop trail beginning at the pedestrian-controlled traffic light at the Route 10 Trailhead of Phase II, leading through and partially around the Hunn KICK-OFF MEETING. OCTOBER 17, 2007 - 2 - St. Jones Bike Ped – Phase III State Contract #27-200-18 Conservation Area, to the Lebanon Landing Recreation Area, crossing the St. Jones River on the sub-standard pedestrian bridge, looping back across DAFB, Dover Mobile Home Park, and Generals Green properties back to the Rout 10 Ped crossing.

Carl showed aerial photographs of the alignments from the Trailhead all the way to the Footbridge over the River at Lebanon.

Discussions were held around the three alternate alignments to access the Hunn Conservation Area from Route 10, the status of the landfill and its uses, mapping of that and connecting to the roadway and utilizing it.

The constraints and feasibility for each of these alignments were discussed to the extent that remote information could accommodate. Issues discussed included: Route 10 Bridge Crossing. Calvary Community Center Building The intersection crossing at Gateway South Shopping Center entrance. Environmental concerns for each of the Hunn Property entrance alignments. The possibility that both options can be developed. The substantial grade differences that occur as one travels further west on Route 10 maximized at over 20’behind the Calvary property. Bill Simpson, owner of Dover Trailer Park, verbal approval of an alignment along the river behind his property. Constraints of DOD and DAFB regarding permitting an alignment adjacent to base housing. (No correspondence regarding this having taken place yet.) Route 10 and Sorghum Mill Road will be a severe challenge. Base Housing and access past the Guarded Entrance from Old Lebanon Road.

A thorough analysis of the options to assess the degree of these opportunities and constraints, cost and impacts, needs to be performed before any engineering is undertaken.

Traffic Section needs to be consulted for Route 10 bridge ped crossing design choices. A cantilevered surface is probably needed because the traffic/ped separation and traffic should width requirements are probably in conflict.

A separate, parallel bridge structure was discussed.

A compilation of available data for the entire project should be performed by WR&A and then meet again at an advisory meeting to report what has been assembled. Consultation with Traffic Section should be conducted in that time interval.

Carl offered to furnish WR&A the property survey of Hunn and the as-built topographic survey by Greg Scott, P.E.

KICK-OFF MEETING. OCTOBER 17, 2007 - 3 - St. Jones Bike Ped – Phase III State Contract #27-200-18 The distribution of landfill cells, adequacy of the EPA interior construction GABC road, constraints, conservation easements and width restrictions were briefly discussed.

The driveway near the house is intended to serve as part of the trail – although a parallel roadway will be needed because the driveway is only a single lane width.

The utility poles along the entrance driveway only support service to the single house and can be removed and utilities relocated below grade.

Field Reconnaissance Summary

Participants to the field recon included: Carl Solberg, David Bartoo, Wayne McCarty, Jeff Riegner, Bill Geschrei, Terry Foester, Sarah Cookley, Joy Ford, and Terry Fulmer.

The team drove to the Route 10 Trailhead of Phase II and walked the alignment along Route 10, and explored each of the three possible connections to the Hunn Conservation Area internal roadway. We drove to the entrance driveway and walked the interior of the Hunn property, and subsequently drove and walked the connections on Sorghum Mill Road, and walked over the pedestrian river crossing at Lebanon.

The magnitude and diversity of engineering and environmental constraints compelled the team to conclude that WR&A should perform a complete loop trail compilation of all the known issues that would affect permitting, design, and construction.

This compilation would serve as the starting point for our next meeting to review what the next steps would be towards starting design of individual component projects of the overall Loop trail.

Additions or Exceptions:

We believe these minutes accurately reflect what transpired at this meeting. Unless notified in writing to the contrary within 10 (ten) days of receipt, we will assume that all in attendance concur with the accuracy of this transcription. Respectfully submitted,

Carl J. Solberg, Assistant Director Kent County Community Services Parks Division cc: All in attendance

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Tab 5