CONTINENTAL PLACER INC. II Winners Circle • Albany, New York 12205 (518) 458-9203 fax (518) 458-9206 www.continentalplacer.com

FINAL SCOPE OF ISSUES FOR A DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT REDLAND QUARRIES N.Y. INC. LOCKPORT QUARRY HINMAN ROAD EXPANSION

NYS FILE #9053-21-0017 PERMIT #9-2999-00002/00009

LEAD AGENCY New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 270 Michigan Avenue Buffalo, NY 14203-2915

CONTACT PERSON Lisa M. Czechowicz Deputy Permit Administrator Phone (716) 851-7165 Fax (716) 851-7168 Email: [email protected]

Prepared For: Lafarge North America Inc.

Prepared By: Continental Placer Inc.

March 2, 2016

GEOLOGIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 1.0 INTRODUCTION

Scoping is a fundamental step in building an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Determining the scope of an EIS involves asking questions that will help evaluate and identify a proposal’s impact on the environment.

As part of the scoping process, agencies, those with specialized expertise, and the general public are asked to comment on areas to be covered in the EIS, including issues, concerns and alternatives to reduce adverse impacts. Scoping is not about whether a project is good or bad, but rather what an EIS should consider.

The scoping process will lead to the proposed project’s Draft EIS and Final EIS, both of which will evaluate and identify environmental impacts.

Loading blasted rock from a production “shot” for transport to the crusher.

The following final scope of issues has been prepared as part of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) process. The draft scope provided information for a public scoping meeting that was held in the Town of Lockport, New York on December 9, 2015. This final scope was subsequently developed to provide a framework for the preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) based on public comments received from the scoping meeting, written comments and comments from other interested or involved agencies including the Town of Lockport.

“The primary goals of scoping are to focus the EIS on potentially significant adverse impacts and to eliminate consideration of those impacts that are irrelevant or nonsignificant. Scoping is not required” [6 NYCRR § 617.8(a)]. While an agency and public scoping meeting is optional pursuant to the citation, both the DEC and Lafarge decided to go through this procedure.

Continental Placer Inc. Page 1 Redland Quarries N.Y. Inc. Final Scope of Issues – Lockport Quarry 165-64-05-2494

2.0 PROJECT OBJECTIVE

2.1 Redland Quarries N.Y. Inc., doing business at the Lockport Quarry as Lafarge North America Inc., (Lafarge) proposes to mine bedrock in an area south of Hinman Road for the production of crushed stone aggregate.

The importance of mining in the state is declared by the New York State legislature in the New York State Mined Land Reclamation Law § 23-2703:

“The legislature hereby declares that it is the policy of this state to foster and encourage the development of an economically sound and stable mining industry, and the orderly development of domestic mineral resources and reserves necessary to assure satisfaction of economic needs compatible with sound environmental management practices. The legislature further declares it to be the policy of this state to provide for the management and planning for the use of these non-renewable natural resources and to provide, in conjunction with such mining operations, for reclamation of affected lands; to encourage productive use including but not restricted to the planting of forests, the planting of crops for harvest, the seeding of grass and legumes for grazing purposes, the protection and enhancement of wildlife and aquatic resources, the establishment of recreational, home, commercial, and industrial sites; to provide for the conservation, development, utilization, management and appropriate use of all the natural resources of such areas for compatible multiple purposes; to prevent pollution; to protect and perpetuate the taxable value of property; to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the people, as well as the natural beauty and aesthetic values in the affected areas of the state.”

2.2 Description of Proposed Action Lafarge has applied to the DEC for a mined land use plan/mining permit modification. The modification would allow quarry excavation on approximately 220.9± acres between Hinman and Murphy roads in the Town of Lockport.

The following Location Maps (Figures 1 and 2) roughly show the area to be mined.

The project is a continuation of the existing mine; daily operations will continue as they historically have done. Overburden will be removed and placed in protective noise/visual berms along quarry perimeters, separating sensitive receptors from the mine activity. The operation will drill and blast the exposed rock face and initially haul by truck the blasted rock to the existing primary crusher location. It will then be transported to the Dumping blasted rock into the primary crusher. processing plant in the north quarry by field conveyor. Subsequent to this initial development of the quarry, a primary crusher will then be located within the new quarry south of Hinman Road and the crushed stone will be transported by field conveyor from the quarry site to the processing plant. Finished aggregate product will be sold and trucked from the facility via the existing entrance road which exits onto Hinman Road near the intersection with the Southwest Lockport Bypass. Upon cessation of mining, the site will be allowed to fill with groundwater and precipitation, forming two lakes. The lakes will be separated by the Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co., right-of-way. The reclamation objective will be to provide recreational opportunities using the reclaimed site and wildlife habitat.

Continental Placer Inc. Page 2 Redland Quarries N.Y. Inc. Final Scope of Issues – Lockport Quarry 165-64-05-2494 SITE LOCATION

N

P:\CAD Drawings\LaFarge\lafarge lockport mp\dwg\Hinman Rd Figure 1.dwg N

P:\CAD Drawings\LaFarge\lafarge lockport mp\dwg\Figure 2 2015.dwg 3.0 PROJECT NEED

SEQRA requires that an EIS for a proposed action specify the purpose and need for the project [ECL Part 617.14 (f)(1)].

The Lockport Quarry has been serving Western New York with an economical source of high quality construction aggregates since 1942. Stone reserves at the quarry, however, are rapidly being exhausted with only a few years remaining. Without additional mining areas, the Lockport Quarry will be forced to close the mine and its value to the community will be lost.

The volume of aggregate production in the U.S. and locally in New York is well documented; however, the qualitative values of the aggregate industry are not often appreciated by the general public. The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) has addressed this issue by commissioning studies to analyze the industry.

Some of their findings are:

 For every dollar of output in the aggregates industry, an additional $1.58 is generated in the U.S. economy.  For each one million dollars in output produced by the industry, 19.5 jobs are created.  The aggregates industry contributed $14.59 billion in direct output to the U.S economy in 2002. When indirect benefits are added to the direct output the industry contributes $37.6 billion to the GDP and supports 284,090 jobs in all sectors of the economy with personal earnings totaling $10.74 billion.  Over the past 30 years, there has been a 30% increase in the nation’s population, a 64% increase in the number of licensed drivers, an 87% increase in the number of licensed vehicles and a 125% increase in the number of vehicle miles traveled, but only a 6% increase in highway capacity.  For every $1 billion spent on highway construction, 42,100 jobs are generated annually.  According to FHWA, $83 billion is needed annually to maintain and improve the highway system. In 2002, $31.8 billion was approved for highways.  94% of asphalt and 80% of concrete is made up of aggregates.  90% of aggregates are used within 50 miles of their place of extraction.  During the past 60 years, per capita consumption of aggregates has increased from 3.5 tons per year to over 10 metric tons annually – that is just over 22,000 lbs. for every man, woman and child in America each year!  Production of aggregates in the U.S. went from about 351 million metric tons in 1940 to approximately 2.78 billion tons in 2001.  Every state, virtually every Congressional District and 70% of the nation’s counties are home to an aggregate operation.  An estimated 38,000 tons of aggregates are necessary to construct one mile lane of interstate highway.  Construction of an average modern home requires 400 tons of aggregates.  15,000 tons of aggregates are required for the construction of an average sized school or hospital.

The loss of a local aggregate source also exacts a financial burden upon the community. When aggregate is not available locally it is brought in from more distant sources. This increases the cost per ton for aggregate, consumes more fuel, increases traffic and places more wear on the roadway system. A worst case scenario would be that after the

Continental Placer Inc. Page 5 Redland Quarries N.Y. Inc. Final Scope of Issues – Lockport Quarry 165-64-05-2494 Lockport Quarry is depleted of stone reserves, the mine would cease as a business, resulting in a loss of taxes and jobs and increased public and private infrastructure costs. A recent study titled “The Economic Impact of New York State Mining and Construction Materials Industry” (MCMI) has been conducted by The Center for Government Research (CGR). The study’s findings, in part, are:

“Total NYS Sales of the MCMI Totaled Between $3.3 to $3.5 Billion Dollars”

Economic Impact of the MCMI

Direct Spillover Total

Labor Income (millions of dollars)

High Estimate $833.6 $482.4 $1,316.0

Low Estimate $765.1 $442.8 $1,207.9

Jobs (thousands of jobs)

High Estimate 17.5 12.9 30.4

Low Estimate 16.1 11.9 28.0

 The MCMI was responsible for generating $1.2 to $1.3 billion in wages and 28,000 to 30,000 jobs in New York State, both direct and spillover.

 The MCMI industry contributes to the fiscal health of the state and localities through sales tax, personal income tax, motor fuel tax, corporate franchise tax and Mined Land Reclamation Law fees. The total fiscal contribution of the industry is estimated at $87-101 million annually. There are additional taxes and fees paid by industry participants that we did not attempt to estimate. View of former production face; color differences are various formation units.

“Illustration: Impact of Closing Mines on Construction Costs

Despite the fact that the mining and construction materials industry brings significant economic benefits to the state and localities, mining operations are not always welcomed by individual communities. Local governments often enact restrictive zoning that have the effect of excluding or severely limiting mining. As a consequence, new or expanded mines are difficult to permit yet existing mine reserves are being depleted at a faster rate than new reserves are being brought into production.

Continental Placer Inc. Page 6 Redland Quarries N.Y. Inc. Final Scope of Issues – Lockport Quarry 165-64-05-2494 Much of the material mined is of relatively low value, yet is expensive to transport. Transportation costs, therefore, comprise a relatively large share of the cost of the delivered material. Closure of the mines has the effect of increasing the final delivered cost as the material will necessarily be transported a greater distance.

To reflect this, CGR estimates the effect of reducing the number of mines in the state. This report illustrates the potential impact on transportation costs from the loss of mines with close proximity to construction sites. While the illustration does not begin to address the cost impact on all construction projects in NYS, it provides a starting point for consideration and discussion.

Our hypothetical scenario estimates that if the number of mines were reduced by one-half, transportation costs associated with NYS Thruway construction sites could rise as much as 59%, or $2.2 million, in one year.

These conclusions are applicable to the entire industry. Continued shrinkage of the industry will drive up the cost of new construction and highway reconstruction. Our data did not permit a more detailed analysis by region, but clearly the impact would be more pronounced downstate.”

Annual Cost Implications of Increasing Transportation Distance

Cost of Fuel Per All Mines One-Quarter One-half Mines Gallon Included Mines Taken Taken Away Away

Average Distance from Exit to 13.5 19.1 21.4 Nearest Mines (miles)

Cost of Transporting $2 $3.4 $5.3 Aggregate for Thruway Projects (millions of dollars)

Cost of Transporting $3 $3.6 $5.7 Aggregate for Thruway Projects (millions of dollars)

Cost of Transporting $4 $3.9 $6.1 Aggregate for Thruway Projects (millions of dollars)

Percentage Change in Cost 42% 59% (from all mines included)

Continental Placer Inc. Page 7 Redland Quarries N.Y. Inc. Final Scope of Issues – Lockport Quarry 165-64-05-2494 4.0 OVERVIEW OF DECISION-MAKING PROCESS

SEQRA allows for an open, public process with multiple opportunities for review and comment on the potential impacts affecting the environment.

The actions required for the proposed project include:

 NYSDEC Mining Permit Modification  Town of Lockport Rezoning for Quarry/Mining District

Based upon studies presented in the Draft and Final EIS’s, the NYSDEC will decide whether to approve, approve with conditions or deny Lafarge’s application. Likewise the Town of Lockport will consider the study results in the Draft and Final EIS’s together with the Town Comprehensive Plan and other Town, County and Regional Plans and studies to determine whether rezoning for Quarry/Mining purposes is in the best interest of the community. A summary of relevant plans and studies is included as Appendix 4. Their decisions will be based upon the adequacy of the studies performed to address the project’s environmental impacts and mitigation measures proposed, taking into account the public’s concerns. This process often involves a public hearing. The lead agency determines whether to conduct a public hearing upon considering the following:

 The degree of interest in the action shown by the public or involved agencies;  Whether substantive or significant environmental issues have been raised;  The adequacy of the mitigation measures proposed;  The extent of alternatives considered; and  The degree to which a public hearing can aid the agency decision making process by providing an efficient mechanism for the collection of public comments.

Other factors which should be considered by the lead agency in deciding to hold a hearing are:

 The opportunity for broadest public disclosure.  The need for important and informative comment by certain interest groups, technical specialists, or community representatives.  The opportunity for a project sponsor to briefly discuss the project and draft EIS.

Continental Placer Inc. Page 8 Redland Quarries N.Y. Inc. Final Scope of Issues – Lockport Quarry 165-64-05-2494 5.0 ISSUES AND CONCERNS TO BE ADDRESSED

Based upon DEC comments and project specific features, the following environmental elements/topics will be analyzed in the DEIS:

1. Operational Noise 2. Blasting Vibrations and Noise 3. Groundwater 4. Visual 5. Traffic 6. Dust 7. Cultural Resources 8. Wetlands 9. Flora and Fauna 10. Land Use 11. Stormwater and Erosion

Formal and informal additional comments from the public and citizens groups have expressed common concerns related to:

 Blasting impacts on water lines, gas pipelines and residential structures.  Air quality – silica dust  Reclamation Activity  Community character, land use and property values

These concerns will also be addressed within the DEIS.

Lastly, the Town of Lockport has prepared a list of pertinent factors which they must consider as part of their involvement at the local level.

Factors which the Town will evaluate include:

 Health and welfare of Town Residents  Regional planning documents  Population patterns  Land use trends and recreational uses, including opportunities for the historic Erie Barge Canal and Town Trailways Path System  Infrastructure availability and impacts including roads, bridges, gas and electric utilities and transmission lines, water and sewer facilities and pipelines  Economic impact  Employment opportunities  Need for product in Town and surrounding area  Highest and best use for lands in areas of the Town  Potential cost to Town taxpayers and residents resulting from land use activities, including infrastructure and road impacts and energy needs  Traffic  Environmental impact  Quality of life issues  Telecommunications impacts  Migration of pollutants  Security measures

A proposed Table of Contents for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement is included as Appendix 5.

Continental Placer Inc. Page 9 Redland Quarries N.Y. Inc. Final Scope of Issues – Lockport Quarry 165-64-05-2494 6.0 PROPOSED STUDIES

6.1 Noise The proposed project will raise the sound levels above the ambient on most of the modification property by the use of heavy equipment and general mining operations. This in turn has potential to impact sound levels at surrounding residences (receptors). To analyze this potential impact to nearby homes, a study of mining generated sound levels and also ambient community sound levels will be made. With this data, a computer model (Cadna/A), will calculate the projected sound levels to be likely experienced by surrounding receptors as a result of the mine. View of interior of proposed mining site

The protocol to be used will be the DEC’s Program Policy DEP 00-1, Assessing and Mitigating Noise Impacts.

6.2 Blasting Vibrations & Noise A major issue of concern of the community is the impact of blasting as it relates to structural damage and general safety. Lafarge has recently done extensive studies of its blasting procedures at the quarry, conducted by blasting engineers. This data will be used to analyze potential impacts to sensitive receptors. The investigations included a site attenuation study using regression analysis of blasting vibrations and an air overpressure analysis. Data obtained will be used to design an optimum, safe blast as operations approach a minimum distance from residences.

The blast regression analyses will be used to calculate and predict blasting impacts to residences surrounding the proposed quarry area and to design blasts accordingly to mitigate adverse impacts. Special consideration will be given to structures within 500 feet of proposed blasts, the City of Lockport water line and the Tennessee Gas pipeline.

6.3 Groundwater The residential areas on Murphy and Hinman Roads surrounding the proposed modification have public water. Never-the-less, there is public concern regarding potential impacts such as water loss in private wells. Eight monitoring wells have been installed on the project site since 2002. Over a decade of water level measurements have been taken and recorded which document seasonal fluctuations and impacts from the adjacent 120 plus acre active quarry.

The DEIS will locate private well users within a 1,000 foot radius of the proposed excavation area and record existing water levels as well as miscellaneous data such as amount of use, water quality, well problems, etc. (as conditions allow). An annual monitoring plan will be established to analyze trends and impacts to the wells over time.

Continental Placer Inc. Page 10 Redland Quarries N.Y. Inc. Final Scope of Issues – Lockport Quarry 165-64-05-2494 This type of program can serve as an early warning system to potential influences created by mining and provide time to take remedial action if necessary.

As the quarry is developed, it will need to be dewatered of precipitation and groundwater inflow via the existing SPDES system. This will create a cone of depression around the pit. The impacts of this will be addressed. However, the impacts are already addressed by the monitoring wells on the site with their proximity to the large south quarry which is dewatered. Secondly, the apparent lack of private wells near the site diminish the scope of potential impacts. Never-the-less, if further analysis is needed Continental will perform several “Slug Tests”.

Slug Testing Methodology

Depth to water will be measured in 3 core holes and then a pressure sensing transducer will be placed in each well and set at a depth to be below the submergence level of a solid metal bar (i.e. the “slug”). The transducer will be programmed to record water levels at one second intervals. A solid stainless steel bar will then be submerged in the water column in the core hole and the water level rise and fall will be monitored with the transducer for a falling head slug test. Once the water level stabilizes back to the original static level, the solid bar will be removed from the water and the drop and rise of the water level will be monitored for a rising head slug test.

The core hole diameters are slightly more than 2-inches. The solid slug is a 1.5-inch diameter, 4-foot long solid stainless steel bar, which will displace approximately 0.2 gallons of water. In an impermeable core hole, submergence of this bar will increase the water level by approximately 1.0 foot (0.78 feet in a 2.5-inch diameter core hole to 1.23 feet in a 2-inch diameter core hole to 1.23 feet in a 2-inch diameter core hole).

The analysis of the slug test data will be performed using Waterloo Hydrogeologic, Inc.’s Aquifer Test Pro software.

6.4 Visual To analyze the visual impact of the mine on local residents, a viewshed analysis will be made. This will detail where quarry activity will be visible and the circumstances of the view, such as stationary or fleeting. The study will offer mitigation plans for this potential impact such as visual berms, similar to those now used by Lafarge, and the study will present computer simulations of the mitigation effectiveness. The simulations will be made of potential views from adjacent public thoroughfares and selected neighboring properties.

6.5 Traffic and Infrastructure The proposed project will not have any impact on traffic except a temporary crossing of Hinman Road by haul trucks during initial quarry development. Once an operating quarry face is developed, stone will be conveyed over Hinman Road to the processing plant. A traffic engineering report will study the impact and safety issues of the temporary use of Hinman Road and make recommendations based upon the analysis of roadway conditions. The DEIS will also consider the project in relation to Town, County and State infrastructure including roads, bridges, sewer and water facilities and pipelines, gas and electric facilities and transmission lines.

Continental Placer Inc. Page 11 Redland Quarries N.Y. Inc. Final Scope of Issues – Lockport Quarry 165-64-05-2494 6.6 Dust (Air Quality) The primary impact affecting air resources is the generation of dust created by mining activities. The EPA and DEC recognize that non-point source, or fugitive dust emissions, may be generated from activities such as overburden stripping, materials handling and haul truck movement. The issue of dust has been similarly raised concerning the hundreds of mining operations throughout New York. The DEIS will calculate the amount of estimated fugitive dust that could potentially be generated from the proposed mine and then develop methods to attenuate this aspect of mining. The dust control plan will maintain the facility in compliance with all State and Federal air regulations.

The public has expressed concerns in regard to the potential for harmful silica dust to be generated from mining activities. First, it should be noted that the proposed quarry will be mining a carbonate bedrock that contains very little silica. The rock is a dolomite, the chemical composition is CaMg (CO3)2.

Based upon the non-siliceous chemical makeup of the quarried stone and results of previous testing, an analysis of this aspect will be discussed.

6.7 Cultural Resources An archeological sensitivity assessment will be required for this proposed project in compliance with Section 14.09 of the State of Historic Preservation Act (SHPA). The report will be prepared following the New York Archeological Council (NYAC) Standards for Cultural Resource Investigations and the Curation of Archeological Collections prepared by the New York Archeological Council (2000) as endorsed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). The Applicant will work with the agencies to implement any needed actions. The DEIS will also consider the project in relation to the recreational and cultural aspects of the historic Erie Barge Canal and the Town Trailways Path System.

6.8 Wetlands A wetland study has been conducted on the modification area. This includes a delineation of a Federal Wetland found. A preliminary review of the New York State Freshwater Wetlands Map shows that there are no NYS wetlands on the site and none was found during the study. The closest wetland is LP-8 to the east of the abandoned railroad R.O.W. bordering the eastern perimeter of the project area. The report will contain the following sections: background information review; agency contacts; methods; a results section which includes a general site description, endangered and threatened species and cultural resources, site ecology and wetland descriptions; summary, and references. The impact of the proposed project on nearby surficial water features will also be examined. The Applicant will work with the agencies to implement any needed action. It is the Applicant’s understanding that the Department is still assessing the potential for State wetlands jurisdiction and that if State wetlands are identified, any required permit applications will have to be submitted.

6.9 Flora and Fauna Comments have been raised in regard to impacts on wildlife living on or near the modification area. A terrestrial ecology report will be prepared for the modification area. Fields investigations will be made of vegetation and wildlife including amphibians, reptiles and birds. The study will obtain information concerning endangered and threatened species.

Continental Placer Inc. Page 12 Redland Quarries N.Y. Inc. Final Scope of Issues – Lockport Quarry 165-64-05-2494 6.10 Land Use The significance of land use change is a subjective determination. The use of the project area for mining and subsequent reclamation to lakes is an obvious change; however, from an environmental standpoint, whether this change in use is significant depends upon whether this change will cause any significant adverse environmental impacts. That is, the change of use, per se, is not detrimental to the land. Moreover, the use of the land to obtain its natural resource is temporary and prudent. Once mining is completed, the land surrounding the lakes and the lakes themselves are available for beneficial use.

A determination of the significance of land use change should be assessed in the context of the benefit of utilizing the natural resource. This must be considered as well as the benefits to be derived in terms of jobs and an improved tax base on the project area. Mineable stone resources are basically finite and nonrenewable, with no substitutes of acceptable physical and chemical composition. These facts illustrate that the industry is consumptive by nature, and new sources must continually be identified for future availability. For a mineral bearing property to be suitable for excavation, there must be a sufficient quantity of high quality material available. Similarly, the mineral bearing property must be accessible to major transportation networks and relatively close to the market. As may be expected, few properties offer all of these criteria.

As the population increases, more demands are being placed upon the land as undeveloped areas are rapidly dwindling. The issue really becomes, given any specific land area, what is its best use for the greatest number of people, irrespective of personal interests, for the betterment of society as a whole. For example, would it be intelligent to build homes over a significant natural resource such as this stone which could serve thousands of people and the State in general, for many years. This situation is not novel and typifies the fate of natural resources across the country. Environmental quality is dependent on the economic well-being of an area to provide the mechanisms to protect it. A healthy economy is dependent on industry and the necessary raw materials to provide the region’s financial base. Clearly, a balance must be developed whereby industry can continue to supply the existing aggregate resources within the community in an environmentally responsible manner.

The use of the land as a quarry must be also analyzed within the context of “sustainable development”. Guiding principles for sustainable aggregate operations include:

 Develop a site-specific plan for post-mining land use and/or reclamation that engages stakeholders in planning for future needs and interests.  Plan for the prevention and/or minimization of environmental impacts.  Adopt and implement an Environmental Management System program to properly manage potential environmental risks and requirements, and improve overall environmental performance.  Pursue new technologies and practices to improve the operational, safety, health and environmental efficiency of operations.

6.11 Socioeconomics Many of the issues expressed by the Town of Lockport are socioeconomic in nature such as regional planning, population patterns, land use trends, economic impact and employment opportunities. These topics and others will be analyzed in the context of the proposed action and the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.

Continental Placer Inc. Page 13 Redland Quarries N.Y. Inc. Final Scope of Issues – Lockport Quarry 165-64-05-2494 6.12 Community Character

The DEIS will examine the project in relation to the existing and future community character in the areas neighboring the project. Reclamation plans will be evaluated in relation to Town Planning documents to examine post reclamation opportunities to contribute to Town goals and objectives for land use, housing and recreational opportunities.

Continental Placer Inc. Page 14 Redland Quarries N.Y. Inc. Final Scope of Issues – Lockport Quarry 165-64-05-2494 7.0 INITIAL IDENTIFICATION OF MITIGATION MEASURES

Mitigation must occur to the fullest extent practicable to lessen or alleviate adverse environmental impacts. In some cases the impact will not be eliminated.

The following is a brief preliminary listing of potential impacts and primary measure(s) to attenuate them.

Noise: construction of a perimeter earthen berm surrounding the quarry site.

Blasting Vibration: conduct blasting tests and analyses to develop a blast that will meet guidelines for safe blasting based upon distances from residences.

Groundwater: implement a groundwater monitoring program to detect any influence on the groundwater regime as mining advances. Develop a remedial action plan such as providing a new well.

Visual: construction of an aesthetic perimeter berm with a variety of plantings.

Traffic: traffic controls such as signage and warning lights for the temporary Hinman Road crossing.

Dust: water spray on dust generating surfaces.

Cultural Resources: rehabilitation of the Hinman House to a community amenity.

Land Use: reclamation uses.

Continental Placer Inc. Page 15 Redland Quarries N.Y. Inc. Final Scope of Issues – Lockport Quarry 165-64-05-2494 8.0 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

A DEIS is required to include an analysis of alternatives. The basis for this is expressed in THE SEQR HANDBOOK.

“The project sponsor develops the proposed action based on its goals and objectives. These goals and objectives are not always shared by the reviewing agencies and the public. Requiring that reasonable alternatives be discussed allows a reviewer to independently determine if the proposed action is, in fact, the best project when the environmental factors have been considered.”

8.1 No Action Alternative Under this scenario, within a short period of time, e.g. 3-5 years, stone reserves at the Lockport Quarry will be exhausted, aggregate production would stop, and Lafarge would cease as a business in Lockport. The direct economic effects of this action will be studied and analyzed.

8.2 Alternative Site Part 617.14(f)(5) of SEQRA indicates that alternative sites may be limited to parcels owned by, or under option to the applicant. Alternative sites under control of Lafarge will be investigated as to their suitability to meet the Applicant’s objectives.

8.3 Alternative Design and Technology The design of the quarry and the technology available to produce the aggregate has a direct effect on potential environmental impacts of the action. Alternatives, when available and feasible, must consider the cost effectiveness of their implementation.

8.4 Alternative Size Many of the environmental impacts associated with the proposed mine would be experienced regardless of size such as noise and blasting vibrations. A factor that does influence impacts when considering a reduced project size is the duration over which the impact is experienced. The DEIS will analyze how a change in project scale or magnitude will affect the environment and how it impacts the Applicant’s project objectives.

8.5 Alternative Development Schedule In the case of this proposed action, the timing element is critical since current stone reserves are about depleted. Initiation of scheduling the project is indicated to have no correlation with environmental elements. This will be, however, analyzed further. In terms of the mining pace (rate), this is purely market driven and generally has little to no bearing on environmental aspects. This will be discussed in the DEIS.

8.6 Alternative Land Use Alternative land uses for the project site must take into account the objective of the project sponsor and the business in which they are in. Short of these goals, land uses which may be considered would involve secondary land uses. This will involve an analysis of reclamation plans. The DEIS will examine differing reclamation schemes and how they would affect the secondary use of the land.

Continental Placer Inc. Page 16 Redland Quarries N.Y. Inc. Final Scope of Issues – Lockport Quarry 165-64-05-2494

APPENDIX

1. Mining Plan Map 2. Reclamation Plan Map 3. April 9, 2013 Town Letter 4. Town of Lockport Studies and Plans 5. Table of Contents 6. Lafarge Letter, December 5, 2013 7. Additional Town of Lockport Comments - December 9, 2015

APPENDIX 1

Mining Plan Map

0

0

6

AFFECTE D ACRE AGE SU MMARY 2013-2018 PERMIT TERM PROPOSED "HINMAN" MODIFICATION AFFECTED AREA 4/1/75 TO PRESENT (includes old north quarry, plants, stockpiles, PHASE 1 EXCAVATION 63.8± ACRES PERMITTED EXCAVATION AREA slot-cut, etc., (does not include southern active quarries) 158.1± ACRES 1.0± ACRES SOUTH QUARRY 126.4± ACRES PHASE 2 EXCAVATION 51.2± ACRES

NORTHWEST QUARRY 61.6± ACRES PHASE 3 EXCAVATION 47.8± ACRES SOUTHWEST QUARRY 39.6± ACRES

00 BERMS PERMITTED (EXISTING AND PROPOSED BERM AREAS) 12.9± ACRES PHASE 4 EXCAVATION 58.1± ACRES 6

CURRENTLY PERMITTED AREA AND PERMIT TERM FOR 2013-2018 398.6± ACRES TOTAL EXCAVATION 220.9± ACRES 6 0 MISCELLANEOUS 0 P E R MIT T E D E X CAVATION AREA PROPOSED BERM AREA 22.5± ACRES NORTH OF SOUTHWEST LOCKPORT BYPASS 1.0± ACRES P E R MIT T E D E X CAVATION AREA 0 TOTAL PROPOSED HINMAN MODIFICATION 243.4± ACRES 60 SOUTH OF SOUTHWEST LOCKPORT BYPASS 26. 5± ACRES TOTAL MODIFIED LIFE-OF-MINE 679.4± ACRES TOTAL LIFE-OF-MINE CURRENTLY PERMITTED AREA

426.1± ACRES 0

0

6

0 PROPOSED MODIFICATION DURING 2013-2018 PERMIT TERM 60

"MURPHY" PARCEL ADDITION (PERMIT PENDING) 9.9± ACRES 5 7 5 600

75 5 436± ACRES

S PERMITTED EXCAVATION AREA O U 26.5± ACRES T H NOTES: REDLAND QUARRIES N.Y., INC. HAS SOLD W PROPERTY WHICH CONTAINED PERMITTED E 25 L S 6 T F UT UR E E X CAVAT ION AREAS NORTH OF 5 O 6 7 575 0 C L 5 O THE SOUTHWEST LOCKPORT BYPASS. THEY 0 K C WERE PREVIOUSLY LABELED: P K O P R O - FUTURE EXCAVATION AREA....6.4±ACRES T R B T - FUTURE EXCAVATION AREA....2.8±ACRES Y B P Y A P S A 0 S THESE HAVE BEEN DELETED FROM 0 S

6 S

THE MINING PLAN MAP AND LIFE OF MINE ACREAGE 5 625 7

5 0 60 0 CONTOURS SOUTH AND WEST OF NATIONAL GRID 0 6 0 6 UTILITY LINE MAPPED BY SOUTHERN RESOURCES 60 0 6 0 0 MAPPING CORPORATION; FLIGHT DATE OCTOBER 5, 0 2011. CONTOUR INTERVAL 2 FEET, ALL OTHER 0 60 60 CONTOURS 5' 0 0 60 5 50 5 2

6 0 60 75 5 60 PROPOSED BERMS 575 0

5.8± ACRES 6 0 0

0 5 6 5 575 0 600 60 5 0 0 7 75 5 5 2013-2018 575

AFFECTED/EXCAVATION AREA 6

0 61.6± ACRES 0 LANDFILL 600 6 E 25 0 NU 6 60 0 VE 0 T A ES W 00 5 6 5 0 0 0 6 625

5 0 2 60 5 6 2 6 600 6 0 0 600 575 575 575 5 57 5 75 600

0 0 0 LAB 0 6

6 575

0 0 6

5

7 5 575 5 7 5 SCALES 1 E 3 T SHOP 0 U 0 O 6 R 600 55 5 0 5 57 5 5 625

5 7 5

75 600 5

5

7 2013-2018 5 6 575 5 0 57 AFFECTED/EXCAVATION AREA 0 126.4± ACRES

625 e in L r te 0 a 0 W 6 NATIONAL t GRID EASEMENT r 57 o 5 p k 5 5 c 7 2 o 5 6 6 L 00 f o L y A t N i A C C E

s I

6 e r R 62 00 D 5 c E A A City of Lockport O ± R

1 . E 8 6

t 0 G

i 0 D

m I i R

L R n 0 60 A

o i Town of Lockport

t E

a B 5 9 .9 A CRES v 7 a 5

c

NATIONAL GRID EASEMENT x 6 B

2 E 5 ER M 0 0 2013-2018 6 AFFECTED/EXCAVATION AREA 600 39.6± ACRES B ERM

U T I L I T Y R.O.W B OU ND ARY 0 UTILITY EASEMENT 0 R.O.W 6

75 .0 ' EA S EM EN G T A 0 S TO 0 T 6 R T P A EN N N M SM ES U I SE S SS E AD IO RO N N MA IN UT H -O 575 M P 0 U 60 Y P RR UA 625 Q 625

H INMAN ROAD PERMITTED BERM AREAS 625 (7.1 ACRES) 0 620 0 0.6± Acres 0.6± Acres 6 Proposed Berm 2.3 s ± Acres 5 re Proposed Berm 2.2 7 Ac ± Acres 5 3 ± 13 . m 615 r 620 Be 0 d . LIFE-OF-MINE se 6 po ACCESS TO SITE ± ro A P c AREA EAST OF 615 r e s 0 0 GAS LINE 610 6 PROPOSED CONVEYORROUTE 65.5± ACRES 610

615 605

610 INITIAL QUARRY . G PHASE 4 City of Lockport D 605 (SCHEMATIC) as V L L in 0 0 0 B e 6 58.1± ACRES 0 R 6 L 605 .O L .W Town of Lockpo E EXCAVATION rt

B

6

P

0

0 4 M E AREA A S

C PHASE 1 A H P s re 63.8± ACRES O c T A S ± S .5 EXCAVATION E P r 1 C op C o rm A se e AREA d B Be d r e D m s A 1 o . p O WETLAND 4± ro R A P E PHASE 3 0 c 60 re G s D I R 47.8± ACRES 60 0 R A E EXCAVATION LP-8 B

600 AREA 6 00 LIFE-OF-MINE 600 5 7 PHASE 2 5 AREA WEST OF 51.2± ACRES Proposed Berm 13.3± Acres L GAS LINE A EXCAVATION N 177.9± ACRES A AREA C 0 WETLAND 0 E 6 I R Proposed Berm 13.3± Acres E

600

600 Date Revisions By CONTINENTAL PLACER INC. 7/05 TOPO UPDATE A ER OCON II Winners Circle, Albany, New York 12205 ph: 518/458-9203 fax: 518/458-9206 TOPO UPDATE 600 3/18/08 SPS

AFFECTED BERM AREA 11/7/12 JRH 600 MODIFICATION REDLAND QUARRIES N.Y. INC. MURPHY ROAD 600 3/15/13 LOM Boundary Added JRH MINING PLAN MAP 3/19/13 Lables Revised JRH Town of Lockport Niagara County, NY Murphy 5/8/14 JRH Modification Project Manager: JRH Date: Sheet No: Prepared By: JRH March 4, 2003 7/23/14 Utility R.O.W JRH Drafted By: CAP Project No: Reviewed By: 1 of 2 1/7/15 Hinman JRH 165-64-05-2494 Modification P:\CAD Drawings\LaFarge\lafarge lockport mp\dwg\LaFarge MPM 2015 4'22'15 revisions.dwg, 4/22/2015 9:41:35 AM, PDF-XChange for AcroPlot Pro.pc3

APPENDIX 2

Reclamation Plan Map

Undisturbed Areas Mixture of Native Grasses and Scrub Shrub

Permitted Life Of Mine Boundary

Open Meadow Grasslands

Undisturbed Areas A A' Mixture of Native Grasses Northwe st Southeast Drainage and Scrub Shrub

Estimated High Water Level ~575' 3

1 Potential Backfill P roje cte d Fin a l Floor Elevation Area 550'± (Sche ma tic) Permitted Life Of Mine Boundary

SCALE: HORIZONTAL 1" = 200' VERTICAL 1" = 100'

LANDFILL UE EN AV ST WE

Drainage

Open Meadow Grasslands

Open Meadow Grasslands

Highwalls to be left in a Ver tical Po sition Undisturbed Areas Exc ept Wh er e Backfilled Mixture of Native Grasses Mixture of Native Grasses and Scrub Shrub and Scrub Shrub Drainage SITE ENTRANCE

Pond Drainage (Old Quarry) Grasses and Scattered SUMP Trees H ig hwalls to be left in P roje cte d Fin a l Floor Elevation a Vertical Position 540'± in Se le cted L oc ations

Permitted Life Of Mine Open Meadow Boundary Grasslands

L SUMP Natural Wetland A N A (Federal) C E Permitted I Open Meadow R Life Of Mine E Grasslands Boundary

Highwalls to be left in Open Meadow a Ver tical Po sition Drainage Grasslands Exc ept wher e Backfilled Undisturbed Areas Open Meadow Mixture of Native Grasses Grasslands and Scrub Shrub Berm Pro jected Fin al Flo or Elevation Drainage Retained 540'± Retained Aggregate P roje cte d Fin a l Floor Elevation Surfaced 536'± SUMP Access Trail SUMP E UT RO GE AR CH H ig hwalls to be left in 550 DIS a V er tica l Po sition Drainage Ditch 575 600

Berm Retained

625

620 Retained H ig hwalls to be left in a V er tica l Po sition Access Exc ept wher e Backfilled

615 Lake Area 58.1 ± Acres Water Level § 575'± (Estimated 610 A High) 570'± (Estimated Low)

605

0 0 6 5 7 5 Pro jected Fin al Flo or Elevation 0 5 5 494'± 5 2 5 Potential Backfill Area (Schematic)

Lake Area 162.8 ± Acres Water Level § 575'± (Estimated High) 570'± (Estimated Low) P o te n tia l Ba c kfill Area (Schematic)

500 Life Of Mine Pro jected Fin al Flo or Elevation 525 Boundary 495'± Retained 550 H ig hwalls to be left in Access 575 a V er tica l Po sition 595 Exc ept wher e Backfilled 500

525 Potential Backfill Area (Schematic) 550

575

595

Life Of Mine Boundary

A '

Date Revisions By 600 CONTINENTAL PLACER INC.

7/05 TOPO UPDATE A ER OCON II Winners Circle, Albany, New York 12205

RECLAMATION PLAN ph: 518/458-9203 fax: 518/458-9206 10/1/07 MODIFICATION JRH

RECLAMATION PLAN 1/2/13 MODIFICATION JRH REDLAND QUARRIES N.Y. INC. 3/15/13 LOM Boundary Added JRH RECLAMATION PLAN MAP 4/10/13 Dewatering Revised JRH Town of Lockport Niagara County, NY

5/8/14 Murphy Modification JRH Project Manager: JRH Date: Sheet No: Prepared By: JRH March 4, 2003 1/27/15 Hinman Modification JRH Drafted By: WKC Project No: Reviewed By: JRH 2 of 2 3/26/15 Backfill Areas JRH 165-64-05-2494 P :\ CAD Dr aw in gs\L aF ar ge\l afar ge l oc kp or t mp \R ec Ma p 3' 25'15 revi si on s_reco ver000.d wg , 4/ 22/2015 10:40:19 AM, P DF -X Ch an ge for Acr oP lo t Pro.pc3

APPENDIX 3

April 9, 2013 Town Letter

APPENDIX 4

Town of Lockport Studies and Plans

APPENDIX

VOLUME 2

Appendix 1 Mined Land Use Plan

VOLUME 3

Appendix 2 DEC Correspondence Comment Letters Final Scoping Document Public Scoping Transcript

VOLUME 4

Appendix 3 Soils Descriptions

Appendix 4 Air Quality Data

Appendix 5 NSSGA Air Study

Appendix 6 TES Ecology Report

Appendix 7 TES Wetland Report

Appendix 8 SRF Traffic Study

Appendix 9 Sound Recording Data Sheets Epsilon Sound Analysis

Appendix 10 Hartgen Archeological Associates Archeology Reports

Appendix 11 Blasting Studies

Appendix 12 Property Value Studies

Appendix 13 Water Well Survey