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

June 26, 2020

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

PROJECT NAME : North Quincy Cables Replacement Project PROJECT MUNICIPALITY : Quincy PROJECT WATERSHED : Boston Harbor EEA NUMBER : 16201 PROJECT PROPONENT : New England Power Company d/b/a National Grid DATE NOTICED IN MONITOR : May 6, 2020

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

Project Description

As described in the Environmental Notification Form (ENF), the project consists of the replacement of the existing 523N and 533N underground 115 kV transmission supply cables which connect the North Quincy Substation and the Field Street Substation. The replacement cables will consist of a dielectric cable system, installed within a concrete encased duct bank and manhole system to be installed in the same general location as the existing cable system with three exceptions. First, the replacement cable system will be installed within a private parking lot and not within a Proponent owned parcel as it exits the North Quincy Substation and heads toward Newport Avenue. Second, the existing cables are buried over a pile-supported concrete culvert that conveys stormwater to an existing tidal creek (Sagamore Creek) under Newport Avenue. The unequal settlement of the roadway on both sides of the culvert has placed significant mechanical stress on the existing cables. To avoid a recurrence of this issue, the replacement cables will be installed via horizontal directional drill (HDD) under

EEA# 16201 ENF Certificate June 26, 2020 portions of Sagamore Creek which is located within the Neponset River Estuary Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) for approximately 1,455 feet (800 ft of which will be below salt marsh). The cables within the HDD portion of the project cables will be installed within a 42-inch- diameter conduit. The maximum depth of the conduit is expected to be between 30 and 50 feet below grade. This depth may change as design develops and the results of soil borings are evaluated. The HDD will be located adjacent to and west of Newport Avenue to a point southeast of the Neponset River Estuary ACEC within the Newport Avenue roadway layout. Third, the replacement cables will deviate from the route of the existing cables as they approach the Field Street Substation by using Field Street rather than Morrison Street for approximately 900 feet.

The Proponent has determined that the cables which were installed in 1975 are reaching the end of their useful life. The cables have a documented history of dielectric fluid leaks due to age, thermo- mechanical bending, corrosion, and dig-ins. Additionally, the cables are under significant mechanical stress where the cables cross over a pile-supported concrete culvert at Sagamore Creek on Newport Avenue. The existing cable system has become increasingly difficult to maintain, as replacement parts are not readily available and the availability of experienced craftsmen proficient in the repair of these aging systems has declined.

The existing cables cannot be removed until the replacement cables are installed and put into service. Therefore, the construction sequencing for the project will include installation of the new replacement cables first, followed by removal of the existing cables. Contingent upon receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, construction is anticipated to begin in April 2022. It is estimated that installation and energization (supplied with electrical current) of the replacement cables will be complete by December 2023, with removal of the existing cables commencing in the Spring of 2024 and completed by November 2024.

Project Site

The approximately 4.4-acre project corridor extends approximately 3.3 miles from the North Quincy Substation located off Newport Avenue, at the end of Oak Avenue and south of Hancock Street in the City of Quincy, to the Field Street Substation located at the intersection of Field Street and Morrison Street. From the North Quincy Substation at the western end of the transmission line, the existing cables exit the substation along a narrow parcel of land owned by NEP and turn southeast on Newport Avenue Extension and follow Newport Avenue Extension and Newport Avenue southeast, turn east on Furnace Brook Parkway, turn southeast at the Southern Artery, and then turn east and follow Morrison Street into the Field Street Substation. The lines are located along existing paved surfaces such as roadways or parking lots, adjacent vegetated shoulders or medians or within existing electrical substations.

According to the Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System (MACRIS) database, the route will pass through several districts and two sites listed in the State Register of Historic Places or the Inventory of Historic and Archaeological Assets of the Commonwealth. However, the project does not involve demolition or destruction of any listed or inventoried historic or archaeological resources. The project corridor crosses through Sagamore Creek within the Neponset River Estuary and portions of the project corridor are adjacent to Blacks Creek. Wetland resource areas in the vicinity of the project area include Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage (LSCSF), Salt Marsh, Riverfront Area (RFA) and

2

EEA# 16201 ENF Certificate June 26, 2020

Bordering Land Subject to Flooding (BLSF). According to the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), Blacks Creek is mapped by DMF as important habitat for the passage, spawning, and early development of rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) and American eel (Anguilla rostrata). Rainbow smelt is designated as a Species of Concern by the National Marine Fisheries Service. As noted earlier, the project corridor crosses the Neponset River Estuary ACEC. The central resource features of the Neponset River Estuary ACEC are the Neponset River and portions of its tributaries, the estuary, salt marshes, floodplains, fishery habitat, and diverse wildlife habitat. The predominant ecological and visual features of the ACEC are the Neponset River and the adjacent salt marshes including Sagamore Creek. Portions on the project corridor are located in within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s mapped 100-yr floodplain.

Environmental Impacts and Mitigation

The project will temporarily impact approximately 52,000 square feet (sf) of BLSF1 , and 17,100 sf of RFA as a result of activities to remove and replace the existing cable lines. Measures to avoid, minimize and mitigate Damage to the Environment include development and implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for ROW access, maintenance, and construction, including erosion and sedimentation controls; restoration of areas disturbed during construction; development and implementation of a construction period traffic management plan in coordination with the MBTA, DCR and the City of Quincy; and implementation of an HDD contingency plan.

Jurisdiction and Permitting

This project is subject to MEPA review and preparation of an ENF pursuant to 301 CMR 11.03(3)(b)(1)(f) and 11.03(11)(b) because it involves the alteration of ½ or more acres of any other wetland and involves a project within a designated ACEC. The project requires a 401 Water Quality Certification and Chapter 91 License from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), a Construction and Access Permit from DCR due to impacts to Furnace Brook Parkway, and may require a Non-vehicular Access Permit from the MassDOT for access to Furnace Brook Parkway/Southern Artery, and a Rail Crossing Permit from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) due to the crossing beneath the elevated Red Line tracks. The project is subject to review under M.G.L. c.164 § 72 by the Department of Public Utilities (DPU). The project requires an 8(m) Permit from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) as a result of construction activity in the vicinity of MWRA infrastructure.

The project will require an Order of Conditions from the Quincy Conservation Commission, or in the case of an appeal, a Superseding Order of Conditions from MassDEP. The project will require a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction General Permit (CGP) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and review from the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC).

The project is not receiving Financial Assistance from the Commonwealth. Therefore, MEPA jurisdiction for any future review would be limited to those aspects of the project that are within the

1 Portions of this area may overlap with LSCSF. This will be determined when additional ground surface elevation is determined. Information provided by an e-mail to the MEPA Office on 6/25/2020. 3

EEA# 16201 ENF Certificate June 26, 2020 subject matter of any required or potentially required Agency Actions and that may cause Damage to the Environment, as defined in the MEPA regulations.

Review of the ENF

The ENF provided a description of existing and proposed conditions, preliminary project plans, an alternative analysis, and identified measures to avoid, minimize and mitigate environmental impacts. The comment period was extended by three weeks to accommodate the submission of two supplemental information memoranda which were distributed on May 20, 2020 and June 4, 2020 (both of which are included in references to the ENF for the remainder of the Certificate). Comments from State Agencies express concerns with the HDD segment of the project within Sagamore Creek. Although HDD is typically a preferred construction method for installation of cables within wetland areas because it does not result in surficial disturbance, an alternative which keeps the cable system within the roadway layout is preferred by DCR and CZM in this instance because of the risks associated with surface heaving2 or release of drilling fluids which may adversely impact wetland resource areas.

Comments from the City request that the Proponent coordinate construction with the City’s annual utility work. As the design of the project progresses, the proponent should remain in contact with the City to confirm that a joint project including the replacement of the culvert along the Newport Avenue Extension and cable replacement within the roadway layout remains infeasible.

Alternatives Analysis

As described in the ENF, the Preferred Alternative was developed as a way to meet the project goals of replacing the transmission cables while balancing cost, environmental impact, and reliability. The alternatives analysis considered a No-Action Alternative, non-transmission alternatives (NTAs) such as energy efficiency, distributed generation, and demand response, and three transmission alternatives (including the Preferred Alternative). The No-Action Alternative would involve the continued operation of the existing dialectic fluid cable system. This alternative was dismissed because the cables are over 45 years old and have a documented history of dielectric fluid releases. These releases result in cable outages and costs for repair and environmental response, assessment and remediation. Further, maintenance and repair of the cables have become increasingly difficult because replacement parts and experienced craftsmen are not readily available for the aging cable system. Because of this, the No-Action Alternative will result in reduced service reliability for Quincy electric customers.

The NTAs Alterative was dismissed because it cannot address the physical condition of the existing cables, which is the underlying driver for the project. The existing cables will continue to degrade, resulting in additional dielectric fluid leaks and forced outages for repair. The availability of parts and labor to repair and maintain the existing cables will continue to decline, regardless of investments in NTAs. Similarly, NTAs cannot perform the physical function of connecting the Field Street and North Quincy Substations to the electric transmission system. Without either the existing cables or a permanent replacement, the substations’ ties to the regional transmission system would be degraded and reliability of electric service to the City of Quincy would be considerably reduced. Overall, while energy efficiency, demand response, energy storage and distributed and conventional

2 Surface heaving occurs when the ground ahead of a directional drill is lifted up, causing a bulge or break in the surface. 4

EEA# 16201 ENF Certificate June 26, 2020 generation each play a central role in the cost-effective provision of electricity, they cannot serve as a substitute for the replacement of existing transmission lines that provide electricity to substations for distribution.

The three transmission alternatives included: an Overhead Transmission Alternative, a Two Duct Bank Underground Alternative and the Preferred Alternative. The Overhead Transmission Alternative considered removing the existing cables and replacing them with two new overhead 115 kV transmission lines between the Field Street and North Quincy Substations. This alternative was dismissed based on community impacts of creating a new overhead right-of-way (“ROW”) through Quincy and construction feasibility issues within the MBTA ROW. The Two Duct Bank Alternative considered removing the existing cables and replacing them with two new underground 115 kV transmission cables in separate duct bank-and-manhole systems along separate routes between the Field Street and North Quincy Substations. Installation of two separate duct banks would approximately double the impacts of the project and project cost. The advantage of the Two Duct Bank Underground Alternative is that it would eliminate the potential for the loss of both replacement cables due to a single major event (e.g., a significant dig in, water main break or major road damage) by installing them along separate routes. However, the Preferred Alternative also protects the replacement cables from damage by placing them in a concrete manhole and duct bank system.

During the review period, State Agencies requested that the Proponent provide additional information of alternatives considered during design which would avoid the HDD within Sagamore Creek/Neponset River ACEC because of the potential impacts to wetlands resources if the HDD went awry (i.e. surface heaving and/or drilling fluid leaks). As described by the Proponent, prior to selecting the current HDD alternative, the Proponent considered installing the replacement cables in the current location atop the culvert; using HDD to install the cables within the Newport Avenue roadway layout; and avoiding the Sagamore Creek crossing altogether by routing the cable east of the MBTA ROW. The installation of the replacement cables within the existing roadway layout was considered but dismissed because settling of the adjacent soils surrounding the culvert and its impact on the new duct bank would present maintenance and reliability issues. To avoid placing the cables on top of the culvert, the Proponent considered using HDD to install the cable system underneath the culvert and its pile support system within the roadway layout. As described by the Proponent drilling between these piles would involve risk of damage to the existing piles supporting the culvert and of unsuccessful HDD attempts. Given these constraints, drilling between the piles is not recommended and is not expected to be allowed or supported by the City of Quincy. In addition, the risk of inadvertent release of drilling fluids to the resource areas (salt marsh and tidal creek) remains if the HDD is relocated below the culvert. Under these conditions, the length of the HDD would need to be increased to allow the section of the HDD under the pile field to be deep enough to ensure piles would not be damaged. This was considered a significant risk and make HDD activity more challenging. Avoidance of the Sagamore Creek Crossing through rerouting the cable system within routes east of the MBTA ROW (along Hancock Street) were considered. Each would require significant use of private property that would require obtaining permanent easements, including the recently rebuilt MBTA North Quincy Station property. Multiple HDD and jack and bore operations would be required to cross the railroad ROW and private parking lots, and would be longer and more expensive to construct.

The Proponent provided additional information on the feasibility of conducting a joint project with the City which would involve replacing the culvert and installing the replacement cable system

5

EEA# 16201 ENF Certificate June 26, 2020 within the roadway layout, avoiding potential secondary impacts to salt marsh arising from HDD drilling. The Proponent indicates that the City of Quincy is not currently planning on replacing the culvert at this time and any delay in the cable replacement project is not feasible due to reliability concerns. The Proponent also considered installing an overhead transmission line over this portion of the project corridor. This alternative was dismissed because the short section of overhead transmission line would require large aerial structures to support the overhead conductors and construction of a transition station to facilitate the transition from the underground cables to overhead cables. While this alternative is technically feasible, the Proponent determined that it is not a practicable or reasonable option because it would result in significantly greater visual impacts, cost, effort, time, outage constraints and public opposition. Additionally, the Proponent considered a pile‐supported duct bank over the existing Sagamore Creek Culvert. However, this was dismissed because the soft organic clay/silt layer in the area of the Sagamore Creek and Newport Avenue Extension extends approximately 40 or 50 feet below ground surface. Therefore, piles would need to be at least this deep to be supported on a more stable material underlying this layer. This would be a time consuming and costly exercise with a much greater degree of work in close proximity to the salt marsh and tidal creek area, presenting a risk at least equal to or greater than the proposed HDD operation. The soft organic clay/silt layer in the area, which has led to extensive differential settlement around the pile supported Sagamore Creek Culvert, is believed to extend at least 1,400 feet along Newport Avenue Extension. Therefore, to prevent the potential for differential settlement between the transition from pile supported duct bank and conventional construction, which could result in cable failure from shear stress, the pile supported section could potentially need to span the entire 1,400‐foot area where the organic clay/silt layer exists.

Overall, the Proponent asserts that HDD through the salt marsh and ACEC remains the best option for placement of the cable, when considering the numerous risks and costs associated with alternative methods.

ACEC, Wetlands and Waterways

The project will result in temporary impacts to previously disturbed BLSF and RFA associated with the installation of the replacement cable system and removal of the old cable system. The Quincy Conservation Commission will review the project for its consistency with the Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) and associated Regulations (310 CMR 10.00). As described in the ENF, no borings or any other work of any kind is proposed in the salt marsh and there will be no surficial impacts within the ACEC as the entry/exit pits will be set up outside of the ACEC boundaries and within previously developed areas on either side of the proposed HDD crossing. The installation of the conduit beneath the limits of wetland resource areas will involve the removal of is approximately 285 cubic yards of sediment.

The Project will require a new c. 91 License for the Sagamore Creek work, with other jurisdictional work conducted under Notices of Minor Project Modification. The entire HDD section is approximately 1,455 linear feet, with approximately 800 linear feet below the salt marsh. The HDD will require a 401 WQC from MassDEP. MassDEP will review the project for its consistency with the Waterways Regulations (301 CMR 9.00) and Water Quality Regulations (314 CRM 9.00).

The Proponent provided an example HDD Contingency Plan used by National Grid which described BMPs used for HDD operations. Comments from CZM and DCR request more detailed plans pertaining to this specific project once they are developed. The proponent should provide this

6

EEA# 16201 ENF Certificate June 26, 2020 information and any draft permit applications to CZM and the ACEC Program for review. In the event of inadvertent impacts to water and/or a wetland resources (e.g., surface heaving, release of drilling fluids), mitigation, such as restoration or In-Lieu Fee, may be required. Comments from DMF indicate that it is not anticipated that work associated with the project will impact the fisheries resources provided that BMPs described in the ENF are followed regarding containment and removal of debris, fluids, and sediment associated with the planned HDD under Sagamore Creek and construction adjacent to and over Blacks Creek.

Transportation

The project involves installation/removal of cables within an approximately 0.5-mile section of Furnace Brook Parkway which is under the care, control and custody of DCR. Comments from DCR indicate that DCR recently commenced a needs assessment for the entire length of Furnace Brook Parkway, including the 0.5-mile section to be impacted by the Project route, between Newport Avenue and Route 3A/Southern Artery. The assessment is intended to inventory infrastructure along the parkway in need of repair or replacement, including accommodations for bicycle and pedestrian use. The assessment will serve as a basis to set priorities for improvements to the parkway. DCR foresees the need to closely coordinate any future improvements along the half-mile stretch of Furnace Brook Parkway with the Project activities and will do so through its Construction and Access permit process.

The project corridor crosses under the existing elevated MBTA Red Line tracks within the roadway surface on Furnace Brook Parkway at the intersection of Newport Avenue and Furnace Brook Parkway and runs parallel to that line for approximately 1.5 miles on Newport Avenue, passing the Wollaston and North Quincy stations. The project route also runs along MBTA bus routes on Newport Avenue, Hancock Street at the intersection of Furnace Brook Parkway and the Southern Artery at Coddington Street. The Proponent should consult with MassDOT’s District Office 6 to clarify the roadway jurisdiction and permitting requirements associated with proposed work. The proposed installation of new duct bank in Furnace Brook Parkway to cross under an elevated MBTA Red Line will require an MBTA Rail Crossing Permit (MGL c. 40 sec.56a).

The Proponent should develop a traffic management plan (TMP) for the purpose of maintaining safe and efficient mobility for all modes of travel at access/egress locations along the project corridor. I refer the Proponent to additional guidance on preparation of the TMP in MassDOT’s comment letter. The Proponent should consult with MassDOT’s Highway Division District 6 office, as well as with the City of Quincy, MBTA and the Department of Conservation and Recreation to coordinate the permitting, development of the TMP, and all project-related work located within the state highway layout or otherwise affecting state roadways.

Water/Wastewater

Section 8(m) of Chapter 372 of the Acts of 1984 allows the MWRA to issue permits to build, construct, excavate, or cross within or near an easement or other property interest held by the MWRA, with the goal of protecting Authority-owned infrastructure. As described in MWRA’s comment letter, due to the proximity of MWRA infrastructure to the project alignment at certain locations, an 8(m) permit will be required.

7

EEA# 16201 ENF Certificate June 26, 2020

MWRA prohibits the discharge of groundwater or accumulated stormwater to the sanitary sewer system, pursuant to 360 CMR 10.023(1), except in a combined sewer area when permitted by the Authority and the local community. The project site has access to storm drains and it is not located in a combined sewer area. Therefore, the discharge of any groundwater or stormwater to the sanitary sewer system associated with the replacement of the underground electric cables is prohibited.

Climate Change

Governor Baker’s Executive Order 569: Establishing an Integrated Climate Change Strategy for the Commonwealth (EO 569; the Order) was issued on September 16, 2016. The Order recognizes the serious threat presented by climate change and direct Executive Branch agencies to develop and implement an integrated strategy that leverages state resources to combat climate change and prepare for its impacts. The Order seeks to ensure that Massachusetts will meet GHG emissions reduction limits established under the Global Warming Solution Act of 2008 (GWSA) and will work to prepare state government and cities and towns for the impacts of climate change. I note that the MEPA statute directs all State Agencies to consider reasonably foreseeable climate change impacts, including additional greenhouse gas emissions, and effects, such as predicted sea level rise, when issuing permits, licenses and other administrative approvals and decisions. M.G.L. c. 30, § 61.

Adaptation and Resiliency

The expected design life of the project is 40 years. As described in the ENF, based on this it was determined that the project would neither contribute in any way to problems associated with sea level rise or climate change, nor would project infrastructure be negatively affected if inundated or subjected to regular flooding because the cable systems will be installed underground within the roadway layout, encased in concrete and are designed to handle inundation. Because the replacement cables will be encased in concrete, the project represents an improvement over the existing cables which are direct buried and more vulnerable to disturbance, including flooding. Additionally, the new splice vaults (manholes) will be designed to withstand flooding from both fresh and salt water. The Proponent determined flood level increases within North Quincy are predicted to become more severe over time and would geographically flood much of North Quincy (as observed in current‐day flood events). Therefore, climate change and associated more frequent and severe flooding events were not a major consideration when siting the project. The Proponent should continue to consider the effects of climate change as the project design advances due to the projects location within the floodplain.

Construction Period

A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) will be prepared for the project which will specify erosion control and stormwater management measures to be implemented during construction. The proposed horizontal directional drill installation of the replacement cables under Sagamore Creek will be completed in a manner such that there will be no physical alteration to the wetland resource areas or waterways. As required, a Horizontal Directional Drill Operations Contingency Plan (“HDD Contingency Plan”) will be developed prior to the commencement of the drilling operations. The HDD Contingency Plan will be submitted with all applicable permit applications for agency review, comment, and approval.

8

EEA# 16201 ENF Certificate June 26, 2020

-7.10), and Solid Waste Facilities (310 CMR 16.00 and 310 CMR 19.00, including the waste ban provision at 310 CMR

ng anti-idling require that its contractors use construction equipment with engines manufactured to Tier 4 federal emission standards, or select project contractors that have installed retrofit emissions control devices or vehicles that use alternative fuels to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM) from diesel-powered equipment. Off-road vehicles are required to use ultra- construction, the Proponent should notify MassDEP in accordance with the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (310 CMR 40.00). All construction activities should be undertaken in compliance with the demolition (C&D) debris to the maximum extent.

Conclusion

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

June 26, 2020 ______Date Kathleen A. Theoharides

Comments received:

05/26/2020 Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) 05/29/2020 City of Quincy Department of Planning & Community Development 06/02/2020 Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) 06/16/2020 Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) 06/16/2020 Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) 06/17/2020 Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF)

KAT/EFF/eff

9

MEMORANDUM

TO: Kathleen A. Theoharides, Secretary, EEA ATTN: Erin Flaherty, MEPA Office FROM: Lisa Berry Engler, Director, CZM DATE: June 16, 2020 RE: EEA #16201, North Quincy Cables Replacement Project, Quincy ______

The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) has completed its review of the above-referenced Environmental Notification Form (ENF) noticed in the Environmental Monitor dated May 6, 2020 and supplemental information received on May 20, 2020 and June 4, 2020 and offers the following comments.

Project Description With this ENF, New England Power Company d/b/a National Grid (the “Proponent”) proposes to replace an existing set of underground electric transmission line cables along an approximately 3.3-mile route between the North Quincy Substation off the Newport Avenue Extension and the Field Street Substation. The proposed 115-kilovolt, extruded-dielectric cable system will be installed within a duct bank and manhole system generally along the existing transmission alignment except for where the alignment currently uses Morrison Street and the Newport Avenue Extension over a culvert conveying the tidally influenced Sagamore Creek. In the former deviation, the alignment will run under Field Street for approximately 900 feet, while the latter deviation will require horizontal directional drilling (HDD) below Sagamore Creek, which is a part of the Neponset River Estuary Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC), to avoid the on-going settling of the roadway that is stressing the existing transmission cables. Approximately 17,100 square feet (SF) of riverfront area and 52,000 SF of bordering land subject to flooding will be temporarily altered and one of the HDD pits will be located within the ACEC, but in a previously developed area. Approximately 285 cubic yards of material from the salt marsh substrate will be dredged by HDD. The proposed project will require a 401 Water Quality Certificate (WQC) for the proposed dredging and authorization under M.G.L. c. 91 for the portions of the project on and under filled and flowed tidelands. The segment of the project along the Southern Artery between Broad Street and the Field Street Substation is located within the Weymouth Fore River Designated Port Area (DPA).

Project Comments Alternatives Analysis The ENF and supplemental information included analyses of alternatives to the overall project (e.g., no action, non-transmission alternatives), transmission alternatives (e.g., overheard transmission alternative), and route alternatives, including alternatives to the proposed HDD (e.g., replacement in current location in existing right-of-way, HDD within roadway). Typically, HDD is preferred to other

methods that have temporary and/or permanent impacts to wetland resources because HDD may not cause temporary or permanent impacts; however, in this instance, a number of the analyzed alternatives to HDD could avoid potential impacts to the ACEC, but were rejected because of time, cost, or technical constraints, not potential or actual environmental impacts. The proponent also indicated that the City, which owns and maintains Newport Avenue Extension and the Sagamore Creek culvert under which the proposed transmission cables will be installed by HDD, has no plans to replace or repair the roadway or culvert and thus, the proponent cannot consider a joint project with the City to simultaneously replace the transmission cables and culvert. As the design of the project progresses, the proponent should remain in contact with the City to confirm that a joint project remains infeasible.

HDD Operations and HDD Operations Contingency Plan During the consultation session, the proponent indicated that all the surficial HDD work would take place within the right-of-way and other previously developed areas and that no borings or other exploratory work is proposed in the salt marsh. Because the design of the proposed project has not been finalized, a vertical profile of the HDD section and relevant data (e.g., planned average, maximum depth of drilling), best management practices, HDD operations contingency plan, and other operational aspects (e.g., composition of drilling fluids) are not yet available. The proponent should provide this information and any draft permit applications to CZM and the ACEC Program for review prior to their filing with MassDEP. In the event of inadvertent impacts to water and/or a wetland resources (e.g., surface heaving, release of drilling fluids), mitigation, such as restoration or In-Lieu Fee, may be required.

Federal Consistency The proposed project may be subject to CZM federal consistency review. For further information on this process, please contact Robert Boeri, Project Review Coordinator, at 617-626- 1050 or visit the CZM website at www.mass.gov/czm/fcr.

LBE/ts/elh cc: Rachel Freed, Deputy Regional Director, MassDEP-NERO Bureau of Water Resources Daniel Padien, Program Chief, MassDEP Waterways Regulation Program Nancy Putnam, Director of Ecology and ACEC Program, Department of Conservation & Recreation Nat Tipton, MEPA Review Coordinator, Department of Conservation & Recreation David Wong, Environmental Analyst, MassDEP Bureau of Water Resources

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries 251 Causeway Street, Suite 400, Boston, MA 02114 p: (617) 626-1520 | f: (617) 626-1509 www.mass.gov/marinefisheries

CHARLES D. BAKER KARYN E. POLITO KATHLEEN A. THEOHARIDES RONALD S. AMIDON DANIEL J. MCKIERNAN Governor Lt. Governor Secretary Commissioner Director

June 17, 2020

Kathleen A. Theoharides, Secretary Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Attn: MEPA Office, Erin Flaherty 100 Cambridge Street, suite 900 Boston, Ma 02114

RE: EEA#16201 Environmental Notification Form

Dear Secretary Theoharides:

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) has reviewed the Environmental Notification Form (ENF) for the proposed Quincy 115kV cable replacement by New England Power Company, d/b/a National Grid regarding the project’s impacts to marine fisheries resources and habitats. The proposed work consists of the installation and removal of 3.3mi of underground electrical cables, including crossings under Sagamore Creek and over Blacks Creek, in order to improve the reliability of electrical services in the region and avoid further dialectric fluid releases which are both costly to fix and harmful to the environment.

The proposed project including horizontal directional drilling (HDD) activity will temporarily impact areas within the Neponset River Estuary ACEC adjacent to and under Sagamore Creek. Sagamore Creek contains salt marsh. Salt marshes are significant to the protection of marine fisheries because they support the base of coastal food webs and provide spawning, nursery, and forage habitat. The proposed project will also temporarily impact roadway areas adjacent to and crossing over Blacks Creek. Blacks Creek is mapped by DMF as important habitat for the passage, spawning, and early development of rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) and American eel (Anguilla rostrata). Rainbow smelt is designated as a Species of Concern by the National Marine Fisheries Service.

At this time, DMF does not anticipate the preferred project alternative identified in the ENF will impact the fisheries resources provided that Best Management Practices described in the ENF and supplemental materials are followed regarding containment and removal of debris, fluids, and sediment associated with the planned HDD under Sagamore Creek and construction adjacent to and over Blacks Creek.

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

Sincerely,

Daniel J. McKiernan Director

DM/FS/sd

Cc. David Klinch, Epsilon Associates, Inc. Erin Flaherty, MEPA T. Evans, MA DMF K. Frew, MA DMF K. Ford, MA DMF B. Gahagan, DMF E. Reiner, EPA B. Boeri, CZM B. Newman, ACOE

June 2, 2020

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

RE: Quincy: North Quincy Cable Replacement Project – ENF (EEA #16201)

ATTN: MEPA Unit Erin Flaherty

Dear Secretary Theoharides:

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

Sincerely,

David J. Mohler Executive Director Office of Transportation Planning

DJM/jll

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

Quincy – Cable Replacement Page 2 6/2/2020 cc: Jonathan Gulliver, Administrator, Highway Division Patricia Leavenworth, P.E., Chief Engineer, Highway Division John McInerney, P.E., District 6 Highway Director Neil Boudreau, Assistant Administrator of Traffic and Highway Safety Planning Department, City of Quincy Metropolitan Area Planning Council

MEMORANDUM

TO: David Mohler, Executive Director Office of Transportation Planning

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

DATE: June 2, 2020

RE: North Quincy Cable Replacement Project - ENF (EEA #16201)

The Public/Private Development Unit (PPDU) has reviewed the Environmental Notification Form (ENF) for the proposed North Quincy Cable Replacement Project. The Project consists of replacing the New England Power Company’s d/b/a National Grid, (the Proponent), existing 115 kilovolts (kv) 532N located entirely in Quincy, Massachusetts. The Project is approximately 3.3 miles in length and connects the North Quincy Substation located off Newport Avenue Extension, at the end of Oak Avenue and south of Hancock Street, and the Field Street Substation located at the intersection of Field Street and Morrison Street. The existing underground electric transmission cables are located within or adjacent to existing public ways (roadway, parkway, parking lot and railroad layouts).

The Project involves the installation of 3.3 miles of new extruded dielectric cable system, installed within a duct bank and manhole system, generally along the same alignment as the existing cables between the existing North Quincy and Field Street Substations. The existing 115kv cables, installed in the 1970s, are approaching their end of useful service life. The proposed replacements and removal of aging underground cables will improve the reliability and increase load capacity of the circuits and allow National Grid to continue to provide reliable electric service to the region. The lines are located along existing paved surfaces such as roadways or parking lots, adjacent vegetated shoulders or medians or within existing electrical substations. These substations subsequently provide power to the City of Quincy.

The construction work will occur mostly within National Grid’s right-of-way and in existing public roadways in Quincy. As described in the ENF, land uses adjacent to the project include roadway, parkway, residential, railroad, parking lots and protected open space. A small section of the new line installation will involve horizontal directional drilling (HDD)

Ten Park Plaza, Suite 4150, Boston, MA 02116 Tel: 857-368-4636, TTY: 857-368-0655 www.mass.gov/massdot Quincy – Cable Replacement Page 2 6/2/2020

under Sagamore Creek and associated jurisdictional resource areas and part of the Neponset River Estuary Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). Efforts will be made to minimize disruptions to these land uses for the duration of the construction period. Construction access will be obtained using existing National Grid access roads that are within the company right-of-way and maintained by National Grid. Where useable internal access roads are not available, the company will develop temporary upland access facilities. Access to the National Grid system will be via public roadways.

According to the information provided in the ENF, the project crosses under the existing elevated MBTA Red Line tracks within the roadway surface on Furnace Brook Parkway at the intersection of Newport Avenue and Furnace Brook Parkway, and runs parallel to that line for approximately 1.5 miles on Newport Avenue, passing the Wollaston and North Quincy stations. The project route also runs along MBTA bus routes on Newport Avenue, Hancock Street at the intersection of Furnace Brook Parkway and the Southern Artery at Coddington Street.

The project may work in wetlands resource areas including an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). Among the necessary state approvals will be a MassDOT Non-Vehicular Access Permit (MGL c.81 § 21/MGL c.85 § 2) for work within or crossing state highways (i.e., Furnace Brook Parkway, Southern Artery) in Quincy. The Proponent should consult with MassDOT’s District Office 6 to clarify the roadway jurisdiction and permitting requirements associated with proposed work within or crossing Furnace Brook Parkway. The proposed installation of new duct bank in Furnace Brook Parkway to cross under an elevated MBTA Red Line will also likely require an MBTA Rail Crossing Permit (MGL c. 40 sec.56a).

The construction activities associated with the installation of the electrical transmission line will result in traffic impacts at locations along public roadways where access to the National Grid right-of-way is provided. However, these impacts will be of a temporary nature. Therefore, MassDOT recommends that no further environmental review be required based on transportation issues, provided that certain safeguards are in place during project construction.

The Proponent should develop a traffic management plan (TMP) for the purpose of maintaining safe and efficient mobility for all modes of travel at access/egress locations for the National Grid right-of-way, as well as along sections of public roadway between said locations. The TMP should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following elements:

. Restriction of vehicle flow using the affected National Grid access/egress connections to public roadways to authorized users only (e.g., via gate, signage, identification card, etc.); Quincy – Cable Replacement Page 3 6/2/2020

. Maintenance of adequate sight lines both for those vehicles exiting the National Grid right-of-way (onto public roadways) as well as for those traveling along public roadways and approaching National Grid right-of-way connections; . Identification of the types and average number of construction vehicles that would be using area roadways on a daily and peak hour basis (for the project peak hour of generation as well as the AM and PM commuter peak hours); . Identification of the expected hours of work and truck transport on a typical workday; . Identification/illustration of construction vehicle routing to/from National Grid right- of-way access/egress points; . Identification/illustration of the location of advance warning signage for access/egress points; . Identification/illustration of proposed accommodations and safety measures for bicycles and pedestrians traveling past National Grid access/egress locations; and . Identification/illustration of the type and location of any traffic control devices that would be used at access/egress points during construction.

Where illustration is needed, the information should be provided on a large-scale plan (preferably at least one inch = 80 feet). Where possible, the selection of construction vehicle routes to/from and between access/egress points on public roadways should avoid roadway sections and intersections that experience vehicle congestion and/or high pedestrian and bicycle volumes. Project-related vehicle traffic on public roadways should be limited to off- peak (non-commuter period) hours.

The Proponent should consult with MassDOT’s Highway Division District 6 office, as well as with the City of Quincy, MBTA and the Department of Conservation and Recreation to coordinate the permitting, development of the TMP, and all project-related work located within the state highway layout or otherwise affecting state roadways.

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

May 26, 2020

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

Subject: EOEEA #16201 – Environmental Notification Form North Quincy Cables Replacement Project, Quincy, MA

Dear Secretary Theoharides,

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the Environmental Notification Form (ENF) submitted by New England Power Company d/b/a National Grid (the “Proponent”) for North Quincy Cables Replacement Project (the “Project”) in Quincy, Massachusetts. The Project involves replacing 3.3 miles of underground electrical cables in existing public ways between the North Quincy Substation and the Field Street Substation. The existing medium-pressure, fluid-filled, direct buried cables were installed in 1973 and operate at 115 kilovolts. It has been determined that the cables have reached the end of their useful life and must be replaced to ensure system reliability.

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

MWRA prohibits the discharge of excavation dewatering groundwater drainage, dredging water or accumulated stormwater to the sanitary sewer system, pursuant to 360 CMR 10.023(1), except in a combined sewer area when permitted by the Authority and the local community. The Project site has access to storm drains and it is not located in a combined sewer area. Therefore, the discharge of any groundwater or stormwater to the sanitary sewer system associated with the replacement of the underground electric cables is prohibited.

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

Sincerely,

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

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

34 Coddington Street, 3rd Floor – Quincy, Massachusetts 02169 Tel. 617-376-1362 Fax 617-376-1097

JAMES J. FATSEAS THOMAS P. KOCH Director Mayor

May 29, 2020

Secretary Kathleen A. Theoharides Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs Attn: MEPA Office Erin Flaherty, EEA #16201 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900 Boston MA 02114

RE: North Quincy Cables Replacement Project ENF EEA# 16201

Dear Secretary Theoharides:

The City of Quincy has reviewed the Environmental Notification Form documents for project EEA#16201 and provide you and the MEPA Office the following comments.

1. The City of Quincy will be upgrading utilities within Southern Artery and Broad Street to support the new Public Safety Complex. As such, NGRID should coordinate the location and depth of the proposed electrical lines with the City to accommodate future upgrades to the City’s infrastructure (i.e. roadway width, stormwater, sewer, water, etc.). Special consideration should be given to the stormwater infrastructure within and around the Southern Artery and Broad Street intersection because this infrastructure is installed at shallow depths and minimal slopes. 2. NGRID should coordinate the project schedule with the City of Quincy as annual paving, water main and sewer work must be coordinated. 3. The City has resurfaced many streets along the proposed NGRID route in the past 5 years, including but not limited to Hancock Street at Furnace Brook and Newport Avenue at Wollaston MBTA Station, NGRID will be responsible for complete curb to curb repaving within 1 year of trenching and streets paved within the past 5 years and any arterial streets. 4. The directional drilling entry and receiving pits must be off the public way. The receiving pit may possibly be in the Island at Newport Avenue and the West Squantum Street ramp. 5. Consider relocating the proposed electrical line off the road and onto the grass strips as much as possible. 6. What, if any, additional environmental safeguards are being used for pipe near, over and under resource areas? Sagamore Creek and Black’s Creek must be properly protected and enhanced by the project. 7. Why does the proposed route not include Morrison Street? This may be a route to avoid impacting Field Street residences. 8. Please provide a proposed schedule with more definition than just the milestone dates. 9. Both temporary and permanent stormwater / flooding considerations must be accommodated in systematically flooded areas impacted by the proposed project, including but not limited to: a. Newport Avenue Extension near the State Street Complex b. Newport Avenue Extension adjacent to Wilson Avenue and Hobart Street c. Furnace Brook Parkway between Newport Avenue and Hancock Street 10. TPAL is proposing traffic upgrades to Southern Artery at Broad Street (i.e. barriers along centerline, Broad Street right in and out only). Electrical Manhole locations will need to be coordinated with the City. 11. The City is concerned about the traffic and pedestrian access at key nodes such as but not limited to areas along Newport Ave, Furnace Brook Parkway, and southern artery; these should be included in the Traffic Management Plan that is provided to the City’s TPAL Department. 12. Traffic management plans for Furnace Brook Parkway from Newport Avenue to Southern Artery should be coordinated with both the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the City of Quincy. 13. Work zones adjacent to school zones may have additional time restrictions. 14. Work in heavily congested areas may need to occur at night if feasible. 15. Each signalized intersection has electrical conduit in the roadway and potentially detection loops that may be impacted by the installation. Coordination with the TPAL department will be needed to determine how to avoid these electrical connections or repair/restore them as needed to minimize impacts to signalized intersections. 16. There are MBTA bus routes intersecting the replacement corridor at several points. Traffic management plans should consider potential MBTA bus detours and those plans should be coordinated with the MBTA.

Thank you for opportunity to provide comments and we look forward to the response from the Proponent.

Sincerely,

James J. Fatseas Planning Director

CC: Paul Costello, City Engineer (email) Cheung Tsang, Engineer (email) Allison Ruel, Traffic Engineer (email) Robert Stevens, Deputy Planning Director (email)