WILMINGTON HARBOR EDGEMOOR EXPANSION ulftaine T EDGEMOOR CONTAINER TERMINAL, DELAWARE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT TECHNICAL DOCUMENT �ERIAL VIEW FROM SOUT'H WESf SIDE JACOBS has prepared this panel in accordance with their client, for their sole and specific use. Any other person who use any information contained herewith, do so at their own risk. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction, Purpose and Need ...............................................................................1 1.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................1 1.1.1 Proposed Action and Location .................................................................................1 1.1.2 Project Background ..................................................................................................3 1.2 Purpose .....................................................................................................................4 1.3 Need .........................................................................................................................4 1.4 Project Datum ..........................................................................................................5 1.5 Assessment Approach – National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Scope ........5 1.6 National Environmental Policy Act Scope – Agency Comments ...........................6 2.0. Alternatives Analysis ...............................................................................................8 2.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................8 2.1.1 Alternative Screening...............................................................................................8 2.1.2 Selected Alternatives ...............................................................................................9 2.2 Alternative Evaluation ...........................................................................................10 2.2.1 Alternative 1 - No Action Alternative ...................................................................11 2.2.2 Alternative 2 – Riveredge ......................................................................................12 2.2.3 Alternative 3 - Edgemoor Site Dredging to -40 feet MLLW. ...............................15 2.2.4 Alternative 4 - Edgemoor Site Dredging to -45 feet MLLW. ...............................19 2.3 Comparison of Alternatives ...................................................................................23 2.4 Applicant’s Preferred Alternative ..........................................................................24 3.0 Summary of Applicants Preferred Project .............................................................26 3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................26 3.2 Project Detail .........................................................................................................26 3.2.1 Hydraulic Dredging Process ..................................................................................26 3.2.2 Harbor Dredging and Dredged Material Disposal Plan .........................................30 3.2.3 Associated Construction Activities ........................................................................32 Wilmington Harbor - Edgemoor Expansion Environmental Assessment Technical Document TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) 3.2.4 Sediment Fans ........................................................................................................32 3.3 Supporting Studies .................................................................................................33 4.0 Preferred Alternative – Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences and Mitigation ...............................................................................................................38 4.1 Physical Environment ............................................................................................38 4.1.1 Description of Action Area Geography and Climate .............................................38 4.1.2 Topography and Bathymetry .................................................................................40 4.1.3 Geology ..................................................................................................................42 4.1.4 Site Hydrogeology .................................................................................................45 4.1.5 Physical Oceanography ..........................................................................................46 4.1.6 Sediment and Water Quality ..................................................................................49 4.2 Biological Resources .............................................................................................60 4.2.1 Impacts on Biological Resources ...........................................................................60 4.2.2 Physical Environment ............................................................................................62 4.2.3 Threatened and Endangered Species .....................................................................63 4.2.4 Critical Habitat .......................................................................................................65 4.2.5 Essential Fish Habitat ............................................................................................66 4.2.6 Commercial and Recreational Fisheries ................................................................69 4.2.7 Project Site .............................................................................................................70 4.2.8 Vegetation ..............................................................................................................71 4.2.9 Wildlife ..................................................................................................................72 4.2.10 Invasive Species .....................................................................................................72 4.3 Human Environment ..............................................................................................72 4.3.1 Affected Environment: Population ........................................................................72 4.3.2 Socioeconomics .....................................................................................................87 4.3.3 Community and Recreational Resources ...............................................................90 Wilmington Harbor - Edgemoor Expansion Environmental Assessment Technical Document TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) 4.3.4 Visual and Aesthetic Resources .............................................................................91 4.3.5 Existing Infrastructure .........................................................................................100 4.3.6 Landside Transportation Infrastructure ................................................................102 4.3.7 Waterborne Transportation Infrastructure ...........................................................104 4.3.8 Hazardous, Toxic and Radioactive Waste ...........................................................109 4.3.9 Air Quality ...........................................................................................................114 4.3.10 Noise ....................................................................................................................116 4.3.11 Cultural Resources ...............................................................................................123 4.3.12 Safety and Security ..............................................................................................123 5.0 Cumulative Impacts .............................................................................................125 5.1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................125 5.2 Methodology ........................................................................................................123 5.3 Cumulative effects scoping and summary of direct and indirect impacts ...........126 5.4 Cumulative Effects Analysis................................................................................140 5.4.1 Aquatic Life and EFH ..........................................................................................141 5.4.2 Sediment and Water Quality ................................................................................142 5.4.3 Socioeconomics and Environmental Justice ........................................................143 5.4.4 Traffic and Transportationv .................................................................................144 5.4.5 Air Quality ...........................................................................................................145 6.0 Compliance with Statutes and Regulations..........................................................150 6.1 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) ......................................................150 6.2 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Public Law 104-297) . .......................................................................................150 6.3 Endangered Species Act ......................................................................................150 6.4 Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1958 .......................................................151 6.5 Marine