Environmental Assessment Loop Road Part One.pdf

This is a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for construction and utility infrastructure upgrades at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Manchester Medical Center in Manchester, New Hampshire (VA Project 608-20-101), dated January 2022.

The proposed action involves constructing a new 3,700-linear-foot loop road with a minimum of 135 new parking spaces, safety enhancements including security cameras and vehicle barriers, aesthetic improvements (vinyl privacy fence, LED lighting with automatic dimming), and utility infrastructure upgrades. The project includes replacing inoperable potable water lines and implementing significant stormwater management system improvements to address flooding issues and comply with Section 438 of the Energy Independence and Security Act. Construction is anticipated to take 16 months and includes demolition of outbuildings D2, D3, D4, D5, D13, and D14 per a Memorandum of Agreement with the State Historic Preservation Officer. The loop road would connect the two main entrances, improve pedestrian safety, and address existing deficiencies in vehicle circulation, parking capacity, and water utility functions. Environmental analysis encompasses aesthetics, air quality, cultural resources, geology/soils, water resources, wildlife habitat, noise, solid waste, transportation, utilities, socioeconomics, and environmental justice. Air quality emissions from construction equipment, on-road trucks, and worker vehicles are estimated below the General Conformity Rule de minimis threshold of 100 tons per year for all criteria pollutants, requiring no formal conformity determination. No significant adverse environmental impacts are anticipated, and the No Action alternative would leave existing traffic, pedestrian safety, parking, and water utility deficiencies unaddressed.