Environmental Assessment Loop Road Part Two.pdf

This is a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed construction of a new Campus Loop Road and utility infrastructure upgrades at the Manchester VA Medical Center in Manchester, New Hampshire.

The document evaluates the environmental impacts of constructing approximately 1.2 miles of new loop road, expanding parking capacity by a minimum of 135 spaces, and upgrading utility systems including water, gas, stormwater, and sanitary sewer infrastructure. The project addresses critical operational needs including inadequate internal roadway connectivity, insufficient parking capacity (currently at full capacity), aging water utility infrastructure (pipes dating from 1949-2020 with failing valves), and stormwater management issues affecting adjacent residential properties. The Proposed Action includes three retaining walls ranging from 150 to 800 feet in length to manage slope stability. Environmental impacts are assessed as short-term, less-than-significant adverse levels across all resource categories including air quality, noise, geology/soils, water resources, wildlife/habitat, transportation, utilities, and socioeconomics. Mitigation measures incorporated address dust control, noise management through acoustic barriers and equipment restrictions, erosion and sedimentation control per NPDES requirements, hazardous materials handling, and archaeological protocols consistent with Section 106 consultation. The stormwater improvements will provide long-term significant beneficial impacts by reducing runoff to the southeast outflow and redirecting flow to new infiltration systems complying with EISA 438 requirements. No significant environmental justice impacts are anticipated. Required permits include NPDES Construction General Permit, Section 106 Historic Preservation consultation (completed with concurrence), and potential local approvals. Public review occurred over 30 days with notices published in the Union Leader newspaper and at the Manchester City Library.