Environmental assessment for BR 9015(11), Swan River Bridge-west of Ferndale, Flathead County, 2 miles east of Bigfork, Montana (P.M.S. C#1132)

176 Pages·1993·6.3 MB·English

by  United States. Federal Highway Administration. Region 8

tnvironraental
388.1 asessraent for BR
T6easrb 9015(11), Swan
1993 River Bridge-west
of Ferndale,
Flathead County, 2
miles east of
Montana DepartmentofTransportation
BR 9015
(11)
Swan River Bridge - West of Ferndale
Flathead county
2 Miles east of Bigfork, Montana
(P.M.S. C#1132)
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EnvironmentalasessmentforBR9015(11),
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U.S. Department of Transportation
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
Region 8
State of Montana
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Highways Division
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
FOR
BR 9015
(11)
Swan River Bridge - West of Ferndale
Flathead county
2 Miles east of Bigfork, Montana
(P.M.S. C#1132)
Submitted Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(c) and
Section 2-3-104, 75-1-201, M.C.A.
by
Date
Montana Department of Transportation
Reviewed and Approved for Distribution:
Date
Federal Highway Administration
The following persons may be contacted for additional information concerning this document:
Gordon J. Stockstad, Acting Chief Hank Honeywell
Environmental & Hazardous Waste Bureau Division Administrator
Montana Department of Transportation Region 8, Montana Division
2701 Prospect Avenue Federal Highway Administration
PO Box 201001 301 South Park, Drawer #10056
Helena, Montana 59620 Helena, Montana 59626
1996
Table of Contents
Cover Page
i
Table of Contents ii
ABSTRACT
iv
General Highway Map v
Topographic Map vi
Flood Hazard Map vii
Photos viii
Matrix of Alternatives x
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION
I.
A. Location of the Improvement 1
B. Scope and Nature 1
C. Funding 2
PURPOSE AND NEED
II.
A. Description of Existing Conditions 2
B. Road Use 3
C. Deficiencies 3
D. Traffic 4
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
III.
A. Introduction 5
B. Alternatives 6
The "No Build" (A) 6
Rehabilitation (B) 6
Replace With a 163' Structure (C) 8
Replace with a 290' Structure (D) 9
IV. SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES 10
A. Social Impacts 11
B. Economic Impacts 11
C. Environmental Impacts 12
1. Floodplains 13
2. Water Quality 15
3. Wetlands 15
4. Fish and Wildlife 16
5. Archeological and Historical 19
6. Noise 20
7. Visual 20
8. Air 21
9. Hazardous Materials 22
10.Construction 22
1 1.Section 4(f) Lands 22
VI. PERMITS REQUIRED 23
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2012 with funding from
Montana
State Library
http://archive.org/details/environmental6449unit
COORDINATION AND CONSULTATION WITH OTHERS
VII.
A. Agency Coordination 24
B. Public Involvement 24
C. Distribution List 26
VIII. EXHIBITS 27
IX. APPENDICES
A. List of Preparers 27
B. Correspondance 27-A
C. Public Meeting Comments 28
D. Studies and Reports
Biological and Wetlands 29
Consultant's 30
Visual 31
L
L
Abstract of the Environmental Assessment
This Environmental Assessment explores the environmental consequences of
improving a river crossing. Specifically, the proposed improvement lies on a
paved county road over the Swan River approximately 2 miles east of Big
Fork in Flathead County, Montana. Project BR 9015 (11) proposes to replace
or rehabilitate the existing 82-year old truss-type bridge. The proposed action
is necessary because the existing facility warrants traffic, safety, and capacity
improvements. Alternatives considered for this action include (A) take no
action; (B) rehabilitate the existing structure; (C) replace the existing structure
with a new 163-foot long bridge; and (D) replace the existing structure with a
290-foot long bridge.
IV