An Expanded Environmental Notification Form (EENF)/Proposed Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been filed with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs by the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) to rehabilitate the section of Taxiway E between Taxiway M and Runway 5-23, and to construct a new taxiway (Taxiway E5) between Taxiway E and Runway 11-29. Rehabilitation of Taxiway E will include milling of existing pavement, repair of cracks, new asphalt within the limits of the existing pavement, and conversion of the existing taxiway edge lights to LED fixtures. Taxiway E5 will be approximately 750-ft long and vary in width from 84 ft at its midpoint to 164 ft at each end of the taxiway. Construction of Taxiway E5 will include regrading, hot mix asphalt full depth construction of the taxiway, new electrical infrastructure, relocation of existing signage, and drainage improvements. The project will alter 8.9 acres of land (of which 3.52 acres is the area of the existing section of Taxiway E to be renovated) within rare species habitat, and add 1.92 acres of impervious area.
The project is subject to MEPA review because it exceeds the review thresholds at 301 CMR 11.03(2)(b)(2), Greater than two acres of disturbance of designated priority habitat, as defined in 321 CMR 10.02, that results in a take of state-listed endangered or threatened species or species of special concern, and 301 CMR 11.03(6)(b)(4), Construction of a New taxiway at an airport. The project requires a Conservation Management Permit (CMP) from the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP). The Town has filed the EENF and Proposed EIR pursuant to 301 CMR 11.05(9) and requested that the Secretary allow a rollover EIR in accordance with 301 CMR 11.06(3). The site is located within one mile of an Environmental Justice population and is subject to a mandatory Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Massport has filed the EENF and Proposed EIR pursuant to 301 CMR 11.05(9) and requested that the Secretary allow a rollover EIR in accordance with 301 CMR 11.06(3). If a rollover EIR is not granted, Massport requests that a Single EIR be required.
A remote public consultation session will be held by video conference to receive advice and comments from agencies, officials, and citizens regarding which environmental issues, if any, are significant for this project. Opinions as to the extent and significance of possible environmental impact, and Massport’s request for a rollover EIR or Single EIR, will be welcome.