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Prepared by: Ron Knoche, City Engineer, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 356 -5138
RESOLUTION NO. 04-
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK
TO ATTEST AN AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY
AND EARTH TECH, INC. TO PROVIDE ENGINEERING CONSULTANT
SERVICES FOR THE MCCOLLISTER BOULEVARD PROJECT PHASE I.
WHEREAS, the City of Iowa City desires to improve and expand the City's street system as
necessary to satisfy vehicular and pedestrian demand; and
WHEREAS, the construction of McCollister Boulevard from Riverside Drive to Gilbert Street will
enhance traffic flow in south Iowa City; and
WHEREAS, the City desires the services of a consulting firm to evaluate alignments and prepare
an environmental assessment for construction of the McCollister Boulevard Project Phase I,
all of which shall be called the Project; and
WHEREAS, the City of Iowa City has negotiated.an Agreement for said consulting services with
Earth Tech, Inc. to provide said services; and
WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to enter into said Consultant Agreement with Earth Tech,
Inc.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA
CITY, IOWA, THAT:
The Consultant's Agreement attached hereto is in the public interest, and is approved as
to form and content.
2. The Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute the attached
Consultant's Agreement in duplicate.
Passed and approved this 7th day of December 20 04
6,AYOR
ATTEST: �91Q e���J e _ �
CITY LERK
pw ngVeSXm Wlislerc Sull.dm
Approved by
City Attorney's Office
7 -0
12
Resolution No. 04 -339
Page 2
It was moved by Champion and seconded by
adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES:
X
X
X
X
X
X
x
1►GY>�
Bailey the Resolution be
ABSENT:
Bailey
Champion
Elliott
Lehman
O'Donnell
Vanderhoef
Wilburn
CONSULTANT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into this 7 day of <Qe<ew her , 2004, by and
between the City of Iowa City, a municipal corporation, hereinafter referred to as the City and Earth Tech,
Inc., of Waterloo, Iowa, hereinafter referred to as the Consultant.
WHEREAS, the City desires the Consultant to provide professional services for the McCollister Boulevard
Phase I Project between Riverside Drive and Gilbert Street/Sand Road in Iowa City, Iowa, as defined below.
NOW THEREFORE, it is agreed by and between the parties hereto that the City does now contract with the
Consultant to provide services as set forth herein.
I. SCOPE OF SERVICES
Consultant agrees to perform the following services for the City, and to do so in a timely and
satisfactory manner.
A. Project Description
The project is described as the development and evaluation of alternatives for the
McCollister Boulevard Phase I Project. The project includes data collection and
mapping, investigation of alignment alternatives, hydraulic modeling of the Iowa River,
investigation of alternative types and locations for the Iowa River bridge, cultural
resource surveys, a streamlined Environmental Assessment and a Location Public
Hearing. The project is located between Riverside Drive and Gilbert Street /Sand Road,
including a new bridge across the Iowa River, a distance of approximately 0.8 mile. The
new roadway will be an extension of the Mormon Trek Boulevard project which is
currently under final design and construction to the west of Riverside Drive. At Gilbert
Street /Sand Road, the project will connect with the proposed roadway for the Sand Hill
Subdivision. Attachment A shows the approximate project limits.
B. Scope
Services to be provided for the project under this Agreement are described in the
following tasks. The level of detail for the project is further defined by the staff -hour
allocations for each task in the attached staff -hour estimate.
RESEARCHAND DATA COLLECTION
Task I - Aerial Photography and Topographic Mapping. This task includes the
collection of existing aerial photography and topographic mapping for the project area.
Digitized aerial mapping, including 2 -foot contours for the project area, will be furnished
by the City.
Task 2 - Property Owner Research. This task includes the collection of the County
Auditor's parcel maps including property lines and property ownership information and
the creation of a database used for notification mailings and other information related to
the project.
Task 3 - Field Reconnaissance. The accessible areas of the project corridor will be
walked and photographed by the project engineer, hydraulics engineer and project
biologist prior to beginning the location study and environmental document.
Task 4 - Soil Data Collection. This task includes the collection of available soils
information for the project. A new subsurface investigation will be conducted by
Terracon Consultants, under separate contract with the City, to provide on -site soils
information for the project.
Task 5 - Iowa River Hydraulics. This task includes the collection of existing information
from the City, FEMA and Iowa DNR related to the hydrology and hydraulics of the Iowa
River, including current flood maps and river models.
Task 6 - Utility Research. This task includes gathering information on existing utilities
in the project areas. In addition, inquiries will be made regarding the future needs and
plans of utilities in the project area relative to replacement of existing utilities or relative
to future planned facilities in the area.
TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEYAND BASE MAPPING
Task 7 - Supplemental Survey. The City will provide aerial photography and
topographic mapping of the project area at a scale of 1" =100' with contours at an
interval of 2'. This task includes field and office tasks to collect the topographic
information for the project area pertaining to existing utilities, verification of the
topographic information provided by the City and more detailed information pertaining
to the Iowa River. The following subtasks are included:
a. Baseline and Benchmarks. The project control surveys will be set in the field.
b. Supplemental Planning -Level Survey. Field design survey will be conducted to
identify aboveground utility fixtures and features within the project limits, which
are needed for the location study and which do not show up in the aerial
mapping.
C. Property Comer Survey, Selected property corners will be obtained in the field,
as needed to determine approximate locations of existing property lines.
Task 8 - Base Map Preparation. This task includes preparation of base maps showing the
information collected in the Utility Research and Supplemental Survey Tasks. The base
-2-
mapping will include surface features and utilities within the project limits, which are
visible from the aerial mapping. The base mapping will also show the ownership of the
adjacent properties based on the records in the County Auditor's office.
Task 9 - Digital Terrain Model. This task includes creating a planning -level digital
terrain model from the aerial mapping to develop the existing surface for use in the
location study and bridge evaluation.
LOCATION STUDY
The development and evaluation of conceptual alignment and bridge alternatives will be
conducted by the Consultant. It is anticipated that this process will include the
involvement of City representatives, Consultant's staff and others. The Consultant will
be responsible for providing technical evaluations and making a recommendation to the
City. It is anticipated that the roadway alignment will be approximately as shown on the
City's concept plans. The following tasks are included in the location study.
Task 10 - Develop Initial Alternatives. Initial alignment alternatives will be developed
on the digitized aerial mapping. Data collected in the previous tasks, as well as the
environmental data, will be considered in developing the initial alternatives. Preliminary
river crossing locations will be developed at the Iowa River.
Task 11 - Preliminary Hydraulic Anal. The existing hydraulic model will be
obtained from FEMA for use on this project. This task will include correlating the
hydraulic model near the proposed project, testing various alternatives for the proposed
bridge, and determining the requirements for bridge opening, minimum elevation and
pier placements.
Task 12 - Evaluation of Bridge Design Alternatives. This task includes an evaluation of
alternative bridge design concepts, including alternatives for the alignment, profile, span
arrangement and potential bridge type. Bridge types to be evaluated include a
prestressed concrete beam system, a steel girder system and possibly other types.
Task 13 - Field Review. Preliminary alternatives will be reviewed in the field by the
project engineer, hydraulics engineer, bridge engineer and project biologist. Property
owner contacts will be completed by the Consultant prior to the field review.
Inaccessible properties will be reviewed from aerial mapping or from nearby vantage
points without entering private property. The following subtasks are included:
a. Alternative Review. The project team leaders will conduct a half -day field
review of the preliminary alternatives.
b. Threatened and Endangered Species Habitat Review. There are known
populations of Ornate Box Turtles in this area of the City. The project biologist,
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after coordination with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, will conduct
a field review to determine the suitability of habitat for known threatened and
endangered species.
Task 14 - Evaluation of Alternatives. Because of the relatively narrow corridor for this
project, it is anticipated that the screening and evaluation of alternatives will be
combined into a single step. The final evaluation will compare major impacts of the
preliminary alignments identified in Task 10. Major evaluation factors will include:
• Erodible Soils /Steep Slopes
• Location of Affected Properties
• Impacts to Residential Properties
Impacts to Businesses and Industrial Properties
• Wetland Impacts
• Threatened and Endangered Species Habitat
• Wooded Area Impacts
Identify Known Archaeological and Historic Sites
• Compatibility With Existing Arterial Streets
• Compatibility With Land -Use Plans for the Area
• Access to Properties
• Flood Plain Impacts on Iowa River
• Design Features (e.g., Preliminary Profile Grades and Maximum Curvature)
• Preliminary Cost Comparisons (Planning Level)
Task 15 - Trail Considerations. This task includes an evaluation of recreational trail
accommodations on the roadway alignment and across the Iowa River. A preliminary
trail concept will be prepared as part of the location study.
Task 16 - Preliminary Opinion of Construction Cost. This task includes preparation of a
planning -level estimate of construction cost. The construction cost opinion will be
subject to change as the design is finalized.
Task 17 - Location Study Report. A report will be prepared to summarize the final
evaluation and recommendations. The report will be a concise text report with a location
map approximately 1 "= 2,000'. Twenty (20) copies of the final report will be provided.
In addition, five (5) copies of the aerial photography with the final alternatives will be
provided at a scale of 1 " =400'. The deliverables include:
Location Study Report
Supplemental Aerial Photography Prints
CADD Files With Final Alternatives on Aerial Mapping
-4-
ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTATION
The DOT will initiate NEPA project classification, with concurrence by FIIWA. For the
purpose of estimating the time /cost for this scope of services, it is assumed that a
streamlined EA and FONSI will be prepared. It is recognized that the outcome of the EA
may warrant additional and /or higher level studies that could result in the preparation of
a Draft and Final EIS, as well as associated sub- studies.
It is assumed that the environmental document required for this project will be a
"Streamlined Environmental Assessment." The following tasks are included:
Task 18 - Early Coordination. This task includes sending an early coordination letter and
materials to key local, state and federal agencies with the purpose of identifying issues
that should be examined early on in the environmental documentation process. Iowa
DOT policy and procedures regarding early coordination and Iowa Intergovernmental
Review will be followed.
Task 19 - Wetland Boundary Delineation. The project wetland scientist, using the
currently approved methods as defined in the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetland
Delineation Manual, will conduct an on -site delineation of existing wetlands at the
project site. This work will include a field assessment of surface hydrology,
observations of soil redoximorphic features and a plant community characterization.
Wetland boundaries identified in the field will be mapped using a Global Positioning
System (GPS).
Task 20 - Cultural Resources. This task includes conducting Phase I cultural resources
evaluations in accordance with guidelines established by the State Historic Society of
Iowa, Historic Preservation Bureau and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation
Act. The historic /architectural intensive -level evaluation will include background
research of existing data and various survey files. Field surveys will be conducted which
entail photographing, mapping, and researching existing structures located in or adjacent
to the proposed right -of -way. Properties will be documented in accordance with Iowa
Historic Preservation Bureau guidelines and standards, and on Iowa Site Inventory
forms. Whenever possible, owners or other knowledgeable individuals will be
interviewed to obtain site - specific information of properties over 50 years old. The
historic surveys will be completed by Tallgrass Historians as a subconsultant.
The archaeological field survey will evaluate the potential for the remains of old
structures and other features buried in or adjacent to the project corridor. This survey
will be based on a review of historic maps, interviews with knowledgeable persons,
archived research and shovel and auger tests. Identified sites will be photographed,
mapped, researched, recorded on Iowa Archaeological Site Forms and evaluated.
-5-
Resources that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places or that have the
potential to meet National Register eligibility criteria will be assessed for potential
adverse effect from the project. When resources warrant further investigation,
recommendations for additional testing and /or research will be made.
The cultural resources reports will include a description of historic /architectural and
archaeological resources in the project area, a description of survey methods and sources,
a statement of findings and recormnendations, and a bibliography of sources consulted.
Site Inventory Forms and any other pertinent data, such as photographs and maps, will be
included in the report.
This scope of work does not include any Phase II work. The archaeological surveys will
be performed by Bear Creek Archeology as a subconsultant.
Task 21 - Waste Sites. This task includes researching existing records for properties that
will be directly affected by the project to check for known and recorded hazardous waste
sites. If potential waste sites are identified from these records and additional field
investigation is needed to determine the limits and /or contaminants, it will be performed
as a supplement to this Agreement.
Task 22 - Streamlined Environmental Assessment Document. This task includes
preparation of a Streamlined Environmental Assessment (EA) document according to
FHWA guidelines. Impacts will be evaluated in the following areas -- land use, zoning,
noise, threatened and endangered species, farmland, businesses, residences, water
quality, floodplain/floodway, natural and cultural resources, wetlands, parks, and
cumulative impacts.
It is assumed that the EA Document will result in a Finding of No Significant Impact
(FONSI) by FHWA. Twenty -five (25) copies of the EA will be printed.
EXCEPTIONS TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
If any threatened and endangered species surveys are required, including mussel surveys,
this will be considered additional work and performed as a supplement to this
Agreement. If a Section 4(0 Statement is required for impacts to public parks or historic
sites, this will be considered additional work and would be performed as a supplement to
this agreement.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
These tasks are intended to give the property owners an overview of the project and
solicit their input regarding their expectations with respect to the project and the issues
relating to constructing the proposed improvements adjacent to their property.
-6-
Task 23 - Location Public Hearing. This task includes preparation for and attendance at
one Location Public Hearing for the project. It is anticipated that the hearing will
include a short presentation, followed by one -on -one discussions with property owners
and attendees. The Consultant will prepare handouts and display maps for the hearing
and will prepare the transcript of the hearing. The City will be responsible for the
meeting room arrangements and for any advance publicity and property owner notices.
Task 24 - Individual Meetings With Property Owners. This task includes meeting with
abutting property owners to discuss the specifics of the project as it relates to their
property to obtain information regarding any issues the property owner feels are
important and get input regarding their expectations about the project. The Consultant
will prepare a memo of each meeting. Up to five (5) property owner meetings are
included in this task.
AGENCY COORDINATION
Task 25 - Utility Coordination. This task includes coordination and meetings (beyond
the Research and Data Collection Task) with representatives of private utility companies
with facilities in the McCollister Boulevard Corridor.
Task 26 - Public Agency Coordination. This task includes coordination with the City,
Iowa DOT, FHWA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), Iowa Department of Natural
Resources (IDNR), and State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) and other agencies,
as needed. It also includes coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in
connection with the future Section 404/401 permit required for this project.
Task 27 - Permit Applications. Preparation of applications and documentation for the
permits required on this project are not included in the basic services but will be added
as a supplemental agreement, if needed. These permits include the IDNR Floodplain
Permit, COE Section 404 Permit, IDNR 401 Water Quality, and the Iowa DOT
Construction Permit.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND MEETINGS
Task 28 - Project Meetings. This task includes preparations for and attendance at an
estimated six (6) project meetings with the City and Consultant design staff throughout
this phase of the project.
Task 29 - Monthly Project Status Reports. This task includes preparing and submitting
monthly status reports to the City.
Task 30 - Project Administration. This task includes project administration for this
phase of the project. The task includes intraoffice meetings, which will be attended by
-7-
the project team, as well as general day -to -day administrative tasks and typing of
intraoffice memoranda. Also included is the coordination and exchange of information
between the Consultant and subconsultants, and management of internal project
schedules and budgets.
PHASE II - FINAL DESIGN
The scope of services for the final design will be determined upon completion of the
Preliminary Design Plan, and defined under a separate agreement. Final design services
will include soils investigation and development of final construction plans and
specifications for the McCollister Boulevard roadway and bridges in a format suitable
for an Iowa DOT letting, as well as pre -bid activities.
PHASE III - CONSTRUCTION - RELATED SERVICES
The scope of services for the construction- related services will be determined at the time
the services are needed and defined under a separate agreement. Construction- related
services include construction staking, field review, engineering assistance, shop drawing
review, materials testing and contract administration during the construction phase of the
project.
C. City's Responsibilities
City, at its expense, shall do the following in a timely manner so as not to delay the
Services.
1. Information/Reports
Furnish Consultant available information needed for the Project, all of which
Consultant may rely upon without independent verification in performing the
Services. Information will include, but not limited to, digitized aerial mapping,
other existing maps and reports, and traffic volume estimates sufficient to
complete the study.
2. Representative
Designate a representative for the Project who shall have the authority to
transmit instructions, receive information, interpret and define City's policies
and make decisions with respect to the Services.
-8-
3. Decisions
Provide all criteria and full information as to City requirements for the Project,
obtain (with Consultant's assistance, if applicable) necessary approvals, attend
Project - related meetings, provide interim reviews on an agreed -upon schedule,
make decisions on Project alternatives, and generally participate in the Project to
the extent necessary to allow Consultant to perform the Services.
H. TIME OF COMPLETION
The Consultant shall complete the professional services of the Project within 18 months
following Notice to Proceed.
III. GENERAL TERMS
A. The Consultant shall not commit any of the following employment practices and agrees to
prohibit the following practices in any subcontracts.
I. To discharge or refuse to hire any individual because of their race, color, religion,
sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, gender identity, or sexual
orientation.
2. To discriminate against any individual in terms, conditions, or privileges of
employment because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability,
age, marital status, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
B. Should the City terminate this Agreement, the Consultant shall be paid for all work and
services performed up to the time of termination. However, such sums shall not be greater
than the "lump sum" amount listed in Section IV. The City may terminate this Agreement
upon seven (7) calendar days' written notice to the Consultant.
C. This Agreement shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the parties hereto,
provided that no assignment shall be without the written consent of all Parties to said
Agreement.
D. It is understood and agreed that the retention of the Consultant by the City for the purpose
of the Project shall be as an independent contractor and shall be exclusive, but the
Consultant shall have the right to employ such assistance as may be required for the
performance of the Project.
E. It is agreed by the City that all records and files pertaining to information needed by the
Consultant for the project shall be available by said City upon reasonable request to the
Consultant. The City agrees to furnish all reasonable assistance in the use of these records
and files.
-9-
F. It is further agreed that no Party to this Agreement shall perform contrary to any state,
federal, or local law or any of the ordinances of the City of Iowa City, Iowa.
G. At the request of the City, the Consultant shall attend meetings of the City Council relative
to the work set forth in this Agreement. Any requests made by the City shall be given with
reasonable notice to the Consultant to assure attendance.
H. The Consultant agrees to furnish, upon termination of this Agreement and upon demand by
the City, copies of all basic notes and sketches, charts, computations, and any other data
prepared or obtained by the Consultant pursuant to this Agreement without cost, and
without restrictions or limitation as to the use relative to specific projects covered under
this Agreement. In such event, the Consultant shall not be liable for the City's use of such
documents on other projects.
I. The Consultant agrees to furnish all reports, specifications, and drawings, with the seal of a
professional engineer affixed thereto or such seal as required by Iowa law.
J. The City agrees to tender the Consultant all fees in a timely manner, excepting, however,
that failure of the Consultant to satisfactorily perform in accordance with this Agreement
shall constitute grounds for the City to withhold payment of the amount sufficient to
properly complete the Project in accordance with this Agreement.
K. Should any section of this Agreement be found invalid, it is agreed that the remaining
portion shall be deemed severable from the invalid portion and continue in full force and
effect.
L. Original contract drawings shall become the property of the City. The Consultant shall be
allowed to keep mylar reproducible copies for the Consultant's own filing use. Reuse of
such drawings on other projects without the written consent of Consultant shall be without
liability to the Consultant and at the sole risk of the user.
M. Fees paid for securing approval of authorities having jurisdiction over the Project will be
paid by the City.
N. Upon signing this agreement, Consultant acknowledged that Section 362.5 of the Iowa
Code prohibits a City officer or employee from having an interest in a contract with the
City, and certifies that no employee or officer of the City, which includes members of the
City Council and City boards and commissions, has an interest, either direct or indirect, in
this agreement, that does not fall within the exceptions to said statutory provision
enumerated in Section 362.5.
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O. The Consultant agrees at all times material to this Agreement to have and maintain
professional liability insurance covering the Consultant's liability for the Consultant's
negligent acts, errors and omissions to the City in the sum of $1,000,000.
IV. COMPENSATION FOR SERVICES
City shall pay Consultant for the Services in accordance with the following:
A. Compensation for the Services shall be on an hourly basis in accordance with the hourly
fees and other direct expenses in effect at the time the services are performed. The
compensation for the services shall be a not -to- exceed amount of One Hundred Ninety -
Four Thousand Dollars ($194,000.00) without authorization of the City. Proposed
budget is provided in Attachment A.
B. The nature of engineering services is such that actual costs are not completely
determinable in advance. Therefore, it is possible Consultant's actual costs may exceed
those shown in Paragraph A and Attachment A. A contingency amount of Nineteen
Thousand Dollars ($19,000.00) has been established to provide for actual costs, which
exceed those estimated.
If, at any time during the work, Consultant determines its actual costs will exceed the
estimated actual costs, thus necessitating the use of a contingency amount, it will
promptly so notify the City in writing and describe what costs are causing the overrun
and the reason. Consultant shall not exceed the estimated actual costs without the prior
written approval of the City.
C. Consultant may bill the City monthly for services completed at the time of billing, with
net payment due in 20 days. Past -due balances shall be subject to a service charge at the
rate of 1% per month per request by Consultant. Unless City provides Consultant with a
written statement of any objection to the bill within 15 days of receipt, City shall be
deemed to accept the bill as submitted.
V. MISCELLANEOUS
A. All provisions of the Agreement shall be reconciled in accordance with the generally
accepted standards of the Engineering Profession.
B. It is further agreed that there are no other considerations or monies contingent upon or
resulting from the execution of this Agreement, that it is the entire Agreement, and that no
other monies or considerations have been solicited.
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FOR THE CITY
im
Date: December 7, 2004
L: \wvrk\ADMIN\AGREE\PROFgo8 aCityMcCollisterdoc
-12-
FOR THE CONSULTANT
Joe A. Becker
Title: Vice President
Date: December 1, 2004
APPROVED BY:
City Att rney's Office
1yh34
Date
ATTACHMENT A
FEESCHEDULE
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2005
Classification
Hourly
Rate Ranee
Included in Above Rates
Senior Professional
$130.00
- $210.00
Project Professional
$80.00
- $160.00
Staff Professional
$60.00
- $100.00
Professional
$40.00
- $80.00
CADD Operator II
$50.00
- $90.00
CADD Operator I
$30.00
- $60.00
Senior Technician
$60.00-
$110.00
Technician
$20.00
- $70.00
Project Support
$20.00
- $70.00
Direct Expenses:
Subconsultants
At Cost
Computer Technology
Included in Above Rates
Copies - Black & White
$0.06 /Sheet
Copies - Color
$0.12 /Sheet
Blueprinting
$0.50 /Sheet
Sepia Mylar
$5.00 /Sheet
Sepia Vellum
$2.70 /Sheet
Troxler Density Meter
$45.00/Day
Geodimeter
$12.50 /Hour
Mileage
IRS Rate (Present $0.375)
Sheet Size 2406 Approximate
Meals, lodging, car rentals, air travel and some other expenses are invoiced at cost.
Specialized equipment and laboratory rates are available for applicable projects.
Method of compensation can be adjusted to client needs. Previous methods used include: lump sum,
percentage of construction, hourly rates and direct expenses, classification rates and cost plus fixed fee.
Services normally not charged to long -term clients: attendance at Council meetings, cost estimate
preparation for grant applications, storage and retrieval of original documents on past projects, general
miscellaneous requests, general questions, and coordination with regulatory and fanding agencies.
If you have any questions, please contact Joe Becker at 319 - 232 -6531 or 1- 800 - 772 -2028 (in -state
WATS).
-13-
12/1/2004
Attachment A
Iowa City, Iowa
McCollister Boulevard, Phase I
Riverside Drive to Gilbert Street I Sand Road
Location Study and Environmental Assessment
STAFF HOUR ESTIMATE
Page 1
Description of Work
Senior
Prof.
Project
Prof.
Staff
Prof.
CADD
Operator
11
CADD
Operator
1
Tech.
Word Proc./
Project
Admin.
Earth
Tech
Total
I. Research, Data Collection and Base Ma in
1 Aerial Photography & Topographic Mapping
2
2
2 Property Owner Research
_
12
4
16
3 Field Reconnaissance
8
16
_
24
4 Soil Data Collection
2
4
6
5 Iowa River Hydraulics
8
4
12
6 Ulifi Research
4
4
_ 8
7 Supplemental Survey
a Baseline & Benchmarks
10
20
30
b Supplemental Planning -Level Survey
32
32
o Property Corner Survey
16
16
32
8 Base Map Preparation
4
40
44
9 Di ital Terrain Model
4
8
12
Subtotal
8
40
46
52
0
68
4
218
IL Location Study_
10 Develop Initial Alternatives
20
8
36
11 Preliminary Hydraulic Analysis
_8
2
24
80
40
146
12 Evaluation of Bridge Design Alternatives
8
_
24
16
8
56
13 Field Review
_
a Alternatives Review
8
24
32
b Threatened and Endangered Species Habitat
8
8
14 Evaluation of Alternatives
24
64
24
32
144
15 Trail Considerations
2
8
8
18
16 Preliminary Opinion of Construction Cost
2
16
16
_
8
_
42
17 Location Study Report
24
24
32
16
96
Subtotal
78
212
136
136
0
0
16
578
111. Environmental Documentation
18 Earty Coordination
16
16
.__
4
36
19 Welland Boundary Delineation
16
8
24
20 Cultural Resources
2
4
4
10
21 Waste Sites
16
2
2
20
22 Streamlined Environmental Assessment
a Environmental Data Collection
8
8
16
b Natural Resources Impacts
8
12
4
24
c Social Economic and Land Use Impacts
_
16
8
_ 24
_
d Noise Impacts
16
2
8
26
_
e Other Impacts
4
4
8
I Cultural Resources Impacts
8
4
4
16
Draft EA
_ 8
80
40
24
32
184
h EA Revisions
4
16
4
4
8
36
1 Print and Distribute EA
4
4
4
12
24
j Draft of FONSI
12
_
8
4
_
8
32
_
k Revise, Print and Distribute FONSI
_
8
4
2
_
4
18
Subtotal
14
204
114
96
0
0
70
498
12/1/2004
Attachment A
Iowa City, Iowa
McCollister Boulevard, Phase I
Riverside Drive to Gilbert Street Sand Road
Location Study and Environmental Assessment
STAFF HOUR ESTIMATE
Page 2
Description of Work
Senior
Prof.
Project
Prof.
Staff
Prof.
CADD
Operator
II
CARD
Operator
1
Tech.
Word Proc./
Project
Admin.
Earth
Tech
Total
IV. Public Involvement and Agency Coordination
23 Location Public Hearmg
32
48
60
20
160
24 Individual Meetings with Property Owners
30
30
20
4
84
25 Utility Coordination
4
8
12
26 Public Agency Coordination
4
16
4
24
27 Permit Applications
0
Subtotal
70
102
0
60
0
0
28
280
V. Project Management 8 Meetings
28 Project Meetings
361
36
361
12
120
29 Monthly Project Status Reports
12
_
12
24
30 Project Administration
32
24
_ 24
60
Subtotal
80
60
0
36
0
0
48
224
Total Hours
250
618
296
400
0
68
166
1,798
Estimated Labor Costs
Estimated Expenses
Tallgrass Historians
Bear Creek Archeology, Inc.
Estimated Subconsuilants
Estimated Total Costs
Contingency
Maximum Amount Payable
$9,000.00
$13,000.00
$170,500.00
$1,500.00
$22,000.00
$194,000.00
$19,000.00
$213,000.00
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0 1,000 2.000 3.000 4000 n
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McCollister Blvd. Corridor
Phase I
Location Study
November 2004 City of Iowa City, Iowa 72949
EarthTech
A Tyco Intemational Ltd. Company
WATERLOO
DES MOINES IOWA CITY
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McCollister Blvd. Corridor
Phase I
Location Study
November 2004 City of Iowa City, Iowa 72949
EarthTech
A tgCO International Ltd. Company
April 14, 2006
Ms. Marian Karr
City Clerk
City Hall
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240 -1826
Subject: McCollister Boulevard
Iowa City, Iowa
Earth Tech Project No. 82647
Dear Ms. Karr:
501 Sycamore Street r 319.232.6531
Suite 222 F 319.232.0271
Waterloo, IA 50703 www.earthtech.com
On behalf of the city of Iowa City, please find enclosed a copy of the Environmental Assessment for the
McCollister Boulevard project from SE Riverside Drive to Gilbert Street in Iowa City.
Please submit any comments you might have to our office by May 16, 2006. A public hearing for this project is
tentatively planned for late May. The date and location will be confirmed and publicized in advance.
Very truly yours,
Earth Tech
9
Brenda J. Durbahn
Enclosure: As Noted
c: Mr. Brian Boelk (w /enclosure)
Mr. Bob Lentz (w /enclosure)
82647 /Adm/EA Disirib Ltcdoc -15
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McCOLLISTER BOULEVARD WEST
IN
IOWA CITY, JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
PROJECT NO. STP -U- 3715(628)- -70 -52
ENVIRONMENTAIL ASSESSMENT
Submitted Pursuant to USC 4332(2)(c)
By The
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
And
CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA
"The signatures are considered acceptance of the general project location and concepts described
in the environmental document unless otherwise specified by the approving officials. However,
such approval does not commit to approve any future grant fklu, ! to fund the preferred
alternative." X
For the City of Iowa City, Iowa Xowa e Office of I:ocation and Environment
Depa rtment of Transportation
?ll_lu_ /_e�Q_
For the Iowa Division Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
415%r.
Date of Approval for Public Availability
The following persons may be contacted for additional information:
Mr. Philip Dames
Iowa Division Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
Ames, Iowa 50010
Telephone: 515- 233 -7300
Mr. Ron Knoche, City Engineer
Department of Public Works
City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Telephone: 319-356-5138
ca
y ar
"The signatures are considered acceptance of the general project location and concepts described
in the environmental document unless otherwise specified by the approving officials. However,
such approval does not commit to approve any future grant fklu, ! to fund the preferred
alternative." X
For the City of Iowa City, Iowa Xowa e Office of I:ocation and Environment
Depa rtment of Transportation
?ll_lu_ /_e�Q_
For the Iowa Division Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
415%r.
Date of Approval for Public Availability
The following persons may be contacted for additional information:
Mr. Philip Dames
Iowa Division Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
Ames, Iowa 50010
Telephone: 515- 233 -7300
Mr. Ron Knoche, City Engineer
Department of Public Works
City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Telephone: 319-356-5138
The first column indicates the resource is in the project area. The second column indicates the impact to
the resource warrants more discussion in this document. Resources without a check in the first and/or
second column have been reviewed and are documented in a database shown in Appendix A.
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SOCIOECONOMIC
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
❑
❑
Land Use
M
M
Wetlands
❑
❑
Community Cohesion
M
❑
Surface Waters
❑O
O
Relocation Potential
0
0
Water Quality
❑
❑
Churches and Schools
❑
❑
Wild and Scenic Rivers
M
❑
Utilities
O
M
Flood Plain
❑
❑
Energy
0
❑
Wildlife and Habitat
❑
❑
Emergency Routes
❑
❑
Farmlands
❑
❑
Environmental Justice
❑
0
Threatened and Endangered
❑
❑
Transportation
0
❑
Vegetation
M
0
Right of Way
❑
❑
Ecosystem
❑
❑
Construction
❑
❑
❑
❑
Pedestrian and Bicycle
CULTURAL
PHYSICAL
❑
M
Historical Sites or Districts
M
❑
Noise
M
M
Archaeological Sites
❑
❑
Air Quality
❑
❑
Recreational
M
❑
Temporary Impacts
❑
❑
❑
❑
Contamination
❑
❑
Regulated Materials Sites
❑
❑
Visual
❑
❑
•
CONTROVERSY POTENTIAL
•
Section 4(t): Specify details
The first column indicates the resource is in the project area. The second column indicates the impact to
the resource warrants more discussion in this document. Resources without a check in the first and/or
second column have been reviewed and are documented in a database shown in Appendix A.
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Environmental Assessment - McCollister Boulevard West
Johnson County and Iowa City, Iowa
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...................................................................................... ...............................
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION ................................... ...............................
PROJECT PURPOSE AND NEED .................
Background...................................................................................... ...............................
Purposeand Need ............................................................................ ......................... .......
AccidentData .................................................................................. ...............................
TrafficForecasts .............................................................................. ...............................
ALTERNATIVES ..............
Preferred Alternative ...................................................................... ...............................
NoAction Alternative .................................................................... ...............................
PROJECT IMPACTS
Introduction..................................................................................... ...............................
Relocation Potential and Right -of- Way ........................................... ...............................
Wetlands.......................................................................................... ...............................
WaterQuality .................................................................................. ...............................
FloodPlain Impacts ......................................................................... ...............................
Vegetation, Wildlife and Habitat Impacts ....................................... ...............................
Threatened and Endangered Species ............................................... ...............................
CulturalResources ........................................................................... ...............................
COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES ............................................... I...............
SUMMARY......................................................................... .................I............I
COMMENTS AND COORDINATION ................................ ...............................
Agency Coordination .................................................... ...............................
LIST OF FIGURES
Fi pre
I McCollister Boulevard Corridor Phase I, Riverside Drive to Gilbert Street
2 McCollister Boulevard Corridor Projected Traffic Volumes for 2030
3 McCollister Boulevard Corridor and Impacts
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix
A Resource Justification Database
B Agency Comment Letters
Page
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
6
82647 1Adn ✓A/cCo11isiesEA- TEX.doc Janua,y 2006
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82647 1Adn ✓A/cCo11isiesEA- TEX.doc Janua,y 2006
Environmental Assessment - McCollister Boulevard West
Johnson Comity and loiva City, loiva
INTRODUCTION
This Environmental Assessment will be processed as a streamlined EA. Section 1309 of the
Transportation Equity Act of the 21st Century (TEA -21) mandated environmental streamlining in order to
improve transportation project delivery without compromising environmental protection. The Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA) has set in place the Vital Few Environmental Streamlining and
Stewardship Goal in order to set expectations and methods for improving the environmental review
process. The main objectives are to improve the timeframe for completion and reduce the overall length
of environmental documents.
A streamlining process was used to focus on issues that apply to the McCollister Boulevard project. This
process allowed study and discussion of resources present in the study area, rather than expend effort on
resources that were either not present or not impacted. Although not all resources are discussed in the
EA, they were considered during the planning process and are documented in a database shown in
Appendix A.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION
The proposed project consists of constructing a new two- to three -lane arterial roadway from
SE Riverside Drive across the Iowa River to Gilbert Street in Iowa City, Iowa (Figure 1). The project
corridor passes through various land uses, including open space, residential and light industrial. The
project is located on the south side of Iowa City and would connect to the proposed Sandhill Estates
entrance road. The McCollister Boulevard project distance is approximately 3,200 feet.
The new roadway would consist of a two -lane cross section, except at intersections where a left -tum lane
would be included making the roadway three lanes wide. A new bridge will be constructed over the Iowa
River as part of this project. The bridge would consist of four spans at approximately 130 feet each, for a
total length of approximately 520 feet. It would require two piers in the river. The roadway will be an
urban cross section, meaning it will have curb and gutter for its entire length. Sidewalks will be provided
on both sides of the roadway, 8 feet on one side and 4 feet on the other and would be CdFied ac'ro'ss the
bridge. `' C7
—(1
PROJECT PURPOSE AND NEED C? — r
Background !'1 ;\
The city of Iowa City has been planning for a future southern arterial street for malr� yearsz"*)It is
identified as the South Central Arterial in the Iowa City South District Plan, adopted in l5ecemberu1997,
and the Draft South Central District Plan which was prepared in July 1998. In May 1999, the city
completed a Location Study Report for the South Central Arterial between U.S. 218/towa Highway 1 and
Sycamore Street. Since that time, a portion of this South Central Arterial (named Mormon Trek
Boulevard) has been constructed. Mormon Trek Boulevard begins at Iowa 1 and extends east - southeast
along the southern edge of the Iowa City Airport to Old Highway 218 (Highway 921). Construction is
expected to begin in 2006, from Old Highway 218 to Riverside Drive, for another portion of Mormon
Trek Boulevard. Currently, a location study is underway for the far eastern portion of the south central
roadway, extending from Gilbert Street east to U.S. Highway 6.
82647 1.4dndAfcCollisterEA -TEXdm -I- January 2006
Enviromnental Assessment - McCollister Boulevard West
Johnson County and Iowa City, Iowa
Purpose and Need
The primary purpose of the project is to accommodate an increasing volume of east -west traffic demand
in the southern portion of Iowa City. A secondary purpose is to provide access to adjacent properties to
facilitate future development within the corridor.
There are several functional needs for this project which are described below.
East -West Traffic Service in the Corridor. Currently, the southernmost arterial street is
Iowa I/U.S. 6, and it is the only corridor that can accommodate east -west through traffic in the
southern part of Iowa City, This roadway currently carries (based on 2002 counts) traffic
volumes of over 32,000 vehicles per day (vpd) in some segments and is operating near its
maximum capacity. As traffic volumes increase, a second east -west through street is needed to
alleviate congestion and improve safety on Iowa I/U.S. 6.
• Provide a New Crossing of the Iowa River. Currently, the nearest existing river crossing is on
U.S. 6, approximately 1 mile to the north of the proposed McCollister Boulevard corridor. This
bridge currently carries over 24,000 vpd. Adding another crossing would reduce congestion and
bottlenecks that occur there now.
• Access to Potential Development Areas Within the Corridor. Residential `and commercial'
developments have been rapidly expanding in the southern part of Iowa City, adding to the traffic
demand in this area. McCollister Boulevard will provide improved access to Adso and other
potential developments,
Accident Data
Y o�
Accident data was gathered for U.S. 6 within the city of Iowa City from 2001 through 2004. The limits
used for this analysis were Riverside Drive (Iowa 1) to Scott Boulevard, a distance of 3.3 miles.
For this four -year period, a total of 459 crashes were reported, including one fatal crash. In each of the
four years, the number of crashes was similar, ranging from 106 to 120 crashes per year, or an average of
115 crashes /year.
The analysis also looked at crashes at the intersections of U.S. 6 and Riverside Drive and U.S. 6 and
Gilbert Street. At U.S. 6 and Riverside Drive, 51 crashes were recorded from 2001 to 2004. Based on
estimated traffic volumes, this is an average accident rate for an urban intersection. In the same period,
65 crashes were reported at the U.S. 6 and Gilbert Street intersection. Again, based on estimated traffic
counts, this represents a higher than average accident rate for an urban intersection.
Traffic Forecasts
Future traffic on proposed McCollister Boulevard was modeled for design year 2030. Based on this
model, traffic volumes on McCollister Boulevard are expected to be approximately 14,200 vpd in 2030.
Traffic volumes on other adjacent streets are shown on Figure 2.
Under the No Action Alternative, if McCollister Boulevard were not constructed, the future traffic on
portions of Iowa l/U.S. 6 would continue to increase, with the future traffic demand exceeding the
capacity of this street. Decreased traffic safety and delays could be expected.
82647 1AdnJAleCollisierEA - TEX.d" -2- January 2006
Environmental Assessment - McCollister Boulevard West
Johnson County and Iowa City, Iowa
ALTERNATIVES
Three main alternative alignment corridors were considered for this project. Two of the alternative
alignments are located farther south than the Preferred Alternative. Both were dropped from further
consideration because of projected low traffic demand and therefore did not satisfy the purpose and need
for the project. The Preferred Alternative and the No Action Alternative are described below and shown
on Figure 3.
Preferred Alternative
The Preferred Alternative extends from Riverside Drive east to Gilbert Street, passing along the north
edge of Mesquakie Park, a former city dump. This alternative provides the best traffic service, including
through traffic and local access, while also having the least floodway impact to the Iowa River.
Slight variations to this alternative were considered during early planning. However, due to the unstable
substrate of the city dump ( Mesquakie Park), alternatives that traverse even slightly more to the south in
Mesquakie Park were not feasible. Shifting to the north would result in more indirect impacts and
displacements to the mobile home park. Also, at the eastern end of the project at Gilbert Street, the city
preferred that McCollister Boulevard tie into a planned city roadway.
No Action Alternative
The No Action Alternative would be the continuation of the street system as it exists at the present time in
Iowa City. No physical changes would be made in pavement widths, lane configurations, intersection
layouts or traffic patterns.
The No Action Alternative, while having fewer environmental impacts such as land acquisition and
relocations, would not be consistent with city planning efforts and McCollister Boulevard's intended
function as a result of regional and local importance.
The existing street and highway network contains several areas with traffic congestion and poor levels of
service. If no changes are made to this network, more traffic congestion and traffic- related accidents
would likely occur and would increase in proportion to future traffic volume increases.
For these reasons, the No Action Alternative would not meet the purpose and need requirements of this
project. It is, nevertheless, carried forward as a detailed study alternative to serve as a baseline for
comparison of the Preferred Alternative.
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82647 1.4dnJMcCa1lis1erEA -TEXdm -3- January 2006
Environmental Assessment - McCollister Boulevard West
Johnson County and Iowa City, Iowa
PROJECT IMPACTS
Introduction
At the beginning of this document, a table listing resource areas was shown. Those resources that were
checked on the table are discussed in the following sections. Other resources not checked on the table
were also evaluated; however, they did not warrant discussion in the body of the EA. Information about
these resources, the database used to evaluate them and when the evaluation was completed can be found
in Appendix A.
The corridor evaluated is somewhat irregular (Figure 3). Starting from the west end of�jtn,�roject; the
corridor is approximately 200 feet wide, while next to the mobile home park it narrows t"boui 150 feet. '
Continuing east, the project corridor gradually widens to 400 feet at the Iowa River crossing. From the
Iowa River east to Gilbert Street, the corridor gradually narrows back to a 200 -foot wide corridor. The
project corridor is approximately 3,200 feet in length.
Relocation Potential and Right -of -Way
:Y o.
Less than 2 acres of new right -of -way will be acquired as part of the project. Most of the land within the
project corridor is already owned by the city of Iowa City. Approximately 6 acres total will be needed to
construct the proposed roadway. The proposed project would require the acquisition of land from I1
property owners from a total of 16 separate parcels.
The project corridor passes very close to a mobile home park located off Riverside Drive west of the Iowa
River. Three of these mobile home lots are located within the project corridor and would be acquired by
this project. At the time of this writing, two of these lots were occupied with mobile homes, and one lot
was vacant. East of the Iowa River there are several houses located along Napoleon Lane. One of these
homes is located in the project corridor and would be acquired to construct the Iowa River Bridge.
The city of Iowa City's acquisition and relocation program will be conducted in accordance with the
Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (Public Law 91 -646),
as amended, by the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987. The
program provides relocation resources to all residential and business relocatees without discrimination.
Adequate housing is available in Iowa City and nearby Coralville. Real estate listings show several
properties (homes, condos and apartments) for sale that are less than $100,000.
Wetlands
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory Map that includes the project corridor
showed one wetland area adjacent to the Iowa River. The project biologist conducted a site visit of the
corridor in May 2005 for potential wetland impacts. No wetlands were found within the project corridor.
Water Quality
According to Iowa DNR, the Iowa River is a protected stream under Iowa Code 567- 72.2(1)d.(455B),
which means that no channel changes will be allowed. This law does allow for bridges or other structures
to be constructed. The Iowa River is also designated as a Class Al Primary for recreational use. This
means that the type of recreational use of the Iowa River could include activities that may result in
prolonged and direct contact with the water. Such uses may include swimming, diving, water skiing and
82647 1,4dn ✓McCo11isterEA - TEX doc -4- January 2006
Environmental Assessment - McCollister Boulevard West
Johnson County and Iowa City, Iowa
recreational canoeing. The Iowa River has temperature, flow and other habitat characteristics that make it
suitable to support a wide range of aquatic plant and animal species, including sensitive species. Because
of this, it is classified as Class B (WW) Significant Resource -Warm Water.
Iowa DNR asks that this project use Best Management Practices (BMPs) to control erosion and protect
water quality in the Iowa River during construction. During construction, erosion control measures will
be used to minimize sediments entering the Iowa River. The erosion control measures will be listed in the
design specifications.
Flood Plain Impacts
(� co
An important natural feature of this project is the Iowa River. Its drainage area covers 4,792 square —�
miles. A new crossing of the Iowa River is proposed as part of this project. The project corridor,
approximately 400 feet wide over the river, crosses approximately 920 feet of floodplain =fAt tike
proposed crossing location, the river channel is 250 feet wide. �?
Y °
The proposed bridge at the Iowa River crossing would be a prestressed concrete beam structure and
would be approximately 520 feet long, consisting of four spans at 130 feet each. Two piers would be
placed in the channel for this length and type of bridge. The addition of this bridge would have a zero rise
in surface water elevation for the Iowa River because of proposed cuts along the channel to offset the
addition of the piers.
The crossing over the Iowa River at this location is subject to approval from the Iowa Department of
Natural Resources for flood plain construction and Section 401 Water Quality Certification. The U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers will require a Section 404 permit for the crossing over the Iowa River.
Vegetation, Wildlife and Habitat Impacts
The GIS database (site reference) indicated approximately 3 acres of wooded area within the corridor that
could be impacted. This wooded area is located along the Iowa River and is referred to as riparian
vegetation. Riparian vegetation provides habitat for many common wildlife species, such as whitetail
deer, fox squirrels and various songbirds. There will be some impact to wildlife species utilizing the Iowa
River corridor due to construction activities and habitat loss. The new river crossing will not eliminate
wildlife travel corridors; therefore, the loss of approximately 3 acres of habitat is not expected to be
significant in the long term.
Threatened and Endangered Species
Coordination with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) was conducted in February 2005 (see letters in Appendix A). Both agencies listed several
species with possible ranges within the project area.
The USFWS listed the following species: bald eagle (threatened), eastern prairie fringed orchid
(threatened), prairie bush - clover (threatened), western prairie fringed orchid (threatened) and Indiana bat
(endangered). No potential habitat was found for any of the listed species mentioned by USFWS. Bald
eagles are known to occur in the general project area during the winter months. However, no large
congregations of eagles occur in the area, and no evidence exists to suggest the area is serving as a
significant winter roost site. In addition, no bald eagle nests were observed.
82647 1Adn✓McCollisterEA- TEXdoc -5- Janumy 2006
Environmental Assessment - McCollister Boulevard West
Johnson County and Iowa City, Iowa
Iowa DNR also lists the Indiana bat and three species of mussel with known records from the Iowa River
near the project area. The Pistolgrip (Tritogonia verrucosa) is a state endangered species, the Squawfoot
(Strophitus undulates) is a state threatened species, and the Higgins' Eye Pearly Mussel (Lampsilis
higginsrt) is a state and federally endangered species. This portion of the Iowa River was used as a
reintroduction area for the Higgins' Eye Pearly Mussel in conjunction with the USFWS.
A survey for all three mussel species will be conducted within the year prior to construction of the bridge
in the impact area. The survey is not being done now because the bridge may not be constructed for
several years; and within that time, the Higgins' Eye Pearly Mussel, or other protected species, could
become established in the impact area. If the survey were done now, USFWS and DNR would require
another survey closer to the time of construction. The impact area for the mussels includes the study
corridor, plus an area stretching downstream of about 500 feet. A report detailing this survey will be sent
to Iowa DNR for review and comment. If the Higgins' Eye Pearly Mussel is found, Section 7
coordination will be initiated with the USFWS. Comments from DNR and USFWS (as applicable)
regarding mitigation (if needed) will be incorporated into the construction plans and specifications.
A preliminary survey for suitable Indiana bat roost trees was conducted by the project biologist in
May 2005. No suitable roost trees were found. However, following final design, a detailed Indiana bat
survey will be conducted following USFWS guidelines.
Cultural Resources
Cultural resources surveys, including archaeology and historic architecture surveys, were completed for
the project in spring 2005. The archaeology survey did not find any new significant sites. Additional
investigations of one previously recorded site, 13JH774, determined it was not significant and does not
warrant further investigation. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) concurred with the findings
of this report on May 17, 2005 (see letter in Appendix B).
An intensive level survey of historic /architectural properties was conducted within the study area. A total
of 10 properties were surveyed, and none of these properties were determined to be eligible for the
National Register of Historic Places. On September 19, 2005, SHPO concurred with this finding (see
letter in Appendix B).
816471AAdUcCoUisterEA -TEXAd -6- Jatmaty 2006
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816471AAdUcCoUisterEA -TEXAd -6- Jatmaty 2006
Environmental Assessment - McCollister Boulevard West
Johnson County and Iowa City, lowa
COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES
This section summarizes the final comparison of the cumulative impacts between the No Action and
Preferred Alternatives for the construction of McCollister Boulevard. The impacts and general features of
both alternatives are summarized below.
SUMMARY OF CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
McCOLLISTER BOULEVARD ALTERNATIVES
NA =Not Applicable
* See section on threatened and endangered species for discussion.
SUMMARY
This Environmental Assessment concludes that the proposed project is necessary for safe and efficient
travel within the project corridor. Final alternative selection will occur following completion of the
public review period and location public hearing.
Unless significant impacts are identified as a result of a public review or at the public hearing, a Finding
of No Significant Impact (FONSI) will be prepared for this proposed action as a basis for federal -aid
corridor location approval.
L)
No Action
Alternative
Preferred Alternative
Length ft
NA
3,200
Total new Right-of-Way ac
0
<2
No. Properties Affected
0
11
No. Businesses Affected
0
0
Residences Displaced
0
3
Riparian Impacts ac
0
3
Wetland Impacts ac
0
0
Archaeology Impacts
None
None
Historic Properties Affected
None
None
Air Quality Impacts
None
Minor During Construction
Water Quality Impacts
None
BMPs Will be Implemented for Erosion Control
Land -Use Impacts
None
None
Threatened and Endangered Wildlife Impacts
None
Possible In and Near the Iowa River*
Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitat ac
0
3
River and Flood Plain Crossings
None
Iowa River Crossing and 920 Feet of Flood Plain
Pro'ected 2030 Traffic Volumes Vehicles Per Day
NA
1 14,200
NA =Not Applicable
* See section on threatened and endangered species for discussion.
SUMMARY
This Environmental Assessment concludes that the proposed project is necessary for safe and efficient
travel within the project corridor. Final alternative selection will occur following completion of the
public review period and location public hearing.
Unless significant impacts are identified as a result of a public review or at the public hearing, a Finding
of No Significant Impact (FONSI) will be prepared for this proposed action as a basis for federal -aid
corridor location approval.
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82647 1,4dn✓A1cCo1hsterEA -TEXdw -7- January 2006
Environmental Assessment - McCollister Boulevard West
Johnson County and Iowa City, Iowa
COMMENTS AND COORDINATION
Agency Coordination
Appropriate federal, state and local agencies were contacted on January 28, 2005, as part of early
coordination for their comments concerning this project. Comment letters received are shown in
Appendix B. The agencies contacted are listed below.
US Fish and Wildlife Service
US Department of Interior
US Environmental Protection Agency
US Army Corps of Engineers
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Iowa Department of Natural Resources — Conservation and Recreation Division
Iowa Department of Natural Resources — Environmental Services Division
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs — State Historical Society of Iowa
Johnson County Council of Governments
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department
Agencies responding to early coordination are shown in bold.
Comments received include:
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• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) commented that five threatened or endangered species
have ranges within the project corridor.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stated that we will need to determine the location and impact of
any wetlands in the project corridor as well as coordinate with Iowa SHPO and USFWS.
• Iowa DNR Air Quality Bureau listed several programs, some of which may apply to this project.
• Iowa DNR Water Quality Bureau stated the Iowa River is a protected stream. Best management
practices are to be used to control erosion and protect water quality.
• Iowa DNR Conservation and Recreation Division commented that a Sovereign Lands
Construction Permit will be required since the Iowa River is a sovereign land. Also, two species
of mussel (Pistolgrip and Squawfoot) have known records from this part of the Iowa River; and
the Higgins' Eye Pearly Mussel, a federally listed endangered species, has been reintroduced to
the river within the proposed project corridor. This project is located within the range of Indiana
Bat summer habitat. Field checks for all these species will be required as part of the project.
Johnson County Council of Governments said the proposed project is consistent with their Long -
Range Transportation Plan.
State Historical Society of Iowa stated that the project will need to comply with Section 106 of
the National Historic Preservation Act. There are previously identified archaeological sites in and
around the project area that may need additional survey to determine their National Register
significance.
82647 1Adn✓McCo111sterEA -TEXd" -8- January 2006
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Environmental Assessment
2006
City of Iowa City, Iowa 82647
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Environmental Assessment r'>
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APPENDIX A
RESOURCE JUSTIFICATION DATABASE
SOCIO- ECONOMIC.lustif cation Section:
Land Use
Evaluation and Date:
No si g nificant imp act to land use is anticipated by this project.
Database Use:
Iowa City South District Plan and Draft South Central District Plan. Project is consistent with land -
use plans.
Completed By:
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech
Community Cohesion
Evaluation and Date:
Proposed madway on new alignment; it is not going through neighborhoods.
Database Use:
Aerial mapping.
Completed By:
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech
Churches and Schools
Evaluation and Date:
None resent in the corridor.
Database Use:
NA
Completed By:
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech
Utilities.
Evaluation and Date:
Sanitary sewer main and water main in the corridor. No major utility relocations or issues anticipated.
July 2005,
Database Use:
City information and utility companies.
Completed By:
B. Lentz, Earth Tech
Energy
Evaluation and Date:
NA
Database Use:
Ecosystem
Completed B
Emergency Routes
Evaluation and Date:
No disruption of emergency routes since McCollister Boulevard is on new alignment. Construction at
Riverside Drive, Napolean Lane and Gilbert Street would be done in such a way to allow emergency
vehicles continuous access. Proposed new fire station to be constructed in the south- central area of
Iowa City between 2009 and 2011. July 20, 2005.
Database Use:
Iowa City Fire Department Strategic Plan, July 2002.
Completed By:
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech
Environmental Justice
Evaluation and Date:
Minority and low - income populations are slightly higher than for Johnson County; however, these
populations are not impacted disproportionately by the project.
Database Use:
I U.S. Census Bureau Website: census.gov
Completed By:
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech
Transportation
Evaluation and Date:
No significant impact to existing transportation routes is anticipated by this project.
Database Use:
NA
Completed BY:
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech
Construction
Evaluation and Date:
Standards specifications will be used. No eonstructabili issues anticipated.
Database Use:
NA
Completed By:
B. Lentz, Earth Tech
NATIIRAI. F.NVIRONMF.NT.Instifiratinn Section:
Wild and Scenic Rivers
Evaluation and Dale:
I Iowa River is not a Wild and Scenic River.
Database Use:
www.nl)s.gov/rivers/index.html
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Completed BY:
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech
) -
Farmlands
Evaluation and Date:
No farmland is present in the project corridor.
—
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Database Use:
Aerial ma in .
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FEI
Completed B :
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech
Ecosystem
Evaluation and Date:
No unique or protected ecosystem occurs in the corridor. May 2,.2005.
Database Use:
Field check.
�t
Completed By:
T. VanDe \Valle, Earth Tech
rTT Tr IRA1 r fl" ,,.. r:,.., Sect;- -
PHYSICAL mitifirnkinn Rertin-
Noise
Recreational
Evaluation and Date:
Mesquakie Park is located within the project corridor. This land was the site of the city dump and,
Database use limited to sound level database contained in TNM 2.5.
after it was no longer used and annexed into the city, was turned over to the Parks Department. It is
C. Chumble , Earth Tech
closed off to the public, and no signage is displayed. FHWA agreed that this area does not function as
a park and therefore Section 4(f) does not apply. No other parks or recreational areas are located in
Evaluation and Date:
the project corridor. July 2005.
Database Use:
Windshield survey and city mapping.
Completed By:
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech
PHYSICAL mitifirnkinn Rertin-
Noise
Evaluation and Date:
Performed noise analysis using FHWA's TNM 2.5. Analysis done for 25 noise - sensitive locations.
Results indicate that the project will not have any noise impacts. Technical memorandum on file.
January 9, 2006.
Database Use:
Database use limited to sound level database contained in TNM 2.5.
Completed By:
C. Chumble , Earth Tech
Air Quality
Evaluation and Date:
Project is in an area where the State Implementation Plan does not contain any transportation control
measures. Conformity procedures of 23 CFR 770 do not apply.
Database Use:
NA
Completed By:
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech. January 6, 2006.
Temporary Ina acts
Evaluation and Date:
Impacts are anticipated to be minor and will be limited to construction activities. January 9, 2006.
Database Use:
NA
Completed By:
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech
Contamination
Evaluation and Date:
None located. January 6, 2006.
Database Use:
NPL Sites:
flp:Hftp.iv,sb.uiowa.edu/pis library /IA state /Environmental Regulation/National priority listzio
Non -NPL Sites:
ftp•//ftp ipsb uiowa edu /pis library/IA state/Environmental Regulaton/Non national priority listzio
LUST and UST Sites:
h"p://igsims.igsb.uiowa.edu/website/ust sites /viewer.htm
RCRIS Sites:
htt : /hvww.c a. ov /enviro/html /rcris /rcris ue 'ava.hhn
Completed By:
C. Chumble , Earth Tech
Regulated Materials Sites
Evaluation and Date:
Searched CERCLIS, RCRIS, LUST and UST databases on January 6, 2006.
Database Use:
NPL Sites:
ftp,Hftp.igsb.uiowa.edu/jzis library/IA state /Environmental Regulation/National priority list.zio
Nan -NPL Sites:
fly://ftp.igsb.iiiowa.edu/gis library/IA state /Environmental Repulalon/Non national priority listzip
LUST and USTSites:
http• / /igsims ipsb uiowa edu /website /ust sites/viewer.htm
RCRIS Sites:
http://%"Yw.epa.pov/enviro/html/rcris/rcris query iava.html
Completed By:
C. Churn bley, Earth Tech
Visual
Evaluation and Date:
Adjacent mobile home park will have new roadway within their viewshed, but impact is not
considered significant.
Database Use:
I NA r –)
Completed B
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech
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APPENDIX B
AGENCY COMMENT LETTERS
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Sep 26 05 02:05p OLE
Iowa Departmentof Transportation
800 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50010 515- 239 -1097
515- 239 -1726 FAX
May 26, 2005
Ralph Christian
Review and Compliance
Bureau of Historic Preservation
State Historical Society of Iowa
600 East. Locust
Des Moines, IA 50319
Dear Ralph:
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MAY 3 % %uti5
Ref. No STP -U- 3715(628)- -70 -52
Johnson
Local
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R &C# 050252014 T
7 [7
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RE: The McCollister Boulevard Project in Iowa City- Architectural/ Historical y
Study : Section 22, T79N -R6W
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Enclosed for your review and comment is the historical / architectural intensive level study for the
above - mentioned federal funded project The project proposes the construction of McCollister
Boulevard in southern Iowa City, Iowa. This project will include the construction of a roadway
and a bridge that will span the Iowa River.
The area of potential impact encompasses a project corridor that is 3200 ft. in length with'a
maximum width of 400 ft. A total area of 20.4 acres was investigated.
This investigation was conducted using an extensive archival / records search along with a
property inspection of the project area. Ten properties were investigated within the project area
and all ten of these properties were determined not eligible for the National Register of Historic
Place.
Based on the findings of this historic / architectural investigation and the determination of this
project in regards to architectural properties is No Historic Properties Affected. If you concur
with this determination, please sign the concurrence line below and return this letter. If you have
any questions regarding this project or this investigation, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
`Matthe�. Donov�art
MJFD Off-ice of Location and Environment
Enclosure Matt.Donovan @dot.state.ia.us
cc:
Michael Gardner, Johnson County Engineer
Roger Walton, Distirct 6
Kris Riesenberg- Location and Environment / NEPA
Jan Nash- Principal Investigator /Tallgrass Historians L.0
Comments:
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Sep 19 05 01:20p OLE
MAY 112005
Iowa DepartmentofTransportation
800 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50010 515- 239 -1097
May 10, 2005
Doug Jones
Review and Compliance
Bureau of Historic Preservation
State Historical Society of Iowa
600 East Locust
Des Moines, IA 50319
Dear Doug:
515 -239 -1726 FAX
Ref. No STP -U- 3715(628)- -70 -52
Johnson
Local
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R &C# 050252014
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RE: The McCollister Boulevard Project in Iowa City
Section 22, T79N -R6W
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Enclosed for your review and comment is the Phase I archaeological report for the
above- mentioned federal funded project. The project proposes the construction of
McCollister Boulevard in southern Iowa City, Iowa. This project will include the
construction of a road way and a bridge that will span the Iowa River.
The area of potential impact encompasses a project corridor that is 32M ft. in length
with a maximum width of 400 ft. A total area of 20.4 acres was investigated.
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This investigation was conducted using an extensive archival / records search along with
a pedestrian survey of the project area. In addition, bucket auger tests, shovel tests and
soil probes were conducted within the project area. One previously recorded prehistoric
archaeological sites, 13JH774, was determined to be located with the project corridor.
Site 131H774 represents a historic dump and prehistoric artifact scatter, first recorded in
1997. This site appears to be a dump of modem refuse and a light scatter of prehistoric
artifacts confined to the disturbed surface of an outwash terrace. Based on the results of
this investigation, the area of Site 13JH774 within the project corridor has been
determined not eligible for the National Register and no further work is recommend for
this section.
Sep 19 05 01:21p OLE
Based on the findings of this investigation and the understanding the section of Site
13JH744 within the project corridor is not eligible for the National Register, the
determination of this project is No Adverse Effect. If you concur with this
determination, please sign the concurrence line below and return this letter. If you have
any questions regarding this project or the Phase I investigation, please feel free to
contact me.
Sincerely, f�
Matthew J e.novan
Office of Location and Environment
Matt.DonovanC@dot.stato.ia.us
MJFD
Enclosure
cc:
Michael Gardner, Johnson County Engineer
Roger Walton, Distirct 6
Kris Riesenberg- Location and Environment / NEPA
Joe B. Thompson- Project Archaeologist / BCA
Brenda J. Durbahn- Project Manager / Earth Tech
Concur:
Comments:
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OF:
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
ROCK ISLAND DISTRICT. CORPS OF ENGINEERS
CLOCK TOWER BUILDING - P.O. BOX 2004
ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS 61204 -2004
Planning, Programs, and
Project Management Division
Ms. Brenda Durbahn
Earth Tech
501 Sycamore Street
Suite 222
Waterloo, Iowa 50704
Dear Ms. Durbahn:
March 11, 2005
CP
I received your letter dated January 28, 2005, concerning environmental studies for the
McCollister Boulevard project. Rock Island District staff reviewed the information you provided
and have the following comments:
a. Your proposal does not involve Rock Island District Corps of Engineers (Corps)
administered land; therefore, no fiuther Rock Island District Corps real estate coordination is
necessary.
b. Any proposed placement of fill or dredged material into waters of the United States
(including wetlands) requires Department of the Army (DA) authorization. We require
additional details of your project before we can make a final determination. When detailed
plans are available, please complete and submit the enclosed application packet to the
Rock Island District for processing. The application should include determinations of wetlands
and other waters of the United States, size estimations of impacts to those areas,
and wetland types and relative functions.
c. The Responsible Federal Agency should coordinate with Ms. Maria Pandullo, Iowa
Historic Preservation Agency, ATTN: Review and Compliance Program, State Historical
Society of Iowa, Capitol Complex, Des Moines, Iowa 50319 to determine impacts to historic
properties.
d. The Rock Island Field Office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service should be contacted
to determine if any federally listed endangered species are being impacted and, if so, how to
avoid or minimize impacts. The Rock Island Field Office address is: 4469 - 48th Avenue Court,
Rock Island, Illinois 61201. Mr. Rick Nelson is the Field Supervisor. You can reach him by
calling 309/793 -5800.
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e. The Iowa Emergency Management Division should be contacted to determine if the
proposed project may impact areas designated as floodway. Mr. Dennis Harper is the Iowa State
Hazard Mitigation Team Leader. His address is: Hoover State Office Building, Level A, Des
Moines, Iowa 50319. You can reach him by calling 515/281 -3231.
No other concerns surfaced during our review. Thank you for the opportunity to comment
on your proposal. If you need more information, please call Dr. Sandra Brewer of our Economic
and Environmental Analysis Branch, telephone 309/794 -5171.
You may find additional information about the Corps' Rock Island District on our web site
at http: / /www.mvr.usace.army.mii. To find out about other Districts within the Corps, you
may visit web site: http:// www .usace.army.mWdivdistmapihtml.
Enclosure
Sincerely,
'lam &,
Kenneth A. Barr
Chief, Economic and Environmental
Analysis Branch
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Fields of Opportunities STATE O F IOWA
THOMAS J. VILSACK, GOVERNOR
SALLY J. PEDERSON, LT. GOVERNOR
February 22, 2005
Ms. Brenda J. Durbahn
Earth Tech
501 Sycamore Street, Suite 222
P.O. Box 1497
Waterloo, IA 50704 -1497
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
JEFFREY R. VONK, DIRECTOR
r�
RE: McCollister Boulevard project that would extend from Riverside Drive across the Iowa River.to Gilbert
Street, Iowa City, IA; Earth Tech Project No. 82647
Dear Ms. Durbahn:
In response to your request for our comments on the impact of the above referenced project, we provide the
following:
The Iowa River is a meandered stream and therefore sovereign land. Any construction on, over, under or
through sovereign land requires a Sovereign Lands Construction Permit from this Department. Enclosed is a
joint application form for your use. Specific road plans should be included with that application.
The Department has records for Pistolgrip (Tritogonia verrucosa, Iowa listed endangered) and Squawfoot
(Strophitus undulates, Iowa listed threatened) within the Iowa River near this site. Also, part of this area has
been used to reintroduce the Higgins' Eye Pearly Mussel (Lampsil/s higgins/i, Iowa listed endangered and
federally listed endangered). A mussel survey will need to be completed within the impact area of the Iowa
River and a copy of that survey submitted to Daryl Howell of this Department for review before our comments
can be finalized. Mr. Howell may be contacted at 515/281.8524.
The Indiana bat (Myotis soda/ /s, state and federal endangered) may occur in the area of this project. The
enclosed guidelines provide information about summer habitat requirements and survey methods for the
Indiana bat. If it appears that you will disturb potential Indiana bat summer habitat, we suggest that you
contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Rock Island Field Office at (309) 793 -5800. If other listed species or
rare communities are found during the planning or construction phases, additional studies and/or mitigation
may be required.
It has come to our attention that some of this road may be crossing Mesquakie Park, which may have been a
landfill that was closed in 1972.
This letter Is a record of review for protected species, rare natural communities, state lands and waters in the.
project area, including review by personnel representing state parks, preserves, recreation areas, fisheries
and wildlife but does not include any potential comment from the Environmental Services Division of this
Department. This letter does not constitute a permit and before proceeding with this project, permits may be
needed from this Department or from other state or federal agencies.
Effective March 10, 2003, any construction activity that bares the soil of an area greater than or equal to 1 acre
including clearing, grading or excavation may require a storm water discharge permit from the Department.
Construction activities may Include the temporary or permanent storage of dredge material. For more
information regarding this matter, please contact Ruth Rosdail at 5151281 -6782.
The Department administers regulations that pertain to fugitive.dust IAW Iowa Administrative Code 567 -
23.3(2)"c". All persons shall take reasonable precautions to prevent the discharge of visible emissions of
05- 3443L.doc
WALLACE STATE OFFICE BUILDING / DES MOINES, IOWA 50319
515.281 -5918 TDD515- 242 -5967 FAX515 -281 -6794 WWW.STATE.IA.US /DNR
fugitive dusts beyond the lot line of property during construction, alteration, repairing or demolishing of
buildings, bridges or other vertical structures or haul roads. All questions regarding fugitive dust regulations
should be addressed to Jim McGraw at 515/242 -5167.
If you have any questions about this letter or If you require further information, please contact Keith
Dohrmann at (515) 281 -8967.
Sincerely,
1 —!/ `mil
IANE FORDSHIVVERS SUPERVISOR
POLICY AND COORDINATION
CONSERVATION AND RECREATION DIVISION
DFS:kd
Attachment: Indiana Bat Guidelines (addressee only)
Joint Application Form (addros see only)
CC: Christine Schwake, Water Quality Bureau, Iowa DNR (by email)
Mr. Ross Spitz, Office of the City Engineer, City of Iowa City, 410 East Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240
Nina Kroger, Solid Waste, Environmental Services Division, Iowa DNR (local)
Daryl Howell, Conservation & Recreation Division, Iowa DNR (by email)
FILE COPY: Keith L. Dohrmann
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Fields of Opportunities
THOMAS J. VILSACK, GOVERNOR DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
SALLY J. PEDERSON, LT. GOVERNOR JEFFREY R VONK, DIj ECTOR
February 18, 2005
Ms. Brenda Durbahn� �1
Earth Tech
So Sycamore Street, Suite 222 w
P.O. Box 1497 -
Waterloo, IA 50704 -1497,
Subject: McCollister Boulevard, Iowa City, Johnson County, Earth Tech Project AP2647
y
Dear Ms. Durbahn:
This responds to your letter of January 28, 2009, requesting comments on the McCollister
Boulevard project. We have reviewed the information provided and have the following comments.
In the project area, the Iowa River is designated as a Class Al Primary contact recreational use.
These are waters in which recreational or other uses may result in prolonged and direct contact
with the water, involving considerable risk of ingesting water in quantities sufficient to pose a
health hazard. Such activities would include, but not be limited to, swimming, diving, water skiing,
and water contact recreational canoeing. The Iowa River is also designated as a Class B(WW)
Significant resource warm water. These are waters in which temperature, flow and other habitat
characteristics are suitable for the maintenance of a wide variety of reproducing populations of
warm water fish and associated aquatic communities, including sensitive species.
The Iowa River is also a protected stream. As stated in 567- 72.2(1)d.(455B) of the Iowa
Administrative Cade, "For protected streams no channel changes will be allowed, because of actual
or potential significant adverse effects on fisheries, water quality, flood control, flood plain
management, wildlife habitat, soil erosion, public recreation, the public health, welfare and safety,
compatibility with state water plan, rights of other landowners, and other factors relevant to the
control, development, protection, allocation, and utilization of the stream. Protected stream status
does not prohibit bank stabilization measures; tree maintenance or removal; Inaintenance or
installation of tile outlets; machinery crossings, including concrete drive - throughs and bridges;
boat and canoe ramps; or other structures permitted by the department; nor restrict riparian access
to the protected stream for such uses as livestock watering or grazing. Protected stream status does
not affect current cropping practices or require the establishment of buffer strips, filter strips or
fences along protected streams."
We would ask that Best Management Practices be used to control erosion and protect water quality
at the project site. Please design the project to avoid impacts to wetland.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the proposed project. If you have any
questions or comments, please write me at the address shown below, or call (515) 281 -6615.
Sincerely,
Christine M. Schwake
Environmental Specialist
Water Quality Section
WALLACE STATE OFFICE BUILDING/ 502 E. 9ih STREET/ DES MOINES, IOWA 50319 -0034
515 - 281 -5145 TDD 515- 242 -5967 FAX 515 -281 -8895 www.stateJams/du
PI REPLY REFER
S0:
FWS /RIFO
United States Department of the Interior
Ms. Brenda J. Durbahn
Earth Tech
501 Sycamore Street
Suite 222, PO Box 1497
Waterloo, Iowa 50704 -1497
Dear Ms. Durbahn:
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Rock Island Field Office
4469 48'h Avenue Court
Rock Island, Illinois 61201
Phone: (309) 793 -5800 Fax: (309) 793 -5804
February 17, 2005
��aBe�u•`�� "z:
9
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This is in response to your letter of January 28, 2005, requesting our comments on the
proposed McCollister Boulevard project in Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa.
To facilitate compliance with Section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended,
Federal agencies are required to obtain from the Fish and Wildlife Service information
concerning any species, listed or proposed to be listed, which may be present in the area of a
proposed action. Therefore, we are furnishing you the following list of species which may be
present in the concerned area:
Classification Common Name (Scientific Name)
Threatened Bald eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Threatened Eastern prairie fringed orchid
(Platanthera leucophaea)
Threatened Prairie bush - clover
(Lespedeza leptostachya)
Threatened Western prairie fringed orchid
(Platanthera praeclara)
Habitat
Breeding; wintering
Mesic to wet prairie
habitats
Dry to mesic prairies
Mesic to wet prairie
habitats
P
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1
This is in response to your letter of January 28, 2005, requesting our comments on the
proposed McCollister Boulevard project in Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa.
To facilitate compliance with Section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended,
Federal agencies are required to obtain from the Fish and Wildlife Service information
concerning any species, listed or proposed to be listed, which may be present in the area of a
proposed action. Therefore, we are furnishing you the following list of species which may be
present in the concerned area:
Classification Common Name (Scientific Name)
Threatened Bald eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Threatened Eastern prairie fringed orchid
(Platanthera leucophaea)
Threatened Prairie bush - clover
(Lespedeza leptostachya)
Threatened Western prairie fringed orchid
(Platanthera praeclara)
Habitat
Breeding; wintering
Mesic to wet prairie
habitats
Dry to mesic prairies
Mesic to wet prairie
habitats
Ms. Brenda J. Durbahn
Endangered Indiana bat Caves, mines; small stream
(Myotis sodalis) corridors with well
developed riparian woods;
upland and bottomland
forests
The threatened bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) potentially occurs statewide and is listed
as breeding in Johnson County. During the winter, this species feeds on fish in the open water
areas created by dam tailwaters, the warm water effluents of power plants and municipal and
industrial discharges, or in power plant cooling ponds. The more severe the winter, the
greater the ice coverage and the more concentrated the eagles become. They roost at night in
groups in large trees adjacent to the river in areas that are protected from the harsh winter
elements. They perch in large shoreline trees to rest or feed on fish. There is no critical
habitat designated for this species. The eagle may not be harassed, harmed, or disturbed when
present nor may nest trees be cleared.
The eastern prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera leucophaea) is listed as threatened and
considered to potentially occur in Johnson County. It occupies mesic to wet grassland habitats.
There is no critical habitat designated for this species. Federal regulations prohibit any
commercial activity involving this species or the destruction, malicious damage, or removal of
this species from Federal land or any other lands in knowing violation of State law or
regulation, including State criminal trespass law. This species should be searched for
whenever wet prairie remnants are encountered.
The prairie bush clover (Lespedeza leptostachya) is listed as threatened and considered to
potentially occur statewide in Iowa including Johnson County. It occupies dry to mesic
prairies with gravelly soil. There is no critical habitat designated for this species. Federal
regulations prohibit any commercial activity involving this species or the destruction, malicious
damage, or removal of this species from Federal land or any other lands in knowing violation
of State law or regulation, including State criminal trespass law. This species should be
searched for whenever prairie remnants are encountered.
The western prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera praeclara) is listed as threatened and
considered to potentially occur statewide in Iowa including Johnson County. It occupies wet to
mesic grassland habitats. There is no critical habitat designated for this species. Federal
regulations prohibit any commercial activity involving this species or the destruction, malicious
damage, or removal of this species from Federal land or any other lands in knowing violation
of State law or regulation, including State criminal trespass law. This species should bq-,
searched for whenever wet prairie remnants are encountered. C1
The endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) is considered to potentially occur in Iowa it all -T-1
counties south of Interstate 80 based on its historical habitat. This area includes (-
those portions of Johnson County south of Interstate 80. Indiana bats are considered to 111
potentially occur in any area with forested habitat. O j —
Dw
Ms. Brenda J. Durbahn 3
Indiana bats migrate seasonally between winter hibernacula and summer roosting habitats.
Winter hibernacula include caves and abandoned mines. Females form nursery colonies under
the loose bark of trees (dead or alive) and /or cavities, where each female gives birth to a single
young in June or early July. A single colony may utilize a number of roost trees during the
summer, typically a primary roost tree and several alternates. The species or size of tree does
not appear to influence whether Indiana bats utilize a tree for roosting provided the appropriate
bark structure is present.
During the summer, the Indiana bat frequents the corridors of small streams with riparian
woods as well as mature upland forests. It forages for insects along stream corridors, within
the canopy of floodplain and upland forests, over clearings with early successional vegetation
(old fields), along the borders of croplands, along wooded fencerows, over farm ponds, and in
pastures.
Suitable summer habitat in Iowa is considered to have the following characteristics within
a 1/2- mile radius of a project site:
1) forest cover of 15 % or greater;
2) permanent water; C.
3) one or more of the following tree species: shagbark and. shellbark hickory that may be
dead or alive, and dead bitternut hickory, American elm, slippery elm, eastern `
cottonwood, silver maple, white oak, red oak, post oak, and shingle oak wit4. slabs or:
plates of loose bark; 7 CP
4) potential roost trees with 10% or more peeling or loose bark P,
If the project site contains any habitat that fits the above description, it may be necessary to
conduct a survey to determine whether the bat is present. In addition, a search for this species
should be made prior to any cave - impacting activities. If habitat is present or Indiana bats are
known to be present, they must not be harmed, harassed, or disturbed when present, and this
field office should be contacted for further assistance.
The Corps of Engineers is the Federal agency responsible for wetland determinations, and we
recommend that you contact them for assistance in delineating any wetland types and acreages
within the project boundary. Priority consideration should be given to avoid impacts to any
wetland areas. Any future activities in the study area that would alter wetlands may require a
Section 404 permit. Unavoidable impacts will require a mitigation plan to compensate for any
losses of wetland functions and values. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Clock Tower
Building, P.O. Box 2004, Rock Island, Illinois 61204 -2004, should be contacted for
information about the permit process.
These comments provide technical assistance only and do not constitute a report of the
Secretary of the Interior on a project within the meaning of Section 2(b) of the Fish and
Wildlife Coordination Act, do not fulfill the requirements under Section 7 of the Endangered
Species Act, nor do they represent the review comments of the U.S. Department of the Interior
on any forthcoming environmental statement.
Ms. Brenda J. Durbahn
M
If you have any questions regarding our comments, please contact Kristen Lundh of my staff at
(309) 793 -5800 ext. 215.
SAOtfice UsersWristenUcclutical Assistan %Section 7
UOOS\IowaVohnson McCollister Boulevard 2 -3 -05
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Fields of Opportunities STATE O F IOWA
THOMAS J. VILSACK, GOVERNOR DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
SALLY J. PEDERSON, LT. GOVERNOR JEFFREY R. VONK, DIRECTOR
February 14, 2005
Brenda J. Durbahn
EarthTech
501 Sycamore Street, Suite 222
PO Box 1497
Waterloo, Iowa 50704
CERTIFIED MAIL
Re: Environmental Assessment, McCollister Boulevard project, Iowa City
Request for comments
Dear Ms. Durbahn:
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The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Air Quality Bureau received your
letter of January 28, 2005, requesting comments on a proposed project on McCollister
Boulevard in Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa. Your letter has been forwarded to other
areas within the DNR for review and comment.
The DNR is the regulatory authority for the air quality programs described below. These
programs may or may not apply to the proposed McCollister Boulevard project.
Construction Permitting Requirements
DNR issues construction permits for new and modified sources of air pollutants. If
the project includes any new air emission units, including portable equipment, the
project may be subject to these construction permitting requirements. You may wish
to visit our website at www.iowadnr.com /air /prof /const/const.html for more
information, or contact our permit hotline at 1- 877 - AIR -IOWA. You may also wish to
review the rules for permitting contained in 567 Iowa Administrative Code (IAC)
Chapter 22 (4558). The IAC is available on -line at www.leais.state.ia.us /IAC.htm1.
• Asbestos
Building renovations, demolitions and training fires are potentially subject to the
asbestos release prevention efforts under the National Emission Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for.asbestos [40 Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) Part 61, subpart M]. The DNR has been delegated the authority to administer
and enforce this program.
The asbestos NESHAP rules apply before renovation or demolition begin, and often
require a thorough inspection and lab analysis of suspect asbestos containing
7900 Hickman Road, Suite 1 / Urbandale, Iowa 50322 - - -- Report Smoking Vehicles 1- 888- END -SMOG
515- 242 -5100 FAX 515- 242.5094 http: /Aw .iowacleanair.com/
material, notification to the DNR and, in some cases, proper removal and disposal.
For more information, please contact the DNR Asbestos NESHAP Coordinator,
Marion Burnside, at 515- 281 -8443.
Open Burning
The DNR regulates open burning. "Open burning" is the burning of combustible
materials where the products of combustion are emitted into the open air without
passing through a chimney or stack. In general, open burning is prohibited, except
for the specific exemptions listed in the state open burning rules. The open burning
rules are contained in 567 IAC rule 23.2(455B). In addition, there are a number of
definitions in 567 Chapter 20 that are applicable to open burning. The IAC is
available on -line at www.legis.state.ia.us /IAC.html.
Fugitive Dust
The DNR administers regulations that pertain to fugitive dust. In general, owners or
operators must take reasonable precautions to prevent fugitive dust from becoming
airborne and crossing the property line. These regulations, which may be applicable
to this project, are contained in 567 IAC paragraph 23.3(2) "c ", and can be found at
the website indicated above.
Opacity
The DNR administers regulations that pertain to opacity (visible emissions). In
general, visible emissions in excess of 40 percent opacity are not.allowed unless
specifically exempted under rule. The rules for opacity, which may pertain to this
project, are under paragraph 567 IAC 23.3(2) "d ", and are available on -line at the link
indicated above.
If you have any questions, please contact me at 515 242 -5154 or by e-mail at
christine. Pau lson cbdnr.state.ia.us.
Sincerely,
Christine M. Paulson
Senior Environmental Specialist - Program Development Section
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STATE
HISTORICAL
I FIL_f -[
of
O SOCIElyWA 2006 APR iii rtI��
A Division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
February 10, 2005
Brenda Durbahn
Earth Tech
P.O. Box 1497
Waterloo, Iowa 50704 -1497
Cm cLEPK
IOWA C n, iowA In reply refer to:
R &C#: 050252014
RE: FHWA —JOHNSON COUNTY —CITY OF IOWA CITY— MCCOLLISTER BOULEVARD
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT — EARTH TECH PROJECT #82647 — PREPARATION
OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT —E -MAIL CORRESPONDENCE FROM IDOT
Dear Ms. Durbahn,
Thank you for notifying our office about the above referenced proposed project. We understand that
this project will be a federal undertaking and will need to comply with Section 106 of the National
Historic Preservation Act. We look forward to consulting with you, the Iowa Department of
Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration on the Area of Potential Effect for this
proposed project and whether this project will affect any significant historic properties under 36 CFR
Part 800.4. We will need the following types of information for our review:
• The Area of Potential Effect (APE) for this project needs to be adequately defined (36 CFR Part
800.16 (d)).
• Information on what types of cultural resources are or may be located in the APE (36 CFR Part
800.4).
• The significance of the historic properties in the APE in consideration of the National Register of
Historic Places Criteria.
• A determination from the responsible federal agency of the undertaking's effects on historical
properties within the APE (36 CFR Part 800.5).
A preliminary review of our records indicates that. there are numerous previously identified
archaeological sites within the immediate vicinity of the portion of the project area located east of the
Iowa River. It appears that site 13JH774 may be partially located within the proposed project corridor.
This site has not been evaluated for its potential eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic
Places. Several of the other previously identified sites in the vicinity either appear to be or have already
been evaluated as significant and potentially eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic
Places under at least Criterion D. There is a high potential that additional archaeological sites may be
located within the currently proposed project area east of the Iowa River._
The responsible federal agency will need to identify and contact all potential consulting parties that may
have an interest in historic properties within the project APE (36 CFR Part 800.2 (c)). Please reference
the Review and Compliance Number provided above in all future submitted correspondence to our
office for this project. We look forward to further consulting with you, the Iowa Department of
600 EAST LOCUST STREET, Des Moores, IA 50319-0290 P:(515)281 -5111
Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration on this project. Should you have any questions
please contact me at the number below.
Doug�Sincerely, Y�
s, chaeologist
State Historic Preservation Office
State Historical Society of Iowa
(515) 281 -4358
cc: Mike LaPietra, FHWA
Randall Faber, OLE,IDOT, Ames
Kris Reisenberg, OLE, IDOT, Ames
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Johnson County Council of Governments _
410 E. VVashingtan St. lan-a City, bwa 52240
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February 1, 2005
Brenda J. Durbahn
Earth Tech
501 Sycamore Street, Suite 222
P.O. Box 1497
Waterloo, IA 5070471497
2006 APR 18 AN 11: 38
CITY
IOWA CITYEI0INA
Re: McCollister Boulevard Environmental Assessment; Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa;
Earth Tech Project No. 82647
Dear Brenda:
This letter is pursuant to your January 28, 2005 request for information and comments on the
environmental assessment for the McCollister Boulevard project. The proposed extension of
McCollister Boulevard between Old Highway 218 and Gilbert Street in Iowa City is consistent
with the adopted JCCOG Long -Range Multi -Modal Transportation Plan. Consistent with the
JCCOG plan, it will be designed and constructed to accommodate all modes of transportation.
JCCOG has no further jurisdiction over this matter.
Let me know if you have any questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Jeff Davidson
Executive Director
cc: Ross Spitz
JcX91p4mawbaen.aoo
Printer's Fee $--3) _3a
CERTIFICATE OF PUBLICATION
STATE OF IOWA,
JOHNSON COUNTY, SS:
THE IOWA CITY PRESS - CITIZEN
FED. ID # 42. 0330670
I,
Diana Becicka, being duly sworn, say
that I am the legal clerk of the IOWA
CITY PRESS - CITIZEN, a newspaper
published in said county, and that a
notice, a printed copy of which is
hereto attached, was published in said
paper time(s), on the
following date(s):
1
Legal Clerk
Subscribed and sworn to before me
this lo'i`' day of "
A.D. 20p(,
i
Notary Public
ONo
Conviriesion Number 732519
MI Otsmmi3sion Expires
January 27, 2000
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
AVAILABILITY
McCollister Boulevard
Riverside Dr. to S. Gilbert St.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Notice Is hereby given to all interested
persons that an open forum public hear-
ing will be held on Thursday, May 18,
2006, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, at the
Iowa City Airport conference room, 1801
S. Riverside Drive, to discuss the pro.
posed improvements to McCollister
Boulevard, between Riverside Dr. and S.
Gilbert St., in Iowa City. A brief presenta.
tion will be made at 6:00pm.
This public hearing will be conducted .
utilizing an open forum format. City staff
and consultants will be present with dis-
plays and related information to discuss
this project. Interested individuals are
encouraged to attend this hearing to
review project materials, express their
views and ask questions about the pro.
posed alternatives.. Oral and written
statements will also be accepted at the
public hearing.
The proposed project consists of con.
structing McCollister Boulevard, an
extension of Mormon Trek Boulevard,
between S. Riverside Drive and S.
Gilbert Street.(Sand Road). The roadway
will serve as a now two- to three -lane
arterial roadway, and connect the south
side of Iowa City to the existing Sandhlll
Estates entrance road. A new bridge will
be constructed over the Iowa River, as
part of this project
The Draft Environmental Assessment m
available for review at the Iowa City
Public Library, located at 123 South Linn
Street in Iowa City, telephone 319 -356.
5200 and City Clerk's Office at City Hall,
located at 410 E. Washington Street In
Iowa City, telephone 319.356 -5041.
Please submit your comments regarding
this document to Mr. Brian Boelk, Iowa
City Engineering Division, 410 E.
Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240, tele-
phone 319- 356 -5437. A deadline of June
1, 2006 has been established for receipt
of comments to be considered in the final
public hearing transcript.
Written statements and related exhibits,
in addition to oral statements, will be
accepted at the public hearing, or may be
submitted to Iowa City Engineering
Division at the above address. All written
material received by June 1, 2006 will be
included in the hearing transcript.
All persons Interested in the project are
invited to attend this healing. The meet-
ing room is accessible for persons with
disabilities. However, If you require spe.
cial accommodations at the hearing,
please notify the Iowa City Engineering
Division at 356- 5140.no later than Friday,
May 12, 2006 so arrangements can be
made.
BRIAN BOELK, P.E.
Senior CMI Engineer
Public.Works Department
City of Iowa City, Iowa
69653 May 9, 2006
EarthTech
A tZICO International Ltd. Company
July 12, 2006
Ms. Marian Karr
City Clerk
City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Subject: Finding of No Significant Impact
McCollister Boulevard, Iowa City, Iowa
STP -U- 3715(628)- -70 -52
Earth Tech Project No. 82647.40.040
Dear Ms. Karr:
501 Sycamore Street v 319.232.6531
Suite 222 F 319.232.0271
Waterloo, IA 50703 vnvnv.earthtech.com
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•n.
On behalf of the city of Iowa City, please find enclosed a copy of the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)
for the McCollister Boulevard project in south Iowa City. The Federal Highway Administration issued this
FONSI on July 7, 2006. 'file FONSI is the final step in the NEPA process.
This document is provided to you for your information and files; no further action is required or requested.
Thank you for your interest in and/or assistance with this project.
Very truly yours,
Earth Tech
Brenda J. Durbalin
Enclosure: As Noted
c: Mr. Brian Boelk (w /2 copies FONSI, mailing list and shell letter)
Mr. Kris Riesenberg (w /6 copies FONSI, mailing list and shell letter)
82647/40.040/FONSI Lledoe -6
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
For
McCOLLISTER BOULEVARD
RIVERSIDE DRIVE TO GILBERT STREET
IOWA CITY, IOWA
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The FHWA has determined that this project will not have any
significant impact on the human and natural environment. This
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is based on the attached
Environmental Assessment which has been independently
evaluated by the FHWA and determined to adequately and
accurately discuss the need, environmental issues, impacts of the
proposed project and appropriate mitigation measures. It provides
sufficient evidence and analysis for determining that an
Environmental Impact Statement is not required. The FHWA
takes full responsibility for the accuracy, scope and content of the
attached Environmental Assessment.
7/76G> &L l f. AL—.
Date For FHWA
McCollister Boulevard - Riverside Drive to Gilbert Street
Finding of No Significant Impact
COMMENTS AND COORDINATION
Notification of the availability of the Environmental Assessment was forwarded to state and areawide
clearinghouses on April 5, 2006. Public availability of the document was published in the Iowa City
Press - Citizen on May 9, 2006. The review period for the EA expired on June 1, 2006. A total of four
continent letters were received on the document. A copy of each letter is attached in Appendix A. A
public hearing was held on this project on May 18, 2006, at the Iowa City Municipal Airport in Iowa
City, Iowa.
Approximately 12 persons attended the May 18, 2006, Location Public Hearing held in the 2nd Floor
Meeting Room of the Iowa City Municipal Airport. A brief presentation was held, followed by one -on-
one time with the hearing attendees to ask questions and make comments.
r -�
The major issues raised at the hearing and in letters included:
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• Concern about the close distance of the proposed roadway to the mobile homes n`oPacquir6& _
• Safety concerns near the mobile home park in relation to children, pets and wildlifeE..i
• One resident asked that we try to leave as many trees as possible near the RSvr de rive
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• One resident along Napoleon Lane asked if his property would be acquired. (It would not, but
one other cabin would be acquired.)
A copy of the EA was sent to all resource /regulatory agencies for their review and comment. Letters
were received from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. EPA, U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, and
Iowa Department of Natural Resources. A copy of each of these letters appears in Appendix A, along
with its response, if warranted.
Comments received from the public and agencies will not affect the general location of the Preferred
Alternative. However, all comments will be considered and further evaluated during the design phase for
feasibility of incorporation into the design.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH LOCATION APPROVAL
A survey for three mussel species will be conducted within the year prior to construction of the bridge in
the impact area. The mussel species are: the Higgins' Eye Pearly Mussel (Lanpsilis higginsd — state and
federally endangered), the Pistolgrip (Tritogonia verrucosa — state endangered) and the Squawfoot
(Strophitus undulates — state threatened). This portion of the Iowa River was used as a reintroduction
area for the Higgins' Eye Pearly Mussel in a joint effort between Iowa DNR and the USFWS.
The survey area for the mussels includes the anticipated construction zone, plus an area stretching
downstream of about 500 feet. A report detailing this survey will be sent to Iowa DNR for review and
comment. If the Higgins' Eye Pearly Mussel is found, Section 7 Coordination will be initiated with the
USFWS. Comments from DNR and USFWS (as applicable) regarding mitigation (if needed) will be
incorporated into the construction plans and specifications.
82647 140.050 1McCollister FONSLdoc -2- .hate 2006
McCollister Boulevard - Riverside Drive to Gilbert Street
Finding of No Significant hnpact
A preliminary survey for suitable Indiana Bat roost trees was conducted by the project biologist in May
2005. No suitable roost trees were found. However, following final design, a detailed Indiana Bat habitat
survey will be conducted following USFWS guidelines.
No other issues were raised concerning project development or its potential impacts as a result of the EA
review period, public availability, or resource /regulatory review of the planned action. The city of Iowa
City will remain alert, however, for any changes in impacts during final design or construction which
would warrant additional enviromnental evaluation.
New right -of -way for this project will be acquired in accordance with the Unifonn Relocation Assistance
and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended.
82647 140.050 1McCollister FONSIdoc -3- June 2006
AGENCY COMMENT LETTERS
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DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
ROCK ISLAND DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
CLOCK TOWER BUILDING - P.O. BOX 2004
ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS 61204 -2004
REPLVTO
AT EWION OF http: /An .mvr.Lisac .ar y.mil
May 10, 2006
Planning, Programs and
Project Management Division
Ms. Brenda J. Durbahn
Earth Tech
501 Sycamore Street, Suite 222
Waterloo, Iowa 50703
Dear Ms. Durbahn:
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I am writing in response to your letter dated April 14, 2006, with its attached Environmental
Assessment (EA), concerning the proposed work on McCollister Boulevard West in Iowa City,
Johnson County, Iowa, IADOT Project No. STP -U- 3715(628)- -70 -52 (Earth Tech Project No.
82647).
Rock Island District staff reviewed your EA and has the following comments:
Discharges of dredged and/or fill material into waters of the United States will require
Department of the Army authorization under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. From the
information submitted to date, it appears waters of the United States (including the Iowa River
and adjacent wetlands) will be adversely impacted by this road and bridge construction project.
Before we may proceed with our evaluation, you will need to provide our Regulatory Branch
with a wetland delineation for the proposed construction right -of -way.
The delineation shall be superimposed onto your design plans, and the total surface area
impact to waters of the United States shall be identified. This total shall include any fill or
excavation for all aspects of the project including any temporary excavation or fill (e.g.
cofferdams and low water crossings) in waters of the United States. Adverse impacts greater
than one -tenth acre may require compensatory mitigation.
When your construction plans and wetland delineation become available, you should
complete the enclosed joint application packet and submit it to our Regulatory Branch.
No other concerns surfaced during our review. Thank you for the opportunity to comment
on your proposal. If you need more information, please call Mr, Randy Kraciun of our Economic
and Environmental Analysis Branch, telephone 309/794 -5174.
-z-
You may find additional information about the Corps' Rock Island District on our web site
at http: / /vnvw.mvr.usace.army.mil. To find out about other Districts within the Corps, you
may visit web site: http: //www.usace.army.mil /divdistmap.html.
Sincerely,
Kenneth A. Barr
Chief, Economic and Environmental
Analysis Branch
Enclosure
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A Section 404 permit will be obtained for impacts to the Iowa River, prior to construction.
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J�SSEO ST�,�S
om y UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
V,""O`l, REGION VII
901 NORTH 5TH STREET
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS 66101
0 1 MAY 2006
Earth Tech
ATTN: Brenda J. Durbahn
501 Sycamore Street, Suite 222
Waterloo, Iowa 50703
Dear Ms. Durbahn:
RE: Comments on Environmental Assessment for McCollister Boulevard, Iowa City,
Iowa (Earth Tech Project No. 82647)
Thank you for providing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the
opportunity to review the subject document.
Overall, the document is well written, and will serve well to guide decisions on this
project. The only comment I offer is in regard to channel changes in the Iowa River.
Specifically, I would recommend de- conflicting two differing statements in the EA, where on
page 4, last paragraph, ( "no channel changes will be allowed ") and on page 5, 4'h paragraph,
("because of proposed cuts along the channel ").
If there are questions regarding these comments please call me at (913) 551 -7148 or
e -mail at cothern.joe @epa.gov.
Sincerely,
Joseph E. Cothern
NEPA Team Leader
Environmental Services Division
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U.S. EPA Response
The statement "no channel changes will be allowed" is referring to major channel change or relocation.
In order to maintain the same surface water elevation, some channel cut will need to occur to offset the
placement of the bridge piers in the Iowa River.
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70:
FWS /RIFO
United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Rock Island Field Office
4469 48b Avenue Court
Rock Island, Illinois 61201
Phone: (309) 793 -5800 Fax: (309) 793 -5804
May 17, 2006
Ms. Brenda J. Durbalm
EarthTech
501 Sycamore Street, Suite 222
Waterloo, Iowa 50703
Dear Ms. Durbahn:
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This letter is in regard to the Environmental Assessment for the proposed McCollister
Boulevard project from SE Riverside Drive to Gilbert Street in Iowa City, Johnson County,
Iowa (Project Number 82647). We have reviewed the document and have no additional
comments.
This precludes the need for further action on this project as required under Section 7 of the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. Should this project be modified or new
information indicate endangered species may be affected, consultation should be initiated.
This letter provides comments under the authority of and in accordance with provisions of the
Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.); and the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Heidi Woeber of my staff.
Sincerely,
1
ichard C. Nelson
Field Supervisor
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U.S. FWS Response
No response necessary.
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Fields of Opportunities STATE O F IOWA
THOMAS J. VILSACK, GOVERNOR
SALLY J. PEDERSON, LT. GOVERNOR
May 12, 2006
Brenda J. Durbahn
Earth Tech
501 Sycamore Street
Suite 222
Waterloo, Iowa 50703
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
JEFFREY R. VONK, DIRECTOR
Subject: McCollister Boulevard (Earth Tech Project No. 82647), Iowa City, Iowa
Dear Ms. Durbahn:
Thank you for submitting the Environmental Assessment for the site mentioned above. After reviewing
the report and the records for the Contaminated Sites Section, there does not appear to be any
contaminated sites within a half -mile of the anticipated construction. However, without conducting an
Environmental Assessment on the subject construction area, we can not determine the status of current or
future contamination that may be present.
Please note that the above comments are based on the information available in the Contaminated Sites
database and may not be applicable to other sections /units of the Department. Furthermore, all
contaminated sites might not be accounted for through the sections' database or the Departments' records;
therefore, the lack of contaminated sites in our records does not necessarily mean that none exist at or
near the project area. Please feel free to contact me if you have additional information, questions, or
comments at 515- 281 -4420.
_ o
Sincerely, O
Tami S. Rice t
Environmental Specialist J
Contaminated Sites Section �� °
Iowa Department of Natural Resources y w
Cc: Cal Lundberg, Supervisor, Contaminated Sites Section, Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Lambert Nandi, Environmental Specialist Senior, Contaminated Sites Section, Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Field Office 6,1023 West Madison Street, Washington, Iowa 52353 -1623
WALLACE STATE OFFICE BUILDING / 502 EAST 9th STREET / DES MOINES, IOWA 50319
515 - 281 -5918 TDD 515 - 242 -5967 FAX 515 - 281 -6794 www.lowadnr.com
DNR Response
No response necessary.
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McCOLLISTER BOULEVARD WEST
IN
IOWA CITY, JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
PROJECT NO. STP -U- 3715(628)- -70 -52
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Submitted Pursuant to USC 4332(2)(c)
By The
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
And
CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA
On �
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"The signatures are considered acceptance of the general project location and concepts described
in the environmental document unless otherwise specified by the approving officials. However,
such approval does not commit to approve any future grant �qw t to fund the preferred
alternative." /vaDep Por the City of low s City, Iowa ce of Location and Environment
tment of Transportation
� % �
Forth Iowa Division Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
1 //516CD
Date of Approval for Public Availability
The following persons may be contacted for additional information:
Mr. Philip Barnes
Iowa Division Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
Ames, Iowa 50010
Telephone: 515- 233 -7300
Mr. Ron Knoche, City Engineer
Department of Public Works
City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Telephone: 319-356-5138
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SOCIOECONOMIC
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT>-
❑
❑
Land Use
x❑
❑O
Wetlands
❑
The first column indicates the resource is in the project area. The second column indicates the impact to
the resource warrants more discussion in this document. Resources without a check in the first and/or
second column have been reviewed and are documented in a database shown in Appendix A.
SOCIOECONOMIC
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT>-
❑
❑
Land Use
x❑
❑O
Wetlands
❑
❑
Community Cohesion
O
❑
Surface Waters
O
❑X
Relocation Potential
❑x
(81
Water Quality
❑
❑
Churches and Schools
❑
❑
Wild and Scenic Rivers
❑x
❑
Utilities
❑x
M
Flood Plain
❑
❑
Energy
❑x
❑
Wildlife and Habitat
❑
❑
Emergency Routes
❑
❑
Farmlands
❑
❑
Environmental Justice
❑
x❑
Threatened and Endangered
❑
❑
Transportation
❑x
❑
Vegetation
❑O
Right of Way
❑
❑
Ecosystem
❑
❑
Construction
❑
❑
❑
❑
Pedestrian and Bicycle
CULTURAL
PHYSICAL
❑
M
Historical Sites or Districts
❑x
❑
Noise
❑M
Archaeological Sites
❑
❑
Air Quality
❑
❑
Recreational
M
❑
Temporary Impacts
❑
❑
❑
❑
Contamination
❑
❑
Regulated Materials Sites
❑
❑
Visual
❑
❑
❑
CONTROVERSY POTENTIAL
❑
Section 4(I): Specify details
The first column indicates the resource is in the project area. The second column indicates the impact to
the resource warrants more discussion in this document. Resources without a check in the first and/or
second column have been reviewed and are documented in a database shown in Appendix A.
Environmental Assessment - McCollister Boulevard West
Johnson County and Iowa City, Iowa
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION...................................................................................... ............................... 1
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION ................................... ............................... 1
PROJECT PURPOSE AND NEED .......................................................... ............................... i
Background...................................................................................... ............................... 1
Purposeand Need ............................................................................ ............................... 2
AccidentData .................................................................................. ............................... 2
TrafficForecasts .............................................................................. ............................... 2
ALTERNATIVES....................................................................................... ............................... 3
Preferred Alternative ....................................................................... ............................... 3
NoAction Alternative ..................................................................... ............................... 3
PROJECTIMPACTS ................................................................................ ............................... 4
Introduction..................................................................................... ............................... 4
Relocation Potential and Right -of- Way ........................................... ............................... 4
Wetlands.......................................................................................... ............................... 4
WaterQuality .................................................................................. ............................... 4
FloodPlain Impacts ......................................................................... ............................... 5
Vegetation, Wildlife and Habitat Impacts ....................................... ............................... 5
Threatened and Endangered Species ............................................... ............................... 5
Cultural Resources ........................................................................... ............................... 6
COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES ............................................................. I.................... 7
SUMMARY............................................................................................ ............................... 7
COMMENTS AND COORDINATION ............................................... . ......... I........................ 8
AgencyCoordination ....................................................................... ............................... 8
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure
I
McCollister Boulevard Corridor Phase I, Riverside Drive to Gilbert Street
2
McCollister Boulevard Corridor Projected Traffic Volumes for 2030
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McCollister Boulevard Corridor and Impacts
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LIST OF APPENDICES
i
Appendix
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A
Resource Justification Database
B
Agency Comment Letters
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81647 1.4dn ✓McCollisterE.4 - TEX dw January 2006
Environmental Assessment - McCollister Boulevard West
Johnson County and Iowa City, Iowa
INTRODUCTION
This Environmental Assessment will be processed as a streamlined EA. Section 1309 of the
Transportation Equity Act of the 21st Century (TEA -21) mandated environmental streamlining in order to
improve transportation project delivery without compromising environmental protection. The Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA) has set in place the Vital Few Environmental Streamlining and
Stewardship Goal in order to set expectations and methods for improving the environmental review
process. The main objectives are to improve the timeframe for completion and reduce the overall length
of environmental documents.
A streamlining process was used to focus on issues that apply to the McCollister Boulevard project. This
process allowed study and discussion of resources present in the study area, rather than expend effort on
resources that were either not present or not impacted. Although not all resources are discussed in the
EA, they were considered during the planning process and are documented in a database shown in
Appendix A.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION
The proposed project consists of constructing a new two- to three -lane arterial roadway from
SE Riverside Drive across the Iowa River to Gilbert Street in Iowa City, Iowa (Figure 1). The project
corridor passes through various land uses, including open space, residential and light industrial. The
project is located on the south side of Iowa City and would connect to the proposed Sandhill Estates
entrance road. The McCollister Boulevard project distance is approximately 3,200 feet.
The new roadway would consist of a two -lane cross section, except at intersections where a left -tum lane
would be included making the roadway three lanes wide. A new bridge will be constructed over the Iowa
River as part of this project. The bridge would consist of four spans at approximately 130 feet each, for a
total length of approximately 520 feet. It would require two piers in the river. The roadway will be an
urban cross section, meaning it will have curb and gutter for its entire length. Sidewalks will be provided
on both sides of the roadway, 8 feet on one side and 4 feet on the other and would be carried across the
bridge.
PROJECT PURPOSE AND NEED
Background
The city of Iowa City has been planning for a future southern arterial street for many years. It is
identified as the South Central Arterial in the Iowa City South District Plan, adopted in December 1997,
and the Draft South Central District Plan which was prepared in July 1998. In May 1999, the city
completed a Location Study Report for the South Central Arterial between U.S. 218/lowa Highway 1 and
Sycamore Street. Since that time, a portion of this South Central Arterial (named Mormon Trek
Boulevard) has been constructed. Mormon Trek Boulevard begins at Iowa 1 and extends-east- southeast
along the southern edge of the Iowa City Airport to Old Highway 218 (Highway 921). tstruction is
expected to begin in 2006, from Old Highway 218 to Riverside Drive, for another portion .of Mormon
Trek Boulevard. Currently, a location study is underway for the far eastern portion of the south central
roadway, extending from Gilbert Street east to U.S. Highway 6. - -
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826471Adn 1A1cCa1tisterEA- TEX.dce -1- January 2006
ij
Environmental Assessment - McCollister Boulevard West
Johnson County and Iowa City, Iowa
Purpose and Need
The primary purpose of the project is to accommodate an increasing volume of east -west traffic demand
in the southern portion of Iowa City. A secondary purpose is to provide access to adjacent properties to
facilitate future development within the corridor.
There are several functional needs for this project which are described below.
East -West Traffic Service in the Corridor. Currently, the southernmost arterial street is
Iowa 1/U.S. 6, and it is the only corridor that can accommodate east -west through traffic in the
southern part of Iowa City. This roadway currently carries (based on 2002 counts) traffic
volumes of over 32,000 vehicles per day (vpd) in some segments and is operating near its
maximum capacity. As traffic volumes increase, a second east -west through street is needed to
alleviate congestion and improve safety on Iowa 1/U.S. 6.
• Provide a New Crossing of the Iowa River. Currently, the nearest existing river crossing is on
U.S. 6, approximately I mile to the north of the proposed McCollister Boulevard corridor,_, This
bridge currently carries over 24,000 vpd. Adding another crossing would reduce congesti�6r and
bottlenecks that occur there now. Q G ��
• Access to Potential Development Areas Within the Corridor. Residential and commefolal ` T�
developments have been rapidly expanding in the southern part of Iowa City, adding to the traffic '}
demand in this area. McCollister Boulevard will provide improved access to these and other 1
potential developments.
Accident Data y
Accident data was gathered for U.S. 6 within the city of Iowa City from 2001 through 2004. The limits
used for this analysis were Riverside Drive (Iowa 1) to Scott Boulevard, a distance of 3.3 miles.
For this four -year period, a total of 459 crashes were reported, including one fatal crash. In each of the
four years, the number of crashes was similar, ranging from 106 to 120 crashes per year, or an average of
115 crashes /year.
The analysis also looked at crashes at the intersections of U.S. 6 and Riverside Drive and U.S. 6 and
Gilbert Street. At U.S. 6 and Riverside Drive, 51 crashes were recorded from 2001 to 2004. Based on
estimated traffic volumes, this is an average accident rate for an urban intersection. In the same period,
65 crashes were reported at the U.S. 6 and Gilbert Street intersection. Again, based on estimated traffic
counts, this represents a higher than average accident rate for an urban intersection.
Traffic Forecasts
Future traffic on proposed McCollister Boulevard was modeled for design year 2030. Based on this
model, traffic volumes on McCollister Boulevard are expected to be approximately 14,200 vpd in 2030.
Traffic volumes on other adjacent streets are shown on Figure 2.
Under the No Action Alternative, if McCollister Boulevard were not constructed, the future traffic on
portions of Iowa 11U.S. 6 would continue to increase, with the future traffic demand exceeding the
capacity of this street. Decreased traffic safety and delays could be expected.
82647 1.4diidMcColllsterEA - TERdw -2- Janitaty 2006
Environmental Assessment - McCollister Boulevard {Vest
Johnson County and Iowa City, lowa
ALTERNATIVES
Three main alternative alignment corridors were considered for this project. Two of the alternative
alignments are located farther south than the Preferred Alternative. Both were dropped from further
consideration because of projected low traffic demand and therefore did not satisfy the purpose and need
for the project. The Preferred Alternative and the No Action Alternative are described below and shown
on Figure 3.
Preferred Alternative
The Preferred Alternative extends from Riverside Drive east to Gilbert Street, passing along the north
edge of Mesquakie Park, a former city dump. This alternative provides the best traffic service, including
through traffic and local access, while also having the least floodway impact to the Iowa River.
Slight variations to this alternative were considered during early planning. However, due to the unstable
substrate of the city dump (Mesquakie Park), alternatives that traverse even slightly more to the south in
Mesquakie Park were not feasible. Shifting to the north would result in more indirect impacts and
displacements to the mobile home park. Also, at the eastern end of the project at Gilbert Street, the city
preferred that McCollister Boulevard tie into a planned city roadway.
No Action Alternative
The No Action Alternative would be the continuation of the street system as it exists at the present time in
Iowa City. No physical changes would be made in pavement widths, lane configurations, intersection
layouts or traffic patterns.
The No Action Alternative, while having fewer environmental impacts such as land acquisition and
relocations, would not be consistent with city planning efforts and McCollister Boulevard's intended
function as a result of regional and local importance.
The existing street and highway network contains several areas with traffic congestion and poor levels of
service. If no changes are made to this network, more traffic congestion and traffic- related accidents
would likely occur and would increase in proportion to future traffic volume increases.
For these reasons, the No Action Alternative would not meet the purpose and need requirements of this
project. It is, nevertheless, carried forward as a detailed study alternative to serve as a baseline for
comparison of the Preferred Alternative.
82647 1,4do ✓A&CollisterEA -TEXdm -3- January 2006
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82647 1,4do ✓A&CollisterEA -TEXdm -3- January 2006
Environmental Assessment - McCollister Boulevard West
Johnson County and /own City, Iowa
PROJECT IMPACTS
Introduction
At the beginning of this document, a table listing resource areas was shown. Those resources that were
checked on the table are discussed in the following sections. Other resources not checked on the table
were also evaluated; however, they did not warrant discussion in the body of the EA. Information about
these resources, the database used to evaluate them and when the evaluation was completed can be found
in Appendix A.
The corridor evaluated is somewhat irregular (Figure 3). Starting from the west end of the project, the
corridor is approximately 200 feet wide, while next to the mobile home park it narrows to about 150 feet.
Continuing east, the project corridor gradually widens to 400 feet at the Iowa River crossing. From the
Iowa River east to Gilbert Street, the corridor gradually narrows back to a 200 -foot wide corridor. The
project corridor is approximately 3,200 feet in length.
Relocation Potential and Right -of -Way
Less than 2 acres of new right -of -way will be acquired as part of the project. Most of the land within the
project corridor is already owned by the city of Iowa City. Approximately 6 acres total will be needed to
construct the proposed roadway. The proposed project would require the acquisition of land from 11
property owners from a total of 16 separate parcels.
The project corridor passes very close to a mobile home park located off Riverside Drive west of the Iowa
River. Three of these mobile home lots are located within the project corridor and would be acquired by
this project. At the time of this writing, two of these lots were occupied with mobile homes, and one lot
was vacant. East of the Iowa River there are several houses located along Napoleon Lane. One of these
homes is located in the project corridor and would be acquired to construct the Iowa River Bridge.
The city of Iowa City's acquisition and relocation program will be conducted in accordance with the
Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (Public Law 91 -646),
as amended, by the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987. The
program provides relocation resources to all residential and business relocatees without discrimination.
Adequate housing is available in Iowa City and nearby Coralville. Real estate listings show several
properties (homes, condos and apartments) for sale that are less than $100,000. O
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Wetlands r
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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory Map that includes the prq0ct corridor ; ri
showed one wetland area adjacent to the Iowa River. The project biologist conducted a site 5 sit of the J
corridor in May 2005 for potential wetland impacts. No wetlands were found within the prcl -s dorrift.
a
Water Quality
According to Iowa DNR, the Iowa River is a protected stream under Iowa Code 567- 72.2(1)d.(455B),
which means that no channel changes will be allowed. This law does allow for bridges or other structures
to be constructed. The Iowa River is also designated as a Class Al Primary for recreational use. This
means that the type of recreational use of the Iowa River could include activities that may result in
prolonged and direct contact with the water. Such uses may include swimming, diving, water skiing and
82647 1A&nr McCollislerEA - TEXdw -4- Janumy 2006
Environmental Assessment - McCollister Boulevard (Vest
Johnson County and Iowa City, Iowa
recreational canoeing. The Iowa River has temperature, flow and other habitat characteristics that make it
suitable to support a wide range of aquatic plant and animal species, including sensitive species. Because
of this, it is classified as Class B (WW) Significant Resource -Warm Water.
Iowa DNR asks that this project use Best Management Practices (BMPs) to control erosion and protect
water quality in the Iowa River during construction. During construction, erosion control measures will
be used to minimize sediments entering the Iowa River. The erosion control measures wq be listt;d in the
design specifications. U i
Flood Plain Impacts \\.
An important natural feature of this project is the Iowa River. Its drainage area covers 4;��2'�Squ�g
miles. A new crossing of the Iowa River is proposed as part of this project. The p id0 ;J
approximately 400 feet wide over the river, crosses approximately 920 feet of floodpI irt__ At th��
proposed crossing location, the river channel is 250 feet wide. y
The proposed bridge at the Iowa River crossing would be a prestressed concrete beam structure and
would be approximately 520 feet long, consisting of four spans at 130 feet each. Two piers would be
placed in the channel for this length and type of bridge. The addition of this bridge would have a zero rise
in surface water elevation for the Iowa River because of proposed cuts along the channel to offset the
addition of the piers.
The crossing over the Iowa River at this location is subject to approval from the Iowa Department of
Natural Resources for flood plain construction and Section 401 Water Quality Certification. The U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers will require a Section 404 permit for the crossing over the Iowa River.
Vegetation, Wildlife and Habitat Impacts
The GIS database (site reference) indicated approximately 3 acres of wooded area within the corridor that
could be impacted. This wooded area is located along the Iowa River and is referred to as riparian
vegetation. Riparian vegetation provides habitat for many common wildlife species, such as whitetail
deer, fox squirrels and various songbirds. There will be some impact to wildlife species utilizing the Iowa
River corridor due to construction activities and habitat loss. The new river crossing will not eliminate
wildlife travel corridors; therefore, the loss of approximately 3 acres of habitat is not expected to be
significant in the long term.
Threatened and Endangered Species
Coordination with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) was conducted in February 2005 (see letters in Appendix A). Both agencies listed several
species with possible ranges within the project area.
The USFWS listed the following species: bald eagle (threatened), eastern prairie fringed orchid
(threatened), prairie bush - clover (threatened), western prairie fringed orchid (threatened) and Indiana bat
(endangered). No potential habitat was found for any of the listed species mentioned by USFWS. Bald
eagles are known to occur in the general project area during the winter months. However, no large
congregations of eagles occur in the area, and no evidence exists to suggest the area is serving as a
significant winter roost site. In addition, no bald eagle nests were observed.
87647 1.4dm1A1cCo11isterEA- TEXdoc -5- ✓anuauy 2006
Environmental Assessment - McCollister Boulevard {Vest
Johnson County and Iowa City, Iowa
Iowa DNR also lists the Indiana bat and three species of mussel with known records from the Iowa River
near the project area. The Pistolgrip (Tritogonia verrucosa) is a state endangered species, the Squawfoot
(Strophitus undulates) is a state threatened species, and the Higgins' Eye Pearly Mussel (Latnpsilis
higginsit) is a state and federally endangered species. This portion of the Iowa River was used as a
reintroduction area for the Higgins' Eye Pearly Mussel in conjunction with the USFWS.
A survey for all three mussel species will be conducted within the year prior to construction of the bridge
in the impact area. The survey is not being done now because the bridge may not be constructed for
several years; and within that time, the Higgins' Eye Pearly Mussel, or other protected species, could
become established in the impact area. If the survey were done now, USFWS and DNR would require
another survey closer to the time of construction. The impact area for the mussels includes the study
corridor, plus an area stretching downstream of about 500 feet. A report detailing this survey will be sent
to Iowa DNR for review and comment. If the Higgins' Eye Pearly Mussel is found, Section 7
coordination will be initiated with the USFWS. Comments from DNR and USFWS (as applicable)
regarding mitigation (if needed) will be incorporated into the construction plans and specifications.
A preliminary survey for suitable Indiana bat roost trees was conducted by the project biologist in
May 2005. No suitable roost trees were found. However, following final design, a detailed Indiana bat
survey will be conducted following USFWS guidelines.
Cultural Resources
Cultural resources surveys, including archaeology and historic architecture surveys, were completed for
the project in spring 2005. The archaeology survey did not find any new significant sites. Additional
investigations of one previously recorded site, 13JH774, determined it was not significant and does not
warrant further investigation. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) concurred with the findings
of this report on May 17, 2005 (see letter in Appendix B).
An intensive level survey of historic /architectural properties was conducted within the study area. A total
of 10 properties were surveyed, and none of these properties were determined to be eligible for the
National Register of Historic Places. On September 19, 2005, SHPO concurred with this finding (see
letter in Appendix B).
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826471Adm/A1cCollisterEA - TEX.dx -6- January 2006
Envirotunetual Assessment - McCollister Boulevard Nest
Johnson Comity and Iowa City, Iowa
COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES
This section summarizes the final comparison of the cumulative impacts between the No Action and
Preferred Alternatives for the construction of McCollister Boulevard. The impacts and general features of
both alternatives are summarized below.
SUMMARY OF CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
McCOLLISTER BOULEVARD ALTERNATIVES
NA = Not Applicable
* See section on threatened and endangered species for discussion.
SUMMARY
This Environmental Assessment concludes that the proposed project is necessary for safe and efficient
travel within the project corridor. Final alternative selection will occur following completion of the
public review period and location public hearing.
Unless significant impacts are identified as a result of a public review or at the public hearing, a Finding
of No Significant Impact (FONSI) will be prepared for this proposed action as a basis for federal -aid
corridor location approval. r ->
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No Action
Alternative
Preferred Alternative
Length ft
NA
3,200
Total new Right-of-Way ac
0
<2
No. Properties Affected
0
11
No. Businesses Affected
0
0
Residences Displaced
0
3
Riparian Impacts ac
0
3
Wetland Impacts ac
0
0
Archaeology Impacts
None
None
Historic Properties Affected
None
None
Air Quality Impacts
None
Minor During Construction
Water Quality Impacts
None
BMPs Will be Implemented for Erosion Control
Land -Use Impacts
None
None
Threatened and Endangered Wildlife Impacts
None
Possible In and Near the Iowa River*
Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitat ac
0
3
River and Flood Plain Crossings
None
Iowa River Crossing and 920 Feet of Flood Plain
Projected 2030 Traffic Volumes Vehicles Per Da
NA
14,200
NA = Not Applicable
* See section on threatened and endangered species for discussion.
SUMMARY
This Environmental Assessment concludes that the proposed project is necessary for safe and efficient
travel within the project corridor. Final alternative selection will occur following completion of the
public review period and location public hearing.
Unless significant impacts are identified as a result of a public review or at the public hearing, a Finding
of No Significant Impact (FONSI) will be prepared for this proposed action as a basis for federal -aid
corridor location approval. r ->
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82647 1,4dm/A &Co1hsterEA- TEX.dw -7- January 2006
Environmental Assessment - McCollister Boulevard {Pest
Johnson County and Iowa City, Iowa
COMMENTS AND COORDINATION
Agency Coordination
Appropriate federal, state and local agencies were contacted on January 28, 2005, as part of early
coordination for their comments concerning this project. Comment letters received are shown in
Appendix B. The agencies contacted are listed below.
US Fish and Wildlife Service
US Department of Interior
US Environmental Protection Agency
US Army Corps of Engineers
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Iowa Department of Natural Resources — Conservation and Recreation Division
Iowa Department of Natural Resources — Environmental Services Division
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs — State Historical Society of Iowa
Johnson County Council of Governments
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department
Agencies responding to early coordination are shown in bold.
Comments received include:
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) commented that five threatened or endangered species
have ranges within the project corridor.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stated that we will need to determine the location and impact of
any wetlands in the project corridor as well as coordinate with Iowa SHPO and USFWS.
• Iowa DNR Air Quality Bureau listed several programs, some of which may apply to this project.
• Iowa DNR Water Quality Bureau stated the Iowa River is a protected stream. Best management
practices are to be used to control erosion and protect water quality.
• Iowa DNR Conservation and Recreation Division commented that a Sovereign Lands
Construction Permit will be required since the Iowa River is a sovereign land. Also, two species
of mussel (Pistolgrip and Squawfoot) have known records from this part of the Iowa River; and
the Higgins' Eye Pearly Mussel, a federally listed endangered species, has been reintroduced to
the river within the proposed project corridor. This project is located within the range of Indiana
Bat summer habitat. Field checks for all these species will be required as part of the project.
Johnson County Council of Governments said the proposed project is consistent with their Long -
Range Transportation Plan.
State Historical Society of Iowa stated that the project will need to comply with Section 106 of
the National Historic Preservation Act. There are previously identified archaeological sites in and
around the project area that may need additional survey to determine their National Register
significance.
82647 1Adn ✓A&CollisterEA- TEXdoc -8- January 2006
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McCollister Blvd. Corridor Phase I
Riverside Drive to Gilbert Street
Environmental Asacnuamaont
2006 City of Iowa City, Iowa 82647
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Figure
a EarthTech McCollister Blvd ?Corridor
A Tyco International Ltd. Company Projected Traffic Volumes for 2030
Environmental Assessment
April 2006 City of Iowa City, Iowa 82647
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APPENDIX A
RESOURCE JUSTIFICATION DATABASE
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SOCIO-ECONOMIC Justification Section:
Land Use
Evaluation and Date;
No significant impact to land use is anticipated by this project.
Database Use:
Iowa City South District Plan and Draft South Central District Plan. Project is consistent with land -
use plans.
Completed By:
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech
Community Cohesion
Evaluation and Date:
Proposed roadway on new alignment; it is not going through neighborhoods.
Database Use:
Aerial mapping.
Completed By:
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech
Churches and Schools
Evaluation and Date:
None resent in the corridor.
Database Use:
NA
Completed By:
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech
Utilities
Evaluation and Date:
Sanitary sewer main and water main in the corridor. No major utility relocations or issues anticipated.
July 2005.
Database Use:
City information and utility companies.
Completed By:
B. Lentz, Earth Tech
Energy
Evaluation and Date:
NA
Database Use:
Completed By:
Emergency Routes
Evaluation and Date:
No disruption of emergency routes since McCollister Boulevard is on new alignment. Construction at
Riverside Drive, Napolean Lane and Gilbert Street would be done in such a way to allow emergency
vehicles continuous access. Proposed new fire station to be constructed in the south-central area of
Iowa City between 2009 and 2011. July 20, 2005.
Database Use:
Iowa City Fire Department Strategic Plan, July 2002.
Completed By:
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech
Environmental Justice
Evaluation and Date:
Minority and low- income populations are slightly higher than for Johnson County; however, these
populations are not impacted disproportionately by the project.
Database Use:
U.S. Census Bureau Website: census.gov
Completed By:
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech
Transportation
Evaluation and Date:
No si nificant impact to existing transportation routes is anticipated b this project.
Database Use:
NA
Completed By:
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech
Construction
Evaluation and Date:
Standard specifications will be used. No constructability issues anticipated.
Database Use:
NA
Completed By:
B. Lentz, Earth Tech
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Justification Section:
N
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Wild and Scenic Rivers
Evaluation and Date:
Iowa River is not a Wild and Scenic River. Jul 2005. �_- c'
Database Use:
www.n s. ov /rivers /index.html
Completed By:
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech
Farmlands '
Evaluation and Date:
No farmland is resent in the project corridor. RI.
Database Use:
Aerial ma in 0
Completed By:
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech
Ecosystem
Evaluation and Date:
No unique or protected ecosystem occurs in the corridor. May 2, 2005.
Database Use:
Field check.
Completed By:
T. VanDeWalle, Earth Tech
�rrr mnn AT Qma:..—
PHYSICAL Justification Section:
Noise
Recreational
Evaluation and Date:
Mesquakie Park is located within the project corridor. This land was the site of the city dump and,
after it was no longer used and annexed into the city, was turned over to the Parks Department. It is
Database use limited to sound level database contained in TNM 2.5.
closed off to the public, and no signage is displayed. FH WA agreed that this area does not function as
C. Chumble , Earth Tech
a park and therefore Section 4(0 does not apply. No other parks or recreational areas are located in
Evaluation and Date:
the project corridor. July 2005.
Database Use:
Windshield survey and city mapping.
Completed By:
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech
PHYSICAL Justification Section:
Noise
Evaluation and Date:
Performed noise analysis using FH WA's TNM 2.5. Analysis done for 25 noise - sensitive locations.
Results indicate that the project will not have any noise impacts. Technical memorandum on file.
January 9, 2006.
Database Use:
Database use limited to sound level database contained in TNM 2.5.
Completed By:
C. Chumble , Earth Tech
Air Quality
Evaluation and Date:
Project is in an area where the State Implementation Plan does not contain any transportation control
measures. Conformity procedures of 23 CFR 770 do not apply.
Database Use:
NA
Completed By:
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech. January 6, 2006.
Temporary Impacts
Evaluation and Date:
Im acts are anticipated to be minor and will be limited to construction activities. January 9, 2006.
Database Use:
NA
Completed By:
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech
Contamination
Evaluation and Date:
None located. January 6, 2006.
Database Use:
NPL Sites:
fly://Rp.ipsb.uiowa.edu/gis library/IA state/Environmental Regulation/National priority list.ziD
Nan -NPL Sites:
fip• / /ftp iesb uiowa edu /eis library/lA state/Environmental Re¢ulaton/Non national priority list zip
LUST and UST Sites:
htil):Higsitns.igsb.uiowa.edu/website/ust sites/viewer.htm
RCRIS Sites:
http://www.epa.gov/envirothtml/rcris/rcris query ava.html
C. Chumble , Earth Tech
Completed By:
Regulated Materials Sites
Evaluation and Date:
Searched CERCLIS, RCRIS, LUST and UST databases on January 6, 2006.
Database Use:
NPL Sites:
fkp,//flp.ipsb.uiowa.edu/gis library/IA state/Environmental ReeulationMational priority listzip
Non -NPL Sites:
ftv://ftp.igsb.uiowa.edu/pis library /IA state/Environmental Reeulaton/Non national priority list zip
LUST and UST Sites:
btip7//ijzsims.igsb.uiowa.edu/website/ust sites /viewer.htm
RCRIS Sites:
htt ://%vww.ega.gov/enviro/html/rcris/rcris ue 'ava.html ��
C. Chumble , Earth Tech `= n �_
Completed By:
Visual :) t
Evaluation and Date:
Adjacent mobile home park will have new roadway within their viewshed, but(utjpact is :Ibf
considered significant.
Database Use:
NA rl i X- `
Com leted By:
B. Durbahn, Earth Tech
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APPENDIX B
AGENCY COMMENT LETTERS
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Sep 26 05 02:05p OLE
CIowa Department of Transportation
800 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50010 515- 239 -1097
515- 239 -1726 FAX
May 26, 2005
Ralph Christian
Review and Compliance
Bureau of Historic Preservation
State Historical Society of Iowa
600 East Locust
Des Moines, IA 50319
Dear Ralph:
p.2
MAY 3 1 !U(11-5
Ref. No STP -U- 3715(628)- -70 -52
Johnson
Local
R &C# 050252014
RE: The McCollister Boulevard Project in Iowa City- Architectural / Historical
Study : Section 22, T79N -R6W
Enclosed for your review and comment is the historical / architectural intensive level study for the
above - mentioned federal funded project The project proposes the construction of McCollister
Boulevard in southern Iowa City, Iowa. This project will include the construction of a roadway
and a bridge that will span the Iowa River.
The area of potential impact encompasses a project corridor that is 3200 ft. in length with'a
maximum width of 400 ft. A total area of 20.4 acres was investigated.
This investigation was conducted using an extensive archival / records search along with a
property inspection of the project area Ten properties were investigated within the project area
and all ten of these properties were determined not eligible for the National Register of Historic
Place.
Based on the findings of this historic / architectural investigation and the determination of this
project in regards to architectural properties is No Historic Properties Affected. If you concur
with this determination, please sign the concurrence line below and return this letter. If you have
any questions regarding this project or this investigation, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
the�. Dono an
MJFD Office of Location and Environment
Enclosure Matt.Donovan @dot.state.ia.us
cc:
Michael Gardner, Johnson County Engineer
Roger Walton, Distirct 6 ry
Kris Riesenberg- Location and Environment/ NEPA O
Jan Nash- Principal Investigator / Tallgrass Historians L.0 C-) C—
Brend Durbahn- Projec"a er / Earth Tech r 71
Con r
SHkO Historian l'! ate ` o
Comments: N
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Sep 19 05 01:20p OLE
MAY 112.305
Iowa Department of Transportation
800 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50010 515- 239 -1097
May 10, 2005
Doug Jones
Review and Compliance
Bureau of Historic Preservation
State Historical Society of Iowa
600 East Locust
Des Moines, IA 50319
Dear Doug:
515 -239 -1726 FAX
Ref. No STP -U- 3715(628)- -70 -52
Johnson
Local
R &C# 050252014
RE: The McCollister Boulevard Project in Iowa City
Section 22, T79N -R6W
Enclosed for your review and comment is the Phase I archaeological report for the
above- mentioned federal funded project. The project proposes the construction of
McCollister Boulevard in southern Iowa City, Iowa. This project will include the
construction of a road way and a bridge that will span the Iowa River.
The area of potential impact encompasses a project corridor that is 3200 ft. in length
with a maximum width of 400 ft. A total area of 20.4 acres was investigated.
This investigation was conducted using an extensive archival / records search along with
a pedestrian survey of the project area. In addition, bucket auger tests, shovel tests and
soil probes were conducted within the project area. One previously recorded prehistoric
archaeological sites, 13JH774, was determined to be located with the project corridor.
Site 131H774 represents a historic dump and prehistoric artifact scatter, first recorded in
1997. This site appears to be a dump of modem refuse and a light scatter of prehistoric
artifacts confined to the disturbed surface of an outwash terrace. Based on the results of
this investigation, the area of Site 13JH774 within the project corridor has been
determined not eligible for the National Register and no further work is recommend for
this section.
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Sep 19 OS 01:21p OLE
Based on the findings of this investigation and the understanding the section of Site
13JH744 within the project corridor is not eligible for the National Register, the
determination of this project is No Adverse) Effect. If you concur with this
determination, please sign the concurrence line below and return this letter. If you have
any questions regarding this project or the Phase I investigation, please feel free to
contact me.
Sincerely, f�
Matthew J. enova.n
Office of Location and Environment
Matt.DonovanC@dot.state.ia.us
MJFD
Enclosure
cc:
Michael Gardner, Johnson County Engineer
Roger Walton, Distirct 6
Kris Riesenberg- Location and Environment / NEPA
Joe B. Thompson- Project Archaeologist / BCA
Brenda J. Durbahn- Project Manager / Earth Tech
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Comments:
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OF:
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
ROCK ISLAND DISTRICT. CORPS OF ENGINEERS
CLOCK TOWER BUILDING - P.O. BOX 2004
ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS 61204 -2004
Planning, Programs, and
Project Management Division
Ms. Brenda Durbahn
Earth Tech
501 Sycamore Street
Suite 222
Waterloo, Iowa 50704
Dear Ms. Durbahn:
March 11, 2005
N
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I received your letter dated January 28, 2005, concerning environmental studies for the
McCollister Boulevard project. Rock Island District staff reviewed the information you provided
and have the following comments:
a. Your proposal does not involve Rock Island District Corps of Engineers (Corps)
administered land; therefore, no further Rock Island District Corps real estate coordination is
necessary.
b. Any proposed placement of fill or dredged material into waters of the United States
(including wetlands) requires Department of the Army (DA) authorization. We require
additional details of your project before we can make a final determination. When detailed
plans are available, please complete and submit the enclosed application packet to the
Rock Island District for processing. The application should include determinations of wetlands
and other waters of the United States, size estimations of impacts to those areas,
and wetland types and relative functions.
c. The Responsible Federal Agency should coordinate with Ms. Maria Pandullo, Iowa
Historic Preservation Agency, ATTN: Review and Compliance Program, State Historical
Society of Iowa, Capitol Complex, Des Moines, Iowa 50319 to determine impacts to historic
properties.
d. The Rock Island Field Office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service should be contacted
to determine if any federally listed endangered species are being impacted and, if so, how to
avoid or minimize impacts. The Rock Island Field Office address is: 4469 - 48th Avenue Court,
Rock Island, Illinois 61201. Mr. Rick Nelson is the Field Supervisor. You can reach him by
calling 309/793 -5800.
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e. The Iowa Emergency Management Division should be contacted to determine if the
proposed project may impact areas designated as floodway. Mr. Dennis Harper is the Iowa State
Hazard Mitigation Team Leader. His address is: Hoover State Office Building, Level A, Des
Moines, Iowa 50319. You can reach him by calling 515/281 -3231.
No other concerns surfaced during our review. Thank you for the opportunity to comment
on your proposal. If you need more information, please call Dr. Sandra Brewer of our Economic
and Environmental Analysis Branch, telephone 309/794 -5171.
You may find additional information about the Corps' Rock Island District on our web site
at http: / /wrvw.mvr.usace.army.mil. To find out about other Districts within the Corps, you
may visit web site: http:// www .usace.army.mf/divdistmap.htnd.
Enclosure
Sincerely,
JL—, 6
Kenneth A. Barr
Chief, Economic and Environmental
Analysis Branch
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THOMAS J. VILSACK, GOVERNOR
SALLY J. PEDERSON, LT. GOVERNOR
February 22, 2005
Ms. Brenda J. Durbahn
Earth Tech
501 Sycamore Street, Suite 222
P.O. Box 1497
Waterloo, IA 50704 -1497
STATE O F .IOWA
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
JEFFREY R. VONK, DIRECTOR
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RE: McCollister Boulevard project that would extend from Riverside Drive across the Iowa River to Gilbert
Street, Iowa City, IA; Earth Tech Project No. 82647
Dear Ms. Durbahn:
In response to your request for our comments on the impact of the above referenced project, we provide the
following:
The Iowa River is a meandered stream and therefore sovereign land. Any construction on, over, under or
through sovereign land requires a Sovereign Lands Construction Permit from this Department. Enclosed is a
joint application form for your use. Specific road plans should be included with that application.
The Department has records for Pistolgrip (Tritogonia verrucosa, Iowa listed endangered) and Squawfoot
(Strophitus undulates, Iowa listed threatened) within the Iowa River near this site. Also, part of this area has
been used to reintroduce the Higgins' Eye Pearly Mussel (Lampsilis higgins/i, Iowa listed endangered and
federally listed endangered). A mussel survey will need to be completed within the impact area of the Iowa
River and a copy of that survey submitted to Daryl Howell of this Department for review before our comments
can be finalized. Mr. Howell may be contacted at 515/281 -8524.
The Indiana bat (Myods sodal /s, state and federal endangered) may occur in the area of this project. The
enclosed guidelines provide information about summer habitat requirements and survey methods for the
Indiana bat. If it appears that you will disturb potential Indiana bat summer habitat, we suggest that you
contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Rock Island Field Office at (309) 793 -5800. If other listed species or
rare communities are found during the planning or construction phases, additional studies and /or mitigation
may be required.
It has come to our attention that some of this road may be crossing Mesquakie Park, which may have been a
landfill that was closed in 1972.
This letter is a record of review for protected species, rare natural communities, state lands and waters in the
project area, including review by personnel representing state parks, preserves, recreation areas, fisheries
and wildlife but does not include any potential comment from the Environmental Services Division of this
Department. This letter does not constitute a permit and before proceeding with this project, permits may be
needed from this Department or from other state or federal agencies.
Effective March 10, 2003, any construction activity that bares the soil of an area greater than or equal to 1 acre
including clearing, grading or excavation may require a storm water discharge permit from the Department.
Construction activities may include the temporary or permanent storage of dredge material. For more
information regarding this matter, please contact Ruth Rosdail at 515/281 -6782.
The Department administers regulations that pertain to fugitive .dust IAW Iowa Administrative Code 567 -
23.3(2)"c". All persons shall take reasonable precautions to prevent the discharge of visible emissions of
05- 3443L.doc
WALLACE STATE OFFICE BUILDING / DES MOINES, IOWA 50319
515 - 281 -5918 TDD515 -242 -5967 FAX515- 281 -6794 WWW.STATE.IA.US /DNR
fugitive dusts beyond the lot line of property during construction, alteration, repairing or demolishing of
buildings, bridges or other vertical structures or haul roads. All questions regarding fugitive dust regulations
should be addressed to Jim McGraw at 515/242 -5167.
If you have any questions about this letter or if you require further information, please contact Keith
Dohrmann at (515) 281 -8967.
Sincerely,
I F11D/ HIVVERS SUPERVISOR
POLICY AND COORDINATION
CONSERVATION AND RECREATION DIVISION
DFS:kd
Attachment: Indiana Bat Guidelines (addressee only)
Joint Application Form ( addresssee only)
CC: Christine Schwake, Water Quality Bureau, Iowa DNR (by email)
Mr. Ross Spitz, Office of the City Engineer, City of Iowa City, 410 East Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240
Nina Kroger, Solid Waste, Environmental Services Division, Iowa DNR (local)
Daryl Howell, Conservation & Recreation Division, Iowa DNR (by email)
FILE COPY: Keith L. Dohrmann
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Fields of Opportuoit� STATE O F IOWA
THOMAS J. VILSACK, GOVERNOR DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
SALLY J. PEDERSON, LT. GOVERNOR JEFFREY R. VONK, DIRECTOR
February 18, 2005
Ms. Brenda Durbalm
Earth Tech
501 Sycamore Street, Suite 222
P.O. Box 1497
Waterloo, IA 507b4 -1497
Subject: McCollister Boulevard, Iowa City, Johnson County, Earth Tech Project No. 82647
Dear Ms. Durbahn:
This responds to your letter of January 28, 2009, requesting comments on the McCollister
Boulevard project. We have reviewed the information provided and have the following comments.
In the project area, the Iowa River is designated as a Class AI Primary contact recreational use.
These are waters in which recreational or other uses may result in prolonged and direct contact
with the water, involving considemble risk of ingesting water in quantities sufficient to pose a
health hazard. Such activities would include, but not be limited to, swiumring, diving, water skiing,
and water contact recreational canoeing. The Iowa River is also designated as a Class B(WW)
Significant resource warm water. These are waters in which temperature, flow and other habitat
characteristics are suitable for the maintenance of a wide variety of reproducing populations of
warm water fish and associated aquatic communities, including sensitive species.
The Iowa River is also a protected stream. As stated in 567- 72.2(1)d.(455B) of the Iowa
Administrative Cade, "For protected streams no channel changes will be allowed, because of actual
or potential significant adverse effects on fisheries, water quality, flood control, flood plain
management, wildlife habitat, soil erosion, public recreation, the public health, welfare and safety,
compatibility with state water plan, rights of other landowners, and other factors relevant to the
control, development, protection, allocation, and utilization of the stream. Protected stream status
does not prohibit bank stabilization measures; tree maintenance or removal; 'maintenance or
installation of tile outlets; machinery crossings, including concrete drive- throughs and bridges;
boat and canoe ramps; or other structures permitted by the department; nor restrict riparian access
to the protected stream for such uses as livestock watering or grazing. Protected stream status does
not affect current cropping practices or require the establishment of buffer strips, filter strips or
fences along protected streams."
We would ask that Best Management Practices be used to control erosion and protect water quality'
at the project site. Please design the project to avoid impacts to wetland.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the proposed project. If you have any
questions or comments, please write me at the address shown below, or call (6 15) 281 -6615.
Sincerely,
,I
N
Christine M. Schwake
r
71
Environmental Specialist
-,
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Water Quality Section
j T 1
WALLACE STATE OFFICE BUILDING / 502 E. 91" STREET / DES MOINES, IOWA 50319'0034
ur
515 -281 -5145 TDD 515- 242 -5967 FAX 515 -281 -8895 www.state.ia.us/dnr
IN F"LY P"Ea
ro:
FWS /RIFO
United States Department of the Interior
Ms. Brenda J. Durbahn
Earth Tech
501 Sycamore Street
Suite 222, PO Box 1497
Waterloo, Iowa 50704 -1497
Dear Ms. Durbahn:
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Rock Island Field Office
4469 48h Avenue Court
Rock Island, Illinois 61201
Phone: (309) 793-5800 Fax: (309) 793-5804
February 17, 2005
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This is in response to your letter of January 28, 2005, requesting our comments on the
proposed McCollister Boulevard project in Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa.
To facilitate compliance with Section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended,
Federal agencies are required to obtain from the Fish and Wildlife Service information
concerning any species, listed or proposed to be listed, which may be present in the area of a
proposed action. Therefore, we are furnishing you the following list of species which may be
present in the concerned area:
Classification Common Name (Scientific Name)
Threatened Bald eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Threatened Eastern prairie fringed orchid
(Platanthera leucophaea)
Threatened Prairie bush - clover
(Lespedeza leptostachya)
Threatened Western prairie fringed orchid
(Platanthera praeclara)
Habitat
Breeding; wintering
Mesic to wet prairie
habitats
Dry to mesic prairies
Mesic to wet prairie
habitats
Ms. Brenda J. Durbahn
Endangered Indiana bat
(Myotis sodalis)
2
Caves, mines; small stream
corridors with well
developed riparian woods;
upland and bottomland
forests
The threatened bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) potentially occurs statewide and is listed
as breeding in Johnson County. During the winter, this species feeds on fish in the open water
areas created by dam tailwaters, the warm water effluents of power plants and municipal and
industrial discharges, or in power plant cooling ponds. The more severe the winter, the
greater the ice coverage and the more concentrated the eagles become. They roost at night in
groups in large trees adjacent to the river in areas that are protected from the harsh winter
elements. They perch in large shoreline trees to rest or feed on fish. There is no critical
habitat designated for this species. The eagle may not be harassed, harmed, or disturbed when
present nor may nest trees be cleared.
The eastern prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera leucophaea) is listed as threatened and
considered to potentially occur in Johnson County. It occupies mesic to wet grassland habitats.
There is no critical habitat designated for this species. Federal regulations prohibit any
commercial activity involving this species or the destruction, malicious damage, or removal of
this species from Federal land or any other lands in knowing violation of State law or
regulation, including State criminal trespass law. This species should be searched for
whenever wet prairie remnants are encountered.
The prairie bush clover (Lespedeza leptostachya) is listed as threatened and considered to
potentially occur statewide in Iowa including Johnson County. It occupies dry to mesic r_,
prairies with gravelly soil. There is no critical habitat designated for this species.; Federal
regulations prohibit any commercial activity involving this species or the destructions malicious
damage, or removal of this species from Federal land or any other lands in knowing violation 71
of State law or regulation, including State criminal trespass law. This species should be (�
searched for whenever prairie remnants are encountered. Fri
C-
The western prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera praeclara) is listed as threatened and
considered to potentially occur statewide in Iowa including Johnson County. It occupies VIM to
mesic grassland habitats. There is no critical habitat designated for this species. Federal
regulations prohibit any commercial activity involving this species or the destruction, malicious
damage, or removal of this species from Federal land or any other lands in knowing violation
of State law or regulation, including State criminal trespass law. This species should be
searched for whenever wet prairie remnants are encountered.
The endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) is considered to-potentially occur in Iowa in all
counties south of Interstate 80 based on its historical habitat. This area includes
those portions of Johnson County south of Interstate 80. Indiana bats are considered to
potentially occur in any area with forested habitat.
Ms. Brenda J. Durbahn 3
Indiana bats migrate seasonally between winter hibernacula and summer roosting habitats.
Winter hibernacula include caves and abandoned mines. Females form nursery colonies under
the loose bark of trees (dead or alive) and /or cavities, where each female gives birth to a single
young in June or early July. A single colony may utilize a number of roost trees during the
summer, typically a primary roost tree and several alternates. The species or size of tree does
not appear to influence whether Indiana bats utilize a tree for roosting provided the appropriate
bark structure is present.
During the summer, the Indiana bat frequents the corridors of small streams with riparian
woods as well as mature upland forests. It forages for insects along stream corridors, within
the canopy of floodplain and upland forests, over clearings with early successional vegetation
(old fields), along the borders of croplands, along wooded fencerows, over farm ponds, and in
pastures.
Suitable summer habitat in Iowa is considered to have the following characteristio_s;within
a' /z mile radius of a project site:
1) forest cover of 15 % or greater;
2) permanent water;
3) one or more of the following tree species: shagbark and shellbark hickory that may be
dead or alive, and dead bitternut hickory, American ehn, slippery elm, eastern _
cottonwood, silver maple- white oak, red oak, post oak, and shingle oak with slali or
plates of loose bark; "'
4) potential roost trees with 10% or more peeling or loose bark
If the project site contains any habitat that fits the above description, it may be necessary to
conduct a survey to determine whether the bat is present. In addition, a search for this species
should be made prior to any cave - impacting activities. If habitat is present or Indiana bats are
known to be present, they must not be harmed, harassed, or disturbed when present, and this
field office should be contacted for further assistance.
The Corps of Engineers is the Federal agency responsible for wetland determinations, and we
recommend that you contact them for assistance in delineating any wetland types and acreages
within the project boundary. Priority consideration should -be given to avoid impacts to any
wetland areas. Any future activities in the study area that would alter wetlands may require a
Section 404 permit. Unavoidable impacts will require a mitigation plan to compensate for any
losses of wetland functions and values. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Clock Tower
Building, P.O. Box 2004, Rock Island, Illinois 61204 -2004, should be contacted for
information about the permit process.
These comments provide technical assistance only and do not constitute a report of the
Secretary of the Interior on a project within the meaning of Section 2(b) of the Fish and
Wildlife Coordination Act, do not fulfill the requirements under Section 7 of the Endangered
Species Act, nor do they represent the review comments of the U.S. Department of the Interior
on any forthcoming environmental statement.
Ms. Brenda J. Durbahn
0
If you have any questions regarding our comments, please contact Kristen Lundh of my staff at
(309) 793 -5800 ext. 215.
SAOffice UsersWaislenUcchnical Assislance\Section 7
t2005\lowaUohnson McCollister Boulevard 2 -3 -05
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Fields of OpportlrnitiCS STATE O F IOWA
THOMAS J. VILSACK, GOVERNOR DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
SALLY J. PEDERSON, LT, GOVERNOR JEFFREY R. VONK, DIRECTOR
Re: Environmental Assessment, McCollister Boulevard project, Iowa City
Request for comments
Dear Ms. Durbahn:
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Air Quality Bureau received your
letter of January 28, 2005, requesting comments on a proposed project on McCollister
Boulevard in Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa. Your letter has been forwarded to other
areas within the DNR for review and comment.
The DNR is the regulatory authority for the air quality programs described below. These
programs may or may not apply to the proposed McCollister Boulevard project.
Construction Permitting Requirements
DNR issues construction permits for new and modified sources of air pollutants. If
the project includes any new air emission units, including portable equipment, the
project may be subject to these construction permitting requirements. You may wish
to visit our website at www.iowadnr.Gom /air /prof /const/const.html for more
information, or contact our permit hotline at 1- 877 - AIR -IOWA. You may also wish to
review the rules for permitting contained in 567 Iowa Administrative Code (IAC)
Chapter 22 (4558). The IAC is available on -line at www.leais.state.ia.us /IAC.html.
• Asbestos
Building renovations, demolitions and training fires are potentially subject to the
asbestos release prevention efforts under the National Emission Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for.asbestos [40 Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) Part 61, subpart M]. The DNR has been delegated the authority to administer
and enforce this program.
The asbestos NESHAP rules apply before renovation or demolition begin, and often
require a thorough inspection and lab analysis of suspect asbestos containing
7900 Hickman Road, Suite 1 / Urbandale, Iowa 50322 - - -- Report Smoking Vehicles 1- 888- END -SMOG
515 - 242 -5100 FAX 515 - 242 -5094 hltD• /hw w.iowacleanair.coml
CERTIFIEO.MAIL
February 14, 2005
Brenda J. Durbahn
EarthTech
501 Sycamore Street, Suite 222
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PO Box 1497
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Waterloo, Iowa 50704
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Re: Environmental Assessment, McCollister Boulevard project, Iowa City
Request for comments
Dear Ms. Durbahn:
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Air Quality Bureau received your
letter of January 28, 2005, requesting comments on a proposed project on McCollister
Boulevard in Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa. Your letter has been forwarded to other
areas within the DNR for review and comment.
The DNR is the regulatory authority for the air quality programs described below. These
programs may or may not apply to the proposed McCollister Boulevard project.
Construction Permitting Requirements
DNR issues construction permits for new and modified sources of air pollutants. If
the project includes any new air emission units, including portable equipment, the
project may be subject to these construction permitting requirements. You may wish
to visit our website at www.iowadnr.Gom /air /prof /const/const.html for more
information, or contact our permit hotline at 1- 877 - AIR -IOWA. You may also wish to
review the rules for permitting contained in 567 Iowa Administrative Code (IAC)
Chapter 22 (4558). The IAC is available on -line at www.leais.state.ia.us /IAC.html.
• Asbestos
Building renovations, demolitions and training fires are potentially subject to the
asbestos release prevention efforts under the National Emission Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for.asbestos [40 Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) Part 61, subpart M]. The DNR has been delegated the authority to administer
and enforce this program.
The asbestos NESHAP rules apply before renovation or demolition begin, and often
require a thorough inspection and lab analysis of suspect asbestos containing
7900 Hickman Road, Suite 1 / Urbandale, Iowa 50322 - - -- Report Smoking Vehicles 1- 888- END -SMOG
515 - 242 -5100 FAX 515 - 242 -5094 hltD• /hw w.iowacleanair.coml
material, notification to the DNR and, in some cases, proper removal and disposal.
For more information, please contact the DNR Asbestos NESHAP Coordinator,
Marion Burnside, at 515- 281 -8443.
Open Burning
The DNR regulates open burning. "Open burning" is the burning of combustible
materials where the products of combustion are emitted into the open air without
passing through a chimney or stack. In general, open burning is prohibited, except
for the specific exemptions listed in the state open burning rules. The open burning
rules are contained in 567 IAC rule 23.2(455B). In addition, there are a number of
definitions in 567 Chapter 20 that are applicable to open burning. The IAC is
available on -line at www.legis.state.ia.us /IAC.html.
Fugitive Dust
The DNR administers regulations that pertain to fugitive dust. In general, owners or
operators must take reasonable precautions to prevent fugitive dust from becoming
airborne and crossing the property line. These regulations, which may be applicable
to this project, are contained in 567 IAC paragraph 23.3(2) "c ", and can be found at
the website indicated above.
Opacity
The DNR administers regulations that pertain to opacity (visible emissions). In
general, visible emissions in excess of 40 percent opacity are not allowed unless
specifically exempted under rule. The rules for opacity, which may pertain to this
project, are under paragraph 567 IAC 23.3(2) "d ", and are available on -line at the link
indicated above.
If you have any questions, please contact me at 515 242 -5154 or by e-mail at
christine. paulson(a)dnr.state.ia. us.
Sincerely,
Christine M. Paulson
N
Senior Environmental Specialist - Program Development Section
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Air Quality Bureau
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c: Scott VanderHart — DNR
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STATE
HISTORICAL
IOWA °f
A Division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
February 10, 2005
Brenda Durbahn
Earth Tech
P.O. Box 1497
Waterloo, Iowa 50704 -1497
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In reply refer to I
R &C #: 050252014 ' 1
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RE: FHWA —JOHNSON COUNTY —CITY OF IOWA CITY— MCCOLLISTER BOULEVARD
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT — EARTH TECH PROJECT #82647 — PREPARATION
OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT — E -MAIL CORRESPONDENCE FROM IDOT
Dear Ms. Durbahn,
Thank you for notifying our office about the above referenced proposed project. We understand that
this project will be a federal undertaking and will need to comply with Section 106 of the National
Historic Preservation Act. We look forward to consulting with you, the Iowa Department of
Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration on the Area of Potential Effect for this
proposed project and whether this project will affect any significant historic properties under 36 CFR
Part 800.4. We will need the following types of information for our review:
• The Area of Potential Effect (APE) for this project needs to be adequately defined (36 CFR Part
800.16 (d)).
• Information on what types of cultural resources are or may be located in the APE (36 CFR Part
800.4).
• The significance of the historic properties in the APE in consideration of the National Register of
Historic Places Criteria.
• A determination from the responsible federal agency of the undertaking's effects on historical
properties within the APE (36 CFR Part 800.5).
A preliminary review of our records indicates that there are numerous previously identified
archaeological sites within the immediate vicinity of the portion of the project area located east of the
Iowa River. It appears that site 13JH774 may be partially located within the proposed project corridor.
This site has not been evaluated for its potential eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic
Places. Several of the other previously identified sites in the vicinity either appear to be or have already
been evaluated as significant and potentially eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic
Places under at least Criterion D. There is a high potential that additional archaeological sites may be
located within the currently proposed project area east of the Iowa River..
The responsible federal agency will need to identify and contact all potential consulting parties that may
have an interest in historic properties within the project APE (36 CFR Part 800.2 (c)). Please reference
the Review and Compliance Number provided above in all future submitted correspondence to our
office for this project. We look forward to further consulting with you, the Iowa Department of
600 EAST Locust STREET, DES MOINES, IA 50319 -0290 P:(515)281-5111
Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration on this project. Should you have any questions
please contact me at the number below.
Sincerely
State Historic Preservation Office
State Historical Society of Iowa
(515) 281 -4358
cc: Mike LaPietra, FHWA
Randall Faber, OLE, IDOT, Ames
Kris Reisenberg, OLE, IDOT, Ames
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Johnson County Council of Governments
W 410 E.Vvt6hingtonSt. bAu City, bwn 52240
r1ro00
February 1, 2005
Brenda J. Durbahn
Earth Tech
501 Sycamore Street, Suite 222
P.O. Box 1497
Waterloo, IA 5070471497
Re: McCollister Boulevard Environmental Assessment; Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa;
Earth Tech Project No. 82647
Dear Brenda:
This letter is pursuant to your January 28, 2005 request for information and comments on the
environmental assessment for the McCollister Boulevard project. The proposed extension of
McCollister Boulevard between Old Highway 218 and Gilbert Street in Iowa City is consistent
with the adopted.JCCOG Long -Range Multi -Modal Transportation Plan. Consistent with the
JCCOG plan, it will be designed and constructed to accommodate all modes of transportation.
JCCOG has no further jurisdiction over this matter.
Let me know if you have any questions or comments.
Sincerely, '
Jeff Davidson CJ
Executive Director n
cc: Ross Spitz
yc�WftbaM.doo < Cl� J 1
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PUBLIC NOTICE OF STORM WATER DISCHARGE
The City of Iowa City, Iowa, plans to submit a Notice of Intent to the Iowa Department of Natural
Resources to be covered under the NPDES General Permit No. 2 Storm Water Discharge Associated
with Industrial Activity for Construction Activities.
The storm water discharge will be from grading, roadway, water main, and storm sewer
construction for the McCollister Boulevard Extension project located in the SW Y< and SE '/< of Section
22, Township 79 North, Range 6 West, Johnson County.
Storm water will be discharged from multiple point sources and will be discharged to the following
streams: Willow Creek and Iowa River.
Comments may be submitted to the Storm Water Discharge Coordinator, IOWA DEPARTMENT
OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Environmental Protection Division, 502 E. 9th Street, Des Moines, IA
50319 -0034. The public may review the Notice of Intent from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday, at the above address after it has been received by the department.
McCollister Boulevard Extension, Iowa City, IA
Public Notice of Storm Water Discharge
Pweng \nph\stmvArdischarge.doc
STATE OF IOWA
Counties of Liam and Johnson ss.
I, Dave Storey, do state that I am the publisher of
THE GAZETTE, a daily newspaper of general
circulation in Linn and Johnson Counties, in Iowa.
The notice, a printed copy of which is attached, was
inserted and published in THE GAZETTE newspaper
in the issue(s) of 12/21/07
The reasonable fee for publishing said notice is
$15.28
Industrial Activity
will be from ewe
and storm sewer
otheS Boulevard
vl
..'n,paa.oe 6
YF� NATURAU RESOURCES.
Protection Division, E. 9111 acknowledged This instrument was b Dave Storey
e Notice o�n ent from Bea m!to before me on 12/27/07
May through Friday, at the
alter It has been received by the 1yv� /��Ir t�{r ,, /�
of Storm Extension, " �/�`
of Storm Water Discharge
Notar Public In and for the State of Iowa
oSpRU =P JODY NOLTE
**
COMMISSION NUMBER 744301
MY COMMISSION EXPIRES:
DECEMBER 7, 2009
Printer's Fee $
CERTIFICATE OF PUBLICATION
STATE OF IOWA,
JOHNSON COUNTY, SS:
THE IOWA CITY PRESS - CITIZEN
FED. ID # 42- 0330670
DiaWBecicka, being duly sworn, say
that I am the legal clerk of the IOWA
CITY PRESS - CITIZEN, a newspaper
published in said comity, and that a
notice, a printed copy of which is
hereto attached, was published in said
paper � time(s), on the
�following date(s):
Legal Clerk
Subscribed and sworn to before me
this )t, � day of
A.D. 20 )'9-.
14
No ary Public
r�re 61RiB14IC�fj�
�.,, -y� � Commission Number 732679
SG,,;a, F:Y Commission l= xpires
__�.VJanuary 27, 2006
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
PUBLIC NOTICE OF STORM WATER
DISCHARGE
The City of Iowa City, Iowa, plans to sub-
mit a Notice of Intent to the Iowa
Department of Natural Resources to be'
:overed under the NPDES General
Permit No. 2 Storm Water Discharge
Associated with Industrial Activity for
Construction Activities.
The storm water discharge will be from
grading, roadway, water main, and storm
sewer construction for the McCollister
Boulevard Extension project located in
the SW 1/4 and SE 1/4 of Section 22,
Township 79 North, Range 6 West,
Johnson County.
Storm water will be discharged from mul-
tiple point sources and will be discharged
to the following streams: Willow Creek
and Iowa River.
Comments may be submitted to the
Storm Water Discharge Coordinator,
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL
RESOURCES, Environmental Protection
Division, 502 E. 9th Street, Des Moines,
IA 50319 -0034. The public may review
the Notice of Intent from 8 a.m. to 4:30
p.m., Monday through Friday, at the
above address after it has been received
by the department.
McCollister Boulevard Extension, Iowa
City, IA
Public Notice of Storm Water Discharge
63613 December 21, 2007
Bond No. 104977167
PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BOND
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:
That we, Peterson Contractors, Inc.
of Reinbeck, IA (hereinafter called the Principal),
and Travelers Casualty and Surely Company of America of Hartford, CT
(hereinafter called the Surety), are held and firmly bound unto City of Iowa City, Johnson
County, Iowa (hereinafter called the Obligee),
in the penal sum of Six Million Thirty Three Thousand Five Hundred Ninety Three Dollars and
60/100 Dollars ($ 6,033,593.60 ), lawful
money of the United States, to payment of which sum, well and truly be made, the
Principal here firmly binds himself /themselves, his /their heirs, executors and
administrators, and the said Surety binds himself, his successors, assigns, executors and
administrators, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents.
THE CONDITION OF THIS OBLIGATION is such that, WHEREAS the above
bounden Principal did, on the day of 12007,
Enter into a written Contract with City of Iowa City Johnson County Iowa
Proposal ID No. 52- 3715 -628
Project Nos. DP7715(628)- -71 -52 & HDP- 3715(634)- -71 -52
copy of which Contract, together with all of its terms, covenants, conditions, and
Stipulations, is incorporated herein and made a part hereof as full and
completely as if said Contract were recited at length herein; and
WHEREAS, the Principal and Surety on this bond hereby agree to pay to all persons,
firms or corporations having Contracts directly with the Principal or with the
Subcontractors, all just claims due them for labor performed or materials furnished in the
performance of the Contract on account of which bond is gi ven when the same are not
satisfied out of the portion of the Contract price which the public corporation is required
to retain until completion of the public improvement but the Principal and Surety shall
not be liable to said persons, firms or corporations unless the claims of said claimants
against said portion of the Contract price shall have been established as provided by law.
(1 of 2)
Now, if the Principal shall in all respects fulfill his said Contract according to the
terms and tenor thereof, and shall satisfy all claims and demands incurred for the same
and shall fully indemnity and save harmless the Obligee from all costs and damages
which it may suffer by reason of failure to do so, and shall fully reimburse and repay the
Obligee all outlays and expenses which it may incur in making good any such default,
then the obligation is to be void and of no effect, otherwise to remain in full force and
effect.
Every Surety on this bond shall be deemed and held, any Contract to the contrary
notwithstanding, to consent without notice:
1, To any extension of time to the Contract in which to perform the
Contract.
2. To any change in the Plans, Specifications, or Contract when such
change does not involve an increase of more than twenty (20 %) of
the total Contract prince, and shall then be released only as to such
excess increase.
That no provision of this bond or of any other Contract shall be valid
which limits to less than one (1) year from the time of the acceptance
of the work the right to sue on this bond for defect in workmanship or
material not discovered or known to the Obligee at the time such work
was accepted.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands and seals this
day of
(2 of 2)
2007 .
Peterson Contractors, Inc.
Princtp 1
BY 002 . o �-'.�,
tl�tit-
Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America
` Surety
BYC� —��1
Attorne�)i -fact
Dianne S. Riley
ATTORNEY IS INVALID WITHOUTTHE
TRAVELERS POWER OF ATTORNEY
Farmington Casualty Company St. Paul Guardian Insurance Company
Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company
Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Underwriters, Hte. 11'avelers Casualty and Surety Company
Seaboard Surely Company Travelers Casualty and Surely Company of America
St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company
Attorney-lit Fact No. 218345 Certificate No. ®O .L 6 5 1 5 2 2
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That Seaboard Surety Company is a corporation duly organized under the laws of the State of New York, that St. Paul
Fire and Marine Insurance Company, St. Paul Guardian Insurance Company and St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company are corporations duty organized under the Imes
of the State of Minnesota, that Farmington Casualty Company, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company, and Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America are
corporations duly organized under the laws of tire State of Connecticut, that United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company is a corporation duly organized under the
laws of the State of Maryland, that Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company is a corporation duly organized under the laws of the State of Iowa, and that Fidelity and
Guaranty Insurance Underwriters, Inc. is a corporation duly organized under the laws of the State of Wisconsin (herein collectively called the "Companies "), and that
the Companies do hereby make, constitute and appoint
Craig E. Hansen, Dianne S. Riley, Janet Alessio, Jay D. Freiermnth, Brian M. Deimerly, Clifford W. Augspurger,
Cindy Bennett, and Anne Crowner
of the City of West Des Moines , State of Iowa , their true and lawful Attomey(s) -in -Fact,
each in their separate capacity if more than one is trained above, to sign, execute, seat and acknowledge any and all bonds, recognizances, conditional undertakings and
other writings obligatory in the nature thereof on behalf of the Companies in their business of guaranteeing the fidelity of persons, guaranteeing the performance of
contracts and executing or guaranteeing bonds and undertakings required or permitted in any actions or proceedings allowed by law.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Conipaiave caused this instrument to be signed and their corporate seats to be hereto affixed, this
�ue0s�
day of February UUU
22nd
Farmington Casualty Company St. Paul Guardian Insurance Company
Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company. St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company
Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Underwriters, Inc. 11'avelers Casually and Surety Company
Seaboard Surety Company Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America
St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company
Oa, GI.SQgEI'`L
OWN �fMSV9gC 0Pl \Y AY08 Wr�iIIY SUtY"G O n'��tR4tta rX 'IHG% °� �., Ef�pp0RAJ Y wwtfawr, rumarmr 4 1951 O �o` EAL�PO gnS8ALip >Ors� 1896 7
State of Connecticut
City of Hartford as.
By:
Georg 4 Thompson, eniar /ice President
22nd February 2007
On this the day of , before me personally appeared George W Thompson, who acknowledged
himself to be the Senior Vice President of Farmington Casualty Company, Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company, Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Underwriters,
Inc., Seaboard Surety Company, St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company, St. Paul Guardian Insurance Company, St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company, Travelers
Casualty and Surety Company, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America, and United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company, and that he, as such, being
authorized so to do, executed the foregoing instrument for the purposes therein contained by signing on behalf of the corporations by himself as a duly authorized officer.
Q.TE1
Ln Witness; Whereof, I hereunto set my hand and official seal. �
My Commission expires the 301h day of June, 2011. P rOt/Bll� {r
�s
58440 -8 -06 Printed in U.S.A.
Marie C. Tetreault, Notary Public
Le(5)
Prepared by: Brian Boelk, Public Works, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 356 -5437
RESOLUTION NO. 11-280
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE WORK FOR THE MCCOLLISTER
BOULEVARD PCC PAVEMENT [HDP- 3715(628)-- 71 -52] AND MCCOLLISTER
BOULEVARD BRIDGE [HDP - 3715(634)-- 71 -52] PROJECT
WHEREAS, the Engineering Division has recommended that the work for construction of the
McCollister Boulevard PCC Pavement [HDP- 3715(628)-- 71 -52] and McCollister Boulevard Bridge
Pavement [HDP- 3715(634)-- 71 -52] as included in a contract between the City of Iowa City and
Petersen Contractors, Inc. of Reinbeck, Iowa dated December 19, 2007, be accepted; and
WHEREAS, the Engineer's Report and the performance and payment bond have been filed in the
City Clerk's office; and
WHEREAS, funds for this project are available in the McCollister Blvd.- Highway 921 to Gilbert
Street account #3883; and
WHEREAS, the final contract price is $6,001,378.62.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA
CITY, IOWA, THAT said improvements are hereby accepted by the City of Iowa City, Iowa.
Passed and approved this 6th day of September 20__11__.
h , •.
Approved by
ATTEST:_ / / /CZ�t r_�sJy+Ji1 la U�7rJklty
CITY CLERK City Attorney's Office 6-19,�lt f
It was moved by Bailey and seconded by rime the Resolution be
adopted, and upon roll call there were:
IJ'L�
x
x
x
x
_ x
x
Rveng /res /mccollister- acphvork.doc
8/11
NAYS: ABSENT:
Bailey
Champion
Dickens
Hayek
Mims
Wilburn
Wright