WTC site damage assessment map, Sept 21, 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

lies generally parallel to the landward-most tidal wetland boundary and that is a minimum of 100 feet in length, the seaward edge of this structve may represent the limit of the regulated wetlands and adjacent area. State jurisdictional tidal wetlands are published on aerial photographs (Figure 3-7).

Activities within the wetlands and buffer zones cannot be undertaken without a permit from the USAGE or the NYSDEC, as appropriate. In general, permission to disturb, fill or otherwise remove a wetland itself can only be granted if there is no feasible alternative to avoid such action and if appropriate mitigation, such as replacement wetlands in another location, can be established. Activities in the wetland buffer areas are limited to those types of development that would not change natural drainage systems or require the removal of vegetative cover.

Landward of the Hudson River along the lower Manhattan shoreline there is no state or federal jurisdictional wetlands. Virtually no substrate required for the rooting of shoreline aquatic vegetation exists. The Hudson River is labeled as littoral zone on the NYS Tidal Wetland Maps and as estuarine subtidal open water on the National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps (Figure 3-7). This designation generally applies to deep-water areas in coastal estuaries. Upland zones are mapped further inland on both maps. Historic and recent construction activity, including extensive dredged material disposal to extend developable land area for commercial, residential and public use, has dramatically altered the location of the Lower Manhattan Hudson River shoreline, its contours and elevations. The shore is entirely lined with bulkhead, rip-rap and pier structures. A review of aerial photographs (April 8, 1994), maps including the National Wetland Inventory (NWI), NYS Tidal Wetland Maps, and USGS topographic quadrangle (Jersey City NJ, NY), and NOAA navigational charts confirm these shoreline characteristics.

Environmental Impacts

No significant, direct impacts to wetland resources are expected as result of the proposed projects or alternatives.

3.1.3.3 GROUNDWATER

The drinking water source for New York City is upstate surface water from the Catskill, Delaware, and Croton watershed systems. Groundwater is not used as a source of drinking water supply in tne vicinity of the WTC or lower Manhattan area since tests have shown that it is not suitable for use as drinking water. Since surface water is not the drinking water source in the area, water wells are not present in the project area. Shallow grciKidwater at the WTC site is encountered between 5 to 15 feet below land surface based on available boring logs (NYCDDC 2001). The shallow groundwater of Manhattan has not been given a water quality classification. In New York State, all groundwater not otherwise classified is considered to be Class GA (drinking water). Since groundwater has not been classified in Manhattan, it is default classified as Cass GA (drinking water), even though it is not potable. Groundwater is not a potable water source in lower Manhattan.

3-15

NYC-WTC_000141600