Appendix T Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

Transcription

Appendix T
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
Will County, Illinois
Lake County, Indiana
Prepared For:
Illinois Department of Transportation
Indiana Department of Transportation
Prepared By:
Parsons Brinckerhoff
September 2014
Table of Contents
1.0
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 1-1
2.0
MIDEWIN NATIONAL TALLGRASS PRAIRIE................................................... 2-1
3.0
IL-53 DESIGN OPTIONS AND IMPACT ON TRAVEL DEMAND
ADJACENT TO MIDEWIN NATIONAL TALLGRASS PRAIRIE .................... 3-1
4.0
NATURAL RESOURCES ANALYSIS ...................................................................... 4-1
4.1
Upland Plant Communities ............................................................................... 4-1
4.1.1 Existing Conditions ................................................................................. 4-1
4.2
Grassland Birds at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie............................ 4-17
4.3
Federally Threatened and Endangered Species at Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie ................................................................................ 4-25
4.4
State Listed Species at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie ..................... 4-42
4.4.1 Existing Conditions – State Threatened and Endangered
Species ..................................................................................................... 4-43
4.4.2 Impacts to State Listed Species and Species of Concern .................. 4-44
4.4.3 Mitigation ............................................................................................... 4-44
5.0
SECTION 4(F) CONSTRUCTIVE USE EVALUATION OF THE
MIDEWIN NATIONAL TALLGRASS PRAIRIE................................................... 5-1
6.0
IMPACTS TO MIDEWIN NATIONAL TALLGRASS PRAIRIE DUE TO
INDUCED GROWTH IN THE REGION FROM THE ILLIANA
CORRIDOR ................................................................................................................... 6-1
7.0
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS TO MIDEWIN NATIONAL TALLGRASS
PRAIRIE OF NUMEROUS TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS ........................... 7-1
7.1
Traffic Noise on the Roadway Network Surrounding the Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie .................................................................................. 7-1
7.2
Noise Associated with Commercial/Industrial Development near
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie ................................................................ 7-2
7.3
Habitat Fragmentation/Reduction in the Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie ................................................................................................... 7-3
7.4
Lighting Impacts, particularly on the Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie .................................................................................................................... 7-4
Illiana Corridor
i
Appendix T Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie Memorandum
8.0
SUMMARY OF COORDINATION WITH MIDEWIN NATIONAL
TALLGRASS PRAIRIE ............................................................................................... 8-1
9.0
MIDEWIN COMMITMENTS.................................................................................... 9-1
List of Figures
Figure 2-1.
Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-2.
Figure 3-3.
Figure 3-4.
Figure 4-1.
Figure 5-1.
Figure 5-2.
Figure 5-3.
Figure 5-4.
Designated Areas of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie .......................... 2-3
2010 Existing and 2040 No-Action Alternative Traffic Volumes near
IL-53 .................................................................................................................... 3-2
2040 Projected Daily Vehicles Using Design Options 2-4 by Will
County Township ............................................................................................. 3-4
2040 Projected Daily Vehicles Using Design Option 5 by Will
County Township ............................................................................................. 3-6
2040 Traffic Volumes near IL-53 with Illiana Corridor Design
Options ............................................................................................................... 3-7
Forested Areas Greater than 20 Acres within the Corridor ........................ 4-5
Existing and Proposed Trails and Trailheads within Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie ................................................................................ 5-3
Current and Desired Future Grassland Bird Habitat within
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie ............................................................. 5-13
Current Grassland Bird Habitat Potential Indirect Noise Impact
within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie – West .................................... 5-14
Current Grassland Bird Habitat Potential Indirect Noise Impact
within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie – East ..................................... 5-15
ii
Illiana Corridor
List of Tables
Table 3-1.
Table 3-2.
Table 3-3.
Table 3-4.
Table 4-1.
Table 4-2.
Table 4-3.
Table 4-4.
Table 4-5.
Table 4-6.
Table 4-7.
Table 4-8.
Table 4-9.
Table 4-10.
Table 4-11.
Table 4-12.
Table 4-13.
Table 4-14.
Table 4-15.
Table 5-1.
Table 5-2.
Table 8-1.
Table 8-2.
Table 9-1.
Illiana Corridor
Projected Change in Daily Traffic Volumes in Vicinity of Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie from 2010 as Compared to the 2040 NoAction Alternative............................................................................................. 3-3
Projected Change in Daily Traffic Volumes in Vicinity of Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie for Design Options 2-6 as Compared to
the 2040 No-Action Alternative ...................................................................... 3-8
VMT and VHT Differences Between the IL-53 Design Options and
No-Action Alternative ...................................................................................... 3-9
Truck Only VMT and VHT Differences Between the IL-53 Design
Options and No-Action Alternative ............................................................... 3-9
Results of the Point-Centered Quarter Tree Survey for Jordan
Creek ................................................................................................................... 4-3
Detailed Forested Community Surveys of Areas Greater Than 20
Acres within Illinois.......................................................................................... 4-7
Noteworthy Prairies in the Corridor within Illinois .................................... 4-9
Impacts to Existing Cover Types for the Alternatives1 .............................. 4-11
Impacts to Forested Communities Greater than 20 Acres1 ....................... 4-12
Impacts to Noteworthy Prairies for the Alternatives1 ............................... 4-14
Grassland Birds that Occur within the Midewin-Des Plaines Goose
Lake Prairie COA and the Kankakee Sands COA ...................................... 4-18
Federally Listed Species within the Corridor ............................................. 4-29
Eryngium Stem Borer Moth Survey Results – Illinois1 .............................. 4-31
Northern Long-Eared Bat Habitat Assessment Results – Illinois1 ........... 4-33
Northern Long-Eared Bat 5-Mile Radius Habitat Assessment
Results – Forsythe Woods Capture Site Illinois1......................................... 4-34
Effect Determination of Species and Critical Habitat ................................ 4-37
Eryngium Stem Borer Moth Impacts1 .......................................................... 4-38
Impacts to Northern Long-Eared Bat Summer Habitat1............................ 4-40
Number of State Threatened and Endangered Species in Will
County, Illinois ................................................................................................ 4-43
ADT and Impact Distance for the Alternatives – Tolled Scenario ............. 5-8
Avian Habitat Area of Potential Indirect Noise Impact to Grassland
Bird Species ...................................................................................................... 5-10
State and Federal Resource Agencies ............................................................. 8-1
Local and Regional Stakeholders .................................................................... 8-6
Summary of Mitigation Commitments .......................................................... 9-1
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iv
Illiana Corridor
1.0
Introduction
The purpose of Appendix T, Midein National Tallgrass Prairie, is to compile substantive
content from the Illliana Tier Two FEIS related to the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
into one document. The material which follows has been taken from various sections of
the Tier Two FEIS with the specific section(s) cited at the beginning of each topic.
Content may be edited in parts where items not pertaining to Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie were accepted.
Illiana Corridor
1-1
1-2
Illiana Corridor
2.0
The content from this Section has been taken from Section 4.4.1.3 of the Tier Two FEIS and
provides information about the loction, size, history,and objectives of the Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie.
The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is an 18,225 acre property owned by the US
Forest Service (USFS) in cooperation with the Illinois DNR. It is the first national
tallgrass prairie in the country. The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie was once the
site of the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant from 1940 until 1993, with periods of inactivity
within its existence. A Federal statute, the Illinois Land Conservation Act (ILCA) (Public
Law 104-106) enacted February 10, 1996, established the Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie and provided for its management through the National Forest System. As the
current owner and manager, the USFS is the OWJ.
The ILCA established the prairie on the former Joliet Army Ammunition Plant (also
once known as the Elwood Ordinance Plant and the Kankakee Ordinance Works)
through a transfer of land from the US Army to the US Department of Agriculture
(USDA) Forest Service. While the property was owned by the US Army, it was a
munitions manufacturing facility. The manufacturing activities resulted in
contamination to portions of the site, identified as subject to the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). As such, the
contaminated sites required remediation before the land could be transferred from the
US Army to the USDA. Portions of the prairie opened for public use in 2004. Today,
only about half is open to the public. The current size of the property that has
completed environmental cleanup is 18,094 acres, with 131 acres remaining.
The ILCA provided four specific management objectives for the Midewin property:

To manage the land and water resources of the property in a manner that will conserve
and enhance the native populations and habitats of fish, wildlife, and plants.

To provide opportunities for scientific, environmental, and land use education and
research.

To allow the continuation of agricultural uses of land within Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie for the next 20 years, or for compatible resource management uses
thereafter.

To provide a variety of recreational opportunities that are compatible with the above
purposes.
The ILCA also states that no new construction of any highway, public road, or any part
of the Interstate system is permitted through or across any portion of the Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie. This Act requires all planning for a new highway facility to
avoid converting land from the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie to a highway use.
Additionally, all planning should leave land uses in harmony with industrial uses that
were depicted as part of the Joliet Arsenal land use concept. Industrial uses such as the
Illiana Corridor
2-1
Will County landfill, Illinois Transport’s container terminal, and the ASIP Local 150
training center are currently located directly south of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
between IL-53 and Old Chicago Road, and to the north of the Illiana Corridor
alternatives. The CenterPoint Elwood intermodal facility, also constructed on former
Joliet Arsenal property designated for development by the ILCA, is also located adjacent
to Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie to the west of IL-53.
Recreational Uses
The USFS states that ‚the goal of recreation management at Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie is to provide opportunities for long distance trails without interruption by public
roads, and opportunities to experience prairie ecosystems and view grassland wildlife.‛1
The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie provides public open space for a variety of
recreational uses, including bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, camping, hunting, nature
viewing, picnicking, and cross country skiing. Tours, walks, rides, programs, children’s
activities, and lectures are offered at their Welcome Center throughout the year.
Approximately 9,100 acres and 34 miles of trails are open to the public for a variety of
recreational uses. The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Plan (2002) states that the
envisioned transportation system for the property will include nearly 50 miles of trail, eight
public access points, seven public parking areas, 16 miles of roads for administrative use,
and nine miles of internal roads for public use. Several reports and analyses have been
developed to guide land management, development, and activities of the Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie. Annual monitoring and evaluation reports document how Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie is meeting goals set forth in the Prairie Plan.
Since the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is designated for many different
recreational uses, FHWA researched the current uses for the portion of the Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie within 0.25 mile of the edge of the Alternative 1, 2, and 3
footprints. FHWA found that the land in this area is proposed in the 2002 Prairie
management plan (amended 2008)2 for habitat and grassland restoration. Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie identified recreational potential for the entire site. Under their
Recreational Opportunity Spectrum (USDA/USFS 2002) much of the southern area of
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie near the alternatives is identified as Roaded Natural.
Roaded Natural is suitable for activities such as trails and equestrian use and represents
a moderate level of development, but is not currently dominated by human use. This
area is not considered Semi-Primitive by Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie where
natural conditions dominate, with low levels of development with highest opportunity
for solitude. There are proposed trails and trailheads near South Arsenal Road in the
southern areas of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie near the Wauponsee Glacial
Trail. Habitat restoration will be occurring in this area for grassland birds. There are no
recreational facilities currently in the southern area of Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie in the vicinity of the alternatives.
1
2
US Department of Agriculture. Forest Service. Birdwatching at Midewin.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5201013.pdf Accessed 11-09-2013
US Department of Agriculture (USDA). 2002. US Forest Service (USFS). Amended 2008. Midewin Land
and Resource Management Plan (Prairie Plan).
2-2
Illiana Corridor
Figure 2-1. Designated Areas of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
Illiana Corridor
2-3
Along IL-53, the Prairie Learning Center Project has been proposed adjacent to the
existing Iron Bridge Trailhead. The proposed project covers 21 acres and includes an
outdoor open-air learning center, interpretive signs and exhibits, expanded parking at
the existing trailhead, a picnic area, information kiosk, access routes, an overlook and
trails. Access to the learning center is from IL-53 along the road bed of the old Blodgett
Road.
Since the portion of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie that lies within 0.25 mile of
the edge of the Alternative 1, 2, and 3 footprints is designated for recreational use, an
evaluation has been performed to determine its potential use by the project.
2-4
Illiana Corridor
3.0
IL-53 Design Options and Impact on Travel
Demand Adjacent to Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie
The content from this Section has been taken from Section 3.19.3 of the Tier Two FEIS and
provides information about IL-53 Design Options and impacts on travel demand adjacent to the
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
In coordination with the resource agencies, FHWA was requested to analyze traffic
patterns around the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Traffic modeling was
performed without a connection of the proposed project to IL-53 to determine the traffic
impacts of the design options on the historic section of Alternate Route 66, which
extends from Joliet to Wilmington along IL-53.
The design options would have varying impacts to traffic volumes according to travel
demand model projections. Traffic projections for IL-53 have been developed for the build
alternatives both with (Design Options 2 through 5) and without (Design Option 6) an
interchange near IL-53. The design options include offset interchange locations at Riley
Road (Design Options 2 and 3), Wilmington Peotone Road (Design Option 4), and Old
Chicago Road (Design Option 5).
In the No-Action scenario, Will County is expected to double in population between
2010 and 2040 to over 1.3 million persons. Townships in the immediate vicinity of the
IL-53 interchange area are expected to show strong growth in population and
employment at a higher growth rate than that of the county as a whole. As discussed in
Section 1.0, this projected 2010 to 2040 growth in population and employment in the
Illiana Corridor is expected to result in a 128 percent increase in vehicle trips for the
Illiana Corridor Study Area.
2040 No-Action Alternative
The 2040 No-Action Alternative was carried forward from the Tier One combined
FEIS/Record of Decision (ROD) as a baseline condition as discussed in Section 2.2.1.
The 2040 No-Action Alternative population and employment forecasts that were
described in Section 3.2.4 were used as input to the travel demand forecasting model to
develop 2040 No-Action Alternative traffic projections, assuming that the Illiana
Corridor is not constructed. The travel demand forecasting model used for the Illiana
Corridor study is described in Appendix G. The Illiana Corridor travel demand
forecasting model is based on a combination of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for
Planning (CMAP) regional travel demand forecasting model, plus custom short and
long-distance truck models, and a long-distance auto model. These long-distance truck
and auto models are state-of-the-practice models developed using national data.
Illiana Corridor
3-1
As shown in Figure 3-1 traffic volumes are projected to increase substantially between
2010 and 2040 on many routes in the vicinity of IL-53 and the Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie, without the presence of the Illiana Corridor. As shown in Table 3-1,
traffic on IL-53 and River Road is projected to increase by 15,000 and 13,000 vehicles per
day, respectively, between 2010 and 2040. Hoff Road and South Arsenal Road are
projected to increase by 4,000 and 8,000 vehicles per day, respectively, over this same
time period. In addition, I-55 (assumed to be widened to three-lanes in each direction) is
projected to increase by nearly 30,000 vehicles per day between 2010 and 2040.
Figure 3-1. 2010 Existing and 2040 No-Action Alternative Traffic Volumes near IL-53
In summary, the 2040 No-Action Alternative represents a substantial change in traffic
for roadways near the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. This growth in traffic is
consistent with the 2010 to 2040 population and employment forecasts for Will County
and in the vicinity of the Illiana Corridor.
2040 Interchange Design Option Traffic Forecasts
Interchange Design Options 2 through 4 (Riley Road/Direct Connection to Wilmington
Peotone Road), Design Option 5 (Old Chicago Road), and Design Option 6 (no
interchange) were analyzed using the Illiana Corridor travel demand forecasting model
to develop 2040 traffic projections and associated travel performance measures. To
simplify the discussion of the travel forecasting results, the findings of an analysis of
3-2
Illiana Corridor
Table 3-1. Projected Change in Daily Traffic Volumes in Vicinity of Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie from 2010 as Compared to the 2040 No-Action Alternative
Road
2010 -2040 Change
IL-53 (between S. Arsenal and Hoff)
+15,200
River (between IL-53 and I-55)
+13,100
Hoff (between IL-53 and Gougar)
+4,000
S. Arsenal (between IL-53 and Riley)
+8,100
S. Arsenal (between Old Chicago and Gougar)
+4,700
Gougar (between Hoff and S. Arsenal)
+3,100
Total
+48,200
interchange Design Option 6 (no interchange) versus interchange Design Options 2
through 4 are presented first below. This is followed by the presentation of findings of
an analysis of interchange Design Option 5 versus Design Options 2 through 4. Finally,
the findings of an analysis of traffic impacts of interchange Design Options 2 through 6
on roads in the vicinity of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie are presented.
Design Option 6 (No Interchange) versus Design Options 2-4 (Riley Road/Direct Connection
to Wilmington Peotone Road)
The findings of an analysis of interchange Design Option 6 versus Design Options 2
through 4 are summarized below.

Design Option 6 (no interchange) would result in no access to and from the Illiana
Corridor between I-55/IL-129 and Wilton Center Road, a distance of approximately
13 miles. The Purpose and Need for the Illiana Corridor includes alleviating local
system congestion and improving local system mobility. The provision of an
interchange at Riley Road/direct connection to Wilmington Peotone Road on the
Illiana Corridor is expected to better improve local mobility, as approximately 16,000
vehicles per day are projected to use the interchange in 2040.

The distribution of 2040 daily vehicles projected to use interchange Design Options 2
through 4 in Will County by township is presented in Figure 3-2. This figure shows
that Wilmington Township is projected to have the highest number of vehicles using
the Riley Road interchange at 5,500 vehicles per day, followed by Florence Township
at 3,900 vehicles per day, and Jackson Township at 1,500 vehicles per day.
Channahon, Reed, Wesley, Manhattan, Wilton, and Peotone townships each have
several hundred vehicles using the Riley Road interchange. This figure shows that
the Riley Road interchange would predominantly serve southwestern Will County,
and would be used to improve local system mobility.
Illiana Corridor
3-3
Figure 3-2. 2040 Projected Daily Vehicles Using Design Options 2-4 by Will County
Township

Design Option 6 would result in an additional 45,000 daily vehicle miles of travel (16
million vehicle miles of travel (VMT) annually) and 1,740 vehicle hours of travel (635
thousand vehicle hours of travel (VHT) annually) on arterial roads as compared to a
Riley Road option. This is due to the longer travel distances required to access the
Illiana Corridor, making it relatively less attractive to use versus other travel routes.
Thus, the Riley Road interchange would relieve local system congestion.

Illiana Corridor traffic (tolled) in 2040 for Design Option 6 would be up to 6,900
vehicles per day less as compared to Design Options 2 through 4. This would result
in a loss of gross annual toll revenue of approximately $6 million in current dollars,
or approximately $200 million over a 35 year operating period.
Interchange Design Options 2 through 4 result in better local system travel performance
than Design Option 6, and thus better address the Purpose and Need with respect to
alleviating local system congestion and improving local system mobility. In addition,
Design Options 2 through 4 result in higher projected usage of the Illiana Corridor.
3-4
Illiana Corridor
Design Option 5 (Old Chicago) versus Design Options 2-4 (Riley Road/Direct Connection to
Wilmington Peotone Road)
The findings of an analysis of interchange Design Option 5 versus interchange Design
Options 2 through 4 are summarized below.

Design Option 5 is located approximately two miles east of Design Options 2
through 4 at Old Chicago Road. The Purpose and Need for the Illiana Corridor
includes alleviating local system congestion and improving local system mobility.
The provision of an interchange at Riley Road/direct connection to Wilmington
Peotone Road on the Illiana Corridor is expected to better improve local mobility, as
approximately 16,000 vehicles per day are projected to use the interchange in 2040,
as compared with approximately 8,000 vehicles per day using the Old Chicago Road
interchange.

The distribution of 2040 daily vehicles projected to use interchange Design Option 5
in Will County by township is presented in Figure 3-3. When compared to the
previous figure showing the vehicle distribution for the Riley Road interchange, the
Old Chicago Road interchange results in over 2,100 vehicles per day in Florence
Township, as compared to 3,900 vehicles per day from Florence Township using the
Riley Road interchange. For Wilmington Township, 1,700 vehicles per day are using
the Old Chicago Road interchange versus 5,500 vehicles per day using the Riley
Road interchange, and for Jackson Township, 600 vehicles per day are using the Old
Chicago Road interchange versus 1,500 vehicles per day using the Riley Road
interchange. Channahon, Manhattan, Wilton, Peotone, and Will townships each
have a few hundred vehicles more using Old Chicago Road interchange versus the
Riley Road interchange. This figure shows that the Old Chicago Road interchange
would not provide as convenient access to the Illiana Corridor, resulting in less
mobility improvement for the area.

Design Option 5 would result in an additional 8,000 daily vehicle miles of travel (3
million VMT annually) and 470 vehicle hours of travel (170 thousand VHT annually)
on arterial roads as compared to a Riley Road/direct connection to Wilmington
Peotone Road option. This is due to lower volumes and the longer travel distances
from developed areas required to access the Illiana Corridor. Thus, Design Options
2 through 4 would provide more relief of local system congestion than Design
Option 5.

Illiana Corridor traffic (tolled) in 2040 for Design Option 5 would be up to 4,800
vehicles per day less as compared to Design Options 2 through 4. This would result
in a loss of gross annual toll revenue of approximately $800,000 in current dollars, or
approximately $29 million over a 35 year operating period.
Illiana Corridor
3-5
Figure 3-3. 2040 Projected Daily Vehicles Using Design Option 5 by Will County
Township
Interchange Design Options 2-4 would result in better local system travel performance
than Design Option 5 and, thus, better addresses the Purpose and Need with respect to
alleviating local system congestion and improving local system mobility. In addition,
Design Options 2 through 4 would result in higher projected usage of the Illiana
Corridor, and are also closer to the more developed Wilmington area.
2040 Traffic Impacts of Design Options 2 through 6 on Roads near Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie
As shown in Figure 3-4, of 2040 No-Action Alternative and Design Options 2 through 6
traffic volumes in the vicinity of IL-53:
3-6
Illiana Corridor
Figure 3-4. 2040 Traffic Volumes near IL-53 with Illiana Corridor Design Options

The Illiana Corridor’s overall effect is to attract the longer distance trips primarily in
the east-west direction that are currently using the local road network in the Study
Area. As seen in Figure 3-4, this is why the closest east-west roads to the Illiana
Corridor are projected to have the larger declines in traffic volumes for Design
Options 2 through 6, including New River, South Arsenal, and Wilmington-Peotone
roads. As you move further away from the Illiana Corridor, other east-west roads,
such as Hoff Road and Manhattan Road, are projected to have smaller declines in
traffic volumes.

On north-south roads providing direct access to the Illiana Corridor, including Riley,
Old Chicago, and Wilton Center roads, a larger increase in traffic volumes is
projected for Design Options 2 through 5 due to the additional traffic that is
accessing the Illiana Corridor. As you move further away from the Illiana Corridor,
the projected increase in traffic volumes on north-south roads is smaller, including
IL-53, Gougar Road, and Wilton Center Road.

As shown in Table 3-2, Design Options 2-4 result in the highest reduction of
projected 2040 traffic on local roads in the vicinity of the Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie as compared to the 2040 No-Action Alternative. This is due to traffic leaving
the local road network and using the Illiana Corridor.
Illiana Corridor
3-7
Table 3-2. Projected Change in Daily Traffic Volumes in Vicinity of Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie for Design Options 2-6 as Compared to the 2040 No-Action
Alternative
Design
Options 2-4
Design
Option 5
Design
Option 6
IL-53 (between S. Arsenal and Hoff)
+400
-1,100
-1,500
River (between IL-53 and I-55)
-3,700
-1,600
-1,700
Hoff (between IL-53 and Gougar)
-1,000
-900
0
S. Arsenal (between Il-53 and Riley)
-1,500
-1,600
-2,400
S. Arsenal (between Old Chicago and Gougar)
-2,800
-3,100
-2,400
-100
+100
+200
-8,700
-8,200
-7,800
Road
Gougar (between Hoff and S. Arsenal)
Total

The majority of traffic accessing the Illiana Corridor through Design Options 2-4 is
not being generated through the area of IL-53 adjacent to the Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie. It is estimated that the CenterPoint Intermodal Center – Elwood
and the CenterPoint Intermodal Center – Joliet each generate between 400 and 800
trucks per day that would use the Illiana Corridor (both the IL-53 area interchange
and the Wilton Center Road interchange). The majority of traffic using Design
Options 2-4 would be from the Wilmington area south of the Illiana Corridor.

The Illiana Corridor is projected to draw approximately 12,000 additional vehicles
per day in 2040 to the Wilton Center Road interchange, which is much greater than
the amount of daily traffic drawn to IL-53 by the Illiana Corridor in 2040. This was
part of the rationale for adding the Illiana Corridor Wilton Center Road interchange
during the Tier Two process (the Wilton Center Road interchange was not included
in the Tier One FEIS).

The Illiana Corridor is projected to reduce traffic on I-55 in all build conditions
between Lorenzo Road and Arsenal Road by 1,100 to 6,800 vehicles per day in 2040.
This is because traffic heading north on I-55 previously had to travel to I-80 to travel
eastbound, and would now use the Illiana Corridor to travel to the east, as it is
expected to be a faster route. Design Options 2-4 provide the greatest reduction.

As previously discussed, the traffic on the Illiana Corridor itself is also sensitive to
the interchange options. Design Options 5 and 6 are expected to reduce Illiana
Corridor traffic between I-55 and the next interchange to the east by 4,800 to 6,900
vehicles per day as compared to Design Options 2-4. This is due to the longer travel
distances required to access the Illiana Corridor, making it relatively less attractive to
use versus other travel routes.
Projected traffic volumes on IL-53, between South Arsenal Road and Hoff Road, under the
No-Action condition have a 2040 average daily traffic (ADT) of approximately 23,100
vehicles per day. Projected traffic volumes on IL-53 with the proposed project under a
3-8
Illiana Corridor
tolled condition have a 2040 ADT of approximately 21,600 for Design Option 6, 22,900 for
Design Option 5, and 23,500 for Design Options 2, 3, and 4, within the same section of IL53. ADT projections increase along IL-53 approaching the Illiana Corridor. Traffic
volumes are higher along IL-53 near the Illiana Corridor with Design Options 2, 3, and 4
than for Design Options 5 and 6.

For Design Options 2, 3, and 4, traffic volumes are expected to be 31,500 ADT at the
interchange. Design Option 5 traffic volumes are projected to be approximately
30,300 ADT. These volumes reflect an increase between 22-25 percent over the
future 2040 No-Action Alternative ADT of 23,700. Assuming the existing two-lane
cross section (one lane in each direction), the level of service (LOS) along the
mainline of IL-53 remains unchanged between the 2040 No-Action Alternative
condition and all design options at LOS E. Based on the analysis, the 2040 No-Action
Alternative condition as well as all design options would require an additional
through lane on IL-53 in each direction to provide for an acceptable level of service
on the mainline of IL-53. IL-53 north of South Arsenal Road is projected to have an
acceptable LOS B in both the No-Action Alternative condition and with Design
Options 2 through 5 with no change to the existing four-lane cross section (two lanes
in each direction).

The VMT and VHT are affected by the location of the interchange. As the
interchange location moves east of IL-53, additional miles of travel would be added
to trips accessing the proposed project. The VMT would increase over the NoAction due the addition of the new facility. However, VHT would reduce due to the
improved efficiency of the roadway network. Table 3-3 and Table 3-4 reflect the
change in VMT and VHT based on a mainline alternative with Design Options 2
through 5. Travel performance between Design Options 2, 3, and 4 remains
unchanged due to the interchange locations’ proximity to Riley Road. Therefore,
these options are represented with similar VMT and VHT performance.
Table 3-3. VMT and VHT Differences Between the
IL-53 Design Options and No-Action Alternative
IL-53 Design Option
VMT
VHT
2-4
-641,269
-19,752
5
-633,414
-19,288
6
-596,339
-18,011
Table 3-4. Truck Only VMT and VHT Differences Between the
IL-53 Design Options and No-Action Alternative
Illiana Corridor
IL-53 Design Option
VMT
VHT
2-4
-165,455
-4,543
5
-159,172
-4,371
6
-157,655
-4,277
3-9
With the projected increases in traffic between 2010 and 2040, VMT and VHT within the
Study Area are all projected to increase substantially. VHT is the total time spent
traveling by all vehicles on the roadway network. Using the No-Action Alternative
condition as a base condition, the design options were compared to the VMT and VHT
of travel in the Study Area. The VMT and VHT for the No-Action Alternative condition
reflect higher VMT and VHT than any of the proposed design options due to the lack of
higher functional class roadways in the Study Area. Table 3-3 shows the reduction in
overall VMT and VHT in the Study Area over the No-Action Alternative condition
associated with the design options.
3-10
Illiana Corridor
4.0
Natural Resources Analysis
The content from this Section has been taken from Section 3.8 of the Tier Two FEIS and provides
a natural resources analysis of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
4.1
Upland Plant Communities
The content from this section has been taken from section 3.8.1 of the FEIS and is edited to
include items pertinent to Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
4.1.1
Existing Conditions
Existing upland community types within the Corridor consist of agricultural land,
urbanized land, forested areas, shrubland, and riparian areas adjacent to stream
corridors. For purposes of this study, the ‚Corridor‛ is defined as the area encompassed
by the nominal 2,000 feet-wide Tier One Corridor B3, as well as the areas encompassed
by the minor excursions outside the B3 boundary identified during the Tier Two
alternatives development process. In Illinois, the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory
(INAI) identifies sites that are high quality natural areas, contain habitat for endangered
species, and possess other natural features.
The Wilmington Geological Area INAI site, the Kankakee River INAI site, and Hitts
Siding Prairie Nature Preserve and INAI site are present within the Corridor (See
Section 3.14 for discussion of INAI sites). The Joliet Army Training Area (JATA) INAI
site is adjacent to the Corridor. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is an Important Bird
Area (IBA), as recognized by the National Audubon Society (Audubon), due to the
presence of grassland and other birds species. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is
located immediately north of the footprint of the alternatives near Wilmington and
Symerton, Illinois between IL-53 and the Wauponsee Trail. There are no protected
upland community types in the Indiana portion of the Corridor.
The western terminus of the Corridor is within the Midewin-Des Plaines-Goose Lake
Prairie Conservation Opportunity Area (COA) and the Kankakee Sands COA. These
areas were identified in The Illinois Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan and Strategy
(‚Wildlife Action Plan‛ or WAP) (Illinois DNR, 2005) as critical for conserving wildlife
and habitat within Illinois. The Illinois WAP was developed to comply with the US
Department of Interior 2007 administrative guidelines for the State Wildlife Grant
(SWG) (US Department of the Interior, 2006). The 2007 administrative guidelines for the
SWG stipulated that each state must develop a comprehensive wildlife conservation
plan to be eligible to receive federal funding for the Wildlife Conservation and
Restoration Program (WCRP) and the SWG Program.
The Illinois WAP is a planning tool that identifies COAs and conservation strategies.
COAs were identified in the Illinois WAP as locations ‚(a) with significant existing or
potential wildlife and habitat resources, (b) where partners are willing to plan,
implement and evaluate conservation actions, (c) where financial and human resources
Illiana Corridor
4-1
are available, and (d) where conservation is motivated by an agreed upon conservation
purpose and set of objectives‛ (Illinois DNR, 2005).
In 2008, a SWG was awarded to a project titled T-55 (Whiles, 2008). The goal of T-55 is
to facilitate planning and coordination of COAs and provide coordination among
conservation partners. The grant requires annual progress reports on the project status.
Based upon the grant annual reports (Illinois DNR, 2009a; Illinois DNR, 2010; Illinois
DNR, 2011d) and the Illinois Comprehensive WAP (Illinois DNR, 2005), no progress has
been made regarding policies or protection of land, or establishment of specific
conservation goals within the Midewin-Des Plaines-Goose Lake Prairie and the
Kankakee Sands COAs.
The boundary of the Midewin-Des Plaines-Goose Lake Prairie COA was developed
based on watersheds and roadways. Key action items identified in the Illinois WAP for
the Midewin-Des Plaines-Goose Lake Prairie COA include: ‚(a) restoration and
management of tallgrass prairie vegetation are on-going; (b) the identification and
removal of unnecessary legacy infrastructure (Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie) and
invasive woody vegetation are being removed; and (c) the surrounding landscape is
vulnerable to exurban and suburban development because of its proximity to Chicago.
Preserving open space [within this COA] would help ease the impact of land lost to
development and increase an already ecologically important grassland ecosystem‛
(Illinois DNR, 2005).
The boundary of the Kankakee Sands COA was developed based on a three-mile buffer
of the Kankakee Sands Section. Key action items identified in the Illinois WAP for the
Kankakee Sands COA include, ‚working across state boundaries to restore channelized
streams, stabilize stream banks, manage drainage practices to moderate water flows, and
develop minimum flow standards; protect and restore remnant savanna, sand prairie
and wetland habitat.‛ In addition, objectives identified for the Kankakee Sands COA
include ‚restore and manage an additional 10,000 acres of black oak sand savanna, sand
prairie and sand flatwoods within the Kankakee Sands Section; restore and manage
2,000 acres in the Momence Wetlands; and, restore in-stream habitat and natural process
in the Kankakee River in Illinois and Indiana, especially issues of sand bed and sediment
load‛ (Illinois DNR, 2005).
According to the USFWS, grassland birds are one of the most imperiled groups of birds in
the world. The State of the Birds 2011 Report on Public Lands and Waters lists grassland
birds among the fastest declining species and notes that the percentage of grassland birds on
public lands is low because such a small amount of (less than two percent) is both publicly
owned and managed for conservation. The WAP notes the need for grassland bird habitat
in the Grand Prairie Natural Division, which includes the Midewin-Des Plaines-Goose Lake
COA. The USFWS has been involved in several efforts leading to grassland bird habitat
conservation and has assisted with restoration efforts, and provided funding for some of
these efforts, separate from the T-55 grant (USFWS, 2012). Due to the high conservation
potential of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, resource agencies including the USFWS
4-2
Illiana Corridor
have recommended that restoration required as mitigation for other project impacts be
conducted at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
Riparian Areas
Riparian areas are located adjacent to streams and contain herbaceous or forested areas that often
provide suitable wildlife foraging habitat, and corridors for movement. Twenty-seven (27)
riparian corridors are present within the Corridor. Linear riparian corridors can provide a
passage for wildlife in this setting. Reptiles, amphibians, waterfowl, and wildlife such as whitetailed deer, common muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), North American beaver (Castor canadensis),
coyote, bats, and various species of birds may be present within riparian areas.
Riparian area assessments were conducted during the summer of 2013 by Huff & Huff,
Inc. (H&H) and Cardno JFNew to determine species composition and structure of the
riparian areas within the alternative footprints (Huff & Huff, Inc., 2013; Cardno JFNew,
2013). The assessments were limited to forested riparian areas only. The width of the
riparian area within the footprint of the alternatives, composition of tree species, and
density of trees were recorded. A detailed discussion on the results of these field
assessments is included below.
Riparian Areas in Illinois
Forested riparian areas associated with Jordan Creek, Forked Creek, and Pike Creek
were assessed within the alternative footprints in Illinois (Huff & Huff, Inc., 2013). The
Kankakee River was not evaluated as part of this assessment as methodologies utilized
are applicable for only small to medium sized waterways. Overall tree density was low
for all three creeks. Osage orange, an introduced species commonly found in degraded
habitats, had the highest importance value, relative density and relative frequency (Huff
& Huff, Inc., 2013). Importance value is the sum of relative density, relative dominance,
and relative frequency for a species in the community. The larger the importance value,
the more dominant a species is in a particular community. Table 4-1, summarizes the
results of the assessments conducted for Jordan Creek.
Table 4-1. Results of the Point-Centered Quarter Tree Survey for Jordan Creek
Common
Name
Species
Name
Eastern cottonwood
Populus deltoides
50.00
33.33
79.85
163.19
Crack willow
Salix fragilis*
25.00
33.33
19.37
77.70
Box elder
Acer negundo
25.00
33.33
0.77
59.11
100
100
100
300
Total
Relative
Relative
Relative Importance
Density (%) Frequency (%) Cover (%)
Value
* Introduced species
Source: Huff & Huff, Inc., 2013
The riparian areas associated with Jordan Creek, Forked Creek, and Pike Creek possess
low floristic quality. In order to assess the floristic quality of a particular area, observed
plant species are noted to obtain the Floristic Quality Index (FQI) and mean C-value
Illiana Corridor
4-3
(coefficient of conservatism). C-values are assigned to native plants as listed in Plants of
the Chicago Region (Swink and Wilhelm, 1994). Areas of high natural quality include
native plants with C-values ranging from approximately 4 to 10. A low C-value
indicates that a plant is generally not considered high quality or is a habitat generalist.
The FQI is obtained by multiplying the mean C-value of all native plants encountered by
the square root of the number (N) of native species.
All three streams provide habitat for wildlife (Huff & Huff, Inc., 2013). Forked Creek
provides significant habitat for wildlife, which includes state threatened mussel species,
(slippershell). A fresh dead shell of the federally endangered sheepnose mussel was also
found at the confluence of the Kankakee River and Forked Creek during surveys
conducted for the Illiana (INHS, 2013).
Forested Areas
Forests are a large and important environmental resource in Illinois and Indiana.
Forests provide a considerable economic contribution, providing timber, employment,
outdoor recreation, protection of soil and water resources, and habitat for many plant
and animal species. Wildlife within forested areas may consist of white-tailed deer,
common raccoon, and various species of birds and a variety of other species.
In Illinois, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Illinois DNR and
IDOT (IDOT Bureau of Design and Environment [BDE] Manual, 2013) requires IDOT to
determine whether an alignment bisects or fragments forested areas greater than 20
acres. The INDOT does not have a similar agreement with the Indiana DNR; however,
for discussion purposes, forested areas greater than 20 acres in Indiana were identified.
Figure 4-1 depicts the location of forested areas greater than 20 acres within the
Corridor. Note that forested wetlands are discussed in Section 3.12.
4-4
Illiana Corridor
Figure 4-1. Forested Areas Greater than 20 Acres within the Corridor
Illiana Corridor
4-5
4-6
Illiana Corridor
Forested Areas in Illinois
Based on the study of forested area conducted for this project (INHS, 2013), approximately
550 acres of wooded land are present within the Corridor within Illinois, nearly all located
near Wilmington. Much of this acreage consists of relatively small, scattered wooded land.
Four upland forested areas (Forest Sites 1 through 4) that exceed 20 acres were identified by
the INHS within the Corridor. One large forested area is also present along the east side of
the Kankakee River. Table 4-2 summarizes the detailed study of these four forest
communities identified by the INHS in Illinois.
Table 4-2. Detailed Forested Community Surveys of Areas Greater Than
20 Acres within Illinois
Forest
Site #
Total
Total
Number
Acreage
Density
Basal
of Tree
in
(trees/acre) Area
Species
2
Corridor
(ft /acre)
Dominant Tree Species
(Common name/Scientific
name)
Riparian
Association
1
21
145.6
161.8
13
Black oak (Quercus velutina)
Black cherry (Prunus serotina)
White oak (Quercus alba)
2
30
210.3
149
7
Black oak
Black cherry
White oak
Kankakee
River
3
40
162.8
151.5
6
Black oak
Black cherry
White oak
Kankakee
River
8
Black oak
Black cherry
White oak
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
Kankakee
River
4
21
292.2
144.1
Kankakee
River
Source: INHS, 2013 (Appendix O)
One high quality forested area (Regionally Noteworthy Botanical Resource Area 1) is
located within the Corridor along the south side of the Kankakee River, northwest of
Wilmington, and approximately 0.5 mile west of I-55. This is a 7.6 acre forested bluff
comprised of a dry-mesic upland forest on the drier upper slopes, mesic upland forest
on the mid terrace slopes, and forested seep habitats along the mid and lower terrace
slopes. Overall, most habitats within this forested area have high levels of natural
quality (Grade B to B+), which is characterized by high species richness of native plants,
with a relatively low number and abundance of invasive species.
Community classification and INAI grades of natural quality follow White (1978).
Grades of natural quality are as follows:

Grade A: Relatively stable or undisturbed communities

Grade B: Late successional or lightly disturbed communities
Illiana Corridor
4-7

Grade C: Mid-successional or moderately to heavily disturbed communities

Grade D: Early successional or severely disturbed communities

Grade E: Very early successional or very severely disturbed communities
Although forests primarily composed of native plant species (trees, shrubs,
groundcover) are more valuable for native wildlife than those dominated by nonnative/invasive species, a forest with low floristic quality still provides valuable habitat
for birds, reptiles and amphibians, and small and large mammals.
Prairies
Although much of the Study Area was likely historically covered by prairie (Homoya et
al., 1985), remnant prairie areas are now scarce due to anthropogenic conversion and
disturbance, as well as from succession. Some of the observed remnant prairies include
intermediate areas between forbland (with few prairie species) and remnant prairie, and
as such, some of the areas identified as forbland in this study were likely prairie
historically.
Mesic prairie is a natural community of Indiana and Illinois that has soil moisture that
allows for maximum plant diversity and height (White, 1978; Jacquart et al., 2002). Drymesic prairie has slightly less soil moisture than mesic prairie, and the resulting flora is
therefore slightly different (White, 1978; Jacquart et al., 2002).
Prairies in Illinois
During the botanical field surveys, 19 noteworthy prairies totaling 14.5 acres were identified
in the Corridor within Illinois. Observed plant species were noted to obtain the Floristic
Quality Index (FQI) and mean C-value (coefficient of conservatism). Areas of high
natural quality include native plants with C-values ranging from approximately 4 to 10.
C-values are assigned to native plants as listed in Plants of the Chicago Region (Swink and
Wilhelm, 1994). A low C-value indicates that a plant is generally not considered high
quality or is a habitat generalist. An FQI for each site was obtained by multiplying the
mean C-value of all native plants encountered by the square root of the number (N) of
native species. FQI values of 0 to 5.0 are considered severely degraded, 5.1 to 9.9 are
degraded, 10 to 19.9 are moderate quality with some native character, and those with
values greater than 20 have natural characteristics and are considered an environmental
asset. Noteworthy prairies are those prairies that have native FQI values greater than 20
and native C-values greater than 3.0.
After the FQI was conducted on remnant habitats possessing noteworthy remnant quality,
further evaluation to substantiate empirical determinations of community quality was
conducted based on INAI grades. Prairies that were deemed high-quality (i.e. prairies
warranting an INAI grade), relative to other prairies within the Corridor, were considered
‘noteworthy’.
Noteworthy prairie remnants within the Illinois portion of the Corridor are summarized in
Table 4-3.
4-8
Illiana Corridor
Table 4-3. Noteworthy Prairies in the Corridor within Illinois
Botanical Resource
Area/Prairie Site Number
Community Type
Area
(Acres)
FQI/Mean CValue
Grade
Exceptional Botanical Resource
Area 1/Prairie Site 1
Remnant dry-mesic
prairie/mesic prairie
0.2
42.6/4.5
B to B+
Regional Noteworthy Botanical
Resource Area 2/Prairie Site 3
Dry-mesic prairie/mesic
prairie
0.37
38.1/4.0
C+ to B-
Prairie Site 2/Wetland Site 59
Mesic/wet-mesic prairie/
sedge meadow complex
0.261
30.5/3.6
C
Prairie Site 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 19
Dry-mesic/mesic prairie
1.272
37.6/3.72
C
Prairie Site 9, 10, 11, and 12
Dry-mesic/mesic prairie
1.95
3
25.0/3.2
C- to D
Dry-mesic sand prairie
0.30
4
22.4/3.2
C- to D+
26.1/3.6
C- to D
Prairie Site 14
Prairie Site 15
Dry-mesic sand prairie
3.25
0.10
3
Prairie Site 16
Dry/dry-mesic/mesic
sand prairie
2.16
28.6/3.5
C- to D+
Prairie Site 17
Mesic sand prairie
4.68
39.6/4.0
C to C-
Wet prairie
0.63
23.2/3.8
Not
provided
15.18
N/A
N/A
TOTAL
The total area of Prairie Site 2 and Wetland Site 59 is 0.50 acre combined. However, Prairie Site 2 is 0.26
acre.
2 Prairie Sites 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 19 were grouped due to the INAI grade of the prairies. Prairie Sites 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and
19 occur along the east and west sides of the CN Railway and along the west side of IL-50 in Peotone,
Illinois.
3 Prairie Sites 9, 10, 11, and 12 were grouped due to the INAI grade of the prairies. Prairie Sites 9, 10, 11, and 12
occur south of Kennedy-Kentucky Road along the east and west sides of the CN Railway and along the
west side of IL-50, in Peotone, Illinois.
4 The total area of Prairie Site 13 and Wetland Site 335 is 0.36 acre combined. However, Prairie Site 13 is 0.30
acre.
Source: INHS, 2013. (Appendix O)
1
Savanna
Savannas by definition have between 10 and 80 percent canopy coverage and grassy
(often prairie-like) groundcover (White, 1978; Jacquart et al., 2002). For the purposes of
this study, areas that appear to have historically been savannas that are in transition to
forest communities, but that have not yet developed a true forest understory, are treated
as savannas.
Savannas were not identified within the Corridor in Illinois.
Invasive Plant Species
Invasive plant species are generally present within urbanized and agricultural areas due
to disturbance. Invasive species are those whose introduction may cause harm to the
associated habitat, environment, economy, or human health. Executive Order 13112,
February 3, 1999, Federal Register Volume 64, Number 64, Invasive Species, directs
Illiana Corridor
4-9
federal agencies to expand and coordinate their efforts to combat the introduction and
spread of plants and animals not native to the US. FHWA has indicated that
consideration of invasive species should occur during all phases of the environmental
process to fulfill the requirements of NEPA.
Invasive Species in Illinois
Illinois state law identifies nine plant species as noxious weeds (505 ILCS 100/Illinois
Noxious Weed Law): common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia var. elatior), giant
ragweed (Ambrosia trifida), marijuana (Cannabis sativa), musk thistle (Carduus nutans),
Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), kudzu vine (Pueraria montana var. lobata), perennial
sowthistle (Sonchus arvensis), Columbus grass (Sorghum almum), and johnsongrass
(Sorghum halepense). Of these nine species, common ragweed, giant ragweed, and field
thistle were observed in the Study Area in Illinois.
4.1.1.1
Methodology for Assessing Upland Community Impacts
Project impacts were assessed based on cover types that were identified through field
surveys. Direct upland community impacts were determined by overlaying all
alternative and design option footprints on the mapped cover types.
4.1.1.2
Impacts
This section describes upland communities that would be impacted by the project.
Upland community impacts associated with the alternatives include habitat destruction,
fragmentation, and cover type change. Impacts could be either direct or indirect. Direct
upland community impacts would result from destruction of habitat. Indirect impacts
could result from instances such as fragmenting upland communities, hydrology
changes, or induced development. Table 4-4 identifies the impacts to existing cover for
the alternatives.
Riparian Areas
Riparian areas are located within all three alternatives. The majority of these riparian
areas would be bisected by the footprint of the alternatives as most streams generally
run in a north-south direction throughout the project length. Several streams have been
channelized to provide storage and conveyance of agricultural field run-off and
drainages. Riparian areas within agricultural fields and urbanized land are not typically
high quality. However, even degraded streams can be critically important to wildlife as
they may provide suitable habitat within an otherwise altered environment as well as
provide corridors for movement across a highly fragmented landscape. Given the
prominence of agricultural and urbanized lands within the Illiana Corridor, existing
watercourses and associated riparian areas, as well as large wetland complexes, provide
important functions and values to the region. Some of the more recognizable functions
of riparian areas include nutrient cycling, flood control, conveyance, enhancement of
water quality, sediment and nutrient uptake, and wildlife habitat for both aquatic and
terrestrial species.
4-10
Illiana Corridor
Table 4-4. Impacts to Existing Cover Types for the Alternatives1
Cover Type
Cropland/Agricultural
Urban/Built-up/Developed
Land
Forest
Shrubland
Pasture / Hayland
Non-native Grassland
Fence Row
Forbland3
Forest (Historical Savanna)
Prairie
Successional Woodland
Savanna
Open Water (Rivers,
Streams, Ponds)
Tree Plantation
Barren Land
Farmed Wetland
TOTAL
Area within each Alternative (acres)
2
(Percent of Total Area within each Alternative)
Alternative 1
Alternative 2
Alternative 3
3,225.5
3,288.3
3,428.0
(75.6)
(75.2)
(75.2)
558.8
595.5
588.4
(13.1)
(13.6)
(12.9)
87.2
120.0
143.8
(2.0)
(2.7)
(3.2)
94.7
97.0
95.0
(2.2)
(2.2)
(2.1)
89.6
72.4
88.7
(2.1)
(1.7)
(1.9)
84.6
74.4
84.1
(2.0)
(1.7)
(1.8)
35.9
37.2
40.2
(0.8)
(0.9)
(0.9)
25.2
28.0
29.3
(0.6)
(0.6)
(0.6)
3.9
2.6
2.6
(0.1)
(0.4)
(0.1)
19.7
18.6
18.6
(0.5)
(0.4)
(0.4)
12.0
8.3
10.0
(0.3)
(0.2)
(0.2)
13.4
13.4
13.4
(0.3)
(0.3)
(0.3)
10.6
10.5
10.3
(0.2)
(0.2)
(0.2)
3.8
3.8
3.8
(0.1)
(0.1)
(0.1)
1.5
1.5
1.5
(<0.1)
(<0.1)
(<0.1)
0.4
0.4
0.4
(<0.1)
(<0.1)
(<0.1)
4,267.0
4,372.1
4,558.4
1
This table has been updated since the publication of the Tier Two DEIS due to modifications to the
alternative footprints, which are described in Section 2.4.2.
2 Percentages may not total 100 percent due to rounding.
3 Forbs are herbaceous, flowering plants that do not include grasses.
Source: INHS, 2013b; Cardno JFNew, 2013c.
Illiana Corridor
4-11
Forested Areas
Total impacts to forests as a land cover type (as well as impacts to forest [historical
savanna]) are summarized in Table 4-4. Table 4-5 depicts the impacts to forested areas
greater than 20 acres.
Table 4-5. Impacts to Forested Communities Greater than 20 Acres1
Forest Site Number/State
Approximate Area within each Alternative (Acres)
Alternative 1
Alternative 2
Alternative 3
Illinois
1
0.1
0.1
0.1
2
0.0
0.0
0.0
3
8.8
8.2
8.8
4
0.0
0.0
0.0
5
8.1
8.1
8.1
6
9.5
9.6
9.6
7
20.8
33.4
33.4
8
3.6
25.8
47.2
TOTAL
50.9
85.2
107.2
Indiana
1
Source: INHS, 2013; Cardno JFNew, 2013b
Forest Impacts in Illinois
All alternatives impact two forested areas greater than 20 acres in Illinois. All three
alternatives would bisect Forest Site 3, would impact a small portion of the western edge
of Forest Site 1, and would also impact a large forested area located along the east and
west sides of the Kankakee River. The large forested area located along the east and
west sides of the Kankakee River encompasses approximately 13 acres within the
Corridor, so it was not identified as a forested area greater than 20 acres. Fragmentation
of habitats can be detrimental to wildlife and plant species, although some species benefit
from the creation of edge habitat. In general, fragmentation or creation of edges has a
greater effect on species that rely on specific habitat types that have large minimum size
requirements for habitat, or in the case of some species of wildlife, have limited mobility.
Fragmentation can increase the likelihood of invasive species entering an area’s
remaining habitat. Invasive plant species can cause ecological damage by displacing
native plant species, eliminating food and cover for wildlife, and threatening rare plant
and animal species. Additionally, fragmenting large forested stands can provide
opportunities for invasive species or edge tolerant species to become established in areas
that, prior to construction, were forest interior areas.
4-12
Illiana Corridor
Prairies
Table 4-6 summarizes the impacts of the alternatives to the areas identified as
noteworthy remnant prairies. Prairies that were deemed high-quality (i.e., prairies
warranting an INAI grade), relative to other prairies within the Corridor, were
considered ‘noteworthy’. Total impacts to prairies as a land cover type are summarized
in Table 4-4.
Prairie Impacts in Illinois
A grade separation is proposed to carry the roadway over the CN Railway and IL-50.
Direct impacts from the construction of the bridge and placement of piers would occur
to Prairie Sites 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12 between the CN Railway and IL-50. Prairie Sites
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12 would also receive indirect impacts in the form of shading
affects from the bridge, which would lead to a change in the plant community, and
would lower the natural area quality of these prairies.
Salt and roadway pollutants may influence the pH of the soil, which has been shown to
reduce germination and growth of prairie species (Harrington, 1994). It is possible that
the edge habitat created by the roadway would lead to invasion by non-native and
invasive species that would encroach into Prairie Sites 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,
and 19 and thus degrade these remnant prairies (Harrington, 1994). Alternatives 1, 2,
and 3 would impact the same amount of noteworthy prairies and would cause the same
level of shading, salt runoff, and potential invasion by non-native species.
Prairie Sites 14, 15, and 17, located in the median adjacent to I-55, would be eliminated
by the interchange with I-55 for all three alternatives.
Construction of the project would create conditions that allow for the establishment of
populations of invasive/noxious species of plants. Invasive or noxious species can
become established within the right-of-way during initial construction or afterwards due
to maintenance practices.
4.1.1.3
Avoidance and Minimization
Development of the alternatives included consideration of avoidance and minimization
of impacts to upland communities. The majority of natural areas with the highest
potential for high quality upland communities, such as the Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie, will be avoided. Regionally Noteworthy Botanical Resource Area 1/Forest Site 5,
located along the south side of the Kankakee River and north of the Corridor, will be
avoided. Avoidance and minimization of impacts to natural communities will continue
to be studied during the project development process. Measures to minimize or avoid
impacts could include narrower medians, steeper side slopes and other design
variations in the cross-section.
Illiana Corridor
4-13
Table 4-6. Impacts to Noteworthy Prairies for the Alternatives1
Total
Area
(acres)
Alternative 1
Impact Area
(acres)
Alternative 2
Impact Area
(acres)
Alternative 3
Impact Area
(acres)
Sheet
2
No.
Exceptional Botanical
Resource Area 1/Prairie Site 1
0.2
0.0
0.0
0.0
19
Prairie Site 2
0.26
0.0
0.0
0.0
19
Regional Noteworthy
Botanical Resource Area 2/
Prairie Site 3
0.37
0.23
0.23
0.23
19
Prairie Site 4
0.15
0.15
0.15
0.15
19
Prairie Site 5
0.11
0.11
0.11
0.11
19
Prairie Site 6
0.36
0.0
0.0
0.0
19
Prairie Site 7
0.14
0.07
0.07
0.07
19
Prairie Site 8
0.44
0.42
0.42
0.42
19
Prairie Site 9
0.18
0.02
0.02
0.02
19
Prairie Site 10
0.67
0.0
0.0
0.0
16
Prairie Site 11
0.45
0.21
0.21
0.21
19
Prairie Site 12
0.65
0.10
0.10
0.10
16
Prairie Site 13
0.30
0.0
0.0
0.0
4
Prairie Site 14
3.25
3.25
3.25
3.25
3
Prairie Site 15
0.10
0.10
0.10
0.10
3
Prairie Site 16
2.16
0.0
0.0
0.0
3
Prairie Site 17
4.68
4.68
4.68
4.68
3
Prairie Site 18
0.63
0.0
0.0
0.0
2
Prairie Site 19
0.06
0.0
0.0
0.0
19
CSX Railroad tracks, west of
Morse Street
0.54
0.21
0.21
0.21
30
Between Mount Street and
Morse Street
1.16
0.12
0.12
0.12
30
TOTAL
19.94
9.67
9.67
9.67
Prairie Site Number or
Location
Illinois
Indiana
2 Refer to ‚Sheet Number‛ in the Section 3.0 Map Set.
Source: INHS, 2013; Cardno JFNew, 2013b.
1
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Illiana Corridor
Field investigations with federal and state resource and regulatory agencies were
conducted in June and July of 2013. During these site visits, the agencies were able to
review the location of the Corridor relative to natural resources in the field. Based on
these site visits, alternatives were developed to minimize and avoid resources,
particularly large forested communities. Alternatives were developed to avoid impacts
to Forest Sites 2 and 4 as well as minimize impacts to Forest Sites 1 and 3 within Illinois.
Alternatives were also developed to minimize impacts to two large forested
communities in Indiana; one west of Holtz Road, and Forest Site 8 located east of I-65 in
the interchange areas. Alternative 1 would impact 20.8 acres of Forest Site 7 while
Alternatives 2 and 3 would impact 33.4 acres of this forest site.
During the process of engineering planning and grade crossing design, measures will be
evaluated and implemented to the greatest extent practical to reduce the area of impact
to Prairie Sites 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12 in Illinois between the CN Railway and IL-50 and
to noteworthy prairies in Indiana.
IDOT has developed Special Maintenance Provisions to comply with the Executive
Order on Invasive Weeds. In Illinois, a regional organization called the Northeast
Illinois Invasive Plant Partnership (NIIPP) is currently working with multiple
transportation agencies, including IDOT, to coordinate the control of invasive plants
along rights-of-way.
IDOT provisions and the IPSAWG include use of herbicides and other measures to
control invasive and noxious species in the highway rights-of-way. These provisions
also apply to construction activities during the construction of roadways.
IDOT and INDOT will comply with the implementing measures of Executive Order
13112 to combat the introduction and spread of invasive plant species.
Measures to minimize the spread of invasive species during construction include the
rapid seeding and revegetation of bare soil with native/non-invasive species, cleaning of
construction equipment prior to entering areas near sensitive habitats, and active
management of invasive plants that become established during construction. These
methods will be implemented, where practical, in compliance with Illinois and Indiana
state special provisions for controlling invasive species. Management to reduce invasive
species during roadway operations includes the use of herbicides, manual cutting, and
timely mowing of grass and forblands. There will be particular emphasis on invasive
species control in roadway areas near high quality habitats such as prairies located
adjacent to the CN Railway and IL-50, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, the
Midewin-Des Plaines-Goose Lake Prairie COA, and the Kankakee Sands COA.
4.1.1.4
Mitigation
The sequence of addressing the alternatives’ impacts to vegetative communities, which have
an impact on wildlife, is avoidance, minimization, and then mitigation. Measures to avoid,
minimize, or mitigate impacts are being developed through consultation with the USFWS,
Illiana Corridor
4-15
Indiana DNR, and the Illinois DNR, as discussed below. This coordination and consultation
process includes the USFWS through formal Section 7 Consultation for threatened and
endangered species. Final mitigation measures will be developed through the Section 7
Consultation process with the USFWS and will include other pertinent agencies including
both the Illinois DNR and Indiana DNR. Additional mitigation measures may be developed
as part of the BO, which will be included in the Tier Two Record of Decision (ROD).
Forested Areas and Other Tree Resources
In Illinois, forest mitigation has been coordinated with the USFWS, Illinois DNR, and
other local stakeholders including Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, and Forest
Preserve District of Will County (FPDWC). Forest and tree resource mitigation in
Illinois will occur at a 1:1 ratio. The proposed mitigation is to develop forest
communities on lands adjacent to the existing local preserves that are currently not
owned by any resources agency, where feasible. The final mitigation plan will focus on
the establishment of native tree species in the forest mitigation areas. The plan will
include providing suitable habitat for native wildlife that includes migratory birds,
mammals including the northern long-eared bat, and forest dwelling reptiles and
amphibians. The mitigation of forested areas will improve the condition of the overall
forest habitat in the area as native climax forests will be planted to replace, in some cases
somewhat degraded forested areas. The replacement forests will be primarily
oak/hickory. The mitigated forest areas will also include native understory shrubs to
improve wildlife habitat.
In Illinois, mitigation of impacts to non-forest tree resources will follow IDOT BDE
Departmental Policies on Preservation and Replacement of Trees (IDOT, 2002). In
Indiana, tree replacement will follow INDOT policy on the replacement of trees.
IDOT, INDOT, and FHWA will consider using the riparian buffer restoration areas and
the multi-use trails as sites for upland forest mitigation. However, it should be noted
that riparian mitigation/enhancements are not proposed outside of the footprint.
Prairies
Where impacts to prairie remnants are unavoidable, IDOT and INDOT have been
coordinating with the local resource agencies regarding mitigation.
Mitigation for prairie impacts in Illinois is being coordinated with the Illinois DNR and
other stakeholders. Potential mitigation options include the removal of trees to
accommodate sites designated for future prairie restoration, as well as providing seed to
create new prairie areas. Prairie mitigation in Illinois will follow a hierarchy, with the
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie as the preferred mitigation site. IDOT is examining
the potential to translocate prairie sites where impacts are anticipated to Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie as part of the potential mitigation measures. IDOT will work
with Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie to develop a mitigation plan. If mitigation
cannot be accomplished at the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, IDOT will coordinate
with FPDWC and other project stakeholders on a suitable mitigation plan for upland
prairie impacts.
4-16
Illiana Corridor
Some general minimization principles applicable to ecosystem protection efforts include
the following:

Mimic natural processes and promote native species; and

Tailor management to site-specific environmental conditions and to the unique
impacts of the specific degrading activity.
Additional considerations to be used when identifying potential mitigation sites for
prairie areas are:

Sites with no impediments to immediate design, permitting, and construction would
be preferred; and

Sites adjacent to existing noteworthy prairie would be preferred to provide a larger
contiguous prairie.
Prairie mitigation proposed as part of habitat mitigation for federal and state threatened and
endangered species will be determined through continued coordination with the resource
agencies, as described in Section 3.8.4.9. Prairie mitigation proposed as part of habitat
mitigation for grassland birds will be determined through further coordination with the
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and other stakeholders. It should be noted that there
are no regulations governing prairie mitigation in Illinois or Indiana.
4.2
Grassland Birds at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
The content from this Section has been taken from Section 3.8.2 of the Tier Two FEIS.
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is managed for various grassland bird habitats
including over 100 breeding species and over 170 species which use it for foraging,
breeding, or overwintering. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie has the largest amount
(8,068 acres) of existing suitable grassland bird habitat (Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie, 2013) in or near the Corridor. Table 4-7 identifies the grassland bird species that
are known to occur.
The USFWS has indicated that wetland, shrubland, savanna, and woodland birds are
found near the southern boundary of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Some of these
areas receive funding from the USFWS to benefit migratory birds. Some birds of note in
the areas funded for migratory bird habitat management that are on the USFWS’s RCP
and BCC lists include: pied-billed grebe, American bittern, least bittern, black-billed
cuckoo, Bell’s vireo, and red-headed woodpecker.
Known habitat for the upland sandpiper, willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii), sedge
wren, loggerhead shrike, Bell's vireo, grasshopper sparrow, and bobolink is present
within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, which is located immediately to the north of
Corridor, near the western terminus of the project (Illinois DNR, 2011b).
Illiana Corridor
4-17
Table 4-7. Grassland Birds that Occur within the Midewin-Des Plaines Goose Lake
Prairie COA and the Kankakee Sands COA
Species
(Scientific Name)
On the
Wildlife Action
On the USFWS’s
USFWS’s Birds
Plan (WAP)
Region 3 Fish and
of
Species in
Wildlife Resource
State Listed
Conservation
Need of
Conservation
Status
Concern (BCC)
Greatest
Priorities (RCP)
2008 list?
Conservation
list? (Y/N)?
(Y/N)?
(Y/N)?
Bobolink
(Dolichonyx orizivorus)
Y
N
Y
None
Dickcissel
(Spiza americana)
Y
Y
Y
None
Eastern meadow lark
(Sturnella magna)
Y
N
N
None
Grasshopper sparrow
(Ammodramus
savannarum)
Y
Y
Y
None
Henslow’s sparrow
(Ammodramus
henslowii)
N
Y
Y
None
Upland sandpiper
(Bartramia longicauda)
Y
Y
Y
IL State
Endangered
Savannah sparrow
(Passerculus
sandwichensis
N
N
Y
None
Sedge wren
(Cistothorus platensis)
N
N
Y
None
Northern harrier
(Circus cyaneus)
Y
N
Y
IL State
Endangered
Loggerhead shrike
(Lanius ludovicianus)
Y
Y
Y
IL State
Endangered
Field sparrow
(Spizella pusilla)
Y
Y
Y
None
Pied-billed grebe
(Podilymbus podiceps)
N
Y
Y
None
American bittern
(Botaurus lentiginosus
Y
Y
Y
None
Least bittern
(Ixobrychus exilis
Y
Y
Y
IL State
Threatened
Black-billed cuckoo
(Coccyzus
erythropthalmus)
Y
Y
Y
None
4-18
Illiana Corridor
Table 4-7. Grassland Birds that Occur within the Midewin-Des Plaines Goose Lake
Prairie COA and the Kankakee Sands COA (continued)
Species
(Scientific Name)
On the
Wildlife Action
On the USFWS’s
USFWS’s Birds
Plan (WAP)
Region 3 Fish and
of
Species in
Wildlife Resource
State Listed
Conservation
Need of
Conservation
Status
Concern (BCC)
Greatest
Priorities (RCP)
2008 list?
Conservation
list? (Y/N)?
(Y/N)?
(Y/N)?
Bell’s vireo
(Vireo bellii)
Y
Y
Y
None
Red-headed
woodpecker
(Melanerpes
erythrocephalus
Y
Y
Y
None
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, 2013.
Impacts to Grassland Birds
The potential for adverse effects to grassland birds as result of construction and
operation of the Illiana Corridor was identified during the preparation of the Tier One
EIS. Therefore, a commitment was made in the Tier One FEIS and Record of Decision
(ROD) to conduct an in-depth assessment of the potential impacts to grassland birds as
result of the Illiana Corridor. This assessment focuses on publicly owned lands that
contain suitable grassland bird habitat within the project vicinity, as publicly owned
lands are protected from development in the reasonably foreseeable future. As stated
previously, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie has the largest amount (8,068 acres) of
existing suitable grassland bird habitat (Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, 2013) in the
Study Area and was used as the basis for assessing impacts to grassland birds in the
Corridor.
Literature Review Summary
An analysis of peer-reviewed papers, FHWA research, and information prepared for the
California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) was conducted to identify methods
for determining the potential impact to grassland bird species as a result of the
construction and operation of the Illiana Corridor. The literature review specifically
focused on two areas:

Roadway effects to grassland bird species in general. As described below, the
literature review indicated positive, neutral3, and negative effects to avian species
from roadways (Räty, 1979; Forman, 1998; Peris & Pescador, 2003; FHWA, 2004;
Kaseloo, 2006; Bayne et al., 2008; Fahrig & Rytwinski, 2009; Benítez-López, et al.,
2010; Robinson, et al., 2012; Proppe et al., 2013; McClure et al., 2013). The detailed
literature review and impact assessment is located in Appendix R:
3
The term ‚neutral effects‛ is used in the literature to describe instances in which the findings of effect were
not statistically significant or no effect was found.
Illiana Corridor
4-19

Literature Review of Studies that Demonstrate Positive Effects of Roadways on
Avian Species - Several studies indicate the ability of avian species to inhabit noisy
environments, including roadsides. Slabbekoorn and Ripmeester (2007) hypothesize
that behavioral plasticity (ability to modify behavior) in singing behavior of great tits
(Parus major, a European woodland passerine species) allows them to inhabit urban
areas in Europe and Asia. Fahrig and Rytwinski (2009) conducted a literature
review and found that seven of the 46 avian species (generally small birds and
vultures) showed a positive effect (e.g. increased abundance or breeding, etc.) from
roadways. Studies by Peris and Pescador (2004) and Coleman and Fraser (1989)
identified positive effects of roadways on the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and
the turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), respectively.

Literature Review of Studies that Demonstrate Neutral Effects of Roadways on
Avian Species - Several studies concluded there were no roadway effects on various
species. Benítez-López, et al. (2010) reviewed 49 studies (201 bird species), with
ratios of species abundance (which is the number of individuals per species) at
disturbance distances and at control distances from roadways. Based on the review,
Benítez-López, et al. (2010), did not find traffic intensity to have a significant effect to
the average species abundance. Warner (1992) concluded there were no roadway
effects on the total abundance of grassland birds. Fahrig and Rytwinski (2009)
found that 11 of the 46 avian species studied showed neutral effects from roadways.
Peris and Pescador (2004) concluded there were no roadway effects on starling
(Sturnus unicolor) abundance.
In addition, several studies have documented the ability of certain avian species’
to modify their vocalizations in noisy environments (Wood & Yezerinac, 2006;
Habib et al., 2007; Bayne et al., 2008; Bermudez-Cuamatzin et al., 2009; Luther &
Baptista, 2010; Goodwin & Shriver, 2011; Proppe et al., 2011; Atwell et al., 2012;
Paton et al., 2012; Luther & Derryberry, 2012; Dowling et al., 2013; Montague et
al., 2013; Crino et al., 2013; Nemeth et al., 2013; Ariel Rios-Chelen et al., 2013;
Nordt & Klenke, 2013). The ability of a bird species to modify vocalizations in
noisy environments allows them to remain in an environment despite the
occurrence of a new noise source emitting within the same frequency range of
the avian species original vocalization.

Literature Review of Studies that Demonstrate Negative Effects of Roadways on
Avian Species - Several studies have identified that some bird species avoid habitats
near roads (Veen, 1979; van der Zande et al., 1980; Reijen et al., 1987; Reijnen et al.,
1996; Forman, 2002; McClure et al., 2013). Veen (1973) and van der Zande et al. (1980)
found lower densities of birds breeding near roads, and the heavier the traffic, the
lower the bird density. Reijnen and Foppen (2006) provide a comprehensive
literature review breeding bird density and roadway traffic and concluded that the
effect was greater on grassland birds than woodland birds (Reijnen and Foppen,
2006).
Forman et al. (2002) concluded that the overall impacts to grassland birds from
roadways are negative and Reijnen et al. (1996) concluded that small bird density
was lower adjacent to roadways. McClure et al. (2013) found that roadway noise
4-20
Illiana Corridor
is a variable affecting avian abundance. Reijnen and Foppen (2006) hypothesize
that for distances greater than 1,312 feet from roadways in open habitats, noise
and visual stimuli are factors reducing avian breeding and abundance. In
addition, the findings of Reijen et al., (1995 and1987) indicate that noise is the
variable causing the observed negative effects of roadways in certain avian
species.
Several points are important to note when considering the applicability of the McClure
study’s findings in the context of the Illiana Corridor:

The McClure et al. (2013) study used a hypothetical road with equivalent of 720
vehicles per hour, or an ADT of 17,280, and found an impact at a distance of
2,625 feet. This finding is broadly consistent with the findings in Forman et al.
(2002), which estimated an impact distance of 2,297 feet for ADT between 15,000
and 30,000.

The McClure et al. (2013) study was not done within a grassland setting and the
avian species studied were not grassland birds. Only nine species, of the 67
species identified within the 2012 MNTP avian survey, were also observed
during the McClure et al. (2013) study. Of these nine species, three (American
robin, cedar waxwing, and yellow warbler) are species that McClure et al. (2013)
found to have significant differences in bird abundance due to roadway noise.
The American robin, cedar waxwing, and yellow warbler are not obligate
grassland species (see Appendix R, Section 2.1; Sallabanks & Frances 1999,
Witmer et al. 1997, Lowther et al. 1999), and no species within the McClure et al.
(2013) study are obligate grassland species4.
The McClure et al. (2013) determination that roadway noise affects avian
abundance was not conducted for a sufficient time period to determine whether
the avian species that exhibited a negative effect from roadway noise would
return to the noisy environment. The possible return of avian species to noise
impacted areas is suggested by Blickley et al. (2012)

Literature Review of Grassland Bird Species known to occur within Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie - There have been a limited number of roadway impact
studies conducted on the specific grassland bird species occuring within Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie. Specifically, data on 18 species identified at Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie during the 2012 avian census (Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie, 2013) were included in published studies (See Table 2-1 in Appendix R).
Five of those species exhibit positive impacts and eight of those species exhibit
negative impacts as a result of roadway operations. Of the 6,108 birds identified
during the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie 2012 avian census (Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie, 2013) approximately 31.3 percent are species that exhibited a
Obligate grassland species are those that only inhabit grasslands or require grasslands for a
specific function (e.g. foraging, nesting, etc.).
4
Illiana Corridor
4-21
negative impact from roadway operations in prior studies, compared to
approximately 18.8 percent that exhibited a positive impact, and approximately 0.01
percent that exhibited no impact (Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, 2013; See
Table 2-1 in Appendix R).
Forman et al. (2002) studied the bobolink and eastern meadowlark, two of the most
abundant avian species within the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie according to
the 2012 avian census (Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, 2013). As certain avian
species present within the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie have exhibited
negative effects adjacent to roadways, the potential for the Illiana Corridor to
indirectly impact grassland birds was evaluated.
Indirect Noise Impact Assessment
Based on the available literature review, and review of the studies completed to date,
FHWA determined the Illiana Corridor has a potential indirect noise impact on grassland
bird habitat. This determination is based on the following considerations;

The potential noise impact to grassland birds is considered an ‚indirect impact‛
because it would occur later in time and not within the construction footprint of the
Illiana Corridor.

No definitive method of determining impacts for grassland bird species, as a whole,
has been identified in the scientific literature. However, there are sufficient studies
available that allows for an analysis of potential noise impacts on grassland habitats
as it relates to birds

Studies have shown that some species known to occur within Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie are negatively impacted by roadway operations (Forman et al.,
2002; McClure et al., 2013).

McClure et al. (2013) found that certain avian species avoid roadways because of
traffic noise.

The potential noise impact to grassland bird habitat due to projected increased traffic on
IL-53 (from South Arsenal Road to Illiana Corridor) will not affect existing grassland
bird habitat within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie until 2036. This is based on a
linear extrapolation of traffic volumes from 2018 (opening year of the Illiana Corridor) to
2040. This extrapolation indicates the potential indirect noise impact from the section of
IL-53 from South Arsenal Road to the Illiana Corridor will not affect existing grassland
bird habitat until 2036 using Forman et al. (2002) average daily traffic (ADT) thresholds
(see Forman et al. [2002] Methodology below and Appendix R, Section 6). From north of
South Arsenal Road to Hoff Road within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, the
projected 2040 traffic levels for both the No-Build and Build Alternatives are within the
same ADT threshold, and therefore the Build Alternatives will have no additional effect
on existing grassland bird habitat as compared to the No-Build Alternative for this
portion of IL-53 to the year 2040,.

The potential noise impact to grassland bird habitat due to projected traffic levels on
the Illiana Corridor will not extend into existing grassland bird habitat within
4-22
Illiana Corridor
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie until 2025 based upon a linear extrapolation of
traffic volumes from 2018 (opening year of the Illiana Corridor) to 2040. This
extrapolation indicates the potential indirect noise impact from the Illiana Corridor
will not reach existing grassland bird habitat until 2025 using Forman et al. (2002)
ADT thresholds (Appendix R, Section 6).

The closest distance between the potentially impacted grassland bird habitat and the
edge of pavement from the Illiana Corridor main travel lanes (excluding ramps) is
approximately 1,300 feet (see Forman et al. (2002) Methodology below).
There are two available methods for assessing impacts to grassland birds: 1) Distance as
the Criteria for Impact, or 2) Noise Levels and Species-specific Data as the Criteria for
Impact (see Appendix R). The latter was not selected for use for the Illiana Corridor
because data are limited and the method can only determine if masking of avian
acoustic signals will occur (see Appendix R, Section 4). This method also does not
evaluate potential physiological and behavioral modifications or impacts, nor does it
provide any way to quantify or estimate the level of impacts expected to bird species.
Distance is the most appropriate criteria for assessing potential indirect noise impacts
based upon available studies and site specific conditions at the Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie (see Appendix R), This method was determined to be a inclusive and
conservative indicator of potential indirect noise impacts from roadway operations.
In addition, several studies correlate distances from roadways with reduced breeding or
foraging (Veen, 1973; van der Zande et al., 1979; Reijnen et al., 1996; Forman et al., 2002).
The Forman et al. (2002) study quantifies the distance of roadway avoidance by certain
species for differing levels of traffic. The Forman et al. (2002) study was determined to
be the most applicable to the Illiana Corridor for the following reasons;

The Forman et al. (2002) study was conducted within the same habitat type found at
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (grassland); and

Avian species studied by Forman et al. (2002) are known to occur at Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie (bobolink and eastern meadowlark).
The Forman et al. (2002), Veen (1973) and van der Zande et al. (1980) studies take into
account variables in addition to masking, such as physiological and behavioral effects, as
well as variables not related to roadway noise (air pollution, adjacent anthropogenic
noise effects, etc.). Therefore, these studies take into account all potential impact
variables (e.g., roadway noise, lighting, air pollution, soil vibration), which may
overestimate the potential impacts to grassland bird species from roadway operations,
however, will provide a conservative indicator of potential indirect noise impact.
Use of the Forman et al. (2002) study as the criteria for assessing the potential indirect
noise impact to grassland bird species from the Illiana Corridor was presented to the
USFWS, USEPA, USACE, Illinois DNR, and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie on April
16, 2013 (Appendix Z). These agencies concurred with using Forman et al. (2002) as the
basis for the assessment methodology (Appendix Z). There are some limitations to
Illiana Corridor
4-23
extrapolating the findings of Forman et al. (2002) and, the more recent study, McClure et
al. (2013) to all grassland bird species:

The study conducted by Forman et al. (2002) has not been repeated to date.
However, Veen (1973) and van der Zande et al. (1980) conducted studies that showed
that the population density of several grassland bird species, black-tailed godwit
(Limosa limosa), lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), Eurasian oystercatcher (Haematopus
palliatus), and redshank (Tringa totanus), is lower closer to roadways.

Forman et al. (2002) studied only two grassland bird species known to occur within
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. However, those two species (the bobolink and
the eastern meadowlark) are among the most abundant bird species known to occur
within the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.

Several species present within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie have shown
positive or neutral impacts from roadways (see Appendix R, Section 2.1), as opposed
to the negative effects found in Forman et al. (2002)..

The possible return of avian species to noise impacted areas is suggested by Blickley
et al. (2012).

Other sources of anthropogenic effects may contribute to the stress and physiological
effects on grassland birds observed near roadways. The land use adjacent to the
grassland bird habitat within the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is different
from the land use in the Forman et al. (2002) study because of the types of human
uses around his sampling area (See Appendix R). The types of human uses adjacent
to the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie are assumed to result in a higher existing
(ambient) noise level than was present in the Forman et al. (2002) study. It is
anticipated the existing, planned, and future land uses within the Elwood,
Wilmington and Manhattan Development Area, would likely increase ambient noise
levels within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (See Appendix R, Section 2.3).
Identification of Avian Impact Distances
Forman et al. (2002) identified avian impact distances based on ranges of ADT, finding
similar levels of impacts to occur within specified ADT ranges. The impact distances for
each range of ADT are summarized as follows (herein referred to as Forman impact
ADT range):

8,000 to 15,000 ADT – No effect on avian presence; breeding is reduced for 400
meters (1,312 feet);

15,000 to 30,000 ADT – Avian presence and breeding are reduced for 700 meters
(2,297 feet); and

>30,000 ADT – Avian presence and breeding are reduced for 1,200 meters (3,937 feet)
The noise impact distances from roadways (as presented in Error! Reference source not
found.) determined by the Forman et al. (2002) were used as the basis for estimating
noise impacts on grassland birds. For this analysis, distances were measured from the
edge of pavement of the alternatives. Using this methodology approved by the resource
4-24
Illiana Corridor
agencies, potential indirect noise impacts to avian species were assessed within the
following areas:

Des Plaines Conservation Area;

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie:
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie as a whole;
Existing Passerine and Grassland Birds Habitat (wholly located within Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie); and
Upland sandpiper habitat (wholly located within the Existing Passerine and
Grassland Birds Habitat within the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie).
Specific information on existing passerine and grassland bird habitat, upland sandpiper
habitat, and loggerhead shrike nesting locations were provided in GIS shape file format
by Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (2013). The upland sandpiper and loggerhead
shrike are listed as endangered species in Illinois.
The impact calculation was a two-step process, as described in the sections below. First,
potential avian impact distances from roadways were identified. Second, the impact
distances were used to calculate the aerial extent of potential indirect avian impacts.
Potential indirect avian impact distances were identified using the Forman et al. (2002)
ADT ranges and the Illiana Corridor ADT for the tolled scenario (See Appendix G). The
assessment of potential indirect impacts on grassland bird species, focuses on publicly
owned lands that contain suitable grassland bird habitat within the project vicinity, as
publicly owned lands are protected from development in the reasonably foreseeable
future.
4.3
Federally Threatened and Endangered Species at
The content from this Section has been taken from Section 3.8.3 of the Tier Two FEIS. This
content, where species specific, is limited to the Eryngium Stem Borer Moth and the Northern
Long-Eared Bat where potential impacts exist at or near Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
Federal threatened and endangered species are protected under the ESA (16 U.S.C.
1531-1544, 1973). The ESA provides a program for the identification and conservation of
threatened and endangered plants and animals and their habitats. ‚Endangered‛ is
defined by the ESA as the classification provided to an animal or plant in danger of
extinction within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its
range. The term ‚threatened species‛ means any species which is likely to become an
endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion
of its range, as defined in the ESA. ‚Critical habitat‛ is defined as specific geographic
areas, whether occupied by listed species or not, that are determined to be essential for the
conservation and management of listed species, and that have been formally described in the
Federal Register.
Illiana Corridor
4-25
The lead federal agency for implementing the ESA for the listed species within the
Corridor is the USFWS. There is no marine habitat or species within the Corridor and as
a result, no coordination with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is
required. The ESA requires federal agencies, in consultation with the USFWS via the
Section 7 consultation process, to ensure that actions they authorize, fund, or carry out
are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any listed species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat of such species
(USEPA, 2011d).
4.3.1.1
Existing Conditions – Federal Threatened and Endangered Species
Federal threatened and endangered species listed as occurring in Will County, Illinois,
(USFWS, 2013b) and Lake County, Indiana, (USFWS, 2013c) are discussed below.
Additional information regarding these species was obtained from the Illinois DNR,
Indiana DNR, INHS and Cardno JFNew biological survey results, and various
documents from the USFWS (USFWS, 2011a; USFWS, 2011b; USFWS, 2011c; INHS, 2013;
Cardno JFNew, 2013a; Cardno JFNew, 2013b; Cardno JFNew, 2014) such as listing
documents, recovery plans, and 5-Year review documents.
Through the Section 7 consultation with the USFWS, threatened and endangered species
potentially affected by the proposed action were identified. As the Illiana Corridor is a
major construction activity (50 CFR 402.02) a Biological Assessment (BA) has been
prepared (Appendix N). The purpose of the BA is to evaluate the potential effects of the
action on listed and proposed species and designated and proposed critical habitat, and
determine whether any such species or habitat are likely to be adversely affected by the
action.
US Fish and Wildlife Service Consultation History
Coordination with the USFWS was conducted on September 17, 2012, and on April 16,
2013, during the Illiana Corridor Tier Two study presentation to the NEPA/404 Merger
Team at the USEPA’s Chicago office; on May 13, 2013, during a resource agency BA
coordination meeting at the USFWS Barrington office; on May 22, 2013, during a
monthly update conference call to the Merger Team of the Illiana Corridor Tier Two
environmental study; and on August 6, 2013, during the NEPA/404 Merger Team
briefing meeting held at the USEPA’s Chicago office.
During the September 17, 2012, meeting, the focus of discussion was on responding to
USFWS comments on the Tier One EIS in preparation for the Tier One FEIS and ROD.
General comments discussed at this meeting included noise impacts and their effect on
wildlife, avian resources, and grassland birds primarily at Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie, and the need for Indiana bat surveys for the project. The USFWS office for
Indiana had approved the locations for surveys in Indiana prior to this meeting.
During the April 16, 2013, NEPA/404 Merger Team meeting, the USFWS clarified their
April 4, 2013, request to survey six additional locations for the Indiana Bat in Illinois.
IDOT BDE and USFWS have coordinated the location of appropriate mist netting sites
with staff from the FPDWC.
4-26
Illiana Corridor
During the May 13, 2013, BA coordination meeting at the USFWS Barrington office,
IDOT and INDOT requested the initiation of formal Section 7 Consultation with the
USFWS. Major points of discussion included:

The INHS mussel report was summarized, which confirmed that a fresh dead shell
of the federally endangered sheepnose mussel was found approximately 2,600 feet
upstream of the Illiana Corridor during surveys in the Kankakee River.

IDOT indicated that they will assume the presence of the mussel within the project
limits.

The USFWS is in the technical assistance stage of the review process.

The USFWS indicated that technical assistance begins with a review of the BA, which
determines whether formal consultation is necessary.

IDOT asked if the use of piers within the Kankakee River would be considered a
‘fatal flaw’. USFWS indicated that they do not think piers would be a ‘fatal flaw’ at
this time.

Commitments will be made to conduct mussel surveys and relocate all native
mussels found during the surveys prior to construction, to minimize and avoid
impacts.

The statutory timeline for the USFWS formal consultation begins upon receipt of a
request of the BA for formal consultation. The timeline includes a 90-day
consultation period and a 45-day period for the USFWS to complete the BO. If
technical assistance were to continue, the USFWS has a policy (non-statutory) of
responding to written requests for concurrence within 30 days.

The FHWA indicated that the review timelines are critical as the ROD cannot be
signed until the Section 7 consultation is completed. A summary of the BA and
agency coordination is required for the FEIS.

All species listed for Will County, Illinois, and Lake County, Indiana, are included in
the BA regardless of whether there are potential impacts to additional species.

For the Indiana bat, additional areas near the I-65 interchange were added to the
project and a 2013 survey was conducted for these areas. The INHS conducted
surveys for the additional areas in Illinois in 2013.

There are new protocols in 2013 for bat surveys. This information was provided to
IDOT and INDOT. The INHS bat report was completed in August of 2013.

A table summarizing all wetland sites in Illinois that have floristic quality indices
over 20, which is the threshold for potential surveys for the eastern prairie fringed
orchid, has been prepared. The table also calls out plant associates of the eastern
prairie fringed orchid. USFWS will review the list and coordinate the locations of
additional eastern prairie fringed orchid surveys.
During the May 22, 2013, NEPA/404 Merger monthly update via conference call, IDOT
and INDOT reviewed the environmental studies underway, including the BA. The
Illiana Corridor
4-27
USFWS indicated that a 2013 survey is needed in the amended Environmental Survey
Area of the Corridor for the Eastern prairie fringed orchid and should be completed
within the June 28 survey window. IDOT and BDE stated that 14 survey locations have
been identified, in addition to other eligible botanical areas.
On October 24, 2013, a draft of the BA was presented to the Indiana and Chicago Field
offices of the USFWS. A preliminary review of the contents of the BA was completed
and a discussion of the proposed schedule for the Illiana Corridor was outlined to the
USFWS. The USFWS completed an information review during which they conferred
with other offices. Coordination with other offices was necessary because of the new
proposed listing for the northern long-eared bat.
A meeting was held at the Chicago Field Office of the USFWS on December 17, 2013. It
was determined that the 2013 Revised Range-wide Indiana Bat Summer Survey Guidelines
would be used to assess habitat for the northern long-eared bat within each alternative
footprint. The meeting also included a summary of the responses for the BA from the
December 13, 2013, comment letter from USFWS. Additional issues were raised by
USFWS concerning potential maternity colonies for the northern long-eared bat. IDOT
and INDOT agreed to conduct habitat surveys for the northern long-eared bat.
A conference call was conducted on December 20, 2013, with the USFWS to finalize the
guidance for assessing northern long-eared bat habitat. This call also included
discussion concerning the assessment of potential maternity roost colony habitat areas
within the Corridor.
The BA was submitted on February 14, 2014 and the USFWS started its initial review.
A meeting was held on March 17, 2014, with the USEPA, USFWS, USACE, the USDA –
Forest Service (Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie), and the FHWA to discuss natural
resource concerns regarding the Tier Two DEIS. Minimal discussion of the BA occurred
during this meeting.
In March 2014, the FHWA and the USFWS agreed to conduct regular coordination calls
to provide an open dialogue for the agencies during the review of the BA. The first call
was held on March 10, 2014, with the discussion centering on northern long-eared bat
habitat and water quality issues for the sheepnose mussel.
On the March 24, 2014 call, the discussion focused on water quality issues and the use of
the Driscoll model to determine potential impacts to wildlife.
On March 31, 2014 the third call, was held to discuss water quality issues related to the
sheepnose mussel.
On the April 22, 2014 call, the discussion again focused on water quality issues related to
the sheepnose mussel. The results of the additional water quality analysis were
presented to the USFWS. The BA was revised and resubmitted to USFWS and formal
consultation was requested the week of February 17, 2014.
4-28
Illiana Corridor
USFWS accepted the BA as complete on May 14, 2014, and formal consultation began.
Table 4-8 summarizes the federally listed species within Will County, Illinois, and Lake
County, Indiana.
Table 4-8. Federally Listed Species within the Corridor
Common Name
(Scientific Name)
Type
County,
State
Habitat Types
Status
Mollusk
Small to medium-sized creeks and
Will, IL some larger rivers, in areas with a
swift current
Endangered
Sheepnose
(Plethobasus cyphyus)
Mollusk
Will, IL Large rivers
Endangered
Lakeside daisy
(Tetraneuris herbacea)
Plant
Will, IL Dry rocky prairies
Threatened
Leafy prairie-clover
(Dalea foliosa)
Plant
Will, IL
Mead's milkweed
(Asclepias meadii)
Plant
Late successional tallgrass prairie,
Will, IL
tallgrass prairie converted to hay
Lake,
meadow, or glades or barrens with
IN
thin soil
Pitcher’s thistle
(Cirsium pitcherii)
Plant
Eastern prairie fringed
orchid
(Platanthaera
leucophaea)
Plant
Snuffbox
(Epioblasma triquetra)
Lake,
IN
Prairie remnants on thin soil over
limestone
Lakeshores, stabilized dunes, and
blowout areas
Moderate to high quality wetlands,
Will, IL sedge meadow, marsh, or mesic to
wet prairies
Endangered
Threatened
Threatened
Threatened
Table 4-8. Federally Listed Species within the Corridor (continued)
Common Name
(Scientific Name)
Type
County,
State
Habitat Types
Status
Hine's emerald
dragonfly
(Somatochlora hineana)
Wildlife
(Insect)
Will, IL
Spring fed wetlands, wet meadows,
and marshes
Endangered
Karner blue butterfly
(Lycaeides melissa
samuelis)
Wildlife
(Insect)
Lake,
IN
Oak savannas and pine barrens with
dry sandy soils and containing wild
blue lupine (Lupinus perennis)
Threatened
Wildlife
(Mammal)
Lake,
IN
Caves, mines (hibernacula), small
stream corridors with well
developed riparian woods, and
upland forests (foraging)
Endangered
Indiana bat
(Myotis sodalis)
Illiana Corridor
4-29
Common Name
(Scientific Name)
Eastern massasauga
(Sistrurus catenatus
catenatus)
Eryngium stem borer
moth
(Papaipema eryngii)
Northern long-eared
bat (Myotis
septentrionalis)
Type
County,
State
Habitat Types
Status
Wildlife
(Reptile)
Graminoid dominated plant
communities (fens, sedge meadows,
Will, IL
peatlands, wet prairies, open
woodlands, and shrublands)
Candidate
Wildlife
(Insect)
Moderately disturbed and
somewhat undisturbed mesic to wet
prairies and woodland openings
that support communities of the
Will, IL
moth’s requisite host species,
rattlesnake master
(Eryngium yuccifolium), in population
sizes of 100 individuals or greater
Candidate
Wildlife
(Mammal)
Caves, mines (hibernacula), small
Will, IL
stream corridors with well
Lake,
developed forests (roosting and
IN
foraging)
Proposed as
Endangered
Source: USFWS, 2013b; USFWS, 2013c
Eryngium Stem Borer Moth
The Eryngium stem borer moth, which is also known as the rattlesnake-master borer moth,
is a federal candidate species. Eryngium stem borer moths are obligate residents of
moderately disturbed and somewhat undisturbed mesic to wet prairies and woodland
openings that support communities of the moth’s requisite host species, rattlesnake master
(Eryngium yuccifolium), where present in population sizes of 100 individuals or greater.
Although common in remnant prairies, rattlesnake-master occurs in low densities; it is a
conservative species and has been found to have relative frequencies in restored and relict
prairies of less than one percent (USFWS, 2013).
In Illinois, the INHS conducted surveys for the Eryngium stem borer moth in locations
where significant stands of the host plant, rattlesnake master, was present. The survey
locations were selected by the INHS based upon prior botanical surveys conducted for
this project within the Corridor (INHS, 2013; INHS, 2013). According to the botanical
surveys conducted within the Corridor, the host plant, rattlesnake master, is present at
Prairie Sites 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, and 19 (INHS, 2013; INHS, 2013). However, large stands
of the host plant, rattlesnake master were only present at Prairie Sites 1 through 4 and 17
(INHS, 2013).
The presence of Eryngium stem borer moths were detected by conducting an assessment
of rattlesnake master stems for the characteristic bore holes exuding frass (excrement)
that is produced by moth larvae feeding within the stems and roots (INHS, 2013).
Based upon these surveys, the presence as well as habitat for the Eryngium stem borer
was confirmed at three locations (Prairie Site 1, 3, and 17) (INHS, 2013). Table 4-9
depicts the Eryngium stem borer moth survey results.
4-30
Illiana Corridor
Table 4-9. Eryngium Stem Borer Moth Survey Results – Illinois1
Site
Location of Site
Size of
Site
(acres)
Number of
Individuals
Observed
Prairie
Site 1
East of Peotone, parallel to the west side of the CN Railway
0.2
1
Prairie
Site 2
West side of the CN Railway, between Prairie Sites 1 and 3, in
Peotone
0.26
0
Prairie
Site 3
East of Peotone, parallel to the west side of the CN Railway
0.37
3
Prairie
Site 4
Along the east and west sides of the CN Railway and along the
west side of IL-50, in Peotone
0.15
0
Prairie
Site 17
Inside median between the northbound and southbound lanes
of I-55, approximately 2.5 miles west of Wilmington
4.68
3
Total
7
This table has been updated since the publication of the Tier Two DEIS due to modifications to
the alternative footprints, which are described in Section 2.4.2.
Source: INHS 2013.
1
Although only a small number of individuals of Eryngium stem borer were detected in
the Study Area, they may represent segments of larger populations of this species
previously reported to occur in nearby protected areas including the DPSFWA and
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (INHS, 2013; Panzer, 1998). Because the Eryngium
stem borer moth is thought to be a poor disperser and is sensitive to fire, the stands of
rattlesnake master located within the Corridor likely represent important refuge areas
for the moth, given that the mentioned conservation areas are managed with frequent
prescribed burning (INHS, 2013). Recent studies of prairie insects in Illinois (reviewed
by Dietrich 2009) have shown that the small patches of native prairie vegetation present
in highway and railroad rights-of-way are crucial to the survival of many terrestrial
insect species that are dependent on prairie plants as hosts because the vast majority of
their original habitat has been destroyed by agriculture and urbanization.
There are no historical records and no known records of Eryngium stem borer moth in
Indiana (USFWS, 2013j).
Northern Long-Eared Bat
The USFWS has been petitioned to review the conservation status of the northern longeared bat to make a determination on whether this species should be listed as
endangered under the ESA. A 90-day finding on the petition to list the northern longeared bat as endangered under the ESA was published on October 2, 2013 in the Federal
Register. After review of the best available scientific and commercial information, the
USFWS proposed to list the northern long-eared after a 12 month review. The final
decision on the proposed listing of the northern long-eared bat is expected to be
Illiana Corridor
4-31
published in April 2015. The USFWS will also determine critical habitat for this species
that is not yet established.
The northern long-eared bat ranges widely across the US, but is patchily distributed and
rarely found in large numbers (CBD, 2010). It occurs in eastern, Midwestern, and some
southern states (CBD, 2010). This species is found in both Illinois and Indiana. Thirtysix and 25 known hibernacula for the northern long-eared bat are located in Illinois and
Indiana, respectively (USFWS, 2013).
The northern long-eared bat is considered fairly common throughout much of the
Midwest (USFWS, 2013). However, the species is often found infrequently and in small
numbers in hibernacula surveys throughout most of the Midwest (USFWS, 2013).
Historically, the northern long-eared bat was considered quite common throughout
much of Indiana and has been captured in at least 51 counties and is often captured in
mist-nets (USFWS, 2013).
Data about the specific locations of hibernacula for the northern long-earned bat within
Illinois and Indiana is limited. There are no known caves or mines in the Study Area.
Therefore, it is assumed that overwintering of northern long-eared bats does not occur
within the Study Area.
The northern long-eared bat is comparable to the Indiana bat in terms of summer roost
selection, but appears to be more opportunistic (USFWS, 2013). Northern long-eared bats
use cavities within roost trees, living trees, and roosts with greater canopy cover more often
than does the Indiana bat, which occurred in the same area (USFWS, 2013). Similarly, in
northeastern Missouri, Indiana bats typically roosted in snags with exfoliating bark and low
canopy cover, whereas northern long-eared bats used the same habitat in addition to live
trees, shorter trees, and trees with higher canopy cover (USFWS, 2013). Northern long-eared
bats are known to use artificial roosts and human structures for roosts whereas Indiana bats
typically do not use artificial structures for roosts.
During the breeding season (late July to early October) the bats roosts beneath slabs of
exfoliating bark. Potential northern long-eared bat roost maternity trees occur in
forested areas within the Corridor. Female roost site selection, in terms of canopy cover
and tree height, changes depending on reproductive stage; lactating northern long-eared
bats have been shown to roost higher in tall trees situated in areas of relatively less
canopy cover and tree density (USFWS, 2013). During mist netting conducted for the
Indiana bat (see Indiana bat discussion above), one northern long-eared bat (one adult
female, unknown reproductive status) was captured at Donohue Grove (Site 1) in
Illinois and two northern long-eared bats (one post-lactating adult female and one
juvenile male) were captured at Cedar Creek (IEN 4) in Indiana (INHS, 2013; Cardno
JFNew, 2013a).
Additionally, one northern long-eared bat was captured approximately one mile south
of the Corridor at Forsythe Woods by the Forest Preserve District of Will County in 2012
(USFWS, 2013l). Eight northern long-eared bats were captured during surveys in 2013
in southwestern Will County (at Kankakee River State Park), approximately seven miles
4-32
Illiana Corridor
south of the Corridor (Environmental Solutions & Innovations, Inc., 2013). Three
northern long-eared bats were captured during 2003 surveys at Sumava Resorts along
the Kankakee River in Indiana, which is approximately 10 miles south of the Corridor
(US Army Corps of Engineers-Chicago District, 2005). Two northern long-eared bats
were captured during 2009 mist-net surveys along Jackson Creek within Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie, but specific locations are unknown (McClanahan et al. 2009).
A northern long-eared bat habitat assessment was conducted for the Illiana Corridor in
December of 2013 and January of 2014, as well as additional addendum assessments
dated March 11, 2014 and April 7, 2014 (Cardno JFNew, 2014). As part of the habitat
assessment, potential roost trees for the northern long-eared bat were identified and
surveyed in areas identified as potential suitable habitat within the footprint of each
alternative. Potential roost trees are defined as any tree (live or dead) that has one or
more of the following requisite features: exfoliating bark, cracks, snags, holes, crevices,
and/or cavities (Cardno JFNew 2014).
Suitable habitat for this species was identified within the Corridor associated with
large forested areas, fencerows, woodlots, and forested riparian areas adjacent to
Cedar Creek, the Kankakee River, and its tributaries (Cardno JFNew, 2014). Suitable
maternity roosting habitat was also identified via a desktop and windshield survey
within a five-mile radius of the Cedar Creek (IEN 4) capture site in Indiana and the
Forsythe Woods capture site in Illinois (Cardno, JFNew 2014).
Northern Long-eared Bat Surveys in Illinois
Table 4-10 summarizes the acreage of suitable habitat present and number of potential
roost trees present per alternative within Illinois.
Areas that possess potential suitable maternity roost habitat for the northern long-eared
bat were identified within the five-mile radius of the Forsythe Woods capture site in
Illinois (Cardno, JFNew 2014). These areas were divided based on connectivity, with
divisions either at commuting corridors (fencerows), cleared sections, or existing roads
(Cardno JFNew, 2014).
Table 4-10. Northern Long-Eared Bat Habitat Assessment Results – Illinois1
1
Acreage of Suitable Habitat
Present
164
Number of Potential Roost Trees
Present
774
2
172
713
3
116
729
Alternative
Source: Cardno JFNew, 2014.
1
Illiana Corridor
4-33
A total of 6,841 acres of potential suitable maternity roost habitat for the northern longeared bat was identified within the 5-mile radius of the Forsythe Woods capture site
(Cardno JFNew, 2014). Ten areas could not be fully assessed as these were inaccessible
from public lands (Cardno JFNew, 2014). Table 4-11 summarizes the habitat present
within a five-mile radius of the Forsythe Woods capture site in Illinois. This table
captures the difference between suitable habitat available to the northern long-eared bat
within five miles of the Forsythe Woods capture site compared to suitable habitat
available to the northern long-eared bat within the footprint of the three alternatives.
Table 4-11. Northern Long-Eared Bat 5-Mile Radius Habitat
Assessment Results – Forsythe Woods Capture Site Illinois1
Area within
Alternative 1 within
5-Mile Radius /5-Mile
Radius without
Alternative 1
footprint
Area within
Alternative 2 within
5-Mile Radius/5-Mile
Radius without
Alternative 2
footprint
Area within Alternative 3
within 5-Mile Radius/5Mile Radius without
Alternative 3 footprint
Total Acreage of
Habitat Present
113/6,672
123/6,662
98/6,687
Acreage of HighQuality Habitat
Present
45/4,744
47/4,742
30/4,759
Acreage of
ModerateQuality Habitat
Present
0/1,136
0/1,136
0/1,136
Acreage of LowQuality Habitat
Present
67/571
76/562
68/570
Acreage of
Inaccessible
Areas
0/223
0/223
0/223
1
Although habitat for the northern long-eared bat is present within the Corridor in the
five-mile radius survey area for the Forsythe Woods capture site, the acreage of suitable
habitat present outside of the Corridor within the five-mile radius survey area is
substantially larger (Cardno, JFNew 2014).
Methodology for Assessing Impacts to the Northern Long-eared Bat
Illiana Corridor Approach for Assessment of Impacts to the Northern Long-Eared Bat
Direct impacts to northern long-eared bats may occur as a result of vehicular collisions.
The precise number of northern long-eared bats that may be struck and killed from
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Illiana Corridor
vehicles travelling on the Illiana Corridor between I-55 and I-65 cannot be definitively
quantified. Based upon the best available scientific data as well as a review of how
impacts were determined for the Indiana bat for the segment of I-69 completed in 2009
within southwest Indiana, an approximate number of impacted northern long-eared
bats was determined. The following section outlines how impacts to the Indiana bat
were derived for the I-69 BO.
I-69 Approach for Assessment of Impacts to the Indiana Bat
IDOT and INDOT reviewed the BOs prepared for both Section 2 and Section 3 of the
Tier Two I-69 to compare these sections with the Illiana Corridor. While both of these
sections had similar characteristics to the Illiana Corridor, there were also differences
between these two sections of I-69 and the proposed project. Based on the review of
these two BOs, it was determined that the physical characteristics of Section 3 are
comparable to the Illiana Corridor with the exception of overall forest cover. Therefore,
the development of the impact assessment for the Illiana Corridor is based on the results
of the Section 3 (Tier Two) BO.
As part of the Section 3 (Tier Two) BO, from US 50 (near Washington) via the SR 57
corridor and cross country to US 231 (near the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane
Division), the USFWS stated that it was likely that incidental take of Indiana bats will
occur as a direct or indirect result of the proposed action in the following forms:

Death/kill from direct collision with vehicles traveling at high speeds (i.e., road kill)
on I-69 and/or increased traffic volumes on other local roadways (e.g., US 231 and
SR 57).
One Indiana bat maternity colony was present in the Section 3 area of impact to summer
habitat for the Indiana bat (USFWS, 2006). Based on the colony’s lack of proximity and
connectivity to the project alignment, and the unlikelihood of indirect development
within the maternity colony area, no direct or indirect impacts to the colony were
anticipated. The USFWS anticipated that no more than five Indiana bats would be killed
by vehicles during the first 17 years that Section 3 is operational, or approximately one
bat every 3.5 years as long as the interstate is operated. No significant, long-term
adverse effects were anticipated to occur to any local Indiana bat populations.
Therefore, the overall estimated maximum amount of Section 3 I-69 related incidental
take of Indiana bats from all sources within the area of summer habitat for the Indiana
bat is no more than five individuals (all from road kill) during the first 17 years of
operation (approximately 2013-2030). Based on the conclusions from the I-69 project,
proposed impacts from the Illiana Corridor is presented in Section 3.8.4.6, Northern
Long-eared Bat.
The impacts to suitable summer habitat within Section 3 of I-69 totaled 69 acres of forest.
Illiana Corridor
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Impacts to Federally Listed Species
Through the Section 7 consultation with the USFWS, threatened and endangered species
potentially affected by the proposed action for all three alternatives were identified. As
the Illiana Corridor is a major construction activity (50 CFR 402.02) a BA has been
prepared (see Appendix N and Section 3.8.3.1 for consultation history with the USFWS).
The purpose of the BA is to evaluate the potential effects of the action on listed and
proposed species and designated and proposed critical habitat and determine whether
any such species or habitat are likely to be adversely affected by the action.
A draft BA was prepared and was included in the Tier Two DEIS. Formal Consultation
with the USFWS was initiated on May 14, 2014. The BA as accepted by the USFWS is
included in the FEIS within Appendix N.
Based on the review of information provided by the USFWS website on October 1, 2013,
as well as conditions observed in the field during the various floral and faunal surveys,
the following effect determinations were prepared based upon the BA (Table 4-12). The
USFWS will make the final effect determinations based on their review of the BA.
Eryngium Stem Borer Moth
This project may affect, and is likely to adversely affect the Eryngium stem borer moth. The
Eryngium stem borer moth has been identified within the Corridor in Prairie Sites 1, 3,
and 17 (INHS, 2013k). Suitable habitat for the moth has been identified at Prairie Sites 1,
2, 3, 4, and 17. Impacts to Prairie Sites 3, 4, and 17 are likely. Therefore, direct impacts
to the Eryngium stem borer moth are anticipated as part of this project. Direct impacts
will result from the conversion of these sites into roadway and temporary construction
activities associated with roadway construction within these sites.
Because a grade separation is proposed to carry the roadway over the CN Railway
tracks and IL-50, it is expected that direct impacts to Prairie Sites 3 and 4 between the
CN Railway tracks and IL-50 will be minimal and temporary. Impacts will occur from
construction of the bridge and placement of piers. Two bridge piers will be located
adjacent to Prairie Sites 3 and 4. Temporary impacts will occur as a result of access for
equipment to build the piers. The area of the permanent impact for the bridge pier is
approximately 400 square feet, which will be located outside of the noteworthy prairie
area (Prairie Site 3). Temporary impacts for construction access for the pier is could be
approximately 11,500 square feet, however, construction of the piers can be
accomplished from IL-50 which minimizes the need for construction access into the
prairie. Alternatives 1, 2, and 3 impact the same amount of Eryngium stem borer moth
habitat.
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Illiana Corridor
Table 4-12. Effect Determination of Species and Critical Habitat
Species
(Scientific Name)
Listing Status
Effect Determination
Critical Habitat
Illinois
Hine's emerald dragonfly
(Somatochlora hineana)
Endangered
No effect
Identified:
No effect
Eastern massasauga
(Sistrurus catenatus)
Candidate
May affect, not likely to
adversely affect
None identified
Sheepnose mussel
(Plethobasus cyphyus)
Endangered
May affect, likely to
adversely affect
None identified
Snuffbox
(Epioblasma triquetra)
Endangered
No effect
None identified
Eastern prairie fringed orchid
(Platanthera leucophaea)
Threatened
adversely affect
None identified
Lakeside daisy
(Hymenoxys herbacea)
Threatened
No effect
None identified
Leafy-prairie clover
(Dalea foliosa)
Endangered
No effect
None identified
Mead's milkweed
(Asclepias meadii)
Threatened
No effect
None identified
Eryngium stem borer moth
(Papaipema eryngii)
Candidate
adversely affect
None identified
Northern long-eared bat
(Myotis septentrionalis)
Proposed as
endangered
adversely affect
None identified
Indiana bat
(Myotis sodalis)
Endangered
adversely affect
None identified
Karner blue butterfly
(Lycaeides melissa samuelis)
Endangered
No effect
None identified
Pitcher’s thistle
(Cirsium pitcheri)
Threatened
No effect
None identified
Mead's milkweed
(Asclepias meadii)
Threatened
No effect
None identified
Northern long-eared bat
(Myotis septentrionalis)
Proposed as
endangered
adversely affect
None identified
Indiana
Prairie Site 17, located in the existing median of the I-55 and IL-129 interchange, will be
impacted by the Illiana interchange with I-55. Temporary impacts to habitat would
result from the placement of access roads and staging areas for the construction of the
new interchange. Table 4-13 summarizes impacts to prairie sites where the Eryngium
stem borer moth is present and/or where suitable habitat for the Eryngium stem borer
moth is present.
Illiana Corridor
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Table 4-13. Eryngium Stem Borer Moth Impacts1
Prairie Site
Number or
Location
Total Area
(acres)
Alternative 1
Alternative 2
Alternative 3
Impact Area (acres) Impact Area (acres) Impact Area (acres)
Illinois
Prairie Site 1
0.20
0.0
0.0
0.0
Prairie Site 2
0.26
0.0
0.0
0.0
Prairie Site 3
0.37
0.23
0.23
0.23
Prairie Site 4
1.26
0.15
0.15
0.15
Prairie Site 17
4.68
4.68
4.68
4.68
Total
6.77
5.06
5.06
5.06
Source: INHS, 2013.
1
After construction is completed, Prairie Sites 2, 3, and 4 will be impacted in the form of
shading effects from the bridge. Shading will lead to a localized change in the plant
community that is expected to lower the natural quality of this prairie.
Northern Long-Eared Bat
This project may affect, and is likely to adversely affect the northern long-eared bat. The
northern long-eared bat was captured during mist netting conducted for the Indiana bat.
One northern long-eared bat was captured at Donohue Grove (Site 1) in Illinois and two
northern long-eared bats were captured at Cedar Creek (IEN 4) in Indiana (INHS, 2013;
Cardno JFNew, 2013a).
Additionally, one northern long-eared bat was captured approximately one mile south
of the Corridor at Forsythe Woods by the FPDWC in 2012 (USFWS, 2013l). Eight
northern long-eared bats were captured during surveys in 2013 in southwestern Will
County (at Kankakee River State Park), approximately seven miles south of the Corridor
(Environmental Solutions & Innovations, Inc., 2013). Three northern long-eared bats
were captured during 2003 surveys at Sumava Resorts along the Kankakee River in
Indiana, which is approximately 10 miles south of the Corridor (USFWS, 2013l). Two
northern long-eared bats were captured during the 2009 mist-net surveys along Jackson
Creek within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, however, the specific locations are
unknown (McClanahan et al. 2009).
The Illiana Corridor would impact the northern long-eared bat. This conclusion was
made based on the identification of a post-lactating female within the Corridor in
Indiana.
Direct impacts to northern long-eared bats may occur as a result of vehicular collisions.
The precise number of northern long-eared bats that may be struck and killed from
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Illiana Corridor
vehicles travelling on the Illiana Corridor between I-55 and I-65 cannot be definitively
quantified; however, based upon the best available scientific data as well as a review of
how impacts were determined for the Indiana bat for the segment of I-69 completed in
2009 within southwest Indiana, an approximate number was determined to be 23
individuals over a period of 23 years of operation (2017 to 2040).
Based on the I-69 BO for Section 3 (Tier Two), the USFWS anticipated that
approximately one bat would be killed every 3.5 years as long as the interstate is
operated. Impacts to suitable summer habitat for the Indiana bat within I-69 Section 3
totaled 69 acres of forest. Impacts to suitable summer habitat for the Illiana Corridor,
Alternative 1 total approximately 217 acres of forest (Table 4-13). Because impacts to
summer habitat acreage for the Illiana Corridor are approximately three times the
acreage of summer habitat for I-69 Section 3, it was assumed that three times as many
bats would be impacted as a result of vehicular collision (i.e., one bat per calendar year).
This impact assessment determined that direct impacts to the northern long-eared bat as
a result of habitat removal will most likely not occur. This is based upon tree clearing
restrictions as well as an assumption that maternity colonies are not located within or
immediately adjacent to the Corridor. Tree clearing will only occur between October 15
and March 31 when bats are in their winter hibernacula. Additionally, direct impacts to
hibernating habitat will not occur as hibernacula are not located near the Corridor.
If maternity colonies are identified, impacts to said maternity colonies may result in
additional direct impacts (take/deaths).
Direct Impacts to Suitable Habitat
Habitat surveys for the northern long-eared bat were conducted in December of 2013
and January, March, and April of 2014. Based on results from the surveys, suitable
habitat for this species is present within the Corridor associated with large forested
areas, wooded riparian corridors, tree lines, wooded areas associated with Cedar
Creek, and wooded corridors that connect to Forsythe Woods, Donohue Grove, and
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (INHS, 2013c; Cardno JFNew, 2013).
As part of the habitat assessment, potential roost trees for the northern long-eared bat
were identified and surveyed within the footprint of each alternative. Potential roost
trees are defined as any tree (live or dead), is greater than three inches DBH, and that
has one or more of the following requisite features: exfoliating bark, cracks, snags,
crevices, and/or cavities (Cardno JFNew, 2014).
Impacts to suitable habitat for the northern long-eared bat are summarized in Table 4-14.
Illiana Corridor
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Table 4-14. Impacts to Northern Long-Eared Bat Summer Habitat1
Alternative
Anticipated Impacts to
Suitable Habitat (Acres)
Anticipated Impacts to Potential
Roost Trees (Number)
1
230
902
2
274
885
3
285
910
1
The northern long-eared bat is a more habitat generalist than the Indiana bat and has
been known to roost in areas other than trees, such as buildings and barns. As a result,
the habitat for the northern long-eared bat is more expansive than the Indiana bat. The
project will remove some standing snags and other trees. Because of the narrow width
of the footprints of the alternatives, these make up a small percentage of the potential
roost trees in the general vicinity.
To avoid direct impacts to the northern long-eared bat as a result of impacts to habitat,
tree clearing restrictions are proposed that would only allow for tree clearing between
October 15 and March 31, when the bats are in their winter hibernacula.
Indirect Impacts
The Illiana Corridor could also result in indirect impacts to the northern long-eared bat.
Recent studies conducted on the influence of vehicular traffic on the behavior of
commuting bats near the Indianapolis International Airport revealed that bats are more
than twice as likely to reverse course when vehicles were present as opposed to when
vehicles are absent (Zurcher et al. 2010). This research supports the hypothesis that bats
perceive vehicles as a threat and display avoidance behavior in response to their
presence (Zurcher et al. 2010). The consequence of this avoidance behavior is that roads
act as barriers to movement, restricting bats from accessing critical resources (Bennett
and Zurcher 2013). Research conducted by Bennett and Zurcher (2013) also concludes
that roadway avoidance behavior in bats increases as noise levels associated with
vehicles increases above 88 dB.
Research to determine the influence of human noise on the greater mouse-eared bat
(Myotis myotis) suggests that foraging areas very close to highways are degraded by
noise (Schaub 2008). The greater mouse-eared bat finds its prey predominantly by
listening to prey sounds (Schaub 2008). Other bat species forage by echolocation
(listening to prey sounds) as well; therefore, it is assumed that acoustic habitat
degradation will affect these species, which include the northern long-eared bat, in a
similar way (Schaub 2008). Although this study found that when a noise stimulus was
present, bats avoided this stimulus, it did not find that bats could not continue to forage
in areas where a noise stimulus was present (Schaub 2008). Therefore, mortality to the
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Illiana Corridor
northern long-eared bat is not anticipated from the traffic noise levels that will occur for
the operation of the Illiana Corridor.
The hesitancy of bats to forage in noisy environments could potentially bring about
conservation benefits (Schaub 2008). If the time bats spend foraging across noisy
highways is decreased, the number of potential traffic casualties could be reduced
(Schaub 2008). By contrast, aerial hawking bats (i.e., bats that pursue and catch prey inflight) can be attracted by the high prey abundance associated with streetlights along
roads (Schaub 2008).
Russell’s research suggests that the best landscape feature for bats commuting across a
highway are the presence of 65-foot or taller trees immediately adjacent to the highway
(Russell et al. 2009). However, the crossing points (or areas where landscape features for
bat movement are placed) must connect effectively with known commuting routes of
bats (Berthinussen and Altringham 2012).
Berthinussen and Altringham (2012) have also shown from their study that to reduce the
effect of roadways as a barrier for bat movement, improvements to foraging habitat for
bats should be conducted within 3.2 miles of the road.
Research has also shown that bat activity is reduced and the onset of commuting
behavior is delayed in the presence of artificial lighting (Stone et al. 2009). Thus, the
addition of roadway lighting within northern long-eared bat habitat may have an impact
on the selection of their flight routes. However, mortality to the northern long-eared bat
is not anticipated from additional lighting that will occur for the operation of the Illiana
Corridor. Lighting along the Illiana Corridor will be limited to the interchanges and toll
collection areas.
Some of the northern long-eared bats present that have not previously been exposed to
artificial lighting, high noise levels, and highway traffic may initially avoid habitat near
the Illiana Corridor or use it to a lesser extent (USFWS 2009a), but this will likely only be
a relatively minor adverse effect of the project. Research supports the hypothesis that
bats perceive vehicles as a threat and display avoidance behavior in response to their
presence (Zurcher et al. 2010). The consequence of this avoidance behavior is that roads
act as barriers to movement, restricting bats from accessing critical resources (Bennett
and Zurcher 2013).
Impacts to the northern long-eared bat have been addressed in the BA and will be
further addressed in the USFWS BO.
4.3.1.2
Mitigation
Federally Listed Species Habitat
As part of the Illiana Corridor Study, FHWA is currently in Section 7 consultation with
the USFWS regarding federally listed species likely to be impacted by the proposed
project. Once impacts are determined through this process, mitigation for impacts to
federally-listed species will be finalized. Through this consultation, FHWA and USFWS
Illiana Corridor
4-41
will reach an agreement on the mitigation that is appropriate for the sheepnose mussel,
the Eryngium stem borer moth, and the northern long-eared bat for the Illiana Corridor.
The mitigation commitments documented in the Illiana Corridor BO will be
incorporated in the Tier Two ROD.
The mitigation strategy for the sheepnose mussel will be to relocate all native mussels
within areas of construction to suitable habitat upstream of the proposed construction
activities. To minimize the take of these mussels, the surveys and relocation activities
will occur prior to actual construction activities. Additionally, stormwater BMPs will be
designed to avoid direct discharge of runoff from the proposed structure to the
Kankakee River. The mitigation will also be coordinated through the Illinois DNR’s ITA
process as the sheepnose mussel is a state listed species as well.
As there is a potential to impact the hawkmoth and a potential to indirectly impact the
eastern prairie fringed orchid at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and Grant Creek
Nature Preserve, IDOT has committed to the use of directional lighting near the
interchange closest to Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. The lighting used will be
limited to the minimum intensity necessary to provide night visibility, and lights that
are less attractive to insects (lights with spectrum frequencies at the yellow-red end of
the spectrum rather than the blue) will be considered. IDOT has indicated that lighting
will be limited to interchange and toll plaza areas only and not on the general main
travel lanes.
Mitigation for impacts to the northern long-eared bat will include restoration of forest
habitat as discussed in the forest mitigation section. Mitigation may also include
replacing potential roost trees for the bat. Forest restoration will be developed to
accommodate potential maternity roost colonies. The goal of this specific mitigation will
be to replicate the habitat needed for female bats during the stages of raising young.
Mitigation for impacts to the Eryngium stem borer moth includes the restoration of their
habitat as described in Section 3.8.1.5. Prairie mitigation in Illinois will follow a
hierarchy, with the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie as the preferred mitigation site.
The mitigation may include translocation of prairie remnants that harbor the stem borer
in the larval stage. The transplantation of remnant prairies, as well as the species’ host
plant (rattlesnake master), to suitable habitat at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie may
occur as part of mitigation. By translocating the plants and the root mass, there is a
higher chance of also translocating the larvae of the stem borer, which may be on the
host plant or in the duff at the base of the plant. The mitigation will also be coordinated
through the Illinois DNR’s ITA process as it is a state listed species as well.
4.4
State Listed Species at Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie
The content from this Section has been taken from Section 3.8.3 of the Tier Two FEIS. This
content, where species specific, is limited to the Loggerhead Shrike and the Upland Sandpiper,
where potential impacts exist at or near Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
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Illiana Corridor
4.4.1
Existing Conditions – State Threatened and Endangered Species
Both Illinois and Indiana have State Endangered Species Protection Acts which protect
listed species.
In Illinois, the State ESA established the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board to
determine which plant and animal species are threatened or endangered in the state and
to advise the Illinois DNR on means of conserving those species (Illinois DNR).
Endangered species coordination is initiated through the Illinois DNR. The process for
assessing impacts to listed species in Illinois is completed through the Incidental Take
Authorization (ITA) process.
The Illinois List of Endangered and Threatened Species for Will County as of October
2013 (Illinois DNR, 2013) is summarized in Table 4-15.
Table 4-15. Number of State Threatened and Endangered
Species in Will County, Illinois
Type
Number of Species
Plant
38
Mammal
1
Reptile
5
Amphibian
2
Bird
10
Insect
3
Fish
9
Mollusk
6
TOTAL
74
Source: Illinois DNR, 2013
Thirty-eight (38) plant species are listed as threatened or endangered in Will County. Of
the 38 listed plants, 21 are endangered and 17 are threatened.
The INHS conducted botanical surveys in Illinois within the Study Area during the 2012
growing season between March 28 and September 31 (INHS, 2013). Additional surveys
were conducted in June 2013 for the eastern prairie fringed orchid.
During these surveys, the INHS found two Illinois state threatened species within the
project Study Area, the forked aster (Aster furcatus) and the ear-leaved foxglove
(Tomanthera auriculata). One forked aster population is located along the forested bluffs
on the south side of the Kankakee River, located within the Corridor and one ear-leaved
foxglove population is located within the Des Plaines State Conservation Area in Illinois
within Wetland Site #237. These species are not located within the footprints of the
alternatives and would not be impacted by the project.
Illiana Corridor
4-43
The INHS conducted surveys for terrestrial insects in Illinois during the summer of 2012
in areas where large stands of the host plants of targeted insect species were shown to be
present based upon previous botanical surveys conducted by INHS within the Corridor
(INHS, 2013).
The loggerhead shrike (endangered in Will County) and upland sandpiper (endangered
in Will County) were not observed during surveys conducted by the INHS in or near the
Corridor from April to June in 2012. Potential nesting and foraging habitat for these
species exists along the northwest end of the Corridor near Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie. Suitable avian breeding habitat within the remainder of the Corridor east of
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is minimal because it consists of mainly agricultural
fields (see Section 3.8.2.3 and Appendix R).
The ETBR LCC of the USFWS Midwest Region identified surrogate Illinois state-listed
species the upland sandpiper (Illinois state endangered) and river redhorse (Illinois state
threatened) are known to occur within or immediately adjacent to the Corridor.
4.4.2
Impacts to State Listed Species and Species of Concern
Several Illinois State listed threatened and endangered species and several Indiana
endangered, threatened, rare, or watch list species are known to occur within the
Corridor or have suitable habitat within the Corridor. As many of the listed species are
mobile and may not have been identified during surveys, impacts will be assumed for
those species with suitable habitat impacted by the alternatives within the Corridor.
Alternatives 1, 2, and 3 would impact Prairie Sites 3 and 17 where the INHS identified
live caterpillar larva (three at each site) of the Eryngium stem borer moth. As presented
in Section 3.8.2.3, 144 acres of upland sandpiper habitat within Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie and two known loggerhead shrike nest locations as identified by
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie staff in 2001 and 2003 may be impacted due to noise.
4.4.3
Mitigation
State Listed Species Habitat in Illinois
In Illinois, the project would impact the Eryngium stem borer moth and would
potentially impact the Blanding’s turtle, ornate box turtle, black sandshell mussel,
purple wartyback mussel, and slippershell mussel. Fish species potentially impacted are
the river redhorse, pallid shiner, and western sand darter. The black sandshell mussel,
purple wartyback mussel, slippershell mussel, river redhorse, pallid shiner, and western
sand darter are known to occur within the Kankakee River in the vicinity of the
proposed Kankakee River crossing. Therefore, it is anticipated all six aquatic species
would be impacted by the Corridor.
One hundred forty-four (144) acres of upland sandpiper habitat within Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie and two known loggerhead shrike nest locations as identified
by Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie staff in 2001 and 2003 could potentially be
impacted due to noise. Mitigation measures are being discussed with Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie to address this impact.
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Illiana Corridor
IDOT will commit to obtaining an ITA permit from the Illinois DNR for potential
impacts to for the black sandshell mussel, purple wartyback mussel, slippershell mussel,
sheepnose mussel, Eryngium stem borer, Blanding’s turtle, ornate box turtle, river,
redhorse, pallid shiner, and western sand darter as mentioned above. Mitigation for
impacts to these species will be determined via the ITA process.
Illiana Corridor
4-45
5.0
Section 4(f) Constructive Use Evaluation of
the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
The content from this Section has been taken from Section 4.5.3 of the Tier Two FEIS and
provides information about the constructive use evaluation of the Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie. A detailed impact analysisfor impacts to grassland birds within Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie is abailable in Appendix R.
A constructive use occurs when the transportation project does not incorporate land from a
Section 4(f) property, but the project’s proximity impacts are so severe that the protected
activities, features, or attributes that qualify the property for protection under Section 4(f)
are substantially impaired (23 CFR 774.15(a)). Substantial impairment occurs only when the
protected activities, features, or attributes of the property are substantially diminished. As a
general matter, this means that the value of the resource, in terms of its Section 4(f) purpose
and significance, will be meaningfully reduced or lost. Proximity impacts were considered
for changes in access, noise levels, and visual elements since they could affect protected
activities, features, or attributes of a Section 4(f) property, as described in Section 4.4.1,
Public Parks and Recreation Areas.
The footprints of Alternatives 1, 2, and 3 as well as Design Options 2-6 are all located at
varying distances from the southern border of the Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie. All alternatives’ mainline footprints are identical in the vicinity of the Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie property, with the interchange design options having
variations. At their closest points, the mainline alternatives’ footprints come within
approximately 36 feet (due to a realignment of the existing River Road-IL-53
intersection) of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. The footprint of Design Option
5 comes within approximately 460 feet of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
property near Old Chicago Road. The other design options are typically farther away
from the southern border of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie .
Recreational Use
The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie was evaluated for constructive use based on its
recreational uses described in Section 4.4.1.3. Constructive use determinations are based
on the ‚identification of the current activities, features, or attributes of the property
which qualify for protection under Section 4(f) and which may be sensitive to proximity
impacts‛ (23 CFR 774.15).
The portion of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie that is near Alternatives 1, 2, and 3 is
identified as Roaded Natural use. According to the USDA Forest Service, a Roaded Natural
use area is suitable for activities such as trails and equestrian use. There are proposed trails
in the southern areas near the alternatives. Existing and proposed trails and trail heads are
located near IL-53 and in the southeastern portion of the property. Existing trails and
trailheads were identified on the west side of IL-53 and in the northern portion of Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie. The Iron Bridge Trailhead and Explosives Road Trailhead are
accessed from IL-53. The Henslow Trail crosses IL-53 connecting to the areas open to the
Illiana Corridor
5-1
public on the west and east side of IL-53. The proposed Prairie Learning Center will add to
the recreational activities accessible from IL-53 and the Iron Bridge Trailhead. Figure 5-1
shows the existing and proposed trails and trailheads within the Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie. Based on these activities, features, and attributes, FHWA evaluated the
potential changes in access, noise, and visual elements that could impact the experience of
these current or reasonably anticipated recreational activities.
Noise
As described in Section 3.6, and based on IDOT’s noise policy, substantial noise impacts
to human uses are expected to be limited to an area within 500 feet of the proposed
project. Based on this information, noise impacts are not anticipated for human
recreational land uses in the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie that are beyond 500 feet
from the alternative footprints. FHWA further sought to evaluate whether noise from
the Illiana Corridor would impact human recreational uses in the areas of the Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie within 500 feet of the edge of the alternative footprints. The
portion of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie within 500 feet of the edge of the
alternative footprints and interchange design options does not have noise sensitive
recreational uses or activities.5 FHWA has further determined that there is no frequent
human use (i.e., recreational trails, campgrounds, picnic areas) for recreational purposes
within the 500-foot limit identified in IDOT’s noise policy for determining substantial
noise impacts. Since no areas of frequent human use are within 500 feet of the edge of
the alternative footprints, noise associated with the Illiana Corridor would not cause a
substantial impairment to the recreational use of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
Access
The Illiana Corridor will not eliminate or inhibit physical access to Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie recreational uses, nor will it hinder the current access plan for existing
or planned trails through the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Access from IL-53 to
recreational uses in Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie would not be substantially
impacted since there would be either a slight traffic increase or reduction, depending on
the design option selected. Access to existing trails, located in the northern and western
portions of the property that are open to the public, in Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie will remain as they are currently configured. The design of the proposed Illiana
Corridor will not preclude the continued development of new trails in the vicinity of the
Illiana Corridor that could also connect to trails planned within the Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie. None of the alternatives would impair trail development plans within
the southern portions of the property. A planned trail head is to be located at the
southeast corner of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (Figure 5-1). The planned
trail is proposed to connect to the Wauponsee Glacial Trail, on the north side of South
Arsenal Road which runs along the southern portion of Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie. Access to the proposed trail would not be impacted by the project.
Examples of noise sensitive activities include an outdoor amphitheater, sleeping areas of a
campground, or a park where serenity and quiet are significant attributes (23 CFR 774.15(e)).
These uses are considered under Noise Abatement Criteria, Activity Category A (see Section 3.6).
5
5-2
Illiana Corridor
Figure 5-1. Existing and Proposed Trails and Trailheads within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
Illiana Corridor
5-3
Visual
An assessment of visual impacts in the vicinity of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is
discussed in Section 3.17. Several areas throughout Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
are designated wildlife, scenery, and plant viewing areas. No visual impacts are
anticipated to or at any of these viewing areas since the new highway would not be
visible from these locations. The viewing areas, as shown in Figure 4-2, are:

Buttonbush Pond Overlook;

Explosives Road, Hoff Road, Iron Bridge, and River Road Trailheads;

River Road Seedbeds;

Turtle Pond; and

Welcome Center.
The existing view from the southern boundary of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
toward the alternatives and design options is obscured by a thin screen of trees along
South Arsenal Road near IL-53. A new highway, as proposed with Alternatives 1, 2, and
3 and the design options, would not hinder the vistas in that area as a result of the
screen of trees. Thus, the alternatives would not detract from views in the southern
areas of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Figure 3-6 in Section 3.17.3 shows an
existing view of the screen of trees along South Arsenal Road at IL-53. The Illiana
Corridor would not obstruct or eliminate primary views to and from the Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie due to intervening vegetation between the property and the
new highway. Between the UPRR and IL-53, all alternatives and design options would
bridge 24 feet above the UPRR tracks and approximately 16 feet over IL-53. While the
view from this area between the UPRR and IL-53 of the Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie could be impacted by a new structure, this area also is currently not open for
public use and therefore there would not be any users present to experience a change in
views. From Old Chicago Road east to the Wauponsee Glacial Trail, the boundary of
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie that abuts South Arsenal Road is about 1,300 feet
north of the Illiana Corridor and has a thin screen of trees and other vegetation that
would limit some of the views. Visual impacts to the existing area are anticipated to be
limited due to the new roadway being at-grade for most of the section between Old
Chicago Road and the Wauponsee Glacial Trail and the majority of land adjacent to the
facility being farmland. Based on the areas in Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie closest
to the project being closed for public use and the closest area available for recreational
use is approximately three miles away, visual impacts to and from Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie would be minimal.
Conclusions
FHWA concludes that there will be no substantial diminishment of the recreational
activities, features, or attributes of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie based on the
following:
5-4
Illiana Corridor

The proposed highway would not change the access for existing and planned trails
and trailheads or other recreational areas in the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie;

There are no noise sensitive recreation activities within the Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie within 500 feet of the edge of the footprint for all alternatives
(which is the area within which an increase in noise levels could have an appreciable
effect on human uses); and

The changes in the visual environment would not be substantial, because of the
screening of the roadway by existing trees and other vegetation and the relative
distance of the alternatives from recreational areas open to the public within the
Wildlife or Waterfowl Refuge Area Use
The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie was also evaluated for constructive use based
on its wildlife or waterfowl refuge area uses described in Section 4.4.2.2, Wildlife or
Waterfowl Refuge Area Uses of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Per 23 CFR
774.15(e)(5), a constructive use occurs when the ecological intrusion of the project:

substantially diminishes the value of wildlife habitat in a wildlife and waterfowl
refuge;

substantially interferes with the access to a wildlife and waterfowl refuge when such
access is necessary for established wildlife migration or critical life cycle processes;
or

substantially reduces the wildlife use of a wildlife and waterfowl refuge.
The Tier One combined FEIS/ROD identified the potential for grassland and migratory
bird impacts within the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and committed to studying
the potential impacts in greater detail during the Tier Two NEPA studies based on a
literature review, meetings with resource agencies, and field surveys. Specifically, the
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie has the largest and most diverse community of
grassland birds in northeastern Illinois. A portion of the Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie that is near Alternatives 1, 2, and 3 is currently suitable habitat for passerine and
grasslands birds. According to the USFWS, grassland birds are one of the most
imperiled groups of birds in the world. The State of the Birds 2011 Report on Public
Lands and Waters lists grassland birds among the fastest declining species and notes
that the percentage of grassland birds on public lands is low because such a small
amount of (less than two percent) public land is managed for conservation. The Illinois
Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan and Strategy (Illinois DNR, 2005) notes the need
for grassland bird habitat in the Grand Prairie Natural Division, which includes the
Midewin-Des Plaines-Goose Lake Conservation Opportunity Area (COA). The USFWS
has been involved in several efforts leading to grassland bird habitat conservation and
has assisted with restoration efforts, and provided funding for some of these efforts
(USFWS, 2012). Therefore, this evaluation focuses on the project’s proximity effects to
grassland birds and their habitat due to roadway traffic.
Illiana Corridor
5-5
The methodology for determining the potential indirect noise impacts to grassland birds
is consistent with 23 CFR 774.15 by considering the Illiana Corridor’s proximity impacts
to protected activities, features, or attributes that qualify Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie for protection under Section 4(f). For purposes of this constructive use analysis, a
distance of 0.75 mile was used to evaluate potential noise impacts to wildlife. As further
described in the following section, 3,937 feet (approximately 0.75 mile) is the greatest
distance at which roadway noise has a potential indirect effect on grassland birds, based
on a roadway ADT of greater than 30,000 vehicles.
Impacts Based on Existing and Future Traffic
Based on a thorough review of existing literature and studies evaluating impacts to
grassland birds, FHWA determined that the most appropriate framework for evaluating
the potential indirect effects of noise from the proposed project on grassland birds is
provided by the study titled Road Traffic and Nearby Grassland Bird Patterns in a
Suburbanizing Landscape (Forman et al., 2002). The USFWS, USEPA, USACE, Illinois
DNR, and USFS (Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie) concurred with the use of the
Forman et al. (2002) study as a suitable method for determining the area of grassland
bird habitat that may be impacted by the proposed transportation facility.6 The detailed
technical assessment of potential indirect noise effects on passerine and grassland birds
as a result of the proposed action is included in Appendix R.
Forman et al. (2002) identified a range of reduced breeding and/or foraging effects for
certain species of grassland birds as a result of roadway noise based on a correlation
between distance from the roadways and the ranges of ADT (or number of vehicles
through a point in a 24-hour period) on those roadways. The indirect noise impact
distances for each range of ADT are summarized as follows:

8,000 to 15,000 ADT – No effect on avian presence; breeding is reduced for 400
meters (1,312 feet);

15,000 to 30,000 ADT – Avian presence and breeding are reduced for 700 meters
(2,297 feet); and

>30,000 ADT – Avian presence and breeding are reduced for 1,200 meters (3,937
feet).
Utilizing the Forman et al. (2002) study, the area of potential indirect noise impact to
grassland bird species associated with the various alternatives and design options was
determined based on the projected 2040 ADT (comparing build to no-build noise levels)
(see Table 5-1). Only indirect noise impacts directly attributable to construction and
operation of the proposed Illiana Corridor were considered in evaluating potential
constructive uses of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. In other words, any increases
in future noise levels within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie that would occur under
the no-action alternative (i.e., those increases in noise levels and their associated impacts
on grassland bird habitat that would occur regardless of whether or not the Illiana
6
NEPA/404 Coordination Meeting, April 16, 2013
5-6
Illiana Corridor
Corridor is constructed) were not considered as effects of the Illiana project for purposes
of the Section 4(f) constructive use analysis because they are not caused by the project.
Only noise increases caused by the Illiana build alternatives, over and above the baseline
conditions under the no-action alternative, are considered relevant for purposes of this
constructive use analysis. This approach is consistent with FHWA’s policy paper on
constructive use (2012).
Both the IL-53 design options and the mainline roadway alternatives were evaluated for
indirect noise impacts since the interchange design options proposed at or near IL-53
may affect the traffic levels on IL-53 (projected 2040 ADT) near Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie, and the mainline alternatives include construction of a new
transportation facility in the vicinity where none currently exists.
The portion of IL-53 between Hoff Road and South Arsenal Road was analyzed since
this section of IL-53 runs adjacent to the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. As shown
in Table 5-1, the ADT on IL-53 (between Hoff Road and South Arsenal Road) is expected
to vary only slightly (decrease of 1,500 to increase of 400) and be within the range of
15,000 and 30,000 vehicles per day (VPD) under both the No-Build condition and all
Build Alternatives. Consequently, because the projected traffic levels for all of the Build
Alternatives and the No-Build Alternative are expected to be within the same VPD
category, as established by the Forman et al. (2002) study (i.e., 15,000 to 30,000), they
would all be expected to have comparable indirect noise effects, with only minor, likely
indistinguishable differences. Moreover, because the traffic levels associated with the
Build Alternatives are comparable to, and in the same VPD range, as those for the NoBuild Alternative, the changes in traffic on this portion of IL-53 caused by the proposed
project are not expected to have a significant indirect noise effect on grassland bird
habitat in Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
The portion of IL-53 between South Arsenal Road and the Illiana Corridor was also
analyzed since the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is adjacent to the west side of IL53 at this location. As shown in Table 5-1, the 2040 ADT on IL-53 is projected to be
23,700 VPD in the no-action condition, and would range from 30,300 to 31,500 VPD in
the build condition, depending on which design option is chosen. Thus, ADT on IL-53
between South Arsenal Road and the Illiana Corridor for the build alternatives is
expected to fall within a higher ADT range (>30,000), as established by the Forman et al.
study, and consequently, would be expected to have a higher potential indirect noise
effect on grassland bird species within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie than the NoAction Alternative. Based on the impact thresholds identified by Forman, the build
alternatives (all of which would have ADT of greater than 30,000 VPD) would be
expected to have an indirect noise effect up to 3,937 feet (an increase of 1,640 feet over
the no-build condition), based on the traffic conditions projected along IL-53 between
South Arsenal Road and the proposed Illiana Corridor, as opposed to the No-Action
Alternative, which would have effects up to 2,297 feet based on an ADT of 23,700. This
1,640 feet increase in potential indirect noise effects along this portion of IL-53 is
evaluated further below.
Illiana Corridor
5-7
Table 5-1. ADT and Impact Distance for the Alternatives – Tolled Scenario
Road
Section
2040 ADT (No
Potential
Net Change in
2040 ADT
Build)
Indirect Noise
Impact
(Build)
2010
2040
Potential
Impact
Distance
2040 ADT
Potential
ADT
ADT (No Indirect Noise
Distance (feet) Along Existing
(Build)
Indirect Noise
1
Existing
Build)
Impact
Attributable to
Roadway
Impact
Distance (feet)
the Illiana
(feet)
Distance (feet)
Corridor (feet)
Alternatives 1, 2, and 3,– Design Options 2, 3 and 4
IL-53
Hoff Road to South
Arsenal Road
7,850
23,100
2,297
23,500
2,297
--
0
IL-53
South Arsenal Road to
Illiana Corridor
8,500
23,700
2,297
31,500
3,937
1,640
1,640
Illiana Corridor
I-55 to Riley Road
(mainline)
N/A
N/A
--
20,600
2,297
2,297
N/A
Illiana Corridor
East of Riley Road
(mainline)
N/A
N/A
--
19,200
2,297
2,297
N/A
Alternatives 1, 2, and 3 – Design Option 5
IL-53
Hoff Road to South
Arsenal Road
7,850
23,100
2,297
22,000
2,297
--
0
IL-53
Illiana
8,500
23,700
2,297
30,300
3,937
1,640
1,640
Illiana Corridor
I-55 to Old Chicago Road
(mainline)
N/A
N/A
--
19,000
2,297
2,297
N/A
Illiana Corridor East of Old Chicago
(mainline)
Road
N/A
N/A
--
20,900
2,297
2,297
N/A
5-8
Illiana Corridor
Table 5-1. ADT and Impact Distance for the Alternatives – Tolled Scenario (continued)
Road
Section
2040 ADT (No
Potential
Net Change in
2040 ADT
Build)
Indirect Noise
Impact
(Build)
2010
2040
Potential
Impact
Distance
2040 ADT
Potential
ADT
ADT (No Indirect Noise
Distance (feet) Along Existing
(Build)
Indirect Noise
1
Existing
Build)
Impact
Attributable to
Roadway
Impact
Distance (feet)
the Illiana
(feet)
Distance (feet)
Corridor (feet)
Alternatives 1, 2, and 3 – Design Option 6
1
IL-53
Hoff Road to South
Arsenal Road
7,850
23,100
2,297
21,600
2,297
--
0
IL-53
Illiana
8,500
23,700
2,297
30,700
3,937
1,640
1,640
Illiana Corridor
I-55 to IL-53
(mainline)
N/A
N/A
--
16,900
2,297
2,297
N/A
Illiana Corridor
East of IL-53
(mainline)
N/A
N/A
--
16,900
2,297
2,297
N/A
Data obtained from http://www.gettingaroundillinois.com.
Illiana Corridor
5-9
As shown in Table 5-1, the 2040 ADT on the Illiana Corridor mainline for the build
alternatives would range from 16,900 to 20,900 VPD. These 2040 ADT projections for the
mainline alternatives, which include Design Options 2-6, are all within the range of
15,000 to 30,000 VPD. Therefore, according to the ADT impact ranges established by the
Forman study, the alternatives present a potential indirect noise effect for grassland bird
species of up to 2,297 feet from the alternatives’ edge of pavement. This impact is
further evaluated below.
Impact to Avian Habitat
Based on the foregoing evaluation, FHWA has determined that noise increases associated
with construction and operation of the proposed Illiana Corridor (over and above the
baseline No-Action condition) would potentially indirectly affect up to 149 acres within
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, including up to 73.15 acres or 0.9 percent of the
existing 8,100 acres of habitat for grassland bird species within Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie. Table 5-2 summarizes the impacts to existing avian habitat in the
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie from the proposed Illiana Corridor (See Section 3.8).
In addition, FHWA has determined that the noise increases associated with construction
and operation of the Illiana Corridor would potentially indirectly affect up to 50 acres of
future planned grassland bird habitat within the 149 acres of Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie identified above (although FHWA’s Section 4(f) regulations only require the
consideration of existing Section 4(f) uses when evaluating constructive use, FHWA has
identified potential impacts to planned future grassland bird habitat in this evaluation in
order to ensure a conservative approach to protecting this Section 4(f) resource).
Additional detail supporting these determinations is provided in Appendix R.
Table 5-2. Avian Habitat Area of Potential Indirect Noise Impact to Grassland Bird
Species
Alternative
Area of Potential Indirect
Noise Impact to Existing
Passerine and Grassland
1
Bird Habitat (Acres)
Area of Potential
Indirect Noise
Impact to Upland
Sandpiper Habitat
1,2
(Acres)
Number of
Loggerhead Shrike
Nests with
Potential Indirect
1
Noise Impact
Alternatives 1, 2, and 3
73.15
62
2
Only located within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie property. Specific information
on existing passerine and grassland bird habitat, upland sandpiper habitat, and
loggerhead shrike (Illinois state endangered) nesting locations were provided by
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (see Figure 4-4 of Section 4.0 of the Tier Two FEIS).
2 The area of upland sandpiper habitat is located wholly within the passerine and grassland bird
habitat.
1
Avian access to suitable habitat within the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie will not
be impacted as a result of the project. Forman et al. (2002) and additional available
literature reviewed did not indicate that grassland bird species avoid crossing roadways
(Appendix R). Therefore, it is not expected the proposed project will act as a barrier to
avian movement.
5-10
Illiana Corridor
Evaluation of Substantial Impairment to Wildlife or Waterfowl Area
In order to assess whether this potential indirect noise effect to avian species on the 73.15
acres of existing grassland bird habitat would constitute a Section 4(f) constructive use,
FHWA considered four potential approaches:
1. Assess whether grassland bird habitat patch size would be reduced below the spatial
requirement of an area sensitive species (Habitat Requirement Analysis);
2. Compare the current Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie grassland bird species
population to the population capacity of the available habitat after implementation
of the proposed transportation project (Population Capacity Analysis);
3. Analyze the potential effect of anthropogenic (noise source from human activity)
disturbance on known loggerhead shrike nests; and
4. Compare the modeled roadway noise spectrum graph with the spectrum graph of
certain avian species vocalizations.
FHWA has determined that the first two approaches above (Habitat Requirement Analysis
and Population Capacity Analysis) are useful approaches for evaluating the potential effects
of the Illiana Corridor project on grassland bird habitat within Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie. Using the best available scientific literature and information provided by Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie, FHWA determined that a population capacity analysis, as
described below, was a reliable tool for determining if the project would result in a substantial
impairment to the loggerhead shrike. The population capacity analysis is appropriate for the
loggerhead shrike particularly because of the greater reliability in the population estimates for
that species (based on the species-specific survey conducted in 2010) when compared to other
species analyzed. While some population estimates for other grassland bird species at the
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie were available, they did not represent sufficiently accurate
estimates of each species’ population. Population estimating errors, such as double-counting,
were not accounted for in the other available avian surveys. Thus, because of the limitations
of the best available literature, and the limited reliability of the population estimates, rather
than using a population capacity analysis for all other grassland bird species, FHWA has
determined that a habitat requirement analysis is a reliable tool for evaluating impacts to all
other grassland bird species besides the loggerhead shrike.
The latter two approaches identified above were suggested during resource agency
coordination meetings as potential approaches to enhance FHWA’s evaluation of
potential grassland bird impacts. However, after evaluating the available information,
FHWA determined that analyzing the potential effect of anthropogenic (type of noise
source from human activity) disturbance on known loggerhead shrike nests, and
comparing the modeled roadway noise spectrum graph with the spectrum graph of
certain avian species vocalizations, would not provide reliable information for use in
evaluating whether this potential indirect noise would constitute a Section 4(f)
constructive use. Thus, based on the lack of sufficient information to implement these
two approaches, FHWA determined that they would not be pursued further. (See
Appendix R, and Sections 4.03, 7.3.3, and 7.3.4 (for further explanation).
Illiana Corridor
5-11
Habitat Requirement Analysis
A habitat requirement analysis evaluates the minimum habitat ‚patch‛ size requirements
for an individual member of a species, and then evaluates the effect of the project to ensure
that sufficient habitat patches will remain to support the species after implementation of the
project. A ‚patch‛ is a discrete, contiguous area of habitat. Certain area-sensitive species
require a minimum habitat patch area (e.g., 100 acres), and will not inhabit smaller areas
(even if a larger acreage of habitat is available in multiple smaller patches). Thus,
determining whether sufficient habitat patches will remain for grassland bird species within
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie after the Illiana Corridor is implemented will allow an
assessment of whether the project will cause a substantial impairment to Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie’s Section 4(f)-protected wildlife uses for those grassland bird species.
The current grassland bird habitat in the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is
approximately 8,100 acres. Based on the analysis of potential indirect noise effects from
the project, Alternatives 1, 2, and 3 would affect 73.15 acres out of the approximately
8,100 acres (0.9 percent) for certain grassland bird species. Based on the 2002 Prairie
Plan, the future grassland bird habitat will be approximately 11,200 acres once Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie restoration plans are fully implemented. When taking into
account the future planned grassland bird habitat areas, Alternatives 1, 2, and 3 would
affect approximately 124.2 acres of future grassland bird habitat (including 73.15 acres of
existing habitat and approximately 51.05 acres of planned future habitat) (or about 1.3
percent of the anticipated future 11,200 acres of habitat).
An analysis was conducted to determine the potential impact of the project on individual
habitat patches (discrete suitable habitat areas) within the affected portion of Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie (see Appendix R). Currently, there are a total of 17 distinct
patches of current grassland bird habitat, 10 of which are greater than 100 acres. Based on
the 2002 Prairie Plan, under future planned conditions, there will be 89 distinct patches of
grassland bird habitat, of which 12 will be greater than 100 acres. Figure 5-2 depicts the
grassland bird habitat patches for the current and future desired conditions. Figure 5-3 and
Figure 5-4 depict the areas of potential noise effects attributable to the Illiana Corridor on
four different current grassland habitat patches. These figures show that on the west side of
IL-53, the indirect noise effects of the Illiana project have the potential to affect
approximately 11.01 acres of existing habitat in an area with a total habitat patch size of
approximately 1,238.13 acres, and on the east side, indirect noise effects have the potential to
affect approximately 61.66 acres of existing habitat in an area with a total habitat patch size
of approximately 701.64 acres. These figures demonstrate that suitable habitat patches exist
immediately adjacent to the potentially impacted areas. The distribution of patch size
would change with the desired future conditions under the 2002 Prairie Plan, as future
restoration will convert current non-grassland bird habitat into grassland bird habitat and
incorporate current small patches into a few much larger patches, resulting in an overall
gain in habitat within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. The 12 patches greater than 100
acres under the proposed future conditions would account for almost 10,000 acres of
grassland bird habitat, and would support greater populations of any area sensitive
grassland species. Figure 5-2 demonstrates that many of these patches would be near the
areas potentially indirectly affected by noise from the proposed project.
5-12
Illiana Corridor
Figure 5-2. Current and Desired Future Grassland Bird Habitat within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
Illiana Corridor
5-13
Figure 5-3. Current Grassland Bird Habitat Potential Indirect Noise Impact within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie – West
5-14
Illiana Corridor
Figure 5-4. Current Grassland Bird Habitat Potential Indirect Noise Impact within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie – East
Illiana Corridor
5-15
As a result of the availability of suitable habitat patches under current and future
desired conditions (including 12 patches totaling almost 10,000 acres), even with
construction of the Illiana Corridor -- and particularly the remaining availability of large
suitable grassland bird habitat patches (nearly 2,000 acres) in the vicinity of the
relatively small areas of current grassland bird habitat potentially affected by the Illiana
project (73.15 acres) -- FHWA has concluded that the remaining approximately 8,100 to
11,200 acres of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie would continue to support patches of
grassland habitat that exceed the minimum area requirements of the most area-sensitive
species (i.e., the species with the largest individual habitat patch requirements in order
to remain present). Therefore, there would be no substantial impact to grassland birds
within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie as a result of the project.
Population Capacity Analysis
A population capacity analysis seeks to identify the population of a species that a given
area of habitat can support, in light of known information on species density for that
particular species. A density value (number of individuals per acre) is multiplied by the
known habitat area to determine the number of individuals that habitat area can
support. Use of this approach is dependent on the availability of reliable population
data, as well as information on species density. In this case, biologists sought to
determine the population capacity of loggerhead shrikes in the Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie in light of known density and species information, as well as available
population data.
Density information for the loggerhead shrike was obtained from available literature.
Density determinations are subject to inherent errors which include (along with other
factors) uncertainty regarding the true species population in the area and habitat type
and quality. For purposes of this analysis, in order to be conservative, density values for
loggerhead shrikes were assumed to be the minimum density values suggested by the
available literature. Information on the population of loggerhead shrikes within
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is relatively reliable, with information available from
a 2010 species-specific survey of loggerhead shrikes within Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie (Chabot, 2011). Thus, based on the available density and population information,
FHWA determined that a population capacity analysis is an appropriate tool to evaluate
potential impacts on the loggerhead shrike, particularly because of the greater reliability
in the population estimates for that species (based on the species-specific survey
conducted in 2010), as compared to available information for other grassland bird
species.
Given the minimum (conservative) density estimate derived from the available
literature, current grassland habitat within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie will
support up to 65 loggerhead shrikes. The 2010 survey identified only two known
loggerhead shrike nests within the portion of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie that
would potentially be indirectly affected by project noise. Therefore, although the
proposed transportation project may adversely affect some loggerhead shrike habitat,
individuals will have the ability to relocate to other areas of Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie that have been calculated as having sufficient capacity to support an additional
5-16
Illiana Corridor
38 individuals, resulting in no substantial impairment with respect to the loggerhead
shrikes.
Because of the limitations of the available data for all other grassland bird species,
FHWA has determined that the population capacity analysis would only be valid for the
loggerhead shrike. There are a very limited number of density studies available for
grassland bird species, and even where multiple studies were available for a specific
species, density values differed by large magnitudes (see Appendix R). Reliable
population information on other grassland bird species is also limited. Therefore, the
preceding habitat requirement (patch) analysis was utilized to determine whether the
proposed transportation project would impact habitat all other grassland bird species so
as to substantially impair the wildlife uses that qualify Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie for protection under Section 4(f).
Conclusions
Per 23 CFR 774.15(e)(5), and the analysis presented above, FHWA concludes that there
would not be an ecological intrusion from the proposed project that would substantially
diminish the value of wildlife habitat or substantially reduce the wildlife use of the
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. It can also be concluded that the proposed project
would not substantially interfere with wildlife access to Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie.
Although avian presence and breeding may be reduced within a small portion of
grassland bird habitat within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (approximately 73.15
acres of existing habitat and 51.5 acres of future planned habitat), this would constitute
only a small percentage of the total available grassland bird habitat within Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie. Moreover, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie would
continue to support patches of grassland bird habitat, under both the current and future
planned conditions, that exceed the minimum area requirements of the most areasensitive species. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie will also retain sufficient
population capacity to support the known population of loggerhead shrikes, as well as
capacity to support up to an additional 38 loggerhead shrikes.
Avian access to Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie will not be impacted as a result of the
project as the available literature reviewed did not indicate that grassland bird species
avoid crossing roadways.
Based on the foregoing, FHWA has determined that the Illiana Corridor would not
substantially reduce the wildlife use of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie that qualifies it
for protection under Section 4(f) and would not result in a constructive use of the Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie.
Illiana Corridor
5-17
5-18
Illiana Corridor
6.0
Impacts to Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie Due to Induced Growth in the Region
from the Illiana Corridor
provides information about induced growth in the region adjacent to the Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie.
The proposed interchange near IL-53 (Alternative 1, Design Option 4) in Wilmington
would be amidst the mostly developed and still developing area along the entire
corridor. Induced development such as highway commercial uses would be expected
along IL-53, especially in Wilmington, Illinois. The communities of Braidwood, Illinois,
and Wilmington are located southwest of the western terminus of the project along I-55,
and the corridor traverses the north side of Wilmington. The Wilmington
Comprehensive Plan has designated the general area near the interchange for mixed
uses including low density residential, commercial, research, light industrial, open
space, and more commercial at the interchange with I-55 near Stripmine Road and
IL-129. Moreover, two ‚Projects of Regional Impact‛ are shown in the Will County
LRMP: (1) at the western end of the 18,225-acre Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, near
Elwood, Illinois (the existing CenterPoint Intermodal Center); and (2) at the southern
end of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie between Wilmington and Symerton,
Illinois (the proposed RidgePort Logistic Center). The proposed interchange would be
the key access point to these intermodal centers and the Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie recreation area. Therefore, the potential indirect impact would be consistent with
these land use policies and with Will County Zoning in the IL-129 area. Within five
miles of this proposed interchange, the project would induce approximately 1,350 more
people than the No-Action Alternative and would require approximately 172 acres of
land for new residential development. The project would induce approximately 1,150
more jobs than the No-Action Alternative and would require approximately 192 acres
for new commercial and industrial development.
As the above referenced interchange is south and adjacent to the Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie, indirect impacts could include induced residential and commercial
development in the future on land outside of, but adjacent to the Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington. In meetings with IDOT, Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie officials have indicated that potential increased development resulting from the
increased accessibility to the area due to the Illiana Corridor in the area surrounding
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is not consistent with their stated mission.
Officials of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie said the following in an interview in
June 2013:
‚Indirect impacts of the Illiana Corridor could include disturbance of nesting
areas and habitat for certain grassland birds and other sensitive wildlife up to
several hundred feet away. Noise generated by traffic, especially by large trucks
Illiana Corridor
6-1
accessing the nearby intermodal centers via IL-53 and I-55, would be disturbing
to some wildlife. Although traffic noise from IL-53 is already audible in sections
of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, the increased noise level may intrude
on the solitude, isolation, and remoteness inside the Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie. This sense of quiet is an important objective of the USFS that manages
the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.‛ (See Section 3.8.3.2 Methodology for
Assessing Impacts to Grassland Birds.)
According to Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie officials, another indirect impact of the
proposed project on the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie may be trespass lighting
(light from vehicles or alongside highways that goes beyond the highway right of way).
However, the proposed project would not be lit between interchanges and the lighting
design at interchanges would be such that trespassing light would be reduced.
The City of Wilmington indicated during an interview in May 2013 that it expects and
supports major new development opportunities associated with the proposed Illiana
interchange at or near IL-53, including the proposed RidgePort Logistics Center adjacent
to and west of I-55 at the western terminus of the Illiana Corridor. The City’s revised
Zoning District Map allows mixed uses near the corridor interchange and specifically
along South Arsenal Road just north of and parallel to the Illiana Corridor. Wilmington
prefers contiguous development. The major reasons the City supports the Illiana
Corridor project are the removal of large truck traffic from City streets and the potential
for future economic and residential development due to improved access. The Illiana
Corridor is expected to influence the City’s rate of development. With the Illiana
Corridor, full build-out of Wilmington could occur by 2040; without the proposed
project, full build-out of the City would not be expected to occur until 2060.
The proposed RidgePort Logistics Center ‘s 2,500-acre site was annexed by the City of
Wilmington, Illinois, according to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ridge Properties
Trust, in an interview on July 10, 2013. Ridge Properties Trust is a real estate investment
trust that invests in industrial properties. At build-out in 10 to 15 years (2023-2028) 14 to
20 million square feet of building space would be available for processing and storing
consumer and food products received from west coast ports and would accommodate
20,000 employees. At RidgePort, these products would be placed on trucks destined for
eastern points. RidgePort would be accessed by a direct connection from IL-129 and the
Lorenzo Road interchange north of the I-55/Illiana Corridor interchange, thereby
reducing truck traffic on IL-53. In anticipation of ancillary needs, some 100 acres within
the RidgePort site have been set aside for related commercial development such as
motels, restaurants, banks, retail shopping, and other services including a travel plaza.
The CEO does not see the need for additional intermodal centers in the Illiana Corridor
Study Area in the near term.
6-2
Illiana Corridor
7.0
Cumulative Impacts to Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie of Numerous
Transportation Projects
provides information about the cumulative impacts of numeras transportation projects being
planed adjacent to the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
The Illiana Corridor alignment avoids the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, but is
close to and parallel to its southern boundary. This ‚edge‛ effect is more prevalent for
more undisturbed natural communities and not ones that are already traversed by IL-53
and the active railroad corridor designated for the future Chicago-St. Louis high speed
trains (see Figure 3-3 of Section 3.18 of the Tier Two FEIS for locations). A proposed
project that may also induce future development along the southwestern corner of the
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is the RidgePort Logistic Center west of I-55 at the
proposed future terminus of the project. Proposed projects that are not expected to
induce future development near the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie include the SSA
because it is too far away and the Chicago-St. Louis High Speed Rail project because no
ancillary facility would be located here. No induced development (from the Illiana
Corridor and other proposed projects) is expected inside the boundaries of the Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie since it is restricted by the Illinois Land Conservation Act of
1995.
The high speed rail project would be expected to generate incremental additional
impacts such as noise as the trains pass through at higher speeds than at present;
however, indirect effects on wildlife habitat are unlikely since no station is planned in
this area. The Illiana Corridor is expected to enhance the economic development
prospects of adjacent communities and features. For example, the managers of the
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie plan to develop it as a major outdoor recreational
tourism resource expecting 60,000 to over 200,000 visitors annually in 2020, and adjacent
Wilmington and Elwood have plans for greater economic development. The proposed
project would make the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and the municipalities more
accessible and would make them less isolated from other parts of the Study Area.
7.1
Traffic Noise on the Roadway Network Surrounding
the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
The Illiana Corridor would redistribute the ADT on the roadway network surrounding
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie causing some increase and some decreases in ADT,
but in most cases within the same Forman et al. (2002) ADT threshold as the 2040 noaction scenario. Please see Table 3-13 in Section 3.8.2.3 for details regarding ADT and
potential indirect noise impact distances for the Corridor (tolled scenario).
Appendix G describes the 2040 forecasts for ADT, which considers land use plans,
permitted and planned development, and economic forecasts. Most of the roadways, ,
Illiana Corridor
7-1
directly adjacent to Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, except New River Road have
2040 ADTs under 4,400, which is nearly half of the lowest ADT level Forman et al. (2002)
identified as potentially impacting grassland birds. New River Road has a 2040 Build
ADT of 14,700 to 16,700 (depending on the design option) which is a 1,700 to 3,700
vehicle per day decrease (depending on the design option) from the 2040 No Built ADT.
With the addition of the proposed Cedar Road interchange, vehicles north of Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie would travel east along Manhattan Road (or Hoff Road) and
south along US 52/Cedar Road to the Illiana Corridor causing a decrease in ADT along
IL-53 (through Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie). Therefore, the Cedar Road
interchange allows for the redistribution of traffic near Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie, which would reduce ADT along IL-53.
Noise associated with roadway ADT traffic has been shown to cause roadway impacts
to grassland birds, so the methodology used to assess impacts to grassland birds for the
Illiana Corridor that was agreed upon by resource agencies is based on the ADT of the
particular roadway segments being evaluated. See Section 3.8 for a detailed discussion
of this methodology. As presented in Table 3-11 of Section 3.8, 2040 ADT for the build
and the no-action alternatives do not vary significantly.
As presented in Appendix M, noise monitoring consistent with the noise policies of
FHWA, IDOT, and INDOT was conducted and the TNM modeling was completed for
the area within 800 feet of roadways where traffic noise is the dominant noise
source. Two noise measurements were taken within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
(Sites 48 and 49) and one adjacent to it (Site 14). The existing noise levels for Sites 48 and
49 are between 58 dB(A) to 64 dB(A), and are located within the Forman et al. (2002)
1,200 meter impact distance. The No-Build noise levels at Sites 48 and 49 are projected
to be 60 dB(A) to 62 dB(A). The Build noise levels are projected to be between 63 dB(A)
to 65 dB(A) at Site 48 (depending on the Alternative and design option) and 63dB(A) at
Site 49.
The proposed Illiana Corridor (Build condition) is expected to increase noise levels by
two dB(A) to 52 dB(A), over the No-Build condition, at Site 14 at the east end of
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Within the east end of Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie local noise sources (intermodal facility and Local 150) will mask the Illiana
Corridor traffic noise most of the time. Temporary noise (i.e., horn, hard or engine
breaking, etc.) associated with roadway operations will be expected to be heard within
this area of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
7.2
Noise Associated with Commercial/Industrial
Development near Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is currently bordered by the DPCA, and commercial
and industrial developments with current agricultural areas located to the north, east,
and southeast. Land use plans, including those of the Village of Manhattan and the
JADA, designate proposed development directly adjacent to Midewin National
7-2
Illiana Corridor
Tallgrass Prairie. This planned development is independent and has no relation to the
proposed Illiana Corridor project. However, it is anticipated the proposed project may
accelerate the schedule of this planned development.
Currently, land surrounding Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie consists mostly of
intermodal facilities. Noise associated with intermodal facilities is generally from the
movement of trucks. Therefore, it is anticipated that the majority of noise associated
with commercial/industrial development adjacent to Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
is captured in the ADT noise analysis.
As stated in Appendix M, current ambient noise levels within adjacent areas to Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie (Site 14) are considered low, between 45 dB(A) to 50 dB(A).
Contributors to the ambient noise level at Site 14 include the intermodal facility and
Local 150. Therefore, it is anticipated that noise levels of the planned, and future land
use within the Elwood, Wilmington, and Manhattan development areas, will increase
ambient noise levels within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie regardless of the Illiana
Corridor. Planned development including the SSA, RidgePort intermodal facility, and
the Chicago to St. Louis high speed rail could further contribute to noise levels in the
area.
Future developments on the east side of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie that would
potentially impact avian habitat are not anticipated since the closest proposed access
point east of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is approximately three to four miles
away. Potential project-induced development at the proposed interchange at Riley Road
may increase ambient noise levels within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, however
current and planned development and JADA would be expected to be the dominant
noise sources within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
7.3
Habitat Fragmentation/Reduction in the Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie
As no development is permitted within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, induced
development from the proposed Illiana Corridor is not anticipated within the resource
and, therefore, would not fragment existing grassland bird habitat. Increased
development directly adjacent to Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is anticipated to
increase noise levels, which will reduce grassland habitat around the border to Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie, creating an edge effect. Section 3.8 details the indirect noise
impact of the Illiana Corridor on the southern boundary of Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie. The Hoff District is a planned development adjacent to the northern boundary
of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, east of IL-53. Therefore, reduced grassland bird
habitat along the northern boundary of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, east of IL-53
is anticipated regardless of the Illiana Corridor.
IL-53 (and nearby I-55) predates the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. The Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie is located on both sides of IL-53 and the roadway may
currently act as a barrier to wildlife movement. As presented in Section 2.3 and
Illiana Corridor
7-3
Appendix G ,the 2040 ADT on IL-53, through Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, for
the Build Alternative is expected to either decrease by 1,500 ADT or increase by 2,800
ADT (depending on the design option) compared to the No-Action Alternative. Using
Forman (2002) the Build and No-Action Alternatives correspond to a 700-meter impact
distance along IL-53 through Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. As the Build
Alternative would not increase the distance of impact to grassland birds (except for 32
acres of existing and potential habitat near South Arsenal Road), as compared to the NoAction Alternative, it is anticipated the Illiana Corridor will not fragment additional
habitat within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
7.4
Lighting Impacts, particularly on the Midewin
Lighting may have an effect on migratory birds, which includes some grassland bird
species, as they use stars as one method of navigation (Jacobson 2005). (Indirect and
cumulative effects on migratory birds is not expected due to the extensive acreage of
natural resources and protected open spaces in the Study Area.) IDOT and INDOT are
committed to reducing lighting effects from the roadway by avoiding the use of high
mast lighting and focusing on the use of directional lighting. This commitment will
minimize lighting effects to nocturnal species of wildlife. Furthermore, lighting will be
restricted to the proposed interchange areas and not along the entire route.
Lighting is currently present at existing commercial and industrial areas adjacent to
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. The future planned development at JADA and the
Hoff District will increase lighting within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
Additional lighting from project induced development may increase the amount of light
within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie; however, light within Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie is anticipated to be influenced by development directly adjacent to
7-4
Illiana Corridor
8.0
Summary of Coordination with Midewin
The content from this Section has been taken from Section 6.7 of the Tier Two FEIS and
summarizes coordination meetings that included Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie as a
stakeholder. The full meeting summaries are available in Appendices X and Z.
Table 8-1. State and Federal Resource Agencies
Date of Meeting
January 25, 2013
Stakeholder
W. Spang, B. Hommes, R. Thakali, B. Glass, R. Short
 It was stated that the study should look at the effect of closing the River Road interchange on
the overall travel patterns.
 It was also stated that there may be negative impacts to River Road and Lorenzo Road with
their proximity to future I-55 intermodals and other traffic which are expected to see growth.
 Discussion over the possibility of modifying River Road from an interchange to an overpass
only if the Illiana Corridor were in place.
 Mentioned that the study team should incorporate creative solutions in the I-55 and IL-53
stretch.
 Discussion over the alternatives of making the surrounding area more, or less, visible in
consideration of the river and railroad crossing.
 Mentioned that there is a planned trail head at Old Chicago Road and South Arsenal Road
intersection, which would go east to connect to Wauponsee Glacial Trail.
 Discussed that alternatives in Tier Two would most likely be variations of alignments within
the 2,000-foot corridor as well as alternative interchanges such as IL-53.
 Discussion of CSS approach for proposed interchanges near Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie. Potential ‘shading’ impacts to Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie was also
discussed.
 Stated that the ‘Desired Prairie Condition’ map from the Prairie Plan is the intended future
master plan for the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie property.
 It was also stated that the location of the Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid is located just off-site
to the west of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie boundary on state-owned lands.
 Mentioned that there is typically a two year lag in finalizing species survey reports – most
recent survey results are from 2011.Key habitat restoration partners were identified.
May 30, 2013
B. Hommes, W. Spang, R. Thakali
 Discussion over the widening of River Road through the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
would be a violation of the Illinois Conservation Act.
 Mentioned the possibility of land exchange for a certain property as that would remove the
parcel from Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie’s control, allowing more flexibility in routing
the Illiana Corridor.
 It was stated that the environmental staff at For McCoy, Wisconsin, is a potential resource
regarding the CenterPoint bird mitigation plan.
Illiana Corridor
8-1
Date of Meeting
Stakeholder
 Asked about the need for lighting along the Illiana Corridor, and suggested that it be
minimized, especially through sensitive areas.
 Discussion over the crossing of IL-53 and the adjacent approaches to the rail road, Kankakee
Street and other local roads. It was mentioned that there may be potentially issues the height
of the facility may interfere with bird flight patterns.
 There was also discussion over an interchange being located at Indian Trail Road, one mile
east of Riley Road.
 It was mentioned that 394 concrete bunkers are to be removed from the Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie property as part of a restoration effort.
 It was also mentioned that the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie would be willing to offer
the removed material to use in recycled material.
 Stated that there is no known permitting or special waste issues with the concrete bunkers.
However there may be permitting or special waste removal issues with the railroad grade.
 It was also stated that the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie has had asbestos removal issues
with a transit loop. There are also 14 pipelines on the property that will need to be addressed
if removal work is performed nearby.
 It was mentioned that the village of Manhattan was planning a new intermodal north of Hoff
Road.
April 4, 2014 (PM
Meeting)
B. Glass, B. Hommes, R. Short, W. Spang (USDA Forest Service); M.
Fuller, J. Piland (FHWA)
Remote: S. Cirton, Other (USFWS); L. Pelloso, K. Westlake (USEPA); S.
Hall (USACE)
 The purpose of the meeting was to discuss possible mitigation opportunities at or in the
immediate vicinity of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Resource impacts were
reviewed.
 A discussion on resident grassland and migratory birds affirmed the use of a 2002 study
(Forman study) on impacts to the birds. During the discussion, a request that a corridor-wide
approach be taken to addressing potential impacts, a request for further assessment on
cumulative impacts to bird habitat, and a request for possible mitigation options were made.
Lastly, it was noted that acquired lands east of Midewin may be considered to offset impacts
associated with grassland bird habitat though not considered as a direct trade-off.
 The issue of traffic on IL-53 and the area was reviewed, with nominal changes in future traffic
anticipated with the interchange at Riley Road; also noted was Will County opposition to
closing River Road.
 A discussion of the noise analysis resulted in a request for further discussion on mitigation
measures. It was noted that any barriers or berms may be eligible as environmental
mitigation, rather than as noise abatement; any vegetative screens should consist of native
plant species to limit the potential for invasive species at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
 Other project-related resource impact mitigation was discussed, including forest, wetlands,
streams, and prairie mitigation. A request was made for further discussion on mitigation
measures.
 Part of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie’s mission is research and opportunities for noise
and water quality monitoring were mentioned.
8-2
Illiana Corridor
Date of Meeting
April 23, 2014
Stakeholder
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie [DRAFT SUMMARY]
B. Glass, B. Hommes, R. Short, W. Spang (USDA Forest Service);
M. Fuller, M. Jones (FHWA)
Remote: M. Allen, M. Hine, J. Piland (FHWA); S. Hall (USACE);
S.Cirton, L. Clemency (USFWS)
 The meeting was a follow up to the April 4 meeting; topics for discussion included traffic
projections, noise and other impacts, and potential minimization and mitigation strategies.
 The 2040 traffic forecast was reviewed and included a discussion of the assumptions, analysis
results, and reasoning for the recommended interchange at Riley Road.
 Additional analysis was completed to assess the traffic impacts of closing the I-55/River Road
and IL-53/South Arsenal Road intersections. There is some increase on the Illiana Corridor
with the closure of the I-55/River Road interchange, but traffic volumes would also increase
on IL-53 through Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
 There was discussion about the process for closing Interstate interchanges and other roads.
Reduced access pushes traffic to other roads. With the anticipated volume of truck traffic
coming from the intermodal centers in the area, it is important to provide centralized access
to expressway facilities as close to the center as possible.
 There was a discussion on how noise is measured, the assumptions entered into the noise
model, anticipated impacts, and mitigation techniques. Highway noise policy centers on
human hearing.
 The results of the noise analysis were presented; although the noise impacts may be minimal,
there was discussion on how best to minimize the impacts. Options included a tree zone and
berms/barriers at different locations. The noise reduction factors of the various mitigation
strategies were discussed. Additional mitigation and minimization options were discussed.
 One mitigation measure under consideration is the use of land buffers either through
conservation easements or actual land purchase. Purchase would allow for planting of a tree
screen or other mitigation.
 The conversation progressed to Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie representatives listing
their preferred mitigation measures. The first item discussed was land use, with the
preference for buffer zones, and limiting development in the areas adjacent to Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie. A berm and tree zone were also mentioned. Acquiring new land
to form buffer areas would be preferred by Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie needed to
mitigate the loss of bird habitat, rather than looking at mitigation on the Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie property. A buffer zone would also prevent the construction of billboards.
The control of invasive species, dark sky lighting strategies and noise mitigation are key to
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie’s mission. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
representatives noted that a berm is preferred over a noise wall.
 Another issue citied was the location of a new trail head along South Arsenal Road.
Currently slated to be near Old Chicago Road, the trail head may need to be moved if traffic
increases. One location discussed was near the existing Wauponsee Glacial Trail. This area
was also noted as a potential area for mitigation.
 There was additional discussion on the use of a conservation easement, with a request for
additional research on this option, including different locations along the corridor (such as
near the Wauponsee Glacial Trail).
 There was a discussion on the lighting plans for the corridor. Full lighting will be at
interchanges with the Interstates, and reduced lighting otherwise. Toll booths will have some
lighting. The impacts of lighting on bird mortality is unknown.
Illiana Corridor
8-3
Date of Meeting
Stakeholder
 Wetland mitigation was also discussed. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie representatives
noted that there is land available for this in a 2,000 acre area that is being improved to restore
natural water flow. This area is also core to birds, and therefore Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie is unable to do forest restoration there. As a note, the US Army has not yet transferred
an existing forested parcel to Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, hence Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie was unable to offer it as a mitigation option.
 The use of materials (mainly from the bunkers and the rail beds) from Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie were offered for use in construction of the Illiana Corridor or other roads;
however, there are concerns about environmental contamination and structural quality.
 The meeting concluded with a commitment from IDOT to review the list of mitigation,
minimization, enhancement, and betterment strategies and will return with a proposal in
approximately two weeks.
 It was noted that the concurrence meeting on the Preferred Alternative would take place
before the Tier Two FEIS is published. The draft Tier Two DEIS comment responses and
Mitigation Opportunities memo will be sent prior to the concurrence meeting, which will
likely be scheduled for mid-May.
May 27, 2014
M. Fuller, M. Jones (FHWA); S. Hall (USACE); B. Glass, B. Hommes, R.
Short, W. Spang, R. Thakali (USDA Forest Service); S. Cirton (USFWS)
Remote: M. Allen, J. Osadizuk, J. Piland, N. Vaniker (FHWA); E.
Pelloso (USFWS); D. Enstrom (INHS)
The following items were discussed:
 Review of mitigation concepts. S. Schilke provided a brief overview of the mitigation
concepts proposed by W. Spang during a previous April 23, 2014, coordination meeting.
These mitigation options were proposed with the purpose of minimizing or mitigating any
impacts to grassland bird habitat within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie that could be
caused by the Illiana Corridor, and also for potential enhancement options at Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie facilities. M. Fuller explained that unlike state and federally listed
threatened and endangered species, there is currently no defined process to address
mitigation for grassland birds. W. Spang acknowledged his understanding that, with
grassland birds, there is a lack of a federal or state process to address the issue.
 The mitigation concepts discussed included: grassland bird habitat replacement, acquiring a
‚development buffer‛ around Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, noise abatement
measures, gateway signage, context-sensitive design features, and restoration of Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie property potentially including concrete bunker removal. In
addition, aesthetic treatments for the Illiana Corridor bridges and the Illinois state laws
regarding billboard placement were discussed.
 Mitigation timing. W. Spang asked what the implementation parameters of the mitigation
would be. M. Fuller clarified such activities could begin upon completion of the ROD.
 Conclusion and action items. W. Spang requested that IDOT search for willing sellers for
potential mitigation sites within the following boundaries: Gougar Road on the east, one mile
north of Hoff Road (Mississippi Street extended east from Elwood) on the north, Wilmington
Peotone road on the south, and the Kankakee and Des Plaines River areas on the west. IDOT
agreed to follow up with this information. W. Spang asked the Illiana Corridor study team
for a couple of weeks to review what has been presented today, and to then reconvene the
discussion in mid-June 2014.
8-4
Illiana Corridor
Date of Meeting
June 18, 2014
Stakeholder
M. Fuller, M. Jones (FHWA); B. Hommes, W. Spang, (USDA Forest
Service); S. Cirton (USFWS)
Remote: M. Allen, J. Piland, N. Vaniker (FHWA); B. Glass, R. Thakali
(USDA Forest Service); S. Hall (USACE)
The following items were discussed:
 Review of mitigation concepts. S. Schilke provided a brief recap of the mitigation concepts
discussed with Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie during previous coordination meetings
held on April 23 and May 27, 2014. These mitigation options were identified with the
purpose of evaluating options for minimizing or mitigating any impacts to grassland bird
habitat within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie that could by caused by the Illiana
Corridor, and also for providing potential enhancements to Midewin National Tallgrass
Prairie facilities. The mitigation concepts discussed during this meeting included: grassland
bird habitat replacement, noise abatement measures, gateway signage, context-sensitive
design features, and restoration of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie property potentially
including concrete bunker removal. In addition, aesthetic treatments for the Illiana Corridor
bridges were discussed.
 Grassland bird habitat impacts. W. Spang stated that USFS would like further clarification
on how grassland bird habitat impacts were computed in the Tier Two DEIS. He inquired
about why mitigation was only proposed for the 2040 build impacts but not the 2040 no-build
impacts. S. Schilke explained that under the National Environmental Policy Act, evaluation
of mitigation options is not required for impacts associated with the no-build scenario, since
these impacts would occur regardless of whether or not the project is constructed. IDOT is
only evaluating mitigation for impacts caused by the project. M. Jones stated that the issue
needs clarification, and that she would coordinate a meeting to discuss further with USFS.
 Illiana alignment location. W. Spang stated that Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie had
previously asked IDOT to look into moving the Illiana Corridor farther south to avoid any
impacts to Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. S. Schilke stated that the location was
evaluated in Tier One. He stated that in general, the existing constrained locations of
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, streams, the village of Symerton, Waters Edge
subdivision and other factors dictated the current alignment.
 Potential mitigation within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. W. Spang expressed that
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie may be interested in accepting mitigation for grassland
bird habitat on their property. J. Fortmann explained that an inter-governmental agreement
would need to be developed in order for this to occur.
 Conclusion and action items. W. Spang stated that he would be meeting with members of
the USFS regional office the following week to review the information presented today.
Illiana Corridor
8-5
Table 8-2. Local and Regional Stakeholders
March 13, 2013
City of Wilmington and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
M. Orr, T. Graff (City of Wilmington); B. Hommes, R. Thakali, R. Short
(Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie)
 Asked if any of the proposed interchange concepts took stress off of IL-53.
 Stated that there are not many options for traffic entering and leaving the intermodal sites.
 It was also stated that IL-53 is bound to experience an increase in traffic.
 Discussion over Wilmington-Peotone Road and how the city and county could come to
agreement on accommodating additional traffic.
 Discussion about the prospect of spreading traffic among interchanges and the desire of
getting truck traffic off the side roads.
 Mentioned that a ‚Route 66 look‛ was a desired element of the Illiana Corridor crossing of IL53 and having a Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie theme extending further down IL-53.
 Stated that there is support of a meandering stream concept for a relocated branch of Forked
Creek north of the Water’s Edge subdivision.
 It was also stated that having no interchange would be best for minimizing environmental
impacts on Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
 Discussion over the discrepancy in the traffic numbers in the presentation vs. the handout.
8-6
Illiana Corridor
9.0
Midewin Commitments
The content from this Section has been taken from Section 3.23 of the Tier Two FEIS and
provides information about mitigation commitments associated with the Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie.
Table 9-1. Summary of Mitigation Commitments
Impact
Construction of
the project may
impact prairie
remnants
Mitigation Measure
In Illinois, mitigate
impacts to prairies by
implementing mitigation
measures to include:
The removal of trees to
accommodate sites
designated for future
prairie restoration, as well
as providing seed to create
new prairie areas; and
Prairie mitigation will
follow a hierarchy, with
the Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie as the
preferred mitigation site.
IDOT will work with the
Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie to
develop a mitigation plan.
If mitigation cannot be
accomplished at the
Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie, IDOT
will coordinate with the
Forest Preserve District of
Will County (FPDWC)
and other project
stakeholders on a suitable
mitigation plan for
upland prairie impacts.
Reference
FEIS Section 3.8.1
Wetland and Other
Mitigation
Opportunities Memo
(May 2014)
In Indiana, prairie
remnants will be mitigated
in cooperation with
Indiana DNR, Lake County
Parks and Recreation, and
other regulatory agencies FEIS Section 3.8.1
as appropriate for the
selection of the final
mitigation site; and
Upland prairie will also
be restored as buffer for
Illiana Corridor
Implementation Responsible
Timing
Party*
9-1
Design
IDOT
Design
INDOT
Impact
Mitigation Measure
Reference
Timing
Party*
wetland mitigation
efforts, especially within
the Indiana portion of the
project.
In Illinois, IDOT will
provide $2.5 million for
grassland bird habitat
mitigation, in the form of
acquisition and/or
restoration of land
suitable for grassland bird
habitat within the vicinity
of the Project; and IDOT
will identify and evaluate
appropriate properties for
acquisition and/or
restoration, and will
continue to coordinate
with Midewin National
Construction of Tallgrass Prairie, US Fish
FEIS Section 3.8
the project may and Wildlife Service,
indirectly impact FPDWC, Illinois DNR,
FEIS Appendix R
grassland birds and other entities as
appropriate. This strategy
may involve a
combination of the
purchase and restoration
of land from third parties
(e.g., existing agricultural
land), along with the
restoration of land within
one or more areas already
protected under the
jurisdiction of Midewin
National Tallgrass Prairie,
FPDWC, Illinois DNR, or
others within the project
vicinity.
Construction of
the project may
affect, but is not
likely to
adversely affect
the eastern
prairie fringed
orchid
In Illinois, IDOT has
committed to minimizing
stray lighting from the
roadway in areas near
Midewin National
FEIS Section 3.8.3
Tallgrass Prairie, Grant
Creek Prairie Nature
Section 7 Biological
Preserve, and other areas Assessment**
where the orchid is
known to occur.
In Illinois, IDOT has
committed to the use of
9-2
Design
IDOT
Design
IDOT and
Contractor
Illiana Corridor
Impact
Mitigation Measure
Reference
Timing
Party*
directional lighting near
the interchange closest to
Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie;
Lighting used will be
limited to the minimum
intensity necessary to
provide night visibility;
and
Lighting will be limited to
interchange and toll
collection areas only and
not on the general mainline
roadway.
Restoration of habitat will
follow a hierarchy, with
the Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie as the
preferred mitigation site.
IDOT will work with the
Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie to
develop a mitigation plan.
Construction of
If mitigation cannot be
the project may
accomplished at the
affect and is
Midewin National
likely to
Tallgrass Prairie, IDOT
FEIS Section 3.8.3
adversely affect
will coordinate with the
the Eryngium
FPDWC and other project Section 7 Biological
stem borer moth
stakeholders on a suitable Assessment**
(also known as
mitigation plan for
the Rattlesnakeupland prairie impacts;
master borer
and
moth)
Translocation of prairie
remnants that harbor the
stem borer in the larval
stage. The
transplantation of prairie
including rattlesnake
master (Eryngium
yuccifolium) host plants to
suitable habitat.
Illiana Corridor
9-3
Construction
and PostConstruction
IDOT/INDOT
Impact
Construction of
the project will
impact wetland
and water
resources
Mitigation Measure
Compensatory wetland
mitigation ratios and
locations will be
determined with federal
and/or state resource
agencies during Clean
Water Act (CWA)
permitting;
Compensatory mitigation
will follow the
Interagency Wetland
Policy Act (IWPA) of
1989;
In Illinois, wetland
compensatory mitigation
may be provided at, but
not limited to, wetland
mitigation banks, on
FPDWC land, and/or
Midewin National
Tallgrass Prairie;
Mitigation for impacted
wetlands will be designed
to offset the loss of
wetland functions; and
Final design will
incorporate
wetland/waters avoidance
and minimization
objectives prior to the
development of the
project mitigation plan.
Reference
Timing
Party*
FEIS Section 3.9.4
FEIS Section 3.12.4
Compensatory
Mitigation Rule (33
CFR Part 332)
FEIS Section 3.12.4
(Table 3-115 for IL)
(Table 3-116 for IN) 1
Design
IDOT/INDOT
Wetland and Other
Mitigation
Opportunities Memo
(May 2014)
9-4
Illiana Corridor

Appendix T Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

Transcription

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