NEPA/SEQR Processing | Hazardous Waste/Contaminated Materials Assessment | Lead Assessment | Air Quality Assessment

Watts scientists completed the environmental studies and developed the NEPA/SEQRA Environmental Assessment for the proposed Niagara Falls International Train and Intermodal Transportation Center. Design for this $38 million project will include reconfiguration of the rail lines, inter and intra city bus loops and cuing, passenger drop-off/pick-up zones, a parking lot, and access from all the amenities to an expanded passenger terminal. The project will involve the revitalization and adaptive reuse of the Old Customs House, a National Register historic landmark structure, as the central hub for the multi-modal facility. Environmental studies included site alternative analysis; an assessment of mold, asbestos, and lead based paint; an area wide ASTM Phase I ESA; ground penetrating radar studies; excavation for underground storage tanks; archeological sensitivity assessment and excavation of over 200 feet of test pits for the archeological field investigation; coastal zone consistency determination; noise surveys and assessments; and an evaluation of social and economic impacts. The project will bring together inter and intra city bus, highway, passenger rail, and freight. In addition, the project will provide facilities for both Amtrak and CN/CSX that cross the parcel from the adjacent Whirlpool-Rapids and Michigan Central Bridges over the Niagara River. Project stakeholders include a diverse group consisting of CSX, CN, CP, Amtrak, ViaRail, GBNRTC, NYSOPRHP, NYSDOT, NYSDEC, FTA, FHWA, NFBC, US-GA, and US Customs and Immigration.