Application For Construction of New Castle Asphalt, LLC Blacktop Plant

Griggs-Lang Consulting Geologists, Inc.
8 Brunswick Road Troy, New York 12180 Phone: (518) 270-5920 Fax: (518) 270-5922
NEW CASTLE ASPHALT, LLC

Rensselaer (Riverside Avenue) Plant Port of Rensselaer, City of Rensselaer, Rensselaer County, New York
APPLICATION FOR CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF BLACKTOP PLANT
Prepared by: Griggs-Lang Consulting Geologists, Inc.
Date: May 31, 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................1 1.2 Location .................................................................................................................................1 1.3 Ownership ..............................................................................................................................1 2.0 PURPOSE ................................................................................................................................. 1 3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS ....................................................................................................... 3 3.1 Topography ............................................................................................................................3 3.2 Vegetation ..............................................................................................................................3 3.3 Railroad Spur .........................................................................................................................3 3.4 Utilities...................................................................................................................................3 3.5 Access ....................................................................................................................................3 3.6 Floodplain ..............................................................................................................................3 3.7 Future Bike Path ....................................................................................................................4 4.0 DESCRIPTON OF PROPOSED OPERATIONS ..................................................................... 4 4.1 Proposed Access and Traffic Flow ........................................................................................4 4.2 Access Control .......................................................................................................................4 4.3 Truck Routes ..........................................................................................................................5 4.4 Blacktop Plant Components and Layout................................................................................5 4.5 Stockpile Area........................................................................................................................6 4.6 Stormwater Management Area ..............................................................................................7 4.7 Parking ...................................................................................................................................7 4.8 Lighting..................................................................................................................................7 4.9 Truck Loading Areas .............................................................................................................7 4.10 Equipment Operation ...........................................................................................................7 4.11 Water Supply .......................................................................................................................7 4.12 Natural Gas ..........................................................................................................................8 4.13 Electricity.............................................................................................................................8 4.14 Sewage .................................................................................................................................8 4.15 Buffer Zones and Green Space ............................................................................................8 4.16 Landscaping .........................................................................................................................8 4.17 Signs.....................................................................................................................................8 4.18 Pedestrian Access.................................................................................................................8 5.0 APPROVALS............................................................................................................................ 8 6.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION....................................................................... 9 6.1 Potential Air Impacts ...........................................................................................................10 6.2 Traffic ..................................................................................................................................11 6.3 Visual ...................................................................................................................................11 6.4 Proposed Bike Path ..............................................................................................................11 6.5 Noise ....................................................................................................................................11 6.5.1 Expected Sound Level at Riverside Avenue................................................................ 13 6.5.2 Expected Sound Level at Port Expressway ................................................................. 13 6.5.3 Expected Sound Level at Residential Area.................................................................. 13 6.5.4 Expected Sound Level at Overlook Area..................................................................... 13 6.5.5 Recommended Noise Best Management Practices...................................................... 13 6.5.6 Noise Conclusions ....................................................................................................... 14 6.6 Floodplain ............................................................................................................................14 6.7 Stormwater...........................................................................................................................14 6.8 Groundwater ........................................................................................................................15 6.9 Plants and Wildlife...............................................................................................................15 6.10 Cultural Resources .............................................................................................................17 6.11 Energy Use.........................................................................................................................17
6.12 Odor and Light...................................................................................................................18 6.13 Human Health ....................................................................................................................18 6.14 Community Character ........................................................................................................18 Appendix Environmental Assessment Form, Part 1 Visual Impact Assessment dated May 2011 May 9, 2011 Letter to Sarah Crowell Request for Site Plan Review and Special Use Permit Approval February 15, 2011 Letter to Building and Zoning Administrator Floodplain Development Permit Application Creighton Manning Traffic Studies dated March 2, 2011 and May 17, 2011 Cultural Resources Investigation NYSDEC Air Registration Application Stockpile Maintenance Plan dated February 15, 2011 Fugitive Dust Control Plan dated May 31, 2011 (Bound Drawings)full size and 11 x 17 Site Plan Map (Existing Conditions) dated May 31, 2011 Site Plan Map (Proposed Conditions) dated May 31, 2011 Details dated January 14, 2011 (Two Sheets)
NOTE: ALL OVERSIZED DRAWINGS IN SEPARATE FILE
New Castle Asphalt, LLC Rensselaer Plant Application for Blacktop Plant 5/31/11
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
This report describes the proposed construction and operation of New Castle Asphalt, LLCs (New Castle) blacktop plant on the west side of Riverside Avenue in the Port of Rensselaer. The report and accompanying Site Plan is provided as part of the application for Site Plan Review and a Special Use Permit from the City of Rensselaer.
1.2 Location
The site is located on the west side of Riverside Avenue and to the north of the Irwin Stewart Port Expressway (Port Expressway), as shown on the Location Map on the next page. The site is accessed from U.S. Route 20 via the Port Expressway. The site is located in the City of Rensselaer Industrial Zoning District and is in the active Port of Albany-Rensselaer. The site is surrounded by existing heavy industrial activities including but not limited to: The Besicorp-Empire Power Generation Plant (to the northeast and east); The Fulton Cogeneration Associates Power Cogeneration Plant (to the north) A large-scale scrap-metal crusher and export operation (to the northwest); and Several active petroleum bulk storage and distribution facilities (to the south), the closest being the Getty Terminal Facility (see map on page 2) and Polsinello Fuels. In addition, the land west of the site (across and on the west side of the Hudson River) is occupied by a variety of heavy industrial activities in the Port of Albany-Rensselaer. The site is well suited for the proposed project. The proposed 400 ton per hour blacktop plant will assimilate well into the surrounding heavy industrial activities and will not cause any significant contrast to the industrial character of the zoning district. All potentially sensitive receptors are separated from this site by intervening heavy industrial activity. The distances between the nearest potential receptors are: Ft. Crailoapproximately 3700 feet north of site Ball Fieldapproximately 3300 feet north of site Educational facilitySUNY facility on US Route 20approximately 2600 feet Nearest residential area to the northapproximately 3300 feet Nearest residence in primarily commercial area east of siteapproximately 1400 feet Nearest residential areaapproximately 1800 feet east of site.
1.3 Ownership
The site is owned by the Albany-Rensselaer Port District Commission and is leased to the applicant, New Castle Asphalt, LLC. It is located on Tax Parcel 154-5-3.
2.0 PURPOSE
The proposed plant will provide blacktop for use in the construction and maintenance of roads, driveways, parking lots and sidewalks. Currently, the nearest blacktop plants are located in South Troy (Callanan), West Sand Lake (Troy Sand & Gravel), the Port of Albany (Albany Asphalt) and Watervliet (Callanan). Blacktop for construction must be hauled from these more distant locations at greater expense to individuals, private developers and governmental agencies. In addition, hauling from more distant locations puts increased strain on the local highway infrastructure.
3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS

3.1 Topography
The attached Site Plan Map (Existing Conditions) shows the existing conditions of the site. In general, the site grades gently from an approximate high elevation of 26 feet above mean sea level at the top of the bank along the Hudson River down to an elevation of approximately 18 feet along an active railroad spur on the east side of the property. The easternmost part of the side grades up slightly (elevation 19 feet) towards Riverside Avenue. The property narrows in its southwest portion near the 90 degree turn in Riverside Avenue to the southwest of the site. This part of the property grades to the steep bank of the Hudson River.
3.2 Vegetation
The site was formerly used as a lay down and parking area for the construction of the adjacent plant. Most of the proposed site (approximately 4.6 acres) is covered by a layer of crushed stone. A secondary growth of mixed trees and brush covers the western and northern perimeters of the property. The remainder of the site is covered by open grasslands.
3.3 Railroad Spur

A single line railroad spur exists along the northeast and eastern parts of the property. This spur is not proposed to be used by the applicant but is used by the adjacent metal salvage operation.
3.4 Utilities
Eight and 12 inch diameter water lines exist along Riverside Avenue on the east side of the site. The water lines along the Port Expressway on the south side of the site are six inches and 12 inches in diameter. These lines and related water features are shown on the Site Plan Map (Existing Conditions). The stormwater pipes and related features run along Riverside Avenue, as shown on the Site Plan Map (Existing Conditions). The lines are 12 inches in diameter. A 36 inch diameter storm pipe water collector runs across the southwest part of the site through the NYSDOT stormwater easement. The site is lit by a handful of pole-mounted lights in the center of the property, left over from the sites prior use. The poles are approximately 25 feet high and are guarded by concrete blocks. Overhead electrical and phone lines run along the west and south sides of Riverside Avenue, as shown on the Site Plan Map (Existing Conditions). A power transmission line from the adjacent cogeneration plant runs north-south and then east-west across the northeast part of the site. A gas delivery line and commercial gas service point exists along the east side of Riverside Drive.
3.5 Access
Two unpaved access points along the south side of the site provide access to Riverside Avenue at the locations shown on the Site Plan Map (Existing Conditions).
3.6 Floodplain
The FEMA floodplain maps indicate the elevation of the 100-year floodplain ranges from about 19 feet to the south of the site to about 20 feet to the north of the site. The majority of the site is above these elevations; only a portion of the railroad spur and the eastern side of the site are
below the 19 to 20 foot elevation. Riverside Avenue and a part of the Port Expressway southeast of the site is below this elevation.
3.7 Future Bike Path

A bike path has been proposed by Empire-Besicorp to be built along Riverside Avenue, east and south of the site. The bike path through the industrial area will terminate at an overlook area to the southwest of the site, overlooking the Hudson River and the industrial Port of AlbanyRensselaer.
4.0 DESCRIPTON OF PROPOSED OPERATIONS

The general operations of the proposed blacktop plant are described below.
4.1 Proposed Access and Traffic Flow

All vehicles will access the site via the proposed entrance from Riverside Avenue in the southeast part of the site. This proposed entrance is at the location of one the existing access points. All vehicles will travel north on the entrance road along the east side of the site. Trucks delivering recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) and aggregates will turn left into the Stockpile Area, deposit their materials at the appropriate stockpile, travel west across the Stockpile Area to the perimeter access road, turn left (south) and depart the site. Employees, liquid asphalt and delivery trucks and trucks picking up blacktop will proceed north along the entrance road along the east side of the site to the Plant Area. Employees will park in the two parking areas near the plant or the lab and depart via the perimeter access road along the west side of the site. Liquid asphalt and delivery trucks will use the road that bypasses the blacktop plant, take a left turn just north of the plant, deliver their materials to the bulk storage from the concrete pad, proceed southwest to the perimeter access road, turn left (south) and depart the site via Riverside Avenue to the Port Expressway. Trucks picking up blacktop will proceed north along the entrance road along the east side of the site, turn left into the Plant Area, wait until signaled to pull under the plant discharge and hot silos, receive their load of blacktop, pull out from beneath the plant heading north, turn left (west) onto the perimeter access road, go around the north side of the lab and proceed south to the site exit onto the Port Expressway. Overall, the flow of traffic on the entrance road/perimeter access road will be one-way in a counter-clockwise direction. Two rollover curbs will be placed in the entrance/perimeter access road to contain stormwater on site. The rollover curb is a surface water divide in the road that on one side directs stormwater back towards the interior of the site and on the other keeps stormwater from entering the site. The entrance/perimeter access road will be paved. Details of the road construction are shown on the Detail Sheets.
4.2 Access Control

Access to the site will be controlled by perimeter berms and the gates on the entrance road/perimeter access road, as shown on the Site Plan Map (Proposed Conditions). The gates typical construction is shown on the Details Sheets.
4.3 Truck Routes

Employee vehicles and most delivery trucks will travel south and west on the Port Expressway to Riverside Avenue to access the site. The nearest liquid asphalt distributor is Gorman Brothers, located further south of the site in the Port of Rensselaer, so it is expected that liquid asphalt deliveries will come via Riverside Avenue from the south. Trucks leaving the Port of Rensselaer from this site will use NYS Route 9J and US Route 20. The potential impact of project generated traffic is assessed in the Traffic Study prepared by Creighton Manning Engineers. No significant impact is expected since the trucks will use designated truck routes designed to carry truck traffic before exiting onto state or federal highways intended for truck traffic.
4.4 Blacktop Plant Components and Layout

The proposed blacktop plant will be a drum mix plant. The plant will mix coarse aggregate (crushed stone), sand and liquid asphalt to produce blacktop. Drum mix plants produce one type of blacktop at a time in a continuous feed as compared to batch plants that can make a different batch of blacktop for each batch. Drum mix plants are becoming more common than batch plants because they are more efficient, employ superior emission control technology and produce a generally more uniform and higher quality product. The blacktop plant consists of various components, all necessary for its efficient operation. These components are: Cold feed binsAggregates at ambient temperatures (hence the term cold) are loaded into these bins, metered out through the bottom onto a conveyor that delivers the aggregates to the drum. A screen removes potential clumps in the aggregate before it enters the drum. RAP binsRAP is loaded into bins, crushed to size in a single pass, metered out through the bottom onto a conveyor that delivers the aggregates to the drum. The RAP is fed into the drum mixing zone as a means of controlling blue smoke. A screen removes potential clumps in the RAP before it enters the drum. DrumThe drum is a near horizontally oriented cylinder that slowly rotates. Aggregates are fed into the drum and heated by a low NOx emissions burner which dries the aggregates and heats them to the temperature of the liquid asphalt, promoting better adhesion and a more durable blacktop. The drum uses counterflow technology which means the aggregate moves in the opposite direction of the heat from the burner. Aggregate moves through the center of the drum and is heated while the RAP is introduced into an isolated mixing chamber behind the burner. Flights inside the drum keep the RAP flowing along the exterior of the drum where it is subject to less heat. These technologies control odors and blue smoke. Liquid asphalt is metered into the drum in the mixing area before the aggregate/RAP/liquid asphalt mixture is removed from the drum via hot mix conveyor to the hot storage silos and discharge area. Hot Storage Silos/Discharge AreaTrucks pull onto one of the two scales under the silos and discharge area to be loaded. The appropriate mix is dropped via chute into the waiting truck. When full, the truck pulls out, trims, picks up a ticket at the control room, covers the blacktop at the truck rack and leaves the site. Since a drum plant produces one mix at a time, the hot storage silos serve the purpose of holding and discharging multiple mixes and providing surge storage. The use of silos tends to even out the flow of traffic. The silos are heated to keep the blacktop from hardening. BaghouseOne of the most noticeable and largest components of the blacktop plant are the emission control features, including the baghouse. The emissions from the
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drum are collected by a positive reclaim system and fed back in a closed loop to the burner for ignition to prevent blue smoke and odors. The exhaust emissions are fed by enclosed duct to the baghouse. Oversized particles are removed at the entrance to the baghouse and the air is circulated in a circuitous path through the hanging bags. Particulates adhere to and drop from the bags and are collected by a screw conveyor that moves the dust to a collection silo. The collection silo is periodically emptied and stored on site. The baghouse removes approximately 99.94 percent of particulate matter and modern blacktop plants are minor sources of dust. Most of the dust is reincorporated into the blacktop. Control Room The plant is highly automated with the controls located in this room. The plant operator works in this room, sets the plant to produce the desired mixes and prints the ticket for each load Liquid StorageLiquids used in the manufacture of blacktop and maintenance of the plant are stored in the area northwest of the drum. These tanks are located within impermeable secondary containment. Trucks delivering these fluids park on an impermeable concrete pad. LabRoutine labs tests required by specifying agencies are performed in the lab. This testing ensures that high quality blacktop is produced. Spray Bars and Truck RacksAutomated spray bars spray the bed of blacktop trucks to prevent blacktop from sticking. This process is automated and controlled by the plant operator to prevent truck drivers from over application and subsequent leakage. The truck racks after the plant allow truck drivers to trim and cover the blacktop prior to leaving the site. The spray bars are located on an impermeable pad. The locations, sizes and heights of the buildings and necessary structures are shown on the Site Plan Map (Proposed Conditions). The tallest buildings are the fuel and additive storage buildings which will be approximately 18 feet high. The hot storage silos are the tallest structures and will be approximately 66 feet high with necessary appurtenances (e.g. blacktop elevator) that are approximately 84 feet high. The City ordinance applies to buildings and allows necessary structures (such as elevators) to be up to 87.5 feet high.
4.5 Stockpile Area

Aggregate and RAP will be hauled to the site in tri-axle dump trucks (22 ton loads) and trailer dump (34 ton loads) trucks. The aggregates and RAP that make up the bulk of the blacktop will be stored in open piles in the Stockpile Area in the southern part of the property. The Stockpile Area will be bermed along its perimeter and graded to direct stormwater towards the stormwater management area. The floor of the Stockpile Area will be covered with crushed stone. The size and location of the stockpiles will vary over time as materials will be delivered and fed to the plant and different aggregates will be needed for different types of blacktop. In general, it is anticipated that the aggregates will consist of different sizes of crushed stone (e.g. NYSDOT #3, #2, #1, #1A, Screenings, Natural Sand) so its not possible to state how much of each product will be on site at any time. The height of the stockpiles will be approximately 20 feet or less. RAP will also be stored in the Stockpile Area. RAP from milled up roads will be re-used in the blacktop, thereby reducing the need to landfill, reducing the amount of aggregates needed, and reducing the amount of fuel and asphalt needed. Aggregates and RAP will be excavated from the piles by a rubber tired front end loader and fed to the cold feed and RAP bins, respectively.
4.6 Stormwater Management Area

Currently, stormwater drains towards the railroad spur along the east side of the site. Water collects along the railroad spur and infiltrates or overflows the area, entering the existing stormwater system along Riverside Avenue near its intersection with the Port Expressway. The perimeter of the site will be bermed to prevent runon into the site and keep runoff from leaving disturbed areas of the site. Rollover curbs will be placed on the perimeter access road to keep the site drainage internal and prevent runon to the site. Runoff from the Stockpile and Plant Areas will be directed to the Stormwater Management Area (SMA) in the east-center of the site. The runoff will enter a stone-lined ditch along the west and north sides of the SMA. The ditch will empty into a sediment trap which will empty into a detention pond. Water will be treated in this system prior to being discharged into the same stormwater system that currently receives the sites runoff.
4.7 Parking
Approximately six people will be employed at the site. Off-street parking for 15 has been provided: three spots by the lab and 12 spots by the plant.
4.8 Lighting
NYSDOT, the Thruway Authority and other specifying agencies periodically require that roads be paved at night for the convenience of the motoring public. The adjacent power plants operate at night also. Therefore, the site will be equipped with lights for required night time operations. The existing lighting will be kept in place as much as possible. The Stockpile Area will be lit by two of the existing pole mounted lights. The pole in the southern part of the Stockpile Area will be moved a few feet to the southeast to avoid areas frequented by equipment. The cold feed bins and RAP bins will be lit by another of the existing pole mounted lights. The Plant Area will be illuminated by hooded lights mounted on the plant and related structures. The locations of the existing and proposed lights are shown on the Site Plan Map (Proposed Conditions).
4.9 Truck Loading Areas

Trucks will be loaded with blacktop under the hot storage silos, described in Section 4.4 above.
4.10 Equipment Operation

Heavy equipment will be used as needed to operate the site. Rubber tired front end loaders will operate in the Stockpile Area to feed RAP and aggregates to the blacktop plant. A small skid steer will be used to clean up loose debris, mainly in the Plant Area. A small off-road truck will move material around the site on an infrequent basis. An excavator will be used to clean out stormwater features for a few days per year. On road trucks will deliver aggregates (primarily trailer dumps), deliver RAP (a mix of tri-axle dumps and trailer dumps) and pick up blacktop (primarily tri-axle dumps).
4.11 Water Supply

Water service will be obtained by tying into the existing City water lines. The City of Rensselaer Water Department indicated there is sufficient pressure and supply for the limited water use expected at the site.
4.12 Natural Gas

The burner on the drum will be fueled by natural gas, used oil or fuel oil. A gas service exists on the east side of Riverside Avenue. The utility company has been contacted regarding tying into this service. The proposed tie-in is shown on the Site Plan Map (Proposed Conditions).
4.13 Electricity
The remaining fixed equipment at the site will be powered by electricity. Electrical service exists along Riverside Avenue adjacent to the site. The utility company has been contacted regarding tying into this service. The proposed tie-in is shown on the Site Plan Map (Proposed Conditions).
4.14 Sewage
According to Rensselaer County and the City, there is no sewer service near the site. An on-site septic system will be constructed in the northeast part of the site, as shown on the Site Plan Map (Proposed Conditions). The septic leach field will likely be raised bed above the elevation of the 100-year floodplain and designed and built in accordance with the County Department of Health requirements.
4.15 Buffer Zones and Green Space

The site covers approximately 12.4 acres, of which 5.8 acres will be used by the blacktop plant, roads, stockpile area and related features. Another 0.8 acres is covered by the stormwater management area. Approximately 53 percent of the site will remain as green space.
4.16 Landscaping
The site is zoned industrial and is located in the center of the Port of Rensselaer surrounded by heavy industrial uses, including a metal salvage yard, a cogeneration plant, a power plant, large fuel storage facilities and the industrial Port of Albany across the Hudson River. The details of revegetating disturbed areas such as perimeter berms are described in Section 3.1.3 of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
4.17 Signs
The proposed signs for the exterior of the site are shown on the Site Plan Map (Proposed Conditions) and the Detail Sheets. The signs will include: A sign at the entrance to identify the site A Do Not Enter sign at the exit (since the perimeter road is one way) Bicycle crossing signs at the points where the proposed bike path crosses the entrance/perimeter access road A stop sign at the exit Additional signs will be used on site to direct traffic, limit speed, notify truck drivers to cover loads and other purposes for the safe and efficient operation of the site. These signs will be internal to the site.
4.18 Pedestrian Access

No pedestrian access to the site is required or proposed.
5.0 APPROVALS
The following approvals are required to begin construction of the site:
Special Use Permit from the City of Rensselaerthe site is located within the Floodplain Overlay, although the elevation of most of the site is above the 100-year floodplain elevation of approximately 19 to 20 feet. Site Plan Review by the City of Rensselaer Floodplain Development Permit Application by the City of Rensselaer Construction SWPPP for the City of Rensselaeraddresses stormwater and sediment control during the construction of the site NYSDEC Air Registration Rensselaer County Health Department approval of septic systemto be obtained once City site plan approval has been obtained; In addition, the following plans will be required after the above approvals are granted: NYSDEC Multi-Sector General Permit for Industrial Activitiesthis is a general permit that requires submission (30 days prior to beginning operation of the blacktop plant) of a Notice of Intent and preparation of a SWPPP for the post-construction (i.e. blacktop plant) activities at the site. This plan is kept on-site and does not require regulatory review. EPA Spill Prevention and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC)this plan describes the efforts to prevent, control and clean up potential spills at the site. It is required to be prepared and implemented within the first six months of the sites operation and does not require regulatory review. NYSDEC Petroleum Bulk Storage Registrationall bulk storage will be done in accordance with applicable NYSDEC requirements. The Site Plan accounts for required impermeable pads and impermeable secondary containment. The registration will be obtained from NYSDEC once the bulk storage is purchased. The information in this application duplicates the information that would be included in the two above plans.
6.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION

The site is located in the City of Rensselaer Industrial Zoning District and is in the active Port of Albany-Rensselaer. The site is surrounded by existing heavy industrial activities including but not limited to: The Besicorp-Empire Power Generation Plant; The Fulton Cogeneration Associates Power Cogeneration Plant A large-scale scrap-metal crusher and export operation; and Several active petroleum bulk storage and distribution facilities, the closest being the Getty Terminal Facility and Polsinello Fuels (see Location Map on page 2). In addition, the land west of the site (across and on the west side of the Hudson River) is occupied by a variety of heavy industrial activities in the Port of Albany-Rensselaer. This is an ideal location for a blacktop plant. The proposed blacktop plant will assimilate well into the surrounding heavy industrial activities and will not cause any significant contrast to the industrial character of the zoning district. All potential sensitive receptors are separated from this site by intervening heavy industrial activity. The distances between the nearest potential receptors are: Ft. Crailoapproximately 3700 feet north of site Ball Fieldapproximately 3300 feet north of site Educational facilitySUNY facility on US Route 20approximately 2600 feet
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Nearest residential area to the northapproximately 3300 feet Nearest residence in primarily commercial area east of siteapproximately 1400 feet Nearest residential areaapproximately 1800 feet east of site. The potential impacts of the proposed project are described below and in the May 9, 2011 letter to Sarah Crowell in the Appendix.
6.1 Potential Air Impacts

A blacktop plant operated on line power, as proposed, is a minor source of emissions. The proposed plant has been capped out by rule (limiting the amount of emissions) and only requires an air registration from NYSDEC. There are six reported Title V facilities near the site, five in the Port of Rensselaer and one on US Route 20 just north of the site. Title V facilities produce emissions that are each at least 10 times more than the emissions proposed from this site during a busy year. The proposed emissions controls were described above in Section 4.4 and are summarized below. These technologies will control dust and other emissions from the site. Counterflow and internal flight technology in the drum limits the liquid asphalt exposure to the high temperatures needed to dry the aggregate; RAP is fed into the drum mixing chamber behind the burner, limiting the exposure of the asphalt to the high temperatures needed to dry the aggregate; Fumes from the drum are captured and fed via closed duct to the burner where they are burned Captured air is vented through the baghouse which removes approximately 99.94 percent of particulate matter Further, measures are taken to control the moisture of the aggregate and RAP stockpiles (see Stockpile Maintenance Plan in the Appendix). Drier aggregate requires less fuel consumption and produces fewer emissions. Fugitive dust will be controlled via best management practices outlined in the Fugitive Dust Control Plan in the Appendix. The project will not emit 1000 tons per year of carbon dioxide, 3.5 tons per year of nitrous oxide, 1000 tons per year of carbon equivalent of perfluorocarbons, 0.045 tons per year of sulfur hexafluoride, more than 1000 tons per year of carbon dioxide equivalent hydrochlorofluorcarbons, 43 tons per year of methane, 10 tons per year of any one designated hazardous air pollutant (HAP) or 25 tons per year of any combination of HAP, does not have an emission rate or more than 5 pounds per hour, will not produce more than 10 million BTUs per hour and will not use more than 2500 MW hours of electricity per year and will not exceed 50% of any of the two emission thresholds. An air permit registration was submitted to NYSDEC, the recognized authority on air approvals. NYSDEC indicated the air registration is not subject to public review because it is a minor source that requires only an air registration, the lowest form of approval granted by NYSDEC (see chart on following page describing the various levels of air approvals). Blacktop plants have high degrees of emission control and are small sources of emissions. The fact that the proposed plant requires an air registration from NYSDEC is proof that it is not a significant source of air emissions.
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The minor nature of the emissions from this facility combined with the proposed emission control technology and best management practices will ensure that this site will not have a significant impact on air quality and not generate blue smoke or offensive odors.
6.2 Traffic
The potential impact of project-generated traffic is assessed in the Traffic Study and Supplemental Traffic Analysis prepared by Creighton Manning Engineers. These studies were submitted under separate cover and are included in the Appendix.
6.3 Visual
A Visual Impact Assessment was done in accordance with the NYSDEC Visual Policy. This study is in the Appendix. The site is located in an industrially zoned area in the center of the Port of Rensselaer, surrounded by heavy industrial uses. The industrial activities at the site are located as far from Riverside Avenue and the Port Expressway as possible and perimeter berms and large green spaces (approximately 53 percent of the site) are located along the parts of the site most visible from these roads. The visual character of the site will be consistent with the zoning and surrounding land-uses and there are no potential residential receptors near the site. No significant visual impacts will occur.
6.4 Proposed Bike Path

As part of a prior approval of the cogeneration plant, a bike path is proposed to be built along Riverside Avenue and the Port Expressway, ending in an overlook area along the southwest side of the site. The bike path winds through a heavy industrial area and the overlook area will have a tree obscured vista of a portion of the industrial Port of Albany. The bike path will cross the entrance and exit. Striping and signage will be placed at these locations sufficient to alert vehicles and bicyclists. The vegetated perimeter berms between the site and proposed bike path and overlook area will provide screening. However, the proposed site is consistent with the surrounding industrial landuses so there will be no significant impacts to the bike path or overlook area.
6.5 Noise
The area surrounding the site is industrial in nature and potential sensitive receptors are not located proximal to the site. To determine compliance with the noise provisions of the City ordinance and to assess potential impacts to receptors as per the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), the following work was performed: We familiarized ourselves with the nature of the community, and identified potential receptors, existing noise sources and representative ambient monitoring locations We monitored ambient sound levels at the chosen locations on Riverside Avenue, the Port Expressway and the residential area to the east of site (see map on page 2). We familiarized ourselves with the types of equipment that would operate at the site and the general nature of site activities in order to identify potential noise sources. We obtained sound measurements of equipment from other sites and from equipment manufacturers that were representative of the equipment to be used at the site. We modeled the on-site sound levels, calculating the attenuation to the streets, as per the noise provisions of the City ordinance, and to the nearest potential receptors, consistent with the principles of SEQRA.
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SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL NOISE IMPACTS
Receptor Location Riverside Avenue (East) Riverside Avenue (South) Residential Area to East Overlook Area
Sound Level of Trucks 63.0 51.4 37.6 65.5
Sound Level of Stockpile Area 54.8 56.2 45.9 57.3
Sound Level of Plant 63.1 62.5 47.6 51.8
Ambient Sound Level 68.5 67.1 54.6 67.1
New Ambient Sound Level 70.6 68.7 55.5 69.6
Sound Level Increase +2.1 +1.6 +1.3 +2.5
All sound readings in dBA (one-hour Leq)
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The expected sound levels due to on-site activities at the potential receptors to determine the changes in the ambient sound level. These changes in sound levels were compared to applicable standards and mitigation was added as needed. The results of this analysis are shown on the table on the next page. The main noise sources in the area are the two power plants, the metal salvage yard, traffic on the local roads and other industrial activities in the Port of Rensselaer.
6.5.1 Expected Sound Level at Riverside Avenue (East of Site)

The expected sound level of trucks on the perimeter access road, the loader and trucks in the Stockpile Area and the Plant Area at Riverside Avenue is expected to be 63.0 dBA, 54.8 dBA and 63.1 dBA, respectively. The existing ambient sound level at Riverside Avenue was measured to range from 68.5 to 70.2 dBA. Even assuming the lower ambient sound level, the resulting combined sound level would be 70.6 dBA, a change from the current ambient level of 2.1 dBA. Increases of less than three dBA are imperceptible to barely perceptible and well within the normal fluctuation of sound levels in this area. No significant impact will occur.
6.5.2 Expected Sound Level at Riverside Avenue (South of Site)

The expected sound level of trucks on the perimeter access road, the loader and trucks in the Stockpile Area and the Plant Area at Riverside Avenue to the south of the site is expected to be 51.4 dBA, 56.2 dBA and 62.5 dBA, respectively. The existing ambient sound level measured at the Port Expressway ranged from 67.1 to 69.6 dBA. Even assuming the lower ambient sound level, the resulting combined sound level would be 68.7 dBA, a change from the current ambient level of 1.6 dBA. Increases of less than three dBA are imperceptible to barely perceptible and well within the normal fluctuation of sound levels in this area. No significant impact will occur.
6.5.3 Expected Sound Level at Residential Area

The expected sound level of trucks on the perimeter access road, the loader and trucks in the Stockpile Area and the Plant Area at the residential area to the east of the site is expected to be 37.6 dBA, 45.9 dBA and 47.6 dBA, respectively. The existing ambient sound level measured at the residential area ranged from 54.6 to 55.5 dBA. Even assuming the lower ambient sound level, the resulting combined sound level would be 55.9 dBA, a change from the current ambient level of 1.3 dBA. Increases of less than three dBA are imperceptible to barely perceptible and well within the normal fluctuation of sound levels in this area. No significant impact will occur.
6.5.4 Expected Sound Level at Overlook Area

The expected sound level of trucks on the perimeter access road, the loader and trucks in the Stockpile Area and the Plant Area at the proposed overlook area to the southwest of the site is expected to be 65.3 dBA, 57.3 dBA and 51.8 dBA, respectively. The existing ambient sound level was measured at Riverside Avenue was measured to range from 67.1 to 69.6 dBA. Even assuming the lower ambient sound level, the resulting combined sound level would be 69.6 dBA, a change from the current ambient level of 2.5 dBA. Increases of less than three dBA are imperceptible to barely perceptible and well within the normal fluctuation of sound levels in this area. No significant impact will occur.
6.5.5 Recommended Noise Best Management Practices

Although the acoustical analysis above indicated no potential significant changes in the sound levels around the site due to the proposed project, the following best management practices are recommended to keep sound levels low and to address potential impulse sounds: Equipment, including noise control mufflers, should be kept in good repair Speed limits on the site should be 15 miles per hour
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The blacktop plant should be oriented as shown on the Site Plan Map (Proposed Conditions). This location and orientation was chosen because it orients the loudest part of the plant away from potential receptors and keeps the loudest site activities as far from public areas as possible. The proposed entrance/perimeter access road should be paved. A smooth road reduces the sound level of trucks. Loadout from the stockpiles should be from the interior of the piles, thus leaving the bulk of the piles as a sound barrier between the equipment and potential off-site receptors to the maximum extent practicable. The proposed flow through traffic patterns will reduce the need for heavy equipment to back up. However, the loader in the Stockpile Area should be equipped with a white noise back up alarm or a sonar activated alarm that only sounds when it detects an obstacle behind the reversing loader. Truck drivers will be instructed to use jake brakes only in emergency situations. Truck drivers will be instructed to not slam tailgates when they empty a load of RAP or aggregate.
6.5.6 Noise Conclusions

There will be no significant noise impact due to site operation even at the closest public and residential areas. More distant locations will similarly not be impacted.
6.6 Floodplain
The site has been laid out so that no structures are located in the 100-year floodplain. Approximately 1050 cubic yards of fill will be placed in the 100-year floodplain area. The septic system will likely be a raised bed system above the 100-year floodplain level and will be approved by the County Department of Health. The displacement of potential floodwaters by the fill (entrance/perimeter access road and some of the perimeter berms along the eastern side of the site) will result in no significant increase in flood level. No significant impacts will occur.
6.7 Stormwater
Potential impacts to stormwater during operations were an integral part of laying out the site and have been addressed in the Site Plan. These measures include: Perimeter berms will control runon to the site and prevent runoff from the Plant and Stockpile Areas Rollover curbs on the entrance/perimeter access road will keep sediment laden stormwater on-site. The roads will be paved and swept regularly to prevent trackage onto public roads and buildup of sediment Trackage and spillage will be cleaned up promptly Approximately 53 percent of the site will be green space. Disturbed areas outside the Plant and Stockpile Areas will be revegetated. The Plant and Stockpile Areas will drain internally to the Stormwater Management Area for treatment and promotion of infiltration prior to discharge to the existing stormwater system along the Port Expressway. Erosion and sediment control issues during construction are addressed in the Construction SWPPP. Petroleum products are stored in double-lined containers or within impermeable secondary containment. Delivery of these products will occur on an impermeable pad, as shown in the Site Plan. Inspection, spill prevention and spill prevention training will be done in accordance with
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applicable EPA and NYSDEC requirements. Spill clean up kits will be kept on site and the NYSDEC Spill Hotline will be contacted in the event of a reportable spill. Any spills will be cleaned up properly.
6.8 Groundwater
No significant impacts to groundwater or groundwater users will occur due to project implementation. The site is remotely located and surrounded by larger and more intense industrial uses than proposed for this site. There are no groundwater users near the site. Best management practices to protect surface and groundwater are described in the Construction SWPPP. These measures include but are not limited to: Controlling runoff from the site and directing it to the Stormwater Management system for treatment prior to discharge; The septic system will likely be a raised bed system above the 100-year floodplain level and will be approved by the County Department of Health; Storing petroleum products, additives and asphalt in covered buildings and in doubly lined tanks with secondary containment; All petroleum products will be stored in accordance with petroleum bulk storage regulations; Fuel transfer areas will be paved; Equipment parking areas will be paved; and The site will operate under a Multi-Sector General Permit and a Spill Prevention, Countermeasure and Control Plan.
6.9 Plants and Wildlife

The site has been historically used for industrial purposes and was recently used as a construction lay down and parking area during the construction of the nearby power plant. The site is covered by a layer of crushed stone that in turn overlies a layer of older fill. NYSDEC was contacted when this project began and stated that although there are significant species that have been identified in the area that since the site had been previously disturbed there was no potential to impact any species or habitat. No significant habitat exists on the sitethe site is almost exclusively covered by a barren layer of crushed stone (see photos below). No potential impacts to plants and wildlife can occur.
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Photo looking northeasterly showing the general nature of the site. The site has been previously disturbed and is covered by a layer of crusher run.
16
Photo looking southeasterly showing the general nature of the site. The site has been previously disturbed and is covered by a layer of crusher run.
6.10 Cultural Resources

A Phase 1A/1BCultural Resources investigation was performed at the site and is include din the Appendix. This investigation found that most of the native soils had been removed by prior industrial activities over a large portion of the site. The site has been historically used for industrial purposes and was recently used as a construction lay down and parking area during the construction of the nearby power plant. The site is covered by a layer of crushed stone that in turn overlies a layer of older fill. No significant impacts to cultural resources were identified. The potential impacts of the project on existing or potentially eligible historical resources in the surrounding community were investigated in the Visual Study in the Appendix. No significant impacts will occur to historical resources.
6.11 Energy Use

The proposed plant will be powered by electricity supplied by the adjacent utility line. The drum will use natural gas from the adjacent gas service. There is no indication there is insufficient capacity to connect to the adjacent gas and electrical services and no indication this relatively minor user will require construction of a new substation or upgrading of an existing substation. The site is adjacent to a series of transmission lines so the only added infrastructure would be the connection. The electrical lines already extend to the site so this would require minimal work. The project is not well-suited for using on-site renewable energy sources. There is very little free space on-site so it would not be practical to set up a large array of solar panels of a wind turbine. In fact, to do so would be almost as much of a project as building the blacktop plant. There is no
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usable hydroelectric power on site. The project proposes to use the available adjacent gas and electrical services, both of which are widely recognized as clean energy sources. The blacktop plant will be state of the art and more fuel efficient and cleaner than the older plants that are currently serving this market. Construction of this plant will not create additional demand for blacktop but it will reduce overall emissions by reducing the distance traveled by trucks to and from the blacktop plant and by having a cleaner, more fuel efficient plant. Overall, this plant will reduce energy consumption. In addition, this plant will be more capable of fully using recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) in the blacktop. This reduces the need for asphalt, requires less energy to make blacktop and incorporates a potential waste product into a valuable and salable product. Energy will not be significantly impacted by the project.
6.12 Odor and Light

These potential impacts were also addressed earlier in this application. The proposed plant will be state of the art and incorporates technology to prevent odors and blue smoke. A lighting plan was submitted with the application and all lights were hooded and shown only on the site. Further: There are no residences or receptors adjacent to the site that could be impacted by the limited lights to be used at the site; The site is located in the middle of an industrial zoned area surrounded by other more intensive industrial usesthese uses employ lighting to a much greater extent than the proposed blacktop plant; and The site will typically only operate at night when supplying a project mandated (typically NYSDOT) paving job. Nighttime paving is done to reduce impacts to the driving public and benefits everyone. The project will not produce odors and lighting will not be a significant impact.
6.13 Human Health

The presence of a spill remediation on or adjacent to the site or the disposal of solid or hazardous waste on other sites is not relevant to an assessment of the potential impacts of this project. The BASF site is located more than 2000 feet north of the site but construction and operation of a blacktop plant on our property will not affect the remediation done on that property or any other properties. There will be no export of on-site materials from this property. The on-site materials will be graded and used on site. The only known institutional controls limiting the use of the site are: (1) the bike path and overlook which are outside the limits of the project and were purposely avoided by the project; and (2) the easements for utilities which were identified and purposely avoided during the design and layout of the property. The only interaction between easements and the projects will be where the access roads cross such easements and this crossing is not contravened by the easements and will in no way impact the utilities that are the subject of the easements. Human health will not be significantly impacted by the project.
6.14 Community Character

Local fire, EMS and police departments are staffed and equipped to protect industrial installations. The project will place no additional demands on schools.
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The site has been previously disturbed, most recently having been graded and covered by a layer of crusher run to serve as a lay down and parking area for the construction of the adjacent power generating plant. A cultural resources investigation has been performed and no evidence of historical structures has been found on the site to date. The Visual Study assessed potential impacts to all structures within the study area, including historical structures, and no significant impacts were identified. The site is zoned industrial, has been used for industrial purposes in the past and the comprehensive and riverfront revitalization plans both call for its continued industrial use. By definition, projects that comply with the locally adopted planning documents cannot have a significant impact on community character. No potential impacts to the bike path or overlook will occur, as outlined in Section 6.4 above.
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APPENDIX
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM, PART 1
FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM

Purpose: The full EAF is designed to help applicants and agencies determine, in an orderly manner, whether a project or action may be significant. The question of whether an action may be significant is not always easy to answer. Frequently, there are aspects of a project that are subjective or unmeasurable. It is also understood that those who determine significance may have little or no formal knowledge of the environment or may not be technically expert in environmental analysis. In addition, many who have knowledge in one particular area may not be aware of the broader concerns affecting the question of significance. The full EAF is intended to provide a method whereby applicants and agencies can be assured that the determination process has been orderly, comprehensive in nature, yet flexible enough to allow introduction of information to fit a project or action. Full EAF Components: The full EAF is comprised of three parts: Part 1: Provides objective data and information about a given project and its site. By identifying basic project data, it assists a reviewer in the analysis that takes place in Parts 2 and 3.
617.20 Appendix A State Environmental Quality Review
Part 2: Focuses on identifying the range of possible impacts that may occur from a project or action. It provides guidance as to whether an impact is likely to be considered small to moderate or whether it is a potentially-large impact. The form also identifies whether an impact can be mitigated or reduced. Part 3: If any impact in Part 2 is identified as potentially-large, then Part 3 is used to evaluate whether or not the impact is actually important.
THIS AREA FOR LEAD AGENCY USE ONLY
DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE -- Type 1 and Unlisted Actions

Identify the Portions of EAF completed for this project: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Upon review of the information recorded on this EAF (Parts 1 and 2 and 3 if appropriate), and any other supporting information, and considering both the magnitude and importance of each impact, it is reasonably determined by the lead agency that: A. The project will not result in any large and important impact(s) and, therefore, is one which will not have a significant impact on the environment, therefore a negative declaration will be prepared. Although the project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect for this Unlisted Action because the mitigation measures described in PART 3 have been required, therefore a CONDITIONED negative declaration will be prepared.* The project may result in one or more large and important impacts that may have a significant impact on the environment, therefore a positive declaration will be prepared.
B.
C.
*A Conditioned Negative Declaration is only valid for Unlisted Actions
Name of Action
Name of Lead Agency
Print or Type Name of Responsible Officer in Lead Agency
Title of Responsible Officer
Signature of Responsible Officer in Lead Agency
Signature of Preparer (If different from responsible officer)
Date
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PART 1--PROJECT INFORMATION

Prepared by Project Sponsor
NOTICE: This document is designed to assist in determining whether the action proposed may have a significant effect on the environment. Please complete the entire form, Parts A through E. Answers to these questions will be considered as part of the application for approval and may be subject to further verification and public review. Provide any additional information you believe will be needed to complete Parts 2 and 3. It is expected that completion of the full EAF will be dependent on information currently available and will not involve new studies, research or investigation. If information requiring such additional work is unavailable, so indicate and specify each instance. Name of Action New Castle Asphalt, LLC--Proposed Blacktop Plant
Location of Action (include Street Address, Municipality and County)
Riverside Drive, Port of Rensselaer, City of Rensselaer, Rensselaer County, New York
Name of Applicant/Sponsor New Castle Asphalt, LLC Address 118 Button Road City / PO Waterford Business Telephone (518) 432-4470 State NY Zip Code 12188
Name of Owner (if different) Albany-Rensselaer Port District Commission Address 106 Smith Boulevard City / PO Albany Business Telephone (518) 463-8763 State NY Zip Code 12202
Description of Action:
Construction and operation of a 400 ton per hour capacity drum mix blacktop plant on an industrially zoned parcel approximately 12 acres in size.
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Please Complete Each Question--Indicate N.A. if not applicable A. SITE DESCRIPTION

Physical setting of overall project, both developed and undeveloped areas. 1. Present Land Use: Urban Forest Industrial Agriculture Commercial Residential (suburban) Rural (non-farm)
Other Former staging area for power plant construction
2.
Total acreage of project area: APPROXIMATE ACREAGE
12 acres.
PRESENTLY AFTER COMPLETION
Meadow or Brushland (Non-agricultural) Forested Agricultural (Includes orchards, cropland, pasture, etc.) Wetland (Freshwater or tidal as per Articles 24,25 of ECL) Water Surface Area Unvegetated (Rock, earth or fill) Roads, buildings and other paved surfaces Other (Indicate type)
6 acres
0.5 acres
0 acres
5 acres
0.5 acres
0 acres
0 acres
0 acres
0.5 acres
0.5 acres
5 acres 0 acres
acres
5 acres 1 acres
acres
3.
What is predominant soil type(s) on project site? Udorthents (sandy), part of site covered by crusher run a. Soil drainage: Well drained Poorly drained b.
100 % of site
% of site
Moderately well drained
% of site.
If any agricultural land is involved, how many acres of soil are classified within soil group 1 through 4 of the NYS Land N/A acres (see 1 NYCRR 370). Classification System? Yes
s
4.
Are there bedrock outcroppings on project site? a. What is depth to bedrock
No
>100' (in feet)
5.
Approximate percentage of proposed project site with slopes: 0-10%
95 %
10- 15%
0%
15% or greater
5 %
6. 7. 8. 9.
Is project substantially contiguous to, or contain a building, site, or district, listed on the State or National Registers of s No Historic Places? Yes Is project substantially contiguous to a site listed on the Register of National Natural Landmarks? What is the depth of the water table? Yes
s
No
12-17' (in feet)

Yes
s
Is site located over a primary, principal, or sole source aquifer?
No Yes
s
10. Do hunting, fishing or shell fishing opportunities presently exist in the project area?
No
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11. Does project site contain any species of plant or animal life that is identified as threatened or endangered? According to:
Yes
No
Site previously disturbed

Identify each species:
N/A
12. Are there any unique or unusual land forms on the project site? (i.e., cliffs, dunes, other geological formations? Yes Describe:
s
No
N/A
13. Is the project site presently used by the community or neighborhood as an open space or recreation area? Yes If yes, explain:
s
No
N/A
14. Does the present site include scenic views known to be important to the community?
Yes
No
N/A
15. Streams within or contiguous to project area:
Hudson River is the western boundary of the property

a. Name of Stream and name of River to which it is tributary
N/A
16.
Lakes, ponds, wetland areas within or contiguous to project area:
None
b.
Size (in acres):
N/A
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17. Is the site served by existing public utilities? a. b.
s Yes
No
s
If YES, does sufficient capacity exist to allow connection? If YES, will improvements be necessary to allow connection?
Yes
No Yes
s No
18. Is the site located in an agricultural district certified pursuant to Agriculture and Markets Law, Article 25-AA, Section 303 and s No 304? Yes 19. Is the site located in or substantially contiguous to a Critical Environmental Area designated pursuant to Article 8 of the ECL, Yes s No and 6 NYCRR 617?
20. Has the site ever been used for the disposal of solid or hazardous wastes? B. 1. Project Description Physical dimensions and scale of project (fill in dimensions as appropriate). a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. Total contiguous acreage owned or controlled by project sponsor: Project acreage to be developed: Project acreage to remain undeveloped: Length of project, in miles:
Yes
No
12 acres. 6 acres ultimately.
6 acres initially; 6
acres.
N/A (if appropriate) N/A % N/A
If the project is an expansion, indicate percent of expansion proposed. Number of off-street parking spaces existing Maximum vehicular trips generated per hour: If residential: Number and type of housing units: One Family Initially Ultimately Two Family
N/A ;
proposed
Varies (upon completion of project)?
Multiple Family
Condominium
N/A N/A N/A height; N/A width; N/A ft.

0 tons/cubic yards.
i. Dimensions (in feet) of largest proposed structure:
N/A length.
j. Linear feet of frontage along a public thoroughfare project will occupy is? 2. 3. How much natural material (i.e. rock, earth, etc.) will be removed from the site? Will disturbed areas be reclaimed a. Yes
s No
N/A
If yes, for what intended purpose is the site being reclaimed?
N/A
b. c. 4.
Will topsoil be stockpiled for reclamation? Will upper subsoil be stockpiled for reclamation?
Yes Yes
s No s
No
How many acres of vegetation (trees, shrubs, ground covers) will be removed from site?
1ac grass acres.
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5.
Will any mature forest (over 100 years old) or other locally-important vegetation be removed by this project? Yes
s
No
6. 7.
If single phase project: Anticipated period of construction: If multi-phased: a. b. c. d. Total number of phases anticipated
2 months, (including demolition)
N/A (number) N/A month N/A N/A month

Yes year, (including demolition) N/A year. N/A No
Anticipated date of commencement phase 1: Approximate completion date of final phase:
Is phase 1 functionally dependent on subsequent phases? Yes

s
8. 9.
Will blasting occur during construction? Number of jobs generated: during construction
No
10 ; after project is complete

. Yes
s
10. Number of jobs eliminated by this project
11. Will project require relocation of any projects or facilities? If yes, explain:
No
N/A
12. Is surface liquid waste disposal involved? a. b.
Yes
No
If yes, indicate type of waste (sewage, industrial, etc) and amount N/A Name of water body into which effluent will be discharged N/A Yes
s
13. Is subsurface liquid waste disposal involved?
No
Type N/A Yes s No
14. Will surface area of an existing water body increase or decrease by proposal? If yes, explain:
N/A
15. Is project or any portion of project located in a 100 year flood plain? 16. Will the project generate solid waste? a. b. c. d. If yes, what is the amount per month? Yes
s
Yes
No
No
N/A tons
Yes
s
If yes, will an existing solid waste facility be used? If yes, give name N/A
No
; location N/A Yes

s
Will any wastes not go into a sewage disposal system or into a sanitary landfill?
No
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e.
If yes, explain:
N/A
17. Will the project involve the disposal of solid waste? a. b. If yes, what is the anticipated rate of disposal? If yes, what is the anticipated site life?
Yes
s No
N/A tons/month.
N/A years.
Yes
s No
18. Will project use herbicides or pesticides?
19. Will project routinely produce odors (more than one hour per day)?
Yes s No Yes s No
20. Will project produce operating noise exceeding the local ambient noise levels? 21. Will project result in an increase in energy use? If yes, indicate type(s) Yes
s
No
Energy use will be reduced by providing a local source of blacktop, reducing the distance this material needs to be hauled to the job site.
22. If water supply is from wells, indicate pumping capacity 23. Total anticipated water usage per day
N/A gallons/minute.
0 gallons/day.
Yes
s
24. Does project involve Local, State or Federal funding? If yes, explain:
No
N/A
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25. Approvals Required:
Type
Submittal Date
City, Town, Village Board
Yes
No
Site Plan Review/SUP

City, Town, Village Planning Board
s
2/11
Yes
No
City, Town Zoning Board
Yes
No
City, County Health Department
Yes
No
Other Local Agencies
Yes
No
Other Regional Agencies
Yes
No
State Agencies
Yes
No
DEC Air Permit

DEC Stormwater MSGP
2/11
N/A
Federal Agencies
Yes
No
C. Zoning and Planning Information 1. Does proposed action involve a planning or zoning decision? If Yes, indicate decision required: Zoning amendment
s
s
Yes
No
Zoning variance
s
New/revision of master plan Resource management plan
Subdivision Other
Site plan
Special use permit
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2.
What is the zoning classification(s) of the site?
Industrial
3.
What is the maximum potential development of the site if developed as permitted by the present zoning?
Heavy industrial
4.
What is the proposed zoning of the site?
N/A
5.
What is the maximum potential development of the site if developed as permitted by the proposed zoning?
N/A
6.
Is the proposed action consistent with the recommended uses in adopted local land use plans?
Yes
No
N/A
7. What are the predominant land use(s) and zoning classifications within a mile radius of proposed action?
Industrial, power plant, cogeneration plant, metal salvage yard, fuel storage and distribution
8. 9.
Is the proposed action compatible with adjoining/surrounding land uses with a mile? If the proposed action is the subdivision of land, how many lots are proposed? a. What is the minimum lot size proposed?
Yes
No
N/A
N/A
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10. Will proposed action require any authorization(s) for the formation of sewer or water districts?
Yes
No
11. Will the proposed action create a demand for any community provided services (recreation, education, police, fire protection? Yes
s
No
a.
If yes, is existing capacity sufficient to handle projected demand?
Yes
No
The existing community services can readily handle the minimal demands of this project
12. Will the proposed action result in the generation of traffic significantly above present levels? a. If yes, is the existing road network adequate to handle the additional traffic. Yes
Yes s No No
All traffic will use the Stewart Port Expressway which is specifically intended for truck traffic from the Port of Rensselaer.
D. Informational Details Attach any additional information as may be needed to clarify your project. If there are or may be any adverse impacts associated with your proposal, please discuss such impacts and the measures which you propose to mitigate or avoid them. E. Verification I certify that the information provided above is true to the best of my knowledge. Applicant/Sponsor Name New Castle Asphalt, LLC Date
2/3/11
Signature
Title
Principal Geologist, Consultant representing applicant
If the action is in the Coastal Area, and you are a state agency, complete the Coastal Assessment Form before proceeding with this assessment.
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VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT DATED MAY 2011 NOTE: ALL OVERSIZED DRAWINGS ARE IN SEPARATE FILE
Griggs-Lang Consulting Geologists, Inc. 8 Brunswick Road Troy, New York 12180 Phone: (518) 270-5920 Fax: (518) 270-5922
NEW CASTLE ASPHALT, LLC

Rensselaer (Riverside Avenue) Plant Port of Rensselaer, City of Rensselaer, Rensselaer County, New York
APPLICATION FOR CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF BLACKTOP PLANT: VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Date: May 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................... 1 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................................... 1 2.1 Location ................................................................................................................................ 1 2.2 Existing Conditions............................................................................................................... 1 2.3 Proposed Operations ............................................................................................................. 2 2.3.1 Proposed Access and Traffic Flow ................................................................................ 2 2.3.2 Access Control............................................................................................................... 3 2.3.3 Truck Routes.................................................................................................................. 3 2.3.4 Blacktop Plant Components and Layout ....................................................................... 3 2.3.5 Stockpile Area ............................................................................................................... 4 2.3.6 Stormwater Management Area ...................................................................................... 5 2.3.7 Parking........................................................................................................................... 5 2.3.8 Lighting.......................................................................................................................... 5 2.3.9 Truck Loading Areas ..................................................................................................... 5 2.3.10 Equipment Operation................................................................................................... 5 3.0 METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................................... 5 3.1 Literature Review.................................................................................................................. 6 3.2 Initial Assessment of Viewshed ............................................................................................ 6 3.3 Development of Computerized Model and Viewshed Analysis ........................................... 6 3.4 Balloon Test and Field Reconnaissance................................................................................ 6 3.5 Line of Sight Sections ........................................................................................................... 6 4.0 STUDY AREA.......................................................................................................................... 7 5.0 POTENTIAL RECEPTORS ..................................................................................................... 7 5.1 Inventory of Aesthetic Resources ......................................................................................... 7 5.1.1 Literature and Website Research ................................................................................... 8 6.0 ANALYSIS AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT ........................................................................... 8 6.1 Impact Assessment................................................................................................................ 8 6.1.1 Proposed City Boat Launch (Comprehensive Plan) ...................................................... 9 6.1.2 Water Filtration Plant on Riverside Avenue................................................................ 10 6.1.3 Fort Crailo Park ........................................................................................................... 11 6.1.4 Sidewalk in Front of Fort Crailo.................................................................................. 12 6.1.5 Front Yard of 383 Route 9J ......................................................................................... 13 6.1.6 Stilsing Electric on Route 9J........................................................................................ 14 6.1.7 Near Riverview Terrace, Rensselaer ........................................................................... 15 6.1.8 53 Hillview Avenue, Rensselaer.................................................................................. 16 6.1.9 42 Ridge Road, Rensselaer .......................................................................................... 18 6.1.10 SUNY Albany East, Rensselaer................................................................................. 19 6.1.11 3rd and Catherine Streets, Rensselaer......................................................................... 20 6.1.12 Overlook on Empire State Plaza ................................................................................ 21 6.1.13 22 Liebel Street, Albany ............................................................................................ 22 6.1.14 Albany Community Charter School, Leonard Street ................................................. 23 6.1.15 Nutgrove Apartments, Albany................................................................................... 24 6.1.16 Kenwood Convent, Albany........................................................................................ 25 6.1.17 Island Creek Park, Albany ......................................................................................... 26 Appendix Visual Base Map dated April 22, 2011 Line of Sight Sections dated April 22, 2011 (two sheets)
New Castle Asphalt, LLC Rensselaer Plant: Visual Impact Assessment, May 2011
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The following Visual Impact Assessment is for the proposed construction and operation of a blacktop mixing plant by New Castle Asphalt LLC in the Port of Rensselaer. This Visual Study supplements the initial application to the City of Rensselaer Planning Commission. This report assesses the potential visual impacts of the proposed blacktop plant by: Identifying national, statewide and local aesthetic resources potentially within the viewshed of the project area; Determining the potential visual impact of the project at identified aesthetic resources and receptor locations; and Proposing mitigation measures as needed to mitigate any potential visual impacts to the maximum extent practicable. The Visual Impact Assessment was prepared in accordance with and uses standard assessment methodologies as described in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Visual Policy. 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2.1 Location The site is located on the west and north side of Riverside Drive, just northwest of the western end of the Irwin Stewart Port Expressway. The location and surrounding area is shown on the Visual Base Map in the Appendix.
2.2 Existing Conditions

The site is accessed from U.S. Route 20 via the Port Expressway. The site is located in the City of Rensselaer Industrial Zoning District and is in the active Port of Rensselaer. The site is surrounded by existing heavy industrial activities including but not limited to: The Besicorp-Empire Power Generation Plant (to the northeast and east); The Fulton Cogeneration Associates Power Cogeneration Plant (to the north) A large-scale scrap-metal crusher and export operation (to the northwest); and Several active petroleum bulk storage and distribution facilities (to the south), the closest being the Getty Terminal Facility (see map on page 2) and Polsinello Fuels. In addition, the land west of the site (across and on the west side of the Hudson River) is occupied by a variety of heavy industrial activities in the Port of Albany. The site is well suited for the proposed project. The proposed 400 ton per hour blacktop mixing plant will assimilate well into the surrounding heavy industrial activities and will not cause any significant contrast to the industrial character of the zoning district. All potentially sensitive receptors are separated from this site by intervening heavy industrial activity. The distances between the nearest potential receptors are: Ft. Crailoapproximately 3700 feet north of site Ball Fieldapproximately 3300 feet north of site Educational facilitySUNY facility on US Route 20approximately 2600 feet Nearest residential area to the northapproximately 3300 feet Nearest residence in primarily commercial area east of siteapproximately 1400 feet Nearest residential areaapproximately 1800 feet east of site.
The intended use of the site is industrial, which is consistent with the Citys Comprehensive Plan and Waterfront Revitalization Plan. The Site Plan Map (Existing Conditions) attached to the Site Plan Application shows the existing conditions of the site. In general, the site grades gently from an approximate high elevation of 26 feet above mean sea level at the top of the bank along the Hudson River down to an elevation of approximately 18 feet along an active railroad spur on the east side of the property. The easternmost part of the side grades up slightly (elevation 19 feet) towards Riverside Avenue. The property narrows in its southwest portion near the 90 degree turn in Riverside Avenue. This part of the property grades to the steep bank of the Hudson River. The site was formerly used as a lay down and parking area for the construction of the adjacent plant. Most of the proposed site is covered by a layer of crushed stone. A secondary growth of mixed trees and brush covers the western and northern perimeters of the property. The remainder of the site is covered by open grasslands. A single line railroad spur exists along the northeast and eastern parts of the property. This spur is not proposed to be used by the applicant but is used by the adjacent metal salvage operation.
2.3 Proposed Operations

2.3.1 Proposed Access and Traffic Flow All vehicles will access the site via the proposed entrance from Riverside Avenue on the southeast part of the site. This proposed entrance is at the location of an existing access point. All vehicles will travel north on the entrance road along the east side of the site. Trucks delivering recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) and aggregates will turn left into the Stockpile Area, deposit their materials at the appropriate stockpile, travel west across the Stockpile Area to the perimeter access road, turn left (south) and depart the site. Employees, liquid asphalt and delivery trucks and trucks picking up blacktop will proceed north along the entrance road along the east side of the site to the Plant Area. Employees will park in the two parking areas near the plant or the lab and depart via the perimeter access road along the west side of the site. Liquid asphalt and delivery trucks will use the road that bypasses the blacktop plant, take a left turn just north of the plant, deliver their materials to the bulk storage area from the concrete pad, proceed southwest to the perimeter access road, turn left (south) and depart the site via Riverside Avenue. Trucks picking up blacktop will proceed north along the entrance road along the east side of the site, turn left into the Plant Area, wait until signaled to pull under the plant discharge and hot silos, receive their load of blacktop, pull out from beneath the plant heading north, turn left (west) onto the perimeter access road, go around the north side of the lab and proceed south to the site exit onto Riverside Avenue. Overall, the flow of traffic on the entrance road/perimeter access road will be one-way in a counter-clockwise direction. Two rollover curbs will be placed in the entrance/perimeter access road to contain stormwater on site. The rollover curb is a surface water divide in the road that on one side directs stormwater back towards the interior of the site and on the other side keeps stormwater from entering the site. The entrance/perimeter access road will be paved.
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2.3.2 Access Control Access to the site will be controlled by perimeter berms and the gates on the entrance road/perimeter access road, as shown on the Site Plan Map (Proposed Conditions). The gates typical construction is shown on the Details Sheets in the Site Plan Application. 2.3.3 Truck Routes Employee vehicles and most delivery trucks will travel south and west on Riverside Avenue to the Port Expressway to access the site. The nearest liquid asphalt distributor is Gorman Brothers, located further south of the site in the Port of Rensselaer, so it is expected that liquid asphalt deliveries will come via Riverside Avenue from the south. Trucks leaving the Port of Rensselaer from this site will use NYS Route 9J and US Route 20. The potential impact of project generated traffic is assessed in the Traffic Study prepared by Creighton Manning Engineers. No significant impact is expected since the trucks will use designated truck routes designed to carry truck traffic before exiting onto state or federal highways intended for truck traffic. 2.3.4 Blacktop Plant Components and Layout The proposed blacktop plant will be a drum mix plant. Drum mix plants produce one type of blacktop at a time in a continuous feed as compared to batch plants that can make a different batch of blacktop for each batch. Drum mix plants are becoming more common than batch plants because they are more efficient, employ superior emission control technology and produce a generally more uniform and higher quality product. The blacktop plant consists of various components, all necessary for its efficient operation. These components are: Cold feed binsAggregates at ambient temperatures (hence the term cold) are loaded into these bins, metered out through the bottom onto a conveyor that delivers the aggregates to the drum. A screen removes potential clumps in the aggregate before it enters the drum. RAP binsRAP is loaded into bins, crushed to size in a single pass, metered out through the bottom onto a conveyor that delivers the aggregates to the drum. The RAP is fed into the drum mixing zone as a means of controlling blue smoke. A screen removes potential clumps in the RAP before it enters the drum. DrumThe drum is a near horizontally oriented cylinder that slowly rotates. Aggregates are fed into the drum and heated by a low NOx emissions burner which dries the aggregates and heats them to the temperature of the liquid asphalt, promoting better adhesion and a more durable blacktop. The drum uses counterflow technology which means the aggregate moves in the opposite direction of the heat from the burner. Aggregate moves through the center of the drum and is heated while the RAP is introduced into an isolated mixing chamber behind the burner. Flights inside the drum keep the RAP flowing along the exterior of the drum where it is subject to less heat. These technologies eliminate odors and blue smoke. Liquid asphalt is metered into the drum in the mixing area before the aggregate/RAP/liquid asphalt mixture is removed from the drum via hot mix conveyor to the hot storage silos and discharge area. Hot Storage Silos/Discharge AreaTrucks pull onto one of the two scales under the silos and discharge area to be loaded. The appropriate mix is dropped via chute into the waiting truck. When full, the truck pulls out, trims, picks up a ticket at the control room, covers the blacktop at the truck rack and leaves the site. Since a drum plant produces one mix at a time, the hot storage silos serve the purpose of holding
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and discharging multiple mixes and providing surge storage. The use of silos tends to even out the flow of traffic. The silos are heated to keep the blacktop from hardening. BaghouseOne of the most noticeable and largest components of the blacktop plant are the emission control features, including the baghouse. The emissions from the drum are collected by a positive reclaim system and fed back in a closed loop to the burner for ignition to prevent blue smoke and odors. The exhaust emissions are fed by enclosed duct to the baghouse. Oversized particles are removed at the entrance to the baghouse and the air is circulated in a circuitous path through the hanging bags. Particulates adhere to and drop from the bags and are collected by a screw conveyor that moves the dust to a collection silo. The collection silo is periodically emptied and stored on site. The baghouse removes approximately 99.94 percent of particulate matter and modern blacktop plants are minor sources of dust. Essentially all of the dust is re-incorporated into the blacktop. Control Room The plant is highly automated with the controls located in this room. The plant operator works in this room, sets the plant to produce the desired mixes and prints the ticket for each load Liquid StorageLiquids used in the manufacture of blacktop and maintenance of the plant are stored in tanks in the area northwest of the drum. These tanks are located within impermeable secondary containment. Trucks delivering these fluids park on an impermeable concrete pad. LabRoutine labs tests required by specifying agencies are performed in the lab. This testing ensures that high quality blacktop is produced. Spray Bars and Truck RacksAutomated spray bars spray the bed of blacktop trucks to prevent blacktop from sticking. This process is automated and controlled by the plant operator to prevent truck drivers from over application and subsequent leakage. The truck racks after the plant allow truck drivers to trim and cover the blacktop prior to leaving the site. The location, size and height of these structures is shown on the Site Plan Map (Proposed Conditions) in the Site Plan Application. 2.3.5 Stockpile Area Aggregate and RAP will be hauled to the site in tri-axle dump trucks (22 ton loads) and trailer dump trucks (34 ton loads). The aggregates and RAP that make up the bulk of the blacktop will be stored in open piles in the Stockpile Area in the southern part of the property. The Stockpile Area will be bermed along its perimeter and graded to direct stormwater towards the stormwater management area. The floor of the Stockpile Area will be covered with crushed stone. The size and location of the stockpiles will vary over time as materials will be delivered and fed to the plant and different aggregates will be needed for different types of blacktop. In general, it is anticipated that the aggregates will consist of different sizes of crushed stone (e.g. NYSDOT #3, #2, #1, #1A, Screenings, Natural Sand) so its not possible to state how much of each product will be on site at any time. The height of the stockpiles will be approximately 20 feet or less. RAP will also be stored in the Stockpile Area. RAP from milled up roads will be re-used in the blacktop, thereby reducing the need to landfill, reducing the amount of aggregates needed, and reducing the amount of fuel and asphalt needed. Aggregates and RAP will be excavated from the piles by a rubber tired front end loader and fed to the cold feed and RAP bins, respectively.
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2.3.6 Stormwater Management Area Currently, stormwater drains towards the railroad spur along the east side of the site. Water collects along the railroad spur and infiltrates or overflows the area, entering the existing stormwater system along Riverside Avenue and the Port Expressway. The perimeter of the site will be bermed to prevent runon into the site and keep runoff from leaving disturbed areas of the site. Rollover curbs will be placed on the perimeter access road to keep the site drainage internal and prevent runon to the site. Runoff from the Stockpile and Plant Areas will be directed to the Stormwater Management Area (SMA) in the east-center of the site. The runoff will enter a stone-lined ditch along the west and north sides of the SMA. The ditch will empty into a sediment trap which will empty into a detention pond. Water will be treated in this system prior to being discharged into the same stormwater system that currently receives the sites runoff. 2.3.7 Parking Approximately six people will be employed at the site. Off-street parking for 15 has been provided: three spots by the lab and 12 spots by the plant. 2.3.8 Lighting NYSDOT, the Thruway Authority and other specifying agencies periodically require that roads be paved at night for the convenience of the motoring public. The adjacent power plants operate at night also. Therefore, the site will be equipped with lights for required night time operations. The existing lighting will be kept in place as much as possible. The Stockpile Area will be lit by two of the existing pole mounted lights. The pole in the southern part of the Stockpile Area will be moved a few feet to the southeast to avoid areas frequented by equipment. The cold feed bins and RAP bins will be lit by another of the existing pole mounted lights. The Plant Area will be illuminated by hooded lights mounted on the plant and related structures. The locations of the existing and proposed lights are shown on the Site Plan Map (Proposed Conditions) in the Site Plan Application. 2.3.9 Truck Loading Areas Trucks will be loaded with blacktop under the hot storage silos, described in Section 2.3.4 above. 2.3.10 Equipment Operation Heavy equipment will be used as needed to operate the site. Rubber tired front end loaders will operate in the Stockpile Area to feed RAP and aggregates to the blacktop plant. A small skid steer will be used to clean up loose debris, mainly in the Plant Area. A small off-road truck will move material around the site on an infrequent basis. An excavator will be used to clean out stormwater features for a few days per year. On road trucks will deliver aggregates (primarily trailer dumps), deliver RAP (a mix of tri-axle dumps and trailer dumps) and pick up blacktop (primarily tri-axle dumps).
3.0 METHODOLOGY
This Visual Impact Assessment was prepared using review of published literature, initial topographic map and aerial photo assessment, development of a computerized three dimensional model and viewshed analyses, aerial photo assessment to determine the locations of wooded area, line of sight sectional analyses and field verification of the computer modeling and line of sight
sectional analyses. This methodology assesses all structures and potential receptors within a 2.5mile radius of the site.
3.1 Literature Review

Published literature and authoritative websites were reviewed to identify potential aesthetic resources of statewide and local significance within the study area, in accordance with the NYSDEC Visual Policy. All identified resources within the study area were considered during this impact assessment.
3.2 Initial Assessment of Viewshed

The site layout and regional topography was preliminarily assessed using site specific maps, topographic quadrangle maps and aerial photos of the study area. This initial analysis indicated that due to the location, topography and orientation of the proposed site, the site would have a very limited viewshed, particularly to the east and west of the site.
3.3 Development of Computerized Model and Viewshed Analysis

A computerized three dimensional topographic model of the study area was created using the digital elevation models for the Troy South, East Greenbush, Albany and Delmar 7.5 minute quadrangles. Due to the relatively flat-lying topography in the Hudson River Valley and the large number of buildings in the potential viewshed area, this topographic model was not useful. Modeling the height and shape of the numerous buildings in the Cities of Rensselaer and Albany was an enormous undertaking so more reliance was placed on the field reconnaissance.
3.4 Balloon Test and Field Reconnaissance

Two large red weather balloons were placed at the location of hot storage silos, the highest structures of the proposed blacktop plant. The upper balloon was placed at the same height as the silos; the lower balloon was flown at a height approximately five to eight feet below the upper balloon to provide a larger target and to allow for a better determination of the amount of the silos that might be potentially visible. All roads within a 2.5 mile radius of the site were driven and walked out on April 22, 2011 to determine the locations from which the balloons and silos would be potentially visible. This field reconnaissance was done during leaf-off conditions and, thus, represents a worst-case assessment. The location of and direction to the site was verified by map orientation and instrument measurement of bearings. Binoculars were used to confirm the potential visibility of the site as needed, especially from more distant locations. Locations having any view of the site were noted and the degree and nature of the potential visibility was assessed and noted.
3.5 Line of Sight Sections

Line of Sight Sections (see Appendix) were drawn from all potentially sensitive receptors in the study area that were identified during the field reconnaissance as having potential views of any part of the site. Intervening wooded areas were added to the sections based on review of the 2007 aerial photos with two foot resolution. The height of the trees in the wooded areas was assumed to be 40 feet1. Trees that will be removed during construction were not used in the assessment. The sections show the distinction between vegetation that will remain and on-site vegetation that will ultimately be removed. Lines of sight were drawn from the receptor, assuming an eye height of six feet above the ground (or walkway in the case of the Empire State Plaza), looking towards
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This is conservative since no wooded areas were found to be less than 40 feet high and the average height of wooded areas was found to be 60 feet during the field verification 6
the site. Intervening topography and wooded areas were identified and the potential visibility assessed. The following were field verified during leaf off conditions for accuracy: The presence of potential receptors within the potential viewshed The location, height and effectiveness of an intervening wooded buffer The assessment of potential visibility A 300-foot thickness of leafless deciduous trees was considered a total visual screen, as per standard practice. Lesser thicknesses of deciduous trees (when leafless) are considered partial screens. Coniferous trees generally provide a more effective screen.
4.0 STUDY AREA

A composite 2.5-mile radius study area was evaluated to determine the potential visual impacts associated with the project. This radius is roughly double the distance typically required by the NYS OPRHP. Even at this distance, the silos would be difficult to distinguish even with binoculars. The study area distance was determined by taking into account the following factors: Overall scope of the project; The nature of the surrounding, largely industrial area; Changes in topography of construction; The scale of the project relative to the distances to potential receptors; Relation of site to surrounding topography; and Proposed structures, including the blacktop plant. At distances beyond 2.5 miles atmospheric conditions render most detail indiscernible to the casual observer and the site is barely discernible even with binoculars. The extent of the study area is shown on the enclosed Visual Base Map.
5.0 POTENTIAL RECEPTORS 5.1 Inventory of Aesthetic Resources

The following aesthetic resources were inventoried in accordance with the NYSDEC Visual Policy: Properties on or eligible for inclusion in the National or State Register of Historic Places State Parks Urban Cultural Parks The State Forest Preserves National Wildlife Refuges, State Game Refuges and State Wildlife Management Areas National Natural Landmarks The National Park System, Recreation Areas, Seashores and Forests Rivers designated as National or State Wild, Scenic or Recreational A site, area, lake, reservoir or highway designated or eligible for designation as scenic Scenic Areas of Statewide Significance A State or Federally designated trail, or one proposed for designation Adirondack Park Scenic Vistas State Nature and Historic Preserve Areas Palisades Park Bond Act Properties purchased under Exceptional Scenic Beauty or Open Space category
5.1.1 Literature and Website Research Literature and authoritative websites were reviewed to identify all potential aesthetic resources of statewide and local significance within the study area. Sources of information included but were not limited to: The New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservations SPHINX System The National Register of Historic Places The New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservations Regional Map of State Parks Cornell University Geospatial Information Repository NYSDEC State Recreation Lands interactive navigator National Wildlife Refuge System Map NYSDEC list of New York State Wildlife Management Areas National Park Service Map of National Natural Landmarks in New York State National Park Service Map of the National Park System areas in New York State NYSDEC Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers Program The New York State Department of Transportation Scenic Byways Map The City of Albany Comprehensive Plan The City of Rensselaer Comprehensive Plan The locations of these and all other potential sensitive receptors were evaluated during this assessment.
6.0 ANALYSIS AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT

The following criteria were used to analyze the potential for visual impact: DistanceThe potential for visual impact decreases as the distance between the resource and the project increases. Three main components of visual analysis (texture, lines and color) are perceived differently at varying distances due to atmospheric effects The following range of views were considered in the impact assessment: o Foreground (0-1 mile). In the foreground, textures, lines and color are readily discernible. Close up features make up a greater portion of the overall view at any one location and typically have greater impacts than from more distant views. o Middle Ground (1-2 miles). In the middle ground, textures tend to be poorly discernible but lines and color are fairly discernible. o Background (2-5 miles). In the background, weather conditions can significantly affect the visibility, texture is not discernible, lines tend to fade and colors are muted. Distant features make up a smaller portion of the overall view at any one location and typically have less impact than from more distant views. Nature of the Resource and Circumstance of the View--The nature and value of the resource is taken into account during the impact assessment. For example, the potential visual impact to a national landmark is given greater weight than a residence or a nonscenic road with the same potential view of the project. Size and Duration of ViewThe size and duration of the project that would be visible from each resource was considered in the impact assessment. All aspects of the project were considered.
6.1 Impact Assessment

The potential visual impact of the proposed blacktop plant is assessed below for each location with potential views of the site. All photos were taken from the most visible representative
vantage point using a 50 mm focal length that best reproduces what a human eye discerns. 6.1.1 Proposed City Boat Launch (Comprehensive Plan)
Photo 1 (Proposed City Boat Launch, Section A-A): The Citys Waterfront Revitalization Plan proposes a boat launch and historic overlook of the Port of Albany and its turning basin be built to the west of the 90 degree bend in Riverside Avenue, southwest of the site. The boat launch and overlook have not been built in the more than 20 years since it was first proposed and it is uncertain when they will be built. This photo looks northeast and the vantage point is located about 1120 feet from the proposed silos, the tallest structures on the site (the red arrow points to the top balloon which was set at a height of approximately 89 feet, about five feet above the top of the silos). Approximately 30 feet of the silos would be visible through a partial screen of vegetation from this location during leaf-off conditions. The lower approximately 54 feet of the silos and the remainder of the site would not be visible during leaf-off conditions. During leaf-on conditions, the top of the silos would likely be visible through a thicker vegetative screen (this vegetation is located on the southwest part of the site and is not proposed to be removed). The existing view includes the northwest part of the Getty Tank Farm (visible in the right side of the photo). The purpose of the boat launch and historic overlook is to provide access to the river, parking for facility users and a place to view the historic, industrial Port of Albany and the turning basin for ships leaving the Port. As such, this viewpoint is intended to see a variety of industrial uses. The partial vegetative screen and location of silos, the tallest structures in the northern part of the proposed site, makes the best use of the existing screening trees from this location. Line of Sight Section A-A shows that the trees at stations 0 to 2+10 and 2+90 to 3+80 will completely screen the view of the site from the boat launch (located further west of this photo vantage point), even during leaf-off conditions. There is no significant impact to visual resources at this location.
6.1.2 Water Filtration Plant on Riverside Avenue
Photo 2 (Water Filtration Plant on Riverside Avenue, Section H-H): The water filtration plant is located southwest of the Fort Crailo neighborhood. Although the filtration plant is not a sensitive receptor, it represents the worst-case view of the proposed blacktop plant from this area. The photo looks south and the vantage point is about 3450 feet from the proposed silos, the tallest structures on the site (the red arrow points to the top balloon which was set at a height of approximately 89 feet, about five feet above the top of the silos). From this vantage point, the upper 40 feet of the silos would be partly visible through the utility lines along the east side of Riverside Avenue and the vegetation (which would remain) located on the north side of the site. The lower approximately 44 feet of the silos and remainder of the site would not be visible, even during leaf-off conditions. If the vantage point is moved a few feet to the left (east), the silos would be screened by the building and vegetation on the east side of Riverside Avenue. If the vantage point is moved to the middle of Riverside Avenue, the view is comparable. Leaf-on conditions do not significantly change the potential visibility from this location. The existing view includes the industries and businesses on both sides of Riverside Avenue, the remnants of the BASF site, the metal scrap yard and the cogeneration plant. The area between this vantage point and the site is zoned industrial and is intended to remain in industrial use according to the Comprehensive Plan. The majority of the site will be screened by the trees to remain along the north side of the site. The glimpse of the upper half of the silos down the Riverside Avenue corridor will be brief, is below the horizon line of buildings and crossing utility lines, is consistent with the character of the area and is hard to distinguish from the clutter of utility lines. There is no significant impact to visual resources at this location.
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6.1.3 Fort Crailo Park
Photo 3 (Fort Crailo Park, Section G-G): Fort Crailo includes the historic building on the east side of Riverside Avenue as well as a small riverfront park on the west side of Riverside Avenue. Both are located in the Fort Crailo neighborhood. The photo looks south and the vantage point is about 4050 feet from the proposed silos, the tallest structures on the site, which are not visible from this vantage point or any location in the riverfront park. Note that the orange feature above the brown building in the center of the photo is a wind sock and is not the red balloon representing the position and height of the proposed silos. The silos are located along a line of sight that is blocked by the brown building. The existing view includes the industries and businesses on both sides of Riverside Avenue, the remnants of the BASF site, the metal scrap yard and the blue-gray smokestack of the cogeneration plant. The site is not visible from the park and there can be no significant impact to visual resources at this location.
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6.1.4 Sidewalk in Front of Fort Crailo
Photo 4 (Front Sidewalk at Fort Crailo, Section H-H): Fort Crailo is an important historic building located in the Crailo neighborhood of Rensselaer on the south side of Columbia Turnpike (US Route 20). This vantage point is from the front sidewalk at Fort Crailo, where the song, Yankee Doodle was composed in 1758. There is a very limited view of the silos from the front sidewalk; the silos and remainder of the site are not visible from the building or other parts of the ground. The photo looks south and the vantage point is about 4050 feet from the proposed silos, the tallest structures on the site (the red arrow points to the bottom balloon which was set at a height of approximately 84 feet, the height of the top of the silos). From this vantage point, the upper 25 feet of the silos would be partly visible under the utility lines and through the trees along the east side of Riverside Avenue. The vegetation (which would remain) located on the north side of the site will completely screen the rest of the silos and the remainder of the site during leaf-off and leaf-on conditions. The top 25 feet of the silos will be barely discernible at this distance during leaf-on conditions. The existing view includes other residences in the Crailo neighborhood along the east side of Riverside Avenue (the silos and site are not visible from the residences but are intermittently visible from the front sidewalks), the industries and businesses on both sides of Riverside Avenue, the remnants of the BASF site, the metal scrap yard and the cogeneration plant. The majority of the site will be screened by the trees to remain along the north side of the site. The glimpse of the upper portion of the silos down the Riverside Avenue corridor will be brief, is below the horizon line of buildings and crossing utility lines, is consistent with the character of the area and is hard to distinguish from the clutter of signs and utility lines. There is no
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significant impact to visual resources at this location or in the area between this vantage point and the Filtration Plant (see Photo 2 above). 6.1.5 Front Yard of 383 Route 9J
Photo 5 (Front Yard of 383 Route 9J, Section K-K): The few residences along Route 9J to the east of the site are the closest to the proposed blacktop plant. This vantage point is from the front sidewalk at 383 Route 9J. There is a limited view of the upper half of the silos from the front sidewalk; the lower part of the silos and remainder of the site are not visible from this location. The photo looks westerly and the vantage point is about 1750 feet from the proposed silos, the tallest structures on the site (the red arrow points to the upper balloon which was set at a height of approximately 89 feet, about five feet above the top of the silos). From this vantage point, the upper half of the silos would be partly visible during leaf-off conditions through the trees between Route 9J and Riverside Avenue. The vegetation (which would remain) will significantly screen the rest of the silos and the remainder of the site during leaf-off conditions. During leaf-on conditions, the trees at Station 0+45 to 0+70, 2+70 to 3+00 and 3+20 to 3+65 (see Line of Sight Section K-K) will screen the lower part of the silos and the rest of the plant. The upper half of the silos will be barely discernible through the trees during leaf-on conditions. The existing view includes businesses along the west side of Route 9J, the tank farms on the south side of Riverside Avenue south of the site and the power generating plants along Riverside Avenue north of the site. The majority of the site will be screened by the trees to remain between Riverside Avenue and Route 9J. The glimpse of the upper portion of the silos down Route 9J is brief, is through the intervening trees and is consistent with the character of the area. There is no
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significant impact to visual resources at this location or at the adjacent residences along Route 9J (see also Photo 6 below). 6.1.6 Stilsing Electric on Route 9J
Photo 6 (Near Stilsing Electric on Route 9J, Section M-M): This portion of NYS Route 9J contains businesses such as Stilsing Electric and offers a brief glimpse between buildings of the upper approximately 20 feet of the silos. There are no residences in this area of limited visibility. This vantage point is from the front of Stilsing Electric along the east side of Route 9J. There is a limited view of the upper 20 feet of the silos from the front of the business; the lower part of the silos and remainder of the site are not visible from the location during leaf-on conditions. During leaf-off conditions, the lower parts of the silo would be significantly screened by the trees at Stations 7+90 to 8+20 (see Line of Sight Section M-M). The photo looks westerly and the vantage point is about 1800 feet from the proposed silos, the tallest structures on the site (the red arrow points to the upper balloon which was set at a height of approximately 89 feet, about five feet above the top of the silos). From this vantage point, the upper 20 feet of the silos would be visible during leaf-off and leaf-on conditions above the tree line and below the power transmission lines. The vegetation (which would remain) will completely screen the rest of the silos and the remainder of the site during leaf-off and leaf-on conditions. The existing view includes businesses along the west side of Route 9J, the tank farms on the south side of Riverside Avenue south of the site and the power transmission lines along Riverside Avenue east of the site. The majority of the site will be screened by the trees to remain between
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Riverside Avenue and Route 9J. The glimpse of the upper portion of the silos down the Route 9J is brief, is beneath the power transmission lines and is consistent with the character of the area. There is no significant impact to visual resources at this location (see also Photo 5 above). 6.1.7 Near Riverview Terrace, Rensselaer
Photo 7 (Near 21 Riverview Terrace, Rensselaer, Section L-L): Riverview Terrace is an eastwest trending road in the Prospect Heights neighborhood on the ridge east of the site. This vantage point offers one of the least obstructed views that exist for some of the residences through breaks or low spots in the trees east of the site along the west side of this neighborhood. The views from the homes at lower elevations on the left and right side of this photo are more completely screened by the trees to the east. The views from homes further up the hill (behind the photo vantage point) are screened by homes, trees in the community and trees on the ridge to the west. This vantage point is typical of one of the few observed views in the Prospect Heights neighborhood. The community was driven out to determine the location of publicly accessible vantage points but there may be a few additional locations (e.g. in the back yards) that might have views, particularly of the top of the silos. This vantage point is near 21 Riverview Terrace, the most visible vantage point observed in this area. The photo looks westerly and the vantage point is about 2500 feet from the proposed silos, the tallest structures on the site (the red arrow points to the upper balloon which was set at a height of approximately 89 feet, about five feet above the top of the silos). There is a limited view of the upper 15 feet of the silos from the location through the intervening trees during leafoff conditions (at Stations 1+60 to 2+20 on Line of Sight Section L-L). During leaf-on
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conditions, the upper part of the silos and the rest of the plant would be significantly screened. The gray pad of crusher run on the site is visible in the thin spot in the trees to the left and below the red arrow. The southern side of the blacktop plant and a portion of the stormwater management area and the northern portion of the stockpile area will be visible during leaf-off conditions from this location. During leaf-on conditions, the site will be screened. Large portions of the industrial Port of Albany, the power generating plants in the Port of Rensselaer, the tank farms on the south side of Riverside Avenue south of the site and the power transmission lines along Riverside Avenue east of the site are visible from this location. The visible upper portion of the silos will be hard to discern among the clutter of vertical power transmission lines and industrial buildings, through a partial screen of trees during leaf-off conditions. Equipment and truck movement will draw the eye during leaf-off conditions (the plant typically does not operate during cold weather) much as trucks moving along Riverside Avenue and the Port Expressway were observed during the field investigation. The glimpse of the site during leaf-off conditions is brief, does not break the horizon line, is partially screened by intervening trees and is consistent with the character of the area. There is no significant impact to visual resources at this location (see also Photo 8 below for another view from the Prospect Heights neighborhood). 6.1.8 53 Hillview Avenue, Rensselaer
Photo 8 (53 Hillview Avenue, Section M-M): Hillview Avenue is an east-west trending road in the Prospect Heights neighborhood on the ridge east of the site. This vantage point offers one of the least obstructed views that exist for some of the residences through breaks or low spots in the trees east of the site (along the west side of this neighborhood). The views from homes further up
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the hill (behind the photo vantage point) are screened by homes, trees in the community and trees on the ridge to the west. This vantage point is typical of one of the few observed views in the Prospect Heights neighborhood. The community was driven out to determine the location of publicly accessible vantage points but there may be additional locations (e.g. in the back yards) that might have views towards the site. This vantage point is near 53 Hillview Avenue, near the west end of the road. The photo looks northwesterly and the vantage point is about 2400 feet from the proposed silos, the tallest structures on the site (the red arrow points to the upper balloon which was set at a height of approximately 89 feet, about five feet above the top of the silos). There is a limited view through the intervening trees (at Stations 1+20 to 2+10 on Line of Sight Section M-M) of the upper 1015 feet of the silos from this vantage point and scattered views of the crusher run pad to the south of the proposed silo; the lower part of the silos and the rest of the site is mostly screened from this location. The back yards were not accessible but the upper part of the silos and parts of the plant and stockpile area are expected to be partially visible from the backyards through thin spots or breaks in the trees during leaf-off conditions. During leaf-on conditions, the site will be mostly screened by the intervening trees. The existing view includes the tank farms on the south side of Riverside Avenue south of the site, the power transmission lines along Riverside Avenue east of the site, the power generating plants to the north of the site and part of the industrial Port of Albany. The majority of the site will be screened by the trees along the ridge between the site and this location. The glimpse of the site is brief, does not break the horizon line, is consistent with the character of the area and will be difficult to discern through the trees, even during leaf-off conditions. There is no significant impact to visual resources at this location (see also Photo 7 above).
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6.1.9 42 Ridge Road, Rensselaer
Photo 9 (42 Ridge Road, Section N-N): Ridge Road is a generally north-south trending road located south of the Clinton Heights neighborhood on the ridge east of the site. This vantage point offers one of the few views that exist for some of the residences through breaks or low spots in the trees (see Stations 1+95 to 3+15 and 3+35 to 4+50 on Line of Sight Section N-N) southeast of the site. The views from homes further up the hill (behind the photo vantage point) are screened by homes and trees in the community and on the ridge to the west. This vantage point is the only observed view in this area. The community was driven out to determine the location of publicly accessible vantage points but there may be a few additional locations (e.g. in the back yards) that might have views towards the site. This vantage point is near 42 Ridge Road. The homes in the foreground and behind the vantage point of this photo are screened form the site by the intervening trees. The photo looks northwesterly and the vantage point is about 5250 feet from the proposed silos, the tallest structures on the site (the red arrow points to the upper balloon which was set at a height of approximately 89 feet, about five feet above the top of the silos). There is a limited view through the intervening trees of the upper 10 feet of the silos from this vantage point; the lower part of the silos and the rest of the site are screened from the location. The back yards were not accessible but the upper part of the silos and parts of the plant and stockpile area are expected to be partially visible from the backyards through thin spots or breaks in the trees during leaf-off conditions. During leaf-on conditions, the site will be screened by the intervening trees The existing view includes the power transmission lines along Riverside Avenue east of the site, the power generating plants to the north of the site and part of the industrial Port of Albany. The
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majority of the site will be screened by the trees along the ridge between the site and this location. The glimpse of the site is brief, does not break the horizon line, is consistent with the character of the area and will be difficult to discern through the trees, even during leaf-off conditions. There is no significant impact to visual resources at this location. 6.1.10 SUNY Albany East, Rensselaer
Photo 10 (SUNY Albany Facility North of Columbia Turnpike, Section J-J): The SUNY Facility overlooks Columbia Turnpike and offers views to the southwest towards the site. This vantage point is from the south side of the facility, reserved for truck deliveries to SUNY and does not represent a location widely accessible or traveled by the public. The site is not visible if the vantage point is moved a few feet in either direction and the site is not visible from the northern and more public side of the facility. This vantage point is the only observed view in the facility and in this area. This photo looks southwesterly and the vantage point is about 3100 feet from the proposed silos, the tallest structures on the site (the red arrow points to the upper balloon which was set at a height of approximately 89 feet, about five feet above the top of the silos). The upper 15-20 feet of the silos from this vantage point are visible above the treeline and against the backdrop of the industrial Cargill facility on the west side of the Hudson River in the Port of Albany; the lower part of the silos and the rest of the site are screened from the location. The limited view will not change significantly during leaf-on conditions. The existing view includes Columbia Turnpike, the water treatment plant in the foreground, the power generating plants to the north of the site and part of the industrial Port of Albany. The majority of the site will be screened by the trees along the north side of the site. The glimpse of
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the site is brief, does not break the horizon line, is consistent with the character of the area and will be against an existing industrial backdrop (the Cargill Facility), even during leaf-off conditions. There is no significant impact to visual resources at this location. 6.1.11 3rd and Catherine Streets, Rensselaer
Photo 11 (3rd Street Near Intersection with Catherine Street, Section I-I): Only one publicly accessible viewpoint of a part of the site was found in the residential community north of Partition Street. This vantage point is the east side of 3rd Street, just south of its intersection with Catherine Street. The site is not visible if the vantage point is moved to the west side of the 3rd Street and is not visible from Pine Street, the next intersection to the south or to the north (where 3rd Street crests and drops off to the north). The orientations of the streets in this neighborhood do not allow views towards the site (the local buildings intervene) except along 3rd Street. This photo looks south-southwesterly and the vantage point is about 10,750 feet from the proposed silos, the tallest structures on the site (the red arrow points to the upper balloon which was set at a height of approximately 89 feet, about five feet above the top of the silos). The upper 10 feet of the silos from this vantage point are visible above the treeline and buildings just to the right (west) of the green copper patina of the Rensselaer Train Station; the lower part of the silos and the rest of the site are screened from the location. This extremely limited view will not change significantly during leaf-on conditions. The existing view includes the train station, much of the City of Rensselaer, local utility lines, residences, several smokestacks, the power generating plants to the north of the site and part of the industrial Port of Albany. The majority of the site will be screened by the trees along the north side of the site. The glimpse of the site is brief, does not break the horizon line and is
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consistent with the character of the area. The site is more than two miles from this location and the balloons were difficult to identify even with the aid of binoculars. There is no significant impact to visual resources at this location. 6.1.12 Overlook on Empire State Plaza
Photo 12 (Overlook on Empire State Plaza, Section E-E): People at the overlook along the eastern side of the Empire State Plaza from the South Corning Tower to the Egg has a limited view of the top of the silos. Other ground level points in the Empire State Plaza do not have views of the site. This photo looks south-southeasterly and the vantage point is about 9,450 feet from the proposed silos, the tallest structures on the site (the red arrow points to the upper balloon which was set at a height of approximately 89 feet, about five feet above the top of the silos). The upper 10 feet of the silos from this vantage point are visible above the treeline (see Stations 12+60 to 13+40 on Line of Sight Section E-E) and buildings just to the left (northeast) of the white fuel tank in the center of the photo. This limited view will not change during leaf-on conditions. The existing view includes a parking garage, a large part of the City of Albany, a small part of the Port of Albany, part of the City of Rensselaer and the power generating plants to the north of the site. The majority of the site will be screened by the trees along the north side of the site. The glimpse of the site is brief, does not break the horizon line and is consistent with the character of the area. The site is more than 1.75 miles from this location and the balloons were difficult to identify even with the aid of binoculars. There is no significant impact to visual resources at this location.
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6.1.13 22 Liebel Street, Albany
Photo 13 (22 Liebel Street, City of Albany, Section D-D): Very few publicly accessible viewpoints were observed in the residential community south of 2nd Avenue in the City of Albany. This vantage point is near 22 Liebel Street. The site is not visible if the vantage point is moved a few feet in any direction. The orientations of the streets in this neighborhood do not typically allow views towards the site (the local buildings intervene). This photo looks southeasterly and the vantage point is about 6,650 feet from the proposed silos, the tallest structures on the site (the red arrow points to the upper balloon which was set at a height of approximately 89 feet, about five feet above the top of the silos). The upper 10 feet of the silos from this vantage point are visible through the local trees (Stations 1+30 to 2+25 on Line of Sight Section D-D) and above the distant treeline and buildings and chain link fence; the lower part of the silos and the rest of the site is screened from this location. This extremely limited view will be screened during leaf-on conditions. The existing view includes parts of the City of Albany, the power generating plants to the north of the site and part of the industrial Port of Albany. The majority of the site will be screened by the trees along the north side of the site. The glimpse of the site is brief, does not break the horizon line and is consistent with the character of the area. The limited amount of the upper part of the silos sticking above the distant treeline will be barely discernible at a distance of 6,650 feet (the balloons were difficult to identify even with the aid of binoculars). There is no significant impact to visual resources at this location.
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6.1.14 Albany Community Charter School, Leonard Street
Photo 14 (Albany Community Charter School, Leonard Street, City of Albany, Section DD): Very few publicly accessible viewpoints were observed in the residential community south of 2nd Avenue in the City of Albany. This vantage point is on the corner of Leonard Street adjacent to the Albany Community Charter School. The site is not visible if the vantage point is moved a few feet in any direction, including the park and grassy areas in the foreground of this photo. This photo looks southeasterly and the vantage point is about 6,250 feet from the proposed silos, the tallest structures on the site (the red arrow points to the upper balloon which was set at a height of approximately 89 feet, about five feet above the top of the silos). The upper 5-10 feet of the silos from this vantage point are visible through the utility lines and above the distant treeline ((see Station *+20 to 8+40 on Line of Sight Section D-D); the lower part of the silos and the rest of the site are significantly screened from this location even during leaf-off conditions. This extremely limited view will be not change significantly during leaf-on conditions. The existing view includes parts of the City of Albany, the power generating plants to the north of the site and part of the industrial Port of Albany. The majority of the site will be screened by the trees along the north side of the site. The glimpse of the site is brief, does not break the horizon line and is consistent with the character of the area. The limited amount of the upper part of the silos sticking above the distant treeline will be barely discernible at a distance of 6,250 feet (the balloons were difficult to identify even with the aid of binoculars). There is no significant impact to visual resources at this location.
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6.1.15 Nutgrove Apartments, Albany
Photo 15 (Nutgrove Apartments, South of McCarty Avenue, City of Albany, Section C-C): This is the only publicly accessible viewpoint observed in this residential community. This vantage point is on the south side of the Nutgrove Apartment complex located on the south side of McCarty Avenue. The site is not visible if the vantage point is moved a few feet in any direction. The top 10 feet of the silos will be visible through a partial screen of local trees along the chain link fence; the remainder of the site will not be visible from this vantage point. This photo looks southeasterly and the vantage point is about 5,600 feet from the proposed silos, the tallest structures on the site (the red arrow points to the upper balloon which was set at a height of approximately 89 feet, about five feet above the top of the silos). The upper 10 feet of the silos from this vantage point are visible through the trees in the foreground (Stations 0+70 to 2+00 on Line of Sight Section C-C) and above the distant treeline; the lower part of the silos and the rest of the site are screened from this location during leaf-off conditions. This limited view will be better screened by the vegetation in the foreground during leaf-on conditions. The existing view includes parts of the City of Albany, I-787, the power generating plants to the north of the site and part of the industrial Port of Albany. The majority of the site will be screened by the trees along the north side of the site. The glimpse of the site is brief, does not break the horizon line and is consistent with the character of the area. The limited amount of the upper part of the silos sticking above the distant treeline will be barely discernible at a distance of 5,600 feet (the balloons were difficult to identify even with the aid of binoculars). There is no significant impact to visual resources at this location.
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6.1.16 Kenwood Convent, Albany
Photo 16 (Kenwood Convent, South of Kenwood Road, City of Albany, Section B-B): The Kenwood Convent is a National Historic Building. There are no views towards the site over most of the grounds but there is a small opening through trees on the property to the east through which the top of the silos could be viewed during leaf-off conditions. The site is not visible if the vantage point is moved a few feet in any direction. This photo looks east-southeasterly and the vantage point is about 5,600 feet from the proposed silos, the tallest structures on the site (the red arrow points to the upper balloon which was set at a height of approximately 89 feet, about five feet above the top of the silos). The upper 10 feet of the silos from this vantage point are visible through the trees in the foreground (Stations 0+20 to 1+45 on Line of Sight Section B-B) and above the distant treeline; the lower part of the silos and the rest of the site are screened from this location during leaf-off conditions. This limited view will be better screened by the vegetation in the foreground during leaf-on conditions. The existing view includes the power generating plants to the north of the site and part of the industrial Port of Albany. The majority of the site will be screened by the trees along the north side of the site. The glimpse of the site is brief, does not break the horizon line and is consistent with the character of the area. The limited amount of the upper part of the silos sticking above the distant treeline will be barely discernible at a distance of 5,600 feet (the balloons were difficult to identify even with the aid of binoculars). There is no significant impact to visual resources at this location.
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6.1.17 Island Creek Park, Albany
Photo 17 (Island Creek Park, Port of Albany, Section F-F): Island Creek Park is a small riverfront park with a river overlook. There are no views towards the site over most of the grounds but the top 5-10 feet of the silos are visible under the power transmission lines and above the distant treeline at the river overlook. This photo looks south-southeasterly and the vantage point is about 4,400 feet from the proposed silos, the tallest structures on the site (the red arrow points to the upper balloon which was set at a height of approximately 89 feet, about five feet above the top of the silos). The upper 10 feet of the silos from this vantage point are visible beneath the power transmission lines and above the treeline along the east bank of the Hudson River during both leaf-on and leaf-off conditions. The existing view includes an almost total view of the former BASF site, the power generating plants to the north of the site, the scrap recycling yard and the part of the tank farms in the industrial Port of Rensselaer. The majority of the site will be screened by the trees along the north side of the site. The glimpse of the site is brief, does not break the horizon line and is consistent with the character of the area. The limited amount of the upper part of the silos sticking above the distant treeline will be barely discernible at a distance of 4,400 feet (the balloons were difficult to identify even with the aid of binoculars) and will get lost in the clutter of the trees and the power transmission lines. There is no significant impact to visual resources at this location.
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APPENDIX
NOTE:
Visual Base Map dated April 22, 2011 Line of Sight Sections dated April 22, 2011 (two sheets) Are large oversized maps and are attached as separate files.
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MAY 9, 2011 LETTER TO SARAH CROWELL
May 9, 2011 Sarah Stern Crowell, AICP, Director Office of Planning and Development City of Rensselaer 62 Washington Street Rensselaer, New York 12144 Re. New Castle Asphalt, LLCProposed Blacktop Plant Dear Ms. Crowell: The following letter is provided in response to draft Parts 2 and 3 of the Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) provided to us on April 7, 2011. This document provided a preliminary assessment of the potential impacts of the project and identified potential significant impacts. In addition, the discussion of the EAF on April 7th included a request that additional studies be completed. The information below responds to the issues raised AND points out pertinent information already provided in the application. The item numbers mirror the corresponding sections of Part 3 of the EAF. Item 4: Potential Impact on Groundwater This section identifies as potential impacts: Discharge of sanitary wastewater to groundwater from a septic system located adjacent to the 100-year floodplain; and Storage of petroleum or chemical products over groundwater or an aquifer. This section indicates that upon approval and implementation the mitigating measures will reduce this impact to not significant and not adverse but identifies the impact as adverse in another section. On-site soil conditions are not suited for a traditional leach field and a raised bed or equivalent system will be required. The County Department of Health (DOH) has jurisdiction over and will review and approve the septic system. County DOH requirements allow septic leach fields in 100-year floodplains with special provisions to address the one percent possibility of a flood. DOH approval carries a presumption of no significant impact. We request that the final EAF be revised as there is no significant potential to impact groundwater, especially since there are no known groundwater users that could be impacted. Further, we request that the City approval not be delayed until County DOH approval is obtained. The City can approve this project with a condition stating that County DOH approval of the septic system must be obtained. The project, as designed and proposed, will not have a significant adverse impact on groundwater. The best management practices outlined in the application (e.g. storage of petroleum products in secondary containment, fueling and loading on impermeable pads, etc.) are
standard practice at blacktop plants and will reduce the impact to not significant, as stated in the EAF. Item 5: Potential Impact on Flooding This section identifies as potential impacts: A concrete pad with spray bars; A septic leach field that will have tiles below the elevation of the 100-year floodplain and this could impact the water quality of the Hudson River; and Floodwater will continue to impact the part of Riverside Avenue adjacent to the site. This section recommends relocating the septic leach field and identifies the impact as adverse. Although not specifically listed in the EAF as a significant impact, we would like to clarify the purpose of the concrete pad with spray bars. Trucks coming to the site for blacktop will stop on the concrete pad before receiving a load of blacktop. At the concrete pad an automated system controlled by the plant operator will apply a small amount of an EPA approved product to the beds of the trucks. This product keeps the blacktop from sticking to the truck beds. The amount applied is automatically controlled by the plant operator to prevent spillage or minor dripping. This best management practice does not contribute to any significant impact to flooding. This site will generate approximately the same amount of septic wastewater as a single familyresidence. It is not cost-effective or practical for such a small project to extend the sanitary sewer lines to the site. The septic leach field will not have tiles below the elevation of the 100-year floodplain. The soil conditions are not suited for a traditional leach field and a raised bed or equivalent system will be required. The County Department of Health (DOH) has jurisdiction over and will review and approve the septic system. County DOH requirements allow septic leach fields in 100-year floodplains with special provisions to address the one percent possibility of a flood. We request that the EAF be revised as there is no significant potential to impact groundwater, especially since there are no known groundwater users that could be impacted. Further, we request that the City approval not be delayed until County DOH approval is obtained. The City can approve this project with a condition stating that County DOH approval of the septic system must be obtained. Such approval carries a presumption of no significant impact and certainly will not have a significant impact on flooding. The application includes an assessment of the impact on flooding that concludes that the project will not significantly raise flood water levels and thus, meets the Citys Flood Damage Control regulation, as stated in the EAF. Section 6: Potential Impact on Air This section identifies as potential impacts: The potential to emit more one or more greenhouses gases at significant levels; The potential to generate more than 10 tons per year of a designated hazardous air pollutant or 25 tons per year or more of a combination of hazardous air pollutants; The project may require a state air application, produce total air emissions more than 5 pounds per hour or may include a heat source capable of producing more than 10 million BTUs per hour; The project may consume more than 100,000 gallons of fuel per year; The project may use more than 2,500 MW hours of electricity per year; The project may reach 50% of any two of the above stated air emission thresholds; and Wind may carry emissions to nearby residences.
The potential impact is listed as unknown by the City on the EAF. The project will not emit 1000 tons per year of carbon dioxide, 3.5 tons per year of nitrous oxide, 1000 tons per year of carbon equivalent of perfluorocarbons, 0.045 tons per year of sulfur hexafluoride, more than 1000 tons per year of carbon dioxide equivalent hydrochlorofluorcarbons, 43 tons per year of methane, 10 tons per year of any one designated hazardous air pollutant (HAP) or 25 tons per year of any combination of HAP, does not have an emission rate or more than 5 pounds per hour, will not produce more than 10 million BTUs per hour and will not use more than 2500 MW hours of electricity per year and will not exceed 50% of any of the two emission thresholds. An air permit registration was submitted to NYSDEC, the recognized authority on air approvals. NYSDEC indicated the air registration is not subject to public review because it is a minor source that requires only an air registration, the lowest form of approval granted by NYSDEC (see chart on following page describing the various levels of air approvals). Blacktop plants have high degrees of emission control and are small sources of emissions. The fact that the proposed plant requires an air registration from NYSDEC is proof that it is not a significant source of air emissions. All air emissions can potentially travel to a residence. This is not a valid means of assessing potential air impacts. The proper way of assessing air impacts is to determine whether the concentration or rate of air emissions will have the potential to significantly impact air quality. NYSDEC is the recognized expert on this subject and the fact that NYSDEC requires only an air registration for this limited scope project is proof that it is not a significant source of air emissions. Section 7: Potential Impact on Plants and Animals This section identifies as potential impacts: May cause reduction or loss of individuals of endangered or threatened species that use the site or are found on, over or near the site; May result in reduction or degradation of any habitat used by rare, threatened or endangered species; May cause reduction or loss of individuals of special concern or conservation need species that use the site or are found on, over or near the site; May result in reduction or degradation of any habitat used by special concern or conservation need species; May result in the removal or ground disturbance of any a portion of a designated significant natural community; and May significantly interfere with nesting/breeding, foraging or over-wintering habitat for the predominant species that occupies or uses the site. The potential impact is listed as unknown by the City on the EAF. The site has been historically used for industrial purposes and was recently used as a construction lay down and parking area during the construction of the nearby power plant. The site is covered by a layer of crushed stone that in turn overlies a layer of older fill. We contacted NYSDEC when we began this project and were told that although there are significant species that have been identified in the area that since the site had been previously disturbed there was no potential to impact any species or habitat. No significant habitat exists on the sitethe site is almost exclusively covered by a barren layer of crushed stone. No potential impacts to plants and wildlife can occur.
GENERALIZED OVERVIEW OF LEVELS OF NYSDEC AIR APPROVALS Type of Approval Emission Limits (Per Year) 1. More than 100 tons of regulated air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NOx, SOx, CO) and 50 tons of VOCs 2. More than 100,000 tons of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gases 3. More than 10 tons of any single hazardous air pollutant 4. More than 25 tons of any combination of hazardous air pollutants 1. Between 50 and 100 tons of regulated air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NOx, , SOx, CO) and 25 and 50 tons of VOCs 2. Between 5 and 10 tons of any single hazardous air pollutant 3. Between 12.5 and 25 tons of any combination of hazardous air pollutants 1. Less than 50 tons of regulated air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NOx, VOC, SOx, CO) and 25 tons of VOCs 2. Less than 5 tons of any single hazardous air pollutant 3. Less than 12.5 tons of any combination of hazardous air pollutants Project Applicability Level of Environmental Review
Title V Permit1
Not applicable
Major air emission source, Type I action and typically requires a DEIS
State Facility Permit2
Not applicable
Type I action, typically does not require a DEIS
Minor Facility Registration3
Applicable
Minor air emission sourcesministerial action under SEQRA
Exempt or Trivial Activity4

1 2
Not applicable
No air approval required
See Subpart 201-6 at http://www.dec.ny.gov/regs/13539.html See Subpart 201-5 at http://www.dec.ny.gov/regs/4301.html 3 See Subpart 201-4 at http://www.dec.ny.gov/regs/4302.html 4 See Subpart 201-3.2 and 3.3 at http://www.dec.ny.gov/regs/4303.html
Section 9: Potential Impact on Aesthetic Resources This section identifies as potential impacts: Project may be visible from officially designated aesthetic resources such as Island Park Creek, Corning Preserve and the Hudson River; Project may be visible seasonally or year-round from publicly-accessible vantage points such as the proposed bike trail and scenic overlook; and Viewers engaged in recreational or tourist activities may view the project. The EAF further states that a potentially large number of people in Rensselaer, Albany and on the Hudson River may be impacted, the geographic extent of the impact will include the reach of the Hudson River from which the site might be visible (as well as the southern end of the proposed bike path) and the industrial use of the site does not diverge from local needs and goals related to aesthetic resources. The applicant is completing a Visual Study in accordance with the NYSDEC Visual Policy. This study included computer terrain modeling, a balloon test to represent the full height of the tallest proposed structure, field inspection of potential views during leaf-off (worst-case visibility) conditions from the surrounding community and assessment of potential views form areas of identified visibility. In addition, an archeological historian assessed all structures with a potential view of the site for eligibility for inclusion on the National and State Registers of Historic Places. The assessment of potential impacts on aesthetic resources is not a simple matter of determining whether a project is visible. The assessment considers the setting (in this case, the middle of the industrial Port of Rensselaer), compliance with comprehensive plans, the nature and duration of any views, the seasonality of the views and the location of significant resources. The fact that a site or a portion of a site is visible does not mean the project will have a significant adverse impact. This project is located in the middle of the industrial Port of Rensselaer and across the river from the industrial Port of Albany. The site is surrounded by a scrap metal yard, two large power generating plants and an even larger series of industrial fuel tank farms and related commercial and industrial uses. The west side of the Hudson River contains similarly diverse industrial uses. The nearest residential communities are located approximately 1800 and over 3500 feet from the site on the other side of the existing industrial uses that surround the site. The Citys comprehensive plan and zoning identifies this site as intended for continued industrial use. The comprehensive plan and riverfront revitalization plan calls for providing opportunities for access to the river, a recreational bike path through the industrial area and an overlook of the industrial Port of Albany. The proposed project is consistent with the comprehensive plan and riverfront revitalization plan because it continues the industrial use of the site and employs best management practices such as revegetation of disturbed areas, proper site design and layout, landscaping, maintenance of green space and perimeter wooded areas, etc. The visual assessment of the site indicates that even the highest point of the proposed blacktop plant is visible from very few locations even during leaf-off conditions. Few of the locations from which the plant was visible will have year-round views; almost all will be screened during leaf-on conditions when the site will be in operation. Further, the few locations with views had very brief glimpses of the top of the silo and could not see the vast majority of the site. The remote location of the plant relative to potential receptors further mitigates any potential impacts: the limited views of the plant are difficult to discern at the great distances to the limited number of potential receptors.
The officially adopted City plans call for the construction of a bike path and overlook adjacent to the site. The application accounts for and was designed to accommodate these features. These features will be built shortly and the proposed project does not interfere with either the bike path or the overlook. The officially adopted plans recognized that these recreational features would go through an industrial area and specifically stated that they should not interfere with the ongoing or future industrial uses. The purpose of the overlook is to provide a viewing point for the industrial Port of Albany and the Port of Albany turning basin. To say that an adjacent industrial use in an area that has historically been used for industrial purposes, that is intended to be used for industrial purposes and that is surrounded by other industrial uses contradicts the conclusions reached in Section 11 of the EAF (As local plans call for a bike trail to pass through an area zoned for industry, this impact does not diverge from local needs and goals). Section 10: Potential Impact on Historic and Archeological Resources This section identifies as potential impacts: Proposed action may occur within or contiguous to a site which is listed on the State or National Register of Historic Places; Project is located within an area designated as sensitive for archeological sites; and Project may destroy or alter part of a site or property containing significant historic or archeological resources and may alter the propertys setting or environment. The potential impact is listed as unknown by the City on the EAF. The applicant is preparing a Cultural Resources investigation for the project. The preliminary investigation indicates there are no significant impacts to identified cultural resources and the site-specific subsurface investigation will be concluded shortly. The likelihood of a potential impact is small since the site has been used for industrial purposes in the past and has largely been previously disturbed by the placement of at least two levels of fill. The last level of fill was placed by Besicorp during the construction of the adjacent plant. The site was graded and covered by a layer of crusher run to serve as a lay down and parking area. Besicorp was not required to perform an archeological assessment because of the prior history of disturbance but instead was required to stop work if any archeological resources were identified during site work.. Section 13: Potential Impact on Transportation This section identifies as potential impacts: The project may cause the Level of Service of the intersection of South Street and the ramp to Routes 9 and 20 northbound (westbound) falling below Level of Service C; and Project traffic may exceed the capacity of the existing road network at the intersection of South Street and the ramp to Route 9 and 20 northbound (westbound). The potential impact is listed as unknown by the City on the EAF. A supplemental traffic assessment of the intersection has been prepared by Creighton Manning Engineers (CME). The Level of Service at this intersection will not change due to the addition of the projects truck traffic. The Level of Service is controlled by the amount of traffic on Routes 9 and 20, particularly during peak hours. The Port Expressway was specifically built to alleviate traffic issues in the industrial Port of Rensselaer and has historically handled traffic volumes much higher than that proposed by New Castle. CMEs study concludes that the intersection in question will perform adequately and will not be adversely impacted by the project. Section 14: Potential Impact on Energy This section identifies as potential impacts:
6
Insufficient capacity to allow connection to gas and electricity; Project may require an upgrade of an existing or construction of a new substation; Project may require extension of an energy transmission system; and Project does not incorporate on-site renewable energy sources. There is no indication there is insufficient capacity to connect to the adjacent gas and electrical services and no indication this relatively minor user will require construction of a new substation or upgrading of an existing substation. The site is adjacent to a series of transmission lines so the only added infrastructure would be the connection. The electrical lines already extend to the site so this would require minimal work. The project is not well-suited for using on-site renewable energy sources. There is very little free space on-site so it would not be practical to set up a large array of solar panels of a wind turbine. In fact, to do so would be almost as much of a project as building the blacktop plant. There is no usable hydroelectric power on site. The project proposes to use the available adjacent gas and electrical services, both of which are widely recognized as clean energy sources. The blacktop plant will be state of the art and more fuel efficient and cleaner than the older plants that are currently serving this market. Construction of this plant will not create additional demand for blacktop but it will reduce overall emissions by reducing the distance traveled by trucks to and from the blacktop plant and by having a cleaner, more fuel efficient plant. Overall, this plant will reduce energy consumption. In addition, this plant will be more capable of fully using recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) in the blacktop. This reduces the need for asphalt, requires less energy to make blacktop and incorporates a potential waste product into a valuable and salable product. Energy will not be significantly impacted by the project. Section 15: Potential Impact on Odor and Light This section identifies as potential impacts: The project may create odors; The project may cause bright lights to shine onto adjoining properties; and Prevailing winds may carry odors to nearby residences. The potential impact is listed as unknown by the City on the EAF. These potential impacts were addressed in the application. The proposed plant will be state of the art and incorporates technology to prevent odors and blue smoke. A lighting plan was submitted with the application and all lights were hooded and shown only on the site. Further: There are no residences or receptors adjacent to the site that could be impacted by the limited lights to be used at the site; The site is located in the middle of an industrial zoned area surrounded by other more intensive industrial usesthese uses employ lighting to a much greater extent than the proposed blacktop plant; and The site will typically only operate at night when supplying a project mandated (typically NYSDOT) paving job. Nighttime paving is done to reduce impacts to the driving public and benefits everyone. The project will not produce odors and lighting will not be a significant impact.
Section 16: Potential Impact on Human Health This section identifies as potential impacts: There is a completed emergency spill remediation on or adjacent to the site; The site has an institutional control limiting use of the property; The project may affect institutional controls put in place to ensure the site is protective of the environment and human health; and The project will be within 2000 feet of a site used for disposal of solid or hazardous waste. The potential impact is listed as unknown by the City on the EAF. The presence of a spill remediation on or adjacent to the site or the disposal of solid or hazardous waste on other sites is not relevant to an assessment of the potential impacts of this project. The BASF site is located more than 2000 feet north of the site but construction and operation of a blacktop plant on our property will not affect the remediation done on that property or any other properties. There will be no export of on-site materials from this property. The on-site materials will be graded and used on site. The only known institutional controls limiting the use of the site are: (1) the bike path and overlook which are outside the limits of the project and were purposely avoided by the project; and (2) the easements for utilities which were identified and purposely avoided during the design and layout of the property. The only interaction between easements and the projects will be where the access roads cross such easements and this crossing is not contravened by the easements and will in no way impact the utilities that are the subject of the easements. Human health will not be significantly impacted by the project. Section 18: Potential Impact on Community Character This section identifies as potential impacts: The project may replace or eliminate existing historic structures of importance to the community; The project may increase demand for community services (schools, police and fire); and The project may create or eliminate employment. The potential impact is listed as unknown by the City on the EAF. The EAF also states that the site is an industrial use in an area zoned Industry and that local fire, EMS and police departments are staffed and equipped to protect industrial installations. The reasoning for listing this potential impact as unknown is related to the potential for historic structures. The site has been previously disturbed, most recently having been graded and covered by a layer of crusher run to serve as a lay down and parking area for the construction of the adjacent power generating plant. A cultural resources investigation is being performed and no evidence of historical structures has been found on the site to date. The likelihood of finding such structures is small since the site has been disturbed on several occasions in the past. Further, the site is zoned industrial, has been used for industrial purposes in the past and the comprehensive and riverfront revitalization plans both cal for its continued industrial use. By definition, projects that comply with the locally adopted planning documents cannot have a significant impact on community character. No potential impacts to the bike path or overlook will occur, as outlined in Section 9 above.
Community character will not be significantly impacted by the project.
Please call me or Mark Visscher anytime if you have any questions about this document or the project. Cordially,
Paul H. Griggs, Principal Geologist Griggs-Lang Consulting Geologists, Inc. Enc. Cc. Steve Griffen, Jack Rifenburg, Roddy Valente, Joe Zappone
Z:\clients\New Castle Asphalt\Rensselaer-2\Letters\Crowell 5'9'11.doc
REQUEST FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW AND SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPROVAL
FEBRUARY 15, 2011 LETTER TO BUILDING AND ZONING ADMINISTRATOR
G-L Engineering, P.C. 8 Brunswick Road Troy, New York 12180 Phone: (518) 270-5920 Fax: (518) 270-5922
February 15, 2011 Daniel Moore, Building & Zoning Administrator Office of Building Department City Hall, 62 Washington Street Rensselaer, New York 12144-2696 Re. New Castle Asphalt, LLCProposed Blacktop Plant in Port of Rensselaer Dear Mr. Moore: The following information is provided in support of New Castle Asphalt, LLCs application to construct and operate a blacktop plant on the west side of Riverside Avenue and the north side of the Irwin Stewart Port Expressway in the Port of Rensselaer. Enclosed for your review are two copies of the following for the above referenced project: Floodplain Development Permit Application Environmental Assessment Form Site Plan Maps showing the area of filling in the floodplain Calculations supporting this floodplain certification This information is also included in the Site Plan application submitted today. Site activities will include an entrance road/perimeter access road, a stockpile area, perimeter berms, the blacktop plant, a lab and plant control room, employee parking areas and stormwater control features including stormwater basins, ditches and related features. These features are shown on the attached Site Plan. The site is owned by the Albany-Rensselaer Port District Commission and is leased to the applicant, New Castle, Asphalt, LLC. It is located on Tax Parcel 154-5-3. The attached Site Plan Map (Existing Conditions) shows the existing conditions of the site. In general, the site grades gently from an approximate high elevation of 25 feet above mean sea level at the top of the bank along the Hudson River down to an elevation of approximately 19 feet along an active railroad spur on the east side of the property. The easternmost part of the site grades up slightly towards Riverside Avenue. The elevation of the 100-year flood is about 19 feet above mean sea level to the south of the site to about 20 feet to the north of the site. The site has been laid out so that no structures are located in the 100-year floodplain. Approximately 1050 cubic yards of fill will be placed in the 100-year floodplain area. The displacement of potential floodwaters by the fill (entrance/perimeter access
road and some of the perimeter berms along the eastern side of the site) will result in no significant increase in the flood level (see attached calculations). Please call me anytime if you have any questions.
Cordially,
Mark Visscher, P.E. Senior Engineer G-L Engineering, P.C.
Enc.
Z:\clients\New Castle Asphalt\Rensselaer-2\Letters\Moore Floodplain 2'15'11.doc
FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT PERMIT APPLICATION
CREIGHTON MANNING TRAFFIC STUDIES
CULTURAL RESOURCES INVESTIGATION NOTE: ALL OVERSIZED DRAWINGS IN SEPARATE FILES
NYSDEC AIR REGISTRATION APPLICATION, STOCKPILE MAINTENANCE PLAN AND FUGITIVE DUST CONTROL PLAN
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Air Facility Registration

DEC ID
Owner/Firm
Name Street Address City / Town / Village New Castle Asphalt, LLC 118 Button Road Waterford State or Province NY Country USA
Taxpayer ID 2 7 3 4 5 7 8 8 9
Zip 12188
Owner/Firm Contact
Name Roderick J. Valente Phone No. (518) 432-4470
Facility
Name Location Address City / Town / Village New Castle Asphalt, LLC 37 Riverside Avenue Rensselaer Zip 12144
Facility Information
Total Number of Emission Points: 1 X Cap by Rule
Description
This application is for a new Air Facility Registration. The facility includes a 400 ton per hour hot mix asphalt drum plant that can be fueled by natural gas, recycled oil or fuel oil. The maximum 12 month rolling average of criterial pollutants will be capped at less than 50% of the Title V threshold for all criteria pollutants, and is, therefore, subject to Cap by Rule.
Standard Industrial Classification Codes

2951
HAP CAS Numbers

75 108 - 07 - 88 0 3 71 1330 - 43 - 20 2 7 100 - 41 4 50 - 00 0 91 - 20 3 106 - 51 4
Applicable Federal and New York State Requirements (Part Nos.)

201 40 CFR 60 202 211 212 215 225
Certification
I certify that this facility will be operated in conformance with all provisions of existing regulations. Responsible Official Signature Title Date / /
7/29/96
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Air Permit Application

DEC ID APPLICATION ID / OFFICE USE ONLY / /
Section I - Certification
Title V Certification
I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons directly responsible for gathering the information [required pursuant to 6 NYCRR 201-6.3(d)] I believe the information is, true, accurate and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fines and imprisonment for knowing violations.
Responsible Official Signature
Title Date / /
State Facility Certification

I certify that this facility will be operated in conformance with all provisions of existing regulations. Responsible Official Signature
Roderick J. Valente
Title Date
Managing Member
Section II - Identification Information

Title V Facility Permit State Facility Permit New Significant Modification Administrative Amendment X New Modification Renewal Minor Modification General Permit Title: General Permit Title: Application involves construction of new facility Application involves construction of new emission unit(s)
Owner/Firm
Name Street Address New Castle Asphalt, LLC 118 Button Road State Country NY State Municipal Individual USA Zip 12188 Taxpayer ID 2 7 3 4 5 7 8 8 9 Confidential
City Waterford Owner Classification Federal X Corporation/Partnership
Facility
Name Location Address X City / Town/Village New Castle Asphalt, LLC 37 Riverside Avenue Rensselaer Zip
12144
Project Description
Continuation Sheet(s)
This application is for a new Air Facility Registration. The facility includes a 400 ton per hour hot mix asphalt drum plant that will be fired by either natural gas, recycled oil or fuel oil. Power will be supplied by line power. The facility also will include a hammer mill crusher that will be used to process RAP. The crusher will be powered by line power and will be part of the hot mix plant. The facility will be capped below 50% of the Title V thresholds.
Owner/Firm Contact Mailing Address

Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) Affiliation Street Address City Waterford Valente, Roddy Title Member Phone No. (518) 432-4470 Fax No. New Castle Asphalt, LLC 118 Button Road State NY Country USA Zip 12188
Facility Contact Mailing Address

Name (Last, First, Middle Initial) Affiliation Street Address City Waterford Valente, Roddy Title Member Phone No. (518) 432-4470 Fax No. New Castle Asphalt, LLC 118 Button Road State NY Country USA Zip 12188
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DEC ID
Section III - Facility Information
Classification
Hospital Residential Educational/Institutional Commercial X Industrial Utility
Affected States (Title V Only)

Vermont New Hampshire Massachusetts Connecticut Rhode Island New Jersey Pennsylvania Ohio Tribal Land: Tribal Land:
SIC Codes
2951
Facility Description
This is a hot mix asphaltic concrete producing facility. It has one asphalt plant operating on-site that is fueled by one of three fuels: natural gas, recycled oil and No. 2 fuel oil. The asphalt plant will be powered by line power. It also has a hammer mill crusher powered by line power that will be used to process RAP.
Compliance Statements (Title V Only)

I certify that as of the date of this application the facility is in compliance with all applicable requirements: YES NO If one or more emission units at the facility are not in compliance with all applicable requirements at the time of signing this application (the NO box must be checked), the noncomplying units must be identified in the Compliance Plan block on page 8 of this form along with the compliance plan information required. For all emission units at this facility that are operating in compliance with all applicable requirements complete the following: This facility will continue to be operated and maintained in such a manner as to assure compliance for the duration of the permit, except those units referenced in the compliance plan portion of Section IV of this application. For all emission units, subject to any applicable requirements that will become effective during the term of the permit, this facility will meet all such requirements on a timely basis. Compliance certification reports will be submitted at least once a year. Each report will certify compliance status with respect to each requirement, and the method used to determine the status.
Facility Applicable Federal Requirements

Title 6 6 6 6 6 6 Type NYCRR NYCRR NYCRR NYCRR NYCRR NYCRR Part 201 211 212 215 225 225 1 2 Sub Part 7 Section 2 3 10 Sub Division Paragraph Sub Paragraph
Continuation Sheet(s) Clause Sub Clause
Facility State Only Requirements

Title Type Part Sub Part Section Sub Division Paragraph Sub Paragraph
Continuation Sheet(s) Clause Sub Clause
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DEC ID
Section III - Facility Information (continued)
Facility Compliance Certification Rule Citation

Title 6 Type NYCRR Part 201 X C apping 630 Sub Part Section 7 CAS No. - 08 0 Sub Division Paragraph 2 a
Sub Paragraph
Clause Sub Clause
X A pplicable Federal R equirem ent S tate O nly R equirem ent
Contaminant Name Carbon Monoxide
Monitoring Information
Ambient Air Monitoring Work Practice Involving Specific Operations X Record Keeping/Maintenance Procedures
Description
The facility is a hot mix asphalt producing facility. The facility will cap the emissions of Carbon Monoxide to less than 25 tons by limiting asphalt production to 350,000 tons during any 12 month rolling period.
Work Practice Type
Code
Process Material Description Parameter
Reference Test Method
Code Limit Upper 24.9 Code 17 Averaging Method Description annual maximum rolled monthly Code 05 Lower
Description
Manufacturer Name/Model No.
Code 34 Monitoring Frequency Description monthly
Limit Units Description tons Code 10 Reporting Requirements Description annually
Facility Emissions Summary

PTE CAS No. NY075 - 00 NY075 - 00 7446 - 09 NY210 - 00 630 - 08 7439 - 92 NY998 - 00 NY100 - 00 75 - 07 71 - 43 100 - 41 50 - 00 5 0 5 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 4 0 Contaminant Name PM-10 PARTICULATES SULFUR DIOXIDE OXIDES OF NITROGEN CARBON MONOXIDE LEAD VOC HAP Acetaldehyde Benzene Ethyl Benzene Formaldehyde 49,900 (lbs/yr)
X Continuation Sheet(s) Range Code B Actual (lbs/yr)
B B
Y B Y Y Y Y Y
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DEC ID
Section III - Facility Information
Facility Emissions Summary (continuation)

PTE CAS No. 91 - 20 106 - 51 108 - 88 1330 - 20 3 4 3 7 Contaminant Name Naphthalene Quinone Toluene Xylene Arsenic Barium Beryllium Cadmium Chromium Copper Hexavalent chromium Manganese Mercury Nickel Selenium Silver Zinc (lbs/yr) Range Code Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Actual (lbs/yr)
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DEC ID
Section IV - Emission Unit Information
Emission Unit Description

EMISSION UNIT 1 N E W C A
Emission Unit 1-NEWCA is composed of a 400 ton hot mix asphalt drum plant and associated control equipment used in the production of asphaltic concrete. The hot mix plant is fueled by either natural gas, recycled oil or fuel oil. Power is supplied by line power. A hammer mill crusher attached to the asphalt plant will be used to process RAP for use in hot mix asphalt production.
Building
Building Building Name Length (ft)
Continuation Sheet(s) Width (ft) Orientation
Emission Point
EMISSION PT. Ground Elev. (ft) 22 Exit Velocity (FPS) 46 EMISSION PT. Ground Elev. (ft) Height (ft) Height Above Structure (ft) Inside Diameter (in) Exit Temp. (EF) 0 0 0 0 1 Height (ft) 35.5 Exit Flow (ACFM) 55,855 NYTM (E) (KM) Height Above Structure (ft) Inside Diameter (in) 61 NYTM (N) (KM) Exit Temp. (EF) 225 Building
Continuation Sheet(s) Cross Section Length (in) Width (in) Distance to Property Line (ft)
Date of Removal
Cross Section Length (in) Width (in) Distance to Property Line (ft)
Exit Velocity (FPS)
Exit Flow (ACFM)
NYTM (E) (KM)
NYTM (N) (KM)
Building
Date of Removal
Emission Source/Control
Emission Source ID Type HMA01 Design Capacity I Date of Construction 01/01/11 Date of Operation 04/15/11 Waste Feed Description Control Type Description Fabric Collector Waste Feed Description Date of Removal Code Control Type Description
Continuation Sheet(s) Manufacturers Name/Model No. Gencor 400 ton per hour HMA Plant Waste Type Code Description
Code
Design Capacity Units Description tons per hour Date of Construction Date of Operation Date of Removal
Code
400 9 Emission Source ID Type 00BH1 Design Capacity K Code
Code 016 Code
Manufacturers Name/Model No.
01/01/11 04/15/11 Design Capacity Units Description
Code
Waste Type Description
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DEC ID

EMISSION UNIT 1 - N E WC A Emission Source ID Type 00CR1 Design Capacity I
Emission Source/Control (continuation)

Date of Date of Construction Operation 01/01/11 04/15/11 Waste Feed Description Control Type Description Waste Feed Description Control Type Description Waste Feed Description Control Type Description Waste Feed Description Control Type Description Waste Feed Description Control Type Description Waste Feed Description Control Type Description Waste Feed Description Date of Removal Code Control Type Description Manufacturers Name/Model No. Schutte-Buffalo RC 2232 Hammer Mill Waste Type Code Description
Code
Design Capacity Units Description tons per hour Date of Date of Date of Construction Operation Removal Design Capacity Units Description Date of Date of Construction Operation Design Capacity Units Description Date of Date of Construction Operation Design Capacity Units Description Date of Date of Construction Operation Design Capacity Units Description Date of Date of Construction Operation Design Capacity Units Description Date of Date of Construction Operation Design Capacity Units Description Date of Removal Date of Removal Date of Removal Date of Removal Date of Removal
Code
60 9 Emission Source ID Type Design Capacity
Code
Code
Code
Code
Emission Source ID Type Design Capacity
Code
Code
Code
Code
Code
Code
Code
Code
Code
Code
Code
Code
Code
Code
Code
Code
Code
Code
Code
Code
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DEC ID
Section IV - Emission Unit Information (continued)
Process Information
Continuation Sheet(s) PROCESS G A S
Description
Aggregate is dried in a rotary dryer fueled by natural gas. The dried aggregate is mixed with hot liquid asphalt in the dryer and is discharged into a slat conveyor. The slat conveyor carries the asphalt up to a storage silo for later discharge.
Source Classification Code (SCC) 30500205
Total Thruput Quantity/Hr Quantity/Yr 200,000 Code 38
Thruput Quantity Units Description tons per year Building Floor/Location Ground
Confidential Operating at Maximum Capacity Activity with Insignificant Emissions
Operating Schedule Hrs/Day Days/Yr 4 125 Emission Source/Control Identifier(s)
HMA01
00BH1
EMISSION UNIT
N E W C A
PROCESS
R A P
Description
Milled or ripped up asphalt pavement is sent through a hammer mill crusher for use in the production of hot mix asphalt.
Thruput Quantity Units Description tons per year Building Floor/Location
00CR1
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DEC ID
Process Information
Continuation Sheet(s) PROCESS W O F
Description
Aggregate is dried in a rotary dryer fueled by recycled oil. The dried aggregate is mixed with hot liquid asphalt in the dryer and is discharged into a slat conveyor. The slat conveyor carries the asphalt up to a storage silo for later discharge.
Thruput Quantity Units Description tons per year Building Floor/Location Ground
HMA01
00BH1
EMISSION UNIT
N E W C A
PROCESS
N O
Description
Aggregate is dried in a rotary dryer fueled by fuel oil. The dried aggregate is mixed with hot liquid asphalt in the dryer and is discharged into a slat conveyor. The slat conveyor carries the asphalt up to a storage silo for later discharge.
Thruput Quantity Units Description tons per year Building Floor/Location
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DEC ID

Emission Unit Emission Unit Applicable Federal Requirements Continuation Sheet(s) Emission Process Emission Point Source Title Type Part Sub Section Sub Division Parag. Sub Parag. Clause Sub Clause Part GAS GAS GAS GAS GAS HMA01 HMA01 HMA01 HMA01 HMA01 6 NYCRR 201 6 NYCRR 201 6 NYCRR 212 6 NYCRR 212 6 NYCRR 212 5 7 1 2 10 3 6 a a a 2
1 - NEWCA 00001 1 - NEWCA 00001 1 - NEWCA 00001 1 - NEWCA 00001 1 - NEWCA 00001
Emission Unit
Emission Unit State Only Requirements Continuation Sheet(s) Emission Process Emission Point Source Title Type Part Sub Section Sub Division Parag. Sub Parag. Clause Sub Clause Part
Emission Unit Compliance Certification Rule Citation

Title Type Part Sub Part Section Sub Division
X Continuation Sheet(s)
Paragraph Sub Paragraph Clause Sub Clause X Capping Contaminant Name
Applicable Federal Requirement State Only Requirement Emission Process Emission Emission Unit CAS No. Point Source
Continuous Emission Monitoring Intermittent Emission Testing Ambient Air Monitoring Monitoring of Process or Control Device Parameters as Surrogate Work Practice Involving Specific Operations Record Keeping/Maintenance Procedures
Description
Work Practice Type
Code
Process Material Description Parameter
Reference Test Method
Code Limit Upper Averaging Method Description Lower
Description
Manufacturer Name/Model No.
Code Monitoring Frequency Description
Limit Units Description Reporting Requirements Description
Code
Code
Code
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DEC ID

Emission Unit
1 - NEWCA 1 - NEWCA 1 - NEWCA 1 - NEWCA 1 - NEWCA 1 - NEWCA 1 - NEWCA 1 - NEWCA 1 - NEWCA 1 - NEWCA 1 - NEWCA 1 - NEWCA 1 - NEWCA
Emission Process Emission Point Source Title

GAS NO2 NO2 NO2 NO2 NO2 NO2 WOF WOF WOF WOF WOF WOF HMA01 HMA01 HMA01 HMA01 HMA01 HMA01 HMA01 HMA01 HMA01 HMA01 HMA01 HMA01 HMA01 40 6 6 6 6 6 40 6 6 6 6 6 40
Emission Unit Applicable Federal Requirements (continuation) Type

CFR NYCRR NYCRR NYCRR NYCRR NYCRR CFR NYCRR NYCRR NYCRR NYCRR NYCRR CFR
Part
60 201 201 212 212 212 60 201 201 212 212 212 60
Sub Part
i 5 7
Section
Sub Division
Parag. Sub Parag. Clause Sub Clause
1 2 10 3 6 a a a 2
i 5 7 1 2 10 3 6 i a a a 2
1 - NEWCA 1 - NEWCA 1 - NEWCA 1 - NEWCA
RAP RAP RAP RAP
00CR1 00CR1 00CR1 00CR1
6 6 6 40
NYCRR NYCRR NYCRR CFR
200 201 212 60 000
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DEC ID
Emission Unit Compliance Certification (continuation) Rule Citation

Type Part Sub Part Section Sub Division NYCRR 201 6 1 a X Applicable Federal Requirement - State Only Requirement Emission Process Emission Emission Unit CAS No. Point Source 1 - NEWCA 00001 GAS HMA01 - Continuous Emission Monitoring - Intermittent Emission Testing - Ambient Air Monitoring Title 6 Paragraph Sub Paragraph Clause Sub Clause X Capping Contaminant Name
- Monitoring of Process or Control Device Parameters as Surrogate - Work Practice Involving Specific Operations X Record Keeping/Maintenance Procedures
Description
Criteria pollutants will be capped at the facility level such that the total of all sources will be below Title V thresholds for average. The limits on the asphalt plant will be on asphalt production. Work Practice Process Material Reference Test Method Type Code Description Parameter Code Limit Upper Averaging Method Description
annual max rolled monthly
Description
Manufacturer Name/Model No. Limit Units Description Reporting Requirements Description

annually
Lower
Code Monitoring Frequency Description

monthly
Code
17
Code
05
Code
09
Rule Citation
Title 6 Type Part Sub Part Section Sub Division Paragrap h - Capping Contaminant Name Sub Paragraph Clause Sub Clause NYCRR 201 6 1 a - Applicable Federal Requirement - State Only Requirement Emission Process Emission Emission Unit CAS No. Point Source 1 - NEWCA 00001 NO2 HMA01 - Continuous Emission Monitoring - Intermittent Emission Testing - Ambient Air Monitoring
Description
Criteria pollutants will be capped at the facility level such that the total of all sources will be below Title V thresholds for any 12-month rolling average. The limits on the asphalt plant will be on asphalt production. Work Practice Process Material Reference Test Method Type Code Description Parameter Code Limit Upper Averaging Method Description annual max rolled monthly Lower Code Monitoring Frequency Description monthly Description Manufacturer Name/Model No. Limit Units Description Reporting Requirements Description
annually
Code 17
Code 05
Code 09
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DEC ID

Type Part Sub Part Section Sub Division NYCRR 201 6 1 a X Applicable Federal Requirement - State Only Requirement Emission Process Emission Emission Unit CAS No. Point Source 1 - NEWCA 00001 WOF HMA01 - Continuous Emission Monitoring - Intermittent Emission Testing - Ambient Air Monitoring Title 6 Paragraph Sub Paragraph Clause Sub Clause X Capping Contaminant Name
Description
Criteria pollutants will be capped at the facility level such that the total of all sources will be below Title V thresholds for average. The limits on the asphalt plant will be on asphalt production. Work Practice Process Material Reference Test Method Type Code Description Parameter Code Limit Upper Averaging Method Description annual max rolled monthly Type Part Lower Code Monitoring Frequency Description monthly Description Manufacturer Name/Model No. Limit Units Description Reporting Requirements Description annually
Code 17
Code 05
Code 09
Rule Citation
Title Sub Part Section Sub Division Paragrap h - Capping Contaminant Name Sub Paragraph Clause Sub Clause
- Applicable Federal Requirement - State Only Requirement Emission Process Emission Emission Unit CAS No. Point Source - Continuous Emission Monitoring - Intermittent Emission Testing - Ambient Air Monitoring
Description
Work Practice Type Code Parameter Code Limit Upper Averaging Method Description Lower Code Monitoring Frequency Description Description Process Material Description Reference Test Method
Code
Code
Code
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DEC ID

Type Part Sub Part Section Sub Division CFR 60 000 X Applicable Federal Requirement - State Only Requirement Emission Process Emission Emission Unit CAS No. Point Source 1 - NEWCA RAP 00CR1 NY075 - 00 5 - Continuous Emission Monitoring X Intermittent Emission Testing - Ambient Air Monitoring Title 40 Paragraph Sub Paragraph Clause Sub Clause X Capping Contaminant Name PM 10
- Monitoring of Process or Control Device Parameters as Surrogate - Work Practice Involving Specific Operations - Record Keeping/Maintenance Procedures
Description
The fugitive emissions from the crusher shall not exceed 15 percent opacity based on a 6 minute average. Work Practice Type Process Material Description Parameter Code Limit Upper 15 Averaging Method Description 6 minute average Type Part Description Reference Test Method
Code
Manufacturer Name/Model No. Limit Units Description percent Reporting Requirements Code Description 10 upon request Paragraph Sub Paragraph Clause Sub Clause - Capping Contaminant Name
Lower
Code 18 Title
Code 136 Monitoring Frequency Code Description 14 as required
Rule Citation
Sub Part Section Sub Division X Applicable Federal Requirement - State Only Requirement Emission Process Emission CAS No. Point Source
Emission Unit
- Continuous Emission Monitoring X Intermittent Emission Testing - Ambient Air Monitoring - Monitoring of Process or Control Device Parameters as Surrogate - Work Practice Involving Specific Operations - Record Keeping/Maintenance Procedures
Description
Work Practice Type Process Material Description Parameter Code Limit Upper Averaging Method Description Lower Code Monitoring Frequency Description Description Reference Test Method
Code
Code
Code
Code
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Determination of Non-Applicability (Title V Only) Rule Citation

Title Type Part Sub Part Section Sub Division Paragraph Sub Paragraph
- Continuation Sheet(s)
Clause
Sub Clause
Emission Unit
Emission Point
Process
Emission Source
- Applicable Federal Requirement - State Only Requirement
Description
Rule Citation
Title Type Part Sub Part Section Sub Division Paragraph Sub Paragraph Clause Sub Clause
Emission Unit
Emission Point
Process
Emission Source
- Applicable Federal Requirement - State Only Requirement
Description
Process Emissions Summary

EMISSION UNIT CAS No. NY210 - 00 (lbs/hr) 10.4 EMISSION UNIT CAS No. NY075 - 00 (lbs/hr) 9.2 EMISSION UNIT CAS No. 7446 - 09 (lbs/hr) 1.4 5 PTE (lbs/yr) 680 (standard units) 1 5 PTE (lbs/yr) 4,600 N E W C A Contaminant Name Sulfur Dioxide Standard Units % Thruput % Capture 100 % Control 0 (standard units) 1 0 PTE (lbs/yr) 5,200 N E W C A Contaminant Name PM10 Standard Units % Thruput % Capture 100 % Control 99.95 (standard units) 1 N E W C A Contaminant Name Oxides of Nitrogen Standard Units % Thruput % Capture 100 % Control 0
X Continuation Sheet(s) PROCESS ERP (lbs/hr) 10.4 Actual (lbs/hr) PROCESS ERP (lbs/hr) 18,400 Actual (lbs/hr) PROCESS ERP (lbs/hr) 1.4 Actual (lbs/hr) (lbs/yr) (lbs/yr) G A S (lbs/yr) G A S G A S
ERP How Determined 03
PTE How Determined 03
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NYS Air Permit Application (supporting information)

DEC ID
Process Emissions Summary (continuation)

EMISSION UNIT CAS No. 630 - 08 (lbs/hr) 52.0 EMISSION UNIT CAS No. NY998 - 00 (lbs/hr) 12.8 EMISSION UNIT CAS No. NY100 - 00 (lbs/hr) 1.7 EMISSION UNIT CAS No. NY210 - 00 (lbs/hr) 22.2 EMISSION UNIT CAS No. NY075 - 00 (lbs/hr) 9.2 5 PTE (lbs/yr) 1,318 (standard units) 1 0 PTE (lbs/yr) 4,435 N E W C A Contaminant Name PM10 Standard Units % Thruput % Capture 100 % Control 99.95 (standard units) 1 0 PTE (lbs/yr) 834 N E W C A Contaminant Name Oxides of Nitrogen Standard Units % Thruput % Capture 100 % Control 0 (standard units) 1 0 1 0 PTE (lbs/yr) 26,000 N E W C A Contaminant Name Volatile Organic Compounds PTE (lbs/yr) 6,400 N E W C A Contaminant Name Total HAPs Standard Units % Thruput % Capture 100 % Control 0 (standard units) Standard Units % Thruput % Capture 100 % Control 0 (standard units) 1 N E W C A Contaminant Name Carbon Monoxide Standard Units % Thruput % Capture 100 % Control 0 PROCESS ERP (lbs/hr) 52.0 Actual (lbs/hr) PROCESS ERP (lbs/hr) 12.8 Actual (lbs/hr) PROCESS ERP (lbs/hr) 1.7 Actual (lbs/hr) (lbs/yr) (lbs/yr) G A S (lbs/yr) G A S G A S ERP How Determined 03
PROCESS ERP (lbs/hr) 22.2
ERP How Determined 03 Actual (lbs/yr) N O 2
(lbs/hr) PROCESS ERP (lbs/hr) 18,400
ERP How Determined 03 Actual (lbs/yr)
(lbs/hr)
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EMISSION UNIT CAS No. 630 - 08 (lbs/hr) 52.0 EMISSION UNIT CAS No. NY998 - 00 (lbs/hr) 12.8 EMISSION UNIT CAS No. 7446 - 09 (lbs/hr) 5.8 EMISSION UNIT CAS No. NY100 - 00 (lbs/hr) 3.0 EMISSION UNIT CAS No. NY210 - 00 (lbs/hr) 22.0 0 PTE (lbs/yr) 5,500 (standard units) 1 0 PTE (lbs/yr) 374 N E W C A Contaminant Name Oxides of Nitrogen Standard Units % Thruput % Capture 100 % Control 0 (standard units) 1 5 PTE (lbs/yr) 12,511 N E W C A Contaminant Name Total Haps Standard Units % Thruput % Capture 100 % Control 0 (standard units) 1 0 1 0 PTE (lbs/yr) 6,921 N E W C A Contaminant Name Volatile Organic Compounds PTE (lbs/yr) 1,629 N E W C A Contaminant Name Sulfur Dioxide Standard Units % Thruput % Capture 100 % Control 0 (standard units) Standard Units % Thruput % Capture 100 % Control 0 (standard units) 1 N E W C A Contaminant Name Carbon Monoxide Standard Units % Thruput % Capture 100 % Control 0 PROCESS ERP (lbs/hr) 52.0 Actual (lbs/hr) PROCESS ERP (lbs/hr) 12.8 Actual (lbs/hr) PROCESS ERP (lbs/hr) 5.8 Actual (lbs/hr) (lbs/yr) (lbs/yr) N O 2 (lbs/yr) N O 2 N O 2 ERP How Determined 03
ERP How Determined 03 Actual (lbs/yr) W O F
(lbs/hr) PROCESS ERP (lbs/hr) 22.0
(lbs/hr)
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DEC ID

EMISSION UNIT CAS No. NY075 - 00 (lbs/hr) 9.2 EMISSION UNIT CAS No. 630 - 08 (lbs/hr) 52.0 EMISSION UNIT CAS No. NY998 - 00 (lbs/hr) 12.8 EMISSION UNIT CAS No. 7446 - 09 (lbs/hr) 23.2 EMISSION UNIT CAS No. NY100 - 00 (lbs/hr) 3.0 EMISSION UNIT CAS No. Contaminant Name % Thruput % Capture % Control 0 PTE (lbs/yr) 758 (standard units) 1 5 PTE (lbs/yr) 5,800 N E W C A Contaminant Name Total Haps Standard Units % Thruput % Capture 100 % Control 0 (standard units) 1 0 1 0 PTE (lbs/yr) 13,000 N E W C A Contaminant Name Volatile Organic Compounds PTE (lbs/yr) 3,200 N E W C A Contaminant Name Sulfur Dioxide Standard Units % Thruput % Capture 100 % Control 0 (standard units) Standard Units % Thruput % Capture 100 % Control 0 (standard units) 1 5 PTE (lbs/yr) 2,300 N E W C A Contaminant Name Carbon Monoxide Standard Units % Thruput % Capture 100 % Control 0 (standard units) 1 N E W C A Contaminant Name PM10 Standard Units % Thruput % Capture 100 % Control 99.5 PROCESS ERP (lbs/hr) 18,400 Actual (lbs/hr) (lbs/yr) W O F ERP How Determined 03
(lbs/hr)
W O
(lbs/hr) PROCESS ERP (lbs/hr)
ERP How Determined Actual
PTE (lbs/hr) (lbs/yr) (standard units)
Standard Units
PTE How Determined
(lbs/hr)
(lbs/yr)
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EMISSION UNIT CAS No. NY075 - 00 (lbs/hr) 0.1 EMISSION UNIT CAS No. Contaminant Name % Thruput % Capture % Control 5 PTE (lbs/yr) 518 (standard units) 1 N E W C A Contaminant Name PM10 Standard Units % Thruput % Capture 100 % Control 0 PROCESS ERP (lbs/hr) 0.1 Actual (lbs/hr) (lbs/yr) R A P ERP How Determined 03
PROCESS ERP (lbs/hr) ERP How Determined Actual (lbs/hr) (lbs/yr)
Standard Units
PTE How Determined
EMISSION UNIT CAS No. Contaminant Name % Thruput % Capture % Control
PROCESS ERP (lbs/hr) ERP How Determined Actual (lbs/hr) PROCESS Contaminant Name % Thruput % Capture % Control ERP (lbs/hr) ERP How Determined Actual (lbs/hr) PROCESS Contaminant Name % Thruput % Capture % Control ERP (lbs/hr) ERP How Determined Actual (lbs/hr) PROCESS Contaminant Name % Thruput % Capture % Control ERP (lbs/hr) ERP How Determined Actual (lbs/hr) (lbs/yr) (lbs/yr) (lbs/yr) (lbs/yr)
PTE (lbs/hr) EMISSION UNIT CAS No. (lbs/yr) (standard units)
Standard Units
PTE How Determined
Standard Units
PTE How Determined
Standard Units
PTE How Determined
Standard Units
PTE How Determined
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DEC ID

EMISSION UNIT CAS No. ERP (lbs/yr) PTE Emissions (lbs/hr) (lbs/yr) (lbs/hr) Actual (lbs/yr)
Emission Unit Emissions Summary

Contaminant Name
CAS No. ERP (lbs/yr) PTE Emissions (lbs/hr) (lbs/yr)
Contaminant Name
Actual (lbs/hr) (lbs/yr)
Contaminant Name
Contaminant Name
Compliance Plan
Consent Order Emission Unit Remedial Measure / Intermediate Milestones R/I Process Emis. Source Certified progress reports are to be submitted every 6 months beginning Applicable Federal Requirement Title Type Part Sub Part Section Sub Division Parag. /
For any emission units which are not in compliance at the time of permit application, the applicant shall complete the following /
Sub Parag.
Clause
Sub Clause
Date Scheduled
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DEC ID
Section IV - Emission Unit Information (continued) Request for Emission Reduction Credits
EMISSION UNIT Continuation Sheet(s)
Emission Reduction Description
Contaminant Emission Reduction Data

Reduction Baseline Period CAS No. / / to / / / Contaminant Name Date / ERC (lbs/yr) Netting Offset Method
Facility to Use Future Reduction

Name Location Address City / Town / Village State Zip APPLICATION ID /
Use of Emission Reduction Credits

EMISSION UNIT -
Proposed Project Description
Contaminant Emissions Increase Data

CAS No. Contaminant Name PEP (lbs/yr)
Statement of Compliance
All facilities under the ownership of this ownership/firm are operating in compliance with all applicable requirements and state regulations including any compliance certification requirements under Section 114(a)(3) of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, or are meeting the schedule of a consent order.
Source of Emission Reduction Credit - Facility

Name Location Address City / Town / Village Emission Unit CAS No. State Contaminant Name Zip ERC (lbs/yr) Netting PERMIT ID /
Offset
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Supporting Documentation
X P.E. Certification (form attached) List of Exempt Activities (form attached) Plot Plan X Calculations Air Quality Model ( / / )
Confidentiality Justification Ambient Air Monitoring Plan ( Stack Test Protocols/Reports ( / / / / ) ) / / )
Continuous Emissions Monitoring Plans/QA/QC ( MACT Demonstration ( / / )
Operational Flexibility: Description of Alternative Operating Scenarios and Protocols Title IV: Application/Registration ERC Quantification (form attached) Use of ERC(s) (form attached) Baseline Period Demonstration Analysis of Contemporaneous Emission Increase/Decrease LAER Demonstration ( BACT Demonstration ( Other Document(s): / / / / ) ) ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )
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P.E. Certification
I certify under penalty of law that I have personally examined, and am familiar with, the statements and information submitted in this document and all its attachments as they pertain to the practice of engineering. This is defined as the performance of a professional service such as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design or supervision of construction or operation in connection with any utilities, structures, buildings, machines, equipment, processes, works, or projects wherein the safeguarding of life, health and property is concerned, when such service or work requires the application of engineering principals and data. Based on my inquiry of those individuals with primary responsibility for obtaining such information, I certify that the statements and information are to the best of my knowledge and belief true, accurate and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false statements and information or omitting required statements and information, including the possibility of fine or imprisonment.
Name of P.E.
Signature of P.E.
Date
NYS License No.
Phone (
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Page 22
Calculation Sheets
NEW CASTLE ASPHALT LLC Rensselaer Facility Air Emission Summary Annual Emissions
Plant Asphalt Drum Plant (gas fired) Asphalt Drum Plant (oil fired) A/C Heater (Exempt Process) Asphalt Drum Plant (recycled oil fired) Aggregate Plant - RAP Processing Plant TOTALS (in pounds) TOTALS (in tons) Fuel Use 62,000,000 75,000 84,231 200,000 NA Annual Prod. 200,000 50,000 NA 100,000 216,000 Hours of Oper. 500 125 NA 250 3,600 PM10 4,600 1,150 168 2,300 518 8,737 4.4 NOx 5,200 2,750 1,685 5,500 NA 15,135 7.6 VOC's 6,400 1,600 29 3,200 NA 11,229 5.6 SO2 680 550 11,961 5,800 NA 18,991 9.5 CO 26,000 6,500 421 13,000 NA 45,921 23.0 Total Haps 834 374 NA 758 NA 1,966 1.0
NEW CASTLE ASPHALT LLC Rensselaer Facility Air Emission Summary Annual Emissions Asphalt Plant Gas Fired Process - GAS
Emission Source Asphalt Drum Plant (gas fired) TOTALS (in pounds per year) TOTALS (in tons per year) TOTALS (in pounds per hour) Fuel Use 62,000,000 Annual Prod. 200,000 Hours of Op. 500 PM10 4,600 4,600 2.3 9.2 NOx 5,200 5,200 2.6 10.4 VOC's 6,400 6,400 3.2 12.8 SO2 680 680 0.3 1.4 CO 26,000 26,000 13.0 52.0 HAPs 834 834 0.4 1.7
NEW CASTLE ASPHALT LLC Rensselaer Facility Process - NO2

Emission Source Asphalt Drum Plant (oil fired) A/C Heater TOTALS (in pounds per year) TOTALS (in tons per year) TOTALS (in pounds per hour) Fuel Use 75,000 84,231 Annual Prod. 50,000 NA Hours of Op. 125 8,760 PM10 1,150 168 1,318 0.7 9.2 NOx 2,750 1,685 4,435 2.2 22.2 VOC's 1,600 29 1,629 0.8 12.8 SO2 550 11,961 12,511 6.3 5.8 CO 6,500 421 6,921 3.5 52.0 HAPs 374 NA 374 0.2 3.0
NEW CASTLE ASPHALT LLC Rensselaer Facility Air Emission Summary Annual Emissions Asphalt Plant Waste Oil Fired Process - WOF
Emission Source Asphalt Drum Plant (recycled oil fired) TOTALS (in pounds per year) TOTALS (in tons per year) TOTALS (in pounds per hour) Fuel Use 200,000 Annual Prod. 100,000 Hours of Op. 250 PM10 2,300 2,300 1.2 9.2 NOx 5,500 5,500 2.8 22.0 VOC's 3,200 3,200 1.6 12.8 SO2 5,800 5,800 2.9 23.2 CO 13,000 13,000 6.5 52.0 HAPs 758 758 0.4 3.0
Annual Emissions Crushers Process - DRY

Emission Source Crushers TOTALS (in pounds) TOTALS (in tons) TOTALS (in pounds per hour) Fuel Use NA Annual Prod. 216,000 Hours of Op. 3,600 PM10 518 518 0.3 0.1 NOx NA NA NA NA VOC's NA NA NA NA SO2 NA NA NA NA CO NA NA NA NA HAPs NA NA NA NA
NEW CASTLE ASPHALT LLC Rensselaer Facility

Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Emission Calculations Emission Inventory Process WOF - Gencor Drum Plant Plant Description Capacity Gencor Drum Plant 400 tph Annual Production 100,000 tons
Annual Waste Oil Consumption 200,000 Gallons (Assumes 2.0 gallons per ton of HMA) Sulfur Content NA Percent Natural Gas Consumption NA Cubic Feet (Assumes 0.31MCF per ton of HMA)
Criteria Emission Calculations Waste Oil-Fired Dryer from Drum HMA Plants CAS# NY075-00-5 7446-09-5 NY210-00-0 630-08-0 NY998-00-0 Name PM10 Sulfur Dioxide Oxides of Nitrogen Carbon Monoxide Volatile Organic Compounds AP-42 Emission Factors1 0.023 0.058 0.055 0.130 0.032 Emissions2 2,300 5,800 5,500 13,000 3,200
1 2
Emission Factors in Pounds Per Ton of Asphalt
Emissions in pounds per year. Calculation based on mulitplying the AP-42 emission factor by the total permitted asphalt production for one year. PM emissions are total filterable particulates.

Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP'S) Emission Calculations Emission Inventory Process WOF - Gencor Drum Plant Plant Description Capacity Gencor Drum Plant 400 tp tph Annual Production 100,000 tons
Annual Waste Oil Consumption 200,000 Gallons (Assumes 2.0 gallons per ton of HMA) Sulfur Content Natural Gas Consumption NA Cubic Feet (Assumes 0.31MCF per ton of HMA)
Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP'S) Emission Calculations Waste Oil-Fired Dryer from Drum HMA Plants CASRN 71-43-2 100-41-4 50-00-0 91-20-3 108-88-3 1330-20-7 Name Benzene Ethylbenzene Formaldehyde Naphthalene Toluene Xylene Arsenic Cadmium Chromium Lead Manganese Mercury Nickel Selenium AP-42 Emission Factors 3.9E-04 2.4E-04 3.1E-03 6.5E-04 2.9E-03 2.0E-04 5.6E-07 4.1E-07 5.5E-06 1.5E-05 7.7E-06 2.6E-06 6.3E-05 3.5E-07 Emissions 3.9E+01 2.4E+01 3.1E+02 6.5E+01 2.9E+02 2.0E+01 5.6E-02 4.1E-02 5.5E-01 1.5E+00 7.7E-01 2.6E-01 6.3E+00 3.5E-02 758 0.38
Total HAP's (Pounds per year) Total HAP's (Tons per year)

Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Emission Calculations Emission Inventory Process GAS - Gencor Drum Plant Plant Description Capacity Gencor Drum Plant 400 tph Annual Production 200,000 tons
Annual Fuel Oil Consumption NA Gallons (Assumes 1.5 gallons per ton of HMA) Sulfur Content NA Percent Natural Gas Consumption 62,000,000 Cubic Feet (Assumes 0.31MCF per ton of HMA)
Criteria Emission Calculations Gas-Fired Dryer from Batch HMA Plants CAS# NY075-00-5 7446-09-5 NY210-00-0 630-08-0 NY998-00-0 Name PM10 Sulfur Dioxide Oxides of Nitrogen Carbon Monoxide Volatile Organic Compounds AP-42 Emission Factors1 0.023 0.0034 0.026 0.13 0.032 Emissions2 4,600 680 5,200 26,000 6,400
1 2
Emission Factors in Pounds Per Ton of Asphalt
Emissions in pounds per year. Calculation based on mulitplying the AP-42 emission factor by the total permitted asphalt production for one year. TOC's are total organic compounds measured as methane based upon EPA Method 25A. PM emissions are total filterable particulates.

Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Emission Calculations Emission Inventory Process GAS - Gencor Drum Plant Plant Description Capacity Gencor Drum Plant 400 tph Annual Production 200,000 tons
Annual Fuel Oil Consumption NA Gallons (Assumes 1.5 gallons per ton of HMA) Sulfur Content NA Percent Natural Gas Consumption 62,000,000 Cubic Feet (Assumes 0.31MCF per ton of HMA)
Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP'S) Emission Calculations Gas-Fired Dryer from Drum HMA Plants CASRN 71-43-2 100-41-4 50-00-0 91-20-3 108-88-3 1330-20-7 Name Benzene Ethylbenzene Formaldehyde Naphthalene Toluene Xylene AP-42 Emission Factors1 0.00039 0.00024 0.0031 0.00009 0.00015 0.0002 Emissions2 78.00 48.00 620.00 18.00 30.00 40.00
Total HAP's (Pounds per year) Total HAP's (Tons per year)
1 2
834 0.42
Emision factors in pounds per ton of asphalt Emissions in pounds per year. Calculation based on multiplying the AP-42 emission factor by the total permitted asphalt production for one year.

Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Emission Calculations Emission Inventory Process NO2 - Gencor Drum Plant Plant Description Capacity Gencor Drum Plant 400 tph Annual Production 50,000 tons
Annual Fuel Oil Consumption 75,000 Gallons (Assumes 1.5 gallons per ton of HMA) Sulfur Content NA Percent Natural Gas Consumption NA Cubic Feet (Assumes 0.31MCF per ton of HMA)
Criteria Emission Calculations Oil-Fired Dryer from Drum HMA Plants CAS# NY075-00-5 7446-09-5 NY210-00-0 630-08-0 NY998-00-0 Name PM10 Sulfur Dioxide Oxides of Nitrogen Carbon Monoxide Volatile Organic Compounds AP-42 Emission Factors1 0.023 0.011 0.055 0.130 0.032 Emissions2 1,150 550 2,750 6,500 1,600
1 2
Emission Factors in Pounds Per Ton of Asphalt Emissions in pounds per year. Calculation based on mulitplying the AP-42 emission factor by the total permitted asphalt production for one year. TOC's are total organic compounds measured as methane based upon EPA Method 25A. PM emissions are total filterable particulates.

Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP'S) Emission Calculations Emission Inventory Process NO2 - Gencor Drum Plant Plant Description Capacity Gencor Drum Plant 400 tph Annual Production 50,000 tons
Annual Fuel Oil Consumption 75,000 Gallons (Assumes 1.5 gallons per ton of HMA) Sulfur Content NA Percent Natural Gas Consumption NA Cubic Feet (Assumes 0.31MCF per ton of HMA)
Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP'S) Emission Calculations Oil-Fired Dryer from Drum HMA Plants CASRN 71-43-2 100-41-4 50-00-0 91-20-3 108-88-3 1330-20-7 Name Benzene Ethylbenzene Formaldehyde Naphthalene Toluene Xylene Total HAP's (Pounds per year) Total HAP's (Tons per year) AP-42 Emission Factors 0.00039 0.00024 0.0031 0.00065 0.0029 0.0002 Emissions 20 12 155 33 145 10 374 0.19

Hot Oil Heater Emission Calculations Emission Inventory Burner Make: Burner Model: Burner Output (MM BTU/hr): Maximum Fuel Usage (Gallons per hour): Number of Hot Oil Heaters: Operating Parameters: Minutes per Hour (Maximum potential): Hours per day: Days per Year: Annual Hours: Estimated Annual Residual Fuel Use (Gallons): Estimated Annual Distillate Fuel Use (Gallons): Sulfur Content(%S): Estimated Annual Natural Gas Use (Cu. Ft.): 8760 hrs NA 84,231
1.25 9.6 1
Proposed Capping Limits PM Distillate Oil Factors (lbs/1,000 gals) Annual Emissions (in pounds per year) 2.00 NOx 20.00 VOC 0.34 SO2 142.00 CO 5.00
168
1685
29
11961
421

Process RAP - RAP Processing Plant Rated Ave Hours TPH TPH Per Day Days Per Yr Em Factor PM10* (lb/ton) 0.0024 Totals
a
Source #
Equipment Type
TPA
PM10 (lbs) 518 518
PM10 (tons) 0.3 0.3
00CR1
Secondary Crusher - H. Mill
60
60
12
300
216,000
AP-42 emissions factors from Table 11.19.2.2-1 in AP-42 11.19.2 Crushed Stone Processing
Griggs-Lang Consulting Geologists, Inc.

8 Brunswick Road Troy, New York 12180 Phone: (518) 270-5920 Fax: (518) 270-5922
NEW CASTLE ASPHALT, LLC Rensselaer (Riverside Avenue) Plant Port of Rensselaer, City of Rensselaer, Rensselaer County, New York
STOCKPILE MAINTENANCE PLAN FOR NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
Date: February 15, 2011
New Castle Asphalt, LLC Rensselaer Plant Stockpile Maintenance Plan 2/15/11
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This Stockpile Maintenance Plan is submitted to comply with 6 NYCRR 212.12. The plan details methods to be employed by New Castle Asphalt, LLC to control and/or reduce moisture content in its aggregate stockpiles at the proposed Rensselaer Plant.
2.0 LOCATION AND SITE DESCRIPTION

The Rensselaer Plant is located on the west side of Riverside Avenue in the City of Rensselaer, Rensselaer County, New York. A 400 ton per hour drum mix plant is proposed to be built at this location during 2011.
3.0 METHODS TO CONTROL MOISTURE CONTENT

The following methods will be used to control moisture content in the stockpiles: The perimeter of the Stockpile Area will be bermed to prevent external stormwater from entering the Stockpile Area Vehicle access points to the Stockpile Area will have rollover curbs that prevent external stormwater from entering the area. The Stockpile Area will be graded to the northeast to direct water away from the stockpiles and towards a stormwater basin well removed from the stockpiles. Loader operators will be trained to preferentially avoid wetter portions of the pile whenever feasible. The stockpiles will be located in an area subject to direct sunlight throughout the day.
NEW CASTLE ASPHALT, LLC Rensselaer Plant

Port of Rensselaer, City of Rensselaer, Rensselaer County, New York
FUGITIVE DUST CONTROL PLAN FOR N.Y.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
Facility Contact:
Roderick J. Valente, Managing Member New Castle Asphalt, LLC Riverside Avenue Rensselaer, New York 12144
Company Contact:
Roderick J. Valente, Managing Member New Castle Asphalt, LLC 118 Button Road Waterford, New York 12188 (518) 432-4470 Paul H. Griggs, Principal Geologist Griggs-Lang Consulting Geologists, Inc.
Prepared by:
Date: May 31, 2011
New Castle Asphalt, LLC Rensselaer Plant Fugitive Dust Control Plan 5/31/11
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The following report outlines the procedures that will be taken to control fugitive dust at the proposed New Castle Asphalt Rensselaer Plant in the Port of Rensselaer, City of Rensselaer, Rensselaer County. The site is located on the west and north sides of Riverside Avenue and northwest of the Port Expressway in the center of the Port of Rensselaer. A copy of this Fugitive Dust Control Plan will be kept on-site.
2.0 POTENTIAL DUST SOURCES

The following potential sources of fugitive dust will exist at the proposed Rensselaer Plant: Heavy equipment operation, primarily in the Stockpile Area Trucks on the entrance/perimeter access road Plant operations Load out and wind erosion from stockpiles
3.0 METHODS FOR CONTROLLING FUGITIVE DUST

The proposed Rensselaer Plant will use the following best management practices to control dust. These methods are in addition to those implemented in the blacktop plant (such as the baghouse): Wooded perimeter buffer zones not needed for the safe and efficient operation of the site will be maintained. Approximately 53 percent of the site will be green space. The vegetated perimeter berms will reduce incident wind speeds, thereby reducing the potential for wind erosion. Areas not needed for the safe and efficient operation of the site will be vegetated. The largest potential sources of dust are located as far from the property line as possible and as far from Riverside Avenue and the Port Expressway as possible. Stockpile heights will be kept low to reduce the opportunity for wind erosion. The aggregates have a natural moisture content that helps bind finer grained particles together and minimize the generation of dust. Stockpiled RAP will be bound together by asphalt and will be an insignificant source of dust. The active excavated faces of the stockpiles that are more susceptible to wind erosion will be oriented towards the center of the site. Spilled material will be periodically cleaned up in the Plant Area by a skid steer, reincorporated into salable products or stored in areas not subject to erosion. Baghouse fines will be reincorporated into salable products or emptied into trucks on an infrequent basis and stored in areas not subject to erosion. A speed limit of 15 mph will be posted on the site to control the amount of dust generated on the entrance/perimeter access road. The entrance/perimeter access road will be paved and swept as needed to control the build up of sediment and the generation of dust. Truck racks will be used to allow truckers to trim and cover their loads prior to leaving the site. Spillage will be cleaned up as needed to control generation of excessive amounts of dust and to keep the site clean. The frequency of cleaning up spilled material will vary depending on how much material is running through the plant and how much product is being produced during a given day.
New Castle Asphalt, LLC Rensselaer Plant Fugitive Dust Control Plan 5/31/11
In accordance with 6 NYCRR Part 201-1.8, no person shall unnecessarily remove, handle, or cause to be handled, collected air contaminants from an air cleaning device for recycling, salvage, or disposal in a manner that would reintroduce them to the outdoor atmosphere.

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Application For Construction of New Castle Asphalt, LLC Blacktop Plant

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Griggs-Lang Consulting Geologists, Inc.

NEW CASTLE ASPHALT, LLC

APPLICATION FOR CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF BLACKTOP PLANT

Prepared by: Griggs-Lang Consulting Geologists, Inc.

Date: May 31, 2011

NOTE: ALL OVERSIZED DRAWINGS IN SEPARATE FILE

3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS

3.3 Railroad Spur

3.7 Future Bike Path

4.0 DESCRIPTON OF PROPOSED OPERATIONS

4.1 Proposed Access and Traffic Flow

4.2 Access Control

4.3 Truck Routes

4.4 Blacktop Plant Components and Layout

4.5 Stockpile Area

4.6 Stormwater Management Area

4.9 Truck Loading Areas

4.10 Equipment Operation

4.11 Water Supply

4.12 Natural Gas

4.15 Buffer Zones and Green Space

4.18 Pedestrian Access

6.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION

6.1 Potential Air Impacts

6.4 Proposed Bike Path

SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL NOISE IMPACTS

Sound Level of Trucks 63.0 51.4 37.6 65.5

Sound Level of Stockpile Area 54.8 56.2 45.9 57.3

Sound Level of Plant 63.1 62.5 47.6 51.8

Ambient Sound Level 68.5 67.1 54.6 67.1

New Ambient Sound Level 70.6 68.7 55.5 69.6

Sound Level Increase +2.1 +1.6 +1.3 +2.5

All sound readings in dBA (one-hour Leq)

6.5.1 Expected Sound Level at Riverside Avenue (East of Site)

6.5.2 Expected Sound Level at Riverside Avenue (South of Site)

6.5.3 Expected Sound Level at Residential Area

6.5.4 Expected Sound Level at Overlook Area

6.5.5 Recommended Noise Best Management Practices

6.5.6 Noise Conclusions

6.9 Plants and Wildlife

6.10 Cultural Resources

6.11 Energy Use

6.12 Odor and Light

6.13 Human Health

6.14 Community Character

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM, PART 1

FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM

617.20 Appendix A State Environmental Quality Review

THIS AREA FOR LEAD AGENCY USE ONLY

DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE -- Type 1 and Unlisted Actions

*A Conditioned Negative Declaration is only valid for Unlisted Actions

Name of Lead Agency

Print or Type Name of Responsible Officer in Lead Agency

Title of Responsible Officer

Signature of Responsible Officer in Lead Agency

Signature of Preparer (If different from responsible officer)

PART 1--PROJECT INFORMATION

Location of Action (include Street Address, Municipality and County)

Please Complete Each Question--Indicate N.A. if not applicable A. SITE DESCRIPTION