Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
DOT says Route 3 design includes stormwater treatment and historic review; right‑of‑way appraisals, negotiation process explained
Summary
NHDOT told a Hooksett hearing that its Route 3 project will require about 9.2 acres of property impacts, incorporate permanent stormwater treatment, and has been reviewed for noise, threatened species and historic resources under federal and state procedures.
At the May 15 public hearing, New Hampshire DOT staff summarized environmental reviews, permitting needs and the right‑of‑way acquisition process for the Route 3 project in Hooksett.
Environmental review: Mark Hemmellein, environmental manager with NHDOT's Bureau of Environment, told the commission that the department prepared a draft environmental document after coordinating with federal and state agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. "The proposed project will require property impacts totaling 9.2 acres outside the limits of existing right of way, including 2.9 acres of strip impacts and 6.3 acres for implementation of stormwater treatment measures," Hemmellein said.
Noise and species reviews: Hemmellein said a noise analysis following Federal Highway Administration criteria found that under a 2045 build condition none of the adjacent properties would experience a substantial noise increase requiring abatement. Endangered‑species screening identified some species of concern in the region, but the project is not expected to impact the identified species; DOT staff said coordination would continue to avoid or minimize any potential impacts.
Historic resources and Section 106: Hemmellein said the project area contains identified historic resources including the Herbert House, the Union Hall Society Building and the Manchester Road School. Coordination under Section 106 with the Federal Highway Administration and the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources concluded that the proposed project would not adversely affect National Register‑eligible historic resources.
Stormwater and basins: The design incorporates a closed drainage system and permanent stormwater treatment measures. The project includes three relatively large stormwater basins: one of approximately 2.6 acres (near Synergy Storage), another about 2.1 acres (north of Messer Brook), and a third roughly 1.6 acres behind the Bonneville parking lot, plus a smaller triangular BMP between local businesses.
Right‑of‑way and compensation process: Eric Sargent, administrator for the Bureau of Right of Way, described procedures for acquisitions and relocation assistance. "The appraisals will reflect the fair market value of the property rights needed to complete construction," Sargent said. He explained that appraisals are reviewed before offers are made; if an owner accepts, conveyance documents are prepared and compensation is provided. If negotiations fail, the owner may bring the matter to the New Hampshire Board of Tax and Land Appeals and subsequently appeal to superior court if needed.
Permits and coordination: DOT staff said wetland impacts under state and federal jurisdiction will be minimized, mitigated and permitted prior to construction; the department will prepare a stormwater pollution prevention plan for construction. Documents including the draft environmental report will be available for public review after the hearing and DOT staff invited comments during a 10‑day comment period following the hearing.
Ending: DOT staff said they will continue agency coordination, finalize environmental documents and proceed with appraisal and right‑of‑way activities only after the commission’s finding of necessity and completion of required permits.
