Marconi Area Facilities Improvement Environmental Assessment

Date: May 15, 2008
Contact: David W. Crary, Fire Management Officer, 508-349-3785

emeCape Cod National Seashore Superintendent George Price has announced that the 30-day public comment period for the Marconi Area Facilities Improvements Environmental Assessment begins today and closes on June 14, 2008. Price said, "There are four important park operational improvement projects under consideration. The purposes of these projects are to improve employee and visitor safety, contribute to regional transportation goals, produce a more efficient workplace, and to enhance emergency response capabilities." This Environmental Assessment (EA) addresses a proposal of the National Park Service (NPS) to conduct four facility construction improvements in and near the Marconi Headquarters and maintenance facilities in South Wellfleet, MA (commonly known as the Marconi Area). These projects are being considered in a single EA to facilitate an integrated assessment of effects to the Marconi Area.

Helipad Improvement: The NPS proposes to improve the helicopter landing site (helipad) in the easternmost portion of the Marconi Headquarters rear employee parking lot at Cape Cod National Seashore (CCNS). Helipad improvements would be based on the Interagency Helicopter Operations Guide (IHOG). IHOG is based on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations for heliport design.

Hydrant Extension: The NPS proposes to construct a waterline extension from the current water system to a proposed hydrant to be located near the State Highway Route 6 and Marconi Beach Road intersection (located just outside of the park boundary). The CCNS water source is located at the end of Marconi Residence Road in South Wellfleet. The extension would cover a distance of 700 feet. This project is being undertaken in cooperation with the Wellfleet Fire Department, and enhances fire management capabilities of the town and the seashore.

Transit Shelter Construction: The NPS proposes to site and construct a transit bus stop and shelter for the Outer Cape public transportation system (FLEX Bus). The shelter and associated paving would provide a shelter to the weather for riders and be a focal point for drop-off and pick-up of mass transit users in South Wellfleet.

Fire Cache Construction: The NPS proposes to construct a new fire cache garage next to existing facilities at the Marconi maintenance area. The existing facilities are inadequate to support the fire management program. The new facility would have dedicated storage space and would consolidate all fire vehicles and fire equipment in one building thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the fire management program.

This EA lists the alternatives that were evaluated and alternatives that were considered, but rejected for each project. The Environmental Assessment (EA) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) has been prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) to evaluate the impacts of each project on the human environment, including natural and cultural resources, and provide an opportunity for the public to review and comment on the project.

Copie of the EA for review are available at local libraries, the two park visitor centers, and can be accessed online at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/ or the park’s website at www.nps.gov/caco. Comments can be sent to the Superintendent, Cape Cod National Seashore, 99 Marconi Site Road, Wellfleet, Massachusetts, 02667. Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone] or email at [e-mail].

-NPS-