This chapter provides background information on the Yellow Study Area, the proposed location
of the Kentucky TriModal Transpark (KTT) as it exists today including: existing land use
trends, demographic and economic trends for Warren County, natural resource features, and
future planning and development activities that may affect conditions around the proposed KTT.
DESCRIPTION OF AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
Location of Study Area
The Yellow Study Area, which is the preferred area for the proposed KTT, is located in
northeastern Warren County, which is in the south central region of Kentucky. Bowling Green,
the County Seat, is situated approximately 3 miles southwest of the proposed project site.
Bowling Green is located approximately 62 miles northeast of the Nashville, Tennessee urban
area and approximately 117 miles southwest of the Louisville, Kentucky urban area, which are
linked by I-65.
The Yellow Study Area is comprised of approximately 6,600 acres and is located between the
towns of Oakland and Bowling Green in Warren County, Kentucky. It is bounded on the north
by US 31W and on the south by I-65. The Yellow Study Area is accessed by US 31W, US
68/KY 80, State Route KY 179 (Oakland-US 31W Road) and by several county roads, including
Carl Jordan Road (KY 1182), Goshen Church Road, Loving Road, Sunnyside-Gott Road (KY
807), Mizpah Road, Freeport Road, and W.R. Helton Road. There is also a partial interchange
with US 68 at I-65, approximately 3500-feet east of the project site. The area is bisected from
west to east by the CSX rail line. A Location Map is included as Figure 3-1.
Existing Land Use
The predominant land use within the Yellow Study Area is cropland, pasture, or other
agricultural uses. According to the Warren County Land Use Map, approximately 96 percent of
the 6,600 acres is in agricultural use. The Yellow Study Area contains approximately 310
parcels representing approximately 226 individual landowners. This number is subject to change
pending further review of parcel subdivision, assembly, and recent transactions. As of April
2000, 143 primary structures (homes and a limited number of commercial buildings) have been
identified on the Yellow Study Area. In addition, approximately 122 corresponding outbuildings
(garages, storage buildings, barns, etc.) have been identified. Existing land use, including
residential structures, is identified on Figure 3-2.
Existing Zoning
The majority of land within the Yellow Study Area is currently zoned ÔAgricultureÕ. The rest of
the areas are zoned for residential uses. At the present time, there are no pending re-zoning
requests within the Yellow Study Area. (Letter from Andrew G. Gillies, Executive Director,
Insert Figure 3-1
Insert Figure 3-2
City-County Planning Commission of Warren County, dated November 22, 2000, included in
Appendix B) The current zoning for Warren County is shown on Figure 3-3.
Future Land Use
The Warren County Comprehensive PlanÕs land use strategy states that it is not the CountyÕs
goal to limit overall growth, rather the comprehensive plan states that it wants to Òaffect the
timing and location of growth commensurate with the availability of existing urban services and
facilities and the timing of planned extension of urban services and facilities.Ó Warren County
does not have a Future Land Use Map. However, the Warren County Comprehensive Plan does
outline several specific policy statements that deal with the future development of commercial
and industrial property. (These are included in the letter from Andrew G. Gillies, Executive
Director, City-County Planning Commission of Warren County, dated November 22, 2000,
included in Appendix B).
Community/Man-Made Features
There are seven cemeteries located within the boundaries of the Yellow Study Area. These
include a cemetery located at 1056 Lower Oakland Road; a cemetery located on 212 Mizpah
Road; a cemetery located near the corner of Mizpah Road and Louisville Road, known as the
Mizpah Church Cemetery; the Carpenter Cemetery at 2990 Glasgow Road or U.S. 68/80; the
Union Cemetery on Loving Road adjacent to the Loving Union Methodist Church; the Sandy A.
Gossom family cemetery at 10683 Louisville Road; and the Smith-Middleton Cemetery at 11545
Louisville Road. There are no schools located within the boundaries of the Yellow Study Area.
However, Oakland Elementary is located approximately one-half mile east of the eastern
boundary of the Yellow Study Area. Warren East High School and Warren East Middle School
are located on Louisville Road, approximately one-half mile west of the Yellow Study Area. In
addition, Bristow Elementary School is located on Louisville Road, approximately one and one-
third miles west of the Yellow Study Area. The only religious institution within the boundaries
of the Yellow Study Area is Loving Union Methodist Church, which is located in the south-
central portion of the site.
Based on correspondence received from the Barren River Area Development District (BRADD)
and the City-County Planning Commission, there are two waste disposal sites within the Yellow
Study Area. There is a solid waste site located one-quarter mile from Freeport Road and a small
construction demolition debris (CDD) landfill site located on Fred Madison Road. (See Letters
from Andrew Gillies, City-County Planning Commission of Warren County, dated November
22, 2000 and Dot Darby-Paschalli, Barren River Area Development District dated October 19,
2000, included in Appendix C).
An additional man-made feature that occurs in the Yellow Study Area is an eight-inch Texas Gas
pipeline, which is located along the north central portion of the site. Due to its location, it may
require relocation or protection during the development of the project. Each of these community
and man-made features is identified on Figure 3-4.
Insert Figure 3-
Insert Figure 3-
Socioeconomic Characteristics of the Study Area
Demographic Trends
Primary Market Area: Historic and projected population for the 19 county primary market
area for the KTT, and Kentucky are available from the Kentucky State Data Center. These
estimates are shown on Table 3-1. Within the primary market area, population growth from
1997 to 2020 is expected to range from a low of ø12.83% in Monroe County (representing a
decline in population) to a high of 24.38% in Allen County. The Warren County population is
expected to increase by 15.96%, growing from 86,525 in 1997 to 100,331 in 2020. The
combined population of the 19 county primary market area is expected to increase by 11.93%,
growing from 402,134 in 1997 to 450,106 in 2020. The total statewide population in 1997 was
estimated at 3,908,124. By 2020, KentuckyÕs population is expected to grow by 9.89% to
4,294,724. The KTT primary market area represents just over one-tenth of the population of the
State of Kentucky and its forecasted population growth of 11.93% is expected to exceed the
forecasted population growth of the state (9.89%) through 2020.
Table 3-1
Population Estimates and Forecasts
Population Estimates and Forecasts
REGION
1997
2000
2010
2020
GROWTH 1997-2020
Adair
16,494
16,935
17,844
18,321
11.08%
Allen
16,233
17,097
18,933
20,191
24.38%
Barren
36,770
38,147
41,054
42,796
16.39%
Butler
11,757
12,004
12,559
12,892
9.65%
Cumberland
6,876
6,883
6,821
6,665
-3.07%
Edmonson
11,135
11,708
12,930
13,608
22.21%
Grayson
23,279
24,076
25,888
27,066
16.27%
Green
10,570
10,655
10,691
10,529
-0.39%
Hart
16,556
17,204
18,630
19,495
17.76%
Larue
12,888
13,351
14,307
14,856
15.27%
Logan
26,163
26,857
28,334
29,273
11.89%
Metcalfe
9,470
9,690
10,141
10,342
9.21%
Monroe
11,223
10,964
10,360
9,783
-12.83%
Muhlenberg
31,957
32,556
33,767
34,481
7.90%
Ohio
21,957
22,418
23,261
23,743
8.13%
Simpson
16,175
16,564
17,418
17,905
10.70%
Taylor
22,912
23,418
24,264
24,583
7.29%
Todd
11,198
11,244
11,274
11,226
0.25%
Warren
86,525
89,599
96,324
100,331
15.96%
19 Counties
402,134
413,370
436,810
450,106
11.93%
Kentucky
3,908,124
3,988,188
4,179,649
4,294,724
9.89%
Source: Kentucky Data Center, University of Louisville
Yellow Study Area: The Yellow Study Area is located within census blocks 16001, 16002, and
17005 in Warren County, Kentucky. As shown on Table 3-2, the total 1990 population for these
census blocks was 2,657. The total estimated year 2000 population for these census blocks was
3,082, an estimated 15.9% increase. This compares to an increase of 14.3% for Warren County,
Kentucky.
Table 3-2
Yellow Study Area Census Block Groups Population
Block Number
Total 1990 Population
Total Population Projection 2000
Percent Growth
16001
844
979
15.9
16002
949
1,101
16.0
17005
864
1,002
7.1
Total For Census Blocks
2,657
3,082
15.9
Warren County
77,720
88,873
14.3
Kentucky
3,685,296
3,987,499
8.2
Source: U.S. Census Projected Data Estimates
Economic Characteristics
Employment characteristics for full and part-time employees within the primary market area are
presented in Table 3-3 by industrial category and place of work. In 1997, there were
approximately 2.2 million persons employed full-time in the State of Kentucky with
approximately 7%, or 154,657 persons, employed within the primary market area. For the
primary market area, the largest number of employees by industry was in manufacturing, with
local employment in this sector occurring at over one and a half times the statewide average.
The primary market area accounts for 12 percent of the manufacturing employees throughout the
state. The region also has a higher than average concentration of employees in the agricultural
sector. Industrial employment within Warren County is more diversified than the region as a
whole, but has above average concentrations in manufacturing, retail trade, service, and
construction sectors.
Table 3-3
Employment Characteristics by Industry and Place of Work (1997)
The unemployment rate for the primary market area ranges from a low of 4.3% in Larue County
to a high of 18% in Adair County. The Warren County unemployment rate is 5.5%, slightly
above the State of Kentucky rate of 5.4%. Comparing the nineteen county primary market area
to state values, six counties were found to be below the Kentucky unemployment rate, while
thirteen counties were above the Kentucky unemployment rate as indicated in Table 3-4.
Table 3-4
1997 Labor Force Estimates
CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
REGION
Total
Employed
Total Unemployed
Unemployment Rate
Adair
8,441
6,921
1,520
18.9%
Allen
8,998
8,331
667
7.4%
Barren
18,419
17,444
975
5.3%
Butler
5,706
5,373
333
5.8%
Cumberland
2,798
2,470
328
11.7%
Edmonson
4,942
4,510
432
8.7%
Grayson
11,459
10,548
911
8.0%
Green
4.953
4,512
441
8.9%
Hart
7,884
7,373
511
6.5%
Larue
6,167
5,900
267
4.3%
Logan
13,154
12,524
630
4.8%
Metcalfe
4,790
4,540
250
5.2%
Monroe
5,445
5,073
372
6.8%
Muhlenberg
12,389
11,305
1,084
8.7%
Ohio
10,348
9,476
872
8.4%
Simpson
7,644
7,306
338
4.4%
Taylor
11,191
10,068
1,123
10.0%
Todd
5,429
5,171
258
4.8%
Warren
49,405
46,704
2,701
5.5%
19 Counties
199,562
185,549
14,013
7.6%
Kentucky
1,917,204
1,813,988
103,216
5.4%
Source: Kentucky Data Center, University of Louisville
Recent closures by several major employers, such as Fruit-of-the-Loom and Eaton, have put a
major strain on many of the families within the primary market area. To meet mortgage
payments and other living expenses, wage earners reportedly often work two or three jobs.
Typically, such jobs are in the low-paying service sector. These service sector jobs do not
require the skills offered by the displaced employees. A survey conducted in 1999 served to
document the rate of underemployment in the region, specifically, persons working in more than
one job due to low wages and the need for additional income. The survey of persons living in
the primary market area documented a regional underemployment rate of 9.2%.
Natural Resource Characteristics of the Study Area
Regional Geology
The proposed Yellow Study Area is located in the Western Pennyroyal Physiographic Regions
that are part of the Mississippian Plateau. The entire area is drained by the Green River. The
topography of the study area ranges from nearly level to gently rolling and rolling and is
dissected by sinks, bowl-like depressions and small surface streams and subterranean drainages.
Sedimentary rocks of the Mississippian and Devonian Periods underlie the Yellow Study Area.
Cherty limestone of the St. Louis formation is found on the higher ridgetops in thicknesses that
range up to 290 feet. Argillaceous limestone of the Girkin formation is above the St. Louis
formation and resting on the Girkin formation in the vicinity of Mammoth Cave is the Big Clifty
sandstone that is approximately 85 feet thick. The study area geological system consists of
interbedded limestone, shales, siltstones and sandstones. These formations comprise the parent
material of the Hammack-Baxter, and Baxter-Nicolson soil associations that make up the project
site soils.
Geology of the Yellow Study Area
The area geology and topography are generally separated by the existing CSX Railroad track.
North of the CSX track, portions of the study area are underlain by the Saint Genevieve
Limestone and south of the track portions of the study area are underlain by the Saint Louis
Limestone. Both limestone formations are locally known for creating karst terrain. Karst
features include sinkholes and depressions. To assist in the karst geotechnical evaluation, the
study area was subdivided into four quadrants, as shown on Figure 3-5. Table 3-5 provides an
indication of sinkhole activity in each quadrant.
Table 3-5
Quadrant Karst Statistics
Quadrant
Total Acreage
Total # of Sinkholes
Total Sinkhole Acreage
Sinkhole % of Total Acreage
Average Size of Sinkhole(Acres)
1
1,742
51
114
6.54
2.24
2
2,438
110
211
8.65
1.92
3
1,153
149
243
21.08
1.63
4
1,270
146
228
17.95
1.56
Total
6,603
456
796
12.06
1.74
As indicated in Table 3-5, the areas underlain by the Saint Louis Limestone (quadrants 3 and 4)
are generally located south of the CSX rail line. This area contains a larger number of smaller,
deeper, and more circular sinkholes than the areas underlain by the Saint Genevieve Limestone.
The Saint Genevieve Limestone (quadrants 1 and 2) is generally found in the portion of the
Yellow Study Area that is north of the CSX railroad. The Saint Genevieve Limestone has
scattered, shallow, and elongated sinkholes. In addition, there is a greater percentage of lan
Insert Figure 3-5
area that contains sinkholes in the areas underlain by the Saint Louis Limestone compared to the
areas underlain by the Saint Genevieve Limestone.
Karst features are prevalent throughout Warren County, Kentucky. Although karst features
present challenges for development, they do not preclude development. All types of
development can be found in karst areas including commercial and retail centers, airports, and
highways. In fact, several other airports within Kentucky are underlain by karst terrain. These
include: the Blue Grass Field Airport in Lexington, Kentucky; the Glasgow Airport, in Glasgow,
Kentucky; and the Somerset/Pulaski County Airport in Somerset, Kentucky.
There are six caves on the Yellow Study Area: Mezzels Cave, Ashland Pit, Long Hollow, Dark
Sink, Wolf Sink and Cave, and Mill Cave. These are identified on Figure 3-6. The most notable
cave and sink mapped on the site are Wolf Sink and Cave, which has been mapped and studied
by the Western Kentucky University Karst Research Team.
Soils
Soils in the project area are principally comprised of the Hammack-Baxter and the Baxter-
Nicholson associations. These are deep, nearly level to sloping, well-drained soils that have a
loamy and clayey subsoil. General soil permeability characteristics of the soils are moderately
slow and are subject to erosion hazard.
Air Quality
The Yellow Study Area is located in Warren County, which is currently in compliance with each
of the National Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria pollutants. The NAAQS contained
in the Federal Clean Air Act, as amended by the United State Congress in 1970, 1977, and 1990
are permitted levels for pollutants which must be met in order for a region to be in attainment for
that pollutant. NAAQS standards are established for Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulfur Dioxide
(SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), lead (Pb), ozone (O3), and particulate matter (pm10).
According to the USEPA, Region 4, however, the area may be classified as an ozone non-
attainment area upon implementation of the eight-hour ozone standard in the future. (See Letters
from Heinz J. Mueller, Chief of the Office of Environmental Assessment for USEPA, Region 4,
dated October 24, 2000 and John E. Hornback, Director, Kentucky Division of Air Quality,
dated November 6, 2000, included in Appendix C). Should the area be reclassified as an ozone
non-attainment area prior to the construction of the project, any federal funding would likely be
delayed until the state comes into compliance.
Water Quality
The areaÕs surface geology (and thus its drainage patterns) is separated approximately by the
CSX Railroad Track, which bisects the center of the Yellow Study Area from east to west.
North of the railroad the underlying formation is Saint Genevieve Limestone, which has
scattered, shallow, elongated depressions (sinkholes). South of the railroad is the Saint Louis
Limestone, which has numerous smaller, deeper, more circular sinkholes. These topographi
Insert Figure 3-6
features contribute to the drainage patterns of the site and can be seen on the topographic map of
the area. (See Figure 3-6).
The Yellow Study Area is located entirely within the Graham Springs drainage basin. All
surface water drainage in this basin is via sinkholes connected to underground drainage trunk
conduits. The Graham Springs basin discharges to the Barren River. There are no surface
streams within the Yellow Study Area.
Every sinkhole is a potential input to the major drainage system or one of its many tributaries. In
the past, these have been direct conduits for fertilizers, pesticides, sedimentation, hazardous
materials, and other debris to enter the groundwater unchecked. With this project, all local, state,
and federal surface and groundwater discharge permits and requirements must and will be met
including handling of any and all hazardous materials including potential use of deicing
materials.
When federal involvement occurs on this project and an EIS is prepared, additional geologic
investigations will be conducted, including dye studies, to determine the actual groundwater flow
paths and connections to critical sinkholes and potential cave fauna habitat. At that time, the
necessary coordination will be made in order to comply with the Fish and Wildlife Coordination
Act, as well.
Spill control on the KTT will be addressed in the development of the EIS for the airport, as well
as in the Master Plan that will cover all of the elements of the KTT. Those measures will include
the preparation of a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) plan to address how
petroleum products or other hazardous materials, including toxic de-icers, will be handled or
stored. The development of the SPCC will be coordinated with the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and the Kentucky Division of Water. In addition, a Groundwater Protection
Plan (GPP) will be prepared for the facilities located in the KTT, as required by 401 KAR 5:037
and will be submitted for review by the Kentucky Division of Water.
Dye studies have indicated that the main channel of the Graham Springs basin runs beneath the
Yellow Study Area, from northeast to southwest. The major conduits are shown on Figure 3-6.
Cave openings along the main conduit within the Yellow Study Area include Wolf Sink and Mill
Cave. Grant-Palmore Cave also is located along the main conduit west of the Yellow Study
Area. Other caves are large enough to enter and are located along side conduits of the drainage.
Because of its geographic location, almost all of Warren County, including the Yellow Study
Area, is characterized by karst hydrology that causes concern related to groundwater
contamination, sinkhole collapse, and sinkhole flooding. Groundwater contamination is a
potential issue for most development in the county because the karst aquifer that underlies the
area behaves differently from other aquifers. In non-karst areas, natural filtration occurs during
typical overland runoff and surface stream conveyance. This natural filtration is limited in karst
area. Instead of groundwater moving slowly through tiny pores in the soil, flow in karst areas is
often turbulent, moving through large channels. Karst aquifers are recharged rapidly and receive
very little filtration by soil. Contaminants can enter the groundwater rapidly and travel several
miles in only a few hours. Pollutants originating within the project area could quickly and
seriously affect water quality of the Graham Springs basin and the Barren River if not properly
handled.
Groundwater sampling results suggest that the Graham Springs basin is already impacted by
agricultural activities. Water quality data were available for Graham Springs basin at Wilkins
Blue Hole, one of the discharge points of the basin near the Barren River (Kentucky Division of
Water). A variety of conventional parameters and pesticides were analyzed during 1994, 1995,
and 1996. The prevalent pesticide detected was Atrazine, detected in 21 of 28 samples. Other
pesticides detected were Metolachlor, Cyanazine, Malathion, and, 2,4 D. These results suggest
that the Graham Springs basin is impacted by agricultural activities in the watershed and that
pesticide runoff is a concern. These results are included in the report, Biological Analysis of the
Yellow Study Area.
No groundwater data for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were found for the Graham
Springs basin, but VOCs have been a concern in the Lost River Basin (south of Bowling Green).
VOCs can come from fuels and solvents and can cause problems in underground conduits by
contaminating groundwater, and by forming toxic and explosive fumes. The fumes may persist
for long periods of time and can rise up into overlying structures.
DOT Section 4(f) Lands
To determine the presence of publicly owned parks, recreation areas or wildlife and waterfowl
refuges within and in close proximity to the Yellow Study Area, coordination and interviews
were conducted with the following jurisdictional authorities: the Kentucky Department of Fish
and Wildlife Resources; the Kentucky Department of Parks; the Kentucky Division of Forestry;
the Kentucky Nature Preserves Commission; the National Park Service; the Natural Resources
Conservation Service; and the Warren County Parks and Recreation Service. Historic sites
within and in close proximity to the Yellow Study Area are discussed in the Cultural Resources
Section that follows. There are three existing and one proposed park within close proximity to
the Yellow Study Area. These parks are identified below.
Mammoth Cave National Park: The Yellow Study Area is located approximately eight miles
southwest of Mammoth Cave National Park as shown on Figure 3-7. Mammoth Cave National
Park is a 52,830-acre national park, World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. It is located
principally in Edmonson County, which is north of the study area. It is the most visited tourist
attraction in Kentucky with more than two million guests per year. In addition to the attraction
offered by the worldÕs longest cave system, the Park offers recreational opportunities, scenic
rivers, hardwood forests, and protected wildlife habitat.
Bristow Community Park: Bristow Community Park, which is shown on Figure 3-7, is a 5.0-
acre limited use, fenced park with two baseball fields, a basketball court, and mixed-use
playground equipment. It is located off US 31W/US 68, just south of the US 31W and US 68
intersection, approximately three-quarters mile west of the Yellow Study Area.
Insert Figure 3-7
Ephram White Park (proposed): This park will be located off of KY 526 near Warren East
High School, approximately one-half mile west of the Yellow Study Area, as is shown on Figure
3-7. This is a planned 143-acre multiple-use facility. It is scheduled to provide many
recreational amenities including ten baseball fields, soccer and football fields, an aquatic center,
roller hockey rinks, archery range, community center and hiking/biking trails.
Oakland Elementary School: Oakland Elementary School, which is shown on Figure 3-7, is
located approximately one-half mile east of the eastern boundary of the Yellow Study Area. It
has a recreational area which includes one baseball field, one basketball court and limited
playground equipment. This recreational area is located approximately one-half mile east of the
eastern study boundary of the Yellow Study Area.
There are no state nature preserves, state wildlife refuges, or state parks either within or adjacent
to the Yellow Study Area.
Cultural Resources
To determine if there are any significant scientific, prehistoric, historic, archaeological, or
paleontological resources within the proposed sites, the State Historic Preservation Officer
(SHPO) has been consulted. More detailed field investigations have been conducted in
accordance with the Advisory Council on Historic PreservationÕs Procedures for the Protection
of Historic and Cultural Properties and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act to
identify all historic and archaeological resources within and adjacent to the Yellow Study Area
that are potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. There are five properties
that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places and four potentially eligible properties
that are in or adjacent to the area of potential impact for the proposed airport development. These
resources are shown on Figure 3-8.
Biotic Communities
Biotic communities refer to plant and animal species and their associated habitat. A field survey
was conducted to identify plant and animal species on the Yellow Study Area. The area
surveyed is shown on Figure 3-9. The results of that survey are detailed in the following
sections.
Biotic Communities (Flora): The area land use is predominantly agricultural including row
crops, hay, and pasture. There were just over 180 species recorded for the site and almost all
were common. The only exceptions were the EggertÕs sunflower and a single narrow leaved
rosinweed (Silphium pinnatifidum). EggertÕs sunflower is a federally threatened species and is
discussed in the Threatened and Endangered Species Section of this chapter. The single narrow
leaved rosinweed is a prairie species that was found in a small (15 by 25 foot) patch of little
bluestem grass (Schizachyrium scoparium), a species also associated with the prairies that
occupied most of pre-settlement Warren County. The location of this species is shown on Figure
3-9. The rosinweed is listed by the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission (KSNPC) as a
species of special concern. The plant species located on the Yellow Study Area are identified on
the Plant Species List included in Appendix E.
Insert Figure 3-8
Insert Figure 3-9
Biotic Communities (Fauna): Faunal biotic communities of the Yellow Study Area include
those within the cave system (trologibitic) and those above-ground (terrestrial). Particular
attention was paid to raptors and their abundance on the study area. The response of the USFWS
ServiceÕs Cookeville, Tennessee office to the project stressed the potential impacts to raptors and
the bald eagle.
During cave trips, crayfish, isopods, amphipods, and blind cave beetles were collected or
observed. Banded sculpin (Cottus carolinae) were occasionally seen in Mill Cave, and a
cavefish, probably the Southern cavefish (Typhlichthys subterraneus) was observed in Wolf Sink
but was not collected.
During the site-wide terrestrial survey, a total of 35 species of birds and mammals were found on
the Yellow Study Area. All were common inhabitants of the area. A complete list of the bird
and animal species identified on the Yellow Study Area is included in Appendix F.
Seven species of raptors were observed: two owls, four hawks, and the turkey vulture. These
are identified on the bird and mammal list included in Appendix F. Based on years of field
observations in Kentucky, raptor use of the area is average or less for comparable agricultural
areas. Potential use or overflights of the area by the bald eagle were discussed with Dr. Wayne
Mason, ornithologist at Western Kentucky University. In his opinion, use or overflights of the
area would be very unlikely.
Dr. Mason did indicate that sandhill cranes occasionally used the area during migration.
Sandhills often feed in harvested cornfields during fall migration. Mengel (1965) reported
records for both spring and fall migration from south central Kentucky. Changes in land use
from agricultural to industrial would remove the food source from the site and dissuade use by
sandhill cranes in the future.
Threatened and Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna
To determine if there are any endangered or threatened wildlife or plant species known to occur
within the Yellow Study Area, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Kentucky
State Nature Preserves Commission (KSNPC) were consulted. Based on historic ranges and
more recent observations, the USFWS identified the potential presence of at least four federally
listed species within the general area of the Yellow Study Area: the Kentucky cave shrimp
(Palaemonias ganeri), the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), the gray bat (M. grisescens), and
EggertÕs sunflower (Helianthus eggertii).
Two additional federally listed plants, Prices potato bean (Aprios priceana) and Running buffalo
clover (Trifolium stoloniferum) historically could have occurred here but no recent observations
have been reported from the Bristow or adjacent quads.
Because several years may elapse between planning and construction on large projects, it is
possible that other species could be federally listed in the meantime. To determine if there were
any proposed species nearing listing the regional USFWS offices that could affect Kentucky
were contacted. As a result of these inquiries, HallÕs bulrush (Schoneoplectus hallii) was added
to the list of species to be searched for. This species is likely to be listed within the next year. It
occurs in temporary pond-wet sinkhole habitats that are found in the Yellow Study Area.
Also under consideration for federal listing are a number of species of cave beetles in the genus
Pseudanophthalmus. A timetable for listing these species is uncertain, but several of the cave
beetle species could occur within the Graham Springs caverns beneath the site.
The KSNPC lists more than 40 species, mostly plants, which occur in Warren County that could
occur in the Bristow-Oakland area (See Appendix E). Among the plants listed by the KSNPC, is
the sharp scale sedge (Scripus hallii), which could occur in sinkhole wetlands within the Yellow
Study Area. This sedge is currently under review for listing as a Federally endangered species.
As part of this EA, detailed field investigations were conducted to determine the presence of any
threatened or endangered plant or animal species on the Yellow Study Area. Of the 45 species
listed at the state and federal level, only three were actually observed on the site. They were: the
gray bat, which is a federally endangered species; EggertÕs sunflower, which is a federally listed
threatened species; and the blind crayfish (Orconectes pellucidus), which is on the KSNPC list of
species of special concern. A single, male gray bat was captured while foraging. Several
colonies of Eggerts sunflower were found growing within the CSX right-of-way. The
methodologies utilized in the field investigations to identify threatened and endangered plant and
animal species and species of special concern in the Yellow Study Area are detailed in a separate
technical report entitled, Biological Analysis of the Yellow Study Area, prepared in December
2000.
Wetlands
Wetlands, as defined in Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands, are Òthose areas that are
inundated by surface or groundwater with a frequency sufficient to support and under normal
circumstances do or would support a prevalence of vegetative or aquatic life that requires
saturated or seasonally saturated soil conditions for growth and reproduction. Wetlands
generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas such as sloughs, potholes, wet
meadows, river overflows, mud flats, and natural ponds.Ó The wetland ecosystem also includes
those areas that affect or are affected by the wetland itself, including adjacent uplands or regions
upstream or downstream. To be considered a jurisdictional wetland which is regulated by the
U.S. Corps of Engineers (COE), a wetland area must meet the COEÕs criteria for three
parameters which are: hydrology, soils, and vegetation.
Based on a recent U.S. Supreme Court Ruling (Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County v.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. No. 99-1178, January 9, 2001), wetlands not connected to
navigable waters are not considered to be jurisdictional wetlands. Since all of the potential
wetland areas identified on the National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps and in the field
inspection conducted as part of the environmental evaluation of the Yellow Study Area are not
connected to navigable waters, it is anticipated that none of the wetlands within the Yellow
Study Area will be determined to be jurisdictional by the U.S. COE. Additional coordination
will be conducted with the U.S. COE to ascertain the jurisdictional status of the areas identified
as potential wetland areas in Working Paper #5, ÒYellow Study Area EvaluationÓ during the next
phase of this project.
Prime and Unique Farmlands
Farmland and agricultural uses dominate the landscape of the project area. There are small tracts
of residential and commercial development that occur along existing roadways that break this
pattern. The average size of farms in the Yellow Study Area is 116 acres, slightly less than the
county average of about 140 acres. The principal crops grown are tobacco, hay and small grains.
Milk and dairy products, and beef production are also important farm revenue sources but
tobacco remains the most important cash crop. Total county farm receipts from farms in 1998
accounted for $63,381,000 in annual revenue.
Prime farmland is defined by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as that land
which has the soil depth, slope and composition to sustain high yield crop production
economically, while using acceptable farming methods. According to the Warren County NRCS
office, prime farmland soils meeting this definition include: Baxter silt loam (BaB); Crider silt
loam (CrB); Elk silt loam (ElB); Hammack silt loam (HaB); Nicholson silt loam (NhA); Nolin
silt loam (No), and Nolin silt variant (NoV); Pembroke silt loam (PeA and PeB); and Wellson
silt loam (WeB). Wherever these soil types are found within slopes of 0 to 6 percent, they
constitute a prime farmland component. Most of the northern and eastern portions of the site are
prime farmlands. Due to the occurrence of sinks and slopes greater than six percent, the southern
and western portions of the area are not prime farmland. Prime farmlands within the Yellow
Study Area are identified on Figure 3-10. There are no unique farmland soils within the study
area.
Any Contemplated Future Actions
In addition to the proposed airport, the KTT will include a business/commerce park. Master
planning activities are currently underway for the business/commerce park. The
business/commerce park is to be developed by the ITA and federal funding is not being sought
for this development. Because the actual location of the land available for development of the
business/commerce park is dependent on the willingness of private landowners to sell their
property to the ITA, the actual configuration of the business/commerce park is not set at this
time. For the purposes of this EA, acreage was identified that might be acquired for the
business/commerce park and environmental studies were conducted on this land to identify any
potential characteristics that would make this land unsuitable for development. The
environmental information for the area identified for the business/commerce park was included
in this EA and will be utilized in the master planning activities for the business/commerce park
and to obtain the necessary environmental permits for the park. In addition, a separate report has
been prepared which details the potential impacts of the business/commerce park. This report is
entitled, ÒEnvironmental Impact Evaluation for Kentucky TriModal TransparkÓ. As the project
design for the business/commerce park progresses, further coordination with the public and
environmental agencies will be undertaken to ensure that any environmental impacts of the park
are minimized and that appropriate mitigation measures are implemented for unavoidable
impacts.
Future Planning Activities
Based on correspondence received from Andrew Gillies, Executive Director of the City-County
Planning Commission, there are no pending re-zoning requests within the study area at this time.
The vast majority of the land within the proposed Yellow Study Area is currently zoned
ÔAgricultureÕ. Warren County does not have a Future Land Use Map, however, the Warren
County Comprehensive Plan does outline several specific policy statements that deal with future
development. The airport-related and business/commerce park development proposed for the
KTT will have to comply with these policies in order to be consistent with the Comprehensive
Plan. These policies are included in Appendix D.
In addition to these general Òcounty-wideÓ policies, the City of Oakland, which is located
immediately to the east of the Yellow Study Area has developed its own land use policies. These
policies were included in the Oakland Rural Village Focal Point Plan. Because the KTT is
outside the boundaries of the City of Oakland, the airport-related development of the KTT under
Alternatives A, F, and T will not conflict with OaklandÕs land use policies. Also, the proposed
areas to be developed for the business/commerce park will be outside the City of Oakland under
each of the Alternatives; therefore, there will be no conflict with OaklandÕs land use policies for
this development. Any secondary development that could occur along Smiths Grove-Oakland
Road within the City of Oakland boundaries will need to comply with the land use policies
presented in OaklandÕs land use plan.
Currently, there has been a group formed to develop a Heritage Corridor Plan for the US 31W
and US 31E Heritage Corridor. This corridor extends from Louisville, Kentucky to Nashville,
Tennessee along US 31 and includes a five-mile band on either side of the road. The purpose of
the Heritage Corridor is to promote tourism along US 31. At the present time, there are no
policies or plans in place for the Heritage Corridor. As the KTT is developed, coordination with
the planning committee for the Heritage Corridor will be initiated so that the KTT is consistent
with the planning goals and policies of the US 31 Heritage Corridor.
Insert Figure 3-10
Future Highway Development Activities
Development of the KTT within the Yellow Study Area closely integrates with both existing and
planned highway improvements for this portion of Warren County. The area is currently
serviced by a number of highways. Additionally, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet currently
has a number of planned and/or programmed projects identified within the vicinity of the Yellow
Study Area. The improvements include the widening of I-65 and the new construction of other
roads in the area. The proposed northern beltline roadway on the western side of the Yellow
Study Area and the proposed development of the I-66 corridor (location to be determined) within
the vicinity of the Yellow Study Area add to the attractiveness of the site and will help service
the anticipated traffic demands. Additional highway improvements include US 31W, US 231,
and KY 101. These improvements will facilitate improved highway service and accessibility to
the Yellow Study Area and will effectively serve each of the proposed Build Alternatives. Also,
short sections of SR 68-80 can be improved. Local streets within Bowling Green will not be
directly affected by this project.
In addition to improved highway facilities, the Yellow Study Area and each of the Build
Alternatives will have direct access to the CSX Railroad, providing the linkage to a national rail
network. Access roads to and within the site will be provided under each of the Build
Alternatives to allow for circulation within and between the airport, business/commerce park,
and inter-modal land uses.
The development of the business/commerce park will be closely coordinated with planned and
programmed highway improvements in the region. As was previously noted, the Kentucky
Transportation Cabinet currently has a number of planned and programmed improvements in the
vicinity of the Yellow Study Area that will help to effectively meet the transportation demands
for both the business/commerce park and the proposed airport. It is anticipated that new access
points along existing highways will be required to access the site. The specific changes to the
existing and proposed roadways that are required as a result of the implementation of the
business/commerce park component of the KTT project will be dependent on the final design
configuration of the park. All new roadway projects will be coordinated with the Kentucky
Transportation Cabinet and the Federal Highway Administration, as necessary. Additionally,
traffic impacts associated with the proposed new development will be reviewed under the
development plan approval process of the City-County Planning Commission of Warren County.
Chapter 4