20100018 Ver 1_Scoping Comments_20090422

NC®ENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Coleen H. Sullins
Governor Director
April 22, 2009
MEMORANDUM
TO: Hank Schwab, Bridge Planning Engineer, NCDOT PDEA
FROM: Rob Ridings, NC DWQ Transportation Permitting Unit
Dee Freeman
Secretary
SUBJECT: Scoping Review of NCDOT's Division 4 Proposed Bridge Replacement Projects: B-5126, B-4679
(Wilson County), B-4557, B-4561, B4773, B-4936 (Johnston County), B-4743, B-4932 (Edgecombe
County), B-4761 (Halifax County), B-4843, B-5104 (Wayne County), B-5108, B-4939, B-4938 (Nash
County).
In reply to your correspondence dated April 15, 2009 (received April 20, 2009) in which you requested comments for the
above referenced projects, the NC Division of Water Quality offers the following comments:
Project-Specific Comments
B-5126 & B-4679, Bridges 65 & 66 over UT Wiggins Mill Reservoir [27-86-(5.8)], Wilson County
1. Wiggins Mill Reservoir is class WS-N; CA; NSW waters of the State. DWQ is very concerned with sediment
and erosion impacts that could result from these projects. DWQ recommends that highly protective sediment and
erosion control BMPs be implemented to reduce the risk of nutrient runoff to Wiggins Mill Reservoir. DWQ
requests that road design plans provide treatment of the storm water runoff through best management practices as
detailed in the most recent version of NC DWQ Stormwater Best Management Practices.
Review of these projects reveals the presence of surface waters classified as Water Supply Critical Area in the
project study areas. Given the potential for impacts to these resources during the project implementation, the DWQ
requests that DOT strictly adhere to North Carolina regulations entitled "Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds"
(15A NCAC 04B .0124) throughout design and construction of the project. This would apply for any area that
drains to streams having WS CA(Water Supply Critical Area) classifications.
Should the bridge project be located within the Critical Area of a Water Supply the NCDOT will be required to
design, construct, and maintain hazardous spill catch basins in the project area. The number of catch basins
installed shall be determined by the design of the bridge, so that runoff would enter said basin(s) rather than flowing
directly into the stream, and in consultation with the DWQ.
2. These projects are within the Neuse River Basin. Riparian buffer impacts shall be avoided and minimized to the
greatest extent possible pursuant to 15A NCAC 2B.0233.
Transportation and Permitting Unit
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650
Location: 2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Internet: httpJ1h2o.enr.state. nc.uslncvvetlands/
NorthCarolina
Natcara!!ff
An Equal Opportunity \ Affirmative Action Employer
B-5104, Bridge 98 over Sleepy Creek [27-67-(2)], Wayne County
B-4843, Bridge 15 over West Bear Creek [27-72-21, Wayne County
B-4773, Bridge 222 over Little Creek [27-57-191, Johnston County
B-4936, Bridges 41 & 39 over Mill Creek [27-52-(1)], Johnston County
B-4561, Bridge 147 over Swift Creek 127-43-(8)], Johnston County
B-4557, Bridge 113 over McCullens Branch [27-45-51, Johnston County
1. Sleepy Creek, West Bear Creek, Little Creek, Mill Creek, Swift Creek and McCullens Branch are class C; NSW
waters of the State. DWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from these
projects. DWQ recommends that highly protective sediment and erosion control BMPs be implemented to reduce
the risk of nutrient runoff to these waters. DWQ requests that road design plans provide treatment of the storm
water runoff through best management practices as detailed in the most recent version of NC DWQ Stormwater
Best Management Practices.
2. These projects are within the Neuse River Basin. Riparian buffer impacts shall be avoided and minimized to the
greatest extent possible pursuant to 15A NCAC 2B.0233.
B-4938, Bridge 25 over Little Sapony Creek 128-55-6-(0.6)], Nash County
B-4939, Bridge 156 over Pigbasket Creek [28-68-3-(2)], Nash County
B-5108, Bridge 26 over Sapony Creek 128-55-(1)1, Nash County
B-4761, Bridge 29 over Little Fishing Creek ]28-79-25], Halifax County
B-4932, Bridge 28 over Tar River [28-(80)], Edgecombe County
B-4743, Bridge 63 over Corn Creek 128-83-2.51, Edgecombe County
1. Little Sapony Creek, Pigbasket Creek, Sapony Creek, Little Fishing Creek, Tar River and Corn Creek are class
C; NSW waters of the State. DWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from
these projects. DWQ recommends that highly protective sediment and erosion control BMPs be implemented to
reduce the risk of nutrient runoff to these waters. DWQ requests that road design plans provide treatment of the
storm water runoff through best management practices as detailed in the most recent version of NC DWQ
Stormwater Best Management Practices.
2. These projects are within the Tar-Pamlico River Basin. Riparian buffer impacts shall be avoided and minimized
to the greatest extent possible pursuant to 15A NCAC 2B.0259.
General Comments Regarding Bridge Replacement Projects
1. DWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from these projects. NC DOT shall
address these concerns by describing the potential impacts that may occur to the aquatic environments and any
mitigating factors that would reduce the impacts.
2. If foundation test borings are necessary; it shall be noted in the document. Geotechnical work is approved under
General 401 Certification Number 3687/Nationwide Permit No. 6 for Survey Activities.
3. If a bridge is being replaced with a hydraulic conveyance other than another bridge, DWQ believes the use of a
Nationwide Permit may be required. Please contact the US Army Corp of Engineers to determine the required
permit(s).
4. If the old bridge is removed, no discharge of bridge material into surface waters is allowed unless otherwise
authorized by the US ACOE. Strict adherence to the Corps of Engineers guidelines for bridge demolition will be a
condition of the 401 Water Quality Certification.
5. Whenever possible, the DWQ prefers spanning structures. Spanning structures usually do not require work within
the stream or grubbing of the stream banks and do not require stream channel realignment. The horizontal and
vertical clearances provided by bridges allow for human and wildlife passage beneath the structure, do not block fish
passage and do not block navigation by canoeists and boaters.
6. Bridge deck drains shall not discharge directly into the stream. Stormwater shall be directed across the bridge and
pre-treated through site-appropriate means (grassed swales, pre-formed scour holes, vegetated buffers, etc.) before
entering the stream. Please refer to the most current version of NC DWQ Stormwater Best Management Practices.
7. If concrete is used during construction, a dry work area shall be maintained to prevent direct contact between curing
concrete and stream water. Water that inadvertently contacts uncured concrete shall not be discharged to surface
waters due to the potential for elevated pH and possible aquatic life and fish kills.
8.. Bridge supports (bents) shall not be placed in the stream when possible.
9. If temporary access roads or detours are constructed, the site shall be graded to its preconstruction contours and
elevations. Disturbed areas shall be seeded or mulched to stabilize the soil and appropriate native woody species
shall be planted. When using temporary structures the area shall be cleared but not grubbed. Clearing the area with
chain saws, mowers, bush-hogs, or other mechanized equipment and leaving the stumps and root mat intact allows
the area to re-vegetate naturally and minimizes soil disturbance.
10. Sediment and erosion control measures sufficient to protect water resources must be implemented and maintained in
accordance with the most recent version of North Carolina Sediment and Erosion Control Planning and Design
Manual and the most recent version of NCS000250.
11. All work in or adjacent to stream waters shall be conducted in a dry work area unless otherwise approved by NC
DWQ. Approved BMP measures from the most current version of NCDOT Construction and Maintenance
Activities manual such as sandbags, rock berms, cofferdams and other,diversion structures shall be used to prevent
excavation in flowing water.
12. Heavy equipment shall be operated from the bank rather than in stream channels in order to minimize sedimentation
and reduce the likelihood of introducing other pollutants into streams. This equipment shall be inspected daily and
maintained to prevent contamination of surface waters from leaking fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or other toxic
materials.
13. In most cases, the DWQ prefers the replacement of the existing structure at the same location with road closure. If
road closure is not feasible, a temporary detour shall be designed and located to avoid wetland impacts, minimize
the need for clearing and to avoid destabilizing stream banks. If the structure will be on a new alignment, the old
structure shall be removed and the approach fills removed from the 100-year floodplain. Approach fills shall be
removed and restored to the natural ground elevation. The area shall be stabilized with grass and planted with native
tree species. Tall fescue shall not be used in riparian areas. \
14. Any anticipated dewatering or access structures necessary for construction of bridges should be addressed in the
CE. It is understood that final designs are not determined at the time the CE is developed. However, the CE should
discuss the potential for dewatering and access measures necessary due to bridge construction.
General Comments if Replacing the Bridge with a Culvert
Placement of culverts and other structures in waters, streams, and wetlands shall be below the elevation of the
streambed by one foot for all culverts with a diameter greater than 48 inches, and 20 percent of the culvert diameter
for culverts having a diameter less than 48 inches, to allow low flow passage of water and aquatic life. Design and
placement of culverts and other structures including temporary erosion control measures shall not be conducted in a
manner that may result in dis-equilibrium of wetlands or streambeds or banks, adjacent to or upstream and down
stream of the above structures. The applicant is required to provide evidence that the equilibrium is being
maintained if requested in writing by DWQ. If this condition is unable to be met due to bedrock or other limiting
features encountered during construction, please contact the NC DWQ for guidance on how to proceed and to
determine whether or not a permit modification will be required.
2. If multiple pipes or barrels are required, they shall be designed to mimic natural stream cross section as closely as
possible including pipes or barrels at flood plain elevation and/or sills where appropriate. Widening the stream
channel shall be avoided. Stream channel widening at the inlet or outlet end of structures typically decreases water
velocity causing sediment deposition that requires increased maintenance and disrupts aquatic life passage.
3. Riprap shall not be placed in the active thalweg channel or placed in the streambed in a manner that precludes
aquatic life passage. Bioengineering boulders or structures shall be properly designed, sized and installed.
3. Any anticipated bank stabilization associated with culvert installations or extensions should be addressed in the
Categorical Exclusion (CE) document. It is understood that final designs are not determined at the time the CE is
developed. However, the CE should discuss the potential for bank stabilization necessary due to culvert installation.
Thank you for requesting our input at this time. The DOT is reminded that issuance of a 401 Water Quality Certification
requires that appropriate measures be instituted to ensure that water quality standards are met and designated uses are not
degraded or lost. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Rob Ridings at 919-733-
9817.
cc: William Wescott, US Army Corps of Engineers, Washington Field Office
Chad Coggins, Division 4 Environmental Officer
File Copy
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE
GOVERNOR
April 15, 2009
Mr. John Hennessy
DENR-Division of Water Quality
1650 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1650
SUBJECT: Wayne County Bridge No. 98
Dear Mr. Hennessy;
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EUGENE A. COI, JR.
SECRETARY 'y
The Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch has begun project
development, including environmental studies and engineering studies, for bridge replacement
project B-5104. This project is included in the current North Carolina Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP) and is scheduled for construction in fiscal year 2013.
I would appreciate any information you might have pertaining to the evaluation of any
potential environmental impacts of this project. Your comments may be used in the preparation
of a federally funded categorical exclusion. The document for this project will be prepared in
accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act. I am requesting that your agency
respond by May 15, 2009 in order that your comments may be used in the preparation of this
document.
If you have any questions or comments concerning this project, please contact Hank
Schwab at hschwabgncdot.gov or by mail at NCDOT, Bridge Project Development Unit, 1598
Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1598. Please include the TIP Project Number in all
correspondence. Thank you for your consideration.
Bridge Project Planning Engineer
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
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MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: [phone]
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX: [phone]
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTALANALYSIS
BRIDGE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT UNIT wEBSITE: WWW.NCDOT.ORG
1596 MAIL SERVICE CENTER

ALEIGH NC 27699-1551 LOCATION:
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE CENTER
4701 ATLANTIC AVENUE-SUITE 116
RALEIGH, NC 27604
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