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HomeMy WebLinkAbout19930632 Ver 1_Complete File_19930818DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY WILMINGTON DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS P.O. BOX 1890 WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28402-1890 IN REPLY REFER TO Regulatory Branch August 10, 1993 Action ID No. 199303521 and Nationwide Permit No. 26 (Headwaters and Isolated Waters) Mr. B.J. O'Quinn, P.E. Assistant Branch Manager Planning and Environmental Branch State of North Carolina Department of Transportation Post Office Box 25201 Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-5201 Dear Mr. O'Quinn: D Reference your application of July 26, 1993, for Department of the Army (DA) authorization to replace Bridge No. 75 over the Lower Little River on SR 2031 in Cumberland and Harnett Counties, North Carolina ( State Project No 82450801, Federal Aid No BRZ-2031{1), T.I.P. No. B-2836). For the purposes of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Regulatory Program, Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 330.6, published in the Federal Register on November 22, 1991, lists nationwide permits (NWP). Authorization was provided, pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, for discharges of dredged or fill material into headwaters and isolated waters. Your work is authorized by this NWP provided it is accomplished in strict accordance with the enclosed conditions and provided you receive a section 401 water quality certification from the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management (NCDEM). You should contact Mr. John Dorney, telephone (919) 733-1786, regarding this water quality certification. This NWP does not relieve you of the responsibility to obtain other required State or local approval. This verification will be valid for 2 years from the date of this letter unless the nationwide authorization is modified, reissued or revoked. Also, this verification will remain valid for the 2 years if, during that period, the NWP authorization is reissued without modification or the activity complies with any subsequent modification of the NWP authorization. If during the 2 years, the NWP authorization expires or is suspended or revoked, or is modified, such that the activity would no longer comply with the terms and conditions of the NWP, activities which have commenced (i.e., are under construction) or are under contract to commence in reliance upon the NWP will remain authorized provided the activity is completed within twelve months of the date of the NWP's expiration, modification or revocation, unless . -2- Questions or comments may be addressed to Mr. Scott McLendon Wilmington Area Field Office, Regulatory Branch, telephone (919) 251-4725. Sincerely, G. Wayne Wright Chief, Regulatory Branch Enclosure Copy Furnished (without enclosure): Mr. John Dorney Water Quality Section Division of Environmental Management North Carolina Department of - Environment, Health and Natural Resources Post Office Box 29535 Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TRANSMITTAL SLIP DAT?n,? C ? T l REF. NO. OR ROOM. BLDG. RPM; U REF. NO. OR ROOM. BLDG. ACTION ? NOTE AND FILE ? PER OUR CONVERSATION ? NOTE AND RETURN TO ME ? PER YOUR REQUEST ? RETURN WITH MORE DETAILS ? FOR YOUR APPROVAL ? NOTE AND SEE ME ABOUT THIS ? FOR YOUR INFORMATION ? PLEASE ANSWER ? FOR YOUR COMMENTS ? PREPARE REPLY FOR MY SIGNATURE ? SIGNATURE ? TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ? INVESTIGATE AND REPORT COMMENTS: -4$" SLA v? STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT. IR. GOVERNOR DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 July 21, 1993 District Engineer Army Corps of Engineers P. 0. Box 1890 Wilmington, North Carolina 28402 ATTENTION: Regulatory Branch Dear Sir: SAM HUNT SECRETARY 261993 ETu NIDS GKUP FR OUt.! ITY SECTS , J _ , Subject: Cumberland/Harnett Counties, Bridge No. 75 over Lower Little River, SR 2031, State Project No. 82450801, Federal Aid No. BRZ-2031(1); T.I.P. No. B-2836. Attached for your information is a copy of the project planning report for the subject project. The project is being processed by the Federal Highway Administration as a "Categorical Exclusion" in accordance with 23 CFR 771.115(b). Therefore, we do not anticipate request-r -,an individual permit but propose to proceed under ??N tiolwide Permit in accordance with 33 CFR 330 Appendix Qhese i -23) issued November 22, 1991, by the Corps of Engineers. 'f'he pr visions of Section 330.4 and Appendix A (C) of ergulations will be followed in the construction of the project. We anticipate that 401 General Certification No. 2734 (Categorical Exclusion) will apply to this project, and are providing one copy of the CE document to the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Management, for their review. If you have any questions or need additional information, please call Gordon Cashin at 733-9770. Sincerely, B. J. O 'Quinn Assistant Manager Planning and Environmental Branch BJO/gec Attachment cc: Mr. Scott McClendon, COE, Wilmington Mr. Rudolf Schiener, COE, Wilmington Mr. John Dorney, P.E., DEHNR, DEM Mr. Kelly Barger, P.E., Program Development Branch Mr. Don Morton, P.E., State Highway Engineer-Design Mr. A. L. Hankins, P.E., Hydraulics Unit Mr. Tom Shearin, P.E., State Roadway Design Engineer Mr. John L. Smith Jr., P.E., Structure Design Mr. F. W. Rosser, P.E., Division 6 Engineer Mr. Davis Moore, Planning and Environmental Branch Cumberland and Harnett Counties SR 2031 Bridge No. 75 over Lower Little River Federal-Aid Project BRZ-2031(1) State Project No. 8.2450801 T.I.P. No. B-2836 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION AND N.C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS APPROVED: S !B 9 3 V=4?1 DA E L. J. Ward, P.E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch, NCDOT X*DE Nichola . Graf, P.E. FAQ Division Administrator, FHWA Cumberland and Harnett Counties SR 2031 Bridge No. 75 over Lower Little River Federal-Aid Project BRZ-2031(1) State Project No. 8.2450801 T.I.P. No. B-2836 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION March, 1993 Documentation Prepared By DSA GROUP of N.C., Inc. Keith D. Lewis, P.E. Project Manager - Transportation .3( x/9 For North Carolina Department of Transportation A. Bissett, Jr. P.E., Unit H ad Consultant Engineering Unit Cumberland and Harnett Counties SR 2031 Bridge No. 75 over Lower Little River Federal-Aid Project BRZ-2031(1) State Project No. 8.2450801 T.I.P. No. B-2836 Bridge No. 75 is included in the current Transportation Improvement Program. The location is shown in Figure 1. No substantial environmental impacts are anticipated. The project is classified as a Federal "Categorical Exclusion". 1. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS All standard procedures and measures, including Best Management Practices will be implemented to avoid or minimize environmental impacts. No special or unique environmental commitments are necessary. The State Historic Preservation Officer has recommended that a comprehensive archaeological survey be completed. This survey will be completed prior to construction. II. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS Bridge No. 75 will be replaced in its existing location as shown in Figure 2. It should be replaced with a new bridge having a clear roadway width of 30 feet and length of 170 feet. The structure will provide a 24 foot travelway and three foot shoulders on each side. The roadway grade of the new structure will be approximately the same as the existing grade at this location. The existing roadway will be widened to a 24 foot pavement throughout the project limits. Traffic will be detoured along existing roads during construction as shown in Figure 1. The estimated cost, based on current prices, is $529,500. The estimated cost of the project, as shown in the 1993-1999 Transportation Improvement Program, is $380,000. III. EXISTING CONDITIONS SR 2031/SR 1609 is classified as a rural local route in the Statewide Functional Classification System. The paved secondary road serves a rural area north of Fayetteville in Cumberland (SR 1609) and Harnett (SR 2031) Counties (see Figure 1). The land use is mostly wooded with some residences on the north approach to the bridge. Near the bridge, SR 2031/SR 1609 has an 18 foot pavement width with four foot shoulders (see Figure 2). The roadway approach to the south is flat, and to the north it slopes toward the bridge. The horizontal alignment is tangent at the bridge with a 5°00' curve approximately 200 feet from the bridge to the south and an 8000' curve with spirals approximately 250 feet to the north. The roadway is situated about 32 feet above the creek bed. There are no existing utilities attached to the bridge structure. Overhanging utilities cross the bridge diagonally approximately 20 feet above the deck. A waterline crosses under the river just upstream of the bridge, and a meter vault is located at the southern end of the bridge approximately 18 feet west of the existing edge of pavement. The projected traffic volume is 1200 Vehicles Per Day (VPD) for 1994 and 2300 VPD for the design year 2014. The volumes include 2% truck-tractor semi-trailer (TTST) and 3% dual-tired vehicles (DT). The speed limit is posted with caution signs before each curve with 45 MPH. The design speed is 45 MPH because of the existing curves; therefore, a design exception will be required. The existing bridge (see Figure 3) was built in 1958. The superstructure consists of a timber floor on steel girder/stringer/steel floor beam system, and the substructure consists of timber bents and piles. The overall length of the bridge is 121 feet. Clear roadway width is 19.2 feet. The posted weight limit is 13 tons for single vehicles and 16 tons for truck-tractor semi-trailer (TTST). Bridge No. 75 has a sufficiency rating of 5.0, compared to a rating of 100 for a new structure. Four accidents were reported on Bridge No. 75 during the period from August 1, 1989 to August 31, 1992. Three of these accidents were single vehicles which ran off the road. In addition, three of them involved alcohol and two resulted in fatalities after the vehicles went down the embankment and into the river. No school buses cross Bridge No. 75. IV. ALTERNATIVES Three alternatives were studied for replacing Bridge No. 75. Each alternate consists of a bridge 170 feet long with a clear roadway width of 30 feet. This structure width will accommodate a 24 foot travelway with three foot shoulders. The approach roadway should consist of a 24 foot travelway with eight foot usable shoulders. The alternates studied are shown in Figure 2 and are as follows: Alternate 1: (Recommended) involves replacing the bridge along the existing roadway alignment. Traffic will be detoured during construction along existing roads as shown in Figure 1. In order to provide adequate guardrail on the approaches, the driveway serving the two residences in the northwest quadrant will be relocated as shown. Alternate 2: involves replacing the bridge along the existing roadway alignment. A temporary on-site detour will be provided during construction on the east (downstream) side of the existing structure. The temporary detour bridge consists of 120 feet in length and 24 feet of clear roadway width, and should be located approximately 35 feet from the existing structure. 2 A design speed of 40 mph will be provided for the detour. The driveway will be relocated as shown. Alternate 3: will relocate the bridge a minimum of 35 feet between centerlines to the east of the existing bridge. This alternate will involve approximately 1600 feet of new approach roadway. This realignment would not require a realignment of the driveway for the two residences in the northwest quadrant as would alternates 1 and 2. However, it will impact much more vegetation and will take most of the front yard of another residence. Traffic will be maintained on the existing bridge during construction. The design speed will be 50 MPH. The 'do-nothing` alternative would eventually necessitate closure of the bridge. This is not desirable due to the traffic service provided by SR 2031/SR 1609. The Division Office recommends closing the bridge and that traffic be detoured along existing roads during construction (see Figure 1). The Cumberland and Harnett County School Transportation Supervisors have no objections to Bridge No. 75 being closed during the construction period. Investigation of the existing structure by the Bridge Maintenance Unit indicates that rehabilitation of the old bridge is not feasible due to its age and deteriorated condition. V. ESTIMATED COST The estimated costs of the alternatives studied, based on current prices, are as follows: Recommended Alternate 1 Alternate 2 Alternate 3 Structural Removal $ 11,620 $ 11,620 $ 11,620 Structure 255,000 255,000 255,000 Roadway Approaches 77,630 77,630 197,780 Detour Structure and Approaches - 175,850 - Miscellaneous & Mobilization 68,750 104,900 92,600 Engineering & Contingencies 87,000 100,000 93,000 Right-of-Way/Construction Easements/ Utilities 29,500 33,500 37,500 TOTAL $ 529,500 $ 758,500 $ 687,500 VI. TRAFFIC DETOUR The Division Engineer concurs that traffic can be detoured on existing roads during the construction period. A nine month road closure period is anticipated. The detour roadway and bridges are adequate to accommodate affected traffic during the construction period. Provision of an on-site detour or relocation is justifiable based on road user costs. However, a suitable detour route is available that has easy access to US 401 from either side of the 3 bridge. Also, Alternate 1 (an off-site detour during construction) will have less impacts on the surrounding environment and on residential properties. A road user analysis was performed based on 1200 vpd and an average of 3.5 miles of indirectional travel. The cost of additional travel would be approximately $345,000 during the nine month construction period. The estimated cost of providing a relocation is $158,000, resulting in a benefit-cost ratio of 2.18. This ratio indicates it is justifiable based on indirect costs to maintain traffic on-site during the construction period. However, because of the reasons previously discussed, traffic will detoured on existing roads during construction. VII. RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS Bridge No. 75 will be replaced at its existing location with a new structure having a length of approximately 170 feet. Minor improvements to the existing approaches will be necessary for a minimum of 400 feet on each side of the bridge. These improvements will be extended enough to provide adequate superelevation on the curves approaching the bridge. Traffic will be detoured on existing roads, as shown in Figure 1, during the approximate nine month construction period. The Division Engineer concurs with this recommended alternate. A 24 foot pavement with eight foot usable shoulders will be provided on the approaches. A 30 foot clear roadway width is recommended on the replacement structure in accordance with the current NCDOT Bridge Policy. This will provide a 24 foot travelway with three foot shoulders across the structure. The design speed is 45 MPH because of the existing curves; therefore, a design exception will be required. In order to provide adequate guardrail on the approaches, the driveway serving the two residences in the northwest quadrant will be relocated as shown in Figure 2. Based on a preliminary hydraulic analysis, the new structure is recommended to have a length of approximately 170 feet. It is anticipated that the elevation of the new structure will be approximately the same as the existing bridge. The length and height may be increased or decreased as necessary to accommodate peak flows as determined by further hydrologic studies. VIII. NATURAL RESOURCES Biologists visited the project site on November 8, 1992 to verify documented information and gather field data for a thorough assessment of potential impacts incurred by the alternatives being considered in the bridge replacement proposal. The investigation examined the vegetation and conditions surrounding the highway bridge on SR 2031 spanning the Lower Little River in Cumberland and Harnett Counties, NC, in order to (1) search for threatened and/or endangered plants, and evidence of habitation by listed animal species (2) identify unique or prime-quality communities, (3) describe the current vegetation and wildlife habitat, (4) delineate wetlands, and (5) provide information to minimize adverse environmental effects of the proposed bridge replacement project. 4 From the south, the existing bridge crosses the Lower Little River at N 3 deg W, roughly at a right angle to the channel, forming four quadrants. The land within the project area south of the river is naturally forested except (1) for the mowed roadsides which are about 20 feet wide, and (2) for the area immediately adjacent the southwest corner of the current bridge, where space for a new utility shed has been cleared for a distance of about 25 feet from the existing road. North of the river, natural forest occurs in a strip varying between 80 and 120 feet wide, but beyond this strip the owners of private homes have converted natural forest to low-maintenance yards by removing selected overstory trees, all shrubs, and mowing the understory. Roadsides are also mowed north of the river. Methods The project area was a circular plot with a radius of 250 feet. Plot center was located in the middle of the existing bridge. Plant communities within this plot were delineated from aerial photographs and ground-checked on site. Forest community types follow Eyre (1980). Within each community, a list of member plant species and general site description was developed on-site. Dominance (ft2/ac) of woody vegetation layers was determined by the variable plot method (Husch et al. 1972). Dominance (percent foliar cover) of herbaceous layers or communities was determined by ocular estimation, using foliar cover guides developed by Belanger and Anderson (1989). For communities dominated by trees, tree age, stem diameter at 4.5 feet above the ground (dbh), and total height were measured for the largest trees. Age was determined from 2-mm increment borings; dbh and height were measured using d-tape dendrometers and Abney-level hypsometers, respectively (Wilson 1976). Ground distance was determined either by estimation on the ground or by measurement on aerial photographs, but all other measurements and all species lists were developed from on-site reconnaissance. Evidence of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife was sought on-site through close observation of all available signs. Habitats were characterized based on plant communities, and typical wildlife communities associated with these habitats were determined. Special attention was given to features indicative of habitat for species listed as threatened, endangered, or deserving special concern. Aquatic system features were noted at three locations on the site: at the bridge and 100 ft upstream and downstream of the existing structure. Available documentation of water quality was reviewed (NCDEM 1989, 1991 a, 1991 b). Wetland determinations followed procedures described by the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (Environmental Lab. 1987), and wetland classification follows Cowardin et al. (1979). 4% Biotic Communities Plant Communities Two natural plant communities occur within the study area, Loblolly Pine/Sweetgum and Loblolly Pine/Hardwood. The Loblolly pine/Sweetgum community has no comparable community named by the Natural Heritage Program, but the Loblolly Pine/Hardwood is comparable to the early successional stages of the Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest (Coastal Plain Subtype) (Schafale and Weakley 1990). Private yards occupy about one acre (20 percent) of the study area. Vegetation of these yards is most similar to the overstory of the 5 Loblolly Pine/Hardwood community, described below, but private yards are not considered further in this section, since they are not dominated by natural processes. Loblolly Pine/Hardwood. The Loblolly Pine/Hardwood community occupies about three acres (60 percent) of the project area, all of it on well-drained soils on steep slopes above the Lower Little River. Water-level of the river is generally two to four feet below the base of the slope, and this community is therefore well-drained and non-wetland. Within Cumberland County as whole the Loblolly Pine/Hardwood community is common, occupying 48,867 acres, 21 percent of the total forest cover (Johnson 1990). The upper canopy contains loblolly pine (Pious taeda), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), red maple (Acer rubrum), white oak (Quercus alba), white ash (Fraxinus americana), southern red oak (Quercus falcata), blackgum N ssa s Ivatica , and occasionally black oak (Quercus velutina). In addition, about 10 individuals of the following species grow scattered along the base of the river bank, half on land and half in water: river birch (Betula nigra), pondcypress (Taxodium ascendens), swamp blackgum (Nyssa biflora), smooth alder (Alnus serrulata), and common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis). These species are not considered a separate community, because of their low numbers and scattered distribution. The largest trees are white oaks about 70 years old, 18-inches dbh, and 70 feet tall, although scattered loblolly pine about 37 years old, 14-inches dbh, and 70 tall, are nearly as large. The canopy is very heterogeneous, owing to canopy gaps-the result of windthrow, slope creep, and more-or-less stabilized erosion gullys. The steep slope, varying between 100 and 200 percent, has five old erosion gullys about 6-8 feet deep. One gully northwest of the existing bridge has been recently stabilized with rock. These three factors created a two-aged canopy, an older oak overstory and a younger overstory of pine, sweetgum, and yellow-poplar that regenerated in former canopy gaps. Overstory dominance currently averages 75 ft2/acre; oak, sweetgum, and loblolly pine occupy the most area, about 20 ff/acre each; the remaining canopy species listed above provide the remaining 15 ff/acre. The lower canopy contains flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum , sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), American holly (Ilex opaca), titi C rilla racemiflora), and redbay (Persea borbonia). The shrub layer is extremely thick, especially on the north-facing slope where foliar cover averages 85 percent. Foliar cover on the south-facing slope is lower, averaging 40 percent. The shrub layer contains sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum), doghobble (Leucothoe axillaris), mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), sweetleaf (Symplocos tinctoria), blueberry (Vaccinium tenellum , fetterbush (Leonia lucida and L. li ustrina , chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia), greater galiberry (Ilex coriacea), fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus), and strawberry bush (Euonymus americanus). Interestingly, the mountain laurel along the Lower Little River is in one of the more southeasterly locations for this species in North Carolina. It undoubtedly survives here because of the cooler micro-climate commonly found on steep, north-facing slopes. The ground layer contains few individuals and few species, probably owing to the dense shrub layer. It contains partridgeberry (Mitchella repens), Japanese honeysuckle Lonicera is onica , various greenbriers (Smilax rotundifolia, S. Ig auca, and S. bona-nox , wild ginger (Hexastylis arifolia), bear-grass (Yucca filamentosa), spotted pipsissewa (Chimaphila maculata , bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), St. John's-wort (Hypericum sp.), yellow 6 jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), panic grass Panicum sp.) cross-vine (Anisostichus capreolata), climbing fern (Lygodium palmatum), and uniola grass (Uniola laxa). The greenbriers, especially Smilax rotundifolia, grow on and over shrubs and trees, making human passage difficult. Foliar cover of the ground layer averages five percent, lower than would be typical for pine-oak stands with thinner shrub layers. Loblolly Pine/Sweetgum. The Loblolly Pine/Sweetgum community occurs in the southern-most portion of the project area, upslope from the Loblolly Pine/Hardwood community. It occupies about 1 ac (20 percent) of the project area, developing on abandoned fields, old pastures, and/or clear-cuts. The Loblolly Pine-Sweetgum community, occupying 83,728 acres or 36 percent of the total forest cover of Cumberland County, is the most common forest type within the county. The overstory contains only loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), but sweetgum (Liguidambar s raciflua , water oak (Quercus nigra), red maple (Acer rubrum), white oak (Quercus alba), and southern red oak (Quercus falcata) form a sparse sub-canopy. Dominance of the overstory averages 120 fe/acre, all provided by loblolly pine. The largest trees are loblolly pines (Pinus taeda), measuring 13-inches dbh and 60 feet tall. The lower canopy contains winged elm (Ulmus alata), American holly (Ilex opaca), flowering dogwood (Comus florida), and red maple (Acer rubrum). The shrub layer is sparse, owing to the dense overstory. It contains serviceberry (Amelanchier canadense), privet Li ustrum sinense , swamp pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), sweetleaf (Symplocos tinctoria), and strawberry bush (Euonymus americanus). The ground layer contains greenbrier Smilax rotundifolia), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), greenbrier (Smilax bona-nox), trumpet creeper (Cam psis radicans , Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), broom sedge (Andropogon virginicus), and common blue violet (Viola papilionacea). Foliar cover of the ground layer averages 10 percent, most of which is provided by Japanese honeysuckle and greenbrier. The remaining species occur as widely scattered individuals. Wildlife (General) The mature Loblolly Pine/Sweetgum and Loblolly Pine/Hardwood forest surrounding this project provides a varied canopy structure and well-developed midstory component of species conducive to songbirds. Pine snags and downed logs occur in the mostly decrepit stand in the northeast quadrant. Several large cavities and excavations were observed in these snags. Holly, laurel, cedars, and vines are especially abundant in the southeast quadrant. The berries produced by such species attract a number of avian species. The following list includes avian species known to inhabit this seral stage in southern forests of this type: Yellow-billed cuckoo, Red-bellied woodpecker, Pileated woodpecker, Downy woodpecker, Red-cockaded woodpecker, Great crested woodpecker, Acadian flycatcher, Eastern wood peewee, Blue jay, Carolina chickadee, Tufted titmouse, White-breasted nuthatch, Carolina wren, Wood thrush, Yellow-throated vireo, Red-eyed vireo, Northern parula, Yellow-throated warbler, Ovenbird, Kentucky warbler, Hooded warbler, Common grackle, Scarlet tanager, Summer tanager,Cardinal, Rufous-sided towhee, Broad-winged hawk. 7 Little evidence of mammal activity was observed on the site, but both hard and soft mast are abundant, which suggests that the site would be attractive. A deer stand was situated along the river's northwest bank. A squirrel nest was observed in a large sycamore in the southwest quadrant where mixed oak and pines occur. Typical coastal plain species are expected to occur, and the age and condition of the surrounding forest suggests that denning species would be accommodated. Physical Resources Soil The overall topography surrounding the project area is gently rolling; ridges stand about 100 feet higher than river terraces. Over geologic time, the Lower Little River and associated feeder creeks have created shallow but wide floodplain terraces, measuring roughly 1.5 miles in width. The 150 feet contour line marks the approximate boundary between uplands and the upper terrace. In the project area the modern river, located only about 1000 feet north of the southern edge of the terrace, has eroded a small, steep-sided canyon whose base is about 25 feet below the general level of the floodplain. Geologically, the project area lies on the Cape Fear Formation, constituting Cretaceous-aged sediments of sandstone and muddy sandstone of the Coastal Plain physiographic region (Brown 1985). All soils within the project area reflect these parent materials. Mapped Wickham fine sandy loam (Hudson 1984), the soils are well-drained owing to the combination of loose-texture and steep relief, and wetland soils are lacking in the project area. Water The Lower Little River arises in southwestern Moore County, west of the project, flowing northeast through Moore, Hoke, and Cumberland Counties to join the Cape Fear River five miles east of Linden. Typical of most small rivers in the Coastal Plain, the Lower Little River carries high levels of dissolved organic acids, and it is thereby classified as a black water river. For much of this distance it forms the boundary between Moore-Hoke Counties and Harnett-Cumberland Counties. In northwestern Cumberland County, the Lower Little River forms the northern boundary of Fort Bragg Military Reservation. At the project location the river forms the boundary between Harnett and Cumberland Counties. According to the BMAN report (NCDEM 1989), `the major tributaries in this region have Good-Excellent water quality, but a Fair bioclass ification was assigned to the Little River at Manchester (below the Fort Bragg WWTP)' in July 1988. In July 1990, this rating was upgraded to Good-Fair (NCDEM 1991 a). The overall high quality of the water in the upper reaches of the watershed is attributed to the protection afforded by Fort Bragg military reservation. Downstream of the dam at the Fort Bragg water supply (well upstream of this project) to its confluence with the Cape Fear River, the Lower Little River is rated as having Class C water (NCDEM 1991 b). Almost all tributaries along upper portions of the river are classed as WS-III waters, but only two creeks downstream qualify for this category. While this project site is downstream of the waste treatment plant and far enough removed from the army base that other local factors may affect water quality, a rope swing and tree mounted platform gave 8 evidence that local residents swim in the river. Fishing, primarily for catfish, was reported by a local resident. In early November, the river's flow was considerably above normal conditions due to heavy rains during the previous week, so it was impossible to obtain accurate data on channel depth and substrate composition (Table 1). The dark amber color is characteristic of acidic streams in the area and is consistent with a BMAN notation concerning a site in the upper watershed. An intermittent drain was noted in the southwest quadrant, creating a small ravine and falls to the main river channel approximately 25 feet west of the pavement. A number of small erosion gullies were noted on both sides of the river channel. Table 1. Characteristics Observed At Lower Little River Crossing. Observation Point Upstream (100 ft) Existing Downstream (100 ft) Substrate Too deep to be determined except for muddy areas along the banks. Current Flow Strong and swirling. Channel Width (ft) 65.0 Bank Height (ft) 4.0/25.0 25.0 5.0/25.0 Water Depth (ft) 5.0+ Water Color Dark amber; foamy deposits observed around midstream debris. Water Odor None Aquatic Vegetation None Adjacent Vegetation Mixed pine and hardwood, mostly hardwood on immediate banks. Wetlands Associated Bank to bank with no floodplain at this location. Jurisdictional Topics Wetlands No wetland occurs at this location due to the steepness and elevation of the river banks. While a few obligate and facultative wetland species were observed proximal to the river, their number was very small. Protected Species Under federal law, any federal action which is likely to result in a negative impact to federally protected plants and animals is subject to review by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under one or more provisions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. In the 9 case of state-funded action, where federal wetland permits are likely to be required, for example, the USFWS can require consultation to insure that the proposed action does not jeopardize any endangered, threatened or protected species. Even in the absence of federal actions, the USFWS has the power, through provisions of Section 9 of the ESA, to exercise jurisdiction on behalf of a protected plant or animal. The USFWS and other wildlife resource agencies also exercise jurisdiction in this resource area in accordance with the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 USC 661 et seq). North Carolina laws are also designed to protect certain plants and animals where statewide populations are in decline. Federally Listed Species: The US Fish and Wildlife Service (Asheville Office) has identified the species listed in Table 2 as endangered in Harnett and Cumberland Counties. Specific treatment of each species follows Table 2. Table 2. Federally Listed Species Potentially Occurring in Cumberland and Harnett Counties. Species Status* Distribution Red-cockaded woodpecker Picoides borealis E Eastern NC Cape Fear shiner Notro is mekistocholas) E Rocky and Deep R. Rough-leaved loosestrife (Lysimachia asperulieafolia) E Sandhills Jove's fruit or Pondberry Lindera melissifolia) E Chaffseed (Schwalbea americans) E *E= ondangorod. Red-cockaded woodpecker Picoides borealis Red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) nesting colonies usually occur in mature pine (preferably Longleaf) stands with open understories, contiguous with areas where pines dominate the surrounding forest to provide suitable foraging habitat. "Suitable habitat consists of pine or pine-hardwood (50 percent or more pine) stands 30 years of age or older" (Henry 1989). Although some colonies may be found in pine stands where midstory hardwood encroachment has occurred, this situation is relatively rare. As was noted in the discussion of plant communities, habitat suitable for RCW foraging may occur here but no cavity trees were observed in the study area or are known to occur in the immediate vicinity. However, RCW colonies are abundant within a few miles of this location and elsewhere in Cumberland County, especially on the Fort Bragg Military Reservation. Contiguous forest cover of acceptable type exists both southwest and southeast of the project. 10 Since the preferred construction alternative is to close the existing bridge and replace the structure in the present location, no pines will need to be removed. Either a temporary detour or a bridge relocation would remove pines greater than 30 years old, necessitating a study to determine RCW status in the area. Cape Fear shiner Notrois mekistocholas) The Cape Fear shiner Notro is mekistocholas) is found primarily at various locations along the Rocky and Deep Rivers. The shiner's range was historically limited and has been further constrained by damming of its riverine habitat. It needs clean streams with gravel, cobble, and boulder substrates where pools, riffles, shallow runs, and slackwater areas occur. According to the Cape Fear Shiner Recovery Plan (USFWS 1988), only four populations of the Cape Fear Shiner are known to exist, none of them in the Lower Little River in Harnett County. Specimens were collected from Parkers Creek, a Cape Fear River tributary located in the far northwest corner of Harnett County. There are no recorded collections of the Cape Fear Shiner in the Lower Little River Drainage and the occurrence of the fish at this location is unlikely. Endangered Plants Three species of endangered plants occur in Cumberland County, rough-leaved loosestrife (Lvsimachia asperulieafolia), Jove's fruit (Lindera melissifolia) and Chaffseed (Schwalbea americans . During the field investigation, none of these species were seen, but timing of the field investigation was not optimal for observing chaffseed. Records kept by the Natural Heritage Program of North Carolina do not indicate the presence of any threatened and/or endangered plants in or near the project area. Rough-leaved Loosestrife (Lvsimachia aspenilieafolia). Rough-leaved loosestrife typically occurs in black, sandy peat soils with long hydroperiods like that found at the edge of seep bog pocosins or boggy flatwood savannas that burn frequently. Although it has been observed at the edge of woods along roadsides, it more typically occurs in the understory of open stands dominated by an overstory of longleaf pine Pings alustris , pond pine Pings serotina , or pondcypress Taxodium ascendens). It rarely persists in dense hardwood stands lacking fire. Associate hardwoods include swamp blackgum N ssa biflora , red maple Acer rubrum , and sweetbay (Magnolia vir iniana . Common understory associates include inkberry Ilex Ig abra, dwarf huckleberry (Gaylussacia dumosa , pepperbush Clethra alnifolia , honeycup Zenobia pulvurulenta), ground-cedar (Lycopodium sp.), chain fern (Woodwardia vir inica , three-awn (Aristida stricta), and white-top sedge (Dichromena latifolia . This species was not observed during the field investigation. Typical habitat for the species is completely lacking from the project area, and therefore it is unlikely that rough-leaved loosestrife occurs. Even though the investigation was not conducted at the optimum time (early June) for observing this species, rough-leaf loosestrife is nevertheless a distinctive plant that should have been identifiable, even in early November. 11 Jove's fruit or pondberry Lindera melissifolia). Jove's fruit or pondberry generally occurs in the southeast at the fringes of cypress-gum stands, bogs, ponds, and swampy depressions. Thus, it typically grows in either histosol or inceptisol soils in association with pondcypress axodium ascendens), pond pine Pinus serotina , red maple Acer rubrum , swamp blackgum N ssa biflora , sweetbay (Magnolia vir iniana , titi (Cyrilla racemiflora), fetterbush L onia lucida , highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), and netted chain fern (Woodwardia areolata . Possible but not ideal habitat exists along the river bank, but we did not find any plants. Since the species is woody, and since females produce bright red fruits, we should have been able to recognize this species in early November. Chaffseed (Schwalbea americana . Chaffseed occurs principally in fire maintained ecosystems: moist pine flatwoods, savannas, and open oak woods. Acidic sandy loams and sandy peat loams are common host soils. Chaffseed grows in association with many different grasses and sedges, particularly bluestem (Andropogon sp.), panic grass Panicum sp.), three-awn Aristida sp.), slough-grass Scleria sp.), and sedge Carex sp.). Woody associates include longleaf pine Pinus alustris , various scrub oaks Quercus spp.), and sweetbay (Magnolia vir iniana . During the field investigation, we determined that typical habitat for this species is lacking from the project area, and we did not find any chaffseed. The project area seems too well-drained and too heavily forested. State Listed Species: Contact with staff at the Natural Heritage Program has indicated that Pickering's dawnflower may be found in the area. S lisma pickeringii var. pickeringii, Pickering's dawnflower, generally occurs in xeric sandhill communities, maintained by frequent, low-intensity fires. Growing on either Ultisol or Entisol soils, Pickering's dawnflower typically occurs under an open canopy of longleaf pine Pinus alustris , but the subcanopy, which may contain turkey oak Quercus laevis , sand post oak Quercus stellata var. margaretta), bluejack oak Quercus incana , blackjack oak Quercus marilandica), sassafras Sassafras aldidum and/or persimmon Dios ros vir iniana , may vary from nearly lacking to rather dense. The shrub layer may contain dwarf huckleberry (Gaylussacia dumosa and poison-oak (Toxicodendron pubescens). The ground layer often contains pinelands three-awn Aristida stricta , Elliott's bluestem (Andropogon rans , stinging nettle (Cnidoscolus stimulosus), piney woods dropseed (Sporobolus iunceus , and others. The xeric sandhill community is completely lacking from the study area. Judging from the thick litter layer, the study area has probably not been burned in 15 to 25 years. During the field investigation, we did not observe Pickering's dawnflower, and it seems doubtful that it would occur on a site where fire has been absent for so long. 12 Unique and/or Prime-Quality Habitat. No unique and/or prime quality habitat was observed during the field survey, although the thick ericaceous understory on the north-facing slope is an increasingly uncommon ecosystem in eastern North Carolina. Impacts The proposed project will replace an existing bridge with a slightly longer and wider structure at either the same location or a downstream location, 35 feet to the east. Four alternatives are possible for this project, and each would have very different effects on the current conditions. The no-build alternative would incur no changes. However, the deteriorated condition of the existing structure suggests that this alternative is not viable. An off-site detour during replacement of the existing structure would have no appreciable long term impact on the site. Sufficient space exists on either side of the existing bridge and highway approaches to accommodate a wider structure without removing forest cover. With proper water quality precautions, project impacts would occur only in the roadside cover type, where vegetation and habitat values have already been seriously degraded by soil compaction and prolonged vegetation control. Locating a temporary on-site detour structure west of the existing bridge would be precluded by a buried cable and small utility structure. Building a temporary detour structure east of the existing bridge would remove approximately 0.75 acre of mature mixed pine hardwood forest, including at least three pine trees older than 37 years. This action would mean immediate habitat loss for the avian species identified in the wildlife section, though it would increase habitat for birds using earlier seral stages. Removal of the temporary structure and approaches after project completion would eventually allow recovery of the affected area to forest, but this recovery would take several decades and the type would be changed from Loblolly Pine/Hardwood to Loblolly Pine/Sweetgum. Elevation and steepness of the river banks suggest that building a temporary structure during construction is not a particularly prudent option. Constructing a temporary on-site detour across a steep-walled canyon will be difficult, and the potential for accelerated erosion and sedimentation into the river would be high from disruption during construction. Judging from five old erosion gullys within the project area, this erosion could be difficult to control, especially on a temporary road. Silt fences and hydroseeding seldom prove effective on such steep grades. Thus, a temporary on-site detour is the least preferred alternative. Relocating to a point east of the current bridge would remove approximately 1.25 acres of mixed loblolly pine/hardwood forest, including at least 18 pines greater than 30 years old. While this alternative would remove more forest cover, the potential for erosion and sedimentation into the Lower Little River would be lower for this alternative than for the temporary on-site detour. After construction of the new bridge, removal of the old structure and paved approaches would eventually result in a recovery of forest land, though with the same subtle composition change noted above. Due to the steepness and elevation of the channel banks, no wetland occurs outside of the actual river channel, so no wetland will be taken by the proposed project. 13 All plants encountered on site are common species, with the possible exception of the climbing fern (Ly4odium palmatum), which occurs infrequently but is not threatened or endangered. No adverse impact to plant populations is anticipated from this project, since adequate populations exist outside the project area. Permit Coordination In accordance with provisions of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C.O.E. 1344), a permit will be required from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the discharge of dredged or fill material into 'Waters of the United States.' Since the subject project is classified as a categorical exclusion and since less than one acre of wetlands will be impacted by the project, it is likely that this project will be subject to the Nationwide Permit Provisions of 33 CFR 330.5 (A) 23. This permit authorizes any activities, work and discharges undertaken, assisted, authorized, regulated, funded or financed, in whole or in part, by another federal agency and that the activity is 'categorically excluded' from environmental documentation because it is included within a category of actions which neither individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the environment. However, final permit decisions are left to the discretionary authority of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. A 401 Water Quality Certification, administered through the NC Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources, will be required. This certificate is issued for any activity which may result in a discharge into waters for which a federal permit is required. Compensatory mitigation is not required under a Nationwide Permit. Erosion and sedimentation control measures will be strictly enforced during construction to minimize unnecessary impacts to stream and wetland ecosystems. Best Management Practices will also be implemented. Literature Cited Belanger, R.P., and R.L. Anderson. 1989. A guide for visually assessing crown densities of loblolly and shortleaf pines. USDA For. Ser., Southeast For Exp. Sta. Res Note SE-352. Brown, P. M. 1985. Geologic map of North Carolina. Div. of Land Res., Dept. of Natl. Res. and Community Dev., Raleigh, NC. Conant, R. 1975. A field guide to reptiles and amphibians of eastern/central North America. Houghton Mifflin Company: Boston. 429 pp. Cowardin, L. M., V. Carter, F. C. Golet, and E. T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States. FWS/OBS-79/31. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Dept of Interior: Washington, D.C. 103 pp. Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers wetlands delineation manual. Technical Report Y-87-1, U. S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg MS. 14 Eyre, F.H. (Ed.) 1980. Forest cover types of the United States and Canada. Soc. of Amer. For., Washington, DC. Pp. 148 pp., map. Henry, V. G. 1989. Guidelines for Preparation of Biological Assessments and Evaluations for the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, Atlanta, GA. 13 pp. appendices. Hudson, B. D. 1984. Soil Survey of Cumberland and Hoke Counties. Soil Conserv. Serv., U.S. Dept. of Agric., Washington, DC. Pp. 155 pp., maps. Husch, B., C. I. Miller, and T. W. Beers. 1972. Forest mensuration. The Ronald Press Co., NY.pp. 410. Johnson, T. G. 1990. Forest statistics for the southern coastal plain of North Carolina, 1990.USDA For. Ser., Southeast For. Exp. Sta. Bull SE-11.1 pp.52. NCDEM. 1989. Benthic macroinvertebrate ambient network (BMAN) water quality review 1983-1988. Water Quality Tech. Rept. No. 89-08. NC Dept. of Env., Health, and Nat. Res., Div. Env. Mgt., Water Qual. Sect., Raleigh, NC. NCDEM. 1991 a. Biological assessment of water quality in North Carolina streams: benthic macroinve rte b rate data base and long term changes in water quality, 1983-1990. NC Dept. of Env., Health, and Nat. Res., Div. Env. Mgt., Water Qual. Sect., Raleigh, NC. NCDEM. 1991 b. Classifications and water quality standards assigned to the waters of the Cape Fear River Basin. NC Dept. Envir. Health, and Nat. Res.: Raleigh, North Carolina. Schafale, M. P. and A. S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the natural communities of North Carolina, Third Approximation. N. C. Natl. Heritage Prog., Div. of Parks and Recreation, N. C. Dept. of Environ., Health, and Natl. Res., Raleigh. Pp. 325. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1988. Cape Fear Shiner recovery plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Atlanta, GA. 18 pp. Webster, W. D.; J. D. Parnell; and W. C. Biggs, Jr. 1985. Mammals of the Carolinas, Virginia, and Maryland. Univ. of North Carolina Press: Chapel Hill, NC. 255 p. Wilson, R. L. 1976. Elementary forest surveying and mapping. Oregon State Univ. Book Stores, Inc., Corvallis. Pp. 1. 15 IX. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS The project is expected to have an overall positive impact. Replacement of an inadequate bridge will result in safer traffic operations. The project is considered to be a Federal 'Categorical Exclusion' due to its limited scope and insignificant environmental consequences. The bridge replacement will not have an adverse effect on the quality of the human or natural environment with the use of current NCDOT standards and specifications. The project is not in conflict with any plan, existing land use, or zoning regulation. No change in land use is expected to result from construction of the project. No adverse impact on families or communities is anticipated. Right of way acquisition will be limited. No relocatees are expected with implementation of the proposed alternative. No adverse effect on public facilities or services is anticipated. The project is not expected to adversely affect social, economic, or religious opportunities in the area. There are no publicly owned parks, recreational facilities, or wildlife and waterfowl refuges of national, state, or local significance in the vicinity of the project. This project is subject to compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, implemented by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106, codified at 36 CFR Part 800. Section 106 requires that if a federally funded, licensed, or permitted project has an effect on a property listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation be given an opportunity to comment. The area of potential effect (APE) of the subject project was reviewed in the field and is shown on Figure 2. No properties over fifty years old were found in the APE. The bridge itself was built in 1958. Since there are no properties either listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places within the APE, no further compliance with Section 106 is required with respect to historic properties. The State Historic Preservation Officer has recommended that an intensive archaeological survey be completed. The survey will be accomplished prior to construction. Since the bridge is to be replaced in its present location, the project is exempt from the Farmland Protection Policy Act. The project is located within the Sandhills Air Quality Control Region. The ambient air quality for Cumberland and Harnett Counties has been determined to be in compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Since this project is located in an area where the State Implementation Plan (SIP) does not contain any transportation control measures, the 16 conformity procedures of Title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 770 do not apply to this project. The project will not substantially increase traffic volumes. Therefore, its impact on noise levels and air quality will be insignificant. Noise levels could increase during construction but will be temporary. If vegetation is disposed of by burning, all burning shall be done in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations of the North Carolina SIP for air quality in compliance with 15 NCAC 2D.0520. This evaluation completes the assessment requirements of Title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 770 and 772 and no additional reports are required. An examination of records at the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Management, Groundwater Section and the North Carolina Department of Human Resources, Solid Waste Management Section revealed no underground storage tanks or hazardous waste sites in the project area. Cumberland and Harnett Counties are participants in the National Flood Insurance Regular Program. The approximate 100-year floodplain in the project area is shown in Figure 4. The amount of floodplain area to be affected is not considered to be significant. There are no practical alternatives to crossing the floodplain area. Any shift in the alignment would result in a crossing of about the same magnitude. The alignment of the project is perpendicular to the floodplain area. All reasonable measures will be taken to minimize any possible harm. On the basis of the above discussion, it is concluded that no adverse environmental effects will result from implementation of the project. 17 >... -- - ?o 2026 2.b -- 39 %0 2026 HARNETT COUNTY ?.? ?• h 4 C? '?4 20 2039 o BRIDGE NO. 75 401 2027 . 2007 (p %? .4 2027 ? 1 t Creek Zoos `- ??? 0 203 ? i 43.1 • 1.5 ? 17 LINDEM?: :y 1 o c> 365 1706 1700 1609 ' 170 1702 q 1702 V NORTH CAROLINA DICPARTMUNT OF TIIAN©POIITATION ??.•??•• (; DIVIOION OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND IDNVIR01MENTAL BRANCH BRIDGE NO. 75 CUMBERLAND AND HARNETT COUNTIES B-2836 1 i STUDIED DETOUR ROUTE 11/92 o mi. FIG. 1 3 V H f a om X00 0,1 d: 04 = n N OWCO z F= 0 ?M O W J08 0 o ?aM k?aaw Q' m O ° M N N U F- Q Z cc W H AINno3 ONVIU39W L n O Z W C7 D Im 0 F"I W, 0W Z? WQ ?Z ?Q OW UJ W lM Q 0:4`02 P? BRIDGE NO. 75 CUMBERLAND AND HARNETT COUNTIES B-2836 LOOKING NORTH f i f f. i I LOOKING SOUTH Far, ZONE A v? ZONEi h 117 11 L73 CUMBERLAND AND HARNETT COUNTIES ZONE A 100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN cou -Y N7 BERI? )NE ?, OCJf?'1?'-ti ?. ZONE X J FIGURE 4 stnrr North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Betty Ray McCain, Secretary March 19, 1993 Nicholas L. Graf Division Administrator Federal Highway Administration Department of Transportation 310 New Bern Avenue Raleigh, N.C. 27601-1442 Re: Replacement of Bridge No. 75 on SR 2031 over Lower Little River, Cumberland and Harnett Counties, B-2836, BRZ-2031(1), ER 93-8377 Dear Mr. Graf: Division of Archives and History William S. Price, Jr., Director C IF AMR 2 3 1993 2 ? D1V/.S/ ti Hl? ?,,C OF On March 2, 1993, Robin Stancil of our staff met with North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) staff for a meeting of the minds concerning the above project. We reported our available information on historic architectural and archaeological surveys and resources along with our recommendations. NCDOT provided project area photographs and aerial photographs at the meeting and for our use afterwards. Based upon our review of the photographs and the information discussed at the meeting, we offer our preliminary comments regarding this project. In terms of historic architectural resources, we are aware of no historic structures located within the area of potential effect. We recommend that no historic architectural survey be conducted for this project. There are no known recorded archaeological sites within the project boundaries. However, the project area has never been systematically surveyed to determine the location of significance of archaeological resources. We recommend that a comprehensive survey be conducted by an experienced archaeologist to identify the presence and significance of archaeological remains that may be damaged or destroyed by the proposed project. Potential effects on unknown resources should be assessed prior to the initiation of construction activities. Having provided this information, we look forward to receipt of either a Categorical Exclusion or Environmental Assessment which indicates how NCDOT addressed our concerns. The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Vic, 109 East Jones Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807 9z P Nicholas L. Graf March 19, 1993, Page 2 Regulations for Compliance with Section 106, codified at 36 CFR Part 800. Thank you for your cooperation and consideration.- If you have questions concerning the above comment, please contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919/733-4763. Since ly, a I Brook Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer DB:slw cc: L. J. Ward B. Church T. Padgett SiArj,s r=t ? ?? r? FEB ;2 3 Z 1 993 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TAMES B. HUNT. IR DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GOVERNOR SECRETARY Fayetteville, North Carolina 28302 February 19, 1993 MEMORANDUM TO: Mr. Jack Ward, P.E. PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BRANCH ATTENTION: Mr. Jay Bissett,P.E. FROM: D. R. Dupreecyv-?-?-- DIVISION CONSTRUCTION ENGINEER SUBJECT: B-2836 REPLACE1ENT OF BRIDGE NO. 75 OVER LO11M LITTLE RIVER AT THE CUMBE J.JUM-HARi1EZT COUNTY LINE DSA Design Group has asked that we make a recommendation to you regarding the handling of traffic during the replacement of the subject structure. A majority of the traffic crossing this structure are commuters to the Fayetteville area. We recommend that traffic be detoured along SR 2027 and US 401, a distance of approximately 5.8 miles. Local residents and daily commuters probably will not utilize this detour route inasmuch as alternate routes (SR 2030, SR 2045) are available. If additional information is needed, please advise. DRD:lmw (r?aitl!'.rr?ilIi? L111I1IIlj 1If11111??, :;? ?I rilii!'rt?,11llrrrill Lu;?'?t11Iilt J1J-L? U-?JUlI ..lit 11 li :. ?_IN r,r.i_?••4 ??!•'•'. lulrA H. GRIFt1A, ;}:.. ?, _... .__.. ?t? ,`. i!'.; February 9f 1993 n,l.l, ,. U\l 1.\I'?utl Mr. Keith D. Lewis, P.E. Project Manager - Transportation 5511 Capital Center Drive Suite P-100 Raleigh, North Carolina 27606 Dear Mr. Lewis: I regret not receiving your first correspondence on the Lower Little River (NCDOTTIP#B-2836, Bridge #75) Project. After evaluating this project, it was determined that we do not have any bus routes which would be affected. If I may be of further assistance, please call me at (919) 678-2581. Sincerely, Ted P. Chappell Director of Transportation TPC:cph '.1..1 (Y ', /.::'.'' O l.', 1.17 ( C 1.'.