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HomeMy WebLinkAbout19940733 Ver 1_Complete File_19940805n N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DATE TRANSMITTAL SLIP ((?/ TO: REF. O. OR OO M, LG. r is . ROM: t - REF. NO. OR ROOM, BLDG.' 8.3. oI ACTION ? NOTE AND FILE ?. PER 9UR CONVERSATION ? NOTE AND RETURN TOME ? 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: - AUG 1994 1 a ? a WETLAN WATER UA T) % u?E IE?' I ;`'J LIT',! ,. y? ,, :? v STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT, JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS R.UEL HUNT III GOVERNOR ?^ SECRETARY P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 e August 1, 1994 District Engineer Army Corps of Engineers P. O. Box 1890 Wilmington, North Carolina 28402 ATTENTION: Regulatory. Branch Dear Sir: Subject: Sampson County, SR 1130, Replace Bridge No. 36 over Six Runs Creek, Federal-Aid Project BRZ- 1130(2), State Project 8.2280901, T.I.P. No. B- 2626. Attached for your information are three copies 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 requesting an individual permit but propose to proceed under a Nationwide Permit in accordance with 33 CFR 330 Appendix A (B-23) issued November 22, 1991, by the Corps of Engineers. The provisions of Section 330.4 and Appendix A (C) of these regulations 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 Robin Little at 733-3141. Sincerely, y C g v B. J. O`Quinn Assistant Manager Planning and Environmental Branch PHONE (919) 733-7384 FAX (919) 733-9428 0 BJO/rml cc: w/attachment Mr. Rudolph Scheiner, COE-Wilmington Mr. John Dorney, NC DEHNR DEM Mr. John Parker, NC DEHNR DCM/Permit Coord. w/out attachment Mr. Kelly Barger, PE, Program Development Branch Mr. Don Morton, PE, State Highway Engineer- Design Mr. A.L. Hankins, PE, Hydraulics Unit Mr. John L. Smith, Jr., PE, Structure Design Unit Mr. Tom Shearin, PE, State Roadway Design Engineer Mr. D. J. Bowers, PE, Division 3 Engineer Mr. John L. Williams, Project Manager, P & E Branch Mr. Davis Moore, P & E Branch r If W_ Date: 7/05/94 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION ACTION CLASSIFICATION FORM TIP Project No. B-2626 State Project No. 8.2280901 Federal-Aid Project No. BRZ-1130(2) A. Protect Description: (List project location and scope. Attach location map.) NCDOT will replace Bridge No. 36 on SR 1130 over Six Runs Creek in Sampson County. The bridge will be replaced on the existing location at the same elevation with a bridge 92 meters (302 feet) long. The new bridge will have a 7.8-meter (26-foot) clear deck width. This will provide a 6.6-meter (22-foot) travelway plus 0.6-meter (2-foot) offsets to each side. Traffic will be detoured on existing secondary -roads during construction (see attached figure). This project (B-2626) will be clustered with B-1381 due to the proximity of the two projects (see figure) to reduce the costs and increase the efficiency of construction. NOTE: Refer to Section D, "Special Project Information," for list of ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS. B. Purpose and Need: Bridge No. 36 has a sufficiency rating of 17.6 out of 100 and an estimated remaining life of less than five years. The bridge is only 5.5 meters (18.1 feet) wide. NCDOT Bridge Policy calls for a bridge 7.8 meters .(26 feet) wide. The bridge is posted at 6.4 metric tons (7 tons) for both single vehicles and truck- tractor semi-trailers. For these reasons, Bridge No. 36 needs to be replaced. C. Proposed Improvements: Circle one or more of the following improvements which apply to the project: Type II Improvements 1. Modernization of a highway by resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation, reconstruction, adding shoulders, or adding auxiliary lanes (e.g., parking, weaving, turning, climbing). a. Restoring, Resurfacing, Rehabilitating, and Reconstructing pavement (3R and 4R improvements) b. Widening roadway and shoulders without adding through lanes c. Modernizing gore treatments 1 Date: 7/05/94 d. Constructing lane improvements (merge, auxiliary, and turn lanes) e. Adding shoulder drains f. Replacing and rehabilitating culverts, inlets, and drainage pipes, including safety treatments g. Providing driveway pipes h. Performing minor bridge widening (less than one through lane) 2. Highway safety or traffic operations improvement projects including the installation of ramp metering control devices and lighting. a. Installing ramp metering devices b. Installing lights c. Adding or upgrading guardrail d. Installing safety barriers including Jersey type barriers and pier protection e. Installing or replacing impact attenuators f. Upgrading medians including adding or upgrading median barriers g. Improving intersections including relocation and/or realignment h. Making minor roadway realignment i. Channelizing traffic j. Performing clear zone safety improvements including removing hazards and flattening slopes k: Implementing traffic aid systems, signals, and motorist aid 1. Installing bridge safety hardware including bridge rail retrofit [3] Bridge rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement or the construction of grade separation to replace existing at-grade railroad crossings. a. Rehabilitating, reconstructing, or replacing bridge approach slabs b. Rehabilitating or replacing bridge decks c. Rehabilitating bridges including painting (no red lead paint), scour repair, fender systems, and minor structural improvements d. Replacing a bridge (structure and/or fill) 4. Transportation corridor fringe parking facilities. 5. Construction of new truck weigh stations or rest areas. 6. Approvals for disposal of excess right-of-way or for joint or limited use of right-of-way, where the proposed use does not have significant adverse impacts. -W s i 2 Date: 7/05/94 7. Approvals for changes in access control. 8. Construction of new bus storage and maintenance facilities in areas used predominantly for industrial or transportation purposes where such construction is not inconsistent with existing zoning and located on or near a street with adequate capacity to handle anticipated bus and support vehicle traffic. 9. Rehabilitation or reconstruction of existing rail and bus buildings and ancillary facilities where only minor amounts of additional land are required and there is not a substantial increase in the number of users. 10. Construction of bus transfer facilities (an open area consisting of passenger shelters, boarding areas, kiosks and related street improvements) when located in a commercial area or other high activity center in which there is adequate street capacity for projected bus traffic. 11. Construction of rail storage and maintenance facilities in areas used predominantly for industrial or transportation purposes where such construction is not inconsistent with existing zoning and where there is no significant noise impact on the surrounding community. 12. Acquisition of land for hardship or protective purposes, advance land acquisition loans under section 3(b) of the UMT Act. Hardship and protective buying will be permitted only for a particular parcel or a limited number of parcels. These types of land acquisition qualify for a CE only where the acquisition will not limit the evaluation of alternatives, including shifts in alignment for planned construction projects, which may be required in the NEPA process. No project development on such land may proceed until the NEPA process has been completed. 3 Date: 7/05/94 D. Special Project Information: (Include ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS) Environmental Commitments: 1. Best Management Practices (BMP) including strict erosion control measures will be implemented. 2. All bridge replacement work within the stream channel (in water construction) will be conducted between September 1 and January l to minimize impacts to anadromous fish stocks and freshwater game fish. Any instream construction outside of this window should be coordinated with Keith W. Ashley, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) District Fisheries Biologist, at (919) 866-4250. 3. The completed structure and roadway approaches will not obstruct existing public use of the site for boating access. 4. For those issues not covered in commitments 1-3 above, all standard measures and procedures will be implemented to avoid or minimize environmental impacts. Estimated Costs: Construction $ 725,000 Right of Way $ 21,000 Total $ 746,000 Estimated Traffic: Current. - 200 VPD Year 2015 - 400 VPD Proposed Typical Roadway Section 6.6-meter (22-foot) wide travelway plus 1.2-meter (4-foot) shoulders Design Speed: 100 km/h (60 mph) Functional Classification: Rural Local Route Division Office Comments: The Division Engineer supports road closure with an offsite detour. V r 4 Date: 7/05/94 E. Threshold Criteria If any Type II actions are involved in the project, the following evaluation must be completed. If the project consists only of Type I improvements, the following checklist does not need to be completed. ECOLOGICAL (1) Will the project on any unique or (2) Does the project federally listed species may occu (3) Will the project YES NO have a substantial impact x important natural resource? involve habitat where X endangered or threatened F-1 r? affect anadromous fish? ? X (4) If the project involves wetlands, is the amount of permanent and/or temporary wetland taking less than one-third x (1/3) of an acre AND have all practicable measures to avoid and minimize wetland takings been evaluated? (5) Will the project require the use of ? X U. S. Forest Service lands? (6) Will the quality of adjacent water resources be adversely impacted by ? X proposed construction activities? (7) Does the project involve waters classified as Outstanding Water Resources (OWR) and/or ? X .High Quality Waters (HQW)? (8) Will the project require fill in waters of the United States in any of the designated ? X mountain trout counties? (9) Does the project involve any known underground storage tanks (UST's) or ? X hazardous materials sites? 5 Date: 7/05/94 i PERMITS AND COORDINATION (10) If the project is located within a CAMA county, will the project significantly affect the coastal zone and/or any "Area of Environmental Concern" (AEC)? (11) Does the project involve Coastal Barrier Resources Act resources? (12) Will a U. S. Coast Guard permit be required? YES NO F-1 X F-1 X F-1 X (13) Will the project result in the modification F] of any existing regulatory floodway? (14) Will the project require any stream F-1 relocations or channel changes? SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC (15) will the project induce substantial impacts ? to planned growth or land use for the area? (16) Will the project require the relocation of F] any family or business? (17) If the project involves the acquisition of right of way, is the amount of right of way acquisition considered minor? (18) Will the project involve any changes in access control? (19) Will the project substantially alter the usefulness and/or land use of adjacent property? (20) Will the project have an adverse effect on permanent local traffic patterns or community cohesiveness? X F-1 X X X X F] X F-1, X F-1 X 6 Date: 7/05/94 YES NO (21) Is the project included in an approved ? thoroughfare plan and/or Transportation X Improvement Program (and is, therefore, in conformance with the Clean Air Act of 1990)? (22) Is the project anticipated to cause an ? X increase to traffic volumes? (23) Will traffic be maintained during ? construction using existing roads, staged X construction, or on-site detours? (24) Is there substantial controversy on social, economic, or environmental grounds F-1 X concerning the project? (25) Is the project consistent with all Federal, ? State, and local laws relating to the X environmental aspects of the action? CULTURAL RESOURCES (26) Will the project have an "effect" on properties eligible for or listed on the ? X National Register of Historic Places? (27) Will the project require the use of Section 4(f) resources (public parks, recreation lands, wildlife and waterfowl X refuges, historic sites, or historic bridges, as defined in Section 4(f) of the U. S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966)? (28) Will the project involve construction in, across, or adjacent to a river designated F X as a component of or proposed for inclusion in the Natural System of Wild and Scenic Rivers? F. Additional Documentation Required for Unfavorable Responses in Part E (Discussion regarding all unfavorable responses in Part E should be provided below. Additional supporting documentation may be attached, as necessary.) 7 1 • G. CE Approval Date: 7/05/94 TIP Project No. B-2626 State Project No. 8.2280901 Federal-Aid Project No. BRZ-1130(2) Project Description: (List project location and scope. Attach location map.) NCDOT will replace Bridge No. 36 on SR 1130 over Six Runs Creek in Sampson County. The bridge will be replaced on the existing location at the same elevation with a bridge 92 meters (302 feet) long. The new bridge will have a 7.8-meter (26-foot) clear deck width. This will provide a 6.6-meter (22-foot) travelway plus 0.6-meter (2-foot) offsets to each side. Traffic will be detoured on existing secondary roads during construction (see figure). This project (B-2626) will be clustered with B-1381 due to the proximity of the two projects (see figure) to reduce the costs and increase the efficiency of construction. NOTE: Refer to Section D, "Special Project Information," for list of ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS. Categorical Exclusion Action Classification: (Check one) X TYPE II(A) TYPE II(B) Approved• '7/ 7- S-If- Date Manager 'Planning & Environmental Branch 7-5-9 9 A y a -//1o //_ Date Projec P nning Unit Head 1_0 -q P i 't ye?l Date Pro ;A Planning Engineer For Type II(B) projects only: /111,q Date Division Administrator Federal Highway Administration 8 w Q W N cm c:7 W W m t o a ) U m N E S? A 3? zzm Y E ?o2W ooxw E- ?.y 0035 E-O Oco W ' m V) 0 Z a. 00 Sao 3 co E C_ . ?C E Q N O O O W F- 0 cr- 0 H W 0 0 W H N I I p II_ ?? d,__? NATURAL SYSTEMS- REPORT Replacement of Bridge # 36 SR 1130 - 4 m County, North Carolina ao\ptw > (B-2626) Prepared for: The North Carolina Department of Transportation 1 Prepared by: Ecological Consultants 3403 Long Ridge Road Durham, North Carolina 27703 June 1994 - -, _ TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 1.0 Introduction ..................................................... 1 1.1 Project Description .......................................... 1 1.2 Purpose ................... ............................... 1 1.3 Methodology ............................................... 1 1.4 Project Area ................................................2 1.5 Physiography and Soils ........................................ 2 2.0 Biotic Resources .................................................. 2 2.1 Plant Communities ........................................... 2 2.2 Anticipated Impacts to Plant Communities ......................... 3 2.3 Wildlife ..... ................................ ...... ..... 4 2.3.1 Terrestrial ............................................4 2.3.2 Aquatic ..............................................4 2.4 Anticipated Impacts to Wildlife .................................. 4 3.0 Water Resources .................................................. 5 3.1 Waters Impacted ............................................ 5 3.2 Best Usage Classification and Water Quality ....................... 5 3.3 Stream Characteristics ........................................ 5 3.4 Anticipated Impacts to Water Resources .......................... 6 4.0 Special Topics ................................... ... 6 4.1 Waters of the United States .................................... 6 4. 1.1 Permits ............................................. 6 4.1.2 Mitigation ........................................... 7 4.2 Protected Species ............................................ 7 4.2.1 Federally Protected Species .............................. 7 4.2.2 Federal Candidate Species ............................... 8 4.2.3 State Protected Species ................................. 9 5.0 References ...................................................... 10 1.0 INTRODUCTION The following Natural Resource Technical Report is submitted to assist in the preparation of a Categorical Exclusion (CE) document for the project. 1.1 Project Description Two alternatives are proposed. Alternative 1 is to replace. the bridge at the existing location with an off-site detour. The replacement bridge structure would be 92 m (301.8 ft) long and 7 m (24 ft) wide. 1. y Alternative 2 is to replace the bridge at the existing location with an tempoary once _ detour bridge to the east of the existing bridge. The replacement bridge structure would be 92 n? (301.8 ft) long and 7 m (24 ft) wide. 1.2 Purpose The purpose of this document is to describe and inventory the natural resources identified within the project vicinity and estimate potential impacts to these resources. Specifically, the tasks performed for this study include: 1) an assessment of biological features within the study corridor including descriptions of vegetation, wildlife, protected species, wetlands, and water quality; 2) an evaluation of probable impacts resulting from construction; and 3) a preliminary determination of permit needs. 1.3 Methodoloev Materials and research data in support of this investigation have been derived from the following sources including: North Carolina Division of Environmental Management (DEM) water quality classification (Cape Fear River Basin), DEM Point Source Discharge Report for the Cape Fear River, DEM Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN) survey for the Cape Fear River, U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (USGS) quadrangle map (Ingold, N.C.), Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) list of protected species, North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NC-NHP) data base of uncommon and protected species and unique habitats and aerial photography (scale 1 : 1200) furnished by the NCDOT. . Field surveys were conducted along the proposed project alignments on May 1, 1994. Plant communities likely to be impacted by proposed improvements were walked and visually observed for significant features. Wildlife was identified using a number of observation techniques; active searching and capture, visual observations (binocular), and recording identifying signs of wildlife (sounds, tracks, and burrows). Cursory surveys of the aquatic habitats were conducted using a long-handled triangular sweep net. °-Organisms captured were identified and then released. Impact calculations were based on 24 m (80 ft) for Alternative 1 and 18 m (60 ft) for the temporary detour of Alternative 2. I ,F ., d /' 1.4 Project Area The proposed project occurs in a rural area of Sampson County (Figure 1). Landuse is floodplain forests, upland forests and urban/disturbed areas. Floodplain forests are found along Six Runs Creek. Urban/disturbed areas are limited to land adjacent to the existing bridge and road. 1.5 Physiography and Soils Sampson County is located within the Middle and Lower Coastal Plain Province. Topography is characterized by smooth, gently undulating, plateau-like, seaward sloping lands in moderate drainage. Elevations in the immediate project area range from 12 m (40 ft) along the creek bottom to 15 m (50 ft) along the roadside. The county is underlain primarily by sedimentary rock in Sampson County. Local changes in subsurface geology are common, and large, homogeneous masses of a single rock type are rare. Soils in the project vicinity are dominated by the presence of Johnston loams in the floodplain areas. Johnston loams are poorly drained on narrow to moderately broad flood plains. Johnston loam is classified as a hydric soil or have hyrdic soils as a major component. 2.0 BIOTIC RESOURCES 2.1 Plant Communities Three distinct plant community types occur within the immediate area of the proposed project. Specific communities exhibited slight variation dependent upon location and physical characteristics of the site (soils, topography, human uses, etc.). Communities are described below. Mixed Upland Forest Mixed Upland Forest are on sloping areas adjacent to SRI 130 composed of a mixture of hardwoods and a few loblolly pine (Pings taeda). The canopy is composed of sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), loblolly pine, and red maple (Acer rubrum) and blackjack oak ( uercus marilandica). Sub-canopy trees include the canopy species plus American Holley (Ilex o aca), and hackberry-(Celtis laevigata). The shrub layer is composed of sweetleaf (S =locos tinctoria), blueberry (Vaccinium =.), and silverling tree (Baccharis halimifolia). A dense herb layer is composed of multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), greenbrier (Smilax spp.), and poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). Floodplain Hardwood Forest Floodplain Hardwood Forest (Coastal Plain Levee Forest) are on level areas adjacent to Six Runs Creek and in flooded woodlands and cannals adjacent to the existing roadway and is a mixture of primarily hardwoods. The canopy is composed of sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua}, riverbirch (Betula ni a), water hickory (Carya aquatic a), bittemut hickory :(Carva t 9 ? \ forts •-r..+r1 \ VC0, y '3? Pmey Grcen ?5 A M :c $ al embur. 5 c 1 i ? ?; arre Iz ,x y TomaA)+4 o\. ? a• I Jr ? \ Ker J ?? ;. l cordiformis), and loblolly pine. Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) are scattered in flooded areas along the existing roadway. Sub-canopy trees include the canopy species plus ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana), cherrybark oak ( uercus falcata var. pagodaefolia), and winged elm (Ulmus alata). The shrub layer is composed of saplings of red maple, sweetgum, and deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum). Vines present are greenbrier (Smilax sue.), poison ivy (Toxicodendron -radicans), and trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans). The herb layer is sparse and includes pennywort (Obolaria yir inica) and water plantain (Alisma subcordatum) near Six Runs Creek. Urban/Disturbed This community classification includes disturbed areas adjacent to roadside margins in the vicinity of the project. This area is characterized primarily by invasive grasses and herbs including: fescue grass (Festuca sp), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), grape (Vitis henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola), trumpet creeper, ebony spleenwort (Asplenium 12latyneuron), and greenbriar. 2.2 Anticipated Impacts to Plant Communities Impacts on plant communities are reflective of the relative abundance of each system present in the study area.. It should be noted that estimated impacts were derived using the entire proposed right of way. Project construction often does not require the entire right of way and therefore actual impacts may be less. The following table summarizes potential plant community impacts which could result from the proposed bridge replacement. Estimated Impacts to Plant Communities PLANT COMMUNITIES Floodplain Hardwood Forest Mixed Upland Forest Urban/Disturbed. ESTIMATED IMPACT Alt. 1 Alt. 2 Perm. Alt. 2 Temp. 0.16 (0.39) 0.16 (0.39) 0.60(l.48) 0.02 (0.05) 0.02 (0.05) 0.07 (0.18) 0.15 (0.38) 0.15 (0.38) 0.01 (0.03) TOTAL 0.33 (0.82) 0.33 (0.82) 0.68 (1.69) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: Values in hectares (acres); Perm. = Permanent Impacts, Temp. = Temporary Impacts. Impacts to plant communities as a result of bridge replacement for Alternative 1 are restricted to narrow strips adjacent to the existing bridge and roadway segments. Bridge and approach improvements occur primarily within disturbed right-of-way limits and floodplain hardwood forest edges. Alternative 2 (Permanent and Temporary Impacts) would require greater encroachment into the floodplain hardwood forest habitat. 3. A ?a s a -- ------ ----- ---- - 2.3 Wildlife 2.3.1 Terrestrial The project area consists of a combination of rural countryside, floodplain forests, upland forests and urban/disturbed areas along roads. Limited clearing and conversion of tracts of land for agricultural and residential uses has eliminated some cover and protection for many indigenous wildlife species nearby the project area. The remaining natural plant communities in the area, particularly the forested area and adjacent to Six Runs Creek and associated ecotomes, do serve as valuable habitat. The forest bordering Six Runs Creek has all the necessary components (food, water, protective cover) for mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Sighting or evidence (tracks, scat, burrows, nests, etc.) were noted for the Virginia opossum (Didelphis yirginiana), mink (Mustela vison) and white=tailed deer (Odocoileus vir inianus). _ The observed bird species are typical of a rural setting where a patchwork of habitat types are available. Species encountered above and nearby Six Runs Creek include Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus), and wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina). Reptiles and amphibians typical of these communities include the eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), Carolina anole (Anolis carolinensis}, eastern box turtle (Terrapene Carolina), and Fowler's Toad (Bufo woodhousei). 2.3.2 Aquatic Six Rans Creek supports aquatic invertebrates and several species of fish. A mussel (Ellipto complanata) was found along the banks of Six Runs Creek. Six Runs Creek supports aquatic invertebrates and several species of fish. Game fish species present are redbreast sunfish (Lepomis auritus), redfin pickerel (Esox americanus americanus), catfish (Ictalurus spy.), warmouth (Chaenobr, tus losus) and sucker (Moxostoma spy.). The creek and adjacent banks also provide suitable benthic and riparian habitat for amphibians and aquatic reptiles such as the eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens), northern dusky salamander (Desmo athus fuscus), frogs (Rana sue,.), snapping turtles (Chel,ydra serpentina) and several snake species. . 2.4 Anticipated Impacts to Wildlife Alternative 1 habitat affected by the proposed action include Urban/Disturbed and Floodplain Hardwood Forested areas. Alternative 2 would receive the greatest impact by requiring a tempoary detour and conversion of more of the Floodplain Hardwood Forest habitat which provides excellent habitat for a diversity of plants and animals. Alternative 1 requires less disturbances in the Floodplain Hardwood Forest areas. The Urban/Disturbed area is utilized by 4 14 nm? opportunistic plant species such as greenbriar and Japanese honeysuckle and mobile species such as rodents, lizards and snakes that can recover quickly from construction impacts. The proposed action can potentially have substantial affects on the aquatic ecosystem unless strict sediment control measures are taken. The disturbance of the creek bed and sedimentation from the banks could affect aquatic life, (fish, mollusks, and benthic invertebrates) both at the project site as well as down stream reaches. 3.0 WATER RESOURCES 3.1 Waters Impacted Bridge #36 crosses Six Runs Creek approximately 610 m (2000 ft) upstream from the confluence with the Great Coharie River into the Black River. The Black River is part of the Cape Fear River Basin. 3.2.1 Best Usase Classification and Water Oualit . Classifications are assigned to waters of the State of North Carolina based on the existing or contemplated best usage of various streams or segments of streams in the basin (DEM 1993). Six Runs Creek is class C Sw, indicating waters which are suitable for aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation, and agriculture and a supplemental classification for swamp waters; waters which have low velocities and other natural characteristics which are different from adjacent streams. The DEM National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) reports no dischargers within 6.4 km (four miles) upstream of the proposed crossing. No High Quality Waters (HQW), Anadromous Fish Spawning Areas, Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), WS I or WS II Waters occur within 1.6 km (1 mile) of the project site. The Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network.(BMAN) addresses long term trends in water quality at fixed monitoring sites by the sampling for Benthic macroinvertebrates. Certain organisms are sensitive to very subtile changes in water quality. Good water quality is associated with high taxa richness (the number of different types of organisms) and the presence of many intolerant species. Water quality degradation gradually eliminates the more sensitive species and leads to a community structure quite different from that in an unstressed waterbody. Six Runs Creek was sampled (October 1989) by BMAN at the the project crossing and given a rating of Excellent. 3.1'.2 Stream Characteristics Six Runs Creek originates in northern Sampson County approximately 48 km (30 miles) above the subject bridge. The stream was approximately 21 m (70 ft) in width below the existing bridge. Depth varied from approximately 30 cm (1 ft) to 91 cm (3 ft). During field investigations the main body of the channel was bridged. Surface flow was slow below the 5 - J?J _? ; bridge. Substrate was sand and sand bars along the creek channel. The water was clear with an orange tint. 3.2 Anticipated Impacts to Water Resources Short term impacts to water quality can be anticipated from construction-related activities, which may increase sedimentation and turbidity. Impacts can be minimized by the use of best management practices, including implementation of stringent erosion and sedimentation control measures during construction. Long term impacts to water resources are not expected as a result of proposed improvements. The new bridge will maintain the present flow to protect stream integrity. Increased runoff from roadway surfaces will be partially mitigated by providing for vegetated road shoulders and limited use of ditching where ever possible. 4.0 SPECIAL TOPICS 4.1 Waters of the United States 1 Wetlands and surface waters fall under the bro ategory of "Waters of the-United States" as defined in 33 CFR 328.3, in accordance wit ovisions of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344). Surface waters and wet ds will be impacted by project construction. Approximately 0.15 hectares (0.36 acres) for Alternative 1, or 0.32 hectares (0.78 acres) for Alternative 2, of Palustrine forested deciduous wetlands (see-Cowardin et al. 1979) will be impacted (filled) with the current project design. Wetland communities were identified using the criteria specified in the 1,987 "US Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual". For an area to be considered a "wetland", the following three specifications must be meet; 1) presence of hydric soils (low soil chroma values), 2) presence of hydrophytic vegetation, and 3) evidence of hydrology at or near the soil surface for a portion (12.5 percent or greater duration) of the growing season. 4. 1.1 Permits Section 404 impacts to wetlands will occur. A Nationwide Permit 33 -CFR 330.5(A)23, for impacts to surface waters of Six Runs Creek, is likely to be applicable if the WRC certifies that construction of this project will not adversely affect these waters. This permit authorizes activities undertaken, assisted, authorized, regulated, funded or financed in whole, or in part, by another Federal agency or department. That agency or department has determined that the activity is categorically excluded from the environmental documentation, because it will neither individually or cumulatively have a significant environmental effect. A North Carolina Division of Environmental Management (DEM) Section 401 (1665) Water Quality General Certification is also required prior to issuance of the Nationwide Permit. 6 4.1.2 Mitigation Projects authorized under Nationwide Permits usually do not require compensatory mitigation according to the 1389 Memorandum Agreement between the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Army. However, utilization of best management practices (BMP's) is recommended in an effort to minimize impacts. 4.2 Protected Species 4.2.1 Federally Protected Species Species with federal classifications of Endangered (E) or Threatened (T) are protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (1978, 1979, 1982, and 1988 Amendments). Candidate species do not receive protection under the Act, but are mentioned due to potential vulnerability. The following federally protected species are listed for Sampson County: Red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) - E Pondberry (Lindera melissifolia) - E Brief descriptions of these organisms characteristics and habitat requirements are provided below. Red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) Status: E Family: Picidae Listed: 10/13/70 This federally Endangered woodpecker is found in scattered locations throughout the southeast. The bird measures 18 to 20 cm long with a wing span ranging from 35 to 38 cm. The male has a small red spot on each side of the head. Both males and females show a black cap and stripe on the side of the neck. The throat is also black while the cheeks and under parts are white. Black and white horizontal stripes are visible on the back. Nesting habitat consists of open pine stands (minimum age 60 years) or mixed pinelhardwood stands, (50 percent or more. pine). Longleaf pine (Pinus alp ustris) is most commonly used, but other species of southern pine are also acceptable. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT No suitable habitat exists along the bridge replacement alternatives. Also, a review of NC Natural Heritage Program data revealed. no records of this species in the subject project study area. It can be concluded that project construction will have no impact on the Red-cockaded woodpecker. 7 7 - 77 Pondberry (Lindera melissifolia) Status: E Family: Lauraceae Listed: 7/31/86 Pondberry is known from three populations in North Carolina with one being from a dry pond depression in Sampson County near Roseboro. Pondberry is a deciduous shrub which grows to 2 m (6 ft) tall, and spreads vegetatively by stolons. Pale yellow flowers appear in the spring before leaves. Pondberry, for the most part, is associated with wetland habitats such as bottomland and hardwoods in the interior areas, and the margins of sinks, ponds, and other depressions in the more coastal sites. The plants generally grow in shaded areas but may also be found in full sun. Habitat for this species exists in the proposed project alignment. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT A plant-by-plant survey was conducted on May 1, 1994, to determine if Pondberry was present in suitable habitat associated within the project Right-of-Way (ROW). No pondberry was found along the project ROW. Also, a review of NC Natural Heritage Program data revealed no records of this species in the subject project study area. It can be concluded that the subject project will not impact pondberry. 4.2.2 Federal Candidate Species There are eight C2 and one CI federal candidate species listed for Johnston County. The North Carolina status of these species is listed below. Federal Candidate Species Sampson County Scientific Name Common Name Habitat NC Aimophila aestivalis Bachman's sparrow No SC Rana areolata i aj ito Carolina crawfish frog Yes SC Dolania americana Amer. sandburring mayfly Yes SR Cylindrocolea andersoni (C1) A Liverwort Yes C Dionaea muscipula Venus flytrap Yes C-SC Litsea aestivalis Pondspice Yes C Macbridea caroliniana Carolina bogmint Yes C Sporobolus teretifolius Wireleaf dropseed No T Solidauo versa Spring-flowering goldenrod Yes E NC Status: SC, E, T, SR and C denote Special Concern, Endangered, Threatened, Significantly Rare Candidate, respectively. Candidate 2 (C2) species are defined as taxa for which there is some evidence of vulnerability, but for which there is not enough data to warrant a listing of Endangered, Threatened, Proposed Endangered, or Proposed Threatened at this time. These species are 8 .. t mentioned here for information purposes, should they become federally protected in the future. Specific surveys for any of these species were not conducted, nor were these species observed during the site visit. 4.2.3 State Protected Species Plant or animal species which are on the state list as Endangered (E), Threatened (T), or Special Concern (SC) receive limited protection under the North Carolina Endangered Species Act (G.-S. 113-331 et seq.) and the North Carolina Plant Protection Act of 1979 (G.S. 106-202. 12 et seq.). NC Natural Heritage Program records indicate no known populations of the state listed species occurring within 1.6 km (1 mile) of the project site. However, NC Natural Heritage Program records indicate the eastern lampmussel (Lampsilis radiata) was found in August 1991, approximately 3.2 km (2 miles) downstream of the proposed project site at the SR 1003 crossing of Six Runs Creek. There is also a record for the pod lance (Elliptio folliculata) in the,Coharie Creek. 9 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. Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual, Technical Report Y-87-1, USACOEWES, Vicksburg, Miss. Gibbs, L.C. 1987. Weeds of the Southern United States. Univ. of Georgia College of Agriculture. Lee, D.S., J.B: Funderburg, Jr. and M.K. Clark. 1982. A Distribution Survey of North Carolina Mammals. Museum of Natural History, North Carolina. LeGrand, H.E. and S.P. Hall. 1993. Natural Heritage Program List of the Rare Animal Species of North Carolina. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. Martof, B.S., W.M. Palmer, J.R. Bailey, J. Z. Harrison, III, and J. Dermid. 1986. Amlhibians and Reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia, The University of North Carolina Press. Murie, O.J. 1975. A Field Guide to Animal Tracks. Houghton Miffin Co., Boston. NCDNRCD. 1993. Classifications and Water Quality Standards Assigned to the Water of the Cape Fear River Basin. Division of Environment Management, Raleigh, N.C.. Peterson, R.T. 1980. A Field Guide to the Birds. Houghton Miffin Co., Boston. Potter, E.F., J.F. Parnell and R.P. Jeulings. 1986. Birds of the Carolinas. The University of North Carolina Press. Radford, A.E., H.E. Ahles and G.R. Bell. 1968. Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas. Chapel Hill, The University of North Carolina Press. Schafale, M.P. and A.S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina. Third Approximation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, N.C. SCS. 1985. Soil Survey of Sampson County. North Carolina. Soil Conservation Service. Weakley, A.S. 1993. Natural Heritage Program List of the Rare Plant Species of North Carolina. . North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. Webster, W.D., J.F. Parnell, and W.C. Biggs, Jr.. 1985. Mammals of the Carolinas. Virginia and Maryland, The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, N.C. 10 r' -41 N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TRANSMITTAL SLIP DATE P - ZU -^-:? TO: REF. NO. OR ROOM, BLDG. FROM : REF. NO. OR ROOM, BLDG. ? ? J .J okn 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: 3 ? STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA L-VI DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT, JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 August 24, 1993 AUG 3 1 1993 P R. SAMUEL HUNT III SECRETARY MEMORANDUM TO: Mr. Eric Galamb DEM - DEHNR, 6th Floor FROM: L. J. Ward, P. E., Manager , Planning and Environmental Branc 91 SUBJECT: Review of Scoping Sheet for Bridge No. 36 on SR 1130 in Sampson County over Six Runs Creek, B-2626 Attached for your review and comments are the scoping sheets for the subject project (See attached map for project location). The purpose of these sheets and the related review procedure is to have an early "meeting of the minds" as to the scope of work that should be performed and thereby enable us to better implement the project. A scoping meeting for this project is scheduled for October 5, 1993 at 10:00 A. M. in the Planning and Environmental Branch Conference Room (Room 470). You may provide us with your comments at the meeting or mail them to us prior to that date. Thank you for your assistance in this part of our planning process. If there are any questions about the meeting or the scoping sheets, please call John Williams, Project Planning Engineer, at 733-7842. JW/pl r Attachment - Ce Z:3 C ls.i /?- A-Z 7 ors 1% BRIDGE PROJECT SCOPING SHEET DATE -9/21/23 REVISION DATE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT STAGE PROGRAMMING PLANNING DESIGN TIP PROJECT B-2626 STATE PROJECT 8.2280901 F.A. PROJECT BRZ-1130 (2) DIVISION 3 COUNTY Sampson ROUTE SR 1130 PURPOSE OF PROJECT: REPLACE OBSOLETE BRIDGE DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: SR 1130, Bridge ##36, Sampson County Replace bridge over Six Runs Creek METHOD OF REPLACEMENT: 1. EXISTING LOCATION - ROAD CLOSURE 2. EXISTING LOCATION - ONSITE DETOUR 3. RELOCATION 4. OTHER WILL THERE BE SPECIAL FUNDING PARTICIPATION BY MUNICIPALITY, DEVELOPERS, OR OTHERS? YES NO X IF YES, BY WHOM AND WHAT AMOUNT: ($) 1 W BRIDGE PROJECT SCOPING SHEET 4400 TRAFFIC: CURRENT VPD; DESIGN YEEAAR3r„ 3 VPD TTST ?I DT 7 % TYPICAL ROADWAY SECTION: EXISTING STRUCTURE:11??NGTH 85.7 METERS; WIDTH 5.2 METERS 281 FEET 17.2 FEET PROPOSED STRUCTURE: BRIDGE - LENGTH METERS; WIDTH METERS OR FEET FEET CULVERT - DETOUR STRUCTURE: BRIDGE - LENGTH METERS; WIDTH METERS FEET FEET OR PIPE - SIZE MILLIMETERS INCHES CONSTRUCTION COST (INCLUDING ENGINEERING AND CONTINGENCIES) ..................... $ RIGHT OF WAY COST (INCLUDING RELOCATION, UTILITIES, AND ACQUISITION) ................... $ FORCE ACCOUNT ITEMS ................ ................. $ TOTAL COST .......................................$ TIP CONSTRUCTION COST ................................ $600,000 TIP RIGHT OF WAY COST ................................ $ 18,000 SUB TOTAL ....................................... $618,000 PRIOR YEARS COST ................................ $ TIP TOTAL COST ...................................$618,000 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Rural Local Route PREPARED BY: John L. Williams DATE: 8/24/93 ?I " NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BRANCH SAMPSON COUNTY REPLACE BRIDGE NO. 36 ON SR 1130 OVER SIX RUNS CREEK B - 2626 0 mile 1 N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TRANSMITTAL SLIP DATE )z? 1-5- 93 TO: REF. NO. OR ROOM, BLDG. FROM: 1( A REF. NO. OR ROOM, BLDG. t ` r/ 11 t 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: ?a r m ? wR STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT, JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS R. SAMUEL HUNT III GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 SECRETARY December 13, 1993 D MEMORANDUM TO: Mr. Eric Galamb DEM - DEHNR, 6th Floor FROM: John L. Williams Project Planning Engineer SUBJECT: Replacement of Bridge No. 36 on SR 1130 over Six Runs Creek, Sampson County, B-2626, State Project 8.2280901, F. A. Project BRZ 1130(2) A scoping meeting for the subject bridge was held on October 5, 1993 at 10:00 AM in Room 470 of the Planning and Environmental Branch. The following people were in attendance: Kevin Bisby Traffic Control Sue Flowers Roadway Design Lee McCrory Roadway Design Eric Galamb Div. of Environmental Management Danny Rogers Program Development Robin Stancil SHPO Betty C. Yancey Right of Way Jerry Snead Hydraulics Unit Wayne Fedora Planning & Environmental Branch John Williams Planning & Environmental Branch Attached are the revised scoping sheets which include additional information provided at the scoping meeting. Robin Stancil of the SHPO commented that the project area contains no recorded historic structures. However, there is an prehistoric archaeological site (31SP33) recorded in a 1970 survey of the area. She stated that if additional right of way was required for the project, that an archaeological survey would be required. The existing roadway has a statutory 55 mph speed limit. Thus the project should have design speed of 60 mph if possible. December 13, 1993 Page 2 Eric Galamb of DEM stated that the waters were Class C-Swamp Water and normal erosion control measures should be observed. He also indicated that wetland impacts should be checked for. The Hydraulics Unit recommends replacing the existing bridge with a bridge 92 m (301.8 feet)in length at the same location and elevation as the existing bridge. Hydraulics has also noted that the bridge should be widened to the east. This widening may require the relocation of a minor drainage ditch running parallel to the existing roadway. NCDOT Bridge Policy indicates that a 7.31 m (24.0 ft.) bridge width is required including a 6.1 m (20.0 ft.) travelway with 0.6 m (2.0 ft.) shoulders. A list of alternatives to be studied, with associated preliminary construction costs, are as follows: Alternate 1 - Replace the bridge with a new bridge in its existing location. Traffic would be detoured along existing secondary roads during construction. Alternate 2 - Replace the bridge with a new bridge in its existing location. Traffic would be maintained during construction by providing a temporary on-site detour. Attachment BRIDGE PROJECT SCOPING SHEET TIP PROJECT B-2626 STATE PROJECT 8.2280901 F.A. PROJECT BRZ-1130 (2) DIVISION 3 COUNTY Sampson ROUTE SR 1130 PURPOSE OF PROJECT: REPLACE OBSOLETE BRIDGE DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: SR 1130, Bridge #36, Sampson County Replace bridge over Six Runs Creek METHOD OF REPLACEMENT: 1. EXISTING LOCATION - ROAD CLOSURE 2. EXISTING LOCATION - ONSITE DETOUR 3. RELOCATION 4. OTHER WILL THERE BE SPECIAL FUNDING PARTICIPATION BY MUNICIPALITY, DEVELOPERS, OR OTHERS? YES' NO X DATE 12/08/93 REVISION DATE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT STAGE PROGRAMMING PLANNING DESIGN IF YES, BY WHOM AND WHAT AMOUNT: ($) 1 W BRIDGE PROJECT SCOPING SHEET TRAFFIC: CURRENT 200 VPD; DESIGN YEAR 400 VPD TTST 1 % DT 2 % TYPnCAL ROADWAY SECTION: EXISTING STRUCTURE: LENGTH 85.7 METERS; WIDTH 5.2 METERS 281 FEET 17.2 FEET PROPOSED STRUCTURE: BRIDGE - LENGTH 92 METERS; WIDTH 7.31 METERS 301.8 FEET 24 FEET OR CULVERT - DETOUR STRUCTURE: BRIDGE - LENGTH METERS; WIDTH METERS FEET FEET OR PIPE - SIZE MILLIMETERS INCHES CONSTRUCTION COST (INCLUDING ENGINEERING AND CONTINGENCIES) ..................... $ RIGHT OF WAY COST (INCLUDING RELOCATION, UTILITIES, AND ACQUISITION) ................... $ FORCE ACCOUNT ITEMS .................................. $ TOTAL COST ....................................... $ TIP CONSTRUCTION COST ................................ $600,000 TIP RIGHT OF WAY COST ................................ $ 18,000 SUB TOTAL ....................................... $618,000 PRIOR YEARS COST ................................ $ TIP TOTAL COST ...................................$618,000 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Rural Local Route