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HomeMy WebLinkAbout19950252 Ver 1_Complete File_19950308STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TkANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT, JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS R. SAMUEL HUNT III GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 SECRETARY February 10, 1995 District Engineer Army Corps of Engineers P. 0. Box 1890 Wilmington, North Carolina 28402 401?,gsum ATTENTION: Regulatory Branch Dear Sir: Subject: Caswell County, SR 1759, Replacement of Bridge No. 88 over South County Line Creek, Federal Aid Project No. BRZ-1759(1), State Project No. 8.2480401, TIP No. B-2812. 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. 2745 (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 Mr. Doug Huggett at 733-3141. rSiner in ick , E., Hager and Environmental Branch HFV/dvh cc: Mr. Ken Jolly, COE-Raleigh Mr. John Dorney, NCDEHNR, DEM Mr. John Parker, NCDEHNR, DCM Mr. Kelly Barger, P.E., Program Development Branch Mr. Don Morton, P.E., Highway Design Branch Mr. A. L. Hankins, P.E., Hydraulics Unit Mr. John L. Smith Jr., P.E., Structure Design Unit Mr. Tom Shearin, P.E., Roadway Design Unit Mr. J. W. Watkins, P.E., Division 7 Engineer Mr. John Williams, Planning and Environmental Branch Mr. Davis Moore, Planning and Environmental Branch iii CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION ACTION CLASSIFICATION FORM TIP Project No. B-2812 State Project No. 8.2480401 Federal-Aid Project No. BRZ-1759(1) A. Project Description: (List project location and scope. Attach location map.) Replace Bridge No. 88 on SR 1759 over South Country Line Creek in Caswell County. The existing bridge will be replaced at the same location with a 2-barrel, 2.4-meter X 1.8-meter (8-foot X 6-foot), reinforced concrete box culvert. Normal flow will be directed into one barrel of the proposed culvert leaving the remaining barrel dry to accommodate wildlife passage. The typical section will include a 6.6-meter (22-foot) pavement section and 1.8-meter (6-foot) shoulders. Traffic will be detoured along existing secondary roads during construction. NOTE: Refer to Section D, "Special Project Information," for list of ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS. B. Purpose and Need: Bridge of 20.2 out of 100 and an nine years. The bridge is tons) for single vehicles for truck-tractor semi-tr Bridge No. 88 needs to be No. 88 has a sufficiency rating estimated remaining life of posted at 6.3 metric tons (7 and 12.7 metric tons (14 tons) ailers. For these reasons, 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 d. Constructing lane improvements (merge, auxiliary, and turn lanes) e. Adding shoulder drains 1 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 33. 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. 7. Approvals for changes in access control. 8. Construction of new bus storage and maintenance facilities in areas used predominantly for 2 J, 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. D. 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. it. 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. Special Project Information: (Include ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS) Environmental Commitments: 1. D.O.T. will implement Best Management Practices (BMP) including strict erosion control measures. 2. Normal flow will be directed into one barrel of the proposed culvert leaving the remaining barrel to accommodate wildlife passage. 3. For issues riot covered by commitments 1 & 2, all standard measures and procedures will be implemented to avoid or minimize environmental impacts. 3 Estimated Costs: Construction - $ 250,000 Right of Way - $ 27,500 Total - $ 277,500 Estimated Traffic: Current - 400 VPD Year 2015 - 700 VPD Proposed Typical Section: 6.6-meter (22-foot) pavement section, 1.8-meter (6-foot) shoulders Design Speed: 100 km/h (60 mph) Functional Classification: Rural Local Route Division Office Comments: "SR 1759 may be closed for the construction of a new bridge. It is recommended that the project be let to contract with a spring availability date. A project completion date should be established so that. the road will not be closed for more than nine months." 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 YES NO (1) Will the project have a substantial impact x on any unique or important natural resource? (2) Does the project involve habitat where federally listed endangered or threatened F-1 X species may occur? (3) Will the project 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? 4 (5) Will the project require the use of ? U. S. Forest Service lands? (6) Will the quality of adjacent water ? resources be adversely impacted by proposed construction activities? (7) Does the project involve waters classified ? as Outstanding Water Resources (OWR) and/or High Quality Waters (HQW)? (3) Will the project require fill in waters of the United States in any of the designated mountain trout counties? (9) Does the project involve any known ? underground storage tanks (UST's) or hazardous materials sites? X X X X X PERMITS AND COORDINATION YES NO (10) If the project is located within a CAMA county, will the project significantly F-1 X affect the coastal zone and/or any "Area of Environmental Concern" (AEC)? (11) Does the project involve Coastal Barrier ? X Resources Act resources? (12) Will a U. S. Coast Guard permit be ? X required? - (13) Will the project result in the modification F 1 X of any existing regulatory floodway? (14) Will the project require any stream ? X relocations or channel changes? SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC YES NO (15) Will the project induce substantial impacts ? X to planned growth or land use for the area? 5 A (16) Will the project require the relocation of ? X any family or business? (17) If the project involves the acquisition of ? right of way, is the amount of right of way X acquisition considered minor? (18) Will the project involve any changes in ? X access control? (19) Will the project substantially alter the usefulness and/or land use of adjacent X property? (20) Will the project have an adverse effect on permanent local traffic patterns or ? X community cohesiveness? (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 ? 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? 6 CULTURAL RESOURCES YES NO (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-I x as a component of or proposed for inclusion in the Natural System of Wild and Scenic Rivers? 7 G. 10 CE Approval TIP Project No. B-2812 State Project No. 8.2480401 Federal-Aid Project No. BRZ-1759(1) Project Description: (List project location and scope. Attach location map.) Replace Bridge No. 88 on SR 1759 over South Country Line Creek in Caswell County. The existing bridge will be replaced at the same location with a 2-barrel 2.4-meter X 1.8-meter (8-foot X 6-foot) reinforced concrete box culvert. Normal flow will be directed into one barrel of the proposed culvert leaving the remaining barrel dry to accommodate wildlife passage. The typical section will include a 6.6-meter (22-foot) pavement section and 1.8-meter (6-foot) shoulders. Traffic will be detoured along existing secondary roads during construction. NOTE: Refer to Section D, "Special Project Information," for list of ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS. Categorical Exclusion Action Classification: (Check one) Approved: X TYPE II(A) TYPE II(B) Date 4,,tmanager Planning & Environmental Branch /,/) -zo-7y uate Date 141c< AI <?- Z7/ 07?- Proje t Planning Unit Head Pro 'ect P anning Engineer 8 "m 7 08 7 aA a l?L e? R *, I cw? E Q +.1 ?A,* a G U ?; ?lJul r. 11 11 r ¦ fl r ¦ AI 1 y I c:. O j L Y N CV W j W cc: I N U 'r U O > Z W O Z N a > > Z cd, J C co >- ~ 0 CN O UJZOF- Z N c? Y. r ^ J D W ' LIJ M n xcr cn 0 H7u ?7 Q F- - c O Z E 2z U ,`? uoR J cr O O C I o Ld 3.5 ° I+? ? H r ter' U of N b r ' .% r m', 6. . clj Jf) ?l V Mi \ ni hi \ p? - Sy T y a 5 co 5 O r"1 LL ?f\ \ o -4 ? l P L• ?. h c FAS' N L -r V` l1J IO w W In U) 4 12 July 1994 MEMORANDUM TO: Wayne Elliot. Unit Head Bride Replacement Unit FROM: Gerard Nieters, Environmental Biologist Environmental Unit SUBJECT: Natural Resources Technical Report for Proposed replacement of bridze no. 33 over South Country Line Creek, Caswell County, TIP No. B-2312; State Project No. 3.2430401; Federal Aid No. BRZ-1759 (1). ATTENTION: John Williams, Project Manager The attached Natural Resources Technical Report provides inventories and descriptions of natural resources within the project area, and estimations of impacts likely to occur to these resources as a result of project construction. Pertinent information on -wetlands and federally-protected species is also provided. Please contact ine if you have an% questions. or need this report copied onto disc format. c: V. Charles Bruton. Ph.D. M. Randall Turner, Environmental Supervisor File: B-2312 Caswell County r Replacement of Bridge No. SS On SR 1759 TIP No. B-2812 Federal Aid Project No. BRZ-1759 (1) State Project No. S.2450401 Natural Resources Technical Report B-?S1? NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PLANING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BRACH ENVIRONMENTAL UNIT GERARD METERS. ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGIST 12 July 1994 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction ........................................I 1.1 Project Description ...........................1 1.2 Purpose .......................................1 1.3 Methodology ...................................1 2.0 Physical Resources ..................................' 2.1 Soils ..........................................2 2.2 Water Resources ................................2 2.2.1 Characteristics of Waters .............3 2.3.2 Best Usage Classification .............3 2.2.3 Water Quality .........................3 2.2.4 Summary of Anticipated impacts ........ 4 3.0 Biotic Resources ....................................4 3.1 Terrestrial Communities ........................4 3.1.1 Bottomland Hardwood Forest............ 3.1.2 Pine Forest ...........................6 3.1.3 Upland Hardwood Forest ................6 3.1.4 Maintained Roadside ................... 3.2 Summary of Anticipated impacts .................S 3.3 Aquatic Community .............................. S 3.4 Summary of Anticipated Impacts .................5 4.0 Jurisdictional Topics ...............................9 4.1 waters of the United States ...................9 4.1.1 Characteristics of Surface Waters ...... 9 4.1.2 Permits ................................9 4.1.3 litigation ............................10 4.2 Rare and Protected Species ....................10 4.3.1 Federally-Protected Species ............ 10 4.2.2 Federal and State Candidate Species .... 10 5.0 References .........................................12 P . 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION The following Natural Resources Technical Report is submitted to assist in preparation of a Categorical Exclusion (CE) for the proposed bridge replacement. The project lies in Caswell County, 6.0 km (3.S miles) northeast of Anderson. 1.1 Project Description Two alternatives have been submitted for the replacement of bridge = SS with a concrete box culvert. In alternative =1 a preferred double barrel. 2.4m x 1.Sm (Sft :c 6f t), reinforced concrete box culvert is proposed to be replaced at the current bridge location. This replacement would require an off site detour of traffic along existing secondary roads during construction. Alternative =2 states that a triple barrel (same dimensions) reinforced concrete box culvert be used to replace bridge ASS. This culvert would be constructed under the existing bridge. Traffic would be detoured at the end of construction along existing secondary roads until the completion of the project. 1.2 Purpose The purpose of this technical report is to inventory, catalog and describe the various natural resources likely to be impacted by the proposed action. This report also attempts to identiv and estimate the probable consequences of the anticipated impacts to these resources. Recommendations are made for measures which 1 minimize resource impacts. These descriptions and estimates are relevant oniv in the context of existing preliminary design concepts. If design parameters and criteria change. additional field investigations will need to be conducted. 1 . 3 N1e t hodo l ogy Research was conducted prior to field in'.'esti2! ations. Information sources used in this pre-field investigation of the stuciv area include: G.S. Geological Surye_•' (USGS) quadrangle map (Anderson). National Wetland inventory (NWI) Maps, and NCDOT aerial photographs of the project area (1:1200). V,ater resource information was obtained from publications of the Department of Environment. Health and Natural Resources (DEHNR, 1993) and from the NC Center for Geographic Information and Analysis publication of the Environmental Sensitivity Base :Map of Caswell County. Information concerning the occurrence of federal anti state protected species in the study area was gathered from the Fish and Wildlife Service (F«'S) list of protected and candidate species and the N.C. Natural Heritage Program (`:HP) database of rare species and unique habitats. General field surveys were conducted along the proposed alignment by NCDOT biologist (Gerard Meters) on 31 May 1992. Plant communities and their associated wildlife were identified and recorded. Wildlife identification involved using a variety of observation techniques: active searching and capture, visual observations (binoculars). identifying characteristic signs of wildlife (sounds, scat, tracks and burrows). Cursor%, studies for benthos and mobile aquatic organisms were conducted using tactile searches. Organisms captured during these searches were identified and then released. Jurisdictional wetland determinations were performed utilizing delineation criteria prescribed in the "Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation %lanual" (Environment Laboratory, 19S7). 2.0 Physical Resources Soil and water resources, which occur in the stud- area, are discussed below. Soils and availability of water directly influence composition and distribution of flora and fauna in any biotic community. Caswell County lies in the northern Piedmont Physiograph ic Provence. The topography of Cas%,.ell County is characterized by moderately slop in, hi 1Is with associated bottomIand floodplains. The project area is in a forested. rural setting that is punctuated by agricultural land. 2.1 Soils Table 1 provides an inventory of specific soil types which occur in the project area. Table 1 County Soils in the Project Area '.LAPPING UNIT SYMBOL ;S SLOPE HYDRIC CLASS Madison s and_y clay loam `.IaD S- t Wilkes sandy loam W1KE 15-45 B Note: "B" denotes soils with inclusions of ilvdric soils or ,xhich have wet shots. ?.? Water Resources This section contains information concerning those --xater resources likely to be impacted by the project. Water resource information encompasses physical aspects of the resource, its relationship to major water systems. Best Usage Standards and water quality of the resources. Probable A ; 3 impacts to these water bodies are also discussed, as are means to minimize impacts. 2.2.1 Waters Impacted and Characteristics The existing structure crosses South Country Line Creek. a tributary of Country Line Creek, which in turn empties into the Dan River. The headwaters of South Country Line Creek are approximately 0.8 km (0.5 mi) north of Anderson. Stream channel width is approximately 6.1 m (20 ft) at crossing. The depth of water varied from 0.02 m to 0.20 m (0.0S ft to 0.67 ft). During the site investigation, the stream level was well below the stream bank capacity. A cobble substrate is present and accompanied by small areas of sand deposition and a few isolated pools of standing water. The flow rate is moderate with good water clarity. A drainage gully was evident to the north of the proposed project. This runoff appeared to be periodically extensive due to the depth 1.Sm (6 ft) and evident scour of the depression. 2.2.2 Best Usage Classification Streams have been assigned a best usage classification by the Division of Environmental Management (DENI). South Country Line Creek has a "C" classification for its waters south (upstream) of the crossing, whereas the waters dowi-istream of the project have a "B" classification. The "C" classification denotes that the primary use of the water resource is that of aquatic life propagation and survival. fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation, and agriculture. This "B" classification cites primary recreation as the principle use, as well as the other uses specified by the C classification. Neither High Quality Waters (HQW), Water Supplies (WS-1 or WS-II) nor Outstanding Resource Waters (OR%V) occur within 1.6 km (I mile) of project study area. 2.2.3 Water Quality The Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Net,sork (B`-IAN) is managed by DELI and is part of an ongoing ambient water quality monitoring program which addresses long term trends in water quality. The program assesses water quality by sampling for selected bent hic macroinvertebrate organisms at fixed monitoring sites. Macroinvertebrates are sensitive to very subtle changes in water quality; thus, the species richness and overall biomass are reflections of water quality. No BRIAN data is available for South Country Line Creep:. liovever, most bioclas sifica tion s in the Roanoke River Basin are good- fair and all sampling sites Located in Cas,eII CountY showed bioclassifications of fair or better. 1 4 Point source dischargers located throughout North Carolina are permitted through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. A registered domestic discharger (Sweetgum Elementary) is located in the study area, approximately 3.2 km (2mi) southeast of the project. 2.2.4 Summary of Anticipated Impacts Potential impacts to the waters of South Country Line Creek, resulting from construction-related sedimentation and turbidity, include decreases of dissolved oxygen in the water and changes in temperature, as a result of vegetation loss and reduction of water clarity. Alterations of water level, due to interruptions in surface and ground water flow and increased concentrations of toxic compounds from highway runoff during construction are other possible impacts that will affect water quality on South Country Line Creek. Strict enforcement of erosion, sedimentation controls, and implementation of best management practices (BMP) is critical in order to minimize potential impacts to the project area and downstream as a result of the project construction. 3.0 Biotic Resources Biotic resources include aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This section describes those ecosystems encountered in the study area, as well as. the relationships between fauna and flora within these ecosystems. Composition and distribution of biotic communities throughout the project area are reflective of topography, hydrologic influences and past and present land uses in the study area. Descriptions of the terrestrial systems are presented in the context of plant community classifications. Dominant flora and fauna observed, or likely to occur, in each community are described and discussed. Scientific nomenclature and common names (when applicable) are provided for each animal and plant species described. Subsequent references to the same organism will include the common name on1v. 3.1 Terrestrial Communities and Aquatic Resources Four distinct biotic communities were identified in the project study- area: bottomland hardwood forest, pine forest. upland hardwood forest and maintained roadsiclc. Stream hydrology is also present tirithin the bottomland hardwood community, further diversifying that habitat. Community boundaries are frequently ill-defined. contiguous communities generally merge without any transition zone between them. Many faunal species are highly adaptive and may populate the entire range of terrestrial communities t discussed. 3.1.1 Bottomland Hardwood Forest This community- is located on a sloping, well-drained floodplain oriented to the northwest and southeast of the crossing. This community type is characterized by deep. fertile soils resulting from periodic sediment deposition from South Country Line Creek. The dominant canopy species present were tulip tree (Lirivdendr-on tulipifera), sycamore (Platanus occidental is) , American elm (Ulrnus amer-icana) , sweetgum (Liquidamber sryraciflua), river birch (Betula ni?-ra), black walnut (Juglans ni-ra) and blac' Willow (Salrx nilara). Red maple (,4cer rubrum), tag alder (Alnus serrulata), green ash (Fraxinus penns;-Ivaniea), ironwood (Carpi nus caroliniana), winged SUITMC (Rhus copyllina), spicebush (Lindera benzoin), umbrella tree (,Vagnolia tr•ipetala) smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), red mulberry (Morus rubra), and saplings of the canopy species comprised the lower and middle stories of the vegetative cover. The herbaceous layer is strongly influenced by several woody vines: poison ivy (Toxicodendron r'adicans), greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia), trumpet creeper (Carnpsis radicans). Japanese honeysuckle (Lvnicera japonica). Virginia creeper (Parthenocrssus quinquefolia) and muscadine (V trs rotundifolia). Other herbaceous representatives were false nettle (Boehrneria Cylrndrrca), winged verbesina 1, Verbesin,i aIter'nrfolra). false Solomon's seal (Smilocina racemvsa), 'May-apple (Podopltyllum peltaturn), yellow root (.Canthorhiza srmplicrssimlli), and panic grass (Panicum Sp.). There exists a definite dominance of poison ivy and honeysuckle in the open areas along the stream bank. Beneath the canopy cover a thick litter layer is present and most of the tower growth consists of seedlings of the dominant canopy species. Animal species that were either seen or identified from spoor evidence were the green frog (Rana clarnitans), raccoon (Procyon I o t o r - ) , and white - tailedd eer (Odocoileus vii inianus) Other anlnlal species that are associated with this habitat type are Elie eastern box turtle (Terrapent, car•vlina), spring peeper (I,vla cr'ucrfer'), woodland vole ( licrotus pinetorurn), gray squirrel (Sciurus carvlrnensrs) eastern chipmunk (Tarnias striatus), eastern cottontail (Sylvila`us Iloridanus), and the Virginia OPOSSUM (Didelphis c-ir.-rnrana). A few of the insects in the project area are the red spotted purple (Limenitis astyanax), Diana (Speycria liana), eastern tier swaIlowtaiI (Papilio -laucus), and dragonflies (Order Odonata). The s1imv salamander (Plethodon ;lutinvsus) and marbled salamander (.tmbystoma opacum) are amphibians that also commonly utilize this habitat type. An ?issortment of avian 1 ife was also evident. The fl , c Carolina wren (Thyothorus ludovicianus). American robin ( Turdus ini,,i'atorius) . northern cardinal (Cardinal is cardinalis), and green-bae::ed heron (flutor'ides srriarus) were observed to utilize this habitat. 3.1.2 Pine Forest This ecotype is located at the higher elevations of the project area beginning at the fringes of the bottoriland forest and progressing into domination the slope increases on the northeast side of the projcc'. It is characterized by moderate-to-steeply-slopin;well-drained soils. These soils usually have poor fertility due to shallow depth of parent material and .he relative dryness of the profile. Virginia pine (Pines vi i'giniana) is the most prevalent canopy species with short leaf pine (P. echinata) also present. Some representatives of eastern red cedar (Juniperus vir_'Iniana). tulip tree. and sweetgum are present at a subcariopy level. The middle-lower stories were found to consist of saplings of the canopy and subcanopy species along with eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), flowering dogwood, red maple. ;white oak (Quercus alba), mockernuc hickory (Car -va tornentosa), northern red oak (Q. 1'ubra), eastern hophornbeam (Ostrt•a r-ii-iniana) and sassafras (Sassafras albiduin). A thin herbaceous consisting of Japanese (Chimelphi la rrraculata) . (Euonimu.5 amerlcanus). i-otundi f'ol ia) . and Chr acrostiClio ides) . layer is present in this community . noneysuc::le. spotted wintergre:n Virginia creeper. stra;wberrv bush poison iv %-, muscadine (Vitls istmas fern (Po1vsrichum (any of the heretofore mentioned animal s:)ecies collid also utilize this habitat for foraging. shelter. and/or cover to conceal movement between ecotypes. AIZ'I th exception of those species that are more common in moist sites. the animal composition woutd remain quite similar to the b o t t o m I a n d forest communit:-. 3.1.3 Upland Hardwood Forest On the southwest Portion of the crossing an Upland hardwood t_cotype is present on a portion of high elevation within the project area. Ic is characterized by moderately sIoJln'.well-brained, soils. In till; COMMIllnLiv Cite carrOp!•- species consist of t1111p tree, .n ck0ry (Cari•ct sp _ ) ;white oak. black oak (Quercus velutina) sweccgum, . .with [ew Virginia and shortleaf Pines interspersed. The middIL-- lower s tory of the canopy consisted of saplings of the canopy species. as well as eastern reel cedar, hophornbearn, flowering dogwood, eastern redbud, red maple, hac"berry (Celtis laeviL,ata), black cherry (Prunus .serotina). and sassafras. The forest floor has adequate litter accumulated to support some burrowing animals. n poorly developed hernaceous layer 10 . is present with Japanese honeysuckle, spotted wintergreen, strawberry bush, Virginia creeper, poison ivy and representatives of Vac.cinium species. again. the composition of the animal community wiII not vary greatly from those previously discussed due to the overlapping nature of this relatively small region of upland hardwood within the project area. 3.1.+ Maintained Roadside A maintained community is present along the edge of the existing roadway. In this area the dominant vegetation is: Lespedeza (Lespedeza bicolor), fire pint: (Silene vir-inica), trumpet creeper, lactuca (Lactuca sp.). milkweed (,-lsclepias ample.t•icaulis), fescue (Festuca sp.), blackberry (Rubus sp. Japanese honeysuckle, clover (Trifolium sp.and assorted grasses. This habitat serves primarily as a foraging habitat for various species of birds and mammals, which feed on seeds, berries and roots. These species include: the Carolina chickadee (Parus carolinensis), northern cardinal. eastern harvest mouse (Reithrodontomy-s humulis), Virginia opossum, and eastern cottontail. Large numbers of insect species inhabit this ecotone. especially grasshoppers (Ma lanoplus spp.) and dragonflies, which are the primary food source of various snakes such as the black racer (CoIuber constrictor) and the rough green snake (Opheodrys aestlvus); lizards like the five lined sk (Eumeces fasclatus), birds such as the American robin; and small mammals Iike the white footed mouse (Peromj?scus leucopus). 3.2 Summary of Anticipated Impacts Construction of the subject project will have various impacts on the biotic resources described. Any construction- related activities in or near these resources have the potential to impact biological functions. This section quantifies and qualifies impacts to the natural resources in terms of area impacted and ecosystems affected. TeIT:porary and permanent impacts are considered here as %veil. Calculated impacts to terrestrial reSOUrCeS reflect the relative abundance of each community present in the study area. Project construction will result in clearing and degradation of portions of these communities. Table 2 summarizes potential quantitative losses to these biotic communities, resulting from project construction. Estimated impacts are derived using the entire proposed right of way wicith of 25 m (SO ft) which extends for 150 m (500 ft). Usually, project construction does not require the entire right of %vay; therefore, actual impacts may be cons iderabIv S less. Table 2. Anticipated Impacts to Biotic Communities COMMUNITY ALTERNATIVE 1 ALTERNATIVE 2 Bottomland Hardwood Forest 0.12 10.30) 0.12 (0.30) Pine Forest 0.04 (0.10) 0.04 (0.10) Upland Hardwood Forest 0.04 (O.iO) 0.01, (0.10) Maintained Roadside 0.20 (0.10) 0.30 (0.10) TOTAL IMPACTS 0.40 (0.60) 0.40 (0.60) Note: Values cited are in hectares (acres). 3.3 Aquatic Community A small piedmont perennial stream community, will be impacted by the proposed project. Physical characteristics of the water body and condition of the water resource reflect faunal composition of the aquatic communities. Terrestrial communities adjacent to a water resource also greatly influence aquatic communities. This system is a closely-related and overlapping ecotone that contributes greatly to many aquatic. semi-aquatic. and terrestrial organisms in and around the aquatic community. Some of the invertebrates that were seen to be directly sustained by the water body were the .eater strider (Gerris rem i is). mayfly larvae (Order Ephomeroptera) crayfish (Family Cambaridae), and aquatic worms (Class Oliclochaeta). The Johnny darter (Etheostoma ni`rum), shield darter (Perc.ina peItata), redbreast sunfish (Lepomis auritus). green sunfish (L. cvanellus), swallowtail shiner (Nvrr opis pr-ocne) , crescent shiner (,V. cerasrnus), rosefin shiner (,Votropis ardens), rosyside dace (Clinvstomus funduloides), and creeF; chub (Semotilus atromaculatus) are known to exist in this habitat type. Semi-aquatic species are also known to utilize this stream habitat, for instance: the three-lined salamander (Eurycea ,;uttolineata), northern dusky salamander (Desmognathus fuscus) and pickerel frog (R. palustris). 3.4 Summary of Anticipated Impacts The construction of the proposed culvert %vi11 cause an initial increase in sedimentation by construction equipment and/or materials. These impacts may be short term in scope. However, the possibility for obstruction of the proposed culvert could vary the velocity of the stream causing increased turbidity and suspended sediment levels from a disturbed substrate, especially at times of high flow. Therefore, this proposed culvert should be regularly maintained in order to minimize negative impacts. These impacts could potentially last for long periods of time, and r . 9 most aquatic and semi-aquatic organisms are extreme!y sensitive to high sediment loads, as well as introduced toxins from construction. The installation of the proposed culvert could cause the loss of many of the or,anisms previously mentioned. Therefore, stringent adherence to BMP's should be encforced in order to minimize impacts to surface waters. 4.0 JURISDICTIONAL TOPICS This'section provides descriptions, inventories and impact analysis pertinent to two important issues--rare and protected species, and Waters of the United States. 4.1 Waters of the United States Surface waters and wetlands fall under the broad category of "Waters of the United States." as defined in Section 33 of the Code of Federal Register (CFR) Part 328.3. Wetlands, defined in 33 CFR 32S.3, are those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted to life in saturated conditions. Any action that proposes to place fill into these areas falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. .-army Corps of Engineers (COE) under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344). 4.1.1 Characteristics of Surface Waters Criteria to delineate jurisdictional wetlands include evidence of hydric soils, hydrophytic vegetation and hydrology based upon the COE 1937 Wetland Delineation Manua! Proposed construction at South Country Lire Creek will impact surface waters. No jurisdictional wetlands occur in the project area. 4.1.2 Permits Impacts to surface waters are anticipated. This project is categorically excluded (CE) which qualifies it for coverage by Nationwide Permit =23, 33 CFR 330.3 (A) 23. This permit authorizes activities undertaken, assisted, authorized, regulated, funded or financed in who Ie or in part, by another Federal agency or department. That which is categorically excluded from environmental documentation, because it will neither individually or cumulatively have a significant environmental effect. Final permit decisions lie with the Arm! Corps of Engineers (COE). A North Carolina Division of Environmental `danagement (DE,M) Section 401 Water Quality General Certification is required prior to the issuing of the nation%,.ide =23. Section r . i0 401 Certification allows surface waters to be temporarily impacted for the duration of the construction or other land manipulations. 4.1.3 Mitieation Projects authorized under nationwide permits usually do not require compensatory mitigation according to the 1959 Memorandum Agreement between the Environmental Protection :agency and the Department of the .-army. Final decisions relative to mitigation are the responsibility of COE. 4.2 Rare and Protected Species Some populations of fauna and flora have been in, or are in, the process of decline either due to natural forces or their inability to coexist with man. Federal law (under the provisions of the Endangered Species :act of 19-3. as amended) requires that any action, likely to adversely a species classified as federally-protected, be subject to review by the Fish and Wildlife (FWS). Other species may receive additional protection under separate state laws. 4.2.1 Federally-Protected Species Plants and animals with federal classifications of Endangered (E), Threatened (T), Proposed Endangered (PE) and Proposed Threatened (PT) are protected under provisions of Section 7 and Section 9 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. As of May 13, 1994, the FV,S lists no federally-protected species for Caswe11 County. 4.2.2 Federal Candidate/State Listed Species Virginia quiIIwort (isoetes virginica) and ile11er's trefoil (Lotus purshianus var. heIIeri) are listed as Candidate 2 (C2) species. These species are defined as taxa that show evidence of susceptibility, but there is not enough data to warrant a listing of endangered. Chreatened, proposed endangered, or proposed threatened at this time. Neither of these C2 species have been recorded in this count%' for the last twenty years. These species are mentioned hel'e for future reference should they become protected. Candidate species do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Endangered Species .jct. Because of this specific surve}-s were neither conducted for these species nor were they observed during the site visit. A review of the Natural Heritage Program database of uncommon and protected species revealed no recorded occurrence of rare or protected species in or near the project study area. However, Virginia quillwort and Heller's trefoil are shown to be Candidate (C) species in North Carolina. These C species are ver.: rare in North Carolina, II ?eneraIIv with 1-20 populations in the state. generally substantially reduced in numbers by habitat destruction. These species are also either rare throuzhout their ranges (fewer than 100 populations total) or disjoint in North Carolina from a main range in a different part of the country or world. 12 5.0 REFERENCES American Ornithologists' Union. 1983. Chec'.<-list of North American Birds (6th ed.). Lawrence, Kansas, Allen Press, Inc. Environmental Laboratory. 19871. "Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual," Technical report Y-S'-1, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station. Vicksburg, Miss. Lee, D.S., J.B. Funderburg, Jr. and M.l"K. Clark. 1982. A Distributional Survev of North Carolina Mammals. Raleigh, North Carolina Museum of Natural History. LeGrand, Jr., H.E. 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 and J.R. Harrison III. 1950. Amphibians and Reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia. Chapel Hill, The University of North Carolina Press. Menhenick. E.F. 1991. The Freshwater Fishes of North Carolina. N.C. tWRC., Raleigh. NCDEHNR-DE`.I. 193S. Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network. (BMAN) Water Qua11ty Review 19S3-i9S6. NCDEHNR-DEM. 1991. Biological Assessment of `.Water Qual;1% in North Carolina Streams: Benthic Microinvertebrate Data Base and Long Tern Changes in Water Quality, 1953- 1990. NCDEHNR-DE}I. 1993. "Classifications and Water Quality Standards for North Carolina River Basins." Raleigh. Department of Environment. Health and Natural Resources. NCWRC. 1990. "Endangered Wildlife of North Carolina". Raleigh, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Co:r,mission. Plant Conservation Program. 1991. "List of ":orth Carolina's Endangered, Threatened and Candidate Plant Species". Raleigh, North Carolina Department of Agriculture. Potter, E.F., J.F. Parnell and R.P. Teulings. 1950. Birds of the Carolinas. Chapel Bill, The University of ;:orth Carolina Press. Radford, A.E., H.E. Ahles and G.R. Bell. 196S. Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas. Chapel Hill The University of North Carolina Press. 13 Schafale, M.P. and A.S. Wea ley. 1990. Classific::ttion of The Natural Communities of North Carolina. Third Aoaroximation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and Recreation, NCDEHNR. U.S. Department of .agriculture. Soil Conservation Service. North Carolina :agriculture Experiment Station. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1979. Classifications of Wetiands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States., U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1994. Listed Candidate Species of North Carolina, By County., Asheville Field Office. Weakle?, A.S. 1991. "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. .9S?. `Mammals of the Carolinas. Virginia and :Niarvland. Chapel Hill, The University of North Carolina Press. N. C. DEPARTAIENT OF TRANSPORTATION TRANSMITTAL SLIP DAE T V M TO: REF. NO . OR ROO . BLDG. FROM: 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: FS' ' . A, I ?". STAiE 9'?or+?n 3 `?'?.m 93 JAMES B. HUNT. JR. GOVERNOR STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 R. SAMUEL HUNT I I I SECRETARY February 1, 1994 MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: SUBJECT: Mr. Eric Galamb OEM - DEHNR, 6th Floor H. Franklin Vick, P. E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch Review of Scoping Sheet for Bridge No. 88 on SR 1759 in Caswell County over South County Line Creek, B-2812 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 March 3, 1994 at 2:30 P. M. in the Planning and Environmental Branch Conference Room (Room 434). 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 CoU?t L?.? C C Z Z 7- Attachment V Z7- -?? - 7 Z l a ?r,>1s p,-b dux c-&ff? ??k 1 I/A 0 CIL a S l BRIDGE PROJECT SCOPING SHEET 4 DATE 2-Q3-94 REVISION DATE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT STAGE PROGRAMMING PLANNING DESIGN TIP PROJECT B-2812 STATE PROJECT F.A. PROJECT DIVISION COUNTY C we ROUTE S 9 PURPOSE OF PROJECT: REPLACE OBSOLETE BRIDGE DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: Replacement of Bridge No. 88 on SR 1759 over South County Line Creek in Caswell County, B-2812 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 IF YES, BY WHOM AND WHAT AMOUNT: ($? r 0. EXISTING STRUCTURE: LENGTH 33 METERS; WIDTH 6.1 METERS 108 FEET 20.0 FEET BRIDGE PROJECT SCOPING SHEET TRAFFIC: CURRENT VPD; DESIGN YEAR VPD TTST DT TYPICAL ROADWAY SECTION: PROPOSED STRUCTURE: BRIDGE - LENGTH METERS; WIDTH FEET METERS FEET OR CULVERT - X METERS X FEET 4 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 ................................ $ 330,000 TIP RIGHT OF WAY COST ................................ $ 20,000 SUB TOTAL ....................................... $ 350,000 PRIOR YEARS COST ................................ $ TIP TOTAL COST ..................................... ? i5u,uuu PREPARED BY: John Williams , J =0pa® ?Q E a +? •®• V uNi 4 ¦ oa ¦ o ¦ O fl D j b fo, nl J [s Q nl. a V Q? 3.5 ? ¦ n .}, o ¦ Ol 0 p Q to Sby `C n, 0 N W + ? dfY ? Cl) n e•( ?. CID ?I A b h n w O .a Z h W (N N N Z U ?ZQZ N - Q Z 6 J >. Y E O w 0 oC N Od UOZZ F--co r- .. J N J w= •- Fz? ?z QC? E z U E w0 U (n Q CC QD O O O UJ l ? ?I LOl n C? C o m ? o N of h FAS' 02 N ? Q C 0 10 n 1 -J 1 ? USGS Quadrangle C0Anderson ! ?\ Caswell County \ C j. B-2812 590 o ) 8 \ J I? \ C 0 00 ?65- - ?` ?/ \?• ,\\_.? -1 ti'i?? ??? % 615 V\ \ 4 V 60. ? ? ' / h ( ? ? ?_, .._, A •?1 '''-??? ? ? /? / \__ A I ? -, 62 A 14 J 6d: r \\ ?\ '..\ I U 680. ? \ -\; 00 \ i -Wee ;Gum v 17 Cb' ?I iii' yJ f M SCOPING MEETING OUTLINE B-2513. Caswell County This is the scoping meeting for the replacement of Bridge No. SS on SR 1759 over South County Line Creek, in Caswell County. State work order number: 8.2480401 Federal aid nuilber: BRZ-17f"9(i ) EXISTING CONDITION'S: - The existing lbr;.ri?ze Wls built in 1956. - The bridge is a 33 meter (10S foot) long. 6.1 meter (20 foot) wide timber structure with steel 1-beams and a 30.2 sufficiency rating. - Current postins, is " tons for SV and 14 tons for TTST The bridge carries ' lanes of traffic and has 5.9 meters (19.3 feet) of cl:arec_ width. - The bridge. is 4.9 meters ( 16 feet ) 1;)0Vc tale streL1111 - SR 1759 is cIass ifiad Rural Loca: i:oute and has a statutory mph (90 c.ph) speed limit c: - Traff lc C,Jul.tS tre 00 VI'D no,.,. 400 V.'-1D in 19'-)7, 1 1 700 VPD P.-oJucted for 201-. There have beer. no - cel t5 w ,'1 11 the I a s_ hree. v ?1rs. Tht;re art' IlU Spr:Cia bic\'C lc CO[ICC.'T.1i Thera art_ ?,-, school 7U.` CI':»5.i1 L:i: le11r. s i.C TranspJrta1ion Director for Caswt2I l i:gun.}' ;ch.:c:ti. stated that it SiIUU a be r1Ci pro?lcin to dt;tour al'oLind this brid2,e. The Division EnQ-n Cr i1a'i iil_.1C< LcCI prefe::Cl detourin2 trAf..c o:faitC for a p( lrio)CI of 9 1il•......_ or less with a spring availability date. The replacement structure should be feat lung with an S.5 meter wide deer: including a 6.7 meter tracelway. and 0.9 meter offsets (25 foot wide deck. ?2 foot trayelway,3 foot offsets). WHAT SHOULD THE DESIGN SPEED BE ': WHAT ALTERNATIVES SHOULD BE EXPLORED -? Request a COST ESTIMATF from Roadway Design along with an approximate TYPICAL S CTION and a ROUGH Sc_FTCH.