19970098 Ver 1_Complete File_19970207 (2)

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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF T,,ANSPORTATION
JAMES B. HUNT JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
GOVERNOR RO. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201
April 21, 1995
Planning and Environmen al BR. SAMUEL HUNT I I I
MEMORANDUM TO: Mrs. Chrys Baggett
State Clearinghouse
FROM: H. Franklin Vick, P.E.
SECRETARY
REFERENCE: US 17, Windsor to Chowan River, TIP No. R-2404A/B/C,
State Project No.6.019001T, Bertie County
As discussed with Whit Webb, the US 17 project in Bertie County was
divided into separate projects based on the comments received on the State
Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and from the Public Hearing. The
State DEIS studied alternatives from US 17/13 south of Windsor to just west
of the Chowan River. The alternatives included several new location
alternatives and widening existing US 17.
A majority of the comments received on the State DEIS were concerned
with the impacts caused by the new location alternatives from US 13/17 to
SR 1503. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer (USACOE) and the Town of Windsor
requested studies for two additional new location alternatives: The comments
received regarding the project from SR 1503 to just west of the Chowan River
were in favor of the Upgrade Existing Alternative, therefore, at the Post
Hearing Meeting the project was divided at SR 1503 to expedite the widening
and safety improvements to US 17 from SR 1503 to just west of the Chowan
River.
Based on the DEIS comments, public input and further coordination with
the USACOE, it was determined that there were no significant impacts related
to the segment of US 17 from SR 1503 to just west of the Chowan River (TIP
Project R-2404B/C); therefore, a FONSI was prepared for this section.
A Supplemental DEIS is being prepared for US 17 from US 13/17, south of
Windsor, to SR 1503 (TIP Project R-2404A). This Supplemental DEIS will
evaluate the two additional corridors requested by the USACOE and Town of
Windsor. The Supplemental DEIS will be followed by a Final EIS.
RECEIVED
APR 2 i; 1995
N.C. STATE CLEARINGHOU?
April 21, 1995
Page 2
As discussed with Mr. Webb, we wobld appreciate you circulating the
previously mailed copies of the FONSI prepared for US 17 from SR 1503 to just
west of the Chowan River (TIP Project R-2404B/C) for review.
If you have any questions concerning this information, please do not
hesitate to call me at [phone]. Thank you for your assistance with
these projects.
MWF/plr
cc: Mr. Whit Webb, P.E.
Mr R. B. Davis, P.E.
s
US 17
FROM SR 1503 TO WEST OF THE CHOWAN RIVER
BERTIE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
T.I.P. No. R-2404B/C
State Project No. 6.019001T
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
Submitted Pursuant to the North Carolina
Environmental Policy Act, G.S. 113A-1 through 113A-10
By the
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
2
Date of Approval H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager
Planning & Environmental Branch, NCDOT
For Further Information Contact:

Mr. H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
North Carolina Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 25201
Raleigh, NC 27611
[phone]
i

0
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
US 17
FROM SR 1503 TO WEST OF THE CHOWAN RIVER
BERTIE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
STATE PROJECT NO. 6.019001T
T.I.P. NO. R-2404B/C
December 1994
Prepared by:
WOOLPERT
Charlotte, North Carolina
Michael A. InYrnf o, Project Manager
Ronald A. Geiger, E.,vAssociate
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Prepared for:
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Raleigh, North Carolina
L. Gail Imes, P.E, nit Head
Consultant EngineeriVg? Unit
E. Michelle Wagone ishburne, P.E.
Project Engineer
0
US 17
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Ems
1 Type of Action ....................................... 1
2 Description of Action ................................... 1
3 Actions Required By Others ............................... 2
4 Recommended Alternative ................................ 2
5 Summary of Impacts .................................... 3
6 Basis For Finding of No Significant Impact ...................... 4
7 Circulation of the State Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) .... 4
8 Revisions to the State Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) ..... 5
9 Wetland Finding ....................................... 6
10 Floodplain Finding ..................................... 8
11 Coordination and Continents .............................. 9
12 Public Hearing ....................................... 19
13 List of Environmental Commitments ......................... 19
Appendix A - Proposed Improvements
Appendix B - Comments Received on the September 1993 DEIS
Appendix C - Revised DEIS Exhibits
6 \?n6\µTProj\n. J.x\uxI T6ro 04.48
NCDOT FONSI December 1994
i
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Prepared By
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BRANCH
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
US 17
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT EVIPACT
1. TYPE OF ACTION
This is a North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Finding of No
Significant Impact (FONSI) for the proposed improvement of US 17 from SR 1503 to
just west of the Chowan River. This FONSI is based on the State Draft Environmental
Impact Statement (SDEIS) prepared for US 17, from Windsor to the Chowan River, in
Bertie County, North Carolina (TIP No. R-2404). The SDEIS included the portion of
US 17 covered by this FONSI, and was approved on September 21, 1993.
The SDEIS was determined to adequately and accurately discuss the environmental
issues and impacts for the project. It was concluded in the SDEIS that only one
reasonable and feasible alternative exists for the improvements to US 17 between
SR 1503 and the eastern project terminus. In addition to addressing the environmental
issues and impacts for the project, the SDEIS also provides sufficient evidence and
analyses for determining that the preparation of a State Final Environmental Impact
Statement (SFEIS) is not required for this portion of US 17.
US 17 is identified in Governor Hunt's Transportation 2001 plan as a "key economic
development highway." This project will improve the safety and level of service on this
section of US 17 by constructing additional travel lanes and improving the existing
roadway alignment. This FONSI was prepared to expedite improvements to US 17 from
SR 1503 to just west of the Chowan River. US 17 from north of Roquist Creek
southwest of Windsor, to SR 1503 east of Windsor, is being addressed in the SFEIS.
2. DESCRIPTION OF ACTION
The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes to improve the existing
two-lane section of US 17 east of Windsor in Bertie County, from SR 1503 to just west
of the Chowan River. This improvement is included in the 1995-2001 North Carolina
Transportation Improvement Program as a section of TIP Project No. R-2404 (Exhibit
1).
This project will involve widening approximately 6.8 miles of US 17; 4.3 miles to a
four-lane divided facility and 2.5 miles, through Midway, to a five-lane undivided
roadway. The project terminates approximately 3,000 feet west of the Chowan River.
The improved US 17 facility will provide no control of access.
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Right of way acquisition is scheduled to begin in Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 1995, with
construction scheduled to begin in FFY 1996. The estimated cost of the project is
$17,578,000.
3. ACTIONS REQUIRED BY OTHERS
The placement of till material and structures in waters and wetlands of the United States
will require a federal permit(s) pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. A
Section 401 State Water Quality Certification from the North Carolina Department of
Environment, Health and Natural Resources (NCDEHNR) will also be required. The
proposed improvements to US 17 require the placement of a new bridge over Salmon
Creek. Activities involving this "navigable" water will require a permit from the U.S.
Army Corp of Engineers pursuant to Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899
and may require a bridge permit from the U.S. Coast Guard. A Coastal Area
Management Act (CAMA) permit may be necessary to cover activities involving the
state-designated Area of Environmental Concern at Salmon Creek. Storm water point
source discharges associated with construction activities will be authorized pursuant to
General Permit No. NCG010000 under the authority of NCDEHNR's Division of
Environmental Management. Applications for these permits will be made, as needed,
prior to construction.
4. RECOTNEVIENDED ALTERNATIVE
Improving the existing US 17 facility, including widening US 17 through Midway, was
selected as the recommended alternative. The improve existing alternative at Midway
was evaluated verses a northern bypass of Midway, and recommended based upon 1)
less impact to the environment, 2) fewer relocations, and 3) generally favorable
comments from citizens during the public hearing process.
The design criteria established by NCDOT for the proposed improvements to the US 17
corridor, recommended the addition of two lanes and a 46-foot median. Based upon the
socioeconomic and environmental impacts a four-lane divided roadway would cause in
Midway and at the Salmon Creek crossing, a five-lane curb and gutter section is
proposed at these locations.
Beginning at SR 1503 and heading east, the recommended alternative will widen US 17
from the existing two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided roadway with a 46-foot
median, including four-foot paved shoulders outside and two-foot paved shoulders
inside. A minimum 225 feet of right of way is proposed (Appendix A). Approximately
one mile west of Midway, the improvements transition from the four-lane divided
facility to a five-lane curb and gutter section with five 12-foot lanes, two lanes in each
direction and a center turn lane. East of NC 45, the five-lane section will include a
four-trot bike lane on each side. The five-lane curb and gutter section will be located
within the existing 100 feet of right of way. The five-lane undivided section will extend
east across Salmon Creek, where the existing bridge will be replaced. The five-lane
undivided section will transition back to a four-lane divided roadway approximately 1.5
miles east of Midway and continue to the eastern terminus of the project, approximately
3,000 feet west of the Chowan River. Total length of the US 17 widening

NCDOT
FONS!
December 1994
0
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US 17
3
improvements is 6.3 miles; 4.3 miles of four-lane divided roadway and 2.5 miles of
five-lane undivided roadway.
5. SUMNTARY OF IMPACTS
A summary of the potential impacts associated with the recommended alternative is
presented in Table 1.
The proposed widening of US 17 will require filling approximately 3.4 acres of the
100-year floodplain, including approximately 2.0 acres of floodplain at Salmon Creek.
The remaining floodplain impacts will occur as a result of the extension of existing
drainage structures along two unnamed tributaries of Salmon Creek. Structures provided
for these crossings will be of adequate size to accommodate the 100-year flood without
a significant increase (less than one foot) in flood height. Potential impacts to floodplain
areas are further described in Section 10.
The proposed improvements will involve four "unavoidable" wetland sites. Site Nos. 1,
2, and 4 involve the extension of existing drainage structures; Site No. 3 involves the
replacement of the existing bridge over Salmon Creek. All totalled, the recommended
alternative will impact an estimated 1.1 acres of wetlands. Approximately one acre of
this wetland impact will occur at the Salmon Creek bridge crossing. To reduce the
wetland impact at Salmon Creek and to minimize the width of disturbance at the creek,
the five-lane curb and nutter section proposed for Midway will be extended eastward
across Salmon Creek. Potential impacts to wetlands are further described in Section 9.
The recommended alternative will not impact any properties listed in the National
Register of Historic Places, public parks, or recreational areas.
The recommended alternative will result in the relocation of an estimated 11 families
and five small businesses. No minority communities will be divided by the
recommended alternative. No other social group, such as low income families or the
elderly, will be disproportionately affected by the recommended alternative.
Noise will impact a total of seven receptors as a result of the recommended alternative.
Six of these receptors are located in Midway.
Improvements to US 17 will result in the loss or displacement of common plants and
animals. The potential impact to wildlife is primarily related to habitat loss. The
removal of hardwood forests along Salmon Creek and associated tributaries will impact
habitat which functions as wildlife nesting and foraging habitat and corridors. However,
the recommended improvements will occur along existing US 17 right of way where the
wildlife habitat is already fragmented and degraded from previous development in the
area. Correspondence with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicates that the only
federally-listed protected species potentially occurring in the project area is the red-
cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis). Based upon a review of historical records
and field surveys of the existing US 17 corridor, it has been determined that this
species will not be impacted by the widening of this section of US 17.

NCDOT
FONS!
December 1994
0 US 17
7
TABLE 1
SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS
RECOMMENDED ALTERNATIVE
Recommended Alternative
Afftvted Resource Total Impacts
• Relocations
-Families 11
-Businesses 5
-Churches 0
• Parks/Recreational Areas None
• National Register Properties None
• Major Hydrologic Crossings 5
• Floodplains (Acres) 3.4
• Floodway (Acres) 0
• Potential UST Sites Requiring Relocation 3
• Locations Exceeding Noise Abatement Criteria Levels
-Residences 7
-Churches 0
• Stream Crossings 3
• Wetlands (Acres) 1.1
• Prime Farmlands 33.7
(Acres)
• Right of Way and Utility Relocation Costs S2,278,000
• Construction Costs 515,300,000
• Total Cost S17,578,000

9 NCDOT
F0AS! December 1994

US 17
4
Recommended improvements to US 17 will involve three sites containing underground
storage tanks (USTs). These sites include two service stations (one is operational and
one is abandoned) as well as an auto center. The auto center may also represent a
possible hazardous waste site. The extent of any UST and/or hazardous waste site
impacts will be determined during the final design phase of the project. Any
underground storage tank encountered during construction will be reported to the North
Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources' (DEHNR)
Division of Environmental Management.
The project will not result in a violation of National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
The recommended alternative will impact approximately 33.7 acres of prime farmland
soils. Much of this affected area, however, is located within or immediately adjacent to
existing right of way, and has been converted into sites for residences and businesses.
Construction activities will result in several short-term environmental impacts. Potential
short-term impacts to the water quality of Salmon Creek and associated tributaries in
the project area will be minimized through the implementation of NCDOT's Best
Management Practices for Protection of Surface Waters (June 1991). Long-term
reduction of water quality is not anticipated. The construction phase will result in
temporal and localized impacts to ambient noise and air quality. Temporary impacts
will be minimized through strict adherence to NCDOT's "Standard Specifications for
Roads and Structures."
6. BASIS FOR FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT LVIPACT
Based on the SDEIS and comments received from the public hearing and federal, state,
and local agencies (see Appendix B), it is the finding of NCDOT that the widening of
US 17 from SR 1503 to west of the Chowan River will not have a significant impact
upon the human or natural environment.
This project is consistent with NCDOT's overall transportation plan of improving
US 17 to a multi-lane facility for its entire length through North Carolina.
The improvement of US 17 from SR 1503 to west of the Chowan River will not require
a Final Environmental Impact Statement or any additional environmental analysis.
7. CIRCULATION OF THE STATE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT STATEMENT (SDEIS)
The approved SDEIS was circulated to the following federal, state, and local agencies.
Those agencies that provided written comments on the SDEIS are denoted by an
asterisk (*). Copies of the agency comment letters are presented in Appendix B.
Federal Agencies
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers*
0 NCDOT FONS! December 1994

US 17
U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
National Marine Fisheries Service*
U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Environmental Compliance*
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Coast Guard*
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission*
State Agencies
North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources*
North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources*
Division of Coastal Management*
Division of Environmental Management*
D Division of Parks and Recreation*
Division of Land Resources*
Division of Marine Fisheries*
Office of Policy Development*

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission*
Local Governments
Chairman, Board of County Commissioners of Bertie County
County Manager, Bertie County
Mayor of Windsor
Windsor Town Commissioners
Local Libraries
Town of Windsor, Public Library
5
S. REVISIONS TO THE STATE DRAFT ENVIRONiVIENTAL INIPACT
STATEMENT (SDEIS)
Summary, Section S.9, page S-8 & S-9; Environmental Commitment Nos. 2, 4, 7, and
10 are no longer applicable and have been deleted.
Section 2.0, Subsection 2.4.4, page 2-19, last paragraph
........ ........................................
...These improvements would include five 12-foot lanes and two four-foot'fiike
1 Ines measuring 72 feet from face of curb to face of curb (see Figure). These
........ _ .:
improvements would require 20 feet of additional right of way in Windsor and no
additional right of way through Midway.
Section 4.0, Subsection 4.7.3, page 4-35, last paragraph
Prior to construction near the river and creeks, consultation will be initiated with
the National \Jarine Fisheries Service anil the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries as
9 NCDOT FONSI December 1994
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US 17 6
agencies to be consulted regarding g the seasonal use of streams in the project area as
spawning and nursery habitat for anadramous fish.
Section 4.0, Subsection 4.9.4, page 4-42, first paragraph
Construction of Alternative A or B will result in short-term impacts to biotic
communities. Construction may require additional disturbance of vegetation and soil
along the right of way to allow for construction vehicle access and operation. This
disturbance will be kept to a minimum by clearing only within the u)nstrt C,do
tunas..
..............
...............
...............
All other revisions to the SDEIS will be included in the SFEIS.
9. WETLAND FINDING
Wetlands are an important natural resource serving a variety of functions, such as fish
and wildlife habitat, floodwater storage, groundwater protection, and
erosion/sedimentation control.
Initial wetland assessments of the study area were performed using the U.S. Department
of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetland Inventory (NWI) Maps and
mapped hydric soil series from Bertie County Soil Survey data sheets.
Wetlands were field checked in June 1990 using the "three parameter" method
described in the Federal Manual for Identifying and Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands
(January 1989). The manual was designed to assist in making jurisdictional
determinations using a multi-parameter approach. This approach requires the positive
evidence of hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology to determine
that an area is a wetland. The soils' hydric status was field verified using Soil
Conservation Services' (SCS) list of hydric soils, and the Munsell Color Chart. The
hydrophytic vegetation status was determined using the National List of Plaiu Species
That Occur in Wetlands, Southeast Region (2), (Porter B. Reed, Jr., 1988). Hydrology
was determined through field investigation and observations.
In accordance with Executive Order 11990, "Protection of Wetlands," impacts to
wetlands are to be avoided where practicable. If avoidance is not possible, then impacts
should be minimized and, lastly, mitigated. US 17 in the project area crosses four
identified wetland sites. Consequently, the proposed widening of existing US 17 will
necessitate unavoidable involvement in four wetland areas. Descriptions of the wetland
sites and the approximate acreage of wetland impacts at each site are summarized in
Table 2.
u
As indicated in Table 2, the proposed widening of US 17 will impact two categories of
wetland, namely Palustrine and Riverine. The categories Riverine and Palustrine are
derived by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Classification of Wetland and Deep
Water Habitats of the United States (Lewis M. Cowardin, 1979). Cowardin describes
the Riverine system as "all wetlands and deep water habitats contained within a
channel...... These Riverine systems are "bounded on the landward side by upland, by
the channel bank (including natural and man-made levees), or by wetlands." The
NCDOT FONS1
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Palustrine system "includes all non-tidal wetlands dominated by trees, shrubs, persistent
emergents...... Potential impacts to forested palustrine wetlands will occur at each of the
four identified wetland sites. Impacts at Salmon Creek may also involve the creek
channel, which constitutes a riverine system.
The improvements at Salmon Creek described in the SDEIS involved the replacement of
the existing two-lane bridge with dual structures to accommodate the proposed four-lane
divided facility. Wetlands involvement at Salmon Creek was estimated at 3.9 acres;
with total wetland impacts estimated at 5.0 acres. The five-lane section proposed
through Midway was extended eastward across Salmon Creek to minimize the wetland
impacts at the creek. Fill areas on the north side of US 17 will be contained within the
existing right of way and are not anticipated to impact the wetland. The right of way,
however, will be extended on the south side of US 17 to accommodate the construction
of the bridge. The wetland impacts at Salmon Creek, originally estimated at 3.9 acres,
were minimized to an estimated 1.0 acre. The proposed five-lane section also
encompasses wetland site Nos. 1 and 2, thereby minimizing disturbances associated
with the extension of drainaae structures at these locations. Overall, estimated wetland
impacts for this project were reduced from 5.0 acres to approximately 1.1 acres by the
INA
extension of the five lane section.
The Department of the Army and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency entered
into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) establishing procedures to determine the
level and type of wetland mitigation necessary to comply with the Clean Water Act
Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines. Effective on February 7, 1990, the MOA provides for
first, avoiding impacts to waters and wetlands through the selection of the least
damaging practical alternatives; second, taking appropriate steps to minimize impacts;
and third, compensating for any remaining unavoidable impacts to the extent
appropriate and practical.
The wetland impacts associated with site Nos. 1, 2, and 4 will occur in the headwater
a areas of three unnamed Salmon Creek tributaries. These impacts, totalling
approximately 0.1 acre will qualify for Nationwide Permit #26. The wetland impacts
associated with site No. 3, approximately 1.0 acre, will occur below the headwaters of
Salmon Creek. It's expected that the wetland impacts at Salmon Creek will require an
individual permit.
Compensatory mitigation may be required for all unavoidable wetland losses.
Wetland mitigation efforts may include lowering the grade of upland areas bordering
Salmon Creek to expand the influence of semi-permanently flooded, wetland hydrology.
Wetland mitigation could also be accomplished in areas used to obtain borrow material
for project construction. The high groundwater table in the project area (generally
within one to seven feet of the surface in upland areas) would greatly facilitate any
mitigation efforts in these "borrow pits." Excavations could easily be made to the water
table, thereby providing a suitable hydrologic regime for the establishment of wetland
0 vegetation. Other suitable mitigation sites in the project area include areas of confirmed
hydric soil which are currently being managed as pine plantations. A final wetland
mitigation plan will be developed in coordination with the appropriate regulatory and
resource agencies during the permit application phase of the project.
0

NCDOT
FONSI
December 1994
US 17 8
Based on the above-described considerations, it is determined that there is no
practicable alternative to the proposed construction in wetlands and that the
recommended alternative includes all practical measures to minimize harm which may
result from such use. The actual acres of wetland impacts will be delineated during final
design and submitted with the permit application.
10. FLOODPLAIN FINDING
A tloodplain evaluation was conducted in accordance with Executive Order 11988
"Fooodplain Management," to determine if encroachment would occur with
implementation of the recommended alternative. This evaluation is based on the result
of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) 1985 detailed flood
insurance study of the unincorporated areas of Bertie County, North Carolina, as well
as FEMA's Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (F.B.F.M.) for the project study area.
The F.B.F.M. indicates that the proposed widening of US 17 will encroach upon
floodplain areas associated with Salmon Creek and two of it's unnamed tributaries.
As noted in FEMA's detailed flood study, encroachment on tloodplains by structures
and till can reduce flood-carrying capacity, increase flood height and velocities, and
increase flood hazards beyond the encroachment itself. As part of the National Flood
Insurance Program, FEMA has determined floodway boundaries as a tool for floodplain
management. Based on the FEMA definition, the 100-year floodplain is divided into a
tloodway and a tloodway fringe. The tloodway is the channel of a stream plus any
adjacent tloodplain areas that need to be kept free of encroachment so the 100-year
tloodplain can be carried without substantial increases in flood heights. Minimum
standards limit such increases to one foot, provided that hazardous velocities are not
produced. The area between the tloodway and the 100-year floodplain boundaries is
termed the tloodway fringe. The tloodway fringe encompasses the portion of the
floodplain that could be completely obstructed without increasing the water surface
elevation above FEMA's published tloodway elevation.
Tile recommended alternative will cross the 100-year tloodplain of Salmon Creek and
two unnamed tributaries which cross US 17 west of Midway. Salmon Creek's 100-year
tloodplain is approximately 600 feet wide where it flows beneath US 17. The regulated
tloodway narrows to approximately 150 feet wide at US 17, but broadens to
approximately 800 feet to the north and 700 feet to the south. The 100-year flood
elevation for Salmon Creek at US 17 is 9.4 feet (National Geodetic Vertical Datum).
Q The 100-year floodplain associated with the westernmost Salmon Creek tributary
(unnamed tributary #1, one mile west of Midway) is approximately 600 feet wide
where it crosses US 17. The 100-year tloodplain bordering Salmon Creek's unnamed
tributary #2, located one-half mile west of Midway, is approximately 500 feet wide
where it crosses US 17.
a The recommended alternative provides a horizontal roadway alignment which is nearly
perpendicular to Salmon Creek. At Salmon Creek, a new bridge will replace the
existing structure. The proposed length of the bridge is approximately 165 feet, the
fn same as the existing bridge. The regulated tloodway of Salmon Creek will not be
impacted by the new structure, however, approximately 2.0 acres of till will occur in
NCDOT FONSI December 1994
US 17 9
the floodPlain for the bridge approaches and abutments. Little or no increased flood risk
would be associated with the proposed project due to encroachment in the floodplain,
and the potential for loss of property or human life would remain unchanged. The
Proposed US 17 improvements will be designed to minimize encroachment in floodplain
areas. The three encroachment areas identified are located along the proposed five-lane
curb and gutter section of the proposed project.
The existing drainage structures, which convey the two unnamed Salmon Creek
tributaries beneath US 17, will be left in place and extended to accommodate the
proposed improvements. These extensions will serve to maintain the existing drainage
patterns of the tributaries. Drainage structure modifications and roadway widening at
these two locations will result in approximately 1.4 acres of till placement in the 100-
year tloodplain.
Based on the presence of forested wetland areas bordering Salmon Creek, and existing
development proximal to the unnamed tributaries, no additional pressures for
incompatible floodplain development are anticipated in conjunction with the project.
Construction of the recommended alternative will increase the amount of impervious
surface areas within the study area, thereby increasing storm water runoff. The area
impacted by this increased runoff would be minor in comparison to the remaining
pervious surface areas. The increased amount of road surface draining into the area
would be very small in relation to overall drainage areas.
p No increases in backwater elevations or velocities at tloodplain encroachments are
anticipated. Limits within which construction activity could take place would be
restricted to those necessary for the conduct of work and would be defined during the
design. Under the conditions described herein, any impacts to natural and beneficial
floodplain values associated with the project would be negligible.
a In summary, while the proposed US 17 widening will result in unavoidable. impacts to
floodplain areas, the preliminary design of the recommended alternative has included
elements to minimize encroachment, negate increases in flooding risk, and mitigate
long-term environmental impacts. Potential impacts to the tloodplain as a result of
erosion will be mitigated by strict adherence to NCDOT's Best Management Practices
for Protection of Surface Waters (June 1991).
11. COORDINATION AND CONME, NTS
Comments received from the circulation of the SDEIS for US 17 from Windsor to the
Chowan River are included in Appendix B.
Comments received on the SDEIS which pertain to the project are denoted in Appendix
B and addressed in this section. Those comments pertaining to the remaining portion of
US 17 will be addressed in the SFEIS.
0
L
NCDOT
FONSI
December 1994
US 17 10
A. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION-United States Coast
Guard (Pages B-1 through B-2)
Comment:
"The DEIS has been reviewed by my Bridge Staff. The Cashie River, Salmon Creek,
Chowan River, and their tributaries are navigable waters of the United States and fall
under Coast Guard jurisdiction for permitting purposes. Before we can make a
determination as to whether you will be required to apply for Coast Guard bridge
permits for this project, you must provide the following information:
a. Identify all waterways that will be crossed by the proposed project.
b. Extent of lunar tidal influence at bridge sites.
c. Depth and width of the waterways that will be crossed by the proposed project.
d. Identify the sizes and types of vessels that navigate these waterways. (Commercial,
military, recreational, etc.)
e. Identify adjacent property owners (private/commercial) in the area of the proposed
bridge projects."
Response:
Requested information concerning Salmon Creek will be provided with the permit
application.
B. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COM MERCE-National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries
Service (Pages B-3 through B-4)
1. Comment:
"Fishery and related project impacts are adequately described, however, mitigation for
unavoidable wetland losses associated with the project are not addressed. In a letter
dated May 19, 1990, the NMFS recommended that a wetland mitigation plan be
developed and incorporated into this DEIS. This was not done, so we continue to
recommend the development and inclusion of such a plan in the Final Environmental
Impact Statement."
Response:
See Wetland Finding for the measures to avoid and minimize the wetland impact. A
conceptual wetland mitigation plan for unavoidable wetland impacts is also included.
The final mitigation plan will be developed based on the actual construction limits and
wetland areas required by the project. This plan will be submitted with the permit
applications.
NCDOT FONS! December 1994
p`
US 17
2. Comment:
11
"Page S-8, paragraph 2 and page 4-35, paragraph 5. These paragraphs should be
revised to include the NMFS and the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries as agencies to
be consulted regarding the seasonal use of streams in the project area as spawning and
nursery habitat for anadromous fish."
Response:
See Revisions to the SDEIS (Section 8).
3. Comment:
"Page 3-13, paragraph 3. This section should be revised to include a map that identifies
the location of existing bridges and culverts in relation to project area streams. Locating
these structures on a map would facilitate following the text, supplement the
information provided in Table 4.5 (Major Hydrologic Crossings), and be useful in
evaluating project impacts on anadromous fish."
Response:
Please refer to Figure 4.2, entitled Hydrologic Crossings, following page 4-26 of the
SDEIS.
C. UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY-Region IV (Pages B-5 through B-10)
1. Comment:
"This document does not present a need for the proposed US 17 improvements at
Midway."
Response:
In 1989 the North Carolina General Assembly enacted the Highway Trust Fund which
mandated the entire length of US 17 be upgraded to a multi-lane facility. US 17 is
identified in the Trust Fund as an Intrastate Corridor and is the state's major north-
south route east of I-95.
2. Comment:
"Funding sources for the proposed project are not identified. Would the Federal
Highway Administration be involved?"
NCDOT FONS1 December 1994
EI US 17 12
0 Response:
The proposed project is funded by the North Carolina Highway Trust Fund. The
FHWA is not involved with the funding of this project.
3. Comment:
"Where we believe the alternative's analysis is deficient is by not considering a three-
lane option with right turn lane provisions as necessary at high use and dangerous
intersections. This would reduce the amount of impact to man-made structures and uses
within developed corridors, and disturbance to the natural environment in undeveloped
zones. Potentially it may also reduce the inevitable need for traffic lights common to
four-lane highways. A five-lane (no median) option was considered at some points, but
the three-lane option would produce less impacts."
Response:
See Response to Comment C.1. A three-lane option was not evaluated during the
planning process since it does not provide a facility consistent with the Intrastate
system.
4. Comment:
"An evaluation of options for traversing the water/wetland areas should have been done
in the DEIS, not necessarily in this section, but certainly in the impacts assessment
section. We would expect there to be a thorough consideration of mitigation options
both for construction activities and long-term operational impacts."
Response:
See Response to Comment B.1. and the Wetland Finding.
5. Comment:
"It is not clear if or how the remediation of potential hazardous waste sites is factored
into the alternatives cost estimates."
Response:
A preliminary compilation and review of potential hazardous waste sites and
underground storage tanks (USTs) were completed during preparation of the SDEIS.
Efforts were made in the development of alternative routes to avoid these identified
sites. In the event remediation of a site proves necessary, the procedures and costs
associated with the remediation process will be determined and reviewed with the North
Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources' (DEHNR)
Division of Environmental Management during right of way acquisition.
NCDOT FONSI December 1994

US 17
13
6. Comment:
"Page 3-3. There is no socioeconomic data specifically for Midway. Is Midway a town?
Please explain in the FEIS what is the level of commercial activity and congestion."
Response:
Midway is a small rural community located at the intersection of NC 45 and US 17.
The community is primarily residential in character and includes a few commercial
businesses concentrated at the crossroads. Socioeconomic data is unavailable for
Midway. The Midway area is currently experiencing minimal traffic congestion.
7. Comment:
"Figure 3.8. The Albermarle-Pamlico Estuarine Study funded development of a
LANDSAT based comprehensive land use/cover inventory which is electronically
available to state and local entitities via the NC Center for Geographic Information and
Analysis. We understand the NCDOT has contributed resources to this system. It is not
clear whether this figure was derived from the GIS. Additionally, it is important for the
figure to display the unique natural areas (three Coastal Plain Levee Forest sites and the
one Nonriverine Wet Hardwood Forest site) identified during biological surveys."
Response:
Figure 3.8 was not derived from the referenced inventory, but rather from aerial
photographs and field reviews. Appendix C includes SDEIS Figure 3.8 which is revised
to include the approximate locations of the unique natural areas.
8. Comment:
"Page 4-21. It is not possible to evaluate the total impacts of the alternatives without a
better definition of the proposed best management practices (BMPs). We would expect
to see the BMPs for controlling nonpoint source pollution identified through the Coastal
Zone Management Act reauthorization fully considered, since this area is covered by
CAMA."
Response:
As stated in the SDEIS, the implementation of NCDOT's Best Management Practices
for Protection of Surface Waters (June 1991) will help insure that the usage protected
under the Class C water quality designation will not be compromised by the project.
This BMP document is appended by reference. Some examples of NCDOT BMPs
designed to control runoff and nonpoint pollution include:
o Promote infiltration and filtration of pavement runoff by directing sheet flow over
grassed shoulder slopes and shallow flat slope ditches.
NCDOT
FONSI
December 1994
US 17 14
o Promote infiltration by utilizing stone lined ditches in lieu of rigid concrete
pavement.
v Discharge flow from highway drainage systems at the edge of wetlands or
floodplains to promote filtration of discharge prior to its entering the stream.
9. Comment:
"Page 4-22. How are dewatering activities associated with bridge construction to be
controlled?"
Response:
Dewatering activities are not anticipated for bridge construction at Salmon Creek.
However, in the unlikely event dewatering is required, procedures will be in accordance
with NCDOT's Best Management Practices for Protection of Surfaces Waters:
If excavated bridge footing areas are pumped out, the resulting effluent shall not be
discharged directly into the waterway without first utilizing an approved filtering
technique.
D. DEPARTIME, NT OF THE ARIVIY-Wilmington District, Corps of
Engineers (Pages B-11 through B-13)
1. Comment:
"Reference pages 4-31, 4.7.2, Wetlands, of the DEiS. If the 1989 Federal Manual for
Identifying and Delineatini* Wetlands was utilized to generate wetlands data contained in
this report, it is possible that a delineation utilizing the 1987 Corps of Engineers
Wetlands Delineation Manual may be different."
Response:
Wetlands data contained in the SDEiS was collected in 1990 in accordance with the
1989 Federal Manual. Delineations of potentially impacted wetlands will be completed
during final design in accordance with the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands
Delineation Manual. However, because of the type of wetlands occurring in the project
area, major difference in acreage determined using the two manuals is not anticipated.
The exact acres of wetlands impacted by the project will be identified based on final
design and submitted with the permit application.
2. Comment:
"Please provide a description of wetland acreage impacts and wetland types to be
impacted for all alternatives (Re: Table 4.6)."
NCDOT FONSI December 1994
0
I
US 17
Response:
See Wetland Finding (Section 9).
3. Comment:
IS
"There is concern that the alternatives presented at the aforementioned meeting are not
comparable because of differing median widths, distances off centerline, five-lane
versus four-lane divided highway, etc. Please address this issue by describing exactly
what each alternative entails and what is being compared (Re: Tables 2.1 and 4.8A)."
Response:
The estimated impacts associated with the Midway options and presented in Table 2.1
of the SDEIS were based on a four-lane divided typical section. The Midway northern
bypass option included a 60-foot median, while the improve existing option at Midway
included a 46-foot median. To further reduce wetland impacts, the improve existing
option was revised to a five-lane curb and gutter section. This five-lane option was
selected as the recommended alternative. Table 1 of this FONSI (Section 5) summarizes
potential impacts associated with a five-lane curb and gutter section through Midway
and a four-lane roadway with a 46 foot median on the remainder of the project.
4. Comment:
"It is recommended that median widths be constricted and/or eliminated through all
crossings of wetlands and waters of the United States."
Response:
See Wetland Finding (Section 9).
5. Comment:
"Impacts to wetlands and waters of the United States associated with borrow and waste
activities should be identified."
Response:
The contractor will adhere to Section 802 of the NCDOT Standard Specifications for
Roads and Structures, 1990, which states "Disposal of waste and debris will not be
allowed in any area under the Corps of Engineers' regulatory jurisdiction until the
contractor has obtained a permit for such disposal from the Corps' District Engineer
having jurisdiction, and has furnished a copy of this permit to the resident engineer."
6. Comment:
"To avoid future delays, NCDOT should immediately begin to identify areas available
to satisfy the compensatory mitigation requirement pursuant to the February 6, 1990,
0
NCDOT
FONSI
December 1994

US 17 16
COE/EPA Memorandum of Agreement that established procedures to determine the
type and level of mitigation necessary to comply with the Clean Water Act Section
404(b) (1) Guidelines."
Response:
See Wetland Finding (Section 9).
E. NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL
RESOURCES-Division of Archives and History
(Pages B-14 through B-15)
Comment:
"Although the draft EIS states there are no National Register-listed archaeological sites
within the area of potential effect, North Carolina Department of Transportation
(NCDOT) agreed in a letter dated April 24, 1990, to perform an archaeological survey.
Given the apparent involvement of federal permits and in accord with Section 106 of
the National Historic Preservation Act, we reiterate our June 15, 1993 recommendation
for an archaeological survey of, at least, the preferred corridor.
We are also a bit confused about the inclusion of the approach area of the Chowan
River bridge in this project. This area was included in NCDOT project R-2512, a
federally funded action. Is this federally funded project a part of R-2404?"
Response:
An archaeological survey will be performed along the recommended corridor prior to
construction. This Environmental Commitment is included in this FONSI (Section 13).
As indicated on Exhibit 1, the approach area of the Chowan River bridge is included in
TIP Project No. R-2512.
F. DEHNR-Division of Coastal Management (Page B-17)
Comment:
"It appears that construction related activities associated with the proposed road
widening could constitute development within designated Areas of Environmental
Concern. The potential is for land disturbing activity within the 75' estuarine shoreline
where the highway approaches the Chowan River bridge and work within the Public
Trust AEC of Salmon Creek, the Cashie River and other public trust water bodies.
Proposed "Development" within these AECs would require a major CAMA permit.
This office does not object to the widening of Highway 17, but I am unable to
determine from the information provided in this document whether or not a CAMA
permit will be required."
NCDOT FONS! December 1994
US 17
17
Response:
Detailed information on the widening of US 17 east of SR 1503, particularly in the
vicinity of Salmon Creek, will be provided to the Division of Coastal Management
during the permit application process.
G. DEHNR (Pages B-19 through B-20)
Comment:
"Notification of the proper regional office is requested if "orphan" underground
storage tanks (USTs) are discovered during any excavation operation."
Response:
The NCDOT Standard Specifications under Section 107-26 Hazardous. Contaminated,
and/or Toxic Material requires the contractor to discontinue operations in the vicinity of
any abnormal conditions which may indicate the presence of a hazardous, contaminated,
and/or toxic material and notify the engineer immediately. Disposition of the above
material will be made in accordance with the requirements and regulations of the DHR
and the DNRCD (DEHNR).
H. DEHNR-Parks and Recreation (Page B-21)
Comment:
"We strongly recommend that consultation be made with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service concerning ways to minimize the project's impacts to this species" (red-
cockaded woodpecker).
Response:
Field surveys revealed no evidence of RCW activity east of SR 1503.
1. DEIM-Division of Environmental Management (Page B-22)
1. Comment:
"Written concurrence of 401 Water Quality Certification will be required for this
project."
Response:
Coordination with DEM will be initiated during the Section 404 permitting process.
NCDOT FONSI December 1994
0
e
US 17
18
2. Comment:
"Development of the wetland mitigation plan should be coordinated with DEM and the
COE to allow DEM to factor this information into our certification decisions."
Response:
The wetland mitigation plan will be developed in cooperation with DEM and the COE.
3. Comment:
" DEM's preferred alternative ...[is]...improving the existing road through Midway."
Response:
Improving the existing road through Midway was selected as the recommended
alternative.
J. DEHNR-Division of Marine Fisheries (Page B-26)
Comment:
"This agency has documented blueback herring and alewife spawning in the following
proposed stream crossings: Cashie River, Wading Place Creek, Roquist Creek, and
Salmon Creek. These areas also are utilized as nursery areas by these species. Other
commercially and recreationally important species utilize these creeks....
The Division requests a moratorium be imposed from 15 February through 30 May for
any construction or excavation in the wetlands associated with the previous mentioned
stream crossings."
Response:
The widening of US 17 between SR 1503 and a point west of the Chowan River will
include a bridge crossing at Salmon Creek. The moratorium on any construction or
excavation activities between February 15 and May 30 is included as an Environmental
Commitment of this FONSI (see Section 13).
K. NORTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION
(Pages B-28 through B-29)
1. Comment:
"We encourage the NCDOT to further minimize wetland impacts by considering design
modifications such as shitting alignments within the right of way, narrowing median
widths and increasing bridge span lengths in high quality wetland areas."
Li
NCDOT
FONS!
December 1994
0
US 17
a
Response:
See Wetland Finding (Section 9).
2. Comment:
"We also request that work in the Cashie River, Wading Place Creek, Salmon Creek,
and the unnamed creek near Edenhouse be confined primarily to months that are not
critical spawning and nursery periods for the fish in these areas."
Response:
See Response to Comment J.
3. Comment:
19
"The NCWRC requests that there be a preliminary mitigation plan in the final
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This plan should include the planned mitigation
for each wetland area impacted and any further possibilities for avoidance or
minimization."
Response:
See Wetland Finding (Section 9).
12. PUBLIC HEARING
A corridor public hearing was held in the Bertie County Courthouse in Windsor on
February 22, 1994. At the public hearing the reasonable and feasible alternative
corridors were presented. The study corridors included existing US 17 and a new
location north of Midway.
Citizens' comments at the hearing, as well as in post-hearing letters, primarily focused
on the comparison of alternatives west of SR 1503. No strong objections were raised
concerning the widening of existing US 17 east of SR 1503. Public comments received
concerning the study corridors at Midway generally favored the option of improving
existing US 17 through Midway.
13. LIST OF ENVIRONIVIENTAL CONIMETNIENTS
Standard NCDOT policies and procedures will be implemented during construction to
minimize potential adverse environmental impacts. The following is a list of
environmental commitments pertaining to the improvements of US 17 covered by this
FONSI.
J
NCDOT FONSI December 1994
0
0
US 17
20
Geotechnical studies to determine hazardous waste site contamination, exact
location, and possible mitigation will be completed during final design.
0
2. An archaeological survey will be performed on the recommended alternative
corridor prior to construction.
3. NCDOT will give consideration to bottomless culverts or putting the floor of
the culvert below stream bottom to prevent disruption of the spawning runs and
return migration of anadromous fish.
4. A moratorium will be imposed from 15 February through 30 May for any
construction or excavation in the wetlands associated with the crossing of
Salmon Creek in an effort to avoid critical fish spawning periods. (This
moratorium does not prohibit the installation of silt fences and barriers around
the wetland areas, which would enable some work to be accomplished inside
the moratorium period.)
5. Coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will
occur, as necessary, during the design phase of the project. Appropriate
measures will be made to ensure compliance with FEMA floodway regulations.
6. Coordination with Bertie County will be conducted during final design for
compliance with their respective floodplain ordinances.
7. Underground storage tanks encountered during construction will be reported to
the NCDEHNR's Division of Environmental Management.
8. Potential impacts to water quality of rivers and creeks will be minimized
through the implementation of techniques described in NCDOT's Best
Management Practices for Protection of Surface Waters (June 1991) and the
North Carolina Administrative Code, Chapter 4, Sedimentation Control.
9. Disturbance of upland areas for construction easements will be minimized by
clearing only within the construction limits.
B:Nen6\wpproj\ncdot\a INomi94.rev
NCDOT FONSI December 1994

US 17
APPENDIX A

7
Proposed Improvements
NCDOT FONSI December 1994
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US 17
APPENDIX B
Comments Received on the September 1993 SDEIS
NCDOT FONSI December 1994
'
U.S. Department
of Transportation
' United States
Coast Guard

Commander
Fifth Coast Guard District
Mr. H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager
Federal Building
431 Crawford Street
Portsmouth, VA 2an,?004
Staff Sym l
Phone: M:04) 398-6227
1690
2 5; 93
Planning and Environmental Branch _U 'JAN 2 8 1994
North Carolina Division of Highways
P. 0. Box 25201 DIVISIpN Oc Q?U
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611 2
C? HIGHWAYS ?Q
Dear Mr. Vick:
ON
This is in response to your letter dated November 16, 1993,
requesting our review of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement
for US 17, Windsor to the Chowan River, Bertie County, North
Carolina.
The Coast Guard's main concern with any project crossing a
navigable waterway of the United States is the impact the
crossing may have on navigation at that location. All projects
are reviewed to ensure adequate clearances for navigation are
provided by such structures.
The DEIS has been reviewed by my Bridge Staff. The Cashie River,
Salmon Creek, Chowan River and their tributaries are navigable
waters of the United States and fall under Coast Guard
jurisdiction for permitting purposes. Before we can make a
determination as to whether you will be required to apply for
Coast Guard bridge permits for this project, you must provide the
following information:
a. Identify all waterways that will be crossed by the
proposed project.
b. Extent of lunar tidal influence at bridge sites.
C. Depth and width of the waterways that will be crossed by
the proposed project.
d. Identify the sizes and types of vessels that navigate
these waterways. (Commercial, military, recreational, etc.)
e. Identify adjacent property owners (private/commercial) in
the area of the proposed bridge projects.
PAO
I B-1
16590
25 Jan 94
Please contact Ms. Linda Gilliam, Bridge Specialist at (804)
398-6227 should you have any questions regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
ANN B. DEATON
Chief, Bridge Section
By direction of the Commander
Fifth Coast Guard District
2
B-2

' '4r?Nt or ?ohy'
a?

'Arts 01
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
Southeast Regional Office `51)
9450 Koger Boulevard
St. Petersburg, Florida 33702
January 6, 1994 G E IV
?

,i
Mr. H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager J?'r , '??
Planning and Environmental Branch
N.C. Division of Highways
P. O. Box 25201 DIV!S!C'i OF
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611 HIGHWAYS
Dear Mr. Franklin:
1 The N-t? onal -Mari *?e F_J.sher. ?s Service (NMFS) has reviewed the State
Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for US 17 improvements
from Windsor to the Chowan River. The study area is about 15-
miles-long and is located in southeast Bertie County, North
Carolina. The Town of Windsor and the community of Midway are
located within the study area.
General Comments
The feasible alternatives described in the DEIS consist of widening
' US 17 along its present alignment (Alternative A) and constructing
a southern bypass around Windsor (Alternative B). Each alternative
depicts two acceptable alignment options for Midway. Fishery and
' related project 'impacts are adequately described, however,
mitigation for unavoidable wetland losses associated with the
project are not addressed. In a letter dated May 19, 1990, the P.11
' NMFS recommended that a wetland mitigation plan be developed and
incorporated into this DEIS. This was not done, so we continue to
recommend the development and inclusion of such a plan in the Final
Environmental Impact Statement.
Specific Comments
Pacr,.? S-81_r+araaranh 2 and. Paae .1-35, paragraph 5_ These paragraphs
should be revised to include the NMFS and the N.C.'Division of
Marine Fisheries as agencies to be consulted regarding the seasonal P.12
' use of streams in the project area as spawning and nursery habitat
for anadromous fish.
Page 3-13, paragraph 3. This section should be revised to include
' a map that identifies the location of existing bridges and culverts
in relation to project area streams. Locating these structures on
a map would facilitate following the text, supplement the P.11
information provided in Table 4.5 (Major Hydrologic Crossings), and
be useful in evaluating project impacts on anadromous fish.

1 e_3
9
i Y

We appreciate the opportunity to provide these comments.
sincerely,
Andreas Mager, Jr.
Assistant Regional Director
Habitat Conservation Division
1
B-4

1

I
I
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= 2
$ UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
z
ogoAE(IR E G I O N I V
345 COURTLANO STREET. N.E.
ATLANTA. GEORGIA 30365 t rj r 1
v Y ?O
"JAN . 2 1 1994
JAN 6
2 DIVISICN
Mr. L. T. Ward, Manager OF
Planning and Environmental Branch <?HIGHWAYS
North Carolina Department of Transportation- ONI
P. O. Box 25201
Raleigh, NC 27611
Dear Mr. Ward:
This is in reference to your request for comments on the Draft
Environmental Impact Statement on proposed improvements to US Highway
17 at the Town of Windsor to the Chowan River in Bertie County, North
Carolina. This document has been reviewed pursuant to Section 309 of
the Clean Air Act. The following comments are offered.
Purpose of and Need for Action
The proposed project involves improvements to portions of US
Highway 17, currently a two-lane road, in order to improve traffic
flow, capacity, safety and encourage economic growth. Being a major
north-south coastal route and a factor in hurricane evacuation, the
improvements are part of the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
for the State. Numerous other TIP projects along US 17 through rural
areas, like this project area, are identified in the TIP. Specific
Comments on this section are:
o It is apparent from the background information that the ultimate
goal is to provide a four-lane thoroughfare along the entire
length of US 17 in the State. We believe this to be unwarranted
for many segments when considering area-wide planning. Because
the completed bypass at Edenton, for example, is not a four-lane,
we question why a four-lane-segment is proposed for the Windsor
vicinity.
o US 17 is only an option in the evacuation route for the northern
portion of the outer Banks once off the island. The other option
is US 158/258 that potentially would carry as much or more
traffic to points inland than US 17 would down towards Windsor.
o This-document does not present a need for the proposed US 17 phi
imProvements at Midway . This opinion is supported by EPA staff
knowledge of the Midway area.
B-5
-2-
11 o Funding sources for the proposed project are not identified.
Would the Federal Highway Administration be involved?
Alternatives
The no-build alternatives considered include improved
transportation management system means, multi-modal options as well
as highway construction alternatives. Selection of potential
construction options employed a land suitability mapping procedure.
Key features where integrated to identify more suitable corridors for
alternative routes and "obstacles" along the present alignment. The
present roadbed and two new corridor options in the Windsor area
where considered, and the present roadbed and two new options where
considered in the Midway area. These alternatives where pared down
to improvements to the present roadbeds and construction of one new
corridor bypass for each of developed areas considered by the
project. No preferred alternative is identified. Specific comments
on this section are:
o The options carried forth to detailed evaluation are reasonable.
o Where we believe the alternatives analysis is deficient is by not
considering a three-lane option with right turn lane provisions
as necessary at high use and dangerous intersections. This would
reduce the amount of impact to man-made structures and uses
A2 within developed corridors, and disturbance to the natural
environment in undeveloped zones. Potentially it may also reduce
the inevitable.need for traffic lights common to four-lane
highways. A five-lane (no median) option was considered at some
points, but the three-lane option would produce less impacts.
o An evaluation of options for traversing the water/wetland areas
should have been done in the DEIS, not necessarily in this
.12 section, but certainly in the impacts assessment section. We
would expect there to be a thorough consideration of mitigation
options both for construction activities and long-term
operational impacts.
o It is not clear if or how the remediation of potential hazardous
12 C waste sites is factored into the alternatives cost estimates.
Affected*Environment
A general domment relevant to this section and the Environmental
Consequences Section is that greater understanding could be gained by
displaying a comprehensive land use/land cover inventory. Obviously
such a tool was used when the Land Suitability Mapping procedure was
done for the corridors analysis. Bertie County could make use of
this tool in its comprehensive land use planning, pursuant to the
B-6

-3-
Coastal Area Management Act. Generally we found that all the right
criteria were addressed in this section. We have the following
specific comments on this section:
o Page 3-3. There is no socioeconomic data specifically for
Midway. Is Midway a town? Pleasg explain in the FEIS what is P.13
the level of commercial activity and congestion.
' o Fig.3.8. The Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine Study funded
development of a LANDSAT based comprehensive land use/cover
inventory which is electronically available to state and local
entities via the NC Center for Geographic Information and
Analysis. We understand the NCDOT has contributed resources to
this system. It is not clear whether this figure was derived P.13
' from the GIS. Additionally, It is important for the figure to
display the unique natural areas (three Coastal Plain Levee
Forest sites and the one Nonriverine Wet Hardwood Forest site)
identified during biological surveys.
o Page 3-24. We have referred to the NC Natural Heritage Program's
work entitled: Regional Inventory of Critical Natural Areas .... of
' the Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine Region: Phase I, authored by
Frost, LeGrand and Schneider and published by the
Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine Study in January 1990. Sites within
' the Cashie, Wading and Salmon floodplains where identified, which
probably included those mentioned here. Frost, et. al. define
larger areas within the same floodplains.
Page 3-4. For the impacts analysis, the data on population
characteristics should contain mapped locations of minority
neighborhoods and minority commercial districts, if such
' distinctions can be made. Also, per capita income data would be
helpful in defining the economic status of Bertie County.

I
Environmental Consequences
The potential project elements addressed in detail are: a four
or five-lane along the present route of US 17 through the Town of
Windsor (Alternative A), a four-lane southern bypass (Alternative B);
expansion to four lanes to the highway through Midway and a four-lane
Midway northern bypass; and four-lane expansion of all other segments
along the route from Windsor to the Chowan River. These where all
compared to the no-build alternative. Our specific comments are:
o Page 4-2. The statement here that
State's transportation improvement
alternatives evaluation process.
functional goals of the project in
Alt. A would not achieve the
plan undermines the
This was not identified in the
Section 1.
1 B-7

-4-
"'i
I
o Page 4-2. Since selection of Alternative B (Windsor bypass) is

not consistent with the Bertie County land use plan, that '
alternative could be in conflict with the State's Coastal Area
Management Act.
d
th
i
b
li
sor
eve
e W
n
e
o Page 4-4. Regarding community cohesion, we
bypass would greatly impact community cohesion by diverting
economic activity away from the traditional downtown area to an

outside commercial zone. Such resulting spin-off impacts where ,
poorly assessed in this section. We believe Alternative A would
do more for Windsor in terms of economic growth than Alternative
B.
o Page 4-4. Harden Town mentioned here should be defined
socioeconomically, since it would be impacted by either build
alternative.
o Page 4-7. The residential relocation impact of a Windsor bypass
seems to be underestimated because the secondary impact of land
use changes would likely cause residences to be converted or
abandoned for commercial redevelopment. Business relocation
addressed on the next page probably should include agriculture. ,
o Page 4-13. Long term, Alternative B would diminish other
recreational opportunities for the Cashie River corridor besides
hunting, such as boating/canoeing and hiking. Noise, air quality
and visual impacts in addition to the physical resource
displacement by a four-lane highway all contribute to loss of
potential recreational opportunities.
o Page 4-14. Explain the statement that making improvements to the
present corridor through downtown Windsor introduces
"out-of-character" elements from a historic perspective. This
would not involve a change in land. use as would Alt. B. Although
archaeological resources are not documented, this discussion
should indicate the discovery procedures and coordination with
the SHPO, pursuant to Federal.and State laws.
o Page 4-19. Concluding that a decrease of 1dB
levels is misleading because this would not b
average person. It would be clearer and more
that noise receptors along the existing route
reduced frequency of occurences of irritating
result of the bypass.
would improve noise
perceptable to an
reasonable to say
would experience
noise levels as a
B-8

-5-
o Page 4-21. The fact overlooked in comparisons of water quality,
floodplain and wetland impacts between the alternatives is that
the hydrologic crossings to widen the existing route would
present far less changes in the resources present. The immediate
area of the existing crossings are already impacted
biologically. The incremental additions of the operational
highway is far less than.it would?be at the relatively
undisturbed proposed bypass crossing locations. The bypass route
crossings would cause larger physical "footprints" and ancillary
degradation based on the size of the roadway corridor proposed
with the large amount of filling possible.
o Page 4-21. It is not possible to evaluate the total impacts of
the alternatives without a better definition of.the proposed best
management practices (BMPs). We would expect to see the BMPs for
controlling nonpoint source pollution identified through the P.13
Coastal Zone Management Act reauthorization fully considered,
since this area is covered by CAMA.
o Page 4-22. How are dewatering activities associated with bridge
construction to be controlled? P•14
o Page 4-23. Traversing floodplain and wetland areas for either
expansion of!the existing roadway or for new corridors presents
the greatest 'concern to EPA. Although the design particulars of
structures are not available, the suggestion that only 150 feet
of the 900 feet wide Cashie floodplain is not acceptable. We
have the same concern about the other hydrologic crossings. Use
of bridging would considerably lessen the amount of wetlands and
biotic impacts discussed in section 4.7.
We wish not to see repeated the errors made earlier at
Williamston, where the new US 17 roadway parallel to the old
structure across the Roanoke River involved extensive fill and
loss of wetland/floodplain area. The old two-lane roadway there
is environmentally preferable since it bridges much more of the
floodplain.
Page 4-23. Does the impact of Alt. A include the
re-establishment of the barge turning basin? Has bridging over
its present location been considered?

o Page 4-33. Essentially all of the wetlands potentially impacted
by Alternative B are palustrine hardwoods. The limits of
clearing for a 250, wide divided highway should be presented and
the total acreages of disturbance for all hydrologic crossings.
This also would be a considerable loss of hardwood timber that
should be stated.
B-9

-6-
o Page 4-33. Potential losses of wildlife associated with the
bypass alternatives are understated because the increases in
animal roadkill incidents annually would far surpass that of
expanding present roadways. This is certain with the bisecting
of relatively undisturbed habitat.
o Page 4-35. We are pleased to see the attention to be given to
avoiding or minimizing obstructions to anadromous fish spawning
migration. The Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine Study is coordinating
State DEHNR interests and is working with DOT to develop standard
procedures for such mitigation.
o Page 4-38. Despite the clarification at the end of this page
about the greater impact to prime agricultural land by Alt.A, it
is still misleading. Consider the potential conversion of
farmland to commercial and other uses as a result of the bypass
alternatives.
o Table 4AA. Do the cost figures for Alt. B include the
installation of utilities, as are the utility relocation costs
included in the costs of Alt. A?
Conclusion
On the basis of our evaluation of the document, a rating of EC-2
has been assigned to this project. That is we have a concern about
the possible selection of Alternative B for a new bypass corridor at
the Town of Windsor7 and the extensive impacts to relatively high
quality natural areas such a project would create both short-term and
long-term. Accordingly, we prefer the alternatives of making
improvements to the present roadway since it is indicated that this
would meet the purposes of the transportation project. We also have
requested additional information be included in the final EIS. It is
particularly important to EPA that the final EIS present fully the
proposed mitigation for water quality and wetland impacts due to
construction, and identify mitigation that is to be "built into" the
operation and management of the improved roadway.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this document. If we
can be of assistance in clarifying our comments please contact me or
Mr. Ted Bisterfeld on my staff at 404/347-3776.
Sincerely,
U_ a?WWAI?
Heinz J. Mueller, Chief
Environmental Policy Section
cc: Mike Gantt, USFWS, Raleigh Office
Coleman Long, COE, Wilmington District
B-10
,C! t ,
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
WILMINGTON DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
P.O. BOX 1890
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28402-1890
1
IN REPLY REFER TO January 27, 1994
Planning Division
1
1
s

Mr. H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
Division of Highways
North Carolina Department
of Transportation
Post Office Box 25201
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-5201
Dear Mr. Vick:
Its*
0
JAN 2 8 1994
z
Z OIVISIC!V OF
IGHwAYS
N?RCNVME? P?'
This is in response to your November 16, 1993, letter requesting comments
on the "State Draft Environmental Impact Statement for US 17, Windsor to the
Chowan River, Bertie County, State Project No. 6.019001T, R-2404" (Regulatory
Branch Action I.D. No. 199400838).
1 Our comments are from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) perspective
and involve impacts to COE projects, flood plains, and other environmental
aspects, primarily waters and wetlands. The proposed road improvements, both
Alternatives A and B,,would cross a COE-constructed navigation project in the
' Cashie River. This Federal project includes the removal of logs, snags, and
other obstructions between Windsor and the mouth of the Thoroughfare in
Roanoke River, a distance of 20.5 miles; the construction of three cutoff
' channels, 80 feet wide through sharp bends at points 1, 4, and 5 miles below
Windsor; and a turning basin about 1.1 acres in area at Windsor, all at a
depth of 10 feet. According to statements on pages 4-23 of the Draft
Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), Alternative A would involve filling
in an area containing the existing turning basin, which would be relocated
to the opposite side of the river and approximately 250 feet south of its
current location. Specific details regarding the relocation of this basin
' should be provided and coordinated with the COE and other appropriate agencies
if this alternative is selected.
Alternative B would involve a new crossing of the Cashie River below
Windsor, as referred to on pages 4-24 of the DEIS. The COE responded by
letter of March 4, 1991, to an inquiry by your consultant as to minimum
bridge clearance requirements. The response indicated that a minimum
clearance of 40 feet above mean high water was recommended in order to allow
passage of the COE's snagboat should future maintenance of the project be
needed. We continue to recommend this minimum clearance for this purpose.
' The roadway is located in Bertie County and the town of Windsor, both
of which participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. The proposed
' B-11

-2-
improvements cross or impact flood insurance streams in both jurisdictions.
These streams include Salmon Creek and tributaries 1 and 2, Chowan River and
tributary, Cashie River and tributary, and Wading Place Creek. We suggest
that you coordinate with Bertie County and the town of Windsor for compliance
with their flood plain ordinances and any changes to their maps and reports.
Our Regulatory Branch has reviewed the proposed alternatives for this
project to improve US 17 and has the following comments. Review of the
DEIS for this project confirmed several issues identified at the October 21,
1993, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and COE meeting
in Raleigh. These issues were also discussed with Ms. Michelle Wagoner-
Fishburne, of your staff, and 'fir. Michael iagnocco, Woolpert Consultants,
at the aforementioned meeting.
a. Reference pages 4-31, 4.7.2, Wetlands, of the DEIS. If the 1989
Federal Manual for Identifying and Delineating Wetlands was utilized to
14 generate wetlands data contained in this report, it is possible that a
delineation utilizing the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual
may be different.
b. There was a' question regarding hydric soils that may greatly impact
the alternative alignments. Please provide a mosaic of the county soil survey
sheets with the alternative alignments demarcated on the maps to allow for
further review.
c. Please provide the National Wetlands Inventory maps for the project
area with the alternative alignments demarcated.
d. Please provide a description of wetland acreage impacts and wetland
14 C types to be impacted for all alternatives (Re: Table 4.6).
e. There is concern that the alternatives presented at the aforementioned
meeting are not comparable because of differing median widths, distances off
.15 centerline, 5-lane versus 4-lane divided highway, etc. Please address this
issue by describing exactly what each alternative entails and what is being
compared (Re: Tables 2.1 and 4.8A).
f. Please provide a copy of the natural systems field reconnaissance map.
g. Please provide a 1-inch equals 800-foot scale mosaic showing the
proposed reasonable and feasible alternatives. This map may be combined with
the map requested in f. above.
15 h. It is recommended that median widths be constricted and/or eliminated
through all crossings of wetlands and waters of the United States.
i. Impacts to wetlands and waters of the United States associated with
.15 C borrow and waste activities should be identified.
J

J

t

B-12

j. To avoid future delays, NCDOT should immediately begin to identify
areas available to satisfy the compensatory mitigation requirement pursuant p,15
to the February 6, 1990, COE/EPA Memorandum of Agreement that established
procedures to determine the type and level of mitigation necessary to comply
with the Clean Water Act Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines.
For additional information concerning permits, please contact Mr. Henry
Wicker, Washington Field Office, Regulatory Branch, at [phone].
' We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this project. If we can be
of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us.
' Sincerel ,
Lawrenc W. Saunders
' Chief, lann'ng Division

I

B-13

Fl

J

CE5
North Carolina Department of Cultural Resource James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor DivisioBetty Ray McCain, Sectary Wi' February 8, 1994
MEMORANDUM
TO: H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
Division of Highways
' Department of Transportation
FROM: David Brook
Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer
SUBJECT: Widening US 17 from Windsor to Chowan River,
' Bertie County, R-2404, 6.019001T, 94-E-4220-0425
We have received the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) from the State
Clearinghouse and would like to comment.
As indicated in the draft EIS, the National Register-listed Bertie County
' Courthouse, Windsor Historic District, and Rosefield are located in the area of
potential effect for the project. Please note that the following historic properties
are also located in the area of potential effect:
' Freeman Hotel. East side of York Street at the junction with Granville
Street, Windsor. This property was placed in the National Register of
Historic Places on September 9, 1982. The hotel is located within the
' Windsor Historic District.
St. Elmo Missionary Baptist Church. South side of Elmo Street just west of
' the junction with King Street. This property was included in the state study
list on October 14, 1993. The church is located just outside the Windsor
Historic District.
As illustrated in the draft EIS, Alternative A would have an adverse effect upon
these properties. We note that the adverse effect may be avoided if Alternative B
is selected.
' Although the draft EIS states there are no National Register-listed archaeological
sites within the area of potential effect, North Carolina Department of
Transportation (NCDOT) agreed in a letter dated April 24, 1990, to perform an P.16
archaeological survey. Given the apparent involvement of federal permits and in
accord with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, we reiterate our
June 15, 1993 recommendation for an archaeological sruvey of, at least, the
1 preferred corridor.
B-14
109 Fast Inns Stmt • RiSnish North C'2Y ling 27601-2807
I
Page 2
We are
3.16
1: Chowa
2512, a

also a bit confused about the inclusion of the approach area of the
n River bridge in this project. This area was included in NCDOT project R-
federally funded action. Is this federally funded project a part of R-2404?
Pages 4-44 and 45 of the draft EIS indicate that permits for this project must be
obtained from the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), the U.S. Coast Guard, and
the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management and Division of Environmental
Management. Given this need for federal permits and federal-state consistency,
we consider this a federal undertaking. It appears the NCDOT has recognized this
and provided a copy of the draft EIS to the Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation for its review.
Please note the 1992 Amendments to the National Historic Preservation Act
expand the previous statutory definition of the term "undertaking" to include those
projects requiring a federal permit, license, or approval. It also includes those
projects subject to state or local regulation administered pursuant to a delegation
or approval by a federal agency. The amendments also state that a federal
agency's regulations regarding historic properties must be consistent with the
regulations issued by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Since the
Advisory Council has not approved ACOE's Appendix C to 33 CFR Part 325
(Processing of DOA Permits: Procedures for the Protection of Historic Properties),
we feel their use is inappropriate.
The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966 and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's
Regulations for Compliance with Section 106, codified at 36 CFR Part 800.
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions
concerning the above comment, please contact Renee Gledhill-Earley,
environmental review coordinator, at 919/733-4763.
DB:slw
cc: State Clearinghouse
Wayne Wright, Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington
Henry Wicker, Army Corps of Engineers, Washington
U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, DC
B. Church
B-15
.IVIi?UNuII?N'l.', Pt-ojec:c Numixr
. -1'AIZTNIL• N 1 U1- L
AND NATURAL RESOURCES
1 DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH Lint
Inter-Agency Project Review Response
i
Type of Project -
Irojecl Name c` ?-----?-- ,
11 -'r s stem
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1
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The applicant should beadvised d Y chle Di vision of Environmental Heatch prior to the award
improvements must be appr
of a contract or the initiation of conscr i eon(,as required by(15 NC24 0 8C .0300 ec. sea.).
For information, contact the Public P
This will be classified as a non-coin public water supply and must comply with
project
state and federal drinking water moaicong eq ire(9 en 733-2321. re information c. e app !cant Section should contact the Public Water Supply
If [his project is consc.ucced as proposed, we will. recommend n closure IlfisTanecr or' pjacent -on rogra
viacers co the harvest of shellfish. For inform.
m, tae applicant should concacc cne Shellfish Sanitation Branch ac (919) 726-632-1.
d for this project may produce a mosauico breedi :g'problern.
The spoil disposal area(s) propose.
For information concerning appcoor!ace rnoCq cion concrot . cne alp n` shou.e.
contact the Public Iieaich Pest Ivlaragemer!t Section (919) 726
orden ce. prevent
he applicant 'should be advised chat prior to the .r v lor demolitio
l a
s ruttu es, an extensive rodent control program may be necessary in
mi,ration of the rodcn[s to adjacent areas. The info rmac
Health Pesoc raino,
c SeG ion ac (919) . co rice contact the local health department or the Public H
753-6"07.
The apvlicanc should be advised to contact the local health NCACent re-200 leg seo.)r
,
required under
requirements for septic tank installations as
For information concerning septic tank andother on-site waste disposal mechoconcacc cr-
On-Site Wastewater Section ac (919) 733-S9
The ap licant should be advised to contract tae local health department regardir _ the sanita-;
_P
facilities required for this project.
If existing Water lines will be relocated during the construction, plans forte vvacer line
re on of Environmental Heth, Public Water Supply
be submitted to the Divisi
location must
Section, Plan Review Branch, 1330 Sc. Mary's Screec, Raleigh, North Carolina, i,"19) 733-2660.
Reviewer Seccion/Branch ?8
i
C\1 VOW
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N
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?S
Da-
State of North Carolina
Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
Division of Coastal Management
James B. Hunt, Jr„ Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
Roger N. Schecter, Director
13 January 1994
MEMQRANDImt
TO: Steve Benton
FROM., Terry Moore 11-rp)
4•i
,rei?.wl¦???
I--::) F F I
SUBJECT: Project SCH94-0425 - TIP R-2404 DEIS Improve US 17 from Windsor to the
Chowan River, Bertie County, North Carolina
It appears that construction related activities associated with the proposed road widening could
constitute development within designated Areas of Environmental Concern. The potential is for
land disturbing activity within the 75' estuarine shoreline where the highway approaches the
p,16 Chowan River bridge and work within the Public Trust AEC of Salmon Creek, the Cashie River
and other public tntst water bodies. Proposed "Development" within these AECs would require
a Major CAMA permit. This office does not object to the widening of Highway 17, but I am
unable to determine from the information provided in this document wh-,ther or not a CAMA
permit will be required.
TM/pp
B-17
1424 Carolina Avenue, Washington, North Corolina 27889 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone] I
An Equal Oppodunity Affirmcilive Actlon Employer . 50%re-rycled/ 10%post-consumer paper
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I

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
Office of Policy Development
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
John G. Humphrey, Director
MEMORANDUM
TO: Chrys Baggett
State Clearinghouse
FROM: Melba McGee
Project Review Coordinator
RE: 94-0425 - DEIS US 17 from Windsor to the Chowan River,
Bertie County
DATE: January 18, 1994
The Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources
has reviewed the pzoposed DEIS. In reviewing our comments, it.is
evident that the majority of the alternatives discussed by the
Department of Transportation would have major impacts to wetlands.
The consensus among our commenting divisions is that less
environmental impacts would occur with Alternative A.
The attached comments identify a number of concerns which
should be dealt with in order for DOT to produce an acceptable
Final Environmental Impact Statement. Addressing these issues will
help our regulatory divisions when subsequent permits are reviewed.
DOT is encouraged to work directly with our divisions prior to
submitting the FEIS to the State Clearinghouse for review, so
unnecessary delays can be avoided.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond.

,?? JAN 1994
??.
^7 N
,i SURct? ?`C'FICE d
<-: GOA
attachments
I
I
B-18
P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh. North Carolina 27611-7687 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
' An Equcl Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post-ccnmimer pcper
Slate of North Carolina Reviewing Office:
Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources Washin ton Regional Office
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW - PROJECT COMMENTS Project L1 Ntum0ber: r: Due Date:
I
After review of this project It has been determined that the EHNR permit(s) and/or approvals indicated may need to be obtained in '
order for this project to comply with North Carolina Law.
Questions regarding these permits should be addressed to the Regional Office indicated on the reverse of the form.
All applications, information and guidelines relative to these plans and permits are available from the same Normal Process ,
Regional Office. Time

SPECIAL APPLICATION PROCEDURES or REQUIREMENTS (statutory time
lirnit
PERMITS j
Permit to construct S operate wastewater treatment Application 90 days before begin construction or award of 30 days
?
sewer system extensions. b sewer
facilities
construction contracts On-site inspection. Post-application '
,
systems not discharging into state surface waters. technical conference usual (90 days(
NPOES - permit to discharge into surface water andlor Application 180 days before begin activity. On-site inspection.
i ?0.120 days
? permit to operate and construct wastewater facilities
aters
f t to
Pre-application conference usual. Additionally. obtain perm
construct wastewater treatment facility-granted after NPOES Re-,(y
1r1'Ai
ace w
discharging into state sur time. 30 days after receipt of plans or issue of NPDES
permit-whichever is later.

da
s
30
y
Pre•appfication technical conference usually necessary
I water Use Permit (N Ai
7 Ga
s
y
Complete application must be received and permit issued 115 ea
si
? well Construction Permit prior to the installation of a well. y
Application Copy must be served on each adjacent riparian property 55 dais

owner. On-site inspection. Pre-application conference usual Filling '
? Dredge and Fill Permit may require Easement to Fill from N.C. Department of IC-3 days:
Administration and Federal Dredge and Fill Permit.
60 ca
s

Permit to construct d operate Air Pottu:ron Abatement
I
r
,
190 Days:
G lacrl s ancror Emission Sources s per 15A NCAC 21H.06 NIA
ny open burning associated with subject proposal
must be in compliance with 15A NCAC 20.0520. '
Demolition or renovations of structures containing 60 cars
asbestos material must be in compliance with 15A
D NCAC 20.0525 which requires notification and removal NIA

poor to demolition. Contact Asbestos Control Group ,

(Sc cars
919.733.0820
r II Complex Source Permit required under 15A NCAC 2D.0800.
ion d sedrmentalro
A
The Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 must be pr n eros
operty addressed for any land disturbing activity.
ional Office (Land Oualrly Sect 1 at least 30
ro
er Re
ith
f
l
d 20 Gays
p
g
p
w
i
e
control plan will be required if one or more acres to be disturbed. Plan
r the first acre and 52000 for each aeditional acre or part must accomoanv the .u^
f S30 f
f 130 days
o
ee o
davs before beamninq activity A (30 daysi
The Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 must De addressed with respect to the relerrenced Local Ordinance: I
On-site inspection usual. Surety bond liletl with EHNR. Bond amount
varies with type mine and number of acres of affected land Any area 30 days
C Mining Permit mined greater than one acre must be permiled The appropriate bond 160 days(
must be received before the permit can be issued.
t 1 oat
On-site inspection by N.C. Division Forest Resources if permi I
North Carolina Burning permit (N.AI
exceeds 4 days
" 1 day
ecial Ground Clearance Burning Permit • 22
S if more
On-site inspection by N.D. Division Forest Resources required
ections
I (14A)

? p
C. with organic toils
nties in CdiStal N
nsp
than five acres of ground cleanng activities are involved
n
d
l '
.
cou an
e
should be requested at feast ten days before actual bum is p
90.120 days
? NIA tN;A)
Oil Refining Facilities
If permit required, application 60 days before begin construction. 30 days
Applicant must hire N.C. qualified engineer to: prepare plans.
? inspect construction. certify construction is according to EHNR aoprov '
160 days)
Darts Safety Permit ed plans May also require permit under mosquito control program And
a 404 permit from Corps of Engineers. An inspection of site is neces-
sary to verily Hasard Classification. A minimum fee of 5200 00 must ac•
company the application. An additional processing fee based on a
percents a or the total project cost will be required upon comotelion
B-19 Continued on reverse its

I
Normal Process
Time
(statutory time
PERMITS SPECIAL APPLICATION PROCEDURES Or REOUIREMENTS limit,

Permit to drill exploratory oil or pas well File surety bond of $5.000 with EHNR running to State of N.C.
conditional that any well opened by drill operator shall, upon
abandonment, be plugged according to EHNR rules and regulations. 10 Gays
(NrAr
f 10
? Geophysical Exploration Permit permit
Application filed with EHNR at least 10 days prior to issue o
Application by letter. No standard application form. days I
(NiAI
l
M
d
i 15.20 tla

? Slate Lakes Construction Permit u
nc
e
ust
Ec1c, on lee based on structure size is charged
ons L tlrawirigs of structure d proof of ownership yn
(NA,
' an property.
60 nays
?
401 Water Ouality Cenification N/A (130 days.
55 Gays
? CAMA Permit for MAJOR development S250.00 fee must accompany apolication I
1150 o:vs•
t
22 cars
? CAMA Permit for MINOR development
550.00 fee must accompany application
(25 days:

'

jec area If any monuments ned to be t ct Survey Box 27687, RaleigheN C. 2761°ved or eestroyee, please notify
Several geodetic monuments are located in or near
N C` the Pro
Abandonment of any waII3if required. must be in accordance with Title 15A. Subchapter 2C.0100
.
Notibcalion of the proper regional office is requested if "orphan" underground storage tanks (USTSI are Ciscoverea Curing any excavation ooeraticn
U S: Cl1'3
Compliance witn 15A NCAC 2H.1000 (Coastal Stormwater Rulesl is required. IN A,
' • Otner comments lallach additional pzges as necessary. being certain to cite comment aulnority):
1

1
I

I
I
REGIONAL OFFICES
Questions regarding these permits should be addressed'to the Regional office marked below.
? Asheville Regional Office ? Fayetteville Regional Office
59 Woodlin Place' Suite 714 Wachovia Building
Asheville. NC 28801 Fayetteville. NC 28301
[phone] (911i 486.1541
El Mooresville Regional Office El Raleigh Regional Office
3800 Barrett Drive. Suite 101
919 North Main Street. P.O. Box 950 Raleigh. NC 27609
Mooresville. NC 28115 [phone]
[phone]
? Wilmington Regional Office
? Washington Regional Office 127 Cardinal Drive Extension
1424 Carolina Avenue Wilmington. NC 28405
Washington. NC 27889 [phone]
[phone]
? Winston-Salem Regional Office
8025 North Point Blvd.
Suite 100
B-20
DIVISION OF PARKS AND-RECREATION
January 7, 1994
Memorandum
TO: Melba McGee
FROM: Stephen Hall S(?
SUBJECT: DEIS -- Improve US 17, Bertie County
REFERENCE: 94-0425
As mentioned in the document, several historic records exist for
the presence of the red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis),
federally and state-listed as Endangered, within the project
corridor. Although the survey conducted for this species did not
obtain any actual sightings of this species, a fresh cavity
"start" was observed at one of the known sites and a cavity tree
was discovered near a second historic colony site (p. 3-30).
These findings, along with the presence of suitable habitat
(stands of pines'over 30 years old) within the vicinity, suggest
that the woodpeckers could still occur within the study area.
For this reason, we strongly recommend that consultation be made
with the US Fish and Wildlife Service concerning ways to minimize
.17 the project's impacts to this species.
117&1,9??/
I:l
B-21
'
. State of North Carolina
Department of Environment,
' Health and Natural Resources
Division of'Environmental Management
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
' Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director

January 10, 1994
MEMORANDUM
' To: Melba McGee
Planning & Assessment
' Through: John Dorney• -
v
Monica Swihartw
' From: Eric Galamb
fAl
Subject: Draft EIS for US 17 Windsor to the Chowan River
' Bertie County
'
rR-2404
State Project DOT No. 6.019001T, TIP 7
' The subject document has been reviewed by this office. The Division of Environmental
Management is responsible for the issuance of the Section 401 Water Quality Certification for
activities which may impact waters of the state including wetlands. The following comments
are offered in response to,the document prepared for this project which will impact between
' 11.3 and 22.9 acres of wetlands depending upon the alternative chosen.
1. Written concurrence of 401 Water Quality Certification will be required for this project.
L7 2. How many acres of wetlands will be impacted for the barge turning basin relocation?
8 _
18 3. Development of the wetland mitigation plan should be coordinated with DEM and the
COE to allow DEM to factor this information into our Certification decisions.
4. DEM's preferred alternatives are Alternative A and improving the existing road through
' Midway.
Questions regarding the 401 Certification should be directed to Eric Galamb in DEM's Water
' Quality Planning Branch. `
usl7wibp.eis
1
1
P.O. Box 29535, Rdeigh, North Ccrorina 27626-0535
I An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer
MAI
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B-22
SAN oQ
Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
50% recycled/ 10% past-consumer paper
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DEC 1993 `?, ,
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cl:Oh???'Y?pr\
Clayton, N.C.
December 20, 1993 ,

TO: Melba McGee - Policy Development
FROM: Don H. Robbins, Staff Forester
SUBJECT: DOT Draft EIS for US 17 Improvements from W indsor to
the Chowan River in Bertie County ,
PROJECT: m94-0425
-6-94
DUE DATE: 1
We have reviewed the above subject document and have the I
following comments:
1. Forestry concerns are addressed in the document, but had to ,
go through the complete document to find the inf ormation.
2. We favor Alternative. "All because of less impacts to

forestry. Impacts from "A" are as follows - '
a. 11.3 acres of forested wetlands.
,
b. 6.1 acres of bottomland forests.
3. We would not be in favor of Alternative "B". '
la

pc: Warren Boyette - CO
ZZ3Z??'2 6
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B-23
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N C Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources
Division of Environmental Management
Water Quality Section
Washington Regional Office
December 28, 1993

MEMORANDUM
TO: Nancy Smith, Regional Manager
THROUGH: Roger Thorpe, Water Quality,Su ervi 1
FROM: Lyn B. Hardison, Environmental Technician
eIrl
SUBJECT: A-95 Review
' Project: m94-0425
North Caroina DOT-US17-Windsor to Chowan River
County: Bertie County

The above subject document has been reviewed by this office. This
document was reviewed for potential water quality concern. Please
note that any stream and/or wetland crossings will require a
Section 404 Permit from the Corp. of Engineers and a 401 Water
' Quality Certification from DEM.
In the event of an oil/hazardous waste spill onto the land and/or
' into waters of the State, the incident must be reported to DEM
within 24 hours, and the responsible party must take immediate
action to contain and clean up the.-product.
' The project should not result in pollution of the waters of the
State in excess of Standards by the Division.
1??ti2324 ZS????
1 ? ?? QQe' N
B-24

11 1
DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 1
GROUNDWATER SECTION
December 30, 1993 '
MEMORANDUM
To: Nancy Smith Regional Office Manager '
-
Washington Regional Office
From: Guy Pearc'Groundwater Section '
Washington Regional Office
Subject: A-95 Review
Project No. 94-0425
North Carolina DOT - U.S. Hwy 17 Improvements '
Windsor to Chowan River - Bertie County
As a result of this project, any well for which it's
1 1
.
use is no longer required must be properly abandoned
in accordance with the N.C. Well Construction
Standards outlined in NCAC 15A 2C .0113, and an
abandonment report filed with the Department as
specified in NCAC 15A 2C .0114.
2. The Groundwater Section recommends the removal of ariy

abandoned underground storage tanks within the '
project area.
3. As a result of this project, any spills that occur of

significant quantity must be reported to the Division '
of Environmental Management in the Washington
Regional Office [phone].
1
4. Any questions or concerns regarding groundwater
should be directed to the Groundwater Section in the
Washington Regional Office at [phone]. '

^,??22 Z 3 2915?6? 1
J
?hicn i?
B-25 1

State of North Carolina
' Depart ment of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
Division of Marine Fisheries
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
' William T. Hogarth, Ph.D., Director
' MEMORANDUM:
Ag4j*?EHNR
a
TO: Melba McGee, Office of Policy Development
X19

994 -

THROUGH: Mike Street ?- "'
FROM: Sara E. Winslow, Biologist I,
,/ ?
1
SUBJECT: Project Number 94-0425 - NC DOT US 17 Windsor to the Chowan River
T.I.P. No. R-2404 - DEIS
1
DATE: December 22, 1993
'
The North Carolina Division of Marne Fisheries has reviewed the DEIS and provides
' the following comments. .
This agency has documented blueback herring and alewife spawning in the following
proposed stream crossings: Cashie River, Wading Place Creek, Roquist Creek, and Salmon
t Creek. These areas also are utilized as nursery areas by these species. Other commercially
and recreationally important species utilize these. creeks.
' The Division is concerned with the loss and or impacts to the wetlands associated
with the project. Wetlands are of great importance to fisheries resources, serving as sources
' of biological productivity, providing food directly and indirectly and serving as spawning and
nursery areas for many important species. Finally, wetlands perform important roles in
modifying acute impacts of hydrologic events, moderating stormwater flows, trapping
' sediments, and providing nutrients for incorporation into resident plants.
Of the two Alternatives proposed the Division recommends. Alternative A. The
impacts to the wetlands (11.3 ac) would be considerably less. This agency is extremely
interested in the proposed mitigation for these losses.
The Division requests a moratorium be imposed from -15 February through 30 May
for any construction or excavation in the wetlands associated with the previous mentioned
stream crossings. This moratorium will ensure the environmental integrity of the area is
' P.18 protected during critical times of usage by the previously mentioned species. However,
DMF does realize that silt fences and barriers may be installed around the wetland areas to
enable some of the work to be accomplished inside the moratorium.
' P.O. Box 769. Morehead City. North Carolina 28557-0769 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post-consumer paper
B-26
DIVISION OF LAND RESOURCES
LAND QUALITY SECTION
December 16, 1993
MEMORANDUM
TO: Nancy Smith
Regional Manager
Washington Regional Office
FROM: Floyd Williams
Regional Engineer
Land Quality Section
Washington Regional Office
RE: Project 94-0425
Review of Draft
N.C. Department
US 17 Windsor to
Bertie County
Environmental Impact Statement
of Transportation
the Chowan River
State Project Number 6.019001 T
Whichever alternative is chosen the project must be consistent
with the N.C. Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 as
amended. Temporary and permanent erosion and sedimentation control
measures and/or devices must be utilized throughout the project to
prevent sediment from leaving the limits of construction and
entering adjacent properties, wetlands and natural watercourses.
Borrow and waste areas, along with other associated land-
disturbing activities, must be addressed according to the
Memorandum of Agreement between DOT and the N.C. Sedimentation
Control Commission. Periodic inspections will be made by personnel
of the Land Quality Section to ensure compliance.

B-27
1Z 13
...'K7? '1:1
711
® North Carolina Wildlife Resources Co n 44
512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604-1188, 919-733-3391
MEMORANDUM Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director
TO: Melba McGee, Policy Development
Dept. of Environment, Health, & Natural Re ources
FROM: Dennis Stewart, Manager
Habitat Conservation Program
' DATE: January 6, 1994
' SUBJECT: N. C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Draft
Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for US 17 from
Windsor to the Chowan River, Bertie County, North
Carolina, TIP-No. R-2404, SCH Project No. 94-0425.
t
The N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has reviewed
' the DEIS and potential project impacts on fish and wildlife
resources. Our comments are provided in accordance with certain
provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48
' stat.401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d) and the North Carolina
Environmental Policy Act (G.S. 113A-1 et sec., as amended; 1 NCAC
25).
' The proposed project involves improvements to the US17
corridor from the town of Windsor to the Chowan River in Bertie
County, North Carolina. Wildlife habitat in this corridor
' includes bottomland hardwood forests and freshwater swamps.
Wildlife species found in these areas include deer, furbearers,
small game, amphibians, reptiles, songbirds, raptors, and
waterfowl. Acruatic environments include rivers and streams.
' These acruatic habitats support a variety of game and non-game
fish species as well as being important spawning and nursery
areas.
r The DEIS adecruately addresses the impacts of the two build
alternatives on the wildlife and fisheries within the project
' area. The A alternative encroaches upon 9 wetland areas as
compared to 8 areas for the B alternative. The cumulative
impacts to these areas are 11.3 and 22.9 respectively. Impacts
to wetlands along the A alternative occurs along the periphery of
' the wetlands presently bordering US17. The impacts associated
with the B alternative are to areas that have been mostly
B-28

Memo Page 2 January 6, 994

undisturbed, thereby dividing and fragmenting wildlife habitats
'
in these areas. The A alternative also impacts less hardwood
acres than alternative B, 6.1 as opposed to 27.7. '
The NCWRC recommends the A alternative due to its lesser
impacts to wetland and upland habitats. The A alternative uses a

greater portion of existing US17, thereby reducing wildlife
` '
along existing US17 is
habitat impacts. The wildlife habitat
already fragmented and degraded from development in the area. We
encourage the NCDOT to further minimize wetland impacts by '
18 considering design modifications such as shifting alignments
within the right of way, narrowing median widths and increasing
bridge span lengths in high cruality wetland areas. We also ,
request that work in the Cashie River, Wading Place Creek, Salmon
Creek, and the unnamed creek near Edenhouse be confined primarily
to months that are not critical spawning and nursery periods for
L the fish in these areas. '
The NCWRC reauests that there be a preliminary miticatior_
the final Environmental Impact Statement(EIS). This plan
l
i
,
n
p
an
19 should include the planned mitigation for each wetland area
impacted and any further possibilities for avoidance or
minimization. '
The NCWRC will concur with the findings of the EIS provided
that our recommendations and concerns are addressed.
'
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this
p
If I can further assist your office, please contact me at
DEIS
.
[phone]. '
DLS/DRC
cc: David Rowe, District 1 Wildlife Biologist '
Pete Kornegay, District 1 Fisheries Biologist
Tom Henson, Nongame/Endangered Species Costal Proj. Leader. ,

t

B-29 I
State of North Carolina
Department of Environment,
' Health and Natural Resources
Division of COasfal Management
' James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary

I
TO: Melba McGee, NO Division of Planning,f- Assessment
MOM: Steve Benton, NC Division of Coastal Management
DA7"E: i.41
SUBJECT- Review of SCH V- '/V
Please Forward Agency Comments r eview er Comments Attached
Review Comments:
_ This docv,ner.t is being reviewed for consistency with the NC Coastal Management Program.
Agency comments racoived by SCH are needed to devi:lope the State's consistency position.
c/ A CAMA Permit _is or *ay be required for t)iis project. Applicant should contact
in G phone for iniormstiun.
`7-Gn- /T?•.?vG _._
A Con!yistpncy Determination _is or _may be required for this project. Applicant should
contact Steve Benton or Csroli,ia Bellis in Raleigh, phone R [phone], fur information.
Proposal is in drat form, a consistency response is inappropriate. A Consistency
Determination should be included in the final document.
A C AivLk Permit or __ consistency response -has already been issued, or
_ is currently being reviewed under separate circulation.
Parmit/Consistency No. Date issued
Proposal involves < 20 Acres or a structure < 60,000 Sq. Feet and no AEC's or Land Use Plan
' Problems.
Proposal is not in the Coastal Area and rill have no significant impacts on Coastal Resources.
' Proposal is exempt from CA11yLA by statue _ Other (see attached)
' Consistoncy Position:
_ The proposal is consistent with the NC Coastal ylanagement Program provided that all state
authorization and/or permit requirements are met prior to implementation of the project.
A Consistency position will be developed based on our review on or before
' - The proposal is inconsistent with the NC Coastal Management Program.
Not Applicable Other (see attached)
_JZ P.O. Sox 27687. Rclelgh. North Ccrolina 27611-7687 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
' An Equol Opportunity AffirmJtiva Actlcn Employer &-I% recycled/ 10% post-conx-mar papor
B-30

FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
ATLANTA REGIONAL OFFICE
3125 Presidential Parkway - Suite 300
Atlanta, Georgia 30340
DEC 17 1993
f,
1 1
DEC 2 0 1993 ,
G
y D'VISICN OF '
HIGHWgyS
N?RONIviE? P
Mr. H. Franklin Vick, P.E. '
Manager, Planning and Environmental Branch
Stat6 - cf N c r t 1 CaroI ina
Department of Transportation ,
Division of Highways
Post Office Box 25201
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-5201 ,
Dear Mr. Vick:
This acknowledges your letter dated November 16, 1993, '
soliciting comments on the proposed construction of the State Draft
Environmental Impact Statement for U. S. Highway 17 in Bertie '
County, North Carolina. It appears that the improvements will not '
impact hydroelectric developments under the jurisdiction of the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Therefore, we have no '
comment.
Very truly yours, ,
Robe Cris
Director
B-31

' NDU
E M O A.
1
2
Steve Benton) Co?AC. ?^a''?`'?""E117 -?`?¢ -Cl
1 •
N OM: John Crew
' v DATE: 12 January 1994
SUBJECT, SCH94-0425

Highway Improvements from Windsor to Chowan River,
Berrie County, North Carolina
Please note the date on your memo (1-5-94) is the same date that comments are due, clearly not
providing intended reviewers adequate time to comment.
Nonetheless, this proposal involves improvements of US Hwy 17 from the Town of Windsor,
through parts of Berrie County to the Chowan River and falls tinder the auspices of both the
November 1992 CRC Certified Windsor Land Use Plan Update and the March 1991 CRC
Certified Berrie County Land Use Plan Update. AEC's may be involved and regulatory staff
should be consulted on these matters.
The Windsor Plan offers the following guidance on proposals of this type:
• The Town's policy on 404 wetlands (Page IV-1) is to support the Corps use standards.
• The Town's policy on AEC's (Page IV-8) is to support the use standards for public trust
waters.
• The Town's policy on commitment to State and Federal programs (Page IV-13) is to
support DOT's road and bridges improvement program.
The land classification map (Page III-6) for the Town of Windsor shows most of the proposal
within some subclass of the Developed land classification. (The Town's Developed class
includes three subclasses: Developed Residential, Developed Commercial and Developed
Manufacturing) all of these subclasses acknowledge urban land uses with the complete provision
of urban services necessary to support that urban type development.
My opinion is that if either of the proposals considered can be accomplished in accordance with
applicable AEC and Corps 404 standards, the proposal would not be inconsistent with the spirit
nor letter of the November 1992 CRC Certified Windsor Land Use Plan Update.
B-32

MEMORANDUM
SCH 94-0425 '
12 January 1994
Page 2
The March 1991 Berrie County Land Use Plan Upditte offers the following on proposals of this
type:
• The. Transportation Section of the Bertic Plan (Page 18-19) notes that Hwy 17 is a major
highway in eastern N.C. and is very important to the County and that is scheduled to be I
widened beginning in 1994 with ROW acquisition and construction funding in 1996.
• Bertie County's policy on AEC's (Page 28-29) is to support State use and preference '
standards for AEC's.
• County policy on 404 wetlands is to support Corps regulations (Page 30). '
• County policy on Commitment to Providing Services (Page 35) is to "work with NC
DOT to encourage a timely completion of scheduled highway improvements. Making '
four lanes of US 17 and 13 will provide excellent connections to other areas and provide
a selling point for new development." '
• County policy on Commitment to State and Federal Programs, (Page 36) includes
"Highway improvements, as stated earlier, are considered a major factor in ensuring the
continued economic growth in the area. Berrie County will continue efforts to secure '
DOT funds to improve-the County's major and minor thoroughfares."
• The County's Land Classification Map (Page 62) shows the proposal transecting the ,
Urban Transition, Developed, Rural, .Community and Conservation land classes.
Highway improvements per se are not specifically mentioned in any of these classes, but '
narrative County policy on highway improvements cannot be ignored.
My opinion is if this proposal can be accomplished in accordance with applicable State and I
Federal environmental standards, the proposal would not be inconsistent with County policy.

1
B-33 '
Wes. ??^ ti i
o ti?

1
ER-93/1013

February 8, 1994
Nicholas L. Graf,
Division Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
310 New Bern Avenue - Suite 410
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
Dear Mr. Graf:
FEB 1 4 1994
z
2 Dll/ISICN `?r_
cp HIGHWAYS
F: ?y
The Department of the Interior has reviewed the draft Environmental
Impact Statement for US 17, Windsor to the Chowan River, Bertie
County, NC.
We have no comments to offer.
Sincerely,
James H. Lee
Regiona Environmental Officer
. H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager)_
Planning and Environmental Branch
NC Division of Highways
P. O. Box 25201
Raleigh, NC 27611
United States Department of the Interior
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND COMPLIANCE,
Richard B. Russell Federal Building E 11.1
75 Spring Street, S.W. O
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
B-34
US 17
APPENDIX C
Revised SDEIS Exhibits
NCDOT FONSI December 1994
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Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources
? Protect located in 7th floor library
Office of Legislative and Intergovernmerltal.Airairs
Project Review Form
Project Number: County: Date: Date Response Due (firm deadline):
Z'
I? t 03
''11
This project is being reviewed as indicated below: ixu-{?? 6?j '? o`•??
Regional Office/Phone Regional Office Area In-House Review
? Asheville
El Fayetteville

? Mooresville ? All RIO Areas
Air

Water
?IGroundwater ? Soil and Water Marine Fisheries
oastal Management Water Planning
•
Water Resources Environmental Health
Wildlife Solid Waste Management
? Raleigh and Quality Engineer Forest Resources ? Radiation Protection
? Recreational Consultant . ' Land Resources ? David Foster
Washington ? Coastal Management Consultant Parks and Recreation ? Other (specify)
Wilmington ? Others nvironmental Management Rece
VED
? Winston-Salem pyyS Monica Swihart
1,1AY
Q a 1995
ELI RooN;Al SC/ENC
11
Manager Sign-Off/Region: Date: In-House Reviewer/Agency:
Response (check all applicable)
Regional Office response to be compiled and completed by Regional Manager
? No objection to project as proposed
? No Comment
? Insufficient information to complete review
? Approve
? Permit(s) needed (permit files have been checked)
? Recommended for further development with recommendations for
strengthening (comments attached) -
? Recommended for further development if specific & substantive
changes incorporated by funding agency (comments
attached/authority(ies) cited)
In-House Reviewer complete individual response.
? Not recommended for further development for reasons
stated in attached comments (authority(ies) cited)
?Applicant has been contacted
? Applicant has not been contacted
? Project Controversial (comments attached)
? Consistency Statement needed (comments attached)
? Consistency Statement not needed
? Full EIS must be required under the provisions of
NEPA and SEPA
? Other (specify and attach comments)
RETURN TO:
Melba McGee
Pstw
Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
US 17 ?0 1??
PROJECT INFORMATION
US 17
FROM SR 1503 TO WEST
OF THE CHOWAN RIVER
BERTIE COUNTY
STATE PROJECT No. 6.019001T
TIP No. R-2404BC
1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes to improve the existing
two-lane section of US 17 east of Windsor in Bertie County, from SR 1503 to just west
of the Chowan River. This improvement is included in the 1995-2001 North Carolina
Transportation Improvement Program as a section of TIP Project No. R-2404.
This project (R-2404BC) will involve widening approximately 6.8 miles of US 17; 4.3
miles to a four-lane divided facility and 2.5 miles, through Midway, to a five-lane
undivided roadway. The project terminates approximately 3,000 feet west of the
Chowan River.
A DEIS (September 1993) was prepared for project R-2404 and circulated in December
1993. As a result of comments received on the document and at the public hearing held
in February 1994, the project was split into A, B, & C components. A Supplemental
DEIS and FEIS is being prepared for R-2404A, which will cover the portion of US 17
from Windsor to SR 1503 (Exhibit 1). The Supplemental DEIS will evaluate several
"new"alternative corridors, including a southern bypass of Windsor suggested by the
Wilmington COE. A FONSI is being prepared for R-2404BC that will address the
potential impacts and/or involvement of this widening project with cultural resources,
floodplains, natural resources - including wetlands and protected species, prime
farmlands, existing land use, et al. (Note: Improvements to the segment of US 17
between the eastern terminus of R-2404BC and the Chowan River are addressed in
federally-funded TIP Project No. R-2512.)
2. PURPOSE OF PROJECT
US 17 is identified in Governor Hunt's Transportation 2001 plan as a "key economic
development highway." This project will improve the safety and level of service on
this section of US 17 by constructing additional travel lanes and improving the existing
roadway alignment. The improved US 17 facility will provide no access control. The
FONSI is being prepared in order to maintain TIP schedules and to expedite
improvements to US 17 from SR 1503 to just west of the Chowan River.
NCDOT PROJECT INFORMANON November 1994
J
US 17 2
3. RECOMMENDED ALTERNATIVE
Improving the existing US 17 facility has been selected as the recommended alternative
for project R-240413C. The recommended alternative includes improving existing
US 17 through Midway. The improve existing alternative at Midway was evaluated
verses a northern bypass of Midway, and recommended based upon 1) less impact to
the environment, 2) fewer relocations, and 3) generally favorable feedback from
citizens during the public hearing process. Table 1 presents a summary of the potential
impacts for the recommended alternative.
The design criteria initially established by NCDOT to govern proposed improvements
to the US 17 corridor, recommended that improvements along the existing alignment
consist of the addition of two lanes and a 46-foot median. Based upon the magnitude of
impacts this typical section would cause in Midway, the design criteria was relaxed in
order to allow the consideration of a five-lane curb and gutter section at this location.
These proposed improvements, including a four-lane divided roadway and a five-lane
curb and gutter section at Midway, were described in the September 1993 DEIS for R-
2404.
Beginning at SR 1503 and heading east, these recommended improvements include
widening US 17 from an existing two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided roadway with
a 46-foot median, four-foot paved shoulders (outside), two-foot paved shoulders
(inside), and a proposed 225 feet (minimum) of right of way. Approximately one mile
west of Midway, the improvements transition from the four-lane divided facility to a
five-lane curb and gutter section. This five-lane undivided section includes 12-foot
lanes, with two lanes in each direction and a center turn lane. East of NC 45, the five-
lane section will include a 4-foot bike lane on each side. The five-lane curb and gutter
section is located within the existing 100 feet of right of way. The five-lane section will
extend east across Salmon Creek, where the existing bridge will be replaced. The five-
lane section will transition back to a four-lane divided roadway approximately 1.5 miles
east of Midway. The four-lane divided section continues to the eastern terminus of the
project, approximately 3,000 feet east of the Chowan River. Total length of the US 17
widening improvements is 6.8 miles; 4.3 of four-lane divided and 2.5 miles of five-lane
undivided through Midway.
Right of way acquisition is scheduled to begin in Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 1995, i.e.,
September 1995, with construction scheduled to begin in FFY 1996. The estimated
construction cost of the project is $15,300,000.
4. SUMMARY OF EFFORTS TO AVOID WETLAND IMPACTS
The proposed R-2404 improvements along existing US 17 will involve four
"unavoidable" wetland sites. The wetland sites and estimated impacts are summarized
on Table 2. With the exception of the Salmon Creek location, three of these sites (#'s
1, 2, and 4) involve the extension of existing drainage structures, in order to
accommodate the proposed widening.
The improvements at Salmon Creek described in the DEIS involved the replacement of
the existing structure with dual structures to accommodate the proposed four-lane
NCDOT PROJECT INFORMATION November 1994
a
US 17 3
divided facility. Wetlands involvement at Salmon Creek, as further described in the
DEIS, was estimated at 3.9 acres; with total wetlands involvement for this segment of
US 17 estimated at 5.0 acres.
A number of modifications have been made during preliminary roadway design in order
to reduce the magnitude of wetland impacts at the Salmon Creek crossing. The most
important change involves extending the five-lane section, originally proposed for
Midway, eastward across Salmon Creek. This change has minimized the width of
disturbance at the creek. Fill areas north of US 17 in support of the new bridge, will be
contained within the existing right of way and are not anticipated to impact the wetland.
The right of way will, however, be extended along the south side of US 17 in order to
accommodate the phased installation of the bridge, necessary to maintain traffic during
construction. The remaining wetland impacts at this location are attributed to the fill
required in support of the new structure.
The proposed five-lane section also encompasses wetland sites #'s 1 and 2, thereby
minimizing disturbances associated with the extension of drainage structures at these
locations.
As a result, the wetland impacts originally estimated at 3.9 acres have been minimized,
and are now estimated at 1.0 acre. Overall, wetland impacts for this project have been
reduced from 5.0 acres to approximately 1.1 acres.
NCDOT PROJECT INFORAM77ON November 1994

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US 17
TABLE 1
SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS
RECOMMENDED ALTERNATIVE--R-2404BC
Recommended Alternative
Total
Affected Resource Improve Existing (R-240413C)
• Relocations
-Families 11
-Businesses 5
-Churches 0
• Parks/Recreational Areas None
• Impacts to National Register Properties None
• Major Hydrologic Crossings 5
• Floodplains (Acres) 3.4
• Floodway (Acres) 0
• Potential UST Sites Requiring Relocation 3
• Locations Exceeding Noise Abatement Criteria Levels
-Residences 7
-Churches 0
• Wetlands (Acres) 1.1
• Prime Farmlands (P1 & P2) 33.7
(Acres)
• Right of Way and Utility Relocation Costs $3,225,000
• Construction Costs $15,300,000
F 1ena1..F{.q\ro?kilu 1 Nari Va.d.b
NCDOT PROJECT INFORAL477ON November 1994
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