20000917 Ver 1_Complete File_20000717

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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTWNT OF TRANSPORTATION
JAMES B. HUNT JR.
GOVERNOR
June 26, 2000
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Regulatory Field Office
151 Patton Avenue, Room 143
Asheville, North Carolina 28801-5006
ATTN: Mr. Steven Lund
NCDOT Coordinator
Dear Sir:
DAVID MCCOY
SECRETARY
00091
1

SUBJECT: Caldwell County, Replacement of Bridge. No. 84 over Little Gunpowder Creek
on SR 1108 (Cedar Valley Road). Federal Aid Project No. BRZ-1108(3). State
Project No. 8.2732201. TIP No. B-2937.
Attached for your information is a copy of the Categorical Exclusion Planning Document for the
subject project. The project is being processed by the Federal Highway Administration as a
"Categorical Exclusion" in accordance with 23 CFR 771.115(b). Therefore, we do not anticipate
requesting an individual permit but propose to proceed under a Nationwide Permit in accordance
with 33 CFR 330 Federal Register: March 9, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 47, Pages 12817-12899,
by the Corps of Engineers. The provisions of Section 330.4 and appendix A (C) of these
regulations will be followed during construction of the project.
ThiS S¢SmRA} iI5 LcJS- (?
Jurisdictional Surface Waters. The new bridge will be approxi ately 108.0 ft in length
and 30.0 ft wide and will span Little Gunpowder Creek [DWQ Index No. 11-55-2 (2)]. The one
span structure has a total length of 41 feet. The superstructure consists of a timber deck on I-
beams. The substructure is composed of timber on concrete footings. During demolition, there
will be no resulting temporary fill dropped in Little Gunpowder Creek. Little Gunpowder Creek
lies in the Catawba River basin (sub-basin 30802) and carries a NCDWQ Best Usage
Classification of Class C. Class C refers to waters suitable for aquatic life propagation and
survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation, and agriculture.
Jurisdictional Wetlands. The CE stated that wetland impacts would be approximately
260 ft2, however additional field verification shows that 2442 ft2 (0.06 ac) of wetlands will be
permanently impacted as a result of project construction. Included with these impacts is 111.28
MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: [phone] LOCATION:
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS FAX: [phone] TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER 1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548 WESSITE: WWW.DOH.DOT.STATE.NC.US RALEIGH, NC

ftZ (0.003 ac) of impacts resulting from excavation. A storm water ditch will enter the small
wetland adjacent to the spring. The ditch will go into but not through the wetland. Flow is
expected to increase into the wetland since highway runoff will be directed into the ditch. This
flow will be discharged into the wetland through non-erosive forces and will not have a draining
effect. These impacts were included with excavation total for the footprint of the ditch only. No
mitigation is proposed.
Threatened and Endangered Species. As part of the Section 7 Consultation with the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service concerning the proposed replacement of Bridge No. 84, a Biological
Assessment for dwarf flowered heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflora) was prepared by NCDOT due to
impacts to 195 plants. A Biological Conclusion of May Adversely Affect was reached for the
project.
To offset for impacts to the species, NCDOT has obtained approximately 2.68 ac of additional
right-of-way to preserve the most significant intact portion of this population. The additional
area is bordered by U.S. 321 to the north, Little Gunpowder Creek to the east, the new alignment
of SR 1108 to the south, and the ridge along a gravel road to the west. Based on species density
within the impact area, the purchase of this perpetual conservation easement will protect
approximately 1,522 plants. Due to these mitigation measures, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service issued a Biological Opinion of Not Likely to Jeopardize the continued existence of
dwarf flowered heartleaf as a result of the subject project in a letter dated August 19, 1999.
It is anticipated that these activities will be authorized via a NWP 23 (Categorical Exclusion).
By copy of this application, request is made to the Division of Water Quality, for the appropriate
401 Water Quality Certifications.
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact Mr. Chris
Rivenbark at [phone].
Sincerely,
William Gilmore, P.E., Branch Manager
Project Development and Environmental Analysis
WDG/mcr
cc: Mr. David Franklin, COE
Mr. John Dorney, NCDWQ
Mr. David Cox, NCWRC
Mr. Garland Pardue, USFWS
Mrs. Debbie Barbour, P.E., Design Services
Mr. Calvin Leggett, P.E., Program Design
Mr. John Alford, P.E., Roadway Design

Mr. Tim Roundtree, P.E., Structure Design
Mr. Randy Wise, P.E., Roadside Environmental
Mr. R.C. McCann, P.E., Division I I Engineer
Mr. Jeff Ingham, P.E., PD & EA
MAILING ADDRESS:
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
WEBSITE: WWW.DOH. DOT. STATE. NC. US
LOCATION:
TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
RALEIGH, NC

DEM ID: CORPS ACTION ID:
NATIONWIDE PERMIT REQUESTED (PROVIDE NATIONWIDE PERMIT #): 23
PRE-CONSTRUCTION NOTIFICATION APPLICATION
FOR NATIONWIDE PERMITS THAT REQUIRE:
1) NOTIFICATION TO THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS
2) APPLICATION FOR SECTION 401 CERTIFICATION
3) COORDINATION WITH THE NC DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT
SEND THE ORIGINAL AND (1) COPY OF THIS COMPLETED FORM TO THE APPROPRIATE
FIELD OFFICE OF THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS (SEE AGENCY ADDRESSES SHEET).
SEVEN (7) COPIES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE N.C. DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT (SEE AGENCY ADDRESSES SHEET). PLEASE PRINT.
1. OWNERS NAME: N.C. Dept of Transportation, PD&EA
2. MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 25201
SUBDIVISION NAME:
CITY: Raleigh STATE: NC ZIP CODE: 27611
PROJECT LOCATION ADDRESS, INCLUDING SUBDIVISION NAME (IF DIFFERENT FROM
MAILING ADDRESS ABOVE):
3. TELEPHONE NUMBER (HOME): (WORK): 919-733-3141
4. IF APPLICABLE: AGENT'S NAME OR RESPONSIBLE CORPORATE OFFICIAL,
ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER:
Bill Gilmore, P.E. Manager
5. LOCATION OF WORK (PROVIDE A MAP, PREFERABLY A COPY OF USGS
TOPOGRAPHIC MAP OR AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY WITH SCALE):
COUNTY: Caldwell NEAREST TOWN OR CITY: Granite Falls
1
SPECIFIC LOCATION (INCLUDE ROAD NUMBERS, LANDMARKS, ETC.):
Bridge No. 84 over Little Gunpowder Creek on SR 1108 (Cedar Valley Road)
6. IMPACTED OR NEAREST STREAM/RIVER: Little Gunpowder Creek
RIVER BASIN: Catawba
7a. IS PROJECT LOCATED NEAR WATER CLASSIFIED AS TROUT, TIDAL SALTWATER
(SA), HIGH QUALITY WATERS (HQW), OUTSTANDING RESOURCE WATERS (ORW),
WATER SUPPLY (WS-I OR WS-II)? YES [ ] NO [X] IF YES, EXPLAIN:
7b. IS THE PROJECT LOCATED WITHIN A NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF COASTAL
MANAGEMENT AREA OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN (AEC)?YES[ ] NO[X]
7c. IF THE PROJECT IS LOCATED WITHIN A COASTAL COUNTY (SEE PAGE 7 FOR
LIST OF COASTAL COUNTIES), WHAT IS THE LAND USE PLAN (LUP) DESIGNATION?
8a. HAVE ANY SECTION 404 PERMITS BEEN PREVIOUSLY REQUESTED FOR USE ON
THIS PROPERTY? YES [ ] NO [X] IF YES, PROVIDE ACTION I.D. NUMBER OF
PREVIOUS PERMIT AND ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (INCLUDE PHOTOCOPY OF 401
CERTIFICATION):
8b. ARE ADDITIONAL PERMIT REQUESTS EXPECTED FOR THIS PROPERTY IN THE
FUTURE? YES [ ] NO [X] IF YES, DESCRIBE ANTICIPATED WORK:
9a. ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBER OF ACRES IN TRACT OF LAND: 4.1 ac
9b. ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBER OF ACRES OF WETLANDS LOCATED ON PROJECT
SITE:
0.1 acres
2
10a. NUMBER OF ACRES OF WETLANDS IMPACTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT BY:
FILLING: 0.05 EXCAVATION: 0.003
FLOODING: OTHER:
DRAINAGE: TOTAL ACRES TO BE IMPACTED:
10b. (1) STREAM CHANNEL TO BE IMPACTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT (IF
RELOCATED, PROVIDE DISTANCE BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER RELOCATION):
LENGTH BEFORE: n/a FT AFTER: n/a FT
WIDTH BEFORE (based on normal high water contours): n/a FT
WIDTH AFTER: n/a FT
AVERAGE DEPTH BEFORE: n/a FT AFTER: n/a FT
(2) STREAM CHANNEL IMPACTS WILL RESULT FROM: (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
OPEN CHANNEL RELOCATION: PLACEMENT OF PIPE IN CHANNEL:
CHANNEL EXCAVATION: CONSTRUCTION OF A DAM/FLOODING:
OTHER:
11. IF CONSTRUCTION OF A POND IS PROPOSED, WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE
WATERSHED DRAINING TO THE POND?
WHAT IS THE EXPECTED POND SURFACE AREA?
12. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED WORK INCLUDING DISCUSSION OF TYPE OF
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT TO BE USED (ATTACH PLANS: 8 1/2" X 11" DRAWINGS
ONLY) :
Crane, bull dozers, heavy duty trucks
13. PURPOSE OF PROPOSED WORK:
Public transportation
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9
3
18. THE FOLLOWING ITEMS SHOULD BE INCLUDED WITH THIS APPLICATION IF
PROPOSED ACTIVITY INVOLVES THE DISCHARGE OF EXCAVATED OR FILL MATERIAL
INTO WETLANDS:
a. WETLAND DELINEATION MAP SHOWING ALL WETLANDS, STREAMS, LAKES
AND PONDS ON THE PROPERTY (FOR NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBERS 14, 18, 21,
26, 29, AND 38). ALL STREAMS (INTERMITTENT AND PERMANENT) ON THE
PROPERTY MUST BE SHOWN ON THE MAP. MAP SCALES SHOULD BE 1 INCH EQUALS
50 FEET OR 1 INCH EQUALS 100 FEET OR THEIR EQUIVALENT.
b. IF AVAILABLE, REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOGRAPH OF WETLANDS TO BE
IMPACTED BY PROJECT.
C. IF DELINEATION WAS PERFORMED BY A CONSULTANT, INCLUDE ALL DATA
SHEETS RELEVANT TO THE PLACEMENT OF THE DELINEATION LINE.
d. ATTACH A COPY OF THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN IF REQUIRED.
e. WHAT IS LAND USE OF SURROUNDING PROPERTY?
Rural/Residential
f. IF APPLICABLE, WHAT IS PROPOSED METHOD OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL?
N/A
g. SIGNED AND DATED AGENT AUTHORIZATION LETTER, IF APPLICABLE.
NOTE: WETLANDS OR WATERS OF THE U.S. MAY NOT BE IMPACTED PRIOR TO:
1) ISSUANCE OF A SECTION 404 CORPS OF ENGINEERS PERMIT,
2) EITHER THE ISSUANCE OR WAIVER OF A 401 DIVISION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (WATER QUALITY) CERTIFICATION, AND
3) (IN THE TWENTY COASTAL COUNTIES ONLY), A LETTER FROM THE
NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT STATING THE PROPOSED
ACTIVITY IS CONSISTENT WITH THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT
PROGRAM.
c?
OWNER'S/AGENT'S SIGNATURE
(AGENT'S SIGNATURE VALID ONLY
IF AUTHORIZATION LETTER FROM
THE OWNER IS PROVIDED (18g.))
DATE
5

Caldwell County
Bridge No. 84 on SR 1108
Over Little Gunpowder Creek ()00917
Federal Project BRZ-1108(3)
State Project 8.2732201
TIP # B-2937
CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
AND
N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
APPROVED:
c)l 1,2
Dat H. Franklin Vick, P. E., Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
30 9.7
to N' holas Graf, P.
Division Administrator, FHWA
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1
Caldwell County
Bridge No. 84 on SR 1108
Over Little Gunpowder Creek
Federal Project BRZ-1108(3)
State Project 8.2732201
TIP # B-2937
CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION
April 1997
Documentation Prepared in
Planning and Environmental Branch By:
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17
Jeff g m
Proj ct Planning ngineer
Wayne lliott
Bridge Project Planning Engineer, Unit Head
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Lubin V. Prevatt, P. E., Assistant Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
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Caldwell County
Bridge No. 84 on SR 1108
Over Little Gunpowder Creek
Federal Project BRZ-1108(3)
State Project 8.2732201
TIP # B-2937
Bridge No. 84 is located in Caldwell County on SR 1108 crossing over Little
Gunpowder Creek. It is programmed in the 1997-2003 Transportation Improvement
Program (TIP) as a bridge replacement project. This project is part of the Federal Aid
Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Pro-ram and has been classified as a "Categorical
Exclusion". No substantial environmental impacts are expected.
1. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Bridge No. 84 will be replaced as recommended in Alternate 2 with a
4 @ 3.0 meter by 3.7 meter (10 foot by 12 foot) reinforced concrete box culvert (RCBC)
on an improved alignment south of the existing bridge. Traffic will be detoured along
surrounding roads during construction.
The proposed roadway will have a 7.2 meter (24 foot) wide paved travelway
which will provide two 3.6 meter (12 foot) travel lanes. The roadway will also have
2.4 meter (8 foot) shoulders. The shoulders will be widened to 3.3 meters (11 feet) where
guardrail is required. Approach work will extend approximately 150 meters (500 feet)
from each side of the new culvert. Based on preliminary design work, the design speed
for the new alignment will be 60 km/h (40 mph).
The estimated cost of the project is $ 631,000, including $ 500,000 in construction
costs and $ 131,000 in right of way costs. The estimated cost shown in the 1997-2003
TIP is $ 220,000.
II. SUMMARY OF PROJECT COMMITMENTS
All standard procedures and measures will be implemented to avoid or minimize
environmental impacts. All practical Best Management Practices (BMP's) will be
included and properly maintained during project construction.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33
U.S.C. 1344), a permit will be required from the Corps of Engineers for the discharge of
dredged or fill material into "Waters of the United States."
North Carolina Division of Environmental Management (DEM) Section 401 Water
Quality General Certification will be obtained prior to issue of the Army Corps of
Engineers N wwide:Permit 4223m,
III. ANTICIPATED DESIGN EXCEPTIONS
A design exception may be required for design speed.
0
IV. EXISTING CONDITIONS
SR 1108 is classified as a Rural Local Route in the Statewide Functional
Classification System. Traffic volume is currently 1500 vehicles per day (VPD) and is
projected to be 2400 VPD in the year 2020. The posted speed limit is 35 mph on this
section of SR 1108. The road serves mostly residential traffic.
The existing bridge was completed in 1956. It is 12.5 meters (41 feet) long.
There are approximately 4.9 meters (16 feet) of vertical clearance between the bridge deck
and streambed. The deck is 5.5 meters (18 feet) wide with 4.9 meters (16 feet) of bridge
roadway width. There are two lanes of traffic on the bridge.
According to Bridge Maintenance Unit records, the sufficiency rating of the bridge
is 6 out of a possible 100. Presently the bridge is posted 10 tons for all vehicles.
The horizontal alignment of the roadway near the bridge is poor on both ends.
There are sharp radii approximately 61 meters (200 feet) back from each end of the
existing bridge. The vertical alignment is good. The pavement width on the approaches
to the bridge is 5.2 meters (17 feet). Shoulders on the approaches to the bridge are
approximately 1.2 meters (4 feet) wide.
The Traffic Engineering Branch indicates that one accident have been reported
within the last three years in the vicinity of the project.
There are three school busses that each cross the bridge twice daily. These busses
could easily be rerouted during construction.
Centel Telephone Company has underground service along the south side of
SR 1108 and an aerial crossing of Little Gunpowder Creek. Blue Ridge EMC has a three
phase electrical distribution service south of SR 1108 and south of the existing structure.
Charter Communication has cable TV cables attached to the Blue Ridge EMC poles.
Caldwell County Water has a distribution line along the north side of SR 1108.
V. PROPOSED ALTERNATIVES
There are two "build" options considered in this document. Each would require
traffic to be detoured along surrounding roads during construction. They are as follows:
Alternate 1 replaces the existing bridge with a 4 @ 3.0 meter by 3.7 meter (10 foot
by 12 foot) RCBC at approximately the same location and roadway elevation as the
existing bridge. Traffic would be detoured along surrounding roads during construction.
Alternate 2 (Recommended) replaces the existing bridge with a 4 @: 3.0 meter by
3.7 meter (10 foot by 12 foot) RCBC. The existing approach curves would be flattened to
attain a higher design speed than is currently in place. The new structure would be located
on a new alignment to the south. Traffic would be detoured along surrounding roads
during construction (see figure 2).
"Do-nothing" is not practical, requiring the eventual closing of the road as the
existing bridge completely deteriorates.
Rehabilitation of the existing deteriorating bridge is neither practical nor
economical.
VI. ESTIMATED COST
COMPONENT ALTERNATE 1 ALTERNATE 2
(recommended)
New Culvert Structure $ 160.000 $ 171.000
Bridge Removal 5.000 5,000
Roadway & Approaches 24.450 157,700
Mobilization & Miscellaneous 60.550 101.300
Engineering & Contingencies 50,000 65.000

Total Construction $ 300.000 $ 500.000
Right of Way $ 41.000 $ 131.000
Total Cost $ 341,000 $ 631.000
VII. RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS
Bridge No. 84 will be replaced on new alignment as recommended in Alternate 2
with a 4 @'37.0 meter by 3.7 meter (10 foot by 12 foot) RCBC. Traffic will be detoured
along surrounding roads during construction.
The proposed roadway will have a 7.2 meter (24 foot) wide paved travelway
which will provide two 3.6 meter (12 foot) travel lanes. The roadway will also have
2.4 meter (8 foot) shoulders. The shoulders will be widened to 3.3 meters (11 feet) where
guardrail is required. Approach work will extend approximately 150 meters (500 feet)
from each side of the new culvert. Based on preliminary design work, the design speed
for the new alignment will be 60 km/h (40 mph).
Alternates 1 and 2 both propose to replace the existing structure with a culvert.
Alternate 1 would replace the bridge on the existing alignment which includes two curves
with design speeds of 22 mph and 27 mph. Alternate 2 improves the alignment of these
curves to 40 mph. The rest of SR 1108 is on good horizontal and vertical alignment. The
division engineer strongly recommends improving the roadway alignment at this location.
NCDOT recommends Alternate 2 because it effectively replaces the deteriorating
bridge and improves the worst horizontal alignment segment on SR 1108.
VIII. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
A. GENERAL
This project is expected to have an overall positive impact. Replacement of an
inadequate bridge will result in safer traffic operations.
This project is considered to be a "Categorical Exclusion" due to its limited scope
and insignificant environmental consequences.
This bridge replacement will not have a substantial adverse effect on the quality of
the human or natural environment by implementing the environmental commitments listed
in Section II of this document in addition to use of current NCDOT standards and
specifications.
The project is not in conflict with any plan, existing land use, or zoning regulation.
No change in land use is expected to result from construction of this project.
There are no hazardous waste impacts.
No adverse effect on families or communities is anticipated. There will be no
relocatees as a results of the project. Right-of-way acquisition will be limited.
No adverse effect on public facilities or services is expected. The project is not
expected to adversely affect social, economic, or religious opportunities in the area.
There are no publicly owned parks, recreational facilities, or wildlife and waterfowl
refuges of national, state, or local significance in the vicinity of the project.
The proposed bridge replacement project will not raise the existing flood levels or
have any significant adverse effect on the existing floodplain.
Utility impacts are expected to be low.
B. AIR AND NOISE
This project is an air quality "neutral" project, so it is not required to be included in
the regional emissions analysis and a project level CO analysis is not required.
The project is located in Caldwell County, which has been determined to be in
compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. 40 CFR part 51 is not
applicable, because the proposed project is located in an attainment area. This project is
not anticipated to create any adverse effects on the air quality of this attainment area.
The project will not significantly increase traffic volumes. Therefore, it will not
have significant impact on noise levels. Temporary noise increases may occur during
construction.
C. LAND USE & FARMLAND EFFECTS
The project area is heavily wooded and undeveloped with limited residential
development. There are no urban land uses located in the project area.
In compliance with the Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA) of 1981, the U. S.
Soil Conservation Service (SCS) was asked to determine whether project being
considered will impact prime or important farmland soils. The SCS responded that the
project will not impact prime or important farmland soils. The project will result in a small
conversion of land, but the area to be converted is wooded and void of agricultural uses.
D. HISTORICAL EFFECTS & ARCHAEOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Upon review of area photographs, aerial photographs, and cultural resources
databases, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) indicated that three properties
over fifty years of age, including the Bumgarner-Bean House, are located within the Area
of Potential Effect. At a meeting on March 13, 1997, the SHPO concurred with the
NCDOT in the determination that the three properties are not eligible for the National
Register of Historic Places. No further architectural surveys will be needed in connection
with this project.
The State Office of Archeology (SOA) knows of no archaeological sites within the
proposed project area. Based on present knowledge of the area, it is unlikely that any
archaeological resources which may be eligible for inclusion in the National Register of
Historic Places will be affected by the project construction. Therefore, the SOA
recommends that no archaeological investigations be conducted.
E. NATURAL RESOURCES
PHYSICAL RESOURCES
Soils
Soils at the project site consist of three major types: Chewacla loam, Pacolet fine
sandy loam (15 to 25 percent slopes), and Cecil sandy loams (8 to 15 percent slopes). The
Chewacla soil series consists of somewhat poorly drained soils that formed in recent
alluvium of flood plains. Slopes are less than 2 percent. Some phases of the Chewacla
soil series are listed as a hydric soil. In the project area, Chewacla soils are found along
the narrow floodplain associated with Little Gunpowder Creek. The Pacolet and Cecil
series consist of well drained soils that formed in residuum from metamorphic and igneous
rocks in the Piedmont uplands. Within the project area the Pacolet soils are found along
the steeper areas, with the Cecil soils on the more gentle slopes.
The site index is a measure of soil quality and productivity. The index is the
average height, in feet, that dominant and codominant trees of a given species attain in a
specified number of years (typically 50). The site index applies to fully stocked, even-
aged, unmanaged stands. The soils in the project area have a site index of 70 to 73 for
Virginia pine and 80 to 96 for yellow poplar.
Water Resources
The project is located in the Catawba River drainage basin. Two water resources
are present in the project area, Little Gunpowder Creek and a small drainage arising from
a spring that enters a tributary to the creek.
Physical Characteristics of Surface Waters
Little Gunpowder Creek is approximately 3 to 4.5 meters (10 to 15 feet) wide
within the project area. This is a river system with fairly high flow. The river contained
mainly shallow riffles and depths averaged 15 to 19 centimeters (6 to 8 inches) in riffle
areas and 0.5 meters (1.5 feet) in pools. The banks were fairly steep and the occasional
high water height was 0.5 to .76 meters (1.5 to 2.5 feet) above the bottom of the stream
channel. Substrates were estimated in the following percentages: cobbles (40 percent),
bedrock/boulder (25 percent), gravel (25 percent), and sand (10 percent). The river has
an open canopy and the immediate riparian zone was forested, surrounded by grasses and
forties. Just outside the project area, a stone retaining wall is located along the northern
bank of the creek, for a distance of approximately 30 meters (100 feet), beginning at the
point of confluence of a small tributary and ending at a driveway crossing leading to a
private residence. The natural stream bank stability and stream bank vegetation were
observed to be fair to good, except in the vicinity of the mouth of the tributary. The
stream bank in this area was observed to be eroded and sandy.
A spring house is located on the northern side of SR 1108, at the western end of
the project. A small drainage originating from an underground spring enters a tributary
which then drains into the western bank of Little Gunpowder Creek at a point
approximately 30 meters (100 feet) north of SR 1108. The drainage from the spring is
narrow with poorly defined beds and banks. The tributary has a defined stream bed and
bank and averaged I meter (3 foot) in width. Neither the tributary nor the spring drainage
are indicated on the USGS quadrangle map as surface waters.
Best Usage Classification
Surface waters in North Carolina are assigned a classification by the Division of
Water Quality (formerly the Division of Environmental Management) that is designed to
maintain, protect, and enhance water quality within the State. Little Gunpowder Creek
[Index # 11-55-2-(2)] is classified as a Class WS-IV waterbody. Class WS-IV water
resources are protected as water supplies which are generally in moderately to highly
developed watersheds. Point source dischargers of treated wastewater are permitted
pursuant to certain regulations. Local programs to control nonpoint source and storm
water discharge of pollutants are required. Class WS-IV waterbodies are suitable for all
Class C uses. Class C water resources are used for aquatic life propagation and survival,
fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation, and agriculture. No waters classified as
Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), High Quality Waters (HWQ) or Water Supplies
(WS-I of WS-II) occur within 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) of the project study area.
Water Quality
Nonpoint source runoff from agricultural land is likely to be the primary source of
water quality degradation to the water resources located within the project vicinity. The
surrounding vicinity appears to be primarily farmland or forested land. Nutrient loading
and increased sedimentation from agricultural runoff and forestry affects water quality.
Inputs of nonpoint source pollution from private residences within the project area may
also contribute to water quality degradation.
6
The Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN), managed by the
DEHNR, Division of Water Quality and established in 1982, is part of an on-going
ambient long-term water quality monitoring program. The program has established fixed
water quality monitoring stations for selected benthic macroinvertebrates. No stations
have been established by DEHNR along Little Gunpowder Creek.
Point source discharges in North Carolina are permitted through the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program administered by the DWQ.
All discharges are required to obtain a permit to discharge. There are no known permitted
point source dischargers to Little Gunpowder Creek within the project vicinity.
Summary of Anticipated Impacts
Any action which affects water quality can adversely affect aquatic organisms.
Temporary impacts during the construction phases may have long-term impacts to the
aquatic community. Both alternatives call for replacing the existing bridge with a
reinforced concrete box culvert (RCBC), therefore, both alternative will have similar
impacts to water quality. Physical impacts will be the most severe at the point of
replacement.
Project construction may result in the following impacts to surface water resources
Increased sediment loading and siltation as a consequence of watershed vegetation
removal, erosion/and or construction.
Decreased light penetration/water clarity from increased sedimentation.
Changes in water temperature with vegetation removal.
Changes in the amount of available organic matter with vegetation removal.
Increased concentration of toxic compounds from highway runoff, construction
activities and construction equipment, and spills.
Alteration of water levels and flows due to interruptions and/or additions to
surface and groundwater flow from construction.
Increased scouring of the existing channel due to increased water flows from the
stormwater runoff associated with curb and gutter systems.
It is important to understand that construction impacts may not be restricted to the
communities in which the construction activity occurs. Efforts should be made to ensure
that no sediment leaves the construction site. NCDOT's Best Management Practices for
the Protection of Surface Waters should be followed during the construction phase of the
project.
BIOTIC RESOURCES
Terrestrial Communities
Terrestrial communities within the project area are not easily categorized, since
they consist of a mosaic of areas that reflect considerable disturbance. A new powerline
easement had been recently cleared through a wooded area on the south side of SR 1108,
and another area on the north side had been recently cleared of all vegetation. However
for the purposes of this assessment, two terrestrial communities were identified within the
project area: a disturbed community and a mixed pine/hardwood forest community.
Dominant faunal components associated with these terrestrial areas will be discussed in
each community description. Many species are adapted to the entire range of habitats
found along the project alignment, but may not be mentioned separately in each
community description.
Disturbed Community
Due to the presence of residences in the project area, the disturbed community
consists of a mosaic of areas which includes road shoulders, residential lawns, pastureland,
an old garden, powerline easements, and other areas that had been recently cleared or
disturbed. Due to the patchiness of these different areas they are discussed as a whole.
These areas are dominated by either vegetation that has been planted, such as fescue
grasses, or "weedy" vegetation that is adapted to disturbed areas. Weedy herbaceous
vegetation included cane, mullen, broomsedge, milkweed, and a variety of grasses. Trees
scattered throughout this area included tulip poplar, white pine, and American holly.
The animal species present in these disturbed habitats are opportunistic and
capable of surviving on a variety of resources, ranging from vegetation (flowers, leaves,
fruits, and seeds) to both living and dead faunal components. Robins, field sparrow,
cardinal, and slate-sided junco were observed in this habitat. Few animals tend to use
these areas. However, black rat snake, Eastern garter snake, American toad, and meadow
vole may occasionally visit these areas for feeding, or pass through them on their way
from one habitat to another.
Mixed Pine/Hardwood Forest
This habitat is dominated by white oak, red oak, tulip poplar, white pine, hickories,
and red maple. Sourwood, American holly, and dogwood are present in the understory.
Shrubs included mountain laurel and several species of Vaccinium. Herbaceous
vegetation included Christmas fern and running pine. When mature, this community will
likely correspond most closely to the Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest community of the
NHP classification system.
Only gray squirrels were observed during field activities. However, white-tailed
deer, raccoon, and opossum probably utilize the forested areas. It is likely that small
mammals such as short-tailed shrew, Eastern chipmunk, and white-footed mouse are also
present in this community. Snakes that can be found in this habitat include northern
ringneck snake, black rat snake, and northern copperhead.
A wide variety of birds use the forest for foraging and nesting. Species observed
during the field survey included robin, slate-sided junco, Carolina chickadee, blue jay, and
tufted titmouse.
Aquatic Communities
The aquatic community composition, including total species number, species
richness, taxa richness and density, and species tolerance data, is reflective of the physical,
chemical, and biological condition of the water resource.
The Little Gunpowder Creek is a high gradient, high velocity, high order stream,
containing large substrata and having high water clarity. The riparian zone contained
forested areas on the southern side of State Route 1108, while on the northern side there
is a thin row of trees, surrounded by grasses and forbes.
Although fish populations were not observed during the field survey, habitat was
determined to exist for many species of smaller fish. It is likely that species such as creek
chub, shiners, bluehead chub, and highback chub are present. Based on conversations
with one of the current adjacent property owners, trout and minnows have been observed
within little Gunpowder Creek at the project area. Great blue heron reportedly feed in a
small pool about 30 meters (100 feet) downstream from the project area.
Summary of Anticipated Impacts
Terrestrial communities in the project area will be impacted by project construction
from clearing and paving and loss of the terrestrial community area along SR 1] 08.
Estimated impacts are derived based on the project lengths for Alternates 1 and 2 of 91.5
meters (300 feet) and 244 meters (800 feet), respectively, and the entire proposed right-
of-way width of 24 meters (80 feet). Table 1 details the potential impacts to terrestrial
communities by habitat type. It should be noted that impacts are based on the entire right-
of-way width and actual loss of habitat will likely be less.
Table 1
Estimated Area Impacts to
Terrestrial Communities
Community Impacted Area in hectares (acres)
Alternative I Alternative 2
Disturbed Community 0.18 (0.45) 0.33 (0.83)
Mixed Pine/Hardwood Forest 0.0 (0.0) .26 (0.64)
Total Impacts 0. l 8 (0.45) 0.59(l.47)
Destruction of natural communities along the project alignment will result in the
loss of foraging and breeding habitats for the various animal species which utilize the area.
Animal species within the communities will be displaced into surrounding communities.
Adult birds, mammals, and some reptiles are mobile enough to avoid mortality during
construction. Young animals and less mobile species, such as many amphibians, may
suffer direct loss during construction. Plants and animals found in these communities are
generally common throughout North Carolina.
Impacts to terrestrial communities, particularly in locations having steep to
moderate slopes, can result in the aquatic community receiving heavy sediment loads as a
consequence of erosion. It is important to understand that construction impacts may not
be restricted to the communities in which the construction activity occurs, but may affect
downstream communities. Efforts should be made to ensure that no sediment leaves the
construction site.
Aquatic habitat will be lost by the placement of the RCBC in the stream bed.
Additional impacts to aquatic communities include fluctuations in water temperatures due
to the loss of riparian vegetation. Shelter and food resources, both in the aquatic and
terrestrial portions of these organisms' life cycles, will be affected by losses in the
terrestrial communities. The loss of aquatic plants and animals will affect terrestrial fauna
which rely on them as a food source.
Temporary and permanent impacts to aquatic organisms may result from increased
sedimentation. Aquatic invertebrates may drift downstream during construction and
recolonize the disturbed area once it has been stabilized. Sediments have the potential to
affect fish and other aquatic life in several ways, including the clogging and abrading of
gills and other respiratory surfaces; affecting the habitat by scouring and filling of pools
and riffles; altering water chemistry; and smothering= different life stages. Increased
sedimentation may caused decreased light penetration through an increase in turbidity.
In order to minimize effects of runoff on the stream water quality, wet concrete
should not come into contact with surface waters during construction. Potential adverse
effects can be minimized through the utilization of erosion and sediment control measures
and implementation of NCDOT Best Management Practices for Protection of Surface
Waters.
JURISDICTIONAL TOPICS
Waters of the United States
Wetlands and surface waters fall under the broad category of "Waters of the
United States" as defined in 33 CFR 328.3 and in accordance with provisions of Section
404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344), and are regulated by the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers (COE). Any action that proposes to dredge or place fill material into surface
waters or wetlands falls under these provisions.
Characteristics of Wetlands and Surface Waters
A small jurisdictional wetland associated with the spring and its drainage is
present at the western end of the project area. Vegetation associated with this wetland
included rush, umbrella sedge, and Ludwigia spp.. Surface water was present at the time
of the field visit and soils exhibited low chroma colors. This wetland area was typically
about 1 meter (3 feet) wide within the project area. Little Gunpowder Creek meets the
definition of surface waters and thus is classified as Waters of the United States.
Summary of Anticipated Impacts
A small wetland area will be impacted from construction of Alternate 2. About 24
square meters (260 square feet) of wetlands are present within the right-of-way associated
with this alternative. Project construction typically does not require the entire right-of-
way, therefore, actual wetland impacts may be less. Construction of Alternate 1 will not
affect the wetland area.
Project construction cannot be accomplished without infringing on jurisdictional
surface waters. Anticipated surface water impacts fall under the jurisdiction of the U. S.
Army Corps of Engineers (COE).
Permits
Impacts to jurisdictional surface waters are anticipated from the proposed project.
Permits and certifications from various state and federal agencies will be required prior to
construction activities.
Construction is likely to be authorized by provisions of CFR 330.5 (a) Nationwide
Permit (NWP) No. 23, which authorizes activities undertaken, assisted, authorized,
regulated, funded, or financed in whole or in part, by another Federal agency or
department where that agency or department has determined, pursuant to the Council on
Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the
National Environmental Policy Act:
10
that the activity, work, or discharge is categorically excluded from environmental
documentation because it is included within a category of actions which neither
individually nor cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment,
and
that the Office of the Chief En,ineer has been furnished notice of the agency's or
department's application for the categorical exclusion and concurs with that
determination.
This project will also require a 401 Water Quality Certification or waiver thereof,
from DEHNR prior to issuance of the NWP 23. Section 401 of the Clean Water Act
requires that the state issue or deny water certification for any federally permitted or
licensed activity that results in a discharge into Waters of the U. S. In addition, the project
is located in a designated "trout" county where NCDOT is required to obtain a letter of
approval from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Final permit decision rests with
the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Avoidance, Minimization Mitigation
Since this project will likely be authorized under a Nationwide permit, mitigation
for impacts to surface waters is generally not required by the COE. A final determination
regarding mitigation requirements rests with the COE.
Rare and Protected Species
Some populations of plants and animals are declining either due to natural forces
or due to their inability to coexist with man. Rare and protected species listed for
Caldwell County, and any likely impacts to these species as a result of the proposed
project construction, are discussed in the following sections.
Federally Protected Species
Plants and animals with federal classification of Endangered (E), Threatened (T),
Proposed Endangered (PE) and Proposed Threatened (PT) are protected under provisions
of Section 7 and Section 9 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended.
The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) lists two federally protected species for
Caldwell County as of August 23, 1996. These species are listed in Table 2.
Table 2
Federally-protected Species For
Caldwell County
Scientific Name Common Name Federal Status
Microhexura montivaga Spruce-fir moss spider E
Liatris helleri Heller's Blazing star T
Notes: "E" Denotes Endangered (a species that is threatened with extinction throughout
all or a significant portion of its range).
"T" Denotes Threatened (a species that is likely to become an endangered species within
the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant onion of its range).
11
A brief description of the characteristics and habitat requirements of each species
along with a conclusion regarding potential project impact follows.
Microhexura montiraga (Spruce-fir moss spider) Endangered
Family: Dipluridae
Federally Listed: 1995
The spruce-fir moss spider is a small [2.5 to 3.8 mm (0.1 to 0.15 inches)], light
brown to dark reddish brown spider. The carapace is generally yellowish brown. The
most reliable field identification characteristic is that the chelicerae project forward, well
beyond the anterior edge of the carapace, a pair of very long posterior spinnerets, and the
presence of a second pair of book lungs. Males of the species mature during September
and October, and females are known to lay eggs in June. The egg sac is thin-walled and
nearly transparent and may contain seven to nine eggs. Spiderlings emerge in September.
The life span is unknown, but it is thought that they may take as long as three years to
mature.
The typical habitat of the spruce-fir moss spider is damp but well drained moss and
liverwort mats growing on rocks or boulders, in well shaded situations in the mature, high
elevation Fraser fir and red spruce forests. The moss mats cannot be too dry as the spider
is sensitive to desiccation, or too wet, as large drops of water can also pose a problem.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
No suitable habitat exists in the project area for the spruce-fir moss spider. The
project site is composed of disturbed and wooded areas, and does not meet the habitat
requirements for spruce-fir moss spider. A search of the NHP database found no
occurrence of the spruce-fir moss spider in the project vicinity. It can be concluded that
the project will not impact this Endangered species.
Liatris helleri (Heller's blazing star) Threatened
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Federally Listed: 1987
Heller's blazing star is a perennial herb with an erect stem from a cormlike
rootstock. The stiff stems are purple near the base turning to green, strongly ribbed and
angulate. Both basal and cauline leaves are numerous, decreasing in size upward. The
leaves are long and narrow, with those at the base 20 to 30 centimeters (8 to 12 inches) in
length. The stems reach up to 40 centimeters (16 inches) in height and are topped by a
showy spike of lavender flowers 7 to 20 centimeters (0.3 to 8 inches) long. Flowering
occurs from July through September.
Heller's blazing star typically occurs on sandy soil on rocky summits, cliffs, ledges
and rocky woods at high elevation [1,067 to 1,829 meters (3,500 to 6,000 feet). The
plants grow in humus or clay loams on igneous and metasedimentary rock. Soils are
generally acidic (pH 4) and shallow. Sites occupied by the Heller's blazing star are
generally exposed to full sun.
12
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
No suitable habitat exists in the project area for Heller's blazing star. The project
site is composed of disturbed areas and hardwood forest and is at an elevation of 319 to
322 meters (1,050 to 1,060 feet) MSL, and does not meet the habitat requirements for
Heller's blazing star. A search of the NHP database found no occurrence of Heller's
blazing star in the project vicinity. It can be concluded that the project will not impact this
Threatened species.
13
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North Carolina Department Of
z Transportation
Planning & Environmental Branch
CALDWELL COUNTY
REPLACE BRIDGE NO. 84 ON SR 1108
OVER LITTLE GUNPOWDER CREEK
B-2937
0 kilometers 0.4 kilometers 0.8
Figure 1
0 miles .25 miles .5
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EAST APPROACH LOOKING WEST
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FIGURE 3
NORTH FACE OF THE EXISTING BRIDGE
FIGURE 4
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CONCURRENCE FORM FOR PROPERTIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR
THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Brief Project Description RE?.a.? 'oFE "J'- e'4 "J 2 trot, ovEfZ L MF-
On MA" 17;7 119-T, represcatatives of the
? ?crth Carolina Dcca: L.mcnt ofTranspor ation (?ICDO T )
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Rcuresc. ativ , DOT Date
31131-7
FHNv or the Msion Adrt[inisumtor, or other Federal A2encv Dace
Rcprc--cntativc, SHPO Datc
-State Historic Preservation Ofiiccr "Dut`
V a survey re.crtis tiuzl copy of this furn ...:d the .utz-,;hcd list «ill cti incluc.'??.
- IqkoLm
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North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
James B. Hunt Jr., Governor
Betty Ray McCain, Secretary
July 1, 1996
Nicholas L. Graf
Division Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
Department of Transportation
310 New Bern Avenue
Raleigh, N.C. 27601-1442
Re: Replace Bridge 84 on SR 1108 over Little
Gunpowder Creek, Caldwell County, B-2937,
Federal Aid Project BRZ-1108(3), ER 96-8992
Dear Mr. Graf:
Division of Archives and History
Jeffrey J. Crow, Director

E
VJUL u .1
p1VIS?G'
H1GHv' ••
FNVlRONN%
On June 25,1 996, Debbie Bevin of our staff met with North Carolina Department
of Transportation (NCDOT) staff for a meeting of the minds concerning the above
project. We reported our available information on historic architectural and
archaeological surveys and resources along with our recommendations. NCDOT
provided project area photographs and aerial photographs at the meeting.
Based upon our review of the photographs and the information discussed at the
meeting, we offer our preliminary comments regarding this project.
In terms of historic architectural resources, the house located directly south of the
bridge should be evaluated for National Register eligibility if a realignment of SR
1108 is proposed. Otherwise, we recommend that no historic architectural survey
be conducted for this project.
There are no known archaeological sites within the proposed project area. Based
on our present knowledge of the area, it is unlikely that any archaeological
resources which may be eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic
Places will be affected by the project construction. We, therefore, recommend that
no archaeological investigation be conducted in connection with this project.
Having provided this information, we look forward to receipt of either a Categorical
Exclusion or Environmental Assessment which indicates how NCDOT addressed our
comments.
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.

109 East Jones Street - Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807 g??
.,cholas L. Graf
July 1, 1996, Page 2
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.
7erely,
David Brook
Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer
DB:slw
cc: H. F. Vick
B. Church
T. Padgett