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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20010487 Ver 1_Complete File_20010328.6 t: Py py'. 1 ? 1997, T.4L8CIE1V06,S tDC`37 @?a (3 t c)(4`37 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA D DEPARTMENT OF TkANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT JR. P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 GARLAND B. GiARRETT JR. GOVERNOR SECRETARY October 8, 1997 MEMORANDUM TO: Ms. Cyndi Bell DWQ - DENR FROM: H. Franklin Vick, P. E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch SUBJECT: Review of Scoping Sheet for the following projects: Project T.I.P. County Bridge No. State Route Planning Engineer B-3267 Wilson No. 29 n? SR 1`653 ill Goodwin B-2110 Brunswick No. 62 N NC 2k 1 ill Goodwin B-3365 Richmond No. 33 SR 1124 ill Goodwin B-2951 Davidson No. 135 NC 109 ?Dennis Pipkin B-3322 Cumberland No. 36 Cir I-95B/US 301B ill Goodwin B-3179 Guilford No. 459 US 29 Dennis Pipkin Attached for your review and comments are the scoping sheets and location maps for the subject projects. The purpose of this information and the related review procedure is to have an early "meeting of the minds" as to the scope of work that should be performed and thereby enable us to better implement the projects. Scoping meetings for these projects are scheduled for I n the Planning and Environmental Branch Conference Room (Room 470). These scoping meetings will be held back to back beginning at 9:00 A. M. for B-3267 and B-2110. The remaining project meetings will begin at 9:30 A. M. in the order shown above. These meetings typically last 10 to 15 minutes per project so all attendees should plan to arrive at the beginning of th r 9:30 A. M. session as applicable. You may provide us with your comments at the meeting, mail them to us prior to the meeting, or e-mail them to bgoodwin@dot.state.nc.us prior to the meeting. Thank you for your assistance in this part of our planning process. If there are any questions about the meetings or the scoping sheets, please call the indicated Project Planning Engineer, at 733-3141. HFV/bg Attachments N n SJ/2 .S-C???2 w,?? or CvW [t._*1]!'&W* f Y 010487 3 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MICHAEL F. EASLEY DAVID MCCOY GOVERNOR SECRETARY" March 22, 2001 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Field Office 6508 Falls of the Neuse Road, Suite 120 Raleigh, North Carolina 27615 ATTENTION: Mr. Eric Alysmeyer NCDOT Coordinator SUBJECT: Davidson County, Bridge No. 135 on NC 109, over Abbott's Creek, TIP No. B-2951, State Project No. 8.160130 1, Federal Aid Project No. BRZNHS-109(2). Dear Sir: Attached for your information is a copy of the project-planning document prepar,?by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) and signed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on February 2000. The project calls for the replacement of Bridge No. 135 "in place" on NC 109 over Abbott's Creek in Davidson County. The new bridge will have 3 spans totaling 141 feet in length. A paved travelway of 24 feet will be accommodated, with 4 foot paved shoulders on each side. The new structure will be at approximately the same elevation as the existing grade. Traffic will be maintained on the on-site detour to the west of the existing bridge. The on-site detour structure will consist of a temporary bridge 100 feet in length with an elevation approximately 3 feet below the existing bridge elevation. In reference to the design permit drawings (attached), the preferred and chosen alternate will result in 0.02 acres of wetland impacts. The project is being processed by the FHWA as a "Categorical Exclusion" (CE) in accordance with 23 CFR 771.115(b). Therefore, we do not anticipate requesting an individual permit but propose to proceed under a Nationwide Permit in accordance with 33 CFR 330 Appendix A. (B-23) issued 13 December 1996, by the Corps of Engineers (COE). The provisions of Section 330.4 and Appendix A (C) of these regulations will be followed in the construction of the project. The DOT asks that the bridge replacement work to be authorized under a Nationwide Permit 23. MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: 919-733-3141 LOCATION: NC DEPARTMENT Of TRANSPORTATION - FAX: 919-733-9794 _ TRANSPORTATION BUILDING PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET 1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER WEBSITE. WWW.DOH.DOT.STATE.NC.US RALEIGH NC RALEIGH NC 27699-1548 41, It It is anticipated that a 401 General Water Quality Certification for an approved CE will apply to this project. The NCDOT will follow general conditions on permit, Section 404 Nationwide 23. A copy of the CE document has been provided to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality (DWQ), for their review. The DOT is requesting that the WRC provide comments to the COE concerning permit requests. It is anticipated that construction of a temporary work pad will be authorized under a Section 404 Nationwide Permit 33 (Temporary Construction Access and Dewatering). The DOT is therefore requesting the issuance of a Nationwide Permit authorizing the construction of the causeway. Enclosed are construction drawings of the temporary causeway and a completed preconstruction notification form for a Nationwide Permit 33 and General Water Quality Certification. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact Mr. Jeffrey Burleson at (919) 733-7844, Extension 315. Sincerely, 4 LL- William D. Gilmore, PE, Manager Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch Attachments cc: Mr. David Franklin, USACE, Wilmington Mr. John Dorney, NCDENR, DWQ Mr. Tom McCartney, USFWS Mrs. Debbie Barbour, P.E., Highway Design Mr. Calvin Leggett, P.E., Programming and TIP Mr. John E. Alford, P.E., State Roadway Design Engineer Mr. David Henderson, P.E., Hydraulics Unit Mr. S.P. Ivey, P.E., Division 9 Engineer Ms. Maryellen Haggard, NCWRC Mr. Tim Rountree, P.E., Structure Design Mr. Don Lee, Roadside Environmental 3/25/96 DEM ID: CORPS ACTION ID: NATIONWIDE PERMIT REQUESTED (PROVIDE NATIONWIDE PERMIT #): 33 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: 2. MAILING ADDRESS: CITY: Raleigh PROJECT LOCATION ADDRESS, MAILING ADDRESS ABOVE): P. 0. Box 25201 SUBDIVISION NAME: STATE: NC ZIP CODE: 27611 INCLUDING SUBDIVISION NAME (IF DIFFERENT FROM 3. TELEPHONE NUMBER (HOME): (WORK) : 733-3141 4. IF APPLICABLE: AGENT'S NAME OR RESPONSIBLE CORPORATE OFFICIAL, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER: William D. Gilmore, P.E., Manager Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch 5. LOCATION OF WORK (PROVIDE A MAP, PREFERABLY A COPY OF USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP OR AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY WITH SCALE): COUNTY: Davidson NEAREST TOWN OR CITY: Thomasville SPECIFIC LOCATION (INCLUDE ROAD NUMBERS, LANDMARKS, ETC.): Bridae NO. 135 on NC 109 over Abbott's Creek in Davidson Count 6. IMPACTED OR NEAREST STREAM/RIVER RIVER BASIN: Yadkin N. C. Department of Transportation Abbott's Creek 7a. IS PROJECT LOCATED NEAR WATER CLASSIFIED AS TROUT, TIDAL SALTWATER (SA), HIGH QUALITY WATERS (HQW), OUTSTANDING RESOURCE WATERS (ORW), .y WATER SUPPLY (WS-I OR WS-II)? YES [ ] NO [X] IF YES, EXPLAIN: 1 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? N/A 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: N/A 9b. ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBER OF ACRES OF WETLANDS LOCATED ON PROJECT SITE: 0.5 10a. NUMBER OF ACRES OF WETLANDS IMPACTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT BY: FILLING: 0 FLOODING: N/A OTHER: DRAINAGE: N/A 10b. (1) STREAM CHANNEL TO RELOCATED, PROVIDE DISTANCE LENGTH BEFORE: 90 FT WIDTH BEFORE (based on norm EXCAVATION: N/A 0 TOTAL ACRES TO BE IMPACTED: 0.00 BE IMPACTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT (IF BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER RELOCATION): AFTER: N/A FT al 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 orarv Causewa 2 11. IF CONSTRUCTION OF A POND IS PROPOSED, WHAT IS THE WATERSHED DRAINING TO THE POND? N/A WHAT IS THE EXPECTED POND SURFACE AREA? N/A 12. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED WORK INCLUDING DISCUSSION MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT TO BE USED (ATTACH PLANS: 8 1/2" ONLY): See attached CE and attached drawi OF TYPE OF X 11" DRAWINGS nca s 13. PURPOSE OF PROPOSED WORK: To install a temporary work pad to replace the inadequate bridge no. 135 over Abbott's Creek 14. STATE REASONS WHY IT IS BELIEVED THAT THIS ACTIVITY MUST BE CARRIED OUT IN WETLANDS. (INCLUDE ANY MEASURES TAKEN TO MINIMIZE WETLAND IMPACTS): The temporary workpads must be installed to install the new bridge structure. Alternates with a on-site detour was chosen that would span the entire waterway. Temporary causeway avoided_ etlands 15. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO CONTACT THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (USFWS) AND/OR NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE (NMFS) (SEE AGENCY ADDRESSES SHEET) REGARDING THE PRESENCE OF ANY FEDERALLY LISTED OR PROPOSED FOR LISTING ENDANGERED OR THREATENED SPECIES OR CRITICAL HABITAT IN THE PERMIT AREA THAT MAY BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT. DATE CONTACTED: date of letter(ATTACH RESPONSES FROM THESE AGENCIES.) 16. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO CONTACT THE. STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER (SHPO) (SEE AGENCY ADDRESSES SHEET) REGARDING THE PRESENCE OF HISTORIC PROPERTIES IN THE PERMIT AREA WHICH MAY BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT. DATE CONTACTED: December 16., 1997 17. DOES THE PROJECT INVOLVE AN EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC FUNDS OR THE USE OF PUBLIC (STATE) LAND? YES [X] NO [] (IF NO, GO TO 18) SIZE OF THE a. IF YES, DOES THE PROJECT REQUIRE PREPARATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT? YES [X) NO [ 3 b. IF YES, HAS THE DOCUMENT BEEN REVIEWED THROUGH THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION STATE CLEARINGHOUSE? YES [X] NO [I IF ANSWER TO 17b IS YES, THEN SUBMIT APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION FROM THE STATE CLEARINGHOUSE TO DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT REGARDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT. QUESTIONS REGARDING THE STATE CLEARINGHOUSE REVIEW PROCESS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO MS. CHRYS BAGGETT, DIRECTOR STATE CLEARINGHOUSE, NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, 116 WEST JONES STREET, RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27603-8003, TELEPHONE (919) 733-6369. 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 IMPJ-,TED 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? Agriculture 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. ' `UD C LJl . 6,44v- OWNER'S/AGENT'S SIGNATURE (AGENT'S SIGNATURE VALID ONLY IF AUTHORIZATION LETTER FROM THE OWNER IS PROVIDED (18g.)) 2- 2, Zv1 ATE VICINITY MAIP 1 , t Ledford Senlor 1752 High School ? 1798 1700 1753 - 1753 Ledford M Middle e PROJECT B-2954 School f 1756 1 ? 1755 ~ 1926 ?1D ACBOWS aftK BEGl1 STATE FROJECr 8-2951 BEGIN F.A. BRWS14- 109 I I EM it 1 LEGEND LINE WT LINE WT -WLB WETLAND BOUNDARY 4-6 PROPOSED BRIDGE 6 WETLAND WL 4-6 PROPOSED BOX CULVERT 6 DENOTES FILL IN 2 PROPOSED PIPE CULVERT WETLAND 12"-48' 15 DENOTES FILL IN 2 (DASHED LINES DENOTE PIPES ' SURFACE WATER PIPES EXISTNG STRUCTURES) 54 6 1c11/1lI1J & ABOVE ® DENOTES FILL IN SURFACE WATER 2 2 (POND) SINGLE TREE ® DENOTES TEMPORARY 2 2 FILL IN WETLAND WOODS LINE DENOTES EXCAVATION 2 IN WETLAND ® DRAINAGE INLET DENOTES TEMPORARY 2 FILL IN SURFACE ROOTWAD 2 ?1LLLLLd WATER » DENOTES MECHANIZED CLEARING 2 2 --- FLOW DIRECTION RIP RAP 2 T` 2-4 _ TOP OF BANK WE 2 ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNER 2 - - - - EDGE OF WATER - O 5 OR PARCEL NUMBER 2 IF AVAILABLE -? - PROP. LIMIT OF CUT F - PROP. LIMIT OF FILL 2 1 BUFFER ZONE 1 - BZ 2 --- PROP. RIGHT OF WAY 2 . BOUNDARY. 2 BUFFER ZONE 2 2 - - NG - - NATURAL GROUND BZ 2 - BOUNDARY --PL- PROPERTY LINE 2 -TDE- TEMP. DRAINAGE 2 EASEMENT - PDE - PERMANENT DRAINAGE 2 EASEMENT - EAB- EXIST. ENDANGERED 2 ANIMAL BOUNDARY - EPB- EXIST. ENDANGERED 2 PLANT BOUNDARY 2 O - - --- WATER SURFACE X LIVE STAKES X X 2 TION X X N. C. DEPT. OF TRANSPORT A E2D BOULDER 6 DIVISION OF HIGHWA YS DAVIDSON COUNTY --- CORE FIBER ROLLS PROJECT: 8.1601301 (B-29 51) REPLACE BRIDGE x135 ON NC 109 OVER ABBOTT'S CREEK , o z I- O SZ m4"m O_ C)ZLLj N J OJ V i I ?. I i W Y I Q a w I z I Q l OZ I I1 1 I I J J N LL N ? Q w aw &a 4.z ?? rV Q VIJ WZ WLL z; zw 20 . In ou 3z 9 N, z 0 ?7 ®3z ? ® x v? E. ®z I ® z 0 U 0 5 ® w ( j > I U a z 1 a V C\i r F- 1 L_Li J w O rT. W w t LL 11 e ? x ' W J ? ,t tt I r ? LLJ t I ? t I u t t I ?- I N I z I ~ I X W I e T-? Ln J N ' ( Z N 1 f 11 \ L m N I O ? ? I W ? o a 0 U z I z i= o N ? I x W J I a I a z O O O z . ? z w E- ® ? z - z ® v Z U c 1-7 ? H ® ® > m O U ? W z ? d- N W U a U] z O O U O x + CO O 1 N 0 0 O `v O + N N ll? b El z w H ® Z W ? ® O 9 G rig z ® A H w ? A a U> o A a ILA ® ? ? ? W 0 m a w N O. rn U M N a T ? Ln ?- O L.n rn o O Q o - S a L ? a ? }Q v U W? ,N ui a d w C p N I ?? Q N h- C? UN N Q Q L D V a ui V U m 01 0-1 LL- U. a) W > O J w Ld O Q V) LL C L d H -i O Q W n L ? Q M j ZI t ? U H i l l I l i l l 1 1 1 1 1 p fA N a r ?U U O N fU0 O ? N W LL U. 7 m 0 O N a r O C r O U L WU Z m y O o Co o t= cn m a= = O rn aN Z S U c+°i C C O g - M U «. N a O o) a' o r0 co y t WU E 0 co v p l O O' () a !n C ) p O 0 F E .,S a ¢ 3 r Z U. W U LL C C U C) W z _ CL W y CL _ co c 0 O . (0 LL ? Q N C S M CU = s CD ' 4 C N oa t- a M .T M ° Q c m? U a Z ?? ? g W N = a LL c 3 O U E m a? 3 O r? N C C G O LL 4) O O } Q y W U N ? v O g J E rn !n LL N N O t N N J N fA z O r O PROPERTY OWNERS SITE NAME ADDRESS I VAN E. PARKER 4337 N Highway 109 . High Point, NC 2726.5 i RICHARD DOUGLAS CALLICUT 387 Ledford Circle High Point, NC 27265 It 2 FAIRGROVE REALITY CO.INC. 304 Cedar Lodge Road Thomasville, NC 27360 col /?s?'FO-, Davidson County, Bridge No. 135, on NC 109 Over Abbott's Creek Federal Aid Project BRZNHS-109(2) State Project 8. 1601301 TIP Project B-2951 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION AND APPROVED: 2-2q-00 Date -00 Date N.C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS 01048. William D. Gilmore, P.E., Manager Project.Development and Environmental Analysis Branch Mcholas L. Graf, P.E. Division Administrator, FHWA Davidson County, Bridge No. 135, on NC 109 Over Abbott's Creek Federal Aid Project BRZNHS-109(2) State Project 8. 1601301 TIP Project B-2951 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION Documentation Prepared in Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch By: f f '??-- 00 Date Dennis Pipkin, P.E. Project Planning Engineer L_ 29-va Date 2-2`l-0° Date V V G y y,,2 / /-'7/i 0 7? 'e?QEES•S0 SEAL t' ••..r r. ° XWayne Elliott 6976 - r Bridge Project Planning Engineer, Unit Head Lubin V. Prevatt, P.E., Assistant Manager Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch 16 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS: B-2951, Davidson County Replace Bridge No. 135, on NC 109 Over Abbott's Creek Federal Aid ProjectBRZNHS-109(2) State Project 8. 1601301 1. Roadway Design Unit, Roadside Environmental Unit, Resident Engineer: Revegetation: The temporary detour structure and approaches will be removed after the new bridge is completed, and the area will be revegetated with appropriate plant species. 2. Roadway Design Unit, Structure Design Unit, Project Development & Environmental Analysis Branch (Permits), Resident Engineer: Bridge Demolition: The entire existing bridge, both superstructure and substructure, is composed of reinforced concrete. Thus, there is a potential for components of the bridge to be dropped into Waters of the United States during construction. The resulting temporary fill associated with the bridge will be as much as approximately 190 cubic yards. During construction, Best Management Practices for Bridge Demolition and Removal will be followed. Categorical Exclusion Document Page 1 of 1 Green Sheet March, 2000 Davidson County Bridge No. 135, on NC 109 Over Abbott's Creek Federal Aid Project BRZNHS-109(2) State Project 8. 1601301 TIP Project B-2951 I. SUMMARY OF PROJECT: NCDOT proposes to replace Bridge Number 135, in Davidson County. Bridge Number 135 carries Highway NC 109 over Abbott's Creek, in the northern part of Davidson County. NCDOT and FHWA classify this action as a Categorical Exclusion, due to the fact that no notable environmental impacts are likely to occur as a result of project construction. NCDOT will replace Bridge Number 135 at the existing location, as shown in Figure 2. The existing bridge will be replaced with a structure consisting of a new bridge approximately 141 feet long. A paved travelway of 24 feet will be accommodated, with 4 foot paved shoulders on each side. The new structure will be at approximately the same elevation as the existing grade. An on-site detour structure will be placed to the west of the existing bridge. The on-site detour structure will consist of a temporary bridge 100 feet in length with an elevation approximately 3 feet below the existing bridge elevation. The estimated cost is $1,586,000 including $36,000 for Right-of-Way acquisition and $1,550,000 for construction. The estimated cost projected by the 2000-2006 Transportation Improvement Program is $401,000; including $75,000.in prior year cost, $53,000 for Right-of-Way Acquisition, and $273,000 for construction. II. ANTICIPATED DESIGN EXCEPTIONS: A design exception for the vertical alignment near the bridge will be needed. At such time as the future R-2568 widening project is constructed, the profile can be improved to eliminate this exception. III. EXISTING CONDITIONS NCDOT classifies NC 109 as an Urban Other Principal Arterial Route in the Statewide Functional Classification System. The land use of the surrounding area is rural residential, with scattered small businesses. There is a public school (Ledford Middle School) near the bridge to the south. Near Bridge No. 135, NC 109 is a two lane, paved facility, 20 feet in width, with 6 foot wide grassed shoulders on each side. The existing bridge carries two lanes. Horizontal alignments in both directions are good. Vertical alignments require a design exception as noted above. Bridge No. 135 was built in 1932. The bridge is 141 feet long, with a 20.0 foot roadway width. The bridge has an asphalt overlay wearing surface on a reinforced concrete deck on reinforced concrete deck girders. The end and interior bents are of reinforced concrete. The deck of Bridge No. 135 is 19 feet above the stream bed. Two lanes of traffic are carried and the load limit is posted at 27 tons for single vehicles (SV) and 31 tons for Truck-Tractor Semi-Trailers (TTST). According to Bridge Maintenance records, the bridge's sufficiency rating is 47.1 out of a possible 100.0. The current traffic volume at the bridge vicinity is 9,600 vehicles per day (VPD), projected to increase to 22,700 VPD by the design year (2025). No speed limit is posted in area, therefore it is assumed to be 55 mph by statute. NCDOT Traffic Engineering accident records indicate there were 3 vehicle crashes reported in the vicinity of Bridge No. 135 during the three year period between June 1, 1994 and May 31, 1997. The Transportation Director of Davidson County schools indicates that there are 11 school busses crossing the bridge twice per day, for a total of 22 trips per day. Road closure would cause long delays for school busses. IV. ALTERNATES: Three methods of replacing Bridge No. 135 were studied. These alternates involve a replacement structure consisting of a new bridge approximately 141 feet in length. A paved travelway of 24 feet will be accommodated, with 4 foot paved shoulders on each side. The approach roadway will consist of a 24 foot travelway with a minimum of 8 foot shoulders on each side. The project alternates were studied as follows: Alternate One: (Recommended) - Replace bridge on existing location with a new bridge approximately 141 feet in length. Traffic would be maintained by a temporary on-site bridge placed to the west. Alternate Two: - Replace bridge on new alignment to the west of existing, with a new bridge approximately 141 feet in length. Traffic would be maintained on the existing bridge during construction. Alternate Three: - Replace bridge on new alignment to the east of existing, with a new bridge approximately 141 feet in length. Traffic would be maintained on the existing bridge during construction. The "do-nothing" alternate is not practical; requiring eventual closing of the road as the existing bridge completely deteriorates. The sufficiency rating of the existing bridge is only 47.1 out of 100.0. Rehabilitation of the existing deteriorating bridge is neither practical nor economical. V. COST ESTIMATE Estimated costs of the alternates studied are as follows: Structure Roadway Approaches Structure Removal Temporary Detour & Structure Misc. & Mobilization Engineering & Contingencies Total Construction Cost Right-of-Way and Utilities Total Project Cost Alternate 1 Alternate 2 Alternate 3 (Recommended) $367,000 $367,000 $367,000 167,000 675,000 654,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 488,000 00 00 306,000 331,000 307,000 202,000 208,000 202,000 $1,550,000 $1,601,000 $1,550,000 36,000 59,000 45,000 $1,586,000 $1,660,000 $1,595,000 VI. RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS NCDOT will replace Bridge No. 135 at the existing location as shown in Figure 1. A temporary on-site detour structure will be utilized to maintain traffic. NCDOT will replace Bridge Number 135 at the existing location, as shown in Figure 2. The existing bridge will be replaced with a structure consisting of a new bridge approximately 141 feet long. A paved travelway of 24 feet will be accommodated, with 4 foot paved shoulders on each side. Total shoulder width including grassed portion will be 8 feet each side. Where guardrail is required, shoulders will be a minimum of 11 feet on each side. The new structure will be at approximately the same elevation as the existing grade. The approach roadway width will consist of 32 feet of pavement accommodating 24 feet of travelway and a 4 foot paved shoulder plus a 4 foot grassed shoulder on each side. The project will require 1,160 feet of improvements to existing approach roadways. An on-site detour structure will be placed to the west of the existing bridge. The on-site detour structure will consist of a temporary bridge 100 feet in length with an elevation approximately 3 feet below the existing bridge. Initial design indicates that completed project will provide a design speed of 60 MPH. NCDOT recommends that Alternate 1 be constructed, in order to minimize environmental impacts, and to optimize the bridge's alignment for connection with future TIP Project R-2568. The bridge constructed for B-2951 will have a cross-section that will be compatible with the 4-lane median roadway facility envisioned by R-2568. The Division 9 Engineer concurs with the selection of the recommended alternate. NC 109 is not designated as a bicycle route, and there is no indication that an unusual number of bicyclists use the road. VII. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS A. General Environmental Effects The project is considered to be a "Categorical Exclusion` (CE) due to its limited scope and insubstantial environmental consequences. The bridge project will not have a substantial adverse effect on the quality of the human or natural environment with the use of current NCDOT standards and specifications. The project is not in conflict with any plan, existing land use, or zoning regulation. No change in land use is expected to result from construction of the project. No adverse effect on families or communities is anticipated. 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. No publicly owned parks, recreational facilities or wildlife or waterfowl refuges of national, state, or local significance are in the vicinity of the project. Construction of the project will not have a significant adverse impact on the floodplain or associated flood hazard. The elevation of the 100-year flood will not be increased by more than 12 inches. NCDOT expects utility conflicts to be of a medium level for a project of this size and magnitude. There are no known hazardous waste sites in the project area. B. Architectural & Archaeological Resources This project is subject to compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, & implemented by Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's regulations for compliance with Section 106, codified at 36 CFR Part 800. Section 106 requires that if a federally funded, licensed, or permitted project has an effect on property listed on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation will be given an opportunity to comment. Architectural Resources A meeting was held with The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) on October 15, 1998, to evaluate potential effects of the project. The existing bridge was built in 1932. The SHPO concurred that Bridge No. 135 is not eligible for listing in the National Register. Also, the SHPO concurred that there are no other historic structures located within the area of potential effect (APE) for this project. Thus, it is concluded that the project will have no effect on historic architectural resources. 4 Archaeological Resources The SHPO indicated that there are no known recorded archaeological sites within the area of potential effect, and it is unlikely that any archaeological resources could be affected by the project. Therefore, the SHPO recommended that no archaeological investigation be conducted in connection with this project. Thus, it is concluded that the project will have no effect on archaeological resources. C. Natural Systems PHYSICAL RESOURCES 1.0 INTRODUCTION The purpose of this section is to inventory and describe the natural resources which occur within the proposed right-of-way boundaries and which are likely to be impacted by the proposed action. Assessments of the nature and severity of probable impacts to these natural resources are provided, along with recommendations for measures that will minimize resource impacts. 1.1 Bridge Demolition The project calls for the replacement of Bridge No. 135 on NC 109 over Abbott's Creek in Davidson County. It has 3 spans totaling 141 feet in length. The entire bridge, both superstructure and substructure, is composed of reinforced concrete. Both the bridge rail and the asphalt-wearing surface will be removed without dropping them into Waters of the U.S. There is potential for other components of the bridge to be dropped into the Waters of the U.S. during construction. The resulting temporary fill associated with the concrete bridge is approximately 190 cubic yards. This project is classified as a Case 3 bridge demolition; there are no special restrictions beyond those outlined in Best Management Practices for Protection of Surface waters. The Best Management Practices for Bridge Demolition and Removal (BMP-BD&R) will be followed and adhered to. 1.2 Methodology Research was conducted prior to field investigations. Published resource information pertaining to the project area was gathered and reviewed. Resources utilized in this preliminary investigation of the project area include: • US Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangle map (Midway). • NCDOT aerial photographs of the project area (1:1200). • USDA Soil Conservation Service, currently known as Natural Resource Conservation Service, Soil Survey of Davidson County, North Carolina (1994). • NC Center for Geographic Information and Analysis Environmental Sensitivity Base Maps of Davidson County (1995). Water resource information was obtained from publications of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR, 1993). Information concerning the occurrence of federal and state protected species in the study area was obtained from the US Fish and Wildlife Service list of protected and candidate species (as of February 4, 2000) and from the N.C. Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) database of rare species and unique habitats. NCNHP files were reviewed for documented occurrences of state or federally listed species and locations of significant natural areas. General field surveys were conducted along the proposed alignment by NCDOT Environmental Biologists Logan Williams, Jeffrey Burleson, and Wendee Britt on 13 July 1999. Water resources were identified and their physical characteristics were recorded. Plant communities and their associated wildlife were also identified and described. Terrestrial community classifications generally follow Schafale and Weakley (1990) where possible, and plant taxonomy follows Radford, et al. (1968). Animal taxonomy follows Martof, et al. (1980), Menhenick (1991), Potter, et al. (1980), and Webster, et al. (1985). Vegetative communities were mapped utilizing aerial photography of the project site. Predictions regarding wildlife community composition involved general qualitative habitat assessment based on existing vegetative communities. Wildlife identification involved using a variety of observation techniques: qualitative habitat assessment based on vegetative communities, active searching, identifying characteristic signs of wildlife (sounds, scat, tracks and burrows). Jurisdictional wetlands, if present, were identified and evaluated based on criteria established in the "Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual" (Environment Laboratory, 1987) and "Guidance for Rating the Values of Wetlands in North Carolina" (Division of Environmental Management, 1995). Wetlands were classified based on the classification scheme of Cowardin, et al. (1979). 2.0 Physical Resources Soil and water resources that occur in the project area are discussed below with respect to possible environmental concerns. 2.1 Regional Characteristics Davidson County is in the center of the Piedmont physiographic region of North Carolina. Most of the county is characterized by gently rolling to hilly landscapes. The highest elevation is on Flat Swamp Mountain located in the Uwharrie mountain chain with an elevation of 1,180 feet. The lowest elevation is 510 feet at Badin Lake on the southern boundary of the county. The project area elevations average 228 in (750 feet). The county is drained by the Yadkin River and its tributaries, which flow south to southwest. Major watersheds are Muddy Creek, Reedy Creek, Swearing Creek, Abbott's Creek, Bushy Fork Creek, Rich Fork Creek, Hamby's Creek, Flat Swamp Creek, and Lick Creek. 2.2 Soils The project study area in Davidson County lies in the Chewacla-Congaree "General Soil Mapping Unit". The Chewacla-Congaree grouping is located in flood plains, slopes from 0 to 4 percent, is very deep, somewhat poorly-drained to moderately well-drained, fine-loamy, mixed soil, formed in recent alluvium flood plains (USDA 1994). There are three soil types located in the project area.(Table 1) A brief description of these soil types is provided following Table 1. 6 Table 1. Soils occurring in the project area, Davidson County Map Symbol Specific Mapping Unit % Slope Hydric Capability Classification Unit Ch Chewacla loam 0-1 Inclusions of Ivw hydric soils SfB Sedgefield sandy loam 2-8 Non-hydric Ile EnB Enon fine sandy loam 2-8 Non-hydric IIIe Chewacla loam, frequently flooded (Ch) is nearly level, somewhat poorly-drained soil located on first bottoms along creeks and rivers throughout the northern, central, and western parts of the county. Typically, the surface layer is brown loam about 9 inches thick. The seasonal high water table is .5 foot to 1.5 feet below the surface. Permeability is moderate. The shrink-swell potential is low. The depth to bedrock is more than 60 inches. The soil is generally unsuited to building site development and recreational uses because of the wetness and the flooding. Sedgefield sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes (SfB) is a well-drained to somewhat poorly-drained soil located in upland areas on ridges, in depressions, and on gently sloping side slopes at the head of drainageways. Typically, the surface layer is brown sandy loam about 9 inches thick. The subsurface layer is light yellowish-brown sandy loam about 3 inches thick. The perched seasonal high water table is l foot to 1.5 feet below the surface. Permeability is slow in the subsoil. The shrink-swell potential is high. The depth to bedrock is more than 60 inches. Enon fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes (EnB) is a well-drained soil located on broad to narrow ridges on uplands. Typically, the surface layer is yellowish-brown fine sandy loam about 8 inches thick. The subsoil is about 26 inches thick. The underlying material to a depth of 60 inches or more is multicolored saprolite that has textures of clay loam and sandy loam. Permeability is slow. The shrink-swell potential is high. The depth to hard bedrock is more than 60 inches. The clayey subsoil, the slow permeability, and the high shrink-well potential are the main limitations affecting building site development. Removing the plant cover on construction sites causes a severe hazard of erosion unless erosion-control measures are applied. 2.3 Water Resources This section contains information concerning surface water resources likely to be impacted by the proposed project. 2.3.1 Best Usage Classification Water resources within the study area are located in the Yadkin-Pee Dee Drainage Basin; Division of Water Quality sub-basin number 03-07-07; U.S. Dept. of Interior Hydrologic Unit is 03040103. There is one water resource, Abbott's Creek, in the project study area, which is crossed by NC 109. Streams have been assigned a best usage classification by the Division of Water Quality (DWQ), formerly Division of Environmental Management (DEM), which reflects water quality conditions and potential resource usage. Unnamed tributaries receive the same classification as the streams to which they flow. The classification for Abbott's Creek [DEM Index No. 12-119-(1), 8/13/92] is classified as WS-III. Class WS-III refers to waters protected as water supplies, which are generally in low to moderately developed watersheds. Point source discharges of treated wastewater are permitted pursuant to Rules .0104 and .0211 of this Subchapter. Local programs to control nonpoint sources and stormwater discharges of pollution shall be required. Suitable for all Class C uses: freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife. No waters classified as High Quality Waters (HQW), Water Supplies (WS-1 or WS-In or Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) occur within 1.6 km (1.0 mi) of the project study area. 2.3.2 Physical Characteristics of Surface Waters Abbott's Creek at NC 109 is approximately 10.67 in (35.0 ft) wide and ranges in depth from 0.3- 0.6 in (1.0-2.0 ft). In the study area the creek consists of a sandy loam with occasional cobble, pebble, and rubble substrate. 2.3.3 Water Quality This section describes the quality of the water resources within the project area. Water quality assessments are made based on published resource information and existing general watershed characteristics. 2.3.3.1 Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network The Basinwide Monitoring Program, managed by the DWQ, is part of an ongoing ambient water quality-monitoring program that addresses long-term trends in water quality. The program monitors ambient water quality by sampling at fixed sites for selected benthic macroinvertebrates organisms which are sensitive to water quality conditions. There is a BMAN monitoring station within the project vicinity [DWQ Site # B-10], located 0.96 miles upstream from NC 109 bridge where SR-1755 crosses Abbott's Creek. This upstream site is five meters wide; the substrate contains some gravel and rubble, but is mostly sand. During the time period of the July 1999 visit, this site received a bioclassification of Good-Fair. 2.3.3.2 Point Source and Nonpoint Source Dischargers Point source dischargers located throughout North Carolina are permitted through the National Pollutant Dischargers Elimination System (NPDES) Program. Any discharger is required to register for a permit. There are three permitted dischargers, located upstream from the project area on Abbott's Creek: • NPDES permit # NCG550247, 11/01/93, residence - Gary J. McClellan, located 1.67 miles upstream from NC 109 • NPDES permit # NCG550246, 11/01/93, residence - Thomas E. Lauer, located 1.71 miles upstream from NC 109 • NPDES permit # NCG0034452, 08/18/93, facility - Willow Creek Builders Inc., located 1.78 miles upstream from NC 109 Nonpoint source discharge refers to runoff that enters surface waters through stormwater or snowmelt. Agricultural activities along NC 109 may serve as a source for various forms of nonpoint source pollutants. Land clearing and plowing disturbs soils to a degree where they are susceptible to erosion, which can lead to sedimentation in streams. 2 .4 Summary of Anticipated Impacts In order to minimize potential impacts to water resources in the project area, NCDOT's Best Management Practices for the Protection of Surface Waters will be strictly enforced during the construction phase of the project. Impacts can be further reduced by limiting instream activities and revegetating stream banks immediately following the completion of grading. 3.0 Biotic Resources Biotic resources include terrestrial and aquatic communities. This section describes the biotic communities encountered in the project area, as well as the relationships between fauna and flora within these communities. These classifications follow Schafale and Weakley (1990) where possible. Representative animal species that are likely to occur in these habitats (based on published range distributions) are also cited. Scientific nomenclature and common names (when applicable) are provided for each animal and plant species described. Subsequent references to the same organism refer to the common name only. Fauna observed during the site visit are denoted in the text with an asterisk (*). 3.1 Biotic Communities Biotic communities include terrestrial and aquatic elements. Much of the flora and fauna described from biotic communities utilize resources from different communities, making boundaries between contiguous communities difficult to define. There are five communities located in the project area. These communities are discussed below. 3.1.1 Maintained/Disturbed This community is located on both sides of NC 109 and will be impacted by both the bridge replacement and the on-site detour. This community is made up of fallow farm fields and disturbed roadside areas. Because of mowing and the use of herbicides this community is kept in a constant state of early succession. The dominant species in this community are fescue (Festuca sp.), bahia grass (Paspalum spp.), Queen Anne's lace (Daucus carota), English plantain (Plantago lanceolata), red clover (Trifolium pratense), trumpet vine (Campsis radicans), black-eyed Susan's (Rudbeckia hirta), cat's ear (Hypochoeris radicata), daisy fleabane (Erigeron annus), wild onion (Allium canadense), ragweed (Ambrosia artemisfolia), dog fennel (Eupatorium capillifolium), pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), poison ivy (Rhus radicans), goldenrod (Solidago spp.), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and yellow poplar (Lirodendron tulipifera). A small, marginal wetland is found within this community on the west side of NC 109 and on the north side of Abbott's Creek. The 0.05 acre wetland has water-stained vegetation, low chroma soils (Munsell moist-10 YR 4/2) with oxidized rhizospheres, and hydrophytic plants [rush(Juncus sp.), black willow (Salix nigra), sedge (Carex sp.), and orange-spotted jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)). 3.1.2 Piedmont Levee Forest This community is the riparian area along the banks of Abbott's creek, between the maintained/disturbed community to the west of NC 109 and piedmont bottomland forest community to the north and south of Abbott's creek to the east of NC 109. This seasonally to intermittently flooded area is subject to relocation due to the forces of the river and will tend to be very fertile. The canopy is dominated by river birch (Betula nigra), sycamore (Platanus.occidentalis), yellow poplar, boxelder (Acer negundo), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), red oak (Quercus falcata), and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Understory species located within this community are American holly (Ilex opacca), dogwood (Cornus florida), ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana), red maple (A. rubrum), bamboo (Arundinaria gigantia) and sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua). The vine layer is composed of Japanese honeysuckle, greenbriar (Smilax spp.), grape (Vitus spp.), and poison ivy. The herbaceous layer contains Japanese grass (Microstegium sp.), violet (Viola spp.), and privet (Ligustrum sp.). 3.1.3 Piedmont Bottomland Forest This community is found in two different places within the project area (one to the north and one to the south) and are contiguous with the.piedmont bottomland levee forest to the north and south of Abbott's Creek on the east side of NC 109 to the interior of the project. The northern boundary of the northern piedmont bottomland forest community on this project joins with the dry mesic oak- hickory forest. The southern boundary of the southern piedmont bottomland forest is a fallow field. This intermittently flooded community supports a wide variety of different vegetation. The canopy is dominated by green ash, sycamore, and red oak. The understory is abundant and is made up of several species, such as, box elder, red maple, sweet gum, winged elm (Ulmus alata), strawberry bush (Euonymus americana), and ironwood. The herbaceous layer is made up of agrimony (Agrimonia parviflora), orange-spotted jewelweed, goldenrod, and knotweed (Polygonum sp.). The vine layer consists of trumpet vine, begger's tick (Bidens sp.), green briar, poison ivy, and Japanese honeysuckle. Within this community, there is one wetland on the east side of NC 109 and on the north side of Abbott's Creek. This 0.05 acre wetland contains "wrack lines", water-stained vegetation, low chroma soils (Munsell moist- I OYR 4,2), oxidized rhizospheres in the soil strata, and hydrophytic vegetation (orange-spotted jewelweed, sedge, Japanese grass, and agrimony). 3.1.4 Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest This dry-mesic community, common to the piedmont, is found at the northern-most and southern-most stretches of the project in three different locations. Two of the locations are at the northern-most boundary on both sides of NC 109 and are contiguous with the piedmont bottomland forest and maintained/disturbed fallow field. The third location is at the southern-most boundary of the project on the east side of NC 109 and is contiguous with the maintained/disturbed fallow field. These upland flats and mid slopes are commonly multiaged with gap-dynamic succession occurring sequentially. Periodic fires, silviculture practices, and periodic storms allow this community to remain in a constant state of succession. The canopy is dominated by loblolly pine, white oak (Q. alba), red oak, black oak (Q. velutina), mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa), pignut hickory (C. glabra), and sweet pignut hickory (C. ovalis). The understory is comprised of American holly, sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum), dogwood, black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), red maple, and tulip poplar. The vine layer is comprised of grape, trumpet vine, and poison ivy. Herbs inhabiting this habitat are sparce, but spotted wintergreen (Chimaphilla maculata), beggar's tick (Desmodium sp.), and rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera pubescens) may be found. In addition, wetter species, such as netted chainfern (Woodwardia areolata) may be found in moist depressions. 10 3.1.5 Agriculture Row Crop This community is planted and harvested annually for several varieties of row crops for their commercial value. The field edges and medians are kept in a constant state of early succession, due to mowing and use of herbicides. The dominant species found within this community are fescue, bahia grass, Queen Anne's lace, English plantain, red clover, daisy fleabane, wild onion, ragweed, dog fennel, and goldenrod. 3.1.6 Piedmont Perennial Stream This community consists primarily of Abbott's Creek. Aquatic insects that may be found in this community include the water strider (Gerris spp.), riffle beetle (Psephenus herricki), crane fly (Tipula spp.), stream mayfly (Ephemeroptera) and black-winged damselfly (Calopteryx maculata). Gamefish such as chain pickeral (Esox nigra), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), and sunfishes (Lepomis sp.) may occupy Abbott's Creek. Other fishes, such as shiners (Notropis sp.), golden shiners (Notemigonus crysoleucas), eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia afnis), darters (Etheostoma sp.), chubs (Semotilus sp.), daces (Clinostomus sp.), and catfishes (Ictaluridae) may occupy Abbott's Creek and its tributaries. Several other animals representing all vertebrate classes are integral parts of the aquatic system. The northern dusky salamander (Desmognathus fuscus) and the two-lined salamander (Eurycea bislineata) may occur under rocks and logs within the riverbed. Frogs preying mostly on aquatic insects are abundant in this habitat, such as pickeral frog (Rana palustris), southern leopard frog (Rana sphenocephala), and bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) also may occupy this habitat along the creek bank. Other reptiles and amphibians occurring in this habitat feeding on small fish include northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon) and snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina). 3.1.7 Wildlife The conglomeration of community types within the project area form a contiguous and diverse association of habitats, which allows for similarly complex faunal components. Because of the disturbed/degraded nature of all of the habitats in the project area, the faunal component is expected to consist of opportunistic animals able to adapt to the "edge" habitat created by human activites. Conversely, species which require large undisturbed forested habitats are likely absent from the project area. Despite the degradation of the forest areas by invasive species such as privet and multiflora rose, a vertically stratified and complex habitat with abundant food and shelter resources is available for a variety of fauna. The canopy strata provide a plethora of food items including insects, mast and leaves. Primarily bird species such as downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) yellow-bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius), ruby-crowned kinglet (Regulus calendula), golden-crowned kinglet (R. satrapa), brown creeper (Certhia familiaris), blue-gray gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea), yellow-rumped warbler (Dendroica coronata), white-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis), tufted titmouse (Parus bicolor), gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) and northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) utilize the canopy. However, grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), Virginia opossum, grey treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis or H. versicolor) and eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) also utilize this strata. 11 Bats are also important components of forested communities. The northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) and evening bat (Nycticeius humeralis) are two of the more common species that forage on forested hillsides, while little brown bat (M. lucifugus) and eastern pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus subjlavus) more commonly forage over water. Old buildings, hollow trees, or crevices under tree bark are often used as roost sites by these species. Caves and abandoned mine shafts (which are not present in the project area) are used as hiburnacula by many bat species in winter months. Many of the ground-dwelling species, including worm snake (Carphophis amoenus), southeastern crowned snake (Tantilla coronata), southeastern shrew (Sorex longirostris), woodland vole (Microtus pinetorum), and eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) are fossorial (living in burrows). Other species occupying the forest floor include the ground nesting ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus), American toad (Bufo americanus), ground skink (Scincella lateralis) and eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina). Earthworms, insects and other invertebrates constitute the majority of these species' diets. The woodland vole and the eastern chipmunk consume mainly plant material and fungi are an important dietary item for the eastern box turtle and various rodents. Top predators expected to occur here include great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), various hawks (Accipiter spp. and Buteo spp.), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and copperhead (Agkistrodon contorix). These species are important in maintaining populations of rodents, small birds and other small animals. Because of the open, relatively non-stratified nature of maintained/disturbed communities such as pasture/field and roadside habitats, resident vertebrate fauna, are generally small in size. Small mammals such as least shrew and house mouse (Mus musculus) are able to utilize the limited amount of vegetative cover of crop fields and pastures. The burrowing eastern mole (Scalopus aguaticus) and woodchuck (Marmota monax) are common in open areas bordering forested tracts. These small mammals are import ant prey items for black rat snake (Elaphae constrictor), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamacensis)* and other birds of prey. Few animals reside along roadsides because of the limited size and complexity of the habitat. Various species of birds feed along roadsides on seeds, berries and insects. Some of these species include: the northern cardinal*, American robin (Turdus migratorius) and white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis). Snakes such as the black racer (Coluber constrictor) and eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) may venture into this habitat to feed on insects and small mammals. Virginia opossum and raccoon frequently forage nocturnally in these habitats, or travel along roadways between habitats. These animals are often road kill victims. Consequently road kills attract a large number of scavenger species including turkey vulture (Carthartes aura)* and common crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)*, as well as domestic dogs and cats. 3.2 Summary of Anticipated Impacts 3.2.1 Terrestrial Impacts Table 2 summarizes potential losses to these communities, resulting from project construction. Calculated impacts to terrestrial communities reflect the relative abundance of each community present in the study area. Estimated impacts are derived based on known project lengths, 12 and the entire proposed right-of-way width of 18.3 m (60.0 ft) for the bridge replacement. Project construction often does not require the entire right-of-way; therefore, actual impacts may be considerably less. Since alternates two and three have permanent terrestrial impacts, alternate one with the temporary terrestrial community impacts would be the preferred alternative. Alternate two would be recommended as the "runner up alternate", with the less impact to biological diverse systems than the third alternate. Alternate three has the greatest impacts to biological diverse communities, and thus would be recommended as the least acceptable alternative from a natural resources view. Alternate two has a substantial acreage of impacts in the maintained/disturbed community. Also, alternate two impacts the dry mesic oak-hickory forest to a lesser extent and does not impact the piedmont bottomland forest or the piedmont levee forest to any degree. The piedmont bottomland forest, piedmont levee forest, and the dry mesic oak-hickory forest communities have greater biological diversities, supporting a spectrum of animal-to-animal, animal-to-plant, and plant- to-plant complex relationships moreover than the maintained/disturbed community. Table 2. Estimated area impacts, to terrestrial communities. Community : Impacted Area-ac(ha) Alternated** A6rnated2* Alternate 3* Maintained/disturbed 0.964(0.390) 1.422(0.575) 0.906(0.367) Agriculture row crop 0.289(0.117) 0.634(0.256) No impact Piedmont bottomland forest No impact No impact 0.868(0.351) Piedmont bottomland levee forest No impact No impact 0.152(0.061) Dry mesic oak-hickory forest 0.127(0.051) 0.344(0.139) 0.522(0.211) Total Impacts 1.380(0.558) 2.400(0.970) 2.448(0.990) *Permanent Impacts **Temporary Impacts 3.2.2 Aquatic Impacts 4.0 Jurisdictional Topics This section provides inventories and impact analyses pertinent to two significant regulatory issues: Waters of the United States and rare and protected species. 4.1 Waters of the United States Surface waters and wetlands fall under the broad category of "Waters of the United States," as defined in Section 33 of the Code of Federal Register (CRF) Part 328.3. Any action that proposes to dredge or place fill material into surface waters or wetlands falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344). Surface waters include all standing or flowing waters which have commercial or recreational value to the public. Wetlands are identified based on the presence of hydric soils, hydrophytic vegetation, and saturated or flooded conditions during all or part of the growing season. 4.1.1 Characteristics of Wetlands and Surface Waters Criteria to delineate jurisdictional wetlands include evidence of hydric soils, hydrophytic vegetation and hydrology. Two wetlands (0.10 acres total) are located within the project study area and are both found on the north side Abbott's Creek. Wetland one, described above, is located in the 13 maintained/disturbed community on the west side of NC 109 in the corner of the fallow field (0.05 acres). Wetland one will be impacted by construction of alternate one and two; however construction of alternate one will only temporarily impact wetland one. Wetland two, also described above, is located in the Piedmont bottomland forest on the east side of NC109 (0.05 acres). Wetland two will be impacted by construction of alternate three. Impacts to jurisdictional surface waters are calculated based on the linear feet of the stream that is located within the proposed right-of-way. A length of 9.14 in (30.0 ft) of Abbott's Creek and 0.01 ha (0.02 ac) of streambed may be impacted by the proposed bridge replacement. In order to minimize impacts to jurisdictional surface waters Alternate 1 would be the preferred alternative. 4.1.2 Permits Impacts to jurisdictional surface waters are anticipated from the proposed project. As a result, construction activities will require permits and certifications from various regulatory agencies in charge of protecting the water quality of public water resources. A Nationwide Permit 33 CFR 330.5(a) (23) is likely to be applicable for all impacts to Waters of the United States resulting from the proposed project. This permit authorizes activities undertaken, assisted, authorized, regulated, funded or financed in whole, or part, by another Federal agency or department where that agency or department has determined that pursuant to the council on environmental quality regulation for implementing the procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act: • 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 of Engineers has been furnished notice of the agency' or department's application for the categorical exclusion and concurs with that determination. This project will also require a 401 Water Quality Certification from the DWQ prior to the issuance of the Nationwide Permit. Section 401 of the Clean Water Act requires that the state issue or deny water certification for any federally permitted or licensed activity that may result in a discharge to Waters of the United States. Section 401 Certification allows surface waters to be temporarily impacted for the duration of the construction or other land manipulation. The issuance of a 401 permit from the DWQ is a prerequisite to issuance of a Section 404 permit. 4.13 Avoidance, Minimization, Mitigation The COE has adopted through the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) a wetland mitigation policy which embraces the concept of "no net loss of wetlands" and sequencing. The purpose of this policy is to restore and maintain the chemical, biological and physical integrity of Waters of the United States, specifically wetlands. Mitigation of wetland impacts has been defined by the CEQ to include: avoiding impacts (to wetlands), minimizing impacts, rectifying impacts, reducing impacts over time and compensating for impacts (40 CFR 1508.20). Each of these three aspects (avoidance, minimization and compensatory mitigation) must be considered sequentially. Avoidance mitigation examines all appropriate and practicable possibilities of averting impacts to Waters of the United States. According to a 1990 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the COE, in determining "appropriate and 14 practicable" measures to offset unavoidable impacts, such measures should be appropriate to the scope and degree of those impacts and practicable in terms of cost, existing technology and logistics in light of overall project purposes. Minimization includes the examination of appropriate and practicable steps to reduce the adverse impacts to Waters of the United States. Implementation of these steps will be required through project modifications and permit conditions. Minimization typically focuses on decreasing the footprint of the proposed project through the reduction to median widths, right-of-way widths, fill slopes and/or road shoulder widths. Compensatory mitigation in not normally considered until anticipated impacts to Waters of the United States have been avoided and minimized to the maximum extent possible. It is recognized that "no net loss of wetlands" functions and values may not be achieved in each and every permit action. Appropriate and practicable compensatory mitigation is required for unavoidable adverse impacts that remain after all appropriate and practicable minimization has been required. Compensatory actions often include restoration, creation and enhancement of Waters of the United States, specifically wetlands. Such actions should be undertaken in areas adjacent to or contiguous to the discharge site. Compensatory mitigation is required for those projects authorized under Nationwide Permits that result in the fill or alteration of- • More than 0.45 ha (1.0 ac) of wetlands • And/or more than 45.7 m (150.0 linear ft) of streams Impacts to jurisdictional wetlands would be avoided and minimized if alternate one is chosen. Compensatory mitigation is not anticipated for construction of this project. If a mitigation plan is required, written approval of the final mitigation plan is required from the DWQ prior to the issuance of a 401 Certification. Final permit/mitigation decisions rest with the COE. 4.2 Rare and Protected Species Some populations of fauna and flora have been in, or are in, the process of decline either due to natural forces or their inability to coexist with human development. Federal law (under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended) requires that any action, likely to adversely affect a species classified as federally-protected, be subject to review by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). 4.2.1 Federally-Protected Species Plants and animals with federal classifications of Endangered (E), Threatened (T), Proposed Endangered (PE), and Proposed Threatened (PT) are protected under the provisions of Section 7 and Section 9 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. As of February 4, 2000, the FWS lists three federally protected species for Davidson County. A brief description of the characteristics and habitat requirements for these species along with a conclusion regarding potential project impacts follows Table 3. 15 Table 3. Federally-Protected for Davidson County. Common Name Scientific Name - 'Status' E . Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Threatened Schweinitz's sunflower Helianthus schweinitzii Endangered Bog Turtle Clemmys muhlenbergii T(S/A) Note: • "Endangered" denotes a species in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. • "Threatened" denotes a species likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. • "T(S/A)" denotes its similarity of appearance to another rare species that is listed for protection. T S/A species are not subject to Section 7 consultation and a biological conclusion for this species is not required. Haliaeetus leucocephalus (bald eagle) Threatened Animal Family: Accipitridae Date Listed: March 11, 1967 Adult bald eagles can be identified by their large white head and short white tail. The body plumage is dark-brown to chocolate-brown in color. In flight bald eagles can be identified by their flat wing soar. Eagle nests are found in close proximity to water (within a half mile) with a clear flight path to the water, in the largest living tree in an area, and having an open view of the surrounding land. Human disturbance can cause an eagle to abandon otherwise suitable habitat. The breeding season for the bald eagle begins in December or January. Fish are the major food source for bald eagles. Other sources include coots, herons, and wounded ducks. Food may be live or carrion. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT The project area is within one-half mile of water (Abbott's Creek). However, Abbott's Creek is too small to support an eagle population and field surveys at the time of field investigation, revealed no sign of bald eagles within the project area. In addition, the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) database was reviewed and revealed no records of bald eagles in the project area. Thus, construction of the proposed project will have no effect on this species. Helianthus schweinitzii (Schweinitz's sunflower) Plant Family: Asteraceae Federally Listed: June 6, 1991 Flowers Present: mid September-early October Distribution in N.C.: Cabarrus, Davidson, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Randolph, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes, Union. 16 Schweinitz's sunflower is a rhizomatous perennial herb that grows 1-2 m tall from a cluster of carrot-like tubrous roots. The stems are deep red, solitary and only branch above mid-stem. The leaves are rough feeling above and resin-dotted and loosely soft-white-hairy beneath. Leaves of the sunflower are opposite on the lower part of the stem and usually become alternate on the upper stem. The broad flowers are borne from September until frost. These flowers are yellow in color and arranged in an open system of upwardly arching heads. The fruit is a smooth, gray-black acheme. Schweinitz's sunflower is endemic to North and South Carolina. These sunflowers grow best in full sunlight or light shade in clearings and along the edges of open stands of oak-pine-hickory upland woods. Common soils that this species is found in are moist to dryish clays, clay-loams, or sandy clay-loams, often with a high gravel content and always moderately podzolized. Natural fires and large herbivores are considered to be historically important in maintaining open habitat for these sunflowers. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT Suitable habitat was found within the project area; therefore, a plant-by-plant survey was conducted on July 13, 1999 by NCDOT natural systems specialists Logan Williams, Jeffrey Burleson, and Wendee Britt during the flowering season. Several Helianthus sp. individuals were seen, but no H. schweinitzii was identified. The NCNHP database has no records indicating that this species exists in the project area. Therefore, there will be no impacts to this species during construction of the project. Clemmys muhlenbergii (bog turtle) Proposed Threatened due to Similarity of Appearance Family: Emydidae Date Listed: May 01, 1997 The bog turtle is North Carolina's smallest turtle, measuring 7 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) in length. It has a dark brown carapace and a black plastron. The bright orange or yellow blotch on each side of the head and neck is a readily identifiable characteristic. The bog turtle inhabits damp grassy fields, bogs and marshes in the mountains and western Piedmont. The bog turtle is shy and secretive, and will burrow rapidly in mud or debris when disturbed. The bog turtle forages on insects, worms, snails, amphibians and seeds. In June or July, three to five eggs are laid in a shallow nest in moss or loose soil. The eggs hatch in about 55 days. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NOT REQUIRED The bog turtle is listed as Proposed Threatened due to Similarity of Appearance (T S/A). This is due to its similarity of appearance to another rare species that is listed for protection. T S/A species are not subject to Section 7 consultation and a biological conclusion for this species is not required. 17 4.2.2 Federal Species of Concern and State Listed Species There are three federal species of concern listed by the FWS for Davidson County (Table 4). Federal species of concern are not afforded federal protection under the Endangered Species Act and are not subject to any of its provisions, including Section 7, until they are formally proposed or listed as Threatened or Endangered. However, the status of these species is subject to change, and so should be included for consideration. Federal Species of Concern (FSC) are defined as a species that is under consideration for listing for which there is insufficient information to support listing. In addition, organisms which are listed as Endangered (E), Threatened (T), or Special Concern (SC) by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program list of Rare Plant and Animal Species are afforded state protection under the NC State Endangered Species Act and the NC Plant Protection and Conservation Act of 1979. Table 4 lists federal species of concern, the state status of these species (if afforded state protection), and the potential for suitable habitat in the project area for each species. This species list is provided for information purposes as the protection status of these species may be upgraded in the future. Table 4. Federal Species of Concern For Davidson County. - Scientific Name Common Name NC Habitat Status Etheostoma collis collis Carolina darter SC YES Aster georgianus Georgia aster T* YES Lotus helleri Heller's trefoil C YES "T A Threatened species is one which is likely to become endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. "SC"--A Special Concern species is one which requires monitoring but may be taken or collected and sold under regulations adopted under the provisions of Article 25 of Chapter 113 of the General Statutes (animals) and the Plant Protection and Conservation Act (plants). Only propagated material may be sold of Special Concern plants that are also listed as Threatened or Endangered. "C"--A Candidate species is one which is very rare in North Carolina, generally with 1-20 populations in the state, generally substantially reduced in numbers by habitat destruction, direct exploitation or disease. The species is also either rare throughout its range or disjunct in North Carolina from a main range in a different part of the country or the world. * -- Historic record - the species was last observed in the county more than 50 years ago. A review on November 23, 1999 of the NHP database of rare species and unique habitats shows two occurrences of FSC and/or state listed species approximately 1000 ft. to the North of NC 109 Bridge that crosses Abbott's Creek; [quad - MIDWAY, Carolina birdfoot-trefoil (Lotus helleri), survey date - 08/05/37, last observed - 08/05137, updated - 06/05/95], [quad - MIDWAY, Heller's rabbit tobacco (Gnaphalium helleri); only state listed survey date - 09/14/56, last observed - 09/14/56, update- 04/02/91, found by Ahles & Leisner] 18 D. Air Quality and Traffic Noise This project is an air quality "neutral" project, thus it is not required to be included in the regional emissions analysis (if applicable) and a project level CO analysis is not required. If the project disposes of vegetation by burning, all burning shall be done in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations of the North Carolina SIP for air quality in compliance with 15 NCAC 2D.0520. The project will not substantially increase traffic volumes. Therefore, it will have no substantial impact on noise levels. Temporary noise increases may occur during construction. E. Farmland The land use zoning in the project area allows agricultural, commercial, and residential uses, as well as light industrial uses. The bridge is located in a sparsely settled rural and agricultural region. Farms and their associated dwellings and outbuildings, as well as traditional dwellings and mobile homes characterize the area. The bridge is surrounded by Chewacla (Cw) soil. This soil is only considered Prime Farmland when it is elevated and well drained. Thus it is concluded that the project will have no effect on Prime Farmland. 19 N 0OF NOMTh North Carolina Department of Transportation N Division of Highways e ?`' Project Development g Environmental ?Fr,o? ?NSV°p Analvsis Branch Davidson Count, Replace Bridge No. 135 on NC 109 Over Abbott's Creek B-2951 Figure One r .? rv (t iy't t aun yalew _. UZ, Pit <r Abbott's Creek xf, f a V J, 0 ?Z Q? o l a? Y co C N Y 1 Q p4 ? aui? 4aleW 1,?? ????? ?^"?-., `?,?i .-?-. ?-^'? ??.r '??`. ?r '''? a .?? .?rFy? ?f?F,t?./??-.^ ??,? ? ?.,.• r ? /" !: to ti ?..?'fi?'e?i-+ ?.. w' ? ILA h ,? .a ?-?????? ? ?' w- - ? -"' -r :?.. cry cam , t ,?r? ?Fi ?a •r.• ? w, `ter '+? x`!?t' ,?r?tr3?,r?! •-:i f ^-??c '? ? t",,,,j Jlr •???./??F ?P' ?r ti .?YyJt , r`?. tea .. r?, .L'-k 'h Yi,x' 1i't tT•, of .14 Oai 3..MJ?? • ?,;, +?'i1 r. ~_ i'4 .s?. r . ,'t 4x" T. ?• 4 L? ?:. jim, ri. (??•[?'+'?-4. -r•' tY:? ,: ;1?71711-40-w W, may. = o tU ` a t E o? ? ? s y ,.., I u ?' bo Y 11 °o d `rs OEPP' - i NO MV Looking north across Bridge No. 135 Looking south across Bridge No. 135 North Carolina Department of Transportation Division of Highways Project Development S Environmental Analvsis Branch Davidson Count}' Replace Bridge No. 135 on NC 109 Over Abbott's Creek B-=951 FiEiure Three ® North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604-1188,919-733-3391 Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director MEMORANDUM TO: Dennis Pipkin, Project Planning Engineer Planning & Environmental Branch, NCDOT FROM: David Cox, Highway Project Co ator Habitat Conservation Program DATE: December 5, 1997 SUBJECT: NCDOT Bridge Replacements, Davidson, Guilford, Forsyth, and Stokes counties, North Carolina, TIP Nos. B-2951, B-3179, B-3330, B-3332, B- 3333, B-3374, B-3324. Biologists with the N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) have conducted site visits as need and have the following preliminary comments on the subject projects. Our comments are provided in accordance with provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)) and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d). On bridge replacement projects of this scope our standard recommendations are as follows: 1. We generally prefer spanning structures. Spanning structures usually do not require work within the stream and do not require stream channel realignment. The horizontal and vertical clearances provided by bridges allows for human and wildlife passage beneath the structure, does not block fish passage, and does not block navigation by canoeists and boaters. 2. Bridge deck drains should not discharge directly into the stream. 3. Live concrete should not be allowed to contact the water in or entering into the stream. 4. If possible, bridge supports (bents) should not be placed in the stream. Bridge Replacement Memo 3 December 5, 1997 avoid destabilizing stream banks. If the structure will be on a new alignment, the old structure should be removed and the approach fills removed from the 100-year floodplain. Approach fills should be removed down to the natural ground elevation. The area should be stabilized with grass and planted with native tree species. If the area that is reclaimed was previously wetlands, NCDOT should restore the area to wetlands. If successful, the site may be used as wetland mitigation for the subject project or other projects in the watershed. Project specific comments: 1. B-2951 - We have no specific comments. 2. B-3179 - We have no specific comments. 3. B-3330 - We have no specific comments. 4. B-3332 - We have no specific comments. 5. B-3333 - We have no specific comments. 6. B-3374 - It is unlikely that this stream supports trout. We have no specific comments. 7. B-3324 - We have no specific comments. We request that NCDOT routinely minimize adverse impacts to fish and wildlife resources in the vicinity of bridge replacements. The NCDOT should install and maintain sedimentation control measures throughout the life of the project and prevent wet concrete from contacting water in or entering into these streams. Replacement of bridges with spanning structures of some type, as opposed to pipe or box culverts, is recommended in most cases. Spanning structures allow wildlife passage along streambanks, reducing habitat fragmentation and vehicle related mortality at highway crossings. If you need further assistance or information on NCWRC concerns regarding bridge replacements, please contact me at (919) 528-9886. Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on these projects. North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources Division of Archives and History James B. Hunt Jr., Governor Jeffrey ]. Crow, Director Betty Ray McCain, Secretary December 16, 1997 Nicholas L. Graf Division Administrator Federal Highway Administration Department of Transportation 310 New Bern Avenue Raleigh, N.C. 27601-1442 Re: Replace Bridge #1315 on NC 109 over Abbott's Creek, Davidson County, B-2951, Federal Aid Project BRNHS-109(2), State Project 8.1601301, ER 9.8-7696 Dear Mr. Graf: We regret staff was unable to attend the scoping meeting for the above project on November 4, 1997. However, Debbie Bevin met with Dennis Pipkin of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) on December 2, 1997, to discuss the project and view the project photographs and aerial. 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, Bridge #135, built in 1932, is the only structure within the general project area that is over fifty years of age. We recommend that an architectural historian with NCDOT evaluate the bridge for National Register eligibility and report the findings to us. We recommend that no additional 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. ,no T:„, T,..,., c .-.,r • Pole;-h. North Carolina 1-7601-'-S07 A 7.-,l :,Id - ?NH5-ID9 (z Tip - ?-2u51 C:.ur , DAV IT) SIN - CO1tiCl:RRC`iCE FORM FOR PROPS %TILS `OT ELIGIBLE FOR THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES Brice Prcjcz: Dcsc:iotion e to ?f j cLn e- Nk) .1315 a n MC 1 Dq DV 2( ?rrho•?1-'S re k On C? .15 I q ?{ representatives of the ? Ncrh Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) V""** Fcdcral Hil hway Administration (FH%vA) North Carolina Statc Historic Preservation OfIicc (SHPO) Other rc,Ac,.vcd :hc subject project at A scooine mcc:im: ?Historc crchicccturcl resources chotc_*r; ph rc•: ic•x scss,cn. consultatlcn C?tr._- - -- - '.I1 ,a.,.--s :,resent ar::__.. ;f:C.'C aCC no Oro CCttiCS 0,er ti ' 'Cars oto \\'i[lal: t1:C _, S arca _ ulcrc arc orcoc:tics over n,'t• ycars aid (list :ma=te-) within the pro1cc:*s ar; ± of potcral'al CITCC:S, but based on the historical infomiation'availabic and the phetoamphs of each prepcm, prep=: lcs idcmificd as F)yi A e- ?O. 1--:? ti c ccrsidcrcd not cii2iblc ?thcrc arc no oroocrtics less than f ftv %•ccrs old %viiic`.i -.7C considered to meet Cruetc- Ccnsidcmtion G within the project's arca ofpetcnticl c=cc:_ iur varicnzt Rc2lstcr =dJ,-io n-urtncr.Vziu:ation of ti cm :s -,cczssz V. V :.SCfC afC no National ,,CalstCf-Itstcd properties within tl,c oro'cc: s arca ct _otcatlal c^cc:s lg 1cC: ?_ 1 U 15 R.ores nl VC, N DOT Dam r FH%vA, for tic Division Administrator, or other Fcdc -l Agency Datc I NA Representative, HPO Datc State istoric Preservation Of;•,Ecr 'Date s::r•c rrr.??rt is :c=aste ?, 1 1 111=1 cut, ut Qus :ur.:i a:l :!:c L:chc1'.ist •?ii, ,e ..:c!t:?c