20021455 Ver 1_Complete File_20020906

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021455
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY LYNDO TIPPETT
GovERNOR SECRETARY
August 30, 2002
Ea?
Raleigh Regulatory Field Office US& I US Army Corps of Engineers
6508 Falls of the Neuse Road / Suite 120
Raleigh, North Carolina 27615-6814
ATTENTION: Ms. Jean Manuele
Regulatory Specialist
SUBJECT: Nationwide Permit Application 23 and 33 for the proposed replacements of
Bridge No. 448 and 449 over Buffalo Creek at SR 1130 and SR 1185,
respectively. Ashe County, Division 11. Federal Project No. MA-BRZ-
1130(3), State Project No. 8.2710601, T.I.P. No. B-3107.
Dear Madam:
Please find enclosed three copies of the CE (plus addendum) for the above referenced project,
along with a protected species survey memo, project site map, permit drawings, PCN form, and
roadway design plan sheets. This project involves the removal of Bridge Nos. 448 and 449. The
new roadway alignment, as proposed, will require the installation of two corrugated steel pipes
and the use of a temporary causeway to facilitate the construction of a new brie.
PROPOSED IMPACTS
10 _ ' -2o fi
One perennial stream, Buffalo Creek (DWQ Index No:-48-9-W Class C Tr, and two intermittent
streams (unnamed tributaries to Buffalo Creek) will be impacted by the proposed project.
Installation of the two pipes will result in permanent impacts of 121.4 linear feet (0.01 ac fill in
surface water) at Site 1 and 137.8 linear feet (0.01 ac of fill in surface water) at Site 2. The
construction of the new bridge will result in temporary impacts of 0.001 ac for the use of a
causeway at Site 3. These impacts are depicted in the attached drawings. No jurisdictional
wetlands will be impacted as a result of proposed project.
Best Management Practices for Bridge Demolition and Removal will be followed when removing
Bridge Nos. 448 and 449. Therefore these bridges will be removed without debris dropping into
waters of the United States.
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 WEBSITE: WWW.NCDOT.ORG RALEIGH, NC
Causeway Restoration Plan: •
The material used, as temporary fill in the construction of the causeway will be removed after its
purpose has been served. The temporary fill area will be restored to its original contour.
Elevations and contours in the :vicinity of the proposed causeway are available from field survey
notes. The project schedule calls for a January 21, 2003 let date. It is expected that the
contractor will choose to start construction of the causeways shortly after that date. The
causeway will be in place for approximately twelve (12) months. After the causeway is no longer
needed, the contractor will use excavating equipment to remove all material. All causeway
material will become the property of the contractor. The contractor will be required to submit a
rec 1 a r Val of and disposal of all material off-site.
7-fe FEDERALLY-PROTECTED SPECIES
P ants and animals w h federal classifications of Endangered, Threatened, Proposed Endangered,
and,_.Poc?ratened are protected under provisions of Section 7 and Section 9 of the
Endangere?'Specie'°Act of 1973, as amended. As of March 07, 2002, the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service lists seven federally protected species for Ashe County (Table 1): bog turtle,
spreading avens, swamp pink, Roan Mountain bluet, Heller's blazing star, Virginia spiraea, and
rock gnome lichen. The bog turtle is listed as Proposed Threatened due to similarity of
appearance to other rare species that are listed for protection. This species is not biologically
endangered or threatened and is not subject to Section 7 consultation. Therefore, no biological
conclusion is required. The Biological Conclusions of "No Effect" for the other six species
remain valid.
Table 1. Federallv-Protected Sneciec far Ache Cnitnty
Habitat
Common Name Scientific Name Federal or Biological
Status > Survey Information < Conclusion
bog turtle Clemmys T N/A N/A
muhlenber 11 S/A
Spreading avens Geum radiatum E No Habitat No Effect
Swamp pink Helonias bullata T Last Surveyed No Effect
May 05, 2001
Roan Moutain bluet Hedyotis purpurea E No Habitat No Effect
var. montana
Heller's blazing star Liatris helleri T No Habitat No Effect
Virginia spiraea Spiraea virginiana T Last Surveyed No Effect
May 05, 2001
Rock gnome lichen Gymnoderma lineare E No Habitat No Effect
I (WA)" - denotes threatened Vue to Sirrulanty of Appearance
(a species similar in appearance to another rare species and listed for its protection).
"B" denotes Endangered
(a species that is in danger of 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 portion of its range).
SUMMARY
This project will take place in a mountain trout county. Thus we anticipate that comments from
the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) will be required. By copy of this
letter and attachment, NCDOT hereby requests NCWRC review. NCDOT requests that NCWRC
forward their comments to the Corps of Engineers.
It is anticipated that the construction of the causeway will be authorized under Section 404
Nationwide Permit 33 (Temporary Construction Access and Dewatering). We are, therefore,
requesting the issuance of a Nationwide Permit 33 authorizing construction of the causeway. All
other aspects of this project are being processed by the Federal Highway Administration as a
"Categorical Exclusion" in accordance with 23 CFR § 771.115(b). The NCDOT requests that
these activities be authorized by a Nationwide Permit 23 (FR number 10, pages 2020-2095,-
January 15, 2002). We anticipate 401 General Certifications numbers 3361 and 3366 will apply
to this project. In accordance with 15A NCAC 2H .0501(a) we are providing two copies of this
application to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of
Water Quality, for their records.
Thank you for your assistance with this project. If you have any questions or need additional
information please call Ms. Heather Montague at [phone].
Sincerely,
V. Charles Burton, Ph.D., Manager
Office of the Natural Environment
VCB/hwm
w/attachment
Mr. John Dorney, Division of Water Quality
Ms. Marla Chambers, NCWRC
Ms. Marella Buncick, USFWS
Mr. Greg Perfetti, P.E., Structure Design
w/o attachment
Mr. David Franklin, USACE, Wilmington
Mr. Jay Bennett, P.E., Roadway Design
Mr. Omar Sultan, Programming and TIP
Ms. Debbie Barbour, P.E., Highway Design
Mr. David Chang, P.E., Hydraulics
Mr. Mark Staley, Roadside Environmental
Mr. Carl McCann, P.E., Division 11 Engineer
Mr. Heath Slaughter, Division 11 DEO
Mr. John Williams, P.E., PDEA Project Planning Engineer
e.w SUTfp
?aM
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GOVERNOR
June 15, 2001
MEMORANDUM TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT: Addendum to the Natural Resources Technical Report for the
proposed replacement of Bridge Nos. 448 on SR 1130 and 449
on SR 1198 over Buffalo Creek in Avery County.
State Project 8.271060 1, Federal Aid Project BRZ-1130(3),
TIP Project B-3107
REFERENCES: Addendum to the Natural Resources Technical Report (NRTR)
by Mary Frazer, dated 9 March, 2001.
Since the last NRTR addendum, an endangered species survey was conducted on 5 May, 2001,
by Mary Frazer and John Williams. The survey was to determine if swamp pink or Virginia
spirea was present on either of the two most recent alternatives proposed for this project (as
discussed in the March 2001 addendum).
Virginia spirea (Spirea virginiana) habitat is present on Buffalo Creek. However, no spirea was
found in the vicinity of the proposed bridge crossing after a plant-by-plant survey. The
flowering period for this shrub is from late May through July.
Biological conclusion: No Effect
John Williams, Project Manager
Bridge Unit
Mary Frazer, Natural Systems Specialist
LYNDO TIPPETT
SECRETARY
Swamp pink (Helonias bullata) habitat is present along both proposed alternatives, primarily on
slopes south of Buffalo Creek, in the form of seeps and small wetlands. However, no plants
were found along either alternative after careful examination of potential habitat sites. The
typical flowering period for this plant is from March through May.
Biological conclusion: No Effect
MAILING ADDRESS:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
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
.

1193
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2 1347 PHOENIX
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VICINITY
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SITE
N. C. DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
ASHE COUNTY
PROJECT: 8.2710601 (B-3107)
REP?ACE BRIDGE #448
AND 449 OVER BUFFALO
CREEK ON SR 1130 AND SR 1185
SHEET I OF 9
WETLAND LEGEND
-WLB WETLAND BOUNDARY PROPOSED BRIDGE
WETLAND PROPOSED BOX CULVERT
C-L>
® DENOTES FILL IN
WETLAND PROPOSED PIPE CULVERT
® DENOTES FILL IN
-? -? FLOW DIRECTION
SURFACE WATER
® DENOTES FILL IN
SURFACE WATER
(POND)
®DENOTES TEMPORARY
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®DENOTES EXCAVATION
IN WETLAND
® DENOTES TEMPORARY
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• _ DENOTES MECHANIZED
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TB
TOP OF BANK
- WE EDGE OF WATER
- - 9- - PROP. LIMIT OF CUT
- - -F - PROP. LIMIT OF FILL
AM - PROP. RIGHT OF WAY
- -NG- - NATURAL GROUND
- -PL - PROPERTY LINE
-TDE- TEMP. DRAINAGE
EASEMENT
- PDE - PERMANENT DRAINAGE
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- EAB- EXIST. ENDANGERED
ANIMAL BOUNDARY
- EPB- EXIST. ENDANGERED
PLANT BOUNDARY
--•?- WATER SURFACE
X X X X
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--- CORE FIBER ROLLS
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(DASHED LINES DENOTE PIPES
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DRAINAGE INLET
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ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNER
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LEVEL SPREADER (LS)
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NCD(%.'Jl'rT
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
ASHE COUNTY
PROJECT- 8.2710601 (B-3107)
REPLACE BRIDGE "448
AND U449 OVER BUFFALO
CREEK ON SR 1130 AND SR 1185

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PROPERTY OWNERS
NAMES AND ADDRESSES
SITE NO.
2
2
2
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NAMES
Daniel W. Dollar
Eddie Dollar
Paul E. Elliot
John D. and Mildred C.
Shrader
ADDRESSES
P.O. Box 285
Warrensville. NC 28693
562 South Main Street
West Jefferson, NC 28640
157 Dollar Road
Warrensville, NC 28693
Deborah H. Walton Dollar 219 Dollar Road
Warrensville. NC 28693
Orvil S. and
Ella V. Houck
141 BC Hunter Road
Warrensville, NC 28693

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Office Use Only: Form Version April 2001
USACE Action ID No. DWQ No.
If any particular item is not applicable to this project, please enter "Not Applicable" or "N/A" rather than
leaving the space blank.
1. Processing
Check all of the approval(s) requested for this project:
® Section 404 Permit
? Section 10 Permit
® 401 Water Quality Certification
? Riparian or Watershed Buffer Rules
2. Nationwide, Regional or General Permit Number(s) Requested: NWP 23 and 33
3. If this notification is solely a courtesy copy because written approval for the 401 Certification
is not required, check here:
4. If payment into the North Carolina Wetlands Restoration Program (NCWRP) is proposed for
mitigation of impacts (see section VIII - Mitigation), check here: ?
H. Applicant Information
Owner/Applicant Information
Name: NCDOT Proiect Develooment & Environmental Analvsis Branch
Mailing Address: North Carolina Department of Transportation
Project Dev & Environmental Analysis Branch
Attention: V. Charles Bruton, Ph.D.
1548 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1548
Telephone Number: [phone] Fax Number: [phone]
E-mail Address:
2. Agent Information (A signed and dated copy of the Agent Authorization letter must be
attached if the Agent has signatory authority for the owner/applicant.)
Name:
Company Affiliation:
Mailing Address:
Telephone Number:-
E-mail Address:
Fax Number:
Page 1 of 8
M. Project Information
Attach a vicinity map clearly showing the location of the property with respect to local
landmarks such as towns, rivers, and roads. Also provide a detailed site plan showing property
boundaries and development plans in relation to surrounding properties. Both the vicinity map
and site plan must include a scale and north arrow. The specific footprints of all buildings,
impervious surfaces, or other facilities must be included. If possible, the maps and plans should
include the appropriate USGS Topographic Quad Map and NRCS Soil Survey with the property
boundaries outlined. Plan drawings, or other maps may be included at the applicant's discretion,
so long as the property is clearly defined. For administrative and distribution purposes, the
USACE requires information to be submitted on sheets no larger than 11 by 17-inch format;
however, DWQ may accept paperwork of any size. DWQ prefers full-size construction
drawings rather than a sequential sheet version of the full-size plans. If full-size plans are
reduced to a small scale such that the final version is illegible, the applicant will be informed that
the project has been placed on hold until decipherable maps are provided.
1. Name of project: Replacement of Bridge Nos. 448 and 449 over Buffalo Creek at SR 1130
and SR 1185, respectively
2. T.I.P. Project Number (NCDOT Only): B-3107
3. Property Identification Number (Tax PIN): N/A
4. Location
County: Ashe Nearest Town: Jefferson
Subdivision name (include phase/lot number): N/A
Directions to site (include road numbers, landmarks, etc.): traveling North from Jefferson
take Hwy 194/88 towards Warrensville: SR 1130 and SR 1185 would be left turns
5. Site coordinates, if available (UTM or Lat/Long): 36026' N Lat / 81 °31' W Lonq
(Note - If project is linear, such as a road or utility line, attach a sheet that separately lists the
coordinates for each crossing of a distinct waterbody.)
6. Describe the existing land use or condition of the site at the time of this application: Existing
land uses include forested, gricultural, and maintained communities. The area has a mixture
of residential and undeveloped landuse. SR 1130 and SR 1185, are Rural Local Routes,
which run through the project area with Bridge Nos. 448 and 449 serving residential uses
7. Property size (acres): N/A
8. Nearest body of water (stream/river/sound/ocean/lake): Buffalo Creek
9. River Basin: New River Basin
(Note - this must be one of North Carolina's seventeen designated major river basins. The
River Basin map is available at http://h2o.enr.state.ne.us/admin/maps/.)
Page 2 of 8
10. Describe the purpose of the proposed work: To replace inadequate bridges Bridge Nos
448 and 449, by improving the roadway alignment and constructing a new bridge
11. List the type of equipment to be used to construct the project: heavy duty construction
equipment
12. Describe the land use in the vicinity of this project: Existing land uses include forested,
agricultural, and maintained communities The area has a mixture of residential and
undeveloped landuse. SR 1130 and SR 1185, are Rural Local Routes, which run through the
project area with Bridge Nos. 448 and 449 serving residential uses
IV. Prior Project History
If jurisdictional determinations and/or permits have been requested and/or obtained for this
project (including all prior phases of the same subdivision) in the past, please explain. Include
the USACE Action ID Number, DWQ Project Number, application date, and date permits and
certifications were issued or withdrawn. Provide photocopies of previously issued permits,
certifications or other useful information. Describe previously approved wetland, stream and
buffer impacts, along with associated mitigation (where applicable). If this is a NCDOT project,
list and describe permits issued for prior segments of the same T.I.P. project, along with
construction schedules.
V. Future Project Plans
Are any additional permit requests anticipated for this project in the future? If so, describe the
anticipated work, and provide justification for the exclusion of this work from the current
application: N/A
VI. Proposed Impacts. to Waters of the United States/Waters of the State
It is the applicant's (or agent's) responsibility to determine, delineate and map all impacts to
wetlands, open water, and stream channels associated with the project. The applicant must also
provide justification for these impacts in Section VII below. All proposed impacts, permanent
and temporary, must be listed herein, and must be clearly identifiable on an accompanying site
plan. All wetlands and waters, and all streams (intermittent and perennial) must be shown on a
delineation map, whether or not impacts are proposed to these systems. Wetland and stream
evaluation and delineation forms should be included as appropriate. Photographs may be
included at the applicant's discretion. If this proposed impact is strictly for wetland or stream
mitigation, list and describe the impact in Section VIII below. If additional space is needed for
listing or description, please attach a separate sheet.
Page 3 of 8
1. Wetland Impacts
Wetland Impact
Site Number
(indicate on ma)
Type of Impact* Area of
Impact
(acres) . Located within
100-year Floodplain**
(es/no) Distance to
Nearest Stream
(linear feet)
Type of Wetland***
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

* List each impact separately and identify temporary impacts. Impacts include, but are not limited to: mechanized clearing, grading, fill,
excavation, flooding, ditching/drainage, etc. For dams, separately list impacts due to both structure and flooding.
** 100-Year floodplains are identified through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps
(FIRM), or FEMA-approved local floodplain maps. Maps are available through the FEMA Map Service Center at 1-800-358-9616, or
online at http://www.fema.gov.
*** List a wetland type that best describes wetland to be impacted (e.g., freshwater/saltwater marsh, forested wetland, beaver pond,
Carolina Bay, bog, etc.)
List the total acreage (estimated) of existing wetlands on the property: N/A
Total area of wetland impact proposed: N/A
2. Stream Impacts, including all intermittent and perennial streams
Stream Impact Site Type of Length of Impact Stream Average Width Perennial or
Number Impact* (linear feet) Name** of Stream Before Intermittent?
(indicate on ma) Impact (please specify)

Site 1 corrugated
steel pipe 121.4 UT to Buffalo 3.31ft Intermittent

Site 2 corrugated
steel pipe 137.8 UT to Buffalo 2.51ft Intermittent
Site 3 temporary 75.5 Buffalo Creek 23.0 lft Perennial
causeway
* List each impact separately and identify temporary impacts. Impacts include, but are not limited to: culverts and associated rip-rap,
dams (separately list impacts due to both structure and flooding), relocation (include linear feet before and after, and net loss/gain),
stabilization activities (cement wall, rip-rap, crib wall, gabions, etc.), excavation, ditching/straightening, etc. If stream relocation is
proposed, plans and profiles showing the linear footprint for both the original and relocated streams must be included.
* * Stream names can be found on USGS topographic maps. If a stream has no name, list as UT (unnamed tributary) to the nearest
downstream named stream into which it flows. USGS maps are available through the USGS at 1-800-358-9616, or online at
www nsgs,goy. Several intemet sites also allow direct download and printing of USGS maps (e.g., www,topozone_com,
www.mgpguest.com, etc.).
Cumulative impacts (linear distance in feet) to all streams on site: 334.71ft
3. Open Water Impacts, including Lakes, Ponds, Estuaries, Sounds, Atlantic Ocean and any
other Water of the U. S.
Open Water Impact
Site Number
(indicate on ma)
Type of Impact* Area of
Impact
(acres) Name of Waterbody

( applicable) Type of Waterbody
(lake, pond, estuary, sound,
bay, ocean, etc.)
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

* List each impact separately and identify temporary impacts. Impacts include, but are not limited to: fill, excavation, dredging,
flooding, drainage, bulkheads, etc.
Page 4 of 8
4. Pond Creation
If construction of a pond is proposed, associated wetland and stream impacts should be
included above in the wetland and stream impact sections. Also, the proposed pond should
be described here and illustrated on any maps included with this application.
Pond to be created in (check all that apply): ? uplands ? stream ? wetlands
Describe the method of construction (e.g., dam/embankment, excavation, installation of
draw-down valve or spillway, etc.): N/A
Proposed use or purpose of pond (e.g., livestock watering, irrigation, aesthetic, trout pond,
local stormwater requirement, etc.): N/A
Size of watershed draining to pond: N/A Expected pond surface area: N/A
VII. Impact Justification (Avoidance and Minimization)
Specifically describe measures taken to avoid the proposed impacts. It may be useful to provide
information related to site constraints such as topography, building ordinances, accessibility, and
financial viability of the project. The applicant may attach drawings of alternative, lower-impact
site layouts, and explain why these design options were not feasible. Also discuss how impacts
were minimized once the desired site plan was developed. If applicable, discuss construction
techniques to be followed during construction to reduce impacts.
NCDOT will adhere to the "Best Management Practices (L3MPs) for Bridge Demolition and
Removal" during the removal of Bridge Nos. 448 and 449.
VIII. Mitigation
DWQ - In accordance with 15A NCAC 2H .0500, mitigation may be required by the NC
Division of Water Quality for projects involving greater than or equal to one acre of impacts to
freshwater wetlands or greater than or equal to 150 linear feet of total impacts to perennial
streams.
USACE - In accordance with the Final Notice of Issuance and Modification of Nationwide
Permits, published in the Federal Register on March 9, 2000, mitigation will be required when
necessary to ensure that adverse effects to the aquatic environment are minimal. Factors
including size and type of proposed impact and function and relative value of the impacted
aquatic resource will be considered in determining acceptability of appropriate and practicable
mitigation as proposed. Examples of mitigation that may be appropriate and practicable include,
but are not limited to: reducing the size of the project; establishing and maintaining wetland
and/or upland vegetated buffers to protect open waters such as streams; and replacing losses of
aquatic resource functions and values by creating, restoring, enhancing, or preserving similar
functions and values, preferable in the same watershed.
If mitigation is required for this project, a copy of the mitigation plan must be attached in order
for USACE or DWQ to consider the application complete for processing. Any application
lacking a required mitigation plan or NCWRP concurrence shall be placed on hold as
incomplete. An applicant may also choose to review the current guidelines for stream restoration
in DWQ's Draft Technical Guide for Stream Work in North Carolina, available at
httl2://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands/strmgide.html.
Page 5 of 8

r
1. Provide a brief description of the proposed mitigation plan. The description should provide
as much information as possible, including, but not limited to: site location (attach directions
and/or map, if offsite), affected stream and river basin, type and amount (acreage/linear feet)
of mitigation proposed (restoration, enhancement, creation, or preservation), a plan view,
preservation mechanism (e.g., deed restrictions, conservation easement, etc.), and a
description of the current site conditions and proposed method of construction. Please attach
a separate sheet if more space is needed.
2. Mitigation may also be made by payment into the North Carolina Wetlands Restoration
Program (NCWRP) with the NCWRP's written agreement. Check the box indicating that
you would like to pay into the NCWRP. Please note that payment into the NCWRP must be
reviewed and approved before it can be used to satisfy mitigation requirements. Applicants
will be notified early in the review process by the 401/Wetlands Unit if payment into the
NCWRP is available as an option. For additional information regarding the application
process for the NCWRP, check the NCWRP website at http://Uo.enr.state.nc.us/wrD/l*ndex.htm. If
use of the NCWRP is proposed, please check the appropriate box on page three and provide
the following information:
Amount of stream mitigation requested (linear feet): N/A
Amount of buffer mitigation requested (square feet): N/A
Amount of Riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres): N/A
Amount of Non-riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres): N/A
Amount of Coastal wetland mitigation requested (acres): N/A
IX. Environmental Documentation (DWQ Only)
Does the project involve an expenditure of public funds or the use of public (federal/state/local)
land?
Yes ® No ?
If yes, does the project require preparation of an environmental document pursuant to the
requirements of the National or North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA)?
Note: If you are not sure whether a NEPA/SEPA document is required, call the SEPA
coordinator at [phone] to review current thresholds for environmental documentation.
Yes ® No ?
If yes, has the document review been finalized by the State Clearinghouse? If so, please attach a
copy of the NEPA or SEPA final approval letter.
Yes ® No ?
X. Proposed Impacts on Riparian and Watershed Buffers (DWQ Only)
It is the applicant's (or agent's) responsibility to determine, delineate and map all impacts to
required state and local buffers associated with the project. The applicant must also provide
justification for these impacts in Section VII above. All proposed impacts must be listed herein,
and must be clearly identifiable on the accompanying site plan. All buffers must be shown on a
Page 6 of 8

map, whether or not impacts are proposed to the buffers. Correspondence from the DWQ
Regional Office may be included as appropriate. Photographs may also be included at the
applicant's discretion.
Will the project impact protected riparian buffers identified within 15A NCAC 2B .0233
(Meuse), 15A NCAC 2B .0259 (Tar-Pamlico), 15A NCAC 2B .0250 (Randleman Rules and
Water Supply Buffer Requirements), or other (please identify )?
Yes ? No X If you answered "yes", provide the following information:
Identify the square feet and acreage of impact to each zone of the riparian buffers. If buffer
mitigation is required calculate the required amount of mitigation by applying the buffer
multipliers.
Zone* Impact
(square feet) Multiplier Required
Mitigation
1 3
2 1.5
Total
{ Zone I extends out 30 leet perpendicular from near bank of channel; Zone 2 extends an
additional 20 feet from the edge of Zone 1.
If buffer mitigation is required, please discuss what type of mitigation is proposed (i.e., Donation
of Property, Conservation Easement, Riparian Buffer Restoration / Enhancement, Preservation or
Payment into the Riparian Buffer Restoration Fund). Please attach all appropriate information as
identified within 15A NCAC 2B .0242 or. 0260.
XI. Stormwater (DWQ Only)
Describe impervious acreage (both existing and proposed) versus total acreage on the site.
Discuss stormwater controls proposed in order to protect surface waters and wetlands
downstream from the property.
XH. Sewage Disposal (DWQ Only)
Clearly detail the ultimate treatment methods and disposition (non-discharge or discharge) of
wastewater generated from the proposed project, or available capacity of the subject facility.
XM. Violations (DWQ Only)
Is this site in violation of DWQ Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H .0500) or any Buffer Rules?
Yes ? No
Is this an after-the-fact permit application?
Yes ? No
Page 7 of 8

P
XIV. Other Circumstances (Optional):
It is the applicant's responsibility to submit the application sufficiently in advance of desired
construction dates to allow processing time for these permits. However, an applicant may
choose to list constraints associated with construction or sequencing that may impose limits on
work schedules (e.g., draw-down schedules for lakes, dates associated with Endangered and
Threatened Species, accessibility problems, or other issues outside of the applicant's control).
Page 8 of 8
Appncanutigenrs signature gate
(Agent's signature is valid only if an authorization letter from the applicant is provided.)
021455
Ashe County
Bridge No. 448 on SR 1130
Over Buffalo Creek
Federal Project BRZ 1130 (3)
State Project 8.2710601
TIP # B-3107
CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
AND
N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
APPROVED:
Date H. Franklin Vick, P. E., Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
ems-
Date N'Qholas Graf, P. E.
Division Administrator, FHWA
SEN 6,??
t qW_;p
€? 5
Ashe County
Bridge No. 448 on SR 1130
Over Buffalo Creek
Federal Project BRZ 1130 (3)
State Project 8.2710601
TIP # B-3107
CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION
July, 1996
Documentation Prepared in
Planning and Environmental Branch By:
.L .. o'AL??
Date Jot p L. illiams
Project Planning Engineer
Date Wayne Elliott
Bridge Project Planning Engineer, Unit Head
Date Lubin V. Prevatt, P. E., Assistant Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch.
'- 001'10t11o••.•.
H CAR
.• Q VIA
SEAL
6916 ;
??'•?G??N?iNCINE???••' ???
Ashe County
Bridge No. 448 on SR 1130
Over Buffalo Creek
Federal Project BRZ 1130 (3)
State Project 8.2710601
TIP # B-3107
Bridge No. 448 is located in Ashe County on SR 1130 crossing over Buffalo
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 Program and has been classified as a "Categorical Exclusion". No
substantial environmental impacts are expected.
I. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Bridge No. 448 will be replaced with a new bridge approximately five meters (16
feet) south of its present location. Traffic will be maintained on the existing bridge
during construction. The design speed will be approximately 30 km/h (20 mph).
The elevation of the new bridge and approaches will be approximately the same
as the current roadway. The structure will be approximately 30 meters (100 feet) in
length and 6.6 meters (22 feet) in width including two 2.7-meter (9-foot) lanes and 0.6-
meter (2-foot) offsets. Approach work will extend approximately 49 meters (160 feet)
from the west end of the new bridge to tie in with the existing alignment as shown in
Figure 2.
The alignment of NC 194/ NC 88 must be temporarily shifted 3.3 meters (11 feet)
as shown in Figure 2 in order to allow for the new bridge abutment on the east bank of
Buffalo Creek to be constructed.
The estimated cost of the project is $ 407,000 including $ 300,000 in construction
costs and $ 107,000 in right of way costs. The estimated cost shown in the 1997-2003
TIP is $ 310,000.
H.
All standard procedures and measures will be implemented to avoid or minimize
environmental impacts. All practical Best Management Practices (BMP's) sedimentation
guidelines will be administered throughout construction untill all work is completed and
new vegetation has taken root.
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 Nationwide Permit # 23.
This project must be reviewed under Section 26a of the Tennessee Valley
Authority (TVA) Act. The final bridge plans, hydraulic analysis of the effects of the
replacement strcture on the 100-year flood elevation, and notice of compliance with the
Historic. Preservation Act of 1966 will be forwarded to TVA for approval.
The footprint of the temporary shift of NC 194/NC 88 will be limited to the extent possible
to minimize impacts to the wetlands in that area.
While Buffalo Creek does not presently support trout, the stream is designated as Public
Mountain Trout Water. Therefore, the following environmental commitments will be implemented:
• If concrete will be used, work will be accomplished so that wet concrete does not contact
stream water. This will lessen the chance of altering the stream's water chemistry and causing
a fish kill.
• Heavy equipment will be operated from the bank rather than in the stream channel where
possible in order to minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other
pollutants into the stream.
• Temporary or permanent herbaceous vegetation will be planted on all bare soil within 15 days
of ground disturbing activities to provide long-term erosion control.
• _ Foundation investigations will be required on this project. The investigation will
include test borings in soil and/or rock for in-site testing as well as obtaining samples
for laboratory testing. This may require test borings in streams and/or wetlands.
III. ANTICIPATED DESIGN EXCEPTIONS
A design exception is anticipated due to design speed.
IV. EXISTING CONDITIONS
SR 1130 is classified as a Rural Local Route in the Statewide Functional
Classification System. It carries 75 vehicles per day. There is no posted speed limit.
SR 1130 is a dead end road serving a few residences.
The existing bridge was completed in 1959. It is 20 meters (66 feet) long. There
are approximately 3.3 meters (11 feet) of vertical clearance between the bridge deck and
streambed. The deck has 3.6 meters (12 feet) of bridge roadway width providing one lane
for traffic on the bridge.
According to Bridge Maintenance Unit records, the sufficiency rating of the
bridge is 11.6 out of a possible 100. Presently the bridge is posted 16 tons for single
vehicles and posted 22 tons for truck-tractor semi-trailers.
As seen in Figure 2, the horizontal alignment to the west of the bridge along
SR 1130 is fair. The east end of the bridge forms an intersection with NC 88/ NC 194.
To the east of the bridge, the vertical alignment is relatively flat. To the west of the
bridge, the alignment climbs slowly up the side of the valley. SR 1130 is unpaved and
approximately 3 meters (10 feet) wide. The approach shoulders on the east and west
ends of the bridge are approximately 1.2 meters (4 feet) wide.
Traffic volume is currently 75 vehicles per day (VPD) and projected at 90 VPD
for the year 2020.
2
Consultation with the Traffic Engineering Branch indicates that no accidents have
been reported within the last three years in the vicinity of the project.
There are no school bus crossings over the studied bridge.
Utilities impacts are associated with the temporary shift of NC 194/NC 88. There
are several telephone poles, a well, and a septic field which will be effected.
V. PROPOSED ALTERNATIVES
There is only one feasible build alternative. Bridge No. 448 will be replaced with
a new bridge approximately 5 meters (16 feet) south of its present location. Traffic will
be maintained on the existing bridge during construction. The alignment of NC 194/ NC
88 will be temporarily shifted to allow for construction of the bridge abutment. The
design speed for SR 1130 will be approximately 30 km/h (20 mph).
Realigning to the north was not considered because it would have affected a
residence and also required relocating several hundred feet of a tributary parallel to the
exising alignment. A connector roadway between SR 1130 and SR 1185 was studied and
eliminated due to cost, indirect travel, and environmental impacts. Maintaining traffic
with a temporary bridge and replacing in place was considered to be to costly relative to
the proposed alternate. Therefore, neither of these alternates is evaluated in this
document.
"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.
COMPONENT COST
New Bridge Structure $ 141,000
Bridge Removal $ 7,000
Roadway & Approaches $ 91,000
Temporary Alignment Shift $ 21,000
of NC 194/ NC 88
Engineering & Contingencies $ 40,000

Total Construction $ 300,000
Right of Way $ 107,000
Total Cost $ 407,000
Note: Mobilization & Miscellaneous are incorporated into the construction costs above.
VII. RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS
Bridge No. 448 will be replaced with a new bridge approximately 5 meters
(16 feet) south of its present location. Traffic will be maintained on the existing bridge
during construction. The design speed will be approximately 30 km/h (20 mph).
The elevation of the new bridge and approaches will be approximately the same as
the current roadway. The structure will be approximately 30 meters (100 feet) in length
and 6.6 meters (22 feet) in width including two 2.7-meter (9-foot) lanes and 0.6-meter
(2-foot) offsets.
Approach work will extend approximately 49 meters (160 feet) from the west end
of the new bridge to tie in with the existing alignment as shown in Figure 2. The project
has been designed with the intention that the building immediately west of the bridge will
not be taken as a result of the new alignment. The approaches will include two 2.7-meter
(9-foot) lanes and 2.2-meter (7-foot) grassed shoulders to accommodate guardrail. The
shoulder will taper down to 0.6 meters (2 feet) where guardrail is not required. The entire
typical section will continue to taper until it matches the existing roadway width at the tie
in.
The alignment of NC 194/ NC 88 must be temporarily shifted 3.3 meters (11 feet)
as shown in Figure 2 in order to allow for the new bridge abutment on the east bank of
Buffalo Creek to be constructed. The shifted alignment will include guardrail.
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. 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.
4
The proposed bridge replacement project will not raise the existing flood levels or
have any significant adverse effect on the existing floodplain.
NCDOT anticipates impacting approximately twenty powerline poles. This
accounts for $ 70,000 of the estimated $ 107,000 of right-of-way costs.
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 Ashe 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 Farmland Protection Policy Act requires all federal agencies or their
representatives, to consider the impact of land acquisition and construction projects on
prime and important farmland soils. These soils are determined by the U.S. Soil
Conservation Service (SCS) based on criteria such as crop yield and level of input of
economic resources. The SCS was asked to determine whether the alternatives under
consideration will impact prime or important farmland soils.
The soils affected by the project were rated at the highest relative value of 100
points on a Land Evaluation Criterion scale of 0 to 100 points by the SCS. Only two
percent of the farmland in Ashe County is rated at the same or higher relative value.
There are 0.90 total acres to be converted directly by the proposed project. The
total site assessment score for the conversion of farmland was less than 160. The
Department of Agriculture has established a threshold of 160 points as the level at which
other alternatives or mitigation measures should be constructed.
D. HISTORICAL EFFECTS & ARCHAEOLOGICAL EFFECTS
An archaeological investigation was completed for this project resulting in no
archaeological sites identified within the project's Area of Potential Effect. A similar
architectural survey was completed resulting in no structures (including the pony truss
bridge) on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Attached to this
document is a letter and a concurrence form stating that the Department of Cultural
Resources concurs in these conclusions.
E. NATURAL RESOURCES
Physical Resources
Soil and water resources, which occur in the study area, are discussed below. Soil
types and availability of water directly influence composition and distribution of flora and
fauna in any biotic community.
Ashe County lies in the Blue Ridge Mountain physiographic province. The .
topography of Ashe County is characterized by hills and mountains as the entire county is
drained by New River and its tributaries. The mean sea level (msl) elevation of the project
study area is 849.3 meters (2800.0 feet).
Soils
Two specific soil types, Chandler loam and Tusquittee loam, are found within the
project area. Chandler loam soils are somewhat excessively drained, having a percent slope
of 25-65 and a rapid surface runoff. Chandler loam is a non- hydric soil.
Tusquittee loam soils are well drained and occur in coves and drainage ways. These
soils have a high organic content and moderate surface runoff with a percent slope of 8-15.
Tusquittee loam soils have a "B" hydric classification which denotes the presence of hydric
soil inclusions. or wet spots.
7+
Waters Impacted and Characteristics
Buffalo Creek is the only water resource located in the project study area. Buffalo
Creek originates 9.7 kilometers (6.0 miles) south of the study area near Bluff Mountain and
flows in a northly direction to its confluence with the North Fork New River approximately
3.2 kilometers (2.0 miles) downstream. Dimensions of Buffalo Creek are 6.1 meters
(20.0 feet) in width and 0.9 meters (3.0 feet) in depth. The stream has a fast flow rate, and
its substrate varies from cobble and pebble to silt and sand.
Best Usage Classification
Streams have been assigned a best usage classification by the Division of
Environmental Management (DEM). The DEM has designated Buffalo Creek a "C Tr
stream. The "C" (Class C) designation refers to waters suitable for aquatic life propagation
and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation and agriculture; "Tr" (Trout water) is a
supplemental water classification including waters suitable for natural trout propagation and
maintenance of stocked trout. The "+" symbol identifies waters subject to special
management strategy in order to protect downstream waters designated as Outstanding
Resource Waters (ORW).
Neither High Quality Waters (HQW) nor Water Supplies (WS-I or WS-II) occur
within 1.6 kilometers (1.0 mile) of project study area.
Water Quality
The Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN) is managed by DEM
and is part of an ongoing ambient water quality monitoring program which addresses long
term trends in water quality. The program assesses water quality by sampling for selected
benthic macroinvertebrate organisms at fixed monitoring sites. Macroinvertebrates are
6
sensitive to very subtle changes in water quality; thus, the species richness and overall
biomass are reflections of water quality. A monitoring site located 5.6 kilometers
(3.5 miles) upstream of the project study area received a BMAM rating of GOOD in a July
1986 sampling.
Point source dischargers located throughout North Carolina are permitted through
the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. Any discharger is
required to register for a permit. Two permitted dischargers are located on Buffalo Creek.
The nearest discharge occurs approximately 0.5 kilometers (0.3 miles) upstream of the
study area. The design flow of this discharger is 400.0 gallons per day (GPD). The next
discharge lies approximately 6.4 kilometers (4.0 miles) upstream of the project and releases
10,000 GPD of wasterwater. Both dischargers release domestic wastewater.
Summary of Anticipated Impacts
The proposed project will impact Buffalo Creek in several manners. Streamside
vegetation will be removed/ buried through construction activities (ie., placement of fill
material, grading, etc.) for new roadway approaches to the bridge. Machinery from bridge
construction and removal will increase concentrations of toxic compounds (oil, gas, etc.) in
and around Buffalo Creek. Streamside vegetation not only holds the soil but filters water
and other solubles before reaching any water resource. Without the vegetation, these
compounds flow into the stream thereby adversely altering the water quality of Buffalo
Creek.
The removal of streamside vegetation, when coupled with soil compaction from
construction machinery, presents several problems for Buffalo Creek. These modifications
of the streamside environment increase sedimentation and erosion. Scouring of the
streambank may occur and drastically reshape the streamside landscape. Scour would
intensify stormwater runoff into Buffalo Creek and would result in streambank particles and
other substances being carried directly into the water resource. With the greater influx of
sediments from these processes, the stream has the potential for greater turbidity, which
may exist for extended periods of time.
The proposed project is likely to require the installation of two piles into the stream
substrate. The new piles, when coupled with Buffalo Creek's fast flow rate, may result in
channelization of the substrate. Scouring around the piles may occur over time with
sediment deposition downstream of the piles. Disruption of the substrate can degrade the
water quality at the site as well as downstream.
Biotic Resources
Terrestrial Communities
Three distinct terrestrial communities have been identified in the project study area:
disturbed community, hardwood forest and riparian scrub/shrub community. Many faunal
species are highly adaptive and may populate the entire range of terrestrial communities
discussed.
7
Disturbed Community
The disturbed community involves those habitats frequently disrupted by human
activities. This community type can be divided into three subtypes; roadside, fallow field
and residential.
The roadside habitats consist of areas regularly and irregularly maintained. Fescue
predominates the vegetation found in the maintained areas. Irregularly maintained areas
found on slope embankments and ditches have vegetation such as fescue, clover and poison
ivy. Trees and shrubs present here include tulip poplar, green ash, red maple and hickory.
Two fallow field habitats occur within the study area. One field lies west of the
stream, and this habitat will be impacted by the new alignment of SR 1130. Field vegetation
includes vetch, clover, asters and plantain . The second field habitat lies in front of the
house to be impacted by the temporary shift of NC 194/NC 88. This field classifies as a
jurisdictional wetland with hydrophytic vegetation found here including black willow,
swamp dogwood, rush and impatiens. Other vegetation growing here includes grape, asters
and Virginia creeper.
The broad-winged hawk may be seen descending from its perch to catch small
mammals such as eastern cottontails. Other birds found here include red- winged blackbird,
indigo bunting and grasshopper sparrow.
Other wildlife commonly found in disturbed habitats include the black rat snake,
black racer. and American toad.
Hardwood Forest
A hardwood forest lies east of the existing bridge and a small portion of this forest
will likely be impacted. Wildlife probably utilize this small tract of forest as a corridor to
access other communities. The dominant canopy constituents are rock chestnut oak and
black locust with red maple and black cherry interspersed. Rhododendron and flowering
dogwood compose the sub-canopy. Other vegetative components found along the fringe of
this community include Christmas fern , impatiens and asters. Wildlife potentially found
utilizing this hardwood stand include white-tailed deer, raccoon and ruffed grouse.
Riparian Scrub/Shrub Community
The riparian scrub/shrub community exists along the steep embankment of the
Buffalo Creek. The Buffalo Creek flows so swiftly that few, if any, sediments and nutrients
are deposited along the banks. Black willow, box elder, dogwood and elderberry grow very
frequently along the stream embankments. Blackberry dominates some areas. Other
vegetative representatives are asters, graminoids, grape, and impatiens.
Louisiana waterthrush nests along in the steep banks of fast-flowing rocky'streams
during the summer months. The yellow-breasted chat may also build its nest in thickets of
blackberry or saplings.
Other faunal species often found at stream edges include the northern water snake,
Fowler's toad and bullfrog. Bullfrogs primarily forage on insects and sometimes small
vertebrates such as hairy-tailed moles.
Aquatic Communities
One aquatic community type, Mountain Perennial Stream, will be impacted by the
proposed project. Physical characteristics of the water bodies and conditions of the water
resources reflect faunal composition of the aquatic communities. Terrestrial communities
adjacent to a water resource also greatly influence aquatic communities.
The cold, rocky waters of mountain streams and areas surrounding these streams
provide habitat for a variety of amphibians, including seal salamander, blackbelly salamander
and spring salamander. Seal and spring salamanders are commonly found along streamside
edges. Large insects and worms are the dietary items of the spring salamander.
Fish likely to occur in this mountain stream include rainbow trout, brook trout,
smallmouth bass, central stoneroller, New River shiner, bluehead chub, blacknose dace, and
rosyside dace. Rainbow trout, brook trout and smallmouth bass are popular sport fish.
Rainbow trout have been introduced to provide greater sport fishing. Brook trout have a
diverse diet feeding primarily on aquatic insects and occasionally other fishes.
Summary of Anticipated Impacts
Construction of the subject project will have various impacts on the biotic resources
described. Any construction related activities in or near these resources have the potential
to impact biological functions. This section quantifies and qualifies impacts to the natural
resources in terms of area impacted and ecosystems affected. Temporary and permanent
impacts are considered here as well.
Impacts to Terrestrial Communities
Calculated impacts to terrestrial resources reflect the relative abundance of each
community present in the study area. Project construction will result in clearing and
degradation of portions of these communities. Table 4 summarizes potential quantitative
losses to these biotic communities, resulting from project construction. Estimated impacts
are derived using the entire proposed right of way width of 24.0 m (80.0 ft). Usually,
project construction does not require the entire right of way; therefore, actual impacts may
be considerably less.
Table 2. Anticipated Impacts to Biotic Communities
COMMUNITY TYPE
Disturbed
Hardwood Forest
Riparian Scrub/Shrub
Mountain Stream
TOTAL IMPACTS
AREA IMPACTED
0.2 (0.6)
<0.1 (<O.1)
<0.1 (<O.1)
<0.1 (<O.1)
0.3 (0.8)
Note: Values cited are in hectares (acres).
Plant communities found within the study area serve as foraging, nesting and
sheltering habitat for various wildlife. Impacts to biotic communities will have minimal
impacts on faunal species because new bridge construction will occur primarily to disturbed
communities. These impacts to faunal species are considered minimal because species are
very adaptable and prefer disturbed habitats. Dispersion of mobile wildlife from the study
area will occur from construction work; however, less mobile species may be lost as a result
of the proposed project. Animals temporarily displaced by construction activities will
repopulate areas suitable for the species. This displacement of animals, whether temporary
or permanent, may result in an increase, or possibly a decrease, of competition for the
remaining resources.
Terrain modified by construction (but not paved) will become road shoulders and
early successional habitat. These post-construction habitats will attract wildlife suitable to
these areas. After bridge removal, the area associated with the existing bridge will
revegetate over time to a riparian scrub/shrub community. This community will in time
provide habitat for wildlife adapted to a such an area.
Impacts to Aquatic Communities
Aquatic communities are sensitive to even small changes in their environment.
Stream channelization, scouring, siltation, sedimentation and erosion from construction-
related work will effect water quality and biological constituents. Although direct impacts
may be temporary, environmental impacts from these construction processes may result in
long term or irreversible effects.
Alterations in the aquatic communities will result from the new location bridge
construction. In-stream construction modifies the stream substrate and may remove
streamside vegetation at the site. Disturbances to the substrate will produce siltation which
cloggs the gills and/or feeding mechanisms of benthic organisms (sessile filter-feeders and
deposit-feeders), fish and amphibian species. Benthic organisms can also be covered by
excessive amounts of sediment. These organisms are slow to recover or repopulate a
stream. Turbidity, another effect of siltation, reduces light penetration thus decreasing the
growth of aquatic vegetation. Suppression of aquatic vegetation effects aquatic organisms
which feed on these aquatic plants. In turn, this inhibition of aquatic vegetation would
indirectly impact those terrestrial wildlife which forage on aquatic fauna.
The removal of streamside vegetation and placement of fill material at the
construction site will modify the riparian landscape. Alterations of the streamside enhance
the likelihood of erosion and sedimentation. Revegetation stabilizes and holds the soil thus
reducing these processes. Erosion and sedimentation carry soils, toxic compounds and other
materials into aquatic communities at the construction site. These processes magnify
turbidity which can affect the growth of vegetation. Streamside alterations also lead to
more direct sunlight penetration and to elevations of water temperatures which may impact
many species.
BW's and sedimentation guidelines will be administered throughout construction
untill all work is completed and new vegetation has taken root. This will help in reducing
the wash of sediment and toxic compounds into water resources.
10
Jurisdictional Tonics
This section provides descriptions, inventories and impact analysis pertinent to two
important issues--rare and protected species, and Waters of the United States.
Waters of the United States
Surface waters and wetlands fall under the broad category of "Waters of the United
States," as defined in Section 33 of the Code of Federal Register (CFR) Part 328.3.
Wetlands, are those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a
frequency and duration sufficient to support, and under normal circumstances do support, a
prevalence of vegetation typically adapted to life in saturated conditions. Any action that
proposes to place fill into these areas falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (COE) under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) (33 U.S.C. 1344).
Characteristics of Jurisdictional Wetlands
Criteria to delineate jurisdictional wetlands include evidence of hydric soils,
hydrophytic vegetation and hydrology. One jurisdictional wetland is located within the
project study area and will be impacted by the temporary shift in NC 88 to accommodate
new bridge construction. Soil indicators are 10YR 5/1 (gray) with oxygenated
rhizospheres. Other evidence includes saturation to surface and the presence of hydrophytic
vegetation.
Two mechanisms are currently being used to evaluate wetlands; a classification
system developed by Cowardin, et al (1979) and a numerical rating system developed by
DEM. The Cowardin system provides a uniform approach in describing concepts and terms
used in classifying ecological taxa found within a wetland system. The Cowardin
classification of this site is PSS613. This classification is interpreted as palustrine (P),
scrub/shrub (SS) habitat with deciduous vegetation (6). The water regime is saturated (B).
The DEM rating system gauges wetland quality using a numerical rating system (0-
100 with 100 being the highest value). This wetland rating system (Fourth Version)
emphasizes water storage, bank/shoreline stabilization, pollutant removal and aquatic life
values. Other wetland attributes considered in this rating system include wildlife habitat and
recreational/educational values. The rating of this wetland site is 18.
Summary of Anticipated Impacts
The proposed project will impact less than 0.1 hectares (0.1 acres) both surface
waters and jurisdictional wetlands. The wetland impact results from the temporary shift in
NC 88 to accommodate the construction of the new bridge.
Permits.
Impacts to jurisdictional wetlands and surface waters are anticipated. In accordance
with provisions of section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344), a permit will be
required from the COE for the discharge of dredged or fill material into "Waters of the
United States."
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
11
the pursuant to the council on environmental quality regulation for implementing the
procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act:
(1) 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;
(2) that the office of the Chief of Engineers has been furnished notice of the agency's or
department's application for the categorical exclusion and concurs with that
determination.
In addition, this project will also require a 401 Water Quality General Certification
from the DEM prior to the issuance of a Nationwide Permit. Section 401 of the CWA
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.
The proposed project occurs within a designated "Trout" county. The authorization
of a nationwide permit by the COE is conditioned upon the concurrence of the Wildlife
Resource Commission (WRC). Final decisions concerning applicable permits for the
subject project rests with the COE.
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
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 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
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 of median
widths, ROW widths, fill slopes and/or road shoulder widths. Other practical mechanisms
to minimize impacts to Waters of the United States crossed by the proposed project include:
strict enforcement of sedimentation control BMP's for the protection of surface waters
during the entire life of the project; reduction of clearing and grubbing activity; reduction/
elimination of direct discharge into streams; reduction of runoff velocity; reestablishment of
12
vegetation on exposed areas, with judicious pesticide and herbicide usage; minimization of .
"in-stream" activity; and litter/debris control.
The footprint of the temporary shift of NC 88 will be limited to the extent possible.
Compensatory Mitigation
Compensatory mitigation is 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 which remain after all appropriate
and practicable minimization has been required. Compensatory actions often include
restoration, creation and enhancement of Waters of the United States. Such actions should
be undertaken in areas adjacent to or contiguous to the discharge site.
Authorizations under Nationwide Permits usually do not require compensatory
mitigation according to the 1989 MOA between the EPA and the COE. Final decisions
concerning compensatory mitigation rest with the COE.
Rare and Protected Species
Some populations of fauna and flora have been in, or are in, the process of decline
either due to natural forces or their inability to coexist with man. Federal law (under the
provisions of the Endangered Species Act [ESA] of 1973, as amended) requires that any
action, likely to adversely affect a species classified as federally-protected, be subject to
review by the Fish and Wildlife (FWS). Other species may receive additional protection
under separate state laws.
Federally-Protected Species
Plants and animals with federal classifications of Endangered (E), Threatened (T),
Proposed Endangered (PE) and Proposed Threatened (PT) are protected under provisions
of Section 7 and Section 9 of the ESA of 1973, as amended. As of 01 April 1996, the FWS
lists the following species for Ashe County. A brief description of these species
characteristics and habitat follows.
A review of the Natural Heritage Program database of uncommon and protected
species revealed no recorded occurrence of federally-protected species in or near the project
study area.
Spreading avens (Geum radiatum, Endangered) is a perennial herb having stems
with an indefinite cyme of bright yellow radially symmetrical flowers. Flowers of spreading
avens are present from June to early July. Spreading avens has basal leaves which are odd-
pinnately compound; terminal leaflets are kidney shaped and much larger than the lateral
leaflets, which are reduced or absent.
Spreading avens is found only in the North Carolina and Tennessee sections of the
Southern Appalachian Mountains. Spreading avens occurs on scarps, bluffs, cliffs and
escarpments on mountains, hills, and ridges. Known populations of this plant have been
found to occur at elevations of 1535.0 - 1541.0 meters (5060.0-5080.0 feet), 1723.0-
1747.0 meters (5680.0-5760.0 feet) and 1759.0 meters (5800.0 feet). Other habitat
requirements for this species include full sunlight and shallow acidic soils. These soils
13
contain a composition of sand, pebbles, humus, sandy loam, clay loam, and humus. Most
populations are pioneers on rocky outcrops.
The project study area does not support habitat for spreading avens because the
elevational requirement for spreading avens (1535.0 meters/5060.0 feet) is not met. No
impact to spreading avens will result from the proposed project.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT
Roan Mountain bluet (Hedyotis purpurea var. montana, Endangered) is a perennial
species that grows in low tufts. Roan Mountain bluet has several bright purple flowers
arranged in a terminal cyme.
This plant can be found on cliffs, outcrops, steep slopes, and in the gravelly talus
associated with cliffs. Known populations of Roan Mountain bluet occur at elevations of
1400.0-1900.0 meters (4600.0-6200.0 feet). It grows best in areas where it is exposed to
full sunlight and in shallow acidic soils composed of various igneous, metamorphic, and
metasedimentary rocks.
The project study area does not support habitat for Roan Mountain bluet because
the elevational requirement for this species to grow (1400.0 meters/ 4600.0 feet) is not met.
No impact to Roan Mountain bluet will result from the proposed project.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT
Heller's blazing star (Liatris helleri, Threatened) is a short, stocky plant that has one or
more erect stems that arise from a tuft of narrow, pale green basal leaves. Leaves are
acuminate and diminish in size and breadth upward on the stem. Heller's blazing star has
small lavender flowers, and its fruits appear from September to November.
Heller's blazing star is endemic to high elevation ledges of rock outcrops of the northern
Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. Known populations of this plant occur at
elevations of 1067.0-1829.0 meters (3500.0-6000.0 feet). Heller's blazing star is an early
pioneer species growing on grassy rock oucrops where it is exposed to full sunlight.
Heller's blazing star prefers shallow acid soils associated with granite rocks.
The project study area does not support habitat for Heller's blazing star because the
elevational requirement for this species to grow (1067.0 meters/ 3500.0 feet) is not met.
No impact to Heller's blazing star will result from the project construction.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT
Virginia spiraea (Spiraea virginiana,Threatened) has arching and upright stems that
grow from one to three meters tall. This shrub often grows in dense clumps, having
alternate leaves which vary greatly in size, shape, and degree of serration. They are green
above and usually somewhat glaucous below. The cream colored flowers are present from
June to July and occur in branched, flattoped inflorescences. Virginia spiraea is easily
located during the late fall while herbaceous growth is minimal and the leaves are down.
14
Virginia spiraea is found in a very narrow range of habitats in the mountains of
North Carolina. Habitats for the plants consist of scoured banks of high gradient streams,
on meander scrolls, point bars, natural levees, or braided features of lower reaches. The
scour must be sufficient to prevent canopy closure, but not extreme enough to completely
remove small, woody species. This species occurs in the maximum floodplain, usually at
the water's edge with various other disturbance-dependent species. It is most successful in
areas with full sunlight, but can survive in shaded areas until it is released from competition.
Habitat for Virginia spiraea exists along stream banks found within the project study
area. Plant-by-plant surveys for Virginia spiraea were conducted by NCDOT biologists on
07 June 1995. No populations of Virginia spiraea occur in the study area. No impact to
Virginia spiraea will result from the proposed construction.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT
On the 28 March 1995 listing of Threatened and Endangered Species, the FWS
listed the rock gnome lichen for Ashe County. The 01 April 1996 listing does not include
the rock gnome lichen. It is not clear that this deletion was intended and therefore the
following assessment was included.
The rock gnome lichen (Gymnoderma lineare, Endangered) is a squamulose lichen
in the reindeer moss family. The lichen can be identified by its fruiting bodies which are
born singly or in clusters, black in color, and are found at the tips of the squamules. The
fruiting season of the rock gnome lichen occurs from July through September.
The rock gnome lichen is a narrow endemic, restricted to areas of high humidity.
These high humidity environments occur on high elevation (>1_1220.0 meters/4000.0 feet)
mountaintops and cliff faces which are frequently bathed in fog or lower elevation
(: 762.0 meters/2500.0 feet) deep gorges in the Southern Appalachians. The rock gnome
lichen primarily occurs on vertical rock faces where seepage water from forest soils above
flows at (and only at) very wet times. The rock gnome lichen is almost always found
growing with the moss Adreaea in these vertical intermittent seeps. The major threat of
extinction to the rock gnome lichen relates directly to habitat alteration/loss of high
elevation coniferous forests: These coniferous forests usually lie adjacent to the habitat
occupied by the rock gnome lichen. The high elevation habitat occurs in the counties of
Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Mitchell, Rutherford, Swain,
Transylvania, and Yancey. The lower elevation habitat of the rock gnome lichen can be
found in the counties of Jackson, Rutherford and Transylvania.
The project study area does not support habitat for rock gnome lichen because the
elevational requirements for this species to grow (1220.0 meters/ 4000.0 feet) is not met.
No impact to rock gnome lichen will result from the proposed construction.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT
15
FIGURES
1 140 1342
1383 5 1343 ' Q j2 ' 7 1347 PHOENIX
342 Z- " 1 MTN.
134a 1345 BRIDGE NO. 448
Fas
e ?? 1 ti 114C ?aZ --- ` Le, - es 2 Warrensville
?`1y •??
1399
O ?. Oak eN.
Py
'?p,Q? S . 6 3 ?• 0 1 129 Ch. 194
:g a
v - 1509 1512
Clifton ` 1 1`28 1130 1508
267 0
N-
120 1127 N`j 1185 0
.-? 1198
JEFFERSON
1 193 POP.1,333
O )Q 1 131 ` '
t4 .9
_ 1194 1132 -
' Smethport
1 , • 9 1 190
(9 1271 .2 221
Tree 122e ?N229 1131 vMtCPtaddy ' .6 6
s 0 `
1 1 25 .133 1133 0 221 ------ 1
P ` Buff ala 9?
N• Ctt11. 1 1
25 1 N,'( WEST .? w M
J FFERSON
• / ; 1138 N PI .11
a `'
Q22 J
R '
FF ,? •N
IV 1133 •? i Q
%
^ f r?r4
? /Beaver, 1', c
? reek,, .
?? 1138
•,? Melton Cass ?,
,
sturadls jCroe E 1.6 1225
A ? , e <
?, S „' H 6 E,/
?, _ --`?
4 !•? Tmple. 1 140 Fay
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s 1$
shland, 1248
7 t....
Clrl.ton let t+:o,,,Y a aa.. 221 1 145
s crest smethoort s r 1. elsonnQS _ 11G 1144. •_ •s
/ w • Man Ind U -7 1258
` ?[? :t1 GlenBale . 5 ?p5 1 143 194 2 1147 ' 11
Bald-, S, n pri .. 9 6
S
tee
' • Ga0 ?
` G
' r
' North Carolina Department Of
a Transportation
'.,,•_?' Planning & Environmental Branch
ASHE COUNTY
REPLACE BRIDGE NO. 448
ON SR 1130 OVER BUFFALO CREEK
B-3107
0 kilometers 1.6 kilometers 3.2
a Figure 1
0 miles 1.0- miles 2.0
VIEW OF 'NORTH FACE OF BRE)GE
1 TERSECTIO FAC:N`G V,?'ES ' ON SR 11-30

at -

MAP OF 100 YEAR FLOODPLAIN
ZONE A
ZONE X

There is no longer
a railroad here.

1130
ZONE X
NORFOLK
'OUTHERP
RAILWAY
PROJECT SITE
FIGURE 5
181
(71.
ATTACHMENTS
TIP # $ 11i10-1 Federal Aide ??-? - t13o (3) County A4+
CONCURRENCE FORM
FOR
PROPERTIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Brief Project Description
V-6FLur- PWDbE AD. 44e, ow SR 113o a/ER $uFFAt,e C zer-
On MW9 1 ?1g01' , representatives of the
? North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
Federal Highway Administration (FHwA)
V North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
Other
reviewed the subject project at
A scoping meeting
Historic architectural resources photograph review session/consultation
Other
All parties present agreed
there are no properties over fifty years old within the project's area of potential effect.
there are no properties less than fifty years old which are considered to meet Criterion
Consideration G within the project's area of potential effect.
? there are properties over fifty years old (list attached) within the project's area of potential effect,
but based on the historical information available and the photographs of each property, properties
identified as >4rwir Roux Kgt> *I- are
considered not eligible for the National Register and no further evaluation o them fs` necessary.
? there are no National Register-listed properties within the project's area of potential effect.
Signed:
n ?3NG ?'?' `1S
2JAn
Repres ti , NCDOT Date
Lad
FH A r the Dtv ion Administrator, or other Federal Agency Da
Iz?
Representative, SHPO. Date
tate Historic Preservation Officer ate
If a survey report is prepared, a final copy of this form and the attached list will be included.

North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Betty Ray McCain, Secretary
June 16, 1995
Nicholas L. Graf
Division Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
Department of Transportation
310 New Bern Avenue
Raleigh, N.C. 27601-1442
Re: Bridge 448 on SR 1130 over Buffalo Creek, B-
3107, Ashe County, State Project 8.2710601,
Federal-Aid Project BRZ-1130(3), ER 95-9053
JUN 2?
DIVISION Ofe
Dear Mr. Graf:
Thank you for your letter of May 11, 1995, transmitting the archaeological survey
report by John Mintz concerning the above project.
During the course of the survey no sites were located within the project area. Mr.
Mintz has recommended that no further archaeological investigation be conducted
in connection with this project. We concur with this recommendation since this
project will not involve significant archaeological resources.
The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations
for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36 CFR Part 800.
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions
concerning the above comment, please contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental
review coordinator, at 919/733-4763.
Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer
v David Brook
Sincerely,
DB:slw
cc: H. F. Vick
T. Padgett
Division of Archives and History
William S. Price, Jr., Director
109 East Jones Street - Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807
_ E? North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission ?? -
512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604-1188,919-733-3391
Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director
MEMORANDUM
TO: John L. Williams, project Planning Engineer
Planning and En ironmental ranch, NCDOT
FROM: Stephanie E. Gou au, t. gton Coordinator
IIabitat Conservation Program
DATE: i'vfay S. 1996
SUBJECT. Scoping comments for replacement of Bridge No. 8 on SR 1130 over Buffalo Creek,
Ashe County, TIP No. B-3107.
This correspondence responds to a request by you for our preliminary comments regarding the
subject project. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to replace Bridge
No. 448 with another bridge on new alignment south of the existing structure.
This project is downstream of the portion of Buffalo Creek that is Designated Public Mountain
TTouL Water. The stream in the project area does not support trout, and our comments to the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers will reflect this during the permit stage.
Buffalo C:rcck likely supports rock bass, other sunfish species, and various nongame fish species
in the project area. We have the following recommendations for minimizing adverse impacts to these
species:
1) If concrete will be used, work must be accomplished so that wet concrete does not contact stream
water. This will lessen the chance of altering the stream's water chemistry and causing a fish
kill.
2) Heavy equipment should be operated from the bank rather titan in the stream channel in order to
minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other pollutants into the stream.
3) Temporary or permanent herbaceous vegetation should be planted on all bare soil within 15 days
of ground disturbing activities to provide tong-term erosion control.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project. If you have any questions
regarding these co+nmcnts, please contact me at 704/652-4257.

Ashe County
Bridges 448 & 449 on SR 1130 & SR 1185
Over Buffalo Creek
Federal Project BRZ 1130 (3)
State Project 8.2710601
TIP # B-3107
ADDENDUM TO
CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
AND
N.C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
APPROVED:
Date William D. Gilmore, P. E., Manager
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
Date Nicholas Graf, P. E.
Division Administrator, FHWA
Ashe Countv
Bridges 448 & 449 on SR 1130 & SR 1185
Over Buffalo Creek
Federal Project BRZ 1130 (3)
State Project 8.2710601
TIP # B-3107
ADDENDUM TO
CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION
Documentation Prepared in
Planning and Environmental Branch By:

Date JOWL. Williams, P. E.
Project Planning Engineer
%00-11111111111,
,,\N CARP
?Q?FESS/0, , % 9
= SEAL •.
• 022552 '
?vO'?''?GN t??Q;•?o?
Date William T. Goo win Jr., P.E., Unit ead
Bridge Replacement Planning Unit
7? 2
,L v• , iLec?
1Z - 57-0/
Date Lubin V. Prevatt, P. E., Assistant Manager
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
t
PROJECT COMMITMENTS:
Ashe County
Bridges 448 & 449 on SR 1130 & SR 1185
Over Buffalo Creek -
Federal Project BRZ 1130 (3)
State Project 8.2710601
TIP # B-3107
Resident Engineer
'Trout County: NCWRC requires the following to be implemented to minimize impacts to
aquatic resources:
• Where concrete is used, work will be accomplished so.that wet.concrete doesmot
contact stream water.
r,
• Where possible; heavy equipment will be operated from the bank rather than in the
stream channel to minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other.
pollutants into the stream.
Temporary or permanent herbaceous vegetation should be planted on all bare soil
within 15 days of completion of ground disturbing activities to provide long-term erosion
control.
Guidelines for Construction of Highway. Improvements Adjacent to or
Crossing Trout Waters These will be implemented in this project,
Bridge Demolition: Best Management, Practices for Bridge Demolition &
Removal will beimplemented.
`Roadside Environmental Unit
Ground Cover: Temporary or permanent herbaceous vegetation should be
planted on all bare soil within 15 days of completion of ground disturbing activities to
provide long-term erosion control.
Design Standards in Sensirbe Watersheds These will be implemented in this project.
Guidelines for Construction of Highway Improvements.Adjacent to or
Crossing Trout. Waters: will be implemented in this project.
Structure Design
TVA: This project must be reviewed under Section 26a of the Tennessee Valley
Authority(TVA) Act. The final bridge plans, hydraulic analysis of the effects of the
replacement structure on the 100-year flood elevation, and notice of compliance with the
Historic Preservation Act of 1966 will be forwarded to TVA for approval.
Bridge Demolition: Best Management Practices for Bridge Demolition &
Removal will be implemented.
Addendum to Categorical Exclusion Page 1 of 1
Green Sheet
December 5, 2001
Ashe County
Bridges 448 & 449 on SR 1130 & SR 1185
Over Buffalo Creek
Federal Project BRZ 1130 (3)
State Project 8.2710601
TIP # B-3107
1. BACKGROUND
A Categorical Exclusion for the subject project was approved on July 17, 1996.
The document recommended replacement of Bridge No. 448 with a new bridge
approximately 40 feet (12 meters) south of its present location. Traffic was to be
maintained on the existing bridge during construction. This has been labeled Alternate 1.
II. DISCUSSION & RECOMMENDATION'
Since the time of the original document, it has been determined that the proposed
plan of replacement would present difficulties in construction with consequences to
NC 194/88. Construction would require shifting NC 194/88 onto a temporary alignment.
This would also require blasting away a substantial portion of a rock cliff immediately off
the east side of NC 194/88.
As a result of the problems with building Alternate 1, NCDOT began to look at
other options for replacing the bridge. Approximately 1400 feet (435 meters) south.of
Bridge No. 448 is another bridge (No. 449) a low water bridge. Between the two bridges
is an open field (floodplain) used as cow pasture.
In considering the possibilities for replacement a few issues became clear.
Replacement on the existing location was ruled out due to constructibility problems.
Replacement to the north was also ruled out due to topography, alignment, and high
impacts. Another boundary to alternates is a wetland area just to the south of Bridge 449.
This left replacement to the south between Bridges 448 and 449 as the only location for
construction of a new bridge. Between the two bridges approximately 1070 feet (326
meters) south of Bridge No. 448 (see Figure 2) is the best location for a new bridge. At
this location, the path of buffalo creek moves away from NC 194/88 offering ample room
for construction of both the bridge and the approaches. This location also offers
significantly improved sight distance at the intersection. Furthermore, with a connection
between Dollar Road (SR 1185) and B. C. Hunter Road (SR 1130) it is possible to
replace two bridges with one and the one new bridge will flood far less frequently
offering much better access to the community.
Now that a location for a constructible crossing had been found, the Department
coordinated with the community through a series of public meetings to find a way to
build a connecting road between Dollar Road and B. C. Hunter Road while minimizing
impacts to the community. Alternates 2 and 3 shown in Figures 3 and 4 are the result.
The cost of Alternates 2 and 3 is virtually identical at $1,124,000 and $1,252,000
respectively. The environmental impacts are minimal as described in the section below.
In the final public hearing held on October 11, 2001 the community choose Alternate 3
because it had less impact to the function of the land. NCDOT forwards Alternate 3 as
its recommendation for construction.
III. ANTICIPATED DESIGN EXCEPTION
A design exception is expected due to horizontal and vertical curvature. Further
improvements to the design speed are not feasible given the hydraulic and topographic
parameters of the project.
IV. ESTIMATED COSTS
A summary of costs for the newly proposed connector route is presented below.
COMPONENT Alternate 2 Alternate 3
New Bridge Structure $ 254,000 $ 254,000
Remove Bridges.448 & 444 12,000 12,000
Roadway & Approaches 383,000 376,000
Mobilization & Miscellaneous 227,000 225,000
Engineering & Contingencies 124,000 133,000
Total Construction $ 1,000,000 $1,000,000
Right of Way $ 124,000 $252,000
Total Cost $ 1,124,000 $1,252,000
The estimated cost for the project shown in the 2002-2008 TIP is $1,310,000.
VI. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
A. GENERAL
This project is expected to have an overall positive impact. Replacement of
inadequate bridges will result in safer traffic operations.
This project is considered to be a "Categorical Exclusion" due to its limited scope
and insignificant environmental consequences.
These bridge replacements will not have a substantial adverse effect on the quality
of the human or natural environment by implementing the Project Commitments listed in
the Greensheet 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.
2
No adverse effect on families or communities is anticipated.
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.
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 Ashe 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 Farmland Protection Policy Act requires all federal agencies or their
representatives, to consider the impact of land acquisition and construction projects on
prime and important farmland soils. This project will impact just over 2 acres of
farmland. Since replacing the bridge on the existing location is not feasible, this impact
is unavoidable.
D. HISTORICAL EFFECTS & ARCHAEOLOGICAL EFFECTS
An archaeological investigation was completed for this project resulting in no
archaeological sites identified within the project's Area of Potential Effect. A similar
architectural survey was completed resulting in no structures on or eligible for the
National Register of Historic Places. Attached to this document is a letter and a
concurrence form stating that the Department of Cultural Resources concurs in these
conclusions.
E. NATURAL RESOURCES
PHYSICAL RESOURCES
Soil and water resources which occur in the project area are discussed below with
respect to possible environmental concerns. Soil properties and site topography
significantly influence the potential for soil erosion and compaction, along with other
possible construction limitations or management concerns. Water resources within the
project area present important management limitations due to the need to regulate water
movement and the increased potential for water quality degradation. Excessive soil
disturbance resulting from construction activities can potentially alter both the flow and
quality of water resources, limiting downstream uses. In addition, soil characteristics and
the availability of water directly influence the composition and distribution of flora and
fauna in biotic communities, thus affecting the characteristics of these resources.
Regional Characteristics
Ashe County lies in the Blue Ridge Mountain Physiographic Province of North
Carolina. The topography of Ashe County is characterized by hills and mountains as the
entire county is drained by New River and its tributaries. The mean sea level (msl)
elevation of the project study area is 2800.0 ft (849.3 m).
Soils
There are two soil types located in the project study area. An inventory of these
soils can be found in Table 1. A brief description of each soil type is also provided.
Table 1. Soils occurring in the Droiect studv area
Ma Unit Symbol Specific Mapping Unit % Slope
CaF Chandler stop silt loam 25-45
TsD Tus uittee loam 8-15
Chandler silt loam, 25-45 percent slopes (CaF) This micaceous soil is somewhat
excessively rained. 'Banging om 10 to 50 acres in size on side slopes bordering
drainageways, this soil has the profile described as representative for the series. Most
of this soil is forested, but a small acreage is used for pasture. Because of the slope,
low fertility, and droughtiness, this soil is not suitable for pasture and hay, but is
suitable for trees. The Chandler soil is a non hydric soil with moderately rapid
permeability.
• Tusquittee loam, 8-15 percent slopes (TsD) This well drained soil is in coves and
Trainageways and toot slopes. These soils have a high organic content and
moderate surface runoff. Tusquittee loam soils have a "B" hydric classification
which denotes the presence of hydic soil inclusions or wet spots.
Water Resources
This section contains information concerning surface water resources likely to be
impacted by the proposed project. Water resource assessments include the physical
characteristics, best usage standards, and water quality aspects of the water resources,
along with their relationships to major regional drainage systems. Probable impacts to
surface water resources are also discussed, as are means to minimize impacts.
Best Usage Classification
Water resources within the study area are located in the New River Drainage
Basin. There are three water resources in the project study area; two intermittent streams
(unnamed tributaries to Buffalo Creek) and a perennial stream (Buffalo Creek).
4
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. Buffalo Creek [DWQ Index No.
10-9-10, 04/15/63] is classified as C Tr. Class C refers to waters suitable for aquatic life
propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation and agriculture. The Tr
(Trout Water) supplemental classification includes waters suitable for natural trout
propagation and maintenance of stocked trout. No waters classified as High Quality
Waters (HQW), Water Supplies (WS-I or WS-II) or Outstanding Resource Waters
(ORW) occur within 1.0 mi. (1.6 km) of the project study area.
Physical Characteristics of Surface Waters
In the project study area, Buffalo Creek is approximately 25.0 ft (7.6 m) wide and
ranges in depth from 1.0-2.0 ft (0.3-0.6 m). The substrate in the study area is composed
of boulder, rubble and gravel.
Water Quality
This section describes the quality of the water resources within the project area.
Potential sediment loads and toxin concentrations of these waters from both point sources
and nonpoint sources are evaluated. Water quality assessments are made based on
published resource information and existing general watershed characteristics. These
data provide insight into the value of water resources within the project area to meet
human needs and to provide habitat for aquatic organisms.
WATER QUALITY MONITORING
The DWQ has initiated a whole basin approach to water quality management for
the 17 river basins within the state. To accomplish this goal the DWQ collects biological,
chemical and physical data that can be used in basinwide assessment and planning. All
basins are reassessed every five years. Prior to the implementation of the basinwide
approach to water quality management, the Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network
(BMAN), managed by the DEM, assessed water quality by sampling for benthic
macroinvertebrate organisms at fixed monitoring sites throughout the state. A monitoring
site located 3.5 mi. (5.6 km) upstream of the project study area received a BMAN rating
of GOOD in a July 1986 sampling.
POINT SOURCE DISCHARGERS
Point source dischargers located throughout North Carolina are permitted through
the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program administered by
the DEM. All dischargers are required to register for a permit. Two permitted
dischargers are located on Buffalo Creek. The closest discharger occurs approximately
0.3 mi. (0.5 km) upstream of the study area. The design flow of this discharger is 400.0
gallons per day (GPD). The farthest discharger lies approximately 4.0 mi. (6.4 km)
upstream of the project and releases 10,000.0 GPD of wastewater. Both dischargers
release domestic wastewater.
Summary of Anticipated Impacts
Impacts to water resources in the project area are likely to result from activities
associated with project construction. Activities that are likely to result in water resource
impacts include clearing and grubbing on streambanks, riparian canopy removal, instream
construction, fertilizers and pesticides used in revegetation and pavement installation.
The above mentioned construction activities are likely to result in the following impacts
to surface water resources:
• Increased sedimentation and siltation downstream of the crossing and increased
erosion in the project area
• Changes in light incidence and water clarity due to increased sedimentation and
vegetation removal
• Alteration of water levels and flows due to interruptions and/or additions to surface
and ground water flow from construction
• Changes in and destabilization of water temperature due to vegetation removal
• Increased nutrient loading during construction via runoff from exposed areas
• Increased concentrations of toxic compounds in highway runoff
• Increased potential for release of toxic compounds such as fuel and oil from
construction equipment and other vehicles
In order to minimize potential impacts to water resources in the project area,
NCDOT's Best Management Practices (BMP) for the Protection of Surface Waters will
be strictly enforced during the construction phase of the project. Due to the additional
classification of Trout Waters by the DWQ, recommendations set forth in "Guidelines for
Construction of Highway Improvements Adjacent to or Crossing Trout Waters in North
Carolina" (Joint Agency Committee 1997) and "Design Standards in Sensitive
Watersheds" (15A NCAC 04B .0024) also apply to this project. Impacts can be further
reduced by limiting instream activities and revegetating stream banks immediately
following the completion of grading.
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. The composition and
distribution of biotic communities throughout the project area are reflective of
topography, soils, hydrology and past and present land uses. Descriptions of the
terrestrial systems are presented in the context of plant community classifications. These
classifications follow Schafale and Weakley (1990) where possible. Representative
animal species, which 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 (*).
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.
Three terrestrial communities occur within the project study area: Disturbed/Maintained
Roadside, Hayfield, and a Montane Alluvial Forest.
DISTURBED/MAINTAINED ROADSIDE
The Disturbed/Maintained Roadside community consists of a variety of weedy
herbaceous species including fescue grasses (Festuca spp.), white clover (Trifolium
repens), red clover (T. pratense), and common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia).
HAYFIELD
The Hayfield occurs on the southwest side of Buffalo Creek. The Hayfield
community consists of fescue grasses (Festuca, spp.), red clover (T. pratense), common
milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), tearthumb (Polygonum sagittatum), sedge (Carex sp.), and
common plantain (Plantago rugelii).
MONTANE ALLUVIAL FOREST
Riparian vegetation along the banks of Buffalo Creek contain a variety of species
including trees such as tag alder (Alnus serrulata), black locust (Gleditsia triacanthos),
silky dogwood (Cornus amomum), and quaking aspen (Populus deltoides). Shrubby
species recorded include multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), bladderpod (Staphylea
trifoliata) and hazelnut (Corylus americana). Herbs such as Solomon's seal
(Polygonatum biflorum), fire pink (Silene virginica), touch me not (Impatiens capensis),
yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and white snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum) were also
noted.
WILDLIFE
A variety of animal species inhabit the areas adjacent to the proposed project.
Mammals commonly found in these communities include white-tailed deer (Odocoileus
virginianus), Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), raccoon (Procyon lotor) and
muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus). Bird species observed during the site visit include song
sparrow* (Melospiza melodia), American crow* (Cornus brachyrhynchos) and indigo
bunting* (Passerina cyanea). Other species likely to be found in the project study area
include the mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula),
northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), rufous-sided towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus),
blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), and the Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus). Two
reptilian species that likely inhabit the communities in the project study area include the
eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina) and rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta). Amphibians
such as the eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens), slimy salamander (Plethodon
giutinosus) and the mountain dusky (Desmognathus ochrophaeus) are likely to be found
in the project study area.
MOUNTAIN PERENNIAL STREAM - BUFFALO CREEK
One aquatic community type, a Mountain Perennial Stream, is present in the study
area. Physical characteristics of the water bodies and conditions of the water resources
reflect faunal composition of the aquatic communities. Terrestrial communities adjacent
to a water resource also greatly influence aquatic communities.
The cold, rocky waters of mountain streams and areas surrounding these streams
provide habitat for a variety of amphibians, including seal salamander (Desmognathus
monticola), blackbelly salamander (D. quadramaculatus), and spring salamander
(Gyrinophilus prophyriticus). Seal and spring salamanders are commonly found along
streamside edges.
Fish likely to occur in this mountain stream include rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus
mykiss), brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieui),
central stoneroller (Campostoma anomalum),New River shiner (Notropis scabriceps),
bluehead chub (Nocomis leptocephalus), blacknose dace (Rhinichthys atratulus), and
rosyside dace (Clinostomus funduloides). Rainbow trout, brook trout and smallmouth
bass are popular sport fish. Rainbow trout have been introduced to provide greater sport
fishing. Brook trout have a diverse diet feeding primarily on aquatic insects and
occasionally other fishes. The other fish listed here are commonly referred to as
"minnows." Central stonerollers feed on algae and other microorganisms.
Summary of Anticipated Impacts
Construction of the proposed project will have various impacts on the biotic
resources described. Any construction related activities in or near these resources have
the potential to impact biological functions. This section quantifies and qualifies
potential impacts to the natural communities within the project area in terms of the area
impacted and the organisms affected. Temporary and permanent impacts are considered
here as well.
Terrestrial Impacts
Impacts to terrestrial communities will result from project construction due to the
clearing and paving of portions of the project area, and thus the loss of community area.
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 the
the entire proposed right-of-way width of 24 in (80 ft). However, project construction
often does not require the entire right-of-way; therefore, actual impacts may be
considerably less.
Table 2. Estimated area imnacts to terrestrial rnmmnnitipe
Communi Impacted Area ac ha
Disturbed/Maintained Roadside 4.6(1.7)
Hayfield <0.2 <0.2
Montane Alluvial Forest <0.1 <O.1
Total Impacts 4.9(2.0)
Flora and fauna occurring in these communities are generally common throughout
North Carolina because of their adaptability to wide ranging environmental factors.
Moreover, a similar roadside shoulder community will be re-established after
construction. Animals temporarily displaced by construction activities should repopulate
areas suitable for the species following project completion. As a result, it is unlikely that
existing species will be displaced significantly from the project study area following
construction. However, to minimize the temporary effects of project construction, all
cleared areas along the roadways should be revegetated promptly after project completion
to minimize erosion and the loss of wildlife habitat.
8
Aquatic Impacts
Impacts to the aquatic community of Buffalo Creek will result from the
replacement of Bridges 448 and 449 with one new bridge. Impacts are likely to result
from the physical disturbance of aquatic habitats (i.e. substrate, water quality, stream
banks). Disturbance of aquatic habitats has a detrimental effect on aquatic community
composition by reducing species diversity and the overall quality of aquatic habitats.
Physical alterations to aquatic habitats can result in the following impacts to aquatic
communities:
• Inhibition of plant growth
• Clogging of feeding structures of filter-feeding organisms, gills of fish, and the burial
of benthic organisms
• Algal blooms resulting from increased nutrient concentrations
• Mortality among sensitive organisms resulting from introduction of toxic substances
and decreases in dissolved oxygen
• Destabilization of water temperature resulting from riparian canopy removal
• Loss of benthic macroinvertebrates through scouring resulting from an increased
sediment load
Impacts to aquatic communities can be minimized by reducing riparian canopy
removal, limiting instream construction and revegetating exposed soil immediately
following the completion of grading activities. In addition there should be strict
adherence to NCDOT's Best Management Practices (BMP) for the Protection of Surface
Waters during the construction phase of the project. Due to the additional classification
of Trout Waters by the DWQ, recommendations set forth in "Guidelines for Construction
of Highway Improvements Adjacent to or Crossing Trout Waters in North Carolina"
(Joint Agency Committee 1997) and "Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds" (15A
NCAC 04B .0024) also apply to this project.
Bridge Nos. 448 and 449 located over Buffalo Creek each have two spans
totaling 66.0 ft (20.0 m) in length. Both the superstructure and the substructure are
composed entirely of timber and steel with the exception of a concrete sill on which the
substructure rest. The sill is completely submerged and cannot be considered new fill.
Therefore, there will be no fill resulting from the demolition of Bridge Nos. 448 and 449.
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. These
issues retain particular significance because of federal and state mandates which regulate
their protection. This section deals specifically with the impact analyses required to
satisfy regulatory authority prior to project construction.
Waters of the United States
Surface waters and wetlands fall under the broad category of "Waters of the
United States," as defined in 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 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 (USACE) 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.
Characteristics of Wetlands and Surface Waters
Criteria to delineate jurisdictional wetlands include evidence of hydric soils,
hydrophytic vegetation and hydrology. This pmject-.will not impact any 3.urisdictional
`1tlanda: This project will, however, impact jurisdictional surface waters of Buffalo
Creek. Surface water impacts are calculated based on the linear feet of the stream that
occur within the proposed right-of-way. AppimfiYiat+ ly 45 i3 (i 50°m) ofiBuffaio Creek
lim- itt the right-cif- fay,: ud could lie impacted by the pmposed'projoct.
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 23 under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act 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 the pursuant to the council on environmental
quality regulation for implementing the procedural provisions of the National
Environmental Policy Act:
• (1) 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;
• (2) that the office of the Chief of Engineers 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 Section 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 Section 401 permit from the
DWQ is a prerequisite to issuance of a Section 404 permit. Since the proposed project
crosses waters designated as Trout Waters, the authorization of a Section 404 Nationwide
permit by the USACE is also conditioned upon concurrence of the Wildlife Resources
Commission.
Avoidance, Minimization, Mitigation
The USACE 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
10
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
USACE, in determining "appropriate and 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. It is not possible to build the project and avoid impacting the surface
waters of Buffalo Creek.
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 of median widths, right-of-way widths, fill slopes and/or road shoulder widths.
Other practical mechanisms to minimize impacts to Waters of the United States crossed
by the project include: strict enforcement of sedimentation control BMP's for the
protection of surface waters during the entire life of the project; reduction of clearing and
grubbing activity; reduction/elimination of direct discharge into streams; reduction of
runoff velocity; re-establishment of vegetation on exposed areas, judicious pesticide and
herbicide usage; minimization of "in-stream " activity; and litter/debris control.
Compensatory mitigation is 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 which 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 typically required for those projects authorized under
Nationwide Permits that result in the fill or alteration of.
• More than 1.0 ac (0.45 ha) of wetlands will require compensatory mitigation;
• And/or more than 150.0 linear (45.7 m ft) of streams will require compensatory
mitigation.
Written approval of the final mitigation plan is required from the DWQ prior to
the issuance of a Section 401 Certification. Final permit and mitigation decisions rest
with the USACE.
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). Other species
may receive additional protection under separate state laws.
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 13 May 1999, the FWS lists five federally protected species and the bog
turtle for Ashe County (Table 3). Descriptions for each species and a Biological
Conclusion for the five federally protected species are provided below.
Table 3. Federally-Protected Species for Ashe County
SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME STATUS
Clemm s muhlenber ii bog turtle Threatened S/A
Geum radiatum Spreading avens Endangered
G mnoderma lineare rock gnome lichen Endangered
He otis ur urea var. montana -
Roan Mountain bluet -
Endangered
Liatris helleri Heller's blazing star Threatened
S iraea vir iniana Virginia s iraea Threatened
Threatened (S/A) denotes a species that is listed as Threatened due to similarity of
appearance to another rare species.
Endangered (a species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant
portion of its range).
Threatened (a species that is likely to become an endangered species within the
foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range).
Clemmys muhlenburgii (bog turtle)
Threatened (Due to Similarity of Appearance)
Family: Emydidae
Federally Listed: May 1, 1997
The bog turtle is North Carolina's smallest turtle, measuring 3 to 4 in (7 to 10 cm)
in length. It has a dark brown carapace and black plastron. The orange or yellow blotch
on each side of the head and neck is a readily identifiable characteristic. It 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. (Bernard S. Martof, et. al., 1980).
The bog turtle is listed as Threatened due to Similarity of Appearance with other
rare species that are listed for protection. Species listed as T (S/A) are not biologically
endangered or threatened and are not subject to Section 7 consultation, therefore a
biological conclusion is not necessary. However, it is believed that this project will not
affect this species.
Geum radiatum (spreading avens) Endangered
Plant Family: Rosaceae
Federally Listed: April 5, 1990
Flowers Present: June - early July
12
Spreading avens is a perennial herb having stems with an indefinite cyme of bright
yellow radially symmetrical flowers. Flowers of spreading avens are present from June to
early July. Spreading avens has basal leaves which are odd- pinnately compound; terminal
leaflets are kidney shaped and much larger than the lateral leaflets, which are reduced or
absent.
Spreading avens is found only in the North Carolina and Tennessee sections of the
Southern Appalachian Mountains. Spreading avens occurs on scarps, bluffs, cliffs and
escarpments on mountains, hills, and ridges. Known populations of this plant have been
found to occur at elevations of 5060.0-5080.0 ft (1535.0-1541.0 m), 5680.0-5760.0 ft
(1723.0-1747.0 m) and 5800.0 ft (1759.0 meters). Other habitat requirements for this
species include full sunlight and shallow acidic soils. These soils contain a composition
of sand, pebbles, humus, sandy loam, clay loam, and humus. Most populations are
pioneers on rocky outcrops.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION No Effect
The elevation of the subject project is 2840 ft (866 m) msl. This elevation is well
below the required elevational requirements of spreading avens. The NCNHP database of
rare species and unique habitats was checked on July 12, 1999 and no records for this
species were found in the project study area. The construction of the proposed project
will not affect spreading avens.
Gymnoderma lineare (Rock gnome lichen) Endangered
Plant Family: Cladoniaceae
Federally Listed: December 28, 1994
The rock gnome lichen is a squamulose lichen in the reindeer moss family. The
lichen can be identified by its fruiting bodies which are born singly or in clusters, black in
color, and are found at the tips of the squamules. The fruiting season of the rock gnome
lichen occurs from July through September.
The rock gnome lichen is a narrow endemic, restricted to areas of high humidity.
These high humidity environments occur on high elevation (>>4000.0 ft /1220.0 m)
mountaintops and cliff faces which are frequently bathed in fog or lower elevation
(<2500.0 ft / 762.0 m) deep gorges in the Southern Appalachians. The rock gnome lichen
primarily occurs on vertical rock faces where seepage water from forest soils above flows
at (and only at) very wet times. The rock gnome lichen is almost always found growing
with the moss Andreaea in these vertical intermittent seeps. The major threat of
extinction to the rock gnome lichen relates directly to habitat alteration/loss of high
elevation coniferous forests. These coniferous forests usually lie adjacent to the habitat ,
occupied by the rock gnome lichen. The high elevation habitat occurs in the counties of
Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Mitchell, Rutherford, Swain,
Transylvania, and Yancey. The lower elevation habitat of the rock gnome lichen can be
found in the counties of Jackson, Rutherford and Transylvania.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION No Effect
The elevation of the subject project is 2840.0 ft (866.0 m) msl. This elevation is
well below the required elevational requirements of rock gnome lichen. The NCNHP
database of rare species and unique habitats was checked on July 12, 1999 and no records
for this species were found in the project study area. The construction of the proposed
project will not affect rock gnome lichen.
13
Hedyotis purpurea var. montana (Roan Mountain bluet) Endangered
Plant. Family: Rubiaceae
Federally Listed: April 5, 1990
Flowers Present: June - July (best time is mid June)
Roan Mountain bluet is a perennial species with roots and grows in low tufts.
Roan Mountain bluet has several bright purple flowers arranged in a terminal cyme that
are visible from June to July although best viewing is mid June. This plant can be found
on cliffs, outcrops, steep slopes, and in the gravelly talus associated- with cliffs. Known
populations of Roan Mountain bluet occur at elevations of 4600.0-6200.0 ft (1400.0-
1900.0 m). It grows best in areas where it is exposed to full sunlight and in shallow
acidic soils composed of various .igneous, metamorphic, and metasedimentary rocks.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION No Effect
The elevation of the subject project is 2840.0 ft (866.0 m) msl. This elevation is
well below the required elevational requirements of Roan Mountain bluet. The NCNHP
database of rare species and unique habitat was checked on July 12, 1999 and no records
for this species were found in the project study area. The construction of the proposed
project will not affect Roan Mountain bluet.
Liatris helleri (Heller's blazing star) Threatened
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Federally Listed: November 19, 1987
Flowers Present: late June - August
Heller's blazing star is a short, stocky plant that has one or more erect stems that
arise from a tuft of narrow, pale green basal leaves. Leaves are accuminate and diminish
in size and breadth upward on the stem. Heller's blazin star has small lavender flowers
that are visible from late June to August, and its fruits appear from September to
November.
Heller's blazing star is endemic to high elevation ledges of rock outcrops of the
northern Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. Known populations of this plant
occur at elevations of 3500.0=6000.0 ft (1067.0-1829.0 meters). Heller's blazing star is
an early pioneer species growing on grassy rock outcrops where it is exposed to full
sunlight. Healer's blazing star prefers shallow acid soils associated with granite rocks.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION No Effect
The elevation of the subject project is 2840.0 ft (866.0 m) msl. This elevation is
well below the required elevational requirements of Heller's blazing star. The NCNHP
database of rare species and unique habitat was checked on July 12, 1999 and no records
for this species were found in the project study area. The construction of the proposed
project will not affect Heller's blazing star.
Spiraea virginiana (Virginia spiraea) Threatened
Plant Family: Rosaceae
Federally Listed: June 15, 1990
Flowers Present: June - July
This shrub has arching and upright stems that grow from one to three meters tall.
Virginia spiraea often grows in dense clumps, having alternate leaves which vary greatly
14
in size, shape, and degree of serration. The leaves are green above and usually somewhat
glaucous below. The cream colored flowers are present from June to July and occur in
branched, flattoped inflorescences. Virginia spiraea is easily located during the late fall
while herbaceous growth is minimal and the leaves are down.
Virginia spiraea is found in a very narrow range of habitats in the mountains of
North Carolina. Habitats for the plants consist of scoured banks of high gradient streams,
on meander scrolls, point bars, natural levees, or braided features of lower reaches. The
scour must be sufficient to prevent canopy closure, but not extreme enough to completely
remove small, woody species. This species occurs in the maximum floodplain, usually at
the water's edge with various other disturbance-dependent species. It is most successful
in areas with full sunlight, but can survive in shaded areas until it is released from
competition.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION No Effect
Habitat for Virginia spiraea does exist within the project area. A plant-by-plant
survey for Virginia spiraea was conducted by NCDOT biologists Dale Suiter and Tanner
Holland on July 14, 1999. No individuals of this species were found during the survey.
Additionally, the NCNHP database of rare species and unique habitats was checked on
July 12, 1999 and no records of this species was found in the project study area.
Since the last NRTR addendum, an endangered species survey was conducted on 5 May,
2001, by Mary Frazer and John Williams. The survey was to determine if swamp pink or
Virginia spirea was present on either of the two most recent alternatives proposed for this
project (as discussed in the March 2001 addendum).
Virginia spirea (Spirea virginiana) habitat is present on Buffalo Creek. However, no
spirea was found in the vicinity of the proposed bridge crossing after a plant-by-plant
survey. The flowering period for this shrub is from late May through July.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: No Effect
Swamp pink (Helonias bullata) habitat is present along both proposed alternatives,
primarily on slopes south of Buffalo Creek, in the form of seeps and small wetlands.
However, no plants were found along either alternative after careful examination of
potential habitat sites. The typical flowering period for this plant is from March through
May.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: No Effect
Federal Species of Concern and State Listed Species
There are 17 Federal Species of Concern (FSC) listed by the FWS for Ashe
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 are therefore included for consideration.
Federal Species of Concern are defined as a species which 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
15
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 S ecies of Concern for Ashe Cr%
Scientific Name Common Name NC Habitat

Lasmi ona subviridus
Green floater Status
E
Yes
O hio om hus howei Pygmy snaketail SR Yes
Phenacobius teretulus Kanawha minnow SC Yes
S e eria diana Diana fritillary butterfly SR* Yes
S e eria idala Re al fritillary butterfly SR* Yes
Stenelmis ammoni Gammon's stenelmis riffle beetle SR No
S lvila s obscurus Appalachian cottontail SR Yes
Th omanes bewickii altus Appalachian Bewick's wren E No
Carex manhartii Manhart's sedge C No
Cladonia soromica Bluff mountain reindeer lichen C No
Delphinium exaltatum Tall larkspur E-SC No
Eu horbia ur urea Gladespurge C No
G mnocar ium a alachianum Appalachian oak fern C/PE No
Ju lans cinerea Butternut WS Yes
Lilium grayi Gray's lil T-SC Yes
Poa aludi ena Bo bluegrass _ E No
Saxi a a caroliniana Carolina saxifrage C No
"E"--An Endangered species is one whose continued existence as a viable component of
the State's flora is determined to be in jeopardy.
"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.
"SR' -A Significantly Rare 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 generally more
common elsewhere in its range, occurring peripherally in North Carolina.
"W5"--A Watch Category 5 species is a species with increasing amounts of threats to its
habitat; populations may or may not be known to be declining.
"/P "-denotes a species which has been formally proposed for listing as Endangered,
Threatened, or Special Concern, but has not yet completed the listing process.
"*"--No specimen found in Ashe County in fifty years.
(NHP, 1997)
16
A review of the NHP database of rare species and unique habitats on July 12,
1999 shows no occurrences of FSC in the project study area. Surveys for FSC species
were not conducted during the site visit. The NHP database does, however, include
entries for the tonguetied minnow (Exoglossum laurae) and the Kanawha darter
(Etheostoma kanawhae) in the project vicinity. The tonguetied minnow, listed as
Significantly Rare, has been found approximately one mile downstream from the bridge.
17
v '1 Chapel - 1349 '7 t3l
1642
1346 0 1351 164 9 5
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(0 Z' Ch. 1678
1342 ' 7
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342
1
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CO
Bridge No. 448
resden 88 1649
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! 1129 , Ch.
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1512
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JEFFERS `
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1131
• 9._ Bridge No. 449 __ -- - ?,
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190 Smethport
- 4-
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71,

t North Carolina

' Department of Transportation
Division of Highways
Project Development &

a Environmental Analaysis Branch

Ashe County
Repl ace Bridges 448 & 449
On SR ll30 and SR 1185
Over Buffalo Creek
B-3107
SCALE: 1 in = 1 mi F u 1
Note that ALTERNATE 1 does not
include replacement of Bridge No.
449 on SR 1185. Bridge No. 449
would remain in place.

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Bridge No. 449
B-3107 FIGURE 4
STAFE
.w
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North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
James B. Hunt Jr., Governor Division of Archives and History
Betty Ray McCain, Secretary Jeffrey J. Crow, Director
July 22, 1999
MEMORANDUM
TO: William D. Gilmore, P.E., Manager
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
Division of Highways
Department of Transportation
FROM: David Brook
Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer
SUBJECT: Bridge 448 on SR 1130 over Buffalo
Creek, Ashe County, Federal Aid No.
BRZ-1130(3), B-3107, ER 00-7042
Thank you for your letter of June 24, 1999, transmitting the archaeological
survey report by Shane Peterson, Megan O'Connell, and Lee Tippett concerning
the above project.
During the course of the survey no sites were located within the project area.
The authors have recommended that no further archaeological investigation be
conducted in connection with this project. We concur with this
recommendation since this project will not involve significant archaeological
resources.
The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's
Regulations for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36 CFR Part 800.
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions
concerning the above comment, please contact Renee Gledhill-Earley,
environmental review coordinator, at 919/733-4763.
DB:slw
cc: ?N.ieholas Graf
Tom Padgett
101) East Jones Street - Raleigh. North Carolina 2-1601-2S07
???

Federal.4id #MABRZ-l 130(3) TIP 913-3107 County: Ashe
CONCURRENCE FORM FOR PROPERTIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE NATIONAL
REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Project Description: Replace Bridge No. 443 and 449 on SR 1330 over Buffalo Creek.
On December 16, 1999, representatives of the
X North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
/Reviewed the subject project at
a scoping meeting
photograph review session consultation
other
All parties present agreed
1K
Signed:
?'A
there are no properties over fifty years old within the project's area of potential effect.
there are no properties less than fifty years old which are considered to meet Criterion
Consideration G within the projects area of potential effect.
there are properties over fifty years old (list attached) within the project's area of potential effect,
but based on the historical information available and the photographs of each property, properties
identified as Hr--l)Se- * are considered not eligible for the National
Register and no further evaluation of them is necessary.
there are no National Register-listed properties located within the project's area of potential effect.
A, fpm Division Administrator, or other Federal Agency

ve, SHPO
State Historic Preservation Officer
1z' t Lo -99
Date
tL
Date q
Date
if a survey report is prepared, a final copy of this form and the attached list will be included.
t J
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