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HomeMy WebLinkAbout19970616 All Versions_Complete File_20021021a w ? q 7D?l6 Pico STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MICHAEL F. EASLEY GOVERNOR r October 11, 2002 U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Field Office 6508 Falls of the Neuse Road, Suite 120 Raleigh, North Carolina 27615 ATTN: Ms. Jean Manuele NCDOT Coordinator FILE COPY LYNDO TIPPETT SECRETARY Subject: Watauga County, US 421 new location from South Fork New River in Boone to the Blue Ridge Parkway in Deep Gap. USACE Action ID No. 199707161, DWQ project No. 970616, Federal Aid Project No. FR-86-1(6), State Project No. 8.1750601, TIP No. R-529BA, BB & BD. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is requesting a modification to Department of the Army Permit No. 199707161. Department of the Army (DOA) Permit No. 199707161 was issued on May 4, 1998 and authorized impact by fill or excavation to 1.32 acres of wetland and 13,461 linear feet of stream channel. DOA Individual Permit No. 199707161 required channel relocations to be done utilizing natural channel design instead of placing the stream in what is essentially a straight rip-rap lined ditch. Since the original permit was issued and the project let to construction, the design of a channel relocation for an unnamed tributary to Gap Creek has an ed. The stream channel in is lust west In the original design, the channel relocation was designed as a straight, rip-rap lined channel. The NCDOT, in coordination with the USACE, the NCWRC, the NCDWQ, and other agencies, revised the design in January of 1999 to comply with the permit requirement to 171 _a incorporate natural channel design into all channel relocations. A design was agreed upon and approved by the agencies. It was subsequently incorporated into the construction plans. Since Fri construction began on the stream relocation, there have been numerous problems. To date, the C; NCDOT and its contractors have not been able to build the channel relocation as designed and permitted. The soil in the project area is extremely unstable and the slope too severe to allow for MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: 919-733-3141 LOCATION: NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX: 919-733-9794 TRANSPORTATION BUILDING. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET 1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER WEBSITE: WWW.NCDOT.ORG RALEIGH NC RALEIGH NG 27699-1548 I I i I t Ali .`• .? _? `7 _? .21 •?•? W f L1. ? ? ? ;i .I 11 ,I 81 0' ?I ?I V ?I G 0 0l o 41 j I ? I gl ti CO) CO) C ca ` " ? O i ? TUB ° O? Q N ? ? o / ? ` GJ C ? C ? O N Q O p ? -ac Z' ? ?' p p vi C O . ? l C _ I v Q ?? i '•; - '?? I 'ZI 1 ,. , . Z: ct a_ ? O ? V I `1 \ 1 A : l L1 _ . L ti C Q I Q Q) 41 C C e O g G O r??l' h N O O U O a ?- .f SWt o STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA 9t7Lqkl6 lz-rdo DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION . 11% LYNDO TIPPETT MICHAEL F. EASLEY GOVERNOR SECRETARY October 11, 2002 U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Field Office 6508 Falls of the Neuse Road, Suite 120 Raleigh, North Carolina 27615 ' ATTN: Ms. Jean Manuele NCDOT Coordinator [it a ?Olvv M[? 4 y i OCT2120? Subject: Watauga County, US 421 new location from South Fork New River in Boone to the Blue Ridge Parkway in Deep Gap. USACE Action ID No. 199707161, DWQ project No. 970616, Federal Aid Project No. FR-86-1(6), State Project No. 8.1750601, TIP No. R-529BA, BB & BD. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is requesting a modification to Department of the Army Permit No. 199707161. Department of the Army (DOA) Permit No. 199707161 was issued on May 4, 1998 and authorized impact by fill or excavation to 1.32 acres of wetland and 13,461 linear feet of stream channel. DOA Individual Permit No. 199707161 required channel relocations to be done utilizing natural channel design instead of placing the stream in what is essentially a straight rip-rap lined ditch. Since the original permit was issued and the project let to construction, the design of a channel relocation for an unnamed tributary to Gap Creek has changed. The stream channel in .73 question is just west of the US 421 and US 221 intersection. i a In the original design, the channel relocation was designed as a straight, rip-rap lined =_?? channel. The NCDOT, in coordination with the USACE, the NCWRC, the NCDWQ, and other agencies, revised the design in January of 1999 to comply with the permit requirement to incorporate natural channel design into all channel relocations. A design was agreed upon and approved by the agencies. It was subsequently incorporated into the construction plans. Since construction began on the stream relocation, there have been numerous problems. To date, the NCDOT and its contractors have not been able to build the channel relocation as designed and permitted. The soil in the project area is extremely unstable and the slope too severe to allow for MAILING ADDRESS: NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER RALEIGH NG 27699-1548 TELEPHONE: 919-733-3141 FAX: 919-733-9794 WEBSITE: WWW.N000T.ORG LOCATION: TRANSPORTATION BUILDING 1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET RALEIGH NC , Cz: I i`I ° o fl C.j V (Z . , 0 0, o, QI j n r; S W , r / C i? pq o ai Lu r Z Q J Q- CC) O G 0 N42:' O O. Co? G ? O G ? O V \ 1 / - d O I ?/' l' O ?' O O ? Y O ? 4 Q i U O a, O C is 7 la. ^ cq - :. L ? ` C Q I Q Z O v E D ? . c v o Q D?? • 1 \ J U .I ? ? ? •Os , co . Io ° c ? < q.b . a• o D :. ` ` N v, h \ a\? 0 0 Q O sssssssssssssss ..?rnr?rm.a Q) n rn I 4? _ ' ,xneax?we%""' , -i ?m9 DO NC® \ n NpP? \\ o \ I !A A \ mom l Ch t d ? ryi o ((D yo - f N o _ " CCv»Try 1?y.. 7C 1 N G °m= MATC l4 *900 my o -' ? A m N H 15+000 i ? ? I l ryI ? 1 rn i l \ c o m r PL AS i C' 'O "m ti o n "' z m O, AN '4 . Y H LINE A-A r i?'i? 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O7 n D D _ Z z V) r V) ? cn z m o c o rn _ N zAO ?A D O y G ? G ?Zm 0?7 -O O C Z D ? - (D ?D o?0? o mn_ ?o p D_ A N N M 10 S ? 9 JPEG image 1000011 pixels Subject: FW: Trib of Gap creek Date: Fri, 7 Jun 2002 16:01:07 -0400 From: "James R. Linville" <linvillejr@earthlink.net> Organization: NCWRC To: "'David Cox"' <coxdr@mail.wildlife.state.nc.us>, "'Steve Lund"' <Steven.W.Lund@saw02.usace.army.mil>, "'Jean.B.Manuele"' <Jean.B.Manuele@saw02.usace.army.mil>, "'Matt Gantt"' <Matt.Gantt@ncmail.net>, "'Steve Mauney"' <steve.mauney@ncmail.net> CC: "'Becky Fox"' <fox.rebecca@epa.gov>, "'Franklin T. McBride"' <mcbrideft@earthlink.net>, "'Joe Mickey"' <joemickey @ surry.net>, "'John Dorney"' <john.dorney @ ncmail.net>, "'Mark Cantrell"' <Mark_A_Cantrell@fws.gov>, "'Jennifer Frye"' <jennifer.frye@ncmail.net>, "'Marella Buncick, USFWS"' <marella_buncick@fws.gov>, "'Kathy Matthews EPA"' <matthews.kathy@epa.gov>, "'Deaton, Shannon L."' <Deatonsl@mail.wildlife.state.nc.us>, "'Kevin Hining"' <hiningk@wilkes.net>, "'Kin Hodges"' <hodgeskb@surry.net> I have noticed that this situation has been going on for a long time as well. It appears that innumerable tons of sediment continually surge into this "channel", then get picked up and moved again during the next rain event. Although not the best quality, these pictures are appalling. If we can't get a handle on stabilizing this stream channel or controlling the sediment load, we should look into providing-stormwater management ponds or wetlands up the hillside. We may need to do that anyway as this material appears to be very unstable and not likely to settle down of its own accord without a major effort. Trout present downstream in Gap Creek. Please take a look at photos and read Kevin's observations about this and another site near the Blue Ridge Parkway. [Maybe we should get Kevin a handful of 500 ml sampling bottles to carry with him on his weekend trips.] Have a nice weekend all.. James Ronald Linville NCWRC Regional Coordinator Habitat Conservation Program Phone: 336-769-9453 Fax: 336-769-0031 linvillejr@earthlink.net We shall never achieve harmony with achieve absolute justice or liberty aspirations, the important thing is Leopold the land, any more than we shall for people. In these higher not to achieve, but to strive. Aldo -----Original Message----- From: Kevin Hining [SMTP:hiningk@wilkes.net] Sent: Friday, June 07, 2002 2:33 PM To: 'Ron Linville' Cc: 'Staci L Scott'; 'Hodges Kin' Subject: Trib of Gap creek Ron, 1 of 4 6/10/2002 10:18 AM JPEG image 1000011 pixels The Wal-Mart in Elkin couldn't put the pictures we took of the stream in Deep Gap on a disc, so we scanned them. All we had was a disposable camera we bought from a gas station there at the site, so the pictures aren't great and really do not give it justice. It was pretty nasty. At the DOT meeting that I attended with you the other week I think a lot of folks felt that the sediment traps at the mouth of the stream would hold back sediment from entering Gap Creek. These pictures should prove that notion false and show the impact a rain event has on the sediment traps. All the more reason for them to work on the site until they get it fixed. I can't even begin to guess how much sand and silt the storm we witnessed washed into Gap Creek. We haven't sent these out to anyone. I figured you would know who to send these out to, so we were hoping you could take it from here. Please CC me or Staci any comments that you send to others on it. Maybe this will help speed up efforts to get the site fixed. On another note, we drove up Stony Fork (Mt. Zion Rd) the night of the storm and the entire length of the stream was pink to red mud. We couldn't see where or how the sediment was entering the stream along Stony Fork Road. When we got on 421 near the BRP bridge that's under construction we could see a river of mud running off of the area around the bridge that they are working on. I'm guessing that this was the cause for the muddy water in Stony Fork, as the quad maps (Maple Springs) show that the upper watershed of Stony Fork begins right beneath the BRP bridge. It rained pretty hard, but it's hard for me to believe that they are properly handling the run-off from the construction area. On both sides of the BRP bridge (towards Deep Gap and towards Wilkesboro) there was a river of mud running down 421. Perhaps we can get someone to look into it also. Thanks and have a great weekend. Kevin Hining District 7 Assistant Fisheries Biologist North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission PO Box 322 Boomer, NC 28606 (336)921-3029 2 of 4 6/10/2002 10:18 AM 0 r m Nmn ??? >o IV i 1 o \ _A A 9?< -?z N 1 I 1 1 ?. x s ? 2-4 \ p ?aLO 1 0 ?? mN N \' MATCH LINE A-A 14+900 °m o O O ~ n ? o m 15+000 CXR N I m \ ?m ? ns m ? vm+ sssssssessss w? C) 0 N 3 r m I I I n I mi 4 wZ I I ?n© I ? C4S _ i I _ I m it m olI I m" gll I ??? II I N? II I I u I I I I II V-V aisl'I HD.LVW v'm'n I o.. i I \? I ? I / I / '0/ --kV. m 1 I _ T 5eP- Si I I? 11 I I ? _ 11 I Im •'? II II (? II II ?? 11 I 11 II I II_ I ° m I I / )' 11 s' 1 ? JJ NN`N m I ) r r\ 15+100 D ?m ? 9 A ?u m / / 15+200 mj UO" o? ,n m ?m a c') N / / / ?o W ;m z o m?® n ? ,„ o 0 m? 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(Tl G? r /11 VTR V D O W /Dn V ) 0 2 c m T- - co ? 0 - 0 ? cn O to In 0 a - LO LO m a) 0 - N ?n N O p p - O v Ln O Ln (.n O) 00 1 N ,O m tD m cn - N N O O O - O -4 Zn O Ln M n 0 LO CO t0 m a - L, m M D n 2 to s i 0 z N n A A G D m 3 ) l A W N - A m n n 2 F- 0 Ln U1 - U1 n D + w ± m + O N ? 1 T) ? z r S rL < < < r r ? r o c r M A n A n r ? ?I W4 F / O O TT / Z o• o D N / o.°03 N I G M ° ?I Z ? m• - O U In ? r - ? m O 2 •? I 0 ?- , A v i??K ? ? 2:1 I A -f - n '+' O n n , Ur) -- ----- 0 ff ------ -- , m O C? 0 0 W o 0 0 D O O n -T, c I \ 0 I ? 0 \ n \ M O N? \ n 1 f ? n om D N ? C c ! mn ; oo m nx o n O nn ? D A A T < - m r D o rm zc mA m ? f Am nc7 ? =0 0W - v ? n or 0 0 0 0 m no -nw -Do C 0 O? -py rn AA m? <z ?o oCC) m cm -i-n x r A < A C-4 AO m r2 -+A D M A A x A2 T= K: o V) C > ?N z o m A A ?o A C A A Am no 0 O7 m nx n n \ D m < r D - r -a m r = cn ? N C A ? >r AVM • z o m AA ?o A C -v ? Am D 0 0 Vm ' I'I C7 D D z 0 z 0 M M m W n nnT?? C?n O ?=rD ADOZ7 M e n-nm ozo o ?mx z A p n ?moW _ zm O?"Iz Azr -4 --I D O --1 V1 Cpz0 D O nn ?n r D 2 ? -i CD V1 VI m m n cp nnW SNrA zi7m? ? ovni • m , n n ? M r-D O " rN ODD ?? V7 -1 mm m n n ? So? -n n D ?l D ?mr m im O Nr VI N m-i o< xmm x n m =i 4 om 2 0 '' m z 0 z P i = A O A n , W n D D Z Z ?rz --i cn -< Vz 0M c > C>m a: V Z AO -I A -r ?A M X 2 O> ID ? O ?C K z o m zn? o ° o n a c D 70 c n o n . O r z n W A -+ on Nz n m0 II 0° I -n r ? -n v 0 m \ 1 O O om o -n ?u D c A 103 D ITI co Co--> A _ m A O O C-) n 0 v K: C V ? O O -- D z --A O r- z > r O z ~ -1 0 D ° m A = w o w 0 1 DZ n - ------? U-) O O ffI 0 \ C7 0 - 0 Q r C0 - 00 m O ? uj i 00 D 0 rn O O 1 0 O n 2 O D zz m D r -i C A D F- m 4 Ys?_ 1I l IISI From: Self <NROAR04/N1EW331> To: DAVID ROBINSON <DRobinson@mail.dot.state.nc.us> Subject: Re: US 421 Projects Send reply to: Ron-Linville@WSRO.ENR.STATE.NC.US Date sent: Mon, 14 Sep 1998 16:01:47 +0500 Don't remember this exact project location. Can you tell me which county and describe section? Difficult for me to say without understanding issues and being properly oriented. Classification of waters involved will dictate comments to a big degree. It would be best to sit down and look at plans or go to field for a visit to see what options we can come up with that satisfy everyone and still protect water quality. May be able to plug in some due dates in the 401 conditions that might help. Sort of like we did with stormwater in Watauga. To be honest, I do so many different things with the DWQ that it is hard to know what you guys are referring to with your project numbers so please forgive my being at some loss. Anyway, it may help to meet and discuss the issues. I will be out of office from 18 Sept - 27 Sept. If it is that pressing, is it possible to meet between now and Thursday (preferably up here?) Tuesday is filled up already and I don't have any evening hours I can spare. Or if I have documents here already, I'll try to find them and we can discuss over phone. Regional offices do not always receive all materials that Central office receives. We don't have enough storage as it is now. Also, I'm told that COE will only allow WRP for NWPs but willing to try to do what makes sense as long as we do some things in the watershed (filtration, habitat, stormwater) where the impacts occur to offset local losses. Best bet is to call me around 0815 Tuesday morning to discuss opportunities. Thanks for the e-mail. Sometimes, I don't think I make Alice's life easier but I do think we are all trying to do things better for the long term. Date: Mon, 14 Sep 1998 14:42:12 -0400 From: DAVID ROBINSON <DRobinson@mail.dot.state.nc.us> To: RON LINVILLE@wsro.enr.state.nc.us Cc: LRiddick@mail.dot.state.nc.us Subject: US 421 Projects Ron: Just wanted to thank you for working so well with Alice Gordon on her projects. As you know, Lindsey Riddick has an imminent US 421 project (R-2239) and has been holding off calling you about the 401 until he got resolution on the mitigation proposal (Shepherd's Tree site.) Resolution is near at hand, but not near enough for us to make a November letting. So, since we'll probably miss a November 1998 let date for R-2239B and move it to December, I was wondering if you would be inclined to recommend issuance of the 401 based upon us paying into WRP. I realise that this won't satisfy the Corps' need for mitigation, but at least the 401 would be issued, and it would only be the Corps that still needs to issue a permit. I don't want you individually or DWQ collectively to be singled out as delaying this project (when you clearly aren't doing so). James Ronald (Ron) Linville -- 1 -- Tue, 15 Sep 1998 08:43:21 I wanted to write this to you in the new DENR/DOT spirit of cooperation. Lindsey had to go to class this afternoon, and was wanting to ask you the very same question, but ran out of time. When he returns, he'll read his copy of this, and probably want to follow up on the idea. Thanks. David James Ronald (Ron) Linville -- 2 -- Tue, 15 Sep 1998 08:43:21 State of North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Wayne McDevitt, Secretary A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director 10• 10 0-44 NCDENR NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES October 13, 1998 Mr. Bill Gilmore, P.E. Manager, Planning and Environmental Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation PO Box 25201 Raleigh NC 27611-2501 Dear Mr. Gilmore: 0 CT 19 1998 M ? a Office Re: Certification Pursuant to Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act, US 421 from South Fork New River to the Blue Ridge Parkway WQC Project # 970875; COE Action ID. No. 199707161; T.I.P. Nos. R-0529BABBBD Watauga County Reference is made to your correspondence of June 19, 1998, in which you submitted a stormwater enhancement plan in compliance with Condition No. 7 of the 401 Water Quality Certification issued April 20, 1998. Thank you for providing these details, and for implementing them throughout construction. For your records, please note that NCDOT is now in compliance with this Condition No. 7. If we can be of further assistance, do not hesitate to contact us. 980875.1tr cc: Wilmington District Corps of Engineers Mr. John Dorney, DWQ Corps of Engineers Asheville Field Office Central Files Winston-Salem DWQ Regional Office Mr. John Parker, DCM Division of Water Quality • Environmental Sciences Branch Enviro. Sciences Branch, 4401 Reedy Creek Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607 Telephone 919-733-1786 FAX # 733-9959 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer • 50% recycled/10% post consumer paper Sincerely. N01iVHVd3S,kSd3 d03 N01iVH0JH3d ONOId HiHOd (INV NOV9 4103 Date sent: Mon, 14 Sep 1998 14:42:12 -0400 From: DAVID ROBINSON <DRobinson@mail.dot.state.nc.us> To: RON_LINVILLEQwsro.enr.state.nc.us Copies to: LRiddick@mail.dot.state.nc.us Subject: US 421 Projects Ron: Just wanted to thank you for working so well with Alice Gordon on her projects. As you know, Lindsey Riddick has an imminent US 421 project (R-2239) and has been holding off calling you about the 401 until he got resolution on the mitigation proposal (Shepherd's Tree site.) Resolution is near at hand, but not near enough for us to make a November letting. So, since we'll probably miss a November 1998 let date for R-2239B and move it to December, I was wondering if you would be inclined to recommend issuance of the 401 based upon us paying into WRP. I realise that this won't satisfy the Corps' need for mitigation, but at least the 401 would be issued, and it would only be the Corps that still needs to issue a permit. I don't want you individually or DWQ collectively to be singled out as delaying this project (when you clearly aren't doing so). I wanted to write this to you in the new DENR/DOT spirit of cooperation. Lindsey had to go to class this afternoon, and was wanting to ask you the very same question, but ran out of time. When he returns, he'll read his copy of this, and probably want to follow up on the idea. Thanks. David James Ronald (Ron) Linville -- 1 Tue, 15 Sep 1998 08:25:56 pied ssoulsn8 Aese? AJOAy To: John Dorney, Cynddi Bell From: r Ron Linville Subject: Watauga Section 421 Stormwater Considerations for Approval Date: 980909 After meeting with Marshall Clawson with NCDOT today, the following comments are provided for your consideration in approving 401 Certification Condition Number 7, stormwater and on-site enhancement for WQC project #970616. The WSRO generally concurs with the proposals; however, specific site details were not available. The NCDOT should provide to the Region and the Central Office sets of half-size drawings which show construction details for the measures prescribed for sites where stormwater measures will be utilized. These should include stream relocations and modifications for Laxon and Pine Run streams. All revegetation and reforestation should be indicated. This will provide a basis for DWQ follow up inspections. Where ditches are converted to grassed swells, the bottom areas should include natural vegetation as well as stone where feasible. In areas where riprap is used for ditching, plantings within the stone coverage or allowing for revegetati.on to occur naturally should also be considered in mowing and maintenance, guidelines and schedules. The conversion of A-basins to wet detention ponds or, preferably, constructed wetlands should be maximized where suitable surface hydrology occurs. Assurances of adequate volume storage and recharge water is necessary for pollutant removal success. Where conversion to wetlands is not practicable, tree plantings may be an option for water detention, thermal considerations and habitat as well as trash and pollutant removal. Facilities need to be installed at the top of stormwater measures which will collect trash and litter. These areas will need to be periodically maintained so NCDOT should provide a generic schedule for the cleaning and removal of debris. At all points where water is released from stormwater measures, sheet flow and natural vegetation should be encouraged whenever practicable for both water quality and habitat restoration. For your consideration, DWQ and DOT should generate a generic guidance document similar to the Colorado DOT's_ for future DOT stormwater management practices. These practices should be included and referenced in future 401 Certifications for highway projects. cc: Central files WSRO a:\strmwtr.DOT Z/7 1 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TP ANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT JR. P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH. N.C. 27611-5201 E. NORRIS TOLSON GOVERNOR SECRETARY June 19, 1998 Mr. John Dorney Division of Water Quality Department of Environment and Natural Resources 4401 Reedy Creek Road Raleigh, North Carolina 27607 Dear Mr. Dorney: Re: US 421, Watauga County, TIP No. R-529 BA/BB/BD; New Location from South Fork New River to Blue Ridge Parkway; DWQ Project No. 97-0616, US Army Corps of Engineers Action ID No. 199707161. Reference is made to.Condition 07 of the 401 certification issued for this project. This condition resulted from a March 25, 1998 meeting between representatives of the NCDOT and DWQ. The NCDOT has reviewed the roadway plans for the subject project and incorporated additional measures to reduce impacts to jurisdictional surface waters associated with roadway drainage and storm water runoff. Additionally, the relocation of a tributary to Pine Run Creek has been revised to incorporate riffles and pools. A summary of these modifications is included as Appendix 1. Please note that the revisions are referenced to the location on the roadway plans and do not necessarily correlate with areas shown in the permit drawings. Therefore, the NCDOT will be happy to review the roadway plans with your staff at your request. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact Mr. Lindsey Riddick at (919) 733-7844 extension 315. Sincerel , r t?rt? David C. Robinson, Ph.D., P. E. Assistant Manager-Environmental Services Planning and Environmental Branch DCR/plr cc: Mr. Archie Hankins, P. E., State Hydraulics Engineer Appendix 1. PROJECT R-529 BAs BB Additional management measures that will be incorporated into plans at designated locations. • Side ditches connecting to major streams have been enlarged adjacent to channel to provide a detention/storage area at nine sites. The sites are located as follows: Sta. 4+025 RT to Sta. 4+080 RT Sta. 6+980 RT to Sta. 6+997 RT Sta. 8+880 RT to Sta. 8+910 RT Sta. 9+615 RT to Sta. 9+650 RT Sta. 10+020 LT to Sta. 10+043 LT Sta. 12+550 LT to Sta. 10+585 LT Sta. 12+890 LT to Sta. 12+930 LT Sta. 14+100 RT to Sta. 14+137 RT Sta. 15+480 LT to Sta. 15+500 LT • Shoulders drain outlets have been relocated maximum distance from outlet crossing streams to allow maximum filtration and detention of flow inside ditches at nine sites. The sites are located at: Sta. 7+000 LT, Sta. 7+020 RT, Sta. 8+870 RT, Sta. 8+920 LT, Sta. 11+130 RT, Sta. 11+220 RT, Sta. 11+290 LT, Sta. 12+600 LT and Sta. 14+110 RT • Roadside Environmental will include woody vegetation in stream side revegetation plans. • A - basin that are contained in right of way or permanent easement will be retained as long term detention and possible wetland areas. The sites are located at : Sta. 4+880 LT, Sta. 5+060 LT, Sta. 5+140 LT, Sta. 5+240 LT, Sta. 8+280 RT. and Sta. 8+910 RT • Laxon Creek channel modification conforms to.geomorphic stability and maximum in-channel habitat enhancement. • Pine Run tributary relocation has been revised to incorporate riffles and pools. This location is from Station 6+980 LT to Station 7+360 LT Zt Jv- w ? fi 4,j 7 7? -S` < IV, State of North Carolina { Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality ??r? James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor •ttii?j' Wayne McDevitt, Secretary A. Proston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director V Division of Water Quality Environmental Sciences Branch 4401 Reedy Creek Road Raleigh, N.C. 27907 FAX:(919) 733-9969 Date I FAX TO: led v^ l FAX NUMBER: FROM: C (( PHONE: NQ_ OF PAGES INCLUDING THIS SHEET: f-?- I Per our I v54 Environmental Sciences Branch 4401 Reedy Greek Road • ? Raleigh, North Carollna 27607 'Telephone 919-733-9960 FAX # 733-9959 An Equal Opportunity Ankmadve Acton Employer so% MN'We010% post donsurr er paper V0/10'd 62:2T 86, bT I nr 6S66-SU-6T6: XP3 IOSAM3 Ill Ma A NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES 1:3 ENR FAX TRANSMITTAL Water Quality Section Winston-Salem Regional Office 585 Waughtown Street Winston-Salem, I.C. 27107 Phone: (336)771-4600 -7--. TO: U FAX NUTNIBER- 3,3 FROM: ?::7* = DATE: p Fax: (336)771-4630 Number of pages (including cover page): COMMENTS: M • ? ,s _.ee State of North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Wayne McDevitt, Secretary A. Preston Howard, Jr., P-E., Director hU David Robinson NC DOT PQ Box 25201 Raleigh NC 27611-5201 D= Robinson,: April 20.1998 Re: Certification Pursuant to Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act, Ftoposed US 421 relocation from west of South Fork of the New River to east of the Blue Midge Parkway- WQC Project # 970616 COE #199707161, TIP R-529 BA, 11B, BD Watauga County Attached hereto is a copy of Certification No. 3185 issued to the N. C, Department of TraQSportati.on dated April 20, 1998. If we can be of further assistance, do not hesitate to contact us. Atrac mcnts 970616-wqc A&4 NC left E NR NORTH CARoumA DEPARTMENT OF Ewwor4mzw AND NAnjRAL. Rf,sauRc;&s { J.F. Flon cc: Wilmington District Corps of Engineers Corps of Engineers Asheville Field Office Winston-Salem DWQ Regional orace W John Domey Mr. John Parker. Division of Coastal Managcmcnt Central Files Frank McBride Goleen Sullins M. Judy Moretz RM Ferrell; WRP DiAWon of Water Duality - Environmental Sciences Branch Ehvira Sciences Branch, 4401 Reedy Creek Ind., Raleigh, NC 27607 Telephone 019-733-1796 FAX 0 733-0969 An Equal Opportun4 Affirmative Action Employer • 50% raWdedfI0% post consumer paper VO/ZO'd K:51 86, bT iof 6S66-iU-6T6:x'2J IOSON3 O1 ORI ON NORTH CAROLINA 401 WATER QtIALITY CERTIFICATION _J THIS CERTIFICATION is issued in conformity with the requirements of Section 441 Public Laws 92-500 and 95-217 of the United States and subject to the North Carolina Division of Water Quality (DWQ) Regulations in 15 NCAC 2H, Section .4500 to the NC DOT resulting in 1.32 a Of wetland and 13,461 linear feet or. s impact in Watauga County pursuant to a revi d application dated the 9?day of QCto?ber 1997 to relocate US 421 from east of the South fork of the New River to west of the Blue Ridgo Parkway. N? The application provides adequate assurance that the discharge of fill material into the waters of Rocky Branch, line Run Creek, Thaxon Creek, Laxon Creek, ('rap Creek and the South iFOtk of the New River in conjunction with the proposed development will not result in a violation of applicable Water Quality Standards and discharge guidelines. 'Iherefore, the State of North Carolina codifies that this activity will not violate the applicable portions of Sections 301, 302, 303, 306, 307 of PL 92-500 and PL 95-217 if conducted in accordance with the application and conditions hereinafter set forth. This approval is only valid for the propose and design that you submitted in your application, as described in the Public Notice. If you change your project, you must notify us and send us a new application for a new cert;ncation. if the property is sold, the new owner must be given a copy of the Certification and approval letter and is thereby responsible for complying with all conditions. If addition.9 wetland fills for this project (now or in the future) are proposed, additional compensatory mitigation will be required as described in 15A NCAC 211 .0506 (h) (6) and (7). For this approval to be valid, you must follow the conditions listed below- In audition, you should get any other federal, state or local permits before you go ahead with your project including (but not limited to) Sediment and Erosion control, Coastal Stormwater, Mon-discharge and Water Supply watershed regulations. Condition(s) of Certification: 1. Appropriate sediment and erosion control practices which equal or exceed those outlined in the most recent version of the "North Carotins Sediment and Erosion Control Planning and Design Manual" or the "North Carolina Surface Mining Manual" (available from the Division of Land Resources in the DEIINR Regional or Central Offices) shall be utilized to prevent exceedances of the appropriate turbidity water quality standard (50 NTUs in all fresh water streams and rivers not designated as trout waters; 2,5 NTUs in all lakes and ieservoirs, and all saltwater classes: and 10 NTUs in trout waters). 2. All sediment and erosion control measures placed in wetlands or waters shall be removed and the natural grade restored after the Division of Land Resources has released the project; - - 3, Should waste or borrow sites be located in wetlands, compensatory mitigation is mired since it is a direct impact from road construction activities; 4. All of the wetland mitigation and a portion (to be determined in mitigation plan) of the stream mitigation shall be done at the Sparta Bog mitigation site as discussed in the March 27, 1998 memo (feasibility study) from DOT entitled "Wetland and Stream Mitigation Strategy for US 421". The NC Wetland Restoration Program b0/170 'd OV:2T 86. bI Ind: 6S66-i22--6t6: xPd IOSAN3 OM OM ON , t shall be involved in the design of this mitigation site. DWQ ,shall be copied on the final mitigation plan and annual reports for five years. 6. Stream mitigation shall be done in accordance with the contract with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Total direct perennial stream impacts will include 13,461 linear feet for this projecL Of this 13,461 feet. 6,054 feet shall be relocates within the project right-of-way, while the remaining 7,407 feet will be permanently lost due to piping, culverting or fill. the 7,407 feet of permanentunpact shell be mitigated at a 1:1 ratio. Additional written approval required fix= DWQ for these nc& on plans. DWO shall be involved in the selection of stream mitigation sites. Interim reports shall be sent to DWQ by October 621998 and April 6,1999 to describe progress main locat[ng_suitable and available stream mitigation sttes. Conservation easements or fee simple land ?utchase shall be dome by October 6,1999 to ensure a 1:1 replacement for impacted streams (74071incar fiat). DWQ shall be sent a depicting the stream mitigation sites by April 6, 1999. DOT and WRC shall develop a stream mitigation monitoring protocol and su mit tt to DWQ for written approval. This z protocol shall include monitoring of macrobenthos and streambank stability for five Years. 7. DOT shall submit a stormwater and on=site stream enhancement plan to DWQ by June 6, 1998 for DWQ's written approval. This plan shall maximize stvrmwater treatment and on-site stream enhancement to the maximum cal extent. Violations of any condition herein set fortis shall result in revocation of this Certification and may result in criminal and/or civil penalties. This Certification shall become null and void unless the above conditions are made conditions of the Federal 404 and/or coastal Area Management Act Permit. This Certification shall expire upon expiration of the 404 or LAMA permit- If this Certification is unacceptable to you have the right to an adjudicatory hearing upon written request within sixty (60) days following receipt of this Certification. This request must be in the form of a written petition conforming to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes and filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings, F.O. Box 27447, Raleigh, N.C. 27611-7447. If modifications are made to an original Certification, you have the right to an adjudicatory hearing on the modifications upon wnsen request within sixty (60) days following receipt of the Certification. Vniess such demands are made, this-Certification shall be final and binding. This the 20? day of April 1998 DMSION OF WATER QUALM Wton How Jr. P. WQC # 3185 P, b0/£0'd 6£:£T 86, VT Inf 6S66-££2--6T6:xpd IOSrM Om MU ON kJ 100 From: "Jenny Rankin" <JENNY_RANKIN@wsro.enr.state.nc.us> Organization: NC DENR Winston Salem To: n1ew33l@wsro.enr.state.nc.us Date sent: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 09:17:45 +0500 Subject: (Fwd) 421 mitigation team meeting Send reply to: Jenny-Rankin@WSRO.ENR.State.NC.US Priority: normal Ron, This is what I was sent on the 421 meeting. ------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- From: "Clemmons, Micky M." <CLEMMOMM@MAIL.WILDLIFE.STATE.NC.US> To: "Alsmeyer, Eric" <eric.c.alsmeyer@saw02.usace.army.mil>, "Black, Eric" <eric-black@wsro.enr.state.nc.us>, "Rankin, Jenny" <jenny_rankin@wsro.enr.state.nc.us> Subject: 421 mitigation team meeting Date: Mon, 3 Aug 1998 17:45:00 -0400 Thanks for being willing to serve on this team. The first meeting is August 10th at 2:00. The directions as I got them from DOT are: I have arranged for us to have a room, I believe that it will be the same one used for the preconstruction conference meeting earlier that day. Directions: US 421, take Exit 282 (Statesville Road), going north about 3 miles. The building is on your right, new complex (L shaped), just before a long bridge crossing. The room is in my name, or if not, under Planning and Environmental. If lost, call 336-903-9186 and ask for a Ms. Jordan. Please reply back to me and let me know if you received this message. That way I know that I have the email address correct. By the way Jenny I did not tell you that there will actually be 2 teams. One team for Watauga and one for Wilkes. You and Eric may want to take a different team or you both may want to be on both teams. Either way is OK with me. We can talk about this at the meeting. --------------------------------------------- Jenny Rankin Jenny_Rankin@WSRO.ENR.State.NC.US NC DENR Water Quality 585 Waughtown Street Winston-Salem, NC 27107 voice (336) 771-4608 ext 271 FAX (336) 771-4630 air Vz) James Ronald (Ron) Linville -- 1 -- Wed, 5 Aug 1998 07:52:52 ?fll lI M d'Svn.vd.cx STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT JR. GOVERNOR July 14, 1998 E. NORRIS TOLSON ?R13 }: w ai _ ! 7 ?^s ?' ;'^? M PROJECT: 6.759002T, 6.759003T (R-529BA & R-529BB) COUNTY: Watauga DESCRIPTION: US 421 From Just West of the South Fork New River to West of the Blue Ridge Parkway East of Boone. SUBJECT: Conference - US Army Corp of Engineers Permit and NC Wildlife Resources Commission Mitigation Plans Mr. Larry Gavin Wright Brothers Construction Company, Inc. Box 437 Charleston, TN 37310 Dear Mr. Gavin: The US Army Corp of Engineers' permit for the above referenced project requires that a meeting be held to ensure that all interested parties are fully aware of the terms and conditions of the permit. As per your discussion with Mr. Wally Bowman, Division Construction Engineer, the meeting will be held in the large conference room (Room Number 2) of the new Equipment/Resident Engineer's office building located in the southeast quadrant of NC 115 crossing of the Yadkin River in North Wilkesboro at 10:00a.m.on Monday, August 10, 1998. During the meeting we will also take time to discuss any concerns and comments from DEHNR, Water Quality and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission including their mitigation plans. If additional information is needed, please advise. P. 0. Box 250, N. WILKESBORO, NC 28659 PHONE: (336) 667-9111 FAx (336) 667-4549 Mr. Larry Gavin Page 2 July 14, 1998 Sincerely, 0. 4L W. E. Hoke, PE Division Engineer - Division 11 WEH/JWB/wb cc: S. D. DeWitt, PE Bill Rogers, PE Bill Gilmore, PE David Robinson, PE A. L. Hankins, PE Jamie Wilson, PE D. H. Patton Joe Thompson F. J. Gioscio Neil Trivette Steve Lund - US Army Corp of Engineers, Asheville Joe Mickey - NC WRC Micky Clemmons - NC WRC Ron Linville - NC DEHNR, Division of Water Quality Matthew Gant, P.E. - NC DEHNR, Division of Land Quality Mot n?-Vd? STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA , ,. DEPARTMENT OF TMNSPORTATIO?d r.° JAMES B. HUNT JP- " E. NoRRis Tbts6'N GOVERNOR July 15, 1998 SECRETARY PROJECT: 6.759002T, 6.759003T (R-529BA & R-529BB) COUNTY: Watauga DESCRIPTION: US 421 From Just West of the South Fork New River to West of the Blue Ridge Parkway East of Boone. SUBJECT: Salvage of Stream Restoration Materials Mr. Joe Mickey, Jr. NC Wildlife Resources Commission 155 Timberbrook Drive State Road, NC 28676 Dear Mr. Mickey: This is in reference to your letter dated July 10, 1998, requesting the NC DOT to have the Contractor salvage and stockpile materials along the construction corridor for later use by the NC WRC in stream relocation and stream bank restoration sites. As you are aware the NC DOT entered into an agreement with WRC to reimburse $50.00 per linear foot of stream restoration. We will discuss your requests to salvage and stockpile materials with the Contractor, Wright Brothers Construction Company, Inc., at the Preconstruction Conference on July 23, 1998. We have also scheduled a meeting with the Contractor, US Army Corp of Engineers, NC DEHNR, Division of Water Quality, and NC Wildlife Resources Commission on August 10, 1998 and we will discuss your proposal in more detail at this meeting. If additional information is needed, please advise. Sincerely, W. E. Hoke, PE Division Engineer - Division 11 P. O. Box 250, N. WILKESBORO, NC 28659 PHONE (336) 667-9111 FAX (336) 667-4549 Mr. Joe Mickey, Jr. July 15, 1998 Page 2 WEH/JWB/wb cc: S. D. DeWitt, PE w/ attachment Bill Gilmore, PE David Robinson, PE Jamie Wilson, PE w/ attachment F. J. Gioscio w/ attachment Neil Trivette w/ attachment Micky Clemmons - NC WRC Ron Linville - NC DEHNR, Division of Water Quality 1 ;61 rIJ ?,?-sJs t SL, ?P s? „,. 00 1-\ Vi zjr Zf 00 J V U NN Z cv- -a ?J ? a ?; • .. ? h cam. Y 7- STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT JR. P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH. N.C. 27611-5201 E. NORRIS TOLSON GOVERNOR August 06, 1998 SECRETARY U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Field Office 608 Falls of the Neuse Road, Suite 120 Raleigh, North Carolina 27615 ATTN: Mr. Eric Alsmeyer NCDOT Coordinator Dear Sir: Subject: Wilkes County, Widening of U.S. 421 from east of SR 2433 to east of SR 2309; TIP No. R-223913; State Project No. 6.769001T. In a letter dated July 13, 1998, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) requested the Individual Permit application for the aforementioned project be reinstated. The letter detailed various mitigation efforts to compensate for impacts to jurisdictional waters of the United States. As stated in the July 13, 1998 letter, NCDOT has funded the purchase of Shepherd's Tree mitigation site in Iredell County. A conceptual mitigation plan has been prepared which outlines expected activities and anticipated opportunities for the site. A copy of the conceptual mitigation plan is attached. Thank you for your continued review of this project. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact Mr. Lindsey Riddick at (919) 733-7844 extension 315. Sincerely, William D. Gilmore, P.E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch cc: Mr. David Franklin, USACE, Wilmington Mr. John Dorney. Division of Water Quality Mr. W. H. Hoke. P. E.. Division 10 Engineer Mr. Mark Cantrell, USFWS, Asheville Mr. Joe Mickey. NCWRC Eastern Mountain Coordinator Conceptual Wetland Mitigation Plan for Shepherd's Tree Site, Iredell County Prepared by North Carolina Department of Transportation Planning and Environmental Branch August 4, 1998 1.0 Introduction The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has estimated wetland impacts resulting from highway projects in the Yadkin River Basin to be approximately 73 acres over the next five years. To address these wetland impacts and provide compensatory wetland mitigation, NCDOT has identified the proposed Shepherd's Tree Mitigation Site in Iredell County as a suitable site for the development of a regional mitigation project (Figure 1). The Shepherd's Tree site presents the opportunity to restore a functioning bottomland hardwood wetland system to provide wetland mitigation throughout the Yadkin Basin. This report provides a general description of the proposed mitigation site and a conceptual mitigation plan based on preliminary site investigations. A detailed final mitigation plan will be developed in the future and sent to state and federal regulatory agencies for approval once hydrologic studies and soil sampling are complete. The objective of this report is to introduce the Shepherd's Tree Mitigation Site, to describe existing hydrologic and vegetative conditions, and to provide a framework for site development. 2.0 Site Description 2.1 General Characteristics The proposed Shepherd's Tree Mitigation Site is located in Iredell County, in the Piedmont physiographic region of the Yadkin River Basin (USGS Hydrologic Unit 03040102). The site is located on SR 2362 (Triplett Road), approximately one mile south of US 70 at Elmwood (Figure 2), in the west central portion of the Yadkin Basin. The area under investigation is comprised of a large complex of heavily ditched agricultural fields on the floodplain of Third Creek, a channelized Piedmont stream. The floodplain is relatively flat, with slopes of 0-3% and a total relief of <10 feet. Along the edges of the floodplain, upland hills rise up with steeper slopes covered in agricultural crops to the north and primarily forests to the south. The portion of the floodplain currently proposed for the Shepherd's Tree site is comprised of two parcels which occupy each side of Third Creek between SR 2362 and SR 2363 (Knox Farm Road). The north parcel is comprised of approximately 150 acres and the south parcel is comprised of approximately 50 acres. Other adjacent agricultural areas in the Third Creek floodplain may be added to the proposed site in the future if practical. ct- ?F _ , uFt _ a g __?_ •9 w ., < w+ur °o? ? ' I a 4 b G F r ? 175 '° a4 • dp ' ?o? p ? `.r+tr ?.' ? r"A. t - _ OMn b '" F p R' ? ? Y . 4a1? .?-?? b - $IrBaW IN, 1 , ? n aao.c o w Y ? ?? £ E 06, 64 21 ? - ? P v va.c 9 i 2 , srs a sw cas o r ? crrrT a .a? % ` 'd a . 901 I'0 1 n yy `• A ?•. Creek F dfOa "^ a a wwr g '\ i it th 77 .,a ? ;-- ?. 9 P ? a? ^'•1,, can ., $. ,, ! p,,, "° C ? 'w •? 01 04"'C CO S . Ceel . •e?• F ?" '2 11© , qa l?, -? °,t.'n- Y ? F C,« . 40 swr.s.. o \ q?` r"r ' ? , B a '4a Ala' i "P44}?? Wµ .`.. 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Location map of proposed Shepherd's Tree Mitigation Site j ? -"'? '• ? ro 15 N 1Y iA z1 ?.. c? s t 21 ?;•?P'ti/ .., c,\. 1 715 i s./ ?l\`\`?///^ttom (I +?, \ \\?\I ((( ll l??" %? 9?• J ; ??I ?? 1\ \ '\-_ / nv ` I ;'_° ?7 - ?!????\\?soo ?r/ (? \? \ ?x 83 / p 1 ?\` ? J , ? y? ? T. +_ __ ? 77.\l.;) ? ? l ! ?y O / j J•^ - '\ n m ?n 4j 1)\? \'_??\ I / 1/l I 84 as 55 1 \\ k9? \ III I('/?\''I ? ? I ? ? / f/ ??'• \ 1 146 `?-,?J ?o ? \36 - - ,\?'? ?--?? ?75"_"?1\ X54 r / B m ilk 1. 9%?? o ?.? \.1 ^(?`;?f'\vi• Mitigation Site `?1;?+i. .?•.Cl? ?.:.•r ??'??? i%;??' I, \k I _zj r -Iff ?-/?1 1 i'? ?1 ? ?~ jn >, ` •? I?-•l y ? I (,?/ / w^ ( li \? n /\-?/? \??? ,a I/ ; .?,r l ? "'_'?J ? I x'11 7720 f\?\?(?? ?(? /?'?/ . ^'•l \?? ;g `\?`?• I\ nom., i . /--_•I-I f C:- 3952 ? ??1/ ?I,?II[?? r 11?\? ?`1?/ \' I• L ?. /f? i / /? 11" •! ?'`I II iy ?l \\i -/ ?I ?`?? 1(r"\? `. 1+`1/''^ 'lm?\\7i 3Z 65? ; 1J ?''??" / ?\?, "ijll (,,?= / „I?? \\1.\\ 1 f( t/t\ \ 42r; fig 3951 ///.. ? ?rV? 1 n/ ? • / J l ?? A•.jtTh? 2392 IoB ;`7 apI\ i? i ?•,'.-?`?i w P`\1\ 107 ?(? i/ llJJ??,? - J \\? /1 `? .\Ii \ 2883 -? . t• / ?•\\i\/ ?\/ 0h?? \;\^\\c•J1?\ 3950 1 r • ? v i.. /1 U r ? v??. ' Figure 2. Proposed Shepherdes Tree Mitigation Site \ `'? .???'1. ?O- mot!- 1 ' ,-`?.? _ _ __Ii878 _ __. _- /?J • ? I. ?1?. ?.`--7''. ?i I ??°,1 ?. ? l? ? j ?' - ,\1?? o.... 2.2 Hydrology The hydrology of the Shepherd's Tree Mitigation Site is affected by both surface and groundwater sources which naturally combine to create wetland conditions because of the site's topographic position. Surface water hydrology is derived from Third Creek, a fourth order Piedmont stream with an upstream watershed of approximately 100 square miles. Historically, flooding by Third Creek overtopped the natural levee along the channel banks and flooded lower lying areas further back from the channel. Once flooded, lower lying areas probably retained water for significant periods, slowly draining eastward across the site and downward through the soil profile. The Shepherd's Tree site is also significantly influenced by shallow subsurface drainage from the upslope watershed. Groundwater moving downslope enters the site along the floodplain margins and is particularly significant in the northwest corner of the north parcel. This shallow groundwater flow maintains a high water table along the outer floodplain, likely creating saturated wetland conditions in the early part of the growing season. The natural hydrology of the Shepherd's Tree site has been greatly altered by human activities which have served to prevent surface water inputs and decrease the residence time of groundwater. A tall berm, 8-12 feet high, has been constructed along both sides of Third Creek to inhibit overbank flooding of the stream. In addition, the stream has been straightened and possibly excavated throughout the length of the site to accelerate water flow downstream. The constriction of floodwaters through the straightened -and restricted channel has likely resulted in accelerated undercutting of the stream bed and sedimentation of downstream waters. A network of broad, shallow ditches has also been excavated throughout the site to drain groundwater inputs directly into Third Creek. This network of ditches is especially pronounced in the northwest corner of the north parcel where groundwater inputs are apparently greatest. Lateral ditches in the north parcel connect to a deeper central ditch which flows across the site to the southeast. Drainage ditches have also been excavated along the base of the upland slope in the south parcel, intercepting groundwater discharge. . 2.3 Soils Soils occurring on site are comprised of typical Piedmont bottomland soils of the Chewacla, Congaree, and Wehadkee series (Figure 3). Tables 1 and 2 indicate the relative proportion of each soil type on each parcel, along with estimated water table depth and hydric status as listed in the Iredell County soil survey (1964). 4 Moms s?_e? _ . 7'.k t _? 7 ' X r i \ ? ?@' r ?f 7 E 62 r a S lcol 1 1 j -- 1 I 1 _ '. ? ' W ? ...?. - 1 % ' . r?y - ? ct; i ry fit W S2 '! ry 4, ? (, ` l Af8 ' HfB2 . ? 1 1 'Ah / i .tom ' :?13? ^J. S -. .' Y. " - ^? i A 1rsC1 Cw Cy S _itiC;.T ion site } I o -0 r I1 r t LfC_ ?? La I P V - _ _ 19N8??? ?1 1 '\ i CMD2 .e' f - / s ?? _ y 1 Lf6 _- 'L m i ;; . h , q s ???m Cc a"Y c M2 rc1 > ?. n . 'Cf62 ? Cm82 ^CfD2- r -? g 1 s CcC3 ?` \ • 1 rc l _ Cw .. }i. P As62 iAS B?'- - 'fit ?. .' y x t / ?.__T CMC- 4 ?_ ;3 >BZ I' Y 5 GN? ` ? = 1... r r__1 Y L~ C' i '..°rau'_ Tree -Mitigation Site soils map F1_ure Sneph i . IL g? ' Table 1. Mapped soils occurring on the North Parcel, Shepherd's Tree Mitigation Site. Soil Series Code % of Site Depth to Groundwater (ft.) . Hydric Chewacla Cw 50 1-3 Yes Congaree Cy 35 Wehadkee We 15 3-8 Alluvial 0-2 Yes Table 2. Mapped soils occurring on the South Parcel, Shepherd's Tree Mitigation Site. Soil Series Code % of Site Depth to Groundwater (it.) ilyanc Chewacla Cw 50 1-3 Yes Congaree Cy 50 3-8 Alluvial As indicated, approximatley 65% of the north parcel is mapped as hydric soil, along with 50% of the south parcel. Congaree soils tend to occur along the natural river levee which is present on both sides of Third Creek. Wehadkee soils are most prevalent in the northwest corner of the north parcel where groundwater discharge is prominent. Preliminary soil investigations at the Shepherd's Tree site indicated a loam surface soil, tilled and mixed, underlain by a clay subsoil at a depth of 12-14 inches with a highly reduced matrix (10 YR 6/0). 2.4 Vegetation The majority of the site (>95%) is currently planted in corn or other agricultural crops, with a narrow fringe of early successional grasses, herbs, and shrubs along the margins. A 10-20 foot buffer of trees occurs along the berm bordering each side of Third Creek, comprised of typical disturbed site species. Wetland herbs, grasses, and shrubs occur in the shallow ditches which cross the corn fields. Overall, the vegetative communities of the Shepherd's Tree Mitigation Site are highly disturbed such that none realistically represents a naturally occurring assemblage. The natural community types which likely occurred on this site prior to disturbance are Piedmont/Mountain Levee Forest and Piedmont/Mountain Bottomland Forest, though virtually none remains in a characteristic state. 6 3.0 Proposed Mitigation Activities 3.1 Hydrology Restoration of hydrology at the Shepherd's Tree Mitigation Site will involve the removal or disruption of all artificial water control structures. Ditches will be plugged or backfilled, and the berm along both sides of Third Creek will be dismantled or breached at various locations. These activities should serve to significantly increase the frequency of surface water flooding across the site and to raise the seasonal high water table by slowing goundwater drainage. The Shepherd's Tree-site also offers the opportunity for stream restoration and enhancement activities in areas where both sides of the stream are under ownership. The existing straightened and constricted channel could be restored to more natural meanders and cross-sectional topography. Removal of the constructed berm would serve to alleviate high water flows and down cutting of the channel. However, Third Creek, being a fourth order stream subject to significant upstream inputs, will require detailed hydrologic study prior to the initiation of any stream modifications. 3.2 Soils Soil analyses will be performed to determine if an artificial hardpan exists on the site due to continued use of heavy agricultural machinery. If such a hardpan is encountered, deep ripping of the soil will be evaluated as a means of improving subsurface hydrology. Grading of higher portions of the floodplain to lower elevations will also be studied for feasibility and cost effectiveness to determine whether such activities are practical. Grading, if pursued, would likely involve minor alterations in elevation (<1 meter) or resurfacing of the soil for microtopographic enhancement. Grading of marginal upland areas could create new wetland area in the floodplain subject to surface water flooding and groundwater discharge. Lastly, the soil surface will be stabilized by the establishment of permanent forest cover as opposed to the existing agricultural conditions. 3.3 Vegetation Once soil and hydrologic restoration activities are completed, the site will be planted with a mixture of hardwood species. Natural community zones will be mapped based on soil and hydrology data, and hardwood species will be distributed across the site 7 based on their tolerance to flooding and saturation. Vegetation plantings will attempt to recreate Piedmont/Mountain Levee Forest and Piedmont/Mountain Bottomland Forest communities which are likely characteristic of natural floodplain conditions prior to alteration. 4.0 Projected Mitigation Area Based on soils mapping and preliminary _field reviews, NCDOT estimates that the Shepherd's Tree Mitigation Site can provide approximately 70-80 acres of wetland restoration, 40-50 acres of wetland creation, and 7000 linear feet of stream restoration. These estimates are based on successful acquisition of both the north and south parcel. Additional mitigation acreage may be available in adjacent properties, which will be investigated and pursued in the future if practical. 5.0 Project Schedule and Implementation Acquisition and development of the Shepherd's Tree Mitigation Site is currently in progress. An appraisal has been completed and funding for purchase has beep approved by the N.C. Board of Transportation. The NCDOT Right of Way Branch has contacted the property landowners and begun negotiations for purchase. Development of a mitigation plan for the site has been initiated through a private consulting firm. Water table wells are scheduled to be installed in September of this year. Soil sampling, hydrologic modeling, and community mapping are scheduled for autumn and winter of 1998. A completed mitigation plan with a final design package is expected in spring of 1999, with implementation of the site anticipated in summer 1999. Regulatory agencies will be invited to review the site and provide recommendations once purchase is finalized through the ROW Branch. All mitigation and design plan development will be coordinated with state and federal regulatory agencies prior to implementation. 8 F J-20-ti To: John Dorney r Cyndi Bell From: Ron Linville Subject: DOT On-Site Stormwater/Habitat Credits Date: 980629 After several site visits and discussions with individuals who are involved with DOT projects, it appears that in many cases.on- site and in-kind mitigation may not always be practical or very successful. Regulations generally require in-kind mitigation. These efforts are often done in another area away from the destroyed area and often in another subbasin. This is not conducive to maintaining water quality and quantity to predisturbance conditions in the new roadway area. I would propose that, especially in the piedmont, and foothills, that we review the possibility of giving some mitigation credit to DOT for activities which would provide stormwater retention, litter and pollutant removal as well as habitat replacement adjacent to the affected area of the new roadway. This should be in addition to as much regularly required in-kind mitigation. It would seem that such efforts would tend to compliment existing protection and restoration activities by providing more diversity and protecting water quality in the immediately disturbed areas. Please consider t4iA --a-s this option as it could also assist DOT in their efforts of minimizing flood stage elevational changes. Such practices could also be utilized for spill containment. This might also be utilized to reduce long-term forestry fragmentation and disruption in some instances. Thank you for your time and consideration of this idea. cc: Central files WSRO /? fl tM1_- f?or tie- f AANFo ?e vim S 'taus STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT, JR. GOVERNOR August 14, 1998 E. NoRR1s TOLSON SECRETARY N.C. Drzl,W.. o, f it-! x I I; AU G Z 6 1998 n ;, r PROJECT NUMBER: 6.759002T, Etc. (R-529BA & R-529BB) ({-q" COUNTY: Watauga DESCRIPTION: US 421 From Just West of the South Fork New River to West of Blue Ridge Parkway East of Boone MEMORANDUM TO: W. E. Hoke, P. E. Division Engi eer - Div. 11 FROM: F. J. Giosco Resident Engineer SUBJECT: Project Permit Review Conference Please be advised that on August 10, 1998 a permit review conference was conducted at the North Wilkesboro Division conference room. Attached is an attendance record that documents names, phone numbers, titles, and firms for each attendee. Mr.Bowman began the meeting by discussing in brief what the purpose of this meeting was. He also described what would be covered. The first item discussed, page 210 of the project contract, concerned the time limits the Contractor should expect if they propose to utilize construction methods not specifically identified in the existing permits. They were reminded that the 60 day time limit is in the contract but the request usually does not take this long. Starting on page 211 of the project contract, the Corps of Engineers permit was reviewed. General condition number 1 gives the time limit for completing the authorized work. It was explained that should the date listed not be met, the DOT will address the situation at the appropriate time. On page 212 of the contract, general condition number 4 was discussed. The Contractor was advised that this condition was for NCDOT only. Under general condition number 5, it was 1359 EAST KING STREET, BOONE, NC 28607 PHONE (828) 265-5373 FAx (828) 265-5408 W. E. Hoke, P. E. August 14, 1998 Page 2 pointed out that a water quality certification has been issued for this project. All remaining information on this page was reviewed along with page 213. The "Special Conditions" on page 214 was then reviewed. It was reiterated to the group, in reference to special condition number 2, that this is one of the most critical projects ever let to contract in Division 11. It was also noted that in reference to special condition number 6 on the same page, anything outside of the permit authorization must be addressed before performing the operation, including all waste areas. All other special conditions on this page were reviewed. On page 215 of the project contract, it was explained that special conditions numbers 8, 9, 10, and 11 are for NCDOT only. It was pointed out that special condition number 12 is addressed in the project plans, therefore this condition has been met. It was discussed, though, that if for some reason this cannot be met in the field DOT needs to know as soon as possible so the situation can be addressed. It was agreed that special condition number 13 would be handled by Mr. Lindsey Riddick, NCDOT Planning and Environmental. Staff biologists, Logan Williams and Bruce Wallace will also be involved with this activity. Special conditions 14 through 18, on page 216 of the contract, was reviewed. The next item discussed was the reimbursement agreement between the NCDOT and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commision. Item number 1 on page 218 was discussed. WRC representatives stated that they will advertise through the media for landowners who may be interested in applying for the available trout stream mitigation work. Mr. Micky Clemmons, WRC, explained how this process was handled on other projects in the past. On page 219 of the project contract, it was discussed the NCDOT Right of Way Department will be responsible for obtaining all easements needed to implement the approved mitigation plans. NCDOT Location Department will also be involved with the required surveys. This discussion was held in reference to item number 2 on this page. Items 3 through 5 were reviewed. It was agreed that under item number 5, the final invoice will be submitted to NCDOT in care of Lindsey Riddick and Beth Harmon. Items 6 and 7 on page number 220 was reviewed. The North Carolina 401 Water Quality Certification, starting on page 223 of the contract, was the next document that was reviewed. Conditions of Certification number 1,2, 3, and 4 were reviewed. It was clarified concerning condition number 6 on page 224 of the contract that WRC required a 2:1 ratio instead of the 1:1 stated here. And, WRC would be performing this item. It was discussed that condition number 7 on the same page has already been accomplished. The vicinity maps and the plan views were reviewed. Mr. Bowman suggested that NCDOT Construction office personnel and Contractor field personnel highlight these areas on their plans so everybody is aware of the exact locations. The Contractor agreed to delineate the specific areas on the project with orange snow fence. W. E. Hoke, P. E. August 14, 1998 Page 3 A discussion was conducted with Mr. Steve Lund, COE, concerning items that may not be covered by the existing COE permit for this project. Mr. Lund stated the temporary stream crossings for clearing and grubbing were not covered by the permit. It was agreed upon that a generic plan could be submitted to the COE for their approval that would cover all temporary crossings. The Contractor shall prepare this plan that will include a detailed explanation of how the crossing will be built, what materials will be used to construct the crossing, it will state that a minimum number of crossings will be used in each work area, and will make provisions for the crossings to be removed if constructed out of the roadway footprint and restored to natural condition. A plan that the Contractor had drawn up for a temporary crossing at Sta. 10+360 +- was given to Mr. Lund at this meeting. The above mentioned plan shall be sent to Mr. Lindsey Riddick, NCDOT, so the existing permit can be modified with this information. Mr. Lund also suggested that we make sure the project construction plans are in agreement with the project permits. Mr. Lund stated that sometime between the time the permits are issued and the plans are sent to the field, changes occur that are not covered by the permits. Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. FJG\fg cc: All Attendants Listed on the Attendance Record File 1359 EAST KING STREET, BOONE, NC 28607 PHONE (828) 265-5373 FAx (828) 265-5408 op bfi--i & 6 ?ap -373 Y,_coomeAAA4 // !1 1! GI ? ? - °' 'r 336 G67-ylll - -- ---- - Lb!^?__ lv???-cr -- - - Wa-lcWT 62os- !?OfICTY 1001ca)N& 423 - 3-3 aQe, L4 --------------- T2?.? t?.?W4 ?D 1 ?e- -- .. _ 8Z $- Z( S- S3 73 - ---- _ ---- -- - - - --- - - --D 3_ GA L I G,6, tQ - - .. --- - N C _ D oi- ----- - --- _----- --- BZ ? = z e S- 53- -_3- -- -- lam- -6?--- - - - -?'i1 p' r`?°-?0? ----- - - -- --- - -?'73 -` i4/__.. All lf?- _ in /. _- ewe rl? . -- s? - A e,?/?.,? c 6 R nS of E,4&rtIrJrR 5 PP MAr1 A &ER -- `fs2. 2- ? 71-YSrs 7 1 /? n r, ` n ,/ I I Or r5, 5-3.7 t ??o.GSZ _5384. L( 86 `117-4/34 ?'z$ _ iDDVC4<_ Nc-Dcri Pd'E_ . ?,e??r?'_S?Ec _??S?--- -----_9 ?9 _x_733. --3! %? H vLOhy--Lra.?--- Board award, s road., deals- N Construction on both U.S. 421 and N.C. 16 to start by early September By Duane Marsteller JOURNAL NORTHWEST BUREAU RALEIGH Orange road-construction signs will soon appear on two of Northwest North Caroli- na's major roads. The N.C. Board of Transportation award- ed contracts yesterday to widen an 8.3-mile section of U.S. 421 in Watauga County and improve a 2.8-mile stretch of N.C. 16 in Ashe County. Wright Brothers Construction Co. of Charleston, Tenn.; was awarded a $34 mil- lion contract to widen U.S. 421 between Deep Gap and Boone. J.R. Vannoy and Sons Construction Co. of West Jefferson won a $3.6 million contract to widen and make other improvements to N.C. 16 between Jefferson and the New River. Officials of both companies said they plan to start construction by early Septem- ber. The U.S. 421 project is scheduled to be finished by the end of 2001, and the N.C.16 project should be done in late 1999. The board's decision to award a contract was good news to supporters of widening U.S. 421 from two to four lanes who have been frustrated by years of delays. "It's great," said'Thurman Johnson, the president of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. "I'm just glad to see it's finally happening." Work to widen the section between Deep Gap and Boone was to start last year, but problems in getting a permit from the N.C. Division of Water Quality delayed the proj- ect. Public outcry over the delay prompted a letter-writing campaign to Gov. Jim Hunt to ? • `? ? i S i? ? ` c ? ?.. ?G. I ?"-2? ROADS Continued From Page Bi asking him to end the stalemate. It also prompted the directors of the N.C. Department of Transportation and the water-quality division to apologize for the delay during a visit to Boone in March. The permit was issued in April. Most of the new U.S. 421 will be built north of the existing two-lane road, but drivers can expect delays at some spots on the existing road once construction starts, an official with Wright Brothers said. One bottleneck will be a bridge just east of the Boone city limits that will have to be replaced, said Larry Gavin, the company's sub- contracting manager for the proj- ect. Another bottleneck will be about three miles east of Boone, where the new road will cross the existing highway, he said. The N.C. 16 project calls for ex- panding each of the road's lanes tc 12 feet Wille and adding 2-foot- wide paved shoulders between the South Fork of the New River and U.S. 221. The DOT's plans for the road have spawned a citizens' opposi- tion group. An official of the group, the Friends of Highway 16, said that the group has no problem with the project. "What they approved today is something that we haven't brought into the fight," said Bebe A. Hen- nessy, the group's chairwoman. "That's not the area we're fight- ing." The group opposes plans to buy up to 80 feet of right-of-way to widen N.C. 16 by four feet in the Glendale Springs community, sev- eral miles down the road from the construction site. W-sue 9rd 7 1 / See ROADS, Page 67 yid a) t w r O `mb O M V L 0 1 41,4 :s 0 4w -Z,:3 t 5 V) p,, a ? ° C Yb g '. cd O GR. °'O m° pi;b b my too C ^? 'd ? cd aoi O 0 0 O 2. 42 -2 0 Ei y y y y E? ????.n aoi??gxo.a a ao o'° dw o o?w"?: yd?NO 1]oooyy:a a?toooc?,do? 41 r.. CdoU . d °oP, t? bq 3 O 3 s >,o cad i.,1„O O9 ti d iC cd w cd V 'a {? O ZS ca?vi to r. 6 y d ? ? ? V 40. y vii t34)+ 4 o ++Pa .2 5 Om0 s 34 J m A by 33oo°n z o 4. Q , c ' 7 a o w Q o Q C) r w ° ?' ^O 0 0 3 ° O 2 a o V W N ? y 2 Q) C ? ¢ as to ?•U .4 , [/ Qi .O,? ',? y., o 'o ff, Cd 41 3 0. ? Pr 3 ? c 7 O 4y l p cud o d '? 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W S 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 o e o 0 0 0 0 0 ? o 3F /* rp y a N M CL ?I M M ?Z N ,a `•G C\ W i m wi tJf AQ rt N From: Self <NROAR04/NlEW331> To: "John Dorney" <john_dorney@h2o.enr.state.nc.us> Subject: Re: US 421 update and related DOT matters Send reply to: Ron-Linville@WSRO.ENR.STATE.NC.US Date sent: Mon, 13 Apr 1998 08:07:20 +0000 John, Hope that we can start working with DOT better. Still have some unanswered questions. On Feb 4, 1998 I sent you e-mail message that Phillip Todd and I had found a stream trib that had not been included in impacts for McConnel Rd interchange and requested review by DOT to determine if this was an oversight that needed to be included. Phillip was a bit put out by our finding an undocumented impact. Trib was discharging from an old pond site. Also, Eric Black has been pursuing as best he can (since I was out) a large wetland impact from this same project. I do not recollect that this project was to impact a large wetland as described by Eric. So bottom line is that we need to come to some resolution on this specific project site ASAP as DOT is working has been working there for some time and we still have questions. In my previous e-mail I called this rib a dual braided trib with about 300' of impact. We need to see a COMPLETE document on this whole Greensboro bypass. From: "John Dorney" <john_dorney@h2o.enr.state.nc.us> Cc: 'coleen' <coleen_sullins@h2o.enr.state.nc.us> , 'dennis' <dennis_ramsey@h2o.enr.state.nc.us> Cyndi_B <Windows/PostMaster/CyndiB@h2o.enr.state.nc.us> , John _D <Windows/PostMaster/JohnD@h2o.enr.state.nc.us> Subject: US 421 update and related DOT matters Date: Thu, 9 Apr 1998 16:56:34 -0700 Update on 421: Prepared draft 401 and faxed to DOT. They reviewed and agreed with conditions as written. Once COE straightens out the Public Notice issue, we will issue 401. Second (and related issue): My understanding of the agreement between DOT and DENR with respect to future 401s was that DOT would not send applications to us for review unless they had a mitigation plan. We just received the Public Notice for a project (widening I-40 in Greensboro) which will impact 5.37 acres of wetlands and 4,297 linear feet of streams with no mitigation plan. DOT is developing the plan for a wetland mitigation site on South Buffalo Creek (no final plan or even a final draft yet), they are talking to the Starmount Forest Country Club about stream mitigation on their property (they are "currently investigating the development of a mitigation plan" ) and (even with these mitigation ideas) they still need additional stream and wetland mitigation areas which they have yet to locate. We propose to put the project on hold (in writing) since "Information necessary to the Director's decision is unavailable" (15A NCAC 2H .0507 (a)(5)). Please advise. It would be helpful if someone in the Archdale Building told them generically not to send these applications until they have mitigation plan (assuming this is the policy understanding between our Departments). Be aware that this general policy would have some serious implications for their TIP schedule but we believe that it is better to have DOT be honest about this problem rather than put in an incomplete application. Please advise. James Ronald (Ron) Linville -- 1 -- Wed, 12 Aug 1998 12:18:09 From: Self <NROAR04/NlEW331> To: John Dorney <john@dem.ehnr.state.nc.us>,NROAR04/TS19W40, "C Subject: 421 and DOT suggestions Copies to: steve mauney,NROAR04/N1ED706 Send reply to: Ron_Linville@WSRO.ENR.STATE.NC.US Date sent: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 09:18:50 +0000 Article in paper this AM indicating that State will make priority of 421 and that there is a realization of doing business a better way. I concur and agree we do need a safer road. I have relatives in Wilkes and drive the road a lot for other purposes. DOT created the existing fiasco by calling the new road a "widening" which is misleading. So if it is a new day, let's move forward and make some elementary and basic changes to the way we ALL do business. Firstly, DOT should not hide (misname) what they are doing in the environmental documents by calling a project what it is not. That is how these things get up the ladder w/o a full review. ("It's just a road widening.") Secondly, DOT should not buy property until after they have all their permits. To do otherwise is questionable as USFWS and EPA can overide. This also makes permit review seem pointless unless we are willing to let DOT waste tax dollars if changes are made. Court cases do not consider owership as a priority for permitting. Thirdly, DOT and environmental reviewers should come to an agreement early on, which means that DOT must produce a close to finished project plan with good maps showing the actual impacts at the time of preapplication reviews, not permit reviews. To do this DOT must incorporate env. field comments into the plan when they finally do submit plans or show very good reasons for not doing so. Previously, they have ignored us (or their env. people) when things were brought up. Things were likely ignored by central DOT staff so we had too many decisions made by non-field personnel for non-environmental reasons. We only have one environment. We can have many roads but they can be built sensitively. It is the State's job to insure that happens. Forthly (and repeat of above), we and DOT environmental spend half of our field time trying to decipher the maps provided by DOT engineering. We need to spend time to see the impacts and understand the project. Simply put, we need to see the project on USGS topo type maps and less busy site specific maps. We need to see wetlands, streams, hydrology and buildings. Even the DOT staff gets very confused and frustrated looking at the current maps. Fifthly, DOT should never build a 2 lane road in the middle of a right of way that has been purchased large enough for a future 4 lane highway. Utilization becomes more difficult and costly. Access control for the future 4 lane was not preserved through parts of this roadway which does not provide for ease of future utilization. Controlled acess should be a must with major connectors and potential 4 lane highways. Still think we could all sit down and work out an appropriate 421 route if DOT is willing. A shame this had to happen this way before James Ronald (Ron) Linville -- 1 -- Wed, 12 Aug 1998 12:19:13 r they would listen. I think that most of DOT environmental want to do the right thing but somehow it just doesn't get to the final project. In my opinion, there are onsite stormwater opportunities that we and they should look at that may help us protect water quality that may not fit our "in kind" mitigation requirements especially in the mountains and piedmont. Hope this is helpful. Will FAX article to Cyndi this AM. James Ronald (Ron) Linville -- 2 -- Wed, 12 Aug 1998 12:19:13 From: Self <NR0AR04/N1EW331> To: "Cyndi Bell" <cyndi_ bell@h2o.enr.state.nc.us>, "John Dorney Subject: (Fwd) RE: (Fwd) 421 Send reply to: Ron_Linville@WSRO.ENR.STATE.NC.US Date sent: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 08:16:50 +0000 Thought this might give some more insights into this 421 mess. Forwarded Message Follows -------From: "Mickey, Joseph H. Jr." <MICKEYJH@MAIL.WILDLIFE.STATE.NC.US> To: "James Ronald (Ron) Linville" <RON_LINVILLE@WSRO.ENR.State.NC.US> Subject: RE: (Fwd) 421 Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 07:07:00 -0500 The ones in the Wilkesboro paper are just as bad, putting address to governor and legislators so folks can write them to push this economic boom road through. It's a damn shame we can't defend ourselves on this in the press. So much for the right of free speech, doesn't apply to state employees I guess. Wonder why Wade Hoke hasn't mentioned that when this road was first mentioned the resource agencies said then to follow the existing route. Also, no mention of the fact that when DOT widened the existing 421 in the 60's, with the intention of adding another lane in the future, they put the existing road in the wrong place and failed to control access. Wonder why they go and buy right-of-way before they get any permits? Seems backwards doesn't it. This road is not about road safety, but getting folks to the mountains to spend their money. This really pisses us off doesn't it. Just goes to show that this state doesn't really care about the environment, only the greenback dollar. We're gong to eventually drown in our own waste. "Woe to those who join house to house, who add field to field, until there is no more room, and you are made to dwell alone in the mist of the land" Isaiah 5:8 Excepting atomic holocaust, the most dangerous threats to our way of life are pollution, politicians and developers - not necessarily in that order. (Guess we better add DOT). From: James Ronald To: Mickey, Joseph Subject: (Fwd) 421 Date: Monday, March Confidential: (Ron) Linville H. Jr. 09, 1998 6:03AM I assume you read the editorials in the W-S Journal this morning. DOT is obviously putting on the pressure and they have got their side of the story out via the Wilkesboro reports in the paper... None of the reasons for not doing this road as proposed have come out. ------- Forwarded Message Follows -------From: Self <NROAR04/N1EW331> To: "Cyndi Bell" <cyndi-bell@h2o.enr.state.nc.us>, "John Dorney" <john_dorney@h2o.enr.state.nc.us>, "John Dorney" <john_dorney@h2o.enr.state.nc.us> Subject: 421 Cc: James Ronald (Ron) Linville -- 1 -- Wed, 12 Aug 1998 12:20:03 coleen@dem.ehnr.state.nc.us Reply-to: Ron_Linville@WSRO.ENR.STATE.NC.US Date: Mon, 9 Mar 1998 10:48:29 +0000 Think some things that need to come out from PR on this are: 1. DWQ and a lot of others did not know (WSRO did not) that DOT owned enough right of way to build the road on the existing roadway until recently. So the EAs and economic issues were flawed? 2. Impacts can and should be minimized by using existing roadways. Innovative planning with environmental concerns upfront should be utilized instead of straight line engineering. 3. Wetland area near Boone has significant uses. There are associated areas that appear to have potential for mitigation sites (PC pastures). These should not be unnecessarily destroyed. If we build the road and destroy these we may get the tourist to the mountains quicker but we will have destroyed a part of the ecosystem that they are trying to enjoy. 4. As indicated in the W-S Journal editorial of 980309 on sustainable development, "Good environmental stewardship is good business. It deserves a wide hearing." How can the Journal turn around in the next editorial and say the 421 "delays don't seem to be about the environment. They are about bureaucracy." ??? Obviously, they only have a small piece of the story. 5. Following the thought in number 4 above, once DOT destroys these environments, they will be lost forever and that is not sustainability. Sustainability can only occur if DOT uses the roadway that they have already messed up. All they need to do is talk to USFWS, USEPA, NCWRC. NC Nat. Hist Museum (Dennis) and a few others to understand this thing. 6. Who but an idiot would want to keep on destroying the good things in our state when we ought to be working together to do it better with less destruction? Just because an EA was done does not insure that permits can or should be issued. *************************************************** To a person uninstructed in natural history, a country stroll is a walk through a gallery filled with wonderful works of art, nine-tenths of which have their faces turned to the wall. -Thomas Huxley James Ronald (Ron) Linville -- 2 -- Wed, 12 Aug 1998 12:20:03 t? STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT JR. P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH. N.C. 27611-5201 GOVERNOR July 2, 1998 Mr. G. Wayne Wright Chief Regulatory Branch U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Post Office Box 1890 Wilmington, North Carolina 28402 Dear Wayne: Re: Permit Review Agency Meeting - Southern Section 4 t ! ! R J U L ® 7 1938 ?'ie'glt nail Office E. Noms TOLSON SECRETARY Attached are the minutes from the meeting of May 21, 1998 and an agenda for our July 16, 1998 meeting. By cony of this letter I am inviting all Federal and State review agencies to our next meeting Everyone in attendance at the last meeting and those being sent a cony of this letter are being provided a cony of the minutes of the May meeting and an agenda for the July 16. 1998 meeting. Our next Southern Section meeting is Thursday, July 16, 1998 at 9:30 a.m. in the Photogrammetry conference room located in the NCDOT Century Center Complex just west of I- 440/Poole Road interchange in Raleigh. Please advise if you have any questions regarding the meeting, minutes, or agenda. Sincerely, ell l ,?tA , David C. Robinson, Ph.D., P.E. Assistant Manager Planning & Environmental Branch 3% ?A Attachments cc: Lt. Col. Terry R. Youngbluth, COE Mr. Ernie Jahnke, COE, Wilmington Mr. Ken Jolly, COE, Raleigh Mr. Robert Johnson, COE, Asheville Mr. David Lekson, COE, Washington Ms. M. Brooke Lamson, COE, Wilmington Mr. Ted Bisterfield, EPA, Atlanta Mr. Tom Welborn, EPA, Atlanta Mr. John Hefner, USFWS, Raleigh Mr. Mark Cantrell, USFWS, Asheville Mr. Larry Hardy, NMFS, Beaufort Mr. Ron Sechler, NMFS, Beaufort Mr. N. L. Graf, FHWA, Attn: Mr. Roy Shelton Mr. Craig Deal, DEHNR, Raleigh Ms. Linda Pearsall, DEHNR, Natural Heritage Ms. Melba McGee, DEHNR/DEM Mr. John Parker, DCM, Raleigh Mr. Michael D. Marshall, NCDMF, Morehead City Mr. P. A. Wojciechowski, NCDMF, Morehead City Mr. David Cox, NCWRC, Northside Mr. Len Sanderson, P.E. Mr. Don Morton, P.E. Mr. C. W. Leggett, P.E. Mr. L. V. Prevatt, P.E. Mr. R. B. Davis, P.E. Dr. David Robinson, P.E. Mr. R. L. Hill, P.E. Mr. A. L. Hankins, P.E. Mr. G. T. Shearin, P.E. Dr. V. C. Bruton Mr. David Foster, P.E. Mr. M. R. Turner Mr. Don Lee PERMIT REVIEW MEETING July 16, 1998 Agenda 9:30 AM 9:45 AM OPENING COMMENTS David C. Robinson - NCDOT, P&E David Franklin - COE, Regulatory STATUS OF PERMIT APPLICATIONS IN COE SOUTHERN SECTION PROJECTS REQUIRING CAMA PERMITS Gordon Cashin R-2633, Wilmington Bypass, New Hanover County Phillip Todd R-2105AB, Widening of NC 24 from 0.38 Mile West of NC 58 to Broad Creek, Carteret County STATUS OF OTHER PROJECTS Phillip Todd U-2009A, Kannapolis - Westside Bypass from 0.118 km South of SR 1555 East of I-85 to NC 73, Cabarrus County R-2562A, NC 87 from Multi-Lane Section E of I-95 in Cumberland County to NC 20 in Bladen County, Cumberland and Bladen Counties A-11BA, Improvements to US 64 from NC 69 in Hayesville to East of the Hiwassee River, Clay County U-401, SR 1684 (Elk Mountain Road) Improvements from NC 251 to Cottage Street, Buncombe County X-21), New Connector from US 401 to I-95, Cumberland County Lindsey Riddick U-3616, Western Boulevard Widening (Jacksonville), Onslow County R-529BA & BB, US 421 from West of South Fork New River to West of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Watauga County R-2596A, US 221 Widening from NC 226 to North of SR 1569 near North Cove, McDowell County Michael Wood R-210, US 1 from South of SR 1853 North of Lakeview to SR 1180 South of Sanford, Moore and Lee Counties U-2506, Rea Road Extension, Mecklenburg County U-2510, NC 16 Widening, Mecklenburg County R-2248BA, AC, and AD, Charlotte Outer Loop, Mecklenburg County PERMIT REVIEW MEETING July 16, 1998 Agenda - Page Two Alice Gordon U-2912, Fayetteville - Owen Drive Extension from I-95 Business to NC 87 at SR 2283 (East Mountain Drive), Cumberland County R-2204A, NC 11/903 from NC 24 to 1.0 Mile North of Kenansville, Duplin County R-2238A, NC 87 from South of SR 1451 (Manchester Road) in Spring Lake to SR 1113 South of NC 27, Cumberland and Harnett Counties U-2211A, Lenoir - SR 1001 from South of SR 1933 (Southwest Boulevard) to North of US 321A (Northwood Street), Caldwell County e TATS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT JR. P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH. N.C. 27611-5201 E. NORRIS TOLSON GOVERNOR SECRETARY July 2, 1998 MEMORANDUM TO: File FROM: David C. Robinson, Ph.D., P.E. Assistant Manager Planning and Environmental Branch SUBJECT: Joint NCDOT/Corps of Engineers/ Review Agencies Permit Meeting The Permit Review Agencies Meeting was held on May 21, 1998, at 9:30 a.m. in the Photogrammetry Conference Room at the Department of Transportation's Century Center Complex on Poole Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. Attached is a list of those in attendance. Mr. Robinson opened the meeting by welcoming everyone. Mr. Robinson announced Mr. William (Bill) Gilmore, P.E. was announced as the Planning and Environmental Branch Manager and will start on June 8. Mr. Ted Devens introduced Ms. Kendra Williamson who will be working for Planning and Environmental during the summer. The September 17th meeting will be changed to September 24th because.of the CTE conference scheduled for September 16-18, 1998, in New Bern, North Carolina. Mr. Franklin announced the COE is developing several new nationwide permits which will replace the Nationwide Permit No. 26. The draft permits are not on Public Notice yet and a schedule has not been established. STATUS OF PERMITS U-2107, Jacksonville Bypass, Onslow County; Gordon Cashin, NCDOT Environmental Specialist/Permit Supervisor The COE advised NCDOT of a borrow pit problem associated with the project. A meeting will be scheduled to discuss this situation. 2. R-2633CC, Wilmington Bypass from I-40 to NC 132, New Hanover County; Gordon Cashin, NCDOT Environmental Specialist/Permit Supervisor The NCDOT is finalizing the revised permit drawings for Section CC. The new permit application will be distributed to the resource agencies as soon as possible. Section CC will impact 13.89 acres of bottomland hardwood and 34.95 acres of wet pine flats. The new permit application will contain a discussion of the differences between the old and revised applications. 0 Mr. David Schiller distributed handouts on two potential mitigation sites, the Angola Bay Site and Corbett Site which are both located in the Cape Fear River Basin. Development of either site would be provided as turnkey, project-specific mitigation by a private organization for the NCDOT. Part of the Angola Bay site consists of prior converted farmland, which can be restored to pocosin, swamp forest and/or wet pine flat. The remainder of the site contains ditched flatwood and preservation areas. At the present time, the site does not have any potential creek or stream restoration opportunities. The site developer has applied for permits from the resource agencies based on the restoration of 100 acres of farmland on the site for mitigation. The NCDWQ 401 Certification has been issued and the COE 404 permit is pending. The preliminary design for the entire site is complete. The site contains approximately 4,400 acres which includes about 628 acres of restoration; 1,060 acres of enhancement; and 2,576 acres of preservation. The advantages of the Angola Bay site are: (1) suitable mitigation for Wilmington Bypass; (2) ample acreage for Section C and the remaining sections of the project; (3) primarily muck soils to meet 12.5% hydrology criteria; (4) reasonable proximity to impact areas (28 miles); (5) large management tracts; (6) adjacent to and contiguous with public lands; and (7) adjacent landowner (NCWRC) wants property after mitigation construction is complete. The Corbett Property contains approximately 1,900 acres of interstream flats, headwater slopes, and stream on both sides of the proposed Wilmington Bypass for approximately three miles. Prince Georges Creek and Island Creek, both tributaries associated with emergency watershed programs in the Wilmington area, are located on this property. The site is vegetated primarily by pocosin, pine flatwood, longleaf pine savannah, and red maple forest along former streams corridors. One red-cockaded woodpecker colony has been documented in southwestern portions of the mitigation site. Also, documented populations of rough-leaved loosestrife occur immediately south of the site and may be incorporated into the ecosystem approach to on-site mitigation. The site contains approximately 480 acres of on-site wetland restoration in nonriverine flatwood systems. The remaining, approximately 1,420 acres within nonriverine flats provide upland buffer, wetland enhancement, and/or wetland preservation potential with opportunities for protected species enhancements. Additionally, the site could provide approximately 30 acres of on-site wetland restoration in riverine, bottomland hardwood swamps and up to 5,000 linear feet of stream restoration credit. - The NCDOT wants to include a mitigation proposal in the revised permit application package and would like to utilize one of these sites. The resource agencies requested any additional information the NCDOT or the consultant may have on both sites. A site visit to both properties was scheduled for June 9. If the Corbett property is selected, construction could begin this year; however, the NCDOT would need to know as soon as possible. There is tremendous pressure for urban development of the Corbett property. 3. R-2105AB, Widening of NC 24 from Existing 5-1ane Section in Swansboro to US 70 in Morehead City: Phillip Todd, NCDOT Environmental Specialist Construction of the Weeks property began in April. The NCDOT, COE, and NCDWQ visited the site after the grading was completed. The planting will be completed by May 29. Through right-of-way contacts, the NCDOT has learned that the property in Cedar Point, which includes the peninsula into the White Oak River, is 14 acres in size (12 acres of mash and 2 acres of upland). The NCDOT requested the resource agencies' input as to whether the entire 14 acre property should be purchased. The 12 acre portion of the property would be preservation only; however, it does have a development risk and does pose questions about land rights. 4. A-9DB and DC, Improvements to NC 28 from West of SR 1231 to SR 1121 at Almonds, Graham and Swain Counties; Phillip Todd, NCDOT Environmental Specialist As per the 404 permit special conditions, the water sampling data and plan sheet showing the water sampling sites will be submitted to the resource agencies soon. The NCDOT has purchased the front portion of the Mason tract. Information on this site will be distributed to the resource agencies when available. 5. A-10, Improvements to US 19/23, Buncombe and Madison Counties: Phillip Todd, NCDOT Environmental Specialist Construction of Section D has begun. The NCDOT, COE, NCDWQ, and NCWRC met with the contractor to discuss the project. 6. A-11, Improvements to US 64 from NC 68 in Hayesville to East of the Hiwassee River, Clay County; Phillip Todd, NCDOT Environmental Specialist An endangered mussel may occur in the project area. The NCDOT must resolve the potential presence of this species before the permits can be issued for this project. The survey will be conducted in July. The NCDOT will apply for a NWP 14 for the pipe extension and a NWP 33 and a General Permit No. 31 for the bridge construction over the Hiwassee River. 7. U-401, SR 1684 (Elk Mountain Road) Improvements from NC 251 to Cottage Street, Buncombe County; Phillip Todd, NCDOT Environmental Specialist This project involves widening and realigning the roadway to increase the design speed, reduce the potential for accidents, and provide traffic flow improvements. The preferred alternative involves piping approximately 1,025 feet of stream (an unnamed tributary to Beaverdam Creek). The NCDOT submitted an Individual permit application on April 3, 1998, to the resource agencies for review and comment. The COE issued the Public Notice on May 14 and it will expire in June. The NCDOT proposed to utilize the WRP for the stream mitigation requirements. The COE requested NCDOT investigate all other possibilities for stream restoration mitigation before proposing to utilize the WRP. The consultant conducted a search of the area for potential stream restoration mitigation sites and found Reed Creek. The Reed Creek site was utilized for R-2306 (US 74 Improvements, Buncombe County). The COE requested information on the potential sites located in the search. X-21), New Connector from US 401 to East of I-95, Cumberland County; Phillip Todd, NCDOT Environmental Specialist The NCDOT submitted an Individual permit application in April for Sections D and E. The COE requested additional information for the Public Notice. The NCDOT and resource agencies met in the field to visit the McPherson Creek (Cedar Falls) and verify the stream delineation. The construction of the project will impact approximately 2,165 feet of stream. Approximately 1,591 feet of McPherson Creek (Cedar Falls) will be relocated utilizing the Natural Stream Channel Design Principles. The NCDOT will submit information on the McPherson Creek (Cedar Falls) relocation including the new channel designs, comparison between existing and proposed channel and stream bank vegetation. The Cravers Creek bridge will be extended which eliminates wetland impact site number 6. Wetland impact sites 1, 2, and 3 will be deleted because the project termini location was changed. The project construction will end at US 401 with an at grade, signalized intersection which the NCDOT plans to convert to an interchange in the future. The construction of the project will result in a net loss of 574 feet of stream. The NCDOT will propose to utilize the Barra Farms mitigation site for the wetland and remaining stream impacts. The COE cannot authorize the use of Barra Farms until a final banking agreement is signed. EcoBank developed the mitigation banking instrument. 9. U-3616, Jacksonville - Western Boulevard from 0.2 Mile East of US 17 to SR 1308 (Gum Branch Road), Onslow County; Lindsey Riddick, NCDOT Environmental Specialist The NCDOT submitted an Individual permit application to the resource agencies for review and comment in August 1997. The resource agencies approved the proposal to utilize the Haws Run mitigation site for this project. The permits will be issued after NCDOT supplies a boundary survey indicating the portions to be used for this project. 10. R-529BA & BB, US 421 from West of South Fork New River to West of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Watauga County; Lindsey Riddick, NCDOT Environmental Specialist The NCDOT has received the permits for the construction of this project and wishes to thank the resource agencies for their assistance in obtaining the permits. 11. R-2596A, US 221 Widening from NC 226 to North of SR 1569 near North Cove, McDowell County; Lindsey Riddick, NCDOT Environmental Specialist This project involves the widening of US 221 for approximately four miles. The NCDWQ submitted a letter requesting the stream restoration mitigation proposal. The NCDOT is investigating a potential on-site stream restoration mitigation area. More information on this site will be forwarded to the resource agencies when available. 12. R-210, US 1 from South of SR 1853 North of Lakeview to SR 1180 South of Sanford, Moore and Lee Counties; Michael Wood, NCDOT Environmental Specialist A pre-application field review meeting was scheduled for April 22 and 23 with the resource agencies; however, it was canceled due to design changes which will probably increase the wetland impacts. The NCDOT will re-schedule the field review meeting after receipt of the revised information on the wetland impacts. The NCDOT is planning to utilize the Taylor site and Barra Farms for the mitigation on this project. 13. U-2506, Rea Road Extension, Mecklenburg County; Michael Wood, NCDOT Environmental Specialist The Public Notice will be issued the week of May 26. The agreement with the City of Charlotte to transplant the Schweinitz's sunflower will be signed soon. The 404 permit cannot be issued until NCDOT obtains concurrence from the USFWS. The NCDOT intends to utilize the Long Creek site for mitigation. 14. U-2510, NC 16 Widening, Mecklenburg County; Michael Wood, NCDOT Environmental Specialist The NCDOT has received the permits required for the construction of the project except for the proposed dredging activities at Four Mile Creek. A NWP 27 permit application is being prepared and will be distributed to the resource agencies for review and comment soon. The dredging activities are associated with Section BB which will be let in September 1998. 15. R-2248BA, AC, and AD; Charlotte Outer Loop, Mecklenburg County; Michael Wood, NCDOT Environmental Specialist The project will impact approximately 2 1/2 acres of wetlands. The NCDOT is calculating the stream impacts and developing the stream drawings which will be in the permit application. The NCDOT is investigating mitigation options for these sections. The permit application will be distributed after the mitigation proposal is finalized. 16. U-2912, Fayetteville - Owen Drive Extension from I-95 Business to NC 87 at SR 2283 (East Mountain Drive), Cumberland County; Alice Gordon, NCDOT Environmental Specialist The NCDOT submitted a letter to the resource agencies with detailed information on the Wilkes Road alternative and requested the permit files be re-opened. The COE has issued the 30- day Public Notice. The preferred alternative, will be full control of access. The NCDOT will have to purchase the rights for full control of access from the property owners. The total cost to purchase the full control of access is estimated to be $1 - 1 1/2 million. This process will not begin until the NCDOT knows the 404 and 401.permits will be issued for the preferred alternative. The Wilkes Road alternative will cost approximately $3 million more than the preferred alternative. The additional cost, involves the construction of an interchange and bridge over NC 87. The NCDOT will propose to utilize the Dowd Dairy mitigation site. The mitigation plan was approved by the resource agencies. The site planting will begin this fall and continue into the winter of 1999. The NCDOT will sign a wetland mitigation banking instrument for this site. The NCDWQ has several avoidance and minimization issues to resolve on the Wilkes Road alternative before a permit will be issued for either alternative. 17. R-2204A, NC 11/903 from NC 24 to 1.0 Mile North of Kenansville, Duplin County; Alice Gordon, NCDOT Environmental Specialist This project will be a 1 1/2 mile four-lane divided facility on new location with partial control of access and a 46 foot median width. The design was changed to a partial control of access to eliminate the proposed service roads. The project has independent utility and does not pre-determine future project's alignments. The project is located in the Cape Fear river basin and will permanently impact approximately 7.16 acres of wetlands, approximately 0.95 acre of temporary wetland impacts, and 348 feet of stream impact (116 feet of stream will be relocated). The permanent impacts consist of swamp forest. The NCDOT originally proposed to utilize the Dowd Dairy mitigation site; however, the Barra Farms mitigation site would offer a better replacement for the impacted wetlands and streams. The resource agencies expressed concern about the proposed Grove Creek bridge. The anticipated wetland impacts around Grove Creek is a unusual type of wetland and very high quality. The COE stated this type of wetland system probably cannot be mitigated. The resource agencies stated the Grove Creek bridge needs to be extended to reduce the impacts to the area. 18. R-2238A, NC 87 from South of SR 1451 (Manchester Road) in Spring Lake to SR 1113 South of NC 27, Cumberland and Harnett Counties; Alice Gordon, NCDOT Environmental Specialist This project involves widening NC 87 to a four-lane curb and gutter facility. Approximately 2.8 acres of wetlands will be impacted and 74 feet of stream on Section AB. A stream determination is scheduled for June 1998 for Section AA. The Barra Farms mitigation site will be proposed to offset the wetland and stream impacts associated with this project. The Department of the Army has requested the "Overhill" area of the project be re-designed to allow passage of Army vehicles. Additional structures may be constructed. An Individual permit application will be submitted to the resource agencies for review and comment when the information on the stream impacts and the revised drawings for the "Overhill" re-designed is received. A red-cockaded woodpecker consultation was conducted and NCDOT received a "no effect" from USFWS in 1995. PROJECT PLANNING R-2559, US 74 - Monroe Bypass, from East of SR 1515 to Existing US 74, Union County, Leigh Lane, NCDOT P&E Project Planning Engineer The project involves the construction of a bypass around the northern side of the City of Monroe. The proposed facility will be a four-lane divided freeway on new location. The Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) were approved in March 1996 and June 1997, respectively. The NCDOT is in the final design phase of the project and needs concurrence from the resource agencies on the final medial width and several small design modifications. The median width for this project was originally 70 feet which resulted in 7.9 acres of wetland impacts (EA). The NCDOT conducted an internal meeting and decided to reduce the median.width to 46 feet for cost containment reasons (FONSI). The 46 foot median width will impact approximately 5.46 acres of wetlands. The reduction of the median width did not significantly change the wetland impacts associated with this project. The NCDOT is requesting the median width be changed from 46 feet to the original 70 feet for the following reasons: (1) close proximity.to a metropolitan planning area (Charlotte); (2) the facility will be a part of the primary southern intrastate route running the west to east through North Carolina; (3) high traffic volumes are expected; (4) allows for future widening within the median; and (5) the wetland impacts sites are very small and fragmented. The NCDWQ requested the stream impact information before concurring with the 70 foot median width. Also, the NCDWQ suggested the mitigation plan development phase needs to begin. There are 20 stream crossings associated with the construction of this project. The NCDOT agreed to provide wetland and stream restoration mitigation for this project in order to utilize the 70 foot median width. The NCDWQ concurred with the 70 foot median width provided that adequate mitigation is offered. A stream determination will be required before issuance of the permits. The resource agencies will expected the mitigation plan to offset the wetland and stream impacts associated with the project in the permit application package. Minimization will be further reviewed during preparation of the final design plans. The NCDOT will meet with the resource agencies once the final design plans are complete enough for review. R-2911, US 70 from SR 2318 (Fanjoy Road) East of Statesville to US 601 in Salisbury, Iredell and Rowan Counties; Beverly Robinson, NCDOT P&E Project Planning Engineer The project involves the widening and partial relocation of US 70 which is divided into five sections. Section A will be constructed on new location and has multiple alternatives. Sections B, C, D, and E involve widening US 70 on existing location. The NCDOT is finalizing the Environmental Assessment (EA) and needs concurrence on the preferred alternative for Section A. Several alternatives for Section A were investigated. Alternative No. 1 involves widening US 70 to a five-lane curb and gutter facility on existing location. This alternative would require an at-grade crossing of rail spur tracks servicing four businesses in the vicinity of the project. This alternative was eliminated because of the substantial train delays presently occurring and would cause major conflicts and delays on US 70 after construction of the proposed improvements. Deliveries to Furst McNess delay traffic six to seven times per week for about 5 minutes each time. The Purina Chow Company averages five trains per week and blocks existing US 70 approximately 20 minutes per trip. Two other companies, M. A. Resin Distribution Company and Liberty Homes, Inc., are located further south of existing US 70. M. A. Resin Distribution Company averages three trains per week and Liberty Homes, Inc. averages one train per month. Alternative No. 2 involves relocating US 70 south of the existing US 70 from Fanjoy Road tying into the existing US 70 east of Hezekiah Lane ending at the county line. Dual structures will be constructed over the rail spur tracks eliminating the current conflicts with the trains. Alternative No. 3 was developed as a result of the citizens informational workshop held in July 1997 and involves relocating US 70 south of existing US 70 from Fanjoy Road tying into the existing US 70 at the county line. This alternative would be a four-lane 30 foot raised median facility with dual structures over the rail spur tracks. Alternative No. 3 also allows for better continuity than the other alignments. Section B will be a four-lane divided facility with a 30 foot raised median. Alternative No. 1 would impact approximately 0.1 acres of wetlands and 183.7 feet of stream. Alternative No. 2 would impact approximately 2.6 acres of wetlands and 2,755.5 feet of stream. Alternative No. 3 would impact approximately 3.3 acres of wetlands and 3,156.3 feet of stream. The NCDOT and the citizens have selected Alternative No. 3 as the preferred. The NCDOT is aware of the difference in the wetland and stream impacts associated with Alternative Numbers 2 and 3; however, Alternative No. 3 would provide better continuity and avoids multiple train delays. The COE asked if the alignment could be shifted to avoid the wetlands impacts. The wetland impact sites probably extend throughout the project and not isolated pockets. The NCDOT conducted a wetland and stream determination, not a delineation. The COE suggested NCDOT investigate possible train management techniques with the Rail Division. The NCDOT will get more information on the issue and schedule a meeting with the resource agencies to further discuss. U-620, Hope Mill Bypass from SR 1141 (Bingham Drive) to SR 1363 (Elk Road), Cumberland County; Beverly Robinson, NCDOT P&E Project Planning Engineer The project will widen George Owen Road to a five-lane curb and gutter section beginning at SR 1141 (Bingham Drive) and extend on new location to intersect SR 1132 (Legion Road) directly across from Elk Road. The new location section will be a four-lane 16-foot raised median. Also, a substantial revision to SR 1107 (Fisher Road) and SR 1141 (Bingham Drive) intersection is being considered. Widening the existing NC 59 from south of Camden Road to US 401 Business was not feasible because of impacts to the historic district of the town of Hope Mills. The Hope Mills Bypass is one element of a system-wide thoroughfare plan that provides circumferential travel between suburban growth area, and is consistent with local land use plans. The purpose of the project is to provide a circumferential route to facilitate travel around the southwest side of Fayetteville. The Environmental Assessment (EA) will be completed soon for distribution to the resource agencies for review and comment. The Public Hearing is scheduled for Fall 1998. The NCDOT began with the Cumberland County Thoroughfare Plan Alignment which impacted high quality of wetlands. A preliminary survey for wetlands was conducted early in the project development. Based on the information from the survey, Alternative Nos. 1 and 2 were developed. Alternative No. 1 was developed to minimize the wetland impacts associated with the thoroughfare plan alignment and Alternative No. 2 was developed to avoid wetlands associated with the Thoroughfare Plan alignment and Alternative No. 1. A wetland and stream determination has been conducted. A wetland and stream delineation will be conducted on the preferred alternative at a later time. The NCDOT has selected Alternative No. 1 as the preferred alternative. Alternative No. 1 will impact approximately 6.82 acres of wetlands and 1,250 feet of stream and Alternative No. 2 will impact approximately 5.12 acres of wetlands and 1,036 feet of stream. The preliminary wetland and stream impacts are based on a 100 foot right-of-way on existing location and 230 foot corridor width on new location. The NCDOT is studying realigning Fisher Road to create a four-leg intersection with George Owen Road and Bingham Drive. This realignment will not be built as part of this project but is considered for a future project. Decisions regarding this intersection will be made as a part of the Hope Mill Bypass project. The proposed realignment would impact approximately 2.2 acres of wetlands and cross Beaver Creek twice. The COE requested a discussion of the proposed Fisher Road realignment be included in the EA. The next Southern Section Permit Review Agency Meeting will be Thursday. July 16 1998 at 9:30 a.m. at the Photogrammetry Conference Room, NCDOT Century Center Comulex Poole Road. Raleigh. North Carolina. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:25 p.m. ATTACHMENT TO MINUTES OF PERMIT MEETING NAMES AGENCY Ron Allen NCDOT Roadway Design Cyndi Bell NCDWQ-Raleigh Greg Brew NCDOT Roadway Design Charles Bruton NCDOT P&E Gordon Cashin NCDOT P&E Maurizia Chapman Fayetteville MPA Craig Deal NCDENR/Hwy. Env. Eval. Prog. Ted Devens NCDOT P&E Bruce Ellis NCDOT P&E Sue Flowers NCDOT Roadway Design Gary Foster NCDOT Roadway Design David Franklin COE-Wilmington Alice Gordon NCDOT P&E Randy Griffin NCDOT Roadside Environmental Howard Hall USFWS-Raleigh Rob Hanson NCDOT P&E Beth Harmon NCDOT P&E Phil Harris NCDOT P&E Jim Hauser NCDOT P&E Tanner Holland NCDOT P&E Emad Khatib NCDOT Design Services Leigh Lane NCDOT P&E Steve Lund COE-Asheville Tom McCartney USFWS-Raleigh Scott McLendon COE-Wilmington Chris Murrary NCDOT P&E Karen Orthner NCDOT P&E Lubin Prevatt NCDOT P&E Abdul Rahmani NCDOT Hydraulics Lindsey Riddick NCDOT P&E Beverly Robinson NCDOT P&E David Robinson NCDOT P&E Enrico A. Roque NCDOT Roadway Design David Schiller NCDOT P&E John Schrohenloher FHWA-Raleigh Zigrida Smith NCDOT Design Services David Snyder FHWA-Raleigh Dewyne Sykes NCDOT Roadway Design Alan Temple NCDOT Roadway Design David Timpy COE-Wilmington Phillip Todd NCDOT P&E Steve Vamedoe NCDOT Division 6 Engineer Kendra Williamson NCDOT P&E Michael Wood NCDOT P&E May 1998 0 00100 p Ptdd >(D CL ? . ? CD 9 o p ?t ? ?.o U 00 °?J m - ?0 ? n C CD rr O , ", O 0 d h p CL CAD CD ty U' CD .• `?? CD t3 ¢. +t CD ,..r. '• T ' O ?3 CD n CD ,ms O ? ?' O O O ? ? ? ? , ,,, .S S' G CD s , CD P CD , . Or CD CIA = . . CD 0 CD C .s Gp CD cn O' CD O •C?p CD cr CD 0 CD 0 CD `C3 CD CD cn CD -F? P O 8 ? uQ p o CD n C U?Q p' o w CD `p ID Q" cn p p N O ? CD p -`CS O C ?p0 O ¢ i ? CD A N 0 CD i CD `? CD 00 P x O CE CD 0 0 N O c cn S CD o ~? CD C C7 ¢ CD ?h CD O O P. CD ? PV 0 CD 0 CD P, n CD A - 0- CD O O O C D D CD C) rn .? p D CD ? CD CD N O p. 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Director Division of Water Quality 4 ? November (''2002 Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Manager NCDOT Planning and Environmental Branch 1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC, 27699-1548 Dear Dr. Thorpe: Re: MODIFICATION to Water Quality Certification Pursuant to §401 of the Federal Clean Water Act, Proposed US 421 Relocation from west of South Fork of the New River to east of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Watauga County. TIP Project Nos. R-529 BA, BB and BD. DWQ Project No. 970616. COE #199707161. The Division of Water Quality has reviewed your submittal for a Modification to §401 Water Quality Certification Number 3185 for the aforementioned project. Review of your application revealed it lacking necessary information required for making an informed permit decision. The permit application was deficient in the following areas: 1. Existing Stream Design The existing stream does not appear to have been designed and/or constructed properly, as such, DWQ agrees that a new design is in order. 2. In Stream Bed Material and Bank Stabilization The proposed channel cross sections indicate a specification for "bed material" that is 0.6 meters thick for the entire channel and over-bank area. However, no specification was provided indicating the size or gradation of the material. The purpose and nature of the material is not discussed. Additionally, no sediment transport analysis, shear stress analysis or other modeling was provided to support the need for such an approach. Finally, it is not clear as to how this approach relates to natural channel design techniques. The Division of Water Quality does not allow g 6ulm ,§er-channelyreleeation fez-rr>iti s. -f-a ?uav a12 co 3. Riparian Buffers and Planting Plan KA 1 `Oh. A planting plan must be provided for the proposed stream buffers. The planting plan should include tree planting densities of the appropriate native species that will result in a survival rate of 320 trees t j per acre after five years. Please revise the site plans to include the extent and nature of the plantings and buffers. 4. Stormwater hilet Location/Protection Please locate any stormwater outlets to the proposed restored stream on the site plans. Please provide the means of stabilizing the stormwater outlets on the site plans. &VIM 'J?f?E>vl North Carolina Division of Water Quality, 401 Wetlands Certification Unit, 1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 (Mailing Address) 2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604-2260 (Location) 919-733-1786 (phone), 919-733-6893 (fax), http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetiands/ 5. Morphological Measurements Table Please complete the Morphological Measurements Table provided in Appendix B of The Internal Technical Guide for Stream Work in North Carolina, April 2001, for the reference stream reaches. 6. Morphological Measurements The morphological measurements provided do not appear to? with the proposed stream plans: The typical cross section for Reach 1 indicates that the bankfull cross sectional area of 12 sq. ft. The table indicates a bankfull cross section of 4 sq. ft. The table also indicates a bankfull mean depth of 1 ft. whereas the typical cross section implies a bankfull mean depth of 1.2 ft. The typical cross section for Reaches 2 and 3 imply a bankfull cross section of 13 sq. ft. and a mean bankfull depth of 1.2 ft. The table indicates a bankfull cross section of 4.5 sq. ft. and a mean bankfull depth of 1 foot. The existing stream supports the smaller bankfull cross section. The proposed channel widths, depths, and cross sectional areas appear to be too large. This will likely affect the dimensionless ratios for the entire design, including the pool to pool spacing and meander lengths. Also, the proposed sinuosities in Reaches 1 and 2 do not correspond to the valley and average channel slopes. The pool slopes appear to be overly steep. They should be less than the average slopes. Finally, the proposed Reaches 1 and 2 appear to be Bc type streams as opposed to C streams based on the entrenchment ratios ?.,?j h I ??f1vv2 0.Q?Q?esy l?' _ C?jtsvr-e- / CAV-5- 7. Sediment Transport Analysis A sediment transport analysis can confirm that a stream has been properly designed. A naturally stable stream transports its bedload in equilibrium so that there is not net aggradation or degradation over the stream reach. As such, it is necessary that the predicted sediment transport in the design stream be demonstrated to be in equilibrium to ensure overall stability will be achieved. No bed load data was provided. 8. Reference Reach Please provide the precise location(s) of the reference reach(es) used on a site map. A reference reach must be at least 20 bankfull widths or two full meander lengths at a minimum. 9. Physical Monitoring Please provide a physical monitoring plan. It is recommended that the plan be based on the Wetland Restoration Program's Draft Physical and Vegetation Monitoring Outline (Success Criteria) available at http://h2o.ehnr.state.nc:us/ncwetlands/restore.html. 10. Biological Monitoring Biological monitoring is required for this stream restoration/relocation project. A written biological monitoring plan based on the Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Protocols for Stream Mitigation Projects that is available online at http://h2o.ehnr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands/restore.html. 11. NC WRC Compensatory Stream Mitigation I?? ele the application w er NCDOT plans to contract with NC Wildlife Resources Commission for the additional mitigatio es ora ' Pry-- Please note that the Internal Technical Guide for Stream Work in North Carolina (April 2001), and other documents and information can be downloaded from the Wetlands Unit web site at hftp://h2o.ehnr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands/restore.htm1. Pursuant to 15A NCAC 2H.0507(a)(3), the permit application will remain on hold until we are supplied the necessary information. Furthermore, until the information is received by the NC Division of Water Quality, we request (by copy of this letter) that the US Army Corps of Engineers continue to place the permit application on hold. We look forward to working with you to expedite the processing of your permit application. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Cynthia F. Van Der Wiele at 919.733.5715. Sincerely, John R. Dorney Water Quality Certification Program cc: Wilmington District COE John Thomas, USACE Raleigh Field Office Todd St. John, DWQ Jennifer Frye, NCDWQ Winston-Salem Regional Office File Copy US 421 Improvements from west of South Fork of the New River to east to the Blue Ridge Parkway Watauga County TIP No. R-529 BA and BB Federal Aid Project No. FR-86-1(16) State Project No. 8.1750601 STREAM ASSESSMENT REPORT R-529 BA and BB NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BRANCH NATURAL RESOURCES, PERMITS AND MITIGATION UNIT BRUCE O. ELLIS, CLM, ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGIST LOGAN WILLIAMS, ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGIST 15 AUGUST 1997 SUMMARY Site Number Surface Water USGS HYDROLOGIC BIOCLASSIFICATION (Section) DESIGNATION' 1 (BA) South Fork of the New River perennial Good 2 (BA) UT to South Fork of the New River perennial ND3 4 (BA) Rocky Branch 4A perennial Excellent UT to Rocky Branch 4B no designation ND Rocky Branch 4C perennial Good 7 (BA) Pine Run perennial Excellent 8 (BA Pine Run perennial Excellent 9 (BA) Thaxon Creek perennial Excellent 10 (BA) Thaxon Creek perennial Excellent 11 (BA) UT to Thaxon Creek2 intermittent Excellent 1 (BB) Laxon Creek perennial Fair 2 (BB) UT to Laxon Creek no designation ND 3 (BB) UT to Laxon Creek intermittent Good 5 (BB) UT to Gap Creek perennial Excellent 6 (BB) UT to Gap Creek no designation ND 7 (BB) UT to Gap Creek perennial Excellent 10 (BB) UT to Gap Creek no designation ND 12 (BB) UT to Gap Creek intermittent Excellent 13 (BB) Gap Creek perennial Good 14 (BB) UT to Gap Creek no designation ND 16 (BB) UT to Gap Creek no designation Excellent ' USGS Hydrologic Designation as illustrated on the USGS Quadrangle map as a blue line. 2 Data for this stream was collected below the proposed impact area. 3 ND denotes that the bioclassification was not determined, since no macroinvertebrate collections were performed at this location. Sampling rationale is presented in Section 1.4. Overall, streams within the project area contained taxa of macroinvertebrates that are sensitive to pollution, indicating good water quality within the streams. However, the generally low numbers of taxa and individuals indicate that there is some form of physical stress in most of the streams. The types of physical stress that are occurring are in the form of substrate embeddedness, siltation, and scouring. 1.0 INTRODUCTION The following Stream Assessment Report is submitted to assist in the submission of a Section 404 permit application for the proposed project. The project lies in Watauga County (Figures 1 and 2). 1.2 Project Description The proposed project consists of improving US 421 to a four lane divided facility, primarily on new location, from just west of the South Fork of the New River to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Section BA begins just west of the South Fork of the New River and runs essentially parallel and to the south of US 421 for approximately 7.7 km (4.8 mi) to SR 1357 (Old US 60). Section BB begins at SR 1357 and runs nearly parallel and to the north of US 421 for 6.4 km (4.0 mi) to just east of the Blue Ridge Parkway. 1.3 Purpose The purpose of this report is to provide an inventory of the morphological and biological characteristics of surface waters likely to be impacted by the proposed project. Assessments are made with regard to the quality of the surface waters, which will allow a comparison to potential stream restoration sites and an assessment of post construction impacts. 1.4 Methodology Field surveys and assessments of project area streams were conducted by NCDOT biologists Bruce O. Ellis, and Logan Williams and Lindsey Riddick on 09, 10, 11, and 12 June 1997, and by Bruce Ellis and Logan Williams on 16, 17, 18, and 19 June 1997. Fisheries investigations were conducted by Bruce Ellis, Logan Williams and Lindsey Riddick on 14, 15, 16, and 17 July 1997. Information sources include; U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangle maps (Boone and Deep Gap), and NCDOT plan sheets for the proposed project. Water resource information was obtained from publications of the Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources (DEHNR, 1993) and the N.C. Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (Environmental Sensitivity Base Map of Watauga, Avery, and Caldwell Counties, 1995). All potentially impacted project area surface waters were investigated as part of this survey. The rationale for the level of sampling detail for each site was based on the type of impact proposed, and the relative condition of the stream. For example, intermittent streams were surveyed for morphological features, however, biological investigations were very limited. Additionally, after a cursory investigation, some streams were observed to have very little, or no aquatic fauna, either through the affects of siltation or scouring. For these streams, it was determined that the expenditure of time and effort to collect a full range of biological and water quality data was not justified at this time. 2 1.4.1 Stream Morphology Investigations of stream morphology were conducted in accordance with Rapid Bioassessment Protocols For Use In Streams and Rivers (RBP), (Plafkin 1986), and Applied River Morphology (ARM), (Rosgen 1996). The hydrologic status of project area streams was determined by the stream's representation on a USGS quadrangle map and by guidelines established by the N.C. Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources (NCDEHNR, 1997). Photographs were taken of each stream in an effort to depict the general condition and environmental surroundings of each stream system. 1.4.2 Water Chemistry Very general water chemistry analysis was performed in the field during the macroinvertebrate collections. The following water quality parameters were examined: dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, and pH. Water temperature was also measured during the macroinvertebrate collections. All chemical analysis was performed in accordance with field test kit instructions. Dissolved oxygen content was analyzed using a modified Winkler titration. Total alkalinity was measured using an acid titration, and pH was determined by color comparison. Dissolved oxygen and total alkalinity concentrations are reported in parts per million (ppm). Temperature was recorded as degrees Celsius (°C). 1.4.3 Benthic Macroinvertebrates Benthic macroinvertebrates were collected from selected streams using methods described in Standard Operating Procedures, Biological Monitoring [(SOPBM), NCDEHNR, 1995)]. All available habitats (riffles, pools, leaf packs, undercut banks, etc.) within the proposed construction impact area of the streams were sampled. Macroinvertebrates were preserved in 70 per cent isopropyl alcohol, and returned to the laboratory for identification. The NCDHNR has developed criteria to assign bioclassifications ranging from Poor to Excellent to each benthic sample based on the number of taxa present in the intolerant groups of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT), (DEM, 1994). A biotic index was calculated for the macroinvertebrate samples by summarizing tolerance data for all species in a given sample. A bioclassification was then derived from the data generated from the biotic index metrics. The bioclassifications generated in this document reflect water quality conditions within the construction impact area. 1.4.4 Fisheries A fisheries survey was performed in selected project area streams. The fisheries survey was performed by a three man team using a Coffelt Model Mark 10, Variable Voltage Pulsator electroschocker. Selection of a particular stream for the fisheries inventory was largely based on accessibility and stream size. For example, many of the smaller streams contained overhanging obstructions that severely encumbered safe and effective passage with the electroshocking equipment. Additionally, the small widths and depths of some streams prohibited effective use of the equipment. Study area lengths were 100 in (328 ft) with the exception of Site 4A in Section BA. The study area length for Site 4A was 40 m (131 ft) due to overhanging obstructions. Collection time was recorded during each sampling event to determine catch per unit effort (CPUE). All fish collected during the fisheries surveys were placed in temporary holding tanks and were then identified to species, counted, measured (standard fork length), and weighed. Larger specimens were weighed individually, while an aggregate weight per size class for smaller species was performed. Upon completion of data collection, all fish were returned to their respective stream. A Scientific Fish Collection License (No. 0635), was obtained from the Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC), to collect fish from project area streams. All fisheries data collected during the study will be forwarded to the WRC as per license conditions. 1.5 Definitions The following are definitions of terminology and methodology utilized within this report: Abundance: Rare, 1-2 specimens; Common, 3-9 specimens; Abundant, >10 specimens Canopy Cover: Visual estimation of the density of terrestrial vegetative cover over the stream. Channel Depth: The vertical distance measured between the top of the bank and the stream bottom. Channel Slope: Slope of the stream channel, determined in the field with a Suunto combination compass/inclinometer. Channel Width: The horizontal distance between the channel banks, measured at the top of the channel. Embeddedness: The visual observation of the degree to which larger substrate particles are surrounded by fine sediments. The following categories are assigned to the per cent coverage by fine sediment (RBP): excellent 0-25, good 25-50, fair 50-75, and poor >75. EPT: Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera Stream: The actively flowing portion of the stream observed at the time of the survey. Nick Point: An abrupt change in gradient of the channel. Pool/Riffle Ratio: The pool/ riffle (run/bend) ratio is calculated by dividing the average distance between riffles (or bends) by the average stream width. Habitat assessments based on the ratio are as follows (RBP): 5-7 excellent, 7- 15 good, 15-25 fair, and >25 poor. Substrate: Material composition of the stream bottom. Substrate composition is evaluated by observation and presented in descending order of abundance. Substrate Particle Size: Boulder, > 256 mm (10 in); Rubble, 64.0 to 256.0 mm (2.5 to 10.0 in); Gravel, 2.0 to 64.0 mm (0.1 to 2.5 in); Sand 0.06 to 2.00 mm (gritty texture), Silt, 0.004 to 0.06 mm (powdery texture), Clay, < 0.004 mm (slick texture). Bedrock, exposed solid rock, which is free of other overlying substrate particles. 4 Tolerance Value: Value assigned to an organism indicating it's tolerance to pollution. The value is based on a scale where 0 is the most sensitive while 10 is the most tolerant. (* indicates that a tolerance value has not been established for the organism). 1.6 Qualifications of Principal Investigators Bruce O. Ellis, Environmental Biologist II, NCDOT, March 1995-present. Education: BS Agriculture/Environmental Science, Rutgers University College of Agriculture and Environmental Science. Certification: Certified Lake Manager (North American Lake Management Society). Pertinent Coursework: Aquatic Biology, Entomology, Invertebrate Zoology, Ichthyology, Limnology, Hydrology. Experience: Biologist, Allied Biological, Inc., March 1976-April 1994. Lake and watershed management; water quality; stream bioassessments for NPDES permit requirements, and environmental impact statements, fisheries inventories, wetland delineation. Biologist, Upper Raritan Watershed Association, 1974-1976, two year bioassessment study of first and second order streams within a subwatershed of the Raritan River basin. Expertise: Aquatic resource management; wetland delineation; Section 7 field investigations; NEPA investigations and documentation. Organizations: North American Lake Management Society North Carolina Lake Management Society, Director Region III Logan Williams, Environmental Biologist II, NCDOT, January 1995-present. Education: MS, Entomology, North Carolina State University BA, Philosophy, North Carolina State University AA, Agricultural Pest Control, North Carolina State University Pertinent Coursework: Ecology of Stream Invertebrates, Aquatic Natural History, Systematics of Immature Insects, Insect Systematics Seminar, Insect Diversity, General Entomology, Ichthyology. Experience: Apiary Inspection Supervisor, NCDA, 1984-1995. Naturalist, Raleigh Parks and Recreation, 1994. Biologist, Williams Biological, 1992-1994. Expertise: Insect identification, field botany, natural history, wetland delineation; Section 7 field investigations; NEPA investigations and documentation. Organizations: American Entomological Association North Carolina Entomological Association Dragonfly Society of the Americas 2.0 WATER RESOURCES Project area water resources are located in the South Fork of the New River drainage basin (sub basin no. 050701). Most of the South Fork of the New River watershed is forested, with areas of pasture, crop production and development. Boone is the largest urban area within this watershed. (Division of Environmental Management, 1994). Within the project area, the landscape is dominated by forested and pasture areas, with development comprising a lesser component. 2.1 Best Usage Classification Streams have been assigned a best usage classification by the Division of Water Quality (DWQ). The classification of project area waters is presented in the following table. Best Usage Classifications of Project Area Surface Waters Site Number Surface Water Index Number Best Usage (Section) Classification 1 (BA) South Fork of the New River 10-1-(3.5) C+ 2 (BA) UT to South Fork of the New River 10-1-(3.5) C+ 4 (BA) Rocky Branch 10-1-7 C Tr + 7 (BA) Pine Run 10-1-11 C Tr+ 8 (BA Pine Run 10-1-11 C Tr + 9 (BA) Thaxon Creek 10-1-12 C Tr + 10 (BA) Thaxon Creek 10-1-12 C Tr + 11 (BA) UT to Thaxon Creek 10-1-12 C Tr + 1 (BB) Laxon Creek 10-1-14 C + 2 (BB) UT to Laxon Creek 10-1-14 C + 3 (BB) UT to Laxon Creek 10-1-14 C + 5 (BB) UT to Gap Creek 10-1-23-(0.5) C Tr + 6 (BB) UT to Gap Creek 10-1-23-(0.5) C Tr + 7 (BB) UT to Gap Creek 10-1-23-(0.5) C Tr + 10 (BB) UT to Gap Creek 10-1-23-(0.5) C Tr + 12 (BB) UT to Gap Creek 10-1-23-(0.5) C Tr + 13 (BB) Gap Creek 10-1-23-(0.5) C Tr+ 14 (BB) UT to Gap Creek 10-1-23-(0.5) C Tr + 16 (BB) UT to Gap Creek 10-1-23-(0.5) C Tr + Class C uses include aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation and agriculture. The supplemental classification Tr denotes freshwaters protected for natural trout propagation and survival of stocked trout. The + symbol identifies waters that are subject to a special management strategy in order to protect downstream waters designated as Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), which are: unique and special waters of exceptional state or national recreational or ecological significance which require special protection to maintain existing uses. The New River and lower portions of the South Fork of the New River have ORW designations. 000-000offWoor +•••of• : LE? -Ax _P01- J -act dU,4 ? -- -- -- -=- -a- --- M- - - 'dW - - - -- ----- - - - --- -- ?_ }knhess YV1d,J? _,_??_:rte d?tc?_- ??uo_ W" 4/YL , I __q ?m 14-Ad - a . 6 2.2 Water Quality The Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN) is managed by the Division of Water Quality ([DWQ] formerly the Division of Environmental Management) 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 benthic macroinvertebrate organisms at fixed monitoring sites. One BMAN sample site is located in the project study area on the South Fork of the New River at US 421. This station received a bioclassification of Fair on 12 July 1993. DWQ reports that this site is located below the Boone Wastewater Treatment Plant and receives runoff from development within the area (DEM, 1994). 3.0 RESULTS The following section contains all field information and data analysis for each stream site. The data is presented in a site format, where all the information collected for a particular site is presented under the site heading. This format is selected to enable the reader to view all aspects of a site at one location. Site numbers correspond to the site numbers listed on NCDOT plan sheets. Scientific nomenclature and common names (when applicable) are provided for each animal and plant species described. Plant taxonomy generally follows Radford, et al. (1968). Insect taxonomy follows Brigham et. al., (1982), and fish taxonomy follows Rhode et. al., (1994). Subsequent references to the same organism will include the common name only. 3.1 Section BA Site 1, Section BA: South Fork of the New River upstream of US 421 bridge. The proposed construction impacts at this location include widening the existing bridge to five lanes (upstream side of the bridge), and the placement of a temporary rock causeway to provide equipment access during bridge construction. The study area extended from the US 421 bridge to approximately 150 in (490 ft.) upstream of the bridge. This reach of the creek was dominated by a run/pool habitat that consisted of a fairly soft sand/gravel substrate. The east bank of the South Fork of the New River at this location is heavily vegetated with multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius), black walnut (Juglands nigra), black cherry (Prunus serotina), and tag alder (Alnus serrulata). The west bank of the South Fork of the New River at this location is vegetated primarily with herbs, grasses and small shrubs and includes: vetch (Vicia spp.), forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides), fescue (Festuca spp.), and multiflora rose. The east bank displays more evidence of erosion than the west bank. 7 Site 1, Section BA. 11 June 1997 MORPHOLOGY WATER QUALITY Canopy Cover: 2-5% Temperature (°C): 14 Channel Depth: 3 m (10 ft) pH: 7.0 Channel Width: 24 m (80 ft) Dissolved Oxygen (ppm): 9.0 Channel Slope: 1-2% Total Alkalinity (ppm): 32 Stream Depth: 0.4 m (1.2 ft) EPT taxa richness: 4 Stream Width: 18 m (60 ft) Biotic Index: 4.53 Substrate: Gr, Sa, R Bioclassification: Good Embeddedness: Fair Site 1, Section BA: Macroinvertebrates. Collected 11 June 1997 TAXA ABUNDANCE TOLERANCE VALUE ARTHROPODA Decapoda Astacidae Orconectes spp. abundant 7.62 INSECTA Ephemeroptera Ephemerellidae Ephemerella spp. common 2.04 Eurylophella spp. common 4.34 Odonata Aeshnidae Boyeria vinosa common 5.89 Plecoptera Perlodidae Isoperla holochlora common 0.00 Trichoptera Hydropsychidae Syymphitopsyce bron ta rare 2.47 Diptera Chironomidae Brilla spp. common 5.18 Polypedilum spp. common Cricotopus spp. common Diamesinae common Tipulidae Tipula spp. common 7.33 Total Taxa 11 Site l: South Fork of New River Looking Upstream (South) Site l: South Fork of New River Looking Downstream (North) Towards US 44 Bridge Site 2, Section BA: Unnamed tributary to South Fork of New River This stream is an unnamed tributary to the South Fork of the New River which is situated to the north of US 421. The stream runs parallel to US 421 and flows in an easterly direction. The USGS quadrangle map illustrates this stream as perennial. Proposed impacts to this stream from project construction include filling the existing stream channel and containing the stream flow within a pipe for a distance of 83 in (272 ft). The sample site is located approximately 46-61 in (150-200 ft) east of the entrance to the Produce Company. The stream at this location can be considered entrenched. It is obvious, through channel bank erosion, that the stream receives high volumes of flow during storm events from impervious surfaces associated with upstream commercial properties. Vegetation on top of the channel banks consisted of mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), flowering dogwood (Cornus Florida), blackberry (Rubus spp.), and jewelweed (Impatiens capensis). The stream substrate consisted of fairly soft accumulations of sand and gravel. There was a coating of silt on the substrate particles, especially in pool areas. Cursory investigations for macroinvertebrate fauna yielded no individuals. A this point a decision was made to dispense with further biological or water quality investigations at this site. Morphological data was collected. Site 2, Section BA MORPHOLOGY Canopy Cover: Channel Depth: Channel Width: Channel Slope: Stream Depth: Stream Width: Substrate: Embeddedness: 90% 1.5-2.2 in (5-8 ft) 8 in (26 ft) 4-5% 10 cm (4 in) 1.4 in (4.5 ft) Gr, Sa, R, B, Be Poor Site 2: View of Stream Channel and Entrenchment Site 2: Silt Covered Substrate 9 Site 4, Section BA, Rocky Branch Site 4 consists of three sampling locations associated with the Rocky Branch. Three sampling locations were established because of the confluence (from the west) of an unnamed tributary with Rocky Branch, and its potential impact to the water quality of Rocky Branch below their confluence. Proposed surface water impacts include the relocation of 405 m (1329 ft) of the Rocky Branch stream channel, and enclosing 60 m (197 ft) of the unnamed tributary to Rocky Branch in pipe. Site 4A was established on Rocky Branch above the confluence with the unnamed tributary. The Rocky Branch is identified as a perennial stream on the USGS quadrangle map. Vegetation in vicinity of this section of stream is dominated by mountain laurel, interspersed with cherry birch (Betula lenta), and ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana). The area surrounding the stream is used to pasture cattle. The main portion of the pasture lies to the north and east of the stream channel, however, the cattle have unrestricted access to a major portion of the stream channel. Subsequently, there is some evidence of streambank deterioration and erosion due to cattle crossings. Site 4A, Section BA MORPHOLOGY WATER QUALITY Canopy Cover: 90% Temperature (°C): 13 Channel Depth: 1.7 m (5.5 ft) pH: 7.0 Channel Width: 7.6 m (25.0 ft) Dissolved Oxygen (ppm): 8.5 Channel Slope: 6-8% Total Alkalinity (ppm): 22 Stream Depth (Average): 11.4 cm (4.5 in) EPT taxa richness: 7 Stream Width (Average): 1.1 m (3.5 ft) Biotic Index: 2.91 Substrate: G, R, Sa, Be Bioclassification: Excellent Embeddedness: Fair Pool/Riffle Ratio 4 (excellent) Site 4A, Section BA, Sample time 10 min. Sample length 40 m. 15 July 1997 FISH SPECIES NUMBER LENGTH (mm) WEIGHT (g) C.P.U.E. Rhinichthys atratulus (blacknose dace) 3 65 10 0.3 1 80 4 0.1 Etheostoma flabellare (fantail darter) 1 68 10 0.1 Cottus bairdi (mottled sculpin) 7 60-70 21 0.8 2 75 10 0.2 Total 15 55 1.5 10 Site 4A, Section BA: Macroinvertebrates. Collected 11 June 1997 TAXA ABUNDANCE TOLERANCE VALUE ARTHROPODA Decapoda ' Cambaridae Cambarus spp. rare 7.62 INSECTA Ephemeroptera Ephemerellidae Drunella longicornis abundant Ephemerella spp. abundant 2.04 Odonata Zygoptera Gomphidae Stylogomphus albistylus common 4.72 Plecoptera Perlidae Acroneuria abnormis abundant 2.06 Pteronarcyidae Pteronarcys spp. rare 1.67 Trichoptera Hydropsychidae Diplectrona modesta abundant 2.21 Lepidostomatidae Lepidostoma spp. rare 0.90 Rhyacophilidae Rhyacophila fuscula common 1.88 Diptera Tipulidae Hexatoma spp. common 4.31 Tipula spp. common 7.33 Total Taxa 11 Site 4A: Looking Upstream In Stream Channel Site 4A: Debris from Small Logging Operation II Site 4B is located on the unnamed tributary to Rocky Branch. This stream flows in a Northeasterly direction until it joins with Rocky Branch opposite the southern limit of the trailer park which borders Rocky Branch. The USGS map does not indicate that a stream is present at this location. The stream is located within a cattle pasture. Vegetation associated with the channel banks includes fescue, buttercup (Ranunculus spp.), and golden ragwort (Senecio aureus). Channel banks display impacts from cattle. The substrate of this stream was heavily covered by fine silt. A cursory biological investigation yielded one blackfly larvae (Simuliidae), therefore, more extensive biological investigations for macroinvertebrates and fish were determined to be unjustified. Site 4B, Section BA MORPHOLOGY WATER QUALITY Canopy Cover: 0 Temperature (°C): 17 Channel Depth: 1.5 m (5.0 ft) pH: 8.0 Channel Width: 4 m (913 ft) Dissolved Oxygen (ppm): 8.0 Channel Slope: 4% Total Alkalinity (ppm): 120 Stream Depth (Average): 3.8 cm (1.5 in) Stream Width (Average): 1.1 m(3.5 ft) Substrate: G, Sa, R, Si, B Embeddedness: Poor Pool/Riffle Ratio 2 (excellent) Site 42: Overall View of Stream Channel and Effects of Siltation ! -A, Site 43: Silt Covered Substrate 12 Site 4C is located on Rocky Branch below the confluence with the unnamed tributary. The stream flows to the north towards US 421. The section of the Rocky Branch displays effects from siltation originating in the unnamed tributary. The substrate is covered by a fine layer of silt, but the covering is significantly less than what is present in the unnamed tributary. The eastern bank of Rocky Branch is vegetated with multiflora rose, black cherry, and ironwood. The vegetation on the eastern bank provides a buffer area separating the stream from the trailer park. The western bank is within a cattle pasture and is vegetated primarily with fescue and forbs. The western bank displays evidence of deterioration from cattle crossing. The results of the macroinvertebrate analysis show that the tributary stream 4B is adversely impacting the lower section of Rocky Branch. Slightly lower numbers of macroinvertebrate taxa and a lower bioclassification result from siltation entering from 4B. Site 4C, Section BA MORPHOLOGY WATER QUALITY Canopy Cover: 50% Temperature (°C): 14 Channel Depth: 1.8 m (6.0 ft) pH: 7.0 Channel Width: 6.1 m (20.0 ft) Dissolved Oxygen (ppm): 8.5 Channel Slope: 2-3% Total Alkalinity (ppm): 40 Stream Depth (Average): 6.3 cm (2.5 in) EPT taxa richness: 7 Stream Width (Average): 2.0 m (6.5 ft) Biotic Index: 4.61 Substrate: G, R, Sa, Si, B Bioclassification: Good Embeddedness: Poor Pool/Riffle Ratio 3.5 (excellent) Site 4C, Section BA. Sample Time 15 min. Sample length 100 m. 15 July 1997 FISH SPECIES NUMBER LENGTH (mm) WEIGHT (g) C.P.U.E. Salmo trutta (brown trout) 1 90 10 0.07 Rhinichthys atratulus (blacknose dace) 4 60-70 12 0.25 8 70-80 45 0.53 Rhinichthys cataractae (longnose dace) 8 60-70 35 0.53 7 70-80 40 0.47 Semotilus atromaculatus (creek chub) 1 65 5 0.07 Cottus bairdi (mottled sculpin) 4 60-70 14 0.27 Total 33 161 2.19 13 Site 4C, Section BA: Macroinvertebrates. Collected 11 June 1997 TAXA ABUNDANCE TOLERANCE VALUE INSECTA Ephemeroptera ' Ephemerellidae Ephemerella dorothea common 2.04 Heptageniidae Epeorus spp. common 1.27 Stenonema exiguum common Plecoptera Leuctridae Leuctra spp. common 0.67 Perlodidae Isoperla spp. common Trichoptera Hydropsychidae Hydropsyche betteni abundant 7.78 Rhyacophilidae Rhyacophila fuscula common 1.88 Diptera Tipulidae Tipula spp. common 7.37 Total Taxa 8 Site 4C: View of Stream Channel Looking Downstream (North) Towards US 421 Site 4C: Silt Covered Substrate 14 Site 7, Section BA, Pine Run The stream at site 7 is Pine Run Creek. Pine Run Creek flows in a northerly direction at this location, and runs parallel to and is east of SR 1355 (Pine Run Road). Two sections of Pine Run Creek will be impacted by the proposed project. The section at site 7 is the southern most section and closer to existing US 421. Pine Run Creek is a perennial stream. Proposed construction impacts include enclosing 132 m (433 ft) of the creek in pipe. This portion of Pine Run Creek travels through a pasture, where canopy cover for the stream is provided by fescue, orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata), and scattered individuals of tag alder and multiflora rose. The pasture appears to have been unused for cattle for quite some time, since the channel banks were very well vegetated and with very little evidence of erosion. Fisheries data was not collected at this location, however, a fisheries survey was conducted at site 8 on Pine Run Creek. Site 7, Section BA MORPHOLOGY WATER QUALITY Canopy Cover: 50-60% Temperature (°C): 15 Channel Depth: 1.2 m (4.0 ft) pH: 6.5 Channel Width: 4 m (13 ft) Dissolved Oxygen (ppm): 8.2 Channel Slope: 2% Total Alkalinity (ppm): 22 Stream Depth (Average): 15.4 cm (6.0 in) EPT taxa richness: 9 Stream Width (Average): 2 m (6.4 ft) Biotic Index: 3.88 Substrate: G, Sa, R, Be Bioclassification: Excellent Embeddedness: Good Pool/Riffle Ratio 6.6 (excellent) 15 Site 7, Section BA: Macroinvertebrates. Collected 12 June 1997 TAXA ABUNDANCE TOLERANCE VALUE MOLLUSCA INSECTA Ephemeroptera Baetiscidae Baetisca carolina rare 3.47 Ephemerellidae Ephemerella dorothea. common. 2.04 Heptageniidae Stenonema Ithaca rare 3.58 Stenonema spp. common Odonata Anisoptera Aeshnidae Boyeria vinosa common 5.89 Boyeria grafiana rare 6.05 Gomphidae Lanthus vernalis rare 1.80 Dromogomphus spinosus common Plecoptera Perlodidae Remenus bilobatus rare 0.28 Trichoptera Hydropsychidae Diplectrona modesta common 2.21 Hydropsyche betteni abundant 7.78 Limnephilidae Pycnopsyche guttifer common 2.58 Philopotamidae Dolophilodes spp. rare 0.81 Diptera Chironomidae Polypedilum spp. common Diamesinae rare Simuliidae Simulium spp. common 4.00 Tiulidae Tipula spp. common 7.33 Total Taxa 17 Site 7: Pine Run Looking Upstream (South) Towards US 421 Looking Downstream (North) Site 7: Pine Run 16 Site 8, Section BA, Pine Run This section of Pine Run Creek is located north (downstream) of site 7. At this location Pine Run Creek runs parallel and to the east of SR 1355. The creek channel travels very close to SR 1355 near the northern limits of the study area, where a 3m (12 ft) embankment separates the creek from the roadway. Proposed construction impacts include enclosing 31 m (101 ft) of creek in pipe. The channel banks and surrounding landscape consists of mountain laurel, tag alder, eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), and umbrella tree (Magnolia fraseri). A small, apparently unused pasture area is situated on a portion of the eastern bank where the vegetation is dominated by fescue, orchard grass and small shrubs. The channel banks display slight erosion and the stream channel does contain some shoaling. Site 8, Section BA MORPHOLOGY WATER QUALITY Canopy Cover: 70% Temperature (°C): 15 Channel Depth: 1.2 m (4.0 ft) pH: 6.5 Channel Width: 8 m (26 ft) Dissolved Oxygen (ppm): 8.8 Channel Slope: 2% Total Alkalinity (ppm): 22 Stream Depth (Average): 20 cm (8 in) EPT taxa richness: 10 Stream Width (Average): 3.7 m (12.0 ft) Biotic Index: 3.40 Substrate: G, Sa, R, B, Be Bioclassification: Excellent Embeddedness: Good Pool/Riffle Ratio 3.5 (excellent) Site 8, Section BA, Sample Time: 20 min. Sample Length 100 m. 15 Jul 1997 FISH SPECIES NUMBER LENGTH (mm) WEIGHT (g) C.P.U.E. Clinostomus funduloides (rosyside dace) 21 70-80 40 1.05 Rhinichthys atratulus (blacknose dace) 2 50-55 2 0.10 Rhinichthys cataractae (longnose dace) 1 65 3 0.05 Semotilus atromaculatus (creek chub) 3 50-60 5 0.15 3 70-80 14 0.15 5 80-90 28 0.25 1 110 14 0.05 3 120-130 88 0.15 Etheostoma flabellare (fantail darter) 2 40-50 2 0.10 7 50-60 10 0.35 4 60-70 5 0.20 Total 52 211 2.60 17 Site 8, Section BA: Macroinvertebrates. Collected 12 June 1997 TAXA ABUNDANCE TOLERANCE VALUE INSECTA Ephemeroptera Baetiscidae Baetisca carolina common 3.47 Ephemerellidae Drunella longicornis rare Ephemerella dorothea common 2.04 ' Ephemeridae Ephemera spp. rare Heptageniidae Stenonema sinclairi abundant Odonata Anisoptera Aeshnidae Boyeria vinosa abundant 5.89 Gomphidae Lanthus spp. rare 1.77 Plecoptera Nemouridae Amphinemura delosa rare 3.33 Perlodidae Remenus bilobatus rare 0.28 Megaloptera Corydalidae Nigronia serricosnis rare 4.95 Trichoptera Glossosomatidae Glossosoma spp. rare 1.55 Hydropsychidae Hydropsyche betteni rare 7.78 Philopotamidae Dolophilodes spp. abundant 0.81 Coleoptera Ptilodactylidae Anchytarsuss spp. rare 3.64 Diptera Chironomidae Eukiefferiella spp. rare • Dixidae Dixa spp. common 2.55 Simuliidae Simulium common 4.00 Tipulidae Dicranota spp. common 0.00 Tipula spp. common 7.33 Total Taxa 19 Site 8: Pine Run Looking upstream (South) Towards Site 7 Looking Downstream (North) Site 8: Pine Run 18 Site 9, Section BA, Thaxon Creek Site 9 is located in the headwater area of Thaxon Creek. Thaxon Creek at this location runs to the east towards SR 1357 (Old US 60). The creek is characterized by areas of moderately steep runs over bedrock, and a canopy dominated by mountain laurel, cherry birch and eastern hemlock. An active cattle pasture area borders portions of the northern channel bank. Cattle crossings have contributed to some channel bank deterioration and erosion. Proposed construction impacts include enclosing 130 in (427 ft) of the creek in pipe. Fisheries data was not collected for this site, due to turbid water conditions from a recent thunderstorm. However, fisheries data was collected from site 10, which is situated on Thaxon Creek downstream of this site. Site 9, Section BA MORPHOLOGY Canopy Cover: 90% Channel Depth: 1.2 in (4.0 ft) Channel Width: 8.2 in (27 ft) Channel Slope: 4-5% Stream Depth (Average): 10 cm (4 in) Stream Width (Average): 1.8 in (6.0 ft) Substrate: G, Sa, R, B, Be, Si Embeddedness: Good Pool/Riffle Ratio 2.4 (excellent) WATER QUALITY Temperature (°C): 15 pH: 6.5 Dissolved Oxygen (ppm): 8.0 Total Alkalinity (ppm): 22 EPT taxa richness: 11 Biotic Index: 3.48 Bioclassification: Excellent 19 Site 9, Section BA: Macroinvertebrates. Collected 18 June 1997 TAXA ABUNDANCE TOLERANCE VALUE INSECTA Ephemeroptera Ephemerellidae Drunella longicornis abundant Ephemerella dorothea common 2.04 Heptageniidae Stenonema exiguum abundant 3.83 Oligoneuriidae Isonychia spp. rare 3.45 Odonata Anisoptera Gomphidae Lanthus spp. rare 1.77 Plecoptera Leuctridae Leuctra spp. abundant 0.67 Perlidae Acroneuria abnormis rare 2.06 Eccoptura xanthenes common 3.74 Trichoptera Hydropsychidae Diplectrona modesta rare 2.21 Limnephilidae Pycnopsyche luculenta common 2.50 Philopotamidae Dolophilodes spp. abundant 0.81 Rhyacophilidae Rhyacophila carolina rare 0.00 Rhyacophila fuscula common 1.88 Tipula spp. Total Taxa 13 Site 9: Thaxton Creek Headwater Area Note Bedrock Boulder/Rubble Substrate Looking Downstream (North) Site 9: Thaxton Creek Headwater Area 20 Site 10, Section BA, Thaxon Creek Site 10 is located on Thaxon Creek, in an area where the creek runs parallel and to west of SR 1357. Proposed construction impacts include enclosing 235 in (770 ft) of the creek in pipe. An active cattle pasture is located along the western channel bank, and steep vegetated slopes leading up to SR 1357 occupy the eastern side of the channel. Vegetation along the western bank includes fescue, buttercup, and jewelweed. The eastern slopes are dominated by multiflora rose and mountain laurel. Significant channel bank deterioration and erosion are present on the western bank due to cattle crossing. Site 10, Section BA MORPHOLOGY WATER QUALITY Canopy Cover: 0-20% Temperature (°C): 19 Channel Depth: 1.5 in (5.0 ft) pH: 7.0 Channel Width: 8.2 in (27 ft) Dissolved Oxygen (ppm): 8.2 Channel Slope: 3% Total Alkalinity (ppm): 22 Stream Depth (Average): 13 cm (5 in) EPT taxa richness: 5 Stream Width (Average): 3 in (10 ft) Biotic Index: 3.29 Substrate: G, Sa, R, B, Be Bioclassification: Excellent Embeddedness: Fair Pool/Riffle Ratio 3.2 (excellent) Site 10, Section BA. Sample Time 13 min. Sample Length 100 in. 15 July 1997 FISH SPECIES NUMBER LENGTH (mm) WEIGHT (g) C.P.U.E. Salmo trutta (brown trout) 1 185 70 0.08 Campostoma anomalum (central stoneroller) 5 70-80 42 0.38 8 110-120 120 0.62 Rhinichthys atratulus (blacknose dace) 26 70-80 128 2.00 Rhinichthys cataractae (longnose dace) 4 60-70 12 0.31 Etheostoma flabellare (fantail darter) 15 40-50 18 1.15 4 60-70 10 0.31 Total 63 337 4.85 21 Site 10, Section BA: Macroinvertebrates. Collected 17 June 1997 TAXA ABUNDANCE TOLERANCE VALUE MOLLUSCA Gastropoda ' Pleuroceridae Elimia spp. common 2.46 ARTHROPODA Decapoda Cambaridae Cambarus spp. common 7.62 INSECTA Ephemeroptera Ephemerellidae Ephemerella dorothea abundant 2.04 Ephemeridae Ephemera spp. Odonata Anisoptera Gomphidae Lanthus parvulus common 1.80 Plecoptera Capniidae Allocapnia spp. rare 2.52 Perlodidae Isoperla spp. rare Trichoptera Rhyacophilidae Rhyacophila fuscula common 1.88 Diptera Chironomidae Ablabesmyia spp. rare 7.20 Dixidae Dixa spp. abundant 2.55 Tipulidae Hexatoma spp. common 4.31 Total Taxa 10 Site 10: Thaxton Creek Looking Upstream (South) Site 10: Thaxton Creek Looking Downstream (North) 22 Site 11, Section BA, Unnamed tributary to Thaxon Creek Site 11 is associated with an unnamed tributary to Thaxon Creek. In the area of the proposed construction impact, the creek becomes braided as is flows through an alluvial flat. Proposed construction impacts in this area include enclosing the channels in 147 m (482 ft) of pipe. A transect was established perpendicular to the flow of the channels. The transect was 30 m (100 ft) long and extended from the western toe of slope to the eastern toe of slope. In the following diagram, distance is presented in feet, and the arrows indicate the position of channels along the transect. Channel Channel Channel Channel 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 The creek divides into four channels, each approximately 0.5 m (1.5 ft) wide and each approximately 3.8 cm (1.2 in) deep. The four channels flow slowly through an area that varies between 30 and 46 m (100 and 150 ft) wide. Vegetation in the alluvial flat was dominated by goldenrod (Solidago spp.). North (downstream) of the proposed impact area, the unnamed tributary reforms into a single channel. Water quality data was collected in this portion of the unnamed tributary to Thaxon Creek to establish baseline water quality conditions prior to construction. Fisheries data was not collected in this stream section. However, young of the year (yoy) brook trout were captured during the macroinvertebrate collections. Water quality data was not collected within the braided channels. Site 11, Section BA (Downstream of Site 11) MORPHOLOGY WATER QUALITY Canopy Cover: 50% Temperature (°C): 15 Channel Depth: 1.4 m (4.5 ft) pH: 6.5 Channel Width: 3 m (10 ft) Dissolved Oxygen (ppm): 8.2 Channel Slope: 2% Total Alkalinity (ppm): 20 Stream Depth (Average): 10 cm (4 in) EPT taxa richness: 6 Stream Width (Average): 1.3 m (4.2 ft) Biotic Index: 3.64 Substrate: G, Sa, R (soft) Bioclassification: Excellent Embeddedness: Fair Pool/Riffle Ratio 3.1 (excellent) 23 Site 11, Section BA: Macroinvertebrates. Collected 18 June 1997 TAXA ABUNDANCE TOLERANCE VALUE 1NSECTA Ephemeroptera Ephemerellidae Drunella longicornis common Ephemerella dorothea abundant 2.04 Ephemeridae Ephemera varians common. Odonata Anisoptera Gomphidae Lanthus spp. rare 1.77 Plecoptera Nemouridae Amphinemura delosa rare 3.33 Perlodidae Isoperla holochlora rare 0.00 Remenus bilobatus common 0.28 Diptera Dixidae Dixa spp. common 2.55 Tipulidae Dicranota spp. rare 0.00 Hexatoma spp. common 4.31 Tipula spp. abundant 7.33 Total Taxa 11 Site 11: Area to be impacted By the Proposed Project Site 11: Stream Channel Below Area To be Impacted By the Proposed Project 24 3.2 Section BB Site 1, Section BB, Laxon Creek Site 1 is located on Laxon Creek, in the vicinity of the intersection of SR 1357 and SR 1353 (Hardin Road). Proposed construction impacts include enclosing 147 m (482 ft) of the channel in pipe. Laxon Creek, at this location, flows through a pasture area where stream bank vegetation includes fescue, elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), tag alder, buttercup, and forget- me-not. Some shading of the creek is offered from these low growing species, however, most of the stream channel is exposed to full sunlight. Site 1, Section BB MORPHOLOGY WATER QUALITY Canopy Cover: 10% Temperature (°C): 21 Channel Depth: 1.5 m (5.0 ft) pH: 7.0 Channel Width: 3.7 m (12.0 ft) Dissolved Oxygen (ppm): 7.8 Channel Slope: 2% Total Alkalinity (ppm): 40 Stream Depth (Average): 20 cm (8 in) EPT taxa richness: 0 Stream Width (Average): 2 m (6.7 ft) Biotic Index: 6.09 Substrate: G, Sa, R, B Bioclassification: Fair Embeddedness: good-fair Pool/Riffle Ratio 4.3 (excellent) Site 1, Section BB: Macroinvertebrates. Collected 17 June 1997 TAXA ABUNDANCE TOLERANCE VALUE ARTHROPODA Decapoda Cambaridae Cambarus spp. common 7.62 Odonata Zygoptera Calopterygidae Calopteryx maculata abundant 7.78 Anisoptera Aeshnidae Boyeria vinosa common 5.89 Diptera Simuliidae Prosimulium spp. abundant 4.01 Total Taxa 4 25 Site 1, Section BB, Sample Length 100m. Sample time 13 min. FISH SPECIES NUMBER LENGTH (mm) WEIGHT (g) C.P.U.E. Campostoma anomalum (central stoneroller) 4 60-70 12 0.31 7 90-100 90 0.54 9 100-110 130 0.69 1 135 32 0.08 Clinostomus funduloides (rosyside dace) 2 50-60 4 0.15 6 80-90 63 0.46 Rhinichthys atratulus (blacknose dace) 16 50-60 25 1.23 15 60-70 50 1.15 26 70-80 120 2.00 Semotilus atromaculatus (creek chub) 2 60 3 0.15 1 100 12 0.08 3 120-130 90 0.23 1 195 95 0.08 Total 93 726 7.15 Site 1: Laxon Creek Looking Downstream (West) Site 1: Laxon Creek Looking Upstream (Southeast) 26 Site 2, Section BB, Unnamed tributary to Laxon Creek Site 2 is located on a small stream draining a cattle pasture. Proposed construction impacts consist of enclosing the stream channel in 93 m 305 ft) of pipe. The stream is an unnamed tributary to Laxon Creek, and flows in a southerly direction. Vegetation along the streambank includes fescue, wing stem (Verbesina spp.), and buttercup. The stream is not illustrated on the USGS map. A cursory inspection of the stream revealed areas that contained heavy growths of filamentous algae. A small dam is present within the stream channel that provides a water supply for a small pond. Macroinvertebrates collected during this cursory investigation consisted of black fly larvae (Simuliidae). A decision was made in the field that only a very limited amount of information would be collected from this site. According to the best professional judgment of the investigators, it was determined that this stream is intermittent, and therefore, detailed macroinvertebrate and fisheries studies were not conducted. Site 2, Section BB MORPHOLOGY Canopy Cover: 0% Channel Depth: 1.1 in (3.5 ft) Channel Width: 3.7 in (12.0 ft) Channel Slope: 2% Stream Depth (Average): 2.5 cm (1.0 in) Stream Width (Average): 0.3 in (1.0 ft) Substrate: Sa, Gr Embeddedness: Fair r { Site 2: Looking Downstream (South) Site 2: Looking Upstream (North) 27 Site 3, Section BB, Unnamed tributary to Laxon Creek Site 3 is located on an unnamed tributary to Laxon Creek. The stream flows in a southerly direction and is illustrated as intermittent on the USGS map. Proposed construction impacts include enclosing the stream channel in 152 m (498 ft) of pipe. The stream flows through a cattle pasture and receives drainage from a nearby Christmas tree farm. Streambank vegetation consists of fescue, various asters (Aster spp.), buttercup, multiflora rose and scattered individuals of silky willow (Salix sericea). The streambanks are steep and show evidence of erosion and deterioration from cattle crossing. There is also a thin coating of silt over the substrate. The stream morphology closely resembles the gully stream type as presented by Rosgen, 1996. The stream channel is relatively straight as it travels through the valley. This is reflected in a higher pool/riffle ratio. Site 3, Section BB MORPHOLOGY WATER QUALITY Canopy Cover: 0% Temperature (°C): 21 Channel Depth: 3 m (10 ft) pH: 6.5 Channel Width: 8 m (26 ft) Dissolved Oxygen (ppm): 7.0 Channel Slope: 2% Total Alkalinity (ppm): 30 Stream Depth (Average): 6.4 cm (2.5 in) EPT taxa richness: 3 Stream Width (Average): 0.9 m (3.0 ft) Biotic Index: 4.38 Substrate: Sa, G, Si, R Bioclassification: Good Embeddedness: Fair Pool/Riffle Ratio 10.2 (good) 28 Site 3, Section BB: Macroinvertebrates. Collected 17 June 1997 TAXA ABUNDANCE TOLERANCE VALUE 1NSECTA Ephemeroptera Ephemerellidae Eurylophella spp. common 4.34 Leptophlebiidae Paraleptophlebia spp. common 0.94 Odonata Zygoptera Calopterygidae Calopteryx spp. common 7.78 Anisoptera Aeshnidae Aeshna spp. rare Trichoptera Hydropsychidae Hydropsyche betteni abundant 7.78 Diptera Chironomidae Polypedilum spp. common Procladius spp. common 9.0 Simuliidae Prosimulium spp. abundant 4.01 Tipulidae Dicranota spp. abundant 0.00 Total Taxa 9 Site 3: Looking Downstream (South) Looking Downstream (South) Site 3: View of Bank 29 Site 5, Section BB, Unnamed tributary to Gap Creek The stream at site 5 is an unnamed tributary to Gap Creek and flows southward through a pasture/hay field area. The stream is situated north of US 421 and runs parallel to SR 1359 Brownwood Road. This stream is illustrated as perennial on the USGS quadrangle map. The proposed construction impacts include enclosing the stream channel in 107 m (351 ft) of pipe. The sample site was established immediately below the confluence of two small branches of this stream. Even though there are no canopy trees, the well vegetated banks do supply a significant amount of shading to the stream. Streambank vegetation includes fescue, silky willow, jewelweed, and goldenrod (Solidago rugosa). Very little bank erosion is present. A fisheries survey was not conducted on this stream, however, it should be noted that young of the year (yoy) brook trout were collected during the macroinvertebrate collections. Site 5, Section BB MORPHOLOGY WATER QUALITY Canopy Cover: 15% Temperature (°C): 18 Channel Depth: 1.8 m(6.0 ft) pH: 7.0 Channel Width: 3.9 m (13.0 ft) Dissolved Oxygen (ppm): 7.6 Channel Slope: 4% Total Alkalinity (ppm): 22 Stream Depth (Average): 10 cm (4 in) EPT taxa richness: 12 Stream Width (Average): 0.9 m (3.0 ft) Biotic Index: 2.14 Substrate: G, Sa, R, B Bioclassification: Excellent Embeddedness: Good Pool/Riffle Ratio 3.1 (excellent) 30 Site 5, Section BB: Macroinvertebrates. Collected 17 June 1997 TAXA ABUNDANCE TOLERANCE VALUE INSECTA Ephemeroptera Baetidae Baetis spp. common Baetiscidae Baetisca carolina abundant 3.40 Ephemerellidae Drunella spp. common Ephemerella spp. common 2.04 Heptageniidae Stenonema spp. abundant Leptophlebiidae Paraleptophlebia spp. abundant 0.94 Plecoptera Leuctridae Leuctra spp. rare 0.67 Perlodidae Isoperla holochlora rare 0.00 Remenus bilobatus rare 0.28 Trichoptera Hydropsychidae Hydropsyche betteni common 7.78 Philopotamidae Dolophilodes spp. abundant 0.81 Polycentropodidae Polycentropus spp. rare 3.53 Diptera Dixidae Dixa spp. rare 2.55 Total Taxa 13 Site 5: Looking Downstream (South) Towards US 421 Site 5: Looking Upstream (North) 31 Site 6, Section BB, Unnamed tributary to Gap Creek Site 6 is a small drainage associated with, and originating in a wetland area. The site is just to the south and east of the Deep Gap Volunteer Fire Department (DGVFD). Proposed construction impacts include enclosing the stream in 85 m (279 ft) of pipe. The stream channel is undeveloped and poorly defined as it flows through the wetland. However, it does develop a well defined channel as it approaches existing US 421. During the field survey interval, it was observed that the lower portion of the stream (near the DGVFD parking lot) was undergoing enclosure, presumably for an unrelated project. It was observed that once the current construction project is complete, the existing stream channel will be enclosed. Therefore, only the wetland will remain. No morphological, macroinvertebrate, fisheries or water quality data was collected from this site. 32 Site 7, Section BB, Unnamed tributary to Gap Creek Site 7 is located on a small unnamed tributary to Gap Creek. Flow is to the south, and the stream is illustrated as perennial on the USGS map. The stream lies on the north side of existing US 421, and runs parallel to Hot Rod Road (private). Proposed construction impacts include enclosing the channel in 90 m (295 ft) of pipe. The stream runs through an active pasture area and also receives drainage from a small Christmas tree farm. Streambank vegetation consists of fescue, softstem rush (Juncus effusus), sedges (Carex spp.), and forget-me-not. Channel banks display the effects of deterioration and erosion in some areas from cattle crossing. Site 7, Section BB MORPHOLOGY Canopy Cover: Channel Depth: Channel Width: Channel Slope: Stream Depth (Average) Stream Width (Average) Substrate: Embeddedness: Pool/Riffle Ratio WATER QUALITY 0% Temperature (°C): 16 2.3 m (7.5 ft) pH: 7.0 7.3 m (24 ft) Dissolved Oxygen (ppm): 8.2 3% Total Alkalinity (ppm): 22 8.9 cm (3.5 in) EPT taxa richness: 11 1 m (3.3 ft) Biotic Index: 3.48 G, Sa, R, B, Si, Be Bioclassification: Excellent Good 2.4 (excellent) 33 Site 7, Section BB: Macroinvertebrates. Collected T'AXA ABUNDANCE TOLERANCE VALUE 1NSECTA Ephemeroptera Baetidae Baetis spp. common Ephemerellidae Drunella longicornis rare Drunella spp. rare Ephemerella spp. common 2.04 Heptageniidae Stenonema spp. abundant Leptophlebiidae Paraleptophlebia spp. abundant 0.94 Oligoneuriidae Isonychia spp. abundant 3.45 Odonata Zygoptera Calopterygidae Calopteryx spp. common 7.78 Anisoptera Cordulegastridae Cordulegaster erronea common 5.73 Gomphidae Lanthus spp. common 1.77 Stylogomphus albistylus rare 4.72 Plecoptera Perlidae Eccoptura xanthenes common 3.74 Trichoptera Lepidostomatidae Lepidostoma spp. rare 0.90 Limnephilidae Neophylax spp. common 2.20 Philopotamidae Dolophilodes spp. abundant 0.81 Diptera Chironomidae Cricotopus spp. common Dixidae Dixa spp. common 2.55 Tipulidae Antocha spp. rare 4.25 Dicranota spp. rare 0.00 Hexatoma spp. common 4.31 Tipula spp. common 7.33 Total Taxa 21 ?t ?Mx oy T Site 7: Looking Upstream (North) Site 7: Loo.King Downstream (South) Towards US 421 34 Site 10, Section BB Unnamed tributary to Gap Creek Site 10 consists of two swales that form an intermittent stream below their confluence. This surface water system is part of the Gap Creek drainage. The site is located on the north side of existing US 421 and the USGS map does not illustrate this surface water feature. Proposed construction impacts include enclosing the stream channel in 88 m (289 ft) of pipe. The swales and stream channel run through an old pasture area. The stream channel can be best described a gully stream type according to the Rosgen system of stream classification. The channel banks are vegetated by grasses and forbs. The channel bank soils consist of fairly loose gravel, and sand with some rubble. The banks also show evidence of erosion. Data on stream morphology was gathered for this site. However, no supplemental water quality, macroinvertebrate or fisheries data was collected. Site 10, Section BB MORPHOLOGY Canopy Cover: 0% Channel Depth: 3.7 m (12.0 ft) Channel Width: 7.6 m (25.0 ft) Channel Slope: 3% Stream Depth (Average): 2.5 cm (1.0 in) Stream Width (Average): 0.5 m (1.5 ft) Substrate: G, Sa, Si Embeddedness: Fair Site 10: Looking North Site 10: Looking South Towards US 421 35 Site 12, Section BB, Unnamed tributary to Gap Creek Site 12 is located on an unnamed tributary to Gap Creek. The tributary flows to the east, and parallels existing US 421, until it joins Gap Creek. This stream is illustrated as intermittent on the USGS map. Proposed construction impacts include enclosing the channel in 29 m (95 ft) of pipe. The stream is bordered to the north by a cattle pasture and bordered to the south by commercial properties. The northern channel bank is fenced, therefore, no disturbance from cattle crossing is occurring. The channel banks are vegetated by red maple (Acer rubrum), black cherry, manna grass (Glyceria spp.), jewelweed, and asters. Channel banks are observed to be relatively stable. Site 12, Section BB MORPHOLOGY Canopy Cover: Channel Depth: Channel Width: Channel Slope: Stream Depth (Average): Stream Width (Average): Substrate: Embeddedness: Pool/Riffle Ratio WATER QUALITY 60% Temperature (°C): 22 2.0 m (6.5 ft) pH: 7.0 5.2 m (16 ft) Dissolved Oxygen (ppm): 7.2 3% Total Alkalinity (ppm): 20 8.9 cm (3.5 in) EPT taxa richness: 2 0.8 m (2.5 ft) Biotic Index: 3.66 G, Sa, Si, R Bioclassification: Excellent Good 7.0 (good-excellent) 36 Site 12, Section BB: Macroinvertebrates. Collected 19 June 1997 TAXA ABUNDANCE TOLERANCE VALUE INSECTA MOLLUSCA Gastropoda Mesogastropoda Pleuroceridae Elimia spp. common 2.46 Ephemeroptera Baetidae Baetis spp. rare Odonata Zygoptera Calopterygidae Calopteryx maculata abundant 7.78 Trichoptera Hydropsychidae Philopotamidae Dolophilodes spp. common 0.81 Diptera Simuliidae Simulium spp. rare 4.00 Tipulidae Dicranota spp. abundant 0.00 Limnophila spp. Tipula spp. common 7.33 Total Taxa 8 Site 12: Looking Downstream (East) Site 12: Looking Upstream (West) 37 Site 13, Section BB, Gap Creek Site 13 is located on Gap Creek just north of US 421. Gap Creek flows in a northerly direction through a cattle pasture at this location. Proposed construction impacts include enclosing the channel in 80 in (262 ft) of pipe. Channel banks are primarily vegetated with fescue, with scattered individuals of wool grass (Scirpus cyperinus), and forget-me-not. Channel banks display significant deterioration and erosion from cattle crossing. In vicinity of the sample site, the active floodplain of Gap Creek was measured to be 17.6 in (58 ft). The stream substrate is fairly soft and larger substrate particles were over 50 per cent embedded by fine substrate particles. Some shoaling of the substrate was also observed. Visual observations of the existing streambed suggest that scouring of the substrate occurs during storm events. Site 13, Section BB MORPHOLOGY WATER QUALITY Canopy Cover: 0% Temperature (°C): 22 Channel Depth: 0.9 in (3.0 ft) pH: 7.0 Channel Width: 4.6 m(15 ft) Dissolved Oxygen (ppm): 8.0 Channel Slope: 2% Total Alkalinity (ppm): 22 Stream Depth (Average): 21 cm (8.3 in) EPT taxa richness: 6 Stream Width (Average): 4.0 in (13 ft) Biotic Index: 4.20 Substrate: G, Sa, R Bioclassification: Good Embeddedness: Fair Pool/Riffle Ratio 7.7 (good) 38 Site 13, Section BB: Macroinvertebrates. Collected 19 June 1997 TAXA ABUNDANCE TOLERANCE VALUE 1NSECTA Ephemeroptera Baetidae Baetis spp. abundant Ephemerellidae Ephemerella spp. abundant 2.04 Heptageniidae Heptagenia spp. rare 2.57 Oligoneuriidae Isonychia spp. common 3.45 Odonata Zygoptera Calopterygidae Calopteryx maculata abundant 7.78 Trichoptera Hydropsychidae Hydropsyche betteni common 7.78 Limnephilidae Neophylax spp. abundant 2.20 Diptera Chironomidae Cricotopus spp. rare Simuliidae Simulium spp. rare 4.00 Total Taxa 9 39 Site 13, Section BB. Sample length 100 m. Sample time 14.7 min. 16 July 1997 FISH SPECIES NUMBER LENGTH (mm) WEIGHT (g) C.P.U.E. Salvelinus fontinalis (brook trout) 3 60-70 8 0.20 8 160-170 378 0.54 Salmo trutta (brown trout) 1 180 60 0.07 Campostoma anomalum (central stoneroller) 17 40-50 30 1.16 6 50-60 18 0.41 9 70-80 56 0.61 12 90-100 154 0.82 1 110 18 0.07 Clinostomus funduloides (rosyside dace) 3 40-50 2 0.20 4 80-90 26 0.27 Rhinichthys atratulus (blacknose dace) 33 40-50 34 2.24 18 70-80 74 1.22 Semotilus atromaculatus (creek chub) 2 60 4 0.14 1 75 5 0.07 2 100 30 0.14 1 120 20 0.07 Catostomus commersoni (white sucker) 1 185 70 0.07 1 285 282 0.07 Etheostoma flabellare (fantail darter) 7 40-50 4 0.48 14 50-60 20 0.95 4 60-70 12 0.27 Cottus bairdi (mottled sculpin) 3 70-80 20 0.20 Total 151 1325 10.27 Site 13: Gap Creek Looking Downstream (North) Site 13: Gap Creek Embedded Substrate 40 Site 14, Section BB, Unnamed tributary to Gap Creek Site 14 consists of a swale area that originates east of US 221 and drains to the west, eventually entering into Gap Creek. The area is not illustrated as a surface water feature on the USGS map. Proposed construction impacts include enclosing 1 lm (36 ft) of the channel in pipe. No definitive stream channel is present east of US 221. However, a channel develops west of US 221. No flow was observed in this channel during the site visit. The channel west of US 221 is located in an active cattle pasture. Channel banks display evidence of deterioration and erosion resulting from cattle crossing. Vegetation associated with the channel banks includes fescue, wool grass, and forget-me-not. No water quality, macroinvertebrate, or fisheries data was collected at this site. Site 14 Section BB MORPHOLOGY Canopy Cover: 0% Channel Depth: 1.2 m (4.0 ft) Channel Width: 3.7 m (12.0 ft) Channel Slope: 2% Stream Depth (Average): No flow Stream Width (Average): .03 m (1.0 ft) Substrate: Sa, Si, G ?N Site 14: Swale to Gap Creek West of US 221 u?. k Site 14: Swale to Gap Creek East of US 221 41 Site 16, Section BB, Unnamed tributary to Gap Creek The stream at site 16 is a unnamed tributary to Gap Creek. The stream is located east of US 211 and north of US 421. The stream flows perpendicular to US 421 and crosses US 421 via a culvert opposite Moretz Road (private). The stream is not illustrated as a surface water on the USGS map. Proposed construction impacts include enclosing the channel in 85 m (279 ft) of pipe. Channel bank vegetation includes silky willow, tag alder, blackberry and jewelweed. Vegetation overhanging the stream channel is very dense in some areas. The channel banks are steep and do display some signs of erosion. Site 16, Section BB MORPHOLOGY WATER QUALITY Canopy Cover: 80% Temperature (°C): 14 Channel Depth: 1.8 m (6.0 ft) pH: 6.5 Channel Width: 4.0 m (13 ft) Dissolved Oxygen (ppm): 8.6 Channel Slope: 4-5% Total Alkalinity (ppm): 18 Stream Depth (Average): 6.4 cm (2.5 in) EPT taxa richness: 15 Stream Width (Average): 0.8 m (2.5 ft) Biotic Index: 2.10 Substrate: Sa, G, R, B Bioclassification: Excellent Embeddedness: Good Pool/Riffle Ratio 3.2 (excellent) 42 Site 16, Section BB: Macroinvertebrates. Collected 19 June 1997 TAXA ABUNDANCE TOLERANCE VALUE MOLLUSCA • Gastropoda Mesogastropoda Pleuroceridae • Elimia spp. common 2.46 INSECTA Ephemeroptera Baetidae Baetis spp. rare Ephemerellidae Drunella longicornis rare Ephemerella spp. common 2.04 Serratella spp. rare Heptageniidae Epeorus spp. abundant 1.27 Heptagenia spp. common 2.57 Stenonema spp. abundant Odonata Anisoptera Gomphidae rare 1.77 Lanthus spp. Plecoptera Nemouridae Amphinemura spp. rare 3.33 Perlodidae Remenus bilobatus rare 0.28 Trichoptera Hydropsychidae Diplectrona spp. common 2.21 Parapsyche spp. rare Limnephilidae Hydatophylax argus common 2.17 Neophylax spp. abundant 2.20 Pycnopsyche spp. abundant 2.52 Rhyacophilidae • Rhyacophila fuscula rare 1.88 Total Taxa 17 Site 16: Looking Downstream (South) Towards US 421 Site 16: Looking Upstream (North) 43 REFERENCES Allan, J. D. 1995. Stream Ecology: Structure and function of running waters. Chapman & Hall, New York. Brigham, A. R., W. U. Brigham, and A. Gnilka, eds. 1982. Aquatic Insects and Oligochaetes of North and South Carolina. Midwest Aquatic Enterprises, Mahomet, Illinois. • Daigle, J. J. 1992. Florida Dragonflies (Anisoptera): A Species Key to the Aquatic Larval Stages. Technical Series Vol. 12 Number 1, Department of Environmental Regulation, Florida. Edmunds, G. F., S. L. Jensen and L. Berner. 1976. The Mayflies of North and Central America. University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis. Epler, J.H. 1995. Identification Manual for the Larval Chironomidaie (Diptera) of Florida. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Tallahassee, Florida. Epler, J.H. 1996. Identification Manual for the Water Beetles of Florida. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Tallahassee, Florida. Hitchcock, S. W. 1974. Guide to the Insects of Connecticut. Connecticut Geological and Natural History Survey. Bulletin 107. Hobbs, H. H. 1976. Crayfishes (Astacidae) of North and Middle America. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. Lewis, P. A. 1974. Taxonomy and Ecology of Stenonema Mayflies (Heptageniidae: Ephemeroptera). National Environmental Research Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Mason, W. T., Jr. 1973. An Introduction to the Identification of Chironomid Larvae. National Environmental Research Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Menhenick, E.F. 1991. The Freshwater Fishes of North Carolina. N.C. WRC., Raleigh. Merrit, R. W., K. W. Cummins. 1996. An Introduction to the Aquatic Insects of North America. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, Dubuque, Iowa. NCDEHNR-DEM, 1994, Basinwide Assessment Report, New River Basin, Raleigh. NCDEHNR-DEM, 1995, Standard Operating Procedures, Biological Monitoring, Raleigh. it 44 Pescador, M. L., A. K. Rasmussen, & S. C. Harris. 1995. Identification Manual for the Caddisfly (Trichoptera) Larvae of Florida. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Tallahassee, Florida. Plafkin, J. L., M. T. Barbour, K. D. Porter, S. K. Gross, & R. M. Hughes. 1989. Rapid Bioassessment Protocols For Use In Streams and Rivers. Report No. EPA/444/4-89-001, United ` States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C. Radford, A.E., H.E. Ahles and G.R. Bell. 1968. Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas. Chapel Hill, The University of North Carolina Press. Rohde, Fred C., R.G. Arndt, D.G. Lindquist, J.F. Parnell, 1994, Freshwater Fishes of the Carolinas, Virginia, Maryland, & Delaware, University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill. Rosgen, Dave. 1996. Applied River Morphology. Wildland Hydrology. Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Schuster, G. A. & D. A. Etnier. 1978. A Manual for the Identification of the Larvae of the Caddisfly Genera Hydropsyche Pictet and Symphitopsyche Ulmer in Eastern and Central North America (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae). Report No. EPA-600/4-78-060, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio. Stehr, Frederick W., 1987. Immature Insects. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, Dubuque, Iowa. Williams, W. D. Freshwater Isopods (Asellidae) of North America. 1976. Water Pollution Control Research Series 18050 ELD05/72, U.S. EPA, Cincinnati Ohio. 4ow rMI. f? a A?K 44 4 ++ tjt ?l it ....4111 Y o?0? WA a ®'i Michael F. Easley, Governor William G. Ross Jr., Secretary North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director Division of Water Quality November 7, 2002 Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Manager NCDOT Planning and Environmental Branch 1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC, 27699-1548 Dear Dr. Thorpe: Re: MODIFICATION to Water Quality Certification Pursuant to §401 of the Federal Clean Water Act, Proposed US 421 Relocation from west of South Fork of the New River to east of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Watauga County. TIP Project Nos. R-529 BA, BB and BD: DWQ Project No. 970616. COE #199707161. The Division of Water Quality has reviewed your submittal for a Modification to §401 Water Quality Certification Number 3185 for the aforementioned project. Review of your application revealed it lacking necessary information required for making an informed permit decision. The permit application was deficient in the following areas: 1. Existing Stream Design The existing stream does not appear to have been designed and/or constructed properly, as such, DWQ agrees that a new design is in order. . 2. In Stream Bed Material and Bank Stabilization The proposed channel cross sections indicate a specification for "bed material" that is 0.6 meters thick for the entire channel and over-bank area. However, no specification was provided indicating the size or gradation of the material. The purpose and nature of the material is not discussed. Additionally, no sediment transport analysis, shear stress analysis or other modeling was provided to support the need for such an approach. Finally, it is not clear as to how this approach relates to natural channel design techniques. Although channel armoring may be needed at time, the Division of Water Quality does not allow armored channels to count as compensatory mitigation. Riparian Buffers and Planting Plan A planting plan must be provided for the proposed stream buffers. The planting plan should include tree planting densities of the appropriate native species that will result in a survival rate of 320 trees per acre after five years. Please revise the site plans to include the extent and nature of the plantings and buffers. 4. Stormwater Inlet Location/Protection Please locate any stormwater outlets to the proposed restored stream on the site plans. Please provide the means of stabilizing the stormwater outlets on the site plans. North Carolina Division of Water Quality, 401 Wetlands Certification Unit, 1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 (Mailing Address) 2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604-2260 (Location) 919-733-1786 (phone), 919-733-6893 (fax), hftp://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/hcwetlands/ Please note that the Internal Technical Guide for Stream Work in North Carolina (April 2001), and other documents and information can be downloaded from the Wetlands Unit web site at http:Hh2o. eh n r. state. nc. us/ncwet lan ds/restore. htm 1. Pursuant to 15A NCAC 2H .0507(a)(3), the permit application will remain on hold until we are supplied the necessary information. Furthermore, until the information is received by the NC Division of Water Quality, we request (by copy of this letter) that the US Army Corps of Engineers continue to place the permit application on hold. We look forward to working with you to expedite the processing of your permit application. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Cynthia F. Van Der Wiele at 919.733.5715. Sincerely, o . ter ertific ion Program cc: Wilmington District COE John Thomas, USACE Raleigh Field Office: Todd St. John, DWQ Jennifer Frye, NCDWQ Winston-Salem Regional Office File Copy WAIF Michael F. Easley, Governor F 0 qQG William G. Ross Jr., Secretary North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Cq Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director Division of Water Quality o ? November 7, 2002 Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Manager NCDOT Planning and Environmental Branch 1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC, 27699-1548 Dear Dr. Thorpe: RECEIVED N.C. Dept. of EHNR NOV 15 2002 Winston-Salem Regional Office Re: MODIFICATION to Water Quality. Certification Pursuant to §401 of the Federal Clean Water Act, Proposed US 421 Relocation from west of South Fork of the New River to east of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Watauga County. TIP Project Nos. R-529 BA, BB and BD. DWQ Project No. 970616. COE #199707161. The Division of Water Quality has reviewed your submittal for a Modification to §401 Water Quality Certification Number 3.185 for the aforementioned project. Review of your application revealed it lacking necessary information required for making an informed permit decision. The permit application was deficient in the following areas: 1. Existing Stream Design The existing stream does not appear to have been designed and/or constructed properly, as such, DWQ agrees that a new design is in order. . 2. In Stream Bed Material and Bank Stabilization The proposed channel cross sections indicate a specification for "bed material" that is 0.6 meters thick for the entire channel and over-bank area. However, no specification was provided indicating the size or gradation of the material. The purpose and nature of the material is not discussed. Additionally, no sediment transport analysis, shear stress analysis or other modeling was provided to support the need for such an approach. Finally, it is not clear as to how this approach relates to natural channel design techniques. Although channel armoring may be needed at time, the Division of Water Quality does not allow armored channels to count as compensatory mitigation. 3. Riparian Buffers and Planting Plan A planting plan must be provided for the proposed stream buffers. The planting plan should include tree planting densities of the appropriate native species that will result in a survival rate of 320 trees per acre after five years. Please revise the site plans to include the extent and nature of the plantings and buffers. 4. Stormwater Inlet Location/Protection Please locate any stormwater outlets to the proposed restored stream on the site plans. Please provide the means of stabilizing the stormwater outlets on the site plans. North Carolina Division of Water Quality, 401 Wetlands Certification Unit, 1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 (Mailing Address) 2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604-2260 (Location) 919-733-1786 (phone), 919-733-6893 (fax), http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands/ t Please note that the Internal Technical Guide for Stream Work in North Carolina (April 2001), and other documents and information can be downloaded from the Wetlands Unit web site at hftp://h2o.ehnr.state.nc.us/ncwetiands/restore.htm1. Pursuant to 15A NCAC 2H.0507(a)(3), the perniit application will remain on hold until we are supplied the necessary information. Furthermore, until the information is received by the NC Division of Water Quality, we request (by copy of this letter) that the US Army Corps of Engineers continue to place the permit application on hold. We look forward to working with you to expedite the processing of your permit application. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Cynthia F. Van Der Wiele at 919.733.5715. Program cc: Wilmington District COE John Thomas, USACE Raleigh Field Office Todd St. John, DWQ Jennifer Frye, NCDWQ Winston-Salem Regional Office File Copy Sincerely, TO: Jean Manuele, USACOE Raleigh Regulatory Field Office FILE COPY FROM: Ron Linville, Regional Coordinator Habitat Conservation Program DATE: October 28, 2002 SUBJECT: North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), TIP R-529BA, BB & BD, US 421, Unnamed Tributary Gap Creek Restoration Modification Requests, Watauga County NCDOT proposes to modify the natural channel design for the referenced stream relocation. Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission are familiar with habitat values in the area. These comments are provided in accordance with the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d) and the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (G.S. 113A- 1 through 113A-10; NCAC 25). NCDOT indicates that site conditions are very unstable and that slope conditions are too severe for previously approved channel design restoration activities to be stabile. Instead of abandoning the restoration site, NCDOT proposes to amend the previous design by using less sinuosity and more in- channel structure. Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission have previously expressed our concerns about these conditions at the site. Considering that the alternative would be to riprap the channel and provide off site mitigation, we will not object to the proposed modification. However, we recommend that mitigation credits be based on a successfully stabilized stream restoration complex. Conditions previously required by the Corps for this project should continue to the fullest extent possible; however, the project should be completed without further delays providing stringent erosion control efforts are used during the moratorium period. If any wetlands are created, NCDOT should receive credit if they provide sufficient habitat values. We recommend that any future restoration projects of this type be built and stabilized prior to road construction beginning. Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project during the early planning stages. If you have any questions regarding these comments, please contact me at 336/769-9453. Cc: Cynthia Van Der Wiele, DDWQ Heath Slaughter, DOT Marella Buncick, USFWS Becky Fox, EPA Marla Chambers, WRC ® North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director 1721 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1721 919-733-3633 MEMORANDUM . TO. Heath Slaughter, Environmental Officer FILE COPY Division 11, NCDOT FROM: Marla Chambers, Highway Projects Coordinator Habitat Conservation Program, NCWRC DATE: October 15, 2002 SUBJECT: North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) request for a variance to the trout moratorium for a stream channel relocation project on US 421, Watauga County. USACE Action ID No. 199707161, DWQ Project No. 970616, Federal Aid Project No. FR-86-1(6), State Project No. 8.1750601, TIP No. R-529BA, BB & BD. NCDOT requests to extend the start date of the trout moratorium from October 15 to November 15, 2002 to construct and stabilize the new stream channel using a new design for the relocation of an unnamed tributary to Gap Creek. There have been numerous problems with this project since construction began on the stream relocation, and reasons for the delay into the moratorium period remain unclear. While we are disappointed the work on this project was not completed prior to the trout moratorium, we believe it is important to stabilize this area to reduce further impacts to downstream habitats. We will not object to extending the start date of the trout moratorium to November 15, 2002, however all practical precautions must be taken to prevent or minimize off site sedimentation. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call me at (704) 485-2384. / Z L 0 0 m z c 3 W m X o z 0 0 _0 N m ? o o D N ? M 0 M 0 0 z ?m 0 a o 1 n m ? ? D rte-- Lrl 0 Z ^\ O _{ v v, 0 0 c z T M m G) x z m -a D UI O c z --I )iI Z O r w u, U.) w rn z 0 v m -1 T m 3z m0 Z m C7 0 V (n ?m C to -nZZ 1, W-1 ?0 00 Lna 0 Lo z 0 Fl i N O O N ?Tye,,.SWE° N ?-A 70 ?? STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MICHAEL F. EASLEY LYNDO TIPPETT GOVERNOR SECRETARY U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Field Office 6508 Falls of the Neuse Road, Suite 120 Raleigh, North Carolina 27615 ATTN: Ms. Jean Manuele NCDOT Coordinator Subject: Watauga County, US 421 new location from South Fork New River in Boone to the Blue Ridge Parkway in Deep Gap. USACE Action ID No. 199707161, DWQ project No. 970616, Federal Aid Project No. FR-86-1(6), State Project No. 8.1750601, TIP No. R-529BA, BB & BD. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is requesting a modification to Department of the Army Permit No. 199707161. Department of the Army (DOA) Permit No. 199707161 was issued on May 4, 1998 and authorized impact by fill or excavation to 1.32 acres of wetland and 13,461 linear feet of stream channel. DOA Individual Permit No. 199707161 required channel relocations to be done utilizing natural channel design instead of placing the stream in what is essentially a straight rip-rap lined ditch. Since the original permit was issued and the project let to construction, the design of a channel relocation for an unnamed tributary to Gap Creek has changed. The stream channel in question is just west of the US 421 and US 221 intersection. October 11, 2002 ` OCT ?2 *M In the original design, the channel relocation was designed as a straight, rip-rap lined channel. The NCDOT, in coordination with the USACE, the NCWRC, the NCDWQ, and other agencies, revised the design in January of 1999 to comply with the permit requirement to incorporate natural channel design into all channel relocations. A design was agreed upon and approved by t e agencies. It was subsequently incorporated into the construction plans. Since construction began on the stream relocation, there have been numerous problems. To date, the NCDOT and its contractors have not been able to build the channel relocation as designed and -- permitted. The soil in the project area is extremely unstable and the slope too severe to allow for MAILING ADDRESS: NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER RALEIGH NG 27699-1548 TELEPHONE: 919-733-3141 FAX: 919-733-9794 WEBSITE. WWW.NCDOT.ORG LOCATION: TRANSPORTATION BUILDING 1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET RALEIGH NC the current design to be constructed and stabilized. The NCDOT has consulted with the USACE and the NCWRC to determine what can be done to correct the problem. After reviewing all the available options, including abandoning natural channel design in favor of a rip-rap "ditch", the NCDOT decided to go with an amended natural channel design. The new design incorporates a more conservative channel design with ess sinuosity anmore in-channel structure. The new design will reduce the chance of catastrophic bank failure and provide a more stable stream. However, due to the reduction in sinuosity, the new design is approximately 918.4 feet shorter than the original design. Therefore, the NCDOT will now need to go off site to replace t e ost channel. The NCDOT proposes to contract with the NCWRC to rovide the additional MAI at a 2 to 1 ratio. The NCDOT will purc ase .837.0 linear eet of stream mitigation from Please find attached a copy of the proposed design. The NCDOT requests that DOA Individual Permit No. 199707161 be modified to reflect the new design and mitigation proposal. Additionally, in order to allow time to construct the new channel design and get it stabilized immediately, the NCDOT requests that the in-water work moratorium begin on Nov. 15 instead of October 15, as is currently required. By copy of this letter, the Department also requests that the Division of Water Quality modify the §401 Water Quality Certification (DWQ Project No. 970616). If you have any further questions or would like additional information, please don't hesitate to call. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D. Environmental Management Director Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch cc: w/attachment Mr. David Franklin, USACE, Wilmington Mr. John Dorney, Division of Water Quality Mr. Ron Linville, NCWRC w/o attachment Mr. John Alford, P.E., Roadway Design Mr. David Rhodes, P.E., Programming and TIP Ms. Debbie Barbour, P.E., Highway Design Mr. David Chang, P.E., Hydraulics Mr. Mark Staley, Roadside Environmental Mr. Carl McCann, Division 1 I Engineer Mr. Greg Perfetti, P.E., Structure Design Mr. Heath Slaughter, DEO-Division 11 7 cu G n O c1D P? \a 0 )..tr2, °0. O O ? J? n 9 O? d 03 •/l. o l .'l o oV?o o ? • ., C 0 a o? ?l .O I I• n O -1A ?o .0 CL l ? 7 r? ? ' O °Qa I O ? ? ? ,a ?(-/,j ? 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N N r N ZO x N oz u ? n??^•-?u 2 -.nO m -.D nOr I S ?m ? ,rID O N m p -00,- m r? a o? x A F o i mvr 3`or c nm Ag nC Z -' xpoz o:nm z z ?m `z.a oc°m m?oz nz°yyn O y D O n m z z X M, 11 p m m c Z p m n n Z z a Z m N m z 0 O N z x? m m° T m z oo mr?--mat Z a n a zo m = z x ° v m D r ca r D z < D o O mx O N A I` or ? i Z o n r i? 1 J D C t I ? l.D -0 A z F4 \ O Q D ?? W • m M M o D . o • .x u z RiFF<E I Z g N D 9 A m -r C, m (A m y - O W # N Ul r O _ 3 3y I 57 + O y x o O O cn Fr > O m C) n N O \. z r O O 3 m 3 3 m z sy;? o •I /`' r'r f? ? e • ! S 0 "e > B 5 ? i 3 5 5s ? 5S 6 e e 's =e oe C g 0 7 ?g i 0 L 1 9 9 > a g > j i O < ? >N E - ' ? a S p C a Q o A S 0 H b .. ? ,? M ? o ? - ? ? N P 3 i 3 ? h P o C C j C r y P ? e A > A S ? w s P a O P P 4 ? t s N r :" a a " a b ? w d. I V c? r ?^ HEAD OF RIFFLE v A O - _ o W T r rn y O 0 TAIL OF RIFFLE mzz RFGINNING OF POOL OF n 0 -yG A O • T m •?, ; y C71d o D P e? a ?a n O ? • •,?OC ? ? ? Y o 3 » /,. ?9 ^ l I ? D 3 . • ?4 T1 N m Y m ?. O A ? N ?, ?y ? • N r ` S m N ?p m - o m m n 2r z mys y v mmm x O z o _ d ?o° v ymn x ? r ? • M ? o r ? o°Nm . • 4 N x mDy ° „ ° z YZ \A 3 y Z ° b Z \? c ?r N 0 v t T/ v ? o F--) I?' f? 1 D 0T-1 m I ' ? 0 r-n V/ D U z P r r O m Z 0 z D G x D m 3 3 0 = c -n M n 4 c.n O Ln 0 Lo m (o m J 0 l (n O Ln L?n qn, 0 - Co tD m N (n N 0 0 0 - O -j (n O Ln (n m ? W Lo m (o m m - rn m n In S W co --, S (n t, L, N - m n (") r G (J1 (n Ln 7 D (A ± Ln O -1 O N m Z U CD r r m rL m m a r ? r c r m C/) 71 o I m r -i O m 70 n Nr c mn n -D U) O - m 0 ?c m Z7 zm n C7 v 0 0 0 0 rn Cl V1 -n CO -10 Cm OD =D rn m? <z ?O or- c -In x? r m M < m C? 700 m <_ -+z1 n m x co m Dx n o T D ?I < D r -? m , r ? -'o -,Go 0m _ (n n c -O D ? r -o v1 . z o m ?z -i O TJ C xm no v Q7 m nx n n \ ?? ?1 G rn m F 2 ? -i O mzl = V) ?V) ?? z o m ? O ?C mm Da 0 O U) Fr-, C7 D i D 4 O o n 2 O D m z z z mn F- -1 C A n f z z 0 0 m m co D D C7m? Ul 2 = r ? ?noA m C ?mm OZO-o ?-n x Z Z -- p _n Zm ?r0D O WO 2 z W r m?-?o ° C: C) -i D r•-?_OZ ,N0 C-) -AOCO -Tj (nr mm s zM °? novn Z • ? ? _ D Z ? mnm r , o - „ rN D i Z O O I > l/1 D m M In , ?xv -' =O mm- ?n VA OD mf?- n m orn? m 1m m . V) r- VI C/) K<' xMX Onm i-i.-A oo> <oz m ° F- D ? I > On W o L?nn z z ?rZ -a In <CA om r I 0m -1 SN m?? Sm 02 O D O n0 ? C ? Z m 0:0 m ?A ° Z> a CD ---I C > O ;10 m ((0 o mn_ ?o rZ O D N Z N I 4 C D r- m I m Z W-Q F j o . o m o ° N O v; 1 ?O vt `mm - O o N o O Imo- A ? I ? I n D ? n --?-k? ?- C7 ?I r > \\ m C7 - D n i ° v°v I n m0 F _ ° o -A 0 D m 4e 30 o -* m o 0 ? co D c ?7 QJ D cc) Co ?7 '4lE7- O m -4 A SJ O S C-) O ? N ° I o - D z o r O > z o H z O zn m 0 W O O AX co m0 2 1 nz C-) ITI O \ C-) O - o o o co - 00 m m o uj O O D ° QJ A OO O ??i r? DENR Winston-Salem Fax:336-771-4631 iy fr> StAte of North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Rewurcea Division of Water Quality Jam" B. Hunt, Jr., cdvemor Wayne McDevitt, Secretary A Preston Howard, Jr., P.E. Director Nk David Roblason NC DoT 7.'0 Hvx 23201 Raleigh NC 27611-5201 Oct 29 '02 16:48 P.02 1• NCDENR MM" C-WOUNA MMWME09 OF EIV OUMMMr wNV NMUF"L Rasp c as Aydl z0. ]IRS FILE COPY Re. Ce ""fiCn Flrlm= to Saxton a Of ft mew CIM Water Act, Pc+q?osed US 421 aeloCtltion hom west of South Fork of the New River to east of the Blue RAW Parkway. - WQC Roject # 970616 COE 0199707161, TIP R-529 DA, BE, ZD wa=ga Cwnty Attached hereto h 6 copy of CWiilcdion No. 3185 issued to the N. C. Aeparpmmt of Transportation daW Apc1120, INS. If we ew be of SuWCr asstatanc e, do to hesitate to uonua us, 970616.wgc jkr. 1-9 pap caw Wilmington Dig do t Cotes ofEagi coops of EnOm Asneme Fied office o11-S3lcm DWQRegianal 0Mw lyI[. John Doucy w Jaha Pates, Division of Costal Management ceutw Plies FMI McBride hk Judy mw= R6a Ferrell; WRP Div"d WaterQLARy • EnwWwinemd Odom= 6rarich a" hwcL Sciences 9rAMk 4101 PAG&I Q*& Rd_. R24t , NC 37607 Ukphem a -.733-1708 FAX1173)-C?OBo M E*W OMxwttk* Afkma*$ Artbn l:mpfoyer • M% te0Yd6M6% post cmwma paper VO/LO 'd 5f: FI 86, yi I of 6966--M-6T6: xuj IBS va "q am ON DENR Winston-Salem Y f 1 Fax:336-771-4631 Oct 29 '02 16:48 P.03 NOATIif CARQXJNA 40x WATER OUALITY CMRTMCATlioa`r TMS CMRTYFICATiON is issued in mdorwity with the MNkGxn,,ft of Section 40 1 Public L4Wa 92-SM and 95-217 of the United States and aubJea to tt Noa Catalina ni vw on Qf water Quality (D'WQ) RC$BlationS to 15 NCAC 21L SeOMM.0300 to the NC DOT =W11. 92 In a 11.3 acres of rt?e gad 1 45I face Qom impact in WMV Calnty pursuant to a ICTI&d application caged 1flG 9 day of OcttM 1997 to reoew us 4Z1 am e at at the 5oum flb& of the New Mverdo wwt of the Blue Ridge FukwL . lbo Mplicadon xovldefl Md quattr w=aace clot t1c etlachwp of im ma bedd into we aims of Rbcjry Br=* litre Run Ctr Ck TAMOR CM-14 LOW Comic, Gap Creek and the South Fat of the New Riven in cogfwxdan with thew propou d development will not ICsult in a vloladm of applkole. Water Quality Smdm* AW diBC Sr, gtddeliwL Tlru+cfott, the State of Nd dh Carolina c 0flea that this arflvity will noc violate d>e epplic" poltoW of S=MS N1, 302, 303, 306, 307 of PL 92-500 and PL 95-217 it condut ad In W rdaaca with tbo vpiication aad conditions her+ein&w set forth This approval is only valid for the p apoat and design that you subenittrd is your application, as desaibod In to Public Nod= If you dlmge yow itojM you must notify us and scud us a new appllMata fbr a new cmrt cal uL Kme propaiy iii add, die new ow= must be givrat a copy of the QrMation and approval It= ad is ftnty tegmdbla ft complying whh ati coaditiona. It a"dlonal wetland MU for this pmjaot (now or in the t4turq) = peapased, aMdenlal cnmpt:asftW midgadoa will be regtiiredas described in iSA NCAC 21i ,0305 (h) (6) and (7). For" appOV91 to be valid, you nowt follow cite conditions listed below. In addition, you should get any 0111a federal, state of 20011 permits bCf= you go ahead wlttt your pmjeat including (bat not limited to) SMinau and Eragon control, Coastal Starmww, Nun-dlsc?c trod Wam Supply womftd mow. Covation(s) of C cWan- i_ Appropriate saftesrt sad erosion cmanl p whccs whtm 6ROd or exceed thole oudmed in we mast remit version of the "Nat+dt Camuna. samsnt aad Erosion Cgnttkol Platming and Deus Mutual" or the "North Car ylfni Swface M d" Mattttal" (avaitable from the blvlsion of Land lgeavateee iu tae DEHNR Re gonal Or C=9 OffiCee) shall be mil=d to Vnwatt etxoeedwow of the appropriate tuLtIdity wattt quality (SO NTus in an !h'iesti watery str and dven not dedgnated w tro oA waters; 25 NTUa in an lalcos and i +ob . and aIl sattwates: da =610 WTUS in tract wafters): 2. All sediment and melon cowol cue == Flaoed in wetlands or wabCts shall be removed and t M 22DOM 940 neBtlO W Ca tha D1v sfm of Land Resom= has t+ale:ased the FMjeC4 3. Should waft or boagw di feu be localedia wedtw&. compensa my mitigation is =pAred since it is a etima impact ftm road comtractieon activities: 4. Ali oftitt v4daad rnitigattou and a pordw (to be determined In lmaagatlon plan) of the atr MM mitigation shall be done at the Sparta Hog tnlttgatlon Sh& a$ discussed in the Mstuh 27.1998 meow *ammity awry) fgm DoT enddeyd "wed ad and Strum lu809%don StMW for [1S 421". 'X710 NC wetland Rcstorafta Pray > O/VO 'd 017:51 86. VT Inf 6966-2U-M, xPA 10SAN3 CM 5M ON DENR Winston-Salem Fax:336-771-4631 Oct 29 '02 16:49 P.04 • , j . dull W involved is We dadga of this mldgatloa situ. DWQ sbaR bt> copied on the and midgadozt plan and atmusl =parts foe five yam. 6. 5auam mitigIdOn s1W1 be dono In wxmda= with ft cone id with the NC *Mdiite Raw= Commission. Tow direct perennial stun impacts will include 13,461 linear first for this ptoje a Of lids 13,461 fa;t 034 feet shall tae ref whhin the ptq= itght ot=-way, white the wmalaing 7.407 fee will be ptataaently lost due w pipitig, cWvadng ar fill. DO 7,407 feet of pamenent impact shall be init( Bawd at a 1*1 antis. Additional wdttea approv?uimd $ora DWQfOC thme reiacttitln plans. D1aVD shall be inrOlved in the sdc cdotl of stream mitigation sites, Intedm tqxft shall be m tto_DW y X998 and Agd16,1999 to describe pt+c gnu m`sAe Fluft amiable W available stn iWtIg ion aiW Consayida n easements or tee simple land pmdc =_ shall be dohs by [?cco ??19 W env= a 1:1 replace== for Impacmd streams (740T1mcsr #=*. DWQ shall be sent xzwd - ftiming ahe strertm mitigation altos by Apri16.19W. DUr and WRC dnd dt vutop a mmm mitigation mod? protoodl AW submit it to DWQ for vvritods approval. TNs proWW shall include mnnittdng of maatbendw tend swanbuk ' ty for five Yam 7. DOT 0911 fit: a stormwttter ate on-site strew enhancement pion to J)WQ by Tum 6,1998 tore DWQ's written eppcoveL 'lain pl an stun maatimiu m=wsur tremment 2nd on- stream a the maximum cat extent. Violations of any coadidon herein set lbrtir'shall resWt in isvoca don of this CaUcation and may result in cdndral sndk r civil penalties. Ibis CudBoatlon shall beeome on and void unwss me above eondidons we made conditions of the Federal 404 mWor coastal Area Mmagamm Act PamnkL This CertMmdou shalt expire upon cxpiradon of t6tr 404 of CAMA permit If this CeIMcafm is unwoppW u to yce have the right to am sdiadicawy htadag upoh written request violin duy (6) days following itoalpt of this CUfitcation. 'Phis t+agttest mast be its the A= of a wdaten petition conning to ChapW 15011 of the Noah CarWw Gueral Stafauee Lad men with ft Office of AdmUdmlive Eleating% P.O Box 27447, Ralelgk N.C. 276117447. if nK udcadoai are made to au origami Ca Ucadoa. you bavo ft ldght to an 4udicauxy hea ft oa ft mo&ftstum uptm wdtmn request wlthln try (60) days following awaipt of t3te Cwffic adon. U doss such dementia are made, dit.Ca ift ion sha be Enid and bindinj. _ . . Ma the V day of Ap 2 IW8 DIM ION OF WATER QUALM if. P. WQC d 3185 VO/£0'd 6£:2S 06, VT tot 6966-2PZ-6T6:xRd IjSrw to OKI 3N DENR Winston-Salem Fax:336-771-4631 NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES Oct 29 '02 1648 P.01 ID FE P1 FAX TRANSMITTAL Water Quality Section Winston-Salem Regional Office 585 Waughtown Street Winston-Salem, N.C. 27107 Phone: (336)771-460{) Fay:: (330)771-4530 E - TO: FAX NUMBER: 93 FROM: ? -- ? . I) ATh:: 0 jNwiter of pages (111ciudin cover pagej: