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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20070489 Ver 1_Application_20070320. `!~ ~ - MAR '~ 0 2~~17 ~,Q~~, DENR-WAjERt1UAl,~1' ~ ti~TtANDS AND STDRlAN~Al'ER S. =~'`CN STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MICHAEL F. EASLEY LYNDO TIPPETT GOVERNOR SECRETARY March 20, 2007 US Army Corps of Engineers Raleigh Field Office _ _ 6508 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite120 ^ ~- Raleigh, NC 27615-6814 U ~ ®~ f~ ' c/ ATTENTION: Eric Alsmeyer NCDOT Coordinator, Division 5 Dear Sir: Subject: Application for Regional General Permit 31, Section 401 Water Quality Certification 3404, and Neuse Buffer Authorization for the replacement of Bridge No. 63 over Middle Creek on US 401, Wake County. Federal Aid Project No. BRSTP-401(13), State Project No. 8.1404501,WBS Element No. 33350.1.1, Division 5, T.I.P. No. B-3916. ~7S` Please see the enclosed copies of the Categorical Exclusion (CE) document, permit drawings, half size plan sheets, pre-construction notification (PCN), and Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) compensatory mitigation request letter. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to replace the 95-foot Bridge No. 63 over Middle Creek with a new 3 span bridge approximately 171-feet in length. The new structure will be a reinforced concrete girder bridge, with 3, 57-foot spans. The project will replace the current bridge on its existing location while using a temporary on-site detour bridge located upstream to maintain traffic during construction. Two temporary work pads will be constructed to provide access for demolition of the old bridge and construction of the new bridge. IMPACTS TO WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES The project is located in the Neuse River Basin (sub-basin 03-04-03) in Wake County. This area is part of Hydrologic Cataloging Unit 03020201 of the South Atlantic-Gulf Coast Region. Middle Creek and two unnamed tributaries to Middle Creek (UT1 and UT2) are located within the project area. Middle Creek is a perennial stream and will be bridged by the proposed project. UT1 and UT2 area perennial streams located in the northwest (UT1) and northeast (UT2) portions of the project area. Middle Creek has been assigned a Best Usage Classification of "C-NSW" [1VCDWQ Stream Index Number 27-43-15- (4)]. UTl and UT2 have no separate Best Usage Classification and, therefore, share the Best Usage Classification of Middle Creek. No designated Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), High Quality Waters (HQW), Water Supply I (WS- I), or Water Supply (WS-II), waters occur within 1.0 mile of the study corridor. This portion of Middle Creek is not listed on the 2004 List of impaired waters [Section 303(d)] for the Neuse River Basin nor does it drain into any 303(d) waters within 1-mile of the project area MAILING ADDRESS: LOCATION: NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TELEPHONE: 919-715-1500 2728 CAPITAL BLVD. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS FAX: 919-715-1501 PARKER LINCOLN BUILDING, SUITE 1F)8 1598 MAIL SERVICE CENTER WEBSITE: WWW.NCDOT.ORG RALEIGH NC 27604 RALEIGH NC 27699-1598 Temporary Impacts The construction of two temporary workpads and an on-site detour bridge will result in temporary impacts to Middle Creek, UT1, and wetlands. The work pads will be constructed simultaneously, providing access for demolition of the old bridge and construction of the new bridge. The first workpad will be located on the southern bank of Middle Creek, resulting in 0.05 acres (521inear feet) of temporary surface water impacts (Site 6) and less than 0.01 acre of temporary fill in wetlands (Site 7). The second workpad will be located on the northern bank of Middle Creek, resulting in 0.03 acres (62 `; linear feet) of temporary surface water impacts (Site 8). ~., k`rU q, ;y ~' A temporary on-site detour bridge, located west of the existing bridge, will span Middle Creek and result ~ ~\~~~ in temporary impacts to UT1 and three wetlands. The construction of the approaches to the detour bridge will require the placement of 0.04 acre (371 linear feet) of temporary roadway fill in UT1 (Site 3). UT1 will be lined with geo-fabric prior to the placement of fill in the channel. Upon completion of the project, the detour fill and geo-fabric will be removed and the pre-existing stream contours will be restored. The construction of the detour bridge end bent will result in less than 0.01 acre (201inear feet) of temporary fill in UT1 (Site 2). The on-site detour will also result in temporary fill into three wetlands (Sites 1, 4, and 5). Construction of the southern end bent will result in 0.01 acre of temporary wetland fill (Site 1). The construction of the approaches to the detour bridge will result in 0.06 acre of temporary wetland fill into the wetland located west of UT1 (Site 4). Construction of the detour bridge approaches will result in 0.07 acre of temporary wetland fill into the wetland located adjacent to UT1 (Site 5). Upon completion of the project the fill will be removed and pre-existing elevations and drainage patterns will be restored. The construction of the outlet of a pipe utilized to conduct stormwater runoff will result in 0.01 acre (228 linear feet) of temporary stream impacts (Site 10). These impacts will result from temporary piping and fill necessary to allow access for construction access to construct the pipe outlet. Permanent Impacts The proposed bridge will require the placement of 2 bents in Middle Creek. Each bent will have four 42- inch diameter drilled piers. The resulting permanent surface water impacts to Middle Creek will be 77- square feet (less than 0.01 acre). The construction of the approaches will result in less than 0.01 acre of permanent wetland fill (Site 9). The construction of the pipe outlet utilized to conduct stormwater runoff will result in of SO linear feet (less than 0.01 acre) of permanent impacts to UT2 (Site 10). USACE will not require mitigation for permanent impacts to UT2 due to the lack of aquatic function. NCDWQ will not require mitigation for the permanent impacts to UT2 because impacts are less than 1501inear feet. Final B-3916 Permit Application Page 2 of 6 . . Neuse Buffer Impacts Construction of the new bridge, approaches, and the on-site detour will result in impacts to buffers of Middle Creek and UT1 (Buffer Permit Drawings Sheets 7-10). UT 2 is not located on either the USGS Topographic Map or the NRCS soil survey map for Wake County, therefore it is not subject to Neuse Riparian Buffer Regulations. Impacts to buffers are shown in Table 1 below. Table 1. Neuse River Buffer Im acts S uare Feet Bridge Road Crossin * Impact Other Than Road Crossin Temporary Road Zone 1 Irri acts . ft.) 1,392 121 1971 17,581 Zone 2 Im acts . ft.) 277 240 25 8,373 Total Irn acts s . ft.) 1,669 361 1,996 25,954 Mitigation requirements (exempt, allowable, or allowable with miti ation) Allowable Allowable Allowable with Mitigation Allowable *Road crossing impacts tota123 lineaz feet. Under the Neuse Buffer Rules, buffer impacts to Middle Creek resulting from the construction of bridges are allowable (Site 4); impacts associated with construction of the approaches, which fall under the category of road crossings, are allowable because impacts will be less than 150 linear feet or one-third of an acre (Site 5). Impacts to the buffers of UT 1 resulting from construction of the approaches are considered impacts other than road crossings, and are allowable with mitigation (Site 6). A temporary bridge located upstream of the existing bridge will be used during construction of the new bridge. The temporary bridge and the approaches will impact the buffers of Middle Creek (Site 1 and Site 2) and UT1 (Site 3). Due to traffic volume and safety concerns it is not practical to detour traffic onto the northbound bridge. Forced sewer and water lines are located east of the northbound bridge; therefore it is not practical to construct a temporary detour in this location due to the interruption of public services and cost of relocating the lines. Under the Neuse Buffer Rules, temporary roads used for bridge construction or replacement are allowable provided that restoration activities are conducted immediately after construction. All non- maintained riparian buffers impacted by the placement of temporary fill or clearing activities shall be restored to the preconstruction contours and revegetated with native woody species. This bridge has been determined to be structurally deficient and functionally obsolete. The replacement of this inadequate structure will result in safer and more efficient traffic operations. Because this bridge needs to be replaced, impacts to the riparian buffers of the Middle Creek are unavoidable. Replacing the existing bridge at its existing location provides the least amount of impacts to riparian buffers. Utility Impacts The replacement of Bridge No. 63 will result in impacts to buried telephone lines located on the western portion of the bridge. The telephone lines will be relocated using a directional bore outside of the riparian buffers. There will be impacts to riparian buffers due to the relocation of the telephone lines. The impacts will be within areas which will be impacted by construction of the detour bridge and are, therefore, included in the impacts associated with the temporary detour. Sanitary sewer lines at the southwestern portion of the project, where an existing storm water drainage ditch is cutting down the existing ground over the sanitary sewer force main, maybe impacted by the project. The force main may or may not have to be lowered to provide sufficient cover. Lowering the force main will not result in any impacts to jurisdictional streams, wetlands, or riparian buffers. Final B-3916 Permit Application Page 3 of 6 e , Bridge Demolition Existing Bridge No. 63 was built in 1926. It is a two-span structure that is 95-feet long and 31.4-feet wide. The bridge superstructure consists of reinforced concrete deck on concrete girders. The substructure of the bridge consists of reinforced concrete end bents and concrete caps on concrete piles for interior bents. One reinforced concrete abutment and one pier are in the water. There is the potential for 242.7 cubic yards to be temporarily placed into Waters of the United States, although all guidelines for bridge demolition and removal will be followed in addition to Best Management Practices for the Protection of Surface Waters. Restoration Plan Removal and Disposal Plan: The contractor will be required to submit a reclamation plan for the removal and disposal of all material off-site at an upland location. The contractor will use excavation equipment for removal of any earthen material. Heavy-duty trucks, dozers, cranes, and various other pieces of mechanical equipment necessary for construction of roadways and bridges will be used on site. The contractor will have the option of reusing any of the materials that the engineer deems suitable in the construction of the project. After the erosion control devices are no longer needed, all temporary materials will become property of the contractor. Following construction of the bridge, all temporary fills will be completely removed from wetlands and streams. Restoring natural hydrology and native vegetation will restore wetlands. Stream contours and vegetation will be reestablished upon the removal of the temporary workpads. Class II riprap and filter fabric will be used for bank stabilization. Schedule: At this time the project is scheduled to let May 15, 2007 with a date of availability of June 26, 2007. It is expected that the contractor will choose to start construction in June. MITIGATION OPTIONS Avoidance and Minimization and Comuensatory Mitigation: The NCDOT is committed to incorporating all reasonable and practicable design features to avoid and minimize jurisdictional impacts, and to provide full compensatory mitigation of all remaining, unavoidable jurisdictional impacts. Avoidance measures were taken during the planning and NEPA compliance stages; minimization measures were incorporated as part of the project design. According to the Clean Water Act (CWA) §404(b)(1) guidelines, NCDOT must avoid, minimize, and mitigate, in sequential order, impacts to waters of the US. The following is a list of the project's jurisdictional stream avoidance/minimization activities proposed or completed by NCDOT: • Bridge No. 63 will be replaced in place, providing the least amount of impacts to the riparian buffers. • Traffic will be maintained on a detour bridge that will span Middle Creek. • Where possible, steeper fill slopes were used to reduce the footprint of the project reducing impacts to riparian buffers and wetlands. • The roadway grade was maintained close to the existing, minimizing the placement of roadway fill into wetlands and riparian buffers. • Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds will be used. • Temporary construction impacts due to erosion and sedimentation will be minimized through implementation of stringent erosion control schedule and use of Best Management Practices (BMPs). • A preformed scour hole will be located southwest of the bridge to reduce stormwater impact on Middle Creek. Final B-3916 Permit Application Page 4 of 6 Compensatory Miti a NCDOT has avoided and minimized impacts to jurisdictional resources to the greatest extent possible as described above. Unavoidable, impacts to 1,996 square feet of riparian buffers will be offset by compensatory mitigation provided by the EEP program. A letter requesting compensatory mitigation from the EEP is attached. No mitigation is proposed for the temporary impacts. FEDERALLY-PROTECTED SPECIES Plants and animals with federal classifications of Endangered, Threatened, Proposed Endangered, and Proposed Threatened are protected under provisions of Section 7 and Section 9 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. As of January 29, 2007, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) lists four federally protected species for Wake County. Table 2 lists the species, their status and biological conclusion. Table 2. Federally-Protected Species for Wake County Common Name Scientific Name Federal Status Biological Conclusion dwarf wedgemussel Alasmidonta heteradon E May affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect bald eagle Haleaeetus leucephalus T No Effect red-cockaded wood ecker Picoides borealis E No Effect Michaux's sumac Rhus michauxii E No Effect Biological conclusions of "No Effect" were given in the CE for red-cockaded woodpecker and Michaux's sumac. There is no suitable habitat for the red-cockaded woodpecker. There was suitable habitat for Michaux's sumac within disturbed areas and rights-of--way, however, no plants were observed during surveys performed on April 19, 2004. A biological conclusion of "May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect" was given in the CE for the bald eagle. Surveys were conducted November 4 and 12, 2003 for bald eagles for this project. Only marginal habitat exists within 1.0 mile of the project site and no bald eagles were seen. A concurrence letter from USFWS dated December 3, 2003 concurs with these biological conclusions for these species. However, due to a change in terminology, the biological conclusion has been changed to "No Effect" for the bald eagle. A biological conclusion of "May affect, not likely to adversely affect," was given in the CE for the dwarf wedgemussel. Alderman Environmental Services, Inc. conducted surveys for the dwarf wedgemussel on November 4, 2003. No dwarf wedgemussels were found. This particular portion of Middle Creek is located downstream of an impounded lake and does not appear to provide optimal habitat for dwarf wedgemussel; therefore no further surveys were required. A letter from the USFWS dated December 8, 2003, which included in the CE, concurs with the Biological Conclusion of "May Affect-Not Likely to Adversely Affect" for dwarf wedgemussel. Final B-3916 Permit Application Page 5 of 6 SUMMARY Section 404 Permit: Application is hereby made for the Department of Army Section 404 Regional General Permit No. 198200031 authorizing for the above-described activities for impacts associated the construction of Bridge No. 63. Section 401 Permit: The NCDOT will adhere to all General Water Quality Certifications (WQC) 3404. Written concurrence from the NCDWQ is required. We are providing five copies of this application to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality, for review. Buffer Authorization: This project has been designed to comply with the Neuse River Basin Riparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 2B.0233). NCDOT requests written authorization for a Buffer Authorization from the Division of Water Quality. A copy of this permit application will be posted on the NCDOT Website at: http://www.ncdot.org~doh/preconstruct/pe/. If you have any questions or need additional information, please call Erica McLamb at 715-1521. Sincerely, '--~ -~~- ` Gre o J. Tho e Ph.D. ~/~ g rY rP Environmental Management Director, PDEA w/attachment Mr. John Hennessy, NCDWQ (5 Copies) Mr. Travis Wilson, NCWRC Mr. Gary Jordan, USFWS Mr. Michael Street, NCDMF Dr. David Chang, P.E., Hydraulics Mr. Mark Staley, Roadside Environmental Mr. Greg Perfetti, P.E., Structure Design Mr. Victor Barbour, Project Services Unit Mr. J. Wally Bowman, PE., Division Engineer Mr. Chris Murray, DEO Ms. Theresa Ellerby, PDEA w/o attachment Mr. Jay Bennett, P.E., Roadway Design Mr. Majed Alghandour, P. E., Programming and TIP Mr. Art McMillan, P.E., Highway Design Mr. Scott McLendon, USACE, Wilmington Ms. Theresa Ellerby, PDEA Ms. Beth Harmon, EEP Mr. Todd Jones, NCDOT External Audit Branch Final B-3916 Permit Application Page 6 of 6 Office Use Only: r,Form Version March OS USACE Action ID No. DWQ No. ~ ~ ~/ ~ ~) L~~ (If any particular item is not applicable to this project, please enter "Not Applicable" or "N/A".) I. Processing 1. Check all of the approval(s) requested for this project: ® Section 404 Permit ® Riparian or Watershed Buffer Rules ^ Section 10 Permit ^ Isolated Wetland Permit from DWQ ® 401 Water Quality Certification ^ Express 401 Water Quality Certification 2. Nationwide, Regional or General Permit Number(s) Requested: GP 31 3. If this notification is solely a courtesy copy because written approval for the 401 Certification is not required, check here: ^ 4. If payment into the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program (NCEEP) is proposed for mitigation of impacts, attach the acceptance letter from NCEEP, complete section VIII, and check here: 5. If your project is located in any of North Carolina's twenty coastal counties (listed on page 4), and the project is within a North Carolina Division of Coastal Management Area of Environmental Concern (see the top of page 2 for further details), check here: ^ II. Applicant Information 1. Owner/Applicant Information Name: Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Environmental Management Director Mailing Address: 1598 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1548 Telephone Number: (919) 733-3141 Fax Number: (919) 733-9794 E-mail Address: 2. Agent/Consultant Information (A signed and dated copy of the Agent Authorization letter must be attached if the Agent has signatory authority for the owner/applicant.) Name: N/A Company Affiliation: Mailing Address: Telephone Number: E-mail Address: Fax Number: Page 1 of 9 t III. Project Information Attach a vicinity map clearly showing the location of the property with respect to local landmarks such as towns, rivers, and roads. Also provide a detailed site plan showing property boundaries and development plans in relation to surrounding properties. Both the vicinity map and site plan must include a scale and north arrow. The specific footprints of all buildings, impervious surfaces, or other facilities must be included. If possible, the maps and plans should include the appropriate USGS Topographic Quad Map and NRCS Soil Survey with the property boundaries outlined. Plan drawings, or other maps may be included at the applicant's discretion, so long as the property is clearly defined. For administrative and distribution purposes, the USACE requires information to be submitted on sheets no larger than 11 by 17-inch format; however, DWQ may accept paperwork of any size. DWQ prefers full-size construction drawings rather than a sequential sheet version of the full-size plans. If full-size plans are reduced to a small scale such that the final version is illegible, the applicant will be informed that the project has been placed on hold until decipherable maps are provided. 1. Name of project: Replacement of Bridge No.63 over Middle Creek on US 401 2. T.I.P. Project Number or State Project Number (NCDOT Only): B-3916 3. Property Identification Number (Tax PIN): N/A 4. Location County: Wake Nearest Town: Garner Subdivision name (include phase/lot number): Directions to site (include road numbers/names, landmarks, etc.): see map in permit drawings 5. Site coordinates (For linear projects, such as a road or utility line, attach a sheet that separately lists the coordinates for each crossing of a distinct waterbody.) Decimal Degrees (6 digits minimum): 35.6318 °N 78.7161 °W 6. Property size (acres): N/A 7. Name of nearest receiving body of water: Middle Creek 8. River Basin: Neuse (Note -this must be one of North Carolina's seventeen designated major river basins. The River Basin map is available at http://h2o.err.state.nc.us/admin/maps/.) 9. Describe the existing conditions on the site and general land use in the vicinity of the project at the time of this application: The project area is primarily business development and forested land with some residential developement Page 2 of 9 10. Describe the overall project in detail, including the type of equipment to be used: Bridge No. 63 will be replaced on existing location with an onsite detour. Heaw duty excavation equipment will be used such as trucks, dozers, cranes and other various equipment necessary for roadway construction. 11. Explain the purpose of the proposed work: To replace a deteriorating bride IV. Prior Project History If jurisdictional determinations and/or permits have been requested and/or obtained for this project (including all prior phases of the same subdivision) in the past, please explain. Include the USACE Action ID Number, DWQ Project Number, application date, and date permits and certifications were issued or withdrawn. Provide photocopies of previously issued permits, certifications or other useful information. Describe previously approved wetland, stream and buffer impacts, along with associated mitigation (where applicable). If this is a NCDOT project, list and describe permits issued for prior segments of the same T.I.P. project, along with construction schedules. N/A V. Future Project Plans Are any future permit requests anticipated for this project? If so, describe the anticipated work, and provide justification for the exclusion of this work from the current application. N/A VI. Proposed Impacts to Waters of the United States/Waters of the State It is the applicant's (or agent's) responsibility to determine, delineate and map all impacts to wetlands, open water, and stream channels associated with the project. Each impact must be listed separately in the tables below (e.g., culvert installation should be listed separately from riprap dissipater pads). Be sure to indicate if an impact is temporary. All proposed impacts, permanent and temporary, must be listed, and must be labeled and clearly identifiable on an accompanying site plan. All wetlands and waters, and all streams (intermittent and perennial) should be shown on a delineation map, whether or not impacts are proposed to these systems. Wetland and stream evaluation and delineation forms should be included as appropriate. Photographs maybe included at the applicant's discretion. If this proposed impact is strictly for wetland or stream mitigation, list and describe the impact in Section VIII below. If additional space is needed for listing or description, please attach a separate sheet. 1. Provide a written description of the proposed impacts: Please refer to attached cover letter. Page 3 of 9 2. Individually list wetland impacts. Types of impacts include, but are not limited to mechanized clearing. grading, till, excavation, flooding, ditching/drainage, etc. For dams, cenarately lief imnactc dne to hnfh stilicture and flooding. Wetland Impact Site Number (indicate on map) Type of Impact Type of Wetland (e.g., forested, marsh, herbaceous, bog, etc.) Located within 100-year Floodplain ( es/no) Distance to Nearest Stream (linear feet) Area of Impact (acres) 1 Temporary Fill Riverine Yes 20 feet 0.01 4 Temporary Fill Riverine Yes 120 feet 0.06 5 Temporary Fill Riverine Yes 7 feet 0.07 7 Temporary Fill Riverine Yes 20 feet <0.01 9 Permanent Fill Riverine Yes 100 feet <0.01 Total Wetland Impact (acres) 0.14 3. List the total acreage (estimated) of all existing wetlands on the property: 1.04 acres 4. Individually list all intermittent and perennial stream impacts. Be sure to identify temporary impacts. Stream impacts include, but are not limited to placement of fill or culverts, dam construction, flooding, relocation, stabilization activities (e.g., cement walls, rip-rap, crib walls, gabions, etc.), excavation, ditching/straightening, etc. If stream relocation is proposed, plans and profiles showing the linear footprint for both the original and relocated streams must he included- To calculate acreage. multiply leneth X width. then divide by 43.560. Stream Impact ~- Number Stream Name (indicate on ma) Type of Impact Perennial or Intermittent? Average Stream Width Before Im act Impact Length (linear feet) Area of Impact (acres) 2 UT1 Temporary Pill Perennial 10 20 <0.01 3 UTl Temporary Fill Perennial 10 371 0.04 6 Middle Creek Temporary Fill Perennial 50 52 0.05 8 Middle Creek 'Temporary Fill Perennial 50 62 0.03 10 UT2 Temporary Fill Perennial 10 228 0.01 10 UT2 Permanent Perennial 10 50 <0.01 'Total Stream [mpact (by length vId acreage) 783 0.13 Page 4 of 9 5. Individually list all open water impacts (including lakes, ponds, estuaries, sounds, Atlantic Ocean and any other water of the U.S.). Open water impacts include, but are not limited to fill, excavation, dredgin ,flooding, drainage, bulkheads, etc. Open Water Impact Site Number (indicate on ma) Name of Waterbody (if applicable) Type of Impact Type of Waterbody (lake, pond, estuary, sound, bay, ocean, etc.) Area of Impact (acres) Total Open Water Impact (acres) 6. List the cumulative impact to all Waters of the U.S. resulting from the project: Stream Impact (acres): 0.13 Wetland Impact (acres): 0.14 Open Water Impact (acres): 0 Total Impact to Waters of the U.S. (acres) 0.13 Total Stream Impact (linear feet): 783 7. Isolated Waters Do any isolated waters exist on the property? ^ Yes ®No Describe all impacts to isolated waters, and include the type of water (wetland or stream) and the size of the proposed impact (acres or linear feet). Please note that this section only applies to waters that have specifically been determined to be isolated by the USACE. 8. Pond Creation If construction of a pond is proposed, associated wetland and stream impacts should be included above in the wetland and stream impact sections. Also, the proposed pond should be described here and illustrated on any maps included with this application. Pond to be created in (check all that apply): ^ uplands ^ stream ^ wetlands Describe the method of construction (e.g., dam embankment, excavation, installation of draw-down valve or spillway, etc.): Proposed use or purpose of pond (e.g., livestock watering, irrigation, aesthetic, trout pond, local stormwater requirement, etc.): Current land use in the vicinity of the pond: Size of watershed draining to pond: Expected pond surface area: Page 5 of 9 VII. Impact Justification (Avoidance and 1vlinimization) Specifically describe measures taken to avoid the proposed impacts. It may be useful to provide information related to site constraints such as topography, building ordinances, accessibility, and financial viability of the project. The applicant may attach drawings of alternative, lower-impact site layouts, and explain why these design options were not feasible. Also discuss how impacts were minimized once the desired site plan was developed. If applicable, discuss construction techniques to be followed during construction to reduce impacts. Please refer to the attached cover letter VIII. Mitigation DWQ - In accordance with 15A NCAC 2H .0500, mitigation may be required by the NC Division of Water Quality for projects involving greater than or equal to one acre of impacts to freshwater wetlands or greater than or equal to 150 linear feet of total impacts to perennial streams. USACE - In accordance with the Final Notice of Issuance and Modification of Nationwide Permits, published in the Federal Register on January 15, 2002, mitigation will be required when necessary to ensure that adverse effects to the aquatic environment are minimal. Factors including size and type of proposed impact and function and relative value of the impacted aquatic resource will be considered in determining acceptability of appropriate and practicable mitigation as proposed. Examples of mitigation that may be appropriate and practicable include, but are not limited to: reducing the size of the project; establishing and maintaining wetland and/or upland vegetated buffers to protect open waters such as streams; and replacing losses of aquatic resource functions and values by creating, restoring, enhancing, or preserving similar functions and values, preferable in the same watershed. If mitigation is required for this project, a copy of the mitigation plan must be attached in order for USACE or DWQ to consider the application complete for processing. Any application lacking a required mitigation plan or NCEEP concurrence shall be placed on hold as incomplete. An applicant may also choose to review the current guidelines for stream restoration in DWQ's Draft Technical Guide for Stream Work in North Carolina, available at http://h2o. enr. stateaic. a s,incwetlands/stnngide.html. Page 6 of 9 .~ Provide a brief description of the proposed mitigation plan. The description should provide as much information as possible, including, but not limited to: site location (attach directions and/or map, if offsite), affected stream and river basin, type and amount (acreage/linear feet) of mitigation proposed (restoration, enhancement, creation, or preservation), a plan view, preservation mechanism (e.g., deed restrictions, conservation easement, etc.), and a description of the current site conditions and proposed method of construction. Please attach a separate sheet if more space is needed. Mitigation is required for the proposed impacts to riparian buffers categorized as "impacts other than road crossings." Mitigation will be conducted through the NCEEP 2. Mitigation may also be made by payment into the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program (NCEEP). Please note it is the applicant's responsibility to contact the NCEEP at (919) 715-0476 to determine availability, and written approval from the NCEEP indicating that they are will to accept payment for the mitigation must be attached to this form. For additional information regarding the application process for the NCEEP, check the NCEEP website at http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/wrp/index.htm. If use of the NCEEP is proposed, please check the appropriate box on page five and provide the following information: Amount of stream mitigation requested (linear feet): 0 Amount of buffer mitigation requested (square feet): 1,996 sQ. ft._ Amount of Riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres): 0.05 acre Amount ofNon-riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres): 0 Amount of Coastal wetland mitigation requested (acres): 0 IX. Environmental Documentation (required by DWQ) 1. Does the project involve an expenditure of public (federal/state/local) funds or the use of public (federal/state) land? Yes ® No ^ 2. If yes, does the project require preparation of an environmental document pursuant to the requirements of the National or North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA)? Note: If you are not sure whether a NEPA/SEPA document is required, call the SEPA coordinator at (919) 733-5083 to review current thresholds for environmental documentation. Yes ® No ^ 3. If yes, has the document review been finalized by the State Clearinghouse? If so, please attach a copy of the NEPA or SEPA final approval letter. Yes ® No ^ Page 7 of 9 • 4 X. Proposed Impacts on Riparian and Watershed Buffers (required by DWQ) It is the applicant's (or agent's) responsibility to determine, delineate and map all impacts to required state and local buffers associated with the project. The. applicant must also provide justification for these impacts in Section VII above. All proposed impacts must be listed herein, and must be clearly identifiable on the accompanying site plan. All buffers must be shown on a map, whether or not impacts are proposed to the buffers. Correspondence from the DWQ Regional Office may be included as appropriate. Photographs may also be included at the applicant's discretion. 1. Will the project .impact protected riparian buffers identified within 15A NCAC 2B .0233 (Neuse), 15A NCAC 2B .0259 (Tar-Pamlico), 15A NCAC 02B .0243 (Catawba) 15A NCAC 2B .0250 (Randleman Rules and Water Supply Buffer Requirements), or other (please identify Neuse )? Yes ® No ^ 2. If "yes", identify the square feet and acreage of impact to each zone of the riparian buffers. If buffer mitigation is required calculate the required amount of mitigation by applying the buffer multipliers. ~. Impact Required Zone ~ ____ ,_ ._,, Multiplier ,,,~:,,__,,__ 1 ~ I971 ~ 3 (2 for Catawba) ~ 5913 2 25 1.5 38 Total I 1996 5951 * Zone 1 extends out 30 feet perpendicular from the top of the near bank of channel; Zone 2 extends an additional 20 feet from the edge of Zone 1. 3. If buffer mitigation is required, please discuss what type of mitigation is proposed (i.e., Donation of Property, Riparian Buffer Restoration /Enhancement, or Payment into the Riparian Buffer Restoration Fund). Please attach all appropriate information as identified within 15A NCAC 2B .0242 or .(?244, or .0260. Mitigation will be conducted through EEP. XI. Stormwater (required by DWQ) Describe impervious acreage (existing and proposed) versus total acreage on the site. Discuss Stormwater controls proposed in order to protect surface waters and wetlands downstream from the property. If percent impervious surface exceeds 20%, please provide calculations demonstrating total proposed imapervious level. N/A Page 8 of 9