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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20110136 Ver 1_NC 211 (17)_20070801NC 211 IMPROVEMENTS From NC 73 in West End to the traffic circle in Pinehurst Pinehurst, Moore County WBS Element 34504.1.1 Federal Project No. STP-211(5) State Project No. 8.1560601 TIP PROJECT R-2812 101 a,, ru 1-6VIT-01-1 U. S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION AND N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION submitted pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 4332(2) (c) APPROVED: "!t Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Vnvironmental Management Director /ep�roject Development and Environmental Analysis Branch, NCDOT ( L1,3101 Date John F. Sullivan 111, P.E., Division Adn Federal Highway Administration QH istrator NC 211 IMPROVEMENTS From NC 73 in West End to the traffic circle in Pinehurst Pinehurst, Moore County WBS Element 34504. 1.1 Federal Project No. STP- 211(5) State Project No. 8.1560601 TIP PROJECT R -2812 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT May 2007 Documentation prepared in the Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch by: a r 3 S. Eric Midkiff, P. E., CPM Project Development Unit Head t�,M►+ , v �,� Sir o � Elmo Vance Project Development Engineer o�CARO /.ii =p�;OFESSip •197 �. CL SEA!. {. 19791 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. TYPE OF ACTION I II. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION 1 III. SUMMARY OF BENEFICIAL/ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 2 IV. COORDINATON AND COMMENTS 3 A. Circulation of the Environmental Assessment 3 B. Comments Received on the Environmental Assessment 4 C. Comments Received During and Following the Public Hearing 5 D. Section 404/NEPA Merger Team . 9 V. REVISIONS TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 9 A. Project Commitments 9 B. Environmental Assessments 10 VI. BASIS FOR FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 11 FIGURES Figure l— Vicinity Map. APPENDIX Appendix A— Comments received in response to the Environmental Assessment Appendix B— Public Hearing Notice and Handout Appendix C— NEPA/Merger Team 3 and 4A Packets with signed concurrence forms Appendix D— Mobile Source Air Toxics NC 211 IMPROVEMENTS From NC 73 in West End to the traffic circle in Pinehurst Pinehurst, Moore County VMS Element 34504.1.1 Federal Project No. STP- 211(5) State Project No. 8.1 560601 TIP PROJECT R -2812 I. Type of Action This is a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Administrative Action, Finding of No Significant Impact ( FONSI). The FHWA has determined this project will not have any significant impact on the human environment. This FONSI is based on the October 28, 2005 Environmental Assessment, which has been independently evaluated by the FHWA and determined to adequately and accurately discuss the environmental issues and impacts of the proposed project. The Environmental Assessment provides sufficient evidence and analysis for determining that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required. The FHWA takes full responsibility for the accuracy, scope, and content of the Environmental Assessment. II. Description of Action The North Carolina Department of Transportation, Division of Highways, proposes to widen NC 211 to a four -lane divided facility with a 16 foot raised, grassed median and 14 foot outside lanes from NC 73 in West End to. the traffic circle in Pinehurst (see Figure 1). The length of the proposed project is approximately 7.2 miles. The proposed project is included in NCDOT's 2007 -2013 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) with right of way acquisition scheduled for Fiscal Year (FY) 2008, mitigation scheduled for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 and construction scheduled for (FY) 2010. The purpose of the proposed project is to improve the level of safety along NC 211 and to improve the traffic carrying capacity of the roadway to meet the needs of existing and anticipated development in the project area. The 2007 -2013 (TIP) has allocated $32,063,000 for the proposed project including $363,000 for mitigation, $5,700,000 for right of way acquisition, $25,200,000 for construction, and $800,000 for prior years spending. The total estimated cost for the proposed improvements is $32,063,000. II. SUMMARY OF BENEFICIAL AND ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS The environmental impacts associated with the proposed project are listed in Section IV of the Environmental Assessment (EA). An updated summary of project impacts for the recommended alternative is shown in table 1 below. Table 1 Summary of Environmental im acts Widening Alternative/Typical Section Best Fit/Curb &Gutter& Shoulders Preferred Wetlands .81 acre Stream 1009 feet Noise Receptors 14 Hazardous Material Sites 14* Prime A cultural Lands 0 Forest 12.2 acre Protected Species 1 ** Historic Properties 0 4 Properties 0 Churches 0 Schools 0 E.J. Communities 0 Air Quality No Critical Water Su pplies No Relocatees Residents 13 Relocatees Businesses 1 *These UST's are potentially affected and will not necessarily be impacted by the project. * *The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that the project "may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect" the red cockaded woodpecker. An environmental assessment (EA) was prepared for this project in November 2005. For the purposes of evaluating impacts to the physical and natural environment, the alternatives were evaluated using the best fit alignment with two typical section alternatives. Alternative one (curb and gutter) and alternative two (grass shoulder) proposed to carry the two typical sections independently from project terminus to terminus, NC 73 in West End to the traffic circle in Pinehurst. After analyzing the environmental impacts, the "Best -fit" Alignment with a combination of alternative one (curb and gutter) and alternative two (grass shoulder) typical sections was determined to be the preferred alternative. The preferred alternative consists of a four -lane divided facility with curb and gutter to begin at the traffic circle in Pinehurst, extending along existing NC 211 and terminating at SR 1291 (Archie Road). From SR 1291 (Archie Road), the recommended alternative will continue as a four -lane divided facility with grass shoulders and will extend along existing NC 211 to the project terminus at NC 73 in West End. acres and stream impacts .to ,,-bc: reduced, � nvj,:), near,feet,404,00 lined �;�UpJOA3 IT , -9- 4 9, residences and 1 business will require relocation as a result of the proposed improvements to US 211. No impacts are anticipated to architecturally or archaeologically significant sites. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that I protected species, the red cockaded woodpecker, may be affected by the project. Finally, no impacts to historic properties, 4(f) properties, churches, schools, low income populations or minority populations are anticipated. An increase in the noise level for properties adjacent to the project is anticipated. A total of fourteen (14) receptors will be impacted by highway noise;' however, there were no substantial noise level impacts anticipated by the project. The predicted noise level increases for this project range up to +6 dBA. The project is located in Moore County, which has been determined to comply with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The proposed project is located in an attainment area; therefore, 40 CFR Parts 51 and 93 are not applicable. This project is not anticipated to create any adverse effects on the air quality of this attainment area. Fourteen (14) regulated facilities were found along the proposed project. Ten (10) were underground storage tank (UST) facilities, three (3) were other potentially contaminated properties, and one (1) was a Superfund. The Superfurid Site, Stanley Furniture, is currently being monitored by a private "environmental firm. None of the regulated or unregulated landfills or dumpsites is within the project limits. If further design studies necessitate the taking of additional right of way from the noted facilities, a preliminary site assessment for soil and groundwater contamination will be required prior to the purchase of the additional right of way. IV. COORDINATION AND COMMENTS A. Circulation of the Environmental Assessment The Environmental Assessment was approved by the NC Divisions of Highways and the FHWA on November 2, 2005. The approved Environmental Assessment was circulated to the following federal, state and local agencies for review and comment. An asterisk (*) indicates a written response was received from the agency. Copies of the correspondence received are included in the Appendix A of this document. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers *U.S., Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service *N.C. Department of Administration *N.C. Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Health *Division of Water Quality N.C. Forest Service *N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission *N.C. Department of Cultural Resources Town of Pinehurst B. Comments Received on the Environmental Assessment U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Comment: This is a 7.2 mile widening Merger project (CP 1 819101 & CP 2 4/11/02), There are two `best -fit' alternatives remaining under consideration including Alternative 1 (curb and gutter) and Alternative 2 (grass shoulder). Jurisdictional impacts to wetlands and streams are 0.81 / 1.46 acres and 1009 / 1116 linear feet, respectively. Overall impacts as shown on the page ii summary table are very similar for most key environmental indicators. EPA notes the fairly large number of potential hazardous material sites (14), including one Superfund site (Stanley Furniture). EPA also notes the slight impact to RCW foraging area and the FWS MA -NLAA determination. EPA has no preferred alternative at this time and would welcome comments and issues from NCDOT and other agencies on their preferred alternative at the LEDPA CP 3 meeting. EPA is requesting a copy of the FONSI when it becomes available. EPA also noted the very insightful NEPA Scoping Comments letter from Marsh Smith, Esq. dated 3/30/2000 in Appendix A. Hopefully, some of the past key issues have been addressed by FHWA and NCDOT. Response: Comments noted. Additionally, as noted by the EPA, comments were received from Mr. Smith during project scoping in a letter dated 313012000. Those comments were considered during the development of the project and during preparation of the Environmental Assessment, along with other comments received from state, federal, and local government agencies, and the public. Since that time the Environmental Assessment has been approved and circulated for review and comments. No additional comments have been received from Mr. Smith concerning this project following the circulation of the Environmental Assessment. FHWA and NCDOT assume that all scoping comments have been adequately addressed through the NEPA project study as detailed in the Environmental Assessment, unless otherwise notified N.C. Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (Natural Herita a Pro ram Comment: As indicated in the EA for this project, several clusters of the red - cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis), Federal and State Endangered, are located close to NC 211. As the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (pages A -51 and A -52) concurs with the N.C. Department of Transportation that "the project may affect, but is not likely to adversely impact the RCW ", we support that the decision and have no additional comments on this project. The Natural Heritage Program has no record of other rare species, significant natural communities, or priority natural areas along the corridor of the project area. Response: Comments noted 4 N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Comment: Two active Red- cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) clusters are located within the project study area. The USFWS has concurred with the Biological Assessment conclusion that the project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the Red - cockaded woodpecker. NCDOT should minimize the removal of foraging habitat by only removing vegetation necessary for construction and allow vegetation to remain within the right of way where possible. Furthermore, the EA adequately addresses mitigation measures for unavoidable impacts to streams and wetlands. Response: The preferred alternative uses a curb and gutter typical section near the area in which the Red - cockaded woodpecker clusters are located. A twenty -three (23) foot raised island, the narrowest acceptable median width, is recommended and steeper fill slopes (2:1) will be used along the curb and gutter section. The preferred alternative narrows the project footprint and simultaneously minimizes environmental impacts. Moreover, in order to preserve the red- cockaded woodpecker habitat, no unnecessary cutting of any pine trees ten (10) inches or greater in diameter at breast height, beyond slope stake limits is to occur between the following stations: 96 +00 thru 15 +00, 214 +00 thru 264 +00, 285 +00 thru 329 +00 and 339 +00 thru 415 +00. N.C. Department of Cultural Resources Comment: Thank you for your letter of December 5, 2005, transmitting the Environmental Assessment for the above project. We believe the assessment adequately addresses our concerns for historic resources. Response: Comments noted Division of Water Quality Continent: All of the streams in the project area are classified as Water Supply (WS) waters, WS -III. Therefore, the potential for impacts to waters that are used for municipal drinking water is possible. Please locate and identify all water intakes in the project study area. In addition, please include their locations in all future documentation. It should be noted that alternatives to avoid impacts upstream of any water supply intakes would need to be considered during the development of the project. Response: Comments noted Continent: All of the streams in the project area are classified as Waters Supply (WS) waters, WS -III. Given the potential for impacts to these resources during the project implementation, the DWQ requests that DOT strictly adhere to North Carolina regulations entitled "Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds" throughout design and construction of the project. Response: Comments noted C. Comments Received During and Following the Public Hearing .A Combined Public Hearing for the proposed project was held on April 10, 2006. The hearing was conducted in the Multi - Purpose Room of West Pine Middle School from 4 :00 pm to approximately 9:00 pm. Representatives from the Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch, the Roadway Design Unit and the Division 8 Office were available to explain the project, answer questions, and receive comments. Approximately 117 citizens attended the hearing. The following is a summary of the comments received along with NCDOT's responses: Comment: Several citizens and Eugene B. Horne, Jr., representing the Fuel Mate (BP) Convenience Store, is concerned with the increased traffic volumes at the intersection of NC 211 and Juniper Lake Road (SR 1216) necessitating the need to convert the intersection from stop -sign controlled to signal controlled. Response: The Division Traffic Engineer conducted a traffic study that found vehicular volumes at the intersection satisfied traffic signal needs criteria. The study found a total of three crashes occurred at the NC 211 and Juniper Lake Road (SR 1216) intersection between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2005. All of these crashes are the type potentially correctable by installation of a traffic signal. Typically, new traffic signal installations are funded through the Department's ,Spot Safety Program, and this project will be added to Spot Safety "On Hold" list to wait funding. This project will be competing for funding with numerous similar projects throughout the state. The NC 211 widening project, scheduled to let in 2009, may be a possible source of funding. It is currently not possible for the Department to provide a funding approval date at this time. Comment: Ray MacKay, representing the Seven Lakes Civic Group, is concerned about the median, maintenance of the proposed facility, emergency vehicle access and additional median breaks. A median break was requested between Stations 55 +00 and 14 +00. This median break would be used exclusively for emergency vehicle access. Moreover, he requested planting at various locations within the median and increasing the proposed speed limit from 45 mph to 55 mph. Mr. MacKay also proposes that the project begin at Hoffman Road instead of NC 73 to facilitate flexibility in designing the future widening of NC 211 through or around West End. Response: As per the NCDOT Landscape Planting Policy, a preset funding level that is three - fourths of a percent (0.75 %) of the total construction cost is available for landscaping. Plantings at various locations within the median will be considered. Two additional median cross -overs will be proposed between Stations 55 +00 and 140 +00. The environmental assessment and the preliminary plans propose a design speed of 50 mph with an anticipated speed limit of 45 mph. , Increasing speed limit to 55 mph will increase negative impacts to the environment by increasing curve . lengths and right of way widths. 6 Additionally, construction costs would increase. During the final design phase, a 50 mph speed limit will be considered for the shoulder typical section portion of the project. The curb and gutter section will have a 45 mph speed limit. Currently, there is not a funded TIP project to widen NC 211 through or to bypass West End. In the event funding becomes available to widen NC 211 through West End, the currently proposed NC 211 widening project would not limit alternatives in the West End area. Comment: More widening should occur on the south side of NC 211 from Hoffman Mill Road to the end of the project. Response: Due to safety concerns, additional right of way can not be acquired from the railroad located along the south side of NC 211, thus, requiring the majority of widening to occur on the north side of NC 211 through this area. The Roadway Design Unit will minimize the amount right of way acquisition of said property as much as feasible during the final design phase. Comment: Egress and ingress to Westgate Business Park should be reviewed. The existing dirt roadway should be paved to Beulah Hill Church Road for outbound traffic and the western drive should be right in right out. A left -over should be proposed at the eastern drive. .Res onse: Because the projected traffic counts are not predicted to produce long queues on NC 211 at this location, NCDOT proposes a full movement cross -over at the eastern drive and not the western drive. Comment: Mr. Bruce Pritchard indicated that truck traffic would have difficulty accessing the Blue Monkey and Pinehurst Patios and requested a center turn lane in these areas. Response: A median cross -over is proposed at Archie Road and Horner Lane. The spacing between these intersections is 2200 feet. Adding a cross -over between these two intersections violates NCDOT Roadway Design standards. However, NCDOT Congestion Management, will investigate the queues to determine if a cross -over is warranted. If it is not feasible to have cross -overs at the requested locations, two U -turn cross -overs exclusively designed for a WB- 50 truck will be considered. Comment: Mr. Andy Wilkinson, Village of Pinehurst Manager; Mr. Jay Gibson, Village of Pinehurst Director of Engineering; and Mr. and Mrs. Daniel and Amy Oates requested a pedestrian tunnel near Rattlesnake Trail or Memorial Drive. Response: On April 13, 2006, representatives from NCDOT's Roadway Design and Hydraulics Units conducted an on site meeting with Mr. Gibson to explain why the requested locations were not conducive for placement of a pedestrian tunnel. The topography in close proximity to Rattlesnake Trail prohibits the placement of a pedestrian tunnel without the emplacement of pumps to remove stormwater. A consensus was reached in the field that a more feasible location for a pedestrian tunnel would be in proximity to the Memorial Drive intersection. After the field meeting the Village of Pinehurst indicted via letter, the preferred location for a pedestrian tunnel is in the area of Rattlesnake Trail. NCDOT, Roadway Design Unit, noted that the following conditions should be satisfied before considering a pedestrian tunnel in the area of the Rattlesnake Trail intersection: • NCDOT will start design of the pedestrian tunnel (underpass) once a municipal agreement is executed. • The Village of Pinehurst will be responsible for all costs associated with the design, construction and maintenance of the pumps. • The Village of Pinehurst will assume all liability. • Design of the pumps and grades on the underpass should be completed and provided to Roadway Design and the Hydraulics Unit no later than four months before the completion of the hydraulic design for the proposed project. The drainage design is scheduled for completion by October 2007; the pump and grade designs should be completed and submitted to the aforementioned NCDOT units not later than July 2007. As per the Pedestrian Policy Guidelines, Pinehurst is responsible for a percentage of the cost of the underpass. The percentage will be determined by the population of Pinehurst at the time of executing the agreement. The Village of Pinehurst will be responsible of 100% of all cost and maintenance of the pumps; will donate all required additional right of way and easement necessary to construct the underpass and ramps. Other conditions from NCDOT or from Pinehurst may be added as the agreement develops. Comment: Several citizens requested that the curb and gutter typical section begin at Archie Road (West of Pine Middle School) and that sidewalks with pedestrian crossings be considered at NC 73 and NC 211. Response: The Village of Pinehurst has requested sidewalks on both sides of NC 211 from the traffic circle to Beulah Hill Church Road and on the south side from Beulah Hill Church Road to Glasgow Drive. If Moore County agrees to participate in the cost and maintenance of sidewalks on the north side of NC 211 from Beulah Hill Church Road to Archie Road, the curb and gutter section can begin at Archie Road with the approval of the environmental agencies. Pedestrian crossings and sidewalks can be considered at NC 73 if Moore County agrees to participate in the cost and maintenance. Comment: Can the proposed highway be widened on the south side rather than the north and closer to residential properties at Village Acres? Response: The proposed project utilizes existing right of way where possible. The existing right of way was used in the noted areas. The proposed right of way width is greater on the south side of NC 211 and varies in various locations along the proposed project. Comment: Will storm water be directed to the backyards of the residences of Village Acres? Response: There will not be additional stormwater runoff as a result of this project Comment: Can the Edgewood Terrace crossing be closed? If the crossing can not be closed, install grade crossing signals and provide a concrete crossing surface. Response: Closing the crossing will be considered during final design. Ed Lewis, NCDOT- PDEA -HEU, will initiate a meeting with property owners in the vicinity of the crossing at Edgewood Terrace to determine the most effective means of closing the crossing. Comment: Mr. Phillip Brown owns of an apartment complex at Sta. 278.00 Lt. Renovations to the building were completed in the winter of 2006. Behind this apartment is others and plans are in process for more apartment buildings on this property. The existing roadway design will impact the apartments. NCDOT Roadway Design Unit revised the alignment to avoid these apartments; however, the revised design will impact approximately 37, 000 square feet of wetlands and brings the proposed highway closer to the Pinewild Dam. The existing roadway design, which was created in collaboration with the environmental agencies and NCDOT, avoids impacting the wetlands and is a safe distance from the Pinewild dam. Mr. Brown requested that NCDOT Roadway Design review the plan revisions again with the environmental agencies. Response: NCDOT reviewed the proposed design in this area. No changes to the proposed improvements are recommended. Revisiting the design in order to avoid the apartment building would impact additional wetlands and would move construction closer to the Pinewild dam, possibly jeopardizing the structural integrity of the dam. D. Section 404/NEPA Merger Team A Merger 01 team meeting to determine the Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative (LEDA) and Avoidance and Minimization (4A) was held on October 26, 2006; concurrence was reached on both points on this date. The LEDA consists of the "Best -fit" Alignment with a combination of Alternative 1 (curb and gutter) and Alternative 2 (grass shoulder) typical sections. A four -Iane divided facility with curb and gutter will begin at the traffic circle in Pinehurst and will extend along existing NC 211 to terminate at SR 1291 (Archie Road) (Alternative 1). A four -lane divided facility with grass shoulders will begin at SR 1291 (Archie Road) and will extend along existing NC 211 to the project terminus at NC 73 in West End (Alternative 2). Potential impacts to the red cockaded - woodpecker habitat within proximity of the Pinehurst Traffic Circle were discussed, and it was determined that with the selection of the LEDPA, the project's footprint was reduced, minimizing impacts to the natural environment within the project area, thus, minimizing impacts to foraging habitiat. During the LEDA meeting, updated stream impacts were provided. These stream impacts were presented, along with the measures for minimization and avoidance, in the Concurrence Point 3 Concurrence Point 4A meeting handout. Concurrence Point 4A (Avoidance and Minimization) was achieved on October 26, 2006. Minimization measures for the project are listed below along with the updated stream and wetland impacts tables presented during 4A discussions (see Appendix C) • Leave current drainage structures in place and accommodate widening by extending the two existing culverts • The preferred alternative will use a curb and gutter typical section for a portion of the project which narrows the project footprint. • The preferred alternative will reduce the typical section by using curb and gutter section instead of shoulder sections along a portion of the project. Steeper fill slopes (2:1) will be used along the curb and gutter section, reducing the project footprint. • A twenty -three foot (23') raised island, the narrowest acceptable median width, is recommended. This median width will reduce the project's footprint. V. REVISIONS TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT A. Proiect Commitments In order to preserve the red - cockaded woodpecker habitat, no unnecessary cutting of any pine trees ten.(10) inches or greater in diameter at breast height, beyond slope stake limits is to occur between the following stations: 96 +00 thru 15 +00, 214 +00 thru 264 +00, 285 +00 thru 329 +00 and 339+00 thru 415+00. Closing the pedestrian crossing at Edgewood Terrace will be considered during final design. Ed Lewis, NCDOT - PDEA -HEU, will initiate a meeting with property owners in the vicinity of the crossing at Edgewood Terrace to determine the most effective means of closing the crossing B. Alignment Alternatives NCDOT investigated the Village of Pinehurst's request for the inclusion of three (3) pedestrian tunnels along NC 211. NCDOT will share in the construction costs for one (1) pedestrian tunnel along NC 211 on an 80120 cost sharing basis with the Village of Pinehurst. The Village of Pinehurst will be required to accept responsibility for the maintenance and liability of the tunnel once it is constructed. A municipal agreement between NCDOT and the Village of Pinehurst will be required prior to the construction of the tunnel. The pedestrian 10 tunnel will be located just east of the intersection of NC 211 and Rattlesnake /Gun Club Road. This location will allow the pedestrian tunnel to link the area north of NC 211, which is primarily residential development, to the Rassie Wicker Park located immediately south of NC 211 in the vicinity of this intersection. The estimated construction cost for this tunnel is $275,000. Since the completion of the environmental assessment, there has been additional coordination between Roadway and the Village of Pinehurst concerning the location of the pedestrian tunnel. On April 13, 2006, representatives from Roadway Design and Hydraulics conducted an on site meeting with Mr. Jay Gibson, Village of Pinehurst Director of Engineering, to explain why the requested locations were not conductive for placement of a pedestrian tunnel. The topography in close proximity to Rattlesnake Trail prohibits the placement of a pedestrian tunnel without the emplacement of pumps to remove stormwater. A consensus was reached in the field that a more feasible location for a pedestrian tunnel would be in proximity to the Memorial Drive intersection. After the field meeting the Village of Pinehurst indicted via letter, the preferred location for a pedestrian tunnel is in the area of Rattlesnake Trail. NCDOT, Roadway Design, noted that the following conditions should be satisfied before considering a pedestrian tunnel in the area of the Rattlesnake Trail intersection: • NCDOT will start design of the pedestrian tunnel (underpass) once a municipal agreement is executed. • The Village of Pinehurst will be responsible for all costs associated with the design, construction and maintenance of the pumps. • The Village of Pinehurst will assume all liability. • Design of the pumps and grades on the underpass should be completed and provided to Roadway Design and the Hydraulics Unit no later than four months before the completion of the hydraulic design for the proposed project. The drainage design is scheduled for completion by October 2007, the pump and grade designs should be completed and submitted to the aforementioned NCDOT units not later than July 2007. As per the Pedestrian Policy Guidelines, Pinehurst is responsible for a percentage of the cost of the underpass. The percentage will be determined by the population of Pinehurst at the time of executing the agreement. The Village of Pinehurst will be responsible of 100% of all cost and maintenance of the pumps; will donate all required additional right of way and easement necessary to construct the underpass and ramps. + Other conditions from NCDOT or from Pinehurst maybe added as the agreement develops. C. Air Quality Analysis On page 62 of the environmental assessment, the following is an update to the Air Quality Analysis since the completion of the document. 11 The project is located in Moore County, which has been determined to comply with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The proposed project is located in an attainment area; therefore, 40 CFR Parts 51 and 93 are not applicable. This project is not anticipated to create any adverse effects on the air quality of this attainment area. D. Flood Insurance Involvement On page 60 of the environment assessment, the following information is an update to the Flood Insurance Status for Moore County since the completion of the document. Moore County is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Regular Program, which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Both Joe's Fork and Board Branch are located within a limited detailed flood study reach in a flood hazard zone designated as Zone AE, for which 100 -year base year flood elevations and non - encroachment widths have been determined VI. BASIS FOR FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Based upon a study of the proposed project documented in the Environmental Assessment and upon comments received from federal, state and local agencies and the public, it is the finding of the North Carolina Department of Transportation and.the Federal Highway Administration that this project will not have a significant adverse impact upon the human or natural environment. The project is not controversial from an environmental standpoint. No significant impacts to natural, ecological, cultural, or scenic resources are expected. The proposed project is consistent with local plans and will not disrupt communities. In view of the above evaluation, it has been determined a Finding of No Significant Impact is applicable for this project. Therefore, neither an Environmental Impact Statement nor further environmental analysis will be required. 12 APPENDIX A Comments Received in response to the Environmental Assessment TIP Project No. R -2812 Page 1 of 1 From: cmilitscher @dot.state.nc.us (Chris Militscher) To: EEVahce @dot. state. nc.us, emidkiff @dot.state.nc.us cc: richa rd. k.spencer @saw02.usace. army. mil, clarence.coleman @fhwa.dot.gov, polly.lespinasse @ncmail.net Date: Friday, December 16, 2005 11:50AM Subject: Federal EA for R -2812, NC 211 Improvements, Pinehurst, Moore Co. FJtr,o /Eric: EPA has completed its review of the above referenced document ann offers the following comments: Tnis 3.s a 7.2 mile widening Merger project (CP 1 8/9/01 & CP 2 4/11/02). There are two 'best -fit' alternatives remaining under consideration including Alt, #1 Curb & gutter and Alt. #2, Grass shoulder. Jurisdictional impacts to wetlands and streams are 0.81/1.46 acres & 1,009/1,116 linear lent, 2-espectively. Overall impacts as shown on the page ii summary table are very .similar for most key environmental indicators. EPA notes the fairly large number of potential hazardous material sites (14), including ene Superfund site (Stanley Furniture). EPA also notes the slight impact to RCW foraging area and the FWS MA -NLAA determination. EPA has no preferred alternative at this time and would welcome comments and issues from NCDOT and other agecnies on their preferred alternative at the LEDPA CP 3 ir,eetinq. EPA is requesting a copy of the FONS1 when it becomes availab_�e. EPA also noted the very insightful NEPA Scoping Comments letter from N.arsh Smith, Fsq. dated 3/30/2000 in Appendix A. Hopefully, some of the past key issues have been addressed by FHWA and NCDOT. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Cht istopper A. Militscher, REM, CHMM USEFA Raleigh Office 919- 856 -4206 i,71r�c•iir�ln,�illh rlld ana onv /maill lrmilit[r nefY( �Tnhnvl/ C` 17Tiili�RF .9C""�7Ff1f1("R5757(1T�9(1 1/1/7.006 i North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources I�c+�w} 05 ` }:� State Historic Preservation Office .evNL�� u VE Peter D. Sandbcck, Adtninistraror !F ^� lA L Michael C. Easley, Governor Office of Archives and I istooly Iasheth C. Evans, Secretary Division of Historical Resources Jeffrey J. Crow, Dcputy Secretary David Brook, Director December 16, 2005 MEMORANDUM TO: Greg Thorpe, Ph.D., Director Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch. NCDOT Division of Highways FROM: Peter San dbeck SUBJECT: Environmental Assessment for NC 211 from NC 73 in West End to the traffic circle in Pinehurst, R -2812, Moore County, ER 05 -2876 and ER 00 -8790 Thank you for your letter of December 5, 2005, transmitting the Environmental Assessment for the above project. We believe the assessment adequately addresses our. concerns for historic resources. The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36 CFR Part 800. Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above comment, Please contact Renee Gledhill- Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919/733 -4763. In all future communication concerning this project, please cite the above - referenced tracking number. Location Mailing Address Telephone /Fax ADMINISTRATION 507 N. Blount Street, Raleigh NC 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699.4617 (717)733 -4763 /733.8053 RESTORATION 515 N. Blount Street, Raleigh NC 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699 -4617 r919 }733 - 4547/715.481)1 SURVEY & PLANNING 515 N. Blount Street, IWCigh, N(: 4617 Mail Scr'ice Ccntcr, lialcigh NC 27699 -4,6617 011))733.6545/715 -4801 OF WA TFR O� QG -� 1° 20 Zl ,r, ,SAN 2006 .� lv� MEMORANDUM To: Melba McGee t From: Polly Lespinasse 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 January 6, 2006 Subject: Comments on the Environmental Assessment for Proposed Improvements to NC 211 from NC 73 in West End to the Traffic Circle in Pinehurst, Pinehurst, Moore County, Federal Aid Project No. STP- 211(5), State Project 8.1560601, VMS Element No. 34504.1.1, TIP Project R -2812, DENR Project Number 06 -0193 This office Inns reviewed the referenced document. The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) is responsible for the issuance of the Section 401 Water Quality Certification for activities that impact Waters of the U.S., including wetlands. It is our understanding that the project as presented will result in impacts to jurisdictional wetlands and streams. The DWQ offers the following comments based on review of the aforementioned document: A) This project is being planned as part of the 404/1,EPA Merger Process. As a participating team member, the NCDWQ will continue to work with the team. B) After the selection of the preferred alternative and prior to an issuance of the 401 Water Quality Certification, the NCDOT is respectfully reminded that they will need to demonstrate the avoidance and minimization of impacts to wetlands (and streams) to the maximum extent practical. Based on the impacts described in the document, wetland mitigation will be required for this project. Should the impacts to jurisdictional wetlands exceed 1.0 acres, mitigation will be required in accordance with NCDWQ Wetland Rules {15A NCAC 2H.05 06(h)(2)): C) In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules (15A NCAC 211.0506(b)(6)), mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 150 linear feet to any single perennial stream. In the event that mitigation is required, the mitigation plan should be designed to replace appropriate lost functions and .values. In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules (I SA NCAC 2H.0506 (hx3)), the NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program may be available for use as stream mitigation. D) As part of the 401 Water Quality Certification Application process, NC DOT is respectfully reminded to include specifics for both onsite and offshe mitigation plans. If mitigation is required, it is preferable to present a conceptual (if not finalized) mitigation plan with the environmental documentation. While NCDWQ realizes that this may not always be practical, it should be noted that for projects requiring mitigation, appropriate mitigation plans will be required in conjunction with the issuance of a 401 Water Quality Certification. We understand that NC DOT will request compensatory mitigation through the NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program for offsite mitigation. E) Future documentation, including the 401 Water Quality Certification Application, should continue to include an itemized listing of the proposed wetland and stream impacts with corresponding mapping. F) NCDOT is respectfully reminded that all impacts, including but not limited to, bridging, fill, excavation and clearing, to jurisdictional wetlands, streams, and riparian buffers need to be included in the final impact calculations. These impacts, in addition to any construction impacts, temporary or otherwise, also need to be included as part of the 401 Water Quality Certification Application. G) Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands. North Carolina Division of Water Quality 614 East Center Avenue, Suite 301 Internet h2o.enr.state mus Mooresville, NC 28115 An Equal Opportunq/AiomraWe Action Employer— 50% Recycled110% Post Consumer Paper Phow (704) 663 -1699 Fax (704) 663 -6040 rfohCarolina Wura!!y I) Borrow /waste areas should avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practicable. Impacts to wetlands in borrow /waste areas could precipitate compensatory mitigation I) The 401 Water Quality Certification application will need to specifically address the proposed methods for stormwater managemenL More specifically, stormwater should not be permitted to discharge directly into streams or surface waters. J) All of the streams in the project area are classified as Water Supply (WS) waters, WS -III. Therefore, the potential for impacts to waters that are used for municipal drinking water is possible. Please Iocate and identify all water intakes in the projects study area. In addition, please include their locations in all future documentation. It should be noted that alternatives to avoid impacts upstream of any water supply intakes will need to be considered during the development of the project. K) All of the streams in the project area are classified as Water Supply (WS) waters, WS III. Given the potential for impacts to these resources during the project implementation, the DWQ requests that DOT strictly adhere to North Carolina regulations entitled "Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds" (I SA NCAC 04B .0024) throughout design and construction of the project L) Based on the information presented in the document, the magnitude of impacts to wetlands and streams may require an Individual Permit application to the Corps of Engineers and corresponding 401 Water Quality Certification. Please be advised that a 401 Water Quality Certification requires satisfactory protection of water quality to ensure that water quality standards are met and no wetland or stream uses are lost Final permit authorization will require the submittal of a formal application by the NCDOT and written concurrence from the NCDWQ. Please be aware that any approval will be contingent on appropriate avoidance and minimization of wetland and stream impacts to the maximum extent practical, the development of an acceptable stormwater management plan, and the inclusion of appropriate mitigation plans where appropriate. The NCDWQ appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on your project Should you have any questions or require any additional information, please contact Polly Lespivasse (704) 663 -1699. cc: US Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington Office Gary Jordan, USFWS Travis Wilson, NCWRC Chris Militscher, EPA Rob Ridings, NCDWQ File Copy 4 JAN 2006 RVXAW RE North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission F0 Richard B. Haaillrnn, 6-ecutivea -ecter MEMORA NMUM TO: Melba McGee Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, DENR FROM: Travis Nilson, Highway Project Coordinator Habitat Conservation program DATE: January 6, 2006 SUBJECT: North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed improvements to NC 211 from NC 73 in West End to the traffic circle in Pinehurst, Moore Cowlty, North Carolina. TIP No. 8- 2812, SCH Project No. 06 -0193 Staff biologists with the N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission have reviewed the subject EA and are familiar with habitat values in the project area. The purpose ofthis'review was to assess project impacts to fish and wildlife resources. Our comments are provided in accordance with certain provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (Y2 U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)) and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat, 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661- 667d). NCDOT proposes to widen NC 211 from NC 73 to Pinehurst utilizing a best fit alignment with two alternative options either Grass Shoulder or Curb and Gutter. The total project length is approximately 7.2 miles. Impacts to streams vary with alternatives, and are expected to total approximately 1009 to 1116 linear feet of stream impact. Impacts to wetl-nds vary from 0.91 to 1.46 acres. Two active Iced- cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) clusters are located within the project study area, The USFWS has concurred with the Biological Assessment conclusion that the project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the Red - cockaded woodpecker. NCDOT should minimize the removal of foraging habitat by only removing vegetation necessary for construction and allow vegetation to remain within the right of way where possible. Furthermore, the EA adequately addresses mitigation measures for unavoidable impacts to streams and wetlands. x cmo 2 January 6, 2006 At this time, we concur with thz EA for this project. Thant: you for the opportunity to comment on this EA. If we can be of any further assistance please call me at (919) 528 -9886. cc: Gary Jordan, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Raleigh Brian Wrenn, UWQ, Raleigh ` Richard Spencer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington n AL, 3. WA 74 iol;" Ar NCDENR North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Michael F, Easley, Governor MEMORANDUM TO FROM: SUBJECT January 11, 2006 Melba McGee Harry LeGrand, Natural • Heritage Program William G, Ross Jr,, Secretary 10 s 006' NC 211, from NC 73 in West End to the traffic circle in Pinehurst — Widening to a Multi -lane Facility; Moore County; TIP Project R- 2812.: REFERENCE: 06 -0193 As indicated in the EA for this project, several clusters of the red - cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis), Federal and State Endangered, are located close to IsIC 211. As the U.S. Fish. and Wildlife Service (pages A -51 and A -52) concurs with the N.C. Department of Transportation that "the project may affect, but is not likely to adversely impact the RC «�', we support that decision and have no additional comments on this project. The Natural Heritage Program has no record of other rare species, significant natural communities, or priority natural areas along the corridor of the project area. You may wish to check the Natural Heritage Program database website at < www .nes2arks.net/nhp /search.html> for a listing of rare plants and animals and significant natural communities in the county and on the appropriate topographic quad maps. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 919 -715 -8697 if you have questions or need further information. 1601 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699 -1601 NOrthCarOETia nt _ _ n� n ti.,� rnr• r r A V. na n �. [ r.Gr, , Inlarncl• UMIUJ Pnf ctara nr nc w ,i r r NCDENR North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Michael F. Easley, Govemor 14110 xl 7M.— . William G. Ross Jr., Secretary JAN 2006 MEMORANDUM AWZVED Oft WA r TO: Chrys Baggett State Clearinghouse FROM: Melba McGee Environmental Review Coordinator SUBJECT: 06 -0193 EA for Proposed Improvements to NC 211 in Pinehurst, Moore County DATE: January 18, 2006 The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has reviewed the proposed information. The attached comments are for the apl5licant's information. Thank you for the opportunity to review. Attachments 1601 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699 -1601 Phone: 919- 733 -49841 FAX: 919- 715 -30601 Internet: www.enr.state.nc.us /ENR/ An Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer - 50 °% Recycled 1 10 °% Post Consumer Paper 0 NorthCarohna ,Ivahmr ,Ilry y r -s o� a.w North Carolina Department of Administration Michael F. Easley, Governor Gwynn T. Swinson, Secretary January 20, 2006 Mr. A.L. Avant N.C. Dept. of Transportation Program Development 1534 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699 -1534 Dear Mr. Avant: Re: SCH File #f 06- E- 4220 -0193; EA; Proposal to widen NC 211 to a four -lane divided facility with a 16 ft raised, grassed median & 14 ft outside lanes from NC 73 in west end to the traffic circle in Pinehurst The above referenced environmental impact information has been submitted to the State Clearinghouse under the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act. According to G.S. 113A -10, when a state agency is required to prepare an environmental document under the provisions of federal law, the environmental document meets the provisions of the State Environmental Policy Act. Attached to this letter for your consideration are the comments made by agencies in the course of this review. If any further environmental review documents are prepared for this project, they should be forwarded to this office for intergovernmental review. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call. Sincerely, Ms. Chrys aggett Environmental Policy Act Coordinator Attachments cc: Region J Mailing Address: Telephone: (919)807 -2425 Location Address: I301 Mail Service Center Fax (9I9)733 -9571 116 West Jones Street Raleigh, NC 27699 -1301 State Courier 1151 -01 -00 Raleigh, North Carolina e -mail Chrys. Baggeit@ncmail, net An Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEWS STATE NU1,SER: 06 -E -4220 -0193 F02".' DATE RECEIVED: 12/15/2005 AGENCY RESPONSE: 01/10/2006 REVIEW CLOSED: 01/15/2006 MS RENEE GLEDHILL- EARLEY CLEARINGHOUSE COORD DEPT OF CUL RESOURCES ARCHIVES - HISTORY BLDG - MSC 4617 RALEIGH NC D 4 S6> �� r REVIEW DISTRIBUTION CC &PS - DEM, NFIP JAN 2006 DENR LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS r �� DEPT OF AGRICULTURE r;, DEPT OF CUL RESOURCES s DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION TRIANGLE J COG PROJECT INFORMATION f ! APPLICANT: N.C. Dept. of Transportation TYPE: National Environmental Policy Act �}fin p0r_,c C^ l ERD: Environmental Assessment DESC: Proposal to widen NC 231 to a four -lane divided facility with a 16 ft raised, grassed median & 14 ft outside lanes from NC 73 in west end to the traffic circle in Pinehurst The attached project has been submitted to the N. C. State Clearinghouse for intergovernmental review. Please review and submit your response by the above indicated date to 1301 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699 -13 =1. If additional review time is needed, please contact this office =-t (-919)807- 2425. AS A RESULT OF THIS REVIEW THE FOLLOWING IS SUBMITTED: 91 NO COMMENT F] COMMENTS ATTACHED SIGNED BY: v DATE: RECEIVED DEC DEC 21 2005 IDEC 1.qc APPENDIX B Public Hearing Notice and Handout TIP Project No. R -2812 NOTICE OF A COMBINED PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE PROPOSED TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS TO US 211 FROM NC 73 IN WEST END TO THE TRAFFIC CIRCLE IN PINEHURST WBS No. 34504.1.1 R -2812 Moore County The North Carolina Department of Transportation ( NCDOT) will hold a pre - hearing open house and a combined (location and design) public hearing on April 10, 2006 in the Multi- Purpose Room of West Pine Middle School, 144 Archie Road, West End, NC, 27376. Department of Transportation representatives will be available at the Pre - Hearing Open House between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to answer questions and receive comments relative to the proposed project. The opportunity to submit written comments or questions will also be provided. Interested citizens may attend at any time during the above mentioned hours. A formal presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m. The presentation will consist of an explanation of the proposed location, design and right of way and relocation requirements /procedures. The hearing will be open to those present for statements, questions and /or comments. A transcription of the presentation and comments will be taken. This project proposes to widen US 211, west of Pinehurst, to four travel lanes with a divided median from NO 73 in West End to the Traffic Circle in Pinehurst. Additional right of way and the relocation of homes and businesses will be required for construction. Two alternatives will be presented for public comments. These comments will be used as part of the process to.select alternatives. The project will improve east -west travel between the western portions of Moore County. The proposed transportation improvements cover a distance of about 7 miles. A map setting forth the location and design of the project and a copy of the environmental document - Environmental Assessment EA - are available for public review at the Village Hall located at the Village of Pinehurst Offices, 395 Magnolia Road, Pinehurst, 28374, and at the NCDOT Division Office located at 902 North Sandhills Boulevard, Aberdeen, 28315. Anyone desiring additional information may contact Ed Lewis, Human Environment Unit at 1583 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NO 27699 -1583, phone (919) 715 -1593, or email elewis;@dot.state.nc.us. Additional material may be submitted for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of the hearing. NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services -under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who wish to participate in this workshop. Anyone requiring special services should contact Mr. Lewis at the contact information above as early as possible so that arrangements can be made. NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF'TRANSPORTATION NC 211 Improvements From NC 73 in West End to the Traffic Circle in Pinehurst Federal. Project Number 5.1560601 WBS Project 34504.1.1 TIP PROJECT R -2812 Moore County Combined Public Hearing West Pine Middle - School 4 :00 PM to 7:00 PM 7:00 PM to Close April 10, 2006 PURPOSE OF PROJECT The project calls for providing transportation improvements to the existing NC 211 from NC 73 in West End to the traffic circle in Pinehurst (see Figure 1). The purpose of the project is to improve the traffic carving capacity of NC 211 and to improve the level of safety of the roadway to meet the needs of the existing and anticipated development in the project area. PURPOSE OF PUBLIC HEARING Today's hearing is one step in the North Carolina Department of Transportation's ( NCDOT) procedure for making you, the public, a part of the planning process. NCDOT is soliciting your views on the location and design of the proposed widening of NC 211. NCDOT's planning and environmental studies on the above project are presented in the environmental document — Environmental Assessment. For the last 30 days, copies of this report and today's hearing map have been available for public review at the Pinehurst Village-Hall located at 395 Magnolia Road, Pinehurst, and at the NCDOT Division Office located at 902 North Sandhills Boulevard, Aberdeen. YOUR PARTICIPATION Several representatives of NCDOT are present at this meeting. Any of these people will be happy to talk with you, explain.the design to you and answer your questions. Now that the opportunity is here, you are encouraged to participate by voicing your comments to the NCDOT.representatives at this meeting, by writing them on the comment sheet and leaving it with one of the representatives, by mailing them in by April -280', 2046, or by recording your statements during the formal hearing tonight. Those wishing to submit written material may do so to: Mr. Ed .Lewis, Senior Public Hearing Officer Human. Environment Unit NCDOT 1583 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC .27.699 -1.583 FAX: (919) 715 -1593 Email: elewis @dotstate.nc.us Everyone present is urged to participate in the proceedings. It Js important, however, that THE OPINIONS OF ALL INDIVIDUALS BE RESPECTED REGARDLESS OF HOW DIVERGENT THEY . MAY BE FROM YOUR OWN. Accordingly, debates, as such, are out of place,at public hearings. Also, the public hearing is not to be used as a POPULAR REFERENDUM to determine the.alignment by a majority vote of those present. es� y4 WHAT IS DONE WITH THE INPUT? A post - hearing meeting will be conducted after the comment period has ended. NCDOT staff representing Planning, Design, Traffic, Division, and Right of Way along with the Federal Highway Administration will attend this meeting. When appropriate, local goverrmmental officials also attend. All 'spoken and written issues are discussed at this meeting. Most issues are resolved at the post hearing meeting. The Department of Transportation considers safety, costs, traffic service, social impacts and public comments in making decisions.. Complex issues may require additional study and may be reviewed by higher management, Board of Transportation Members and/or the Secretary of Transportation: Minutes of.the post- hearing meeting are.prepared and this summary is available to the public. You may request this document on the attached comment sheet. Additional coordination about the project with federal and state agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources will be done to obtain their comments about the project. NEED FOR THE PROJECT "Capacity" is the number of cars and trucks that pass through a roadway section. in an hour . depending on the roadway and traffic conditions. So capacity is measure of .how well a road can serve the amount of cars and trucks that use it. This measure is broken. into six levels of service, or LOS,. with A being the best and F being the worst. For example, a big increase in the number of cars and trucks on a section of road can cause congestion that decreases the capacity leading to a drop in the LOS grade. NC 211 is operating at LOS D, and by the'_Year 2025 would operate at LOS E. If add itional.lanes were added, the,LOS grade would improve to LOS B in 2025. In a recent three -year period, 173 accidents occurred . along the studied section of NC 211. The proposed multi -lane widening and intersection improvements will reduce the potential for the majority of accidents that are occurring on the studied. section of NC 211. NC 211 is a major east -west connector road for Moore County. To the west, It connects to US 220A in ,Montgorhery County, which is .part of the proposed- 1 - 73/1 -.74 Conidor:in North Carolina. To the east, NC' 211 providesa vital link between the western portion of Moore County and the 'destinations of Pinehurst, Southem Pines, and Aberdeen in the eastern part of Moore County, along with the north -south corridors of US 1.5 -501 and US T. PROJECT DESCRIPTION V The project is about 7.7 miles long. The project calls for widening NC 211 to a four -lane edia m divided road from NC 73 in West End to the Traffic Circle in Pinehurst. The project is proposed to be constructed with either a shoulder on the outside lanes or curb and gutter on the outside lanes. Curb and gutter is proposed for the lanes next to the median. See the attached figure 2 that shows proposed typical sections. The proposed median will be 23 feet wide, the vehicle travel lanes are 12 feetvide, and sidewalk is proposed on both sides of NC 211 from Beulah Hill Church Road (SRI 1210) to the Traffic Circle. The sidewalks will be placed behind the curb for the curb and gutter option or behind the ditch for the shoulder option. No improvements are proposed for the Traffic Circle. Additional. right of way and the relocation of homes and businesses will be required for this project. Great efforts were undertaken to limit the impacts of the proposed widening. to the home .s and businesses. Although the posted speed limit has not been finalized at this time, the design speed is 50 miles per hour through the entire project. The project is tentatively scheduled to start the right-of-way acquisition process in August 2007 and the construction of the project is tentatively scheduled to start in August 2010. STATE- FEDERAL RELATIONSHIP This proposed` project is a Federal -Aid Highway Project and thus will be constructed under the State - Federal Aid Highway Program. Financing of this project will 'be 80% Federal funds and 20 %0 .State Funds. The Board of Transportation is responsible for the. selection and scheduling of projects on the Federal Aid System, their location, design, and maintenance cost after construction. The Federal Highway Administration is responsible for-the review and approval of the.-previously mentioned activities to ensure that each Federal -Aid Project is designed, constructed, and maintained to. Federat Aid Standards. PROPOSED PROJECT INFORMATION Length: 7.7 miles Typical Section:. Four -lane, median- divided with curbs and gutters or shoulders Right of Way: Variable - From about 150 feet to 200 feet Construction and drainage easements will be required also. Shoulder Relocatees: Residences: 7 Businesses: 6 Total: 13 These numbers may change based on final design. Shoulder Estimated Cost: Roadway Cost: $ 21,575,000 Right of Way Cost: $ 7,181,000 Total: $ 28,756,000 Tentative Schedule: Right of Way — August 2007 Construction — August 2009 C &G 6 3 9 C &G $ 23,1575,000 $ 4,218,500 $ 27,793,500 RIGHT OF WAY PROCEDURES After decisions are made regarding the final design, the proposed right -of -way limits will be staked in the ground. If you are an affected property owner, a Right of Way Agent will contact you and arrange a meeting. The agent will explain the plans and advise you as to how the project will affect you. The agent will inform you of your .rights as a property owner. If permanent right of way is required, professionals -who are familiar with real estate values will evaluate or appraise your property. The evaluations or appraisals will be reviewed for completeness and accuracy and then the Right of Way Agent will make a .written offer to you. The current market value of the property at its highest and best use when appraised will be offered as compensation. The Department of Transportation must: 1 Treat all owners and tenants equally. 2. Fully explain the owners rights. 3. Pay just compensation in exchange for property rights. 4. Furnish relocation advisory assistance. RELOCATION ASSISTANCE If you area relocates, that is, if your residence or business. is.to be acquired as part of the project, additional assistance in the form of advice and compensation is available.: You -will also be provided With assistance on locations of comparable housing and /or commercial establishments, moving procedures, and moving aid. Moving expenses may be paid for you. Additional monetary compensation is available to help homeowners cope with mortgage increases, increased value of comparable homes, closing costs, etd. A similar program is available to assist business owners. The Right of Way Agent can explain this assistance in greater detail. NOTE: PAMPHLETS SUMMARIZING RIGHT OF WAY AND RELOCATION PROCEDURES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SIGN IN TABLE. �i ©�� • . - 1 � V I , 1 n �:�..14 rte i.. -..�. i ..MV �- sOUiMilril MnIES COW*/$1 . �. � � •o., l 4. IK•\ � _� 'fir• — _'• 71U..1 N. � r 1 �_(•.,'�.-; . - ',� ; 1 14,x' ;l, r l' - 1 � V I , 1 n �:�..14 rte NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PROJECT DEVELOPMENT—AND . ENvIRONMENfAL ANALYSIS BRANCH Pinehurst NC 211 from NC 73 in West End to east of SR 1208 in Pinehurst Moore County TIP Project No. R-2812 FIGURE I �P sOUiMilril MnIES �- •o 4. IK•\ � .. .- 'fir• — _'• 71U..1 N. � r 1 �_(•.,'�.-; . - ',� ; 1 14,x' ;l, ftwAsw NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PROJECT DEVELOPMENT—AND . ENvIRONMENfAL ANALYSIS BRANCH Pinehurst NC 211 from NC 73 in West End to east of SR 1208 in Pinehurst Moore County TIP Project No. R-2812 FIGURE I �P NC 211 NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION i DMSION 'OF HIGHWAYS PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ' ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BRANCH PmeAursk NC 211 fi m NC 73 in Wed Sad t4 wat of SR 1208 m Pin&W t 71P Prrojeje N R ;nl2 FIGURE 2. GROWD I [ - 1, V ; NC 211 q- rat �xrsra9arwp F TRANSPORTATION O�ARTMlNf O of sRANSFOIirAnorl ANUMN OF HKWWAVS . PROJECT DWILOMAlNT AND BNNIRONAA NTAL ANALYSIS BRANCH Plnch&st NC 2115vm NC 73 in West End - to east of SR 1208 in Pinchuist TIP A+aject NNcR -2812 FIGURE 2 ' GI NORM - ROUNA D[FAIMMRR oe OF 1RANSPORTAUM WASION OF-M;HWAYS FROA= DrAMAWEW AND &MROIM EWAL ANALYSIS BRANCH Pik NC 211 -from NC 73 in west End to east of SR 1208 in Piaahumt Moore County TIP Project No. R -2812 FIGURE 2 COMMENT SHEET NC 211 from NC 73 in West End to the Traffic Circle in Pinehurst Combined Public Hearing — April 10, 2006 TIP Project No. R -2812 Moore County Project 34504.1.1 NAME: ADDRESS: COMMENTS AND/OR QUESTIONS: (Please include your thoughts about the curb and gutter option and the shoulder option along with your comments and questions.) Comments must be received by April 28th, 2006. Send comments to: .Ed Lewis; Senior Public Involvement Officer Human Environment Unit N. C. Department Of Transportation 1583 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699 -1583 Telephone: (919) 715 -1593 FAX: (919) 7'15 =1501 - email: etewis@dot.state.nc.us -- 4 APPENDIX C NEPA / Merger Team 3 and 4A Packets with signed concurrence forms TIP Project No. R -2812 North Carolina Department of Transportation Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch I10RTII L,� Q� 90 M� O F TF1 Pinehurst, Moore County Widen NC 211 From NC 73 in West End to the traffic circle in Pinehurst TIP PROJECT R -2812 CONCURRENCE POINTS 3 AND 4A October 26, 2006 Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative (LEDPA)/Preferred Alternative Selection Concurrence Point 3 and Avoidance and Minimization Concurrence Point 4A Meeting Purpose of Today's Meeting The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the proposed alternatives and to select the LEAPA/Preferred Alternative. Moreover, if time permits, we will discuss avoidance and minimization efforts, Concurrence Point 4A. Formal concurrence on Concurrence Point Three and possibly Concurrence Point 4A will be requested upon conclusion of this meeting; this will be accomplished by the signing of the concurrence form. Purpose of Protect The purpose of the proposed project is to improve the.level of safety along NC 211 and to improve the traffic carrying capacity to meet the needs of existing and anticipated development in the project area. Project Description The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes to widen NC 211 from NC 73 in West End to the traffic circle in Pinehurst, Moore..County. Two different cross sections are proposed; a four -lane divided curb and gutter section -and a four -lane divided shoulder section. Both cross sections will have a raised median with median breaks at,niajor intersecting roads. The project is 7.2 miles in length. The project location is shown on the attached map Praiect Status Matrix Activit . Date Completed Scoping Meeting October 1, 1998. . Concurrence Point One Au ust 9, 2001 Citizens Informational Workshop. January 30, 2002 Concurrence Point Two Aril 11, 2002 2 Id Concurrence Point Two Meeting December 11, 2002 Concurrence Point 2A Waived per Merger Team recommendation on May 26, 2004 Public Hearing I Aril 10, 2006 Concurrence Point Three i October 26, 2006 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED One alignment alternative for the widening of NC 211 was carried forward in the EA,. the "Best -fit" Alternative. This alternative proposes to widen NC 211 to a multilane facility from NC 73 in West End to the traffic circle in Pinehurst and utilizes a combination of north side, south side, and symmetrical widening in order to avoid and minimize impacts to the existing natural and human environments. Four wetland areas along existing NC 211 in the vicinity of the project were identified. In the area of these four wetlands, NCDOT studied four widening alternatives for each wetland area; Symmetrical widening, North -side widening, South -side widening, and a "Best -fit" widening al- ternative. Wetland impacts and property impacts were calculated for each alignment alternative. The alignment alternatives and their associated impacts at each wetland were reviewed by the eravironmental resource agencies and a recommended widening alternative was developed. The recommended widening alternative in the vicinity of each wetland was then incorporated into the one "Best -fit" alignment alternative. Alternative i (Best Fit) proposes to widen NC 211 symmetrically from the western terminus at NC 73 to approximately 175 feet east of the NC 211/NC 73 intersection. From this point," Alternative 1 proposes north side widening of NC 211 to its intersection with SR 1004 (Hoffman Road), a distance of" approximately 4450 feet. North side widening was chosen for this portion of NC 211 due to the close proximity of the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railroad, located immediately south of existing NC 211. East of SR 1004 (Hoffman Road), the widening transitions back to a symmetrical widening scheme for approximately 1850 feet. From this point to the NC 211 intersection with NC 5, the widening of NC 211 transitions between north side widening and south side widening to minimize impacts to existing properties, wetlands, and streams. From the NC 211/NC 5 intersection, the project proposes to widen NC 211 symmetrically to the intersection of NC 211 and SR 1208 .(Page Road). From SR 1208 (Page Road) to the eastern project terminus at the traffic circle in Pinehurst, the project proposes north side widening of NC 211 to minimize impacts to existing residential properties located on the south side, immediately adjacent to NC 211. The Village of Pinehurst requested a pedestrian tunnel. NCDOT will share in the cost of constructing this tunnel with the Village of Pinehurst. Typical Section Alternatives Two typical section alternatives were studied for the proposed project; a four -lane median divided facility with curb and gutter, and a four -lane median divided facility with grass shoulders. The typical section alternative, which includes curb and gutter, will require approximately 100 feet of right of way; the grass shoulder alternative will require 150 feet of right of way. Temporary construction easements of both sides of the project may be required. Permanent drainage easements may be required ins some areas along the proposed project. Sidewalks have been requested by the Village of Pinehurst. Table 1. Anticipated Impacts for Alternatives Category Curb and Gutter (Alt. #1) Grass Shoulder (Alt. #2) Length 7.2 Wailes 7.2 miles Wetlands 1.00 acre�t2ra _ P x Stream 353 feet ** �'� r 2� fi.. ,, Noise Receptors 14 14 Hazardous Material Sites 14* 14* Prime Agricultural Lands 0 0 Forest 12.2 acre 12.2 acre Protected Species 1 * * * 1 Historic Properties 0 0 4 (f). Properties 0 0 Churches 0 0 Schools 0 0 E.J. Communities 0 0 Air Quality No No Critical Water Supplies No No Relocatees (Residents) 13 Relocatees (Businesses) 1 " *These UST's are potentially affected and will not necessarily be impacted by the proposed project * *Denotes a revision of the wetland and.stream impacts since the completion of the environmental assessment. The revisions are a result of reviewing the latest proposed "curb and gutter" and "shoulder" section designs. ** *The US Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that the project "May affect but is not likely to affect" the red cockaded woodpecker Table 2. Preliminary Hydraulic Design for Stream Crossing of US 21 a+ i"_ Fri d�fi p - ?f,� -�, s 7.�; i� a x :x r -. �rossin =x i� rirurlittr x� EPlro bSeutre pgY�. +F' 1.f� s. -i i5i .`i `R � ' ' l.' i t 1� , �# it sN�c 1 Joe's Fork RCBC w/ 72" CSP extension Remove extension and retain and extend existing RCBC 2 Tributary of Joe's RCBC wl CSSPA extension Remove extension and retain and Fork extend existin RCBC RC1BC Reinforced Concrete Box Culvert CSP Corrugated Steel-Pipe CSSPA Corrugated Structural Steel Plate Arch Table 3. Potential Stream Impacts Joe's Fork 100 ft 38 ft 121 ft 50.00 ft - L- Sta.245 +00 Trib. to Joe's Fork 149 ft 181 ft (-L-Sta. 269 +00) Board Branch 19 ft 48 ft 47 ft (- L -Sta. 340 +00) Table 4. Potential Wetland Impacts Wetland 1 - L- Sta.245 +00 0.34 acres 0.15 acres 0.45 acres 0.22 acres Wetland 2 (-L-Sta. 269 +00) 0.26 acres 0.27 acres Wetland 3 (- L -Sta. 277 +00) 1 0A8 acres 0.08 acres Wetland 4 (- L -Sta. 340 +00) 0.12 acres 0.14 acres 0.08 acres 0.01 acres Wetland Description Four wetlands are found in the project study area. Three of these four wetlands are adjacent to small streams and are classified as streamhead pocosin. These wetlands may also fit the description of `coastal plain small stream swamp variant,' which. is found geographically downstream of streamhead pocosin communities as streams become larger. The coastal plain small stream swamp variant as represented by Schafale and Weakley (1990) describes streams draining from streamhead powsins that are characterized by exhibiting an abundance of dense pocosin shrubs with a canopy comprised of predominately Nyssa biflora and Acer rubrum. Doninant species in the wetlands include swamp black gum (Nyssa biflora) and red maple (Acer rubrum) with tulip poplar and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) on slightly higher ground. Pond pine (Pinus serotina) is also commonly found in these wet areas. Shrubs such as `ti -ti (Cyrilla racemiflora), sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), horse sugar (Symplocos tinctoria), fetter -bush (Lyonia lucida), blueberry, bayberry (Myrica heterophylla), chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia), possum haw (Viburnum nudum) and the woody herb, giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea) were characteristic of these systems. Other wetland herbs such as rushes (Juncus spp.), cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), royal fern (Osmunda regalis), netted chain fern (Woodwardia areolata), nodding ladies' tresses (Spiranthes cernua) and the vine, laurel- leaved greenbrier (Smilax laurifolia) occurred throughout the wetland. When standing water was present, emergent herbs such as golden club (Orontium aquaticum) and arrow -arum (Peltandra virginica) flourished. Wetland 1 —The majority of Wetland -1 occurs on'the south:side of NC 211 and is intact and relatively undisturbed: To the north is a pond, .(and adjacent wetland) created by the damming of Joe's Fork. Wetland 2 -- South of NC 211, an unnamed tributary to Joe's Fork originates from an upstream lake. Wetland -2 is associated with this tributary and this wetland occurs on both sides of NC 211. Hydrology in this wetland (south side) is likely supplemented by.groundwater seeps as the wetland boundary extends far uphill from the tributary. Evergreen shrubs, typical of sireamhead pocosins, are found here .along with poison sumac. North of NC 211, the tributary and adjacent wetland are heavily impacted with sediment, perhaps °due to' construction of a water line and fill from- a newly constructed and abandoned apartment dwelling. Wetland 3 — This wetland, located north of NC 211, is created by a partially blocked pipe seeping to the north side of the road. This wetland contains. many of the species listed above with the addition of poison sum_ ac (Rhus vernix). This wetland -is contiguous to a small pond situated close to the road. Wetland 4 - Board Branch is braided and meandering, south of NC 211 and is'more characteristic of a wetland than a stream. Board Branch is contiguous with Wetland -4 and this wetland contains, an abundance of Chinese privet, an invasive species. The emergent macrophyte, arrow -arum, is found throughout the wetland. in standing water. Stream Descri to ions Three streams are crossed by NC 211 and would be affected by the highway widening. All streams are located in the Cape Fear Basin in subbasin 14 (03- 06-14). The three streams in the project study area include Joe's Fork (Index No. 18- 23 -3 -1), which is associated with Wetland -1, an unnamed tributary to Joe's Fork associated with Wetland -2, and Board Branch (Index No. 18- 23 -3 -1- 1) which is associated with Wetland -4. Board Branch is also referred to as McLeod Branch and Broad Branch on some maps. All streams on the project empty into Joe's Fork. North of the project study area, the unnamed tributary flows -for less than 0.5 mile before reaching Joe's Fork, and Board Branch flows a little over a mile before reaching Joe's Fork, Joe's Fork then flows into Nicks Creek which joins the Little River, and eventually empties into the Cape Fear River. B est Usa a Classification The NC Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ) assigns streams a best usage classification. The three streams on this project carry the Classification of WS III .(NCDENR 2002). The cl assification of WS III refers to those waters protected as water supplies that are generally in low to moderately developed watersheds. Local programs to control non -point source and stormwater pollution are required. Water Supply III waters are also suitable for all Class C uses, such as aquatic lifepropagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation and agriculture. Joe's Fork - Joe's Fork is 4 ft wide with fast - flowing clear water, 9 to 24 inches depth. Stream substrate was sandy with abundant woody debris. Unnamed tributary to Joe's Fork - South of NC 211, this unnamed tributary to Joe's Fork originates from an.upstream lake. This stream (Ut -1). is 5.0 ft wide and up to 1 ft deep, with clear water and fairly swift flow. North of NC 211, this tributary and adjacent wetland are heavily impacted with sediment, perhaps due to. construction of a water line and fill from a newly constructed and abandoned apartment dwelling. Board Branch - Board Branch is braided and meandering, south of NC 211 and is more characteristic of a wetland than a stream, Board Branch is contiguous with Wetland -4. This stream has a more defined channel as it approaches NC 2I1 and flows under the road to.the north. It then appears channelized and flows through a powerline ROW before entering woods. Board Branch is approximately 5.0 ft wide and up to 18 in deep. Proiect Schedule/Cost Improvements to NC 211 are federally funded. This project is included in NCDOT's latest approved Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Right of way acquisition is scheduled in the 2006 -2012 TLP for federal fiscal year 2007 and construction is scheduled to begin in federal fiscal year 2009. Minimization Minimization efforts have taken place continually throughout the planning process. NCDOT studied various widening scenarios that achieved the purpose of the proposed project and minimized impacts to the environment. NCDOT developed the "Best Fit" alignment with the Merger Team in order to minimize. impacts to the human and natural environment. The Merger Team reviewed the preliminary' plans on December 11, 2002 and concurred that the "Best Fit alternative was the preferred. Other minimization to date: - Leave current drainage structures in place and accommodate widening by extending the two existing culverts -The NCDOT preferred alternative would use a curb and gutter typical section for a portion of the project which narrows the project footprint. -The NCDOT preferred alternative would reduce the typical section by using the curb and gutter instead of a shoulder section along a portion of the project. - Steeper fill slopes (2:1) were used along the curb and gutter section, reducing the project footprint. -A 23 -foot raised island, the narrowest acceptable median width, is recommended. This median w idth will reduce the project's footprint. N CDOT Preferred Alternative NCDOT prefers an alternative that is a combination of Alternatives 1 and 2. From the Traffic Circle to Archie Road, NCDOT prefers Alternative 1, a 4 -lane divided facility with curb and gutter. The majority of this section of NC 211 is located within the Village of Pinehurst and is more urban in character than the rest of the project. The Village is interested in incorporating pedestrian and bicycle accommodations within their jurisdictional area. Pedestrian accommodations are more.easily provided along a curb and gutter facility. Also, the West Pine Middle School is located within this section, and Moore County has expressed interest in pedestrian.accommodations near the school. Additionally a curb and gutter facility dictates a slower speed limit (45 mph or less), that is in line with the Village's vision and promotes safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. The Village of Pinehurst and the Triangle 7 Council of Governments support a curb and gutter facility in this section of the-project. From Archie Road to NC 73, NCDOT prefers Alternative 2,4-lane divided facility with shoulders. This section of NC 211 is more rural in character with very little pedestrian and bicycle activity. The proposed speed limit along this section of NC 211 (50 mph) is more conducive to a shoulder section facility, and sidewalks are not anticipated to be part of the project's construction through this area. Potential environmental impacts with NCDOT's preferred alternative are similar to the impacts for the curb and gutter alternatives. Public Hearing Comments The Combined Public Hearing was held on April 10, 2006 at the West Pine Middle. School in Pinehurst. Approximately 115 citizens attended the public hearing. Public Hearing Maps showing both design alternatives detailing the proposed widening alignment, the construction limits; and existing: property lines for homes and businesses were available for the public's review. The majority of the comments received at hearing pertained to impacts to individual properties.. • Seven Lanes Civic Group recommended a shoulder section for the western end of the project for a higher posted speed limit. The group also wanted to shift the proposed alignment to the south from West End to the Westgate Commercial area. • Some business owners were concern that the proposed median would reduce access; therefore, hurting businesses. 1 .1 NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PROJECT. DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BRANCH Pinehurst NC 211 from NC 7' ) in West End to east of SR _1208 in Pinehurst Moore County TIP Project No. R -2812 I $� FIGURE i jo r SECTION 4041 NEPA Merger Project Team Meeting Agreement. Concurrence Point No. 3 — Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative (LEDPA) Proiect No./TIP No./Name/Description: State Project Number: 8.1560601 Federal Aid Number: STP- 211(5) TIP Number; R -2812 TIP Description: Widen NC 211 to a multilane facility from NC 73 in West End to the traffic circle in Pinehurst Recommended alternative: The "Best- fit" Alignment is a combination of Alternative 1 and Alternative 2. 4 A four -lane divided facility with curb and gutter will begin at the traffic circle in Pinehurst and will extend along existing NC 211 to terminate at SR 1291 (Archie Road) (Alternative 1). A four -lane divided facility with grass shoulders will begin at SR 1291 (Archie Road) and will extend alon existing NC 211 to the project terminus at NC 73 in West End (Alternative 2). The Project Team has concurred on this date of October 26. 2006 with the selection of the "Best Fit' as the Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative (LEDPA) for TIP Project No. R -2812 as stated above U. S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission N.C. Department of Cultural Resources N.C. DENR —DWQ Federal Highway Administration N. C. Department of Transporta.6on r� SECTION 404 I NEPA Merger Project Team Meeting Agreement Concurrence Point No. 4A — Avoidance and Minimization Project No./TIP No./Name/Description: State Project Number: 8.1560601 Federal Aid Number: STP- 211(5) TIP Number: R -2812 TIP Description: Widen NC 211 to a multilane facility from NC 73 in West End to the traffic circle in Pinehurst Avoidance and Minimization: Minimization efforts have taken place continually throughout the planning process. NCDOT studied various widening scenarios that achieved the purpose of the proposed project and minimized impacts to the environment. NCDOT developed the `Best Fit" alignment with the Merger Team in order to minimize impacts to the human and natural environment. The Merger Team reviewed the preliminary plans on December 11, 2002 and concurred that the "Best Fit" alternative was the preferred. See attached sheet for continued Avoidance and Minimization Efforts. The Project Team concurred on this date of October 26, 2006 with the avoidance and minimization measures for TIP Project No. R -2812 as stated above. U. S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission N.C. Department of Cultural Resources N.C. DENR —DWQ Federal Highway Administration N. C. Department of Transportation October 26, 2006 R -2812 Concurrence Point 4A— Avoidance and Minimization Efforts to date 1. -Leave current drainage structures in place and accommodate widening by extending the two existing culverts 2. -The NCDOT preferred alternative would use a curb and gutter typical section for a portion of the project which narrows the project footprint. 3. -The NCDOT preferred alternative would reduce the typical section by using the curb and gutter instead of a shoulder section along a portion of the project. 4. - Steeper fill slopes (2:1) were used along the curb and gutter section, reducing the project footprint. 5. -A 23 -foot raised island, the narrowest acceptable median width, is recommended. This median width will reduce the project's footprint. APPENDIX D NEPA / Mobile Source Air Toxics TIP Project No. R -2812 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MICHAEL F. EASLEY GOVERNOR June 5, 2007 MEMORANDUM TO: Elmo Vance Project Planing Engineer FROM: Bobby Dunn Traffic Noise/Air Quality Section SUBJECT: Air Quality Analysis for R -2812 NC 211 From NC 73in West End to SR 1208, Moore County, State Project # 8.1560601, F.A. Project # STP- 211(5) Mobile Source Air Toxics LYNDo TIPPETT SECRETARY In addition to the criteria air poIluta.nts for which there are National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), EPA also regulates air toxics. Most air toxics originate from human -made sources, including on -road mobile sources, non -road mobile sources (e.g., airplanes), area sources (e.g., dry cleaners) and stationary sources (e.g., factories or refineries). Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs) are a subset of the 188 air toxics defined by the Clean Air Act. The MSATs are compounds emitted from highway vehicles and non -road equipment. Some toxic compounds are present in fuel and are emitted to the air when the fuel evaporates or passes through the engine unburned. Other toxics are emitted from the incomplete combustion of fuels or as secondary combustion products. Metal air toxics also result from engine wear or from impurities in oil or gasoline. The EPA is the lead Federal Agency for administering the Clean Air Act and has certain responsibilities regarding the health effects of MSATs. The EPA issued a Final Rule on Controlling Emissions of Hazardous Air Pollutants from Mobile Sources in 66 FR 17229 (March 29, 2001). This rule was issued under the authority in Section 202 of the Clean Air Act. In its rule, EPA examined the impacts of existing and newly promulgated mobile source control programs, including its reformulated gasoline (RFG) program, its national low emission vehicle (NLEV) standards, its Tier 2 motor vehicle emissions standards and gasoline sulfur control requirements, and its proposed heavy duty engine and vehicle standards and on- highway diesel fuel sulfur control requirements. Between 2000 and 2020, FHWA projects that even with a 64 percent increase in VMT, these programs will reduce on- highway emissions of benzene, formaldehyde, 1,3- butadiene, and acetaldehyde by 57 percent to 65 percent, and will reduce on- highway diesel PM emissions by 87 percent, as shown in the following graph: MAILING ADDRESS: NC DEPARTWENTOFTRANsPORTATION OFFICE OF HUMAN ENVIRONMENT 1583 MAIL SERvicE CENTER RALEIGH NO 27899 -1583 TELEPHONE: 919- 715 4500 FAX: 919 -715 -1522 WEBsim wwwwcoonom LOCATION: PARKER LINCOLN BLDG 2728 CAPITAL BLvD RALEIGH NC 2 U.S. Annual Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) vs. Mobile Source Air Toxics Emissions, 2000 -2020 VMT (trillions /year) 6T ovuroeoc 01%. FOFMatle" (ON Ace falleWe (C%) 1,30etidkll em) AaDkle (43Y) 0 ( -ST%) vwr(46 Emissions (tonslyear) 200,000 100,000 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 Notes: For on -road mobile sources. Emissions factors were generated using MOBiLE6.2. MTBE proportion of market for oxygenates is held constant, at 50 %. Gasoline RVP and oxygenate content are held constant. VMT: Highway Statistics 2000, Table VM -2 for 2000, analysis assumes annual growth rate of 2.5 %. "DPM + DEOG" is based on MOBILE6.2- generated factors for elemental carbon, organic carbon and SO4 from diesel- powered vehicles, with the particle size cutoff set at 10.0 microns. As a result, EPA concluded that no further motor vehicle emissions standards or fuel standards were necessary to further control MSATs. The agency is preparing another rule under authority of CAA Section 202(l) that will address these issues and could adjust the full 21 and the primary 6 MSATs. Unavailable Information for Project Specific MSAT Impact Analysis This EA includes a basic analysis of the likely MSAT emission impacts of this project. However, available technical tools do not enable us to predict the project - specific health impacts of the emission changes associated with the alternatives in this EA. Due to these limitations, the following discussion is included in accordance with CEQ regulations (40 CFR 1502.22(b)) regarding incomplete or unavailable information: Information that is Unavailable or Incomplete: Evaluating the environmental and health impacts from MSATs on a proposed highway project would involve several key elements, including emissions modeling, dispersion modeling in order to estimate ambient concentrations resulting from the estimated emissions, exposure modeling in order to estimate human exposure to the estimated concentrations, and then final determination of health impacts based on the estimated exposure. Each of these steps is encumbered by technical shortcomings or uncertain science that prevents a more complete determination of the MSAT health impacts of this project. Emissions: The EPA tools to estimate MSAT emissions from motor vehicles are not sensitive to key variables determining emissions of MSATs in the context of highway projects. While MOBILE 6.2 is used to predict emissions at a regional level, it has limited applicability at the project level. MOBILE 6.2 is a trip -based model -- emission factors are projected based on a typical trip of 7.5 miles, and on average speeds for this typical trip. This means that MOBILE 6.2 does not have the ability to predict emission factors for a 3 specific vehicle operating condition at a specific location at a specific time. Because of this limitation, MOBILE 6.2 can only approximate the operating speeds and levels of congestion likely to be present on the largest -scale projects, and cannot adequately capture emissions effects of smaller projects. For particulate matter, the model results are not sensitive to average trip speed, although the other MSAT emission rates do change with changes in trip speed. Also, the emissions rates used in MOBILE 6.2 for both particulate matter and MSATs are based on a limited number of tests of mostly older- technology vehicles. Lastly, in its discussions of PM under the conformity rule, EPA has identified problems with MOBILE6.2 as an obstacle to quantitative analysis. These deficiencies compromise the capability of MOBILE 6.2 to estimate MSAT emissions. MOBILE6.2 is an adequate tool for projecting emissions trends, and performing relative analyses between alternatives for very large projects, but it is not sensitive enough to capture the effects of travel changes tied to smaller projects or to predict emissions near specific roadside locations. Dispersion: The tools to predict how MSATs disperse are also limited. The EPA's current regulatory models, CALINE3 and CAL3QHC, were developed and validated more than a decade ago for the purpose of predicting episodic concentrations of carbon monoxide to determine compliance with the NAAQS, The performance of dispersion models is more accurate for predicting maximum concentrations that can occur at some time at some location within a geographic area. This limitation makes it difficult to predict accurate exposure patterns at specific times at specific highway project locations across an urban area to assess potential health risk. The NCHRP is conducting research on best practices in applying models and other technical methods in the analysis of MSATs. This work also will focus on identifying appropriate methods of documenting and communicating MSAT impacts in the NEPA process and to the general public. Along with these general limitations of dispersion models, FHWA is also faced with a lack of monitoring data in most areas for use in establishing project - specific MSAT background concentrations. Exposure Levels and Health Effects: Finally, even if emission levels and concentrations of MSATs could be accurately predicted, shortcomings in current techniques for exposure assessment and risk analysis preclude us from reaching meaningful conclusions about project- specific health impacts. Exposure assessments are difficult because it is difficult to accurately calculate annual concentrations of MSATs near roadways, and to determine the portion of a year that people are actually exposed to those concentrations at a specific location. These difficulties are magnified for 70 -year cancer assessments, particularly because unsupportable assumptions would have to be made regarding changes in travel patterns and vehicle technology (which affects emissions rates) over a 70 -year period. There are also considerable uncertainties associated with the existing estimates of toxicity of the various MSATs, because of factors such as low - dose extrapolation and translation of occupational exposure data to the general population. Because of these shortcomings, any calculated difference in health impacts between alternatives is likely to be much smaller than the uncertainties associated with calculating the impacts. Consequently, the results of such assessments would not be useful to decision makers, who would need to weigh this information against other project impacts that are better suited for quantitative analysis. Summary of Existing Credible Scientific Evidence Relevant to Evaluating the Impacts of MSATs: Research into the health impacts of MSATs is ongoing. For different emission types, there are a variety of studies that show that some either are statistically associated with adverse health outcomes through epidemiological studies (frequently based on emissions levels found in occupational settings) or that animals demonstrate adverse health outcomes when exposed to large doses. Exposure to toxics has been a focus of a number of EPA efforts. Most notably, the agency conducted the National Aix Toxics Assessment (NATA) in 1996 to evaluate modeled estimates of human exposure applicable to the county level. While not intended for use as a measure of or benchmark for local exposure, the modeled estimates in the NATA database best illustrate the levels of various toxics when aggregated to a national or State level. The EPA is in the process of assessing the risks of various kinds of exposures to these pollutants. The EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) is a database of human health effects that may result from exposure to various substances found in the environment. The IRIS database is located at 4 http: / /www.epa.gov /iris. The following toxicity information for the six prioritized MSATs was taken from the IRIS database Weight of Evidence Characterization summaries. This information is taken verbatim from EPA's IRIS database and represents the Agency's most current evaluations of the potential hazards and toxicology of these chemicals or mixtures. Benzene is characterized as a known human carcinogen. The potential carcinogenicity of acrolein cannot be determined because the existing data are inadequate for an assessment of human carcinogenic potential for either the oral or inhalation route of exposure. Formaldehyde is a probable human carcinogen, based on limited evidence in humans, and sufficient evidence in animals. 1,3- butadiene is characterized as carcinogenic to humans by inhalation. Acetaldehyde is a probable human carcinogen based on increased incidence of nasal tumors in male and female rats and laryngeal tumors in male and female hamsters after inhalation exposure. Diesel exhaust (DE) is Iikely to be carcinogenic to humans by inhalation from environmental exposures. Diesel exhaust as reviewed in this document is the combination of diesel particulate matter and diesel exhaust organic gases. Diesel exhaust also represents chronic respiratory effects, possibly the primary noncancer hazard from MSATs. Prolonged exposures may impair pulmonary function and could produce symptoms, such as cough, phlegm, and chronic bronchitis. Exposure relationships have not been developed from these studies. There have been other studies that address MSAT health impacts in proximity to roadways. The Health Effects institute, a non - profit organization funded by EPA, FHWA, and industry, has undertaken a major series of studies to research near- roadway MSAT hot spots, the health implications of the entire mix of mobile source pollutants, and other topics. The final summary of the series is not expected for several years. Some recent studies have reported that proximity to roadways is related to adverse health outcomes -- particularly respiratory problems. Much of this research is not specific to MSATs, instead surveying the full spectrum of both criteria and other pollutants. The FHWA cannot evaluate the validity of these studies, but more importantly, they do not provide information that would be useful to alleviate the uncertainties listed above and enable us to perform a more comprehensive evaluation of the health impacts specific to this project. Relevance of Unavailable or Incomplete Information to Evaluating Reasonably Foreseeable Significant Adverse Impacts on the Environment, and Evaluation of impacts based upon theoretical approaches or research methods generally accepted in the scientific community: Because of the uncertainties outlined above, a quantitative assessment of the effects of air toxic emissions impacts on human health cannot be made at the project level. While available tools do allow us to reasonably predict relative emissions changes between alternatives for larger projects, the amount of MSAT emissions from each of the project alternatives and MSAT concentrations or exposures created by each of the project alternatives cannot be predicted with enough accuracy to be useful in estimating health impacts. (As noted above, the current emissions model is not capable of serving as a meaningful emissions analysis tool for smaller projects.) Therefore, the relevance of the unavailable or incomplete information is that it is not possible to make a determination of whether any of the alternatives would have "significant adverse impacts on the human environment." In this document, FHWA has provided a quantitative analysis of MSAT emissions relative to the various alternatives, (or a qualitative assessment, as applicable) and has acknowledged that (some, all, or identify by alternative) the project alternatives may result in increased exposure to MSAT emissions in certain locations, although the concentrations and duration of exposures are uncertain, and because of this uncertainty, the health effects from these emissions cannot be estimated. As discussed above, technical shortcomings of emissions and dispersion models and uncertain science with respect to health effects prevent meaningful or reliable estimates of MSAT emissions and effects of this project. However, even though reliable methods do not exist to accurately estimate the health impacts of MSATs at the project level, it 5 is possible to qualitatively assess the levels of future MSAT emissions under the project. Although a qualitative analysis cannot identify and measure health impacts from MSATs, it can give a basis for identifying and comparing the potential differences among MSAT emissions -if any -from the various alternatives. The qualitative assessment presented below is derived in part from a study conducted by the FHWA entitled A Methodology for Evaluating Mobile Source Air Toxic Emissions Among Transportation Project Alternatives, found at: www. fhwa.dot. gov/ environment / airtoxic /msatcompare /msatemissions.htm For each alternative in the EA, the amount of MSATs emitted would be proportional to the vehicle miles traveled, or VMT, assuming that other variables such as fleet mix are the same for each alternative. The VMT estimated for each of the Build Alternatives is slightly higher than that for the No Build Alternative, because the additional capacity increases the efficiency of the roadway and attracts rerouted trips from elsewhere in the transportation network. This increase in VMT will lead to higher MSAT emissions for the preferred alternative along the highway corridor, along with a corresponding decrease in MSAT emissions along parallel routes.. The emissions increase is offset somewhat by lower MSAT emission rates due to increased speeds; according to EPA's MOBIL,E6 emissions model, emissions of all of the priority MSATs, except for diesel particulate matter, decrease as speed increases. The extent to which these speed - related emissions decreases will offset VMT- related emissions increases cannot be reliably projected due to the inherent deficiencies of technical models. Because the estimated VMT under each of the Alternatives presented in the EA are nearly the same, it is expected there would be no appreciable difference in overall MSAT emissions among the various alternatives. Also, regardless of the alternative chosen, emissions will likely be lower than present levels in the design year as a result of EPA's national control programs that are projected to reduce MSAT emissions by 57 to 87 percent between 2000 and 2020. Local conditions may differ from these national projections in terms of fleet mix and turnover, VMT growth rates, and local control measures. However, the magnitude of the EPA - projected reductions is so great (even after accounting for VMT growth) that MSAT emissions in the study area are likely to be lower in the future in nearly all cases. The additional travel lanes contemplated as part of the project alternatives will have the effect of moving some traffic closer to nearby homes, schools and businesses; therefore, under each alternative there may be localized areas where ambient concentrations of MSAT could be higher under certain Build Alternatives than the No Build Alternative. The localized increases in MSAT concentrations would likely be most pronounced along NC 211, From NC 73in West End to SR 1208 in Pinehurst. However, as discussed above, the magnitude and the duration of these potential increases compared to the No -build alternative cannot be accurately quantified due to the inherent deficiencies of current models. In sum, when a highway is widened and, as a result, moves closer to receptors, the localized level of MSAT emissions for the Build Alternative could be higher relative to the No Build Alternative, but this could be offset due to increases in speeds and reductions in congestion (which are associated with lower MSAT emissions). Also, MSATs will be lower in other locations when traffic shifts away from them. However, on a regional basis, EPA's vehicle and fuel regulations, coupled with fleet turnover will, over time, cause substantial reductions that, in almost all cases, will cause region -wide MSAT levels to be significantly lower than today. During construction of the proposed project, all materials resulting from clearing and grubbing, demolition or other operations will be removed from the project, burned or otherwise disposed of by the Contractor. Any burning done will be done in accordance with applicable local laws and ordinances and regulations of the North Carolina SIP for air quality in compliance with 15 NCAC 2D.0520. Care will be taken to insure burning will be done at the greatest distance practical from dwellings and not when atmospheric conditions are such as to create a hazard to the public. Burning will be performed under constant surveillance. Also during construction, measures will be taken to reduce the dust generated by construction when the control of dust is necessary for the protection and comfort of motorists or area residents. This evaluation completes the assessment requirements for air quality of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments and the NEPA process, and no additional reports are necessary. ` South Coast Air Quality Management District, Multiple Air Toxic Exposure Study -II (2000); Highway Health Hazards, The Sierra Club (2004) summarizing 24 Studies on the relationship between health and air quality); NEPA's Uncertainty in the Federal Legal Scheme Controlling Air Pollution from Motor Vehicles, Environmental Law Institute, 35 ELR 10273 (2005) with health studies cited therein.