20080309 Ver 1_Other Agency Comments_20080215

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MEMORANDUM
TO: Monte Mathews, USACOE
Raleigh Regulatory Field Office
FROM: Ron Linville, Regional Coordinator /'~
Habitat Conservation Program
DATE: February 15, 2008
SUBJECT: SR1301, Noah Hayes Road, Unnamed Tributaries Mitchell River, Surry County
North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to improve and pave the
referenced road. Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission are familiar
with habitat values in the area. These comments are provided in accordance with the provisions
of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d) and
the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (G.S. 113A-1 through 113A-10; NCAC 25).
The project is indicated to impact 121 linear feet of stream due to piping and riprap stabilization.
Temporary dewatering will be accomplished so that portions of the work can be done in the dry.
Bedrock at station 31 + 21 may preclude proper pipe burial.
No significant environmental impacts are indicated for the work area; however, streams in the
area support warm water fisheries. Downstream, the Mitchell River is a Significant Natural
heritage Area (# 2181) that supports Brook floater, Alasmidonta varicosa (NCE/FSC). The
Four-toed salamander, Hemidactylium scutatum (NCSC), and the Bog turtle, Glyptemys
muhlenbergii (NCT, FT S/A) are known for Surry County.
Based on our review of the submittal, we will not object to the project providing the following
conditions are implemented:
1. To the extent practicable, culverts 48" or larger should be buried a foot into the
streambed. Culverts less than 48 inches in diameter should be buried to a depth equal
to or greater than 20% their size to allow for aquatic life passage. These
measurements must be based on natural thalweg depths. Aquatic life passage must be
assured during low flow or drought conditions. Riprap should not unnecessarily
interfere with aquatic life movement during low flows.
Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries 1721 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

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SR1301, Noah Hayes Road -Page 2 - February 15, 2008
2. Sediment and erosion control measures should adhere to the design standards for
sensitive watersheds (15A NCAC 4B .0124).
3. If any concrete will be used, work must be accomplished so that wet concrete does
not contact stream water.
4. Heavy equipment should be operated from the bank rather than in the stream channel
in order to minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other
pollutants into the stream.
5. Temporary or permanent native herbaceous vegetation should be established on all
bare soil within five (5) days of ground disturbing activities in the twenty-five (25)
foot trout buffer to provide long-term erosion control. We encourage use of fiber
matting. Onsite vegetation and materials may be used for stream bank stabilization
when practicable.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project during the early planning
stages. If you have any questions regarding these comments, please contact me at 336/769-9453.
E-copy: Amy Euliss, DWQ-WSRO
Heath Slaughter, NCDOT
Kathy Matthews, USEPA
Marla Chambers, NCWRC
Marella Buncick, USFWS
Sonya Gregory, DWQ-Raleigh