20080774 Ver 1_Scoping Comments_20050908

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MEMORANDUM
September 8, 2005
To: Mike Summers, Bridge Planning Unit, NC DOT j,?)
From: Brian L. Wrenn, NCDWQ, Transportation Permitting Uni'1-?`'" v
Subject: Scoping Comments for Proposed Widening of SR 1404 (Morganton Road) from Sycamore
Dairy Road to Glensford Drive in Cumberland County, TIP Project No. U-4756
This office has 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. A preliminary review of the project indicates that impacts may occur to
wetlands, streams, and other surface waters associated with:
Stream Name River Basin Stream Classification Stream Index Number
Buckhead Creek Cape Fear C 18-31-24-6
DWQ offers the following comments on the referenced documents:
Project Specific Comments:
1. Buckhead Creek are class C waters of the State. DWQ requests that the road be designed and
constructed according to Best Management Practices for the Protection of Surface Waters.
General Comments:
1. 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.
2. The 401 Water Quality Certification application will need to specifically address the proposed
methods for storm water management. More specifically, storm water should not be permitted to
discharge directly into streams or surface waters.
3. Where streams must be crossed, the DWQ prefers bridges be used in lieu of culverts. However,
we realize that economic considerations often require the use of culverts. Please be advised that
culverts should be countersunk to allow unimpeded passage by fish and other aquatic organisms.
Moreover, in areas where high quality wetlands or streams are impacted, a bridge may prove
preferable. When applicable, bridge bents should not be installed in the creek, to the maximum
extent practicable.
4. In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules 115A NCAC
2H.0506(b)(6)), mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 150 linear feet to any
single perennial stream and for impacts of greater than one acre to wetlands. 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 115A__
Transportation Permitting Unit
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699.1650
2321 Crabtree Boulevard, Suite 250, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Phone: [phone] / FAX [phone] / Internet: http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands
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
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer - 50% Recycled/10% Post Consumer Paper
NCAC 2H.0506 (h)(3) }, the NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program may be available for use as
stream mitigation.
5. For all bridges on the project, bridge deck drains should not discharge directly into the stream.
Storm water should be directed across the bridge and pre-treated through site-appropriate means
(grassed swales, pre-formed scour holes, vegetated buffers, etc.) before entering the stream.
Please refer to NCDOT Best Management Practices for the Protection of Surface Waters.
6. If foundation test borings are necessary; it should be noted in the document. Geotechnical work
is approved under General 401 Certification Number 3027/Nationwide Permit No. 6 for Survey
Activities.
7. Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands.
8. Borrow/waste areas should avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practicable. Impacts to
wetlands in borrow/waste areas could precipitate compensatory mitigation.
9. While the use of National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps and soil surveys is a useful office tool,
their inherent inaccuracies require that qualified personnel perform onsite wetland delineations
prior to permit approval.
DWQ appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on your project. Should you have any questions
or require any additional information, please contact Brian L. Wrenn at 919-733-5715.
cc: Richard Spencer, US ACE, Wilmington Field Office
Ken Averitte, DWQ, Fayetteville Regional Office
Travis Wilson, NC WRC
Gary Jordan, USFWS
Chris Militscher, USEPA
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