20081327 Ver 1_SR 1793 Upward RD_20061016

QUALITATIVE
INDIRECT AND
~ 2 f6'% CUMULATIVE EFFECTS
ASSESSMENT

TIP Project R-4430

SR 1793 / UPWARD RD WIDENING

Henderson County
North Carolina

PREPARED FOR:
North Carolina Department of
Transportation
Office of Human Environment

PREPARED BY:
HNT13 North Carolina, PC
343 East Six Forks Road
Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27609

October 16. 2006

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1

II. PROJECT DOCUMENTATION AND BACKGROUND 3
III. STUDY AREA BOUNDARIES (STEP 1) 4
IDENTIFICATION OF GROWTH IMPACT STUDY AREA 4
IDENTIFICATION OF DEMOGRAPHIC AREA 4
TIMEFRAME FOR ANALYSIS 5
IV. STUDY AREA DIRECTION AND GOALS (STEP 2) 5
REGIONAL INFLUENCES 5
DEMOGRAPHIC AND EMPLOYMENT TRENDS 6
EXISTING LAND USE 9
LAND USE PLANS AND ZONING ORDINANCES 10
TRANSPORTATION PLANS 13
ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS 13
V. INVENTORY OF NOTABLE FEATURES (STEP 3) .......................................17
INVENTORY OF NOTABLE FEATURES 17
VI. ACTIVITIES THAT CAUSE EFFECTS (STEP 4) ...........................................18

PREVIOUS REPORT CONCLUSIONS 18
DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY 19
VII. POTENTIAL INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS FOR ANALYSIS
(STEP 5) ..................................................................................................................19
VIII. INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS (STEP 6) 21
POTENTIAL FOR LAND USE CHANGE 21

IX. ANALYSIS RESULTS (STEP 7) 23
INDIRECT EFFECTS 23
CUMULATIVE EFFECTS 24
X. BIBLIOGRAPHY ..................................................................................................26
XI. APPENDIX .............................................................................................................28

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006

North Carolina Department of Transportation
Office of Human Environment

Draft Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects (ICE)
TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to widen SR 1793
(Upward Road) to a multi-lane facility from US 176 to SR 1006 (Howard Gap Road) in
Henderson County, North Carolina. This 2.7-mile project will also include the
rehabilitation and widening of the bridge at the existing I-26 interchange, and the
replacement of a bridge at Bat Fork Creek. The purpose of the project is to improve
capacity, traffic flow and safety on Upward Road. This project, R-4430, is included in
the 2006-2012 North Carolina Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and the
2007-2013 Draft TIP, with construction scheduled to begin in Federal Fiscal Year 2009.
See Figure 1 for the project location.
Existing Conditions

• Henderson County is located in Southwestern North Carolina, between the Blue
Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains. It's approximately 20 miles south
of Asheville, the largest city in the western part of the State (Study Area Direction
and Goals - Page 5).
• The Blue Ridge Township, which includes the eastern half of the project study area,
grew by more than 45% between 1990 and 2000, and is one of the fastest growing
townships in Henderson County (Study Area Direction and Goals - Page 7).
• Overall, between 1990 and 2004, Henderson County experienced substantially higher
employment growth (37.5%) than the State (22.4%). This is atypical of other
communities throughout western North Carolina, which have experienced very
sluggish economic growth in recent years (Study Area Direction and Goals - Page 8).
• The "Future Land Use" map (included in the 2020 Comprehensive Plan) shows three
distinct levels of development in Henderson County: the Urban Services Area, the
Rural/Urban Transition Area, and the Rural/Agricultural Area. The entire project
corridor and much of the land west of I-26 is located in the Urban Services Area,
where residential densities are maximized due to the availability of water and sewer
services. The area just east of Howard Gap Road and north/west of Upward Road is a
Rural/Urban Transition Area, with average residential densities of five or less acres
per dwelling unit. This area does not currently have water and sewer services, but it
is expected to undergo extensive development between now and 2020. The
Rural/Agricultural Area to the south/east of Upward has average residential densities
of five or more acres per dwelling unit, and encompasses valuable farmlands and
sensitive natural areas (Study Area Direction and Goals - Page 10).

I

N T B TIP Pro ndi , Henderson County
Indirect ec•[ and C C'u mudativ lutire EJ(ecb~
October 16, 2006
/ FIGURE 1 - ALIGNMENT
& OTHER TIP PROJECTS
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N1111111 TIP PROJECT R-505
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TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006

• The "Future Land Use" map also shows proposed Community Service Centers at the
intersections of Upward Road and US 176,1-26 and Howard Gap Road (Study Area
Direction and Goals -Page 10).
• The majority of the County, and much of the land east of I-26, is currently zoned
Open Use (OU). Permitted uses include anything except hazardous waste disposal
facilities, radioactive waste disposal facilities, and adult establishments; however,
certain uses are regulated so as to ensure that neighborhood impacts are limited.
County planners indicated that lot sizes are not regulated in the OU District (Study
Area Direction and Goals - Page 11).
• There are no water supply watersheds within the Growth Impact Study Area for TIP
Project R-4430 (Study Area Direction and Goals - Page 15).
• Although Henderson County is currently developing a stormwater program, its
existing subdivision ordinance sets minimum standards for stormwater drainage
facilities. The City of Hendersonville requires stormwater management plans for
certain development and also restricts stormwater runoff rates. The Village of Flat
Rock has a public awareness program for stormwater management (Study Area
Direction and Goals - Page 15).
• The Mud Creek watershed restoration plan, which encompasses much of the area
around the project, requires stormwater drainage facilities for new development and
limits stormwater runoff rates (Study Area Direction and Goals - Page 15).
• Henderson County's subdivision ordinance indicates that structures must be built 30
feet from the edge of any blue line streams as indicated on USGS maps. The City of
Hendersonville requires a 50-foot buffer on both sides of blue line streams identified
on USGS maps. The Village of Flat Rock requires a riparian buffer along the border
of lakes, designated wetlands, and both sides of perennial streams. The required
buffer width ranges from 10 to 50 feet (Study Area Direction and Goals - Page 15).
• Henderson County regulates development within the foodplain/floodway by requiring
minimum first floor elevations, floodproofing and minimum setbacks from streams.
The City of Hendersonville has similar requirements. The Village of Flat Rock also
restricts construction, with some exceptions, in the floodplain (Study Area Direction
and Goals - Page 16).
• The Division of Water Quality's Draft 2006 303(d) List includes Bat Fork Creek,
which intersects Upward Road just west of I-26, Devils Fork Creek and Mud Creek.
All three creeks have impaired biological integrity (Study Area Direction and Goals -
Page 17).
• The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission identifies the Green River and
several lakes and ponds along Meninger Creek and King Creek as Wild Trout Waters.
In addition, the DWQ lists several tributaries of the Green River as trout waters.
These waters are located within the project study area, and require 25 foot buffers
(Study Area Direction and Goals - Page 17).
Potential Indirect and Cumulative Effects
• Six federally protected species may be found in the GISA, including the Small
Whorled Pogonia, Bunched Arrowhead, Mountain Sweet Pitcher Plant, Swamp Pink,
2

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006

White Irisette, and the Bog Turtle. Two additional federally protected species (the
Appalachian elktoe and the Oyster mussel) are identified in the Environmental
Assessment (EA) for TIP Project R-4430. The EA indicates that the Bunched
Arrowhead may be affected by the project. (Inventory of Notable Features - Page
18).
• Based on proximity to the largest urban center in western North Carolina and I-26,
and the availability of water and sewer service, TIP Project R-4430 has potential to
stimulate complementary land development. However, given the fact that this is only
a widening of an existing road and residential and commercial growth is already
occurring, it is likely that the project will mostly help to accelerate the trend
(Potential Indirect and Cumulative Effects for Analysis - Page 21).
• Much of the land that is outside of Hendersonville, and not directly adjacent to the
corridor, does not currently have water or sewer service. However, almost all of the
project study area is within the Mud Creek Sewer Service Area, which could be
serviced by sewer in the future (Indirect and Cumulative Effects - Page 23).
• TIP Project R-4430 has some potential to induce land use changes and/or accelerate
residential and non-residential growth in the area. However, much of the growth
associated with the Upward Road corridor is due to numerous factors, not just the
transportation network. (Analysis Results - Page 23).
• In 2003, a watershed restoration plan was developed for the Mud Creek Watershed,
which encompasses almost all of the project study area. This plan included several local
water quality initiatives, such as stormwater regulations and stream buffers. These
water quality protection measures should help minimize any effects caused by TIP
Project R-4430 (Analysis Results - Page 24).
II. PROJECT DOCUMENTATION AND BACKGROUND

As part of TIP Project R-4430, the NCDOT proposes to widen Upward Road (between
US 176 and Howard Gap Road) from a two-lane roadway to a multi-lane facility. The
NCDOT owns approximately 60 feet of right-of-way along Upward Road, but the
modified roadway will likely require a minimum of 100 feet of right-of-way. Right-of-
way acquisition is scheduled to be in federal fiscal year 2007, mitigation in federal fiscal
year 2008, and construction is scheduled to begin in federal fiscal year 2009.

The "preferred" alternative, as designated in the 2004 Environmental Assessment (EA),
was a four-lane, curb and gutter section with a raised median between US 176 and SR
1804 (Crest Road), and a three-lane shoulder section between Crest Road and Howard
Gap Road. Based on citizen comments, the NCDOT revised the "preferred" alternative.
The 2005 Finding of No Significant Impact report indicates that NCDOT is now
recommending a four-lane divided facility along the entire length of the project corridor.
Outside lanes are expected to be 14-feet wide to accommodate bicycles.
This 2.7-mile project will also include the rehabilitation and widening of the existing
bridge at I-26, and the replacement of a bridge at Bat Fork Creek. The NCDOT would
like to symmetrically widen the bridge over I-26 to carry six lanes of traffic, and a new

3

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County

Alp Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006
five-lane bridge is recommended over Bat Fork Creek. As indicated in the EA, the
primary purpose of the project is to improve capacity, traffic flow and safety on Upward
Road.

III. STUDY AREA BOUNDARIES (STEP 1)

Identification of Growth Impact Study Area

The North Carolina DOT's and North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural
Resources' (DENR) Guidance for Assessing Indirect and Cumulative Impacts of
Transportation Projects in North Carolina indicates that the development effects of a
new or improved roadway facility are most often found up to one mile around an
interchange, and up to two to five miles along major feeder roadways to the interchange.
Based upon these assumptions, and the fact that TIP Project R-4430 is a widening of an
existing facility, it was determined that the potential for growth impacts would be
confined to a two-mile radius of the project alignment (see Figure 2). Based on
professional judgment, this area was deemed sufficient to encompass the majority of
potential indirect and cumulative effects resulting from TIP Project R-4430.
This two-mile radius, referred to as the Growth Impact Study Area (GISA), is the area
within which the project has the potential to induce land use changes, and will determine
the data collection and analysis area, but will not necessarily be the extent of the growth
impact that is expected to occur. More specific areas within the GISA that are most
likely to experience land use changes as a result of the roadway improvements will be
identified later in this report.

Identification of Demographic Area

TIP Project R-4430 is located in Henderson County, North Carolina. A Demographic
Area was delineated in order to analyze the population growth trends for the area
encompassing the GISA (see Figure 2). This area is generally bounded by the following:
US 64 and Sugarloaf Road to the north; the Henderson/Polk County boundary to the east;
the Green River and Pinnacle Mountain Road to the south; and Mud Creek to the west.

The following Tracts and Block Groups from the 2000 Census are included in the
Demographic Area for TIP Project R-4430:
• Census Tract 9902, Block Group 3
• Census Tract 9903, Block Groups 2 & 3

• Census Tract 9910, Block Group 3
• Census Tract 9913, Block Groups 1 & 2
• Census Tract 9914, Block Groups 1-3
• Census Tract 9915, Block Groups 1 & 2

4

NTB T/PProject di and Henderiv County
APH Indirect ect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006
i FIGURE 2 - DEMOGRAPHIC AREA
& GROWTH IMPACT STUDY AREA
v ! aaacm TIP PROJECT R-4430
81 GISA
INTERSTATE
g oai Fd. /
US ROUTE
STATE ROUTE
rt C
CT 9903 BG 2
SECONDARY ROUTE
LOCAL ROADS
CT,9910 RAILROAD
r
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WATER BODIES
COUNTY BOUNDARY
~Ga~ CENSUS TRACT! BLOCK GROUP
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74 CT9903 BG`3 CT 9903 BG 2
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25 CT 990313G 3
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- HENDERSON COUNTY

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006

Timeframe for Analysis

According to the Guidance for Assessing Indirect and Cumulative Impacts of
Transportation Projects in North Carolina, the time frame for an analysis of indirect and
cumulative effects related to transportation projects should be short enough in duration to
anticipate reasonably foreseeable events, but should be long enough in duration to
capture the development and relocation effects that may only transpire over the course of
several business cycles. Most indirect/cumulative effects studies set a time horizon equal
to the planning design life of a project (from conception to completion), usually 20 to 25
years. This is also the time horizon used in most MPO and county-level planning
forecasts.

For the purposes of this study, we will evaluate indirect and cumulative effects that may
occur over the next 15 years. North Carolina provides population forecasts for the year
2020 and the Henderson County 2020 Comprehensive Plan is based on a vision for year
2020.
IV. STUDY AREA DIRECTION AND GOALS (STEP 2)

Regional Influences

Henderson County is located in Southwestern North Carolina, between the Blue Ridge
Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains. It is approximately 20 miles south of
Asheville, the largest city west of I-77 in the State.

Henderson County was first settled in the eighteenth century. The first source of revenue
for the people of Henderson County was agriculture, and this industry is still important
today. In fact, Henderson County is North Carolina's largest apple producer, and it is the
home of the annual North Carolina Apple Festival. This part of North Carolina has been
a popular destination for tourists for many decades, as they could escape the heat of the
lowlands, particularly during summer months. The current economy is still based on
agriculture and tourism, and there is also a strong manufacturing component as well.

y '3

f w

Looking West on Upward Road from
Upward Elementary
Apple Orchards on Upward Road
East of I-26

5

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006
Local planners indicated that the high growth area of Hendersonville is the US 64
corridor, with some scattered commercial development occurring along Upward Road
west of 1-26 and other corridors. Development in the unincorporated parts of the County
is fairly uniform, with no real high growth areas.

Demographic and Employment Trends

Unlike many other rural counties in North Carolina, Henderson County has experienced
considerable population growth over recent years. The Henderson County 2020
Comprehensive Plan indicates that Henderson County grew more rapidly than all of the
neighboring counties in North Carolina (Polk, Rutherford, Buncombe, Haywood and
Transylvania). This, in part, can be attributed to its proximity to Asheville and the high
quality of life afforded its residents. Table 1 shows population growth trends and
projections for the Demographic Area, Henderson County, and the State of North
Carolina. Between 1990 and 2000, the population growth rate of the Demographic Area
(34.8%) was greater than that of Henderson County (28.7%) and North Carolina (21.4%).
This trend is expected to continue, as Henderson County should grow as a slightly more
rapid pace between now and 2020 than will North Carolina. It's reasonable to assume
that the Demographic Area will grow at least as rapidly as the County, especially given
past growth rates and the amount of available land around Upward Road.
Table 1. Population Growth
Trends and Projections, 1980-2020

Demographic Henderson North
Area Conn Carolina
Population:
* 1980 N/A 58,617 5,880,095
1990 12,440 69,285 6,628,637
Percentage Growth 1980-1990 N/A 18.2% 12.7%
2000 16,765 89,173 8,049,313

Percenta e Growth 1990-2000 34.8% 28.7% 21.4%
*Population Projections:
2010 N/A 106,595 9,315,141
Percentage Growth 2000-2010 N/A 19.5% 15.7%

2020 N/A 124,517 10,682,217
Percentage Growth 2010-2020 N/A 16.80/( 14.7%
Source: US Census Bureau and *North Carolina State Data Center (Accessed 10/21/05)

US Census Bureau data suggest that populations in both Hendersonville and Flat Rock
(which incorporated in the 1990s) grew more than 40% between 1990 and 2000.
Portions of these towns are located within the Demographic Area, potentially influencing
the relatively high population growth in the Demographic Area. The Henderson County
6

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County

Air ' Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006
2020 Comprehensive Plan shows that the Blue Ridge Township, which includes the
eastern half of the GISA or that part of the GISA east of I-26, grew by more than 45%
between 1990 and 2000, and is one of the fastest growing townships in the County.

The Employment Security Commission of North Carolina (NCESC) has data on
employment by industry sector (for County and State) for the years 1990 and later.
Between 1990 and 2004, employment in Henderson County grew by 37.5% overall, with
a net gain of approximately 9,790 jobs (see Table 2). While there was a loss of over 500
jobs in the manufacturing sector, this sector still includes approximately 20% of the total
employment in the County. On the other hand, the County gained more than 2,000 jobs
in the health care & social assistance sector, and several other industry sectors
experienced increases in employment of more than 1000 jobs, including agriculture, retail
trade, administrative & waste services, accommodation & food services and government.
Table 2. Employment by Sector Growth, Henderson Count

Em io yment Change, 4990-2004
Sector 1990 2004^ Difference %
A culture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting 589 1,117 528 89.6%
Mining N/A * N/A N/A
Utilities * 77 N/A N/A
Construction 1,694 2,456 762 45.0%
Manufacturing 7,386 6,877 -509 -6.9%
Wholesale Trade 592 763 171 28.9%
Retail Trade 3,852 4,910 1,058 27.5%
Transportation & Warehousing 854 583 -271 -31.7%
Information 384 338 -46 -12.0%
Finance & Insurance 578 754 176 30.4%
Real Estate/Rental & Leasing 239 359 120 50.2%
Professional & Technical Services 424 729 305 71.9%
Management of Companies/Enterprises 25 172 147 588.0%
Administrative & Waste Services 678 2,474 1,796 264.9%
Educational Services 162 278 116 71.6%
Health Care & Social Assistance 1,882 4,032 2,150 114.2%
Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation 331 511 180 54.4%
Accommodation & Food Services 2,016 3,358 1,342 66.6%
Other Services Other than Public Administration 753 1,019 266 35.3%
Public Administration N/A N/A N/A N/A
Govemment 3,692 5,191 1,499 40.6%
Unclassified N/A N/A N/A N/A
Total**: 26,131 35,921 9;790 37.5%
Source: NC Employment Security Commission (NCESC)
* - Indicates disclosure suppression; - Total does not include data for * sector; N/A - not applicable
^ - 2004 total does not include data for those sectors in which 1990 data was not disclosed

7

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006

According to data obtained from NCESC, the two largest employers in Henderson
County are the Henderson County Board of Public Education and the Margaret R. Pardee
Memorial Hospital, each with over 1,000 employees. Pinnacle Staffing, Inc.
(professional and business services), Mentor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC
(manufacturing), Henderson County, G.E. Lighting Systems (manufacturing), Wilsonart
International, Inc (manufacturing), Park Ridge Hospital, and Wal-Mart Associates, Inc all
had between 500 and 999 employees.

Overall, between 1990 and 2004, Henderson County experienced substantially higher
employment growth (37.5%) than the State (22.4%). This is atypical of other
communities throughout western North Carolina, which have experienced very sluggish
economic growth in recent years. Table 3 indicates the percentage of manufacturing jobs
lost throughout the State (29.4%) was more than the percentage lost in Henderson County
(6.9%), and the State experienced losses in the mining and utilities sectors also. But like
Henderson County, the largest gain in employment was in the health care & social
assistance sector (175,452 jobs).
Table 3. Employment by Sector Growth, North Carolina
Em to ment Chan e, 1990-2004
Sector 1990 2004^ Difference %
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting 21,827 30,709 8,882 40.7%
Mining 3,993 3,523 -470 -11.8%
Utilities 26,626 13,541 -13,085 -49.1%
Construction 166,733 219,234 52,501 31.5%
Manufacturing 820,239 579,449 -240,790 -29.4%
Wholesale Trade 139,697 167,724 28,027 20.1%
Retail Trade 377,026 436,180 59,154 15.7%
Transportation & Warehousing 82,772 111,226 28,454 34.4%
Information 57,615 72,603 14,988 26.0%
Finance & Insurance 102,412 140,657 38,245 37.3%
Real Estate/Rental & Leasing 32,488 48,055 15,567 47.9%
Professional & Technical Services 89,618 151,089 61,471 68.6%
Management of Companies/Enterprises 35,104 63,906 28,802 82.0%
Administrative & Waste Services 108,590 216,441 107,851 99.3%
Educational Services 22,091 48,631 26,540 120.1%
Health Care & Social Assistance 203,641 379,093 175,452 86.2%
Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation 27,952 45,802 17,850 63.9%
Accommodation & Food Services 205,943 304,283 98,340 47.8%
Other Services Other than Public Administration 77,172 97,457 20,285 26.3%
Public Administration * * N/A N/A
Government 476,906 636,988 160,082 33.6%
Unclassified * 11,814 N/A N/A
Total**: 3,078,445 3,766,591 688,146 22.4%
Source: NC Employment Security Commission (NCESC)
* - Indicates disclosure suppression; - Total does not include data for * sector; N/A - not applicable
^ - 2004 total does not include data for those sectors in which 1990 data was not disclosed
8

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006

Existing Land Use

Generally speaking, land use in the GISA is predominantly residential, agricultural or
undeveloped, with strip commercial uses along several key corridors (see Figure 3). The
intensity of residential development on the west side of 1-26 is greater than on the east
side, where there is more undeveloped land. The residential uses west of 1-26 are
concentrated along Crest Road, Old Spartanburg Road, and west of the railroad track that
runs parallel to US 176. Residential uses are scattered throughout the eastern half of the
GISA, along with agricultural uses and open space. There are several apple farms along
Upward Road and Howard Gap Road.
- - Commercial uses are concentrated at
the 1-26/Upward Road interchange
and along US 176. There are
institutional uses (schools) at either
end of the TIP Project corridor,
including East Henderson High
School, located just north of Upward
low- W
- Road near the intersection at Old
Spartanburg Road and Upward
Elementary, located at the eastern
terminus of the proposed project. A
Residential Uses on Upward Road West of I-26 large recreational area (Highland
Lake Golf Course) is located just
west of the intersection at US 176/Upward Road. Industrial uses are concentrated along
US 176, just north of the intersection at US 25 (in the southern part of the GISA), and
there are some other small industrial parcels near the I-26/Upward Road interchange and
near Howard Gap Road.
Most of the land along the Green
River, approximately two miles T -
south of Upward Road, is part of the
Green River Gamelands. The lands
are publicly-owned and used
r
primarily for wildlife conservation
and management. There are about
15 miles of trails that were
developed as a joint project between
the Environmental and Conservation
Organization (ECO) and the NC
Wildlife Resources Commission
(NCWRC). Hunting, fishing, and Industrial/Warehouse Uses on Upward Road
trapping are also allowed in East of I-26
Gamelands.
9

NTB TIP Project , Henderson County
Indirect ect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006
f FIGURE 3 -
' EXISTING LANDUSE
S , _ •m,..e_ , f) n~~ce TIP PROJECT R-4430
A~~ et.~y oc- ( GISA
INTERSTATE
US ROUTE
STATE ROUTE
1 An' i" - SECONDARY ROUTE
LOCAL ROADS
RAILROAD
~'L ' ' ? RIVERS, STREAMS & CREEKS
74
S f t WATER BODIES
25 ,r CO
L LINTY BOUNDARY
n EXISTING LAND USE
w LL
r
x ° VACANT
o ~ ~ A
U` - 11 [ RECREATION & OPEN SPACE
t a _
•F~ , ~9Rd% m` AGRICULTURAL
RESIDENTIAL
MANUFACTURED RESIDENTIAL
d
i JQ3a`., / ~1 MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
mil" l 7 r COMMERCIAL
1"'
1
Y 176 GT"shad - OFFICE & INSTITUTIONAL
i - y - INDUSTRIAL
TRANSPORTATION & UTILITIES
OPEN USE
1 ? V t
UNKNOWN
1
? ' Miles
2
0 0.25 0.5 1 1.5
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TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County

JW Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006
Land Use Plans and Zoning Ordinances

2005 Strategic Plan: Goals, Strategies, and Action Plans to Address the Challenges
Henderson County approved this plan on February 16, 2005 in an effort to develop a
vision for the County's future and strategies to realize the shared vision. Many of the
strategies found in the strategic plan are similar to the "recommendations" in the 2020
Comprehensive Plan (see below). Action steps were also developed as a way of meeting
each strategy or recommendation. The primary issues in this strategic plan are - growth
management, fiscal priorities and county economy.

Henderson County Comprehensive Plan
Henderson County adopted its 2020 Comprehensive Plan on July 6, 2004. This plan is
intended to serve as a guide in the development and management of growth and public
services infrastructure in Henderson County.
The "Future Land Use" map (included in the 2020 Comprehensive Plan) shows three
distinct levels of development in Henderson County: the Urban Services Area, the
Rural/Urban Transition Area, and the Rural/Agricultural Area. According to the map, the
entire project corridor and much of the western half of the GISA is located in the Urban
Services Area, where residential densities are maximized due to the availability of water
and sewer services. Urban development is concentrated in this area, and it is the focus of
economic development activities in the County.

That part of the GISA east of Howard Gap Road and north/west of Upward Road is
shown as being in the Rural/Urban Transition Area, with average residential densities of
five or less acres per dwelling unit. The plan indicates that the primary reason urban
development has not occurred in the Rural/Urban Transition Area is the lack of water and
sewer, but this area is expected to undergo extensive development between now and
2020, and more dense development may be necessary where appropriate.

Most of the GISA south/east of Upward Road is considered to be in the
Rural/Agricultural Area, with average residential densities of five or more acres per
dwelling unit. The Rural/Agricultural Area includes valuable farmlands and sensitive
natural areas, and the plan indicates that these lands should be preserved. Slopes are
typically too steep for intense development, and the extension of utilities is difficult.
The "Future Land Use" map also shows proposed Community Service Centers at the
intersections of Upward Road and US 176,1-26 and Howard Gap Road. These centers
would contain a mixture of commercial, community facility, and dense residential uses.
Industrial uses are proposed along the I-26 corridor, particularly near Upward Road, and
along US 176 between Upward Road and US 25. These areas are also designated as
"Committee of 100" recommended industrial development zones. This committee was a
local partnership for economic development and was part of the Greater Hendersonville
Chamber of Commerce. Conservation Areas are identified along Bat Fork Creek and
Dunn Creek.

10

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006

Additionally, the 2020 Comprehensive Plan includes land use maps for the Village of
Flat Rock and the City of Hendersonville. The Village of Flat Rock's "1998 Land Use
Plan" map, as amended, shows that most land use in the village is low-density residential.
There is an area of motel-lodging in the northeastern corner of the village, or the western
portion of the GISA. The City of Hendersonville's "1974 Land Development Plan" map,
as amended, shows that there are small tracts of commercial land on Upward Road (at US
176 and 1-26). Most of the southern part of the city, or that portion of Hendersonville
within the GISA, is shown as medium-density residential land uses. An updated version
of the 1974 Land Development Plan for Hendersonville is currently being digitized, but it
was not available at the time of this study.
Village of Flat Rock Comprehensive Land Use Plan
At the time this plan was written (August 1998), water service was available to almost the
entire Village of Flat Rock. Sewer service was anticipated within five years along both
sides of the Greenville Highway (NC 225), and within 15 years in the majority of the
remaining portions of the GISA. Also, at the time of this plan, approximately 50% of the
5200 acres of land in Flat Rock was still undeveloped, and the predominant use of
developed land was single-family residential (with lots of one acre or more). Citizens
and local officials expressed the desire to maintain low density residential uses as the
major land use in Flat Rock.

Village of Flat Rock Strategic Growth Master Plan
The Strategic Growth Master Plan (2004) was prepared to help the Village of Flat Rock
manage growth over the next 20 years and to protect the community's assets. Generally
speaking, the plan was based on the 1998 Comprehensive Plan. Two relevant action
items were to establish a program of extra-territorial jurisdiction to control development
on the outskirts of Flat Rock, and to limit population growth through selective tax
incentives that enable citizens or the Village to retire buildable space.

Henderson County Zoning Ordinance
The Zoning Ordinance of Henderson County, North Carolina was originally adopted in
1981 to ensure orderly development in the unincorporated portions of Henderson County,
or any incorporated town requesting zoning enforcement by the County. The majority of
the County, and all of the GISA east of I-26, is now zoned Open Use (see Figure 4). The
OU District allows all uses (excluding hazardous waste disposal facilities, radioactive
waste disposal facilities, and adult establishments), but certain uses are regulated so as to
ensure that neighborhood impacts are limited. County planners indicated that lot sizes
are not regulated in the OU District.
The land adjacent to Upward Road (east of 1-26) is primarily zoned commercial, with
residential zoning behind the commercial uses. Office and institutional zoning exists
north of Upward Road, between Bat Fork Creek and I-26, and between US 176 and the
railroad track (west of the intersection at Upward Road and US 176). Industrial zones are
located along I-26 south of Upward Road, and along US 176 just north of the intersection
at US 25.

11

H NT B TIP Project , Henderson Caunry
Indirect ect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006
Q FIGURE 4 - ZONING
1 / W 4Y
.ee.° TIP PROJECT R-4430
GISA
INTERSTATE
I /777 : - US ROUTE
I 1 r~~ ~i - STATE ROUTE
+ 1 ` - SECONDARY ROUTE
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RAILROAD
74 'RIVERS, STREAMS &CREEKS
2$ c WATER BODIES
COUNTY BOUNDARY
°~a > a 4a ZONING
s?s~ c• OPEN USE
RECREATION & OPEN SPACE
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
MANUFACTURED RESIDENTIAL
MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
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d ® COMMERCIAL
TTT~~~
" 176 GT'4~~ J -OFFICE & INSTITUTIONAL
INDUSTRIAL
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C {o' ® BLUE RIDGE AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT
s Miles
q
0 0.25 0.5 1 1.5
MAP SOURCES: N
NORTN CARO OEPARTMEm OF TRANSPORTATION
IOAERSON CCAI COUNTY
s .
k/ 25 CnYOFNEWERSONV0.LE
TOWN FLAT ROCK
- - INTB NORTH CAROU
CAROW0.P.C.
t, ~ t cep 2 d
_ - HENDERSON COUNTY

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
AJW Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006
The Henderson County Zoning Ordinance also includes the designation and utilization of
voluntary agricultural districts. Several tracts of land within the GISA are part of the
Blue Ridge agricultural district. Most of these are east of I-26 in the more rural parts of
the County. The purpose of voluntary agricultural districts is to encourage the economic
and financial well-being of farming areas; to increase protection from nuisance suits,
undesirable non-farm development and other negative impacts on participating farms;
and to increase the identity and pride in the agricultural community and its way of life.
According to local planners, the agricultural designation only serves as a system to notify
owners of land within one mile of a bona fide farm.

Local planners indicate that the County is in the process of combining all ordinances into
a single Land Development Code (Unified Development Ordinance). This document is
expected to be complete in April 2006.

Hendersonville Zoning Ordinance
The Code of Ordinances for the City of Hendersonville was originally adopted in 1998.
It includes open space requirements of 10% total project area, or 500 square feet per
dwelling unit (whichever is greater), for all planned residential developments and major
subdivisions (more than nine lots). Non-residential developments are also subject to the
10% minimum for common open space. It also indicates that any development
undergoing site plan review or special use review must be approved by the Planning
Board or City Council so that adequate facilities and services are available. If adequate
facilities or services are not available, then the developer may provide them, or they can
offset any public cost of early commitment of public funds if it's acceptable to the City.
The portion of Hendersonville located in the GISA is primarily zoned for medium-
density, single-family residential with densities of about 15,000 square feet per unit.
There is highway commercial zoning along US 176, while there is a Greenville Highway
mixed use district along NC 225.

Flat Rock Zoning Ordinance
The majority of that portion of Flat Rock that falls within the GISA is zoned as low-
density, single-family residential (with minimum lot sizes of 40,000 square feet). Some
higher density residential districts and commercial districts are located along NC 225.

It is important to note that a revised hard copy of the Zoning Districts Map (effective date
January 1, 2006) was received from The Town of Flat Rock after submission of the draft
of this report. Corresponding GIS data is not readily available; therefore, Figure 4 does
not include the new districts. The area that changed the most is between NC 225 and the
railroad corridor, where low density residential districts changed to a residential
conference district. This should not influence the original conclusion that indirect
impacts from TIP Project R-4430 are not anticipated west of US 176 and into the Village
of Flat Rock.

12

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
-3 Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006

Transportation Plans

The French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization (FBRMPO) recently
expanded its boundaries based on information from the 2000 US Census. The Asheville
urbanized area expanded to include the rural and urbanized areas of Henderson County.
The long-range transportation plan for the expanded FBRMPO area, Transportation 2030
Plan, was approved September 22, 2005. TIP Project R-4430 is listed in this fiscally-
constrained plan as a Tier 1 Project (2006-2010).
According to local planners and information in the Henderson County 2020
Comprehensive Plan (dated July 6, 2004), the NCDOT is in the process of developing the
Henderson County Comprehensive Transportation Plan (HCCTP). This document will
identify existing and future deficiencies through the year 2030 and will recommend
specific transportation improvements in response thereto. One of the action strategies in
the plan is to adopt a multi-modal transportation plan, which could be the HCCTP or
another transportation plan (such as the Transportation 2030 Plan). Henderson County
has a thoroughfare plan that was finished in June 1987, but the widening of Upward Road
is not mentioned in the plan, and planners indicate that they do not rely heavily upon this
plan anymore.

The City of Hendersonville has a thoroughfare plan from 1991 that is in the process of
being updated. The 1991 plan indicates that Upward Road (between US 176 and I-26)
would be over capacity in 2010 if the recommendations in the plan are not implemented.
Upward Road is shown as an existing major thoroughfare in the plan, with an ultimate
recommended cross-section of three-lanes (between US 176 and Howard Gap Road).

Based upon the NCDOT 2007-2013 Draft TIP, other transportation improvement projects
in the area include (see Figure 1):

• I-4400: I-26, from the US 25 Connector to NC 280, widen to six lanes. Project
planning is currently underway. Programmed for planning and environmental
study only. This is a Strategic Highway Corridor Project.
• R-505: US 25 (I-26/US 25 Connector), from Zirconia to I-26, upgrade to
expressway. Project planning is currently underway. The 2007-2013 Draft TIP
indicates that construction will be accelerated from 2012 to 2009. This is a
Strategic Highway Corridor Project.
Local planners also indicated that there have been discussions about widening Howard
Gap Road.

Environmental Regulations

Sedimentation, Erosion Control and BMPs
The North Carolina Division of Land Resources' Sediment and Erosion Control Act
requires that any development disturbing more than one acre of land within the State of

13

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006

North Carolina to submit a Sedimentation and Erosion Control Plan to the Division of
Land Resources. Local governments may review and enforce the plan within their
jurisdiction, but the plan has to be as strict as the program administered by the Division
of Land Resources. Site disturbances of less than one acre require the use of Best
Management Practices (BMPs), but not a site plan. According to the NCDOT report
entitled "Best Management Practices for Protection of Surface Waters" (March 1997),
BMPs include activities, practices, and procedures undertaken to prevent or reduce water
pollution. This includes things such as: on-site detention areas, vegetative buffers,
culverts, and erosion control mechanisms.
Stormwater Regulations
According to the North Carolina Division of Water Quality, as a result of new storm
water rules enacted by the EPA in 1999, construction or land development activities that
disturb one acre or more are required to obtain a NPDES storm water permit and site
plan.

In 1972, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program was
established under the authority of the Clean Water Act. Phase I of the NPDES
stormwater program was established in 1990. It requires NPDES permit coverage for
large or medium municipalities with populations of 100,000 or more. In North Carolina,
there are six Phase I communities. The Phase II program extends permit coverage to
smaller 100,000 pop.) communities and public entities that own or operate a municipal
separate storm sewer system (MS4) by requiring them to apply for and obtain an NPDES
permit for stormwater discharges. Federal law requires communities and public entities
that own or operate an MS4, and that meet either of the following two conditions, to
obtain an NPDES Phase II stormwater permit:

• The MS4 is located in an urbanized area as determined by the latest Decennial
Census of the Bureau of the Census. If the MS4 is not located entirely within an
urbanized area, only the portion that is within the urbanized area is regulated.
• The community or public entity is designated by the NPDES permitting authority.
In the state of North Carolina, the NPDES permitting authority is the
Environmental Management Commission (EMC).
Based on the 1990 Census data, Henderson County has been automatically designated by
the EPA as a Phase 11 permittee. Consequently, as required by the Federal regulations,
Henderson County must, at a minimum, develop, implement, and enforce a stormwater
program designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants from the MS4 to the maximum
extent practicable using the six minimum control measures of the Phase II program.
Each of the six minimum controls requires the use of Best Management Practices (BMPs)
and measurable goals (i.e., narrative or numeric standards used to gauge program
effectiveness). Among other things, the developed stormwater program will provide
regulatory controls for future developments using post construction stormwater
management techniques such as planning and growth controls, site-based local controls

14

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006

(e.g., impervious surface limits), as well as miscellaneous storage, vegetative, and
infiltration practices.

Based on conversations with local planners, Henderson County is currently developing its
stormwater program. In addition, the 2005 Strategic Plan indicated that stormwater
management standard would be incorporated into the new County land development
ordinances, and they would begin to be enforced in fiscal year 2006-2007. The
Hendersonville ordinances indicate that a stormwater management plan is required for
any development with total impervious surface greater than or equal to 0.5 acre, and the
post development runoff rate can not exceed the pre-development rate. Flat Rock
officials indicated that the only stormwater management program in their jurisdiction is a
public awareness program; however, it's included in the watershed restoration plan for
Mud Creek that developments are required to have stormwater drainage facilities to
prevent downstream erosion and follow existing natural drainage. Commercial and
residential developments (not subdivisions) are not permitted to have post-development
stormwater runoff rates that are higher than the pre-development rates.
Watershed Regulations and Stream Buffers
There are no water supply watersheds within the GISA for TIP Project R-4430; however,
the GISA is located in portions of both the French Broad and the Broad River basins.
The Mud Creek Watershed, which encompasses almost all of the GISA, is a targeted local
watershed of the French Broad River Basin. This watershed was targeted because it
displays the need and opportunity for wetland, stream and riparian buffer restoration, and it
receives priority for ecosystem enhancement. A watershed restoration plan was developed
for the Mud Creek Watershed in April 2003. The following local water quality initiatives
were identified from local ordinances and listed in the watershed restoration plan for Mud
Creek:

• Henderson County - The Subdivision Ordinance and Manufactured Home Park
Ordinance states that stormwater drainage facilities must be constructed to minimize
erosion, sedimentation, flooding and excessive discharge, but post-development
discharge rates volumes and rates are not addressed. The Subdivision Ordinance
requires that structures be built 30 feet from the edge of any blue line streams as
indicated on USGS maps.
• City of Hendersonville - The Natural Resources Protection Ordinance requires
protection of a 50-foot buffer on both sides of blue line streams identified on USGS
maps. The 50-foot buffer includes a 30-foot area of undisturbed vegetation next to
the stream and a 20-foot zone of either managed or unmanaged vegetation on the
outside.
• Village of Flat Rock - The Flat Rock Subdivision Ordinance requires a riparian
buffer along the border of all lakes, designated wetlands, and both sides of all
perennial streams. The buffer area required along perennial streams shown on a
USGS topographic map is fifty (50) feet on both sides of the stream, as measured
from the top of the stream bank. That half of the buffer area that is adjacent to each
side of the stream shall have natural vegetation, while the outer half of the buffer
15

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006

area shall be planted with grass or other indigenous vegetation (if the natural
vegetation is removed). Buffer areas required along perennial streams not shown on
a USGS topographic map are ten (10) feet, with natural vegetation on both sides of
the stream.

In addition, the French Broad River Basin Watershed Restoration Plan (April 2005)
indicates that without appropriate water quality protection measures, such as those
recommended in the Mud Creek plan, increasing urbanization will continue to worsen the
current water quality problems.

Floodplain Ordinances
The Henderson County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance was adopted July 5, 2005.
It indicates that no encroachment, construction or fill is permitted in the floodway or non-
encroachment areas within Special Flood Hazard Areas (except some water dependent
structures) without acceptable certification that there will be no increase in the elevation
of the regulatory flood during an occurrence of the base flood. Furthermore, no fill is
allowed in the floodway fringe area except on those parcels already on record in the
Henderson County Registry at date of adoption of this ordinance. Fill is permitted on no
more than 20% of the floodway fringe area contained in these parcels, unless a special
permit is granted. The ordinance allows that any alteration to a structure which is in
compliance with the ordinance, shall meet the same requirements as that of new
construction.
The Henderson County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance also indicates that, in areas
where base flood elevation data is available, new or improved residential construction
shall have the reference level elevated no lower than the regulatory flood protection
elevation. The same applies to non-residential construction except that structures located
in the floodway fringe may be floodproofed below the flood protection elevation. In
those areas without established base flood elevations, no encroachments are permitted
within 20 feet of a stream, or five times the width of the stream, whichever is greater,
unless certified by an engineer.

Hendersonville regulations stipulate that in all special flood hazard areas where base
flood elevation (BFE) data has been provided, new or improved residential construction,
including manufactured homes, and non-residential construction are required to have the
reference level, including basement, elevated as high as the regulatory flood protection
elevation. Structures located in these zones may be floodproofed to the regulatory flood
protection elevation instead of elevation provided that those parts of the structure below
the required flood protection elevation are watertight. A registered professional engineer
or architect shall certify that this is the case. Within the special flood hazard areas where
no BFE data has been provided, no encroachments (including fill, new construction,
substantial improvements or new development) are allowed within 20 feet of either side
of the stream bank, or five times the width of the stream, whichever is greater.
Encroachments are permitted if a registered professional engineer can demonstrate that
they will not result in any increase in flood levels during the occurrence of the base flood
16

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006

discharge. In areas of shallow flooding (zone AO), any new construction or substantial
improvements shall have the reference level elevated two feet above the depth number
specified on the flood insurance map.

The watershed restoration plan for Mud Creek indicates that Flat Rock has a floodplain
ordinance that restricts construction, with some exceptions, in the 100-year floodplain.

303(d) Waters and Trout Waters
The 303(d) list is a product of the Clean Water Act, which requires states to identify
those waters that do not meet water quality standards or those that have impaired uses. If
control strategies for point and non-point source pollution exist for impaired waters, they
may be excluded from the 303(d) list. The NCDOT Transportation Planning Division
GIS data reveals two 303(d) waters within the GISA - Bat Fork Creek and Mud Creek.
Mud Creek is located approximately two miles from the project corridor, however, and
should not be impacted by the widening project because of its distance from Upward
Road (see Figure 5).
A search of the Division of Water Quality's Draft 2006 303(d) List confirms that Bat
Fork Creek, which intersects Upward Road just west of I-26, is an impaired water body
from its source on the southeastern border of Flat Rock to Johnson Drainage Ditch, a
distance of approximately 4.8 miles. This list also includes Devils Fork Creek (from a
tributary west of SR 1006 to Johnson Drainage Ditch) and Mud Creek (from SR 1125 to
the French Broad River). All three creeks have impaired biological integrity.

The Green River, approximately two miles from the project corridor and located between
I-26 and the Henderson County/Polk County boundary, is designated by the North
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission as a Wild Trout Water (WTR). The Wildlife
Resources Commission identifies several lakes or ponds along Meninger Creek and King
Creek as trout waters as well. In addition, the DWQ lists several tributaries of the Green
River as trout waters. Those designated tributaries which are located in the GISA are
Beck Creek, Hill Branch, Mill Creek, Jones Branch, Hungry River and an unnamed
tributary. All trout waters require a buffer of 25 feet along each side of the water body.

V. INVENTORY OF NOTABLE FEATURES (STEP 3)

Inventory of Notable Features
Based on a review of NCDOT GIS data, field observations, a review of existing
environmental documents, and web-based database searches, an inventory of notable
features was assembled. Tables including the name, status, and location of many of these
notable features are located in the Appendix.

This Appendix has a detailed listing of over 50 state and federally protected species
found in the USGS Quadrangles that encompass the GISA. This list includes six
federally protected species that are threatened or endangered: the Small Whorled

17

NTB TIP Project ulativ Coun(y
Indirect and C'umuutire EJfectc
October 76, 2006
FIGURE 5 -
ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES
e6®®©me TIP PROJECT R-4430
GROWTH IMPACT STUDY AREA
INTERSTATE
9,/
bepilK i w US ROUTE
,
s
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A LOCAL ROADS
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oWATER BODIES
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COUNTY BOUNDARY
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~F Miles
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i

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
Lsli.iisi October 16, 2006

Pogonia, Bunched Arrowhead, Mountain Sweet Pitcher Plant, Swamp Pink, White
Irisette, and the Bog Turtle. The EA identifies two additional species (the Appalachian
elktoe and the Oyster mussel) as federally protected, and it indicates that the Bunched
Arrowhead may be affected by the project. The Appendix also includes a listing of the
14 natural communities found within those USGS Quadrangles.

Other notable features in the GISA include the Green River, the Green River Game
Lands, three 303(d) listed streams, FEMA floodplains and several designated trout waters
(see Figure 5). There are scattered prime farmlands throughout that GISA, particularly
west of I-26, and north of Upward Road (east of I-26). The GISA includes a portion of
the Village of Flat Rock National Register Historic District, three National Register
structures (Brookland, the Mary Mills Coxe house, and the Carl Sandburg home), the
Hendersonville Airport, Blue Ridge Community College and five public schools (see
Figure 6). The GISA also contains nine hazardous materials sites, one of which, the
Convenience King, is located at Upward Road and I-26.
VI. ACTIVITIES THAT CAUSE EFFECTS (STEP 4)

Previous Report Conclusions

Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), October 2005
The NCDOT and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) both determined that this
project would not have any significant impact on the human or natural environment. It
indicated that a positive benefit of the project would be the additional capacity to serve
existing and planned development in the area. Anticipated indirect and cumulative
impacts include: eight stream crossings, 955 feet of total stream impacts, 590 linear feet
of impacts to perennial stream, and impacts to approximately 39 acres of biotic
communities. Impacts to jurisdictional wetlands are not expected. There are eight
federally-protected species in the County, but none are expected to be impacted. There
are five hazardous materials sites, but only four have potential USTs.

Because of public comments, the cross section proposed in the Environmental
Assessment (four-lane between US 176 and Crest Road and three-lane between Crest
Road and Howard Gap Road) was revised to a four-lane divided roadway for the entire
length of the project. Outside travel lanes will be 14-feet to accommodate bicycles. No
additional impacts are expected as a result of this change.
Environmental Assessment (EA), March 2004
In this document, the NCDOT and FHWA proposed to widen Upward Road to a multi-
lane facility from US 176 to Howard Gap Road in an effort to improve capacity, traffic
flow and safety. This project would include the rehabilitation of the bridge at the I-26
interchange, and replacement of the bridge over Bat Fork Creek. Three cross-sections
were examined, including a four-lane divided roadway, a five-lane roadway with center
turn lane, and a three-lane roadway. A "no-build" alternative was also considered.
Based on studies of the environment and engineering evaluations, NCDOT recommended

18

NTB TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006
\ FIGURE 6 - NOTABLE FEATURES
IPPROJECT R4430
GROWTH IMPACT STUDY AREA
I INTERSTATE
US ROUTE
J - STATE ROUTE
• 1 ; SECONDARY ROUTE
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f,~~a - t\11 a q HENDERSONVILLE
• s4 f > u,
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USGS QUADS
sTdµd w.®?:rom ~ NATIONAL REGISTER STRUCTURE
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e~ maw ass ama
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HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SITES
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CONSERVATION PROPERTIES
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-GREEN RIVER GAME LANDS
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T. Rd NORTH O DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
NENDERSONCOUNTY
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0 0
_ 0 0
p
U, OL
HENDERSON COUNTY

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
3 Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006

a four-lane divided roadway from US 176 to Crest Road, and a three-lane paved shoulder
section from Crest Road to Howard Gap Road.

Impacts to the natural environment were found to be minimal and were fairly equal for all
build alternatives studied. There are five crossings of perennial streams, and two small
depressional wetlands are located near the I-26 interchange.

Natural Resources Technical Report (NRTR), August 2003
Two alternatives were evaluated in the NRTR. Alternative A was the widening of
Upward Road to a five-lane facility from US 176 to Ballenger Road, and a three-lane
facility from Ballenger Road to Howard Gap Road. Alternative B was the widening of
Upward Road to a four-lane divided facility from US 176 to Crest Road, and a three-lane
facility from Crest Road to Howard Gap Road. The NRTR indicates that there are no
Wild and Scenic Rivers, High Quality Waters, Water Supply Watersheds (Class I or II) or
Outstanding Resource Waters within a mile of the project corridor. It indicates that there
are 11 jurisdictional areas (eight streams, one pond and two wetlands) in the project
vicinity. It also indicates that there are eight federally-protected species in Henderson
County, one of which, the Bunched arrowhead has a biological conclusion of "may
affect/not likely to adversely affect."
It states in the NRTR that a permit pursuant to Section 26a of the Tennessee Valley
Authority Act is required. This TVA permit is required for any construction or
development involving streams or floodplains in the Tennessee River drainage basin.

Development Activity

Local planners suggest that infill development is occurring along Upward Road,
particularly between I-26 and US 176. This infill development is predominantly strip
commercial like much of the existing development. Planners were not aware of any
residential development plans in the GISA.

In addition, the City of Hendersonville has a Southside Development Initiative which
provides a vision for redevelopment centered at the intersection of US 25 (now NC 225)
and US 176. Although this intersection is located in the floodplain, development has
occurred here regularly, and the initiative includes recommendations for a neighborhood
center with additional office and residential uses.
VII. POTENTIAL INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS FOR
ANALYSIS (STEP 5)

Guidance for Assessing Indirect and Cumulative Impacts of Transportation Projects in
North Carolina outlines a set of factors that need to be evaluated to determine whether or
not a detailed indirect and cumulative impact analysis (ICI) is required for specific
projects. The following is an assessment of these factors as they relate to TIP Project R-
4430.

19

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County

of, Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006
Conflict with local plan:
TIP Project R-4430 does not appear to be in conflict with recommendations in the
Henderson County Comprehensive Plan or the current zoning designations and
regulations within the GISA. TIP Project R-4430 does conflict somewhat with what is
recommended in the Hendersonville 1991 Thoroughfare Plan, as the preferred alternative
is a four-lane roadway rather than a three-lane roadway (as recommended in the 1991
Plan). This plan is in the process of being updated however.

Explicit economic development purpose:
There does not appear to be an explicit economic development purpose for TIP Project R-
4430.
Planned to serve specific development:
The proposed project does not appear to be designed to serve a specific development
within the GISA.

Likely to stimulate land development having complementary functions:
The assessment of this factor partially involves an evaluation of a subset of factors
commonly used to determine the potential for growth resulting from transportation
projects surrounding rural interchanges including:

• Distance to a major urban center
• Traffic volumes on intersecting roadways
• Presence of frontage roads
• Availability of water/sewer

The project is located primarily within an unincorporated portion of Henderson County.
Though not a major urban center, the nearest city is Hendersonville, at the proposed
western terminus of the project. Asheville, the largest city in western North Carolina, is
located approximately 20 miles north of the project corridor.

According to the NCDOT Traffic Survey Maps, the 2004 Annual Average Daily Traffic
(AADT) for major intersecting roadways within the GISA is as follows:

• US 176 (North of Upward Road intersection) - 18,000 vehicles per day
• US 176 (South of Upward Road intersection) - 12,000 vehicles per day
• I-26 (North of Upward Road interchange) - 45,000 vehicles per day
• I-26 (South of Upward Road interchange) - 41,000 vehicles per day
• Howard Gap Road (North of Upward Road intersection) - 1,900 vehicles per day

TIP Project R-4430 does not include the construction of frontage roads, nor are any
currently present along Upward Road between US 176 and Howard Gap Road.

The "Water Services Areas" map, found in the Henderson County 2020 Comprehensive
Plan, shows that the entire project corridor is located within the Hendersonville Water
20

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006

Service Area. While most of the western portion of the GISA also falls within this
service area, much of the eastern portion of the GISA (those areas not adjacent to the
corridor) are outside of any water service area. The "Sewer Service Area and Districts"
map shows that most of the project corridor is currently serviced by Hendersonville;
however, much of the land that is not directly adjacent to the corridor does not currently
have sewer service. Virtually all of the land in the GISA is encompassed in the Mud
Creek Sewer Service Area, which could be relatively easily and efficiently serviced by
sewer in the future. In particular, it's recommended in the 2020 Comprehensive Plan that
priority for water and sewer extensions be given to the proposed industrial areas near I-26
at Upward Road, and the proposed Community Service Centers at either end of the
project corridor (US 176 and Howard Gap Road). Utility lines are shown on Figure 7.
Based on proximity to the largest urban center in western North Carolina and 1-26, and
the availability of water and sewer service, TIP Project R-4430 has potential to stimulate
complementary land development. However, given the fact that this is only a widening
project and residential and commercial growth is already occurring, it is more likely that
the project will only help to accelerate the trend.

Likely to influence intraregional land development location decisions:
Typically, if the conditions are favorable for development and/or a region is currently
undergoing urbanization, an enhancement in the transportation infrastructure is likely to
influence where development will occur. In this case, much of the GISA is rural in
nature. The corridor is attractive for development, because of its proximity to
Hendersonville and Asheville, and its connectivity to the regional transportation network,
particularly US 176 and 1-26. Local planners indicate that the City of Hendersonville
views Upward Road and US 176 as the "southern gateway" to Hendersonville. These
conditions suggest that the widening of Upward Road could influence intraregional land
development location decisions.

Notable feature present in impact area:
There are a number of notable features within the GISA of TIP Project R-4430, including
(potentially) federally protected species and natural communities. Other notable features
in the GISA include the Green River, the Green River Game Lands, three 303(d) listed
streams, several designated trout waters the Village of Flat Rock National Register
Historic District, three National Register structures, the Hendersonville Airport, Blue
Ridge Community College, five public schools, and nine hazardous materials sites. A
detailed list of these features is contained in the Appendix of this report.
VIII. INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS (STEP 6)

Potential for Land Use ChanEe

To further determine the potential for indirect and cumulative impacts as a result of TIP
Project R-4430, an analysis of a set of quantitative factors was completed. Table 4
indicates the results of this rating analysis:

21

NTB T/PPrnndi Henderson County
Indirect ect and nd Cumulative Effech
October 16, 2006
FIGURE 7 -
j.~ PUBLIC UTILITIES
t
lJ j ~~ag~®e TIP PROJECT R-4430
GROWTH IMPACT STUDY AREA
INTERSTATE
US ROUTE
i S?wab STATE ROUTE
" cap Po - f SECONDARY ROUTE
25 /Jl LOCAL ROADS
d/ - - RAILROAD
sQ " RIVERS, STREAMS & CREEKS
WATER BODIES
FLAT ROCK
T 6 HENDERSONVILLE
IV ` ; ~4a COUNTY BOUNDARY
.66' O4
,ns WATER MAIN
~a yowaraGe C SEWER MAIN
Miles
0 0.25 0.5 1 1.5
' MAP SOURCES: N
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
HENDERSON COUNTY
CITY OF HENDERSONVILLE
TOM OF FLAT ROCK
HNT8 NORTH T ROCK CAROLINX P.G.
F- TO
25 - 2
Ym " Z ! m
_ G 71
O V
Lu
I { I
I - HENDERSON COUNTY

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County

3 Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006

Table 4. Potential for Land Use Change
Land
Change Supply
in VS.
Change in Property Forecasted Land Water/Sewer Market For Public
Ratino Accessibility Values Growth Demand Availability Development Policy
>3% <10-
Travel Time Annual Year Current Extremely
Savings > > 50% Pop. Supply Services High Pro-
Strong 10 min. Increase Growth of Land Exist Potential Growth
A
" X X
it X X
It X
of X X
Weak Travel Time No <1% > 20- No Plans Extremely Anti-
Savings < 2 Change Annual Year For Future Low Growth
min. Pop. Supply Service Potential
Growth of Land
TIP Project R-4430 is the proposed widening of a two-lane facility to a three- and four-
lane, divided facility. It is anticipated that the proposed project will generate very
minimal travel time savings since the widening is less than three miles in length and
contains no new location segments.
The proposed project is not expected to affect property values to a large extent either. It
is likely that properties located at newly designed intersections/interchanges or along
major intersecting roadways could experience increases in property values. Other
property within the GISA may experience little or no increase in property values due to
the distance from the project corridor, and there is a chance that property values may
decrease for those parcels directly adjacent to Upward Road (due to reduced yard size,
restricted access, etc.).
According to the North Carolina State Data Center website, the population of Henderson
County is expected to increase at a rate between 1% and 2% annually between 2000 and
2020. This projected growth is relatively similar to the projections for the State of North
Carolina. The Demographic Area population grew by approximately 3% annually
between 1990 and 2000, and although it may not grow as rapidly over the next 15 years
as it did in the 1990s, the forecasted growth should be relatively high.

There is a large supply of developable land within the GISA. In addition, most of this
land is less topographically constrained than other undeveloped parts of the County. The
largest apparent tract of developable land is located in the southeast corner of the
interchange at I-26/Upward Road.

22

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County

ITOR9 Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006
Based on the information contained in the Henderson County 2020 Comprehensive Plan,
the Hendersonville Water Service Area extends from Hendersonville eastward along

Upward Road to a point just west of Howard Gap Road (almost the entire corridor). The
eastern portion of the GISA is outside of a water service area. Most of the project
corridor gets sewer service from Hendersonville, but as with water service, much of the
land that is not directly adjacent to the corridor is.not currently sewered. However,
almost all of the GISA is within the Mud Creek Sewer Service Area, which could be
serviced by sewer in the future.

While several areas within the GISA could support potential future development
(residential and non-residential), conversations with local planners indicate that most of
the growth taking place within the GISA is non-residential in nature and is focused along
Upward Road and US 176. Henderson County manages its growth through zoning,
subdivision, manufactured home park, water supply watershed, and other existing
ordinances. The land contained within the GISA is primarily within Henderson County;
however, some of the GISA falls under the jurisdiction of Hendersonville planning
ordinances and policies. According to local planners, the local public policies for
Henderson County and Hendersonville are more pro-growth than anti-growth.
IX. ANALYSIS RESULTS (STEP 7)

Indirect Effects

The widening of Upward Road from a two-lane roadway to a multi-lane, divided
highway facility should improve capacity, traffic flow and safety along the project
corridor. It also has moderate potential to induce land use changes and/or accelerate
growth throughout the GISA,
but several local water quality
initiatives (such as stormwater
regulations, stream buffers,
and watershed restoration
plans) should help minimize
the effects of TIP Project R- ;
4430. In addition, much of i i
f~~,
the growth associated with
the Upward Road corridor is
due to the growth pressures "
already occurring in the area, Commercial and Residential Uses at Howard Gap Rd
not just because of and upward Rd -
modifications to the 3 f
transportation network.
This project should make land near the interchanges or intersections at US 176, I-26 and
Howard Gap Road more attractive for commercial uses. While there is some commercial
development at these locations already, the potential for new development (to replace the
old) and infill development is there. The NCDOT "preferred" alternative is a four-lane
23

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006

divided facility. Median breaks are anticipated at the larger intersections like US 176, 1-
26 and Howard Gap Road, which makes potential development at these locations much
more likely. In addition, these intersections are identified in the 2020 Comprehensive
Plan as being ripe for commercial and/or industrial development.

The eastern part of the GISA is typified by low density, single-family residential and
agricultural/vacant land uses. There is a large amount of developable land, as much of
the land along Upward Road has slopes of less than 4% (according to the Henderson
County 2020 Comprehensive Plan). The western part of the GISA is more urban in
nature and is already fairly developed.
Indirect impacts would predominantly be in the form of land use conversion from lower
intensity uses (agricultural, vacant, and low density residential) to higher intensity uses
(single-family residential, highway-oriented commercial, or industrial). In addition, there
is a possibility that this project could accelerate in-fill residential development in areas
that are already growing and are currently being served by sewer and water, such as along
Upward Road west of I-26. However, indirect impacts from TIP Project R-4430 are not
anticipated west of US 176 and into the Village of Flat Rock.

Cumulative Effects

Besides TIP Project R-4430, there are two other TIP projects proposed in the vicinity.
One of these projects, the widening of I-26 from US 25 to NC 280, is not scheduled for
construction before 2012; the upgrading of US 25 to an expressway from Zirconia to I-26
is scheduled for construction at the same time as TIP Project R-4430 (according to the
2007-2013 Draft TIP). Both projects will help to improve mobility through the project
area. I-26 is an interstate route connecting Henderson County to South Carolina and
Tennessee. Future plans include improving the I-26 corridor into Tennessee, where it
will connect with I-81. Upon completion, I-26 will provide enhanced system linkage
with connections to I-40, I-85, I-240, and I-81.

Potential cumulative effects resulting from TIP Project R-4430 can only be determined
through a comprehensive analysis of factors, such as other TIP projects in the vicinity,
regional development trends, and broader environmental policies related to water
resource, air quality, and habitat protection. A tiered regional cumulative effects study is
underway for the entire I-26 corridor extending from US 25 in southern Henderson
County to the US 19/US 70 intersection in Madison County north of Asheville.
Numerous NCDOT TIP projects (Priority 1) are included in that study, along with local
FBRMPO projects (Priority 2), feasibility study projects (Priority 3), and other growth
generators such as water and sewer expansions, airport expansions, etc.
In 2003, a watershed restoration plan was developed for the Mud Creek Watershed, which
encompasses almost all of the GISA. This plan included several local water quality
initiatives, such as stormwater regulations and stream buffers. These water quality

24

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County

1.i Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006
protection measures should help minimize any cumulative effects caused by TIP Project
R-4430.

25

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006

X. BIBLIOGRAPHY

City of Hendersonville, Code of Ordinances for the City of Hendersonville, 1998.

City of Hendersonville, Natural Resource Protection Standards, added October 5, 2000
and amended March 7, 2002.

French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization (FBRMPO), Transportation
2030 Plan, September 22, 2005.
Henderson County, Henderson County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, July 5,
2005

Henderson County, Henderson County 2020 Comprehensive Plan, July 6, 2004.

Henderson County, 2005 Strategic Plan: Goals, Strategies, and Action Plans to Address
the Challenges, February 16, 2005.

Henderson County, Zoning Ordinance of Henderson County, North Carolina, last
updated July 10, 2004.

Land Design, Inc. and Wilber Smith Associates, Village of Flat Rock Strategic Growth
Master Plan, August 2004.

National Cooperative Highway Research Program, Guidebook for Assessing the Social
and Economic Effects of Transportation Projects, NCHRP Report 456, Washington,
D.C., 2001.

North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Draft 2006
303(d) List of Impaired Water Bodies, available from http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us.

North Carolina Department of Transportation, North Carolina Department of
Transportation and the Army Corps of Engineers, French Broad River Basin Watershed
Restoration Plan, April 2005.
North Carolina Department of Transportation, Planning and Research Branch, Henderson
County Thoroughfare Plan, June 1987.

North Carolina Department of Transportation, Statewide Planning Branch,
Hendersonville 1991 Thoroughfare Plan, January 1992.

North Carolina Department of Transportation, Natural Resources Technical Report for
the proposed widening of SR 1783/Upward Road from US 176 to Howard Gap Road
(TIP Project R-4430), Henderson County, August 21, 2003.

26

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006

North Carolina Department of Transportation, Project Development and Environmental
Analysis Branch, Environmental Assessment - SR 1783 Upward Road (TIP Project R-
4430), March 2004.

North Carolina Department of Transportation, Project Development and Environmental
Analysis Branch, Finding of No Significant Impact - SR 1783 Upward Road (TIP Project
R-4430), October 2005.

North Carolina Department of Transportation, Transportation Improvement Program
2006-2012.

North Carolina Department of Transportation, Draft Transportation Improvement
Program 2007-2013.
North Carolina Employment Security Commission, www.ncesc.com, 1990 and 2004.

North Carolina State Data Center, http://demog.state.ne.us/, 2010 & 2020 County and
State Population Data/Forecasts, accessed October 1, 2005.

The Louis Berger Group, Inc., Volume 11 Practitioner's Handbook "Guidance for
Assessing Indirect and Cumulative Impacts of Transportation Projects in North
Carolina," p. 111-56-III-64, issued November 2001.

United States Census Bureau, www.census.gov, 1990 and 2000.

United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration,
Community Impact Assessment: A Quick Reference for Transportation, Washington
D.C., 1996, Publication No. FHWA-PD-96-036.

Village of Flat Rock, Comprehensive Land Use Plan, August 1998.

Village of Flat Rock, Subdivision Ordinance, adopted August 12, 1999.

Village of Flat Rock, Zoning Ordinance, adopted August 13, 1998 and last amended
December 18, 2001.
Village of Flat Rock, Zoning Districts Map, adopted November 10, 2005 and effective
January 1, 2006.

27

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
MOM] Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006

XI. APPENDIX

State and Federally-Protected Species
Growth Impact Stud Area
Federal USGS
Common Name Scientific Name Status JStute Status uad ti_ia
Vascular Plant:
Bo Rose Arethusa bulbosa - Endangered Hendersonville
*Small Whorled Po onia Isotria medeoloides Threatened Endangered Hendersonville
Species of
Rough Rush Juncus caesariensis Concern Endangered Hendersonville
White Fringeless Orchid Platanthera inte rilabia Candidate Endangered Hendersonville
Significantly
Kelsey's Locust Robinia his ida var kelse i - Rare - Other Hendersonville
*Bunched Arrowhead Sa ittaria asciculate Endangered Endangered Hendersonville
*Mountain Sweet Pitcher Endangered -
Plant Sarracenia 'onesii Endangered Special Concern Hendersonville
Significantly
Rare -
E lin 's Hedge-nettle Stachys e lin ii Threatened Hendersonville
Significantly
Rare -
Yellow Honeysuckle Lonicera ava - Peripheral Hendersonville
Significantly
Rare -
Bigleaf Magnolia Ma nolia macro h lla - Peri heral Hendersonville
Significantly
Large-flowered Barbara's Species of Rare -
Buttons Marshalia randi ora Concern Threatened Hendersonville
Sweet Gale M rica ale - Endangered Hendersonville
Bo Asphodel Narthecium americanum Candidate Endangered Hendersonville
Species of
Divided-leaf Ragwort Packera mille olium Concern Threatened Hendersonville
Significantly
Rare -
Red Canada Lily Lilium canadense ss editorium Peripheral Hendersonville
Significantly
Rare -
Marsh Bellflower Campanula a arinoides - Peripheral Hendersonville
Barratt's Sedge Carex barrattii Endangered Hendersonville
Species of
Schweinitz's Sedge Carex schweinitzii Concern Endangered Hendersonville
Significantly
Rare -
Godfrey's Thorou hwart Eu atorium od re anum Peripheral Hendersonville
Littleleaf Sneezeweed Helenium brevi olium Endangered Hendersonville
Threatened -
*Swam Pink Helonias bullata Threatened Special Concern Hendersonville
Significantly
Rare -
Sweet Indian-plantain Hasteola suaveolens Threatened Hendersonville
Significantly
Rare -
Pu leleaf Willowherb Epilobium ciliatum Peripheral Hendersonville
Significantly
Rare -
Warty Sedge Carex verrucosa Peripheral Hendersonville
28

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
- Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006

Significantly Cliffield
Ash-leaved Rare - Mountain,
Goldenbanner Thermopsis raxini olia Threatened Hendersonville
Significantly Cliffield
Appalachian Rare - Mountain,
Goldenbanner Thermo psis mollis sensu stricto - Peripheral Hendersonville
Significantly
Rare - Cliffield
Rough Blazing Star Liatris as era Peripheral Mountain
Significantly Cliffield
Sweet White Trillium Trillium simile - Rare - Limited Mountain
Species of Cliffield
Divided-leaf Ragwort Packera mille olium Concern Threatened Mountain
Cliffield
*White Irisette Sis rinchium dichotomum Endangered Endangered Mountain
Significantly
Rare - Cliffield
Lon stalk Starwort Stellaria alsine - Peripheral Mountain
Significantly
Rare -
Climbing Fumitory Adlumia un osa - Peripheral Hendersonville
Cliffield
Species of Mountain,
Mountain Heartleaf Hexastylis contracta Concern Endangered Hendersonville
Cliffield
Species of Significantly Mountain,
French Broad Heartleaf Hxastylis rhombi ormis Concern Rare - Limited Hendersonville
Significantly
Alystegia catesbeiana ssp Rare- Cliffield
Blue Ridge Bindweed sericata - Threatened Mountain
Significantly
Rare - Cliffield
Cherokee Sedge Carex cherokeensis - Peripheral Mountain
Significantly Cliffield
Rare - Mountain,
Lon stalk Sedge Carex edunculata - Peripheral Hendersonville
Significantly
Rare- Cliffield
Whorled Horsebalm Collinsonia verticillata - Threatened Mountain
Significantly
Rare- Cliffield
Broadleaf Coreo sis Coreo sis lati olia - Threatened Mountain
Significantly
Rare - Cliffield
Pink Thorou hwart Eupatorium incarnatum - Peri heral Mountain
Significantly
Rare- Cliffield
Large Witch-alder Fother illia major - Threatened Mountain
Bird:
Species of Significantly Cliffield
Cerulean Warbler Dendroica cerulean Concern Rare Mountain
Moss:
Significantly
Rare- Cliffield
Closter's Brook-h num H roh num closteri - Threatened Mountain
Significantly Cliffield
Prin les Eurh nchium Plat h nidium rin lei - Rare - Disjunct Mountain
Mussel:
*Appalachian elktoe Alasmidonta raveneliana Endangered N/A N/A
29

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006

*Oyster mussel E ioblasma ca sae ormis Endangered N/A N/A
Reptile:
Threatened Cliffield
(similarity of Mountain,
*Bo Turtle Gl tem s muhlenber ii appearance) Threatened Hendersonville
Timber Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus Special Concern Hendersonville
Insect:
Significantly
a mayfly Macdunnoa brunnea - Rare Hendersonville
Arachnid:
Significantly Cliffield
A lampshade sider H ochilius co lei - Rare Mountain
Mammal:
Cliffield
Northern Myotis Myotis se tentrionalis - S ecial Concern Mountain
Eastern Woodrat -
Southern Appalachian Neotoma floridana Species of Cliffield
population haematoreia Concern Special Concern Mountain
Significantly Cliffield
Least Weasel Mustela nivalis - Rare Mountain
Source: North Carolina National Heritage Program, Cliffield Mountain and Hendersonville USGS topographic
quadrangles (November 2005), http://www.ncnhp.org/Pages/heritagedata.htmi
* Found in the 2003 Natural Resources Technical Report
Natural Communities
Growth Im act Studv Area
USGS Quad
Name State Global Ma
Demonstrably secure globally,
Demonstrably secure and although it may be quite rare in parts Hendersonville,
essentially ineradicable under of its range (especially at the Cliffield
Acidic Cove Forest resent conditions periphery) Mountain
Demonstrably secure globally,
Demonstrably secure and although it may be quite rare in parts Hendersonville,
Canada Hemlock essentially ineradicable under of its range (especially at the Cliffield
Forest resent conditions periphery) Mountain
Demonstrably secure globally,
Demonstrably secure and although it may be quite rare in parts Hendersonville,
Chestnut Oak essentially ineradicable under of its range (especially at the Cliffield
Forest resent conditions periphery) Mountain
Critically imperiled in North
Carolina because of extreme
rarity or otherwise very Imperiled globally because of rarity or
Low Elevation vulnerable to extirpation in the otherwise vulnerable to extinction
Granitic Dome state throughout its range Hendersonville
Critically imperiled in North
Carolina because of extreme
rarity or otherwise very Imperiled globally because of rarity or Hendersonville,
Montane Alluvial vulnerable to extirpation in the otherwise vulnerable to extinction Cliffield
Forest state throughout its range Mountain
Apparently secure globally, although
Montane Acidic Rare or uncommon in North it may be quite rare in parts of its Cliffield
Cliff Carolina range (especially at the periphery) Mountain
Demonstrably secure in North Demonstrably secure globally, Hendersonville,
Montane Oak - Carolina and essentially although it may be quite rare in parts Cliffield
Hickory Forest ineradicable under resent of its range (especially at the Mountain
30

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006

conditions periphery)
Demonstrably secure globally,
Apparently secure in North although it may be quite rare in parts
Carolina, with many of its range (especially at the Cliffield
Pine - Oak/Heath occurrences periphery) Mountain
Demonstrably secure in North Demonstrably secure globally,
Carolina and essentially although it may be quite rare in parts
Rocky Bar and ineradicable under present of its range (especially at the Cliffield
Shore conditions periphery) Mountain
Apparently secure in North Apparently secure globally, although Hendersonville,
Carolina, with many it may be quite rare in parts of its Cliffield
Rich Cove Forest occurrences range (especially at the periphery) Mountain
Demonstrably secure globally,
Piedmont/Mountain Apparently secure in North although it may be quite rare in parts
Semipermanent Carolina, with many of its range (especially at the
impoundment occurrences periphery) Hendersonville
Critically imperiled in North
Carolina because of extreme
rarity or otherwise very
vulnerable to extirpation in the
state/Imperiled in North
Piedmont/Mountain Carolina because of rarity or Imperiled globally because of rarity or
Swamp Community otherwise vulnerable to otherwise vulnerable to extinction
Forest extirpation in the state throughout its range Hendersonville
Critically imperiled in North
Carolina because of extreme
rarity or otherwise very Critically imperiled globally because
vulnerable to extirpation in the of extreme rarity or otherwise very
state/Imperiled in North vulnerable to extinction throughout its
Southern Carolina because of rarity or range/ Imperiled globally because of
Appalachian Bog otherwise vulnerable to rarity or otherwise vulnerable to
(Southern Subtype) extirpation in the state extinction throughout its range Hendersonville
Imperiled globally because of rarity or
otherwise vulnerable to extinction
Swamp Forest-Bog throughout its range/Either very rare
Complex (Typic Rare or uncommon in North and local throughout its range, or
Subtype) Carolina found locally in a restricted area Hendersonville
Source: North Carolina National Heritage Program, Hendersonville and Cliffield Mountain USGS topographic
quadrangles (November 2005), http://www.ncnhp.org/Pages/heritagedata.html
Architectural Features and Historic Sites
Growth Impact Study Area
Name Address Status
Flat Rock Historic District Flat Rock National Register
Carl Sandbur Home Flat Rock National Register
Brookland SR 1863 Flat Rock/Hendersonville National Register
Ma Mills Coxe House 1210 Greenville Hwy, Hendersonville National Register
Source: NCDOT - Statewide Planning Division
North Carolina State Office of Historic Preservation (as of May 2005), http://www.hpo.dcr.state.nc. us/
31

TIP Project R-4430, Henderson County
Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
October 16, 2006

303(d) Streams and Water Quality
Growth Impact Stud Area _
Water Cause of
Stream Affected Portion Classification Impairment - FPior
r
i
From Source to Johnson Impaired Biological
Bat Fork Drainage Ditch C Integrity N/A
From first unnamed
tributary west of SR
1006 to Johnson Impaired Biological
Devils Fork Drainage Ditch C Integrity N/A
From SR 1125 to Impaired Biological
Mud Creek French Broad River C Integrity N/A
Source: Draft 2006 North Carolina 303(d) Impaired Waters List and North Carolina Department of Transportation -
Statewide Planning Branch
Hazardous Materials Sites
Growth Impact Study Area _
Name Location
Uld Western NC; Pair grounds James Street, East Flat Rock
Federal Paper Board Company Tabor Road, East Flat Rock
General Electric LSD/Lighting System Tabor Road & US 176, East Flat Rock
Shepherd Farm Spring Haven Drive, Flat Rock
*Energy Mart Store #8 Upward Road, Flat Rock
*Convenience Kin #25 Upward Road at 1-26, Hendersonville
*Four Seasons Triangle #215 Upward Road, Flat Rock
*Blue Ride Septic, Inc. Upward Road and Howard Gap Road, Hendersonville
*Joe Kin Construction Co. Upward Road, Flat Rock
Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation - Statewide Planning Division & abridged version of the
Hazardous Materials Evaluation in the 2004 Environmental Assessment (shown with

32