20110985 Ver 1_Other Agency Comments_20090303

® North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
MEMORANDUM
TO: Ahmad AI-Sharawneh
Project Development and Environmental Analysis, NCDOT
FROM: Travis Wilson, Highway Project Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Program
DATE: February 24, 2009
SUBJECT: Response to the start of study notification from the N. C. Department of
Transportation (NCDOT) regarding fish and wildlife concerns for the
proposed replacement of bridge No 40 on US 70 Business over the Neuse
River in Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina. TIP No. B-3864
This memorandum responds to a request from the NCDOT for our concerns
regarding impacts on fish and wildlife resources resulting from the subject project.
Biologists on the staff of the N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) have
reviewed the proposed improvements. Our comments are provided in accordance with
certain provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)) and
the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d).
The Neuse River is designated as an inland Primary Nursery Area at the project
location. "Primary Nursery Areas are defined as those areas inhabited by embryonic,
larval or juvenile life stages of marine or estuarine fish or crustacean species due to
favorable physical chemical or biological factors" ( 15A NCAC I OC.0502) In order to
protect those resources NCWRC recommends an in-water work moratorium from
February 15 to September 30. To help further facilitate document preparation and the
review process, our general informational needs are outlined below:
1. Description of fishery and wildlife resources within the project area,
including a listing of federally or state designated threatened, endangered,
or special concern species. Potential borrow areas to be used for project
construction should be included in the inventories. A listing of designated
plant species can be developed through consultation with:
NC Natural Heritage Program
Dept. of Environment & Natural Resources
Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
•% Memo 2 February 24, 2009
1601 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1601.
WWW.ncnhn.org
and,
NCDA Plant Conservation Program
P. 0. Box 27647
Raleigh, N. C. 27611
[phone]
2. Description of any streams or wetlands affected by the project. The need for
channelizing or relocating portions of streams crossed and the extent of
such activities.
3. Cover type maps showing wetland acreages impacted by the project.
Wetland acreages should include all project-related areas that may undergo
hydrologic change as a result of ditching, other drainage, or filling for
project construction. Wetland identification may be accomplished through
coordination with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE). If the COE
is not consulted, the person delineating wetlands should be identified and
criteria listed.
4. Cover type maps showing acreages of upland wildlife habitat impacted by the
proposed project. Potential borrow sites should be included.
5. The extent to which the project will result in loss, degradation, or
fragmentation of wildlife habitat (wetlands or uplands).
6. Mitigation for avoiding, minimizing or compensating for direct and indirect
degradation in habitat quality as well as quantitative losses.
7. A cumulative impact assessment section which analyzes the environmental
effects of highway construction and quantifies the contribution of this
individual project to environmental degradation.
8. A discussion of the probable impacts on natural resources which will result
from secondary development facilitated by the improved road access.
9. If construction of this facility is to be coordinated with other state, municipal,
or private development projects, a description of these projects should be
included in the environmental document, and all project sponsors should
be identified. .
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input in the early planning stages for this
project. If we can further assist your office, please contact me at [phone].
Cc: William Wescott, USACE
Rob Ridings, DWQ
Gary Jordan, USFWS