19940753 Ver 1_Complete File_19990812

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality

M'A

DEHNR

James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Wayne McDevitt, Secretary
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director

December 12, 1997
Swain County
DWQProject #940753
TIP No. B-2170
APPROVAL of 401 Water Quality Certification and ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS

Mr, Frank Vick
NC DOT
PO Box. 25201
Raleigh NC 27611-5201

Dear Mr. Vick:

You have our approval, in accordance with the attached conditions and those listed below, for
the purpose pfbridge replacement at Alarka Creek, as you described in your application dated
November 5,-1997. After reviewing your application, we have decided that this fill is covered by
General Water Quality Certification Numbers 3127 and 3107. This certification allows you to use
Nationwide Permit Numbers 5 and 23 when it is issued by the Corps of Engineers. In addition,
you should get any other federal. state or local permits before you go ahead with your project
including (but not limited to) Sediment and Erosion Control, Coastal Stormwater, Non-Discharge
and Water Supply Watershed regulations. This approval will expire when the accompanying 404
or CAMA permit expires unless otherwise specified in the General Certification.

This approval is only valid for the purpose and design that you described in your application
except as modified below. If you change your project, you must notify us and you may be
required to send us a new application. If total wetland fills for this project (now or in the future)
ex.ceed one acre, compensatory mitigation may be required as described in 15A NCAC 2H .0506
(h) (6) and (7). For this approval to be valid, you must follow the conditions listed in the attached
certification and any additional conditions listed below,

1. Sediment and erosion control measures sha1l adhere to thc design standards for scnsitive
watersheds (T 15A:04B .0024),
2. DOT shall fo1low guidance provided by DWQ in our 27 May 1997 letter for minimizing
damage to aquatic resources until a final policy is developed in conjunction with DOT.

If you do not accept any of the conditions of this certification, you may ask for an
adjudicatory hearing. You must act within 60 days of the date that you receive this letter. To ask
for a hearing, send a written petition which conforms to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina
General Statutes to the Office of Administrative Hearings, P.O. Box 27447, Raleigh, N.C. 27611-
7447. This certification and its conditions are fmal and binding unless you ask for a hearing.

This letter completes the review of the Division of Water Quality under Section 401 of the
Clean Water Act. If you have any questions, please telephone John Dorney at 919-733-1786.

Attachment

cc: Wilmington District Corps of Engineers
Corps of Engineers Asheville Field Office
Asheville DWQ Regional Office
"'Mf:"rmm~y'
Central Files

940753.1tr

Division of Water Quality . Non-Discharge Branch
4401 Reedy Creek Rd" Raleigh, NC 27607 Telephone [phone] FAX # [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer' 50% recycled/10% post consumer paper

JAMES B. HUNT JR.
GOVERNOR

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GARlAND B. GARRETT JR.
P,O, BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N,C. 27611-5201 SECRETARY

November 5, 1997

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US Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington Field Office
P.O. Box 1890
Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890

ATIENTION: Mr. Michael D. Smith, P.W.S.
Assistant Chief

Dear Sir:

Subject:

Swain County, Replacement of Bridge No. 45 over Alarka Creek on SR 1140, Federal Project
No. BRZ-1140(l), State Project No. 8,2990101, T.I.P, No. B-2170

The Corps of Engineers (COE) issued Section 404 Nationwide Permits 6 and 23 for the subject project
on October 31, 1994. The replacement of Bridge No. 45 over Alarka Creek is scheduled to be let to construction
in February 1998. Consequently, the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) needs to renew authorization
for this work.

Information regarding the project description has not changed since the distribution of the Categorical
Exclusion document by letter dated August 8, 1994, This document was reevaluated as required by 23 CFR 771
in a consultation completed April 24, 1997. The DOT requests that the COE reauthorize this bridge replacement
project in Swain County under Section 404 Nationwide Permits 6 and 23, Reissuance of 401 Water Quality
Certification by the Division of Water Quality is also requested.

If you have any questions or need additional information please call Mr. Gordon Cashin at 733- 7844
Ext. 278.

Planning and Environmental Branch

HFV/plr
cc: Mr, Bob Johnson, Corps of Engineers, Asheville Field Office
Mr, John Dorney, NCDEHNR, Division of Water Quality
Mr, Whit Webb, P.E., Program Development Branch
Mr. R, L. Hill, P.E" Highway Design Branch
Mr, A. L. Hankins, P.E., Hydraulics Unit
Mr. William ], Rogers, P.E" Structure Design Unit
Mr. Tom Shearin, P.E., Roadway Design Unit
Mr. F. D. Martin, P.E., Division 14 Engineer
Ms, Stacy Baldwin, P & E Project Planning

(!)

Form Revised: 6-10-92

,

North Carolina Department of Transportation
PROJECT ENVIRONMENT AL CONSULTATION FORM
I. D. No. B-2170

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

a, Consultation Phase:
!t~,
b, Project Description:

Construction

Replace Bridge No, 45 on SR 1140 over Alarka
Creek in Swain County

c. State Project:
Federal Project:

8,2990101
BRZ-1140(1)

d,

Document Type:

Categorical Exclusion

6/22/94
Date

II, CONCLUSIONS

The above environmental document has been reevaluated as required by 23 CFR 771. It
was determined that the current proposed action is essentially the same as the original proposed
action, Proposed changes, if any, are noted below in Section III. It has been determined that
anticipated social, economic, and environmental impacts were accurately described in the above
referenced document(s) unless noted otherwise herein, Therefore, the original Administration
Action remains valid,

III. CHANGES IN PROPOSED ACTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

There have been no changes in project design since the right-of-way consultation signed
on 7/31/95,

, Potential environmental effects are unchanged from those presented in the Federal
Categorical Exclusion,

Form Revised: 6-10-92

IV. LIST OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS

D,O.T, will implement all practical measures and procedures to minimize and avoid
environmental impacts.

As required by Section 26a of the TV A Act, final plans for the replacement structure will
be submitted to the TV A for review,

ACTION:

Final plans have been sent to TV A for review,

V, COORDINA nON

Planning and Environmental Branch personnel have discussed current project proposals
with others as follows:

Design Engineer:

Wayne Best

4/22/97
Date

FHW A Engineer:

Roy Shelton

4/23/97
Date

VI. N,C.D,O,T. CONCURRENCE

Ani! Z;, ('7Q7
, D te

LtfCJk-

Project Pia in' E gineer

~~an{~ aN~nmenta, Branch

4/1. It/ q 7
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JAMES B, HUNT. JR.
GOVERNOR

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
p,o. BOX 25201. RALEIGH. N.c 27611-5201

R. SAMUEL HUNT III
SECRET^RY

August 3, 1994

District Engineer
Army Corps of Engineers
P. O. Box .1890
Wilmington, North Carolina 23402

!

ATTE~TIO~:

Regulatory Branch

Dear Sir:

Subject:

Swain County, Bridge No. 45 over Alarka Creek on SR
1140, State Project No. 8.2990101, Federal Aid No.
BRZ-1140(1), T.I.F>. No. B-2170.

",

Attached for your information is a copy of the project
planning report for the subject proj~ct. The project is
being processed by the Federal Highway Admin~stration as a
"c ate go r i c alE xci us ion '. . in a c cor d a n c e wit 11 23 C F R ~ 7 1 . 1 1 5 ( b ) .
Therefore we do not anticipate requesting an individual
permit but propose to proceed under a Nationwide Permit in
accordance with 33 CFR 330 Appendix A (B-23) issued ~ovember
22. 1991 by the Corps of Engineers. The provisions of
Section 330.4 and Appendix A (C) of these regulations will be
followed in the construction of the project.

Foundation borings will be required on this project,
The investigation will include test borings in soil and/or
rock for in-site testing as well as obtaining samples for
laboratory testing. This may require test borings in streams
and/or wetlands. These activities will require authorization
under Nationwide Permit No.6.

We anticipate that comments from the North Carolina
Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) will be required prior
to authorization of both nationwide permits by the Corps of
Engineers. By copy of this letter and attachment, KeDOT
hereby requests NCWRC review. The NCDOT also requests that
NCWRC forward their comments to the Corps of Engineers.

*

We anticipate that 401 General Certification No. 2734
(Categorical Exclusion) will apply to this project, and are
providing one copy of the attached information to the North
Carolina Department of Environment, Health. and Natural
Resources, Division of Environmental Management. for their
review.

If you have any questions or need additional
information, please call Mr. Gordon Cashin at (919) 733r3141.
I

Sincerely,

~~&,;C~")
VO~

Assistant Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch

'J
,

"

BJO/gec

Attachment

cc: Mr. David Baker. COE. Asheville
Mr. John Dorney, P.E., DEHNR. DEM
Ms. Stephanie Goudreau, ~CWRC
Mr. Kelly Barger, P.E., Program Development Branch
Mr, Don Morton, P.E.. State Highway Engineer-Design
Mr. A. L. Hankins, P.E., Hydraulics Unit
Mr. Tom Shearin, P.E., State Roadway Design Engineer
Mr. John L. Smith Jr., P.E., Structure Design
Mr. R. E. Edmonds, P.E" Division 14 Engineer
Mr. Davis Moore, Planning and Environmental Branch

'1 J.. ...

Swain County
SR 1140
Bridge No, 45 Over Alarka Creek
Federal-Aid Project BRZ-1140(1)
State Project 8.2990101
T.LP. No, B-2170

CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION

U.S, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

AND

N,C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS

APPROVED:

~/~ ZA4-
DA TE'

. Franklin Vick, P.E" Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch, NCDOT

Db/;Z:!94~P g=~
DAT foR. Nicholas L. Graf, P.E.
Division Administrator, FHW A

'"

Swain County
SR 1140
Bridge No, 45 Over Alarka Creek
Federal-Aid Project BRZ-1140(1)
State Project 8,2990101
TJ,P. No, B-2170

CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION

June, 1994

Documentation Prepared By
JBM Engineers and Planners

~~~J

Kenneth W, Smith, P.E,
Project Manager

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for North Carolina Department of Transportation

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RA. Bissett, Jr., P,E., Unit He d /
Consultant Engineering Unit

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Project Manager
Consultant Engineering Unit

Swain County
SR 1140
Bridge No. 45 Over Alarka Creek
Federal-Aid Project BRZ-1140(1)
State Project 8,2990101
T.1.P, No, B-2170

Bridge No. 45 is included in the Federal-Aid Bridge Replacement Program, The location
is shown in Figure 1. No substantial environmental impacts are anticipated. The project is
classified as a Federal "Categorical Exclusion",

1. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS

All standard procedures and measures, including Best Management Practices, will be
implemented to avoid or minimize environmental impacts,

As required by Section 26a of the TV A Act, final plans for the replacement structure will
be submitted to the TV A for review (see Attachment D),

II, SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

Bridge No, 45 will be replaced at a new location as shown by Alternative 1 in Figure 2,
The recommended replacement structure consists of a bridge 140 feet long and 26 feet
wide, This structure will provide two II-foot travel lanes with two-foot shoulders on
each side,

The roadway grade of the new structure will be approximately the same as the existing
grade at this location,

The roadway will provide a 22-foot pavement width and four-foot unpaved shoulders
throughout the project limits,

Traffic will be maintained on the existing bridge during the construction period,

Estimated cost, based on current prices, is $463,000, The estimated cost of the project, as
shown in the 1994-2000 Transportation Improvement Program, is $346,000, ($325,000-
construction; $21,000-ROW),

III, EXISTING CONDITIONS

The project is located in the south-central portion of Swain County, approximately five
miles south of Bryson City (see Figure 1), Development in the area is rural residential in
nature.

SR 1140 is classified as rural local in the Statewide Functional Classification System and is
not a Federal Aid Highway, This route is designated as a minor arterial in the Swain
County Thoroughfare Plan,

In the vicinity of the bridge, SR 1140 has a 16-foot pavement width with three-foot
shoulders (see Figures 3 & 4), The roadway grade is relatively flat through the project
area, The existing bridge is located on a tangent which extends only for the length of the
structure. The roadway is situated about eight feet above the creek bed,

The current traffic volume of 300 VPD is expected to increase to 600 VPD by the year
2015, The projected volume includes 1% truck-tractor semi-trailer (TTST) and 2% dual-
tired vehicles (DT), There is no speed limit posted through the project area, therefore the
speed limit is assumed to be the statewide maximum of 55 mph,

The existing bridge (see Figure 3) was constructed in 1958, Bridge No, 45 is a two-span
structure that consists of a timber deck on steel beams, The substructure is comprised of
masonry abutments and pier.

The overall length of the structure is 77 feet. The clear roadway width is 15,9 feet. The
posted weight limit on this bridge is 10 tons for single vehicles and 14 tons for TTST's.

Bridge No. 45 has a sufficiency rating of 35,9, compared to a rating of 100 for a new
structure, The existing bridge is considered structurally deficient.

There are no utilities attached to the existing structure; however, there are overhead
power lines that cross the bridge,

One accident has been reported in the vicinity of Bridge No, 45 during the period from
January, 1989 to April, 1992, This accident, which caused no injuries, was a two-vehicle
incident that resulted in one vehicle hitting the end of the bridge railing, The cause was
attributed to insufficient clear roadway width on the existing structure.

Two school buses cross the studied bridge daily,

2

IV. ALTERNATIVES

Two alternatives for replacing Bridge No, 45 were studied. Each alternative consists of a
bridge 140 feet long and 26 feet wide, This structure width will accommodate two 11-
foot travel lanes with two-foot shoulders on each side, The approach roadway will consist
of a 22-foot pavement width and four-foot minimum shoulders on each side, Typical
sections of the proposed structure and approach roadway are included as Figure 4 and
Figure 5,

The alternatives studied are shown on Figure 2 and are as follows:

Alternative 1 (Recommended) - involves replacement of the existing structure with a
bridge on new location immediately east of the existing structure, Improvements to the
alignment on the bridge approaches will be required for approximately 1,050 feet; 450 feet
to the north approach and 600 feet to the south approach, The design speed for this
alternative is 60 mph, The existing structure will serve as an on-site detour structure
during the construction period. This alternative is preferred since it improves the roadway
alignment through the area and it does not require the placement and removal of a
temporary detour, Additionally, this alternative is less costly than Alternative 2.

Alternative 2 - involves replacement of the structure along the existing roadway alignment.
A temporary on-site detour will be provided during the construction period immediately
east (upstream) of the existing structure, The temporary detour will consist of a bridge 90
feet long and 22 feet wide located about 40 feet east of the existing structure, This
alternative will have a design speed of 40 mph, below the standard design criteria for a
roadway of this type; therefore, a design exception will be required for this alternative.
This alternative is not preferred since it does not improve the existing substandard
roadway alignment through the area and it will require the placement and removal of a
temporary detour during the construction period,

The "do-nothing" alternative will eventually necessitate closure of the bridge, This is not
acceptable due to the traffic service provided by SR 1140,

The Division Office concurs that traffic be maintained on-site instead of closing the road
during construction because there is no adequate detour route available.

The Swain County Assistant School Superintendent indicates that maintenance of traffic
on-site during the construction period is preferable.

"Rehabilitation" of the old bridge is not feasible due to its age and deteriorated condition,

3

'.

V, ESTIMATED COST

The estimated costs for the two alternatives are as follows:

Structure
Roadway Approaches
Detour Structure & Approaches
Structure Removal
Engineering & Contingencies
Right-of- Way/Construction EasementslUtilities
Total

(Recommended)
Alternative 1
$ 182,000
171,455

6,545
65,000
38.000
$ 463,000

Alternative 2
$ 182,000
107,555
128,900
6,545
75,000
33.000
$ 533,000

VI, RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS

Bridge No. 45 will be replaced at a new location, as shown by Alternative 1 in Figure 2,
with a new structure having a length of approximately 140 feet. Improvements to the
existing approaches will be necessary for a distance of about 450 feet north of the
replacement structure and 600 feet south of the new bridge. The Division Engineer
concurs with this recommended alternative (see Attachment A),

A 22-foot pavement width with four-foot minimum shoulders on each side will be
provided on the approaches (see Figure 4), A 26-foot clear width is recommended on the
replacement structure in accordance with the current NCDOT Bridge Policy. This will
provide two II-foot lanes with two-foot shoulders across the structure, SR 1140 is
classified as rural local; therefore, criteria for a rural local was used for the bridge
replacement. A design speed of 60 mph will be provided,

During the construction period, maintenance of traffic on-site is necessary, There is no
adequate off-site detour route available for this project.

Based on a preliminary hydraulic analysis, the new structure is recommended to have a
length of approximately 140 feet. The bridge will have a 0.3% minimum grade in order to
facilitate drainage, Also, the bottom elevation of the superstructure will be no lower than
that of the existing structure so that there will be no increase to the existing 100-year
floodplain elevation, It is anticipated that the elevation of the new structure will be
approximately the same as the existing bridge, The length and height of the new structure
may be increased or decreased as necessary to accommodate peak flows as determined by
further hydrologic studies.

4

VII. NATURAL RESOURCES

A biologist visited the project site on January 19, 1993 to verify documented information
and gather field data for a thorough assessment of potential impacts that could be incurred
by a proposed bridge replacement project.

The investigation examined the vegetation surrounding the highway bridge in order to 1)
search for State and Federally protected plants and animal species; 2) identify unique or
prime-quality communities; 3) describe the current vegetation and wildlife habitats; 4)
identify wetlands; and 5) provide information to assess (and minimize adverse)
environmental effects of the proposed bridge replacement.

Biotic Communities

Plant Communities

Alluvial Forest and Basic Mesic Forest are the only natural plant communities that occur
within the study area, There are two alluvial riparian areas, which lies immediately
adjacent to Alarka Creek and a tributary, which are mostly disturbed, either by roadway
embankment or by mowing and clearing, Much of the area surrounding the project is
man-dominated, consisting of pasture and residential uses, The riparian communities
grade into man-dominated communities,

The riparian community borders pasture land and residential areas, Vegetation along this
streamside community consists of sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), black locust (Robinia
pseudo-acacia) and ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana) in a sparse tree layer, The
understory is also sparse, comprised of privet (Ligustrum sinense), great rhododendron
(Rhododendron maximum) and blackberry (Rubus sp,), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera
japonica), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) and grape (Vilis sp.) are common vines,
This community is more developed on the northwest quadrant of the project where
additional species, including Christmas fern (Polystichum arostichoides), wild onion
(Allium sp.) and tag alder (Alnus serrulata) were noted,

Adjacent to the riparian strip and roadway are other man-dominated areas. Lawns and
pasture land are prevalent with vegetation consisting of fescue (Festuca sp,), rye (Lolium
sp.), lespedeza (Lespedeza sp,), and clover (Trifolium sp.),

Just south of the bridge is a secondary riparian community associated with a small
tributary stream. This community bears the same vegetation and characteristics as the
other riparian community and grades into a residential lawn, Next to the stream is an
intermittently flooded wetland dominated by tag alder (Alnus serrulata), sedges (Carex
sp.), and various grasses, The area is mostly disturbed as it parallels the roadway, flowing
along the toe of the fill slope,

5

Several hundred feet from the project area, the man-dominated communities transition into
basic mesic forested hillsides dominated by poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), oaks
(Quercus spp,), hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis), and laurel (Kalmia latifolia).

Wildlife (General)

Riparian communities are valuable habitat for reptiles and amphibians. Amphibians in
particular are highly water dependent for completion of larval stages in their life cycle and
some species are totally aquatic.

Reptiles and amphibians likely to occur in the project vicinity include eastern box turtle
(Terrapene carolina), five-lined skink (Eumeces fasciatus), queen snake (Regina
septemvittata), eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis), northern redbelly snake
(Storeria occipitomaculata), black ratsnake (Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta), com snake (E.
guttata guttata), northern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen), red-spotted
newt (Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens), spotted salamander (Ambystoma
maculatum), mountain dusky salamander (Desmognathus ochrophaeus), northern dusky
salamander (Desmognathus fuse us fuscus), American toad (Bufo americanus), green frog
(Rana c/amitans), and wood frog (R. sylvatica).

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission reports that Alarka Creek is
designated as hatchery-supported public mountain trout waters, Other fish species likely
to inhabit Alarka Creek include stoneroller (Campostoma anomalum), shiners (Notropis
sp, and Luxilus sp,), dace (Rhinichthys sp.), darters (Etheostoma sp, and Percina sp,), and
mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdi), The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
recommends that a spanning structure be constructed at this site to preserve instream and
riparian habitat.

Riparian corridors also act as natural passageways for mammals. They also serve as
refuges for mammals forced from more disturbed upland sites. Mammals likely to inhabit
the area include opossum (Didelphis marsupialis), shorttail shrew (Blarina brevicauda),
eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus), bats (Lasiurus sp, and Myotis sp,), raccoon (Procyon
lotor), longtail weasel (Mustela frenata), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), chipmunk
(Tamias striatus), mice (Peromyscus sp,), cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), and deer
(Odocoileus virginianus),

Birds likely to inhabit the study area include the turkey vulture (Carthartes aura), red-
tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), red-shouldered hawk (B. lineatus), hairy woodpecker
(Picoides villosus), tufted titmouse (parus bicolor), white-breasted nuthatch (Sitta
corolinensis), Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus), American goldfinch (Carduelis
tristis), rufous sided towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus), and field sparrow (Spizella
pusilla) ,

6

Physical Resources

Soil

The Soil Conservation Service indicates that a soil survey for Swain County has not been
completed. Consequently, information about the soils in the area is not available. The
Swain County Soil and Water Conservation District has indicated that there are no prime,
unique or important soils in the project area, Additional right-of-way acquisition will be
minimal; therefore, impacts to the soils will be minimal as a result of this project

Water

This bridge replacement project spans Alarka Creek, a tributary to the Little Tennessee
River, contained within the Little Tennessee River basin.

Alarka Creek has a "best usage" classification of "C- Tr", Class C designates waters
suitable for secondary recreation, aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife
and agriculture, The supplemental classification ofTr (Trout) indicates waters suitable for
natural trout propagation and maintenance of stocked trout

The Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN), managed by the North
Carolina Department of Environment, Health & Natural Resources, Division of
Environmental Management, addresses the long term trends in water quality at fixed
monitoring sites by the use of benthic macroinvertebrates, These organisms are sensitive
to very subtle changes in water quality, Alarka Creek was sampled approximately five
miles upstream from the proposed project location. Sampling efforts at this location were
conducted in November, 1988 resulting in an "excellent" bioclassification rating. There
are no permitted dischargers in the vicinity of the proposed project

Table 1 describes the stream characteristics of Alarka Creek observed in the vicinity of the
proposed bridge replacement project

TABLE 1

Observation Point Uostream (tOO ft.) Existin!! Crossin!! Downstream (tOO ft.)
Substrate Silt, sand, cobble
Current Flow Moderate
Channel Width (ft.) 20-25 25-30 25-30
Bank Height (ft,) 10-12 4-6 6-8
Water Depth (ft,) 1-3 1-3 2-3
Water Color Clear Clear Clear
Water Odor None
Aquatic Ve~etation None
Adiacent Ve~etation Hardwood fringe - sycamore, locust, ironwood
Wetlands Bank to Bank; Bank-Bank along small tributary

7

The general gradient of Alarka Creek is moderate and riffle-pool ratios are generally
balanced through the project area, Though some flats are developed behind the riffle
areas, sediment loads will, for the most part, be carried downstream from the project site.
The stream banks are relatively steep and high enough to contain most storm surges;
therefore, overtopping floods will be minimal.

Jurisdictional Topics

Wetlands

Field observations indicated that east of the eXlstmg structure there exists a narrow
intermittently flooded wetland, This wetland is associated with a small tributary which
parallels the road on the north side, The relocation of the small tributary and approach
roadway fill will affect approximately 0,1 acre of this wetland, No other wetland plant
communities will be affected by this project.

In general, the stream banks are steep and well drained and wetland hydrology was not
observed in other portions of the project area,

Protected Species

Under federal law, any federal action which is likely to result in a negative impact to plants
and animals with federal classifications of Endangered (E), Threatened (T), Proposed
Endangered (PE) and Proposed Threatened (PT) is subject to review by the U.S, Fish and
Wildlife Service (FWS) under one or more provisions of the Endangered Species Act of
1973. In the case of state-funded actions, where federal wetland permits are likely to be
required, for example, the FWS can require consultation to insure that the proposed action
does not jeopardize any endangered, threatened or protected species, Even in the absence
of federal actions, the FWS has the power, through provisions of Section 9 of the
Endangered Species Act, to exercise jurisdiction on behalf of a protected plant or animal.
The FWS and other wildlife resource agencies also exercise jurisdiction in this resource
area in accordance with the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat 401, as amended;
16 USC 661 et seq), North Carolina laws are also designed to protect certain plants and
animals where statewide populations are in decline, Plants or animals with state
designations of Endangered (E), Threatened (T) or Special Concern (SC) are granted
protection by the State Endangered Species Act and the NC Plant Protection and
Conservation Act of 1979, These Acts are administered and enforced by the North
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the NC Department of Agriculture,

8

Federally Listed Species:

Information from the FWS dated January 27, 1994, indicates that there are nine federally
protected species listed in Swain County, (see Table 2), Each species and its relationship
to the proposed project are discussed on the following pages,

COMMON NAME

Indiana bat
Carolina northern flying squirrel
Eastern cougar
Little-wing pearly mussel
Noonday snail
Appalachian elktoe
Rock gnome lichen
Spruce-fir moss spider
Spotfin chub

TABLE 2

SPECIFIC NAME

STATUS

Myotis sodalis
G/aucomys sabri nus c%ratus
Felis conc%r couguar
Pegias fabu/a
Mesodon clarki nantaha/a
A/asmidonta raveneliana
Gymnoderme lineare
Microhexura montivaga
Hybopsis monacha

E' *
E
E
E
'f2
PE3
PE
PE
T

E' - Endangered: A taxon that is threatened with extinction throughout all of its range,
'f2 - Threatened: A taxon that is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future,
PP - Proposed Endangered: A taxon proposed for listing as Endangered.
* - Indicates no specimen from Swain County in at least twenty years,

Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis)

The Indiana bat, or social myotis, is a small brown bat with short, mouse-like ears and
a plain nose, The females are less than 2" long; males are slightly smaller, This
migratory species is dispersed in summer across the middle section of central and
eastern U.S, Approximately 85% of the entire species winters in only 6 caves in
Missouri, Indiana and Kentucky. Hibernation in Maryland and Virginia is also known
to occur. The hibernation period is from mid-October until April. It inhabits large
caves, mine tunnels, underground roosts and often under loose bark of trees.

Biological Conclusion: No Effect
The proposed project will not impact habitat suitable for this species; therefore, no
impacts to this species will occur,

Carolina northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus)

The Carolina northern flying squirrel is a small nocturnal mammal approximately 12"
long. It is capable of gliding by means of a membrane that is located along the sides of
the body between the fore and hind limbs, In addition, the broad tail aids in gliding,
The Carolina northern flying squirrel is distributed in widely scattered areas of the
transition zone between the coniferous and northern hardwood forests, generally at
elevations above 3500 feet.

9

Biological Conclusion: No Effect
The project study area occurs at an elevation of approximately 2100 feet, well below
this species' cited limit. Also the study area does not impact any forested areas,
therefore suitable habitat for the Carolina northern flying squirrel will not be affected.
No impacts to this species will occur,

Eastern cougar (Felis con color couguar)

The cougar, or mountain lion, is a large, tawny-brown cat with a 2-3-foot long, dark-
tipped tail. Males may reach a total length of 9 feet and weigh 200 pounds, Both
sexes have whitish underparts, The cougar requires large, remote forested areas with
abundant prey, which includes deer, small rodents, rabbits and occasionally domestic
livestock. It seeks shelter in spaces beneath overhanging rocks, caves, rock ledges,
and dark secluded spots in dense vegetation, The eastern cougar was probably
extirpated from the U. S. in the late 1800's due to bounty hunting and habitat loss,
From reported sightings, however, one or more subspecies may have returned to this
area.

Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Habitat suitable for the cougar will not be affected by the proposed project. No
impacts to this species will occur.

Noonday snail (Mesodon clarki nantahala)

The Noonday snail is found only on moist, shady, north-facing cliffs that are rich with
marble deposits, A review of the Natural Heritage Program maps and files indicates
that this species is only known to occur in a 2 mile long section of the Nantahala
Gorge along US 19,

Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Habitat suitable for the Noonday snail will not be affected by the proposed project.
No impacts to this species will occur,

Rock gnome lichen (Gymnoderma lineare)

The rock gnome lichen is a squamulose lichen in the reindeer moss family. This lichen
is a narrow endemic, restricted to areas of high humidity, These high humidity
environments occur on high elevation (>4000 feet) mountaintops and clifffaces which
are frequently bathed in fog, or lower elevation(<2500 feet) deep gorges in the
Southern Appalachians. The rock gnome lichen primarily occurs on vertical rock faces
where seepage water from forest soils above flows at (and only at) very wet times.
The rock gnome lichen is almost always found growing with the moss Adreaea in
these vertical intermittent seeps, The high elevation habitat occurs in the counties of

10

Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Mitchell, Rutherford, Swain,
Transylvania, and Yancey. The lower elevation habitat of the rock gnome lichen can
be found in the counties of Jackson, Rutherford and Transylvania,

Biological Conclusion: No Effect
The study area is located at an elevation of approximately 2100 feet, well below the
4000 feet elevation that the species prefers, The project study area does not support
suitable habitat for the rock gnome lichen, No impacts will occur.

Spruce-fir moss spider (Mocrohexura montivaga)

The spruce-fir moss spider (also known as the North Carolina funnel-web tarantula) is
one of the smallest mygalomorph spiders, Adults generally measure 3.0 to 3,6
millimeters. Their color ranges from light brown to darker reddish brown. There are
no markings on their abdomens,

The species is found in moss mats growing on rocks and boulders in high elevation
(5000 feet) Fraser fir and red spruce forests, There are only four known populations
of the spruce-fir moss spider; one in Tennessee and three in North Carolina, Two of
the North Carolina populations occur in Swain County and the third on the Avery-
Caldwell County border.

Biological Conclusion: No Effect
The project will not impact any spruce or fir forest areas. Additionally, the study area
is located at an elevation of approximately 2100 feet, well below the 5000 feet
elevation that the spruce-fir moss spider prefers, Therefore, the project study area
does not support suitable habitat for the species. No impacts will occur to the spruce-
fir moss spider,

Spotfin chub (Hybopsis monacha)

The spotfin chub, (often referred to as the tourquoise shiner), is a cyprinid endemic to
the Tennessee River drainage, It typically occurs in clear, cool and warm, large creeks
to medium-sized rivers of moderate gradient. It favors moderate and swift currents
and ranges over gravel to bedrock, while rarely occurring on sand and silt. The spotfin
chub is rare and is usually sharply localized in distribution,

Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Alarka Creek is a small tributary stream that does not provide habitat suitable for the
spotfin chub, No impacts to this species will occur.

11

Alarka Creek was surveyed for the presence of the following federally protected mussels
by Tim Savidge, Environmental Biologist, on June 14, 1994, This in-stream survey was
conducted at the project site and at a location approximately one mile downstream from
the project site, Mr, Savidge's observations included the following analysis of the stream
conditions: "The stream is degraded by siltation and trash, The evidence of brown algal
scum and blue-green algae indicates nutrient overload, No evidence of any freshwater
mussels was present. "

Little-wing pearly mussel (Pegias tabula)

The little-wing pearly mussel is a small, freshwater mussel, rare throughout its range in
the upper Tennessee and Cumberland drainages, It is a lotic, riffie-dwelling species
that is usually found under flat rocks that are loosely embedded in gravel substrata of
high-gradient tributary streams, The species is very sensitive to water quality
disturbances and requires a stable, silt-free streambed with well oxygenated water,

Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Given the survey results, the stream characteristics, and the degraded water quality, it
can be concluded that no populations of the Little-wing pearly mussel (Pegias tabula)
occur in this stretch of Alarka Creek, Therefore, no impacts to this species will result
from project construction,

Appalachian elktoe (Alasmidonta raveneliana)

The Appalachian Elktoe is a freshwater bivalve currently known only from the Little
Tennessee River system in Swain and Macon Counties and the Cane and the North
Toe Rivers in Mitchell and Yancey Counties, including their lower tributaries. It is a
riffle-dwelling species typically found in areas having gravel and cobble substrata, The
species is very sensitive to water quality disturbances and requires a stable, silt-free
streambed with well oxygenated water,

Biological Conclusion: No Effect
No mussels were observed in Alarka Creek during initial field reviews nor during Mr,
Savidge's in-stream survey of June 14, 1994, Although it is a tributary to the Little
Tennessee River, Alarka Creek does not lie within the Appalachian Elktoe's proposed
"critical habitat zone" as recognized by the N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission
(WRC) , Furthermore, recent surveys conducted by WRC and FWS throughout
western North Carolina have led experts to the conclusion that only two strongholds
of Appalachian elktoe exist in the region, neither of which will be affected by the
proposed project. Consequently, given the above data, the survey results, the stream
characteristics, and the degraded water quality, it can be concluded that no
populations of Appalachian Elktoe occur in this stretch of Alarka Creek, Therefore,
no impacts to this species will result from project construction,

12

The FWS also identified candidate species, (species that are currently under status
review), that may occur in the project study area. A list of these species is provided in
Table 3.

COMMON NAME

TABLE 3
SPECIFIC NAME

SUIT ABLE HABIT A T

Eastern small-footed bat
Rafinesque's big-eared bat
Southern rock vole
Hellbender *
Olive darter
Lost Nantahala Cave spider
Mary Alice's smallheaded fly
Tawny crescent butterfly
Diana fritillary butterfly
Fraser fir *
A liverwort
Rugel's ragwort
Mountain bittercress *
Manhart's sedge
Hairy blueberry
Wolfs milk spurge
Smoky Mountains manna grass
Butternut
Carolina Mnium *
A liverwort
Gray's saxifrage
Oconee-bells *
Mountain catchfly
Sweet pinesap
A liverwort *
Short-styled oconee-bells

Myotis subulatus leibii
Plecotus rafinesquii
Microtus chrotorrhinus carolinensis
Cryptobranchus alleganiensis
Percina squamata
Nesticus cooperi
Eulonchus marialiciae
Phycoides batesi
Speyeria diana
Abies fraseri
Bazzania nudicaulis
Rugelia nudicaulis
Cardamine clematitis
Carex manhartii
Vaccinium hirsutum
Euphorbia purpurea
Glyceria nubigena
Juglans cinerea
Mnium carolinianum
Plagiochila sul/ivantii var, sul/ivantii
Saxifraga caroliniana
Shortia galacifolia
Silene ovata
Monotropsis odorata
Sphenolobopsis pearsoni
Shortia galacifolia var, brevistyla

no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
yes
yes
no
yes
no
no
yes
yes
no
yes
yes
yes
no
no
no
yes
no

* Indicates no specimen from Swain County in at least 20 years,

State Listed Species:

The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program indicated that there are no state protected
species within the project study area,

Impacts

The preferred alternative consists of replacement of the structure at a new location
immediately east of the existing structure, Traffic will be maintained on the existing bridge
during the construction period,

Construction of the new bridge and approach roadways will impact the ecological
community. Portions of the riparian communities will be destroyed by land clearing,

13

excavation, filling, draining and paving. As a result, these communities will be altered and,
consequently, the habitat quality lessened to some degree, During construction, efforts
will be made to minimize impacts to the riparian and hardwood forest communities,
Approximately 0,1 acre of riparian habitat and 0.1 acre of intermittently flooded wetlands
will be impacted by the new construction. These losses are relatively small compared to
the amount of similar habitats that are found in the region.

Impacts due to the proposed project will mainly affect aquatic organisms. Dredging,
filling, pile-driving operations, slope stabilization, and land clearing are construction
activities which can result in the direct loss of benthic organisms due to an increase in silt
load, The removal of benthic organisms reduces the potential food supply for fish and
other vertebrates.

Project construction may result in a number of potential impacts to Alarka Creek,
Construction of the new bridge structure could create short-term increases in siltation and
sedimentation in Alarka Creek, Fill material placement for the approach roadway may
enter the stream, and pier and/or abJ.Jtment excavation could result in increased turbidity
both on-site and downstream of the project area, Other impacts might include alterations
to water levels and flow due to interruptions or additions to surface and/or groundwater
flow; increased concentration of toxic compounds from construction, and reductions to
sensitive invertebrate species due to alterations in water clarity and light-incidence
resulting from increased turbidity. However, these potential impacts are avoidable,
Appropriate measures, consistent with Best Management Practices, will be implemented
during the term of the project to minimize, control and/or contain the potential impacts.

Unique and/or Prime-Quality Habitat:

The Alluvial Forest community is not uncommon but few examples remain intact. The
man-dominated communities contain mostly grasses and are not of prime-quality, The
acreage of impact that will occur as a result of this project is not substantial.

Alarka Creek is not a designated wild or scenic river,

Permit Coordination

In accordance with provisions of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C,O.E.
1344), a permit will be required from the Corps of Engineers for the discharge of dredged
or fill material into "Waters of the United States", In addition, the project is located in a
designated "trout" county where NCDOT is required to obtain a letter of approval from
the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and provide it to the Corps of
Engineers,

14

Since the subject project is classified as a Categorical Exclusion, it is likely that this
project will be subject to the Nationwide Permit Provisions of 33 CFR 330.5 (A) 23, This
permit authorizes any activities, work and discharges undertaken, assisted, authorized,
regulated, funded or financed, in whole or in part, by another federal agency and that the
activity is "categorically excluded" from environmental documentation because it is
included within a category of actions which neither individually or cumulatively have a
significant effect on the environment. However, final permit decisions are left to the
discretionary authority of the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

Foundation investigations will be required on this project. The investigation will include
test borings in soil and/or rock for in-site testing as well as obtaining samples for
laboratory testing. This may require test borings in streams and/or wetlands. These
activities will require authorization under Nationwide Permit No, 6,

A 401 Water Quality Certification, administered through the N,C. Department of
Environment, Health and Natural Resources, will also be required, This certificate is
issued for any activity which may result in a discharge into waters for which a federal
permit is required.

Compensatory mitigation is not required under a Nationwide permit. Erosion and
sedimentation control measures will be strictly enforced during construction activities to
minimize unnecessary impacts to stream and wetland ecosystems, Best Management
Practices will also be implemented,

VIII, ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

The project is expected to have an overall positive impact. Replacement of an inadequate
bridge will result in safer traffic operations,

The project is considered to be a Federal "Categorical Exclusion" due to its limited scope
and insignificant environmental consequences,

The bridge replacement will not have an adverse effect on the quality of the human or
natural environment with the use of current NCDOT standards and specifications,

The project is not in conflict with any plan, existing land use, or zoning regulation, No
change in land use is expected to result from construction of the project.

No adverse impact on families or communities is anticipated, Right-of-way acquisition
will be limited, No relocatees are expected with implementation of the proposed
alternative,

No adverse effect on public facilities or services is expected, The project is not expected
to adversely affect social, economic, or religious opportunities in the area,

15

The proposed project will not require right-of-way acquisition or easements from publicly
owned recreational land, as described in Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation
Act of 1966,

This project is subject to compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, implemented by the Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106, codified at 36 CFR Part 800.
Section 106 requires that if a federally funded, licensed, or permitted project has an effect
on a property listed on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, the
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation be given an opportunity to comment.

To comply with those requirements, NCDOT provided documentation on the subject
project for submittal to the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office, No
structures over fifty years of age are located in the Area of Potential Effect (see Figure 6).
Correspondence with the State Historic Preservation Officer (Attachment B) indicates
concurrence that no National Register-listed or eligible properties are located within the
area of potential effect.

In response to a scoping letter from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the
Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, in a memorandum dated January 22, 1993
(Attachment C), recommended that "no archaeological investigation be conducted in
connection with this project." Therefore, no archaeological work was conducted for the
projected,

Since there are no properties either listed on or eligible for the National Register of
Historic Places within the APE, no further compliance with Section 1 06 is required,

This project has been coordinated with the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, The Farmland
Protection Policy Act requires all federal agencies or their representatives to consider the
potential impact to prime farmland of all land acquisition and construction projects. There
are no soils classified as prime, unique, or having state or local importance in the vicinity
of the project. Therefore, the project will not involve the direct conversion of farmland
acreage within these classifications,

The project is located within the jurisdiction for air quality of the Asheville Regional
Office of the N,C. Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, The
ambient air quality for Swain County has been determined to be in compliance with the
National Ambient Air Quality Standards. This project is not anticipated to create any
adverse effect on the air quality of this attainment area,

This project will not substantially increase traffic volumes, Therefore, the impact on noise
levels and air quality will be insignificant. Noise levels could increase during construction
but will be temporary, Ifvegetation is disposed of by burning, all burning shall be done in
accordance with applicable local laws and regulations of the North Carolina State
Implementation Plans for air quality in compliance with 15 NCAC 2D,0520,

16

This evaluation completes the assessment requirements for noise analysis of Title 23, Code
of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 772 and for air quality of the 1990 Clean Air Act
Amendments and the National Environmental Policy Act.

An examination of records at the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and
Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Management, Groundwater Section and the
North Carolina Department of Human Resources, Solid Waste Management Section
revealed no underground storage tanks or hazardous waste sites in the project area,

Swain County is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Regular Program; however,
no detailed study of the area is available, The approximate IOO-year floodplain limits in
the project vicinity are shown in Figure 7, The amount of floodplain area to be affected is
not considered to be significant.

There are no practical alternatives to crossing the floodplain area, Any shift in alignment
will result in a crossing of about the same magnitude, All reasonable measures will be
taken to minimize any possible harm,

In the vicinity of the project, there is one single family residence within the limits of the
IOO-year floodplain,

The project will not increase the upstream limits of the IOO-year floodplain,

The project lies within the jurisdiction of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TV A), The
TV A has requested that final bridge plans be submitted to them for review under Section
26a of the TV A Act (see Attachment D).

On the basis of the above discussion, it is concluded that no serious adverse environmental
effects will result from implementation of the project.

17

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TRANSPORTATION
DMSION OF HIGHWAYS
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL
BRANCH

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SWAIN COUNTY
SR 1140
BRIDGE NO. 45 OVER
ALARKA CREEK
B-2170

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JAMES B, HUNT, JR
GOVERNOR

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
Sylva, North Carolina 28779
July 9, 1993

TIP#:
County:
Description:

B-2170
Swain
Replacement of Bridge No. 45 on SR 1140
over Alarka Creek

MEMORANDUM TO:

Mr. L. J. Ward, P.E.
Manager, Planning and Environmental
Branch

FROM:

v. A. Edwards, P.E.
Division Engineer

SUBJECT:

Planning Report/Categorical Exclusion

Division 14 has reviewed the Planning
Report/categorical Exclusion for the replacement of Bridge
45 over Alarka Creek on SR 1140 in Swain County. We have
also visited the site of the bridge and we agree with the
conclusion of JBM Consulting Engineers that their Alternate
1 is the best solution to upgrading this structure.

If further information is needed, please advise.

RGW/cb

ATTACHMENT A

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James B. Hunt, Jr.. Governor
Belly Ray McCain, Secretary

July 15, 1993

Nicholas L. Graf
Division Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
Department of Transportation
310 New Bern Avenue
Raleigh, N.C. 27601-1442

Re: Replace Bridge No. 45 on SR 1140 over Alarka
Creek, Swain County, B-2170, 8.2990101, BRZ-
1140( 1), ER 93-9094

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Dear Mr. Graf:

Thank you for your letter of June 24, 1993, concerning the above project.

We have reviewed the information provided to us and understand that no
structures over fifty years of age are located in the area of potential effect. Based
upon the information provided by the North Carolina Department of Transportation
and our files, we concur with the Federal Highway Administration's determination
that no National Register-listed or eligible properties are located in the area of
potential effect.

The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1 966 and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's
Regulations for Compliance with Section 106, codified at 36 CFR Part 800.

Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions
concerning the above comment, please contact Renee Gledhill-Earley,
environmental review coordinator, at 919/733-4763.

Sincerely,

~~-~ .

Lv David Brook
if Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer

DB:slw

cc: ~ J. Ward
B. Church

ATTACHMENTB

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109 East Jones Street · Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807

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.. . i 'JAN 2 6 1993 )
North Carolma Department of Cultural Resou ces DIVISI . !
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ames . un, r., overnor Division?'1chives'an(fHis't~
Betty Ray McCain, Secretary W"II" '~I, )")';'; ',' '" I::'" ,"
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January 22, 1993
MEMORANDUM

SUBJECT:

L. J. Ward, P.E., Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
Divisiot'l of Highways
Department of~r,an ortation

David Brook ~ ~~
Deputy State istoric Preservation Officer .

Replace Bridge No. 45 on SR 1140 over Alarka Creek,
Swain County, B-2170, ER 93-7959

TO:

FROM:

Thank you for your letter of December 18, 1992, concerning the above project.

We have conducted a search of our files and are aware of no structures of
historical or architectural importance located within the planning area. However,
since a comprehensive historical architectural inventory of Swain County has
never been conducted, there may be structures of which we are unaware located
within the planning area.

We recommend that an architectural historian for the North Carolina Department of
Transportation survey the area of potential effect and report the findings to us.
Please submit photographs of all structures over fifty years of age, keyed to a
map, along with a location description. Also include a brief description of the
structure's history and explain which National Register criteria it does or does not
meet. If there are no structures over fifty years of age in the area of potential
effect, please notify us in writing.

There are no known archaeological sites within the proposed project area. Based
on our present knowledge of the ~rea, it is unlikely that any archaeological
resources which may be eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic
Places will be affected by the project construction. We, therefore, recommend
that no archaeological investigation be conducted in connection with this project.

The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966 and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's
Regulations for Compliance with Section 106, codified at 36 CFR Part 800.

Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions
concerning the above comment, please contact Renee Gledhill-Earley,
environmental review coordinator, at 919/733-4763.

DB:slw

109 East Jones Street · Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807

ATTACHMENT C

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March 8, 1993

Tennessee Valley Aulhonly, Norris, Tennessee 37828

Mr. L. J. Ward, P.E.
Manager, Planning and Environmental Branch
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Post Office Box 25201
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-5201

Dear Mr. Ward:

NORTH CAROLIlfA DEPARTHElfT OF TRANSPORTATIOlf BRIDGE REPLACEHENT
PROJECTS: BRIDGE Olf SR 1140 OVER ALARKA. CREEK - SWAIN COUNTY; T. I . P .
NO.: B-2170, BRIDGE Olf NC 208 OVER BIG LAUREL CREEK - MADISON COUNTY;
T.I.P. NO.: B-2582 , AND BRIDGE Olf lfC 261 OVER LITTLE ROCK CREEK -
MITCHELL COUNTY; T.I.P. lfO.: B-2593

This responds to your January 8 request for TVA's comments on the
subject highway improvement projects.

The proposed bridge replacements crosses floodplains identified by
approximate methods for streams where we have no available flood data.
HDwever, all counties are participants in the National Flood Insurance
Program. All bridges should be designed to meet the requirements of the
National Flood Insurance Program and for compliance with Floodplain
Management Executive Order No. 11988. Also, all three bridges should be
designed such that the bents are at least 70 feet apart and no bents are
located in the deepest part of the riverbed.

Final plans for the bridges should be submitted to TVA for review under
Section 26a of the TVA Act. Along with these plans, please include a copy
of a letter from the state Historic Preservation Officer stating that the
proposal complies with the Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and a copy of
the hydraulic analysis of the effects of the bridges on the 100-year flood
elevation.

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L! - Manager
Land Resources

A TT ACHMENT D