NC0050105_Correspondence_20201021

ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretory
Kim H. Colson
Director
Mr. David Trego, CEO/General Manager
Fayetteville Public Works Commission
PO Box 1089
Fayetteville, NC 28302
SUBJECT:
Dear Mr. Trego:
October 21, 2019
Fayetteville Public Works Commission
Rockfish Creek Basin Peak Flow Facilities
Project No. CS370434-14
This is to inform you that the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and the
Environmental Assessment have been submitted to the State Clearinghouse. The documents will be
advertised for thirty (30) calendar days in the N.C. Environmental Bulletin. Advertising the FONSI
is required prior to a local unit of government receiving financial support from the State Revolving
Loan program. You will be informed of any significant comment or public objection when the
advertisement period is completed.
A copy of the documents is transmitted for your record. The documents should be made
available to the public.
If there are any questions, please contact me at [phone].
Since ely,
n Risga , Chief
State Re ving Fund Section
Division of Water Infrastructure
SCK
Attachment (all cc's)
cc: Reed Barton, PE, CDM Smith, 5400 Glenwood Ave, Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27612
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Infrastructure
512 N. Salisbury Street 11633 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1633
919.707.9160

Fayetteville Public Works Commission
Rockfish Creek Peak Flow Facilities Project
SRF Project No. CS370434-14
October 21, 2019
Page 2 of 2
Susan C. Kubacki (via email)
Ken Pohlig, PE
Mark Hubbard, P.E.
Jennifer Haynie
DWQ - FRO
CWSRF File (ER/EID)

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION
ROCKFISH CREEL{ PEAK FLOW FACILITIES
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
CONTACT: JON RISGAARD, SECTION CHIEF
STATE REVOLVING FUND SECTION
DIVISION OF WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
1633 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27699-1633
[phone]
October 21, 2019

(This page intentionally left blank)

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
Article I, Chapter 113A of the North Carolina General Statutes requires an action to be subject to
the requirements of the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (NCEPA) if it involves the
expenditure of public funds and if a potential impact is anticipated to the environment. The
project has been evaluated for compliance with the NCEPA and is determined to be a major
agency action, which will affect the environment.
Project Applicant: Fayetteville Public Works Commission, North Carolina
Project Description: The proposed project will provide equalization of wastewater
flows in the Rockfish Creek trunk sewer system and will include
the following components: a sanitary sewer flow diversion
structure, a flow equalization pump station with a capacity of 12.5
million gallons per day (MGD); a 3.5 million gallon above-
ground flow equalization storage tank; approximately 1,100 linear
feet (l.f.) of 24-inch forcemain to convey diverted flow from the
pump station to the storage tank; and approximately 5501.f. of 36-
inch diameter gravity sewer to drain the storage tank back into the
trunk sewer downstream of the diversion point.
Project Number:
CS370434-14
Project Cost:
$18,270,240
Clean Water State
Revolving Loan Fund:
$17,912,000
Local Funds:
$358,240
The review process indicated that significant adverse environmental impacts should not occur if
mitigative measures are implemented, and an environmental impact statement will not be
required. The decision was based on information in the Engineering Report and reviews by
governmental agencies. The attached Environmental Assessment (EA) supports this action and
outlines mitigative measures that must be followed. This Finding of No Significant Impact
(FONSI) completes the environmental review record, which is available for inspection at the
State Clearinghouse.
No administrative action will be taken on the proposed project for at least 30 days after
notification that the FONSI has been published in the North Carolina Environmental Bulletin.
Sincerely,
on Risg d Section Chief
State Revolving Fund Section
Division of Water Infrastructure

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
A. Proposed Facilities and Actions
The City of Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) is proposing to provide equalization
of wastewater flows in the Rockfish Creek trunk sewer system. The proposed project will
include the following components: a sanitary sewer flow diversion structure, a flow equalization
pump station with a capacity of 12.5 million gallons per day (MGD); a 3.5 million gallon above-
ground flow equalization storage tank; approximately 1,100 linear feet (l.f.) of 24-inch forcemain
to convey diverted flow from the pump station to the storage tank; and approximately 550 Lf. of
36-inch diameter gravity sewer to drain the storage tank back into the trunk sewer downstream of
the diversion point.
Funding Status: The estimated total cost for the project is $18,270,240. The PWC is applying
for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $17,912,000. Local funds will cover
the loan fees of $358,240.
B. Existing Environment
Topography and Soils. The Fayetteville PWC Rockfish Creek Pump Station and Storage Tank
project is in the Coastal Plain Physiographic Province in the Cape Fear geologic formation. The
project site elevations range from approximately 118 feet to 168 feet above mean sea level.
The dominant soils at the project site are Johnston Loam, frequently flooded; Gilead loamy sand
with 2 to 8 percent slopes; Vaucluse loamy sand with 8 to 15 percent slopes, and Wagram-Urban
land complex with 0 to 8 percent slopes.
Surface Water. The project area is located in the Cape Fear River Basin. (HUC 03030004).
Beaver Creek, a Class C stream, runs along the west side of the project area near the confluence
with Little Rockfish Creek, also rated as Class C.
Water Supply. Drinking water provided by Fayetteville PWC is drawn from the Cape Fear
River, Big Cross Creek, and the Little Cross Creek watershed, which include Bonnie Doone
Lake, Kombow Lake, Mintz Pond, and Glenville Lake.
C. Existing Wastewater Facilities
The PWC owns and operates two wastewater treatment plants: Cross Creek Water Reclamation
Facility and Rockfish Creek Water Reclamation Facility. The wastewater collection system
serves 86,152 residential and non-residential customers throughout the service area covering
portions of the City of Fayetteville, the Town of Hope Mills, and Cumberland County. The sewer
system includes approximately 6,824,04011 of gravity sewer, 72 lift stations, and 295,68011 of
forcemain.

D. Need for Proposed Facilities and Actions
The proposed project is needed to reduce the potential for sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) in the
Rockfish Creek sewershed during peak wet weather events. Modeling of projected future flow
conducted as part of a detailed study of the sewer collections system indicated that the existing
Rockfish Creek trunk sewer does not have sufficient capacity to prevent sewer surcharges and
SSOs during peak flow events.
E. Alternatives Analysis
No -Action Alternative: Under the No -Action Alternative, no project would be constructed. With
no improvements to increase capacity of the system or reduce peak wet -weather flows, the
frequency of SSOs is expected to increase. This alternative was rejected as infeasible.
Alternative 1— Construction of Relief Sewers: This alternative would include construction of
four segments of relief sewers totaling 54,4001.f. with diameters ranging from 30 to 42 inches
parallel to the existing Beaver Creek basin trunk sewer. This alternative was rejected because of
higher cost and greater loss of forest resources.
Alternative 2 — Construction of Flow Equalization Facility: This alternative would construct a
flow equalization facility to divert a portion of peak wet -weather flows to an offline storage
facility to reduce hydraulic loading on the downstream system. The facility would include a
diversion structure near the confluence of the 36-inch diameter trunk sewer from the Little
Rockfish Creek sub -basin with the 42-inch diameter trunk sewer from the Beaver Creek sub -
basin, a 12.5 MGD pump station, a 3.5 million gallon storage tank, forcemain to convey sewer
from the pump station to the storage tank, and gravity sewer to drain the storage tank back into
the system downstream of the diversion point. This alternative is preferred because of lower cost
and smaller environmental footprint.
F. Environmental Consequences and Mitieative Measures
Topography and Soils: Impacts to topography and soils are not expected to be significant. The
forcemain, gravity sewer, and diversion structure will be installed below grade and existing
topography will be restored. Portions of the project site include special flood hazard areas, but
the storage tank and pump station will be located outside of the 100-year floodplain and
floodway. Soil loss will be minimized by following a DEQ-approved Erosion and Sediment
Control Plan. A floodplain development permit will be obtained. Impacts from future
development will be mitigated by the flood hazard ordinances of Cumberland County. The City
of Fayetteville, and the Town of Hope Mills. County's Flood Protection Ordinance and
Streamside Buffer Ordinance, which require flood protection for structures in flood hazard areas
and control development that would increase erosion or flood damage or alter floodplains and
stream channels.
2

Land Use: The project will be constructed on land owned by Fayetteville PWC. Most of the
507-acre parcel is vacant and wooded. Zoning is Conservancy District and Residential. Proposed
facilities will be constructed in section zoned for Residential. Areas adjacent to the site will be
unaffected and still be available for residential development. Significant impacts related to future
growth will be avoided by following the Growth Vision Plan, which seeks to preserve open
space and manage growth to reduce land use conflicts and mitimie adverse impacts to the
region's environment.
Wetlands: There is an area of seasonally flooded forested wetland and a pond that has
transitioned to emergent -vegetation wetland on the project site. Impacts to wetlands are not
expected to be significant. The pump station and storage tank will be located outside of the
wetland areas. Construction of the flow diversion structure will have minor impacts to the
wetland. Section 404 and 401 permits will be obtained. A DEQ-approved Erosion and Sediment
Control Plan will be implemented. The site is within the Town of Hope Mills Municipal
Influence Area. A stormwater BMP will be developed if required by the Town. Significant
impacts related to future growth will be avoided by following the Growth Vision Plan, which
seeks to preserve open space, and manage growth to minimize adverse impacts to the region's
environment. In an email dated February 6, 2018, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers noted that
no impacts to jurisdictional waters are anticipated, written authorization is required prior to
construction, and the Corps has no objections to the project (AID# SAW-2018-00163).
Important Farmlands: Impacts to important farmlands are not anticipated. A portion of the site
parcel includes soils classified as prime farmlands, but the construction will not take place in that
area. Soil loss will be minimized by following a DEQ-approved Erosion and Sedimentation
Control Plan. Significant impacts related to future growth will be avoided by following the
Growth Vision Plan, which seeks to preserve open space, and manage growth to minimize
adverse impacts to the region's environment.
Public Lands and Scenic. Recreational, and State Natural Areas: There are no known public
lands, scenic, recreational, or state natural in the immediate project area; thus, there will be no
direct impacts to these areas. Potential impacts related to future development will be mitigated
by following the area's Growth Vision Plan.
Cultural Resources: In a memorandum dated January 14, 2018, (No. ER 18-0306), the North
Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) stated that they are aware of no historic
resources which would be affected by the project.
Air Quality: No significant impacts to air quality are anticipated. There may be temporary
increases in dust emissions and from site disturbance and exhaust emissions from construction
equipment. The storage tank will be covered to prevent odors. Open burning of debris will not be
allowed during construction. Impacts to air quality related to future growth will be minimized by
following the Growth Vision Plan.
Noise Levels: No significant permanent noise impacts are anticipated. Temporary noise is
expected during construction activities and will be limited to daylight hours as much as possible.
The contractor will be required to comply with the Cumberland County noise ordinance. Noise

impacts related to future growth and development will be restricted by noise ordinances for
Cumberland County, City of Fayetteville, and Town of Hope Mills.
Water Resources: No significant impacts to water resources are anticipated. An Erosion and
Sediment Control plant and Stormwater NPDES permit will be submitted to DEQ for approval
prior to construction. The project will reduce sewer overflows and improve water quality. A
stormwater BMP will be constructed if required by the Town of Hope Mills. Significant impacts
related to future growth will be minimized by following the Growth Vision Plan, which seeks to
preserve open space, and manage growth to minimize adverse impacts to the region's
environment.
Forest Resources: No significant impacts to forest resources are expected. Most of the project
facilities will be constructed on already cleared areas. Tree clearing will be minimized, and
buffers and property setbacks required by the Town of Hope Mills will be maintained. Impacts
from future growth will be minimized by following the Growth Vision Plan.
Shellfish or Fish and Their Habitats: Impacts to shellfish, fish, and their habitats are not
expected to be significant. An Erosion and Sediment Control plant and Stormwater NPDES
permit will be submitted to DEQ for approval prior to construction. The project will reduce
sewer overflows and improve water quality. A stormwater BMP will be constructed if required
by the Town of Hope Mills. Significant impacts related to future growth will be avoided by
following the Growth Vision Plan, which seeks to preserve open space, and manage growth to
minimize adverse impacts to the region's environment.
Wildlife and Natural Vegetation: No significant impacts to wildlife and natural vegetation are
expected. Much of the construction will occur in already cleared areas. Wildlife might be
temporarily impacted during construction, but disturbed areas will be reseeded, and wildlife is
expected to return upon completion of construction activities. Significant impacts related to
future growth will be avoided by following the Growth Vision Plan, which seeks to preserve
open space, and manage growth to minimize adverse impacts to the region's environment.
Introduction of Toxic Substances: The project is not expected to introduce toxic substances to
the environment. Construction equipment will be monitored to avoid release of toxic substances
such as fuels or lubricants.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reviewed the proposed project and concluded that the
requirements of Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act have been fulfilled (March 19,
2019 and March 6, 2018). The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Natural
Heritage Program, and DWR Fayetteville Regional Office concur with the proposed project.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers does not object to the project (February 6, 2018 AID# SAW-
2018-00163). The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is not aware of
historic resources that would be affected by the project (January 14, 2019, ER 18-0306).
0

G. Public Participation, Sources Consulted
A public meeting was held on July 24, 2019 including a presentation about the proposed project.
There were no comments on the project. The current user charge for a typical customer is
$62.40 per month for 5,000 gallons of water and sewer service combined. The proposed project
is expected to increase rates by 2.22% to $63.79 per month for 5,000 gallons.
Sources consulted about this project for information or concurrence included
1) Fayetteville Public Works Commission
2) Cumberland County
3) Town of Hope Mills
4) North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
-Wildlife Resources Commission
-Natural Heritage Program
-DEQ Fayetteville Regional Office
-Division of Air Quality
-Division of Water Resources
-Division of Forest Resources
-Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service
-Division of Waste Management
5) North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
6) North Carolina State Clearinghouse
7) North Carolina Department of Public Safety
8) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
9) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers