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William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director
Division of Water Quality
January 4, 2006
MEMORANDUM
To: Marc Hamel, NCDOT Rail Division, Environmental and Planning Branch - -
From: Rob Ridings, NC DWQ Transportation Permitting Unit .
Through: John Hennessy, NC DWQ Transportation Permitting Unit C /?
Subject: Scoping comments on proposed Hopson Road grade separation and NC Railroad realignment in
Durham County, State Project No. 40460.1.1, TIP No. U-4716.
Reference your correspondence dated December 22, 2006 in which you requested comments for the
referenced project. Preliminary analysis of the project reveals the potential for impacts to streams and
possible jurisdictional wetlands in the project area. More specifically, possible impacts to:
Stream Name River Basin Stream
Classifications Stream Index
Number
Stirrup Iron Creek NEU 02 C NSW 27-33-4-2
(UT) Burdens Creek CPF 05 C NSW 16-41-1-17-1-(0.3)
(UT) Kit Creek CPF 05 C NSW 16-41-1-17-2-(0.3)
Further investigations at a higher resolution should be undertaken to verify the presence of other streams
and/or jurisdictional wetlands in the area. In the event that any jurisdictional areas are identified, the
Division of Water Quality requests that NCDOT consider the following environmental issues for the
proposed project:
Project Specific Comments:
1. Stirrup Iron Creek, Burdens Creek, and Kit Creek are class C; NSW waters of the State. DWQ
is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project. DWQ
recommends that highly protective sediment and erosion control BMPs be implemented to reduce
the risk of nutrient runoff to these waters. DWQ requests that road design plans provide treatment
of the storm water runoff through best management practices as detailed in the most recent version
of NC DWQ Stormwater Best Management Practices.
2. Part of this project is within the Neuse River Basin. Riparian buffer impacts should be avoided
and minimized to the greatest extent possible pursuant to 15A NCAC 2B.0233.
NOne ?ffiCarolin
Transportation Permitting Unit Naturally
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650
2321 Crabtree Boulevard, Suite 250, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Phone: [phone] / FAX [phone] / Internet: htto:l/h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer - 50% Recycled/10% Post Consumer Paper
General Project Comments:
1. The environmental document should provide a detailed and itemized presentation of the proposed
impacts to wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping. If mitigation is necessary as
required by 15A NCAC 2H.0506(h), it is preferable to present a conceptual (if not finalized)
mitigation plan with the environmental documentation. Appropriate mitigation plans will be
required prior to issuance of a 401 Water Quality Certification.
2. Environmental assessment alternatives should consider design criteria that reduce the impacts to
streams and wetlands from storm water runoff. These alternatives should include road designs
that allow for treatment of the storm water runoff through best management practices as detailed
in the most recent version of NC DWQ Stormwater Best Management Practices, such as grassed
swales, buffer areas, preformed scour holes, retention basins, etc.
3. After the selection of the preferred alternative and prior to an issuance of the 401 Water Quality
Certification, the NCDOT is respectfully reminded that they will need to demonstrate the
avoidance and minimization of impacts to wetlands (and streams) to the maximum extent
practical. In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules 115A NCAC
2H.0506(h)), mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 1 acre to wetlands. In the
event that mitigation is required, the mitigation plan should be designed to replace appropriate
lost functions and values. The NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program may be available for use as
wetland mitigation.
4. In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules (15A NCAC
2H.0506(h)), mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 150 linear feet to any single
perennial stream. In the event that mitigation is required, the mitigation plan should be designed
to replace appropriate lost functions and values. The NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program may
be available for use as stream mitigation.
5. DWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project.
NC DOT should address these concerns by describing the potential impacts that may occur to the
aquatic environments and any mitigating factors that would reduce the impacts.
6. Bridge supports (bents) should not be placed in a stream when possible.
7. Whenever possible, the DWQ prefers spanning structures. Spanning structures usually do not
require work within the stream or grubbing of the streambanks and do not require stream channel
realignment. The horizontal and vertical clearances provided by bridges allow for human and
wildlife passage beneath the structure, do not block fish passage and do not block navigation by
canoeists and boaters.
8. Bridge deck drains should not discharge directly into the stream. Stormwater should be directed
across the bridge and pre-treated through site-appropriate means (grassed swales, pre-formed
scour holes, vegetated buffers, etc.) before entering the stream. Please refer to the most current
version of NC DWQ Stormwater Best Management Practices.
9. If concrete is used during construction, a dry work area should be maintained to prevent direct
contact between curing concrete and stream water. Water that inadvertently contacts uncured
concrete should not be discharged to surface waters due to the potential for elevated pH and
possible aquatic life and fish kills.
10. If temporary access roads or detours are constructed, the site shall be graded to its preconstruction
contours and elevations. Disturbed areas should be seeded or mulched to stabilize the soil and
appropriate native woody species should be planted. When using temporary structures the area
should be cleared but not grubbed. Clearing the area with chain saws, mowers, bush-hogs, or
other mechanized equipment and leaving the stumps and root mat intact allows the area to re-
vegetate naturally and minimizes soil disturbance.
11. Placement of culverts and other structures in waters, streams, and wetlands shall be below the
elevation of the streambed by one foot for all culverts with a diameter greater than 48 inches, and
20 percent of the culvert diameter for culverts having a diameter less than 48 inches, to allow low
flow passage of water and aquatic life. Design and placement of culverts and other structures
including temporary erosion control measures shall not be conducted in a manner that may result
in dis-equilibrium of wetlands or streambeds or banks, adjacent to or upstream and down stream
of the above structures. The applicant is required to provide evidence that the equilibrium is being
maintained if requested in writing by DWQ. If this condition is unable to be met due to bedrock
or other limiting features encountered during construction, please contact the NC DWQ for
guidance on how to proceed and to determine whether or not a permit modification will be
required.
12. If multiple pipes or barrels are required, they should be designed to mimic natural stream cross
section as closely as possible including pipes or barrels at flood plain elevation and/or sills where
appropriate. Widening the stream channel should be avoided.. Stream channel widening at the
inlet or outlet end of structures typically decreases water velocity causing sediment deposition
that requires increased maintenance and disrupts aquatic life passage.
13. If foundation test borings are necessary; it should be noted in the document. Geotechnical work
is approved under General 401 Certification Number 3494/Nationwide Permit No. 6 for Survey
Activities.
14. Sediment and erosion control measures sufficient to protect water resources must be implemented
and maintained in accordance with the most recent version of North Carolina Sediment and
Erosion Control Planning and Design Manual and the most recent version of NCS000250.
15. All work in or adjacent to stream waters should be conducted in a dry work area unless otherwise
approved by NC DWQ. Approved BUT measures from the most current version of NCDOT
Construction and Maintenance Activities manual such as sandbags, rock berms, cofferdams and
other diversion structures should be used to prevent excavation in flowing water.
16. Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands and streams.
17. Borrow/waste areas should avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practical. Impacts to wetlands
in borrow/waste areas could precipitate compensatory mitigation.
18. While the use of National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps, NC Coastal Region Evaluation of
Wetland Significance (NC-CREWS) maps and soil survey maps are useful tools, their inherent
inaccuracies require that qualified personnel perform onsite wetland delineations prior to permit
approval.
19. Heavy equipment should be operated from the bank rather than in stream channels in order to
minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other pollutants into streams.
This equipment should be inspected daily and maintained to prevent contamination of surface
waters from leaking fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials.
20. In most cases, the DWQ refers the replacement of the existing structure at the same location
with road closure. If road closure is not feasible, a temporary detour should be designed and
located to avoid wetland impacts, minimize the need for clearing and to avoid destabilizing
stream banks. If the structure will be on a new alignment, the old structure should be removed
and the approach fills removed from the 100-year floodplain. Approach fills should be removed
and restored to the natural ground elevation. The area should be stabilized with grass and planted
with native tree species. Tall fescue should not be used in riparian areas.
21. Riprap should not be placed in the active thalweg channel or placed in the streambed in a manner
that precludes aquatic life passage. Bioengineering boulders or structures should be properly
designed, sized and installed.
Thank you for requesting our input at this time. The DOT is reminded that issuance of a 401 Water
Quality Certification requires that appropriate measures be instituted to ensure that water quality
standards are met and designated uses are not degraded or lost. If you have any questions or require
additional information, please contact Rob Ridings at [phone].
cc: Eric Alsmeyer, US Army Corps of Engineers, Raleigh Field Office
Chris Murray, Division 5 Environmental Officer
Chris Militscher, Environmental Protection Agency
Travis Wilson, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
File Copy
December 22, 2006
TIP Project U-4716
Page 2
A scoping meeting for this project was originally scheduled for March 1, 2006; however it was
cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. This letter serves as an invitation to a stakeholder
meeting for this project. This meeting will be held on February 7, 2007 at 10:30 am in the
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch Conference Room (Room 470) at the
Transportation Building (1 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC). You may provide us with
your comments at the meeting or mail them to us.
To allow us to fully evaluate the impacts of the proposed project, please respond in writing by
January 26, 2007, concerning any sensitive resources in the project study area and/or beneficial
or adverse impacts of the proposed projects relating to the interest of your agency, or attend the
stakeholder meeting with your comments. If applicable, please identify any permits or approvals
that may be required by your agency.
If you have any questions concerning this project, please contact me at [phone],
extension 270 or Ms. Lauren Wolfe, P.E. of PBS&J at [phone].
Sincerely,
Marc Hamel
Rail Environmental Planning Engineer
NCDOT Rail Division - Environmental and Planning Branch
Enclosures
cc: Lauren Wolfe - PBS&J
MAILING ADDRESS:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAIL DIVISION
ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING BRANCH
1553 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1553
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
WEBSITE: WWW.BYTRAKORG
LOCATION:
TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
RALEIGH NC
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Property Lines
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QI 500 Year Floodplain
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
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MICHAEL F. EASLEY LYNDo TIPPETT
GOVERNOR SECRETARY
December 22, 2006
Ms. Christina Breen
NC DENR Division of Water Quality
2321 Crabtree Blvd.
Suite 250
Raleigh, NC 27604
SUBJECT: Stakeholder Meeting/Request for Comments
Hopson Road Grade Separation and NC Railroad/Norfolk Southern Track
Realignment, TIP Project Number U-4716,
State WBS Project No.40460.1.1
Dear Ms. Breen,
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has retained the consulting
engineering firm of PBS&J to prepare the Environmental Assessment (EA) for subject TIP
Project U-4716. NCDOT proposes to improve motorist and rail safety, and improve track
conditions for the North Carolina Railroad (NCRR)/Norfolk Southern Railroad and its current at-
grade crossing with Hopson Road (SR 1978) in Durham County. The Rail Division has begun
studying a grade separation and associated track realignment for this project. The project is
included in the 2006-2012 North Carolina Transportation Improvement Program as an unfunded
project with construction to occur post year (after 2012).
The project study area and the proposed railroad track realignment are shown on the attached
map.
The purpose of this letter and the meeting is to solicit input concerning the potential impacts of
this proposed project on social, economic, demographic, land use, and environmental conditions
near the project.
Alternatives that will be considered include the No-Build Alternative and Build Alternatives.
The Build Alternatives will include both a realignment of the railroad track and a grade
separation of Hopson Road. Both the railroad track realignment and the grade separation of
Hopson Road will improve safety in the area.
MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: [phone] LOCATION:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAIL DIVISION FAX: [phone] TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING BRANCH 1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
1553 MAIL SERVICE CENTER WEBSITE. WWW.BYTRAIN.ORG - RALEIGH NC
RALEIGH NC 27699-1553
December 22, 2006
TIP Project U-4716
Page 2
A scoping meeting for this project was originally scheduled for March 1, 2006; however it was
cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. This letter serves as an invitation to a stakeholder
meeting for this project. This meeting will be held on February 7, 2007 at 10:30 am in the
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch Conference Room (Room 470) at the
Transportation Building (1 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC). You may provide us with
your comments at the meeting or mail them to us.
To allow us to fully evaluate the impacts of the proposed project, please respond in writing by
January 26, 2007, concerning any sensitive resources in the project study area and/or beneficial
or adverse impacts of the proposed projects relating to the interest of your agency, or attend the
stakeholder meeting with your comments. If applicable, please identify any permits or approvals
that may be required by your agency.
If you have any questions concerning this project, please contact me at [phone],
extension 270 or Ms. Lauren Wolfe, P.E. of PBS&J at [phone].
Sincerely,
Ast, -
Marc Hamel
Rail Environmental Planning Engineer
NCDOT Rail Division - Environmental and Planning Branch
Enclosures
cc: Lauren Wolfe - PBS&J
MAILING ADDRESS:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAIL DIVISION
ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING BRANCH
1553 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1553
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
WEBSITE. WWW.BYTRAIN.ORG
LOCATION:
TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
RALEIGH NC

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