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HomeMy WebLinkAbout19940762 Ver 1_Complete File_19940815,& sstATZ o, q State of North Carolina AUG 1 5 199 Department of Environment, Health, and Natural ResouFees--------------------- Division of Coastal Management Wilmington Regional Office James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary MEMORANDUM: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: Applicant: Project Location: August 12, 1994 Mr. A. Preston Howard, P.E., Director Division of Environmental Management John R. Parker Major Permits Processing Coordinator CAMA/DREDGE & FILL Permit Application Review NC Department of Transportation Roger N. Schecter Director NC Highway 130 crossing of the Waccamaw River, on the Brunswick/Columbus County line. Proposed Project: To replace the existing bridges over the Waccamaw River on Highway 130 on the Brunswick/Columbus County line. Please indicate below your agency's posit ca or viewpoint on the proposed project and return this form by September 2, 1994. If you have any questions regarding the proposed project, please contact Ed Brooks at extension 247. When appropriate, in-depth comments with supporting data is requested. REPLY: This agency has no objection to the project as proposed. This agency has no comment on the proposed project. -4 This agency approves of the project only if the recommended changes are incorporated. See attached. This agenev obiects to the Droiect for reasons described in the attached comments. SIGNED DATE p 127 Cardinal Drive Extension, Wilmington, N.C. 28405-3845 • Telephone 919-395-3900 • Fax 919-350-2004 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer To: John Dorney Planning Branch DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CAMA MAJOR PERMIT APPLICATION REVIEW REGIONAL OFFICE STAFF REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS C? REVIEWER: PETTER? WQ SUPERVISOR: ADKIN DATE: September 6, 1994 ` U MITIGATION: N/A MITIGATION TYPE: N/A MITIGATION SIZE: N/A RATING SHEET ATTACHED?: N/A RECOMMENDATION: ISSUE STORMWATER PLAN REQ'D: NO IF YES, DATE APPROVED: PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Replacement of existing bridges over the Waccamaw River on NC Hwy 130 on the Brunswick/Columbus County line. WETLAND INFORMATION FOR CENTRAL OFFICE TRACKING PERMIT YR: 94 PERMIT NO.: 94762 COUNTY: BRUNSWICK PROJECT NAME: NCDOT/B.J. O'QUINN PROJECT TYPE: BRIDGE PERMIT TYPE: CAMA NW 23, GC2670 COE #: N/A DOT#: 8.1430801 RCD FROM CDA: DCM DATE FROM CDA: AUGUST 15, 1994 REG OFFICE: WiRO RIVER AND SUB BASIN#: 030757 *STREAM OR ADJACENT WATER BODY: WACCAMAW RIVER p t5 u W CLASS: C-SW STREAM INDEX #: 15-(1) *OPEN OR CLOSED: N/A VP - 8 1994 WL IMPACT: YES WL TYPE: BLH WL REQUESTED:.004 acres WL ACR EST: YES WL SCORE: N/A WATE'R ??rtVjid ; WATER QUALITY CERT. (401) CERT. REQ'D: YES IF YES, TYPE: GENERAL CERTIFICATION #2670 FOR CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS SEWAGE DISPOSAL TYPE OF DISPOSAL PROPOSED: N/A TO BE PERMITTED BY: N/A IF BY DEM, IS SITE AVAILABLE AND PERMIT ISSUANCE PROBABLE: N/A WATER/WETLAND FILL AREA OF FILL - WATER: N/A WETLAND: 160 SQ. FT. IS FILL ELIMINATING A SIGNIFICANT USE? NO IS DREDGING ACTIVITY EXPECTED TO CAUSE A SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF RESOURCE? NO IS SPOIL DISPOSAL ADEQUATELY ADDRESSED? N/A l 94762.SEP PAGE TWO MARINA ARE THE FOLLOWING ADEQUATELY ADDRESSED? SEWAGE DISPOSAL: N/A MARINA SERVICES: N/A OXYGEN IN BASIN: N/A CLOSURE OF SHELLFISHING WATERS: N/A (ATTACH A MARINA USE ATTAINABILITY EVAL.) RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS OR PERART RESTRICTIONS: That the project be done in such a manner so as to not cause turbidity outside the immediate construction area to exceed 25 NTU. If there will not be adequate "curb" space for a person to safely stand, that a sampling platform be placed on the upstream side of the bridge to provide a safe sampling location for DEM personnel. cc: Central Files Wilmington Regional Office Files DCM-John Parker }y SLATE d .rn State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources Division of Coastal Management Wilmington Regional Office James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary August 12, 1994 MEMORANDUM: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: Applicant: Project Location: Mr. A. Preston Howard, P.E., Director Division of Environmental Management John R. Parker Major Permits Processing Coordinator CAMA/DREDGE & FILL Permit Application Review NC Department of Transportation Roger N. Schecter Director NC Highway 130 crossing of the Waccamaw River, on the Brunswick/Columbus County line. Proposed Project: To replace the existing bridges over the Waccamaw River on Highway 130 on the Brunswick/Columbus County line. Please indicate below your agency's position or viewpoint on the proposed project and return this form by September 2, 1994. If you have any questions regarding the proposed project, please contact Ed Brooks at extension 247. When appropriate, in-depth comments with supporting data is requested. REPLY: This agency has no objection to the project as proposed. This agency has no comment on the proposed project. This agency approves of the project only if the recommended changes are incorporated. See attached. This agency objects to the project for reasons described in the attached comments. SIGNED DATE 127 Cardinal Drive Extension, wilminron, N.C. 28405-3845 • Telephone 919-395-3900 • Fax 919-350-2004 An Equal opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT FIELD INVESTIGATION REPORT APPLICANT'S NAME: NCDOT/B.J. O'Quinn LOCATION OF PROJECT SITE: NC Hwy. 130 crossing of the Waccamaw River, on the Brunswick/Columbus county line. Photo Index -1M: None IM: None State Plane Coordinates - R: 2136550 Y: 126000 INVESTIGATION TYPE: CAMA/D&F INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURE: Dates of Site Visit - 8/4/94 Was Applicant Present - No PROCESSING PROCEDURE: Application Received - 8/1/94 Office - Wilmington SITE DESCRIPTION: (A) Local Land Use Plan - Brunswick Land Classification From LUP - Conservation (B) AEC(s) Involved: PT (C) Water Dependent: YES (D) Intended Use: Public (E) Wastewater Treatment: Existing - N/A Planned -N/A---- (F) Type of Structures: Existing - Bridges Planned - New bridges (G) Estimated Annual Rate of Erosion: N/A Source - N/A HABITAT DESCRIPTION: (A) Vegetated Wetlands [AREA] 160 sq.ft. (B) Non-Vegetated Wetlands (C) Other Road & Bridge approach fill/disturbance (D) Total Area Disturbed: 1.35 acres (E) Primary Nursery Area: no (F) Water Classification: C-Sw 58986 sq.ft. Open: N/A 8. PROJECT SUMMARY: N.C.D.O.T. proposes to replace the existing bridges over the Waccamaw River, on NC Hwy. 130, on the Brunswick/Columbus County line. ,* N.C.D.O.T.Bridge #72 Page 2 9. PROJECT DESCRIPTION 8/5/94 The project site are the existing bridge crossings of-the Waccamaw River, on NC Hwy. 130, in the New Britton community, of Brunswick County. The Waccamaw River constitutes the boundary between Brunswick and Columbus counties. Bridge #72 crosses the main river channel, and Bridge #63 crosses a small watercourse within the river's floodplain, approximately 600 feet west of Bridge #72, in Columbus County. The Waccamaw River originates from Lake Waccamaw, approximately 15 miles up river from the project site, and flows into South Carolina at approximately the same distance down stream. Within the river's floodplain, cypress/gum swamp and low woodlands extend above and below the bridge sites. The timber on the west of Hwy. 130, and north side of the main river, was harvested by clear-cutting, approximately three (3) years ago, and remains in a state of re-vegetation, by natural selection. In the project area, the south bank of the river is highground. On the southwest side of the Bridge #72, there is a commercial boat ramp which provides public access to the river for a launch fee (State Permit #136-90(Babson)). The north side of the river is cypress/gum swamp, and the highway was constructed on a filled causeway through river's floodplain. The existing bridges are supported by creosote pilings, and were build in 1938 and 1939. Both structures have been appraised as structural deficient, with a short remaining service life. Bridge #72 is 151 feet long, with a clear roadway width of 25.8 feet. Bridge # 63 is 101 feet long, with the same clear span width. At the project site, the normal water width of the main river varies seasonally, from approximately 100 feet in summer, to 130 feet in winter. The Waccamaw River is considered Inland Waters by the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries/N.C. Wildlife Commission. The N.C. Division of En Azonmental Management clarifies the-river as C-Sw. The N.C.D.O.T. proposes to replace the existing bridges with new structures. The dimensions of the new Bridge #72 would be 190 feet long and a 40 feet clear deck width, consisting of four (4) sections of cored slab concrete decking, each 45 feet long, with three supports in the creek consisting of concrete pilings and girder cap. These three support structures will replace seven (7) rows of existing wooden support pilings. Clearance under the bridge would be equal or greater than the existing structure (approx. 6.5 ft. winter, 11.8 ft. summer). To accommodate a wider bridge, it will be necessary to widen both bridge approaches, approximately 16-20 feet. The proposed expansion to the fill base of the road bed by 8-10 feet•on the northwest side of the bridge would impact approximately 161 square feet of wetlands. The wetland ftil'would be a strip approximately 50 feet long and 3.5 feet wide. No fill material is proposed below normal high water. Class II rip rap would be utilized to stabilize the toe of the bridge approaches. The dimensions of the new Bridge #63 would be 140 feet long and a 40 feet clear deck width, consisting of three (3) sections of cored slab concrete decking, each approximately 45 feet long, with two support structures in the creek consisting of concrete pilings and girder cap. These three support structures will replace five (5) rows of existing wooden support pilings. Clearance under the bridge would be equal or greater than the existing structure (approx. 6.5 ft. winter, 13 ft. summer). The proposed expansion to the fill base of the road bed by 8-10 feet, would not impact wetlands, for Bridge #63. No fill material is proposed below normal high water. Class II rip rap would be utilized to stabilize the toe of the bridge approaches.During construction of the new bridges, local traffic would be detoured via S.R. 1928, S.R. 1333, and S.R. 1326. r N.C.D.O.T.Bridge #72 & #63 Page Three 10. ANTICIPATED IMPACTS The project would incorporate 160 square feet of wooded swamp wetlands. The project should not significantly impact navigation, since there no reduction of the existing clearance between the bridges and the water surface. The reduction of bridge supports in the creek would provide more available area for boat passage. Temporary disruption of he stream bed, and some short-term turbidity is expected during construction, but should not present any long-term adverse impacts. Because of the close proximity to wetlands and the river, there is the potential for accidental deposition of earthen material and/or construction debris into these fragile areas. Strict monitoring and maintenance of sedimentation and erosion control structures is mandatory during construction. The project would result in the replacement of two inadequate highway bridges, and provide for the continuance of safer traffic operations. Submitted by: E.F. Brooks Date: 8/12/94 Office: Wilmington . ?M w swt o? i STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT. JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS R. SAMUEL HUNT II I GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH, N.C 27611-5201 SECRETARY July 25, 1994 Office of Coastal Management Department of Environment. Health and Natural Resources P.O. Box 27637 Raleigh. NC 27611-7687 ATTENTION: John Parker Dear Sir: AUG 1 1991 DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT Subject: Columbus/Brunswick Counties. Replacement of Bridge No. 72 over the Waccamaw River and Bridge No. 63 over Friar Swamp on NC 130. T.I.P. No. B-2120. State Project No. 3.1430801. The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to replace the existing bridges over the Waccamaw River and Friar Swamp. This project is being processed by the Fede al Highway Administration as a "Categorical Exclusion". It is expected that this project will be authorized by the L.S. Army Corps of Engineers under a Nationwide Permit in accordance with 33 CFR 330 Appendix A (B-23".Y. The provisions of Section 330.4 and Appendix A (C) of these regulations will be followed in the construction of the project. A copy of the Categorical Exclusion document is enclosed for your information. It is our understanding that a Coastal Area ':Management Act permit is required for the replacement of Bridge No. 72 over the Vlaccamaw River. Enclosed you will find an application for this permit, and the required application fee. If you need any additional information, please call Mr. Gordon Cashin at (919) 733-3141. 1#] • •a Sincerely, B. inn, P.E. Assistant Manager Planning and Environmental BJO/gec. Attachment Branch Ye Al'G ty cc: Ernie Jahnke. COE John Dorney, DEM Kelly Barger. Program Development Branch Don Morton, State Highway Engineer-Design A. L. Hankins. Hydraulics Unit John L. Smith. Structure Design. Unit Tom Shearin. State Roadway Design Engineer W. F. Rosser, Division 6 Engineer D. J. Bowers, Division 3 Engineer .:a DNfS': N OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT +11 UM--16N LS TATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF T kANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT, )R DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS R.. SAMUEL HUNT 111 GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH. N.C 27611-5201 SECRETARY July 25, 1994 District Engineers Army Corps of Engineers P.O. Box 1890 i.A Wilmington, NC 23402 AUC s 1994 ATTENTION: Regulatory Branch Dear Sir: Subject: Columbus/Brunswick Counties, Repla No. 72 over the Waccamaw River and over Friar Swamp on NC 130. T.I.P. State Project No. 8.1430301. DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT cement of Bridge Bridge No. 63 No. B-2120. Attached for yur information is a copy of the project planning rport for the subject project. The project is being processed by the Federal Highway administration as a "Categorical Exclusion" in accordance with 23 CFR 330 Appendix A (B-23) issued November 22, 1991 by the Corps of Engineers. The provisions of Section 330.4 and Appendix A (C) of these regulati.4ns will be followed in.the construction of the project. ' We anticipate that a Coastal Area Management Act permit will be required from the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources for this project. The NCDOT will apply directly to DEHNR for that permit. If you have any questions or need additional information, please call Mr. Gordon Cashin at (919) 733-3141. Sincerely, B.J. nn, P.E. Assistant Manager Planning and Environmental Branch BJO/gec Z0? • Attachment cc: Ernie Jahnke, COE John Dorney, DE:N Kelly Barger, Program Development Branch Don Morton, State Highway Engineer-Design A. L. Hankins, Hydraulics Unit John L. Smith, Structure Design Unit Tom Shearin, State Roadway Design Engineer W. F. Rosser, Division 6 Engineer D. J. Bowers. Division 3 Engineer Michelle Fishburne, Project Planning Engineei by tgq; DIV.'S':"% 01 j7 COASTAL Please type or print. Carefully describe all anticipated development activities, including construction, excava- tion, filling, paving, land clearing, and stormwater con- trol. If the requested information is not relevant to your project, write N/A (not applicable). Items 14 and 8-9 must be completed for all projects. 1 APPLICANT a. Name N. C. Department of Transportation Address City Raleigh State NC Zip 27611 Day phone (919) 733-3141 Landowner or X Authorized agent b. Project name (if any) B-21200 8.1430801 c. If the applicant is not the landowner, also -Sxe ?-. 4- ARACTERISTICS owner's name and address. `' , a. of entire tract N/ A N tqU Size of individual lot(s) N/ A - ?- 6f Elevation of tract above mean sea level or ' al Geodetic Vertical Datum 2 LOCATION OF PROPOSEVASTAL IA'14,1 +/- 11 mPtors PROJECT a. Street address or secondary road number NC 130 b. City, town, community, or landmark Brunswick/ Columbus County Line c. County a o. 0 If you plan to build a marina, also - complete and - attach Form DCM-MP-2. b. Is the proposed activity maintenance of an existing project, new work, or both? New work on existing facility c. Will the project be for community, private, or commercial use? Public use Post Office Box 25201 Brunswick and Columbus d. Is proposed work within city limits or planning jurisdiction? N/A Name of body of water nearest project Waccamaw River d. Describe the planned use of the project. Public Highway 4 LAND AND WATER 3 DESCRIPTION AND PLANNED USE OF PROPOSED PROJECT a. Describe all development activities you propose (for example, building a home, motel, marina, bulkhead, or pier). Construct new bridge structures, grade, pave, drain highway facility Conservation Transitional Developed Community --Y-Rural Other IL How is the tract zoned by local government? N/A i. How are adjacent waters classified? C-Sw j. Has a professional archaeological survey been carried out for the tract? No If so, by whom? d. Soil type(s) and texture(s) of tract Kinkslep lnam e. Vegetation on tract, rypr ..ASS-gt?m swamp f. Man-made feat0es now on tract existing road4ay g. What is the CAMA Land Use Plan Classification of the site? (Consult the local land use plan.) .3/'91 5 UPLAND DEVELOPMENT Complete this section ifthe project includes any-land development. a Type and number of buildings, facilities, or suucturesproposed Roadway fill and twom replacement bridges b. Number of lots or parcels N/A c. Density (Give the number of residential units and the units per acre.) N/A d. Size of area to be graded or disturbed 7840 sq. meters e. If the proposed project will disturb more than one acre of land, the Division of Land Resources must receive an erosion and sedimentation control plan at least 30 days before land disturbing activity begins. If applicable, has a sedimentation and erosion control plan been submitted to the Divis' cL Resources? NA f. Give the percentage of the tract within 75 f a. Desdribe below the purpose of proposed excavation exclu mean high water to be covered by impe a Atli I p9it efill ictivides red in Section 7).ding bulkheads, which are cov surfaces, such as pavement, buildings, rooftops. NA S',ON OF ? ? E?tiEN . g. List the materials, such as marl, paver stont f?L M ? r iis channel or concrete, to be used for paved surfaces. - (MI.W) or (NWL) Asphalt road pavement and concrete bridge decks. Boat basin h. If applicable, has a stormwater management plan been submitted to the Division of Environmental Management? N/A i. Describe proposed sewage disposal and/or waste water treatment facilities. N/A a 0 m. Water supply source N/A n. If the project is oceanfront development, describe the steps that will be taken to maintain established public beach accessways or provide new access. N/A o. If the project is on the oceanfront, what will be the elevation above mean sea level of the first habitable floor? N/A P(CAVATION AND FILL W NFO MATION Other (break- water, pier, boat ramp, rock jetty) Fill placed in wetland or below MHW Length Width Depth N/A N/A N/A 15 m 1 m ><>w >::>r:: N/A Have these facilities received state or local approval? Upland fill NIA areas k. Des cribe existing treatment facilities. 1. Describe location- and type of discharges to waters of the state (for example, surface runoff, sanitary wastewater, industrial/commercial effluent, "wash down"). Surface runoff b. Amount of material to be excavated from below water level in cubic yards None c. Type of material N. IA d. Does the area to be excavated include marshland, swamps, or other wetlands? Ve. High ground excavation, in cubic yards None 2 3/91 f. Dimensions of spoil disposal area N/A g. Location of spoil disposai irea_-N/A' h. -Do you claim title to the disposal area? N/A If not, attach a letter granting permission from the owner. c. Shoreline erosion during preceding 12 months, in feet N/A d. Type of bulkhead material N/.A e. Amount of fill, in cubic yards, to be placed below mean high water N/ A L Type of fill material N/A --,?', i. Will a disposal area be available for I maintenance? N/A `+-- j• k. 1. m. n. Does the disposal area include any marktitand, A?IC 1 l In addition to the completed application form, the follow- swamps, or water areas? i terns must be submitted: N/A _..,is n? Will the fill material be placed below meoAWA1- W" `A cop of the deed (with state application only) or other water? No instrument under which the applicant claims title to the Amount of fill in cubic yards 3720 m3 (4951 c. Y. )affected property. If the applicant is not claiming to be the owner of said property, then forward a copy of the Type of f i l l material Suitable fill mate J a i deed or other instrument under which the owner claims title, plus written permission from the owner to carry out Source of fill material Suitable borrow the project. o. Will fill material be placed on marsh or other wetlands? Yes p. Dimensions of the wetland to be filled 15 m x 1 m q. How will excavated or fill material be kept on site and erosion controlled? silt fences and basins with other appropriate erosion control measures If so, where? N/A ); 8 'ADDITIONAL INFORMATION r. What type of construction equipment wiH be used (for example, dragline, backhoe, or hydraulic dredge)? Standard highway construction equipment. Z v 0 H s. Will wetlands be crossed in transporting equipment to project site? -Ia- If yes, explain steps that will be taken to lessen environmental impacts. 7 SHORELINE STABILIZATION a. Length of bulkhead or riprap N/A b. Average distance waterward of mean high water or normal water level N/ A An accurate work plat (including plan view and cross sectional drawings) drawn to scale in black ink on an 8 1/2 x 11 white paper. (Refer to Coastal Resources Commission Rule 7J.0203 for a detailed description.) Please note that original drawings are preferred and only high quality copies will be accepted. Blue-line prints or other larger plats are acceptable only if 18 high quality copies are provided by applicant. (Contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding that agency's use of larger drawings.) A site or location map is a part of plat requirements and it must be sufficiently detailed to guide agency personnel unfamiliar with the area to the site. Include county road (SR) numbers, landmarks, and the like. A stormwater management plan, if applicable, that may have been developed in consultation with the Division of Environmental Management. A list of the names and complete addresses of the adjacent waterfront (riparian) landowners. These individuals have 30 days in which to submit comments on the proposed project to the Division of Coastal Management and should be advised by the applicant of that opportunity. 3/91 3 Name Maye k Webber".. 9-..CERTIFICATION AND PERMISSION Address - .545 Inwood Drive .. Charlotte, NC 28209 TO ENTER ON LAND Name William B-. Mintz Address 6048 Kingtown Road Ash, NC 28420 Any permit issued in response to this application will allow only the development described in the application. The project will be subject to conditions and restrictions contained in the permit. Name Esther B. Miles/ Kenneth Babson Address Route 1, Box 396 Ash, NC 28420 A list of previous state or federal permits issued for work on the project tract. Include permit numbers, permittee, and issuing dates. none A check for $250 made payable to the Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources to cover the costs of processing the application. A signed AEC hazard notice for projects in oceanfront and inlet areas. A statement on the use of public funds. If the project involves the expenditure of public funds, attach a state- ment documenting compliance with the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (N.C.G.S. 113A-1 to 10). I certify that to the best of my knowledge, the proposed activity complies with the State of North Carolina's ap- proved Coastal Management Program and will be con- ducted in a manner consistent with such program. 1 further certify that I am authorized to grant, and do in fact, grant permission to representatives of state and federal review agencies to enter on the aforementioned lands in connection with evaluating information related to this permit application and follow-up monitoring of project. This is the a6 day of J ??' ,19 X Lando er or thori d agent P!_v?--7 77) AUG a 1994 ,a DIVISION OF - "-COASTAL MANAGEMENT 0 4 3/91 , 0 w m to w 3 W } Q. OOZ+I J LL f- N X W 1'7Q W-- V--- V? Ja. U CL U O Q 3 o cr_ J O l F-I X W OOOt I I ?I i Z I aw zw I I da a ?I < J I W I ' J t kI i cN Z- w 3 W Q I i N 0 0_ N 2 r:rp71 AUG 1 1991 DIVISION OF o o_ COASTAL MANAGEMEN I i I I (`? I I I H I J I I. I I Z Q ? z ( I z ,I W I x> i o w c< I I I w I I ?- I ? ? I ? O I I / i I i I Q r I I I W ?- I ? I x I I W I I I' do\. If 11 i a ? ICI ? ? z iI z 1 ?Q 7/Qs rte. ? } S AUP DIVISION OF w COASTAL MANAGEMENT A z ? 09 rr w? W S Wp OZ WJ W Wit-- WW 3 00£ + I M??c, LOGO N?? aRVN E N O F- z aw a 02 d w aOC a. Q a m a w CX %DLL.W cow W 3NI-lHD1dW F- ? O Y Z a Y ?X 000 z ?AA M? \ . ti1b ?Jby s N O co %D I \ ( t C /I I N ? I t ? ?a I ?o d t wen h r -- I am I I t_ °1 CI t O a O a I z . I ? Xdo \ LLJ N O co O -0 N O Go -o ?o Aucz c\j ?i DIVISI!C`.'! CF o COASTAL MANf:CEMEIT, _ o _ o 0 4 N 0 0 _ o l0 w co U 0 U N O ? x ? N cv 0 0 O f - N -° co tD H ?" v w a o° O > ?Ma -+ zOeIS pc. a O U C r g O oo z e` Cs, r ; -O OZ?wZU O 0 t H a h ti x Lf)j o 0 U A C a d C -? Z U W W I °0 CO a a ?. , I V) 7 7"- 77J AIIG Y tc??r. a o ? DIVISION OF / C COASTAL MANAGE of E iT co o I \ o J I ? ? J ? v a z >- I o °z a it d = O fr- ? I I ? N _ N a V, w i w Q O a I z - o p O N O CD cD N - - c0 U-) N O ? N O ' U .] ? a m v-' 1 O ? A 0 o .77 7 -Lnu Aur 1 199, DIVISION OF >- ?? T o COASTAL MANAGEPJ.EN o 3 ? 0 - a cn x w 0 ? N ? Z Q D O Z d Lo N N O W 6 8 H O N U) r- M ? - Z A ? c w a ? aH w E? w a v z ? O N ? N PROPERTY OWNER • NAME AND ADDRESS PARCEL NO. OWNER'S NAME ADDRESS --- Maye M. Webber --- William B. Mintz --- Esther B. Miles --- Kenneth Babson 545 Inwood Drive Charlotte, NC 28209 6048 Kingtown Road Ash, NC 28420 Route 1, Box 396 Ash, NC 28420 Route 1, Box 396 Ash, NC 28420 ?irC ?4QF DIVISION OF COASTAL MAWS GEMENT w d s0 cr o E g S pa0z Ju 'CV .2 T b M '-q ci G m o o CCU Zoe 13- t o, m ? v? ? O c D" oe a E? ? W ? c CC ?CU? Tu S v C m ` M • : 7 . e O ??cca is U Z17u ' e I e? SE O c d O it O r- ral 0 n e •R7 w m m ``I O U) QVzo ? N $ v o Z N . to L' O e 06 p p < p O y b ? 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E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch, NCDOT '/yA'z /./Z. llr:? ichol . Graf, P. E. ??? Division Administrator, FHWA Columbus County, NC 130 Bridge Nos. 72 & 63 over Waccamaw River and Overflow State Project No. 8.1430801 Federal-Aid Project BRSTP-130(1) T.I.P. No. B-2120 ' CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION March 1994 ? ? f Sa `yt1`J , . E VR? Ai }got DIVISION OF COAS i AL MiW1J-,G _'WEL NT Documentation Prepared by Carter & Burgess, Inc.: a?Y! c Thomas McCloskey Project Engineer go Pz&- Thomas R. Hepl r, P.E. Project Manager For The North Carolina Department of Transportation: L. 1 Grime P.E. Unit Head Consulting Engineering Unit Michelle Wago er Fishburne Project Planning Engineer 3f AL 10 , Columbus County, NC 130 Bridge Nos. 72 & 63 over Waccamaw River and Overflow State Project No. 8.1430801 Federal-Aid Project BRSTP-130(1) T.I.P. No. B-2120 AUG - DIVICiol COASTAL Ml/+??r,uEl'?1CNT Bridge Nos. 72 & 63 are included in the 1994-2000 NCDOT Transportation Improvement Program. The locations are shown in Figure 1. No substantial environmental impacts are anticipated as a result of this action. The project is classified as a Federal "Categorical Exclusion." 1. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT All standard procedures and measures, including NCDOT "Best Management Practices for the Protection of Surface Waters", will be implemented to avoid or minimize environmental impacts. Additional environmental commitments include: 1) To avoid impacting the Shortnose Sturgeon, no instream construction in the Waccamaw River will be done during the months of February, March, April or May. This schedule will provide spawning Sturgeon adequate time to move up stream and return. 2) Strict erosion control measures using the standards and special provisions for critical habitat waters will be followed to avoid impacts from sedimentation. 3) The existing timber bridge piles will not be removed but cut at the mud line to avoid unnecessary disturbance to the riverbed and conflicts with navigation. 4) New piles for Bridge No. 72 will be driven (or drilledif necessary) from the top of the existing bridge deck. If the piles must be drilled, standard erosion control measures, such as screening the work area around the drill, will be implemented to minimize sedimentation. 5) The existing bridge will be removed by sawing sections of the bridge deck. Provisions will be made to prevent the sawing debris and slurry from falling into the river. 6) No explosives or chemicals will be used in the project area during construction. } r. II. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS Bridge Nos. 72 & 63 will be replaced in their existing locations as shown by Alternate 1 in Figure 2. Preliminary hydrographic studies indicate that the replacement structure for Bridge No. 72 (Main) will be a bridge having a length of 190 feet. The proposed clear deck width of 40 feet will provide a 24-foot travelway with eight-foot shoulders. The recommended replacement structure for Bridge No. 63 (Overflow) is a bridge having a length of 140 feet. The proposed clear deck width of 40 feet will provide a 24-foot travelway with eight-foot shoulders. The bridge approaches will provide a 28-foot pavement width, 24 feet travelway and two-foot paved shoulders, with a total shoulder width of eight feet. The roadway grade of the new structures will be approximately the same as the existing grade at this location. Traffic will be detoured along existing roads during the estimated 6 month construction period. There will be separate detours for local traffic and truck traffic. The estimated cost of the project, based on current prices, is $1,489,500. The estimated cost of the project, as shown in the 1994 - 2000 NCDOT Transportation Im rovement_ Program, is $1,340,000.; ( ± TO ! ?! III. EXISTING CONDITIONS A U G NC 130 is classified as a rural minor arterial route in the Statewide Fun ? ENT Classification System. NC 130 is a primary access route to southern North Carolina beach areas. In the vicinity of the bridge, NC 130 has a 24-foot pavement width with eight-foot grassed shoulders. The vertical alignment is generally flat rising slightly to the east of Bridge No. 72. The horizontal alignment is good with the bridges located within a tangent which enters a three degree curve just east of Bridge No. 72. Bridge Nos. 72 & 63 are situated approximately 22 feet and 13 feet, respectively, above their stream beds. The approaches are on embankments ranging up to five feet above natural ground. Land use in the immediate vicinity of the bridge is primarily low woodland with rural residential development beginning immediately east of the bridge, and comprising the unincorporated community of New Britton. The speed limit is posted at 55 mph. Overhead powerlines parallel the north side of the roadway. A USGS gaging station is located on the east bank of the river approximately 200 feet downstream of Bridge No. 72. 2 . « The current traffic volume of 2100 vehicles per day (vpd) is expected to increase to approximately 4100 vpd by the year 2015. The projected volume includes 2% truck- tractor semi-trailer (TTST) and 3% dual-tired vehicles (DTT). Bridge No. 72 (Main) crosses the WaccamawRiver (Figure 3) while Bridge No. 63, located 600 feet to the west, serves as the overflow structure for Bridge No. 72 (Figure 4). Drainage channels constructed parallel to each side of the roadway provide a hydraulic connection between the two bridges. Both structures have a superstructure composed of a reinforced concrete deck on 1-beams. The substructures are composed of timber caps, on timber piles. Characteristics of the bridges are as follows. Length (feet) Clear Roadway width (feet) Year Constructed Weight Limit (tons) posted SV TTST Sufficiency Rating Bridge No. 72 Bridge No. 63 (Main) (Overflow) 151 101 25.8 25.8 1939 1938 31 27 34 Legal Limit 46.6 47.7 Bath Bridges were appraised as-,, cttr ally deficient with short remaming service lives. One accident was reported near Bridge Nos. 72 & 63 during the period from January 1, 1989 to April 30, 1992. According to local school officials no regular school bus trips are made across either bridge. _ _? ; ?°I[p IV. ALTERNATIVES 499` Oi C. r F i r r" 'A, G E yI E Several replacement alternatives were considered for Bridge No. 74. ThPa;:rt thYtig` alternative will eventually necessitate closure of the bridge. This is not prudent due to the traffic service provided by NC 130. "Rehabilitation" of the old bridge is not feasible due to its age and deteriorated condition. A relocation alternative will introduce additional curves in the existing tangent alignment and affect wetlands which parallel both sides of the roadway. Relocation was not considered prudent. The recommended alternative is replacement of the existing structure on the present alignment. This alternative retains the present roadway alignment that has a design speed of 60 mph, and avoids substantial impacts to the surrounding wetlands. 3 . y Bridge Nos. 72 & 63 are proposed to be 190 feet (Main) and 140 feet (Overflow) in length, respectively. For both bridges, a clear deck width of 40 feet providing a 24-foot travelway with eight-foot shoulders is proposed. The roadway approaches will have a 28-foot pavement width, 24 feet travelway and two-foot paved shoulders, with a total shoulder width of eight feet. Removal of the existing bridges and construction of new structures will require NC 130 in the vicinity of the bridges to be closed for approximately six months. During this period the traffic will be routed onto a detour. Three detour alternatives were studied for the replacing of Bridge Nos. 72 & 63: Alternate 1 (Recommended) Local traffic will be detoured off-site following SR 1928, SR 1333 and SR 1326 (Figure 6). These roads will resurfacing. Truck traffic will be detoured off-site following NC 905, NC 904 and US 17 (Figure 7). No improvements are necessary for this route. Alternate 2 Traffic will be maintained on-site with a temporary detour structure immediately north of the existing bridge. The temporary detour structure will be a bridge 150 feet in length spanning the main channel. Preliminary hydraulic studies determined that in order to accommodate the five year storm a detour structure is not required for the overflow channel. A temporary lateral ditch will be constructed along the north side of the detour to channel water from the overflow structure. Alternate 3 Traffic will be maintained on-site with a temporary detour structure immediately south of the existing bridge. The temporary detour structure will be a bridge 150 feet in length spanning the main channel. Preliminary hydraulic studies determined that in order to accommodate the five year storm a detour structure is not required for the overflow channel. Lateral ditches north and south of the roadway will be required to channel drainage from the overflow structure. Alternate 3 will require the relocation of a local store located southeast of Bridge No. 72. The on-site detours (Alternate 2 and Alternate 3) involve construction of a temporary roadway and bridge which will parallel the existing roadway starting approximately 500 feet west of Bridge No. 63 and ending approximately 400 feet east of bridge No. 72 for a total length of 1650 feet. Design speed for the detour will be a maximum of 40 mph. AUG 1 1°9C DIVIS1,T4 CF COASTAL MANAUG EI-i ENT 4 K V. ESTIMATED COST The following is a breakdown of the costs for the studied detour alternates. These costs include the removal and replacement of the existing structures. (Recommended) Alt.1 Alt.2 Alt.3 Structures No. 72 (Main) No. 63 (Overflow) Permanent Roadway Approaches Temporary Detour Structure No. 72 (Main) Temporary Detour Structure Removal Engineering & Contingencies Right-of-Way, Utilities Total Design Speed Relocations $510,000 352,000 116,000 $510,000 352,000 128,000 $510,000 352,000 128,000 - 93,500 93,500 250,000 415,000 434,000 44,500 68,000 68,000 185,000 213,000 216,000 32,000 43,500 90,500 $1,489,500 $1,823,000 $1,892,000 60 mph 60 mph VI. RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS 60 mph 777 7 7: T? 5-- AUG 1 19 DEV1?` ' 0 Bridge Nos. 72 & 63 are recommended to be replaced at their,4xisting lo;^,L f`,;', IT The proposed structure for Bridge No. 72 (Main) is a bridge having a length of 190 feet. The proposed clear deck width of 40 feet will provide a 24-foot travelway with eight- foot shoulders. The proposed replacement structure for Bridge No. 63 (Overflow) is a bridge having a length of 140 feet. The proposed clear deck width of 40 feet will provide a 24-foot travelway with eight-foot shoulders. According to a preliminary hydrographic study, replacement structures of approximately 190 feet in length for Bridge No. 72 and 140 feet in length for Bridge No. 63 will accommodate the 50 year design storm at Waccamaw River, with consideration given to the effects of the structure on the 100 year design storm. The elevations of the new crossings will be approximately the same as the elevation at the existing bridges. The structure dimensions will be assessed, as necessary, during final design. 5 w, The recommended improvement will include approximately 1000 feet of roadway approach work. A 28-foot pavement width, 24 feet travelway and two-foot paved shoulders, with a total shoulder width of eight feet is proposed. Local traffic will be detoured along existing secondary roads during the six month construction period, as shown in Figure 6. Truck traffic will be detoured along a separate route shown in Figure 7. The average vehicle (local traffic) will be required to travel an additional 3.1 miles during the anticipated six month road closure period. Alternate 1 is recommended because of cost and environmental consequences. The minimum additional cost for the on-site detour is $333,500. Alternate 1 will avoid or minimize environmental impacts. Wetland impacts are much less with Alternate 1 compared with an on-site detour (Alternate 2 and Alternate 3). Impacts to the Shortnose sturgeon and other biological life which are dependent on the surrounding ecosystem are minimized. The on-site detours, although temporary, d pe i ;, additional impacts. i VII. NATURAL RESOURCES UVf 0`1 OF COnSTAL 1 t1P;1;GErf ENT Ecologists visited the project site to verify documented information and to gather field data to assess the potential impacts incurred by the alternates under consideration. Spanning the Waccamaw River, the proposed project will replace the two bridges where NC 130 crosses the Waccamaw River floodplain on a filled causeway. At time of the field investigation, the water level in the Waccamaw River was about 10 feet above the normal level in summer, and all of the project area except the road and immediate roadsides was flooded. .y This investigation was undertaken to (1) search for plant and animalspecies (2) identify unique or prime-quality communities, (3) describe the current vegetation and wildlife habitat, (4) determine wetland impacts, and (5) provide information to minimize adverse environmental impacts. Methods The project area is about 15 acres in size, a rectangular plot reaching (1) 250 feet on either side of the centerline of the current road, (2) 300 feet north of the north end of the bridge over the slough, and (3) 300 feet south of the south end of the bridge over the river. Plant communities within this plot were delineated from aerial photographs and ground-checked on site. Forest community types follow Schafale and Weakley (1990), and plant nomenclature follows Radford et al. (1968). Within each community, a list of member plant species and a general site description was developed. Dominance 6 e w w .j? ? A }\? hit ?.l `?i• I •. y (ft2/ac) of woody vegetation layers was determined by the variable plot me od (Husch et al. 1972). Dominance (percent foliar cover) of herbaceous layers oD;V(S 'IN 0r communities was determined by ocular estimation, using foliar cover 8 ALejg)Vped-E",NT by Belanger and Anderson (1989). For communities dominated by trees, tree age, stem diameter at breast height (dbh - 4.5 feet above the ground), and total height were measured for the largest trees. Age was determined from 2-mm increment borings; dbh and height were measured using d-tape dendrometers and Abney-level hypsometers, respectively (Wilson 1976). Ground distance was determined either by estimation on the ground or by measurement on aerial photographs, but all other measurements and all species lists were developed from on-site reconnaissance. Evidence of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife was sought on-site through observation of all available signs. Habitats were characterized based on plant communities, and typical wildlife communities associated with these habitats were determined. Special attention was given to features indicative of habitat preferred by federal and state protected species. Aquatic system features were noted on site and available documentation of water quality reviewed(NCDEM 1989,1991,1993). Wetland determinations followed procedures described by the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (Environmental Lab. 1987), and wetland classification follows Cowardin et al. (1979). Plant Communities All land within the project area west of the bridge is naturally forested except for the occasionally-mowed roadsides which are about 35 feet wide on the south side of the road and about 100 feet wide on the north side. Mowing is much more extensive on the east side because powerlines parallel the road and the vegetation under the lines is controlled by regular mowing. East of the bridge, the land is.a mixture of natural forest and suburban development. In the southeastern quadrant, Cypress-Gum Swamp occurs adjacent the river in a band about 150 feet wide. The upland area is mowed as part of the private yard of an adjacent house. In the southwestern quadrant, a narrow strip of natural forest about 30 feet wide occurs immediately adjacent to the river. The other land is developed with a small business, house with garden, and storage sheds. The extreme southwestern quadrant contains annually-cropped agricultural land. The Cypress--Gum Swamp community is composed of two age classes; east of NC 130 the stand is about 36 years old, west of NC 130 the stand was harvested in 1991 by clear cutting. This harvested area has regenerated largely by coppice to the Cypress--Gum Swamp community. Roadsides contain scattered tree seedlings of members of the Cypress--Gum swamp community and various herbs, especially grasses. The Cypress--Gum Swamp (Blackwater Subtype) community occupies 9.7 acres or 65 percent of the study area. This community is called the Baldcypress--Tupelo type by 7 M Eyre (1980). Forest land dominates both Brunswick and Columbus Counties, which are 74 percent and 70 percent forested, respectively (Johnson 1990). In both counties, the Cypress--Gum Swamp community is common, occupying 25 percent and 36 percent of the forest land, respectively. It ranks second only to the Loblolly Pine community (Johnson 1990). The Waccamaw River itself occupies 1.1 acres or seven percent of the study area, and the road and roadsides occupy 1.5 acres or ten percent. In the project area, the Cypress--Gum Swamp community is a complex mosaic of small stands, each with a somewhat different species composition. This pattern largely results from small differences in topography and hydroperiod. The upper canopy of the Cypress--Gum Swamp community is even-aged. The wetter microsites, generally nearest -the main river and adjacent sloughs, contain pondcypress (Taxodium ascendens), swamp blackgum (N, sy sa syly? var. iflor ), and red maple (Acer rubrum). Many of the pondcypress and swamp blackgum have expanded bases (or butt-swell). Somewhat drier microsites, generally small rises in the topography, contain species less tolerant of flooding; loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), river birch (Betula nigra), laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), water oak Quercus nigra), and scattered Atlantic white-cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides). Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) and mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum) grow on several canopy trees. The largest trees are generally loblolly pine or sweetgum, measuring 15-inches dbh, 70 feet tall, and 36 years old. Dominance of the overstory averages 120 ft2/acre, and-rverdll stark"' quality--is--- - good. The small tree layer contains American holly (Ilex opaca), Carolina ash ( raxinu caroliniana), tiff (Cyrilla racemiflora), redbay (Persea borbonia), waxmyrtle (M ri a cerifera), and sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana). Foliar cover averages 20 percent. The shrub canopy occurring well below the upper canopy, contains Virginia-willow (Itea virginica), swamp pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), fetterbush (Lyonia lucida), blueberry (Vaccinium elliottii), sweetleaf (Symplocos tinctoria), and inkberry %e_x a a). These shrubs generally grow in drier microsites, especially on small hummocks, crevices in tree bases, and fallen logs. Foliar cover of the shrub layer averages 15 percent. The ground layer was flooded with two to four feet of water. Typically the ground layer is sparse, owing to the long hydroperiod. Netted chainfern (Woodwardia areolata), greenbriers (Smilax rotundifolia and S. lg auca), yellow jessamine (Gelsemium empervirens), poison-ivy (Rhus radicans), and giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea) occur. The roadsides contain scattered saplings of species of the adjacent overstory, especially sweetgum (Liquidambar styaaciflua), red maple (Acer rubrur=,pe > tsii`. ` '"j, r? lafi y?rginiana), and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Winged sumac ( link AS t 1991, 8 .DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT grass (Sorghastrum nutans), broomsedge (Andropo n virginicus), panic grass (Panicum spp.), wild rye grass (Elymus virginicus), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), vetch (Vicia sp.), and morning glory (jpomoea sp.) also occur. _ Wildlife (General) All floodplain areas surrounding the bridges and connecting causeway were inundated, so evidence of terrestrial animals was difficult to gather. An opossum ( i 1 hi virginiana) carcass lay along the road, and a Rough green snake ( h dr aestivus) was found coiled in a sapling. Middle-age pine stands, cutover cypress-gum forest, remnant mature cypress-gum stands, and the periodically mowed utility right-of-way represent a diversity of habitats. Studies by Dickson et al. (1980) indicate that the several seral stages proximal to this project site could provide habitat for a wide range of songbirds. For example, mature oak-gum-cypress stands ( > 44 year) in the Southeast may harbor abundant populations of six bird species: Yellow-billed cuckoo ( zu americanus), Acadian flycatcher (Empidonax virescens), Tufted titmouse ( aru bicolor), Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus), Red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus), and Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). Downy woodpecker (? _io'des pubescens) are common in uch stands, another 13 species are _regular visitors, and 22 species may be present at various times. In addition, raptors, wading birds and other species may also visit or inhabit this area. Winter examination of the project site severely limited the potential for encountering many of these species. Only Chipping Sparrows (Spizella passerina) and a Red-tailed hawk (But= jamaicensis) were observed. According to a local bait shop owner a number of fish species occur near this location: Yellow bullhead (Ictalurus na 1' ), Brown bullhead (Ictalurus nebulosus), Bluegill L mi macrochirus), Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), White crappie ( m xi annularis), Largemouth bass (Mimpterus a m i ), and Blackbanded sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosu). He also noted that several years ago an American alligator (Aljga= mississJ- ' iensis) was captured near Cruso Island approximately six miles north of the site (see protected species discussion below).. Physical Resources Southeastern Columbus County and Brunswick County are situated in the lower Coastal Plain and range in elevation from sea level to 75 feet. Except for short slopes along the major drainages, most of the region is nearly level. Geologically, the project area lies on the Pee Dee Formation, Cretac as-,qed sediments. '.:.? composed largely of sand, clayey sand, and clay of the Coastal Plain F ylubgrapluc ??- region (Brown 1985). In Brunswick County, the soils are shown to bdb- e Muckalee- AU G 1 199' 9 IDIVIS'ON OF COASTAL VAf4AGEN1r_ 1 4 . ti Dorovan-Chowan association, which are "nearly level, poorly drained and very poorly drained soils that have sandy, loamy, or mucky underlying material" (Barnhill 1986). In Columbus County, the association is identified as Johnston-Meggett-Muckalee and include "nearly level, very poorly drained and poorly drained soils that have a loamy surface layer and a loamy and sandy underlying material or have a loamy surface layer and a loamy and clayey subsoil" (Spruill 1990). At this site, Muckalee loam dominates because the project occurs in the Waccamaw floodplain, a meandering river system with slopes 0 to 6 percent. Aquatic Resources The Waccamaw River originates at Lake Waccamaw, approximately 15 miles upriver from the project site. It flows southwest, crossing into South Carolina, and later forming a confluence with the Intracoastal Waterway about 50 miles from the project site and 65 miles from Winyah Bay. The Intracoastal Waterway follows the Waccamaw River south to Winyah Bay. A blackwater river, the Waccamaw's waters between Lake Waccamaw and NC 904, are classified as C-Sw according to the State's classification system (NCDEM 1993) and are suitable for agricultural uses or wildlife propagation but not human consumption or contact recreation. The slough spanned by the bridge north of the main river runs more-or-less east-west, cutting across the natural bend in the river, leaving the main river about 700 feet upstream of the current bridge and rejoining the river about 500 feet below the bridge. Stream characteristics observed at the two sites are summarized in Table 1. 1.7 AU 1, 1 1991 DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT 10 Table 1. Stream Characteristics Observed At Waccamaw River Crossing and Overflow. Observation Point River Overflow S an Substrate Sand (BMAN) Sand (BMAN) Current Flow Very strong* Very strong* Channel width (ft) 150 100 when visited (25 normal) Bank Height (ft) Variable Variable Water Depth (ft) 15+** 15+** Water Color Black Black Water Odor None None Aquatic Impossible to determine Impossible to determine Vegetation (typically sparse in blackwater (typically sparse in blackwater rivers) rivers) Adjacent Cypress, gum, red maple (with Cypress, gum, red maple (with Vegetation scattered loblolly pine) scattered loblolly pine) Wetlands Extensive floodplain Extensive floodplain Associated *Flood condition increased current flow. **Normal water depth is five feet. According to BMAN reports (NCDEM 1989,1991) a site in the Wacca ver ??' "R Di'll, Freeland was rated Good m 1984 and 1987. Jurisdictional Topics 12 Wetlands DIVISION OF The floodplain area surrounding the elevated causeway and the bridged t TAbdd6LAGEMENT when visited. Reportedly, this flooding regime lasts through the winter until late spring with week-long periods of flooding occurring following heavy rains in the summer. Along a meandering blackwater river complete with sloughs, oxbows, and numerous scattered depressions, this is a forested riverine wetland system (Cowardin et al. 1979). Muckalee sandy loam soil occurs throughout the project area (Barnhill 1986, Spruill 1990). It is dark, grayish brown and saturated to within six inches of the surface. Muckalee is invariably hydric (USDA 1989). The Munsell soil color observed was 10 YR 4/2. An on-site detour would entail laying mats and filling at least 2.1 acres of wetland. Although this filling and the temporary structures would be removed after construction of the permanent bridges was complete, the temporary fill could negatively impact endangered plants, perhaps eliminating them altogether if they currently exist at this site. The potential exists for subsurface hydrologic interactions to be permanent modified due to substrate compaction. 11 ti The approach work for the proposed action will fill an estimated 1000 square feet of wetland. The off-site detour is expected to have negligible impacts on wetlands since NCDOT Best Management Practices for the Protection of Surface Waters will be adhered to in the widening of existing roads within the right of way. Protected Species Under federal law, any federal action which is likely to result in a negative impact to federally protected plants and animals is subject to review by the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) under one or more provisions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. 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. Federally Listed Species The Fish and Wildlife Service (Asheville Office) has identified the species listed in Table 2 as endangered in Brunswick and Columbus Counties. Treatment of each species follows Table 2. Table 2. Federally Listed Species for Brunswick and Columbus Counties. Species Status* Brunswick Eastern cougar (Felis concolor couguar) E Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus) E Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Ei!Q_idga borealis) E Arctic Peregrin Falcon (Falco pereer? inus tundrius) T Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) E _- Wood stork (Mycteria americans) E AUr.= Piping plover (Charadrius m u) 'F Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelvs conacea) -E. D!`v ' D v Cr Kemp's ridley sea turtle ( idochelvs kemui) T COASTAL {Vi?.-Pvr;GEif ENT Green Sea Turtle ( h 1 is mydas) T Loggerhead turtle (Carets caretta) T American alligator (AJU ator mississippiensis) T/SA+ Shortnose sturgeon (Adpm= brevirostrum) E Rough-leaved Loosestrife ( 'a asperulaefolia) E Cooley's meadowrue (Thalictrum coo le- D E Seabeach amaranth (Amaranthuss 12umilus) PT Columbus Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoi m fig ) E Waccamaw silverside (Menidia extensa) T Rough-leaved Loosestrife (Lysimachia asperulaefolia)* E Cooley's meadowrue (Thalictrum cow) E 12 *E= endangered; T= threatened; CH= critical habitat determined; P= proposed; SA=status due to similarity of appearance to another species. The Eastern cougar (Felis concolor cougar) "needs a large wild area with an adequate food supply for survival. It feeds mainly on deer, but its diet may also include small mammals, wild turkeys, and occasionally domestic livestock" (Parker and Dixon 1980). Persistent hunting of the cougar and reduction of deer herds during the early 1900's effectively eliminated the animal, but growth of white-tail deer populations in the past 40 years has perhaps allowed cougars to survive (Parker and Dixon 1980). Parker and Dixon say biologists are unsure where in the historical range, from eastern Canada south into Tennessee and the Carolinas, the eastern cougar occurs in the United States; however, "significant reports of sightings persist in North and South Carolina and Tennessee." Potential cougar habitat exists surrounding this site, when the river is not inundating the floodplain, but the cougar's reclusive habits make it unlikely that individuals would venture very close to the highway, nearby commercial sites, and the boat landing. Human presence is usually a deterrent. Since the highway already exists, construction activity will not pose any further danger to cougars; therefore, no impacts to this species will occur as a result of this project. Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus), according to Parker and Dixon (1980) "inhabit sluggish rivers, sheltered marine bays and shallow estuaries" and require access to fresh water and channels at least 7-feet deep. While the manatee was once subject to commercial hunting for its meat, oil, and leather, the greatest current threat derives from collisions with boats and barges. Because the waters occupied by the manatee are heavily used by humans, regulating commercial and recreational boating traffic is crucial to manatee survival. The manatee's critical habitat identified by the FWS occurs mainly in Florida. Only in summer does the manatee move as far north as North Carolina's southern coast. However, this project occurs more than 50 miles upriver from the Intracoastal Waterway and even farther from coastal access. Moreover, the Waccamaw River's normal depth in summer is reported to be less than six feet; therefore, no impacts to this species will occur as a result of this project. The Arctic Peregrin Falcon (Falco peregrinus indrius) summers in the treeless tundra of Arctic North America and migrates to Argentina (Parker and Dixon 1980). The journey takes the bird through the eastern, central and Gulf Coast regions of the United States. Like the American peregrin (Falco pere? inus an atum)J. the bird was historically affected by chlorinated pesticides in its food and environment. Falcon reintroduction efforts have been moderately successful and the ban on harmful pesti decreased the threat to the population's reproductive system. 1r"? '' f AUG 1 1994 13 DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT Ll No habitat features associated with the project site are specifically related to the 5 1991 species; therefore, no impacts to this species will occur as a result of this project. DIVISION OF The Wood Stork (M is americana)--a large white and black-feathereo&.ff, X10-W? dAGEM ENT tall with a 66" wingspan--is found on or near the coast, breeding chiefly in cypress swamps and also in mangroves (Bull and Farrand 1977). Often seen perching motionless on bare branches or stalking slowly through marshes in search of food, individuals are sometimes seen circling high in the air on rising thermal currents. They typically nest in enormous colonies, laying two or three eggs on huge stick platforms in trees. Numbers have declined drastically as a result of land development, lumbering, and draining of feeding grounds. While the cypress-gum forest surrounding this project could serve as habitat for the wood stork, examination of the bare canopy in all directions revealed no nests fitting the description, suggesting that the birds are not using this habitat; therefore, no impacts to this species will occur as a result of this project. Red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) nesting colonies usually occur in mature pine (preferably Longleaf) stands with open understories, contiguous with areas where pines dominate the surrounding forest to provide suitable foraging habitat. "Suitable habitat consists of pine or pine-hardwood (50 percent or more pine) stands 30 years of age or older" (Henry 1989). Although some colonies may be found in pine stan3s where midstory hardwood encroachment has occurred, this situation is relatively rare. RCW habitat occurs in the region, however, no typical habitats were observed cont iguous with this project. Since the forest community within the affected project area is not dominated by pines greater than 30 years of age, no suitable habitat exists for the RCW; therefore, no impacts to the RCW will occur as a result of this project. Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) typically require large bodies of water with abundant fish populations and roosting habitat in proximity to this food supply (Luukkonen et al. 1989). According to Luukkonen et al. (1989), "good perch trees are the most important characteristics of forest stands for eagles." Eagles appear to prefer large, open-crowned perch trees, and eagle roost habitat requires large trees with open structures at low densities. Studies have shown that the critical flush distances for eagles are 137.2 meters for motorized boats, 220 meters for walking approaches. "Other researchers have reported that eagles were not significantly disturbed by normally occurring auditory activities such as vehicular traffic, human vocalization, or logging practices ...." (Luukkonen et al. 1989). This project occurs a considerable distance from large, open bodies of water, and few suitable roost trees were observed in proximity to the project. While it is conceivable that eagles could visit this site during migration, the proposed project will have no impact on them. 14 . + 1 AUC The Piping plover (Charadrius melodus) is mainly a northern shore species that winters as far north as the Carolinas and south to the West Indies and Mexico ?,Bu?? Farrand 1977). Found in "bare, dry, sandy areas, both inland and on the coAQ'''tf?i? t G?f?IEN' difficult to see on the beach. Bull and Farraiid comment that coastal resort development has destroyed many former nesting sites. Habitat for the piping plover does not exist at this project site; therefore, no impacts to this species will occur as a result of this project. The Waccamaw silverside (Menidia extensa), at less than three inches long, is smaller than the brook and inland silversides, to which it is related (Page and Bur 1991). However, the Waccamaw silverside is only found in Lake Waccamaw, NC, where it typically moves in large schools near the surface in open water. According to Page and Bur (1991), it is "protected as Threatened because of its extremely small range." Since the silverside's range, as described, does not extend into upper reaches of the Waccamaw River, there will be no impact on the fish because of this project. The Shortnose sturgeon (Acipn r brevirostrum) inhabits lower sections of larger rivers and coastal waters along the Atlantic seaboard from Canada to central Georgia. .- Accordi+^b to Parker and Dixon ?(1?980T"it may -spend most of the year in brackish or salt water and move into fresh water only to spawn." Feeding on invertebrates and some plant material, the Shortnose sturgeon is endangered because of pollution, over-fishing, and construction of dams on rivers it uses for spawning. This species has been documented in lower sections of the Waccamaw River, but no surveys have been conducted this far upstream. If the shortnose sturgeon does travel here to spawn, its migration would not be hampered by the proposed project because flow will not be impeded. An informal consultation was held-on February 3,1994, at the site to determine the potential impacts to the Shortnose sturgeon. Several Environmental Commitments were developed which are documented in the Environmental Commitment section of this document. With the implementation of these Environmental Commitments, any threats to this species as a result of this project will be eliminated. A concurrence was made by the National Marine Fisheries Service in a letter dated March 21, 1994, (see Appendix). Therefore, no impacts to this species will occur as a result of this project. Four marine turtle species have been noted in Brunswick County: Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelvs coriacea), Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepido_ c_s dpi), Green Sea Turtle ( h n' mydas), Loggerhead turtle (Caretta). Parker and Dixon's (1980) discussions of the characteristic habitats suggest that none of these four species need to be considered further. The Leatherback, not considered common along the NC coast, is an open ocean species sometimes moving into "shallow bays, estuaries and 15 even river mouths." Kemp's ridley prefers shallow coastal waters and was "formerly common in summer around Carteret County and known in Dare County." The Green sea turtle, which "prefers fairly shallow waters inside reefs, bays and inlets," "was once a common visitor along parts of the North and South Carolina coasts" but is now common only in the Caribbean. The Loggerhead "frequents open ocean waters as well as bays, lagoons, salt marshes, creeks, ship channels and the mouths of large rivers." This project occurs more than 50 miles from the Waccamaw River's confluence with the Intracoastal Waterway and the Great Pee Dee River and 65 miles from Winyah Bay. It is highly improbable that a sea turtle would venture this far upriver; therefore, no impacts to this species will,occur as a result of this project. The American alligator's (Alligator mississippiensis) status in North Carolina has improved, having been changed from endangered (Parker and Dixon 1980) to threatened. It is found in coastal marshes, swamps, river systems, canals, and lakes from Dare County, NC to Corpus Christie, Texas. Its varied diet includes mammals, herptiles, fish, and birds. Although marked increases in numbers have followed the alligator's protection from hunting and protection of its wetland habitat, its similarity in appearance to the crocodile keeps it listed as T/SA. A local resident reported that on rare occasions an alligator is sighted in the vicinity, the last sighting being reported several years ago near Cruso, some distance up river. Flow will not be impeded by this project, nor will likely habitat for the American Alligator be permanently removed; therefore, no impacts to this species will occur as a result of this project. The following three federally-listed threatened or endangered plants have been found in Brunswick and/or Columbus Counties: rough-leaf loosestrife (L,ysimachia asveru= lifolia), sea-beach amaranth (Amaranthus pumilus), and Cooley's meadow rue (Thalictrum Goole yi). Rough-leaf loosestrife (Lysimacia aaperulifolia) typically occurs in black, sandy peat soils with long hydroperiods like that found at the edge of seep bog pocosins or boggy flatwood savannas that burn frequently. Although it has been observed at the edge of woods along roadsides, it more typically occurs in the understory of open stands dominated by an overstory of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), pond pine (Pinus serotina), or pondcypress (Taxodium ascendens). It rarely persists in dense stands lacking fire. Associate hardwoods include swamp blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora), red maple (Acer rubrum), and sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana). Common understory associates include inkberry (Ilex Slabra, dwarf huckleberry (Gaul, ussacia dumosa), pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), honeycup (Zenobia pulvurulenta), ground- cedar (Lyc=odium sp.), chain fem (Woodwardia yirginica), pineland ? M X777 (Aristida stricta), and white-top sedge (Dichromena latifolia). AUG 1 1991 16 DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT 4 Rough-leaf loosestrife was not observed during the field investigation. The typical habitat for the loosestrife is completely lacking from the project area; therefore, it is concluded that no impact to this species will occur as a result of this project. Sea-beach amaranth (Amaranthus pumilus) occurs on the fore dunes of barrier islands, where salt-spray winds and blowing sands predominate. The soil is invariably composed of excessively well-drained sands, shells, and shell fragments. Associate species include sea-oats (Uniola paniculata), beach grass (Ammophila breviligulata), bear-grass (Yucca filamentosa), marsh elder (Iva imbricata), sand spur ( n hru tribuloides), broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus), seaside groundcherry (P all maritima), pennywort (Hydroco . le bonariensis), and beach morning glory ( m a stolonifera). Fore dunes are completely absent from the project area, and sea-beach amaranth was not observed during the field investigation. Owing to the lack of suitable habitat for this site-specific species, it is concluded that no impact to this species will occur as a result of this project. Cooley's meadow rue (Thalictrum cooleyi) occurs largely in pine savannas, characterized by a sparse canopy of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) or occasionally pond pine (Pinus serotina) growing on wet mineral soil. Survival of both species is greatly enhanced, when these sites burn frequently with low-intensity fire. The understory is typically dominated by grasses, especially pinelands three-awn (Aristida stricta), savannah muhly (Muehlenbergia expansa), and little bluestem (Andropogon scoparius). Other herbs occur scattered among the above dominants, including deer tongue (Trilisa paniculata), slough-grass ( 1 r'a sp), candyweed (Polygala lutea), meadow-beauty (Rhexia alifanus), blazing star (Liatris spicata), bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), and yellow-eyed grass (Xyris caroliniana). Scattered shrubs occur also, especially creeping blueberry (Vaccinium crassifolium), gallberry (Ilex abra), waxmyrtle (Myrica cerifera), and dangleberry (Gaylussacia frondosa). Cooley's meadow rue was not observed during the field investigation; moreover typical habitat for the species is lacking within the project area; therefore, no impact to this species will occur as a result of this project. State Listed Species The NC Natural Heritage Program indicated that the Carolina pygmy sunfish (Elassoma boehlkei) is listed as a state threatened and a federal candidate species occurring in Brunswick County (Kelly letter 1/12/93). Additionally, Kelly noted that the following six state-listed plants also occur in Brunswick County: golden crest (L?phiola aurea), Harper's fimbry (Fimbris lis neruusila), Plymouth gentian (Sabatia kennedyana), dissected sneezeweed (Helenium pinnatifidum), sarvis h ( --,; --, amelanchier), and water dawnflower (Stvlisma aquatics). Suitable or m ginal'y=..> 4 c suitable habitat occurs for Harper's fimbry, Plymouth gentian, dissectedezeweed, • AUC- 1 1991 17 DIVISION OF COASTAL. MANAGEMENT IN sarvis holly, and water dawnflower. According to records of the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, two state-listed species, Harper's fimbry (Fimbris , lis 1en2usila) and Plymouth gentian (Sabatia dodecandra var. kennedyana) have been observed along the Waccamaw River in the vicinity of NC 130. Whether these species still occur and whether the proposed project would adversely affect them could not be determined from the survey conducted in January. More detailed information on the habitat requirements of each listed species is given below. The Carolina pygmy sunfish (Elassoma boehlkei), like related species--the banded pygmy (E. zonatum) and everglades pygmy (E: v r ad i)--inhabits "quiet and clear or dark, stained and sluggish streams, sloughs, and swamps with abundant vegetation" along the Atlantic coast (Boschung et al. 1983). Apparently this species has a rather confined range, especially compared to the banded pygmy, which is found from the Carolinas to East Texas and up the Mississippi River Valley to Indiana and Illinois. All three species are small, feed on crustaceans and aquatic insects, and rarely live more than three years. On November 29,1993, the closely related banded Pygmy Sunfish was captured near the bridge site. Suitable habitat for the Carolina pygmy sunfish exists at this location primarily in the sloughsand slackwater areas. If the fish does occur here, it is unlikely that populations would be impacted by the proposed action with the implementation of the Environmental Commitments stated in this document. Golden crest (Lophiola americana or L. aurea) occupies the same habitat as Cooley's meadow rue (see above), and such habitat does not occur at the project site. Golden crest was not observed during the field investigation; therefore, no impact to this species will occur as a result of this project. Harper's fimbry (Fimbrisiylis 1erpusilla) and Plymouth gentian (Sabatia dodecandra var. kennedyana) occupy sand and/or mud bars in and adjacent to streams and rivers or the shore of ponds. These areas are typically flooded and reshaped during times of high water. Associate species include cat-tail (T=ha latifolia), elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), swamp rose (Rosa valustris), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), bulrush (Scirpus =erinus), various rushes &ncus spp.), and pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata). Trees are typically lacking, although baldcypress (Taxodium i hum), swamp blackgum (Nyssa biflora), red maple (Acer rubrum), black willow (Salix nigra), and sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) may occur. During the field investigation, high water levels covered the shoreline and obscured any possibly existing sand or mud bars from site. Thus, it could not be determined whether Harper's fimbry or Plymouth gentian was present. Dissected sneezeweed (Helenium 12innatifidum) occurs either in pine s yannas,- hive &e 1 : _ c sites described above for Cooley 's meadow rue, or in small, seasonally 4o?led AUG 1 1994 18 DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGE(41ENT ' t depressions, dominated by herbaceous cover. These depressions often occur scattered within a much larger wet pine savanna or flatwood community. Associate species in these depressions include Virginia chain fern (Woodwardia virginica), coinwort (Centella asiatica), sundews ( r a spp.), pitcher plants (Sarracenia spp.), panic grasses (Pa um spp.), and cutgrass (Leersia hexandra). Small, scattered trees may occur, especially pondcypress (Taxodium ascendens) and swamp blackgum (Nys5a sylvatica var. biflora). Pine savanna habitat is lacking, and small depressions are also lacking from the project area, except possibly for the periodically-mowed roadside, which was largely flooded at the time of the field investigation. Whether dissected sneezeweed tolerates mowing is not known. Sarvis holly (Ilex amelanchier) occurs in several plant communities, generally either black-water bottomlands or cypress savannas. In bottomlands, associate trees include sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), red maple (Acer rubrum), swamp blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora), American elm (Ulmus americana), laurel oak ( r u aurif li ), American holly (Ilex ogaca), musclewood (Carpinus caroliniana), and pop ash Traxinus caroliniana). Associate shrubs include swamp pepperbush ( 1 thra a if lia), tiff (Cyrilla racemiflora), Virginia-willow (Itea virginica), fetterbush ( nia u i a), and blueberry (Vaccinium elliottii). Associate herbs include false-nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), sedge ( ar x sp., especially -C. gigantea), giant cane (Arundinaria giigantea), and netted chain fern (Woodwardia areolata). In cypress savannas, associate trees, including pondcypress (Taxodium ascendens), swamp blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora), pond pine (Pinus serotina), and red maple (Acer rubrum), form a sparse canopy. Associate shrubs are essentially the same as those listed above, but the herb layer is dominated by grasses, especially maidencane (Panicum hemitomon), panic grasses ( i u spp.), broomsgdge (Androl2ogon vir icus), and cutgrass (Leersia hexandra). Black-water bottomland dominates the project area, and most species that commonly associate with sarvis holly occur. Nevertheless, sarvis holly was not observed during the field investigation. Water dawnflower (Bonamia aauatica, also called SMIisma aquatica) occurs in wet pine savannas or small, wet depressions within larger pine savanna or flatwood communities. Typical associate species are the same as those listed above for Cooley's meadow rue and dissected sneezeweed. Neither habitat was observed in the project area, although the wet, periodically- mowed roadsides, which were flooded at the time of the field investigation, could possibly provide suitable habitat. A!'G L tu:. 19 DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT . i Unique and/or Prime-Quality Habitat. No unique or prime quality habitat occurs within the project area. Occupying 25 and 36 percent of all forest land in Brunswick and Columbus Counties, respectively, the Cypress--Gum Swamp community is common. Although the project area contains sawtimber-sized trees over nine inches dbh, 27 and 48 percent of the forests in Brunswick and Columbus Counties, respectively, are classified as sawtimber-sized (Johnson 1990). Based upon a comparison with other Cypress--Gum Swamps in the region, overall stand quality within the project area ranks average, because (1) stand basal cover of 120 ft2 is somewhat low, (2) individual trees are not especially well-formed or developed, and (3) stand age of 36 years is moderately young for a Cypress--Gum Swamp community. Impacts The proposed project will replace two existing bridges with new structures at the same locations while detouring traffic on existing roadways off-site. Therefore, the greatest environmental concerns are soil erosion, disruption of the streambed and accidental deposition of debris into the river. The removal and replacement of the exis tiling bridges would-e. tail filling approximately 1000 square feet of wetland on the approaches of NC 130. Bottomland vegetation and animals are extremely sensitive to changes in the depth and duration of flooding. Ruts and soil compaction caused by operating machinery in the forested bottomland could create small water impoundments restricting water movement. Impoundments could, in turn, cause existing plants and animals to die or fail to regenerate adequately. Care will be taken to restrict vejicles and other machinery from operating within the bottomland during construction to preserve the natural drainage regime to which the current plants and animals are adapted. During any road construction project some accelerated soil erosion could occur with erosion sediments deposited downstream. In sufficient quantities, such deposits clog and restrict drainage and smother aquatic organisms, especially bottom-dwelling and bottom-reproducing animals. The NCDOT "Best Management Practices for Protection of Surface Waters" will be implemented, where practicable, to avoid and to minimize impacts to the stream and bottomland vegetation. Additional environmental commitment measures which will be implemented and observed during construction are listed on page 1. AUG 1 1001 DIVISION OF 20 COASTAL NIANAGEhIENT . t Permit Coordination An individual Section 404 permit will not be required from the Corps of Engineers because the conditions of Section 404 Nationwide Permit #23, Categorical Exclusion, under 33 CFR 330 Appendix A (B-23) are applicable. 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. A 401 Water Quality Certification #2734, administered through the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources (NCDEHNR), will be required. This certificate is issued for any activity which may result in a discharge into waters for which a federal permit is required. Erosion and sedimentation control measures will be strictly enforced during construction to minimize unnecessary impacts to stream and wetland ecosystems. NCDOT "Best Management Practices for the Protection of Surface Waters" will also be implemented. VIII. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS The project is expected to have an overall positive impact. Replacement of inadequate bridges 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 replacements will not have an adverse effect on the quality of the human or natural environment with the use of current NCDOT standards and specifications, and the implementation of the Environmental Commitments listed in this document. The project is not in conflict with any plan, existing land use, or zoning regulation. No significant 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 minimal. No relocations are expected with implementation of the proposed alternative. C 77- AUG _ 21 DIVIS'ON OF COASTAL MAN/Glc- ??I?T . t 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. Since both bridges are to be replaced in their present locations, the project is exempt from the Farmland Protection Policy Act. 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 North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. The only two structures over fifty years of age in the area of potential effect are the two bridges themselves. In a letter dated July 15, 1993 (included in the appendix), SHPO concurred that Bridge Nos. 72 and 63 are not potentially eligible for the National Register. Since there are no properties either listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places within the APE, no further compliance with Section 106 is required. The State Historic Preservation Officer also reviewed the archaeological aspects of the project and determined that no archaeological resources will be impacted by the recommended alternative (see appendix). The project involves no Section 4(f) properties. There are no publicly-owned parks, historic sites, recreational facilities or wildlife and waterfowl refuges of national, state or local significance in the vicinity of the project. The project is located within the Southern Coastal Plain Air Quality Control Region. The ambient air quality for Columbus County has been determined to be in compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Since this project is located in an area where the State Implementation Plan (SIP) does not contain any transportation control measures, the conformity procedures of 23 CFR 770 do not apply to this project. The project will not substantially increase traffic volumes. Therefore, its impact on noise levels and air quality will be insignificant. Noise levels could increase during construction but this increase will be temporary. If vegetation is disposed of by bunting, all burning shall be done in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations of the North Carolina SIP for air quality in compliance with 15 NCAC 2D.0520. This evaluation completes the assessment requirements of Ti ?o#`??r? Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 772 and no additional reports are req V 'a' At1G 1 1994 22 DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT .t N 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. The gas pumps located southeast of Bridge No. 72 are supplied by above ground tanks located to the rear of the store. Columbus County is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Regular Program. The approximate 100-year floodplain in the project area is shown in Figure 5. 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 the alignment would result in a crossing of about the same or greater magnitude. The alignment of the project is perpendicular to the floodplain area. All reasonable measures will be taken to minimize harm. On the basis of the above discussion, it is concluded that no adverse environmental effects will result from implementation of the project. TIN { E'. r AUG 1 19Q' • DIVISION OF 23 COASTAL MANAGEMENT i Literature Cited Barnhill, W. L. 1986. Soil survey of Brunswick County, North Carolina. USDA Soil Conservation Service. 120 p., maps. Belanger, R.P., and R.L. Anderson. 1989. A guide for visually assessing crown densities of loblolly and shortleaf pines. USDA For. Ser., Southeast For Exp. Sta. Res Note SE-352. Brown, P. M. 1985. Geologic map of North Carolina. Div. of Land Res., Dept. of Natl. Res. and Community Dev., Raleigh, NC. Bull, J., and J. Farrand, Jr. 1977. The Audobon Society field guide to North American birds. Alfred A. Knopf: New York. 775 p. Conant, R. 1975. A field guide to reptiles and amphibians of eastern/central North America. Houghton mifflin Company: Boston. 429 p. Cowardin, L. M., V. Carter, F. C. Golet, and E. T. LaRoe.1979. Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States. FWS/OBS-79/31. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Dept of Interior: Washington, D.C.103 p. Dickson, J. G., R. N. Conner, and J. H. Williamson. 1980. Relative abundance of breeding birds in forest stands in the southeast. Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers wetlands delineation manual. Technical Report Y-87-1, U. S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg MS. .a Eyre, F.H. (Ed.) 1980. Forest cover types of the United States and Canada. Soc. of Amer. For., Washington, DC. Pp. 148 p., map. Henry, V. G. 1989. Guidelines for Preparation of Biological Assessments and Evaluations for the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker. Fish and Wildlife Service, SE Region, Atlanta, GA. 13 p., appendices. Husch, B., C. I. Miller, and T. W. Beers. 1972. Forest mensuration. The Ronald Press Co., NY. 410 p. Johnson, T. G. 1990. Forest statistics for the southern coastal plain of North Carolina, 1990. USDA For. Ser., Southeast For. Exp. Sta. Bull SE-11.152 p t a ? , 4 AUC 1 t9Gr 24 DIVIS110N OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT Luukkonen, D. R.; T. J. Smith; D. N. Chester; J. D. Fraser; and D. F. Stauffer. 1989. Ecology, habitat and management of bald eagles at B. Everett Jordan Lake, North Carolina. Project Final Report. Dept. Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA. NCDEM. 1989. Benthic macroinvertebrate ambient network (BMAN) water quality review 1983-1988. Water Quality Tech. Rept. No. 89-08. NC Dept. of Env., Health, and Nat. Res., Div. Env. Mgt., Water Qual. Sect., Raleigh, NC. NCDEM.1991a. Biological assessment of water quality in North Carolina streams: benthic macroinvertebrate data base and long term changes in water quality, 1983-1990. NC Dept. of Env., Health, and Nat. Res., Div. Env. Mgt., Water Qual. Sect., Raleigh, NC. NCDEM. 1991b. Classifications and water quality standards assigned to the waters of the Lumber River Basin. NC Dept. Envir. Health, and Nat. Res.: Raleigh, North Carolina. Page, L. M., and B. M. Bur. 1991. A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. Peterson Field Guide Series. Houghton Mifflin: NY. Parker, W. and L. Dixon. 1980. Endangered and threatened wildlife of Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Fish and Wildlife Serv. and NC Ag. Ext. Serv., Raleigh, NC. 116 p. Radford, A. E., H. E. Ahles, and C. R. Bell. 1968. Manual of the vascular flora of the Carolinas. Univ. of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC. 1183 p. Schafale, M. P. and A. S. Weakley.1990. Classification of the natural communities of North Carolina, Third Approximation. N. C. Natl. Heritage Prog., Div. of Parks and Recreation, N. C. Dept. of Environ., Health, and Natl. Res., Raleigh. 325 p. Spruill, W. E. 1990. Soil survey of Columbus County, North Carolina. USDA Soil Conservation Service. 138 p., maps. United States Dept. of Agric. (USDA). 1989. Hydric soils of North Carolina. Soil Conservation Service, Raleigh, NC. 20 p. Webster, W. D.; J. D. Parnell; and W. C. Biggs, Jr. 1985. Mammals of the Carolinas, Virginia, and Maryland. Univ. of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC. 255 p. Wilson, R. L. 1976. Elementary forest surveying and mapping. Oreg;av Book- r Stores, Inc., Corvallis.1 p. ALIG 10/w 25 DIVIS`.0N OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT . i ^c DIVISION Or OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISIONS OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COLUMBUS COUNTY BRIDGE NOS. 72 & 63 ON NC 130 OVER WACCAMAW RIVER AND OVERFLOW B-21U 0 mils 1 Lrr. i .f B-2120 BRIDGE NO. 72 COLUMBUS COUNTY MAIN BRIDGE NORTH APPROACH SOUTH APPROACH AUG 1 19W DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT SIDE VIEW 4 ?120 IDGE NO. 63 WMBUS COUNTY ERFLOW ?RTH APPROACH SOUTH APPROACH !, jil" Auc, t49? DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT SIDE VIEW r- •? 333' /Swomp _ =.., ?... .. - 1l!G 1 1994 -+2s ??_-' -?? DIVISION OF --- ? ^. ? rMr_-... !tires ? ;_i 4 ? ? ? K,.4 -?. ? = + }± + . J2 _ , '"_ . Freeland ??"? ~?.r'.i ~.. AYE w -•?? .. '? ? ti ? _ .r A ? - -•rr Y I? .? r .,;, ?,,.,_...? t ~ -- ? I! BRIDGE NO. 63 d ? I -- -_ • ? , • Sand Hilt, r-! ?• ?`,.- 1326 46, -ft- o 11 sta BRIDGE NO. 72 i ? • ? • - . -17 Fitton; j! • ? ro _ 1327 i • e ?J Cam: -06 ALL A -! } - f '' ow ?M r* t? L Ch? w 1329 (i 41? '?" ww .?:: • smil 1WYEAIt FLOOD PLAIN. ,w. ??;, - , :. ?' ?,. .:rte •;?,;,,.??, ?? ? ` ?-' :1`_'71 •? '°" ;° " : .? `"? ?32s FIGURE 5 .'" ..w -??? -?- B-2120 BRIDG NOS. 72 & 63 r7cc (? COLUMBUS COUNTY A L I G _ 10W N;MM STUDIED DETOUR ROUTE7] LOCAL TRAFFIC D! v; 0 F NORnIUM W TRANSPORTATION DIVISIONS OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BRANCH COLUMBUS COUNTY BRIDGE NOS. 72 & 63 ON NC 130 OVER WACCAMAW RIVER AND OVERFLOW B•2120 0 mite 2 FIG. 6 a . t .k r? *N o.r i NO. 03 3 \ i , IFUDOE NO. 72 w 416?• „ A DIVISION OF COASTAL-MAnAGEM NT NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF t? v TRANSPORTATION ?.-- _ DIVISIONS OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BRANCH `'` ` COLUMBUS COUNTY BRIDGE NOS. 72 & 63 STUDIED DETOUR ROUTE ON NC 130 OVER WACCAMAw RIVER AND OVERFLOW TRUCK TRAFFIC B-2120 '""' FIG, 7 t ? v North Carolina Department of Cultural James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Betty 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 Bridges No. 72 and 63 on NC 130 over Waccamaw River and overflow, Columbus County, B-2120, 8.1430801, BRSTP-130(1), ER 93-9097 Dear Mr. Graf: UC JUL 2 0 1993 ArC!<i?e??2fi? ?iStory Pte" ?kCNrfi'rL?A? p!`4!S!G'? G? COASTAL lVANAG?E_M,1'1N7 Thank you for your letter of June 22, 1993, concerning the above project. We have reviewed the information provided to us regarding structures located in the area of potential effect. We understand that Bridges_.No. 72 and 63 are.-the- only structures over fifty years of age in the area of potential effect. As noted in your letter, we previously concurred that Bridge No. 72 is not eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Based upon the information provided, we concur with the Federal Highway Administration's determination that Bridge No. 63 does not possess sufficient historical or architectural significance to qualify for listing in the National Register. Thus, 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 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. Sincerely, 0,4?- - &JIgt b David Brook Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer DB:slw cc: VL. J. Ward B. Church 109 East Jones Street • Raleigb, North Carolina 27601-2807 i BOARD OF EDUCATION JO ANN M. BARNES MICHAEL W. KELLIHAN CRAVEN M.SEALEY RAYMOND SHAW PAM LONG WARD January 11, 1993 COLUMBUS COUNTY SCHOOLS POST OFFICE BOX 729 WHITEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28472 919.642-5168 / FAX 919-640-1010 J ? CaIU us R County ? SclaooL y Mr. Thomas McCloskey Wm. G. Daniel & Associates 1.150 SE Maynard Road, Suite 100 Cary, NC 27511 Dear Mr. McCloskey: ADMINISTRATION THOMAS A. NANCE Interim Superintendent DAN STRICKLAND Assistant Superintendent AUG DWIS!o? 1 of COASTAL MANAGEW-ENT ---Subject: Midge Numbers- 72- and 63, Columbus County In response to your letter of December 22, 1993, please be advised that, after consulting with appropriate staff members, we have determined that work done on the above referenced bridges will not have any negative impact on the Columbus County School System. If I can be of further assistance in this matter, please feetfree to contact me. Sincerely, Thomas A. Nance Interim Superintendent TAN:vjl (An Equal Opportunity Employer) . ti 14 SfATF v? n ySc~ i? ? > V 4? ,o VVVV 'v North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources James G. Martin, Governor Patric Dorsey, Secretary December 18, 1992 Mr. Tom McCloskey William G. Daniel & Associates, PA 1150 Southeast Maynard Road Suite 100 Cary, NC 27511 Division of Archives and History William S. Price, Jr., Director . - t ' < v` L? 19" 9 Re: Replacement of Bridge No. 72 on SR 130 over Waccamaw River, Columbus County, B-2120, ER 93-7843 DNiS?,t`; OF Dear Mr. McCloskey: COASTAL MANAG??`-L!L T Thank you for your letter of December 1, 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 Columbus 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 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 statement about 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. Because of the location and topographic situation of the proposed project area, it is unlikely that any archaeological sites which may be eligible for inclusion in the National'Register of Historic Places will be affected by the proposed 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 919533- 4763. Sincerely, / David Brook Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer DB:slw cc: L. J. Ward B. Church 109 Eastlones Street 0 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807 i?3 :' 1 •' 9? U 9: 5 i $613 893 3111 #Nfts o• NMFS SERI) IQi UU2 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic end Atmosphwie A Wnlatration NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE Southeast Regional Office 9450 Koger Boulevard St. Petersburg, FL 33702 March 21, 1994 F/SE013:JEB Michelle W. Fishburne r- --? Planning and Environmental Branch' Division of Highways North Carolina Dept. of Transportation ,r3 P.O. BOX 25201 nl;? sc-;•: Raleigh, NC 27611-5201 Dear Ms. Fishburne: COASTAL M.4NAGE1'-4E1NT This responds to your letter of February 18, 1994, on behalf of the Federal Highway Administration, regarding replacement of Bridges Number 63 and 72 (Federal Aide No. BRSTP-130(1)) over the Waccamaw River and overflow, in Columbus and Brunswick Counties, North Carolina. A Biological Assessment (BA) was submitted pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). We have review the BA and concur the with your determination that populations of endangered/threatened species under our purview would not be adversely affected by the proposed action. This concurrence is based upon the six measures to protect shortnose sturgeon agreed to at the February 3, 1994 meeting and included in your February 8, 1994 memorandum copied to our office. This concludes consultation responsibilities under Section 7 of the ESA. However, consultation should be reinitiated if new information reveals impacts of the identified'activity that may affect listed species or their critical habitat, a new species is listed, the identified activity is subsequently modified, or critical habitat is determined that may be affected by the proposed activity. If you have any questions please contact Jeffrey Brown, Fishery Biologist, at (813) 893-3366. sincerely, dren. Kemmerer U Regional Director cc: F/PR2 F/SE02 Z? La w, .alp. ?f North Carolina Departlnent,of Cultural Resources James B. Hunt. Jr., Governor Bctty Ray McCain. Secretary January 27, 1993 Tom McCloskey William G. Daniel and Associates, PA 1150 Southeast Maynard Road, Suite 100 Cary, NC 27511 Re: Replacement of Bridge No. 72 on NC 130 over Waccamaw River, Columbus County, B-2120, ER 93-8014 Dear Mr. McCloskey: Division or Archives and History William S. Price. Jr., Director 199 D1V1S, OF COASTAL MANAGEI;E14T Thank you for your letter of January 5, 1993, concerning the above project. We have reviewed the photographs of bridge B-2120, which is over fifty years of age. We feel that this structure is not eligible for National Register-listing since it is not a distinctive representative of its type. 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. Sincerely, ?I G (/? Davi Brook Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer DB:slw cc: L. J. Ward B. Church 109 East Jones Strcet - Raleigh. North Carolina 27101-2907 f' ?J ?P CAP ?"rz BRIDGE NO 72 g* ti !? ,5, h r, t Illllll111111111111lIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIiT? 4'°"?` r NC 130 IZ it 77- AUG tfis?r `` o -P DIVISION Of ,? . ;-t y %• /? , ; , STAL MANAGEMENT // c , ?4 FORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISIONS OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BRANCH COLUMBUS COUNTY 1 _ BRIDGE NOS. 72& 63 ON NC 130 OVER WACCAMANN' RIVI R AND OVERFLOW B-2120 ?``' ". 0 leer 1G0 FIG. 2 l 1 1 7y? r. 0 .I 1. 2. 3 4. DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT FIELD INVESTIGATION REPORT APPLICANT'S NAME: NCDOT/B.J. O'Quinn Brunswick/Columbus county line. Photo Index - 1989: None 1984: None State Plane Coordinates - X: 2136550 Y: 126000 LOCATION OF PROJECT SITE: NC Hwy.130 crossing of the Wacca.maw River, on the INVESTIGATION TYPE: CAMA/D&F INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURE: Dates of Site Visit - 8/4/94 Was Applicant Present 0181994 5. PROCESSING PROCEDURE: Application Received - 8/1/94 Office - Wilmington 6. SITE DESCRIPTION: (A) Local Land Use Plan - Brunswick Land Classification From LUP - Conservation (B) AEC(s) Involved: PT (C) Water Dependent: YES (D) Intended Use: Public (E) Wastewater Treatment: Existing - N/A Planned - N/A (F) Type of Structures: Existing - Bridges Planned - New bridges (G) Estimated Annual Rate of Erosion: N/A Source - N/A 7. 8. HABITAT DESCRIPTION: [AREA] DREDGED FILLED OTHER _j (A) Vegetated Wetlands 160 sq. ft. (B) Non-Vegetated Wetlands (C) Other 58986 sq.ft. Road & Bridge approach fill/disturbance (D) Total Area Disturbed: 1.35 acres (E) Primary Nursery Area: no (F) Water Classification: C-Sw Open: N/A PROJECT SUMMARY: N.C.D.O.T. proposes to replace the existing bridges over the Waccamaw River, on NC Hwy. 130, on the Brunswick/Columbus County line. N.C.D.O.T./Bridge #72 Page 2 9. PROTECT DESCRIPTION 8/5/94 The project site are the existing bridge crossings of the Waccamaw River, on NC Hwy. 130, in the New Britton community, of Brunswick County. The Waccamaw River constitutes the boundary between Brunswick and Columbus counties. Bridge #72 crosses the main river channel, and Bridge #63 crosses a small watercourse within the river's floodplain, approximately 600 feet west of Bridge #72, in Columbus County. The Waccamaw River originates from Lake Waccamaw, approximately 15 miles up river from the project site, and flows into South Carolina at approximately the same distance down stream. Within the river's floodplain, cypress/gum swamp and low woodlands extend above and below the bridge sites. The timber on the west of Hwy. 130, and north side of the main river, was harvested by clear-cutting, approximately three (3) years ago, and remains in a state of re-vegetation, by natural selection. In the project area, the south bank of the river is highground. On the southwest side of the Bridge #72, there is a commercial boat ramp which provides public access to the river for a launch fee {State Permit #136-90(Babson)}. The north side of the river is cypress/gum swamp, and the highway was constructed on a filled causeway through river's floodplain. The existing bridges are supported by creosote pilings, and were build in 1938 and 1939. Both structures have been appraised as structural deficient, with a short remaining service life. Bridge #72 is 151 feet long, with a clear roadway width of 25.8 feet. Bridge # 63 is 101 feet long, with the same clear span width. At the project site, the normal water width of the main river varies seasonally, from approximately 100 feet in summer, to 130 feet in winter. The Waccamaw River is considered Inland Waters by the N. C. Division of Marine Fisheries/N. C. Wildlife Commission. The N.C. Division of Environmental Management classifies the river as C-Sw. The N.C.D.O.T. proposes to replace the existing bridges with new structures. The dimensions of the new Bridge #72 would be 190 feet long and a 40 feet clear deck width, consisting of four (4) sections of cored slab concrete decking, each 45 feet long, with three supports in the creek consisting of concrete pilings and girder cap. These three support structures will replace seven (7) rows of existing wooden support pilings. Clearance under the bridge would be equal or greater than the existing structure (approx. 6.5 ft. winter, 11.8 ft. summer). To accommodate a wider bridge, it will be necessary to widen both bridge approaches, approximately 16-20 feet. The proposed expansion to the fill base of the road bed by 8-10 feet on the northwest side of the bridge would impact approximately 161 square feet of wetlands. The wetland fill would be a strip approximately 50 feet long and 3.5 feet wide. No fill material is proposed below normal high water. Class II rip rap would be utilized to stabilize the toe of the bridge approaches. The dimensions of the new Bridge #63 would be 140 feet long and a 40 feet clear deck width, consisting of three (3) sections of cored slab concrete decking, each approximately 45 feet long, with two support structures in the creek consisting of concrete pilings and girder cap. These three support structures will replace five (5) rows of existing wooden support pilings. Clearance under the bridge would be equal or greater than the existing structure (approx. 6.5 ft. winter, 13 ft. summer). The proposed expansion to the fill base of the road bed by 8-10 feet, would not impact wetlands, for Bridge #63. No fill material is proposed below normal high water. Class II rip rap would be utilized to stabilize the toe of the bridge approaches. During construction of the new bridges, local traffic would be detoured via S. R. 1928, S.R. 1333, and S.R. 1326. N.C.D.O.T./Bridge #72 & #63 Page Three 10. ANTICIPATED IMPACTS The project would incorporate 160 square feet of wooded swamp wetlands. The project should not significantly impact navigation, since there no reduction of the existing clearance between the bridges and the water surface. The reduction of bridge supports in the creek would provide more available area for boat passage. Temporary disruption of he stream bed, and some short-term turbidity is expected during construction, but should not present any long-term adverse impacts. Because of the close proximity to wetlands and the river, there is the potential for accidental deposition of earthen material and/or construction debris into these fragile areas. Strict monitoring and maintenance of sedimentation and erosion control structures is mandatory during construction. The project would result in the replacement of two inadequate highway bridges, and provide for the continuance of safer traffic operations. Submitted by: E.F. Brooks Date: 8/12/94 Office: Wilmington Plcase type or print... Carefully describe all anticipated development activities, including construction, excava- tion, filling, paving, land clearing, and stormwater con- If you plan to build a marina, also - complete and... trol. If the requested information is not relevant to your attach Form DCM-1v[P-2. project, write N/A (not applicable). Items 1-4 and 8-9 must be completed for all projects. b. Is the proposed activity maintenance of an existing project, new work, or both? New work on existing facility 1 APPLICANT c. Will the project be for community, private, or a. Name N. C. Department of Transportation commercial use? Public use Address Post Office Box 25201 City Raleigh State NC d. Describe the planned use of the project. Public Highway Zip 27611 Day phone (919) 733-3141 Landowner or X Authorized agent B-2120, 8.1430801 b. Project name (if any) 4 LAND AND WATER c. If the. applicant is not the landowner, also _ebe ,77?ARACTERISTICS owner's name and address. of entiretract N/A 19V Size of individual lot(s) N/A ,v' ,' J 6f Elevation of tract above mean sea level or al Geodetic Vertical Datum 2 LOCATION OF PROPOSEVASTAL N1A?'?"GEi ?/- 11 meters PROJECT d. Soil type(s) and texture(s) of tract _ MtirkalPP lnam a. Street address or secondary road number NC 130 e. Vegetation on tract ('rnrass-gum swamp b. City, town, community, or landmark Brunswick/ Columbus County Line f. Man-made features now on tract existing roadoiay c. County n 0 e. o. 0 Brunswick and Columbus d. Is proposed work within city limits or planning jurisdiction? N/A Name of body of water nearest project Waccamaw River 3 DESCRIPTION AND PLANNED USE OF PROPOSED PROJECT a. Describe all development activities you propose (for example, building a home, motel, marina, bulkhead, or pier). Construct new bridge structures, grade, pave, drain highway facility g. What is the CAMA Land Use Plan Classification of the site? (Consult the local land use plan.) Conservation Transitional Developed Community X Rural Other h. How is the tract zoned by local government? N/A i. How are adjacent waters classified? C-sw j. Hasa professional archaeological survey been carried out for the tract? No- If so, by whom? 3/91 5 UPLAND DEVELOPMENT Complete this section ifthe project includes any-land development_ a. Type and number of buildings, facilities, or structures proposed Roadway fill and twom replacement bridges b. Number of lots or parcels N/A c. Density (Give the number of residential units and the units per acre.) N/A d. Size of area to be graded or disturbed 7840 sq. meters e. If the proposed project will disturb more than one acre of land, the Division of Land Resources must receive an erosion and sedimentation control plan at least 30 days before land disturbing activity begins. If applicable, has a sedimentation and erosion control plan been submitted to the Divis Resources? NA` .0.', t''H a. Descri- below the purpose of proposed excavation f. Give the percentage of the tract within 75 f mean high water to be covered by imperm e 14fill activities (excluding bulkheads, which are surfaces, such as pavement, buildings, rooftops. covered in Section 7). NA IDINOS ON OF Length Width Depth M?? s channel g. List the materials, such as marl, paver stont?1?L. or concrete, to be used for paved surfaces. (MI.W) or WWL) Asphalt road pavement and concrete bridqe decks. Boat basin h. If applicable, has a stormwater management plan been submitted to the Division of Environmental Management? N/A i. Describe proposed sewage disposal and/or waste water treatment facilities. N/A 0 0 m. Water supply source N/A n. If the project is oceanfront development, describe the steps that will be taken to maintain established public beach accessways or provide new access. N/A o. If the project is on the oceanfront, what will be the elevation above mean sea level of the first habitable floor? N/A 6 VATION AND FILL ?`y NFL. MATION T - Other (break- water, pier, boat ramp, rock jetty) Fill placed in wetland or below MHW Have these facilities received state or local approval? Upland fill -1A areas k. Des cribe existing treatment facilities. 1. Describe location and type of discharges to waters of the state (for example, surface runoff, sanitary wastewater, industrial/commercial effluent, "wash down"). Surface runoff b. Amount of material to be excavated from below water level in cubic yards None c. Type of material N/ A d. Does the area to be excavated include marshland, swamps, or other wetlands? e. High ground excavation, in cubic yards None 2 3/91 f. Dimensions of spoil disposal area N/A g. Location of spoil disposal area . N'/ A h. Do you claim title to the disposal area? N/A If not, attach a letter granting permission from the owner. i. c. Shoreline erosion during preceding 12 months, in feet .. N/A _ d. Type of bulkhead material KI/ A e. Amount of fill, in cubic yards, to be placed below mean high water N/ A f. Type of fill material N/A Will a disposal area be available for " maintenance? N/A W t? - = Ifso,where? N/A 1? 8 k ITIONAL INFORMATION Does the disposal area include any m and, A?Ip 1 addition to the completed application form, the follow- swamps, or water areas? N/A i tems must be submitted: Will the fill material be placed below mUGTiAL MANE cop of the deed (with state application only) or other water? No instrument under which the applicant claims title to the affected property. If the applicant is not claiming to be Amount of fill in cubic yards 3720 m3 (4951 c . y •) the owner of said property, then forward a copy of the Type of fill material Suitable fill ma ..r; a 1 deed or other instrument under which the owner claims title, plus written permission from the owner to carry out Source of fill material Suitable borrow the project. k. 1. M. n. o. Will fill material be placed on marsh or other wetlands? Yes p. Dimensions of the wetland to be filled 15 m x 1 m q. How will excavated or fill material be kept on site and erosion controlled? silt fences and basins with other appropriate erosion control measures r. What type of construction equipment will be used (for example, dragline, backhoe, or hydraulic dredge)? Standard highway construction equipment. s. Will wetlands be crossed in transporting equipment to project site? N_ If yes, explain steps that will be taken to lessen environmental impacts. 0 K Z A O ti 7 SHORELINE STABILIZATION a. Length of bulkhead or riprap N/A b. Average distance water-ward of mean high water or normal water level N/A 3/91 An accurate work plat (including plan view and cross sectional drawings) drawn to scale in black ink on an 8 1 /2 x 11 white paper. (Refer to Coastal Resources Commission Rule 77.0203 for a detailed description.) Please note that original drawings are preferred and only high quality copies will be accepted. Blue-line prints or other larger plats are acceptable only if 18 high quality copies are provided by applicant. (Contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding that agency's use of larger drawings.) A site or location map is a part of plat requirements and it must be sufficiently detailed to guide agency personnel unfamiliar with the area to the site. Include county road (SR) numbers, landmarks, and the like. A stormwater management plan, if applicable, that may have been developed in consultation with the Division of Environmental Management. A list of the names and complete addresses of the adjacent waterfront (riparian) landowners. These individuals have 30 days in which to submit comments on the proposed project to the Division of Coastal Management and should be advised by the applicant of that opportunity. K f7 O O ti Name Maye '?l Webber.. Address 545 Inwood-Drive Charlotte, NC 28209 Name William B-. Mintz Address 6048 K; ngtown Road Ash NC 28420 Name Esther B. Miles/ Kenneth Babson Address Route 1, Box 396 Ash, NC 28420 A list of previous state or federal permits issued for work on the project tract. Include permit numbers, permittee, and issuing dates. none A check for $250 made payable to the Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources to cover the costs of processing the application. A signed AEC hazard notice for projects in oceanfront and inlet areas. A statement on the use of public funds. If the project involves the expenditure of public funds, attach a state- ment documenting compliance with the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (N.C.G.S. 113A-1 to 10). 4 9 CERTIFICATION AND PERMISSION TO ENTER ON LAND Any permit issued in response to this application will allow only the development described in the application. The project will be subject to conditions and restrictions contained in the permit. I certify that to the best of my knowledge, the proposed activity complies with the State of North Carolina's ap- proved Coastal Management Program and will be con- ducted in a manner consistent with such program. I further certify that I am authorized to grant, and do in fact, grant permission to representatives of state and federal review agencies to enter on the aforementioned lands in connection with evaluating information related to this permit application and follow-up monitoring of project. This is the a6 day of 197!3?- X Lando er or ' thori d agent /7717-. '7 77 P _ 1994 DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT 3/91 i IvJ Nallioor0'?k+•?Je Bolton Freeman Del Lakr Brunswick Waaamavi Wurromau Sanr ;d U M BJ U S / ($"t6 4 ' P. I ' S t ? C I I 1 , } {a 9t ySCO,ti 14EW 132 HAN. 7 lrhu/k- BisAOpt b!+i•,N 'Ae?e 1 I o? l1Lf R.y.e,.or; At Id D ?nJ \ 3 Town CreM. [Q 'O' 1 tl 421 y ?, ?,Nu..nnA.rr, tl winnabow TT{{?rrr C`.6\ll he kin 33 c J ''- 6 B R U N S W I> l e C " K 20 f, y ??."-; 8-h A¢r 1, h t - I J(,U"dinu Hrurh 11 l+ O•,wc.,, I 1 A h d••. rSeabreeze 1 r ?/ Bolivia r•v Ar.•n Grins ? itUS Calt,Da? God 4 1117 1.1 MY 1 H?d r j 1173 RIVER" BAY r.r a^Z? r 1131 . p«land I.s 133! A u F: i µ.w brinort y C.- I s un 2.0 >3u ? SITE 130 v I ? 1 ' J 13]3 3?12 ? ? 133y ltu 41 to l?v J V a . ? 134a. ?P h uoco,lq`Y lla irji -'te3 ^ 1 11 ??\•4 I 111 14 y ?aa Z7 SuDWY 17 6 Boiling n •s.r:•: ? of 1'. ia. e.6«e e?r.u `Spring Lakes SUNNY Hallo e_ 8 - y ?-' -••? 1NI p? Kurt Beach L o f 3 t ?IEASURE rsuNO Smith ? ' 130 ti' R•y.oner 1.«h Aa•„ 6 178 9 1 ! t a 2 Varnamtown?l Na?bor S 33 ', 1 21 ?? u,n tz:` O il(, 1'? < I?Long.-'-. 'q-?wth0«tCnrnrab Jn/M:%?i •Sti Holden may. Beach Yaupori'- `-? v"? III Isle o?r?eBeach y ?.ti a Beach Caswell. , Small I$L'NO Ocean °b?vr, 9 Beach' Beach e? 4 4 ..r) Nran,uANO' 'i•) t' 'I? tr k (? `mss ' i . ?¢¢ l1 I J h DIVIS'.Ol", OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT V(CINIIY .MAP N. C. DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS COLUMBUS/ BRUNSWICK CO'S. PROJECT: 8.1430801 (B-2120) REPLACEMENT OF BRIDGE #72 & X63 ON NC 130 OVER WACCAMAW RIVER SHEET _L_ OF _ ty w m m w I 1 I 'I I I I l i I I I ? i I I I E-- I O2 t ' i I I ; cL w ! I I a OOZ+I J I ' i I ' • J I I w r Q . ?. I i i I N '" A a °' a (, V W ?' i f I I Z ? w i ( ~ I I I I I I ? z I I :I I I I ? 5? y I I _ ry ? ,-tea ; 1 °'? f•W I • ? N?I, ?" ? r t3 I ?. w? G, 2 1994 brr ----- --..I___I- -/ DIVISION OF -' < a I I o COASTAL MANAGEMEN --- o-- cr o j C ca z r II ?.I i ? ? I I I i '? ? 001.+1 I 1 I I I I I I , I ? I I I I ?, ?J I I I. o a-LL I of I z Q M I Q I J U I ~ _ I z I I i W I I ' J ? Y I I. I ? v o II J N 3 1 I (I I . °? I l i l I? ? o I ?w Ul O X I I I l i ui w I I I I a O 000+ i i Z ?. I z WQ I I O Q / I I I I N ? Lli i F- - I i a' f I Q Q OOb+I w J 2 m w- w f-? J 2 ? l.L p 0Z to LJ W UO F- Ww \ 3: ? f I L I w I I I tl E I kI o? z z \ I j DIVISION OF c COASTAL MANAGEMENT w a ~ W z i. C"-a n o ife ? nc 5 ooh -+1 M?CD?°c co`?v NS??G? Z aw ¢ U O? n J O 1 crw cz7 1 CL Q 0- cn a Lill I=- -I I ( 1 ?- U Y U) p Z Y W h Imo' . ?H W J ?c ^ U \ . 'L16- ` \?JJ w cr I; o ?ww I Z oOQ F- W Q J 5 !r I ? ? ?NI-1HOiVN w a U N O O f (V CO l.D ° cn ? ? ? ? o x ! \ F O ? °dFz? w i -° oz wzv ° / co F o U 1. 3 I t1 ?C ' °£ U A p . )--4 a? F w z U m TT -- I t? ??' -tea i L - - - - - - ° nuc ,?o a N - ?. 1 / DIMS" ^^! OF o COASTAL MAi?P,GEi`;1Efjr a? °c I o a_ co ! -0 co I cr- o - o U 0 U z U I - ' I F a o o I ? d \ N w - O W CD c\j N I / / -0 0 0 0 N O co <D z ? -° a x w + z cn o co M x ' -o p z U W z U ° 00 w o U ?° H a o ? 3 a 14 ? o ? U Q O a a U C3 -? z U I co Q- cn C ~ _ Q r e ALIG I / DIVISION OF H -' - - - - - - - - - -' COASTAL MANAG EIVI E JT ?- L- - --/ U) - o co MI, J 0 Q I a J ? a w } o >- ( o ° a M I °C o ct I ? I Q) N a_ I V) Cv a X Q o CL I z - O 0 0 N O CD <D C) C Q?lj r lq9' DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMEN N p - - of N 0 N in CL U) ?. x W ? Z Q ? z° d N O ? O 8 H ? O N In ? a w 0 p a ? a ?n ???, w O H C? 0 w U ?? a O U N F o. N L N Lr) N 0 0 N ? r PROPERTY OWNER NAME AND ADDRESS PARCEL NO. OWNER'S NAME ADDRESS --- Mave M. Webber --- William B. Mintz --- Esther B. Miles --- Kenneth Babson 545 Inwood Drive Charlotte, NC 28209 6048 Kingtown Road Ash, NC 28420 Route 1, Box 396 Ash, NC 28420 Route 1, Box 396 Ash, NC 28420 DIVISION OF COASTAL MANt',GEMENT