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HomeMy WebLinkAbout19950253 Ver 1_Complete File_19950308wt, ..ma y ?i G MAR 8 191 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMEs B. HUNT, JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS R. SAMUEL HUNT III GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 SECRETARY February 1.3, 1995 District Engineer U.S. Army Corps of Engineers P.O. Box 1890 Wilmington, NC 28402-1890 ATTENTION: Regulatory Branch SUBJECT: Onslow County, TIP No. B-2157, State Project No. 8.2260501, Federal Aid No. BRZ-1225(1), Dear Sir: Attached for your information is a copy of the project planning report for the subject project. The project is being processed by the Federal Highway Administration as a Categorical Exclusion in accordance with 23 CFR 771.115(b). Therefore, we do not anticipate requesting an individual permit but propose to proceed under a Nationwide Permit in accordance with 33 CFR 330 Appendix A (B-23) issued November 22, 1991, by the Corps of Engineers. The provisions of Section 330.4 and'Appendix A (C) of these regulations will be followed in the construction of the project. We anticipate that 401 General Water Quality Certification No. 2734 (Categorical Exclusion) will apply to this project, and are providing one copy of the CE document to the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Management, for their review. We also anticipate that a permit will be required from the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Division of Coastal Management, for this project. NCDOT will apply directly to DEHNR for that permit when plans have been developed. February 13, 1995 Page 2 If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact Mr. Gordon Cashin at (919) 733-3141. Sincer Y. ranklin Vick, P. E., Manager Z Planning and Environmental Branch HFV/gec Attachments - cc: Mr. Jeff Richter, Corps of Engineers, Wilmington Mr. John Dorney, NCEHNR, DEM Mr. John Parker, NCEHNR, DCM/Permit Coordinator Mr. Kelly Barger, PE, Program Development Branch Mr. Don Morton, State Highway Engineer - Design Mr. A. L. Hankins, Hydraulics Unit Mr. Tom Shearin, PE, State Roadway Design Engineer Mr. D. J. Bowers, PE, Division 3 Engineer Mr. John L. Smith, Jr., Structure Design Unit Mr. Davis Moore, Planning and Environmental Branch Mr. Philip Edwards, Project Planning Engineer i 4 r , Onslow County SR 1225 Bridge No. 49 Over Branch of New River Federal-Aid Project BRZ-1225(1) State Project No. 8.2260501 T.I.P. No. B-2157 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION AND N.C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS APPROVED: A4.Z1,1q4- - 9. .1 -"/' /?,- L AT kHrr:a:?nklin_Vick, .E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch, NCDOT (?L3 AT Nich s L. Graf, P.E. ',a) Division Administrator, FHWA .. Onslow County SR 1225 Bridge No. 49 Over Branch of New River Federal-Aid Project BRZ-1225(1) State Project No. 8.2260501 T.I.P. No. B-2157 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION August 1994 Documentation Prepared by Wilbur Smith Associates L ? - vac Michael E. Kranni , P.E. Project Manager C ARp',*% , SEAL I 10926 For North Carolina Department of Transportation . L. G I Grimes .E., Unit Head Cons tant En ' eering Unit Philip D. Edwards Project Planning Engineer Onslow County SR 1225 Bridge No. 49 Over Branch of New River Federal-Aid Project BRZ-1225(1) State Project No. 8.2260501 T.I.P. No. B-2157 Bridge No. 49 is located on SR 1225 over a Branch of New River and is scheduled for replacement in the NCDOT 1995-2001 Transportation Improvement Program. The location is 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 COMMITMENTS All standard procedures and measures including NCDOT's "Best Management Practices for Protection of Surface Waters" will be implemented to avoid or minimize environmental impact. Basic sedimentation and erosion control measures in accordance with the NCDOT "Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures" will be utilized throughout construction. No special or unique environmental commitments are necessary. II. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS Bridge No. 49 will be replaced on the existing alignment as shown in Figure 2. Traffic will be detoured along existing roadways during construction as shown in Figure 1. The existing alignment on the bridge and roadway approaches will be maintained. Minor grade adjustments will be made to accommodate an increased superstructure depth. The replacement structure will have a length of 26.8 meters (88 feet) and provide a deck with a 9.2 meters (30.17 feet) clear roadway width. The travelway is 7.2 meters (23.6 feet) with a 1.0 meter (3.28 feet) shoulder on each side. The design speed for Bridge No. 49 is 80 kilometers per hour (50 miles per hour). The estimated cost based on current prices is $326,500. The estimated total cost of the project as shown in the 1995-2001 TIP is $173,000. 1 III. EXISTING CONDITIONS SR 1225 is classified as a local roadway in the Statewide Functional Classification System. The roadway serves as a primary crossing of a Branch of New River connecting route SR 1229 with route SR 1238. The land use in the vicinity consists of residential, scattered woodlands, and cultivated fields. SR 1225 is a single lane facility providing a total pavement width of 5.2 meters (17 feet) with 2.4 meters (8 feet) unpaved shoulders at the bridge. Beyond the limits of the bridge SR 1225 is a two lane roadway. This transition occurs in 137.2 meters (450 feet) and 76.2 meters (250 feet) of the south and north roadway approaches, respectively. The existing structure has an overall length of 21.2 meters (69 feet - 6 inches) and provides a clear roadway width of 5.8 meters (19 feet - 2 inches) and a total bridge width of 6.0 meters (19 feet - 10 inches) face-of-rail to face-of- rail. The existing right-of-way along SR 1225 near the bridge site is estimated to be 18.3 meters (60 feet). The horizontal alignment across Bridge No. 49 is tangent with 320 meter radius (5°30') curves on each approach. The existing grade is level across the bridge and onto both roadway approaches. See Figure 3, 3A and 3B. The existing (1994) traffic volume is 800 Vehicles Per Day (VPD). The traffic volume is projected to increase to 1,400 VPD for the design year 2014. The volumes include one percent truck-tractor semi-trailer (TT/ST) and two percent dual tired (DT) with a 60 percent directional split. There is presently no posted speed limit. The bridge has a posted load limit of 15,450 kilograms (17 tons) for single vehicles and 23,650 kilograms (26 tons) for truck-tractor, semi-trailers. Bridge No. 49 was built in 1955. It has four spans with the superstructure consisting of a timber deck on timber stringers with an asphalt wearing surface. The substructure consists of timber piles and caps. The end bents include vertical abutment walls of timber planks. Generally, all structure units have experienced repairs. The sufficiency rating for Bridge No. 49 is 28.3 out of a possible 100 for a new bridge. This rating is below the minimum criteria level of 50 established by the Federal Aid Bridge Replacement Program for structure replacement. The bridge has an estimated remaining life of eight years. No utilities are attached to the existing structure. Overhead electrical lines run parallel to the structure and on the upstream side of the bridge. No traffic accidents occurred between May 1990 and April 1993 near the bridge. 2 The Onslow County School System reports that three buses currently use the structure, however, re-routing on existing roadways during construction will cause no problems for the school system. IV. ALTERNATIVES Alternative alignments were not considered for replacement of Bridge No. 49 over a Branch of New River. The existing bridge and roadway provide the best alignment and lowest cost with minimal environmental impacts. See Figure 2. The existing bridge will be closed during construction. Existing roadways will serve as suitable detour routes. The off-site detour length will be 8.1 kilometers (5 miles). See Figure 1. A relocation alternative is not reasonable due to the resulting undesirable alignment, additional costs and greater environmental impacts. Alternatives providing an on-site detour are undesirable due to the resulting environmental impacts, higher costs, and low traffic volumes. The "do-nothing" alternative will eventually require closure of the bridge. This is not a desirable alternative due to the level of traffic service provided by SR 1225. Investigations by the Bridge Maintenance Unit indicate that rehabilitation is not feasible due to the age and deteriorated condition of the existing bridge. The design criteria for this bridge site is as follows: See Figure 4. The approach roadway width is a 6.6 meters (21.6 feet) travelway with 1.8 meters (6.0 feet) shoulders. The clear roadway width across the bridge is 9.2 meters (30.17 feet). The bridge width accommodates a 7.2 meters (23.6 feet) travelway with 1.0 meters (3.28 feet) shoulders. The design speed is 80 kilometers per hour (50 miles per hour) with a posted speed limit of 73 kilometers per hour (45 miles per hour). 3 V. ESTIMATED COST The estimated cost of the alternative studied, based on current prices, is as follows: Structure Removal Pavement Removal New Structures Construct/Remove Detour Structures Roadway & Detour Approaches Traffic Control Miscellaneous and Mobilization Engineering and Contingencies Right-of-Way/Construction Easements $ 6,900 1,250 145,750 0 54,500 3,000 42,600 46,000 26,500 TOTAL $326,500 VI. RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS Bridge No. 49 over a Branch of New River will be replaced on the existing location as shown in Figure 2. Traffic will be detoured on existing roadways during construction. The existing horizontal alignment across the bridge and on the approaches will be maintained. Minimal grade adjustments will be made on the approaches to accommodate an increased superstructure depth. Approximately 137 meters (450 feet) and 76.2 meters (200 feet) of roadway work will be required on the south and north approaches, respectively to provide a two lane travelway. Temporary construction easements will be necessary. The NCDOT Division Engineer concurs with this recommendation. A 6.6 meters (21.6 feet) wide pavement with 1.8 meters (6 feet) shoulders will be provided on the approach improvements to the bridge. In accordance with current NCDOT Bridge Policy, the replacement structure will provide a clear width of 9.2 meters (30.17 feet). This will allow for a 7.2 meters (23.6 feet) travelway and 1.0 meters (3.28 feet) shoulders across the structure. Based on the field reconnaissance of the site and preliminary hydraulic analysis, an estimated replacement structure with a length of 26.8 meters (88 feet) is proposed. The proposed bridge opening is based on the historic performance of the existing structure and on field observations. The proposed bridge opening may be adjusted during final hydraulic design as determined appropriate to accommodate design flows. The replacement structure will improve flow characteristics at the site and will not impact adjacent properties by altering the existing floodway from roadway encroachment. 4 10 VII. NATURAL RESOURCES The proposed project replaces Bridge No. 49 on SR 1225 over a branch of the New River in Onslow County. The preferred alternative will replace the existing structure in place. An off-site detour will maintain traffic during construction. The project area is in the Coastal Plain Physiographic Province. It lies just south of the town of Richlands. The project area is relatively flat, with highly altered communities and topography. METHODOLOGY A natural resources investigation was undertaken to search for evidence of protected plants and animals and unique or high quality natural communities, to describe current vegetation and habitats, identify wetlands, and provide information to avoid or minimize the adverse environmental effects of the proposed bridge replacement project. During the period of December, 1993 through March, 1994 correspondence relative to the project was initiated with the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, the North Carolina Wildlife Commission, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the county Soil Conservation Service office. Data on protected species, soil types, and stream characteristics were gathered. Biologists visited the bridge site on 6 February and 19 March, 1994 to gather data and verify documented information to complete an assessment of potential impacts incurred by the bridge replacement proposal. The area was divided into four quadrants, with the road dividing the east-west parameters and the water channel dividing the north-south parameters. Information on tree ages was gained using a 5.15 millimeter increment borer. Basal Area data was gained using a ten factor prism. No canopy cover estimations were made since the work was accomplished before the leaves were fully open. Wetland determinations were made using the 1987 Corps Of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and Munsell color charts. Precise delineation was not performed, but area estimates and descriptions of wetlands are included. 5 Forest community types follow Schafale and Weakley (1990). Plant nomenclature follows Radford (1981). Status of listed animals follows LeGrand ( 1993) and the 1993 US Fish and Wildlife Service's "Listed and Candidate Species of North Carolina, by County" publication. Status of listed plant species follows Weakley (1993) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service list. BIOTIC COMMUNITIES Plant Communities One community type occurs within the study area: disturbance community. This community type is the product of human disturbance. It is not a natural community and is therefore not classified in Schafale and Weakley (1990). The site is partially forested, but the entire area has been highly disturbed. Disturbance Community The disturbance community occurs throughout the site. No canopy is present throughout much of the site. It is generally composed of weedy, invasive species, the majority of which are non-native. The community found at this location included species such as pasture grasses (Festuca sp., Poa sp.), purpletop grass (Tridens fl v s), chickweed (Stellaria media & Cerastium glomeratum), lespedeza (Les en deza Ag), wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana), butterfly violet (Viola papilionacea), mouse-ear cress (Arabidopsis thalania), dock (Rumex crispus), poke weed (Phytolacca americana), goldenrod (Solidago sp), mugwort (Artemisia vulgare), corn salad (Valerianella radiata ), vetch (Vicia angustifolia), lyre leaf sage (Salvia Ivrata), field garlic (Allium vineale), evening primrose (Oenothera biennis), curly dock (Rumex ris us), smartweed (Polygonum sp), pennywort (Hydrocotyle sp), wild chervil (Chaerophyllum tainturieri), cinquefoil (Potentilla recta), Queen Anne's lace (Dau u carota), panic grass (Panicum sp), avens (Geum canadense), plantain (Plantago rugglii), gill-over-the-ground (Glecoma hederacea), verbena (Verbena sp.) and dandelion (Taraxicum officionale), with shrubs and vines such as blackberry (Rubus s12), red maple saplings (Acer rubrum), boxelder saplings (Ater neaundo), greenbriar (Smilax rotundifolia & Smilax sp), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), sumac (Rhus copallina), elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), and privet (Ligustrum sinense). Wildlife The project area occurs in close proximity to development and is therefore of low value to all but the most common wildlife species. Raccoon (Procyon lotor) tracks were found. Robins (Turdus migratorius), chipping sparrows (Spizella passerina), and a kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) were observed. 6 Other wildlife likely to occur in the project area include amphibians such as the spring peeper (Hyla crucifer), southern leopard frog (Rana snhenoce hp_a), bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana), southern toad (Bufo terrestris), and southern dusky salamander (Desmoanathus auriculatus). Reptiles include the banded water snake (N r i fasciata), rat snake (Elaphae obsoleta), eastern fence lizard (Sclerogsis undulatus), five-lined skink (Eumeces laticeps) and eastern boxturtle (Terraoene caroling). Birds include the indigo bunting (Passrina cyanea), common crow ( rv brachyrhvncos), turkey vulture (Coragvos atratus), common grackle ( i I guiscula), towhee (Pipilo erxthrophtyalmus), common flicker (Colantes auratus), red- eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus) and yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia). Mammals include the opsossum (Didelphis virginiana), marsh rabbit (Svlvilagus palustris), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), house mouse (Mus musculus) and grey squirrel ( i r carolinensis Fish likely to be found in the project area include the bowfin (Amia calva), carp (Cyprinus cargio), brown bullhead (Ictalurus nebulosus), yellow bullhead (Ictalurus n talis), mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) and pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus). Biotic Community Imoacts For the disturbance community, 0.24 hectares (0.6 acres) of land will receive impacts in the temporary easement. PHYSICAL RESOURCES oil This site occurs in the Coastal Plain physiographic province. One soil series is present throughout the site: Muckalee Loam. It is a poorly drained soil formed in loamy and sandy alluvial sediments in floodplains. Low chromas, which are typical of wetland soils occur at all horizons. At this site, the horizons have been modified by human activity. Water Resources The headwater reaches of the New River are in Onslow County near the Jones and Duplin County lines. Much of the catchment appears to be in agricultural use, primarily row crops and pasture. The New River flows into the euryhaline section of the New River Estuary near Jacksonville, North Carolina. 7 It has no special designation for Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) or Wild and Scenic River status. It has a usage classification of C NSW, The "C" designates that the water body is suitable for agricultural uses, fish and wildlife propagation and secondary recreation, but is not rated for human consumption or contact recreation (State of NC, 1993). The "NSW" denotes that nutrient sensitive waters are present, which require limitations on nutrient inputs. The average flow rate for the water body at the project area is 1 cubic meter per second (34 cubic feet per second) (US Geological Survey). The Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN) is a program that is used to monitor water quality. It has been incorporated into the Basin Wide program being established by the state. There are no known monitoring stations at this particular site, but there are sites located downstream (DEM, 1994). Data from these sites show the water quality to be good. The total number of taxa (genera, species, or varieties) of organisms recorded ranged between 87 and 96. TABLE I Aquatic Conditions Observed Substrate sand, clay Current flow low Channel width in meters 16.00 (52.5 feet) Bank height in meters 0.5-2 (1.6-6.5 feet) Water depth in meters 0-2 (0-6.5 feet) Water color clear Water odor none noted Aquatic veg none noted Adjacent veg disturbed land Wetlands Assoc. disturbed areas that used to have wetlands 8 Water Resource Impacts No impacts to the water reources are expected for this project. NCDOT's "Best Management Practices for Protection of Surface Water" will be implemented. SPECIAL TOPICS Jurisdictional Waters of the United States Wetlands are designated as "Waters of the United States" (33 CFR 328.3) and are regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (US COE). No wetlands were noted during this study, thus no impacts to wetlands are expected with this activity. There may have been wetlands at this site at one time (the soil classification indicates a hydric soil series), but the land has been highly altered. The most likely area for wetlands is in the southwest quadrant. This location has remnants of wetland characteristics, though alteration (filling) has occurred. Vegetation, hydrology and soil profile have been altered. Final authority for wetland determination rests with the US Army Corps of Engineers. Permits In accordance with the provisions of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 US COE 1344), a permit will be required from the US Army Corps of Engineers (US COE) for the discharge of dredged or fill material into "Waters of the United States". Since this project is classified as a categorical exclusion it is likely that this project will be subject to the Nationwide Permit Provisions of 33 CFR 330.5 (A) 23. However, final permit decisions are left to the discretionary authority of the US COE. This project requires a Coastal Area Management Act permit. The CAMA major development permit application form serves as an application for three other state permits and for permits from the US Army Corps of Engineers required by Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The state permits include: 1- a permit to excavate and/or fill, 2- an easement in lands covered by water and 3- a 401 Water Quality Certification. A 401 Water Quality Certification, administered through the NC Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources, 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. Mitigation Compensatory mitigation is usually not be required under a Nationwide Permit. Final authority rests with the US COE. Rare and Protected Species Federally Protected Species Under federal law, any federal action which is likely to result in a negative impact to federally protected plants or animals is subject to review by the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) under one or more provisions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. The US Fish and Wildlife Service and other resource agencies also exercise jurisdiction in accordance with the Fish & 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. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has indicated that the following species occur in Onslow County and could occur in the project area (see Table II below). TABLE II Federally Protected Species Scientific name Common name Status* Habitat Picoides borealis Red-cockaded woodpecker E mature long leaf pines Felis concolor cougar eastern cougar E large forests Charadrius melodus piping plover T beaches Lepidochelys kempi Kemp's ridley sea turtle E marine Dermochelys coriacea leatherback sea turtle E marine 10 TABLE II Federally Protected Species Scientific name Common name Status* Habitat Caretta caretta loggerhead sea turtle T marine Chelonia mydas green sea turtle T marine Amaranthus pumilus seabeach amaranth T beach dunes Thalictrum cooleyi Cooley's meadowrue E wet savannas, sandy roadside Lysimachia asperulifolia rough-leaved loosestrife E pine upland/pocosin edge * Federal status : E = endangered; T = threatened Picoides borealis (red-cockaded woodpecker) E The red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW), once occurred from New Jersey to southern Florida, west to eastern Texas, including the states of Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Missouri. It is currently known only in coastal states of its historic range, plus southeastern Oklahoma and southern Arkansas. North Carolina populations are found in the sandhills and southern coastal plain. The adult RCW's plumage is entirely black and white except for small red streaks on the sides of the nape of the neck in the male. The back has horizontal stripes of black and white and the breast and underside is white with streaked flanks. It has large white cheek patches surrounded by a black cap, nape and throat. This species uses open, mature stands of southern pines, particularly long leaf (Pin" t ri ), for nesting and foraging. Suitable habitat must contain at minimum 50% pine and a fairly open understory. The birds nest only in trees that are 60 years or older and are contiguous with pine dominated forest stands that are at least 30 years in age. The RCW foraging range is about 0.8 kilometers (0.5 mile) and must be connected to suitable nesting sites. 11 RCWs nest exclusively in living pine trees that are frequently infected with the fungus that causes red-heart disease. Cavities are located in colonies and are found at 4 to 30 meters (12 to 100 feet) above the ground, with an average height of 9 to 15 meters (30 to 50 feet). Large incrustations of running sap on the tree trunk is an indicator sign of a nest tree. This may be a defense against predators. A clan of RCWs consists of one breeding pair and the offspring of previous years. Eggs are laid in April, May and June. Clutch size varies from 3-5 eggs. All members of the clan share in raising the young. Diet consists mainly of insects, but occasionally includes seasonal fruits. Biological Conclusion: No effect. There is no suitable habitat within the project area. No mature longleaf pine forests are present. Felis concolor cougar (eastern cougar) E The eastern cougar's historic range included eastern Canada, extending south through the midatlantic region, merging with the Florida cougar's range. It may have occurred in all of Kentucky and North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and northeastern South Carolina. In North Carolina, it is thought to occur only in a few scattered locations in the coastal swamps and in the mountains. It is a large, long-tailed cat, lacking in spots. Its length, including the tail, ranges from 2.1 to 2.7 meters (7-9 feet) in length and weighs from 68 to 91 kilograms (150-200 pounds). Adults are light colored with dark muzzle, backs of the ears and tail. Kittens are spotted with ringed tails. Preferred habitats are large remote areas. It feeds on white-tailed deer, as well as wild hogs, turkeys, and domestic livestock. It is most active at night and may occupy a range of 40 kilometers (25 miles). Biological Conclusion: No effect. There are few remote areas around the project area, so it is unlikely (though possible) that a cougar would be found. However, since the bridge will be built in place, no habitat will be permanently lost. Therefore, no impact is expected for the species. Legidochelys kempii (Ridley's sea turtle) E The Ridley's sea turtle inhabits the Gulf of Mexico, while the young range from the east coast to Massachusetts. This species is an infrequent visitor to North Carolina and generally does not nest here. The only known nesting ground is on one beach in Mexico. Here, it comes ashore in mass to lay eggs during the daytime. This can occur up to three times during the April to June breeding season. 12 It is the smallest of the sea turtles that can be found near North Carolina. It is 580-750 millimeters (23-30 inches) in length and weighs from 36 to 50 kilograms (80- 110 pounds). It has a triangular shaped head and hooked beak. The head and flippers are grey. Hatchlings are black. The turtles live in shallow coastal and estuarine waters, in association with red mangrove trees, feeding on small marine animals and plants. Biological Conclusion: No effect. No ocean areas occur in the project area. Dermochelys coriacea (leatherback sea turtle) E The leatherback sea turtle is distributed world-wide in tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, ranging as far north as Nova Scotia and New Foundland and as far south as Australia and the Cape of Good Hope. Major nesting areas are found in tropical regions and the only nesting area in the United States is found in Martin County, Florida. It nests from April to August and has very specific habitat needs. A nesting area must have a sandy beach backed with vegetation in proximity to deep water. It is the largest of marine turtles, weighing from 295 to 680 kilograms (650-1,500 pounds), with an average length of 1180 to 1780 millimeters (46-70 inches). Unlike other sea turtles, it has a shell composed of leathery skin. It is black to brown in color, occasionally with white blotches on the head and limbs. It prefers deep water and is often found near the edge of the continental shelf. It feeds mainly on jellyfish, thought it has been known to feed on mollusks, tunicates, urchins, fish and crustaceans. Biological Conclusion: No effect. No ocean areas occur in the project area. Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtle) T The loggerhead sea turtle nests on suitable beaches from Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina through Florida, occasionally along the Gulf states, plus Australia. It lives worldwide in temperate to subtropical waters. Adults weigh between 77 and 227 kilograms (170-500 pounds) and are from 800 to 1,200 millimeters (31-47 inches) in length. It can be distinguished from other sea turtles by its reddish-brown color, large head and blunt jaws. Loggerheads feed mainly on small marine animals. They nest nocturnally between May and September on isolated beaches with fine grained sediments. Biological Conclusion: No effect. No ocean areas occur in the project area. 13 Chelonia mydas (green sea turtle) T The green sea turtle is found in temperate and tropical ocean water. Its ranges extends as far north as Massachusetts on the east coast and British Columbia in the west. For the North American continent, it is limited to nesting on the east coast of Florida. It must have beaches with minimal disturbance and a sloping platform for nesting. Nesting does not occur in North Carolina. It can be distinguished by its single clawed flippers, a single pair of elongated scales between the eyes and small head. It grows to a size of 760-1,530 millimeters (30-60 inches) and a weight of 100-295 kilograms (220-650 pounds). It can be found in shallow waters, such as reefs, inlets where an abundance of marine grasses can be found, bays and mangrove swamps. It feeds mainly on marine grasses. Biological Conclusion: No effect. No ocean areas occur in the project area. Thalictrum cooleyi (Cooley's meadowrue) E Cooley's meadowrue was historically found in the southeastern coastal plain in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Currently known populations are limited to nine locations in North Carolina and one in Florida. This species is a perennial plant that grows to 1 meter (3 feet) in height. This rhizomatous plant grows erect in sunlight but is often trailing in shady areas. Leaves are generally lanceolate and unlobed, though two or three lobes can occur. Flowers lack petals but sepals on staminate ones are somewhat showy, with yellow to white color and lavender filaments that are about 5-7 millimeters long. Pistilate flowers have smaller, greenish sepals. Fruits are narrowly ellipsoid achenes, 5-6 millimeters long. Fruits mature in August and September. Habitat for this species is sunny areas such as wet bogs, savannas and savanna-like openings, sandy roadsides, right-of-ways, and old clearcuts. It is dependent on some form of disturbance that keeps the habitat open. All known populations are on circumneutral, poorly drained moderately permeable soils of the Grifton series. Calcareous soils must be present for this species to occur (NHP, 1994). Biological Conclusion: No effect. No calcareous soils occur within the project area. 14 Lysimachia asgerulaefolia (rough-leaved loosestrife) E Rough-leaved loosestrife is endemic to the coastal plain and sandhills of North Carolina and South Carolina. It is currently known from nine North Carolina populations and is believed to be extirpated from South Carolina. Rough-leaved loosestrife is a perennial herb with slender stems, growing to a height of 3-6 decimeters. The leaves are whorled at intervals along the stem below racemes of bright yellow flowers. The five-petalled flowers occur in threes or fours. Fruits are found from July through October. The habitat for this species is in the ecotones between longleaf pine uplands and pond pine pocosins with dense growth and wet, peaty, acidic soils or seasonally saturated sands. It has been found in Carolina bays. Frequent fires seem to be an essential factor for good habitat. It is rarely associated with hardwood forests. Biological Conclusion: No effect. No suitable habitat occurs within project area. No dense undergrowth nor pine uplands are present. Amaranthus pumilus (sea-beach amaranth) T Sea-beach amaranth is endemic to the Atlantic Coastal Plain beaches. It is presently confined to 55 populations in North Carolina, New York, and South Carolina, but once ranged from Massachusetts to Florida. It is an annual that grows in clumps up to 3 decimeters across, with 5 to 20 stems. The trailing stems are often reddish, fleshy, and 1 to 6 decimeters in length. The leaves are fleshy, thick, round or spatulate, and about 1-1.5 centimeters in length. They are deep green in color, with winged petioles. The flowers grow in axillary fascicles and have smooth fruits that are indehiscent and 4-5 millimeters long and glossy black seeds. Fruits and flowers both are borne along the stem and are inconspicuous. The habitat for sea-beach amaranth is restricted to beaches functioning in a relatively natural and dynamic manner. Overwash flats at the accreting ends of islands, lower foredunes and upper strands of non-eroding beaches seem to create the best habitat. Temporary populations may form in blowouts, sound-side beaches, dredge spoil, and beach replenishment. This species is very intolerant to competition and is generally not found around other species. Biological Conclusion: No effect. There are no beach dunes in the project area, therefore there is no habitat 15 Federal Candidate and State Protected S ep cies Federal Candidate (C2) species are not legally protected under the Endangered Species Act. These species show evidence of decline or vulnerability and may become listed in the future. Presently, there has not been sufficient data gathered on many of these species to ascertain the correct status. State listed species with designations of Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern are granted protection by the State Endangered Species Act and the North Carolina Plant Protection and Conservation Act of 1979. Enforcement and administration falls under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. Federal Candidate and State Protected Species and their appropriate habitat were not surveyed for in this study. Table III (below) lists Federal Candidate and state listed species known to occur in Onslow County. Since the bridge will be built in place, very little habitat will be lost. TABLE III Federal Candidate Species, Including State Protected Status Scientific name Common name Federal Status* State Status** Ammordramus henslowii Henslows sparrow C2 Procambarus plumimanus Croatan crayfish C2 Asplenium heteroresiliens Wagner's spleenwort C2 E Dicanthelium sp (not named yet) Hirst's panic grass C2 Dionaea muscipula venus flytrap C2 Litsea aestivalis pondspice C2 Lobelia boyldnii Boykin's lobelia C2 16 TABLE III Federal Candidate Species, Including State Protected Status Scientific name Common name Federal Status* State Status** Myriophyllum laxum loose watermilfoil C2 T Oxypolis ternata Savanna cowbane C2 Parnassia caroliniana Car. grass-of-pamassus C2 E Rhexia aristosa awned meadow-beauty C2 T Rhyncospora thornei thorne's beakrush C2 Solidago pulchra Carolina goldenrod C2 E Solidago verna spring-flowring goldenrod C2 E Sporobolus teretifolius wireleaf dropseed C2 T Tofieldia glabra smooth bog-asphodel C2 * Federal status : C2 = candidate; **State Protection Status : E=endangered, T=threatened VIII. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS The project is expected to have an overall positive impact. The project is a Federal "Categorical Exclusion" due to its limited scope and environmental consequences. 17 The project is not in conflict with any land use plans or zoning regulations. No significant change in existing land use is expected to result from construction of the project. No adverse impact on families or communities is anticipated. Acquisition of temporary construction easements will be required. No relocatees will be involved with implementation of the proposed alternative. No adverse effect on public facilities or services is anticipated. The project is not expected to adversely affect social, economic, or religious opportunities in the area. Impacts on utilities as a result of the proposed action will be low. There are no publicly owned parks, or wildlife and waterfowl refuges of national, state, or local significance in the vicinity of the project. 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 for federally funded, licensed, or permitted projects having an effect on properties listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation be given an opportunity to comment. In a letter dated January 6, 1994, the Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer indicated there are no properties listed in or eligible for the National Register within the area of potential effect (APE). Therefore, the Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer has no additional comments regarding historic architecture. The Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer's letter of January 6, 1994, (included in the appendix) in response to a scoping letter, states "We recommend that no archaeological investigation be conducted in connection with the project". The Farmland Protection Policy Act requires all federal agencies or their representatives to consider the potential impacts to prime and important farmland soils by all land acquisition and construction projects. Prime and important farmland soils are defined by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service (SCS). According to the SCS, the proposed project will not impact soils defined as prime, statewide or local important farmland soils. Therefore, this project is exempt from further consideration under the act. 18 The project is located within the jurisdiction for air quality of the Wilmington Regional Office of the NC Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources. Onslow County has been determined to be in compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. This project is not anticipated to create any adverse effect on the air quality of this attainment area. Traffic volumes will not increase or decrease as a result of the project. The existing noise levels are not expected to change significantly, therefore, no impacts will occur. Noise levels may temporarily increase during construction. If vegetation is disposed of by burning, 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.05020. This evaluation completes the assessment requirements for highway traffic noise (23 CFR Part 772) and for air quality (1990 CAAA and NEPA) and no additional reports are required. Records of the N.C. Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Management, Groundwater Section and the N.C. Department of Human Resources, Solid Waste Management Section indicated that no underground storage tanks or hazardous waste sites are known to exist in the project area. Onslow County is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program. The project limits for the Branch of New River are not located in a detailed FEMA study area. Approximate limits of the 100 year floodplain in the project area are shown in Figure 5. Impacts to the floodplain as a result of roadway encroachment are not considered to be significant. There are no reasonable alignment alternatives which will avoid crossing the Branch of New River. On the basis of the above discussion, it is concluded that no adverse environmental effects will result from implementation of this project. 19 REFERENCES Brown, P.M. 1985. Geologic Map of North Carolina. NC Geologic Survey. Raleigh, NC. Bull, J. & Farrand, J. Jr. 1988. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds, Eastern Region. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Tech. Rpt. Y-87-1,.US Army Engineer Waterways. Experiment Stn., Vicksburg, MS. LeGrand, H.E., Jr. 1993. Natural Heritage Program List of the Rare Animal Species of North Carolina. NC Natural Heritage Program. Raleigh, NC. Martof, B.S., W.M. Palmer, J.R. Bailey & J.R. Harrison. 1980. Amphibians and Reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia. The University of North Carolina Press Chapel Hill, NC. NC Department of Environmental Management. 1994. Unpublished data for the New River Benthic Macroinvertebrate surveys. Radford, A.E., H.E. Ahles & C.R. Bell. 1981. Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas. The University of North Carolina Press. Chapel Hill, NC. Schafale, M.P. & A.S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina, 3rd approximation. NC Natural Heritage Program. Raleigh, NC. Soil Conservation Service. 1994. Personal correspondence was carried out by telephone and mail with the Onslow County SCS office in Jacksonville, NC. State of North Carolina Dept. of Environment, Health & Natural Resources. 1993. Classifications and Water Quality Standards Assigned to the Waters of the Lumber River Basin. NCDEHNR. Raleigh, NC. US Fish & Wildlife Service. 1993. Listed and Candidate Species of North Carolina, by County. Weakley, A.S. 1993. Natural Heritage Program List of the Rare Plant Species of North Carolina. NC Natural Heritage Program. Raleigh, NC. 20 w i 1' 11 / 1 1 1 1 NMI Cathnmc? ? J 3 'rEme Lake_N 5 S + lackson vil F1 r la i 00 6 fl` News IOM \ Verona i is % ? ason EST um 5 ca' snere,y MOwa Park t 2! 1 nay een $wen? ....v :F ?E..wE •• ..;r ust SCALE 1 .? Q 1 2 MILES NJ -4 .b of 1 KM DETOUR "R= cAAOLmL DWARTlQR OF "ANWossartox aTMoN or WoawaTS PLANZW@ A" MMMONMEMAL ssaxca BRIDGE NO.49 ONSLOW COUNTY B-2157 r FIGURE 1 ``? ? °,? ?? ?` ? ?- '?' ?; ?,: BRIDGE TYPICAL SECTION LOOKING NORTH NORTH APPROACH (LOOKING NORTH) SOUTH APPROACH (LOOKING SOUTH) FIGURE 3 BRIDGE NO. 49 ONSLOW COUNTY B-2157 ELEVATION (LOOKING SOUTHWEST) 'LAGOONS' IN SOUTHEAST QUADRANT 'AUTO STORAGE' IN NORTHWEST QUADRANT FIGURE 3A BRIDGE NO.49 ONSLOW COUNTY B-2157 LOOKING UPSTREAM (WEST) LOOKING DOWNSTREAM (EAST) FIGURE 3B r Q L ui ~ Z V* H O cp Q a°W N W N c}=° X v ??WO w W in3 o y J m O_J WU Z LLJ ? :30- /)QZ W CL O OW ?-• cr o y E o z ? ? ? 2 =V mw_jm ag ....p ? pw MW=W V) O WQ U W my< w CD cc ) 0 3 L o m a ?Q m Q ? p W Q O y co w ? w cr- c' a m 9-0 - 4A Z ' o O z m M ?o 0CL 1 C CL CL zW V M 0 a. o . a U Q Z N z ao Q O O ? M M O LL. to M N O U W z W N . .? ' z ao I O • 0 ?- C= j J Q J J U o U a W - .. N _ Q N H LLI J ~ O Z FL F 0 z ..o ?z y ? ... O xtr. W 0 IIGURE 4 ONSLOW COUNTY B-2157 ZONE B ZONE B ZONE B ZONE C ,?i;6Nt B i 32 r ZONE B f; ti? ?1 6, GREGORY FORKS 100 YEAR FLOODPLAIN ZONE C BRIDGE NO. 49 ZONE B FIGURE 5 AUG-03-1994 1527 FROM EhNJR WILM REG OFFICE TO 89198328798 P.01 State of North Carolina Dgwtment of Environment, Health, and Division of Coastal Management Yrdmiag= Regional office James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor JMdMn B. Howes, Secretary August 3, 1994 Mr. Michad Krannitz, P. E. Wilbur Smith Associates P. O. Box 2478 Raleigh Building, Suite 10 Raleigh, NC 27602 Dear Mr. Kranitz: Roger N. Scbecter Director This is with reference to NCDOT Bridge 0 located in Onslow County near Richlands. I visited the site on August 2, 1994 and determined that navigation appears possible at this location except for the physical presence of sand shoals and tree debris at the present low flow conditions. The bridge on SR 1231 may be just above the point of navigation and it is upstream of #49. The stream below Bridge 49 appears to be fay navigable. I also noticed that the bridge on SR 1231 appears to be a recent replacement. I apologize for the delay but this site is so remote that a special tap was necessary to make the determination. As you recall I had asked another individual to inspect the site and his determination was that it was navigable but that had to be confirmed by the CAMA staff. If there are questions concerning the above, please advise. Sincerely r" C. Robert Stroud, Jr. District Manager 127 Cu*W DAw 8ommioo. Mwiapov. N.Q 28400 1W 0 T6160=0 910495,29W • FOX 91"S*=4 Natural Resources As ZWW OMoo wiW AffmmWrt AWM 12VW et ? d V?FATic, James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary February 9, 1994 Mr. Michael E. Krannitz, P. E. Wilbur Smith Associates P. 0. Box 2478 Raleigh Building, Suite 10 Raleigh, NC 27602 Dear Mr Krannitz: Roger N. Director This is with reference to the request you made to Director Roger Scheme.- concerning the per t:tit requirements for several bridges located in the Wilmington District. Due to the fairly isolated location of these structures the field investigation has been slower than normal. On February 3, 1994 I visited Bridge #67 and Bridge # 115. Bridge # 9 was visited by Ed Brooks of this office at an earlier date. These three structures all fall within the Public Trust Area AEC and will require a CAMA Major permit. Bridge #49 has not had a site visit yet but will be evaluated in the very near future. Based on the copies of the photographic information contained in your letter, and which was forwarded to tne, this bridge may not require a CAMA permit. For your future information, the CAMA has no provision for 'Categorical Exclusions' and if Public Trust Area and/or Estuarine Water AEC's are involved permits are required. Please feel free to contact me at any time for assistance in preparing the application packages for these replacements. If you have questions concerning the above or if I can be of any other assistance, please advise. Sincerely, C. Robert Stroud, Jr. District Manager cc: Roger Schecter, DCM John Parker, DCM .-'C C z.: '.4171 1 _=NH= WOc= ;-7 State of North Carolina 137 Cardinal Drivs Exteaaion. Wiltnitt@ton. N.C. 39405.3941 • Tdophone 919.395.3900 0 Fax 919.350.22004 Ad Squal (> ,panunity Atramatiwr Action Entployar Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources Division of Coastal Management Wilmington Regional Office State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Division of Solid Waste Management James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary William L. Meyer, Director F= F1 February 7, 1994 _ MEMORANDUM TO: Michael E. Krann' , P.E. THROUGH: Doug Holyfield, ead Waste Management Branch FROM: Larry D. Perry, Supervisor Eastern Area Compliance Unit RE: RCRA Comments on the NCDOT Group V Bridge Replacement Report The Hazardous Waste Section has reviewed the noted project and offers the following comments: There are numerous RCRA hazardous waste generating facilities in the counties where the replacement projects are located, but we do not believe there are any located near the proposed projects. I do not believe that these projects will cause any adverse situation on any sites that might generate or handle hazardous waste nor any hazardous waste generator facility cause an adverse situation on any project. This review only considered hazardous waste sites or generators. By copy of this memorandum, this packet is being referred to the Solid Waste Section and Superfund for their review. If a site is encountered that raises concerns or questions, please contact our office at (919) 733-2178. LDP/lfb cc: Solid Waste Section Superfund P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh. North Carolina 27611-7687 Telephone 919-733-4996 FAX 919-715-3605 An Equal Opportunity Affrmath a Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post-consumer paper State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Management James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director 1•• MOM GROUNDWATER SECTION 13 January 25, 1994 Michael E. Krannitz Wilbur Smith Associates - P.O. Box 2478 Raleigh Bldg., Suite 910 Raleigh, INC 27602 Dear Mr. Krannitz: The Groundwater Section has reviewed its records for the the items you requested in your December 14, 1993, letter to Arthur Mouberry regarding thirteen bridges slated for replacement in the State. All bridges, except for numbers 77 and 315, were reviewed with regards to hazardous waste sites, hazardous waste generators, landfills, and underground storage tanks. According to our records, none of the above situations were within 1000 feet of these bridges. However, Solid Waste Management (SWM) for the State maintains complete records for all landfills and hazardous waste sites and generators. I suggest contacting Doug Holvfield of the Hazardous Waste Section of SWM, (919)733-2178, for more information. Fay Sweat, in our Pollution Control Branch [(919)733-1315], maintains the incident management database for all reported underground storage tank incidents in the State. If you have any questions, please call me at (919)733-3221, ext. 406. Sincerely, 24 le..' Brian Wanner Hydrogeologist cc: Arthur Mouber y Ted Bush Bob Cheek Fay Sweat Doug Holyfield P.O. Box 29535. Raleigh. North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone 919-733-3221 FAX 919-715-0588 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Emcioyer 50% recycled/ 10°X, oost-consumer pacer ONSLOW CO TRANS DEPT 919 455 5986 01-07-94 ;:04PM 1901 #2 Ons low Countu Schools Ba"d o d 0. s WIM" P.O. Boar 99, Jacksonville, Noah Carolina 28541.0099 pred w. =! ca>m. Lee Phone (919)455-2211 Boobert IL a"" Freddie S. Cawady Fred A. Rots C.6erter r. Xoys. Jr. Mary J. Joaee Bacrbam 8. Newman C. Garry LaUN envier L48 C. Meadows January 7. 199.1 Mr. Michael Kranni t z Principal Engineer Wilbur Smith Associates P .O. Box 2478 Raleigh. NC 27602 Subject: Bus Routes Affected By Bridge Closure Dear Mr . Kratnni t z : In response to your request. I have reviewed the information you provided. The replacement of the bridge on SR 1225 will affect three buses on a daily basis. There should be no problem re-routing these huses for the duration of the bridge closure.. RespectfuIIy, YK, Jeff Smith Transportation Director On g l caw County Schools ISlbir .swr. "? . is North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Betty Ray McCain, Secretary January 6, 1994 Michael E. Krannitz, P.E. Wilbur Smith Associates P.O. Box 2478 Raleigh, NC 27602 Re: Replace Bridge No. 49 on SR 1225 over a branch of the New River, Onslow County, B-2157, ER 94-8016 Dear Mr. Krannitz: Division of Archives and History William S. Price, Jr., Director Thank you for your letter of December 14, 1993, concerning the above project. We have conducted a search of our maps and files and determined that this structure is not located in or adjacent to any property which is listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, the structure is neither listed in nor eligible for listing in the National Register as an individual property. We, therefore, have no comment on the project. There are no known archaeological sites located within the proposed project area. Since the proposed ground disturbance is to take place in areas where previous construction has occurred, it is unlikely that this project will involve significant archaeological resources. We have no preference concerning alternative selection, and recommend that no archaeological investigation be conducted in connection with the project. Please note under normal procedures, requests concerning federally-funded roadway projects come from the Federal Highway Administration and are directed to the Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, David Brook. 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, David Brook Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer DB:slw cc: N. Graf H. F. Vick B. Church T. Padgett 109 East Jones Street - Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807 A K ,/ r DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY WILMINGTON DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS P.O. BOX 1890 WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28402-1890 January 5, 1994 IN REPLY REFER m Regulatory Branch FILE NO. CESAW-C-010 Mr. Michael E. Krannitz, P.E. Wilbur Smith Associates Post Office Box 2478 Raleigh Building, Suite 910 Raleigh, North Carolina 27602 Dear Mr. Krannitz: Reference your letter dated December 14, 1993, concerning the proposed replacement of 8 bridges by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) in Bladen/Pender, Columbus/Brunswick, Duplin, Onslow, Wake, and Wayne/Johnston Counties, North Carolina. Pursuant to 33 CFR 330, Nationwide Permit Program Regulations, dated November 22, 1991, Categorical Exclusion determinations are "activities undertaken, assisted, authorized, regulated, funded, or financed, in whole or in part, by another Federal agency or department where that agency or department has determined... that the activity, work, or discharge is categorically excluded from environmental documentation...." and that the Corps of Engineers has been furnished notice of the agency's or department's application for the categorical exclusion and concurs with that determination. Our review of your information indicates that the work is eligible for authorization under the terms and conditions of Nationwide Permit 23 (Categorical Exclusions). Temporary detours involving fills in wetlands or waters of the United States or not authorized by this permit. However, such temporary detours may be authorized under the provisions of Nationwide Permit 33 (Temporary Construction Access and Dewatering), Nationwide Permit 14 (Minor Road Crossing), or NCDOT General Permit No. 31. The request for our concurrence for Categorical Exclusions should be submitted directly to this office by NCDOT or their designated authorized agent. It should be accompanied by information in support of this determination. Please refer to this file number and the date of this letter when requesting the concurrence(s). If you have questions please call Mr. Ernest Jahnke, Wilmington Area Field Office Manager, telephone (910) 251-4467. Sincerely, Vee, Wrig hieg ulatory Branch