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HomeMy WebLinkAbout19950254 Ver 1_Complete File_19950308L)1'f71I* . 5?2 5? G i b. STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT. JR. GOVERNOR DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 March 3, 1995 District Engineer US Army Corps of Engineers P. 0. Box 1890 Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890 Attention Regulatory Branch Dear Sir: R. SAMUEL HUNT III SECRETARY 1 ?SSUEC) Subject: Stokes County, Replacement of Bridge No. 34 on SR 1504 over North Double Creek, Federal Aid No. BRSTP-1504(3), State Project No. 8.2640401 and TIP Project No. B-2638. Please find enclosed a copy of the project planning report for the above referenced 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 anticipate that this activity will be authorized under Nationwide Permit 23 (33 CFR 330 Appendix A(b)(23). In addition, geotechnical subsurface investigations will be conducted in June 1995. The proposed work includes four borings within wetlands or waters of the United States. The borings will be approximately 20 feet deep and 4 to 6 inches in diameter. It is anticipated this activity qualifies for Federal authorization pursuant to the provisions set forth in Nationwide Permit 5 (33 CFR 330 Appendix A(b)(6). All conditions of these Nationwide Permits will be followed during the construction of the project. V, As required for trout counties, by copy of this letter, it is requested that the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission provide comments on the proposed activity. NCDOT also requests written concurrence from the Division of Environmental Management. NCDOT will request that the NCWRC and DEM forward their comments to the Corps of Engineers. March 3, 1995 Page 2 Your expedient processing of this request would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions concerning this project, please do not hesitate to call Scott P. Gottfried at 919-733-3141. Sincerely, H. Franklin Vick, P. E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch HFV/sc Enclosures cc: Mr. John Thomas, COE Raleigh Field Office Mr. John Dorney, DEM Ms. Stephanie Goudreau, NCWRC Mr. Jimmy Lee, PE, Bridge Maintenance Unit Mr. Don Morton, PE, Highway Design Branch Mr. A. L. Hankins, PE, Hydraulics Mr. John Smith Jr., PE, Structure Design Mr. Tom Shearin, PE, Roadway Design Unit Mr. D. B. Waters, PE, Division 9 Engineer Ms. Ellen Lorscheider, Geotechnical Unit Mr. Kelly Barger, Program Development r Stokes County Bridge No. 34 on SR 1504 Over North Double Creek Federal Aid Project No. BRSTP-1504(3) State Project No. 8.2640401 TIP No. B-2638 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION AND N.C. DEPARTMENT TO TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS APPROVED: -12 Date H. Franklin Vic P.E., Manager °` Planning and Environmental Branch /Z 3c ¢ Date Nicho L. ra , . f°r?Division Administrator, FHWA Stokes County Bridge No. 34 on SR 1504 Over North Double Creek Federal Aid Project No. BRSTP-1504(3) State Project No. 8.2640401 TIP No. B-2638 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION DECEMBER, 1994 Documentation Prepared in Planning and Environmental Branch By: Pro ct Planning Engineer SEE % SEAL ' 18496 J4 1"71 LvLd--'? ,, .?? . LNG ? NE-??• ?`? - Ju a A. u ins, P. %?y?'•••.. P ject Planning Engineer Unit Head \? £ ?• HUNS ' Lubin V. Prevatt, P. E. Assistant Branch Manager Stokes County Bridge No. 34 on SR 1504 Over North Double Creek Federal Aid Project No. BRSTP-1504(3) State Project No. 8.2640401 TIP No. B-2638 Bridge No. 34 crosses North Double Creek in Stokes County. The location of the bridge is shown in Figure 1. This project is included in the 1995-2001 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) as -a bridge replacement project. The project has been classified as a Federal "categorical exclusion." No substantial environmental impacts are expected. 1. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS Bridge No. 34 will be replaced on new location, approximately 60 feet east (downstream) of the existing bridge, as shown by Alternate 3 in Figure 2. The recommended replacement structure is a 120-foot long and 28 foot wide bridge with approximately the same grade as the existing bridge. The new bridge will accommodate a 22-foot travelway with three feet of lateral clearance on each side. Approximately 1,000 feet of new roadway and approaches will be needed to accommodate the replacement of the bridge on new location. The new alignment will slightly reduce the sharp curvature of the existing roadway on the southern approach. The approach roadway will consist of a 22-foot pavement plus 6-foot shoulders. Traffic will be maintained during construction on the existing bridge. The estimated cost of the project is $ 445,000, including $ 20,000 for right-of-way and $ 425,000 for construction. The estimated cost shown in the 1995-2001 TIP is $494,000. The design speed of the completed project will be approximately 30 miles per hour (MPH). A design exception will be required since the design speed is less than the statutory speed limit of 55 MPH. II. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS All standard procedures and measures will be implemented to avoid or minimize environmental impacts. Construction of the proposed project will impact approximately 0.31 acre of jurisdictional wetland communities. Best Management Practices will be utilized to minimize impacts due to construction activities. The NCDOT will acquire a Nationwide Section 404 Permit and Division of Environmental Management (DEM) Section 401 Water Quality General Certification prior to the issuance of United States Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit No. 23. 2 III. EXISTING CONDITIONS SR 1504 is classified as a rural major collector route in the Statewide Functional Classification System. The project is located in a predominantly rural part of Stokes County; development in the immediate project area consists of one house, which is located northeast of the project. Utilities in the area of the project consist of underground power and telephone cables. Although preliminary investigation shows that the utilities will be disturbed by the proposed bridge replacement project, utility conflicts are anticipated to be low. In the vicinity of Bridge No. 34, SR 1504 has an 18-foot wide travelway plus 3-foot grassed shoulders. Vertical alignment is good. There is a sharp curve on the southern approach to the bridge. The current traffic volume of 660 vehicles per day (VPD) is expected to increase to 1200 VPD by the year 2016. Truck percentages are 1% truck-tractor semi-trailer (TTST) and 2% dual-tired (DT) vehicles. The speed limit in the area is statutory 55 MPH. The existing bridge was built in 1963 and has a timber deck on I-beams. The total length of the bridge is 91 feet, with a clear roadway width of 24.5 feet. Bridge No. 34'carries two lanes of traffic and has posted load limits of 16 tons for single vehicles (SV) and 19 tons for TTST's. Bridge No. 34 has a sufficiency rating of the 26.2 out of a possible 100.0. The estimated remaining life is two years. Consultation with the Traffic Engineering Branch indicates that no accidents occurred at the bridge between May, 1990 and April, 1993. Four school buses travel across the bridge daily (two buses crossing twice each). IV. ALTERNATIVES Three methods for replacing Bridge No. 34 were studied. Each alternate involves replacing the existing bridge with a 120-foot long bridge. The new structure width of 28 feet will accommodate a 22-foot travelway with three feet of lateral clearance on each side. The approach roadway will consist of a 22-foot pavement plus 6-foot grassed shoulders. Due to the sharp curve south of the bridge, the design speed for all of the alternatives studied is 30 MPH. The three alternates studied were as follows: Alternate 1 - This alternate involves the replacement of Bridge No. 34 at its existing location. Traffic would be detoured along existing secondary roads during construction (as shown in Figure 1). Alternate 2 - This alternate involves the replacement of the existing bridge at its existing location. Traffic would be maintained during construction using a temporary on-site detour structure located approximately 30 feet east of the existing alignment. The detour structure would be a 120-foot long bridge with a width of approximately 24 feet. Alternate 3 (Recommended) - This alternate involves the replacement of the existing ri ge on new location, approximately 60 feet east of the existing structure. Approximately 1000 feet of new pavement and approach roadway will be necessary to accommodate construction of the bridge on new location. This alternate will slightly improve the horizontal alignment and allow traffic to be maintained on the existing bridge during construction. Consideration was given to the "do-nothing" and rehabilitation options. The "do-nothing" alternate would eventually necessitate closure of the bridge. This is not prudent due to the traffic service provided by NC 8-NC 89. Rehabilitation of the old bridge is not feasible due to its age and deteriorated condition. V. COST ESTIMATES Estimated cost of the alternatives studied are as follows: ALTERNATE 1 ALTERNATE 2 STRUCTURE $ 237,000 $ 237,000 ROADWAY APPROACHES 95,000 82,000 TEMPORARY DETOUR 0 225,000 STRUCTURE REMOVAL 15,000 15,000 ENGINEERING & CONTINGENCIES 53,000 82,000 RIGHT OF WAY $ 16,000 $ 20,000 TOTAL $ 416,000 $ 6619000 VI. RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS RECOMMENDED ALTERNATE 3 $ 237,000 117,000 0 15,000 56,000 $ 20,000 $ 445,000 Bridge No. 34 will be replaced on new location, approximately 60 feet east of its existing location, as shown by Alternate 3 in Figure 2. The recommended replacement structure is a 120-foot long and 28 feet wide bridge. The new bridge width will accommodate a 22-foot travelway plus three feet of lateral clearance on each side. The elevation of the new structure is expected to be approximately the same as the elevation of the existing bridge. The structure dimensions may be increased or decreased as necessary to accommodate peak flows as determined by further hydrologic studies. The recommended improvements will include about 1,000 feet of improved roadway approaches. A 22-foot pavement plus 6-foot graded shoulders on each side will be provided on the approaches. Traffic is to be maintained on the existing bridge during construction. Consideration was given to detouring traffic using existing roads during construction. A road user analysis (based on 730 vehicles per day, which is the projected construction year traffic, and an average of 2.9 miles of indirectional travel) indicates the cost of additional travel would be approximately $ 135,000 during the seven month construction period. The estimated additional cost of maintaining traffic on-site is $ 29,000 (including the cost of construction and right of way), resulting in a benefit-cost ratio of 4.7. This ratio indicates that maintaining traffic on-site is economically justified. The recommended alternate, Alternate 3, will slightly improve the horizontal alignment. The division engineer concurs with the recommendation of Alternate 3 and maintains that road closure, which would be necessary with Alternate 1, is not desirable; the available detour route is not suitable for handling SR 1504 traffic because of its undesirable horizontal and vertical alignment. VII. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS The project is considered to be a Federal "categorical exclusion" due to its limited scope and non-significant environmental consequences. The bridge replacement will not have a substantial effect on the quality of the human or natural environment with the use of current NCDOT standards or specifications. The project is not in conflict with any plan, existing land use, or zoning regulation. No change in land use is expected to result from construction of the project. No adverse effect on families or communities is anticipated. Right-of-way acquisition will be limited. 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. There are no publicly owned parks, recreational facilities, or wildlife and waterfowl refuges of national, state, or local significance in the vicinity of the project. A. Architectural Historic and Archaeological Resources The 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 5 federally-funded, licensed, or permitted project has an effect on a property listed on or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation will be given the opportunity to comment. Photographs, maps, and information about the area of potential effect (APE) were provided by the North Carolina Department of Transportation and reviewed with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO). There are no historic structures within the APE, and the SHPO recommended that no historic architectural survey be conducted for this project. Correspondence from the SHPO is included as Attachment 1. An archaeological survey was conducted for this bridge replacement project to locate and assess any significant archaeological remains that could be damaged or destroyed. No historic or prehistoric cultural resources were discovered. The results of the archaeological survey indicate the project is unlikely to encounter any archaeological sites that are eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The SHPO concurs that no further archaeological investigation should be conducted in connection with this project since the project will not involve significant archaeological resources. Correspondence from the SHPO regarding the archaeological aspects of the project is included as Attachment 2. B. Farmland The Farmland Protection Policy Act of 1981 (FPPA) requires all federal agencies to consider the impact of land acquisition and construction projects on prime or important farmland soils. These soils are designated by the U. S. Soil Conservation Service (SCS) based on a number of factors, including crop yield and the average expenditure of energy and other resources. In compliance with the FPPA, the SCS was requested to determine whether the alternates being considered for the proposed bridge replacement project will impact prime or important farmland soils. The SCS responded Alternate 3 would impact 0.20 acre of prime farmland soils. The SCS indicates that the relative value of the farmland soils impacted by Alternate 3 is 11.2 on a scale of zero to 100 points. Completion of the site assessment portion of the Farmland Conversion Impact Rating Form indicates a total site assessment score of 80.0 out of a possible score of 160.0 for Alternate 3. The total point score is 91.2, which falls below the threshold of 160.0 total points at which consideration of other alternates is required. Therefore, no further coordination with the SCS is required. C. Biological Assessment Bridge No. 34 is located approximately 4.7 miles northeast of Danbury in Stokes County (see Figure 1). This location is a rural, hilly setting with agricultural fields and forested tracts dominating the landscape. Farming and agricultural industry are primary land uses of the county. Hanging Rock State Park is located approximately four miles southeast of this site. 6 Stokes County is in the north-central part of the Piedmont Physiographic Province and is characterized by broad gently sloping uplands, moderately to steeply sloping areas with narrow convex ridges, and steep valley slopes associated with narrow bottomland floodplains. The project area is in the Felsic Crystalline Soil System mapping unit. Parent material is mostly granite, granite gneiss, mica gneiss, and mica schist. Areas of slightly more mafic rock or a complex of felsic rock cut by dikes of gabbro and diorite are common. The topography at the project site is relatively level to slightly sloping floodplains along steep stream banks. Elevation in Stokes County ranges from 640 feet to 2579 feet above mean sea level (MSL); the elevation at the project site is approximately 800 feet above MSL. The three soil series located at this site are the Masada series, Toccoa series, and Chewacla series. Masada soils are deep, well-drained soils that formed in old alluvium on high stream terraces with slopes ranging from two to 25 percent. Toccoa series consist of deep, well and moderately-well drained soils with moderately rapid permeability that formed in alluvium. These soils are on floodplains and have slopes ranging from zero to four percent. The Chewacla Series soils consist of very deep, somewhat poorly drained soils on nearly level floodplains. They formed in loamy sediments washed largely from soils formed in residium from schist, gneiss, granite, phyllite, and other metamorphic and igneous rock. These soils have a slope range of zero to two percent. The Chewacla series is a hydric soil. North Double Creek is a tributary to the Dan River at river mile 76 in the Roanoke River Basin. This creek empties into the Dan River approximately 2.5 miles east of Bridge No. 34. Two very small unnamed streams flowing into North Double Creek are also in the area to be impacted by the proposed construction of Alternate 3. At the proposed project site, North Double Creek is approximately 10 feet wide with depths ranging from 0.5 foot to two feet. The substrate is composed of sand, cobble, and gravel with an overlay of silt. North Double Creek, from its source to the Dan River, carries a best usage classification of Class C, as assigned by the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources (DEHNR), 1993. Class C designates waters suitable for aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation, and agriculture. The section of the Dan River receiving water from North Double Creek is classified WS-V. No waters classified as High Quality Waters (HQW), Outstanding Resources Water (ORW), WS-1, or WS-II occur within one mile of the project area. The Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN), assesses water quality by sampling from selected Benthic Macroinvertebrate organisms. The species richness and overall biomass are reflections of water quality. The BMAN lab reported no sampling data from North Double Creek. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) lists no permitted dischargers for this creek. 7 Potential impacts to water resources in the project area may result from substrate disturbances, sedimentation and increased turbidity, as well as non-point discharge of toxic substances from construction machinery. These impacts may result in a decrease of dissolved oxygen in the stream. Water temperature may increase due to removal of streamside canopy species. Changes in the water level, due to interruption of surface water flow, are also likely. The recommended alternate, Alternate 3, will impact a new area of North Double Creek and require permanent fill. Construction of Alternate 3 will also increase the risk of sedimentation and damage to bottom-dwelling organisms, which are important to food chains, in the two small unnamed streams that flow into North Double Creek. Man-dominated, Piedmont/Mountain Bottomland Forest, and Piedmont/Low Mountain Alluvial Forest are the three terrestrial communities found in the project area. Dominant faunal components associated with these terrestrial areas are discussed in each community description below; however, many species are adapted to a variety of habitats and move in and out of these disturbed areas. The highly disturbed Man-dominated community includes existing road shoulders and agricultural fields. Many of the plant species are adapted to disturbed and maintained habitats. The low-growing roadside vegetation is dominated by fescue (Festuca ssp.). Other scattered herbaceous species here include plantains P anta o rrugelii?• P. lanceolata), dandelion (Taraxicum sp.), sourgrass (Rumex aceto la), elephant foot (Ele hanto us caro inianus), Venus looking-gds Specu aria erfoliata), asters Aster ssp.), blue-eyed grass (Sis rinchium an ustifo ium), wild onion (A1 ium canadense), and ragweed Am rasia artemisii o is j Vines include--t-Fe- Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera Japonica) an Virgin's bower (Clematis VViir inian_a). Woody species include tag alner (Alnus serrulata), sassafras (Sassafras albidum), flowering dogwood (Cornus?lorida), hickory (Carya g a ra , anTTT_a_cc walnut (Juglans nigra) ss ap-Fings. Except for roadsides and creekside fringes, cultivated and fallow fields border most of this project's boundaries. Red tailed hawks (Buteo 'amaJ censis) forage over these open habitats for mice, rabbits, reptiles or amphibians. Resident species in this disturbed habitat are limited; however, many opportunistic species, which may reside in nearby communities, utilize these areas for feeding zones. Seeds, berries, fruits, insects, and living or dead animal matter attract a wide variety of foraging animals, including barn swallows (Hirundo rustica), indigo bunting (Passerine cyanea), common crow (Corvus brach r-E cTos), Carolina chickadees Parus carolinensis), mockingb FT (Mimus of ottos), eastern cottontails (Sylvi agus floridanus mallurus), woodchucks (Marmots monax), white-footed mouse (Perom scs leuco us l-euco uuss), Virginia opossum (Diddel his vier ini?ana an raccoon Proc on lotor). Nocturnal animalsDi, which feed or travel along the roadsi e, often become roadkills which attract scavenging animals such as turkey vultures (Cathartes aura), common crows, 8 and Virginia opossums. Reptiles and amphibians may sun themselves on the roadside or crawl onto the warm road surface at night. These may include American toads (Bufo americanus), eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina), black racer snare (Col umber constrictor), eastern hognose snakes (Heterodon platyrhinos)), and five lined skinks (Eumeces fasciatus). The Piedmont/Mountain Bottomland Forest exists only in fringe remnants at the project site, with the exception of the area northwest of Bridge No. 34. This relatively flat, moist floodplain forest has a closed canopy consisting of mixed bottomland and mesophytic hardwoods. These include yellow poplar (Liriodendron tuli ifera), sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), black walnut, river birch Betu a n' ra), and as Fraxinus Americana). Subcanopy species include iop hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), hickory, flowering dogwood, sourwood (Ox dendrum arboreum), re map a (Acer rubrum), and paw paw (Asimina tri o a). A sparse herbaceous layer i ncTuaes ebony spl eenwort Ash en?i um ?latyneuron), Indian plantain (Cacalia atri licifolia), Christmas fern Po ysl ticum acrosticoides), bedstraw (Ga ium a arine), white avens (Geum canadense), mayapple Podo h llum eltatum barren strawberry (Wa rdstein-Tia fra arioides , Canadian vio et (Viola canadense), and green dragon Arisaema racontium). Yellow root Xant or iza simplicissima) is found imme lately adjacent to the creek. Faunal diversity is expected to be very low in this community near the roadway and human activity. However, this forested area does provide a variety of nesting and denning sites. The most abundant bird species include the red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceous), wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), and red-bellied wooecpeckers Me anerpes carolinus). Other vertebrate species likely to occur in this community include the Virginia opossum, short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda kirtlandi), eastern pipstrelle bat (Pi strellus subf avus , gray ox Urocyon cinereoar enteus), spring peeper Hy ar crucifer), ringneck snake Dia op is punctatus), and eastern garter snake T amnophis sirtalis). The Piedmont/Low Mountain Alluvial Forest Community has been altered by removal of most tree species during maintenance of a power line, which crosses the area. The canopy/subcanopy species present include red maple, black willow (Salix ni ra), river birch, tag alder, ironwood, and silky dogwood (Cornus ammomun , primarily as low growing stump sprouts or saplings. Shrubs present include multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), privet (Ligustrum sinense), blackberry and rasberry Ru us sp.). Vines and herbaceous species frm a dense tangle over the ent ri area. Species of vines include climbing false buckwheat (Pol onum scandens), Japanese honey suckle, grape (Vitis sp.), poison ivy Toxico end drop radicans), Virgin's bower (Clematis virginiana), trumpet vine (Calm si?s radicans), and greenbriar (Smi T ssp.). Herbaceous species include haw-grass Aira else a?ns), microstegium (Microste ium vimenium), sensitive fern (OnacTea sensibilis), blunt spike rush E eoc arcs obtusa), Virginia bug eweed- L co us virginicus), lady's thumb Po ygonum ersp icaria), water smartweed (Pol onum unctatum), pink weed (Po onum enns lvay nicum), arrow-leaved tearthumb (Po onum sa ittatum), a se nettle Boehemeria c lindrica), rattlebox (Lu wi a a terns o is , white vervain (Vervena urtica o is , 9 oxalis (Oxalis stricta), bedstraw (Galuim triflorium), cut-leaf grapefern (Bottr chi?um dissectum), boneset (Eupatori?um erfoliatum), spotted jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), whit' a turtlehea C e one lg abra), wingstem (Ver eb sina alternifolia), ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis), green cone__TTower (Rud eckia aciniata), Joe-Pye-weed (Eupatorium maculatum), goldenrods (S- oTidago spp.), asters, and wild lettuce (Lactuca lord dana). Faunal species likely to reside in this wet area may include marbled salamanders (Amb stoma opacum), northern dusky salamanders (Desmo nathus fuscus), seal salamanders (Desmo nathus fuscus), two-lined salamanders EEuur cea bislineata), red salamanders (Pseudotriton ruber), spring peepers (Hyla crucifer), upland chorus frog (Pseudacris triserista), pickerel frog (Rana as ustris), and wood frogs (Rana sylva?tica . Eastern ribbon snakes (T amnop ih's sauritis) or eastern garter snakes (Th?amnohi_s sertalis) may come into the area to feed on amphibians. Other vertebrates utilizing this area for feeding or nesting may include the common snipe (Gallina o gallinago), raccoons, and star-nosed moles (Condylura cristata parva . The aquatic community in the study area includes North Double Creek and two small unnamed tributaries draining the wetland area which join to form a tributary to North Double Creek. North Double Creek receives sediments from agricultural practices. Few areas of natural vegetation remain to act as buffer zones for storm runoff. The banks of North Double Creek, which are steep and heavily eroded, exhibit vegetation previously mentioned in the biotic community descriptions. The creek may support aquatic invertebrates, crustaceans, and aquatic insects, which are an important base of many food chains. Amphibian and reptile species likely to be found in this aquatic environment include pickerel frogs (Rana alustris), green frogs (Rana clamitans), snapping turtle (Chelydra ser entina , queen snakes (Reg se temvittata), and northern water snakes Nerodia sipedon). Species likely to inhabit the scrub/shrub area relate to t e unnamed streams have been previously described. Some fish species likely to be found in this section of North Double Creek include riverweed darters (Etheostoma podostemone), crescent shiners (Notro irs cerasnus), and stonerol ers Cam ostoma anomalum). No recorded fish studies have been made in this creek. Biotic community impacts, resulting from project construction, are being addressed separately as terrestrial impacts and aquatic impacts. However, impacts to terrestrial communities can result in the aquatic community receiving heavy sediment loads as a consequence of erosion. Construction impacts may not be restricted to the communities in which the construction activity occurs. Efforts will be made to ensure that no sediment leaves the construction site and water flow is not altered. A majority of the natural communities in the project area have been fragmented and reduced as a result of previous development. The man-dominated component of the project area will receive the greatest 10 impact from construction and result in the loss and displacement of plant and animal life, regardless of which alternative is chosen. Anticipated areas to be impacted due to the construction of the recommended alternate, Alternate 3, in each of the terrestrial communities are listed in Table 1 below. TABLE 1 BIOTIC COMMUNITY TERRESTRIAL IMPACTS Man-Dominated Piedmont/Mountain Bottomland Forest Piedmont/Low Mountain Alluvial Forest TOTAL APPROXIMATE IMPACT 0.72 acre 0.05 acre 0.36 acre 1.13 acres Impacts to terrestrial communities will result in the loss of existing habitats and displacement, as well as mortality, of animal species currently in residence. Ground dwelling animals (small mammals, snakes, etc.) are more likely to be destroyed. More mobile species will be displaced during construction, but may return later. Forested habitat, however, already reduced by agricultural clearing, will be further reduced. Anticipated impacts to the stream community can be attributed to construction-related habitat disturbance and sedimentation. These impacts may be long-lived and irreversible. Food-producing photosynthetic species are severely affected by siltation. High levels of suspended particles in the water absorb available light, reducing the ability to produce the food which serves as the basis for the entire food chain. Aquatic invertebrates are very important in the food chains that support many aquatic and terrestrial species in the area. Benthic, non-motile organisms, such as filter feeders, may be covered and smothered by sedimentation resulting from construction-related erosion and substrate disturbance. Recovery may be slow, altering community populations. Mobile aquatic organisms may escape some of the effects of siltation, but local fish populations can also be harmed by construction-related sedimentation. Increased sediment loads and suspended particulates can lead to the smothering of fish eggs, clogging of gills, reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the water, and changes in water temperature. Spawning habitats could be altered, leading to reduced reproductive success and reduced populations. 11 Best Management Practices (BMPs) for protection of surface waters must be strictly followed to insure the biological integrity of this stream. Other concerns relate to the possibility of increased concentrations of toxic compounds (gasoline, oil, etc.) in the stream from construction and/or paving machinery. Poorly managed application of sedimentation control policies will result in serious damage to the aquatic community. Wetlands and surface waters fall under the broad category of Waters of the United States, as defined in 33 CFR.328.3 and in accordance with provisions of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U. S. C. 1344) and are regulated by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (USCOE). Potential wetland communities were evaluated using the criteria specified in the 1987 USCOE Wetlands Delineation Manual. For an area to be considered a wetland, the following three specifications must be met: 1) presence of hydric soils (low soil chroma values); 2) presence of hydrophytic vegetation; and 3) evidence of hydrology, or hydrological indicators, including saturated soils, stained oxidized rhizospheres, matted vegetation, high water marks on trees, buttressed tree bases, and surface roots. This project will impact surface waters of North Double Creek and two small unnamed streams which flow under SR 1504 to empty into North Double Creek. Jurisdictional wetland impacts are anticipated in the area drained by the two small unnamed streams. These streams pass under SR 1504 approximately 450 feet southeast of Bridge No. 34 (see Figure 2). Wetland impacts were identified using the 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual. The subject wetland is classified as a Palustrine Forested Broad-leaved Deciduous Wetland. Approximately 0.31 acre will be impacted by recommended alternate, Alternate 3, based on an 80-foot right-of-way width. Three criteria are used to identify jurisdictional wetlands: vegetation, soils and hydrology. An area where more than 50 percent of the composition of the dominant species from strata are obligate wetland, facultative wetland, and/or facultative species is considered to support wetland vegetation. The dominant vegetation in the wetland area is more than 50% species classified as Facultative or wetter. The canopy/subcanopy species present include red maple (Acer serrulate), black willow, river birch, tag alder (Alnus serrulate), on nwoo Carpinus caroliniana), and silky dogwood (Cornus amomum . These species exist primarily as low-growing stump sprouts or saplings due to maintenance cutting in a power line right-of-way that passes through the wetland. Soil deposits in the subject wetland are fluvial in nature and deposited by high water. These recently formed soils are classified as Entisols and are considered wetland soils. The hydrology of this area has been altered somewhat by the fill used to raise the elevation of SR 1504. Prior to past road construction, the water drainage was probably spread over a wider area, which allowed the area to drain more effectively. However, it appears that this area was originally a wetland, and the fill used in earlier highway construction has caused the area to become more wet. 12 Evidence of water-borne sediments and water stained leaves are field hydrological indicators of a jurisdictional wetland. The subject area supports the three wetland criteria and should be classified as a jurisdictional wetland. Construction is likely to be authorized by provisions of General Nationwide Permit 33 CFR 330.5 (A) 23. Stokes County is one of 25 counties designated as having trout waters; projects in these counties must be reviewed and approved by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) prior to issuance of the USCOE permit. Also, Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) requires that the state issue or deny water quality certification for any federally permitted or licensed activity that may result in a discharge to the waters of the United States prior to issuance of COE permits. A letter of comment has been obtained from the NCWRC concerning this bridge replacement project (see Attachment 1). The NCWRC states that trout do not occur at this project site and they are unaware of any other special concerns at this site. Since this project will be authorized under a nationwide permit, mitigation for impacts to surface waters is generally not required by the USCOE. A final determination regarding mitigation requirements rests with USCOE. Both federal and state protected species are listed for Stokes County. Federally-listed species with a status of Endangered, Threatened, or Proposed Threatened are protected under federal law. State listed mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and bird species with a status of Threatened, Endangered or Special Concern are protected under state laws. The Endangered Species Act of 1973, by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is a document that defines the means by which endangered species may be protected. Whenever any species is listed as Threatened, Endangered, or Proposed Threatened or Proposed Endangered, steps are taken to protect them. The following plants are federally-listed for Stokes County by the USFWS as of November 17, 1994: small-anthered bittercress (Cardimine micranthera) and Schweinitz's sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii . The stu y area does not support suitable ha Igor the sma -anthered bittercress or Schweinitz's sunflower. Therefore, no impacts to these species are anticipated with the construction of the project. State protected plant species are protected under the provisions of the Plant Protection and Conservation Act (General Statute of North Carolina Chapter 106, Article 19B;202.12-202.22., North Carolina Department of Agriculture, 1990). Animal species are afforded protection under General Statutes which address Endangered and Threatened Wildlife Species of Special Concern. Habitat exists for two species in the project area: rustyside sucker (Moxostoma hamiltoni) and orangefin madtom (Noturus ilberti), which is a ?edera can i ate species and an endangered specpec es in North Carolina. Neither of these species were observed in the project area, and no impacts to these species are expected. 13 There are three federal candidate (C2) species and one federal candidate (3C) species listed for Stokes County. Candidate 2 (C2) species are defined as taxa for which there is some evidence of vulnerability, but for which there are not enough data to warrant a listing of Endangered, Threatened, Proposed Endangered, or Proposed Threatened at this time. The North Carolina status is listed in Table 2 below. Plants or animals with state designations of Endangered (E), Threatened (T), or Special Concern (SC) are given protection by the State Endangered Species Act and the N. C. Plant Protection and Conservation Act of 1979, administered and enforced by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, respectively. Species with state designations of Candidate (C), Significantly Rare (SR)', and Watch List (W) are not protected under state laws, but there is evidence of declining populations. These species are mentioned here for information purposes in the event that they become protected in the future. Specific surveys for these species were not conducted during site visits, nor were any of them observed during field reconnaissance. TABLE 2 FEDERAL CANDIDATE SPECIES FOR STOKES COUNTY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME HABITAT NC Noturus ilberti Orangefin madtom Yes E Speyeria Tana Diana fritillary butterfly Yes SR Sweet inp esap Monotropsis odorata No C2 Jens cinerea Butternut Yes C2 Status: E an C denote Endangered an Candidate, respectively- SR denotes Significantly Rare, which are not offered State Protection. The NCNHP records report three rare fish species from the vicinity of Bridge No. 34: orangefin madtom (Noturus ilberti), riverweed darter (Etheostoma odostemone), and bigeye mu proc Moxostoma ariommum). The orang?in ma tom is a federal candidate species and an en angere species in North Carolina, which is protected under North Carolina law. These species were not surveyed for, nor were they observed during the field investigation. D. Air Quality and Traffic Noise This project is located in the Winston Salem Air Quality Region. The ambient air quality for Stokes 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. 14 This 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 will be temporary. If vegetation is disposed of by burning, all burning shall be done in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations of the North Carolina State Implementation Plans for air quality in compliance with 15 NCAC 2D.0520. E. Floodplain Data Stokes County is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program. The approximate 100-year floodplain in the project area is shown in Figure 4. North Double Creek is not included in a detailed flood study at this location. The upstream and downstream floodplains are rural, wooded, and mountainous. There is a home approximately 300 feet northwest of North Double Creek which is above the 100-year flood level; therefore, the house will not be adversely affected by the proposed bridge replacement project. VIII. CONCLUSION On the basis of the above discussion, the NCDOT and the FHWA conclude that no adverse environmental effects will result from the implementation of the project. MLP/plr N. CAROLINA fr nci co A p Sandy R 1 89 6 8 lawsonrdle esthel 66 Moore Prestonrille s $?in(s + 5 t - anbury dlarc ?loI Mountu r „a v?fr gam N Meadows t 5 D l0 STOKES COUNTYS ? K 31l 9 Wslnut Pie all l a ov Hvl e ermanto L, 6• s 5 .Stoke- 14Z7.' ?' - 1471 1458-? Big guy 1467 tp 1499 • : 89 M 6 M if, ' 1502 ` ' 1 8 1500 y? - !e 1503 ' 9 ? • ^ 1501 ?- b 1* 1471 . 1 l 1472 1473 cr : ?4eek d • 'yam .8 s 1474 :.: rX 1212 b b ?: 8 1475 1477 1477. h 1496 1490 3.2 1491 i-; 4 ?? • FAS Fq A BRIDGE NO. 34 P'r- ``? ' • S 1190 14/0 a Q ?Oq 1484_ 1492 Double 147 Q F A !s Fqs ?? . 1 qs 1 1486_ 483 1510 FAS • ` 1516b 3 1504 9 e 1191 N,A p 1487 Moores .6't .t A 147 1483 ? Springs 268 .1484 1485 6 r ? v 1001 1 S ,? FP Fqs _ .3 , '?qs 5 .8 1480 .;t _ BPS ;.' 3' - 5 1481 ?. 201 :; 1187 66 l1 Q 5 1482 1001 m 2012 1189 4 2015 1186 15 ` 2021 `? •6 11 75 F NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF 7 . ,qS b 1 TRANSPORTATION A 201 Nb ? b ? DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS 1 188 PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BRANCH 1248 q L STOKES COUNTY BRIDGE NO. 34 ON SR I Gap 1504 OVER NORTH DOUBLE CREEK t+ B - 2638 2.6 i L v ^ 0 26 2 STUDIED DETOUR ROUTE 0 mile 1 FIG. 1 B-2638 STOKES COUNTY LOOKING NORTH ON SR 1504 TOWARD BRIDGE NO. 34 LOOKING SOUTH ON SR 1504 TOWARD BRIDGE NO. 34 SIDE VIEW OF BRIDGE NO. 34 FIGURE 3 k ?X 't 11 ZONE X STOKES COUNTY n rr iL ® North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604-1188, 919-733-3391 Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director MEMORANDUM TO: Michael Paylor Planning and Environmental Branch, NCDOT FROM: Stephanie E. Goudreau, Mt. Region Coordinator Habitat Conservation Program 11 . 4 . DATE: October 17, 1994 SUBJECT: Scoping comments for proposed bridge replacements in Stokes County, TIP #B-2639, B-2632, B-2633, B-2638. This correspondence responds to a request by you for our scoping comments regarding four proposed bridge replacements in Stokes County. I provided the following scoping comments to Ms. Ruby Pharr, Environmental Consultant, in a letter dated 25 July 1994: 1) Bridge #133, SR 1668, Dan River (TIP #B-2639) - Trout do not occur at the project site. You may want to contact the Natural Heritage Program (919/733-7701) to determine if any of the following state listed species known from the Dan River drainage have been collected near any of the project sites in Stokes County: cutlips minnow Exoglassum maxillingua (state endangered), orangefin madtom Noturus gilberti (state endangered), rustyside sucker Moxostoma hamiltoni (state endangered), bigeye jumprock Moxostoma ariommum (state special concern), and riverweed darter Etheostoma podostemone (state special concern). 2) Bridge #50 NC 8-89 Flat Shoal Creek (TIP #B-2632) - Trout do not occur at the project site, and we are unaware of any other special concerns. 3) Bridge #55, NC 8-89, Mill Creek (TIP #B-2633) - Trout do not occur at the project site, and we are unaware of any other special concerns. 4) Bridge #34 SR 1504, North Double Creek (TIP #B-2638) - Trout do not occur at the project site, and we are unaware of any other special concerns. ATTACHMENT Stokes County Page 2 October 17, 1994 Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project. If you have any questions regarding these comments, please contact me at 704/652-4257. cc: Mr. Joe Mickey, District 7 Fisheries Biologist J T North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Betty Ray McCain, Secretary May 7, 1993 Nicholas L. Graf Division Administrator Federal Highway Administration Department of Transportation 310 New Bern Avenue Raleigh, N. C. 27601-1442 Re: Replacement of Bridge No. 34 on SR 1504 over North Double Creek, Stokes County, B-2638, 8.264040 1, BRSTP-1504(3), ER 93-8463 Dear Mr. Graf: Division of Archives and History William S. Price, Jr., Director N #4Y 4 vA J U?• On April 27, 1993, Robin Stancil of our staff met with North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) staff for a meeting of the minds concerning the above project. We reported our available information on historic architectural and archaeological surveys and resources along with our recommendations. NCDOT provided project area photographs and aerial photographs at the meeting and for our use afterwards. Based upon our review of the photographs and the information discussed at the meeting, we offer our preliminary comments regarding this project. In terms of historic architectural resources, we are aware of no historic structures located within the area of potential effect. We recommend that no historic architectural survey be conducted for this project. We recommend that a comprehensive survey be conducted by an experienced archaeologist to identify the presence and significance of archaeological remains that may be damaged or destroyed by the proposed project. Potential effects on unknown resources should be assessed prior to the initiation of construction activities. Having provided this information, we look forward to receipt of either a Categorical Exclusion or Environmental Assessment which indicates how NCDOT addressed our concerns. 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. ?h ATTACHMENT 21 C ID, 109 East Jones Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807 Q C Nicholas L. Graf May 7, 1993, Page 2 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, Da Brook Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer DB:slw cc: . J. Ward B. Church T. Padgett - ,?sr?rzv 4 Y?? 35,x- ? SEP- 2 a 1994' 2 North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources'- ' DIVISIC"I OF P? ^HIGHWAYS ., ? ??V1ROht?'i?? James B. Hunt Jr., Governor Betty Ray McCain, Secretary Division of Archives and History William S. Price, Jr., Director September 15, 1994 MEMORANDUM TO: H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch Division of Highways Department of T ansportation FROM: David Brook / `)_-c. Deputy State 41ilepl rese rvation Officer SUBJECT: Bridge replacement projects B-2632, B-2638, and B- 2631, Stokes County, Federal Aid BRSTP-89(3), BRS P-1504(3), and BRZ-16680), ER 95-7343 Thank you for your letter of August 18, 1994, concerning the above project. The additional information in the form of the addendums is sufficient to evaluate the proposed bridge replacement projects. During the course of the survey no archaeological resources were located within the project area. Ms. Anna Gray, North Carolina Department of Transportation staff archaeologist, has recommended that no further archaeological investigation be conducted in connection with this project. We concur with this recommendation since this project will not involve significant archaeological ,resources. The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106, codified at 36 CFR Part 800. Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above comment, please contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919/733-4763. DB:slw bc: N. Graf T. Padgett A. Gray ATTACHMENT 3 109 East Jones Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807 A „s SUT[ ?r IAM[S B. I IUNI. IIt. GOVERNOR STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA L DEPARTMENT OF TPANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH. N.C. 27611-5201 March 9, 1993 SAM HUNT S[CRLTARY MEMORANDUM TO: Mr. Eric Galamb DEM - DEHNR, 6th Floor r FROM: L. J. Ward, P. E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch SUBJECT: Review of Scoping Sheet for replacement of Bridge No. 34, SR 1504, Stokes County, TIP No. B-2638 Attached for your review and comments are the scoping sheets for the subject project (See attached map for project location). The purpose of these sheets and the related review procedure is to have an early "meeting of the minds" as to the scope of work that should be performed and thereby enable us to better implement the project. A scoping meeting for this project is scheduled for April 27, 1993 at 9:30 A. M. in the Planning and Environmental Branch Conference Room (Room 434). You may provide us with your comments at the meeting or mail them to us prior to that date. Thank you for your assistance in this part of our planning process. If there are any questions about the meeting or the scoping sheets, please call Michael L. Paylor, Project Planning Engineer, at 733-7842. MLP/plr Attachment Nc-- k6 c /G !I Oad (t , C- 22 _/ MAR 1 2199:3 G STOKES COUNTY ? I (- 11-w - M. CAROLINA Sandy R STATt STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION )AMPS R.1IuNi Ia. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS P.O. BOX 25201, RALI:IGI I, N.C. 27611 5201 May 13, 1993 MEMORANDUM TO: Mr. Eric Galamb DEM - DEHNR, 6th Floor SAM HUNT SR'NIARY FROM: Michael L. Paylor Project Planning Engineer SUBJECT: SR 1504, Bridge No. 34 over North Double Creek, Stokes County, B-2638 A scoping meeting was held on April 27, 1993 to initiate the subject project. The following individuals were in attendance: Sue Flowers Jerry Page Betty Yancey Jerry Snead Wanjulia Ezekiel Robin Stancil Danny Rogers Ray Moore Steve Arrington Joe Foutz Michael L. Paylor Roadway Design Roadway Design Right-of-Way Hydraulics Hydraulics SHPO Program Development Structure Design Planning and Environmental Planning and Environmental Planning and Environmental Based on available information, it appears that the subject bridge should be replaced on new location east of existing structure. Traffic will be maintained using the existing structure during construction. A preliminary cost estimate for the recommended construction is $425,000. A list of alternatives to be studied is as follows: 1. Replacement at existing location using road closure and off-site detour. 2. Replacement at existing location while maintaining traffic on-site with a temporary detour. 3. Replacement on new location east of existing structure. Design services will develop preliminary designs and cost estimates for all alternatives. C I 1 f BRIDGE PROJECT SCOPING SKEET DATE MARCH 12,1993 REVISION DATE APRIL 21L 1993 PROJECT DEVELOPMENT STAGE PROGRAMMING _ PLANNING _ X DESIGN TIP PROJECT B-2638 STATE PROJECT 8.25-40401_- F.A. PROJECT BRSTP-15043)__ DIVISION NIN COUNTY STOK ROUTE SR 1504 PURPOSE OF PROJECT: REPLACE OBSOLETE BRIDGE DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: SR 1504, BRIll_U_I:_._ NO.___34_L__REPLACE BRIDGE OVER NORTH DOUBLE CREEK. METHOD OF REPLACEMENT: 1. EXISTING LOCATION - ROAD CLOSURE 2. EXISTING LOCATION - ONSITE DETOUR X 3. RELOCATION ------------- -- 4. OTHER WILL THERE BE SPECIAL FUNDING PARTICIPATION BY MUNICIPALITY, DEVELOPERS, OR OTHERS? YES NO N IF YES, BY WHOM AND WHAT AMOUNT: ($} - - - (q} r ? } BRIDGE PROJECT SCOPING SHEET TRAFFIC: CURRENT 600 VPD; DESIGN YEAR 1200 VPD TTST 1 % D T 2 % TYPICAL ROADWAY SECTION: EXISTING STRUCTURE: LENGTH _ 91 FEET; WIDTH 24.5 FEET PROPOSED STRUCTURE: BRIDGE - LENGTH 120 FEET; WIDTH 22 FEET OR CULVERT - LENGTH FEET; WIDTH FEET DETOUR S TRUCTURE: BRIDGE - LENGTH FEET; WIDTH FEET OR PIPE - SIZE INCHES CONSTRUCTION COST (INCLUDING ENGINEERING AND CONTINGENCIES) ..................... $ 425,000 RIGHT OF WAY COST (INCLUDING RELOCATION, UTILITIES, AND ACQUISITION) ................... $ 23,000 FORCE, ACCOUNT ITEMS .................................. $ TOTAL, COST ....................................... $ 448,000 TIP CONSTRUCTION COST ................................ $ 250,000 TIP RIGHT OF WAY COST ................................ $ 23,000 SUB TOTAL ............................................ $ 273,000 PRIOR YEARS COST ..................................... $ TIP 'T'OTAL COST ........................................ $ 273,000 a BRIDGE PROJECT SCOPING SHEET ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: PREPARED BY: MICHAEL. L. PAYLOR DATE: MARCH 4, 1993