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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20070595 Ver 1_Application_20070404 d.w~^ho ~- V..~ '~ a,.,~' STATE of NORTH CAROLINA ~ r;; DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIOI~I ~'- ,. MICHAEL F. EASLEY LYNDO TIPPETT GOVERNOR SECRETARY March 22, 2007 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Field Office Post Office Box 1000 Washington, N.C. 27889-1000 Attention: Bill Biddlecome ~~Pl IP°~ f "~"P 1 'r~~ ~~ ~ ~'~~f~.~ ~ ~ f~'f? ~ ~ ~ ~~~ n,,.. 2~~~ ~" t r 'c ~~; t~V,7 ~_ '~h ~~~~ , ~i'~E ~ ~r np ~~ 070595 Subject: GP 31 permit request associated with the replacement of bridge #24 over a relict slough with 2 pipes @ 48" X 45' on Ocracoke Island, Hyde County. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is requesting a GP 31 permit for the replacement of bridge # 24 over a relict slough on Ocracoke Island in Hyde County. The slough no longer has hydrologic connectivity to the sound or ocean. Because of the loss hydrologic connection and cost analysis NCDOT has determined that the bridge should be replaced with a piped crossing. The existing bridge is 32 ft. in length by 24 ft. in width and will be removed in its entirety. The replacement structure will be 2 - 48" X 45' aluminum alloy corrugated pipes with a headwall and rip-rap wings to tie into the existing shoulder. The pipes will be buried 1 ft. below the ground elevation to insure wildlife passage. The placement of pipes will result in 0.029 acres of non-riverine wetland impacts. This area is shown on the provided drawings. Traffic will be detoured off-site on a beach access route coordinated with the NPS. This route will begin at the Pony Pens and continue south to ramp # 68. In conjunction with this request NCDOT is also requesting a general permit from the DCM and a special use permit from the NPS, which authorizes the bridge replacement and detour route. This bridge replacement will be conducted between January 2 and March 15 of 2008. Included with this request are the PCN, permit drawings, USFWS concurrence request letter and vicinity maps. If you need any additional information or have any questions concerning this project, please call me at 252-482-7977. Sincerely, Anthony Roper Division One Engineer Clay Willis ~~ `+~`~ Division One Environmental Officer Cc: Garcy Ward, DWQ Gary Jordan, USFWS Travis Wilson, WRC Thayer Broili , NPS Steve Thompson ,NPS Bridge # 10 Replacement Ocracoke, Hyde County ~~ i Y ~J ~f~ t V .~ .r. r,~ ~ o~E 1-{rmmac 'x'14 T Qaka ~~.r;'-.. ~At Hammack Its }-LarttimoCH. 0 .~~~ -, ~. r ~~ Oit:ks faM ~ ~ s ,. ~ ~~ i~ ~~ - fE?~ _ _'~., ,. ~. Pv f ~ Knall Gldsrs' T?uokes P'amt ~ -~~~' ilHRnm! ^;•Ic ` ; iR rry '' ~ y. f(~ ~~ „ 4 ~l~••~ PCJ v /yM L_ QTR „~ ~~ y r Bridge # 24 35.1279164 N 75.9212250 W a N O O z ~~ Office Use Only: Form Version March OS USACE Action ID No. DWQ No. 2 0 7 0 5 9 5 (If any particular item is not applicable to this project, please enter "Not Applicable" or "N/A".) I. .Processing 1. Check all of the approval(s) requested for this project: ® Section 404 Permit ® Riparian or Watershed Buffer Rules ^ Section 10 Permit ^ Isolated Wetland Permit from DWQ ® 401 Water Quality Certification ^ Express 401 Water Quality Certification 2. Nationwide, Regional or General Permit Number(s) Requested: GP31 3. If this notification is solely a courtesy copy because written approval for the 401 Certification is not required, check here: ^ 4. If payment into the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program (NCEEP) is proposed for mitigation of impacts, attach the acceptance letter from NCEEP, complete section VIII, and check here: ^ If your project is located in any of North Carolina's twenty coastal counties (listed on page 4), and the project is within a North Carolina Division of Coastal Management Area of Environmental Concern (see the top of page 2 for further details), check here: II. Applicant Information 1. Owner/Applicant Information Name: NCDOT Division One (Clay Willis) Mailing Address: 113 Airport Drive Suite 100 Edenton N.C. 27932 Telephone Number: 252-482-7977 Fax Number: 252-482-8722 E-mail Address: tcwillis(a~.d~t.state.nc.us 2. Agent/Consultant Information (A signed and dated copy of the Agent Authorization letter must be attached if the Agent has signatory authority for the owner/applicant.) Name: Company Affiliation: Mailing Address: Telephone Number: Fax Number: E-mail Address: Updated 1 l / 1 /2005 Page 5 of 13 III. Project Information Attach a vicinity map clearly showing the location of the property with respect to local landmarks such as towns, rivers, and roads. Also provide a detailed site plan showing property boundaries and development plans in relation to surrounding properties. Both the vicinity map and site plan must include a scale and north arrow. The specific footprints of all buildings, impervious surfaces, or other facilities must be included. If possible, the maps and plans should include the appropriate USGS Topographic Quad Map and NRCS Soil Survey with the property boundaries outlined. Plan drawings, or other maps maybe included at the applicant's discretion, so long as the property is clearly defined. For administrative and distribution purposes, the USACE requires information to be submitted on sheets no larger than 11 by 17-inch format; ..however,. DWQ may .accept .paperwork of any size. DWQ prefers full-size construction drawings rather than a sequential sheet version of the full-size plans. If full-size plans are reduced to a small scale such that the final version is illegible, the applicant will be informed that the project has been placed on hold until decipherable maps are provided. 1. Name of project: Bridge # 24 replacement in Ocracoke Hyde County 2. T.I.P. Project Number or State Project Number (NCDOT Only}: 1B.104811 3. Property Identification Number (Tax PIN): N/A 4. Location County: Hyde County Nearest Town: Ocracoke Subdivision name (include phase/lot number): N/A Directions to site (include road numbers/names, landmarks, etc.): From the Hatteras/Ocracoke Ferry Dock the bride is 8.51 miles south on NC 12. 5. Site coordinates (For linear projects, such as a road or utility line, attach a sheet that separately lists the coordinates for each crossing of a distinct waterbody.) Decimal Degrees (6 digits minimum): 35.1279164 °N 75.9212250 °W 6. Property size (acres): 0.50 acres 7. Name of nearest receiving body of water: Pamlico Sound 8. River Basin: Tar-Pamlico (Note -this must be one of North Carolina's seventeen designated major river basins. The River Basin map is available at http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/admin/maps/.) 9. Describe the existing conditions on the site and general land use in the vicinity of the project at the time of this application: Existing 32 ft. wooden brid eg along NC 12 that crosses over a old slough. The surrounding landscape is beach /dune, maritime shrub, pine woodland, wetlands community that is within the National Park Service Cape Hatteras Sea Shore. Updated I l/1/2005 Page 6 of 13 10. Describe the overall project in detail, including the type of equipment to be used: Bridge # 24 is an existing 32 ft. X 24 ft. wooden bridge on timber bents and piles. This bridge is being replaced with 2 aluminum corru ag ted pines (a, 48" X 45'. The pipes will have an aluminum headwall with rip-ran wings to tie into the road shoulder. This is depicted on the provided drawings. The pines were chosen to replace the bridge because this is a relict channel that no longer has a hydrologic connection to the sound or ocean. The old slough does have some wetland characteristics and may pond water during wet periods. These pipes will serve to equalize wetland flow between either side of NC 12. Eguinment used will include cranes, excavators, dumptrucks. Traffic will be detoured around the site by using a beach detour as allowed by the National Park Service special use permit. 11. Explain the purpose of the proposed work: To replace an existing bridge that has received a poor structural rating. The new structure will insure the traveling_public asafe route to Ocracoke Village from the Hatteras/ Ocracoke Ferry terminal. IV. Prior Project History If jurisdictional determinations and/or permits have been requested and/or obtained for this project (including all prior phases of the same subdivision) in the past, please explain. Include the USACE Action ID Number, DWQ Project Number, application date, and date permits and certifications were issued or withdrawn. Provide photocopies of previously issued permits, certifications or other useful information. Describe previously approved wetland, stream and buffer impacts, along with associated mitigation (where applicable). If this is a NCDOT project, list and describe permits issued for prior segments of the same T.I.P. project, along with construction schedules. In conjunction with this COE / DWQ~ermit, NCDOT will be acquiring a special use permit from the NPS. V. Future Project Plans Are any future permit requests anticipated for this project? If so, describe the anticipated work, and provide justification for the exclusion of this work from the current application. None Updated ll!I/2005 Page 7 of 13 VI. Proposed Impacts to Waters of the United States/Waters of the State It is the applicant's (or agent's) responsibility to determine, delineate and map all impacts to wetlands, open water, and stream channels associated with the project. Each impact must be listed separately in the tables below (e.g., culvert installation should be listed separately from riprap dissipater pads). Be sure to indicate if an impact is temporary. All proposed impacts, permanent and temporary, must be listed, and must be labeled and clearly identifiable on an accompanying site plan. All wetlands and waters, and all streams (intermittent and perennial) should be shown on a delineation map, whether or not impacts are proposed to these systems. Wetland and stream evaluation and delineation forms should be included as appropriate. Photographs maybe included at the applicant's discretion. If this proposed impact is strictly for wetland_or stream mitigation, list_and describe the impact in Section VIII below. If additional space is needed for listing or description, please attach a separate sheet. 1. Provide a written description of the proposed impacts: The bridge replacement with culverts will result in wetland impacts to the area under the existing bridge. The old bridge and associated pilings will be removed. The two pipes will be placed as shown in the permit drawingi• They will be buried 1 ft. below the ground elevation to insure wildlife movement. The pipes and associated fill will result in 0.029 acres of wetland impact. This wetland receives it's h drolo is component from ground water and rain events and would be considered non-riverine. 2. Individually list wetland impacts. Types of impacts include, but are not limited to mechanized clearing, grading, fill, excavation, flooding, ditching/drainage, etc. For dams, separately list impacts due to both structure and flooding. Wetland Impact Site Number (indicate on map) T e of Im act yp p Type of Wetland (e.g., forested, marsh, herbaceous, bog, etc.) Located within 100-year Floodplain es/no Distance to Nearest Stream linear feet Area of Impact (acres) Bridge # 24 Permanent fill Relict slough (pine woods) yes 900 ft. 0.029 Total Wetland Impact (acres) 3. List the total acreage (estimated) of all existing wetlands on the property: 0.10 acres 4. Individually list all intermittent and perennial stream impacts. Be sure to identify temporary impacts. Stream impacts include, but are not limited to placement of fill or culverts, dam construction, flooding, relocation, stabilization activities (e.g., cement walls, rip-rap, crib walls, gabions, etc.), excavation, ditching/straightening, etc. If stream relocation is proposed, plans and profiles showing the linear footprint for both the original and relocated streams must be included. To calculate acreage, multiply length X width, then divide by 43,560. NONE Updated 1111 /2005 Page 8 of 13 Stream Impact Number indicate on ma Stream Name Type of Impact Perennial o' Intermittent. Average Stream Width Before Im act Impact Length linear feet Area of Impact. acres) Total Stream Impact (by length and acreage) 5. Individually list all open water impacts (including lakes, ponds, estuaries, sounds, Atlantic Ocean and any other water of the U.S.). Open water impacts include, but are not limited to fill axcavatinn rlrPrlQino flnnrlina rlraina¢e_ hulkheads_ etc. NONE Open Water Impact Site Number indicate on ma) Name of Waterbody (if applicable) Type of Impact Type of Waterbody (lake, pond, estuary, sound, bay, ocean, etc. Area of Impact acres Total Open Water Impact (acres) 6. List the cumulative im act to all Waters of the U.S. resultin from the ro'ect: Stream Im act acres : None Wetland Im act acres : 0.029 O en Water Im act acres : None Total Im act to Waters of the U.S. (acres) None Total Stream Im act linear feet): None 7. Isolated Waters Do any isolated waters exist on the property? ^ Yes ®No Describe all impacts to isolated waters, and include the type of water (wetland or stream) and the size of the proposed impact (acres or linear feet). Please note that this section only applies to waters that have specifically been determined to be isolated by the USACE. 8. Pond Creation If construction of a pond is proposed, associated wetland and stream impacts should be included above in the wetland and stream impact sections. Also, the proposed pond should be described here and illustrated on any maps included with this application. Updated 11/1/2005 Page 9 of 13 Pond to be created in (check all that apply): ^ uplands ^ stream ^ wetlands Describe the method of construction (e.g., dam/embankment, excavation, installation of draw-down valve or spillway, etc.): Proposed use or purpose of pond (e.g., livestock watering, irrigation, aesthetic, trout pond, local stormwater requirement, etc.): Current land use in the vicinity of the pond: Size of watershed draining to pond: Expected pond surface area: VII. Impact Justification (Avoidance and Minimization) Specifically describe measures taken to avoid the proposed impacts. It may be useful to provide information related to site constraints such as topography, building ordinances, accessibility, and financial viability of the project. The applicant may attach drawings of alternative, lower-impact site layouts, and explain why these design options were not feasible. Also discuss how impacts were minimized once the desired site plan was developed. If applicable, discuss construction techniques to be followed during construction to reduce impacts. The significant cost of replacing this bridge with a bridge out weighs the environmental impact of 0.029 acres of non- riverine wetlands associated with a relict slough, which no longer has hydrologic connectivity to the sound or ocean. The pipe length was keep to the minimum necessary to insure a safe roadway _width for the travelingpublic. Traffic will be detoured off-site, which avoids a temporary on-site detour that would increase wetland impacts. VIII. Mitigation DWQ - In accordance with 15A NCAC 2H .0500, mitigation may be required by the NC Division of Water Quality for projects involving greater than or equal to one acre of impacts to freshwater wetlands or greater than or equal to 150 linear feet of total impacts to perennial streams. USACE - In accordance with the Final Notice of Issuance and Modification of Nationwide Permits, published in the Federal Register on January 15, 2002, mitigation will be required when necessary to ensure that adverse effects to the aquatic environment are minimal. Factors including size and type of proposed impact and function and relative value of the impacted aquatic resource will be considered in determining acceptability of appropriate and practicable mitigation as proposed. Examples of mitigation that maybe appropriate and practicable include, but are not limited to: reducing the size of the project; establishing and maintaining wetland and/or upland vegetated buffers to protect open waters such as streams; and replacing losses of aquatic resource functions and values by creating, restoring, enhancing, or preserving similar functions and values, preferable in the same watershed. If mitigation is required for this project, a copy of the mitigation plan must be attached in order for USACE or DWQ to consider the application complete for processing. Any application lacking a required mitigation plan or NCEEP concurrence shall be placed on hold as incomplete. Updated 1 U 1 /2005 Page 10 of 13 An applicant may also choose to review the current guidelines for stream restoration in DWQ's Draft Technical Guide for Stream Work in North Carolina (see DWQ website for most current version.). 1. Provide a brief description of the proposed mitigation plan. The description should provide as much information as possible, including, but not limited to: site location (attach directions and/or map, if offsite), affected stream and river basin, type and amount (acreage/linear feet) of mitigation proposed (restoration, enhancement, creation, or preservation), a plan view, preservation mechanism (e.g., deed restrictions, conservation easement, etc.), and a description of the current site conditions and proposed method of construction. Please attach a separate sheet if more space is needed. N/A 2. Mitigation may also be made by payment into the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program (NCEEP). Please note it is the applicant's responsibility to contact the NCEEP at (919) 715-0476 to determine availability, and written approval from the NCEEP indicating that they are will to accept payment for the mitigation must be attached to this form. For additional information regarding the application process for the NCEEP, check the NCEEP website at http://www.nceep.net/pages/inlieureplace.htm. If use of the NCEEP is proposed, please check the appropriate box on page five and provide the following information: Amount of stream mitigation requested (linear feet): N/A Amount of buffer mitigation requested (square feet): N/A Amount of Riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres): N/A Amount ofNon-riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres): N/A Amount of Coastal wetland mitigation requested (acres): N/A IX. Environmental Documentation (required by DWQ) 1. Does the project involve an expenditure of public (federal/state/local) funds or the use of public (federal/state) land? Yes ® No ^ 2. If yes, does the project require preparation of an environmental document pursuant to the requirements of the National or North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA)? Note: If you are not sure whether a NEPA/SEPA document is required, call the SEPA coordinator at (919) 733-5083 to review current thresholds for environmental documentation. Yes ® No ^ 3. If yes, has the document review been finalized by the State Clearinghouse? If so, please attach a copy of the NEPA or SEPA final approval letter. Yes ^ No X. Proposed Impacts on Riparian and Watershed Buffers (required by DWQ) Updated I1/1/2005 Page 11 of 13 It is the applicant's (or agent's) responsibility to determine, delineate and map all impacts to required state and local buffers associated with the project. The applicant must also provide justification for these impacts in Section VII above. All proposed impacts must be listed herein, and must be clearly identifiable on the accompanying site plan. All buffers must be shown on a map, whether or not impacts are proposed to the buffers. Correspondence from the DWQ Regional Office may be included as appropriate. Photographs may also be included at the applicant's discretion. 1. Will the project impact protected riparian buffers identified within 15A NCAC 2B .0233 (Meuse), 15A NCAC 2B .0259 (Taz-Pamlico), 15A NCAC 02B .0243 (Catawba) 15A NCAC 2B .0250 (Randleman Rules and Water Supply Buffer Requirements), or other (please identify )? Yes ^ No 2. If "yes", identify the square feet and acreage of impact to each zone of the riparian buffers. If buffer mitigation is required calculate the required amount of mitigation by applying the buffer multipliers. Zone* I Impact I Multi Tier I Required Z Total * .Zone 1 extends out 30 feet perpendic~ additional 20 feet from the edge of Zone 1. 3 (2 for Catawba) 1.5 the top of the near bank of channel; Zone 2 extends an 3. If buffer mitigation is required, please discuss what type of mitigation is proposed (i.e., Donation of Property, Riparian Buffer Restoration /Enhancement, or Payment into the Riparian Buffer Restoration Fund). Please attach all appropriate information as identified within 1 SA NCAC 2B .0242 or .0244, or .0260. N/A XI. Stormwater (required by DWQ) Describe impervious acreage (existing and proposed) versus total acreage on the site. Discuss stormwater controls proposed in order to protect surface waters and wetlands downstream from the property. If percent impervious surface exceeds 20%, please provide calculations demonstrating total proposed impervious level. Impervious acreage will increase by 0.01 acres do to approaches to the pipe crossin;;. XII. Sewage Disposal (required by DWQ) Clearly detail the ultimate treatment methods and disposition (non-discharge or discharge) of wastewater generated from the proposed project, or available capacity of the subject facility. N/A Updated 1 l/1/2005 Page 12 of 13 XIII. Violations (required by DWQ) Is this site in violation of DWQ Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H .0500) or any Buffer Rules? Yes ^ No Is this anafter-the-fact permit application? Yes ^ No XIV. Cumulative Impacts (required by DWQ) Will this project (based on past and reasonably anticipated future impacts) result in additional development, which could impact nearby downstream water quality? Yes ^ No If yes, please submit a qualitative or quantitative cumulative impact analysis in accordance with the most recent North Carolina Division of Water Quality policy posted on our website at http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands. If no, please provide a short narrative description: XV. Other Circumstances (Optional): It is the applicant's responsibility to submit the application sufficiently in advance of desired construction dates to allow processing time for these permits. However, an applicant may choose to list constraints associated with construction or sequencing that may impose limits on work schedules (e.g., draw-down schedules for lakes, dates associated with Endangered and Threatened Species, accessibility problems, or other issues outside of the applicant's control). 3/~ Applicantlf2(gent's Signature Date (Agent's signature is valid only if an authorization letter from the applicant is provided.) Updated I l/1/2005 Page 13 of 13 n v ~ d .d y '! '3 a p A A ~ R O ~ °, ~~~~ ~ m H y O ^1 N ~ b A ~ ~ i-+ fT'f Q~ W ~' ~ V r~~- "'~ A7 O. ~ N v ~• s H b `'p'f + ~ (/~ ~ _ ~ ~ ~ A A o-ly ~ ~ A b y ~ i~e".rty~ 0 J ~ ^ 1 l H I n ~ ~ ~ ~ N ~ ^ ~ ~ N ~ C A O ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ y N Q M 0 ~ 0 ~ i + w ~, N I ^' C N w c~ ~" w~ "a~ a ~W ~~ ~~ A ~` w ,~ a_ _._ Wl8 ~ w / as-~ ddb • o ~ O 0 V~ do 0 ~6 dy dtL r Y t!1 ~ d~ O oo ~ ~! 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Q V N W N r m ~ O o Za a m w W ~ ~ F ~ ~ ri a a U h ¢ -- ~_ A ovi f- ~ww a W U ~ ^ mt-w 3 °w ~ ~ a a 3om ° z h ~ w n y z ~., Q o J h h .~ a h O h H ~ w O N u. ~~ Vj W y~y Hha~ v O ~ (/~ F ~. - ~ Ol N Z ~ O >_-1. at 7~ ,.... O__~ ° ~Z W J p A p 7 ~ ~ : 0.' DC z ~ (, o~ Qv Ql J p oQa m ~ ~ W a 80 g W ~ Q Q S O F 11 m ~>~ OZ ~ U w y S U F- Z ~ m ~ ~ ~°a~ m J ~ ~ W ~ O O~ Q O m W Z (~ O m y ° q r m ~ o II ~ ~ ~. 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ _ ~~ V a ~ II v,~ a `; ~ o II ~ ~ o ~ ~~ ~~~ o _ ~ o ,V ~ Z ~ ~T~ s '~+ O a; X I ~~ ^i F "' ~ ~ _~ '~ ~,< . I N ~~ III ~ s v W ~w ~ _ ` ~ " NMI U3 ~ z~ II ~ o 11 .\~~\ N O W F s /~ r u` W ~ W A Q ~ ~~ ,a .. Wm ~ wq II w ~ I ~ ~ ~ ~ u. a W U °o o N ~ r a ~ ~ ,~ I I ~ '~ ~ ~ ~ II ~~ - ~ o ;~ o ~ ~~ II F ~ ~+ x~ ,~ a~ II' V W Q e, " ~ W ~z ~~ ~ N Z sv m o 119 ~, o'~ N m WZ ~ a I g ~~p ~ Q w ~ ~ ~ N '_ ~ ~p~m a W ~ W OW , ~ ~ ~ N °z O a e;~ Z \' U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WILMINGTON DISTRICT Action Id. 200610035 County: Hvde U.S.G.S. Quad: Howard Reef NOTIFICATION OF JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION Property Owner/Agent: North Carolina Deaartment of Transportation (l ~ ~ ~ ~ f ~ D Address: Gresorv J. Thorne, Ph.D w 1548 Mail Service Center Raleieh, North Carolina 27699-1548 JAN ~~ 200b Telephone No.: (9191733-3141 Property description: DI1tfSl0 OF h~uHWAYS Size (acres) 5 acres Nearest Town Ocracoke F~A•OfF~~E OF P1RTt1~'+L E(~~1ROM41fNT Nearest Waterway Shad Hole Creek River Basin Pamlico Soun USGS HUC 03020105 Coordinates N 35.1310984 W 75.9165429 Location description fihe aroiect is Located on NCHwy 12 at Bridge # 24 north of the village of Ocracoke adiacent to and crossine Shad Hole Creek. Indicate Which of the Following Apply: _ Based on preliminary information, there maybe wetlands on the above described property. We strongly suggest you have this property inspected to determine the extent of Department of the Army (DA) jurisdiction. To be considered final, a jurisdictional determination must be verified by the Corps. This preliminary determination is not an appealable action under the Regulatory Program Administrative Appeal Process (Reference 33 CFR Part 331). _ There are Navigable Waters of the United States within the above described property subject to the permit requirements of Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Unless there is a change in the law or our published regulations, this determination maybe relied upon for a period not to exceed five years from the date of this notification. X There are wetlands on the above described project area subject to the permit requirements of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA}(33 USC § 1344). Unless there is a change in the law or our published regulations, this determination maybe relied upon for a period not to exceed five years from the date of this notification. _ We strongly suggest you have the wetlands on your property delineated. Due to the size of your property and/or our present workload, the Corps may not be able to accomplish this wetland delineation in a timely manner. For a more timely delineation, you may wish to obtain a consultant. To be considered final, any delineation must be verified by the Corps. _ The wetland on your property have been delineated and the delineation has been verified by the Corps. We strongly suggest you have this delineation surveyed. Upon completion, this survey should be reviewed and verified by the Corps. Once verified, this survey will provide an accurate depiction of all areas subject to CWA jurisdiction on your property which, provided. there is no change in the law or our published regulations, may be relied upon for a period not to exceed five years. X The wetlands have been delineated and surveyed and are accurately depicted on the plat signed by the Corps Regulatory Official identified below on 10/20/2005. Unless there is a change in the law or our published regulations, this determination maybe relied upon for a period not to exceed five years from the date of this notification. _ There are no waters of the U.S., to include wetlands, present on the above described property which are subject to the permit requirements of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC 1344). Unless there is a change in the law or our published regulations, this determination may be relied upon for a period not to exceed five years from the date of this notification. X The property is located in one of the 20 Coastal Counties subject to regulation under the Coastal Area Management Act (LAMA). You should contact the Division of Coastal Management in Elizabeth City, NC, at (252) 264-3901 to determine their requirements. Page 1 of 2 Action Id. 200610035 Placement of dredged or fill material within waters of the US and/or wetlands without a Department of the Army permit may constitute a violation of Section 301 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC § 1311). If you have any questions regarding this determination and/or the Corps regulatory program, please contact Blll Biddlecome at (252) 975-1616 ext. 26. Basis For Determination: This site exhibits wetland criteria as described in the 1987 Corps Wetland Delineation Manual and is cart of a broad continuum of wetlands connected to Shad Hole Creek, a tributary of the Pamlico Sound: Remarks: ,.~ Corps Regulatory Official: ~~ % ' ~' +~ i Date 10/20/2005 Copy Furnished: Cindy Carr Mulkey Engineers & Consultants P.O. Box 33127 Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3127 Expiration Date 10/20/2010 Page 2 of 2 ~;~ s, '~ ' - A licant: NCDOT File Number: 200610035 Date: 10/20/2005 Attached is: See Section below INITIAL PROFFERED PERMIT (Standard Permit or Letter of A ermission PROFFERED PERMIT Standard Permit or Letter of ermission B PERMIT DENIAL C APPROVED JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION D PRELIMINARY JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION E SECTION I - T'he following identifies your rights and Options regarding an~administrative appeal of the above decision. Additional information maybe found at http://www.usace.army.miUinet/functions/cw/cecwo/reg or Co s, re lations at 33:CFR Part 33 l r'' '-' A: INITIAL PROFFERED PERMIT: You may accept or object to the permit. • ACCEPT: If you received a Standard Permit, you may sign the permit document and return it to the district engineer for final authorization. If you received a Letter of Permission (LOP), you may accept the LOP and your work is authorized. Your signature on the Standard Permit or acceptance of the LOP means that you accept the permit in its entirety, and waive all rights to appeal the permit, including its terms and conditions, and approved jurisdictional determinations associated with the permit. • OBJECT: If you object to the permit (Standard or LOP) because of certain terms and conditions therein, you may request that the permit be modified accordingly. You must complete Section II of this form and return the form to the district engineer. Your objections must be received by the district engineer within 60 days of the date of this notice, or you will forfeit your right to appeal the permit in the future. Upon receipt of your letter, the district engineer will evaluate your objections and may: (a) modify the permit to address all of your concerns, (b) modify the permit to address some of your objections, or (c) not modify the permit having determined that the permit should be issued as previously written. After evaluating your objections, the district engineer will send you a proffered permit for your reconsideration, as indicated in Section B below. B: PROFFERED PERMIT: You may accept or appeal the permit • ACCEPT: If you received a Standard Permit, you may sign the permit document and return it to the district engineer for final authorization. If you received a Letter of Permission (LOP), you may accept the LOP and your work is authorized. Your signature on the Standard Permit or acceptance of the LOP means that you accept the permit in its entirety, and waive all rights to appeal the permit, including its terms and conditions, and approved jurisdictional determinations associated with the permit. • APPEAL: If you choose to decline the proffered permit (Standard or LOP) because of certain terms and conditions therein, you may appeal the declined permit under the Corps of Engineers Administrative Appeal Process by completing Section II of this form and sending the form to the division engineer. This form must be received by the division engineer within 60 days of the date of this notice. C: PERMIT DENIAL: You may appeal the denial of a permit under the Corps of Engineers Administrative Appeal Process by completing Section II of this form and sending the form to the division engineer. This form must be received by the division engineer within 60 days of the date of this notice. D: APPROVED JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION: You may accept or appeal the approved JD or provide new information. • ACCEPT: You do not need to notify the Corps to accept an approved JD. Failure to notify the Corps within 60 days of the date of this notice, means that you accept the approved JD in its entirety, and waive all rights to appeal the approved JD. • APPEAL: If you disagree with the approved JD, you may appeal the approved JD under the Corps of Engineers Administrative Appeal Process by completing Section II of this form and sending the form to the division engineer. This form must be received by the division engineer within 60 days of the date of this notice. E: PRELIMINARY JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION: You do not need to respond to the Corps regarding the preliminary JD. The Preliminary JD is not appealable. If you wish, you may request an approved JD (which may be appealed), by contacting the Corps district for further instruction. Also you may provide new information for further consideration by the Corps to reevaluate the JD. SECTION III - RE UEST-FOR APPE"AL or OBJECTIONS TO AN INITIAL PROFFERED PERMIT '- REASONS FOR APPEAL OR OBJECTIONS: (Describe your reasons for appealing the decision or your objections to an initial proffered permit in clear concise statements. You may attach additional information to this form to clarify where your reasons or objections are addressed in the administrative record.) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The appeal is limited to a review of the administrative record, the Corps memorandum for the record of the appeal conference or meeting, and any supplemental information that the review officer has determined is needed to clarify the administrative record. Neither the appellant nor the Corps may add new information or analyses to the record. However, you may provide additional information to clarify the location of information that is alread in the administrative record. POINT,OF.CONTACT~EOR UESTIO~NS OR INFORMATION: ' If you have questions regarding this decision If you only have questions regarding the appeal process you and/or the appeal process you may contact: may also contact: Bill Biddlecome Mr. Michael F. Bell, Administrative Appeal Review Officer Regulatory Division CESAD-ET-CO-R Washington Filed Office U.5. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division Washington, North Carolina 27889 60 Forsyth Street, Room 9M15 252 975-1616 ext,26 Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8801 RIGHT OF ENTRY: Your signature below grants the right of entry to Corps of Engineers personnel, and any government consultants, to conduct investigations of the project site during the course of the appeal process. You will be provided a 15 day notice of any site investigation, and will have the opportunity to participate in all site investi ations. Date: Telephone number: Si ature of a ellant or a ent. DIVISION ENGINEER: Commander U.S. Army Engineer Division, South Atlantic 60 Forsyth Street, Room 9M15 Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3490 March 22, 2007 Mr. Gary Jordan U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Raleigh Field Office 551F Pylon Drive Raleigh, North Carolina 27606 RE: Informal Section 7 Consultation for Protected Species, Ocracoke Island Bridge Replaceme:lt Projects, Hyde County, North Carolina State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) B-5015, B-5016, B-5017, North Carolina Moving Ahead (NQVIA) 1009B, MA 1011B, and SB 622 Dear Mr. Jordan, The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NGDOT) proposes to replace the seven bridges on NC Highway 12 (NC 12) on Ocracoke Island with new structures constructed at the existing locations (Figure 1). The proposed seven project sites will be built using State funding through the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), North Carolina Moving Ahead (NCMA), and NCDOT Division 1 bridge maintenance funds. The bridge sites are identified as Bridge No. 10 over Island Creek; Bridge No. 24 over Shad Hole Creek; Bridge No. 31 over Old Hammock Creek; Bridge No. 39 over Molasses Creek; Bridge No. 42 over Quokes Point Creek; Bridge No. 46 over Parkers Creek; and Bridge No. 49 over Try Yard Creek As of January 29, 2007, the USFWS has listed the following species in Hyde County as receiving federal protection: American alligator (Alli~ztor»~ssissippr~is), bald eagle (Haliae~zrs le~rcrxrph~alus), red-cockaded woodpecker (Picnides borealis), piping plover (Claarac~izrs rrda~us), red wolf (Carris ru~irs), West Indian manatee (Tridaahus mznatus), green sea turtle (Ch~om'a myelas), hawksbill sea turtle (E retrnrzrl~el3s rr~rzcata), Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidod~el~ kerrq~ia), leatherback sea turtle (Derrnnd~el~s coriacpa), logge_head sea turtle (Caretta can~ta), shortnose sturgeon (Acipa~ser brezirnstru~, seabeach amaranth (Arrttrartthus purral~s), and sensitive joint-vetch (Aesdrynorrene urgirttca). Previous implementation plans called for replacing the bridges sequentially over multiple years without using the beach for detour access. Based on this construction plan and in accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543), Mr. Pete Benjamin noted in a March 4, 2005 letter that the USFWS concurred with a determination that bridge construction would have "no effect" on these species with the exception of the West Indian manatee. With implementation of the Service's "Guidelines for Avoiding Impacts to the West Indian Manatee" for this project, a determination of "May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect" was concurred for the manatee. Revisions to the implementation plan now call for construction of the new bridges to occur simultaneously during the January 2 to March 15, 2008 winter season and will require the NC 12 roadway be closed to traffic during that period. To accommodate local traffic on Ocracoke Island, the National Park Service (NPS) has proposed to open the Atlantic coast beach for off- road vehicle travel between the NPS campgrounds access ramp (south of the bridge sites) and MuLKev INC. 6750 TRVOtJ ROAD CaRV. NC 2751 1 PO BoX 33127 RALEIGH. NC 27636 PH: 919.851.191 2 Fa.X: 919-857.1 91 8 WWW.MULKEVIN C.COM Mr. Gary Jordan, USFWS March 22., 2007 Page 2 the Pony Pens dune break (north of the bridge sites). Figure 1 provides an overview of the bridges sites and proposed beach detour route. The NCDOT retained Mulkey, Inc. (lvlulkeyj to conduct natural resources investigations to determine the presence of protected species or their habitats as part of National Environmental Policy Act requirements. Mulkey is also preparing a Natural Resources Technical Report for the project. To support this effort field surveys were conducted by qualified biologists from Mulkey for the seven bridge sites between October 28 and November 11, 2004 and along the Atlantic coast beach on February 27, 2007. The surveys were conducted to investigate the presence of protected species and habitat assessments. During these surveys, Mulkey personnel identified possible Habitat for sea turtles, piping plover, and sea-beach amaranth. It ~ noted the optimal survey window to determine the presence of sea-beach amaranth is annually between June and the first frost. Since project construction will occur outside timeframes for sea turtle and piping plover resting seasons and the growth season for sea-beach amaranth, the NCDOT requests your concurrence with a determination of "May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect" for sea turtles, piping plovers, and "No Effect" for sea-beach amaranth. The following infornmation is provided in support of the biological conclusion. Sea Turtles Greer tcr::~e„ are found worldwide in both tropical and sub-tropical water,. They travel using pelagi:;: convergence zones and use shallow protected waters for benthic feeding grounds. Aduits f~:e~~ iargely on marine algae and grasses but may also eat small mollusks, sponges, crustaceans, and jellyfish. Females lay eggs at night on high energy oceanic beaches in deep nest cavities above the high water line. In North Carolina, the nesting season generally occurs between May 1 and October 31. According to the NPS, sea turtle strandings typically occur between. tl:e fall anc~. spring seasons, indicating sea turtles are using the Pamlico Sound as a winter feec'ii:g ground. Two juvenile green turtle strandings in marshes between the Hatteras ferry dock and Ocracoke Village were documented by the NCWRC between 1999 and 2004. Appropriate nesting habitat is available along the Atlantic coast beach and foraging is available in waters of the Pamlico Sound. Because the project will occur during the winter season when green sea turtles are not likely to use the Ocracoke Island beach or tidal creeks, concurrence with a "MayA+fect, Not Likely To Adversely Affect" determination is requested. Adult Kemp's ridley turtles are thought to be shallow water benthic feeders, eating crabs and mollL~~sks. Juveniles and sub-adults travel the Atlantic coastal waters from Georgia to New England, where they feed in bays, coastal lagoons, and river mouths, while adults are usually confined to the Gulf of Mexico. Hatchlings feed on sargassum and associated invertebrate fauna or other pelagic species in the Gulf of Mexico. Appropriate foraging habitat is available in the project vicinity and includes the SAV beds of the Pamlico Sound on the west side of Ocracoke Island. Stranding records for waters of the sound between the Hatteras ferry dock and Ocracoke Village include juvenile Kemp's ridley turtles found during fall or winter months that ~Tere likely feeding near inshore waters around the island. The N®OT requests concurrence with a determnation of "May Affect, Is Not Likely To Adversely Affect" for Mr. Gary Jordan, USFWS March 22, 200' Page 3 Kemp's ridley sea turtles since project construction will occur during the winter and Kemp's ridley turtle is r!ot likely to use the Ocracoke Island beach or tidal creeks. Leatherback sea turtle nesting is more prevalent in tropical waters along the coast of Mexico but they have also used southeast Atlantic coast beaches between March and July. Females prefer high-energy beaches with deep unobstructed access such as found along continental shorelines. Little is lmown of hatchling and juvenile distribution, but it is believed they migrate between tropical and subtropical pelagic habitats. Jellyfish are the primary diet of leatherbacks, and foraging often occurs at the surface in shallow bays and estuaries. Stranding records collected since 1999 for waters of the sound between the Hatteras ferry dock and Ocracoke Village do not include any leatherback turtles. Appropriate foraging habitat is available in the project vicinity in the Pamlico Sound on the west side of Ocracoke Island. Project construction will occur during the winter when leatherback sea turtles are not expected to occur along the Ocracoke Island beach or tidal creeks. Concurrence with a biological conclusion of "May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect" is requested. Logge°l:e_xds are distributed worldwide and seem to prefer temperate and subtropical nesting sites, ley are the most commonly occurring sea turtle in North Carolina. coastal waters. Adult females rest on beaches of barrier strands adjacent to continental land masses. Nesting occurs noctlarr~aa_1~~~ i;e~ween April and September along the southeastern Atlantic coast. Appropriate nesri~lb ~a~ir.-<l~~ includes the Atlantic coast beaches of Ocracoke, where turtle nesting season genera_1y +.;c;c~;rs between May and October. Hatchlings and subadults develop while in pelagic drift Lr~~:~ a±-,cl convergence zones before migrating to near-shore and estuarine waters along continental n:~algins. Loggerhead turtles feed primarily on mollusks, crustaceans, and other benthic LnvertPbr~ares but may also scavenge fish and eat sea grasses. Foraging habitat includes the Si1V l;ed, of the Pamlico Sound on the west side of Ocracoke Island. The NPS indicates four iu~,~er~ie loggerhead turtles have been stranded between the Hatteras ferry dock and Ocraroi:~ ~,-'illabe since 1999. Available data indicates loggerhead turtles are not using tidal creek<<, b-u~: rati-~er remain in the Sound or along the Atlantic coastline. Since project construction W]II GCCLIr dul-ing winter months and will end before the nesting season begins, concurrence with a de~ernvnation of "May Affect, Not Likelyto Adversely Affect" is requested. Hawksbill turtles are found worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters, where they use differe:~i habitats during different life stages. Hatchlings feed and shelter in pelagic convergence zones, while adults use low and high energy coastal beaches for nesting. They forage in coral reefs, roci~y outcrops, and high energy shoals of surrounding waters where they feed primarily on sponges but will also eat invertebrates, algae, mangroves, and other types of plants. The N~~?I~' has one record of a hawksbill sea turtle occurring in the Pamlico Sound off Hatteras Island (Luxton area) in 1988. Since construction of the replacement bridges and the beach access dei:our will occur during the winter season when sea turtles are not likely to use the Ocracoke Isl~.nd beach or tidal creeks, concurrence with a May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect concksion is requested for hawksbill sea turtles. Mr. Gary Jordan, USFWS March 22, 2CG7 Page 4 Piping Plover Piping plovers migrate northward between February and April to breeding grounds and southward between July and September to wintering grounds. When they amve on breeding grounds in the early spring they establish nest sites in sandy coastal beach substrates above the high tide line, on sandflats at the ends of sandspits and barrier islands, on gently sloping foredunes, and on blowout or washover areas behind and between dunes. Eggs maybe laid from mid-Ap3;1 to late July with only a single brood fledging per season. Foraging for marine worms, fly larvae, beetles, crustaceans, and mollusks occurs on intertidal portions of ocean beaches, washover areas, mud and sandflats, wrack lines, and coastal marsh shorelines. Feeding may occur during all hours of the day and night and all stages of the tidal cycle. Appropriate nesting habitat for piping plover is available at the northern and southern points of Ocracoke Island and foraging habitat is available along the Atlantic beach areas of the island. Large numbers of migrating plovers have been observed along North Carolina's barrier islands, including the Ocracoke Inlet and Portsmouth Flats area. A March 7, 2007 review of North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) maps confirmed that known nesting sites or populations are located more than 5 miles from the southernmost bridge site and more than 6 miles from the northernmost bridge site. A review of bird census data collected on Ocracoke Island by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission indicates piping plovers have been sighted a? nesting areas at the south point of the island as early as January. Since the scope of the pY-oject is limited to construction of new bridges on existing locations near the central part of the island. and detour access along the beach will be limited to the interior of the island, potential piping pio aer nesting areas will not be impacted by project construction. Concurrence with a deterazu.*~arior~ of "May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect" is requested forpiping plovers. Seabea.4~h Amaranth Seabeach amaranth is native to Atlantic coast barrier island beaches and occupies dynamic portions cf the landscape. Primary habitat consists of overwash flats at accreting ends of islands, looter foredunes and upper strands of stable beaches, and occasionally on sound-side beaches, faredune blowouts, and dredge spoils. Seabeach amaranth is an annual plant with fleshy reddish or pink-red stems and small rounded leaves that cluster toward the tip of the trailing stems. Seeds are produced from mid-summer until the fast frost; banked seeds can survi`-e for years and successfully germinate once exposed. Appropriate habitat for Seabeach amaranth is available in the project vicinity on the Atlantic coast and sound-side beaches of Ocracoke Island. However, NCNHP records indicate there are no populations of this plant on Ocracoke Island (as of February 2007 database records). Since project construction will occur during the winter, Seabeach amaranth would not be present along the beach detour route. Concurrence v,~ith a detemvnation of "No Effect" is requested for seabeach amaranth. Principal Investigators Cindy Carr and Harold Brady have conducted numerous Section 7 field investigations and informal consultations for protected species, including Michaux's sumac (Rlnrs rrid.+auzia), Mr. Gary Jordan, USFWS March 22, 2007 Page 5 sensitive. joint-vetch (Aesneurgirnrr~), seabeach amaranth (Amzrarrtlnls~~s), Schweinitz's sunflower (H~'iaritlius sdneeirritzia), dwarf-flowered heartleaf (Hacasty~zs rrarriflora), pondberry (Linden rrelzssifadia), rough-leaved loosestrife (L~sirre~d~ra aspenrlia), and Virginia spirea (Spiraea zirgirriana). During the last several years, Ms. Carr has attended rare and protected species plants workshops conducted by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Raleigh Field Office personnel and the NCNB'. Duuing her undergraduate program studies at North Carolina State University she spent nearly three years working on a Michaux's sumac propagation project with a Department of Forestry faculty member. She is currently pursuing graduate studies in the Fisheries and Wildlife Science program at North Carolina State University. Cindy S. Carr, Senior Scientist Education: BS, Ecosystem Assessment, North Carolina State University AS, Business Administration, Calhoun State College Experieizce: Mulkey Engineers & Consultants, November 2002 to present ARCADIS, May 2000 to November 2002 CH2M HILL, October 1989 to June 1996 Certifications: Wetland Professional-In Training, Society of Wetland Scientists, 2001 Stream ID and Buffer Rule Applications Program, NCDWQ, 2002 Benthic Collection Protocols for Stream Restoration, NCDWQ, 2002 Expertise: NEPA investigations, Section 7 field investigations and consultations, wetland determination and delineation, stream deternnation and delineation, 404/401 permits, stream and wetland restoration, habitat assessments, Rosgen stream assessment and classification, Phase I environmental site assessments Harold ~"~1. Brady, Scientist Educati~~~~: BS Ecosystem Assessment, North Carolina State University Exper7_e:2ce: Mulkey Engineers & Consultants, October 2003 to present ARCADIS, January 2000 to September 2003 Certifications: Benthic Collection Protocols for Stream Restoration, N®WQ Expertise: NEPA investigations, Section 7 field investigations, wetland determination and delineation, stream determination and delineation, stream and wetland restoration, habitat assessments, GPS/GIS data collection, and Phase I environmental site assessments. If you have any questions or require additional infom~ation about the project or field investigations, please contact me at your earliest convenience. Sincerely;;