20160106_Scoping Comments_20111108

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NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Dtvlslon of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Coleen H Sullins
Governor Director
November 8 2011
MEMORANDUM
TO Pamela R Williams Bridge Project Planning Engineer NCDOT
FROM Michael R Parker NCDWQ Asheville Regional Office
SUBJECT Division 14 Design Build Bridge Replacement Program Scopmg Review Comments
In reply to your request the NCDWQ offers the following comments for the projects listed below
Project Specific Comments
190018 Bridge No 18 over Owl Creek, NCSR 1340, Cherokee County
Dee Freeman
Secretary
Owl Creek is classified C waters however NCWRC has indicated that this stream contains rainbow
trout NCDWQ recommends that the most protective sediment and erosion control BMP s be
implemented to reduce the risk of turbidity violations in trout waters In addition all disturbances
within trout buffers shall be conducted in accordance with the NC Division of Land Resources and
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Should NC Wildlife Resources Commission ( NCWRC) identify these waters as naturally reproducing
trout waters NCDOT will be required to observe the NCWRC recommended moratoria for trout In
additions NCDWQ will require that NCDOT strictly adhere to North Carolina regulations entitled
Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds [15A NCAC 04B 0124] throughout design and
construction of the project
190036 Bridge No 36 over Webb Creek, NCSR 1384, Cherokee County
1 The Left Fork of Webb Creek is classified C waters however NCWRC has indicated that this stream
contains rainbow trout NCDWQ recommends that the most protective sediment and erosion control
BMP s be implemented to reduce the risk of turbidity violations in trout waters In addition all
disturbances within trout buffers shall be conducted in accordance with the NC Division of Land
Resources and NC Wildlife Resources Commission
2 Should NC Wildlife Resources Commission ( NCWRC) identify these waters as naturally reproducing
— trout waters NCDOT will be required to observe the NCWRC recommended moratoria for trout In
additions NCDWQ will require that NCDOT strictly adhere to North Carolina regulations entitled
Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds [15A NCAC 04B 0124] throughout design and
construction of the project
SURFACE WATER PROTECTION SECTION Asheville Regional Office
2090 U S Highway 70 Swannanoa North Carolina 28778 8211
Phone [phone] FAX [phone]
Customer Service 1 877 623 6748
Internet www ncwaterquality org
An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer
NorthCarohna
Naturally

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370087 Bridge No 87 over Cochran Creek, NCSR 1250, Graham County
1 Cochran Creek is classified C waters
2 NCDWQ has no specific comments for this project
490055 Bridge No 55 over Long Branch, NCSR 1552, Jackson County
1 Long Branch is class C waters
2 NCDWQ has no specific comments for this project
490098 Bridge No 98 over Fisher Creek, NCSR 1446, Jackson County
Fisher Creek is classified C trout waters NCDWQ recommends that the most protective sediment
and erosion control BMP s be implemented to reduce the risk of turbidity violations in trout waters
In addition all disturbances within trout buffers shall be conducted in accordance with the NC
Division of Land Resources and NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Should NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) identify these waters as naturally reproducing
trout waters NCDOT will be required to observe the NCWRC recommended moratoria for trout In
additions NCDWQ will require that NCDOT strictly adhere to North Carolina regulations entitled
Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds [15A NCAC 04B 0124] throughout design and
construction of the project
490252 Bridge No 252 over East Fork of Dicks Creek, NCSR 1389, Jackson County
The East Fork of Dicks Creek is classified C waters however NCWRC has indicated that this stream
contains rainbow trout NCDWQ recommends that the most protective sediment and erosion control
BMP s be implemented to reduce the risk of turbidity violations in trout waters In addition all
disturbances within trout buffers shall be conducted in accordance with the NC Division of Land
Resources and NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Should NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) identify these waters as naturally reproducing
trout waters NCDOT will be required to observe the NCWRC recommended moratoria for trout In
additions NCDWQ will require that NCDOT strictly adhere to North Carolina regulations entitled
Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds [15A NCAC 04B 0124] throughout design and
construction of the protect
550278 Bridge No 278 over Poplar Cove Creek, NCSR 1308, Macon County
1 Poplar Cove Creek is classified as WS III trout waters NCDWQ recommends that the most
protective sediment and erosion control BMP s be implemented to reduce the risk of turbidity
violations in trout waters In addition all disturbances within trout buffers shall be conducted in
accordance with the NC Division of Land Resources and NC Wildlife Resources Commission
2 Should NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) identify these waters as naturally reproducing
trout waters NCDOT will be required to observe the NCWRC recommended moratoria for trout In
additions NCDWQ will require that NCDOT strictly adhere to North Carolina regulations entitled
Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds [15A NCAC 04B 0124] throughout design and
construction of the project
550308 Bridge No 308 over Watauga Creek, NCSR 1500, Macon County
1 Watauga Creek is class C trout waters of the State NCDWQ recommends that the most protective
sediment and erosion control BMP s be implemented to reduce the risk of turbidity violations in trout
waters In addition all disturbances within trout buffers shall be conducted in accordance with the
NC Division of Land Resources and NC Wildlife Resources Commission

2 Should NC Wildlife Resources Commission ( NCWRC) identify these waters as naturally reproducing
trout waters NCDOT will be required to observe the NCWRC recommended moratoria for trout In
additions NCDWQ will require that NCDOT strictly adhere to North Carolina regulations entitled
Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds [15A NCAC 04B 0124] throughout design and
construction of the project
550315 Bridge No 315 over East Fork Overflow Creek, NCSR 1618, Macon County
1 The East Fork Overflow Creek is classified C trout ORW waters NCDWQ recommends that the
most protective sediment and erosion control BMP s be implemented to reduce the risk of turbidity
violations in trout waters In addition all disturbances within trout buffers shall be conducted in
accordance with the NC Division of Land Resources and NC Wildlife Resources Commission
2 Should NC Wildlife Resources Commission ( NCWRC) identify these waters as naturally reproducing
trout waters NCDOT will be required to observe the NCWRC recommended moratoria for trout In
additions NCDWQ will require that NCDOT strictly adhere to North Carolina regulations entitled
Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds [15A NCAC 04B 0124] throughout design and
construction of the project
3 NCDOT may be required to obtain a State Stormwater permit for this project in accordance with 15A
NCAC 2H 1000 This will depend on the amount of new impervious surface on the new bridge
860131 Bridge No 131 over Chestnut Cove Creek, NCSR 1122, Swain County
1 Chestnut Cove Creek is class C waters
2 NCDWQ has no specific comments for this bridge project
430102 Bridge No 102 over Plott Creek, NCSR 1173, Haywood County
1 Plott Creek is classified C trout waters NCDWQ recommends that the most protective sediment and
erosion control BMP s be implemented to reduce the risk of turbidity violations in trout
waters In addition all disturbances within trout buffers shall be conducted in accordance with the
NC Division of Land Resources and NC Wildlife Resources Commission
2 Should NC Wildlife Resources Commission ( NCWRC) identify these waters as naturally reproducing
trout waters NCDOT will be required to observe the NCWRC recommended moratoria for trout In
additions NCDWQ will require that NCDOT strictly adhere to North Carolina regulations entitled
Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds [15A NCAC 04B 0124] throughout design and
construction of the project
430309 Bridge No 309 over Rogers Cove Creek, NCSR 1373, Haywood County
1 Rogers Cove Creek is classified as C waters
2 NCDWQ has no specific comments for this bridge project
430310 Bridge No 310 over Laurel Branch, NCSR 1348, Haywood County
1 Laurel Branch is classified C waters
2 NCDWQ has not specific comments for this bridge project
430314 Bridge No 314 over Arrington Branch (Rogers Branch), NCSR 1355, Haywood County
1 Arrington Branch is classified as C waters
2 NCDWQ has no specific comments for this bridge project

430317 Bridge No 317 over Stevens Creek, NCSR 1346, Haywood County
I Stevens Creek is classified C waters
2 NCDWQ has no specific comments for this bridge project
440314 Bridge No 314 over Perry Creek, NCSR 1141, Henderson County
1 Perry Creek is classified as B waters
2 NCDWQ has no specific comments on this bridge project
440318 Bridge No 318 over Meminger Creek, NCSR 1217, Henderson County
1 Memmger (Meninger) Creek is classified as C waters
2 NCDWQ has no specific comments for this project
740144 Bridge No 144 over Panther Creek, NCSR 1138, Polk County
1 Panther Creek is classified as C trout waters NCDWQ recommends that the most protective
sediment and erosion control BMP s be implemented to reduce the risk of turbidity violations in trout
waters In addition all disturbances within trout buffers shall be conducted in accordance with the
NC Division of Land Resources and NC Wildlife Resources Commission
2 Should NC Wildlife Resources Commission ( NCWRC) identify these waters as naturally reproducing
trout waters NCDOT will be required to observe the NCWRC recommended moratoria for trout In
additions NCDWQ will require that NCDOT strictly adhere to North Carolina regulations entitled
Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds [15A NCAC 04B 0124] throughout design and
construction of the project
870028 Bridge No 28 over Morton Creek, NCSR 1316, Transylvania County
Morton Creek is classified as C trout waters NCDWQ recommends that the most protective
sediment and erosion control BMP s be implemented to reduce the risk of turbidity violations in trout
waters In addition all disturbances within trout buffers shall be conducted in accordance with the
NC Division of Land Resources and NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Should NC Wildlife Resources Commission ( NCWRC) identify these waters as naturally reproducing
trout waters, NCDOT will be required to observe the NCWRC recommended moratoria for trout In
additions NCDWQ will require that NCDOT strictly adhere to North Carolina regulations entitled
Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds [15A NCAC 04B 0124] throughout design and
construction of the project
General Comments Regarding Bridge Replacement Projects
1 NCDWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from these projects
NCDOT shall address these concerns by describing the potential impacts that may occur to the
aquatic environments and any mitigating factors that would reduce the impacts
2 If foundation test borings are necessary it shall be noted in the document Geotechnical work is
approved under General 401 Certification Number 3687/Nationwide Permit No 6 for Survey
Activities
3 Any Bridge considered a Low Impact Bridge Project must fall under Nationwide Permit No 3 to
qualify for Low Impact otherwise standard permitting procedures will be required Example
(Regional General Permit No 31 Nationwide Permit No 23 Nationwide Permit No 13 etc )

4 Whenever possible NCDWQ prefers spanning structures Spanning structures usually do not require
work within the stream or grubbing of the stream banks and do not require stream channel
realignment The horizontal and vertical clearances provided by bridges shall allow for human and
wildlife passage beneath the structure Fish passage and navigation by canoeists and boaters shall not
be blocked Bridge supports (bents) should not be placed in the stream when possible
5 Bridge deck drains shall not discharge directly into the stream Stormwater shall be directed across
the bridge and pre treated through site appropriate means (grassed swales pre formed scour holes
vegetated buffers etc ) before entering the stream Please refer to the most current version of
NCDWQ s Stormwater Best Management Practices
6 Strict adherence to the most recent version of NCDOT s Best Management Practices For Bridge
Demolition and Removal approved by the US Army Corps of Engineers is a condition of the 401 Water
Quality Certification
7 Bridge piles and bents shall be constructed using driven piles (hammer or vibratory) or drilled shaft
construction methods More specifically betting or other methods of pile driving are prohibited without
prior written approval from NCDWQ first
8 No drill slurry or water that has been in contact with uncured concrete shall be allowed to enter surface
waters This water shall be captured treated and disposed of properly
9 All pile driving or drilling activities shall be enclosed in turbidity curtains unless otherwise approved by
NCDWQ in this certification
10 All bridge construction shall be performed from the existing bridge temporary work bridges
temporary causeways or floating or sunken barges If work conditions require barges they shall be
floated into position and then sunk The barges shall not be sunk and then dragged into position Under
no circumstances should barges be dragged along the bottom of the surface water
11 All work in or adjacent to stream waters shall be conducted in a dry work area Approved BMP
measures from the most current version of NCDOT Construction and Maintenance Activities manual
such as sandbags rock berms cofferdams and other diversion structures shall be used to prevent
excavation in flowing water
12 If concrete is used during construction a dry work area shall be maintained to prevent direct contact
between curing concrete and stream water Water that inadvertently contacts uncured concrete shall
not be discharged to surface waters due to the potential for elevated pH and possible aquatic life and
fish kills
13 Heavy equipment shall be operated from the banks rather than in the stream channel in order to
minimize sedimentation and reduce the introduction of other pollutants into the stream This equipment
shall be inspected daily and maintained to prevent contamination of surface waters from leaking fuels
lubricants hydraulic fluids or other toxic materials -
14 If temporary access roads or detours are constructed the site shall be graded to its preconstructton
contours and elevations Disturbed areas shall be seeded or mulched to stabilize the soil and
appropriate native woody species shall be planted When using temporary structures the area shall be
cleared but not grubbed Clearing the area with chain saws mowers bush hogs or other mechanized
equipment and leaving the stumps and root mat intact allows the area to re vegetate naturally and
minimizes soil disturbance

15 Sediment and erosion control measures sufficient to protect water resources must be implemented and
maintained in accordance with the most recent version of North Carolina Sediment and Erosion Control
Planning and Design Manual and the most recent version of NCS000250
16 In most cases the NCDWQ prefers the replacement of the existing structure at the same location with
road closure If road closure is not feasible a temporary detour shall be designed and located to avoid
wetland impacts minimize the need for clearing and to avoid destabilizing stream banks If the
structure will be on a new alignment the old structure shall be removed and the approach fills removed
from the 100 year floodplam Approach fills shall be removed and restored to the natural ground
elevation The area shall be stabilized with grass and planted with native tree species Tall fescue shall
not be used in riparian areas
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments at this time NCDOT is reminded that issuance of a
401 Water Quality Certification requires that appropriate measures be instituted to ensure that water
quality standards are met and designated uses are not degraded or lost If you have any questions or
require additional information please contact Mike Parker at 828 296 4500
cc Lori Beckwith USACE Asheville Field Office
Josh Deyton NCDOT Division 14 Bridge Manager
Mark Davis NCDOT Division 14 Environmental Officer
Marla Chambers NCWRC
Dave McHenry NCWRC
Transportation Permitting Unit
NCOT Design Build Bridge Replacement Program Scopmg Comments Division 14