20151267_Scoping Comments_20110831

LTXWA
' NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Coleen H Sullins
Governor Director
August 31 2011
MEMORANDUM
TO Garry Moore Division 13 Bridge Manager NCDOT
FROM Michael R Parker NCDWQ Asheville Regional Office AV
SUBJECT Division 13 2011 Bridge Replacement Program
Scoping Review Comments
In reply to your request the NCDWQ offers the following comments for the projects listed below
Project Specific Comments
580085 Bridge No 85 over the Catawba River, NCSR 1274, McDowell County
Dee Freeman
Secretary
The Catawba River is class C trout (HQW) 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
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
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
100037 Bridge No 37 over Morgan Creek, NCSR 2786, Buncombe County
1 The East Prong of Hunting Creek is class WS IV waters
2 NCDWQ has no specific comments for this project
100117 Bridge No 117 over Creek, NCSR 2776, Buncombe County
Paint Fork Creek is class WS -II HQW waters
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
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
SURFACE WATER PROTECTION SECTION Asheville Regional Office
2090 U S Highway 70 Swannanoa North Carolina 28778 8211
Phone [phone] FAX [phone]
Customer Service 1877-623-6748
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100222 Bridge No 222 over Herron Cove Branch, NCSR 2098, Buncombe County
1 Herron Cove Branch 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
100315 Bridge No 315 over Wise Branch, NCSR 3437, Buncombe County
1 Wise Branch is class C waters
2 NCDWQ has no specific comments for this bridge project
100433 Bridge No 433 over Glady Fork Creek, NCSR 3464, Buncombe County
1 Glady Fork Creek is class 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 protect
110203 Bridge No 203 over Carroll Creek, NCSR 1405, Burke County
1 Carroll 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 01241 throughout design and
construction of the project
560263 Bridge No 263 over Greasy Branch, NCSR 1167, Madison County
1 Greasy Branch is classified C ORW waters 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
2 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
(2)

560314 Bridge No 314 over Calvin Creek, NCSR 1332, Madison County
1 Calvin 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 protect
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
580123 Bridge No 123 over Dogback Spring Branch, NCSR 1560, McDowell County
J
Dogback Spring Branch 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
580126 Bridge No 126 over Pond Branch, NCSR 1560, McDowell County
1 Pond Branch 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
580245 Bridge No 245 over Jordan Branch, NCSR 1128, McDowell County
1 Jordan Branch is classified as C waters
2 NCDWQ has no specific comments for this bridge project
600092 Bridge No 92 over Lyddies Creek, NCSR 1330, Mitchell County
1 Lyddies 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
(3)

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
600093 Bridge No 93 over Big Rock Creek Creek, NCSR 1330, Mitchell County
1 Big Rock is classified C trout waters NCDWQ recommends that the most protective sediment and
erosion control BUT 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 protect
600146 Bridge No 146 over an unnamed tributary to Big Rock Creek, NCSR 1330, NLtchell
County
1 This unnamed tributary to Big Rock 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 protect
800109 Bridge No 109 over Grog Creek, NCSR 1317, Rutherford County
1 Grog Creek is classified WS IV waters
2 NCDWQ has no specific comments for this bridge project
990037 Bridge No 37 over Brush Creek (Bush Creek), NCSR 1317, Yancey County
1 Brush Creek (Bush Creek) is classified C trout waters NCDWQ recommends that the most
protective sediment and erosion control BUT 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
(4)

990054 Bridge 54 over (ut to Cane River or Falling Waters Branch), NCSR 1100, Yancey County
Both streams are classified WS H trout HQW 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
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
990121 Bridge 121 over Bald Mountain Creek, NCSR 1395, Yancey County
1 Bald Mountain 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 [I 5A NCAC 04B 0124] throughout design and
construction of the project
990191 Bridge No 191 over Pig Pen Creek, NCSR 1333, Yancey, County
1 Pigpen 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
990234 Bridge No 234 over Brush Creek (Bush Creek), NCSR 1317, Yancey County
1 Brush Creek (Bush 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
(5)

General Comments Regarding Bridge Replacement Protects
1 NCDWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from these protects
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 Low Impact Bridge Projects 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 dnll 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 dunng 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
(6)

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 preconstruction
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 floodplain 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
Gang Moore NCDOT Division 13 Bridge Manager
Roger Bryan NCDOT Division 13 Environmental Officer
Marla Chambers NCWRC
Transportation Permitting Unit
NCDOT 2011 Bridge Replacement Program Scopmg Comments Division 13
(7)