20150458_Scoping Comments_20120522

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NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Coleen H Sullins Dee Freeman
Governor Director Secretary
May 22 2012
MEMORANDUM
To Matthew Jones Bridge Program Manager NCDOT Division 9
From Amy Euliss NC Division of Water Quality Winston Salem Regional Office
Subject Scoping comments on proposed bridge replacements
Reference your correspondence dated May 9 2012 in which you requested comments for the bridge
projects The NC Division of Water Quality offers the following comments
Project Specific Comments
Bridge no 60(SR 1802)over Peeler Creek in Davie County
*Potential impacts to Peeler Creek(Class WS IV) no project specific comments
Bridge no 142 (SR 1639) over Muddy Creek in Forsyth County
*Potential impacts to Muddy Creek(Class C 303d)
1 Muddy Creek are class C 303(d)waters of the State Muddy Creek is on the 303(d) list for
impaired use for aquatic life due to impaired biological integrity with turbidity cited as a source
NCDWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project
NCDWQ recommends that the most protective sediment and erosion control BMPs be
implemented in accordance with Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds(15A NCAC 04B
0124)to reduce the risk of further impairment to Muddy Creek NCDWQ requests that road
design plans provide treatment of the storm water runoff through best management practices as
detailed in the most recent version of NCDWQ Stormwater Best Management Practices
Bridge no 283 (SR 1893)over Muddy Creek in Forsyth County
*Potential impacts to Muddy Creek(Class C 303d)
1 Muddy Creek are class C 303(d)waters of the State Muddy Creek is on the 303(d) list for
impaired use for aquatic life due to impaired biological integrity with turbidity cited as a source
NCDWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project
NCDWQ recommends that the most protective sediment and erosion control BMPs be
implemented in accordance with Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds(15A NCAC 04B
0124)to reduce the risk of further impairment to Muddy Creek NCDWQ requests that road
design plans provide treatment of the storm water runoff through best management practices as
detailed in the most recent version of NCDWQ Stormwater Best Management Practices
Bridge no 14(SR 1768) over Kerr Creek in Rowan County
*Potential impacts to Kerr Creek(Class WS II HQW)
1 Review of the project reveals the presence of surface waters classified as WSII High Quality
Waters of the State in the project study area This is one of the highest classifications for water
quality Pursuant to 15A NCAC 2H 1006 and 15A NCAC 2B 0224 NCDOT will be required to
North Carolina Division of Water Quality Winston Salem Regional Office Ont,
Location 585 Waughtown St Winston Salem North Carolina 27107 North Carolina
Phone [phone] FAX [phone] Customer Service 1 877-623 6748
Internet www ncwaterquality org Natf,1� /
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An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer

obtain a State Stormwater Permit prior to construction except in North Carolina s twenty coastal
counties
Bridge No 45 (SR 1998)over Brushy Fork Creek in Stokes County
*Potential impacts to Brushy Fork Creek(Class C)
Bridge No 8 (SR 1674)over Snow Creek in Stokes County
*Potential impacts to Snow Creek(Class C)
General Project Comments
1 Proposed impacts suggest that these projects will be permitted using a Nationwide 3 from the US
Army Corps of Engineers NCDWQ would like to respectively remind NCDOT that WQC 3883 or
its most recent equivalent will also be required NCDOT shall be in compliance with all of its
applicable conditions
2 DWQ understands that these bridges will be replaced using an off site detour if at any time these
plans change DWQ shall be contacted to determine if this project can remain in the Low Impact
Bridge Replacement process
3 The environmental document shall provide a detailed and itemized presentation of the proposed
impacts to wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping If mitigation is necessary as required
by 15A NCAC 2H 0506(h) it is preferable to present a conceptual (if not finalized)mitigation plan
with the environmental documentation Appropriate mitigation plans will be required prior to
issuance of a 401 Water Quality Certification
4 Environmental assessment alternatives shall consider design criteria that reduce the impacts to
streams and wetlands from storm water runoff These alternatives shall include road designs that
allow for treatment of the storm water runoff through best management practices as detailed in the
most recent version of NCDWQ Stormwater Best Management Practices such as grassed swales
buffer areas preformed scour holes retention basins etc
5 After the selection of the preferred alternative and prior to an issuance of the 401 Water Quality
Certification NCDOT is respectfully reminded that they will need to demonstrate the avoidance and
minimization of impacts to wetlands(and streams)to the maximum extent practical In accordance
with the Environmental Management Commission s Rules {15A NCAC 2H 0506(h)} mitigation will
be required for impacts of greater than 1 acre to wetlands In the event that mitigation is required the
mitigation plan shall be designed to replace appropriate lost functions and values The NC Ecosystem
Enhancement Program may be available for use as wetland mitigation
6 In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission s Rules {15A NCAC 2H 0506(h)}
mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 150 linear feet to any single stream In the
event that mitigation is required the mitigation plan shall be designed to replace appropriate lost
functions and values The NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program may be available for use as stream
mitigation
7 NCDWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project
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
8 If a bridge is being replaced with a hydraulic conveyance other than another bridge NCDWQ
believes the use of a Nationwide Permit may be required Please contact the US Army Corp of
Engineers to determine the required permit(s)

9 If the old bridge is removed no discharge of bridge material into surface waters is allowed unless
otherwise authorized by the US ACOE Strict adherence to the Corps of Engineers guidelines for
bridge demolition will be a condition of the 401 Water Quality Certification
10 Whenever possible NCDWQ prefers spanning structures Spanning structures usually do not require
work within the stream or grubbing of the streambanks 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) shall not be placed in the stream when possible
11 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
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 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 should 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
14 Placement of culverts and other structures in waters streams and wetlands shall be below the
elevation of the streambed by one foot for all culverts with a diameter greater than 48 inches and 20
percent of the culvert diameter for culverts having a diameter less than 48 inches to allow low flow
passage of water and aquatic life Design and placement of culverts and other structures including
temporary erosion control measures shall not be conducted in a manner that may result in dis
equilibrium of wetlands or streambeds or banks adjacent to or upstream and down stream of the
above structures The applicant is required to provide evidence that the equilibrium is being
maintained if requested in writing by NCDWQ If this condition is unable to be met due to bedrock
or other limiting features encountered during construction please contact NCDWQ for guidance on
how to proceed and to determine whether or not a permit modification will be required
15 If multiple pipes or barrels are required they shall be designed to mimic natural stream cross section
as closely as possible including pipes or barrels at flood plain elevation floodplam benches and/or
sills may be required where appropriate Widening the stream channel shall be avoided Stream
channel widening at the inlet or outlet end of structures typically decreases water velocity causing
sediment deposition that requires increased maintenance and disrupts aquatic life passage
16 If foundation test borings are necessary it should be noted in the document Geotechnical work is
approved under General 401 Certification Number 3624/Nationwide Permit No 6 for Survey
Activities

17 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
18 All work in or adjacent to stream waters shall be conducted in a dry work area unless otherwise
approved by NCDWQ 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 should be used to prevent excavation in flowing water
19 Sediment and erosion control measures shall not be placed in wetlands and streams
20 Borrow/waste areas shall avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practical Impacts to wetlands in
borrow/waste areas could precipitate compensatory mitigation
21 While the use of National Wetland Inventory(NWI)maps NC Coastal Region Evaluation of Wetland
Significance(NC CREWS)maps and soil survey maps are useful tools their inherent inaccuracies
require that qualified personnel perform onsite wetland delineations prior to permit approval
22 Heavy equipment shall be operated from the bank rather than in stream channels in order to minimize
sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other pollutants into streams This equipment
shall be inspected daily and maintained to prevent contamination of surface waters from leaking fuels
lubricants hydraulic fluids or other toxic materials
23 In most cases NCDWQ prefers the replacement of the existing structure at the same location with
road closure If road closure is not feasible a temporary detour should 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 should 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
24 Riprap shall not be placed in the active thalweg channel or placed in the streambed in a manner that
precludes aquatic life passage Bioengineering boulders or structures should be properly designed
sized and installed
Thank you for requesting our input 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 Amy Euliss at(336)771 4959
cc John Thomas US Army Corps of Engineers Raleigh Field Office e copy
Kent Boyer Division 9 Environmental Officer e copy
Marla Chambers NC Wildlife Resources Commission e copy
Wetlands/401 Transportation Permitting Unit e copy
File Copy