20170800_Finding of No Significant Impact_20150120

Carpenter-Fire Station Road (SR 1624) Realignment and Railroad Grade Separation
From just west of NC 55
To Morrisville-Carpenter Road (SR 3014), just east of Louis Stephens Drive
Wake County
SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS
1. The Town of Cary will mitigate impacts to the Phillips’ pond located northeast of the existing
Carpenter Fire Station Road railroad crossing. Details of mitigation will be further discussed
during final design and incorporated into the right-of-way claim with the Phillips property.
Mitigation alternatives to be considered are as follows:
a. Maintain a smaller pond at the location with partial loss of storage. Provide a well or
water service connection so that the water provided by the pond can be supplemented to
accommodate irrigation and / or freeze protection needs;
b. Completely remove the pond and substitute any irrigation and / or freeze protection
needs with a well or water service connection.
The alternatives described above will require more detailed analysis during final design.
Both options have been discussed in principle with the landowner.
2. The Town of Cary will coordinate with the USACE on the permit area for the project and
whether or not issuance of the USACE permit will require consultation with the State Historic
Preservation Office (SHPO) in accordance with Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act.
If consultation is required, a Memorandum of Agreement will be prepared to document
measures to mitigate impacts to the Carpenter Historic District. The Town of Cary currently
proposes to investigate the following measures during final design of the proposed project:
a. The Town of Cary will minimize the use of curb and gutter along the outside lanes of the
roadway in the vicinity of the Carpenter Historic District. However, it is anticipated that
expressway gutter will be used between NC 55 and a point east of the CSX Railroad to
minimize the footprint of the roadway that will be passing under the new railroad bridge
as part of the Recommended Alternative 1. Due to the proposed grade of this section of
the roadway being less than that of the surrounding land, this expressway curb and
gutter is not anticipated to be visible to contributing homes and businesses in the district.
b. The Town of Cary recommends that the new realigned Carpenter Fire Station Road be
designed to pass under the CSX Railroad as part of Recommended Alternative 1. The
grade of the railroad will not be changed substantially by the project.
c. The Town of Cary will plan, develop, and install highway signage that identifies entry into
the Carpenter Historic District. The Town of Cary will be responsible for funding and
maintaining this signage.
d. The Town of Cary will minimize the use of street lighting within the Carpenter Historic
District. The Town of Cary will plan, develop, and install any necessary roadway and
pedestrian lighting in consultation with NCDOT.
State Environmental Assessment iOctober 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

e. The Recommended Alternative 1 will require the relocation of two barns at the Saunders
House property (105 Saunders Grove Lane). The Saunders House is a non-contributing
resource in the Carpenter Historic District; however, the two barns are contributing
Figure 4a
resources in the Carpenter Historic District (). The Town of Cary will
coordinate with the property owner and SHPO, as appropriate to relocate the barns.
3. A US Fish and Wildlife Service proposal for listing the Northern long-eared bat (Myotis
septentrionalis) as an Endangered species was published in the Federal Register in October
2013. The listing may become effective as soon as April 1, 2015. Furthermore, this species
is included in USFWS’s current list of protected species for Wake County. The Town of
Cary will work with the USFWS to understand how this proposed listing may impact this
transportation project. The Town of Cary will coordinate appropriately with the USFWS and
USACE regarding the biological conclusion for this species by determining if this project will
incur potential effects to the Northern long-eared bat, and how to address these potential
effects, if necessary.
4. The Town of Cary will coordinate with CSX on the construction of a new highway underpass
structure for the project to determine what would happen to the existing siding south of
Carpenter Fire Station Road, and to determine if a future second track is justified on this
new bridge based on the current and future rail traffic along this rail line.
State Environmental Assessment ii October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

Carpenter-Fire Station Road (SR 1624) Realignment and Railroad Grade Separation
From just west of NC 55
To Morrisville-Carpenter Road (SR 3014), just east of Louis Stephens Drive
Wake County
SUMMARY
1. Type of Action
–
This document is a State Environmental Assessment / Finding of No Significant Impact. The
proposed project is funded with Town of Cary Community Investment Bonds and other Town of
Cary funds.
2. Description of Action
–
The subject project, Carpenter Fire Station Road Realignment and Grade Separation
(TIP Project U-5502), proposes to construct a four-lane median divided facility from just west of
NC 55 to Morrisville-Carpenter Road and along Morrisville Carpenter Road to a point just east of
Louis Stephens Drive. The project includes construction of a grade separation enabling the road
to pass under the CSX Railroad as part of Recommended Alternative 1. U-5502 is included in
the Town of CaryComprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP), theCAMPO 2035 Long Range
Transportation Plan, theCarpenter Community Plan, and the NCDOTState Transportation
Improvement Program. The realignment of Carpenter Fire Station Road would provide a direct
west-east connection between NC 55 and Morrisville-Carpenter Road that passes through the
Carpenter Historic District.
3. Alternatives Considered
–
In addition to the No-Build Alternative, four Preliminary Alternatives (1A, 1B, 2, and 3) were
considered for the proposed project. As a part of Alternatives 1A and 1B, the proposed
Carpenter Fire Station Road vertical alignment would pass under the existing CSX Railroad
track and tie into NC 55 at the existing grade. Alternative 1A is a more northern alignment and
Alternative 1B is a southern alignment that ties to Alternative 1A at NC 55 and Morrisville
Carpenter Road. The northern alignment impacts the two barns associated with the Saunders
property. The southern alignment impacts the home on that property. As a part of Alternative 2,
the proposed Carpenter Fire Station Road vertical alignment will pass over the existing CSX
Railroad track and over NC 55 and tie back to existing grade at the intersection of Carpenter
Fire Station Road and Howard Road. Due to the grade difference at NC 55, an interchange is
included in this alternative. As a part of Alternative 3, the proposed Carpenter Fire Station Road
vertical alignment would pass under the existing CSX Railroad track and NC 55 and tie back to
existing grade at the intersection of Carpenter Fire Station Road and Howard Road. Again, due
to grade differences, this alternative would require an interchange at NC 55.
All of the Preliminary Alternatives would have an adverse effect on the Carpenter Historic
District due to impacts to the rural viewshed and character of the area. Alternative 2 was initially
considered, but because it would have created a large area of fill to carry the roadway over the
railroad, in direct sight of the historic district, it was eliminated from consideration. Alternative 3
goes under the railroad and under NC 55 with an interchange at NC 55. NC 55 would also need
to be raised with this Preliminary Alternative 3, therefore, due to anticipated costs and
challenges associated with developing an interchange with NC 55, it was eliminated from
State Environmental AssessmentiiiOctober 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

consideration. Of the remaining Preliminary Alternatives (1A and 1B), it was determined that
Alternative 1A, that relocating the barns, would be preferable to relocating the Saunders home.
Construction costs of Preliminary Alternatives 1A and 1B were estimated at $18,000,000.
Construction costs of Preliminary Alternatives 2 and 3 were estimated at $40,000,000.
Prior to the second Public Meeting in March 2014, Alternatives 1A and 1B were renamed to
Alternatives 1 and 2, respectively, to avoid confusion and were presented for public input and
comments. After receiving public input and comments and based on the preliminary designs,
Alternative 1 had the least adverse effects to the Carpenter Historic District and the least cost of
all the alternatives. As a result, the Town of Cary has designated Alternative 1 as the
Recommended Alternative.
4. Summary of Environmental Effects
–
The table below contains a summary of the impacts associated with Recommended
Alternative 1 (formerly Alternative 1A). The environmental impacts associated with the
proposed project are detailed in Section IV of this document.
SUMMARY OF IMPACTS
Recommended Alternative 1
Environmental FeatureImpacts
Wetlands0.25 acres
Streams205 linear feet
BufferImpacts in Jordan Lake Watershed0.59 acres(includes buffer of pond)
Home or BusinessRelocations0
Hazardous Material Sites3
Noise Impacts(impacted receptors)6
Endangered Species0
National Register Properties/Districts1 (Adverse Effect on Carpenter Historic
District, see paragraph below)
ChurchesSome impacts to Good Hope Baptist Church’s
lawn/property
Construction Cost$18,000,000
Proposed impacts were calculated using proposed design construction limits plus a 25 foot buffer area.
The proposed project will impact two barns at the Saunders House property (105 Saunders
Grove Lane). The Saunders House is a non-contributing resource in the Carpenter Historic
District; however, the two barns are contributing resources in the Carpenter Historic District.
The Town of Cary will coordinate with the property owner and SHPO, as appropriate to relocate
the barns.
State Environmental AssessmentivOctober 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

5. Actions Required by Other Agencies
–
The proposed project is anticipated to require a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide 14
Permit and a NC Division of Water Resources 401 Water Quality Certification. Dependent on
the permit area, issuance of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit may require consultation
with the State Historic Preservation Office in accordance with Section 106 of the Historic
Preservation Act and preparation of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
6. Coordination
–
Federal, State, and local agencies were consulted during the preparation of this State
Environmental Assessment / Finding of No Significant Impact. Comments from the following
agencies were received and were considered during preparation of this assessment:
1. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
2. NC Natural Heritage Program
3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
4. NC Department of Transportation
5. NC Department of Administration
6. NC State Environmental Review Clearinghouse
7. NC Wildlife Resources Commission
8. NC Division of Water Resources (formerly NC Division of Water Quality)
9. NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
10. NC Division of Emergency Management
11. State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
12. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
13. NC Division of Parks and Recreation
14. Capital Area Preservation
15. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
It should be noted that the FHWA was consulted when the use of Federal funds was being
considered. No Federal funds are proposed to be used on the project, only Town of Cary
Community Investment Bonds and other Town of Cary funds. The Federal lead agency for the
Section 106 process is the USACE due to the anticipated Federal permit.
7. Additional Information
–
Additional information concerning the proposed project and this State Environmental
Assessment / Finding of No Significant Impact can be obtained by contacting one of the
following:
State Environmental AssessmentvOctober 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

Mr. Tom Ellis, P.E.
Senior Engineer
Facilities Design and Transportation Services
Cary Town Hall
316 N. Academy Street
Cary, NC 27513
[phone]
[e-mail]
Ms. Lori Cove, PE
Director
Facilities Design and Transportation Services
Cary Town Hall
316 N. Academy Street
Cary, NC 27513
[phone]
[e-mail]
State Environmental AssessmentviOctober 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

Table of Contents
I.General Description of Proposed Action .........................................................................1
II.Purpose and Need .............................................................................................................1
A.Purpose of Project ...........................................................................................................1
B.Need for Project ..............................................................................................................2
1.Functional Classification and System Linkage ..............................................................2
2.Crashes ........................................................................................................................3
3.Railroad Crossings ........................................................................................................4
4.Transportation and Land Use Plans ..............................................................................4
5.Traffic Operations .........................................................................................................5
C.Benefits of Proposed Project ...........................................................................................6
III.Proposed Improvements and Alternatives Studied ........................................................7
A.Recommended Improvements .........................................................................................7
1.Project Termini ..............................................................................................................7
2.Proposed Alignment ......................................................................................................8
3.Typical Section .............................................................................................................8
4.Proposed Right of Way / Access Control ......................................................................8
5.Intersections .................................................................................................................8
6.Drainage Structures ......................................................................................................8
7.Design Speed ...............................................................................................................9
8.Bicycle Accommodations ..............................................................................................9
9.Railroad Crossings ........................................................................................................9
10.Construction Costs ........................................................................................................9
B.Alternatives Considered ..................................................................................................9
1.“No-Build” Alternative ....................................................................................................9
2.Preliminary Alternatives ................................................................................................9
State Environmental AssessmentviiOctober 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

IV.Environmental Effects of Proposed Action ...............................................................11
A.Natural Resources .........................................................................................................11
1.Physical Resources ....................................................................................................11
2.Soils ............................................................................................................................12
3.Water Resources ........................................................................................................12
4.Biotic Resources .........................................................................................................14
B.Clean Water Act-Waters of the United States ................................................................14
1.Streams and Wetlands ................................................................................................14
C.Clean Water Act-Permits ...............................................................................................17
D.Coastal Area Management Act Areas of Environmental Concern ..................................17
E.Construction Moratoria ..................................................................................................17
F.North Carolina River Basin Buffer Rules ........................................................................17
G.Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters ...................................................17
H.Wetland and Stream Mitigation ......................................................................................18
1.Avoidance and Minimization of Impacts ......................................................................18
2.Compensatory Mitigation of Impacts ...........................................................................18
I.Endangered Species Act Protected Species..................................................................18
J.Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act .................................................................21
K.Endangered Species Act Candidate Species.................................................................21
L.National Marine Fisheries Service Essential Fish Habitat ..............................................21
M.Cultural Resources ........................................................................................................21
N.Section 6(f) ....................................................................................................................22
O.Social Effects / Community Impacts ..............................................................................23
1.Demographics/Socio-Economics ................................................................................23
2.Neighborhoods/Communities ......................................................................................24
3.Environmental Justice .................................................................................................24
State Environmental AssessmentviiiOctober 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

4.Recreational Facilities .................................................................................................24
5.Railroad Crossings ......................................................................................................25
6.Utilities ........................................................................................................................25
P.Land Use and Zoning ....................................................................................................25
Q.Farmland .......................................................................................................................26
R.Indirect and Cumulative Effects .....................................................................................27
S.Flood Hazard Evaluation ...............................................................................................27
T.Traffic Noise Analysis ....................................................................................................28
U.Air Quality ......................................................................................................................30
1.Project Air Quality Effects and Transportation Conformity ...........................................30
2.Mobile Source Air Toxics ............................................................................................31
3.Construction Air Quality Effects ...................................................................................33
V.Hazardous Materials Evaluation ....................................................................................33
V.Comments and Coordination .........................................................................................34
A.Agency Coordination and Comments Received .............................................................34
B.Public Meetings .............................................................................................................36
VI.Basis for State Environmental Assessment / Finding of No Significant Impact .....37
State Environmental AssessmentixOctober 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

List of Tables
Table 1.
Soils in the project study area
Table 2.
Water resources in the project study area
Table 3.
Physical characteristics of water resources in the project study area
Table 4.
Jurisdictional characteristics of water resources in the project study area
Table 5.
Jurisdictional characteristics of wetlands in the project study area
Table 6.
Federally protected species listed for Wake County
Table 7.
Noise Abatement Criteria
Table 8.
Defined Substantial Noise Increase
List of Figures
Figure 1.
Vicinity Map
Figure 2.
Typical Sections
Figure 3a.
2012 No-Build Traffic Volumes
Figure 3b.
2012 No-Build Traffic Volumes
Figure 3c.
2035 No-Build Traffic Volumes
Figure 3d.
2035 No-Build Traffic Volumes
Figure 3e.
2035 Build Traffic Volumes
Figure 3f.
2035 Build Traffic Volumes
Figure 4a.
Environmental Features
Figure 4b.
Environmental Features
Figure 5.
Existing Land Use
List of Appendices
Appendix A
. Agency Coordination
Appendix B
. USACE Jurisdictional Determinations
Appendix C.
Public Involvement
State Environmental AssessmentxOctober 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

I. General Description of Proposed Action
The subject project, Carpenter Fire Station Road Realignment and Grade Separation
(TIP Project U-5502), proposes to construct a four-lane median divided facility from just west of
NC 55 to Morrisville-Carpenter Road and along Morrisville Carpenter Road to a point just east of
Figure 1
Louis Stephens Drive. A vicinity map is included as. The project includes construction
of a grade separation enabling the road to pass under the CSX Railroad as part of
Recommended Alternative 1. U-5502 is included in the Town of CaryComprehensive
Transportation Plan (CTP), theCAMPO 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan, theCarpenter
Community Plan, and the NCDOT State Transportation Improvement Program.
II. Purpose and Need
A. Purpose of Project
The purpose of the proposed project is to realign Carpenter Fire Station Road for approximately
0.8 miles to improve west-east network connectivity in and around the Carpenter Community
and the Town of Cary and to facilitate implementation of theCarpenter Community Plan. A
secondary purpose of the project is to enhance highway and rail crossing safety by replacing an
at-grade crossing with a grade separation.
Network Connectivity– The proposed project would create a continuous west-east facility to
connect points along Carpenter Fire Station Road west of NC 55 with Louis Stephens Drive,
Davis Drive, NC 54, and I-40. This network connection is included in Cary’sComprehensive
Transportation Planand the CAMPO 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan.
Realignment to Reduce Through-Traffic in the core of the Carpenter Historic District–
The Town’sComprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) and theCarpenter Community Plan
include the realignment of Carpenter Fire Station Road and improvements to Morrisville
Carpenter Road to provide an enhanced west-east network route in Cary and Morrisville
Figure 1
(). The proposed project would reduce through-traffic from the core of the Carpenter
Historic District, enabling the bypassed segment of Morrisville Carpenter Road in the core of the
Carpenter Historic District (between the CSX Railroad crossing and existing Carpenter Fire
Station Road) to remain a two-lane road.
Safety – Replacing the at-grade railroad crossing on Carpenter Fire Station Road with a grade
separation will eliminate the exposure of vehicles to the two trains that use the rail line daily. In
addition, providing a realigned facility to accommodate through trips and limiting traffic on the
existing two-lane segment of Morrisville Carpenter Road in the core area of the Carpenter
Historic District (the segment between the CSX Railroad crossing to existing Carpenter Fire
Station Road) to local trips could limit the need for road widening and other related
improvements on that portion of the two-lane road.
State Environmental Assessment1October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

B. Need for Project
1. Functional Classification and System Linkage
TheCarpenter Community Plan was developed and updated with a special consideration to
protect the core area of the historic district from the impacts of increasing traffic volumes on
Morrisville Carpenter Road. The Town of Cary developed the plan to reduce heavy through-
traffic to protect the core area of the historic cross-roads from road improvements. It was
believed that with increasing traffic volumes on NC 55 due to increased west-east movement
through the area, upgrades to existing roads within the historic crossroads would be inevitable
and could threaten historic structures that abut the right of way. If through-traffic is removed
from the core of the district, the bypassed portion of Morrisville Carpenter Road could be
maintained as a two-lane local route and the core of the Carpenter Historic District can be
maintained.
The proposed project is included on theCapital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
(CAMPO) Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) for 2035 as a four-lane roadway (Project ID
A440b) for an estimated distance of 0.3 miles. The proposed typical sections for the
Figure 2
realignment of Carpenter Fire Station Road are shown in. Several other roadway
improvements are included in the Town of Cary’sComprehensive Transportation Plan. These
projects also are listed in theCAMPO 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan and theCarpenter
Community Plan. In addition to the subject project, the planned improvements expected to
affect the traffic in design year 2035 within the project study area include the following projects:
a) Carpenter Fire Station Road – project to widen Carpenter Fire Station Road from NC 55
west to Green Level Church Road.
b) McCrimmon Parkway – project to widen a 1.74-mile segment of existing roadway from
two to four lanes from Louis Stephens Drive to NC 54.
c) McCrimmon Parkway – project to extend a 1-mile segment of McCrimmon Parkway as a
four-lane roadway on new location from NC 55 east to Louis Stephens Drive.
d) Morrisville Parkway – project will extend existing Morrisville Parkway (only goes to NC
54 currently) in the near term (2020 horizon) as a two-lane roadway from Green Level
Church Road in Cary eastward to NC 55 (approximately 1.83 miles on new location) and
continuing through Louis Stephens Drive, Davis Drive, NC 54, I-40 and to RDU Airport .
The roadway will be widened to four lanes in the mid-term (2030 horizon).
e) NC 540 (Triangle Expressway) –NC 540 (Triangle Expressway) is completed and open
to traffic from NC 54 in Morrisville to NC 55 in Holly Springs. The proposed “Complete
540” project, also known as the Southeast Extension, would extend the Triangle
Expressway from the NC 55 Bypass in Holly Springs to the US 64/US 264 Bypass in
Knightdale, completing the 540 Outer Loop around the greater Raleigh area.
f)
Good Hope Church Road – project will close the existing intersection with NC 55 and
realign Good Hope Church Road to connect with McCrimmon Parkway Extension to the
north and Carpenter Fire Station Road Extension to the south.
The proposed project is also needed to improve west-east connectivity in west Cary. Between
the Town of Cary and the Town of Morrisville, a lack of direct connecting west-east roadways
State Environmental Assessment2October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

between NC 55, NC 54, and I-40 makes travel circuitous and limits mobility. In the region, NC
55 is a north-south four-lane divided major arterial that provides local and regional connectivity
and access throughout Cary and the Triangle Area. Additionally, though it is signed as a west-
east route, in the vicinity of Morrisville and the western portion of Cary, NC 54 predominantly
runs north-south.
Enhanced connections from points west of NC 540 and NC 55 to Davis Drive and NC 54 in Cary
and Morrisville are needed. The Town of Cary’sComprehensive Transportation Plan Map and
CAMPO 2035 Long Range Transportation Planinclude the realignment of Carpenter Fire
Station Road from NC 55 to Morrisville Carpenter Road to create a continuous west-east route
from Carpenter Fire Station Road west of NC 55 to Morrisville Carpenter Road. The
realignment would create a continuous west-east facility to connect points along Carpenter Fire
Station Road west of NC 55 with Louis Stephens Drive, Davis Drive, NC 54, and I-40. In
addition to the Carpenter Fire Station Road / Morrisville Carpenter Road route, these long-range
plans include the eventual addition of west-east routes around the Carpenter Community
including McCrimmon Parkway and Morrisville Parkway (completion of these routes will be
contingent on funding as they are currently unfunded).
In and around the Carpenter Community, there are no continuous west-east routes between the
three parallel routes (north to south) – NC 55, NC 54, and I-40. Morrisville-Carpenter Road /
Aviation Parkway is the closest route to provide a complete west-east connection. Additionally,
Morrisville-Carpenter Road connects these routes and residential areas to the commercial
development node at its intersection with Davis Drive. Other nearby routes include McCrimmon
Parkway and Morrisville Parkway. McCrimmon Parkway is a west-east arterial for local
connectivity and access in Cary. Per theCAMPO 2035 LRTP, McCrimmon Parkway will be
widened from two to four lanes from NC 54 to Louis Stephens Drive, and extended as a four-
lane roadway on new location from Louis Stephens Drive to NC 55. However, without additional
investment, McCrimmon Parkway will still not be completed to NC 55 and does not directly
connect to I-40. Morrisville Parkway is a west-east arterial that provides local connectivity and
access through Cary, Morrisville, and western Wake County. Phase III of Town of Cary Project
ST-1123 proposes to connect portions of Morrisville Parkway sections west of NC 55 and east
of Green Level Church Road. Without these projects, Morrisville Parkway connects NC 55 to
NC 54, but it does not continue to provide a direct connection to I-40.
2.Crashes
According to the NCDOT crash data for Carpenter Fire Station Road between NC 55 and
Morrisville Carpenter Road (for the three year period from August 2009 to July 2012), Carpenter
Fire Station Road has a much higher crash rate in comparison to other secondary roads in
North Carolina and Wake County (2009-2012 crash rates used for State and County). The
North Carolina crash rate for undivided secondary roads was 404.22 crashes per million vehicle
miles traveled (MVMT) with a crash severity index of 4.11 and the Wake County crash rate was
328.68 crashes per MVMT with a crash severity index of 3.00. The crash rate on Carpenter Fire
Station Road from NC 55 to Morrisville Carpenter Road was 1406.48 crashes per 100 MVMT
with a crash severity index of 7.54 which makes the crash rate over three times higher than the
North Carolina average and over four times higher than the Wake County average.
At the intersection of Carpenter Fire Station Road (SR 1624) and Morrisville Carpenter Road
(SR 3014), there have been 35 reported crashes over a five year period from 2007 to 2012.
Twenty-two of the 35 reported crashes were frontal impact crashes. Nineteen of those 22
reported crashes involved southbound Carpenter Fire Station Road vehicles turning left into the
State Environmental Assessment3October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

paths of vehicles traveling along Morrisville Carpenter Road which results from drivers failing to
yield the right of way or failure to stop for the stop sign.
3.Railroad Crossings
It is estimated that there are currently two daily trains that cross at-grade with Carpenter Fire
Station Road. This project includes the closure of the at-grade crossing at Carpenter Fire
Station Road and installation of a new grade-separation along a realigned Carpenter Fire
Station Road. Replacing the at-grade crossing with a grade separation would eliminate the
exposure of crossing traffic to the two trains per day that currently use the track.
4.Transportation and Land Use Plans
The need for the Carpenter Fire Station Road Grade Separation and Realignment project is
demonstrated by its inclusion in and consistency with transportation and land use plans in the
project area. These plans are described below.
a) Transportation Plans
TheTown of Cary Comprehensive Transportation Plan was adopted by Town Council in
September 2008. The multi-modal plan consists of four elements: roadway, bicycle, pedestrian
and transit. A combination of proposed greenways and proposed street side trails are located
throughout the Direct Community Impact Area (DCIA). A majority of the proposed greenways
within the DCIA are located between Good Hope Church Road and NC 55, while the proposed
street side trails are located along NC 55 and along Morrisville-Carpenter Road.
b) Comprehensive Planning
TheTown of Cary Comprehensive Plan comprises eight volumes. Volume 2 is the Land Use
Plan, which contains the initiatives and goals for growth in the areas impacted by the proposed
project. Other volumes of the Comprehensive Plan include the Comprehensive Transportation
Plan, Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Master Plan, Growth Management, and
Historic Preservation Master Plan.
c) Zoning / Future Land Use
TheTown of Cary Carpenter Community Plan, which is an element of the Land Use Plan,
establishes the Town of Cary’s official long-range land-use vision and recommendations for the
Carpenter Community. The Carpenter planning area is bordered roughly by four major
thoroughfares: McCrimmon Parkway to the north, Morrisville Parkway to the south, NC 55 to the
west, and Louis Stephens Drive to the east.
TheCarpenter Community Plan was prepared in conjunction with the Transportation Plan. The
Transportation Plan makes recommendations for the ultimate right-of-way. The plan
recommends that Good Hope Church Road, Carpenter Upchurch Road, Carpenter Fire Station
Road, and Morrisville-Carpenter Road be constructed without curb and gutter west of Louis
Stephens Drive, and potentially without urban street lights.
A 100-foot wildflower buffer is proposed along Morrisville-Carpenter Road and Good Hope
Church Road. This buffer is intended to create a more open visual experience. Multi-use paths
and greenways are proposed to be located within the buffer.
State Environmental Assessment4October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

The plan proposes meandering sidewalks be built along Morrisville-Carpenter Road within the
recommended wildflower buffer.
The Carpenter Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is partially
located within the DCIA. The boundaries were drawn to incorporate the greatest possible
number of contiguous and historically or architecturally significant structures and sufficient
adjacent acreage to define the structure in their historic rural context.
TheTown of Cary Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources (PRCR) Master Plan is intended
to help guide the development of the parks, recreation, and cultural resources system in the
Town of Cary for the next five to ten years. This plan update incorporates input from a
statistically-valid survey, focus group meetings, a Greenway Summit meeting with adjacent
jurisdictions, trail user counts, and close coordination with the Cary Greenway Committee. The
PRCR plan was adopted by Town Council in November 2012.
According to theTown of Cary Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources (PRCR) Master Plan
Recommendations Map, greenways are proposed along Morrisville-Carpenter Road within the
project vicinity, as well as along the proposed and existing Carpenter Fire Station Road. The
proposed Kit Creek Greenway is located east of the Good Hope Church Road / Morrisville-
Carpenter Road intersection and runs north to south through the project study area. This
greenway is part of the Research Triangle Park to Middle Creek Greenway corridor.
d) Transit
Public transportation in the project vicinity is provided by C-Tran, the Town of Cary’s transit
service. C-Tran has six (6) weekly fixed routes, operating between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM
Monday through Saturday and no service on Sundays or holidays. C-Tran provides the following
services:
Fixed Routes. C-Tran has bus stops throughout the Town. Bus stop locations are placed
every few blocks along regular routes. C-Tran operates six (6) weekly fixed bus routes. All
routes are wheelchair accessible, and all buses have bike racks.
ACCESS. C-Tran provides curb-to-curb service for eligible disabled and elderly residents of
Cary and Wake County.
Rack-N-Roll. The C-Tran Rack-N-Roll Program makes riding fixed routes more convenient
for bicyclists. Bike racks on each bus can accommodate two wheeled, single seat bicycles.
In the2035 Long Range Transportation Plan, no local bus service is anticipated to be provided
along the realigned Carpenter Fire Station Road in the future.
5. Traffic Operations
Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) for 2012 Base Year No-Build on Carpenter Fire Station
Road west of NC 55 is 11,400 vehicles per day (vpd). The 2012 Base Year No-Build AADT on
Morrisville Carpenter Road is 10,500 vpd, just west of Louis Stephens Drive.
2035 No-Build AADT on Carpenter Fire Station Road west of NC 55 is 20,200 vpd. The 2035
Base Year No-Build AADT on Morrisville Carpenter Road is 18,600 vpd, just west of Louis
Stephens Drive.
State Environmental Assessment5October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

2035 Build AADT on Carpenter Fire Station Road west of NC 55 is 20,200 vpd. The volume on
Morrisville-Carpenter Road is 19,400 vpd just west of Louis Stephens Drive. The volume
reflects the consolidation of Morrisville Carpenter Road and Carpenter Fire Station Road into
one facility.
2012 No-Build AADT on Morrisville Parkway east of NC 55 is 6,000 vpd. 2035 No-Build AADT
on Morrisville Parkway west of NC 55 is 10,000 vpd and 23,000 vpd on Morrisville Parkway east
of NC 55. 2035 Build AADT on Morrisville Parkway west of NC 55 is 9,800 vpd and 22,800 east
of NC 55.
2012 No-Build AADT on McCrimmon Parkway west of NC 55 is 7,400 vpd. 2035 No-Build
AADT on McCrimmon Parkway west of NC 55 is 13,000 vpd and 9,600 vpd on McCrimmon
Parkway east of NC 55. 2035 Build AADT on McCrimmon Parkway west of NC 55 is 13,000
vpd and 9,000 vpd east of NC 55.
Capacity analyses were performed for the AM and PM peak periods covering the 2012 No-Build
Scenario (Existing), the 2035 No-Build Scenario, and the 2035 Build Scenario. The peak traffic
volumes, levels of service, and delays for the intersections in these three scenarios are shown
Figures 3a through 3f
in.
Based on the 2035 No-Build capacity analysis, four signalized intersections (including Carpenter
Fire Station Road) along NC 55 will operate at the worst level-of-service (LOS F). Additionally,
the intersections of Carpenter Fire Station Road with Morrisville Carpenter Road (unsignalized),
Morrisville Carpenter Road and Good Hope Church Road (unsignalized), and Morrisville
Carpenter Road and Louis Stephens Drive (signalized) will operate at LOS F.
The future volumes on Carpenter Fire Station Road, west of NC 55 and Morrisville Carpenter
Road, just west of Louis Stephens Drive necessitate a minimum of four-lanes from a traffic
capacity standpoint. Additionally, it is not anticipated that CSX Railroad would allow the existing
at-grade intersection of Carpenter Fire Station Road to be widened in the future.
C. Benefits of Proposed Project
In general, the realignment of Carpenter Fire Station Road will ease congestion in the core of
the Carpenter Historic District by rerouting increasing through-traffic created by growth in west
Cary and beyond. If through-traffic volumes are reduced, the existing streets in the core of the
Carpenter Historic District can be maintained as two-lane, local roads instead of being widened
to improve traffic capacity.
This project includes the closure of the at-grade crossing at Carpenter Fire Station Road and
installation of a new grade-separation along a realigned Carpenter Fire Station Road.
Replacing the at-grade crossing with a grade separation would eliminate the exposure of
crossing traffic to the two trains per day that currently use the track.
The proposed project is also needed to improve west-east connectivity in west Cary. Between
Cary and Morrisville, a lack of continuous west-east roadways results in circuitous travel and
limits mobility. Enhanced connections from points west of NC 540 and NC 55 to Davis Drive
and NC 54 in Cary and Morrisville are needed. The Town of Cary’sComprehensive
Transportation Plan Map andCAMPO 2035 Long Range Transportation Planinclude the
realignment of Carpenter Fire Station Road from NC 55 to Morrisville Carpenter Road to create
a continuous west-east route from Carpenter Fire Station Road west of NC 55 to Morrisville
Carpenter Road. The realignment would create a continuous west-east facility to connect points
along Carpenter Fire Station Road west of NC 55 with Louis Stephens Drive, Davis Drive, NC
State Environmental Assessment6October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

54, and I-40. In addition to the Carpenter Fire Station Road / Morrisville Carpenter Road route,
these long-range plans include the eventual addition of west-east routes around the Carpenter
Community including McCrimmon Parkway and Morrisville Parkway (completion of these routes
will be contingent on funding as they are currently unfunded).
III. Proposed Improvements and Alternatives Studied
A. Recommended Improvements
The Carpenter Fire Station Road Realignment and Grade Separation project is approximately
0.8 miles in length and consists of the realignment of Carpenter Fire Station Road (SR 1624)
from west of NC 55 Highway to Morrisville-Carpenter Road (SR 3014), east of Louis Stephens
Drive. The proposed project incorporates a new four-lane median divided roadway with paved
shoulders for bicycles, as indicated in the Town of Cary Comprehensive Transportation Plan
and theCarpenter Community Plan. The project also includes a grade-separated railroad
crossing of the CSX Railroad. Realignment and connection of several existing side streets in
the project path, such as existing Morrisville-Carpenter Road, Good Hope Church Road (SR
1633) and Saunders Grove Lane, will be included in the project to improve traffic circulation
within the community. The realignment is needed to provide a strategically important west-east
commuter thoroughfare. As part of the roadway realignment project, the existing at-grade
railroad crossing at Carpenter Fire Station Road, just east of NC 55, will be permanently closed.
Figures 4a and 4b
The proposed alignment is shown in. The recommended improvements are
detailed below.
1. Project Termini
Carpenter Fire Station Road is currently a two-lane undivided roadway that provides an
east/west connection between Yates Store Road and Morrisville-Carpenter Road. Carpenter
Fire Station Road widens to three or more lanes (including turn lanes) at major cross streets
(Yates Store Road, Howard Grove Parkway/Northlands Drive, Green Level Church Road, Cary
Glen Boulevard, and NC 55). Carpenter Fire Station Road currently carries approximately
11,000 vehicles per day with a posted speed limit of 45 miles per hour. Existing Carpenter Fire
Station Road has shoulder sections and no sidewalks and is located on an approximate 60 to
70-foot wide right of way.
Morrisville-Carpenter Road at the study intersection with Carpenter Fire Station Road is
currently a two-lane undivided roadway that carries approximately 7,500 vehicles per day with a
posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour. Existing Morrisville Carpenter Road has an
approximate 60-foot right of way.
NC 55 at the study intersection with Carpenter Fire Station Road is currently a four-lane median
divided highway. NC 55 is a major thoroughfare that carries approximately 29,000 vehicles per
day with a posted speed limit of 50 miles per hour.
The proposed project ends just east of the existing intersection of Morrisville Carpenter Road
and Louis Stephens Drive. East of this intersection, Morrisville Carpenter Road is a four-lane
roadway on an approximate 60-foot wide right of way.
State Environmental Assessment7October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

2. Proposed Alignment
The proposed realignment (as described under the Recommended Alternative in Section B. 2.
Figures 4a4b
Below) is shown in and. The alignment connects existing Carpenter Fire Station
Road at NC 55 (west side of the intersection) to Morrisville Carpenter Road north of existing
Carpenter Fire Station Road. The alignment was developed in a manner to minimize impacts to
streams, wetlands, and ponds to the extent practicable, while maintaining acceptable approach
angles to intersecting routes.
3. Typical Section
The proposed typical section will provide a four-lane, median-divided facility. The typical
Figure 2
sections for the project are shown in. From the west end of the project to NC 55, one
12-foot wide through lane and one 14-foot outside lane will be provided in each direction. A 21-
foot wide raised median will be provided and curb and gutter will be used along the outside of
the roadway. The 14-foot outside lane is provided for shared use with bicyclists. From NC 55
east to the end of the project, two 12-foot through lanes will be provided in each direction. A 27-
foot raised median and 4-foot paved shoulders to accommodate bicyclists, and a ditch section
base search for potential hazardous materials sites was conducted via a GIS based comme
roadway that must pass under the CSX Railroad.
4. Proposed Right of Way / Access Control
The proposed project will generally require a right of way width ranging from 100 to 115 feet.
Additional right of way will also be needed along intersecting roadways. In addition, some
construction and drainage easements will be required. No control of access is proposed.
5. Intersections
The proposed project will construct a four-lane median divided roadway from Howard Road to
just east of the existing intersection of Morrisville Carpenter Road and Louis Stephens Drive.
The existing portion of Carpenter Fire Station Road from NC 55 to just east of the CSX rail
crossing and the associated at-grade rail crossing will be closed. From just east of the CSX rail
crossing to the Morrisville-Carpenter Road intersection, the existing Carpenter Fire Station Road
will remain open to traffic. Additionally, the proposed project will have three at-grade
intersections: 1) NC 55, 2) Good Hope Church Road, and 3) Louis Stephens Drive. The
existing NC 55 intersection is signalized and the proposed at-grade intersection is signalized.
The Good Hope Church Road at-grade intersection is proposed as unsignalized and the
proposed Louis Stephens Drive at-grade intersection is proposed as signalized.
6. Drainage Structures
A preliminary hydraulics study was conducted to identify proposed drainage structures that
would be required for the project. Additional, detailed hydraulic studies will be done during the
final design phase of the project. Based on the initial study, the vertical alignment will pass
under the existing CSX Railroad track and tie in to NC 55 at the existing grade. This alignment
will create a low point where the new road goes under the CSX Railroad. The alignment will
undercut a jurisdictional stream which will require rerouting approximately 25 acres that feeds
into the existing farm pond that is just north of the proposed alignment. The farm pond has a
total watershed area of approximately 37 acres, so the rerouting of over sixty-seven percent of
the watershed will likely create viability issues for the pond in the future.
State Environmental Assessment8October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

AECOM met with the NCDOT Hydraulics Unit on April 5, 2013 to discuss the proposed project.
NCDOT is in general concurrence with the preliminary drainage design concept under the
existing CSX Railroad track and will provide reviews as the final design progresses. The
proposed roadway storm drainage system will be designed for the 50-year storm to prevent
flooding in the roadway sag. The storm drainage system will require piping up to a 42-inch
diameter to handle the 50-year design. The system will require cuts of up to 23 feet to install
the pipe and a bore and jack of approximately 200 feet of 42-inch welded steel pipe across NC
55 to outfall the pipe system. Expressway gutter is proposed along the main line in lieu of
roadside ditches to reduce the amount of cut required to install the storm drainage pipe.
7. Design Speed
The proposed design speed for the Carpenter Fire Station Road realignment and grade
separation is 50 mph. It is anticipated that the roadway would be signed at 45 mph.
8. Bicycle Accommodations
Fourteen-foot wide outside lanes for shared bicycle use will be provided along both sides of the
proposed roadway.
9. Railroad Crossings
A CSX Railroad runs north-south parallel to NC 55 and intersects existing Carpenter-Fire
Station Road. Existing at-grade railroad crossings are currently located on both Carpenter Fire
Station Road and Morrisville-Carpenter Road. Based on information from the NCDOT Rail
Division, there are two trains per day that utilize this section of railroad in the project area.
10. Construction Costs
A preliminary construction cost estimate was prepared during the development of this
environmental assessment. Construction costs for the Recommended Alternative 1 are
estimated at $18,000,000.
B. Alternatives Considered
The following alternatives were considered in addition to the Recommended Alternative 1:
1. “No-Build” Alternative
The “No-Build” alternative serves as the baseline condition for comparison with the
recommended improvements. The No-Build alternative would not require acquisition of property
for right-of-way, alter any biotic communities or affect water resources. However, the No-Build
Alternative would not provide the network connectivity or railroad grade separation provided by
the recommended improvements.
2. Preliminary Alternatives
A total of four (4) Preliminary Alternatives were developed, designed, and evaluated based on
environmental impacts and estimated costs. The four Preliminary Alternatives were 1A, 1B, 2,
and 3. These alternatives are described below.
State Environmental Assessment9October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

Alternatives 1A and 1B
The proposed Carpenter Fire Station Road vertical alignment will pass under the existing CSX
Railroad track and tie into NC 55 at the existing grade.
Alternative 1A is a more northern alignment and Alternative 1B is a southern alignment that ties
to Alternative 1A at NC 55 and Morrisville Carpenter Road. The northern alignment impacts the
two barns associated with the Saunders property. The southern alignment impacts the home on
that property.
Construction costs for Alternatives 1A and 1B were estimated at $18,000,000.
Alternative 2
The proposed Carpenter Fire Station Road vertical alignment will pass over the existing CSX
Railroad track and NC 55 and tie back to existing grade at the intersection of Carpenter Fire
Station Road and Howard Road. The grade separation of proposed realigned Carpenter Fire
Station Road over NC 55 would require an interchange.
Construction costs for Alternative 2 were estimated at $40,000,000.
Alternative 3
The proposed Carpenter Fire Station Road vertical alignment will pass under the existing CSX
Railroad track and NC 55 and tie back to existing grade at the intersection of Carpenter Fire
Station Road and Howard Road. The grade separation of proposed realigned Carpenter Fire
Station Road under NC 55 would require an interchange.
Construction costs for Alternative 3 were estimated at $40,000,000.
Recommended Alternative
All of the Preliminary Alternatives would have an adverse effect on the Carpenter Historic
District due to impacts to the rural viewshed and character of the area. Alternative 2 was initially
considered, but because it would have created a large area of fill to carry the roadway over the
railroad, in direct sight of the historic district, it was eliminated from consideration. Alternative 3
goes under the railroad and under NC 55 with an interchange at NC 55. NC 55 would also need
to be raised with this Preliminary Alternative 3. Therefore, due to the need to construct an
interchange and associated costs, Alternative 3 was eliminated from consideration. Alternatives
1A and 1B were carried forward for study along with the No-Build. Of the remaining Preliminary
Alternatives, it was determined that Alternative 1A that relocated the barns would be preferable
to relocating the Saunders home.
Construction costs of Preliminary Alternatives 1A and 1B were estimated at $18,000,000.
Construction costs of Preliminary Alternatives 2 and 3 were estimated at $40,000,000.
Prior to the second Public Meeting in March 2014, Alternatives 1A and 1B were renamed to
Alternatives 1 and 2, respectively, to avoid confusion and were presented for public input and
comments. After receiving public input and comments and based on the preliminary designs,
Alternative 1 had the least adverse effects to the Carpenter Historic District and the least cost of
all the alternatives. As a result, the Town of Cary decided that Alternative 1 was the
State Environmental Assessment10October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

Recommended Alternative. The alignment and construction limits of the Recommended
Figures 4a, 4b, and 5
Alternative are displayed on.
IV. Environmental Effects of Proposed Action
A. Natural Resources
Natural resources investigations were conducted to inventory, catalog, and describe the various
natural resources present along the proposed corridor and quantify potential impacts.
Published information and resources were collected prior to a field investigation. Information
sources used to prepare for the field investigation and this portion of the environmental
assessment included the following:
USGS quadrangle maps (Green Level, NC, Cary, NC).
Aerial photography of project area
Soil Survey of Wake County Area (USDA Soil Conservation Service, 1970)
USFWS list of protected and candidate species (Updated January 22, 2014)
NC Natural Heritage Program (NHP) files of rare species and unique habitats
A general field survey was conducted along the proposed project route by AECOM biologists on
October 10, 11, and 18, 2012. Water resources were identified and their physical characteristics
were recorded. Plant communities and their associated wildlife were identified using a variety of
observation techniques, including active searching, visual observations, and identifying
characteristic signs of wildlife (sounds, tracks, scats, and burrows). Terrestrial community
classifications generally follow Schafale and Weakley (1990) where appropriate and plant
taxonomy follows Radfordet al. (1968).
Jurisdictional wetlands were evaluated and delineated based on criteria established in theU.S.
Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual(USACE, 1987) and the Regional
Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual Eastern Mountains and
Piedmont Region, Version 2.0 (USACE, 2012). Wetlands were classified based on Cowardinet
al. (1979).
1. Physical Resources
The project study area is in east-central North Carolina within the Piedmont physiographic
province straddling the Neuse and Cape Fear River drainage basins. The general topography in
the vicinity of the project is characterized by gently rolling hills divided by small drainages having
a general slope upward towards the eastern end of the study area. Elevations in the project
study area range from approximately 320 to 400 feet.
The project is located in northwest Wake County in a fast growing area located near Research
Triangle Park that receives heavy commuter traffic. The proposed project study area is a
combination of rural residential, agriculture, and encroaching suburban development combined
State Environmental Assessment11October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

with scattered commercial areas. Much of the area in or adjacent to the project study area is
characterized by residential communities with large developments to the east and west of the
project study area.
2. Soils
Table 1
The Wake County Soil Survey identifies eight soil types within the project study area ().
Table 1. Soils in the project study area
Soil SeriesMappingDrainage ClassHydric Status
Unit
Creedmoor sandy loamCrB2Moderately well drainedNo
Creedmoor sandy loamCrC2Moderately well drainedNo
Granville sandy loamGrB2Well drainedNo
Mayodan sandy loamMfB2Well drainedNo
White Store sandy loamWsB2Moderately well drainedNo
White Store sandy loamWsC2Moderately well drainedNo
White Store sandy loamWsEModerately well drainedNo
Worsham sandy loamWyAPoorly drainedYes
3. Water Resources
Water resources in the project study area are located in both the Cape Fear (US Geologic
Survey Hydrologic Unit Code 03030002) and Neuse River basin (US Geologic Survey
Hydrologic Unit Code 03020201). Seven streams were identified in the project study area
Table 2Figures 4a and 4b
(). The location of each water resource is shown in. The physical
Table 3
characteristics of these streams are provided in. The project study area is bisected by
the watershed divide separating the Neuse and Cape Fear rivers.
State Environmental Assessment12October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

Table 2. Water resources in the project study area.
Stream NameMap IDNCDWQ Index NumberBest Usage
Classification
UT Panther CreekSB16-41-1-17-3WS-IV;NSW
Morris BranchSC/SF/SPA16-41-1-17-3-1WS-IV;NSW
UT Morris BranchSD16-41-1-17-3-1WS-IV;NSW
UT Morris BranchSE/SPB16-41-1-17-3-1WS-IV;NSW
UT Crabtree Creek SG27-33-(1)C; NSW
UT Morris BranchSH16-41-1-17-3-1WS-IV;NSW
UT Morris BranchSJ16-41-1-17-3-1WS-IV;NSW
Table 3. Physical characteristics of water resources in the project study area.
Map IDBankBankfullWaterChannelVelocityClarity
Heightwidth (ft.)Depth (in)Substrate
(ft.)
SB4-51-22-4”SandModerate Clear
SC/SF/SPA3-41-26-8”Sand, siltModerate Turbid
SD3-51-26”Sand, siltModerateClear
SE/SPB4-62-32-10”Sand, silt,Moderate Clear
gravel
SG6”6-12”3-6”SandModerate Clear
SH8”-12”10”Sand, silt,NoneN/A
gravel
SJ6”-12”1-20-3”Sand, siltModerate Slightly
turbid
State Environmental Assessment13October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

Four ponds occur in the project study area. These ponds are 1.6 acres, 1.3 acres, 1.6 acres,
and 1.8 acres in size. All are impoundments of surface waters and have surface water
connections to streams in the project study area.
There are no designated trout waters, anadromous fish waters or Primary Nursery Areas
present in the project study area. There are no designated High Quality Waters or water supply
watersheds (WS-I or WS-II) within 1.0 mile downstream of the project study area. The western
portion of the project study area that occurs in the Cape Fear basin is within a WS-IV water
supply watershed. There are no waters in the project study area listed on the North Carolina
2012 Final 303(d) list of impaired waters, although Crabtree Creek is listed on the 2012 303(d)
list and receives waters from the project study area. Crabtree Creek is approximately 2 miles
downstream of the project study area and is impaired due to poor benthic ecological integrity.
There are no benthic macroinvertebrate or fish monitoring stations within one mile of the project
study area. One benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring station is located in the Neuse River
basin on Crabtree Creek approximately 2.3 miles east of the project study area (JB36). This
benthic macroinvertebrate sampling site on Crabtree Creek received a rating of Poor in 1995,
2000, and 2009.
4. Biotic Resources
Seven terrestrial communities were identified within the project study area; maintained/disturbed
areas, agricultural fields, pastures, early successional areas, pine forest/planted pine, mixed
pine-hardwood forest, and hardwood forest.
Information on community types is included in a technical report. A copy of the full technical
report entitled Natural Resources Technical Report which can be viewed at the Town of Cary,
Facilities Design and Transportation Services, Cary Town Hall, 316 North Academy Street,
Cary, NC 27513.
B. Clean Water Act-Waters of the United States
1. Streams and Wetlands
A delineation of waters of the United States was performed within the project study area on
October 10, 11 and 18, 2012. Five intermittent streams, two perennial streams, and one
Table 4
intermittent/perennial stream were located within the project corridor () and shown on
Figures 4a and 4b
. All streams in the study area have been designated as warm water
streams for the purposes of mitigation.
State Environmental Assessment14October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

Table 4. Jurisdictional characteristics of water resources in the project study area.
CompensatoryRiverHydrologic
Length
Map IDClassificationMitigationBasinUnit
(ft.)
RequiredBuffer
SB559PerennialYesSubject03030002
SPA52IntermittentUndeterminedSubject03030002
SC/SF1041PerennialYesSubject03030002
SD250IntermittentUndeterminedSubject03030002
SE/SPB783PerennialYesSubject03030002
SG155IntermittentUndeterminedSubject03020201
SH182IntermittentUndeterminedNot subject 03030002
SJ432IntermittentUndeterminedSubject03030002
Total3,454
Eleven wetland areas, encompassing 1.26 acres, were identified within the project study area
Table 5
(). The study area is located along the watershed divide between the Cape Fear and
Neuse River basins (USGS Hydrologic Units 03030002 and 03020201 respectively). Wetlands
WC, WD, WE, WF, WG, and WH are in mixed-pine hardwood forest. Wetland WK and WL are
in hardwood forest. WI is in a disturbed/maintained community.
A field verification with David Shaeffer (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) occurred on August 27,
2013 to verify the jurisdictional status of the wetland and stream features in the project study
area. Landowners did not grant access to all features in the project study area so only a portion
of the project features were observed but enough were observed for the US Army Corps of
Engineers to issue a Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination for the project on November 19,
2013. Rob Ridings (NC Division of Water Resources) reviewed project ponds and streams on
March 6, 2014 and determined all but stream SH are subject to either Jordan Lake or Neuse
River buffer regulations since the project occurs in both basins.
State Environmental Assessment15October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

Table 5. Jurisdictional characteristics of wetlands in the project study area.
MapNCWAMHydrologicHydrologicNCDWQArea
IDClassificationClassificationUnitRating(ac.)
WCHeadwater ForestRiparian03030002220.03
WDHeadwater ForestRiparian03030002190.09
WEHeadwater ForestRiparian03030002130.14
WFHeadwater ForestRiparian03030002130.04
WGHeadwater ForestRiparian03030002170.20
WHHeadwater ForestRiparian03030002270.02
WIHeadwater ForestRiparian03020201210.01
WJHeadwater ForestRiparian03030002110.02
WKHeadwater ForestRiparian0303000290.03
WLHeadwater ForestRiparian03030002380.62
WMHeadwater ForestRiparian03020201260.06
Total1.26
It is anticipated that the proposed project (Recommended Alternative 1) will impact 0.25 acre of
Figures 4a
wetlands and 205 linear feet of streams. Wetlands in the project area are shown on
and 4b
.
State Environmental Assessment16October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

C. Clean Water Act-Permits
Based on the preliminary design, wetland impacts are approximately 0.25 acres and stream
impacts are approximately 205 linear feet. It is anticipated that a Nationwide 14 Permit may be
applicable. The USACE holds the final discretion as to what permit will be required to authorize
project construction. A Section 401 Water Quality Certification (WQC) from the NCDWR will
also be needed.
D. Coastal Area Management Act Areas of Environmental
Concern
The project does not occur in a coastal county and is therefore not under the jurisdiction of the
Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). No permit will be required from the North Carolina
Division of Coastal Management for this project.
E. Construction Moratoria
No construction moratoria were identified by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
in a memorandum dated August 2, 2012, and the project does not occur in anadromous fish or
Essential Fish Habitat designated by the National Marine Fisheries Service.
F. North Carolina River Basin Buffer Rules
The project occurs in the Neuse River basin and the Jordan Lake watershed of the Cape Fear
River basin. Both watersheds are subject to riparian buffer protection regulations designed to
reduce pollution within these watersheds. Riparian buffer impacts in the Jordan Lake and
Neuse River basins shall be avoided and minimized to the greatest extent possible pursuant to
15A NCAC 2B.0233 and 15A NCAC 2B.0267 respectively. New development activities located
in the protected 50-foot wide riparian areas within the basins shall be limited to “uses” identified
within and constructed in accordance with 15A NCAC 2B.0233 and 2B.0267 respectively.
Buffer mitigation may be required for buffer impacts resulting from activities classified as
“allowable with mitigation within the “Table of Uses” section of the Buffer Rules or require a
variance under the Buffer Rules. A buffer mitigation plan, including use of the NC Ecosystem
Enhancement Program, must be provided to NCDWR prior to approval of the Water Quality
Certification. Buffer impacts of 0.59 acres are anticipated to occur along a pond and stream in
the Jordan Lake watershed as a result of this project and may require mitigation.
G. Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters
No streams in the project study area have been designated by the USACE as a Navigable
Water under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbor Act.
State Environmental Assessment17October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

H. Wetland and Stream Mitigation
1. Avoidance and Minimization of Impacts
The Town of Cary and NCDOT will attempt to avoid and minimize impacts to streams and
wetlands to the greatest extent practicable in developing preliminary design alternatives during
project design. This project occurs in two buffered river basins and Design Standards in
Sensitive Watersheds will be applied to reduce impacts to the riparian buffers. At this time, no
final decisions have been made with regard to the design of the preferred alternative. However
it is anticipated that the project will impact 0.25 acre wetlands and 205 linear feet of streams.
2. Compensatory Mitigation of Impacts
The Town of Cary and NCDOT will investigate potential on-site stream and wetland mitigation
opportunities once a final decision has been rendered on the location of the preferred
alternative. If on-site mitigation is not feasible, mitigation will be provided by North Carolina
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP).
I. Endangered Species Act Protected Species
The USFWS lists three species (as of January 22, 2014) under federal protection for Wake
County: dwarf wedgemussel, Michaux’s sumac, and red-cockaded woodpecker. A brief
description of each species’ habitat requirements follows, along with the Biological Conclusion
rendered based on survey results in the project study area. Habitat requirements for each
species are based on the current best available information from referenced literature and/or
Table 6
USFWS. Information for these species is contained in.
A US Fish and Wildlife Service proposal for listing the Northern long-eared bat (Myotis
septentrionalis) as an Endangered species was published in the Federal Register in October
2013. The listing may become effective as soon as April 1, 2015. Furthermore, this species is
included in USFWS’s current list of protected species for Wake County. The Town of Cary will
work with the USFWS to understand how this proposed listing may impact this transportation
project. The Town of Cary will coordinate appropriately with the USFWS and USACE regarding
the biological conclusion for this species by determining if this project will incur potential effects
to the Northern long-eared bat, and how to address these potential effects, if
necessary. Potential effects could include potential habitat removed during construction. Based
on calculations of terrestrial communities, the total estimated hardwood forest acreage is
approximately 1.85 acres in the project study area.
State Environmental Assessment18October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

Table 6. Federally protected species listed for Wake County
CommonScientificFederal StatusHabitatBiological
NameNamePresentConclusion
Alasmidonta
Dwarf
ENoNo Effect
heterodon
wedgemussel
Picoides
Red-cockaded
EYesNo Effect
borealis
woodpecker
Michaux’s
Rhus michauxii
EYesNo effect
sumac
E – Endangered
Dwarf wedgemussel ()
Alasmidonta heterodon
USFWS optimal survey window: year round
Habitat Description: In North Carolina, the dwarf wedge mussel is found in the Neuse and Tar
River basins. The dwarf wedgemussel is a generalist in its preference for stream size, substrate,
and flow conditions. It is known to inhabit streams less than five meters wide to large rivers
over 100 meters wide. It can be found in a variety of substrates from silt depositional areas to
clay, sand, pebble, and gravel. It is usually found in hydrologically stable areas and often has a
patchy distribution (USFWS 2011).
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Based on a review of GIS and NHP data, it appears that the dwarf wedgemussel does
not exist in the project vicinity. The streams on this project are headwater streams and
are too small for dwarf wedgemussel. The streams on the western side of the project
flow into the Cape Fear River Basin that has no known records of dwarf wedgemussel.
The streams on the eastern portion of the project flow into Crabtree Creek and Crabtree
Lake, both of which are on NCDWR 2012 list of 303d streams because of biological
impairment for benthos, turbidity and PCB’s. The Lake Crabtree dam prevents mussels
downstream from being reestablished in the project study area. The Cary Waste Water
Treatment Plant (WWTP) downstream discharge on Crabtree Creek is likely creating
inhospitable conditions for the dwarf wedgemussel or any mussels. The closest record of
dwarf wedgemussel in the Neuse River is 27 stream miles downstream, but this record
is historic. The closest viable population of dwarf wedgemussel is over 30 miles
downstream of the project crossing in Swift Creek. The proposed Carpenter-Fire Station
Road realignment and grade separation project will have No Effect on the dwarf
wedgemussel.
State Environmental Assessment19October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

Red-cockaded woodpecker ()
Picoides borealis
USFWS optimal survey window: year-round
Habitat Description: Red-cockaded woodpeckers require open stands of pines with a minimum
age of 80 to 120 years provide suitable nesting habitat. Longleaf pines are most commonly
used, but other species of southern pine are also acceptable. Dense stands of pines or stands
that have a dense hardwood under story are avoided. Foraging habitat consists of pine and pine
hardwood stands 30 years or older with foraging preference for pine trees 10 inches (25 cm) or
larger in diameter. The woodpecker’s diet consists mainly of insects that include ants, beetles,
wood-boring insects, and caterpillars.
Biological Conclusion:No Effect
Small isolated stands of large open loblolly pine were present in the study area but no
signs of red-cockaded woodpecker cavity tree construction were present in any of these
stands. Furthermore, these stands were quite small (1-2 acres) and surrounded by
forests with greater stand density, higher concentration of hardwoods, and/or dense
shrub growth making the stand unsuitable for red-cockaded woodpecker foraging or
nesting. A field survey of the project study area and a ½ mile wide buffer surrounding
the project area was performed in November 2014 for the presence of red-cockaded
woodpecker cavity trees. No active or relict red-cockaded woodpecker cavity trees were
observed in any of the stands within the project study area or the ½ mile wide buffer.
This project will have No Effect on the red-cockaded woodpecker.
Michaux’s sumac ()
Rhus michauxii
USFWS optimal survey window: May - October
Habitat Description: Michaux's sumac grows in sandy or rocky open woods in association with
basic soils. Apparently, this plant survives best in areas where some form of disturbance has
provided an open area. Most of the plant's remaining populations are on highway rights-of-way,
roadsides, or on the edges of artificially maintained clearings. Other populations are in areas
with periodic fires, or on sites undergoing natural succession. One population is situated in a
natural opening on the rim of a Carolina bay. Currently, the plant survives in the following North
Carolina Counties: Cumberland, Davie, Franklin, Hoke, Moore, Richmond, Richmond, Scotland,
and Wake.
Biological Conclusion:No Effect
AECOM biologists surveyed the project study area for the presence of Michaux’s sumac
on October 10, 11, and 18, 2012. Suitable habitat was encountered in the project study
area in the form of woodlot edges, agricultural field edges, roadsides and railroad rights-
of-way. Sumac species were encountered in suitable habitat during the surveys and
include smooth sumac and winged sumac; however, no populations of endangered
Michaux’s sumac were encountered. This project will have No Effect on Michaux’s
sumac.
State Environmental Assessment20October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

J. Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act
Habitat for the bald eagle primarily consists of mature forest in proximity to large bodies of open
water for foraging. Large dominant trees are utilized for nesting sites, typically within 1.0 mile of
open water.
A desktop-GIS assessment of the project study area, as well as the area within a 1.13-mile
radius (1 mile plus 660 feet) of the project limits, was performed on July 24, 2012 using 2010
aerial photography. Carpenter Village Lake is located approximately 2,500 feet south southeast
of the eastern edge of the project study area and is large enough that bald eagles could forage
on it occasionally. High density residential development encompasses much of the perimeter
around Carpenter Village Lake and it is unlikely to support nesting eagles and there are no
Natural Heritage Program records of bald eagles from this lake. No other water bodies large
enough or sufficiently open to be considered potential foraging sources were identified. Since
there was only marginal foraging habitat within the review area, a survey of the project study
area and the area within 660 feet of the project limits was not conducted. The project is
approximately 3.0 miles east of Jordan Lake which has a healthy breeding population of bald
eagles. Lake Crabtree, approximately 3.5 miles east of the project, is also suitable habitat for
bald eagles and Natural Heritage Program records indicate an eagle was observed at this lake
in 2009. Due to the lack of habitat within the project study area and surrounding it, high current
levels of development in the vicinity of the project study area, minimal impact anticipated from
the project, it has been determined that this project will not affect this species.
K. Endangered Species Act Candidate Species
As of January 22, 2014 the USFWS list no Candidate species for Wake County.
L. National Marine Fisheries Service Essential Fish Habitat
Wake County is not an Essential Fish Habitat identified coastal county and does not border the
ocean or estuarine waters; therefore; there will be no EFH impacts associated with this project.
M. Cultural Resources
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires that the properties and sites listed
in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places be considered in the planning
of federal undertakings. Federal undertakings include not only federally funded projects, but
also locally and state funded projects that are federally licensed, permitted, or approved by the
federal government. The proposed project is anticipated to require a Corps of Engineers
Nationwide 14 permit, so Section 106 process applies. As part of the Section 106 process, it is
anticipated that a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will be a condition of the permit.
Coastal Carolina Research (CCR), a wholly owned subsidiary of Commonwealth Cultural
Resources Group, Inc., completed an architectural review and survey for the proposed
Carpenter Fire Station Road realignment and grade separation project in the Town of Cary,
Wake County, North Carolina in November 2012. The investigation was conducted according to
the Secretary of the Interior’sStandards and Guidelines for Historic Preservation Projects
(Federal Register, Vol. 48, No. 190, September 1983, P. 44716-44742, et seq.), and the current
cultural resources report was prepared according to project review guidelines issued by the
State Environmental Assessment21October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). CCR recommended that seven historic resources
documented within the Project Study Area but outside the Carpenter Historic District were not
eligible for the NRHP. Therefore, it was noted that the proposed project will have no effect
beyond those effects that may be determined for the NRHP-listed Carpenter Historic District.
The SHPO concurred with this recommendation on February 7, 2013 and a copy of this
Appendix A
correspondence is included in. Also per consultation with the SHPO on August 7,
2012, an archaeological investigation has not been recommended in connection with the
proposed project.
A State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Effects meeting was held on March 19, 2013 at
10:00 AM at the NCDOT Century Center (Building B) in Raleigh, North Carolina. The purpose
of the meeting was to determine effects of three project alternatives through the Carpenter
Historic District within the Town of Cary. Alternatives 1A, 1B, and 2 would have a direct effect
on a contributing resource of the Carpenter Historic District (CHD) – Saunders House
Wellhouse. Alternatives 2 and 3 would have a much greater visual impact as it would go over
the railroad line. It appeared that Alternative 1A may have the least adverse effects to the CHD.
After discussion of the current project alternatives, the project team consulted on each of the
three alternative designs with SHPO. For each alternative the project team proposed an
“adverse effect” determination. SHPO concurred with each ‘adverse effect’ recommendation by
the project team.
A meeting with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) was held on August 6, 2013 at
10:15 AM at the NCDOT Century Center (Building B) in Raleigh, North Carolina. The purpose
of the meeting was to continue discussions of the subject project (Carpenter Fire Station Road
Realignment and Grade Separation) and its potential effects to the Carpenter Historic District
and potential mitigation relative to the Section 106 process.
Subsequent to meeting with SHPO, NCDOT, and FHWA, the Town of Cary decided not to
pursue federal funds on the proposed project. The proposed project will be funded with Town of
Cary Community Investment Bonds as well as other Town of Cary funds, and follow the Section
106 process by developing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to address potential effects to
the Carpenter Historic District and potential mitigation relative to the Section 106 process. A
MOA will be developed with the Corps of Engineers as the lead federal agency (due to the
requirement of a Federal Nationwide 14 permit for the proposed project), SHPO, NCDOT, the
NC Division of Water Resources (DWR), and others as necessary.
A Pre-Application meeting was held on March 12, 2014 at 1:00 PM at the Cary Town Hall in
Cary, N. C. The purpose of the meeting was to bring the Corps of Engineers and DWR up to
speed on the project history and to review the first draft of the Memorandum of Agreement
(MOA) with USACE, SHPO, DWR, and NCDOT as part of the Section 106 process for the
subject project. The Corps of Engineers had general comments on some language in the draft
MOA and the SHPO indicated that there were no fatal flaws with the project given Town funding
and the Town should proceed with developing more detailed design for more definitive
Appendix A
descriptions of what they will do. The final meeting minutes are included inas a
summary of this meeting.
N. Section 6(f)
Section 6(f) of the Land and Water Conservation Act of 1965 prohibits the conversion of any
recreation area developed with assistance from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
to other uses without the approval of the U.S. Department of the Interior. The Department of the
State Environmental Assessment22October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

Interior can only approve such conversions if “the substitution of other recreation properties of at
least equal fair market value and or reasonable equivalent usefulness and location” can be
ensured. The Natural Heritage Program is the designated administering agency for the LWCF
in North Carolina. No properties where Section 6(f) funds have been used will be impacted by
the project.
O. Social Effects / Community Impacts
1. Demographics/Socio-Economics
The proposed project is located in western Wake County, within the Carpenter Community in
the Town of Cary. The Demographic Study Area (DSA) represents the total land area covered
by the smallest number of Block Groups that contain the proposed project. The DSA for the
proposed project include Census Tract 534.11, Block Group 1; Census Tract 536.01, Block
Group 3; Census Tract 536.02, Block Group 1; and Census Tract 536.03, Block Group 1.
According to the US Census, the population of the DSA increased between 2000 and 2010 from
7,318 people to 12,443 people, although the block group geography and names changed
between 2000 and 2010. Similarly, Wake County also experienced an increase in population
from 627,846 in 2000 to 900,993 people in 2010. The Town of Cary also grew from 94,536
people in 2000 to 135,234 people in 2010. The US Census Bureau recently reported the Town
of Cary as the fastest growing city in North Carolina and the 9th fastest growing city in the
country. Of the more than 40,000 residents who moved to the Town of Cary between 2000 and
2010, approximately half relocated to western Cary.
According to the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management, the population of
Wake County is expected to increase to 1,325,950 by July 2030, an average annualized
increase of approximately 2.0 percent per year for twenty years. In the Town of Cary 2011/2012
Demographic Analysis, the town’s population is projected to increase to 206,813 in 2030 (2.2
percent per year for twenty years).
The 2010 US Census shows the racial diversity within the DSA as being similarly diverse as that
of Wake County. In 2010, the racial populations within the DSA included 62 percent White, 9.7
percent Black or African American, 0.2 percent American Indian and Alaska Native Alone, 25.3
percent Asian, 0.02 percent Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 1.1 percent who identified as
being another Race, and 1.6 percent who identified with two or more races. In 2010, the racial
populations within Wake County included 68.7 percent White, 20.0 percent Black or African
American, 4.6 percent American Indian and Alaska Native Alone, 5.3 percent Asian, 0.04
percent Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 3.9 percent who identified as being another Race, and
1.7 percent who identified with two or more races. Additionally, the 2010 US Census shows the
Hispanic or Latino population within the DSA as being significantly lower than that of Wake
County (4.6 percent and 9.8 percent, respectively).
The percent of the population of Wake County below poverty is significantly higher than that of
the DSA (9.7 percent and 4.0 percent, respectively), while the percentage of the population
classified as very poor (under 50 percent of the poverty level) in Wake County is slightly higher
than that of the DSA (4.2 percent and 1.9 percent, respectively).
According to the North Carolina Department of Commerce – Division of Employment Security,
Wake County experienced a 6.6 percent unemployment rate in August 2013, slightly lower than
State Environmental Assessment23October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

the Wake County August 2012 unemployment rate of 8.3 percent. These rates are significantly
lower than the August 2013 and August 2012 statewide unemployment rate of 8.3 percent and
9.7 percent, respectively.
The outlook for employment growth within the Capital Area Workforce Development Board
(WDB) region from 2008 to 2018 is 16.8 percent (1.6 percent annualized growth rate).
According to the Town of Cary Population and Housing Trends Report (Spring 2010), the top
five employers in Cary include the following: SAS Institute, Inc.; Verizon Wireless; Affiliated
Computer Services; Town of Cary; and American Airlines.
2. Neighborhoods/Communities
The proposed project is located within the Carpenter community in the Town of Cary. According
to theTown of Cary Carpenter Community Plan, Carpenter has been a distinctive crossroads
th
community since the 19 century. The 1996Town of Cary Land Use Plan designated the
Carpenter crossroads area as aSpecial Opportunity Site, an area with significant historic
structures capable of serving as focal points for creative re-use.
The proposed project will not relocate any homes, businesses, or schools. Some impacts are
anticipated to Good Hope Baptist Church’s lawn/property for Alternative 1A.
3. Environmental Justice
Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, there are requirements that protect special
populations from any type of discrimination on the grounds of race, age, color, religion,
disability, sex, and national origin. Along with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive
Order 12898 (Environmental Justice) states that federal programs cannot have a
disproportionately high adverse human health and environmental effect on minority and low-
income populations. Environmental Justice states the equitable treatment of people of all races,
cultures, ages, and incomes during development, implement and enforcement of environmental
laws, regulations and policies. Other special populations may include the elderly, children, the
disabled, low-income people, and minority groups.
Although the project is not federally funded, potential impacts to special populations identified by
the Executive Order were considered in this assessment of impacts. Census data does not
indicate a notable presence of populations meeting the criteria for Environmental Justice within
the Demographic Study Area (DSA) nor were minority or low income communities observed
within the Direct Community Impacts Area (DCIA) during the site visit. Therefore, no notably
adverse community impacts are anticipated with this project and no Environmental Justice
populations appear to be affected; thus, impacts to minority and low income populations do not
appear to be disproportionately high and adverse. Benefits and burdens resulting from the
project are anticipated to be equitably distributed throughout the community, and no denial of
benefit is expected. The project is predominantly on new location, through undeveloped
farmland, and no homes or businesses are anticipated to be relocated.
4. Recreational Facilities
Carpenter Ruritan Park is an existing park located just north of the existing Carpenter Fire
Station Road. The project will not impact the existing park. TheCarpenter Community Plan
recommends retaining and expanding the existing Carpenter Ruritan Park to create a ‘Village
State Environmental Assessment24October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

Park’, which would connect to a trailhead park that would serve as the junction of several major
greenway corridors.
Several planned parks are located within the DCIA. The A.M. Howard Farm Park will be located
on the north side of Morrisville-Carpenter Road in the eastern quadrant of the DCIA. The
Carpenter Neighborhood Park will be located on the south side of Morrisville-Carpenter Road in
the eastern quadrant of the DCIA. The C.F. Ferrell Store Park will be located adjacent to the
existing Carpenter Fire Station Road and Morrisville-Carpenter Road intersection. The
Cameron Pond Park will be located on the south side of Carpenter Fire Station Road in the
western quadrant of the DCIA. The proposed project is not impacting existing or future/planned
parks.
According to theTown of Cary Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources (PRCR) Master Plan
Recommendations Map, greenways are proposed along Morrisville-Carpenter Road within the
project vicinity, as well as along the proposed and existing Carpenter Fire Station Road.
5. Railroad Crossings
A CSX Railroad runs north-south parallel to NC 55 and intersects existing Carpenter-Fire
Station Road. Existing at-grade railroad crossings are currently located on both Carpenter Fire
Station Road and Morrisville-Carpenter Road. Based on coordination with the NCDOT Rail
Division, there are two trains per day that utilize this section of railroad in the project area.
6. Utilities
According to January 2012 GIS data from the Town of Cary, water and sewer utility lines run
throughout the project study area, including along the existing Carpenter Fire Station Road, NC
55, Saunders Grove Road, and Morrisville-Carpenter Road.
The proposed project is expected to have sewer impacts of approximately 3000 feet within the
construction limits and waterline impacts of approximately 6300 feet for Recommended
Alternative 1 (formerly Alternative 1A).
P. Land Use and Zoning
The proposed project study area is a combination of rural residential, agriculture, and
encroaching suburban development combined with scattered commercial areas. Surrounding
land uses are characterized by residential areas, some commercial and industrial uses, and a
designated commercial center. The proposed alignment lies either within the city limits or the
Figure 5
unincorporated urban growth area of the Town of Cary. displays the existing land
uses and the proposed alignment.
TheTown of Cary Carpenter Community Plan, an element of the Land Use Plan, establishes
the Town of Cary’s official long-range land-use vision and recommendations for the Carpenter
Community. The Carpenter planning area is bordered roughly by four major thoroughfares:
McCrimmon Parkway to the north, Morrisville Parkway to the south, NC 55 to the west, and
Louis Stephens Drive to the east. According to the map included in the plan, the land use for
the area around the proposed realigned portion of Carpenter Fire Station Road is ‘Rural Village’.
This recommended land use includes a mix of retail, services, office, and housing in a
contextually sensitive design that complements and expands on the historic Carpenter
State Environmental Assessment25October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

Crossroads community. The objective of the Rural Village designation is to preserve the
existing, contributing buildings of the Carpenter Historic District while integrating a limited
number of new structures.
TheCarpenter Community Plan recommends that Good Hope Church Road, Carpenter
Upchurch Road, Carpenter Fire Station Road, and Morrisville Carpenter Road be constructed
without curb and gutter west of Louis Stephens Drive, and potentially without urban street lights.
The western portion of the Carpenter National Register Historic District (NRHD) falls within the
project study area. The NRHD is approximately 126 acres and the boundary encompasses the
commercial core area at the intersection of Carpenter Upchurch Road and Morrisville Carpenter
Road. It extends eastward to the C.F. Ferrell House and Farmstead and includes several
farmhouses along the north side of Morrisville Carpenter Road.
The NRHD was listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 2000 as an intact
example of a late nineteenth- to early twentieth- century farm crossroads district with
significance under architecture, agriculture, and community planning. The 1996Town of Cary
Land Use Plan designated the Carpenter crossroads area as a special opportunity site, an area
with significant historic structures capable of serving as focal points for creative re-use.
According to theCarpenter Community Plan map, the land use for the area around the
proposed realigned portion of Carpenter Fire Station Road is ‘Rural Village’. This designation is
intended to be the focus of non-residential land uses within theCarpenter Community Plan.
TheCarpenter Community Plan also proposes a 100-foot wildflower buffer along Morrisville
Carpenter Road and Good Hope Church Road. This buffer is intended to create a larger road
setback and a more open visual experience. Multi-use paths and greenways are proposed to
be located within this buffer. It is also recommended that Carpenter Ruritan Park, an existing
park north of the existing Carpenter Fire Station Road, be retained and expanded to create a
‘Village Park’.
TheTown of Cary Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources (PRCR) Master Plan is intended
to help guide the development of the parks, recreation, and cultural resources system in the
Town of Cary for the next five to ten years. This plan update incorporates input from a
statistically-valid survey, focus group meetings, a Greenway Summit meeting with adjacent
jurisdictions, trail user counts, and close coordination with the Cary Greenway Committee. The
PRCR plan was adopted by Town Council in November 2012.
According to thePRCR Master Plan Recommendations Map, greenways are proposed along
Morrisville Carpenter Road within the project vicinity, as well as along the proposed and existing
Carpenter Fire Station Road. The proposed Kit Creek Greenway is located east of the Good
Hope Church Road / Morrisville Carpenter Road intersection and runs north to south through
the project study area. This greenway is part of the Research Triangle Park to Middle Creek
Greenway corridor.
Q. Farmland
The project is located primarily within the city limits or the unincorporated urban growth area of
the Town of Cary. Because the project lies within areas that are designated for future
State Environmental Assessment26October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

development, and the project is not federally funded, the provisions of the Farmland Protection
Policy Act do not apply.
Phillips Family Farm is a farm that offers seasonal activities to its visitors. The farm produces
hay, straw, corn, and strawberry crops at various seasons throughout the year and sells
Christmas trees each December. The farm’s main attractions are the family Corn Maze and
Haunted Farm in the Fall. There is an existing pond used for irrigation on the Phillips Family
Farm and it is anticipated that a portion of this pond would be partially taken but that most of the
pond would remain intact for irrigation of the farm.
R. Indirect and Cumulative Effects
The analysis of the potential indirect and cumulative effects of this project suggests that
development activities in the area are not anticipated to be altered by project construction.
Analysis of State and local development regulations suggest that those regulations currently in
place will mitigate any potential impacts of the new development related to the project.
Residential and commercial development in the area outside of the DCIA is expected to
increase with the completion of the proposed project.
Comprehensive planning efforts by the Town over the past decade have put the policies and
procedures in place that show the vision and intent to develop in western Cary, to provide the
adequate infrastructure to support this growth, and to protect the natural and human
environment during the growth.
In order to address indirect and cumulative effects for this project as well as the overall effects
of all infrastructure improvements and planned land use changes, the Town of Cary has
developed a Secondary and Cumulative Impacts (SCI) Master Mitigation Plan in cooperation
with the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NC DENR). The purpose of
the SCI Master Mitigation Plan is to provide a holistic review of the environmental impacts
associated with planned land use changes and infrastructure projects deemed necessary by the
Town Council. The SCI Master Mitigation Plan identifies the environmental impacts associated
with the Town’s plans for creating, expanding, and/or changing water, sewer, and transportation
facilities and the programs in place that mitigate identified impacts.
The Town of Cary entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with NCDENR, effective
July 26, 2005, about the use of the documents. The MOA describes the background of the SCI
Master Mitigation Plan process, reporting requirements, period of applicability for the Plan (10
years), and the circumstances under which it must be updated earlier than 10 years.
Amendment No. 1 to the Memorandum of Agreement clarifies reporting dates. Every two years,
the Town of Cary submits an update to NC DENR for its SCI Master Mitigation Plan.
These Biennial Reports document any changes made by the Town during the previous two
years and whether those changes significantly change the impacts of the planned growth and
development in the planning area.
S. Flood Hazard Evaluation
Wake County is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Regular Program. The Town of
Cary will coordinate with the Federal Emergency Management agency and local authorities to
State Environmental Assessment27October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

ensure compliance with applicable floodplain ordinances. The project does not involve any
construction within a designated 100-year floodplain.
T. Traffic Noise Analysis
Traffic noise analysis was conducted to determine the effect the proposed project will have on
noise levels in the immediate project area. This analysis includes an inventory of existing noise-
sensitive land uses and a comparison of the predicted noise levels and existing noise levels to
determine if traffic noise impacts would occur as a result of the project.
The level of highway traffic noise depends on three things: (l) the volume of the traffic, (2) the
speed of the traffic, and (3) the number of trucks in the flow of the traffic. Generally, the
loudness of traffic noise is increased by heavier traffic volumes, higher speeds, and greater
numbers of trucks. Vehicle noise is a combination of the noises produced by the engine,
exhaust, and tires. The loudness of traffic noise can also be increased by defective mufflers or
other faulty equipment on vehicles. Any condition (such as a steep incline) that causes heavy
laboring of motor vehicle engines will also increase traffic noise levels. In addition, there are
other, more complicated factors that affect the loudness of traffic noise. For example, as a
person moves away from a highway, traffic noise levels are reduced by distance, terrain,
vegetation, and natural and manmade obstacles. Traffic noise is not usually a serious problem
for people who live more than 500 feet from heavily traveled freeways or more than 100 to 200
feet from lightly traveled roads.
Although the proposed project is not funded by the Federal Highway Administration or the North
Carolina Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration Noise Abatement
Criteria and NCDOT’s Noise Abatement Policy (July 13, 2011) were used to assess whether or
not residences and / or businesses will be impacted by traffic noise. According to those criteria
traffic noise impacts occur if the predicted design year noise levels approach or exceed levels
Table 7
shown for each land use activity category in. The North Carolina Department of
Transportation defines “approach” as within 1 dBA of the Leq(h) value for the activity category.
Traffic noise impacts also occur when predicted noise levels substantially exceed existing noise
levels. The North Carolina Department of Transportation defines substantial noise increases as
Table 8
shown in.
The Federal Highway Administration’s Traffic Noise Model (TNM 2.5) was used in conjunction
with existing and 2035 traffic data to determine existing and future noise levels at homes along
the project. Ambient noise levels were observed at several locations within the project vicinity.
Existing noise measurements were taken along the south side of Carpenter Fire Station Road,
west of NC 55, just east of the Crosspointe Church, approximately 50 and 100 feet from the
existing edge of pavement. Ambient noise levels ranged from 60-64 dBA.
Measurements were taken north of Morrisville Carpenter Road, east of NC 55, at Carpenter
Park within the historic area, approximately 50 and 100 feet from the existing edge of
pavement. Ambient noise level ranged from 59-63 dBA.
State Environmental Assessment28October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

Table 7. Noise Abatement Criteria
Hourly A-Weighted Sound Level in Decibels (dBA)
Activity
ActivityEvaluation
CriteriaDescription of Activity Category
CategoryLocation
Leq(h)
Lands on which serenity and quiet are quiet are of
extraordinary significance and serve an important public
A57Exteriorneed and where the preservation of those qualities is
essential if the area is to continue to serve its intended
purpose.
B67ExteriorResidential
Active sport areas, amphitheaters, auditoriums,
campgrounds, cemeteries, daycare centers, hospitals,
libraries, medical facilities, parks, picnic areas, places of
C67Exteriorworship, playgrounds, public meeting rooms, public or
nonprofit institutional structures, radio studios, recording
studios, recreation areas, Section 4(f) sites, schools,
television studios, trails, and trail crossings.
Auditorium, day care centers, hospitals, libraries,
medical facilities, places of worship, public meeting
D52Interiorrooms, public or nonprofit institutional structures, radio
studios, recording studios, schools, and television
studios.
Hotels, motels, offices, restaurants/bars, and other
E72Exteriordeveloped lands, properties or activities not included in
A-D or F.
Agriculture, airports, bus yards, emergency services,
industrial, logging maintenance facilities,
F----manufacturing, mining, rail yards, retail facilities,
shipyards, utilities (water resources, water treatment,
electrical), and warehousing.
G----Undeveloped lands that are not permitted.
Table 8. Defined Substantial Noise Increase
Existing Leq(h)Increase
50 or less dBA15 or more dBA
51 dBA14 or more dBA
52 dBA13 or more dBA
53 dBA12 or more dBA
54 dBA11 or more dBA
55 or more dBA10 or more dBA
Representative of residential areas within the vicinity, a measurement was taken just north of
the Carpenter Village Subdivision, approximately 425 feet south of Morrisville Carpenter Road,
between Good Hope Church Road and Louis Stephens Drive. The noise level was 53 dBA.
State Environmental Assessment29October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

TNM 2.5 was used to determine the existing and future noise levels at noise receptors
surrounding the proposed project. All of the noise receptors fall under activity category B. For
Alternative 1A (Recommended Alternative 1), there are six noise receptors expected to
experience traffic noise impacts by either approaching or exceeding the FHWA Noise
Abatement Criteria (NAC). There are five anticipated future noise impacts for the proposed
project under Alternative 1B (Alternative 2). All of the noise receptors for Alternatives 1A and
1B were not considered for substantial noise level increase impacts.
The majority of the adjacent developed land is designated for a mix of retail, services, office,
and housing in a contextually sensitive design that complements and expands on the historic
Carpenter Crossroads community. In order to assist in the proper planning of this future
development, so new development is not built where they may be impacted by traffic noise,
efforts were made to establish the location of the 66 dBA noise contour. However, due to the
relatively low traffic volumes and speeds (45 mph), the proposed roadway is not anticipated to
create noise levels of 66 dBA or more outside the proposed 50 to 80-foot right-of-way.
Information on noise analysis for this project can be viewed at the Town of Cary, Facilities
Design and Transportation Services, Cary Town Hall, 316 North Academy Street, Cary, NC
27513.
U. Air Quality
Air pollution originates from various sources. Emissions from industry and internal combustion
engines are the most prevalent sources. The impact resulting from highway construction
ranges from intensifying existing air pollution problems to improving ambient air quality.
Air quality is determined by the type and amount of pollutants emitted into the atmosphere, the
size and topography of the air basin, and prevailing meteorological conditions. The major
factors affecting pollutant dispersion are wind speed, and direction, atmospheric stability,
temperature, the presence or absence of inversions and the topographical and geographical
features of the regions.
1. Project Air Quality Effects and Transportation Conformity
The project is located in Wake County, which complies with the National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS). Wake County is within an area identified as the Southern Coastal Plain
Intrastate Air Quality Control Region (as defined in section 302(f) of the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C.
1857h(f)).
a) Ozone
The project is located in Wake County, which is within the Raleigh-Durham maintenance area
for carbon monoxide (CO) as defined by the EPA. The Raleigh Durham area was redesignated
for CO on September 18, 1995 and due to improved monitoring data was placed under a limited
maintenance plan (conformity is required without a regional emissions analysis) on July 22,
2013. Section 176(c) of the CAAA requires that transportation plans, programs, and projects
conform to the intent of the state air quality implementation plan (SIP). The current SIP does not
contain any transportation control measures for Wake County. The Capital Area Metropolitan
Planning Organization 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and the 2012-2018
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) conform to the intent of the SIP. The USDOT made
State Environmental Assessment30October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

a conformity determination on the LRTP on April 2, 2013 and the TIP on April 2, 2013. The
current conformity determination is consistent with the final conformity rule found in 40 CFR
b)Carbon Monoxide
The proposed project lies within a maintenance area for Carbon Monoxide (CO). Air quality
impacts are not anticipated since proposed project developments will improve traffic operations.
Therefore, a CO hot-spot analysis is not required according to FHWA guidelines.
c)Fine Particulate Matter
The proposed project lies within an attainment area for PM2.5. A PM2.5 hot-spot analysis is
only required if the proposed project was in a non-attainment area for PM2.5. As a result, a
PM2.5 hot-spot analysis is not required according to FHWA guidelines.
This project will not add substantial new capacity or create any adverse effects on the air quality
of this attainment area, and therefore, 40 CFR Parts 51 and 94 are not applicable.
2. Mobile Source Air Toxics
Controlling air toxic emissions became a national priority with the passage of the Clean Air Act
Amendments (CAAA) of 1990, whereby Congress mandated that the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) regulate 188 air toxics, also known as hazardous air pollutants. The
EPA has assessed this expansive list in their latest rule on the Control of Hazardous Air
Pollutants from Mobile Sources (Federal Register, Vol. 72, No. 37, page 8430, February 26,
2007), and identified a group of 93 compounds emitted from mobile sources that are listed in
their Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) ( http://www.epa.gov/iris/). In addition, EPA
identified seven compounds with significant contributions from mobile sources that are among
the national and regional-scale cancer risk drivers from their 1999 National Air Toxics
Assessment (NATA) (http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/nata1999/). These are acrolein, benzene, 1,3-
butidiene, diesel particulate matter plus diesel exhaust organic gases (diesel PM),
formaldehyde, naphthalene, and polycyclic organic matter. While FHWA considers these the
priority mobile source air toxics, the list is subject to change and may be adjusted in
consideration of future EPA rules. The 2007 EPA rule mentioned above requires controls that
will dramatically decrease MSAT emissions through cleaner fuels and cleaner engines.
Air toxics analysis is a continuing area of research. While much work has been done to assess
the overall health risk of air toxics, many questions remain unanswered. In particular, the tools
and techniques for assessing project-specific health outcomes as a result of lifetime MSAT
exposure remain limited. These limitations impede the ability to evaluate how the potential
health risks posed by MSAT exposure should be factored into project-level decision-making
within the context of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
a)Incomplete or Unavailable Information for Project-Specific MSAT
Health Impacts Analysis
In FHWA's view, information is incomplete or unavailable to credibly predict the project-specific
health impacts due to changes in MSAT emissions associated with a proposed set of highway
alternatives. The outcome of such an assessment, adverse or not, would be influenced more by
the uncertainty introduced into the process through assumption and speculation rather than any
State Environmental Assessment31October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

genuine insight into the actual health impacts directly attributable to MSAT exposure associated
with a proposed action.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for protecting the public health
and welfare from any known or anticipated effect of an air pollutant. They are the lead authority
for administering the Clean Air Act and its amendments and have specific statutory obligations
with respect to hazardous air pollutants and MSAT. The EPA is in the continual process of
assessing human health effects, exposures, and risks posed by air pollutants. They maintain the
Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS), which is "a compilation of electronic reports on
specific substances found in the environment and their potential to cause human health effects"
(EPA, http://www.epa.gov/iris/). Each report contains assessments of non-cancerous and
cancerous effects for individual compounds and quantitative estimates of risk levels from
lifetime oral and inhalation exposures with uncertainty spanning perhaps an order of magnitude.
Other organizations are also active in the research and analyses of the human health effects of
MSAT, including the Health Effects Institute (HEI). Two HEI studies are summarized in
Appendix D of FHWA's Interim Guidance Update on Mobile source Air Toxic Analysis in NEPA
Documents. Among the adverse health effects linked to MSAT compounds at high exposures
are; cancer in humans in occupational settings; cancer in animals; and irritation to the
respiratory tract, including the exacerbation of asthma. Less obvious is the adverse human
health effects of MSAT compounds at current environmental concentrations (HEI,
http://pubs.healtheffects.org/view.php?id=282) or in the future as vehicle emissions substantially
decrease (HEI, http://pubs.healtheffects.org/view.php?id=306).
The methodologies for forecasting health impacts include emissions modeling; dispersion
modeling; exposure modeling; and then final determination of health impacts - each step in the
process building on the model predictions obtained in the previous step. All are encumbered by
technical shortcomings or uncertain science that prevents a more complete differentiation of the
MSAT health impacts among a set of project alternatives. These difficulties are magnified for
lifetime (i.e., 70 year) assessments, particularly because unsupportable assumptions would
have to be made regarding changes in travel patterns and vehicle technology (which affects
emissions rates) over that time frame, since such information is unavailable.
It is particularly difficult to reliably forecast 70-year lifetime MSAT concentrations and exposure
near roadways; to determine the portion of time that people are actually exposed at a specific
location; and to establish the extent attributable to a proposed action, especially given that some
of the information needed is unavailable.
There are considerable uncertainties associated with the existing estimates of toxicity of the
various MSAT, because of factors such as low-dose extrapolation and translation of
occupational exposure data to the general population, a concern expressed by HEI
(http://pubs.healtheffects.org/view.php?id=282). As a result, there is no national consensus on
air dose-response values assumed to protect the public health and welfare for MSAT
compounds, and in particular for diesel PM. The EPA
(http://www.epa.gov/risk/basicinformation.htm#g)and the HEI
(http://pubs.healtheffects.org/getfile.php?u=395) have not established a basis for quantitative
risk assessment of diesel PM in ambient settings.
There is also the lack of a national consensus on an acceptable level of risk. The current
context is the process used by the EPA as provided by the Clean Air Act to determine whether
more stringent controls are required in order to provide an ample margin of safety to protect
State Environmental Assessment32October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

public health or to prevent an adverse environmental effect for industrial sources subject to the
maximum achievable control technology standards, such as benzene emissions from refineries.
The decision framework is a two-step process. The first step requires EPA to determine an
"acceptable" level of risk due to emissions from a source, which is generally no greater than
approximately 100 in a million. Additional factors are considered in the second step, the goal of
which is to maximize the number of people with risks less than 1 in a million due to emissions
from a source. The results of this statutory two-step process do not guarantee that cancer risks
from exposure to air toxics are less than 1 in a million; in some cases, the residual risk
determination could result in maximum individual cancer risks that are as high as approximately
100 in a million. In a June 2008 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
Circuit upheld EPA's approach to addressing risk in its two step decision framework. Information
is incomplete or unavailable to establish that even the largest of highway projects would result in
levels of risk greater than deemed acceptable.
Because of the limitations in the methodologies for forecasting health impacts described, any
predicted difference in health impacts between alternatives is likely to be much smaller than the
uncertainties associated with predicting the impacts. Consequently, the results of such
assessments would not be useful to decision makers, who would need to weigh this information
against project benefits, such as reducing traffic congestion, accident rates, and fatalities plus
improved access for emergency response, that are better suited for quantitative analysis.
What we know about mobile source air toxics is still evolving. As the science progresses FHWA
will continue to revise and update this guidance. FHWA is working with Stakeholders, EPA and
others to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of developing analysis tools and the
applicability on the project level decision documentation process.
Information on air quality analysis for this project can be viewed at the Town of Cary, Facilities
Design and Transportation Services, Cary Town Hall, 316 North Academy Street, Cary, NC
27513.
3. Construction Air Quality Effects
Construction activities will cause minor short-term air quality impacts in the form of dust from
earthwork and unpaved roads, and smoke from open burning. These impacts will be minimized
by adherence to all state and local regulations. Construction equipment and associated work
practices and procedures will have to meet the NCDOT Standard Specifications and the
Division of Air Quality’s emissions standards that govern activities such as open burning.
V. Hazardous Materials Evaluation
As a part of preparation of this Environmental Assessment, a government database search for
potential hazardous materials sites was conducted via a GIS based commercial service (EDR®
(Environmental Data Resources, Inc.) has represented that its procedures conform to, or
exceed, the requirements of ASTM Standard Practice E1527-05).
This assessment has revealed the following “recognized environmental conditions” (as that term
is defined in ASTM Standard Practice E1527-00) in connection with the study area and shown
Figures 4a and 4b
on. By definition, “recognized environmental conditions” indicate the
presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products on a property
under conditions that indicate an existing release, a past release, or a material threat of a
State Environmental Assessment33October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

release of any hazardous substances or petroleum products into structures on the property or
into the ground, ground water, or surface water of the property.
Edwards Grocery, 4307 NC Highway 55
- is located at the southwest corner of the
intersection of NC Highway 55 and Carpenter Fire Station Road. The property is
currently abandoned (building is unoccupied) but was once an active service
®
station/convenience store. According to the EDR records, groundwater and soil
contamination was detected on the property in 1995. The owner/operator of the tanks at
®
that time was the Erwin Oil Company. Based on the information in the EDR records
and that no site closure information is indicated, it is likely that soil and groundwater
contamination is still present at this site.
Joel Carpenter Texaco, 4101 NC Highway 55
– This is an active gas station (Marathon
station) located on the northwest corner of the intersection of NC 55 and Carpenter Fire
Station Road. Groundwater contamination was reported at this site in 1990. According
to the records, a kerosene tank tightness test failed and soil samples showed signs of
contamination. A Notice of Violation (NOV) was issued in 1991. No additional
information is available. The incident has not been closed in the state records. Four
USTs are currently active on the property, two 10,000-gallon gasoline tanks, a 20,000-
gallon diesel fuel and a 2,000-gallon kerosene tank.
Because this is an active service station it is likely that any adverse environmental
impacts from the former release have been addressed by the past or current owners and
operators of this site. While the existing tanks are considered a “recognized
environmental condition”, the fact that they are currently registered and operating means
that they pose little environmental risk to the study area as a release should be detected
and clean up would have to be performed by the current owner/operator.
Cary Fire Station 7, 6900 Carpenter Fire Station Road
– This property is an active fire
station. A 2,000-gallon diesel fuel UST was installed in 2006. While the existing tank is
considered a “recognized environmental condition”, the fact that it is currently registered
and operating means that it poses little environmental risk to the study area as a release
should be detected and clean up would have to be performed by the current
owner/operator.
V. Comments and Coordination
A. Agency Coordination and Comments Received
Federal, State, and local agencies were consulted during the preparation of this State
Environmental Assessment / Finding of No Significant Impact. Comments from the following
agencies were received and were considered during preparation of this assessment:
1. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
2. NC Natural Heritage Program
3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
State Environmental Assessment34October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

4. NC Department of Transportation
5. NC Department of Administration
6. NC State Environmental Review Clearinghouse
7. NC Wildlife Resources Commission
8. NC Division of Water Resources (formerly NC Division of Water Quality)
9. NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
10. NC Division of Emergency Management
11. State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
12. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
13. NC Division of Parks and Recreation
14. Capital Area Preservation
15. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Appendix A
Copies of these agency comments are in.
The NC Division of Water Quality had several project specific comments in a letter dated July
27, 2012 and they were as follows:
1.
Kit Creek is class WS-V; NSW waters of the State. NCDWQ is very concerned with
sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project. NCDWQ recommends
that highly protective sediment and erosion control BMPs be implemented to reduce the
risk of nutrient runoff to Kit 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’sStormwater Best Management Practices.
2.
Crabtree Creek is class C; NSW; 303(d) impaired waters of the State and NCDWQ is
very concerned with sediment and erosion control 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 Crabtree 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.
3.
Kit Creek is within the Jordan Lake Basin. Riparian buffer impacts shall be avoided and
minimized to the greatest extent possible pursuant to 15A NCAC 2B.0267. Crabtree
Creek is within the Neuse River Basin. Riparian buffer impacts shall be avoided and
minimized to the greatest extent possible pursuant to 15A NCAC 2B.0233. New
development activities located in the protect 50-foot wide riparian areas with the basins
shall be limited to “uses” identified within and constructed in accordance with 15A NCAC
2B.0267 and 2B.0233, respectively. Buffer mitigation may be required for buffer impacts
resulting from activities classified as “allowable with mitigation” within the “Table of Uses”
section of the Buffer Rules or require a variance under the Buffer Rules. A buffer
mitigation plan, including use of the NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program, must be
provided to NCDWQ prior to approval of the Water Quality Certification.
State Environmental Assessment35October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

The Town of Cary will provide storm water runoff treatment on this proposed project through
best management practices as detailed in the latest NCDWQStormwater Best Management
Practices. Section IV.F. of this document covers the NC River Basin Buffer Rules.
A field meeting was held with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on August 27, 2013 to discuss
the jurisdictional status of wetlands and streams in the project area. Based on the field meeting,
the Corps of Engineers provided a Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination, dated November
19, 2013, indicating which waters in the project area are subject to Section 404 of the Clean
Water Act.
Copies of the Corps of Engineers’ Preliminary Jurisdictional Determinations are included in
Appendix B
.
B. Public Meetings
Two public meetings were held to solicit public input on the proposed project. The first public
meeting was held on Tuesday, October 16, 2012, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Good Hope
Baptist Church, located at 6628 Good Hope Church Road. The date and time of the meeting
were posted on the Town of Cary’s web page, and flyers were distributed to homes and
churches in the project area. A copy of the flyer distributed for the meeting is included in
Appendix C
. Information presented at the meeting included displays showing the proposed
typical roadway cross-section and project study area. A handout was distributed to meeting
attendees that included a project description, contact information, a vicinity map, and a
comment sheet. Thirty-one citizens attended the meeting and five written comments were
received (one from the Phillips family). Three of the five comments were positive in favor of the
project and two of the three preferred that the proposed project go under the CSX Railroad line.
The two of the remaining five comments did not state any preference, but noted concerns. One
comment expressed concern about future access to Good Hope Baptist Church from Carpenter
Fire Station Road.
The second public meeting was held on March 24, 2014 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The date
and time of the meeting were posted on the Town of Cary’s webpage, and flyers were
distributed. In addition, the meeting was advertised inThe Cary News on Tuesday, March 18,
and Sunday, March 23 in the Metro Section. Information presented at the meeting included
displays showing the proposed typical roadway cross-section and preliminary designs of
Alternatives 1 and 2 (formerly Alternatives 1A and 1B). A handout was distributed to meeting
attendees that included a project description, contact information, a vicinity map, and a
comment sheet. Approximately 60 citizens attended the meeting and seven written comments
were received. Four comments were positive in favor of the project and did not express a
preference for either alternative, two comments expressed concern about future access to Good
Hope Baptist Church, and one comment requested the Town to consider a greenway crossing
across Morrisville Carpenter Road and a roundabout at the intersection of Good Hope Church
Road and Morrisville Carpenter Road. The second public meeting took the place of a design
public hearing during the project’s development.
State Environmental Assessment36October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

VI. Basis for State Environmental Assessment / Finding of No
Significant Impact
Based upon a study of the impacts of the proposed project as documented in this State
Environmental Assessment and comments received from federal, state, and local agencies, it is
the finding of the Town of Cary that this project will not have a significant impact upon the
quality of the human or natural environment. With proposed mitigation for impacts to the
Carpenter Historic District, the project is not anticipated to have any significant impacts to
natural, social, ecological, cultural, or scenic resources. The proposed project is consistent with
local plans and will not disrupt any communities. The project has been extensively coordinated
with state and local agencies. Therefore, neither an Environmental Impact Statement nor
further environmental analysis will be required.
State Environmental Assessment37October 2014
Finding of No Significant Impact

FIGURES

540
R
ROSEPINEDR
D
E
L
L
F
ID
55
M
R
RD
DO
N
E
W
A
S
E
PE
I
540
T
S
AN
C
W
B
01,0002,000
Feet
LEGEND
Vicinity Map
Carpenter Fire Station Road
Proposed closure of
Proposed ProjectCary Town Limits
Realignment and Grade Separation
at-grade crossing
Public Parks or Open SpaceCary ETJ
Town of Cary, Wake County
Proposed grade separated crossing
Carpenter Historic DistrictMorrisville Town Limits
Figure 1
Lakes/Ponds

C -XL- (SR 1624 CARPENTER FIRE STATION RD.)
L
100' ROW
48.5'48.5'
12'14'12'21'12'14'12'* 14' W/ GUARDRAIL
* 10'
* 10'
1.5'9'9'1.5'
USE TYPIC
-XL- STA. XXX
(WEST OF NC
2
0.00
.0
2
2
0.0
0
.0
2
2
0.00
.0
2
20
0.0.0
2
VAR. SLOPESVAR. SLOPES
GRADE
12'
12'
POINT
CLEAR ZONE
CLEAR ZONE
TYPICAL SECTION NO. 1
FROM HOWARD RD. TO NC 55
C -XL- (SR 1624 CARPENTER FIRE STATION RD.)
L
A
115' ROW
* 13' W/ GUARDRAIL
27'
*8'12'12'12'12'*8'12'
6'
10'
30'
US
1.5'1.5'12'12'
4'
4'
-XL
FDPS
FDPS
2
0.00
.0
2
2
.00.0
02
2
.0
00.0
2
VAR. SLOPES
2
.0
0
0.0
2
GRADE
A
POINT
28'
VAR. SLOPES
CLEAR ZONE
28'
TYPICAL SECTION NO. 2
8
CLEAR ZONE
A
FROM NC 55 EAST TO THE END OF THE PROJECT
4'
Typical Sections
Carpenter Fire Station Road
Realignment and Grade Separation
Town of Cary, Wake County
Figure 2

GJHVSF4B

GJHVSF4C

GJHVSF4d

GJHVSF4e

GJHVSF4f

GJHVSF4g

WH
55
Good Hope
Baptist Church
Phillips
Pond
WJ
Cary Fire Station 7
WG
Saunders
Outbuildings
Joel Carpenter Texaco
WK
Edwards Grocery
Saunders
House
WL
WD
WC
Carpenter
55
Ruritan Park
WE
LEGEND
Environmental Features
Carpenter Fire Station Road
Proposed Construction LimitsProposed Concrete MedianCarpenter Historic District
Realignment and Grade Separation
4b
4a
Proposed BridgePublic Parks or Open SpaceHistoric Structures
Town of Cary, Wake County
0200400
Pavement to be removedDelineated Wetlands
Proposed Traffic Signal
Figure 4a
Feet
Proposed PavementDelineated StreamsHazardous Materials Site

C
ALL
AY
HI
LL
WA
Y
W
A
RL
IC
KG
R
EE
N
LN
A.M. Howard Farm
M
INT
ON
VA
LLE
YL
N
Good Hope
Baptist Church
A
N
CE
S
GR
ENLN
E
WM
Saunders
Outbuildings
Carpenter
Neighborhood Park
WI
Saunders
House
WL
LEGEND
Environmental Features
Carpenter Fire Station Road
Proposed Construction LimitsProposed Concrete MedianCarpenter Historic District
Realignment and Grade Separation
4b
4a
Proposed BridgePublic Parks or Open SpaceHistoric Structures
Town of Cary, Wake County
0200400
Pavement to be removedDelineated Wetlands
Proposed Traffic Signal
Figure 4b
Feet
Proposed PavementDelineated StreamsHazardous Materials Site

MDR
LDR
OFC/IND
MDR
LDR
PKS
MDR
PKS
PKS
MXD
LDR
PKS
MDR
PKS
MDR
LDR
PKS
LDR
PKS
INS
PKS
OFC/IND
MDR
M
INT
ON
VA
LL
EY
LN
PKS
PKS
MDR
MDR
MDR
MDR
PKS
OFC/INS
E
S
GEENLN
R
INS
PKS
MDR
MXD
LDR
PKS
PKS
MDR
PKS
PKS
MXD
LDR
MDR
OFC/INS
MXD
INS
MDR
E
L
RD
LO
MDR
LDR
PKS
MDR
PKS
MDR
HDR
MXD
COM
MDR
PKS
LDR
MDR
PKS
MDR
RO
ZE
LL
EV
AL
LE
YL
N
D
SR
ELL
NW
DIA
IN
MDR
RURAL VILLAGE
HDR
MDR
PKS
MDR
MDR
MXD
MDR
MDR
PKS
PKS
MDR
LLEYDR
A
LDR
Source: Town of Cary Land Use Plan and GIS Data
MDR
PKS
PKSLDRLDRPKSLDR
LEGEND
Existing Land Use
Carpenter Fire Station Road
Rural VillageMedium Density Residential (MDR)HDR GardenHigh Intensity Mixed Use (HMXD)Commercial Low Intensity (CLI)
Realignment and Grade Separation
Very Low Density Residential (VLDR)High Density Residential (HDR)HDR Mid-RiseMixed Use (MXD)Office/Industrial (OFC/IND)
Town of Cary, Wake County
0400800
Low Density Residential (LDR)Institutional (INS)Cottage, Business, Residential (CBR)Mixed Density Residential (MXDR)Office/Institutional (OFC/INS)
Figure 5
Feet
TC-LDR12Transitional Office (TRANS_OFC)Parks/Open Space (PKS)Commercial (COM)

APPENDIX A
Agency Coordination

From: Jenkins, Bill
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2012 9:47 AM
To: Tom Ellis
Cc: Lapp, Kevin; McFalls, Eddie; Raymond, Lou
Subject: FW: Proposed realignment of Carpenter Fire Station Road between NC 55
and Morrisville-Carpenter Road in Cary
Tom - We have received an e-mail response regarding the follow-up calls to the
agencies.
Kevin Lapp - Please log this response in the tracking spreadsheet.
Thanks
Bill
-----Original Message-----
From: Raymond, Lou
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2012 7:02 AM
To: Murray, Christopher A
Cc: Jenkins, Bill
Subject: RE: Proposed realignment of Carpenter Fire Station Road between NC 55
and Morrisville-Carpenter Road in Cary
Thank you for your input, we will pass this along to the Town of Cary and the
project team.
Lou Raymond, P.E., AICP
Project Manager, Transportation Planning D 704.556.5047 [e-mail]
6201 Fairview Road, Suite #400
Charlotte, NC 28210
T 704.553.6150 F 704.553.6151
www.aecom.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Murray, Christopher A \[mailto:[e-mail]\]
Sent: Friday, September 14, 2012 11:45 AM
To: Raymond, Lou
Subject: Proposed realignment of Carpenter Fire Station Road between NC 55 and
Morrisville-Carpenter Road in Cary
Lou,
I am in receipt of a letter dated July 13, 2012 from the Town of Cary
requesting environmental information regarding this project. Note the
following information:
-Environmental studies in the project corridor should include delineations of
wetlands and stream channels and surveys for federally or state-protected
species.
file:///Q|/...arpenter%20Fire%20Station%20Road%20between%20NC%2055%20and%20Morrisville-Carpenter%20Road%20in%20Cary.txt\[4/16/2014 9:20:39 AM\]

-My review of Wake County GIS indicates that two channels are located in the
project corridor. An unnamed tributary to Morris Branch is located between
Saunders Grove Lane and the railroad. An unnamed tributary to Panther Creek
is located in the NW quadrant of the NC 55 and Carpenter Fire Station Road.
Any impacts to these streams will require permitting from the USACE and
NCDENR-DWQ.
-The stream crossings appear to be located in the Jordan Watershed of the Cape
Fear River Basin. Accordingly, they are likely subject to the NCDENR-DWQ
riparian buffer rule. Impacts to buffers at the project will require
permitting from the NCDENR-DWQ.
Please contact me if you need additional information.
Regards,
Chris Murray, PWS
NCDOT Division 5 Environmental Supervisor
________________________________
Email correspondence to and from this sender is subject to the N.C. Public
Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.
file:///Q|/...arpenter%20Fire%20Station%20Road%20between%20NC%2055%20and%20Morrisville-Carpenter%20Road%20in%20Cary.txt\[4/16/2014 9:20:39 AM\]

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\\AECOM919-854-6200 tel
701 Corporate Center Drive
919-854-6259 fax
Suite 475
Raleigh, NC 28607
www.aecom.com
Memorandum
To:Meeting Attendees1
Page:
CC:Project File
Carpenter Fire Station Road Realignment and Grade Separation - Pre-
Application Meeting – ST-1204 and TIP Project No. U-5502
Subject:
Lou Raymond and Eddie McFalls
From:
May 19, 2014
Date:
A Pre-Application meeting was held on March 12, 2014 at 1:00 PM at the Cary Town Hall in Room
11130 Cary, N. C.. The purpose of the meeting was to bring the Corps of Engineers and NCDWR up
to speed on the project history and to review the first draft of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
with USACE, SHPO, NCDWR, and NCDOT as part of the Section 106 process for the subject
project. The following people attended the meeting:
Tom EllisTown of [e-mail]
Lori CoveTown of [e-mail]
Anna ReadlingTown of [e-mail]
David [e-mail]
Rob [e-mail]
Renee Gledhill-Earley (via phone) [e-mail]
Beverly [e-mail]
Nastasha [e-mail]
Susan [e-mail]
Bill [e-mail]
Eddie [e-mail]
Lou [e-mail]
Tom Ellis had sent out an email with the Draft MOA one week prior to the meeting. Handouts were
provided to the attendees with an agenda and draft MOA and are also attached to these minutes.
Following introductions, Tom Ellis and Lou Raymond presented an overview of the proposed project,
previous coordination meetings with SHPO, NCDOT, and FHWA. At the previous coordination
meetings, SHPO had made an initial determination that each of the Alternatives under consideration
had an adverse effect on the Carpenter Historic District. As background on the Alternatives presented
previously, Alternatives 1A and 1B were proposed to be grade-separated under the railroad and tie at-
grade to NC 55 and 1A is a more northern alignment (west of Morrisville Carpenter Road) and 1B is
a more southern alignment (west of Morrisville Carpenter Road). Alternative 2 goes over the
railroad and over NC 55 with an interchange at NC 55. Alternative 3 goes under the railroad and
under NC 55 with an interchange at NC 55.
After some discussion and consideration of the Section 4(f) impacts since the coordination meetings,
the Town of Cary recommended to return the Federal funds. Town Council has approved a resolution
to remove the federal funding from the project.
Discussion
Several items were discussed relative to the anticipated Corps of Engineers permit requirements and
draft MOA.

1.Permit. David Shaeffer explained that he considered this project in the pre-application phase
and this meeting should be considered a Pre-Application Meeting. He inquired about the
anticipated impacts to jurisdictional waters and based on them, he expects that the project
would require a Nationwide 14 permit and the draft MOA would be a condition of the permit.
The draft MOA is a document that would be legally reviewed by approximately 10 people
with the Corps of Engineers and signed by the Wilmington District Colonel. Within the
permit, it would need to be determined what the permit area is and what the area of potential
effects would be. Also, storm water management would need to be accommodated.
2.SHPO Comments and Discussion on the Draft MOA:
a.Many uses of the word ‘feasible’ and ‘if’s and maybe’s’, need to be certain on these
items.
b.Medians – are they included or not and why they’re needed. AECOM described that
medians (preferably landscaped to blend with surrounding area) would be needed to
separate traffic in each direction thereby improving safety. In addition to landscaped
medians, other roadway design criteria such as paved shoulder widths, swales, and
street lighting were mentioned. SHPO also noted they would like more design
information as part of the MOA approval process.
c.Relocating barns at 105 Saunders Grove Lane – who decides it is feasible? SHPO
would like more information regarding the relocation of the barns at 105 Saunders
Lane and determination of whether relocation is feasible. This was brought up in the
context of concern over too much use of “if feasible” in the MOA. SHPO would
want to know who decides if it is feasible.
d.Pond language – take out of MOA since it is outside the historic district.
e.Need information about what existing development is in and around historic district.
f.Include landscape locations. It was noted by Project Team that actual landscape
medians and other landscaping locations are usually not determined until a
landscaping plan is developed (included as part of final design).
g.There was initially discussion of getting the pond owners as signatories, but later
SHPO said that the pond could be taken out of the MOA since it was not in the
district. As a result, this leaves the Rimmers (barns) and any other owners that
become involved in agreements for a mitigating action.
h.For the Rimmers property describe the condition/shape of the barns.
i.SHPO asked about design of the cul-de-sacs and if any improvements are going to be
made to existing Carpenter Fire Station Road.
3.SHPO Considerations and Recommendations for the MOA. – SHPO stated that the MOA
should describe what Saunders Grove Lane is going to look like in order to preserve the
district. Zoning should be carefully looked at since with the proposed east-west Carpenter
Fire Station Road and the north-south Saunders Grove Lane you have 6-lanes of traffic and
that’s attractive for development. The direct and indirect effects of the project in terms of
scale and context of zoning need to be considered. One consideration is a local historic
district at the crossroads. SHPO encouraged the Town to explore ways of preserving
character of the district.
4.State EA/FONSI– For documentation in the State EA/FONSI we would need to list what
would be committed to studying in final design for minimization and mitigation of impacts to
the historic district. A list might include but not limited to the design of the road and criteria
for medians, lighting, historical cross roads, and how they will be treated.
2

5.Division of Water Resources– The proposed project lies within the Jordan Lake and Neuse
River basins and are subject to buffer certification and riparian buffer protection. Storm
water treatment and hydrology can be evaluated by DWR between the FONSI and final
design.
6.Action Items– The Corps of Engineers had general comments on some language in the draft
MOA (not requested to date but will be requested in the near future) and can send those
comments. The SHPO indicated that there were no fatal flaws with the project given Town
funding and the Town should proceed with developing more detailed design for more
definitive descriptions of what they will do. The Town of Cary will hold a public meeting on
March 24, 2014 and complete a State EA/FONSI before proceeding with final design.
The above minutes are AECOM’s understanding of the meeting’s proceedings. If you have any
questions or additions to these minutes, please either call or email Lou Raymond
[e-mail], [phone] [e-mail] within five business days
of receipt. Any new comments or requests for clarifications received within the designated timeframe
will be incorporated into the record.
3

APPENDIX B
USACE Jurisdictional
Determinations

APPENDIX C
Public Involvement

Public Meeting 1

Town
Study
Updates
Study
Updates
Carpenter Fire Station Road Realignment and Grade Separation
Citizens Informational
Carpenter Fire Station Road Realignment & Grade Separation
Carpenter Fire Station Road Realignment & Grade Separation
Workshop
October 16, 2012, 5-7 PM
October 2012

Good Hope Baptist Church
6628 Good Hope Church Road
contents
PROJECT SCHEDULE

Comments or

The Town of Cary has scheduled a Citizens
Schedule P.1
Questions?
The upcoming public meeting is the
Informational Workshop to get your input for the project. We want to hear your thoughts, concerns, and
Concepts P.2
first step in a process used to select

suggestions before we start the study. We will provide maps with aerial photography and constraints as
the best alternative and minimize
NEPA Process P.3
well as provide you with handouts and comment sheets.
community impacts. After
Budget P.3
manager with any questions
comments received at the Citizens
Anyone interested in the project should plan to drop by at his or her convenience. No formal presentation
Informational Workshop are
or comments:
Public Involvement P.4
will be made; however, Town of Cary representatives will be available to discuss the project on a one-to-
considered and used to prepare
Tom Ellis, P.E.
one basis throughout the open-house meeting.
preliminary alternatives, the
following actions are anticipated:
Town of Cary Engineering
Cary Works to Realign Carpenter Fire Station Road
The Citizens Information Workshop is being held to provide the public an opportunity to participate in the
Department
REALIGNMENT STUDY
[phone]
Fall 2012
-
The Town of Cary is proposing to realign
studies of the natural and human environment,
public will be used in conjunction with comments provided by environmental review and regulatory
Technical field studies performed to
[e-mail]
approximately 0.8 miles of Carpenter Fire
including but not limited to wetlands, streams,
agencies to help shape the project.
assist the development of
Station Road between NC 55 and Morrisville-
businesses, residences, churches, cemeteries,
preliminary designs and the
Carpenter Road (SR 3014).
The project (STIP
and historic resources, the project team will
environmental document
Tech Times Issue 00 Month Year
No. U-5502) will provide a four-lane median identify preliminary alternatives. These
Winter 2013
-
divided facility with shoulders. The Town of constraints will be used to determine where
Presentation of preliminary design
Cary proposes to construct a grade separation potential realignment and grade-separated
and second Citizens Informational
with the CSX Railroad as part of the project. alternatives could be placed. The preliminary
Workshop

The project also includes operational analysis alternatives will be presented to the Town of Cary,
Spring 2013
-
ED
NGINEERING EPARTMENT
for NC 55 traffic within one mile of the Carpenter NCDOT, and environmental resource agencies
Conduct a Public Hearing through
316 N Academy St.
Fire Station Road intersection. for consideration. Although the number and
Cary, NC 27513
project
location of preliminary alternatives could still
The purpose of the proposed project is to
919.469.4030 ph

change, the approximate impacts to the natural
919.460.4935 fax
Summer 2013
-
improve traffic capacity and operations along
www.townofcary.org
and human environment will be calculated,
Prepare Final Engineering Designs
Carpenter Fire Station Road by addressing
taking into consideration comments
capacity deficiencies and congestion associated
received at the Second Citizens
Informational Workshop.
Informational Workshop and Public
with travel along Carpenter Fire Station Road
Hearing
Funding The proposed project is included in
and NC 55 through roadway realignment and
grade separation of the existing railroad line. the 2012-2020 State Transportation Improvement
CONSTRUCTION
Summer 2015 Summer 2017
* Program (STIP). Currently the project is only
The Town is kicking off the NEPA environmental
Funding is included in the
funded for planning and environmental studies by
study and design process and wants to get you
Community Investment Bond
the Town of Cary. No funding for right of way
Citizens Informational
involved. Come out to a
Referendum, which voters will
acquisition and/or construction is currently
decide on November 6 Workshop on October 16
to learn more about
included in the STIP. Funding for this
the project and help us learn more about the
Project updates are also
construction of this project is included in the
community and its concerns.

Community Investment Bond Referendum, which
(http://www.townofcary.org) on
Preliminary Alternatives Using Geographic
voters will decide on November 6. Information is
Information Systems data as well as field
available at http://carybonds.org/.
Street Projects webpage

WHY THIS
PROJECT?
Study Area for Carpenter Fire Station Road Realignment and Grade Separation
WHAT IS NEPA?
WHY NOW?
Environmental
Study Corridor and Operational Corridor
This project has long been part of
Documentation for

Projects
Transportation plan (CTP) and is
detailed in the Carpenter
Operational Corridor:

The development of roadway
Community Plan. The project is
Town will evaluate traffic
projects with federal funding
-
and safety improvements
requires planning be done in
range transportation plan (LRTP)
(signal timings, turn lanes,
accordance with the National
as a link planned for completion by
widenings, etc.)
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Study Corridor:

2015.
NEPA is a federal law enacted in
Town will evaluate
1970 that requires governments
When completed, this project will
realignment corridors

to consider the environmental
provide benefits including
and grade separation
impacts of, and alternatives to,
improved east-west traffic flow,
major proposed actions in its
reduced traffic congestion on
decision-making processes. The
NC 55 and CFS Road, improved
act is the basic national charter
connectivity, and enhanced traffic
for the protection of the
safety by eliminating at-grade
environment.
railroad crossings with CSX.
For this project, an environmental
In May 2012, Town Council
assessment (EA) will be prepared
approved a Four-Party Agreement
and will be reviewed by NCDOT
between CSX, NCDOT, Town of
and Federal Highway
Cary, and a local developer in
Administration (FHWA). The EA
relation to the construction of
includes identification of the
Parkside Town Commons near
NC 55 and NC 540. In
documentation of the potential
accordance with agreement
alternatives, comparison of each
between the Town and the
environmental
developer as the development
impacts, and coordination with the
moves forward:
public and regulatory agencies.
ill extend

east to RTP with an at-grade
BUDGET
crossing across CSX.
The Town is funding the current
crossing will be closed prior to the
study through a grant received
from the Capital Area Metro-
Road crossing.
politan Planning Organization
The local roadways will be
(CAMPO) Locally Administered
Typical Cross-Section for Carpenter Fire Station Road Realignment
improved to facilitate closing the
Project Program (LAPP).
existing Carpenter Fire Station rail
FY 2012 - $900,000 for
crossing and redirecting traffic to
Morrisville Carpenter Road,
interchange study
including road widening, turn
$720,000 from STP-DA grants,
lanes, and additional safety
$180,000 from Town funds
enhancements.
Note:
FY 2017 - $17,000,000 for
Carpenter Fire Station Road
The corridors presented here are only concepts for
construction
grade-separated crossing will be
discussion and may not represent the future preferred
Funding is included in the
constructed by 2022, with the
alternatives.
Morrisville Carpenter Road at-
Community Investment Bond
grade crossing being closed after
Referendum, which voters will
the project is completed.
decide on November 6

Public Meeting 2

Town
Project
Update
Project
Update
Carpenter Fire Station Road Realignment and Grade Separation
(continued from front)
agencies. Dialogue with these agencies will
congestion on NC 55 and Carpenter Fire
CarpenterFireStationRoadRealignment&GradeSeparation
CarpenterFireStationRoadRealignment&GradeSeparation
continue through the finaldesign phase.
Station Road, improved connectivity, and
enhanced traffic safety by eliminating anat-
After the final alignment isselected,detailed
March 2014
grade railroad crossing with the CSX
surveys will be performed to more precisely
railroad line on Carpenter Fire Station
locate all existing featuresincluding
Road.Good Hope Church Road and
roadways, driveways, buildings, trees,
contents
Saunders Grove Lane will also be realigned
shrubs, and other features.Finaldesign
Comments or
PROJECT SCHEDULE
with the planned Carpenter Fire Station
Questions?
plans will then be developed and upon their
Schedule P.1
Road Improvements.
This second citizens’ workshop is
completion Town representatives will contact
Project Benefits P.1
the next step in a process used to
Mail or email workshop
the property ownerswho will be directly
Moving Forward –At the conclusion of this
select the best alternative and
Alignment Alternatives P.2-3
comments to:
impacted by the project and meet with them
workshop and upon completion ofan
minimize community impacts.
Funding P.4
Comments received at the
to review the plans and discuss impacts.
Tom Ellis, P.E.
Environmental Assessment (EA) required
workshop will be considered and
Contact Information P.4
Town Project Manager
forthis project,the Town will select a
Funding–Funding for this project is
used as part of the preparation of
Town of Cary Facilities
preferredroadway alignment.Input has
the final engineering designs for
included as part of the Community
Design &Transportation
this project. The following is the
Update for Carpenter Fire Station Road Realignment
been receivedfromnumerous agencies
Investment Bonds approved by Cary voters
current schedule:
Services Department
including the North CarolinaDepartment of
on November 6, 2012. More information is
316 N Academy Street
Workshop Overview -The Town of Cary comments for the alignment alternatives,as
Transportation (NCDOT), State Historic
REALIGNMENT STUDY
vailable on the Town’s website at
a
Cary, NC 27513
Fall 2012–Spring 2014
has worked with our engineering design well as provide any other thoughts and
PreservationOffice, US Army Corps of
http://www.townofcary.orgby searching
[phone]
Technical fieldstudies and surveys
consulting firm on evaluating different suggestions you may have forthisproject. If
Engineers, CSX Railroad, and other
[e-mail]
“Carpenter Fire Station Road.”
performed in order to provide
roadway realignment alternatives for you are unable toattend the workshop or
and regulatory
environmentalreview
alignment alternatives and prepare
the necessary environmental
realigning approximately 0.5 miles of you can mail or email
need additional time,
You may also contact the
documentation.
Town project manager at
Carpenter Fire Station Road between your comments to the Town’s project
any time with questions
Spring 2014
NC55 and Morrisville Carpenter Road. manager.Themailing address and contact
during the project.
Presentation of realignment
The alignment alternatives presented at information is included with this update.
alternatives and other information
thisworkshop were developed to avoid or
Stay updated on the
at the second citizens’ workshop.
Project Benefits–Thisproject has long
project at the Town’s
minimize possible impacts to existing
beenapart of Cary’s Comprehensive
Summer 2014–Summer 2016
website,
wetlands, streams, residences,and
Perform detailed surveys for the
www.townofcary.org, by
Transportation Plan (CTP) and is detailed in
selected alignment and prepare
those that are
buildings,including
searching “Carpenter Fire
an. The project
the Carpenter Community Pl
Final Engineering Designs taking
Station Road,” or scan this
contributing features of the Carpenter
is also shown as a link in the Triangle’s
into consideration comments
QR code with your smart
Historic District.
received at the second citizens’
device to go directly to the
Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP).
project webpage.informational workshop. Plan
The Town is presentingthesedifferent
When completed, this project will provide
reviews will be required with
realignment alternatives as well as other
NCDOT, CSX Railroad,and the
benefits including improved east-west traffic
various public and regulatory exhibits at the workshop. Conceptual
flow, increased traffic flow, reduced traffic
agencies.
visualizations of the project,including the

(continued on back)
new underpass below the CSX Railroad,
CONSTRUCTION
Summer 2016 –Summer 2018
are also being presentedat the workshop.
Construction of railroad underpass
The Townhopesthat you havetime to
and Carpenter-Fire Station Road
Rendering ofalignment and underpass looking west from Good Hope Church Road towards NC 55
review the materials and to provide your
realignment.
(Conceptual Only)