20230179 Ver 1_Alleghany 122 MCDC_20230202

NCDOT MINIMUM CRITERIA DETERMINATION CHECKLIST
State Project No.: BP11.R022
Project Location: The proposed project involves replacing Bridge No. 122 over Big Pine Creek on
Evans Rd (SR 1479) in Alleghany County.
Project Description: NCDOT proposes to replace Alleghany bridge #122 in kind with concrete
abutments and 30'x14" steel beams and wooden deck and wooden rails. The existing bridge is
structurally deficient and poses a safety hazard. All work will be completed within the existing footprint
of the current bridge and roadway, so no new grading/clearing/tree cutting required. The visible
portions of the new bridge should be similar in appearance to the existing bridge, with wooden deck,
wooden handrails, and ABC/gravel driving surface. The two main differences between the existing
bridge and the new bridge will be the replacement of the wooden abutments with concrete abutments,
and the new bridge will be 10' longer (same width as existing bridge). This longer length will allow us
to build the new abutments further back from the stream edge (the existing bridge is right on the
stream edge and subject to scour from the stream). The use of concrete abutments will lengthen the
life of the new bridge and further reduce any possible issues from flood events. The only proposed
impacts will be 30' of temporary dewatering, to allow us to remove the old abutments in the dry.
Anticipated Permit or Consultation Requirements: A Section 404 permit from the US Army Corps
of Engineers (USACE) and a Section 401 Water Quality Certification from NC Division of Water
Resources (NCDWR) will likely be required. The USACE holds the final discretion as to what permit
will be required to authorize project construction.
Special Project Information:
Purpose and Need
The purpose of the proposed project is to replace a structurally deficient bridge.
Bridge Demolition
Bridge No. 122 is constructed entirely of wood and should be possible to remove with no resulting
debris in the water based on standard demolition practices.
Threatened and Endangered Species
As of 2-1-23, USFWS IPaC lists the following species (no critical habitats in the area):
Gray Bat, Northern Long-eared Bat (NLEB), and Tricolored Bat (the latter is proposed, but not
currently listed): The existing bridge was surveyed by NCDOT staff during the summer of 2022. The
bridge is only a few feet above the water, laden with creosote and does not provide crevices suitable
for roosting. No bats or signs of bats were observed. No caves or mines are in the area, no tree
clearing, no permanent or temporary use of artificial lighting will occur, and no blasting or percussion
activities will occur. As a result, NCDOT would like to propose a biological conclusion of"No Effect".
Bog Turtle: The project will not affect bog turtles, as there will be no wetland impacts
Tribal Coordination
There are four federally recognized tribe with interests in Alleghany County that was notified in
December 2022 of the proposed project. Both the Cherokee Nation and Catawba Indian Nation will
be notified if cultural materials or human remains are encountered during ground disturbance,
construction, or demolition activities.
MCDC December 2022 Bridge 850180
BP11.R022

NCDOT MINIMUM CRITERIA DETERMINATION CHECKLIST
Archaeological Survey
An archaeological review of the project area was undertaken on November 18, 2022. It was
determined that it is unlikely that significant archaeological remains would be present and impacted
by the proposed bridge. There are no recorded archaeological sites within the area of potential effect,
including NRHP listed or eligible resources. An archaeological survey was not recommended.
Historic Architectural and Landscapes Survey
An historic architectural and landscapes review of HPO quad maps, background reports, historic
designations roster, and indexes was undertaken on December 1, 2022, and an "Effects Required"
determination was obtained, due to the projects proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway — a determined
eligible resource. An "Assessment of Effects" meeting was held on January 27t", 2023 and the project
was deemed to have "No Adverse Effects" and no environmental commitments were required.
PART A: MINIMUM CRITERIA
YES NO
Is the proposed project listed as a type and class of activity allowed ® ❑
under the Minimum Criteria Rule in which environmental documentation
is not required?
If the answer to number 1 is "no", then the project does not qualify as a minimum criteria project. A
state Environmental Assessment is required.
If yes, under which category? 9
If either category#8, #12(i) or#15 is used complete Part D of this checklist.
PART B: MINIMUM CRITERIA EXCEPTIONS
YES NO
2. Could the proposed activity cause significant changes in land use ❑
concentrations that would be expected to create adverse air quality
impacts?
3. Will the proposed activity have secondary impacts or cumulative ❑
impacts that may result in a significant adverse impact to human health
or the environment?
4. Is the proposed activity of such an unusual nature or does the proposed ❑
activity have such widespread implications, that an uncommon concern
for its environmental effects has been expressed to the Department?
5. Does the proposed activity have a significant adverse effect on ❑
wetlands; surface waters such as rivers, streams, and estuaries;
parklands; prime or unique agricultural lands; or areas of recognized
scenic, recreational, archaeological, or historical value?
6. Will the proposed activity endanger the existence of a species on the ❑
Department of Interior's threatened and endangered species list?
7. Could the proposed activity cause significant changes in land use ❑
concentrations that would be expected to create adverse water quality
or ground water impacts?
8. Is the proposed activity expected to have a significant adverse effect on ❑
long-term recreational benefits or shellfish, finfish, wildlife, or their
natural habitats?
MCDC December 2022 Bridge 850180
BP11.R022

NCDOT MINIMUM CRITERIA DETERMINATION CHECKLIST
If any questions 2 through 8 are answered "yes", the proposed project may not qualify as a Minimum
Criteria project. A State Environmental Assessment(EA) may be required.
PART C: COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS
YES NO
9. Is a federally protected threatened or endangered species, or its habitat, ❑
likely to be impacted by the proposed action?
10. Does the action require the placement of temporary or permanent fill in ® ❑
waters of the United States?
11. Does the project require the placement of a significant amount of fill in ❑
high quality or relatively rare wetland ecosystems, such as mountain bogs
or pine savannahs?
12. Is the proposed action located in an Area of Environmental Concern, as
defined in the coastal Area Management Act?
13. Does the project require stream relocation or channel changes? ❑
Cultural Resources
14. Will the project have an "effect"on a property or site listed on the National ® ❑
Register of Historic Places?
15. Will the proposed action require acquisition of additional right of way from ❑
publicly owned parkland or recreational areas?
16. Project length: N/A
17. Right of Way width: N/A
18. Project completion date: N/A
19. Total acres of newly disturbed ground surface: N/A
20. Total acres of wetland impacts: N/A
21. Total linear feet of stream impacts: N/A
22. Project purpose: N/A
Question 10: the project will involve 30' of temporary dewatering
Question 14: the project was found to have "No Adverse Effect" on historical resources
Reviewed By: /-� �� Date: 2-1-2023
Kevin Hining, Division Environmental Officer
NCDOT, Division 11
Approved By: �� Date: 2-1-2023
Ethan Osborne, Division Bridge Maintenance
Engineer, NCDOT,`Division 11
Prepared By: �Q-G`� Y� -�' Date: 2-1-2023
Kevin Hining, Division Environmental Officer
NCDOT, Division 11
MCDC December 2022 Bridge 850180
BP11.R022