20170270 Ver 1_Scoping Comments_20120525

Beverly Eaves Perdue
Governor
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NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Charles Wakild PE
Director
May 25, 2012
MEMORANDUM
TO: April Annis, NCDOT PDEA Bridge Project Development Section
FROM: Rob Ridings, NC DWQ Transportation Permitting Unit �f �
SUBJECT: Scoping Review of NCDOT's Proposed Bridge Replacement Projects in Wake, Vance,
Granville and Person Counties
In reply to your correspondence dated Apri124, 2012 in which you requested comments for the above
referenced projects, the NCDWQ offers the following comments:
Dee Freeman
Secretary
Bridge Project Stream Name River Basin & Stream Classiiications Stream Index
Subbasin Number
B-5321 Little Branch CPF 07 C 18-7-6-1-1
B-4655 Black Creek NEU 04 C; NSW 27-45-(2)
' B-4830 Moccasin Creek NEU 07 C; NSW 27-86-2
B-5320 Tar River TAR Ol WS-N; NSW; CA 28-(5.3)
B-4945 Kerr Lake ROA 06 WS-III; B; CA 23-8-6-(1.5)
(Anderson Creek Arm)
B-5327 South H co Creek ROA OS WS-III; HQW; CA 22-58-4- 3
Project-Specific Comments
B-4655, B-4830, B-5320:
These project affect class NSW waters of the State. NCDWQ is very concerned with sediment and
erosion impacts that could result from these projects. NCDWQ recommends that highly protective
sediment and erosion control BMPs be implemented to reduce the risk of nutrient runoff to these
waters. 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's Stormwater
Best Management Practices.
B-5320, B-4945, B-5327:
Review of the projects reveals the presence of surface waters classifed as Water Supply Critical
Area in the project study areas. Given the potential for impacts to these resources during the
project implementation, the NCDWQ requests that NCDOT strictly adhere to North Carolina
regulations entitled "Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds" (15A NCAC 04B .0124)
throughout design and construction of the project. This would apply for any area that drains to
streams having WS CA(Water Supply Critical Area) classifications.
Transportation Permitting Unit
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650
Phone: [phone]
Intemet: http:llh2o.enr.state.nc.uslncweUandsl
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Should the bridge projects be located within the Critical Area of a Water Supply NCDOT may be
required to design, construct, and maintain hazardous spill catch basins in the project area. The
number of catch basins installed shall be determined by the design of the bridge, so that runoff
would enter said basin(s) rather than flowing directly into the stream, and in consultation with the
DWQ.
B-5327:
Review of the project.reveals the presence of surface waters classified as (HQV� High Quality
Waters of the State in the project study area. This is one of the highest classifications for water
quality. Pursuant to 15A NCAC 2H .1006 and 15A NCAC 2B .0224, NCDOT will be required to
obtain a State Stormwater Permit prior to construction except in North Carolina's twenty coastal
counties.
4. B-4655, B-4830:
These projects are within the Neuse River Basin. Riparian buffer impacts shall be avoided and
minimized to the greatest extent possible pursuant to 15A NCAC 2B.0233.
5. B-5320:
This project is within the Tar-Pamlico River Basin. Riparian buffer impacts shall be avoided and
minimized to the greatest extent possible parsuant to 15A NCAC 2B.0259.
General Comments Regarding Bridge Replacement Projects
1. NCDWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project.
NCDOT shall address these concerns by describing the potential impacts that may occur to the
aquatic environments and any mitigating factors that would reduce the impacts.
2. If foundation test borings are necessary; it shall be noted in the document. Geotechnical work is
approved under General 401 Certification Number 3687/Nationwide Permit No. 6 for Survey
Activities.
3. If a bridge is being replaced with a hydraulic conveyance other than another bridge, NCDWQ
believes the use of a Nationwide Permit may be required. Please contact the US Army Corp of
Engineers to determine the required permit(s).
4. If the old bridge is removed, no discharge of bridge material into surface waters is allowed unless
otherwise authorized by the US ACOE. Strict adherence to the Corps of Engineers guidelines for
bridge demolition will be a condition of the 401 Water Quality Certification.
5. Whenever possible, NCDWQ prefers spanning structures. Spanning structures usually do not
require work within the stream or grubbing of the streambanks and do not reyuire stream channel
realignment. The horizontal and vertical clearances provided by bridges shall allow for human and
wildlife passage beneath the structure. Fish passage and navigation by canoeists and boaters shall
not be blocked. Bridge supports (bents) should not be placed in the stream when possible.
Bridge deck drains shall not discharge directly into the stream. Stormwater shall be directed across
the bridge and pre-treated through site-appropriate means (grassed swales, pre-formed scour holes,
vegetated buffers, etc.) before entering the stream. Please refer to the most current version of
NCDWQ's Stormwater Best Management Practices.
If concrete is used during construction, a dry work area shall be maintained to prevent direct contact
between curing concrete and stream water. Water that inadvertently contacts uncured concrete shall
not be discharged to surface waters due to the potential for elevated pH and possible aquatic life and
fish kills.

8. If temporary access roads or detours are constructed, the site shall be graded to its preconstruction
contours and elevations. Disturbed areas shall be seeded or mulched to stabilize the soil and
appropriate native woody species shall be planted. When using temporary structures the area shall
be cleared but not grubbed. Clearing the area with chain saws, mowers, bush-hogs, or other
mechanized equipment and leaving the stumps and root mat intact allows the area to re-vegetate
naturally and minimizes soil disturbance.
9. Sediment and erosion control measures sufficient to protect water resources must be implemented
and maintained in accordance with the most recent version ofNorth Carolina Sediment and Erosion
Control Planning and Design Manual and the most recent version of NCS000250.
10. All work in or adjacent to stream waters shall be conducted in a dry work area unless otherwise
approved by NCDWQ. Approved BMP measures from the most current version of NCDOT
Construction and Maintenance Activities manual such as sandbags, rock berms, cofferdams and
other diversion structures shall be used to prevent excavation in flowing water.
11. Heavy equipment shall be operated from the bank rather than in stream channels in order to
minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other pollutants into streams. This
equipment shall be inspected daily and maintained to prevent contamination of surface waters from
leaking fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials.
12. In most cases, the NCDWQ prefers the replacement of the existing structure at the same location
with road closure. If road closure is not feasible, a temporary detour shall be designed and located
to avoid wetland impacts, minimize the need for clearing and to avoid destabilizing stream banks.
If the structure will be on a new alignment, the old structure shall be removed and the approach fills
removed from the 100-year floodplain. Approach fills shall be removed and restored to the natural
ground elevation. The area shall be stabilized with grass and planted with native tree species. Tall
fescue shall not be used in riparian areas.
13. Any anticipated dewatering or access structures necessary for construction of bridges should be
addressed in the CE. It is understood that fnal designs are not determined at the time the CE is
developed. However, the CE should discuss the potential for dewatering and access measures
necessary due to bridge construction.
General Comments if Replacing the Bridge with a Culvert
1. Placement of culverts and other structures in waters, streams, and wetlands shall be below the
elevation of the streambed by one foot for all culverts with a diameter greater than 48 inches, and 20
percent of the culvert diameter for culverts having a diameter less than 48 inches, to allow low flow
passage of water and aquatic life. Design and placement of culverts and other structures including
temporary erosion control measures shall not be conducted in a manner that may result in dis-
equilibrium of wetlands or streambeds or banks, adjacent to or upstream and down stream of the
above structures. The applicant is required to provide evidence that the equilibrium is being
maintained if requested in writing by NCDWQ. If this condition is unable to be met due to bedrock
or other limiting features encountered during construction, please contact the NCDWQ for guidance
on how to proceed and to determine whether or not a permit modification will be required.
2. If multiple pipes or barrels are required, they shall be designed to mimic natural stream cross section
as closely as possible including pipes or barrels at flood plain elevation, floodplain benches and/or
sills may be required where appropriate. Widening the stream channel shall be avoided. Stream
channel widening at the inlet or outlet end of structures typically decreases water velocity causing
sediment deposition that requires increased maintenance and disrupts aquatic life passage.

Riprap shall not be placed in the active thalweg channel or placed in the streambed in a manner that
precludes aquatic life passage. Bioengineering boulders or structures shall be properly designed,
sized and installed.
4. Any anticipated bank stabilization associated with culvert installations or extensions should be
addressed in the Categorical Exclusion (CE) document. It is understood that final designs are not
determined at the time the CE is developed. However, the CE should discuss the potential for bank
stabilization necessary due to culvert installation.
Thank you for requesting our input at this time. NCDOT is reminded that issuance of a 401 Water
Quality Certification requires that appropriate measures be instituted to ensure that water quality
standards are met and designated uses are not degraded or lost. If you have any questions or require
additional information, please contact Rob Ridings at 919-807-6403.
cc: Eric Alsmeyer, US Army Corps of Engineers, Raleigh Field Office
Chris Murray, Division 5 Environmental Officer
Travis Wilson, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
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