20080184 Ver 1_Information Letter_20041006

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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTIV~NT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GOVERNOR
MEMORANDUM T0: Angie Pennock, US Army Corps of Engineers
Marella Buncick, NC Fish and Wildlife Services
Marla Chambers, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Brian Wrenn, NC Division of Water Quality
Harold Draper, Tennessee Valley Authority
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FROM: Robin Y. Hancock, PE, Project Development Engineer
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
SUBJECT: Natural Resources Technical Report -Executive Summary
Bridge No. 4 over Brasstown Creek on SR 1104 in
Clay County, B-4466
Attached is a copy of the Executive Summary for the Natural Resources Technical Report
for the project stated above. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by email
or phone at ryhancock(a~dot.state.nc.us or [phone] ext. 239.
October 17, 2004
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LYNDO TIPPETT
SECRETARY
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MAILING ADDRESS:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
WEBSITE: IM~WV. NCDOT. ORG
LOCATION:
TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
RALEIGH NC

B-4466 ~ ~~~~ V Executive Summary
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EXECUTI~~Y
SAND STO~,y^T R BRgNCH
The proposed project calls for the replacement of Bridge No. 4 on SR 1104 over
Brasstown Creek in Clay County, TIl' No. B-4466.
INTRODUCTION
The proposed project calls for the replacement of Bridge No. 4 on SR 1104 in Clay
County, North Carolina. The project crosses Brasstown Creek approximately 3.0 mi (4.8
km) southeast of Brasstown. The existing two-lane bridge is composed of a timber floor
on continuous I-beams superstructure, and a substructure of end bents with timber caps
and piles, interior bents with timber caps and timber posts, and concrete sill. There have
been no alternatives considered for the bridge replacement at this time.
The project study area is primarily comprised of agriculture, forests, and rural residential
areas. The project study area is located in the Mountain Physiographic Province,
approximately 1,640 to 1,740 ft (500 to 530 m) above mean sea level (msl), with the
streambed near the bridge lying at approximately 1,654 ft (131 m) above msl. The
project study area is underlain by six major soil phases, which consist of only non-hydric
soils.
B-4466 Project Study Area Soils and Characteristics.
Map Unit Percent Hydric
Specific Map Unit Drainage Class
.Symbol Slope Class
ArA Arkaqua loam 0 to 2 Somewhat poorly drained Non-hydric
BkC2 Braddock clay loam 8 to 15 Well drained Non-hydric
Junaluska-
JbD 15 to 30 Well drained Non-hydric
Brasstown complex
Junaluska-Tsali
JtE 30 to 50 Well drained Non-hydric
complex
Rosman fine sandy Moderately well drained
RsA 0 to 2 Non-hydric
loam or well drained
SvB Statler loam 1 to 5 Well drained Non-hydric
NCDOT Page 1 05/14/2004

B-4466 Executive Summary
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Water Resources
Water resources located within the project study area lie in Subbasin 04-OS-O1 of the
Hiwassee River Drainage Basin. There are two perennial water resources located within
the project study area: Brasstown Creek and an unnamed tributary (UT) to Gumlog
Creek. Gumlog Creek is a tributary to Brasstown Creek but is located outside of the
project study area.
Brasstown Creek (Index Number 1-42) and the UT to Gumlog Creek (Index Number 1-
42-4) have a best usage classification of "WS-IV". Brasstown Creek and the UT to
Gumlog Creek are the only water resources classified as Water Supplies (WS-IV),
located within 1.0 mi (1.6 km) of Bridge No. 4 over Brasstown Creek. Class "WS-IV"
refers to waters used as sources of water supply for drinking, culinary, or food processing
purposes for those users where WS-I, II, or III classification is not feasible. There are
no surface waters classified as High Quality Water (HQW), Water Supplies (WS-I
or WS-II), or Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) located within 1.0 mi (1.6 km)
of Bridge No. 4 over Brasstown Creek. Additionally, Brasstown Creek and the UT
to Gumlog Creek are not included on North Carolina's 303(d) list of impaired water
bodies.
A sicklefin redhorse (Moxostoma sp.) moratorium applies to Brasstown Creek and
the UT to Gumlog Creek. The moratorium is from April 1 through June 15 (Per
phone conversation with Marla Chambers North Carolina Wildlife Resources
Commission (NCWRC), March 26, 2004). There are no United States Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS) proposed "critical habitats for aquatic species" located
within the project study area (Per phone conversation with Dale Suiter USFWS,
Apri129, 2004).
Biotic Resources
There are five terrestrial communities located within the project study area. Community
boundaries within the study area are generally well defined without a significant
transition zone between them. The observed communities consist of (1) Mesic Mixed
Hardwood Forest (Piedmont Subtype), (2) riparian buffer, (3) agricultural pasture, (4)
roadside, and (5) residential.
NCDOT Page 2 05/14/2004

B-4466
B-4466 Natural Community Impacts.
Executive Summary

Natural Communities
Area Impacts (ac) Percent of

Total Area
Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest (Piedmont Subtype)
Riparian buffer
Agricultural pasture
Roadside
Residential
TOTAL IMPACTS
JURISDICTIONAL TOPICS
Wetlands and Surface Waters
Brasstown Creek and the UT to Gumlog Creek are considered jurisdictional surface
waters under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Based upon the results of the
field investigation, the project area also contains one jurisdictional riverine wetland.
Brasstown Creek is proposed to be bridged by a permanent structure.
B-4466 Wetland Impacts.
Stream Name Area Impacts ac (ha)
Floodplain Depression
TOTAL IMPACTS
B-4466 Stream Impacts.
Stream Name Linear Impacts ft (m) Area Impacts ac (ha)
Brasstown Creek
UT to Gumlog Creek
TOTAL IMPACTS
Bridge No. 4 is a 121 ft (36.9 m) long by 20.1 ft (6.1 m) wide structure composed of a
timber floor on continuous I-beams superstructure, and a substructure of end bents with
timber caps and piles, interior bents with timber caps and timber posts, and concrete sill.
NCDOT Page 3 05/14/2004

B-4466 Executive Summary
Bridge demolition will occur by removing the paved surface prior to removal of the
bridge structure. The remainder of the timber components will be removed without
dropping them into Brasstown Creek. Consequently, there will be no temporary fill
resulting from bridge demolition. Because of the stream's WS-IV designation, it is
recommended that turbidity curtains be used during bridge construction.
Permits
The proposed project is being processed as a Categorical Exclusion (CE) document;
consequently, B-4466 will most likely be authorized as an approved CE under nationwide
permit (NWP) No. 23. Activities that are authorized under the NWP No. 23 are defined
within the permit language as authorized under 33 CFR §330.
Approved CE's include those activities undertaken, assisted, authorized,
regulated, funded, or financed, in whole or in part, by another Federal agency or
department where that agency or department has determined, pursuant to the
Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulation for Implementing the
Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 CFR
part 1500 et seq.), that the activity, work, or discharge is categorically excluded
from environmental documentation because it is included within a category of
actions which neither individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the
human environment, and the Office of the Chief Engineers has been furnished
notice of the agency's or department's application for the categorical exclusion
and concurs with that determination.
Other permits that may apply include the NWP No. 14 (Linear Transportation Projects),
General Permit (GC) 198200031 (for NCDOT bridge crossings), or an 1P. Additionally,
a NWP No. 33 may be required for temporary construction activities such as stream
dewatering, work bridges, or temporary causeways that are often used during bridge
construction or rehabilitation. The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE)
holds the final discretion as to what permit will be required to authorize project
construction.
In addition to the 404 permit, other required authorizations include the corresponding
Section 401 Water Quality Certification (WQC) from the North Carolina Division of
Water Quality (NCDWQ). Section 401 of the CWA requires that the state issue or deny
a WQC for any federally permitted or licensed activity that may result in a discharge to
"waters of the United States". A NCDWQ Section 401 Water Quality General
NCDOT Page 4 05/14/2004

B-4466 Executive Summary
Certification for an approved CE (General Certification (GC) 3403) or minor road
crossing (GC 3404) may be required prior to the issuance of a Section 404 Permit. Other
required 401 certifications may include a GC 3366 for temporary construction access and
dewatering.
The proposed project is located in a designated "trout" county; the authorization of a
nationwide permit by the USACE is conditioned upon the concurrence of the NCWRC.
The proposed project is located in the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) Land
Management District. A permit pursuant to Section 26a of the TVA Act is also required
for all construction or development involving streams or floodplains in the Tennessee
River Drainage Basin.
Federally Protected Species
Plants and animals with federal classifications of endangered (E), threatened (T),
proposed endangered (PE), and proposed threatened (PT) are protected under the
provisions of Section 7 and Section 9 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended. As of February 5, 2003, the USFWS lists two federally protected species for
Clay County.
Federally Threatened and/or Endangered Species for Clay County.
Scientific Name Common hiame Federal Status Biological Conclusion
Clemmys muhlenbergii Bog turtle T (S/A) No Survey Required
Sarracenia oreophila Green pitcher plant Endangered Unresolved
Endangered A taxon "in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range."
T(S/A) Threatened due to similarity of appearance (e.g., American alligator )--a species that is
threatened due to similarity of appearance with other rare species and is listed for its
protection. These species are not biologically endangered or threatened and are not
subject to Section 7 consultation.
Bog Turtle Biological Conclusion: No Survey Required
This species is listed as Threatened Due to Similarity of Appearance, and is therefore not
protected under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. Individual bog turtles in the
southern population closely resemble individuals in the northern bog turtle population,
causing difficulty in enforcing prohibitions protecting the northern population. Therefore,
the Service is designating the southern population as "threatened (similarity of
appearance)." In order to control the illegal trade of individuals from the protected
NCDOT Page 5 05/14/2004

B-4466 Executive Summary
northern population, federal regulations are maintained on the commercial trade of all
bog turtles. No survey is required for this species.
Green Pitcher Plant Biological Conclusion: Unresolved
Habitat for the green pitcher plant is present in the form of sandstone stream banks. As
of February 23, 2004, a review of the NCNHP database for rare species and unique
habitats revealed no known populations of green pitcher plant within 1.0 mi (1.6 km) of
Bridge No. 4 over Brasstown Creek. Field reviews in the project study area were
conducted outside of the flowering season for green pitcher plant, thus species surveys
were not conducted for green pitcher plant. Species will be conducted at least one year
prior to the scheduled construction let date. Consequently, the biological conclusion for
green pitcher plant remains "Unresolved".
CONCLUSIONS
The project may impact two perennial surface waters and one wetland area. No
alternatives have been considered at this time. Consequently, impacts to these areas have
not been calculated. The permit likely required for this project is a Section 404 NWP 23,
however, the USACE holds the final discretion as to what permit will be required to
authorize project construction. Since the proposed project is located in a designated
"trout" county, the authorization of nationwide permit by the USACE is conditioned
upon the concurrence of the NCWRC.
The proposed project is located in the TVA Land Management District. As a result, a
permit pursuant to Section 26a of the TVA Act is also required for all construction or
development involving streams or floodplains in the Tennessee River Drainage Basin.
The biological conclusion for the green pitcher plant remains unresolved until an onsite
investigation occurs during the flowering season. All surface waters in the project study
area are designated Water Supply IV.
NCDOT Page 6 05/14/2004

/~OF HO"r" c{q~ NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
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CLAP COUNTY
REPLACE BRIDGE No. 4 oN SR 1104
OVER BRASSTOWN CRf:FK
B-4466
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Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Cazolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director
Division of Water Quality
Coleen H. Sullins, Deputy Director
Division of Water Quality
June 11, 2004
MEMORANDUM
TO: Robin~H(~anc) ock, NCDOT Planning Engineer
FROM: Brian~"VC~renn, NC Division of Water Quality
SUBJECT: Scoping Review of NCDOT's proposed bridge replacement projects: B-4518, B-4466, and B-
.. _ X469 _ _
In reply to your correspondence dated Apri129, 2004 (received May 6, 2004) in which you requested comments
for the referenced projects, the NC Division of Water Quality has the following comments:
I General Comments Re~ardin~ Bride Replacement Proiects
1. If corrugated metal pipe arches, reinforced concrete pipes, or concrete box culverts are used to replace the
bridge, then DWQ recommends the use of Nationwide Permit No. 14 rather than Nationwide Permit 23.
,,,
2. )f the old bridge is removed, no discharge of bridge material into surface waters is preferred. Strict adherence
the Corps of Engineers guidelines for bridge demolition wil'l' be a condition of the 401 Water Quality
Certification.
3. DWQ prefers spanning structures. Spanning structures usually do not require work within the stream and do
not require stream channel realignment. The horizontal and vertical clearances provided by bridges allows for
human and wildlife passage beneath the structure, does not block fish passage, and does not block navigation by
canoeists and boaters.
4. Bridge deck drains should not discharge directly into the stream; stormwater should 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 NCDOT Best Management Practices for the
Protection of Surface Waters
5. Live concrete should not be allowed to contact the water in or entering into the stream Concrete is mostly
made up of lime (calcium carbonate) and when in a dry or wet state (not hardened) calcium carbonate is very
soluble in water and has a pH of approximately 12. In an unhardened state concrete or cement will change the
- pH of fresh water to very basic and will cause fish and other macroinvertebrate kills.
6. 1f possible, bridge supports (bents) should not be placed in the stream.
7. If temporary access roads or detours are constructed, they should be removed back to original ground
elevations immediately upon the completion of the project. Disturbed areas should be seeded or mulched to
stabilize the soil and native tree species should be planted with a spacing of not more than 10'x10'. if
possible, when using temporary structures the area should 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 disturbed soil.
8. A clear bank (rip rap-free) area of at least 10 feet should remain on each side of the steam underneath the
bridge.

N. C. Division of Water Quality, 401 Wetlands Certification Unit,
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 (Mailing Address)
2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604-2260 (Location)
[phone] (phone), 919-733-6893 (fax), (http•//h2o enr state.nc.us/ncwetlands)

9. Sedimentation and erosion control measures sufficient to protect water resources must be implemented prior
to any ground disturbing activities. Structures should be maintained regularly, especially following rainfall
events.
10. Bare soil should be stabilized through vegetation or other means as quickly as feasible to prevent sedimentation
of water resources.
11. All work in or adjacent to stream waters should be conducted in a dry work azea. Sandbags, rock berms,
cofferdams, or other diversion structures should be used where possible to prevent excavation in flowing
water.
12. Heavy equipment should 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 should
be inspected daily and maintained to prevent contamination of surface waters from leaking fuels, lubricants,
hydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials.
II. General Comments if Renlacin~ the Bride with a Culvert
1. The culvert must be designed to allow for aquatic life and fish passage. Generally, the culvert or pipe invert
should be buried at least 1 foot below the natural streambed (measured from the natural thalweg depth). If
multiple barrels aze required, barrels other than the base flow barrel(s) should be placed on or near stream
banl~ull or floodplain bench elevation (similaz to Lyonsfie~;d design). These should be reconnected to
floodplain benches as appropriate. This may be accomplished by utilizing sills on the upstream end to restrict
or divert flow to the base flow barrel(s). Sufficient water depth should be provided in the base flow barrel
during low flows to accommodate fish movement. If culverts`are longer than 40-50 linear feet, alternating or
notched baffles should be installed in a manner that mimics existing stream pattern. This should enhance
aquatic life passage: 1) by depositing sediments in the barrel, 2) by maintaining channel depth and flow
regimes, and 3) by providing resting places for fish and other aquatic organisms. In essence, the base flow
barrel(s)" should provide a continuum of water depth and channel width without substantial modifications of
velocity.
2. If multiple pipes or cells are used, at least one pipe or box should be designed to remain dry during normal
flows to allow for wildlife passage.
3. Culverts or pipes should be situated along the existing channel alignment whenever possible to avoid channel
realignment. Widening the stream channel should 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.
4. Riprap should not be placed in the active thalweg channel or placed in the streambed in a manner that
precludes aquatic life passage. Bioengineering boulders or structures should be professionally designed,
sized, and installed.
In most cases, we prefer the replacement of the existing structure at the same location with road closure. If road
closure is not feasible, a temporary detour should be designed and located to avoid wetland impacts, minimi~~ the
need for clearing and to avoid destabilizing stream banks. If the structure will be on a new alignment, the old
structure should be removed and the approach fills removed from the 100-yeaz floodplain. Approach fills should
be removed down to the natural ground elevation. The area should be stabilized with grass and planted with
native tree species. Tall fescue should not be used in riparian azeas. If the azea that is reclaimed was previously
wetlands, NCDOT should restore the area to wetlands. If successful, the site may be used as wetland mitigation
for the subject project or other projects in the watershed.

{ • ~.
III. Proiect-Specific Comments
8-4518 Bridge No. IIO over Beaverdam Creek, Gaston Co.
Beaverdam Creek is listed as WS-IV waters of the State. There are 30-foot vegetated buffer requirements in WS
waters in addition to the requirements to minimize storm water runoff and to maximize use of BMPs. Refer to
15A NCAC 2B .0216(3)(b)(i)(F) and (G).
8-4466 Bride No. 4 over Brasstown Creek, Clay Co.
Brasstown Creek is listed as WS-N waters of the State. There are 30-foot vegetated buffer requirements in WS
waters in addition to the requirements to minimize storm water runoff and to maximize use of BMPs. Refer to
15A NCAC 2B .0216(3)(b)(i)(F) and (G).
8-4469 Bride No. 219 over Brushy Creek Cleveland Co.
Brushy Creek has recently been taken off of the 303(d) list of impaired streams for toxicity. The 2000 monitoring
data have shown that sand and sediment deposition is becoming a problem in the lower sections of the creek.
DWQ recommends using stringent BMPS to reduce the potential for erosion and sedimentation during and after
bridge replacement.
Thank you for requesting our input at this time. The DOT is reminded that issuance of a 401 Water Quality
Certification requires that appropriate measures be instituted'~fp 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 Brian Wrenn 919-733-5715. ~ `
pc: Steve Lund, USAGE Asheville Field Office
Chris Militscher, USEPA
Marla Chambers, NCWRC
File Copy

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STATE OF NORTH CAROLIlVA
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GOVERNOR
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MEMORANDUM TO: File
FROM:
October 6, 2004
Robin Y. Hancock, PE
Project Planning Engineer
LYNDO TIPPETT
SECRETARY
SUBJECT: B-4466, Replacement of Bridge No. 4 on SR 1104 (Pine Log Road)
over Brasstown Creek in Clay County, WBS 33715.1.1, State Project
8.2920401, FA Project BRZ-1104 (11)
A scoping meeting for the Subject Bridge was held at Century Center's Roadway Design
Conference Room on June 10, 2004.
The following people were in attendance:
Bill Goodwin PDEA Andrew Nottingham Hydraulics
Robin Hancock PDEA Nasir Siddiqui Congestion Management
Steve Gurganus PDEA - OHE -PICS W.M. Petit Program Development
Jaime Adrignola PDEA - OHE -PICS John Pilipchuk Geotechnical
Tyler Stanton PDEA -ONE Brian Hanks Structure Design
Jason Moore Roadway Design Kirby Warrick Right of Way
Bryan Key Roadway Design Joe Futrell Traffic Control
Ron Allen Roadwa Desi n Ernesto Villalba FHWA
GENERAL PROTECT INFORMATION
Current Schedule
Shell Mapping 09-OS-03
Document 10-31-05
Right of Way: 10-20-06
Construction: 10-16-07
This schedule was adjusted at the bar chart meeting in August 2004.
Bridge No. 4 was built in 1952. It is 121 feet long, 19 feet wide, and 14 feet over the bed of the
creek. The structure is not posted with weight restrictions. The sufficiency rating is 77.9 out
of 100 and this bridge is considered to be functionally obsolete. At the time this bridge was
added to the TIP Program, it was structurally deficient and had a sufficiency rating of 45.9.
Since that time, crutch bents have been added which resulted in the increased sufficiency rating.
MAILING ADDRESS:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
WEBSITE: WWW.NCDOT.ORG
LOCATION:
TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
RALEIGH NC

Demolition This Bridge is composed mainly of timber and steel. There are two concrete sills.
There is potential for components of the substructure to be dropped into Waters of the United
States. The resulting temporary fill associated with this bridge is 15 cubic yards.
Traffic Information SR 1104 (Pine Log Road) is a Rural Local Route with no posted speed
limit. Current ADT: 400 VPD, Projected 2030 ADT: 800 VPD, 2% Duals, 1% TTST.
Crashes One crash was recorded in a recent three-year period. This crash was not a result of
the roadway alignment or bridge.
Possible Offsite Detour would utilize SR 1107, SR 1110, and SR 1100. There would be less
than 5 minutes of additional travel for approximately 2.4 miles. Traffic control estimates a user
cost of $500 per day.
SLOPING COMMENTS
Clay County Schools -can handle road closure with advanced notice
Bike & Ped -This is not a current bicycle route nor a bicycle TIP.
Division 14 Construction -recommends offsite detour utilizing SR 1107 and SR 1110. Part
of the bank on the SE corner of SR 1107 may need to be removed for better turning and
working room.
Location & Surveys -Good horizontal and vertical alignment. There is aerial phone along the
northwest side of SR 1104 crossing the stream about 30 feet northwest of the center of the
bridge. Aerial phone crosses SR 1104 at the west end of the bridge and goes underground
along SR 1107. There is an aerial power line crossing SR 1104 approximately 330 feet east
from the end of the bridge. Recommends replace in place with road closure.
Structures Unit -recommends replace in place with offsite detour. Coordination may be
needed with B-4467.
Hydraulics Unit -recommends replacing the bridge with a new bridge 142 feet in length at
approximately the same location and elevation as the existing and utilizing an offsite detour.
Some realignment may be necessary due to the intersection with SR 1107. Leaning toward a
cored slab bridge, but may need to utilize girders due to SR 1107. If girders are utilized, the
elevation of the new bridge may need to be raised slightly. Also due to SR 1107, the type of
endbent on the northwest end needs to be determined. The new bridge should have a minimum
0.3% deck grade to facilitate deck drainage. This bridge is located in a designated flood hazard
zone, where no detailed flood study has been performed. The drainage area is 50.5 square miles.
Office of Natural Environment - As of 2/5/03 (USFWS website), there are two listed
Federally protected species. The Bog turtle (Threatened due to similar appearance) and the
Green pitcher plant (Endangered). Surveys for the Green pitcher plant should take place during
peak flowering periods of late April -May. These surveys were contracted out and the report
has not yet been received. The surveys should have been completed during the 2004 season.
There will be a moratorium from April 1 -June 15 for the Sicklefin Redhorse. This is a trout
county.
NC Department of Cultural Resources (SHPO) - No historic architectural nor archaeological
surveys required.
Page 2 of 3

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) -The environmental document should note that an
approval under Section 26a of the TVA Act would likely be needed for this project.
Endangered mussels have been found downstream in the Hiwassee River.
Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition (HRWC) -this project was funded by the Clean Water
Management Trust Fund (CWMTF) with grant funds going to the HRWC. The project was
completed in 2000 and landowners on both sides of the stream signed 30-year protection
agreements on a 50-foot riparian buffer. The landowner agreements are held by the Clay
County Soil & Water Conservation District and HRWC acts as the District's agent. This bridge
is in the middle of a relatively large project (4,000 linear feet of stream). The `boulder dam' is
across-vein structure that is part of the Brasstown Creek stream restoration work.
ALTERNATES FOR EVALUATION
Cross Section of New Bridge According to March 2000 Bridge Policy
A rural local route with 800 vehicles per day and a statutory speed limit of 55 mph (not posted)
should have a minimum of 28 feet clear deck width including a 22-foot travel way and 3-foot
offsets.
Alternates
1. replace in place with offsite detour (will need vertical abutment on northwest end due to
proximity of SR 1107)
2. replace on new location, close to the existing alignment, with an offsite detour. (this should
help with accessibility to SR 1107 as well as staying away from the cross-vein structure
located approximately 70 feet downstream of the bridge.) Note: the Watershed Protection
Area is located in the northwest quadrant of the bridge.
NEXT STEPS
Preliminary Design & Cost Estimate: Jason Moore/Bryan Key of Roadway Design will
provide preliminary plans and cost estimates by October 29, 2004.
Right of Way Cost Estimate: PDEA will pursue a R/W estimate after receiving the
preliminary plans and cost estimates from Roadway Design. The estimated request date will be
November 2004.
EMS: Contact to confirm road closure can be handled.
Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition: continued coordination is needed, especially for new
location.
Green Pitcher Plant: Surveys are required for this species. It is a narrow window species so
surveys must be completed April -May. These surveys were contracted out and the report has
not yet been received.
Page 3 of 3