20151285 Ver 1_Scoping Comments_20130913

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NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Resources
Water Quality Programs
Pat McCrory Thomas A. Reeder John E. Skvarla, III
Governor Director Secretary
September 12, 2013
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mark W. Craig, PE, NCDOT Division 5 Bridge Program Manager
FROM: Rob Ridings, NC Division of Water Resources, Transportation Permitting Unit ell
SUBJECT: Scoping Review of NCDOT's Proposed Bridge Replacement Projects
In reply to your correspondence received July 9, 2013 in which you requested comments for the above
referenced projects, the NC Division of Water Resources offers the following comments:
Project - Specific Comments
Bride No. 910027 Over UT Falls Lake, Wake County
1. UT Falls Lake is class WS -IV, NSW; 303(d) impaired waters of the State. The NCDWR is very
concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project. The NCDWR recommends
that the most protective sediment and erosion control BMPs be implemented to reduce the risk of nutrient
runoff to Falls Lake. The NCDWR requests that road design plans provide treatment of the storm water
runoff through best management practices as detailed in the most recent version of NCDWR Stormwater
Best Management Practices.
2. Review of the project reveals the presence of surface waters classified as Water Supply Critical Area in
the project study area. Given the potential for impacts to these resources during the project implementation,
the NCDWR requests that DOT 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.
Should the bridge project be located within the Critical Area of a Water Supply the NCDOT will 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 NCDWR.
3. This project 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.
Transportation and Permitting Unit
1650 Mail Service Center, Ralegh, North Carolina 27699 -1650
Location: 512 N. Salisbury St Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Phone: 919 - 807 -63001 FAX: [phone] Customer Service: 1-877-623-6748
Internet: www.ncwaterouality.ora
An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer
One.
NorthCarohna
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Bridge No. 720045 Over South Hyco Creek, Person County
1. South Hyco Creek is class WS -II, HQW waters of the State. The NCDWR is very concerned with
sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project. The NCDWR recommends that the most
protective sediment and erosion control BMPs be implemented to reduce the risk of nutrient runoff to South
Hyco Creek. The NCDWR requests that road design plans provide treatment of the storm water runoff
through best management practices as detailed in the most recent version of NCDWR Stormwater Best
Management Practices. Stormwater shall be directed to vegetated buffer areas, grass -lined ditches or other
means appropriate to the site for the purpose of pre - treating storm water runoff prior to discharging directly
into streams. Mowing of existing vegetated buffers is strongly discouraged.
2. The permittee shall use Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds [15A NCAC 4B.0 I 24(a)-(e)] in areas
draining to WS -II HQW waters. However, due to the size of the project, NC DOT shall not be required to
meet 15A NCAC 4B .0124(a) regarding the maximum amount of uncovered acres. Temporary cover
(wheat, millet, or similar annual grain) or permanent herbaceous cover shall be planted on all bare soil
within 15 business days of ground disturbing activities to provide erosion control.
Bridge No. 380062 Over Knapp of Reeds Creek, Granville Connty
Bridge No. 920003 Over Fishing Creek, Warren County
Bridge No. 340026 Over Crooked Creek, Franklin County
1. Knapp, of Reeds Creek is class WS -IV, NSW, 303(d) impaired waters of the state. Fishing Creek and
Crooked Creek are class C, NSW, 303(d) impaired waters of the State. The NCDWR is very concerned
with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from these projects. The NCDWR recommends that the
most protective sediment and erosion control BMPs be implemented to reduce the risk of nutrient runoff to
these waters. The NCDWR requests that road design plans provide treatment of the storm water runoff
through best management practices as detailed in the most recent version of NCDWR Stormwater Best
Management Practices.
2. Bridge 380062 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.
Bridges 920003 and 340026 are within the Tar - Pamlico River Basin. Riparian buffer impacts shall be
avoided and minimized to the greatest extent possible pursuant to 15A NCAC 2B .0259.
Bridge No. 720014 Over Bvrd's Creek, Person County
Bridge No. 380025 Over Smith Creek, Granville County
Bridge No. 380148 Over Gibbs Creek, Granville County
Bridge No. 380093 Over Owen Creek, Granville County
Bridge No. 920089 Over Little Fishing Creek, Warren County
Bridge No. 340071 Over Cypress Creek, Franklin County
Bridge No. 310117 Over Mud Creek, Durham County
Bridge No. 720142 Over Mayo Creek, Person County
1. NCDWR is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from these projects.
NCDWR recommends that highly protective sediment and erosion control BMPs be implemented to reduce
the risk of nutrient runoff to surface waters. NCDWR requests that road design plans provide treatment of
the storm water runoff through best management practices as detailed in the most recent version of
NCDWR's Stormwater Best Management Practices.

2. Bridges 720014 and 380025 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.
Bridges 380148, 380093, 920089 and 340071 are within the Tar - Pamlico River Basin. Riparian buffer
impacts shall be avoided and minimized to the greatest extent possible pursuant to 15A NCAC 2B.0259.
Bridge 310117 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.
General Comments Regarding Bridge Replacement Proiects
The NCDWR is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project.
NC DOT 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 3883/Nationwide Permit No. 6 for Survey
Activities.
3. If a bridge is being replaced with a hydraulic conveyance other than another bridge, the NCDWR
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, the NCDWR prefers spanning structures. Spanning structures usually do not
require work within the stream or grubbing of the stream banks and do not require stream channel
realignment. The horizontal and vertical clearances provided by bridges allow for human and wildlife
passage beneath the structure, do not block fish passage and do not block navigation by canoeists and
boaters.
6. 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
NCDWR Stormwater Best Management Practices.
7. 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.
Bridge supports (bents) shall not be placed in the stream when possible.
9. 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.
10. Sediment and erosion control measures sufficient to protect water resources must be implemented and
maintained in accordance with the most recent version of North Carolina Sediment and Erosion
Control Planning and Design Manual and the most recent version of NCS000250.

11. All work in or adjacent to stream waters shall be conducted in a dry work area unless otherwise
approved by the NCDWR. 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.
12. 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.
13. In most cases, the NCDWR 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.
14. 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.
15. Any anticipated dewatering or access structures necessary for construction of bridges should be
addressed in the CE. It is understood that final 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
16. 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 downstream of the
above structures. The applicant is required to provide evidence that the equilibrium is being
maintained if requested in writing by the NCDWR. If this condition is unable to be met due to
bedrock or other limiting features encountered during construction, please contact the NCDWR for
guidance on how to proceed and to determine whether or not a permit modification will be required.
17. 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 and/or sills 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.
18. 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.

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 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
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