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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20130650 Ver 1_Scoping Comments_20110913NC®ENR North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality Beverly Eaves Perdue Coleen H. Sullins Governor - ' Director September 13, 2011 MEMORANDUM To: Tim Powers, NCDOT Division 7 Bridge Engineer From: Amy Euliss, NC Division of Water Quality, Office Subject: Scoping comments on proposed replacement of Bridge nos. in County Reference your correspondence dated August 4, 2011 in which you requested comments for the referenced projects. The NCDWQ offers the following comments. Project Specific Comments: Dee Freeman Secretary Bridge No. 333 (SR 2183) over UT to Town Branch in Alamance Courtty *Potential impacts to UT to Town Branch. 1. Town Branch and its unnamed tributaries are class C; 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 Town Branch and its unnamed tributaries. 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. 2. , This project 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. Bridge No. 102 (SR 1717) over Sugar Tree Creek in Caswell County *Potential impacts to Sugar tree Creek 1. Review of the project reveals the presence of surface waters classified as WSII; 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. 2. Review of the project reveals the presence of surface waters classified as WS II:HQW in the project study area. Given the potential for impacts to these resources during the project implementation, 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 II;HQW Bridge No. 30 (SR 1129) over Reddicks Creek in Guilford Courtty *Potential impacts to Reddicks Creek and unnamed tributaries running parallel to the roadway 1. 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, NCDWQ requests that NCDOT strictly adhere to North Carolina regulations entitled North Carolina Division of Water Quality, Winston -Salem Regional Office Location: 585 Waughtown St. Winston - Salem, North Carolina 27107 Phone: 336 - 771 -50001 FAX: 336 -771 -46301 Customer Service: 1- 877 -623 -6748 Internet: www.ncwaterquality.org An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer NorthCarolina 'Naturally "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. 2. This project is within the Randleman Lake Basin. Riparian buffer impacts shall be avoided and minimized to the greatest extent possible pursuant to 15A NCAC 2B .0250. Please note ditches in Randleman may be subject to the Randleman buffer rules. These had not been delineated prior to our field visit. Bridge No. 204 (SR 2800) over UT to Rock Creek in Guilford County *Potential impacts to UT to Rock Creek and adjacent wetlands. 1. This project 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. Rock Creek and its unnamed tributaries are class WSIV; 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 unnamed tributaries to Rock 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's Stormwater Best Management Practices. Bridge No. 248 (SR 3088) over UT to Big Alamance Creek in Guilford County *Potential impacts to UT to Big Alamance Creek. 1. This project 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. 2. Big Alamance Creek and its unnamed tributaries are class WSIV; 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 unnamed tributaries to Big Alamance 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's Stormwater Best Management Practices. Bridge No. 141 (SR 1528) over UT to South Flat River in Orange County *Potential impacts to parallel wetland and UT to South Flat River. 1. 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. 2. South Flat River and its unnamed tributaries are class WSIV; 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 unnamed tributaries to South Flat River. 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. Bridge No. 214 (SR 1135) over Rock Run in Orange County *Potential impacts to Rock Run, UT to Rock Run, and adjacent wetlands. 1. Rock Run and its unnamed tributaries are class WSII; HQW; 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 Rock Run and its unnamed tributaries. 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. 2. 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. 3. Review of the project reveals the presence of surface waters classified as WSII; 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. Review of the project reveals the presence of surface waters classified as WS II:HQW in the project study area. Given the potential for impacts to these resources during the project implementation, 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 II;HQW Zn Bridge No. 234 (SR 1581) over UT to North Fork Little River in Orange County *Potential impacts to UT to North Fork Little River 1. North Fork Little River and its unnamed tributaries are class WSII; HQW; 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 unnamed tributaries to North Fork Little River. 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. 2. 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. 3. Review of the project reveals the presence of surface waters classified as WSII; 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. Review of the project reveals the presence of surface waters classified as WS II:HQW in the project study area. Given the potential for impacts to these resources during the project implementation, 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 II;HQW . Bridge No. 2 (SR 24 10) over UT to Troublesome Creek (Lake Hunt) in Rockingham County *Potential impacts to UT to Troublesome Creek (Lake Hunt) 1. Troublesome Creek and its unnamed tributaries are class WSII;B;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 unnamed tributaries to Troublesome 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's Stormwater Best Management Practices. 2. This project 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. Bridge No. 37 (SR 23 02) over Little Jacob's Creek (East Prong Jacob's Creek) in Rockingham County *Potential impacts to Little Jacob's Creek. No project specific comments. Bridge No. 38 (SR 2304) over UT to Jacob's Creek in Rockingham County *Potential impacts to a wetland and two UTs to Jacob's Creek (Class C), including one parallel stream. No project specific conditions. Bridge No. 53 SR 1114) over UT to Belews Creek in Rockingham County *Potential impacts to UT to Belews Creek (Class WS IV). No project specific conditions. Bridge No. 71 (SR 195 1) over Rock Creek in Rockingham County *Potential impacts to Rock Creek (Class C) and parallel UT to Rock creek. No project specific conditions. Bridge No. 73 (SR 1974) over Town Creek (Sharps Lake) in Rockingham County *Potential impacts to Town Creek (Class C). No project specific conditions. Bridge No. 92 (SR 2692) over UT to Haw River in Rockingham County *Potential impacts to UT to Haw River. 1. Haw River and its unnamed tributaries are class C;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 unnamed tributaries to Haw River. 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. 2. This project 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. Bridge No. 129 (SR 2153) over UT to Dan River in Rockingham County *Potential impacts to UT to Dan River. 1. The Dan River and its unnamed tributaries are class WSIV; 303(d) waters of the State. The Dan River and its unnamed tributaries are on the 303(d) list for impaired use for aquatic life due to turbidity. NCDWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion 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 to reduce the risk of nutrient runoff to the Dan River and its unnamed tributaries. 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. Bridge No. 145 (SR 1300) over UT to Big Island Beaver Creek in Rockingham County *Potential impacts to UT to Big Island Beaver Creek (Class Q. No project specific comments. Bridge No. 153 (SR 2189) over Hogans Creek in Rockingham County *Potential impacts to Hogans Creek (Class Q. No project specific comments. Bridge No. 281 (SR 218 ) over Quaqua Creek in Rockingham County *Potential impacts to Quaqua Creek (Class Q. No project specific comments. General Project Comments: 1. For projects that will be handled through the Low Impact Bridge program, proposed impacts suggest that these projects will be permitted using a Nationwide 3 from the US Army Corps of Engineers. NCDWQ would like to respectively remind NCDOT that WQC 3687, or its most recent equivalent, will also be required. NCDOT shall be in compliance with all of its applicable conditions. 2. For projects that will be handled through the Low Impact Bridge program, DWQ understands that these bridges will be replaced using an off -site detour, if at any time these plans change, DWQ shall be contacted to determine if this project shall remain in the Low- Impact Bridge Replacement process. 3. If any of the bridges are replaced with aluminum box culverts, the stream width must be maintained immediately upstream and downstream of the pipe inlet. Please consider the use of baffles, floodplain benches, and other potential techniques to maintain the stream width. 4. Environmental assessment alternatives shall consider design criteria that reduce the impacts to streams and wetlands from storm water runoff. These alternatives shall include road designs that allow for treatment of the storm water runoff through best management practices as detailed in the most recent version of NCDWQ Stormwater Best Management Practices, such as grassed swales, buffer areas, preformed scour holes, retention basins, etc. Currently proposed impacts will not exceed 150 linear feet of impacts to any single stream. However, if at any point in the future the impact totals change, then in accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules 11 5A NCAC 2H.0506(h) }, mitigation will be required for impacts " f'• of greater than 150 linear feet to any single stream. In the event that mitigation is required, the mitigation plan shall be designed to replace appropriate lost functions and values. The NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program may be available for use as stream mitigation. 6. 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. 7. 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. 8. Whenever possible, NCDWQ prefers spanning structures. Spanning structures usually do not require work within the stream or grubbing of the streambanks and do not require stream channel realignment. The horizontal and vertical clearances provided by bridges shall allow for wildlife passage beneath the structure. Fish passage and navigation by canoeists and boaters shall not be blocked. Bridge supports (bents) shall not be placed in the stream when possible. 9. 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. 10. 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. 11. 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 should 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. 12. If foundation test borings are necessary; it should be noted in the document. Geotechnical work is approved under General 401 Certification Number 3624/Nationwide Permit No. 6 for Survey Activities. 13. 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. 14. 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 should be used to prevent excavation in flowing water. 15. Sediment and erosion control measures shall not be placed in wetlands and streams. A 16. Borrow /waste areas shall avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practical. Impacts to wetlands in borrow /waste areas could precipitate compensatory mitigation. 17. 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. 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 should be properly designed, sized and installed. 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 Amy Euliss at (336) 771 -4959. cc: Pam Williams, Transportation Program Management, 1595 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699 -1595 Andy Williams, US Army Corps of Engineers, Raleigh Field Office, e -copy only Jerry Parker, Division 7 Environmental Officer Wetlands /401 Transportation Permitting Unit File Copy