HomeMy WebLinkAbout20190992 Ver 1_U-2719-EnviroAssessmentComments_20170721Environmental
Quality
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To:
From:
Subject:
ROY COOPER
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MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretcn-i�
S. JAY ZIMMERMAN
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July 21, 2017
Lyn Hardison, Environmental Assistance & SEPA Coordinator, NC Dept Environmental Quality
Rob Ridings, NC Division Water Resources, Transportation Permitting Branch
Comments on the Environmental Assessment related to proposed I-440 & US 1 Widening from
SR 1313 to SR 1728, Raleigh, Wake County, Federal Aid Project No. IMSNHS-0440(10), State
Project No35869.1.2, TIP No U-2719, State Clearinghouse Project No. 18-0007.
This office has reviewed the referenced document received July 13, 2017. The NC Division of Water Resources
(NCDWR) is responsible for the issuance of the Section 401 Water Quality Certiiication for activities that impact
Waters of the U.S., including wetlands. It is our understanding that the project as presented will result in impacts to
jurisdictional wetlands, streams, and other surface waters. The NCDWR offers the following coinments based on
review of the aforementioned document:
Project Specific Comments: (if applicable)
This project is being planned as part of the 404/NEPA Merger Process. As a participaring team member, the
NCDWR will continue to work with the team.
House Creek, Bushy Branch, Simmons Branch, Lynn Branch and UT Silver Lake are class NSW (Nutrient
Sensitive) waters of the State. The NCDWR is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could
result from this project. The NCDWR recommends that highly protective sediment and erosion control BMPs
be implemented to reduce the risk of nutrient runoff to these streams and their tributaries. Additionally, to
meet the requirements of NCDOT's NPDES permit NCS0000250 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 the North Carolina Department of Ti^ansportation Stormwater Best Management Practices
Toolbox manual.
Walnut Creek, Lake Johnson, Rocky Branch and their tributaries are class 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 in accordance with Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds (l5A NCAC 04B .0124) to reduce
the risk of further impairment to these waters. Additionally, to meet the requirements of NCDOT's NPDES
permit NCS0000250, 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 the North Carolina Department of
Transportation Stormwater Best Management Practices Toolbox manual.
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State of North Carolina I Environmental Quality
1617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
4. 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. New development activities located in the
protected 50-foot wide riparian areas within the basin shall be limited to "uses" identified within and
constructed in accordance with 15A NCAC .02B .0295. Buffer mitigation may be required for buffer impacts
resulting from activities classified as "allowable with mitigation" within the "Table of Uses" section of the
Buffer Rules or require a variance under the Buffer Rules. A buffer mitigation plan, coordinated with the
North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services, must be provided to the NCDWR prior to approval of the
Water Quality Certification. Buffer mitigation may be required for buffer impacts resulting from activities
classified as "allowable with mitigation" within the "Table of Uses" section of the Buffer Rules or require a
variance under the Buffer Rules. A buffer mitigation plan, coordinated with the North Carolina Division of
Mitigation Services, must be provided to the NCDWR prior to approval of the Water Quality Certification.
General Comments:
5. The environmental documents and permit applications should provide a detailed and itemized presentation of
the proposed impacts to wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping. If mitigation is necessary as
required by 15A NCAC 2H.0506(h), it is preferable to present a mitigation plan with the environmental
documentation. Appropriate mitigation plans will be required prior to issuance of a 401 Water Quality
Certification.
6. Environmental impact statement alternatives shall consider design criteria that reduce the impacts to streams
and wetlands from storm water runoff. To meet the requirements of NCDOT's NPDES permit NCS0000250
these alternatives should include road designs that allow for treatment of the storm water runoff through best
management practices as detailed in the most recent version of the North Carolina Department of
Transportation Stormwater Best Management Practices Toolbox manual, which includes BMPs such as
grassed swales, buffer areas, preformed scour holes, retention basins, etc.
After the selection of the preferred alternative and prior to an issuance of the 401 Water Quality Certiiication,
the NCDOT is respectfully reminded that they will need to demonstrate the avoidance and minimization of
impacts to wetlands (and streams) to the maximum extent practicaL In accordance with the Environmental
Management Commission's Rules (15A NCAC 2H.0506[h]), mitigation will be required for impacts of
greater than 1 acre to wetlands. In the event that mitigation is required, the mitigation plan shall be designed
to replace appropriate lost functions and values. The North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services may be
available to assist with wetland mitigation.
In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules (15A NCAC 2H.0506[h]),
mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 1501inear 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 North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services may be available to assist with stream mitigation.
9. Future documentation, including the 401 Water Quality Certification Application, shall continue to include an
itemized listing of the proposed wetland, buffer, and stream impacts with corresponding mapping.
10. The NCDWR is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project. The
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.
11. An analysis of cumulative and secondary impacts anticipated as a result of this proj ect is required. The type
and detail of analysis shall conform to the NC Division of Water Resources Policy on the assessment of
secondary and cumulative impacts dated April 10, 2004.
12. The NCDOT is respectfully reminded that all impacts, including but not limited to, bridging, fill, excavation
and clearing, and rip rap to jurisdictional wetlands, streams, and riparian buffers need to be included in the
final impact calculations. These impacts, in addition to any construction impacts, temporary or otherwise,
also need to be included as part of the 401 Water Quality Certification Application.
13. Where streams must be crossed, the NCDWR prefers bridges be used in lieu of culverts. However, we realize
that economic considerations often require the use of culverts. Please be advised that culverts should be
countersunk to allow unimpeded passage by fish and other aquatic organisms. Moreover, in areas where high
quality wetlands or streams are impacted, a bridge may prove preferable. When applicable, the NCDOT
should not install the bridge bents in the creek, to the maximum extent practicable.
14. Whenever possible, the NCDWR 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 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.
15. Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands or streams.
16. Borrow/waste areas should avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practicaL Impacts to wetlands in
borrow/waste areas will need to be presented in the 401 Water Quality Certification and could precipitate
compensatory mitigation.
17. The 401 Water Quality Certification application will need to specifically address the proposed methods for
stormwater management. More specifically, stormwater shall not be permitted to discharge directly into
streams or surface waters.
18. Based on the information presented in the document, the magnitude of impacts to wetlands and streams will
require an 404 Pernut application to the Corps of Engineers and corresponding 401 Water Quality
Certification. Please be advised that a 401 Water Quality Certification requires satisfactory protection of
water quality to ensure that water quality standards are met and no wetland or stream uses are lost. Final
pernut authorization will require the submittal of a formal application by the NCDOT and written concurrence
from the NCDWR. Please be aware that any approval will be contingent on appropriate avoidance and
minimization of wetland and stream impacts to the maximum extent practical, the development of an
acceptable stormwater management plan, and the inclusion of appropriate mitigation plans where appropriate.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. Unless otherwise autharized, placement of culverts and other structures in waters and streams shall be placed
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, adj acent 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.
22. 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 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.
23. If foundation test borings are necessary; it shall be noted in the document. Geotechnical work is approved
under Genera1401 Certification Number 3883/Nationwide Permit No. 6 for Survey Activities.
24. 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.
25. All work in or adjacent to stream waters shall be conducted in a dry work area. Approved BMP measures
from the most current version of the 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.
26. While the use ofNational Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps, NC Coastal Region Evaluation of Wetland
Significance (NC-CREWS) maps and soil survey maps are useful tools, their inherent inaccuracies require
that qualified personnel perform onsite wetland delineations prior to pernut approval.
27. 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 shall be
inspected daily and maintained to prevent contamination of surface waters from leaking fuels, lubricants,
hydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials.
28. 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.
29. Riparian vegetation (native trees and shrubs) shall be preserved to the maximum extent possible. Riparian
vegetation must be reestablished within the construction limits of the project by the end of the growing season
following completion of construction.
The NCDWR appreciates the opporiunity to provide comments on your project. Should you have any questions or
require any additional information, please contact Rob Ridings at 919-707-8786.