20130113_Other Agency Comments_20090310

TO: Ryan L. White, P.E., Project Planning Engineer
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch, NCDOT
FROM: Marla Chambers, Western NCDOT Permit Coordinator 771at et a,mn ,
Habitat Conservation Program, NCWRC
DATE: March 4, 2009
SUBJECT: Review of NCDOT scoping sheets for the proposed construction of a new
southbound rest area and upgrade existing rest area on, US 23-74, Haywood
County. TIP No. K-5002.
North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is requesting comments from the North
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) regarding impacts to fish and wildlife
resources resulting from the subject project. Staff biologists have reviewed the information
provided on the scoping sheets and have the following preliminary comments. These comments
are provided in accordance with the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (42
U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)) and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16
U.S.C. 661-667d).
The NCDOT proposes to construct a new southbound rest area and upgrade the existing rest area
on US 23-74. A related project, to extend sewer service from Waynesville to the site, may be
required. We agree with the Town of Waynesville that development should not be encouraged
along US 23-74 without a land-use plan and agree with NCDOT that access to the sewer line
should be restricted and should be a force main along NCDOT right-of-way, as opposed to a
gravity main along Richland Creek.
Richland Creek, Class B - Trout waters and on the 303(d) list of impaired waters, supports brown
and rainbow trout. A tributary, Drift Branch, Class C - Trout waters, may also support brook
trout. The project may cross Drift Branch and another tributary. We recommend impacts to the
waterways and area natural communities be avoided and minimized to the maximum extent
practicable. A moratorium prohibiting in-stream work and land disturbance within the 25-foot
Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
K-5002, US 23-74 Rest Area
Richland & Drift Creeks, Haywood Co. -2- March 4, 2009
trout buffer is recommended from October 15 to April 15. Sediment and erosion control
measures should adhere to the design standards for sensitive watersheds.
In addition, to help facilitate document preparation and the review process, our general
information needs are outlined below:
1. Description of fishery and wildlife resources within the project area, including a listing of
federally or state designated threatened, endangered, or special concern species. Potential
borrow areas to be used for project construction should be included in the inventories. A
listing of designated plant species can be developed through consultation with the
following programs:
The Natural Heritage Program
http://www.ncnhp.org
1601 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, N. C. 27699-1601
and,
NCDA Plant Conservation Program
P. O. Box 27647
Raleigh, N. C. 27611
[phone]
2. Description of any streams or wetlands affected by the project. If applicable, include the
linear feet of stream that will be channelized or relocated.
3. Cover type maps showing wetland acreage impacted by the project. Wetland acreage
should include all project-related areas that may undergo hydrologic change as a result of
ditching, other drainage, or filling for project construction. Wetland identification may
be accomplished through coordination with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE). If the USACE is not consulted, the person delineating wetlands should be
identified and criteria listed.
4. Cover type maps showing acreage of upland wildlife habitat impacted by the proposed
project. Potential borrow sites and waste areas should be included.
5. Show the extent to which the project will result in loss, degradation, or fragmentation of
wildlife habitat (wetlands or uplands).
6. Include the mitigation plan for avoiding, minimizing or compensating for direct and
indirect degradation in habitat quality as well as quantitative losses.
7. Address the overall environmental effects of the project construction and quantify the
contribution of this individual project to environmental degradation.
K-5002, US 23-74 Rest Area
Richland & Drift Creeks, Haywood Co. -3 - March 4, 2009
Provide a discussion of the probable impacts on natural resources, which will result from
secondary development, facilitated by the improved road access.
If construction of this facility is to be coordinated with other state, municipal, or private
development projects, a description of these projects should be included in the
environmental document, and all project sponsors should be identified.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input in the early planning stages of this project. If you
have any questions regarding these comments, please contact me at [phone].
cc: Brian Wrenn, NCDWQ
Mike Parker, NCDWQ
Marella Buncick, USFWS