20090822 Ver 1_Information Letter_20070809

OF W A 7F9
? Y
MEMORANDUM
Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Coleco H. Sullins, Director
Division of Water Quality
July 2, 2007
TO: Hank Schwab, Bridge Project Planning Engineer, NCDOT
FROM: Polly Lespinasse, NC Division of Water Quality, Mooresville Regional Office
SUBJECT: Scoping Review of NCDOT's Proposed Bridge Replacement Projects: B- 4517 and 6-
4519, Gaston County
In reply to your correspondence dated June 6, 2007 (received June 12, 2007) in which you requested
comments for the above referenced projects, the NC Division of Water Quality (DWQ) offers the following
comments:
Project Specific Comments
B-4517, Bridge No. 49 Over Crowders Creek, Gaston County
Crowders Creek is a Class C; 303(d) waters of the State. Crowders Creek is on the 303(d) list for impaired use
for aquatic life due to impaired biological integrity. DWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts
that could result from this project. DWQ recommends that the most protective sediment and erosion control
BMPs be implemented to reduce the risk of nutrient runoff to Crowders Creek. DWQ requests that road design
plans provide treatment of the storm water runoff through best management practices as detailed in the most
recent version of NC DWQ Stormwater Best Management Practices.
B-4519, Bridge 155 Over Little Long Creek, Gaston County
Little Long Creek is Class C, 303(d) Waters of the State. Little Long Creek is on the 303(d) list for impaired
use for aquatic life due to urban runoff (historical listing). DWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion
impacts that could result from this project. DWQ recommends that the most protective sediment and erosion
control BMPs be implemented to reduce the risk of nutrient runoff to Little Long Creek. DWQ requests that
road design plans provide treatment of the storm water runoff through best management practices as detailed
in the most recent version of NC DWQ Storm Water Best Management Practices.
General Comments Regarding Bridge Replacement Projects
DWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project. North
Carolina Department of Transportation (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.
If foundation test borings are necessary; it shall be noted in the document. Geotechnical work is
approved under General 401 Certification Number 3494/Nationwide Permit No. 6 for Survey Activities.
NonhCarolina
Naturally
North Carolina Division of Water Quality 610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301
Internet: h2o.em.statemos Mooresville, NC 28115
phone [phone]
Fax ' [phone]
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer - 50% Recycled110 % Past Consumer Paper

Mid Hank Schwab
Page Two
3. If a bridge is being replaced with a hydraulic conveyance other than another bridge, DWQ 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.
Whenever possible, the DWQ 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.
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 NC DWQ
Stormwater Best Management Practices.
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.
8. Bridge supports (bents) shall not be placed in the stream when possible.
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 NC DWQ. 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 DWQ 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.
Mrs Hank Schwab
Page Three
General Comments if Replacing the Bridge with a Culvert
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 down stream of the above structures. The applicant is
required to provide evidence that the equilibrium is being maintained if requested in writing by DWQ. If
this condition is unable to be met due to bedrock or other limiting features encountered during
construction, please contact the NC DWQ for guidance on how to proceed and to determine whether or
not a permit modification will be required.
2. 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.
3. 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 Polly Lespinasse at [phone].
cc: Steve Lund, US Army Corps of Engineers, Asheville Field Office
Ron Lucas, Federal Highway Administration
Chris Militscher, Environmental Protection Agency
Marla Chambers, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Marella Buncick, US Fish and Wildlife Service
Sonia Gregory, DWQ Central Regional Office
File Copy
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MEMORANDUM
Michael F_ Easley, Governor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
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TO: William T. Goodwin, Jr., P.E., NCDOT
FROM: Polly Lespinasse, NC Division of Water Quality, Mooresville Regional Office
Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director
Division of Water Quality
May 23, 2006
SUBJECT: Scoping Review of NCDOT's Proposed Bridge Replacement Projects: B-4456 (Catawba County),
B-4468 (Cleveland County), B-4517 and B-4519 (Gaston County), and B-4553 (Iredell County)
In reply to your correspondence dated May 5, 2006 (received May 8, 2006) in which you requested comments for the
above referenced projects, the North Carolina Division of Water Quality (DWQ) offers the following comments:
Project Specific Comments
B-4456, Bridge No. 49 Over Interstate 40, Catawba County
Based on a review of topographical maps and the limited information provided, it appears that no jurisdictional streams
and/or wetlands exist within the project area. If the project limits change or jurisdictional streams and/or wetlands are
identified within the project limits, further evaluation may be required.
B-4468, Bridge No. 144 Over Sandy Run Creek, Cleveland County
Sandy Run Creek is Class C Waters of the State.
B-4517, Bridge No. 49 Over Crowder's Creek, Gaston County
Crowder's Creek is Class C; 303(d) Waters of the State. Crowder's Creek is on the 303(d) list for impaired use for
aquatic life due to impaired biological integrity. DWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could
result from this project. DWQ recommends that the most protective sediment and erosion control BMPs be implemented
to reduce the risk of nutrient runoff to Crowder's Creek. DWQ requests that road design plans provide treatment of the
storm water runoff through best management practices as detailed in the most recent version of NC DWQ Storm Water
Best Management Practices.
B-4519, Bridge No. 155 Over Little Long Creek, Gaston County
Little Long Creek is Class C; 303(d) Waters of the State. Little Long Creek is on the 303(d) list for impaired use for
aquatic life due to urban runoff (historical listing). DWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could
result from this project. DWQ recommends that the most protective sediment and erosion control BMPs be implemented
to reduce the risk of nutrient runoff to Little Long Creek. DWQ requests that road design plans provide treatment of the
storm water runoff through best management practices as detailed in the most recent version of NC DWQ Storm Water
Best Management Practices.
A"N'?th,carolina
Naturally
North Carolina Division of Water Quality 610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301
Internet: wwNv.novaterqualitv.ora Mooresville, NC 28115
Phone[phone]
FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer- 50% Recycled/10% Post Consumer Paper

Page 2
B-4553, Bridge No. 312 Over Fourth Creek, Iredell County
Fourth Creek is Class C; 303(d) Waters of the State. Fourth Long Creek is on the 303(d) list for impaired use for aquatic _
life due to impaired biological integrity, turbidity and fecal coliform. DWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion
impacts that could result from this project. DWQ recommends that the most protective sediment and erosion control
BMPs be implemented to reduce the risk of nutrient runoff to Fourth Creek. DWQ requests that road design plans provide
treatment of the storm water runoff through best management practices as detailed in the most recent version of NC DWQ
Storm Water Best Management Practices.
General Comments Regarding Bridge Replacement Projects
1. DWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project. NCDOT should
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 should be noted in the document. Geotechnical work is approved under
General 401 Certification Number 3494/Nationwide Permit No. 6 for Survey Activities.
3. If a bridge is being replaced with a hydraulic conveyance other than another bridge, DWQ 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 DWQ 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 should not discharge directly into the stream. Storm water 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 the most current version of NC DWQ Storm Water Best Management
Practices.
7. If concrete is used during construction, a dry work area should be maintained to prevent direct contact between
curing concrete and stream water. Water that inadvertently contacts uncured concrete should not be discharged to
surface waters due to the potential for elevated pH and possible aquatic life and fish kills.
8. Bridge supports (bents) should 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 should be seeded or mulched to stabilize the soil and appropriate native woody species
should be planted. 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 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.

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
T?NOSq?OSrgT?? ?1O
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a??R 1
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION skcv
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GOVERNOR
June 6, 2007
John Hennessy
NCDENR - DWQ / WETLANDS
1650 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650
SUBJECT: Bridge Group No. 59
Dear John Hennessy,
LYNDO TIPPETT
SECRETARY
The Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch is moving towards completion of
project development, environmental, and engineering studies for the following projects in Gaston
County: B-4517 and B-4519. The projects are included in the 2006-2012 North Carolina Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP).
The alternatives under consideration at this time for each of these bridge replacement projects are
as follows: B-4517, Replace in place with offsite detour; B-4519, Replace in place with offsite detour.
Please note that this represents a change from the original alternatives for B-4517 and no change to the
previously identified alternatives for B-4519.
I would appreciate any information you might have that would be helpful in evaluating potential
environmental impacts of the project. Your comments will be considered in the completion of a federally
funded Programmatic Categorical Exclusion. This document will be prepared in accordance with the
National Environmental Policy Act. It is desirable that your agency respond by July 6, 2007 so that your
comments can be used in the preparation of this document.
If you have any questions concerning either of these projects, please contact me directly at (919)
715-5513. Please include the TIP Project Number in all correspondence and comments. Thank you for
your consideration.
Sinc e ,
r=ank awab
Bridge Project Planning Engineer
Project Development and Environmental
Analysis Branch
MAILING ADDRESS: - TELEPHONE: [phone] LOCATION:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX: [phone] PARKER LINCOLN BLDG
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 2728 CAPITOL BLVD-SUITE 168
BRIDGE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT UNIT WEBSITE. WWW.NCDOT.ORG RALEIGH NC 27604
1551 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548

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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA o ?OSTORwo?A Op6 O
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GOVERNOR
May 5, 2006
Mr. John Hennessy
NCDENR - DWQ / WETLANDS
1650 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650
SUBJECT: Bridge Group No. 59
Dear Mr. Hennessy:
LYNDO I IPPI
SECRETARY
The Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch is starting the project
development, environmental and engineering studies for the following projects: B-4456, B-4468,
B-4517, B-4519, B-4553, and B-4632. The projects are included in the 20062012 North
Carolina Transportation Improvement Program and are scheduled for construction in fiscal
year(s) 2009, 2009, 2009, 2009, 2009, and 2010 (respectively).
The alternatives under consideration at this time for each of these bridge replacement
projects are as follows:
B-4456
. Replace in place with offsite detour.
B-4468
Replace in place with onsite detour to the east of the existing bridge.
Replace in place with offsite detour.
B-4517
Replace in place with onsite detour to the south of the existing bridge.
Replace on new. alignment to the south of the existing bridge and maintain traffic on the
existing bridge.
B-4519
. Replace in. place with offsite detour
LOCATION:
MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: [phone] PARKER LINCOLN BLDG
FAX' 919-715-1522 2728 CAPITOL BLVD-SUITE 168
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS RALEIGH INC 27604
BRIDGE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT UNIT WEBSITE: WWVd.NCDOT.ORG
1551 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548

B-4553
Replace in place with onsite detour on north of the existing bridge.
Replace in place with onsite detour on south of the existing bridge.
B-4632
Replace in place with offsite detour.
Replace on new alignment to the South of the existing bridge and maintain traffic on the
existing bridge.
When available, we will provide you a copy of the Executive Summary of the Natural
Resources Technical Report (NRTR) for each project. At that time, we will solicit information
about these projects to be used in the preparation of federally funded Categorical Exclusions. If
your agency has critical information that can be furnished at this time, please feel free to do so.
If you have any questions concerning any of these projects, please contact Mr. Dennis Pipkin, PE
at 715-5515. Please include the TIP Project Number in all correspondence and comments.
Sincerely,
i/ William T. Goodwin, Jr. PE
Bridge Project Development Unit Head
Project Development and Environmental
Analysis Branch

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MICHAEL F. EASLEY LYNDO TIPPETT
GOVERNOR SECRETARY
August 1, 2007
Mr. John Hennessy
NCDENR - D WQ / WETLANDS
1650 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650
SUBJECT: Bridge Group No. 59
Dear Mr. Hennessy,
The Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch is completing the project
development, environmental and engineering studies for the following projects: B-4456, B-4468, B-4517,
B-4519, B-4553, and B-4632. These projects are included in the 2006-2012 North Carolina
Transportation Improvement Program.
The alternatives under consideration at this time for each of these bridge replacement projects are
as follows:
B-4456
Replace in place with offsite detour.
B-4468
Replace in place with offsite detour.
B-4517
Replace in place with offsite detour.
B-4519
Replace in place with offsite detour.
B-4553
• Replace in place with offsite detour.
B-4632
• Replace in place with offsite detour
MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: [phone] LOCATION:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX: [phone] PARKER LINCOLN BLDG
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTALANALYSIS 2728 CAPITOL BLVD- SUITE 168
BRIDGE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT UNIT WEBSITE: WWW.N000T.ORG RALEIGHNC27604
1551 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 276 99-1 54 8

I have provided a copy of the Executive Summary of the Natural Resources Technical Report
(NRTR) for each project for your use. I would appreciate any information you might have that would be
helpful in evaluating potential environmental impacts of these projects. Your comments will be
considered in the completion of each federally funded Categorical Exclusion. These documents will be
prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act. It is desirable that your agency
respond by September 24, 2007 so that your comments can be used in the preparation of these
documents.
If you have any questions concerning either of these projects, please contact me directly at (919)
715-5513. Please include the TIP Project Number in all correspondence and comments. Thank you for
your consideration.
Sin ere y,
ank Schwab
Bridge Project Planning Engineer
Project Development and Environmental
Analysis Branch.
'a
I
NATURAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Replacement of Bridge No. 49
SR 1103 over Crowder's Creek
Gaston County, North Carolina
(B-4517)
(State Project No. 8.2812901)
(Federal Aid No. BRSTP-1103(15))
Prepared for:
The North Carolina Department of Transportation
Raleigh, North Carolina
June 2007
r
e
The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to replace Bridge No. 49 located on
North Carolina State Road 1103 (SR 1103) over Crowder's Creek in Gaston County, North
Carolina (Figure 1).
INTRODUCTION
The project study area is located at the crossing of SR 1103 over Crowder's Creek (Figure 1).
The project study area has been determined to be approximately 400 feet wide, centered on SR
1103, and approximately 1200 feet long. The project study area encompasses approximately
11.9 acres (Figure 2). Elevations within the project study area range from a high of
approximately 720 feet National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) to a low of approximately 640
feet NGVD (USGS Gastonia South, NC 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle [1993]) within the
stream channel. Land uses within and adjacent to the project study area consist of woodlands,
sewer and power easements, and roadside shoulders. Based on soil mapping for Gaston
County (NRCS 1997a), the project study area is underlain by four soil series: Appling (Typic
Kanhapludults), Chewacla (Fluvaquentic Dystrochrepts), Congaree (Typic UdiFluvents), and
Madison (Typic Kanhapludults). These soil series are considered non-hydric in Gaston County,
but the Chewacla and Congaree series may contain inclusions of hydric soils (NRCS 1997b).
Three alternatives have been proposed for the replacement of Bridge No. 49. Alternate A
proposes that Bridge No. 49 be replaced at its current location while maintaining traffic with an
off-site detour. Alternate B proposes that Bridge No. 49 be replaced at its current location while
maintaining traffic with an on-site detour over a temporary bridge south of the existing bridge.
Alternate C proposes that Bridge No. 49 be replaced at a new location south of the existing
bridge while maintaining traffic over the existing bridge.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Water Resources
The project study area is located within sub-basin 03-08-37 of the Catawba River Basin
(NCDWQ 2004). This area is part of USGS Hydrologic Unit 03050101 (Seaber et al. 1987) of
the South Atlantic-Gulf Region. The project study area contains three streams: Crowder's
Creek, and two unnamed tributaries (UT) to Crowder's Creek (UT1 and UT2) (Figure 2). The
structure targeted for replacement spans Crowder's Creek. Crowder's Creek, from its source to
the Yadkin River, has been assigned Stream Index Number 11-135 NCDWQ (NCDWQ 2006b).
A Best Usage Classification of C has been assigned to Crowder's Creek. Class C waters are
suitable for secondary recreation, aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, and
agriculture. Secondary recreation includes wading, boating, and other uses not involving
human body contact with waters on an organized or frequent basis. No other stream
classifications have been assigned to Crowder's Creek. No High Quality Waters (HQW),
Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), Water Supply I (WS-1), Water Supply 11 (WS-11), or
watershed Critical Areas (CA) occur within 1.0 mile of the project study area (NCDWQ 2006b).
Crowder's Creek from its source to the South Carolina border, including the reach within the

project study area,'is listed on the N.C. 2006 final Section 303(d) list for urban runoff and storm
sewers (NCDWQ 2006c).
Biotic Resources
Three distinct plant communities were identified within the project study area: bottomland
hardwood forest, disturbed/maintained land, and Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest (Piedmont
Subtype) (Figure 2). Table 1 shows the acreage of each community within the project study
area and each community. In addition to terrestrial communities, approximately 0.6 acre (5
percent) of the project study area encompasses Crowder's Creek, UT1, and UT2, while 0.6 acre
(5 percent) includes impermeable surfaces.
Table 1: Plant Communities Within the Project Study Area .
Plant Community Coverage
(Acres) Coverage
(Percent)
Bottom[ and Hardwood Forest 5.6 47
Disturbed/Maintained Land 2.6 22
Mesic Mixed Hardwood
Forest
2.5
21
Total 10.7 90
Proposed alternatives include both permanent and temporary impacts. Permanent impacts are
considered to be those impacts that occur within proposed cut-fill limits, and include a 25-foot
buffer. Temporary impacts are considered to be those impacts which occur within the cut-fill
footprint associated with the temporary detour of Alternate B, and also include a 25-foot buffer.
Plant communities within the project study area were delineated to determine the approximate
area and location of each (Figure 2). A summary of potential impacts to plant communities is
presented in Table 2.
Table 2: Plant Community Impacts Within Proposed Cut-Fill Limits, Including a 25-foot
Buffer
Alternate A Alternate B Alternate C
Plant Community Permanent Permanent Temporary Permanent
Im acts Im acts Im acts Impacts

Bottomland Hardwood
Forest 0.6 0.6 1.1 1.7
Disturbed/Maintained
Land 1.4 1.4 0.3 0.8
Mesic Mixed Hardwood
Forest <0.1 <0.1 0.4 0.4
JURISDICTIONAL TOPICS
Waters of the United States
The project study area contains three surface waters: Crowder's Creek, UT1, and UT2. The
project study area also contains two vegetated jurisdictional wetlands (Wetlands 1 and 2)
(Figure 3). Direct impact to jurisdictional areas is expected from the replacement of Bridge No.
49. Table 3 shows the jurisdictional area impacts resulting from proposed cut-fill limits of project
alternatives, including a 25-foot buffer.
Table 3. Jurisdictional Area Impacts Within Proposed Cut/Fill Limits, Including a 25-foot
Buffer
Alternate A Alternate B Alternate C
Jurisdictional Temporary Permanent
System Permanent Permanent feet acres feet acres
Crowder's Creek 0 0 34 0.5 34 0.5
<0.1 <0.1 0 0 0 0
W 0 0 69 <0.1 69 <0.1
0.3 0.3 0 0 0 0
Wetland2 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0.3 0.3 103 0.5 103 0.5
Permits
Impacts to j
urisdictional areas are anticipated from the proposed project. This project may be
processed as a Categorical Exclusion (CE) under Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
guidelines. USACE has made available Nationwide Permit (NWP) 23 (67 FR 2020, 2082;
January 15, 2002) for CEs due to minimal impacts to waters of the United States expected with
bridge construction. NCDWQ has made available a General 401 Water Quality Certification for
NWP 23 (GC 3403). If temporary structures are necessary for construction activities, access
fills, or dewatering of the site, then a NWP 33 (67 FR 2020, 2087; January 15, 2002) permit and
the associated General 401 Water Quality Certification (GC 3366) will be required. In the event
that NWPs 23 and 33 will not suffice, impacts attributed to bridge replacement and associated
approach improvements may qualify under General Bridge Permit (GP) 031 issued by the
Wilmington USACE District. NCDWQ has made available a General 401 Water' Quality
Certification for GP 031 (GC 3404). Notification to the Wilmington USACE District office is
required if this general permit is utilized.
Protected Species
Species with the federal classification of Endangered, Threatened, or officially Proposed for
such listing are protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The term "Endangered Species" is defined as "any species which is in
:I
l
'I
danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range;" and the term
"Threatened Species" is defined as "any species which is likely to become an Endangered
species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range" (16
U.S.C. 1532. Table 4 lists the three federally protected species for Gaston County as of June
26, 2007 (USFWS 2007).
Table 4. Federally Protected Species Listed for Gaston County
Common Habitat Biological Conclusion
Scientific Name Status'
Name Present
Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus T No No Effect
Bog turtle Clemmys muhlenbergii T (S/A) No Not Required
Schweinitz's
E Yes No Effect
sunflower Helianthus schweinitzii
'Federal Status: E--Endangered; T-Threatened; T (S/A)-- Threatened due to similarity of appearance
Haliaeetus leucocephalus (Bald eagle)
Threatened
Family: Accipitridae
Date Listed: March 11, 1967
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT
The project study area, does not contain suitable nesting, perching, or foraging habitat for bald
eagle. There are no natural shorelines or large bodies of water for foraging within 1.0 mile of
the project study area. In addition, NCNHP records (reviewed June 26, 2007) document no
occurrence of bald eagle within 2.0 miles of the project study area and no individuals were
observed during field investigations. Consequently, the proposed project will have "No Effect"
on bald eagle.
Clemmys muhlenbergii (Bog turtle)
Threatened due to Similarity of Appearance
Family: Emydidae
Date Listed: November 4, 1997
Threatened due to Similarity of Appearance species are not subject to Section 7 consultation
and a biological conclusion is not required. However, this project is not expected to affect
the bog turtle as' the project study area contains no suitable wetland habitat. NCNHP records
(reviewed June 26, 2007) document no occurrence of.the bog turtle within 1.0 mile of the project
study area. Based on NCNHP records and lack of suitable habitat, this project will have no
effect on the bog turtle.
Helianthus schweinitzii (Schweinitz's sunflower)
Endangered
Family: Asteraceae
Date Listed: May 7, 1991
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT
The project area provides habitat preferred by Schweinitz's sunflower within power and sewer
easements, along roadsides and upland forest edges. NCNHP records (reviewed June 26,

2007) document no occurrence of Schweinitz's sunflower within 1.0 mile of the project study
area, and a systematic plant-by-plant survey along overlapping transects was conducted on
October 11, 2006 by ESC biologists revealed no individuals of this species within the project
study area. Consequently, the proposed project will have No Effect on Schweinitz's sunflower.
Federal Species of Concern - Shoals spiderlily (Hymenocallis coronaria) is the only Federal
Species of Concern (FSC) listed by USFWS for Gaston County (USFWS 2007). FSC are not
afforded federal protection under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, and are
not subject to any of its provisions, including Section 7,, until they are formally proposed or listed
as Threatened or Endangered.
Candidate Species - The USFWS list also includes a category of species designated as
"Candidate" (C). A species with this designation is one that is a species under consideration for
official listing for which there is sufficient information to support listing. One C species is listed
for Gaston County: Georgia aster (Aster georgianus) which has a state status of Threatened
(Franklin and. Finnegan 2006). Georgia aster populations typically prefer roadsides, woodland
borders, dry rocky woods, and disturbed areas such as fields and utility right-of-ways. Suitable
habitat exists for this species within the project study area. NCNHP records (reviewed June 26,
2007) list no documentation for Georgia aster within 1.0 mile of the project study area. A
systematic survey conducted on October 11, 2006 by ESC biologists revealed no individuals of
Georgia aster within the project study area.
CONCLUSIONS
No Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), High Quality Waters (HOW), Water Supply I (WS-1),
Water Supply II (WS-11) waters, watershed Critical Areas (CA), or Trout Waters Jr) occur within
1.0 mile of the project study area (NCDWQ 2006). Crowder's Creek from its source to the South
Carolina border, including the reach within the project study area, is listed on the N.C. 2006
Final Section 303(d) list for urban runoff and storm sewers (NCDWQ 2006c). The project study
area contains three jurisdictional surface waters (Crowder's Creek, UT1, and UT2) and two
vegetated wetlands (Wetlands 1 and 2). Direct impact to jurisdictional areas is expected from
the replacement of Bridge No. 49- This project may be processed as a CE due to minimal
impacts to waters of the United States expected with bridge construction. The proposed project
is not expected to adversely impact any federally protected species.
JDG MCG FIGURE
LOCATION MAP °
FEB 2006
Replacement of Bridge No. 49 (8-4517) ,.?.over Crowder's Creek t"-200'
Gaston County, North Carolina
OS-262