20150751 Ver 2_Moratorium_correspondence_20190323

Willis, Thomas C
From: Willis, Thomas C
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2013 2:18 PM
To: [e-mail]; Hart, Kevin
Subject: comments on moratoriums for bridge replacement projects in division 1
Attachments: location_map09.pdf; location_map_36.pdf; location_map_56.pdf
Attached are 3 location maps for proposed bridge replacements in division (tyrrell and hyde counties). Can you guys
review these for potential moratoriums.
Thanks
Clay

�' North Caroli�a Wildlife Resources �omrnission �
Gordon Myers, L'xecutive Director
MF,MORANDUM
TO: Clay Willis
NCDOT, Division One
FROM: Travis Wilson, Highway Project Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Prograin
DATE: October 17, 2013
SUBJECT: Division Bridge Replacemeuts
Biologists with the N. C. `vVildlife Resources Cornmission (NCWRC) have i•eviewed the
information provided and have the followi��g prelimi��aty cominents on the subject project. OLir
cornlnents are provided in accordance with provisions of the Natio��al Environmental Policy Act
(42 U.S.C. 4332(2,)(c)) and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as aulended; l6
U.S.C. 661-667d).
Ouj• standard recommendations for bridge replacement projects ofthis scope are as
follows:
1. We generally prefer spanning structures, Spanning structures usually do not require
work within the stream a��d do not requii•e stream channel rea[ignnlent. The horiaontal
and vertical clearances pi•ovided by bcidges allows for human and wildlife passage
beneath the structure, does not block fish passage, and does not block navigation by
canoeists and boaters.
2. Bridge deck drains should not discharge directly ir�to the stream.
3. Live concrete should not be allowed to contact the water in or entering into the stream.
4. If possible, bridge supports (bents) should not be placed in the stream.
5. If temporary access roads or� detours a�•e constructed, they should be cemoved back to
original ground elevations immediately upon t11e completioi� of the project. Distut•bed
aceas should be seeded or mulched to stabilize the soil and native tree species should
be planted with a spacing of not more than ] 0'x10'. If possible, when using tempoi�aiy
Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] • F'ax: [phone]

Bridge Memo Page 2 October 17, 2013
structures the area should be cleared but not grubbed. Clearing the area with chain
saws, Inowers, bush-hogs, or other inechanized equipment and leaving the stumps and
root Inat intact, allows the area to ►•evegetate natu��ally and minimizes distlirbed soil.
6. A clear bank (riprap free) aeea of at least 10 feet sliould retl�ain on each side of the
steam underneatll the bi•idge.
7. In trout wate►•s, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission reviews all U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers nationwide and general `404' permits. We have the option of
requesti�lg additional rneasures to protect trout and trout 1labitat aild we can
recommend tl�at the project require an individual `404' permit.
8. In streams that contain threatened or eudangered species, NCDOT biologist should be
notified. Special measures to protect these sensitive species may be required.
NCDOT should also contact the U.S. Fish ���d Wildlife Service for• information on
requirements of the Endangered Species Act as it relates to the project.
9. In streams that are i.�sed by anadromous fish, the NCDOT official policy entitled
"Sti•eam Crossing Guidelines for Anadromous Fish P�ssage (May 12, 1997)" sho�ld
be followed.
10. Sedimentation and erosion co�ltrol measures sufficieilt to pt•otect aquatic cesources
tnust be implemented prior to any ground disturbing activities. Structures should be
maintained regulat�ly, especially following rainfall events.
11. Temporary or permanent herbaceous vegetation should be planted on all bare soil
within 15 da,ys of ground distul•bing activities to provide long-ter�n erosion control.
l2. All work in or adjacei�t to stream waters should be conducted in a dry work area.
Sandbags, rock berms, cofferdams, or other diversion structures should be used where
possil�le to prevent excavation in flowing water.
13. Heavy equipme�lt should be operated from the bai�k rather than in st��eam chanilels i�1
order to minimize sedi�nentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other
pollutants into strea��s.
14. Only clean, sediment-fi•ee rocl< should be used as teznporary fill (causeways), and
should be ��emoved without excessive disturbai�ce of the natura! stream bottom when
const��uction is completed.
15. During subsurface investigations, equipment should be iilspected daily and
maintained to prevent contamination of surface waters from leakiilg fuels, lubricants,
hydrauiic fluids, or other toxic materials.
lf corrugated metal pipe arches, reinforced conci•ete pipes, or concrete box culvet�ts are
used:
The culvert must be designed to a11ow for aquatic life and fish passage. Generally, the
culvert or pipe invert should be buried at least 1 foot below the natu�•al streambed
(measured from the natural thalweg depth). If multiple barrels are required, barrels
other than the base flow barrel(s) should be placed on or ilear� strea�l� bankfull or
floodplain bench elevation (similal- to Lyonsfield design). These should be

Bridge 1�9erno Page 3 October 17, 2013
reconnected to floodplain benches as appropriate. This ruay be arcomplished by
utilizing sills on the upstream and downstrea�n ends to r•estj•ict ot� divert flow to the
base flow barrel(s). Silled barrels should be filled with sediment so as �1ot to cause
noYious or mosquito breeding conditions. Sufficient water depth should be provided
in the base flow barrel(s) during low flows to accommodate fish movement. If
culverts af�e longer than 40-50 linear feet, alternating or notclled baffles should be
installed in a manner that �nimics e�isting streatn pattet�n. This should enhance
aquatic life passage: I) by depositing sediments in tl�e barrel, 2) by n��aintaining
channel depth and flow regimes, and 3) by providing resting places for fish and other
aquatic organisms. In essence, base flow barrel(s) should provide a continuum of
water depth and chaniiel width without substantial �nodifications of velocity.
2. If multiple pipes or cells are used, at least one pipe or box should be designed to
�•emai�l dry during normal flows to allow for wildlife passage.
3. Culverts or pipes should be situated along the existing channel alignment whenever
possible to avoid channel realignment. Widening the stream channel must be avoided.
Stream channel widening at ihe i�11et or outlet end of structures typically decreases
water velocity causing sedime��t deposition that requires increased nlaintenance anc�
disrupts aquatic life passage.
4. Riprap should not be placed in the active thalweg chal��le1 or placed in the streambed
in a manner that precludes aquatic life passage. Bioengineering boulders or structures
should be professionally designed, sized, and installed.
In most cases, we prefer the replacement of the existing structure at the same location
wit11 road closure. If road closure is i�ot feasible, a temporary detour sl�ould be designed and
located to avoid wetl�nd impacts, minimize the need for c(earing and to avoid destabiliaiilg
stream banks. If the structure will be on a�lew align�nent, the old structure should be removed
aild the appi•oach fills retnoved from the ] 00-year floodplain. Approach filis should be reinoved
dow» to the natural ground elevation. The area should be stabilized with gcass and planted with
native tree species. If the area reclaimed was previously wetlands, NCDOT should restiore the
area to wetlands. If successful, the site may be utilized as mitigation for the subject project or
other pi•ojects in the watershed.
Project specific comme��its:
• Martin County, replace bridge No. 21 on SR 1563 over an unnamed tributaiy: We
recommeild i•eplacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply.
• Tyrrell County, replace bridge No. 9 on NC 94 over an unna�r�ed tributaty: We
recommend rep(acing this bridge �vith a bridge. Standard recomme►ldations apply.
� o Hyde County, replace bridge No. 36 on SR 1143 over Smith Creelc We t•ecominend
replacing ttiis bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply.
• Washington County, replace bridge No. 3 on NC 45 over unna►ned tributa�y: We
��ecommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard i•ecommei�datiotls a}�ply.

Bridge Memo Page 4 October 17, 2013
• Washington County, replace bridge No. 12 on SR 1301 over Beaver Dam Branch:
Anadromous species are found in this portion of Beaver Dam Branch. NCDOT should
follow all stream crossing guidelines for anadcomous fish passage, includii�g a11 in-water
work moratoriu�n fi�om February 15 to June 30. We reco�ntnend eeplacing this bridge
with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply.
Hyde County, replace bridge No. 56 on US 264 over Loilg Shoal Rivei•: Anadromous
species are found in this portion of Long Shoal River, as well this location is also
designated as Primary Nursery Area. NCDOT should follow all stream crossing
guidelines for anadromous fish passage, including an in-water work moratoriLun fi�om
Februaty 15 to September 30. We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge.
Standard recommendations apply.
If you need further assistance or info►•mation on NCWRC concerns t�egarding bridge
t•eplacements, please contact me at [phone]. Thank you for the opportunity to review and
comment on this project.