20091220 Ver 1_Scoping Comments_20050602

WATMichael F. Easley, Governor
OROG William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
UJ r Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director
> ti Division of Water Quality
O ? <
June 2, 2005
MEMORANDUM
To: Stacy Baldwin, NCDOT, PDEA
From: Brian L. Wrenn, NCDWQ, Transportation Planning Unit
Subject: Request for Input for the Replacement of Bridge No. 70 on SR 1134 in Graham County,
TIP Project No. B-3335
In reply to your correspondence dated April 14, 2205 (received April 22, 2005) in which you requested
comments for the referenced project, the NC Division of Water Quality has the following comments:
Project-Specific Comments:
Cheoah River are class C; Tr waters of the State. DWQ recommends that the most protective
sedimentation and erosion control BMPs be implemented to reduce the risk of turbidity violations in trout
waters. In addition, all disturbances within trout buffers should be conducted in accordance with NC
Division of Land Resource and NC Wildlife Resources Commission requirements.
General Comments Regarding Bridge Replacement Projects:
1. If corrugated metal pipe arches, reinforced concrete pipes, or concrete box culverts are used to replace
the bridge, then DWQ recommends the use of Nationwide Permit No. 14 rather than Nationwide
Permit 23.
2. If the old bridge is removed, no discharge of bridge material into surface waters is preferred. Strict
adherence the Corps of Engineers guidelines for bridge demolition will be a condition of the 401
Water Quality Certification.
3. DWQ prefers spanning structures. Spanning structures usually do not require work within the stream
and do not require stream channel realignment. The horizontal and vertical clearances provided by
bridges allows for human and wildlife passage beneath the structure, does not block fish passage, and
does not block navigation by canoeists and boaters.
4. Bridge deck drains should not discharge directly into the stream; stormwater 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 NCDOT Best Management
Practices for the Protection of Surface Waters
5. Live concrete should not be allowed to contact the water in or entering into the stream. Concrete is
mostly made up of lime (calcium carbonate) and when in a dry or wet state (not hardened) calcium
carbonate is very soluble in water and has a pH of approximately 12. In an unhardened state concrete
or cement will change the pH of fresh water to very basic and will cause fish and other
macroinvertebrate kills.
6. If possible, bridge supports (bents) should not be placed in the stream.
Noc hCarolina
Transportation Permitting Unit naturally
1650 Mail service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650
2321 Crabtree Boulevard, Suite 250, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Phone: [phone] / FAX [phone] / Internet: http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/newetlands
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer- 50% Recycled/10% Post Consumer Paper
If temporary access roads or detours are constructed, they should be removed back to original ground
elevations immediately upon the completion of the project. Disturbed areas should be seeded or
mulched to stabilize the soil and native tree species should be planted with a spacing of not more than
10'x10'. If possible, 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 disturbed soil.
8. A clear bank (rip rap-free) area of at least 10 feet should remain on each side of the steam underneath
the bridge.
9. Sedimentation and erosion control measures sufficient to protect water resources must be
implemented prior to any ground disturbing activities. Structures should be maintained regularly,
especially following rainfall events.
10. Bare soil should be stabilized through vegetation or other means as quickly as feasible to prevent
sedimentation of water resources.
11. All work in or adjacent to stream waters should be conducted in a dry work area. Sandbags, rock
berms, cofferdams, or other diversion structures should be used where possible to prevent excavation
in flowing water.
12. 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 should be inspected daily and maintained to prevent contamination of surface waters from
leaking fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials.
General Comments if Replacing the Bridge with a Culvert:
The culvert must be designed to allow for aquatic life and fish passage. Generally, the culvert or pipe
invert should be buried at least 1 foot below the natural 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 near stream bankfull or floodplain bench elevation (similar to Lyonsfield design). These
should be reconnected to floodplain benches as appropriate. This may be accomplished by utilizing
sills on the upstream end to restrict or divert flow to the base flow barrel(s). Sufficient water depth
should be provided in the base flow barrel during low flows to accommodate fish movement. If
culverts are longer than 40-50 linear feet, alternating or notched baffles should be installed in a
manner that mimics existing stream pattern. This should enhance aquatic life passage: 1) by
depositing sediments in the barrel, 2) by maintaining channel depth and flow regimes, and 3) by
providing resting places for fish and other aquatic organisms. In essence, the base flow barrel(s)
should provide a continuum of water depth and channel width without substantial modifications of
velocity.
2. If multiple pipes or cells are used, at least one pipe or box should be designed to remain 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 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.
4. Riprap should 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 professionally
designed, sized, and installed.
In most cases, we prefer the replacement of the existing structure at the same location with road closure.
If road closure is not feasible, a temporary detour should 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 should be removed and the approach fills removed from the 100-
year floodplain. Approach fills should be removed down to the natural ground elevation. The area
should be stabilized with grass and planted with native tree species. Tall fescue should not be used in
riparian areas. If the area that is reclaimed was previously wetlands, NCDOT should restore the area to
wetlands. If successful, the site may be used as wetland mitigation for the subject project or other
projects in the watershed.
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 Brian Wrenn 919-733-5715.
pc: Angie Pennock, USACE Asheville Field Office
Chris Militscher, USEPA
Marla Chambers, NCWRC
Marella Buncick, USFWS
File Copy
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
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DEPART MLNT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY LYNDO TIPPETT
GOVERNOR SECRETARY
April 14, 2005
Brian Wrenn
North Carolina Division of Water Quality
1650 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1621
Dear Mr. Wrenn:
Subject: Request for Input for the Re-evaluation of TIP No. B-3335
Replacement of Bridge No. 70 on SR 1134 over Cheoah River
Graham County
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to replace Bridge
No. 70 on SR 1134 over Cheoah River in Graham County (TIP Project B-3335). The
bridge replacement project is included in the 2004-2010 North Carolina Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP).
The purpose of this letter is to solicit your input concerning potential impacts of the
proposed project upon the social, economic, demographic, land use, or environmental
conditions near the project. Attached is a vicinity map showing the project location.
Comments and suggestions are invited from all interested parties to ensure that all issues
concerning the proposed action are addressed. If applicable, please identify any permits
or approvals that may be required by your agency.
SR 1134 in Graham County is classified as "Local" in the Statewide Functional Classifi-
cation System. Through the project area, SR 1134 has a clear roadway width of 18 feet.
The west approach of the bridge lies the Nantahala National Forest. TAPOCO, INC owns
the land east of SR 1147. The existing bridge has a clear roadway width of 18 feet and a
length of 161 feet. The bridge crown is 17 feet above the bed of the river. Average daily
traffic is approximately 100 vehicles per day.
The superstructure of the existing bridge is constructed of steel and wood. The
substructure consists of masonry abutments, three masonry bents, and four intermediate
timber helper bents. The wood and steel components will be removed without dropping
them into the water. There is a potential of debris falling into the water during the
removal of the masonry bents. The maximum potential fill is 75 cubic yards.
MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: [phone] LOCATION:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX: [phone] TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER WEBSITEf WWWDOROOTSTATE.NC.US RALEIGH NC
RALEIGH NC 276994548
This is a re-evaluation of a bridge replacement study started in 1999. Please note that
there will be no formal interagency scoping meeting. This letter constitutes solicitation
for scoping comments related to this project. To allow us to fully evaluate the impacts of
the proposed project, please respond in writing by May 16, 2005 concerning any
beneficial or adverse impacts relating to the interest of your agency.
Comments on the proposed project should be mailed to:
Stacy Baldwin, PE, CPM
NCDOT-PDEA
1548 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1548
If you have any questions or comments concerning this project, please contact Ms. Stacy
Baldwin of this Branch at [phone] ext. 264.
Sincerely yours,
?l f &9-M ,)WL
Gregory J. Tho e, Ph.D. Director
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
Attachment
BRIDGE DEMOLITION AND REMOVAL INFORMATION
BRIDGE GROUP XX
Proposed Bridge Replacement
SR 1134, Bridge No. 70 over the Cheoah River
Graham County
TIP Number:
Structure Number:
Superstructure
Structure Type Main:
Type -
Deck Structure Type:
Substructure
B-3335
Bridge #70 (37070)
Steel Continuous
Girder and FloorBeam System
Wood or Timber with asphalt-wearing surface
Interior bents are yount masonry bents with intermediate timber helper bents at center of
span.
Maximum potential fill calculation
One yount masonry bent in water.
2.5 It wide x 15 ft height x 18 ft width of structure = 675 cu ft/27 = 25 cu yd
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BRIDGE SITE
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SWAIN I North Carolina - Department of Transportation
Division of Highways
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
MACON
FIGURE 1
VICINITY MAP
REPLACEMENT OF BRIDGE NUMBER 70
ON SR 1134 OVER CHEOAH RIVER
GRAHAM COUNTY
TIP NO. B-3335
0.5 0 0.5 1 Miles
N.C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
BRIDGE NLAJNTENANCE UNIT
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ATTENTION: slolmc6
BRIDGE INSPECTION REPORT
TYPE OF INSPECTION: I`>oc t+,l P-?
COUNTY e,46km BRIDGE NUMBER INSPECTION CYCLE y
ROUTE I I ACROSS CAE-1701014 /I / mi4 M.P.
LOCATION 7 On C c, SC T S le 111'7
DESCRIPTION )02 12A-) Ce?,JY
PRESENT CONDI'T'ION
INSPECTION DATE 9 - 8 - cl 7
PRESENT POSTING '50 / 7 7TsT Z4-t"d
COMPUTER UPDATE
POSTING LETTER DATE
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INVENTORY RATING
OPERATING RATING 1-3
PROPOSED POSTING Ala /LGi n f --Q
ANALYSIS DATE 0// /
OTHER SIGNS PRESENT 06.&A 6470e-S Q)
GJ.JE LvE 6e?-'?
SPECIAL PERMIT lSr,
SIGN NOTICE NUMBER
ISSUED FOR REQUIRED
.? WEIGHT LIMIT /
SPECIAL PERMIT
? DELINEATORS
NARROW BRIDGE
ONE LANE BRIDGE
.LOW CLEARANCE
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North Carolina - Department of Transportation
Division of Highways
Project Development and
Environmental Analysis Branch
FIGURE 2b
VIEWS OF BRIDGE FROM RIVER
REPLACEMENT OF BRIDGE NUMBER 70
ON SR 1134 OVER CHEOAH RIVER
GRAHAM COUNTY
TIP NO. B-3335
Looking Downstream at the Bridge.
State of North Carolina
Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Bill Holman, Secretary
Kerr T. Stevens, Director
October t5. 1999
A ??
NCDENR
NIENIORANDUNI
To: William D. Gilmore, P.E., Manager, NCDOT, Pr((oJJ?tycc.,,?,evvelopment & Environmental Analysis
From: John E. Hennessy, NC Division of Water Quality
Subject: Scoring comments on the proposed replacement of Bridge No. 70 (37070) on SR 1134 over the
Cheoah River in Graham County, TIP B-3335.
Reference your correspondence dated August 10. 1999, in which you requested scoping comments for the
referenced project. Preliminary analysis of the project reveals that the proposed bridge will span the
Cheoah River in the Little Tennessee River Basin. The stream is classified as Class C Trout waters. The
Division of Water Quality requests that NCDOT consider the following environmental issues for the
proposed project:
A. Review of the proposed project reveals the potential for impacts to a class C Trout Waters. Prior to
selecting a preferred alternative, the DOT needs to assess and document all other reasonable and
feasible alternatives. The NCDWQ cannot permit impacts to valuable water supplies that are
otherwise avoidable. Prior to issuance of the 401 Water Quality Certification, the NCDOT will need
to demonstrate the rationale for the selected alternative and all efforts undertaken to ameliorate
impacts.
B. We would like to see a discussion in the document that presents a clear purpose and need to justify
the project's existence. Based on the information presented in your report, we assume that the
Level-of- Service (LOS) is one of the primary reasons for the project. Therefore, the document
should delineate a detailed discussion on the existing Level-of-Service as well as the proposed future
Level-of-Service. The discussion for the future Level-of-Service should consider the Level-of-
Service with and without the project.
C. The document should provide a detailed and itemized presentation of the proposed impacts to
wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping.
D. There should be a discussion on mitigation plans for unavoidable impacts. If mitigation is required,
it is preferable to present a conceptual (if not finalized) mitigation plan with the environmental
documentation. While the NCDWQ realizes that this may not always be practical, it should be noted
that for projects requiring mitigation, appropriate mitigation plans will be required prior to issuance
of a 401 Water Quality Certification.
1621 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1621 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post-consumer paper
Mr. William D. Gilmore memo
10/15/99
Page 2
E. Review of the project reveals that no Outstanding Resource Waters, High Quality Waters. Body
Contact Waters, or Water Supply Waters will be impacted during the project implementation.
However, impacts to waters classified as Class C Trout waters will be impacted. The DWQ requests
that DOT strictly adhere to North Carolina regulations entitled "Design Standards in Sensitive
Watersheds" (15A NCAC 04B .0024) throughout design and construction of the project. This would
apply for any area that drains to streams having WS (Water Supply). ORW (Outstanding Resource
Water), HQW (High Quality Water), B (Bodv Contact), SA (Shellfish Water) or Tr (Trout Water)
classifications.
F. When practical, the DWQ requests that bridges be replaced on the existing location with road
closure. If a detour proves necessary, remediation measures in accordance with the NCDWQ
requirements for General 401 Certification 2726/Nationwide Permit No. 33 (Temporary
Construction, Access and Dewaterin,) must be followed.
G. The DWQ requests that hazardous spill catch basins be installed at any bridge crossing a stream
classified as HQW or WS (Water Supply). The number of catch basins installed should be
determined by the design of the bridge, so that runoff would enter said basin(s),rather than flowing
directly into the stream.
H. If applicable, DOT should not install the bridge bents in the creek, to the maximum extent
practicable.
1. Wetland and stream impacts should be avoided'(including sediment and erosion control
structures/measures) to the maximum extent practical. If this is not possible, alternatives that
minimize wetland impacts should be chosen. Mitigation for unavoidable impacts will be required by
DWQ for impacts to wetlands in excess of one acre and/or to streams in excess of 150 linear feet.
J. Borrow/waste areas should not be located in wetlands. It is likely that compensatory mitigation will
be required if wetlands are impacted by waste or borrow.
K. DWQ prefers replacement of bridges with bridges. However, if the new structure is to be a culvert, it
should be countersunk to allow unimpeded fish and other aquatic organisms passage through the
crossing.
L. If foundation test borings are necessary; it should be noted in the document. Geotechnical work is
approved under General 401 Certification Number 3027/Nationwide Permit No. 6 for Survey
Activities.
M. In accordance with the NCDWQ Wetlands Rules (15A NCAC 2H.0506(b)(6) 1, mitigation will be
required for impacts of greater than 150 linear feet to any single perennial stream. In the event that
mitigation becomes required, the mitigation plan should be designed to replace appropriate lost
functions and values. In accordance with the NCDWQ Wetlands Rules 115A NCAC 2H.0506
(h)(3) 1. the Wetland Restoration Program may be available for use as stream mitigation.
N. Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands.
0. The 401 Water Quality Certification application will need to specifically address the proposed
methods for stormwater management. More specifically, stormwater should not be permitted to
discharge directly into the creek. Instead, stormwater should be designed to drain to a properly
designed stormwater detention facility/apparatus.
P. While the use of National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps and soil surveys is a useful office tool,
their inherent inaccuracies require that qualified personnel perform onsite wetland delineations prior
to permit approval.
Mr. William D. Gilmore memo
10/15/99
Page 3
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 desisnated uses are not degraded or lost. If you have any questions or require additional information.
please contact John Hennessy at (9t9) 733-5694.
cc: Steve Lund, Corps of Engineers
Mark Cantrell, USFWS
Ron Linville, NCWRC
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