20110932 Ver 1_Complete File_20060526

United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Asheville Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
August 1, 2006y°Fy 9l'G' ?o
p?c'p
Mr. William T. Goodwin, Jr., P.E.,
Bridge Project Development Unit Head
Attention: Mr. Dennis Pipkin, Project Development Engineer
North Carolina Department of Transportation
1551 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1551
Dear Mr. Goodwin:
Subject: Bridge Replacements in North Carolina - Catawba County (TIP No. B-4456),
Cleveland County (TIP No. B-4468), Gaston County (TIP Nos. B-4517 and B-4519),
Iredell County (TIP No. B-4553), and Rutherford County (TIP No. B-4632)
We have reviewed the subject bridge replacement projects and are providing the following
comments in accordance with the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, as amended (16 U.S.C.
661-667e); the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703, et seq.) (MBTA); and section 7 of the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) (Act).
Fish and Wildlife Resources - The information provided for these six projects does not include
detailed descriptions of the structures that will replace the existing bridges; therefore, our
comments are general. We will provide more substantive comments when the categorical
exclusions are prepared. In all cases we recommend that an existing bridge be replaced with a
new bridge, and we request that National. Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents for these
projects consider replacing existing bridges with new bridges as an alternative. If an alternative
is chosen that does not replace an existing bridge with a new bridge, such as an alternative that
involves the replacement of an existing bridge with a culvert, we request that the NEPA
document include an evaluation as to why an alternative of replacing an existing bridge with a
new bridge was not chosen.
We recommend that each new bridge design include provisions for the roadbed and deck
drainage to flow through a vegetated buffer prior to reaching the affected stream. This buffer
should be large enough to alleviate any potential effects from the runoff of storm water and
pollutants. The bridge designs should not alter the natural stream or the stream-bank
morphology or impede fish passage. Any piers or bents should be placed outside the bank-full

ed to avoid any fl
is
roaches fill in that Will
eams. T will
The bridges and approaches should be d a n If spanning the velocities to
width of the strin portio of the app es of
result in the d mng or C.Id bei installed hn the floel odplaor floodpand reduce high
not feasible, should be
not drOlogical functions of the floodplam
restore some the the affected areas. ground-disturbing
floodwater prior to any In most
staged
of erosion and sedimentation should be place new bridge through
s to contr er be allowed to come into cone n with a stream.
Measure lace by constructing
activities. Wet concrete shoe be replaced in p
cases we prefer that traffic to existing off-site routes.
ction or by detouring end that only native plant
constru e strongly recomm species (such as
etating disturbed areas' w be found, that noninvasive reveg while many of the exotic
when reseeding) adequate seed source cannot
proven beneficial to
uor, sed ifuntil native plants can reestablish themselves
species be used
reclamation efforts have p
annual rye) be used a of these species outweighs any
s t ically used in erosion-control
the invasive natur Exotic species, including tall
plant specie Yp We now know th rovide. ) redtop (a
some wildlife species, sia species ,
edeza (eastern A bluegrass
rm erosion-control or wildliafnea Seri ea esp may ' ca), and Kentucky
shortto Korean ass (native to Africa),
fescue (native to Eurasia), ass and Bermuda gr etation and often result in
be very denental to the
species), Sudangr choke out native vegetation
Eurasian Canada),
(native to Eurasia and northern to be of little benefit to wildlife and can monocultures that prove
a whole. killing, possession,
ecosystem as the taking,
the bald eagle), their eggs' parts,
_''he META (T16 U.S.C. 703-712) Prohibits
Migratory Birds story birds (including To avoid
and importation of rnigrthe Department of the Interior. and any
transportation, a vi sual inspection of the bridges an
except when specifically authorized by story bird nesting
and nests, we recommend conducting the migratory tin
story birds, the project area during in the p j ect
impacts to migr• habitat within birds are discovered nesting ortation
other migratory bird nesting If migratory artrnent of Transp
Se tember• bridges, the North Carolina Dep Seas On (March
season--March through p the migratory bird nesting riot to the
including on the existing during years p
impact area, acting the nests during on the bridges
should avoid imp nsul with us, should develop measures to
(`TCDOT) If birds are discovered nesting On g the take
Se tember)• es b means that will not result in .
through p
ction date, the NCDOTnests, on in CO
the bridges by
proposed constru void construction and demolit1On activities during
e birds from establishing
discourag or the 13CDOT should a
of the birds or eggs, ply to the
the nesting period. species are limited prim
Our comments aboueof concern.
Federally Listed Species -
mown locations of listed species and federal species We encourage the NCDOT to
should avoid those impacts and
i occurs in Gaston County'
n surveys
turtle (ClemmYs muhlenbergi )acts are anticipated,,y
The bog turtle. If imp ission, who participates actively require
contact habitat for the bog turtle technically does not the North Carolina Wildlife Rurtle ces while the Comm bog
and conservation efforts for the bog
2

y
a species of concern, and the NCDOT is actively managing
section 7 consultation, it is species.
ation sites or parts of sites for this our Log No. 4-2-06-358. The
mitig laced in place, an
4456, Bridge over interstate 4 ' It will be, ep
area). listed
Tip No. B- within o urbanized occurrences
Catawba County - and there are known of federally
existing bridge is over Interstate 40 ( ro ect will affect any listed
off-site detour will be used, anexisting therefore, we do not believe this p J
species near the proJe area;
No, 4-2-06-359.
species, - Run Creek, our Log
TIP N° 8-4468, Bridge over Sandy threatened
indicate occurrences of the federally threatened
recommend
Cleveland County near the project area.
Our records for Cleveland Has lis nanifloraan suitable habitat in the project area for this
dwarf-floweredheartleaf ( May.
conducting habitat assessments
eriod of March ?O gh -360. The
species during its flowering p No. 4-2-06
e over CrowderIs Creek, our Log
Bridge and Georgia aster
8-4517,
weinitzii)
-TIP No- B-4517,
Gaston County - Helianthus sch occur in Gaston County= W t area
endangered Schweim-'s a sunflower candidate for federal listing, suitable habitat in the p J
(Symphyotrichum geOrgianum), August through
conducting habitat assessmentforanSchweerrutzg any is late recommend mid-November. The
species. The best time to survey aster is October through open, and
for these survey for Georgia
October. The best time to abit a candidate for
bitats similar to that of the 5ceOwela a ter irs un. erently '
a aster's found in habitats
h not federally listed, the G
often south and
Georgi Thoug near fu Vie. It appears that there are se wetlands
disturbed areas.
area. We recommend avoiding te
federal wetlands listing and could within hin thproject study
northwest of the bridge, -2 -06-361. The
and surveying any suitable habitat for the bog turtle. Log No 4
over Little Long Creek, our
-Tip No. B-4519, Bridge Gaston county Wproject area
Gaston County a asteralsooccur in
surveying any suitable habitat in the L the
endangered Schweinitz's sunfloasSe sme tsoand an subject bridge crossing,
habitat
reonend conducting 0.5 mile downstream °e Na
North Carolina Natural Heeadow
Approximately
for these species. Meadow Boggy listed by turtle"n Friday
Long Creek flows into Friday ere are occurrences ofwe strongly encourage the NCDOT
a state significant site. There stream,
Program as and the bog turtle occan?°e` ure that sediment- and erosion -conttd
Creek. Since the bog e with abridge ction so that sediment does not
bridg out project constru
to replace the existing
easures are in place and madownstream b g•
m leave the site and impact the No. 4_2_06-362-
ell Bridge over Fourth Creek, ourLOg ]fisted
edell County - TIP No. occurrences of federarl°y listed species in Iredell lmown According to our records there athe efore we do not believe this p Ject will affect any
Ir
county or near the prof ect area;
species. our Log No. 4-2-06-363. The
4632, Bridge over Railroad, our Log No. 4-2-06-363. The
Rutherford County - aTIP r No. B-
ed dwarf :flowered hearrleaf and small whorled p g
federally threaten 3
and the federally endangered white irisette (Sisyrinchium dichotomum) occur in Rutherford
County. We recommend conducting habitat assessments and surveying any suitable habitat in
the project area for these species during their flowering period of March through May for
dwarf-flowered heartleaf, mid-May through early July for small whorled pogonia, and late May
through July for white irisette. There is winter habitat for the federally endangered Indiana bat
(Myotis sodalis) in Rutherford County. A visual survey of the bridge should be conducted to
ensure that bats are not using the bridge for temporary roosting. The NCDOT should check for
caves and mines near the project area and within its right-of-way. If there are no caves or mines
within or near the project area and if no Indiana bats are discovered using the bridge as a
temporary roosting site, the NCDOT can determine that the project will have no effect on the
Indiana bat. However, if there are caves or mines in the area and if the caves or mines will be
directly or indirectly impacted by the project, consultation should be initiated with this office
If we can be of assistance or if you have any questions about these comments, please contact
Ms. Denise Moldenhauer of our staff at 828/258-3939, Ext. 226.
S'ncerely,
dV1 Brian P. Cole
Field Supervisor
cc:
Ms. Marla J. Chambers, Western NCDOT Permit Coordinator, North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission, 4614 Wilgrove-Mint Hill Road, Suite M, Charlotte, NC 28227
Mr. Brian Wrenn, North Carolina Division of Water Quality, Central Office, 2321 Crabtree
. Blvd., Suite. 250, Raleigh, NC 27604
Ms. Polly Lespinasse, Mooresville Regional Office, North Carolina Division of Water Quality,
610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301, Mooresville, NC 28115
Mr. Steve Lund, Asheville Regulatory Field Office, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 151 Patton
Avenue, Room 208, Asheville, NC 28801-5006
4
Michael F. Easley, Governor
MEMORANDUM
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
TV North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
4 MqY
?r?Has,?R w -9, 6'
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gIgRB
icy
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.
N"oo ?`` hnCarolina
dvatura!!r?
North Carolina Division of Water Quality 610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301 Phone [phone]
Internet: www.ncitaterqualitv.Mr Mooresville, NC 28115 FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer- 50% Recycled/l0% 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.

Page 3
11. All work in or adjacent to stream waters should 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 should be used 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.
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 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 and restored 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.
General Comments if Replacing the Bridge with a Culvert
1. 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 should be designed to mimic the 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 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.
3. 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 properly designed, sized and installed.
Thank you for requesting our input at this time. The NCDOT 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 Coifimission
Marella Buncick, US Fish and Wildlife Service
Sonia Gregory, Central Office Wetlands Unit

$lAit
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GOVERNOR
44' o(/
hps Np T9TFR 8006
DEP ry
ARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION pR??gR
W
LYNDO TIPPET''
SECRETARY
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:
The Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch is starting the project
NortB-4468,
development, environmental and engineering studies for the following in the projects: B-4456
B-4517, B-4519, B-4553, and B-4632. The projects are included i 2006-2012 h
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: [phone]
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 2728 CAPITOL BLVD-SUITE 168
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS RALEIGH NC 27604
BRIDGE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT UNIT WEBSITE: WWw•NCDOT.ORG
1551 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
t?
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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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTA
SR 1327
Replace Bridge No. 144 over
Sandy Run Creek
Cleveland County, North Carolina
TIP NO. B-"68
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