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MEMORANDUM
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To: Melba McGee, Environmental Coordinator
Michael F. Easley, Govemor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director
Division of Water Quality
December 15, 2006
From: Polly Lespinasse, NC Division of Water Quality, Mooresville Regional Office
Subject: Scoping Comments on the Proposed Interchange Construction for 1-485 at Weddington
Road (SR 3468) in Mecklenburg County, Federal Aid Project No. NHF-117-1(54), State
Project No. 8.U670124, TIP R-0211 EC
Further investigations at a higher resolution should be undertaken to verify the presence of other streams
and%or jurisdictional wetlands in the area. In the event that any jurisdictional areas are identified, the Division
of Water Quality requests that NCDOT consider the following environmental issues for the proposed project:
General Project Comments:
1 The environmental document should provide a detailed and itemized presentation of the proposed
impacts to wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping. If mitigation is necessary as required by
15A NCAC 21-1.0506(h), it is preferable to present a conceptual (if not finalized) mitigation plan with the
environmental documentation. Appropriate mitigation plans will be required prior to issuance of a 401
Water Quality Certification.
2. Environmental assessment alternatives should consider design criteria that reduce the impacts to
streams and wetlands from storm water runoff. These alternatives should include road designs that
allow for treatment of the storm water runoff through best management practices as detailed in the
most recent version of NC DWQ Stormwater Best Management Practices, such as grassed swales,
buffer areas, preformed scour holes, retention basins, etc.
3. After the selection of the preferred alternative and prior to an issuance of the 401 Water Quality
Certification, the NCDOT is respectfully reminded that they will need to demonstrate the avoidance and
minimization of impacts to wetlands (and streams) to the maximum extent practical. In accordance
with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules {15A NCAC 2H.0506(h)}, mitigation will be
required for impacts of greater than 1 acre to wetlands. In the event that mitigation is required, the
mitigation plan should be designed to replace appropriate lost functions and values. The NC
Ecosystem Enhancement Program may be available for use as wetland mitigation.
Npr`hCarolina
?atrrrally
North Carolina Division of Water Quality 610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301
Intemet: h2o.enr.state.nc.us Mooresville, NC 28115
Phone[phone]
Fax [phone]
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer - 50% Recycled/10% Post Consumer Paper
Please reference the correspondence dated November 22, 2006 in which comments were requested for the
above referenced project. Preliminary analysis of the project reveals the potential for multiple impacts to
jurisdictional streams and wetlands in the project area. More specifically, impacts to:
4. In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules (15A NCAC 2H.0506(h)),
mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 150 linear feet to any single perennial stream. Ir
the event that mitigation is required, the mitigation plan should be designed to replace appropriate lost
functions and values. The NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program may be available for use as stream
mitigation.
5. 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.
6. 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).
7. 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.
8. Bridge supports (bents) should not be placed in the stream when possible.
9. Whenever possible, the DWQ prefers spanning structures. Spanning structures usually do not require
work within the stream or grubbing of the streambanks 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.
10. 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 the most current version of NC
DWQ Stormwater Best Management Practices.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. If multiple pipes or barrels are required, they should 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 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands and streams.
19. Borrow/waste areas should avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practical. Impacts to wetlands in
borrow/waste areas could precipitate compensatory mitigation.
20. While the use of National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps and soil survey maps are useful tools, their
inherent inaccuracies require that qualified personnel perform onsite wetland delineations prior to
permit approval.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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 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 Office
File Copy
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
Project Review Form
Project Number: 07-0192 County: Mecklenburg
Due Date: 12/25/2006
Date Received: 11/28/2006
Project Description: Proposal to construct an interchange for I-485 at Weddington Road to improve Weddington
Road from the McKee Road intersection to the Winterbrook subdivision in Mecklenburg County.
TIP No. R-0211 EC
This Project is being reviewed as indicated below:
Regional Office Regional Office Area In-House Review
Marine Fisheries
Asheville
TJ_
Air
Soil & Water
Coastal Management Water Resources
Fayetteville ?- Water
Wildlife
? Environmental Health
Mooresville ? Groundwater
Solid Waste Mgmt
Raleigh T1 Land Quality Engineer ? Wildlife - DOT
Radiation Protection
Washington TT Forest Resources
Wilmington Other
Winston-Salem Land Resources
T Parks & Recreation
_ Water Quality
T- Water Quality - DOT
Air Quality
Date: In-House Reviewer/Agency:
Manager Sign-Off/Region:
Response (check all applicable)
No objection to project as proposed. No Comment
Insufficient information to complete review Other (specify or attach comments)
Regional Office Only:
Please log into the IBEAM system and update your comments in the DSS (Decision Support System) application,
SEPA module. If you have any questions, please contact:
Melba McGee, Environmental Coordinator at [e-mail]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTA'
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GOVERNOR
MEMORANDUM TO: Ms. Chrys Baggett, Director
State Clearinghouse
Department of Administration
FROM: Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Manager
Project Development and Environmental Analys'
SUBJECT: I-485 (Charlotte Outer Loop) at SR 3468 (Weddington ad),
Mecklenburg County, Federal Aid Project No. NHF-11 -1(54),
State Project No. 8.U670124, TIP Project No.R-0211 EC
The Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch is starting the project
development. environmental and engineering studies for the I-485 (Charlotte Outer Loop) at SR 3468
(Weddington Road). The project is included in the 2006-2012 North Carolina Transportation
Improvement Program and is scheduled for construction in fiscal year 2009.
The subject project proposes to construct an interchange for I-485 at Weddington Road.
Improvements will be made to Weddington Road from the McKee Road intersection to the Winterbrook
subdivision. The bridge for Weddington Road over I-485 will be extended to include five lanes with a
sidewalk on one side.
We would appreciate any information you might have that would be helpful in evaluating potential
environmental impacts of the project. If applicable, please identify any permits or approvals that may be
required by your agency. Your comments will be used in the preparation of an Environmental Assessment.
This document will be prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act. It is desirable
that your agency respond by December 18, 2006 so that your comments can be used on the preparation of
this document.
If you have any questions concerning the project, please contact Mr. Undrea Major, Project
Development Engineer, of this Branch at [phone], Ext. 212. Please include the TIP Project
Number in all correspondence and comments.
GJT/plr
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
November 22, 2006
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G
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LYNDO TIPPETT
SECRETARY
Attachment
MAILING ADDRESS:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPCR T ATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND E'(JIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
WEBSITE: WWWNCDOT.ORG
LOCATION:
TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
RALEIGH NC
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FIGURE 1 - VICINITY MAP
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GOVERNOR
November 13, 2001
MEMORANDUM TO:
FROM:
File
Undrea J. Major
Project Development Engineer
LYNDo TIPPETT
SECRETARY
SUBJECT: Interchange, I-485 (Charlotte Outer Loop) at SR 3468
(Weddington Road), Mecklenburg County, Federal Aid
Project No., State Project No. 8.U670124, TIP Project No.
R-0211 EC
On Tuesday, September 25, 2001, a scoping meeting was held in Raleigh, N.C. in room
470 of the Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch offices concerning
the referenced project. The attendees of the meeting were as follows:
Teresa Hart NCDOT - PDEA
Undrea Major NCDOT - PDEA
Ron Allen NCDOT - Roadway Design
John Taylor NCDOT - Location and Surveys
James Dunlop NCDOT - Traffic
Rob Hanson NCDOT - PDEA
Sonya Sykes NCDOT - Traffic
Jerome Nix NCDOT - Hydraulics
Bob Deaton NCDOT - PDEA
Katherine English NCDOT- Traffic
Van Argabright NCDOT - Program development
Ronald Young NCDOT- Program development
Roy Girolami NCDOT- Structure Design
Robert Memory NCDOT- Right of Way
Aldie Whitmore NCDOT- Division 10
Michael Summers NCDOT- Program Development
Habib Lawandos NCDOT- Traffic
Jim Phillips FHWA - Operations
The schedule for the project is summarized as follows:
The objective of the meeting was to establish the scope of the project as well as update
the above participants on the project status. A goal of reaching an understanding for
project schedules and completion was achieved.
Major topics of discussion are shown below.
• The environmental document to be produced by NCDOT Project Development is
listed as an Environmental Assessment (EA). A Categorical Exclusion (CE) will be
done upon approval.
• If it is approved, the approximate time needed to complete the CE will be 18 to 24
months.
• At the current time, the board Member and the Mecklenburg-Union Metropolitan
Planning Organization (MUMPO) support the project.
• The public interest has been high in the initial stages of planning. There has been
opposition from residents of Providence Plantation Subdivision.
• NCDOT Division 10 supports extending McKee Road to John Street prior to the
construction of this interchange. The McKee Road extension is currently under a
feasibility study.
• NCDOT is solely responsible for property acquisition.
• NCDOT desires full control of 1000 feet from ramp terminals (minimum 350 feet).
• Signalization at the interchange ramps is probable. The feasibility of a roundabout
will be analyzed for the intersection at the entrance of Providence Plantation
Subdivision.
• There will be a workshop for citizens on October 25, 2001 at the Siskey YMCA on
Weddington Road.
• NCDOT has begun preliminary design work and will continue to move forward with
the planning process. Proposed speed limits will be 50 mph for ramps and 30 mph
for loops.
0 There are no drainage concerns for this project.
Figure 1. Demographic Study Area Map
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NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION
I' DIVISK.DNCF HIGHWAYS
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND
ENVIRONMENTALANALYSIS BRANCH
Weddington. Meclenburg County
The Intersection of Weddington Road
and 1-485 (James Martin Freeway)
T.I.P. Project No. R-0211 EC February 3. 20
Community Impact Assessment 5
TIP No. R-0211 EC
Figure 8. Facilities vlap
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0 Library Parkland T.I.P. Project No. R-0211 EC
Church Greenway Landmarks
P Police Station YMCA February Q. 2003
Community Impact Assessment 14 TIP No. R-0211 EC
Figure 9. Transit Route Map
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Figure 9
---?-- Bus Route T.I.P. Project No. R-0211 EC
Transit Facilities
Park'N' Ride
February 19. 2003
Community Impact Assessment 21 TIP No. R-0211 EC
` - TIP R-0211 EC, Mecklenburg County
'I k Qmilitative Indirect and Ciatudative Effects Report
Ap,•i1 1, 2004
Population and Employment Trends
Table 1 below indicates population growth trends between 1990 and 2000 for the
demographic area, as well as for the surrounding municipalities. counties, and North
Carolina. The demographic area grew by 65.6%, with most of the growth just north of I-
485 at Weddington Road. The demographic area grew almost twice as much as
Mecklenburg County (36.0%) during this timeframe, and close to one and one third that
of Union County (46.9%). All of the towns and counties that are within the demographic
area had a considerably higher growth rate than the State. The Town of Indian Trail had
the highest population growth rate at 513°io, in part due to a mach smaller base 1990
population of 1,942 and from annexation gains. As a result of this data and site visit
observations, it is evident that the area around TIP R-02 I 1 EC has been growing
tremendously.