R-204

1f,c?Michael F. Easley, Governor
Q William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
?O? pG North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Cq Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D.
Acting Director
Division of Water Quality
December 21, 2001
MEMORANDUM
To: William D. Gilmore, P.E., Manager
NCDOT Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
From: Cynthia F. Van Der Wiele, NC DOT Coordinator CUdJ
Subject: Scoping comments for Widening of US 221 from intersection of US 221-NC 226 to
SR 1153 near Marion, McDowell County, State Project 6.879005T, TIP Project R-
204 D and E; State Clearinghouse Project No. 02E-0266.
This letter is in reference to your correspondence received December 19, 2001, in which you
requested Scoping comments for the referenced project. Preliminary analysis of the project reveals
that the proposed project will impact North Muddy Creek and Youngs Fork (stream indices 11-32-1
and 11-32-1-4 respectively, subbasin 030830), and carries a stream classification of "C".
The Division of Water Quality requests that NCDOT consider the following environmental issues for
the proposed project:
A. If an environmental document will be prepared for this project, it should provide a detailed and
itemized presentation of the proposed project's impacts to wetlands and streams with
corresponding mapping as well as the cumulative and secondary impacts anticipated as a result
of this project (the road is listed as a rural principle arterial, so development impacts are
reasonably foreseeable).
B. DWQ prefers replacement of bridges with bridges. DOT should not install the bridge bents in
the creek, to the maximum extent practicable. If the new structure is to be a culvert, it should
be countersunk one foot, or to the maximum extent practicable, in order to allow unimpeded
fish and other aquatic organisms passage through the crossing.
C. 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 { 15A
NCAC 2H.0506 (h)(3)), the Wetland Restoration Program may be available for use as stream
mitigation.
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 Cynthia Van Der Wiele at [phone].
Pc: Steve Lund, U.S. Corps of Engineers, Asheville Field Office
Marella Buncick, USFWS
Maryellen Haggard, NCWRC
File Copy
North Carolina Division of Water Quality, 401 Wetlands Certification Unit,
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 (Mailing Address)
2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604-2260 (Location)
919-733-1786 (phone), 919-733-6893 (fax), http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands/
d,w STATE o,
P e„u M? S`
STATE OF NORTI I CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GOVERNOR
MEMORANDUM TO:
FROM:
December 3, 2001
Ms. Cynthia Van der Wiele
Division of Water Quality/Wetlands
DEC 1 9 2"
LYNDO TIPPETT
SIVIZF rARY

William D. Gilmore, P. E., Manager
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
SUBJECT: McDowell County, Proposed Multi-Lane Widening from the US 221-
NC 226 Split to SR 1 153 (Goose Creek Road), State Project 6.879005T,
TIP Project No. R-204D and E, Division 13
The Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch has begun studying the proposed
improvements to US 221 in McDowell County. The project is included in the 2002-2008 North Carolina
Transportation Improvement Program and is scheduled for right of way in fiscal year 2006 and
construction in fiscal year 2008.
The subject project proposes to widen US 221 to multi-lanes from the US 221-NC 226 split to
SR 1 153 (Goose Creek Road). Construction is anticipated to consist of a four-lane divided facility with a
16-foot raised median and 4-foot paved shoulders on 150-foot right of way. It is anticipated that Bridge
Number 33 over I-40 and a culvert at Muddy Creek will be replaced to accommodate the widening. The
study corridor is shown on the attached vicinity map.
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
which may be required by your agency. Your comments will be used in the preparation of a state funded
Environmental Assessment. This document will be prepared in accordance with the State Environmental
Policy Act. It is desirable that your agency respond by January 21, 2002 so that your comments can be
used in the preparation of this document.
If you have any questions concerning the project, please contact Colista S. Freeman, Project
Development Engineer, of this Branch at [phone], Ext. 224. Please include the TIP Project
Number in all correspondence and comments.
WDG/plr
Attachment
MAILING ADDRESS:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
WEBSITE: WWW. DOH. DOT. STATE. NC. US
LOCATION:
TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
RALEIGH NC

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