19920220 Ver 1_Complete File_19920602

d s,a STATE u
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State of North Carolina
Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources
Asheville Regional Office
James G. Martin, Governor Ann B. Orr
William W. Cobey, Jr., Secretary Regional Manager
DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
WATER QUALITY SECTION
June 2, 1992
MEMORANDUM
TO: John Dorney
Wetland Coordinator
THROUGH: Forrest R. Westa l5 l% t j±
Regional Water Q 1 ty Supervisor
FROM: Michael R. Parker ?' _
Environmental Specialist t"tT
SUBJECT: DOT Bridge Replacement j
NCSR 1602
NW23 No. 92229
Henderson County
I visited the site on June 1, 1992, and offer the following
comments:
1. There are no associated wetlands involved with the existing bridge.
2. The existing bridge abutments are located above the ordinary high
water mark. It appears that a new bri.dge can be constructed
without creek disturbance.
3. Hickory Creek is classified as C-trout waters.
4. Since the DOT did not provide any additional information except
they wanted to replace the bridge at this location, it is
recommended that Certification be denied until such time as they
can provide plans for the new bridge and complete the application
as required.
If you have questions, please call me at 704/251-6208.
Interchange Building, 59 Woodfin Place, Asheville, N.C. 28801 • Telephone [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer
..a STA7E,
V? ye n i? /?
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF T NSA-0R-?? 0N.--.-._.,.._ .
P.O. BOX ffi ?RALEIGH 27
JAMES G. MARTIN
GOVERNOR
THOMAS J. HARRELSON
SECRETARY
.. fR 2 7 `1sa2 DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
April 21, 1992r,zi',;"i li'f WILLIAM G. MARLEY, JR., P.E.
STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATOR
District Engineer
Army Corps of Engineers
P. 0. Box 1890
Wilmington, North Carolina 28402
ATTENTION: Regulatory Branch
Dear Sir:
Subject: Henderson County, Bridge No. 177 on SR 1602 over Hickory Creek,
State Project 8.2950601, Federal Project BRS-4963(1), TIP Project
B-2145
Attached for your information is a copy of the project planning report for
the subject project. The project is being processed by the Federal Highway
Administration as a "Categorical Exclusion" in accordance with
23 CFR 771.115(b). Therefore, we do not anticipate requesting an
individual permit but propose to proceed under a Nationwide Permit in
accordance with 33 CFR 330 Appendix A (B-23) issued November 22, 1991, by
the Corps of Engineers. The provisions of Section 330.4 and Appendix A (C)
of these regulations will be followed in the construction of the project.
We anticipate that a permit will be required from the North Carolina
Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources for this project.
DOT will apply directly to NRCD for that permit when plans have been
developed.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please call me at
733-3141.
LJW/plr
Attachment
cc: Mr. John
Mr. John
Mr. C. W.
Mr. J. T.
Mr. A. L.
Mr. V. A.
Sincerely, /
?•?• DM
L. J. Ward, P. E., Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
Parker, Permit Coordinator, w/report
Dorney, Environmental Management, w/report
Leggett, P. E.
Peacock, Jr., P. E.
Hankins, Jr., P. E.
Edwards
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
enderson County
?i die ? --1-77 on SR 1602
over_?Ntickory, Creek-i
State Project 8:2950601
Feder4;)Drproj,ect_ BRS-4963(1)
TIP Project°`B-2145
CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL HIGHWAY A014INISTRATION
AND
N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
APPROVED:
3 eat-e! L. J. Ward, P. E., Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
3? ?zrl'z ?/ C
Date Nic as L. Graf, P. E.
Ford Division Administrator, FH14A
* r P
Henderson County
Bridge No. 177 on SR 1602
over Hickory Creek
State Project 8.2950601
Federal Project BRS-4963(1)
TIP Project B-2145
CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION
MARCH 1992
Documentation Prepared in Planning and Environmental Branch By:
?Z%Gc1 a
Ed Lewis
Project Planning Engineer
??'..
A4 1?01 -4117
Wayne lliott
Bridge Project Planning Engi eer Unit Head
H. Franklin Vick, P. E.
Assistant Manager of Planning and Environmental
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1

Henderson County
Bridge No. 177 on SR 1602
over Hickory Creek
State Project 8.2950601
Federal Project BRS-4963(1)
TIP Project B-2145
I. STATUS OF PROJECT
The project is included in the 1992-1998 Transportation Improvement
Program (TIP) as a bridge replacement project. The TIP funding for this
project is estimated at $368,000 which includes $18,000 for right-of-way
and $350,000 for construction. The current estimated cost for this
project is $232,000 which includes $70,000 for right-of-way and $162,000
for construction.
Bridge Number 177 is situated on Hickory Creek (see Figure 1). The
sufficiency rating index for the existing structure is 34.0 compared to
100.0 for a new structure. On the basis of planning and environmental
studies, it is not anticipated this project will have a significant
detrimental effect on the human environment. The proposed project will
cause no significant changes in route classification and land use and is
not controversial in nature. Therefore, it is concluded that a
Categorical Exclusion is applicable to the project.
II. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS
All standard procedures and measures will be implemented to avoid or
minimize environmental impacts. No special or unique environmental
commitments are necessary. Less than 0.1 acre of wetlands will be
disrupted by the project. Best management practices will be utilized to
minimize these impacts. Also, if individuals from any state protected
plant species are found, the appropriate state agencies will be notified.
Consideration will be given to a bottomless culvert during the design
phase.
III. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Bridge number 177 should be replaced on new location as shown by
Recommended Alternative 2 in Figure 2. A culvert (2 @ 10 x 9) is
recommended as the replacement structure. Further hydrographic studies
and environmental concerns may require the design be modified.
Approximately 400 feet of approaches will be constructed on new location.
The approach roadway should consist of a 20-foot pavement with 4-foot
graded shoulders.
During the construction of the proposed structure, traffic will be
maintained on the existing bridge. When traffic is diverted onto the new
structure, the existing bridge will be removed.

2
IV. EXISTING CONDITIONS
SR 1602 is located in the northeastern part of Henderson County, and
it runs from US 74 near Bear Wallow through Edneyville crossing US 64 and
Ottanola before ending at the Rutherford County line. SR 1602 is
classified as a rural major collector route in the Statewide Functional
Classification System and is part of the Federal Aid Secondary System
(FAS-4963).
In the vicinity of the bridge, SR 1602 has a 22-foot pavement with
2-foot graded shoulders between US 74 and the subject bridge. However,
from the bridge to just north of SR 1604, SR 1602 is unpaved (see
Figure 1). Vertical and horizontal alignment is tangent (see Figure 3).
The current traffic volume is 200 vehicles per day (vpd), and it is
expected to increase to 300 vpd by the year 2011. The percentage of
truck-tractor semi-trailers (TTST) is 0 to P. while dual-tired trucks
(DTT) account for 1%. There is no posted speed limit, so the statutory
55 mph limit is in effect.
The existing bridge (see Figure 3) was constructed in 1962. It has a
clear roadway width of 19.2 feet and a structure length of 26 feet. The
bridge has a sufficiency rating of 34.0 and a remaining life of 10 years.
The sufficiency rating falls below the minimum criteria of a 50.0 rating,
so Federal-Aid Bridge Replacement funds will be used. The bridge has a
posted weight limit of 12 tons for single vehicles (SV) and 19 tons for
tractor-truck semi-trailers (TTST). No school buses cross this bridge.
V. ALTERNATIVES
Two alternatives for replacing Bridge Number 177 were studied as
follows:
Alternative 1 would replace the bridge along the existing roadway
alignment with a culvert. Traffic would be maintained on-site using a
temporary detour consisting of three 72-inch pipes backfilled and located
east of Bridge Number 177 as shown in Figure 2.
Alternate 2 (Recommended) would relocate SR 1602 and Bridge Number
177 immediately downstream on the east side. The replacement structure
would be a culvert. Traffic would be maintained on-site during
construction using the existing bridge (see Figure 2).
A reinforced box culvert is recommended for a replacement structure
along this section of Hickory Creek. Hickory Creek is a tributary to a
designated public mountain trout water (DPMTW), and the activities
associated with the construction of a culvert would impact this natural
resource. During the design phase and the permitting process, the
recommended design of the culvert will be modified to reduce impacts to
the creek.

3
The "do-nothing" alternative would eliminate environmental impacts
associated with replacing the bridge, but it would eventually necessitate
closure of the bridge. This is not desirable due to the traffic service
provided by SR 1602.
Investigation of the existing structure by the Bridge Maintenance
Unit indicates that rehabilitation of the existing structure is not
feasible due to its age and deteriorated condition.
VI. ESTIMATED COSTS
Estimated costs of the two alternatives are as follows:
Recommended
Alternative 1 Alternative 2
Structure $ 52,920 $ 52,920
Roadway Approaches $ 46,080 $ 84,080
Detour Structure & Approaches $ 78,000 ---
Structure Removal $ 4,000 $ 4,000
Engineering and Contingencies $ 27,000 $ 21,000
Right of Way, Utilities $ 66,500 $ 70,000
Total $ 274,500 $ 232,000
VII. TRAFFIC DETOUR
During the construction period, maintenance of traffic at the studied
bridge site is necessary. Otherwise, traffic would have to be detoured
along existing secondary roads and over bridges with poor sufficiency
ratings. No acceptable detour route was found due to the excessive length
of additional travel.
In view of these factors, it is clear that traffic should be
maintained at the existing site during construction.
VIII. RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS
Bridge Number 177 should be relocated approximately 45 feet east of
its present location with a culvert as the replacement structure over
Hickory Creek. Traffic will be maintained on-site using the existing
bridge during the construction period. The roadway width over the culvert
will be 20 feet and 4-foot graded shoulders will also be provided.
The recommended improvements will include about 400 feet of new
roadway approaches. A 20-foot pavement with 4-foot graded shoulders

4
should be provided on the approaches. A design exception will be required
for the 20 mph design speed, and advisory speed posting is warranted.
The estimated cost for the Recommended Alternative 2 is $42,500 less
than Alternative 1. Recommended Alternative 2 will allow traffic to be
maintained on-site during the construction period. The relocation of the
intersection of SR 1602 with US 74 approximately 25 feet east will improve
the sight distance problem at that intersection. Recommended Alternative
2 will provide a design speed of 20 mph for SR 1602 which is higher than
that provided under Alternative 1 ( 20 mph) which calls for SR 1602 to
remain in its existing location.
IX. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
The project is expected to have an overall positive impact.
Replacement of an inadequate bridge will result in safer traffic
operations.
The bridge replacement will not have a significant adverse effect on
the quality of the human or natural environment with the use of current
NCDOT standards and specifications.
The project is not in conflict with any plan, existing land use, or
zoning regulation. No significant change in land use is expected to
result from construction of the project.
No adverse impact on families or communities is anticipated.
Right-of-way acquisition will be limited.
No significant adverse effect on public facilities or services is
expected. The project is not expected to adversely affect social,
economic, or religious opportunities in the area.
Two upland community types were identified during the field studies;
riparian fringe and cleared land.
Development on both sides of Hickory Creek has reduced the natural
riparian zone to a small fringe along the existing creek banks. Dominant
canopy species present include sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), black
locust (Robinia pseudo-acacia), tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera),
and buckeye (Aesculus octandra).
The mid-story and shrub layers are dominated by alder (Alnus
serer rulata), ash (Fraxinus sp.), elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), black
willow (Salix nj ), wild cherry ( Prunus sp.), and blackberry (Rubus
sp.).
The herbaceous layer is quite diverse and composed of such species as
impatiens (Impatiens capensis and Impatiens balsamina), verbesina
(Verbesina occidenta is), yarrow (Achilles millefolium), forget-me-not
(Myosotis scorpioides), day flower (Commelina communis), spiderwort
(Tradescantia subaspera), sorrel (Oxalis stricta),, bps foot (Polymnia
r
uvedalia), chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum), St. John's wort
(Hyp cum erforat?um), daisy fleabane (Erigeron strigosus), poison ivy
(Toxicodendron radicans), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia),
goldenrod (Solidago sp.), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera ,Japonica), grape
vine (Vitis aestivalis), bottlebrush grass (Hystrix atu al ), barnyard
grass Echinoc o? a sp.), and sedge (Carex sp.).
Areas bordering US 74 and other developed areas in the project
vicinity have been cleared of most natural occurring vegetation and
replanted with turf and ornamental trees and shrubs. Such species as
princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida),
and various Ericaceous shrubs have been planted adjacent to a private
campground immediately north of the existing bridge. Weedy forbs such as
red clover (Trifolium ratense), plantain (Plantago sp.), and pepper-grass
(Le idium sp.) have invaded these cultivated areas.
Potential impacts to upland plant communities for each alternative
are calculated based upon a right-of-way corridor of 60 feet. This
"impact footprint" will result in the direct removal of vegetative cover
within that zone. Impacts to upland plant communities are shown in
Table 1.
Table 1: Potential Impacts- To Upland Plant Communities
Recommended
COMMUNITY Alternative 1 Alternative 2
Riparian Fringe 1,200 sq. ft. 1,200 sq. ft.
Cleared Land 12,000 sq. ft. 12,000 sq. ft.
"Until final design is completed these impacts must be
considered only as preliminary estimates.
No vegetated wetland communities occur within the impact zone of the
subject project. Hickory Creek, from bank-to- bank, is classified as
"Waters of the United States" so it is a jurisdictional wetland.
The various community types found within the study area have the
potential to support a myriad of vertebrate animal species. Common
mammals that may be found within the study area include white-tailed deer
(Odocoileus virginianus), gray squirrel (Sciurus caroliniensis), raccoon
(Procyon lotor), Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), and species of
shrews Sorex sp.) and field mice (Peromyscus sp.).
Bird species that are likely to utilize the project area for feeding
or nesting include downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), blue jay
(Cyanocitta cristata), common crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), mockingbird
(Mimus polyglottos), cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), American robin
(Turdus migratorius), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), common flicker
(Colaptes auratus), Carolina chicadee (Parus carolinensis), tufted
AL
6
titmouse (Pares bicolor), Carolina wren (Thryotherus ludovicianus), house
finch (C?arpodac-u-s mexicanus), and rufus-sided towhee (Pipilo
erythrop t ah h lmus).
Reptiles and amphibians are difficult to identify in the field
because they are small, quick, and avoid capture. Common reptiles and
amphibians that may be found within the study area include numerous
species of lizards, snakes, salamanders, frogs, turtles, and toads.
No attempt to identify fish species was made during the field
studies, however rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and species of dace
and chubs are known to inhabit Hickory Creek.
Direct impacts to vertebrate fauna will result from the removal of
habitat associated with project construction. Organisms utilizing this
habitat will be displaced into new areas, increasing the likelihood of
inter- and intraspecific competition for resources. Fossorial organisms
are likely to be eliminated due to earth moving activities. Habitat
fragmentation is also an unavoidable consequence of constructing a roadway
on new alignment, however such impacts are small in this case, since much
of the displaced habitat is currently cleared land. The placement of a
bridge across Hickory Creek adjacent to the existing structure will
magnify the effects of previous fragmentation of the riparian zone.
Possible implications of habitat fragmentation include changes in
dispersal patterns of both plant and animal species and creation of "edge"
ecotones which provide new habitat for pioneer species.
The greatest impact may occur to aquatic species that may suffer from
increased loads of sediments during construction . Sedimentation of a
waterway can have serious impacts to many organisms. Suspended sediments
reduce the amount of light available to photosynthetic organisms which are
the base of the food chain. Sediments may also clog the gills of fish and
the filtration mechanisms of many filter feeding organisms. Sessile
organisms will be the most heavily impacted of the aquatic species.
Strict adherence to Best Management Practices will be advocated
during the design and construction phases of this project in order to
minimize impacts to aquatic wildlife.
Soils are an important feature in any area as their makeup often
dictates what types of vegetation may occur there. The Soil Conservation
Service (SCS) has mapped the soils in the project area as being of the
Tusquitee Series. This series consists of well drained, strongly acidic
soils derived from schist, gneiss, and granite. The Tusquitee Series is
not classified by the SCS as being a hydric series, nor are mapped units
likely to support hydric inclusions.
The study area falls within the confines of the Broad River Basin.
Hickory Creek originates in the mountains above the project site and flows
south-easterly, eventually draining into the Broad River.
The waters of Hickory Creek and the segment of the Broad River into
which it drains are classified as class C by the Division of Environment,
Health, and Natural Resources (DEHNR). This classification reflects "best -

usage" of these waters and is defined as suitable for "aquatic life
propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation, and
agriculture.". These waters also have been given the supplemental
classification "Tr", which is defined as "suitable for natural trout
propagation and maintenance of stocked trout.". Water quality standards
applicable to this classification are set forth in 15 NCAC 2B .0200,
Classifications and Water Quality Standards Applicable to Surface Waters
of North Carolina.
The segment of the Broad River from one-half mile north of the town
of Bat Cave to the Rutherford County line has been designated a General
Trout Water by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Hickory
Creek drains directly into this segment. Since Hickory Creek is a
tributary to a DPMTW, consideration should be given to constructing a
bridge or a spanning, bottomless culvert over the creek. In order to
protect these sensitive waters from damage, the US Army Corps of Engineers
(Corps) implemented discretionary authority by way of public notice on
April 13, 1989, for specific actions that may affect North Carolina
Designated Public Mountain Trout Waters. All tributary waters upstream of
designated trout waters are subject to this authority.
Impacts to water resources can have far reaching effects, both
spatially (distance from the initial disturbance) and temporally (up the
food chain). Potential impacts to water resources include the following:
- Increased sedimentation from construction and\or erosion.
- Increased concentration of toxic compounds from highway runoff
and\or toxic spills.
- Scouring of stream beds due to the channelization of streams.
- Alterations of water level due to interruptions or additions to
surficial and\or groundwater flow.
- Changes in water temperature due to the removal of vegetative
cover.
Strict adherence to Best Management Practices will be advocated
during the design and construction phases of this project in order to
minimize impacts to water resources.
Channel changes and stream modifications may not be permitted under
the Corps' discretionary authority relative to Designated Public Mountain
Trout Waters. Recommended Alternative 2 has been identified by project
planning as the preferred alignment, and NCDOT will coordinate with the US
Fish and Wildlife Service and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources
Commission in accordance with the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (72
Stat. 563, as amended; 16 USC 661 et seq. (1976)).
No waters classified as High Quality Waters, Outstanding Resource
Waters, or any segments of rivers classified under the federal Wild and
Scenic Rivers Act or the state Natural and Scenic Rivers Act, will be
impacted by the proposed project.
8
Plant and animal species with federal protection statuses of
Endangered (E), Threatened (T), Proposed Endangered (PE), or Proposed
Threatened (PT) are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act of
1973, as amended (16 USC 1531-1543).
Species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and plants with the
North Carolina status of Endangered (E), Threatened (T), or Special
Concern (SC) are protected by the North Carolina Endangered Species Act
(GS 113-331 to 113-337) and by the State of North Carolina Plant
Protection and Conservation Act of 1979 (GS 196:106-202.12 to 106-202.19).
Information was collected from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and
the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program regarding the potential
presence of federally protected species within the study area. The US
Fish and Wildlife Service lists five federally protected species as
potentially occurring within Henderson County; small whorled pogonia
(Isotria medeoloides), white irisette (Sisyrinchium dichotomum), bunched
arrowhead (Sagittaria fasciculata), mountain sweet pitcher plant
(Sarracenia rubra ssp. 'onsii), and swamp pink (Helonias bullata). An
investiga on concluded no federally protected species were fob in the
vicinity of the project.
In addition to the above mentioned species, the following species
have been given the unprotected federal status of "Candidate". These
species have also been listed by the USFWS as potentially occurring within
Henderson County:
hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis)
green salamander (Aneides aeneus)
bog turtle (Clemmysenbergi)
mountain heartleaf Hexastylis contracta)
Gray's lily (Lilium g=rayi)
Bog asphodel (Narthec?um americanum)
Gray's saxifrage (Saxifraga caroliniana)
Information was collected from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and
the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program regarding the potential
presence of state protected species within the project area. In many
cases, information regarding the distribution and habitat requirements for
these species is incomplete. If individuals of any state protected plant
species are found within the impact zone of the project, NCDOT will notify
appropriate agencies that may wish to relocate the plants. The following
state protected species are reported to potentially occur in this area:
Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) - SC
green salamander (Aneides aeneus) - E
bog turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergi) - T
mountain heartleaf (Hexastylis contracta) - E
Gray's lily (Lilium rg ayi) - T
Bog asphodel (Narthecium americanum) - E
9
No suitable habitat for the above listed state protected species is
found in the project area with the possible exception of the hellbender.
There is a slight chance of the hellbender occurring in Hickory Creek,
however it is more commonly known to inhabit rivers and streams that are a
part of the Mississippi drainage area. Extended periods of increased
sedimentation can have a dramatic effect on aquatic organisms, however,
with the observance of proper erosion and sedimentation guidelines, and
the short-term nature of the construction in the creek vicinity, this
project will have very little effect on this species if it is present
within the project area.
The placement of fill material into "Waters of the United States", as
defined at 33 CFR 328.3, falls under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps
of Engineers. Wetlands are a subset of "Waters of the United States", and
thus fall under the same purview. As indicated earlier, Hickory Creek,
from bank-to-bank, automatically qualifies as "Waters of the United
States". No other jurisdictional wetlands occur at the project site.
In accordance with section 404 of the Clean Water Act, permit
authorization will be required from the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps)
for the discharge of fill material into "Waters of the United States".
Directly related to the Corps permit, is the 401 Water Quality
Certification administered by the North Carolina Department of
Environmental Management. This certification must be granted before the
Corps approves action. Since the replacement of Bridge No. 177 has been
classified as a federal Categorical Exclusion, it is anticipated that this
action will be authorized under Nationwide Permit 23, 33 CFR 330.5(a)(23),
however the Corps reserves final discretionary authority in these matters.
On April 13, 1989 the Corps implemented discretionary authority by
way of public notice, for specific actions that may affect North Carolina
Designated Public Mountain Trout Waters (DPMTW). All tributary waters
upstream of DPMTW are subject to this authority. Specifically, with
regards to Nationwide 23, any discharge of dredged or fill material into
waters of the United States that are either tributary to or directly
classified as DPMTW, is not permitted. Such actions will require
Individual Permit authorization (33 CFR 323.2(g)). As currently designed,
Recommended Alternative 2 will not require the discharge of any fill
material into Hickory Creek and thus meets the provisions of Nationwide 23
and is consistent with rules promulgated to protect DPMTW.
In order for Nationwide Permits to apply, conditions outlined in 33
CFR 330.5(b) and management practices outlined in 33 CFR 330.6, must be
followed. When the above provisions cannot be met, impacts to wetlands
will be considered on an Individual Permit basis. Generally, for wetland
losses covered under Nationwide Permits, no compensatory mitigation is
required. However, the Corps reserves final discretionary authority in
these matters. When mitigation is required, NCDOT will develop a suitable
mitigation plan in accordance with the policy outlined in the 1990
Memorandum of Agreement between the Corps and the US Environmental
Protection Agency. This policy advocates the avoidance and minimization of
impacts to wetlands as a primary concern and requires that practicable
alternatives be fully evaluated before compensatory mitigation will be
discussed. _

10
The project does not involve any Section 4(f) properties. There are
no publicly owned parks, historic sites, recreational facilities, or
wildlife and waterfowl refuges of national, state or local significance in
the vicinity of the project.
There appear to be no properties in the vicinity of the project that
are eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.
The bridge structure is not historically significant. The State Historic
Preservation Office (SHPO) was given the opportunity*to review both the
architecture and the archaeological aspects of the project. SHPO informed
NCDOT no archaeological survey was recommended. SHPO also concurred with
the findings of NCDOT that there are no historic structures located in the
area of potential effect (see Appendix page A-1).
Flood studies have been completed and published for various streams
in Henderson County; however, this site is not designated as a special
flood hazard area and thus not included in the detailed study. The
drainage area for Hickory Creek in this area is 4.6 square miles.
The Farmland Protection Policy Act requires all federal agencies or
their representatives to consider the possible impacts to important
farmland of all construction and land acquisition projects. To comply,
the Henderson County Soil Survey was reviewed to determine whether
important farmland soils occur in the vicinity of the proposed
improvements. According to the soil survey and information provided by the
US Soil Conservation Service, no prime or important farmland soils will be
impacted by the proposed improvement.
The project is located within the Western Mountain (Asheville) Air
Quality Control Region. The ambient air quality for Henderson County has
been determined to be in compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality
Standards. Since this project is located in an area where the State
Implementation Plan (SIP) does not contain any transportation control
measures, the conformity procedures of Title 23, Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR), Part 770 do not apply to this project.
The project will not substantially increase traffic volumes.
Therefore, its impact on noise levels and air quality will be
insignificant. Noise levels could increase during construction but will
be temporary. If vegetation is disposed of by burning, all burning shall
be done in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations of the
North Carolina SIP for air quality in compliance with 15 NCAC 2D.0520.
This evaluation completes the assessment requirements of Title 23, Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 770 and 772 and no additional reports are
required.
On the basis of the above discussion, it is concluded no serious
adverse environmental effects will result from implementation of the
project.
EL/plr
FIGURES
M
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1605
F A. 1661 k 1609
F
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7
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PHOTOS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
B-2145

I f I r

1
'1

,
P
4
4 •.
l
,
V
LOOKING WEST
FROM DOWNSTREAM SIDE
TOWARDS BRIDGE NUMBER 177
LOOKING SOUTHEAST FROM
BRIDGE NUMBER 177
III'?'?1'II
I FIGURE 3 I
APPENDIX
Y
STA. T ?
? J

North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
James G. Martin, Governor
Patric Dorsey, Secretary
October 17, 1991
Nicholas L. Graf
Division Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
P. O. Box 26806
Raleigh, N.C. 27611
Re: Section 106 Consultation
Replace Bridge No. 177 on SR 1602 over Hickory
Creek, Henderson County,?B2145, BRS-4963(1),
ER 92-7344
Dear Mr. Graf:
Division of Archives and History
William S. Price, Jr., Director
Thank you for your letter of September 25, 1991, concerning the above
project.
We have reviewed the project and concur that no historic structures are
located in the area of potential effect for this project.
The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National
Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106, codified at
36 CFR Part 800.
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions
concerning the above comment, please contact Renee Gledhill-Earley,
environmental review coordinator, at 919/733-4763.
S' cerely,
v " ?y
David Brook
Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer
DB:slw
cc: J. Ward
B. Church
A-1
109 East ones Street 0 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807