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HomeMy WebLinkAboutu2807 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT JR. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DIVISION GARLAND B. GARRETT JR. GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 SECRETARY September 30, 1996 MEMORANDUM TO FROM: SUBJECT: Mr. Eric Galamb DEM - DEHNR - Water Quality Lab 4401 Reedy Creek Road N ? Sanford T. Cross, Director Public Transportation c-+r? US 15/501, Durham and Chapel Hill, Durham and Orange Counties, North Carolina, T.I.P. U-2807A The Public Transportation Division, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is preparing a Phase 1 Major Investment Study/Environmental Impact Statement to evaluate a broad range of transportation system treatments and investment strategies to relieve traffic congestion along the subject corridor between Durham and Chapel Hill in Durham and Orange Counties. This project is being conducted in cooperation with the NCDOT Division of Highways, the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, the City of Durham, the Town of Chapel Hill, and the Triangle Transit Authority. Phase 1 is expected to be complete in late 1997. The purpose of this letter is to solicit comments and to coordinate regulatory agency review for the first phase of the subject project. PROJECT HISTORY In 1993-1994, the City of Durham, the Town of Chapel Hill, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and private property owners in the US 15/501 corridor jointly participated in a corridor study for the section of US 15/501 from Franklin Street in Chapel Hill to the US 15/501 Bypass in Durham. The study focused on developing a Corridor Master Plan which identified anticipated congestion problems and provided recommendations towards providing better mobility along the corridor. The recommendations were multi-modal in scope and were intended to begin the planning process towards implementation of a fully multi-modal network of improvements. Those recommendations included: 1) the need to upgrade US 15/501 to a controlled access facility (urban freeway), 2) preserve right-of-way for alternative mode improvements along the corridor, and 3) investigate other Transportation Demand Management PHONE (919) 733-4713 FAX (919) 733-1391 2 (TDM) strategies, i.e. carpooling programs, incentives for staggered work hours, and others. The findings of the US 15/501 Corridor Study were supplemented by analyses conducted as part of the Triangle Fixed Guideway Study conducted by the Triangle Transit Authority. The results of these studies have prompted the need for additional analysis through a combination Phased Environmental Analysis and Major Investment Study. STUDY AREA For auto alternatives, the study area limits extend from the US 15/501 Bypass in Durham south to Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. For non-auto alternatives, the study area extends from the Duke University campus in Durham to the University of North Carolina campus in Chapel Hill. (See attached map.) ENVIRONMENT The project study area contains incorporated portions of the City of Durham and the Town of Chapel Hill and unincorporated portions of Durham and Orange Counties. Existing land uses within the study area include active residential and commercial uses, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The following is an excerpt from the US 15/501 corridor study, US 15-501 Corridor Transportation Master Plan (February 1994), which focused on the US 15/501 corridor between the US 15/501 Bypass in Durham south to Franklin Street in Chapel Hill: The most environmentally sensitive feature within the corridor is the New Hope area. The New Hope Creek area contains important wildlife and breeding and migratory bird habitats. It contains numerous significant plant communities and sites for rare plant species. Its floodplain and the floodplain for Dry Creek are a part of the open space preservation plan for New Hope Creek and can be considered proposed natural areas. Wetlands in the study area are predominantly along New Hope Creek. The 1985 Durham Urban Trails and Greemvays Master Plan shows a proposed nature trail along New Hope Creek. A trail is also shown in the New Hope Corridor Open Space Master Plan. The William N. Patterson House, included on the State Study List of historic structures, is between US 15-501 and Watkins Road. Attached is an excerpt from the conclusions and recommendations section of the Environmental Inventory (April 1993) for the US 15-501 Corridor Transportation Master Plan. In order to investigate all social, economic and environmental factors that may be involved with the project, the North Carolina Department of Transportation is distributing this letter to obtain comments relative to effects on the natural and human environment. The North Carolina Department of Transportation would appreciate any comments to be made on this project within 30 days of receipt of this letter. A scoping meeting is scheduled for Thursday, ::October 24, 1996, at. 11:00 a.m. in Room 470 of the Transportation Building in Raleigh. If further information is needed, please contact Ms. Carol Carter, Manager, Urban Section at (919) 733-4713, Ext. 226. STC Attachments 40 ?-as 1 N 10 'o SYP 15 70 NS 1 C? R Nw' ? ZZ/ ROB 1 ) ' 6 a DUKE STUDY AREA F? oG? ? o UNI ¦ LIMITS 1PFS R A Y ` rp N~! Q? ©DUKE UN Q , MED. CTR. 1 OP ¦DUKE ff F S U IV. ' ' CREEK = ¦ TAOIUM 'Q ? O ?Q ?- y Q DUKE FOREST 'may Vt`e? J° CAPN ? i`? k ROAD m g44 iS WHITFIELD CH 6 1 PICKETT AD DURHAM J ? / O? y 1 F SOUTH ?rl! .z. QUARE MALL UMV• ?C'1p s 4? h CHAPEL HLL ., 000 i HORACE WILUAMS . ?.,.. ^'?trc m F $' ? 0 4 _ o ?• AIRS ROAD ?y LITTLE A < 1 ' i m r f.- ? 9A 5t. UNIV. OF1 ¦ N.C. RALEIGH G 1 G N J 5 •ENAN STADUI ROgO I Y1G M ' 1-'a O ' 6 7S ?i' UNC ¦ 1 10SPITALS ?#41 DEAN E. SMITH CENTERI S L ' ' - - - - - - _ ' STUDY AREA LIMITS TIP U-2807A EXHIBIT 1 C HIGHWAY ALTERNATIVE STUDY LIMITS U$ 15-501 STUDY AREA 1 4.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 4.1 Natural Systems The majority of significant wetlands, 100 year floodplains and natural areas are located along New Hope Creek, Sandy Creek and Dry Creek. These areas are relatively undisturbed due to the topography and floodplain and provides unique urban wildlife corridor between Duke Forest, Eno River State Park, and Jordan Lake. Construction in this area should be minimized as much as possible. Bottomland hardwood wetlands along New Hope Creek should be disturbed as little as possible. A section 404 Permit for wetland disturbance from the US Army Corp of Engineers and a Section 401 Permit from the Water Quality Section of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Management will be necessary for construction activities within these wetlands. No recorded threatened and endangered species exist in the study area at this time. However, since the threatened and endangered systems list is dynamic, it is recommended that prior to final design approval of any improvements, the inventory currently being prepared by Steve Hall of the N.C. Natural Heritage Program be reviewed. If threatened and endangered species are found, avoidance of this area is recommended. 4.2 Cultural Resources Four (4) historic structures and twelve (12) archaeological sites have been identified within the study boundaries. None of these structures or sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One historic structure, the Wm. N. Patterson is listed on the State Study List with notations that it would be eligible for inclusion on the National Registry. This structure and its surrounding areashould be avoided in selecting locations for transportation improvements. 16 A All archaeological sites identified within the study have not fully evaluated to determine National Registry eligibility: Therefore any archaeological site affected by US 15/501 Transportation Improvements should be evaluated by an archaeological reconnaissance to determine National Registry eligibility prior to construction of the improvement. Many greenways and three (3) parks are proposed for the study area. It is felt that these greenways and parks can become an asset to the communities of Chapel Hill and Durham, and.if developed properly could provide not only recreational facilities but also a safe, energy efficient, and healthy means to travel about the study area via walking or on bicycle. It is therefore recommended that any traffic improvement design investigate I this alternative means of travel. One (1) school, two (2) churches, and four (4) cemeteries exist within the study boundary ' and should be avoided during routing of any transportation improvements if possible. 1 4.3 Underground Storaqe Tanks Eleven (11) underground storage tanks have been identified within the study boundary. The age of the tanks and their physical composition have also been identified however, exact location and structural integrity of these tanks have not been determined. It is recommended that during the preliminary design of the selected transportation improvement alternative, all effected properties possessing underground storage tank(s) be screened and that the tank(s) be located and tested to determine if they are presently leaking. Past evidence of leakage should also be determined by the collection and analysis of soil and ground water samples in the vicinity of the tank(s). 1 17 4.4 Social Concerns Section 2 of this document describes factors which illustrate the need for improved transportation system in the Durham/Chapel Hill study area. Traffic pattern and volumes indicate that the existing US 15/501 Corridor between the Franklin Street Interchange and the Durham Bypass Interchange is experiencing undesirable levels of service. The existing 1-40/US 15-501 Interchange coupled with the availability of undeveloped land along US 15/501 provides desirable areas for commercial development which will undoubtedly increase traffic in the area even more. Area residents are already experiencing the results of traffic congestion along US 15/501 due to the increased volume of "cut through" traffic in residential areas. Associates with this increase traffic is the increased speed of vehicles moving through the neighborhood. Since the majority of the study area is without sidewalks or bicycle lanes pedestrians and cyclists are concerned for their safety when using roadways in the area. Residents request that any transportation improvements proposed for the area consider eliminating "cut through" traffic, installing sidewalks and bicycle lanes to enhance public safety and consider aesthetics in the design so as to minimize loss of property. valves. 18 a AATEo ?e wdn? STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT JR. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DIVISION GARLAND B. GARRETT JR. GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 SECRETARY October 21, 1996 F",,,RO ?2? 199 MEMORANDUM TO: Mr. Eric EaIHNR DEM -Water Quality Lab ?MF!vrq? °^???,y6 4401 Reedy Creek Road VFs FROM: Sanford T. Cross, Director-:?h+; Public Transportation SUBJECT: US 15/501, Durham and Chapel Hill, Durham and Orange Counties, North Carolina, T.I.P. U-2807A REVISED SCOPING MEETING DATE Due to several schedule conflicts, the Scoping meeting originally scheduled for the above referenced project has been changed from October 24, 1996 to October 34, 1996. The meeting will be held at 2:00 p.m. in Room 434 of the Transportation Building in Raleigh. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Ms. Carol Carter, Manager, Urban Section at (919) 733-4713, Extension 226. STC' Attachments PHONE (919) 733-4713 FAX (919) 733-1391 9 Ad United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE wc- ipwck2 GQ l4;14 L Raleigh Field Office Post Office Box 33726 Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726 October 29, 1996 m Mr. Sanford T. Cross a Director, Public Transportation Division °z • r. m North Carolina Department of Transportation ca m P.O..Box 25201 m Raleigh, NC 27611-5201 `0 o m 0% m Subject: US 15/501 Corridor Study, TIP No. U-2807A, Durham and Orange County, North Carolina Dear Mr. Cross: This responds to your letter of September 30, 1996, requesting information from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for evaluating the potential environmental impacts of the above- referenced project. This report provides scoping information and is provided in accordance with provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661-667d) and Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543). This report also serves as initial scoping comments to federal and state resource agencies for use in their permitting and/or certification processes for this project. Your letter indicates that the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is preparing a Phase 1 Major Investment Study/Environmental Impact Statement. This work will evaluate a broad range of transportation system treatments and investment strategies to relieve congestion along the subject corridor. The Service's mission is to provide the leadership to conserve, protect, and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of all people. Due to staffing limitations, we are unable to provide you with site-specific comments at this time. However, the following recommendations should help guide the.planning process and facilitate our review of the project. Generally, the Service recommends that wetland impacts be avoided and minimized to the maximum extent practical as outlined in the Clean Water Act Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines. We believe planning should seek to avoid adverse impacts to New Hope Creek and its adjacent wetlands. If unavoidable wetland impacts are proposed, we recommend that every effort be made to identify compensatory mitigation sites in advance. Opportunities to protect target areas in perpetuity, preferably via conservation easement, should be explored at the outset. 16 Regarding avoidance and minimization of impacts, we generally recommend that proposed highway projects be aligned along or adjacent to existing roadways, utility corridors, or previously developed areas in order to minimize habitat fragmentation and encroachment. Areas exhibiting high biodiversity or ecological value important to the watershed and/or region should be avoided. Crossings of streams and associated wetland systems should use existing crossings and/or occur on structure wherever feasible. Where bridging is not feasible, culvert structures that maintain natural water flows and circulation regimes without scouring or impeding fish and wildlife passage should be employed. Highway shoulder and median width should be reduced through wetland areas. Roadway embankments and fill areas should be stabilized by using appropriate erosion control devices and/or techniques. Wherever appropriate, construction in sensitive areas should occur outside the seasons of fish spawning and migratory bird nesting. We reserve the right to review any required Federal or State permits at the time of public notice issuance. Resource agency coordination should occur early in the planning process to resolve land use conflicts and minimize delays. In addition to the above guidance, we recommend that the environmental documentation for this project include the following (the level of detail should be commensurate with the degree of environmental impacts): 1. A clearly defined purpose and need for the proposed project including a discussion of the project's independent utility; 2. An analysis of the alternatives to the proposed project that were considered, including a no action alternative; 3. A description of the fishery and wildlife resources within the action area of the proposed project which may be directly or indirectly affected; 4. The extent and acreage of waters of the U.S., including wetlands, that are to be impacted by filling, dredging, clearing, ditching, and/or draining. Wetland impact acreages should be differentiated by habitat type based on the wetland classification scheme of the National Wetlands Inventory. Wetland boundaries should be determined by using the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and verified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; 5. The anticipated environmental impacts, both temporary and permanent, that would be likely to occur as a direct result of the proposed project. Also, an assessment should be included regarding the extent to which the proposed project would result in secondary impacts to natural resources and how this and similar projects contribute to cumulative adverse effects; 6. Techniques which would be employed to design and construct wetland crossings, relocate stream channels, and restore, enhance, or create wetlands for compensatory mitigation; and, 7. Mitigation measures which would be employed to avoid, minimize, rectify, reduce, or compensate for habitat value losses associated with the project. These measures should include a detailed compensatory mitigation plan for offsetting unavoidable wetland impacts. The attached pages identify the Federally-listed endangered, threatened, and candidate species that are known to occur in Durham and Orange Counties. Habitat requirements for the Federally-listed species in the project area should be compared with the available habitat at the project site. If suitable habitat is present within the action area of the project, field surveys for the species should be performed, and survey methodologies and results included in the environmental documentation for this project. In addition to this guidance, the following information should be included in the environmental document regarding protected species (the level of detail should be commensurate with the degree of environmental impacts): 1. A specific description of the proposed action to be considered; 2. A description and accompanying map of the specific area used in the analysis of direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts; 3. A description of the biology and status of the listed species and of the associated habitat that may be affected by the action, including the results of an onsite inspection; 4. An analysis of the "effects of the action" on the listed species and associated habitat: a. Direct and indirect impacts of the project on listed species. Indirect effects are those that are caused by the proposed action and are later in time but are still reasonably certain to occur; b. A discussion of the environmental baseline which includes interrelated, interdependent, past and present impacts of Federal, State, and private activities in the project and cumulative effects area; C. Interrelated actions are those that are part of a larger action and depend on the larger action for their justification; and, d. Cumulative impacts of future State and private activities (not requiring Federal agency involvement) that will be considered as part of future Section 7 consultation; 5. Summary of evaluation criteria used as a measurement of potential effects; 6. A description of the manner in which the action may affect any listed species or associated habitat including project proposals to reduce/eliminate adverse effects; and, 7. Based on evaluation criteria, a determination of whether the project is not likely to adversely affect or may affect threatened and endangered species. Candidate species are those plant and animal species for which the Service has sufficient information on their biological status and threats to their survival to propose them as endangered or threatened under the ESA. Although candidate species receive no statutory protection under the ESA, Federal agencies are required to informally confer with the Service on actions likely to jeopardize the continued existence of these species or that may destroy or modify proposed critical habitat. Federal species of concern (FSC) include those species for which the Service does not have enough scientific information to support a listing proposal or species which do not warrant listing at the present time. These species receive no statutory protection under the ESA, but could become candidates in the future if additional scientific information becomes available indicating that they are endangered or threatened. Formal listing places the species under the full protection of the ESA, and necessitates a new survey if its status in the project corridor is unknown. Therefore, it would be prudent for the project to avoid any adverse impact to candidate species or their habitat. The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program should be contacted for information on species under State protection. The Service appreciates the opportunity to comment on this project. Please continue to advise us of the progress made in the planning process, including your official determination of the impacts of this project. Sin A-W=17 6Q cerely, -P-- 144 Howard F. Hall Fish and Wildlife Biologist Attachments FWS/R4:HHall:10/29/96:WP:A:Du U2807A.o96 State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality James B. Hunt, Jr., Govemor Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary A. Preston Howard, Jr., P. E., Director LT! ? FAA IT4 10 ID F= F=1 November 15,11996 MEMORANDUM To: Melba McGee Through: John Dorn7 From: Eric GalambZ? Subject: Water Quality Checklist for EA/EIS Documents US 15-501 Improvements Durham and Orange Counties, TIP # U-2807A DEHNR No. 97-0277, DWQ No. 11404 A scoping was held on October 30, 1996 for this project. During this meeting DWQ stated that there are high quality wetlands associated with New Hope Creek and adjacent to the waterfowl impoundments. DWQ has requested that avoidance options be thoroughly pursued. If the wetlands cannot be avoided, minimization efforts such as bridging should be fully considered. The Town of Chapel Hill already has a computerized signal system. The City of Durham is currently installing a computerized signal system. One option that should be studied is coordinating the systems for the US 15-501 corridor so that traffic can flow freely between the towns without signal conflicts. The Division of Water Quality (WQ) requests that the following topics be discussed in the EA/EIS documents: A. Identify the streams potentially impacted by the project. The stream classifications should be current. Are the streams supporting their uses? B. Identify the linear feet of stream channelization/relocations. If the original stream banks were vegetated, it is requested that the channelized/relocated stream banks be revegetated. C. Number of stream crossings. D. Will permanent spill catch basins be utilized? WQ requests that these catch basins be placed at all water supply stream crossings. Identify the responsible party for maintenance. E. Identify the stormwater controls (permanent and temporary) to be employed. F. Please ensure that sediment and erosion control measures are not placed in P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone 919-733-9960 FAX # 733-9919 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 500% recycled/10% post consumer paper wetlands. G. Wetland Impacts i) Identify the federal manual used for identifying and delineating jurisdictional wetlands. ii) Have wetlands been avoided as much as possible? iii) Have wetland impacts been minimized? iv) Mitigation measures to compensate for habitat losses. v) Wetland impacts by plant communities affected. vi) Quality of wetlands impacted. vii) Total wetland impacts. viii) List the 401 General Certification numbers requested from WQ. H. Borrow/waste areas should avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practicable. Prior to the approval of any borrow/waste site in a wetland, the contractor shall obtain a 401 Certification from WQ. 1. Did NCDOT utilize the existing road alignments as much as possible? Why not (if applicable)? J. Please provide a detailed discussion for mass-transit as an option. K. To what extent can traffic congestion management techniques alleviate the traffic problems in the study area? Can a combination of TSM and build alternatives produce an acceptable LOS? L. Please provide a conceptual mitigation plan to help the environmental review. The mitigation plan may state the following: 1. Compensatory mitigation will be considered only after wetland impacts have been avoided and minimized to the maximum extent possible. 2. On-site, in-kind mitigation is the preferred method of mitigation. In-kind mitigation within the same watershed is preferred over out-of-kind mitigation. 3. Mitigation should be in the following order: restoration, creation, enhancement, and lastly banking. M. To the maximum extent practicable, DOT should not install the bridge bents in the creek. N. DWQ requests that weep holes not be installed in new or replacement bridges in order to prevent sediment and other pollutants from entering the body of water. If this is not completely possible, weep holes should not be installed directly over water. WQ is also concerned about secondary wetland impacts. For WQ to concur with an alternative in the piedmont, DOT will need to commit to full control of access to the wetland parcels or DOT to purchase these parcels for wetland mitigation. Please note that a 401 Water Quality Certification cannot be issued until the conditions of NCAC 15A: 01C.0402 (Limitations on Actions During NCEPA Process) are met. This regulation prevents WQ from issuing the 401 Certification until a FONSI or Record of Decision (ROD) has been issued by the Department requiring the document. It is recommended that if the 401 Certification application is submitted for review prior to the sign off, the applicant states that the 401 should not be issued until the applicant informs WQ that the FONSI or ROD has been signed off by the Department. Written concurrence of 401 Water Quality Certification may be required for this project. Applications requesting coverage under our General Certification 14 or General Permit 31 (with wetland impact) will require written concurrence. Please be aware that 401 Certification may be denied if wetland or water impacts have not been avoided and minimized to the maximum extent practicable. usl5dur.sco cc: Michelle Suverkrubbe FAXED NOV 1 519% ?fS ?5/,?0 Gl 2907A r "oZ c,?ru; s xQs? ter, S ?- o---? i 71? i4PXIII? tl Cox es ?? YPH- c, cPrr ?.e $tiYo e 1'(5 r ?J Environmental Review Tracking Sheet • DWQ -Water i I y Quality Section L4 MEMORANDUM 1C//:V TO: Env. Sciences Branch * Wetlands ? John Dorney Eric Galamb (DoT) ? Greg Price (airports, COE) ? Steve Kroeger (utilities) ? * Bio. Resources, Habitat, End. Species ? Trish MacPherson ? Kathy Herring (forest/oxw/xQw) * Toxicology ? Larry Ausley 11 Planning Branch Technical Support Branch ? Coleen Sullins, P&E ? Dave Goodrich, P&E, NPDES ? Carolyn McCaskill, P&E, State ? Bradley Bennett, P&E, Stormwater ? Ruth Swanek, Instream Assess. (modeling) ? Carla Sanderson, Rapid Assess. Operations Branch ? Dianne Wilburn, Facility Assessment ? Tom Poe, Pretreatment ? Lisa Martin, Water Supply Watershed Regional Water Quality Supervisors ? Asheville ? Mooresville ? Washington 13 Fayetteville ? Raleigh ? Wilmington ? Winston-Salem FROM: Michelle Suverkrubbe, Planning Branch RE: Attached is a copy of the above document. Subject to the requirements of the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act, you are being asked to review the document for potential significant impacts to the environment, especially pertinent to your jurisdiction, level of expertise or permit authority. Please check the appropriate box below and return this form to me along with your written comments, if any, by the date indicated. Thank you for your assistance. Suggestions for streamlining and expediting this process are greatly appreciated! Notes: You can reach me at: ' phone: (919) 733-5083, ext. 567 mis.\circmemo.doc fax: (919) 715-5637 e-mail: michelle@a dem.ehnr.state.nc.us Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Project Review Form Project Number: County: Date: ? Project located in 7th floor library I 1 ?e? Date Response Due (firm deadline): This project is being reviewed as indicated below: Regional Office/Phone Regional Office Area In-House Review ? Asheville ? All RIO Areas ,Soil and Water L_j Marine Fisheries ill ? F tt Air L. Coastal Management ? Water Planning ev aye e J Water ? Water Resources _?LEnvironmental Health ? Mooresville 'Groundwater .Wildlife [DSolid Waste Management Raleigh and Quality Engineer ?rForest Resources ? Radiation Protection hi t ? W ? Recreational Consultant +and Resources ? David Foster on ng as "' ?'Coastal Management Consultant Ri arks and Recreation :]Other (specify) ? Wilmington `i Others Environmental Management ? Winston-Salem PWS 1 Monica Swihart Manager Sign-Off/Region: Date: In-House Reviewer/Agency: Response (check all applicable) Regional Office response to be compiled and completed by Regional Manager ? No objection to project as proposed ? No Comment ? Insufficient information to complete review ? Approve ? Permit(s) needed (permit files have been' checked) ? Recommended for further development with recommendations for strengthening (comments attached) - ? Recommended for further development if specific & substantive changes incorporated by funding agency (comments attached/authority(ies) cited) In-House Reviewer complete individual response. ? Not recommended for further development for reasons stated in attached comments (authority(ies) cited) ?Applicant has been contacted ? Applicant has not been contacted ? Project Controversial (comments attached) ? Consistency Statement needed (comments attached) ? Consistency Statement not needed ? Full EIS must be required under the provisions of NEPA and SEPA ? Other (specify and attach comments) RETURN TO: Melba McGee . Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs PS-104 ?STAro STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HuNi- JR. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DIVISION GARLAND B. GARRETT JR. GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 SECRETARY September 30, 1996 MEMORANDUM TO FROM: SUBJECT: Mrs. Chrys Baggett, Director State Clearinghouse Dept. of Administration Sanford T. Cross, Director Public Transportation Orr- US 15/501, Durham and Chapel Hill, Durham and Orange Counties, North Carolina, T.I.P. U-2807A The Public Transportation Division, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is preparing a Phase 1 Major Investment Study/Environmental Impact Statement to evaluate a broad range of transportation system treatments and investment strategies to relieve traffic congestion along the subject corridor between Durham and Chapel Hill in Durham and Orange Counties. This project is being conducted in cooperation with the NCDOT Division of Highways, the Federal Highway Administr?ltion, the Federal Transit Administration, the City, of Durham, the Town of Chapel Hill, and the Triangle Transit Authority. Phase 1 is expected to be complete in late 1997. The purpose of this letter is to solicit comments and to coordinate regulatory agency review for the first phase of the subject project. PROJECT HISTORY In 1.993-1994, the City of Durham, the Town of Chapel Hill, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and private property owners in the US 15/501 corridor jointly participated in a corridor study for the section of US 15/501 from Franklin Street in Chapel Hill to the US 15/501 Bypass in Durham. The study focused on developing a Corridor Master Plan which identified anticipated congestion problems and provided recommendations towards providing better mobility along tile corridor. -Tile recommendations were multi-modal in scope and were intended to begin the planning process towards implementation of a fully multi-modal network of improvements. Those recommendations included: 1) the need to upgrade US 15/501 to a controlled access tdC11ity (urban freeway), 2) preserve right-of-way for- alternative mode improvements along Ilie corridor, and 3) investigate other Transportation Demand Management ECr IVED OCT ._ 9 1996 N.C. STATE CLEARINGIIOFJ:;F _ III IONE (919) 733-4713 FAX (919) 733-1391 A. 2 (TDM) strategies, i.e. carpooling programs, incentives for staggered work hours, and others. The findings of the US 15/501 Corridor Study were supplemented by analyses conducted as part of the Triangle Fixed Guideway Study conducted by the Triangle Transit Authority. The results of these studies have prompted the need for additional analysis through a combination Phased Environmental Analysis and Major Investment Study. STUDY AREA For auto alternatives, the study area limits extend from the US 15/501 Bypass in Durham south to Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. For non-auto alternatives, the study area extends from the Duke University campus- in Durham to the University of North Carolina campus in Chapel Hill. (See _ attached map.) ENVIRONMENT The project study area contains incorporated portions of the City of Durham and the Town of Chapel Hill and unincorporated portions of Durham and Orange Counties. Existing land uses within the study area include active residential and commercial uses, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The following is an excerpt from the US 15/501 corridor study, US 15-501 Corridor D-ansl)orlalion Mcisrer Man (February 1994), which focused on the US 15/501 corridor between the US 15/501 Bypass in Durham south to Franklin Street in Chapel Hill: The most environmentally sensitive feature within the corridor is the New Hope area. The New Hope Creek area contains important wildlife and breeding and migratory bird habitats. It contains numerous significant plant communities and sites for rare plant species. Its floodplain and the floodplain for Dry Creek are a part of the open space preservation plan for New Hope Creek and can be considered proposed natural areas. Wetlands in the study area are predominantly along New I-lope Creek. The 1985 Durham Urban Trails and Greefnvays Master flan shows a proposed nature trail along New Hope Creek. A trail is also shown in the Neu, /lobe Corridor Open Space Master Plan. The William N. Patterson House, included on the State Study List of historic structures, is between US 15-501 and Watkins Road. Attached is an excerpt from the conclusions and recommendations section of the Enwironmental Im.,enloq (April 191) 3) for the US 15-501 Corridor Dranspw•talion Master Plan. In order to investigate all social, economic and environmental factors that may be involved with the project, the North Carolina Department of Transportation is distributing this letter to obtain comments relative to effects on the natural and human environment. 3 The North Carolina Department of Transportation would appreciate any comments to be made on this project within 30 days of receipt of this letter. A scoping meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 24, 1996, at 11:00 a.m. in Room 470 of the Transportation Building in Raleigh. If further information is needed, please contact Ms. Carol Carter, Manager, Urban Section at (919) 733-4713, Ext. 226. STC - - Attachments ga 1 I-85 I N m BYP 15 70 HS J ?? 6 ? Cqq R Hk. ROB _ J - - - H^ 6 ^ DUKE C3 UNIV STUDY AREA F cG? o (E) . LIMITS R. AD r N 2 tQ @DUKE UNI , o ?d? J 01 Y MED. CTR. J . p OA DUKE B V. qv. ) l 24, ' / / x cREE TAOIUU .?` O ¦ ?o R? ? DUKE FOREST ?o JO ?? C ` ?a. a4,Vw ? gCC/S ?Gr m ROAD / J Wtill'FIELD AN E)MiA?- PICKETT AD ? SOUTH R S` O Cf?.. O OUARE UH1V. 1 MALL 4; C1 APE1 H LL V t` N EASTO •? .U a CH ? ay z M - - AP r EL Z 0 f HORACE NIWAUS / ROAD o AIRPORT UTTLE r J f ?c N 1EV co SZ. UNIV. OF G N N.C. RALEIG NG / ' H ROA 94 •ENAN STADUI O AD Gr I NC ?3\ eyAt ?? ' SS U OSRTALS DEAN E. SMITH CENTERI STUDY AREA LIMITS TIP U-2807A EXHIBIT 1 HIGHWAY ALTERNATIVE STUDY LIMITS US 15-501 STUDY AREA 4.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 4.1 Natural Systems The majority of significant wetlands, 100 year floodplains and natural areas are located along New Hope Creek, Sandy Creek and Dry Creek. These areas are relatively undisturbed due to the topography and floodplain and provides unique urban wildlife corridor between Duke Forest, Eno River State Park, and Jordan Lake. Construction in this area should be minimized as much as possible. Bottomiand hardwood wetlands along New Hope Creek should be disturbed as little as possible. A section 404 Permit for wetland disturbance from the US Army Corp of Engineers and a Section 401 Permit from the Water Quality Section of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Management will be necessary for construction activities within these wetlands. No recorded threatened and endangered species exist in the study area at this time. However, since the threatened and endangered systems list is dynamic, it is recommended that prior to final design approval of any improvements, the inventory currently being prepared by Steve Hail of the N.C. Natural Heritage Program be reviewed. If threatened and:endangered species are found, avoidance of this area is recommended. 4.2 Cultural Resources Four (4) historic structures and twelve (12) archaeological sites have been identified within the study boundaries. None of these structures or sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One historic structure, the Wm. N. Patterson is listed on the State Study List with notations that it would be eligible for inclusion on the National Registry. This structure and its surrounding area should be avoided in selecting locations for transportation improvements. 16 All archaeological sites identified within the study have not fully evaluated to determine National Registry eligibility: Therefore any archaeological site affected by US 15/501 Transportation Improvements should be evaluated by an archaeological reconnaissance to determine National Registry eligibility prior to construction of the improvement. Many greenways and three (3) parks are proposed for the study area. It is felt that these greenways and parks can become an asset to the communities of Chapel Hill and Durham, and if developed properly could provide not only recreational facilities but also a safe, energy efficient, and healthy means to travel about the study area via walking or on bicycle. It is therefore recommended that any traffic improvement design investigate this alternative means of travel. One (1) school, two (2) churches, and four (4) cemeteries exist within the study boundary and should be avoided during routing of any transportation improvements if possible. 1 4.3 Underground Storage Tanks Eleven (11) underground storage tanks have been identified within the study boundary. The age of the tanks and their physical composition have also been identified however, exact location and structural integrity of these tanks have not been determined. It is recommended that during the preliminary design of the selected transportation improvement alternative, all effected properties possessing underground storage tank(s) be screened and that the tank(s) be located and tested to determine if they are presently leaking. Past evidence of leakage should also be determined by the collection and analysis of soil and ground water samples in the vicinity of the tank(s). 17 4.4 Social Concerns Section 2 of this document describes factors which illustrate the need for improved transportation system in the Durham/Chapel Hill study area. Traffic pattern and volumes indicate that the existing US 15/501 Corridor between the Franklin Street Interchange and the Durham Bypass Interchange is experiencing undesirable levels of service. The existing 1-40/US 15-501 Interchange coupled with the availability of undeveloped land along US 15/501 provides desirable areas for commercial development which will undoubtedly increase traffic in the area even more. Area residents are already experiencing the results of traffic congestion along US 15/501 due to the increased volume of 'cut through' traffic in residential areas. Associates with this increase traffic is the increased speed of vehicles moving through the neighborhood. Since the majority of the study area is without sidewalks or bicycle lanes pedestrians and cyclists are concerned for their safety when using roadways in the area.- Residents request that any transportation improvements proposed for the area consider eliminating 'cut through" traffic, installing sidewalks and bicycle lanes to enhance public safety and consider aesthetics in the design so as to minimize loss of property valves. l _ 18 NOV 15 '96 11:57AM EHNR-PUBLIC AFFAIRS NCWRC,HCP,FALLS LRKE TEL:919-52U-9839 Nov 07'95 P.2/4 7:33 No.004 P.c5 Nortfh eno? = Wildlife Resources Co icon m _ 512 N. snusbury stmct, 56 h, Nora CBtiab& 27604.1188, 919733.3391 Charles R. nliwcxad, Ex=dve Director MFMORANDZ JM TO: Mclba Mc(jcc Office of 1,08414tive and Intergovernmental Affairs, DH NR FROM: David cox, Highway Project Cao tar Habitat Conservation progr DATE: November 7 199cS SUBJECT: Requast for information from the N. C.')eP t 0n1 Of Transportation (NC;DOT) tegardin fish and wildlife Mcerns for US 151501, between Durham and Chapel Hill, Durham and Orange counties, North Carolina, TIP No. U-2807A, SCH Project No. 97.0277. This memorttildum responds to a request from Mr. U. Franklin Vick o! the NCDOT ror our uoncerns regards q impacts on fish and wildlife resources resulting from tha subject project. Biologists on the Staff Of the N. C. Wildlife Resources CoMt1liSYion (NCWRC) heve reviewed tdio proposed improvements, and Our comments are provided in accordance with provisions of the Natimigi Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)) and the Fish acid Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amcndcd; 16 U.S.C. 661.6674). After attonding the so4p111g mccting for tl,fs project and reviewing the information provided, we have the fallowing comments. The New Hopa Creek Corridor is a very important wildlife navel corridor. This stream system and vegetated riparian buffer links thip Now dope 04mlolunds with Dukc Forest. We would expect use of this Corridor by mink, muskrat, otter, least weasel, be4v0r, raccoon, opossum, gray fox, whitc-Lailed door, and possibly bobcat. Forested fluodplaiins are also very importri.t for amphibians and reptiles. These wooded stream Corridonq are also the pref=Ted lsabitat ofmany species ofnoutropical migratory sangbirds. The impacts of any now k,catimi altarnativos on these smas should be thoroughly cv4tluatod, ]'pore are two gr"11-tree waterfowl impoundments within the study area, These are located oil tho Jordan ganiclands on Little Creek said Now 14ope CrcoIs. These areas should be avoided, They receive cungidorrable use by watorfowl hunters in the fall and winter, If the project crosses any portion of NOV 15 '96 11:58AM EHNR•PUa-IC AFFAIRS P.3i4 NCWR , HCP , FRLLS LRKE TEL : 919-528-9839 Nov 07 ' 96 17:34 No. 004 P,07 Memo November 7, 1996 these impoundments, the noire from the rail 1iliC would likely cau,5e aterflaw! to avuid the area, 3. WO anticipate (hat wetland in'Pacts would increase if the project wore constructed through the Corrpps of Engineers (Cpl) ppro arty associated with Jordan Lake, NCDOT ahei, d investigate the COP, 1, that lies within the study area to see if this property was acquired as mitigation land for the construction of Jordan Take, If this is the case, we will appose any CncraachMCM into this Property. 4. NCDOT should avoid the area known as the Mason Farm Proserve which is maiumined by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as part of the botanical gardens, In addition to the s Oeif c concerns and recommendations stated abovo, c)ur general informational needs are outlined below: 1. Description of f'sshery altd wildlife resources within the project area, including a listing of tederally or state designated threatenW, ondangored, or special concern spc:ojes. Potential borrow areas to be used for pro ject construction %'hould be included in the inventories. A listing cif designated plant species can be developed through consultation with: The Natural Heritage Prograrn N. C. ,bivisiOn of Parks and Recreation P. 0. Box 27687 Raleigh, N. C. 27611 (919) 733-7795 and, NCDA? Plant Conservation Program P. C, Box 27647 Raleigh, N. C. 27611 (919) 733.3610 2. Doseription of any Strc=s or wetlands affected by the project. The nood for c:hannelizing or relocating portions of streams crossed and the activities extent of such . 3. Cover type maps Showing wetland acreages impacted by the project. Wetland €lureage5 should include all project-related areas that may undergo hydrologic change as a result of dito:hing, other drainage, or filling for project Construction. Wetland identification may be accomplished through coordination with the U. S, Army Carps of Engineers (COE). If the CO is not consulted, the person delineating wetlands should be identified and criteria listed. 4. Cover type maps showing wroages of upland wildlife habitat impacts tl by the Proposed paliect. Potential borrow sites should be itlcl«ded, 5. The Cxtent 1.o wiliah the project will result in loss, degradation, or fragmentation of wildlife habitat (wetlands or uplands). NCEIJR_NOVr1o t96 of-MLEHNR L;Y19_,v-9FF339 .. Menlo P.4/4 Nov 07'96 17:34 N0.004 P.08 3 November 7, 1996 6. Mitigation for a itat do radatinn i q minimizing Qr compensating for direct and indircc:t in habitat quality as well as quantitative losses. 7. a cumulative itupact $sscssment soodorl which analyzes the onvironmentaI effects Afhighway COUBEWctiOn and quantifies the contribution of this individual project to cnvirornnenral degradation. 8. A discussion of the probable impacts on natural resources whicl3 wi II Yewit from secondary development i'aGjlfWed by the improved road access. 9- "'cor strue"On of this facility is to be coordinated with other state, municipal, or private development pwiects, a description of these projects should be - included in the onvironmental dOGtu Ont, 9md all proJcct SPO"sors should be identified. Thank yot: for the uppartunity to provide input in the early planning stages for tills pr+ aML if WO can furelarr assist yoiu Project Coordinator,at(9l9)528-9$$6af#iae, please Contact David Cox, Highway , cc-': Hownrd IlLil I, U, S. 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