20150362 Ver 1_On-Site Determination_20100726

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March 22, 2005
MEMORANDUM
To: Melba McGee
From: Brian Wrenn ; u
Subject: Comments on proposed project to widen I-85 from 4 lanes to 8 from NC 73 to US 29/601 Connector and
NC 152 Interchange Improvements at US29/601 and I-85 in Rowan and Cabarrus Counties, TIP'S 1-3802,
1-3610, B-3039, DENR No. 05-0254.
Reference your correspondence dated February 16, 2005 in which you requested comments for the referenced
project. Preliminary analysis of the project reveals the potential for multiple impacts to perennial streams and
jurisdictional wetlands in the project area. More specifically, impacts to:
Stream Name River Basin Stream Classification(s) Stream Index Number
Town Creek Yadkin C 12-115-3
Cold Water Creek, source to 0.5 mi.
downstream of Rowan Co. SR 1221 Yadkin WS-IV 13-17-9-4-(0.5)
Cold Water Creek (Lake Fisher), 0.5 mile
downstream of Rowan Co. SR 1221 to
Dam at Lake Fisher Yadkin WS-IV; CA 13-17-9-4-(1)
Cold Water Creek, dam at Lake Fisher to
Irish Buffalo Creek Yadkin C 13-17-9-4-(1.5)
Threemile Branch Yadkin C 13-17-9-4-5
Irish Buffalo Creek Yadkin C 13-17-9-(2)
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:
A. One of the surface water impacts sites for project is the Cold Water Creek. In the project area, this surface
water has a Water Quality Classification of WS-IV Critical Area. Therefore, the potential for impacts to
waters that are used for municipal drinking water is possible. Please locate and identify all water intakes in
the projects study area. In addition, please include their locations in all future documentation. In addition, it
should be noted that alternatives to avoid impacts upstream of any water supply intakes will need to be
considered during the development of the environmental documents.
B. The document should provide a detailed and itemized presentation of the proposed impacts to wetlands and
streams with corresponding mapping.
C. There should be a discussion on mitigation plans for unavoidable impacts. If mitigation is required, it is
preferable to present a conceptual (if not finalized) mitigation plan with the environmental documentation.
While the NCDWQ realizes that this may not always be practical, it should be noted that for projects
nnunaer r. casiey, awdnwr
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director
Division of Water Quality
Coleen H. Sullins
Division of Water Quality

N. C. Division of Water Quality 1650 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 [phone]
Customer Service: 1 800 623-7748
WAIF Michael F. Easley, Governor
O 9QG William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(0 7 Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director
requiring mitigation, appropriate mitigation plans will be required prior to issuance of a 401 Water Quality
Certification.
D. Review of the project reveals the presence of surface waters classified as Water Supply Critical Area in the
project study area. Given the potent for impacts to these resources during the project implementation, the
DWQ requests that DOT strictly adhere to North Carolina regulations entitled "Design Standards in Sensitive
Watersheds" (15A NCAC 04B .0024) throughout design and construction of the project. This would apply
for any area that drains to streams having WS CA(Water Supply Critical Area) classifications.
E. Review of the project reveals that Water Supply Critical Area Waters will potentially be impacted by the
project. If an alternative located upstream of the drinking water supply intake is selected as the preferred
alternative, the NCDOT will be required to design, construct, and maintain hazardous spill catch basins in the
project area. The number of catch basins installed should be determined by the design of the bridge, so that
runoff would enter said basin(s) rather than flowing directly into the stream, and in consultation with the
DWQ.
F. Wetland and stream impacts should be avoided (including sediment and erosion control structures/measures)
to the maximum extent practical. If this is not possible, alternatives that minimize wetland impacts should be
chosen. Mitigation for unavoidable impacts will be required by DWQ for impacts to wetlands in excess of
one acre and/or to streams in excess of 150 linear feet.
G. Borrow/waste areas should not be located in wetlands. It is likely that compensatory mitigation will be
required if wetlands are impacted by waste or borrow.
H. If foundation test borings are necessary; it should be noted in the document. Geotechnical work is approved
under General 401 Certification Number 3027/Nationwide Permit No. 6 for Survey Activities.
I. In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's 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
21-1.0506 (h)(3) 1, the Wetland Restoration Program may be available for use as stream mitigation.
J. Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands.
K. While the use of National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps and soil surveys is a useful office tool, their
inherent inaccuracies require that qualified personnel perform onsite wetland delineations prior to permit
approval.
L. An analysis of cumulative and secondary impacts anticipated as a result of this project is required.
M. 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 Best Management Practices for the
Protection of Surface Waters, such as grassed swales, buffer areas, preformed scour holes, retention basins,
etc.
N. When practical, the DWQ requests that bridges be replaced on the existing location with road closure. If a
detour proves necessary, remediation measures in accordance with the NCDWQ requirements for General
401 Certification No. 3366/Nationwide Permit No. 33 (Temporary Construction, Access and Dewatering)
must be followed.
N. C. Division of Water Quality 1650 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 [phone]
Customer Service: 1 800 623-7748

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0. Where streams must be crossed, the DWQ prefers bridges be used in lieu of culverts. However, we realize
that economic considerations often require the use of culverts. Please be advised that culverts should be
countersunk to allow unimpeded passage by fish and other aquatic organisms. Moreover, in areas where high
quality wetlands or streams are impacted, a bridge may prove preferable. When applicable, DOT should not
install the bridge bents in the creek, to the maximum extent practicable.
P. Based on the information presented in the document, the magnitude of impacts to wetlands and streams may
require an Individual Permit application to the Corps of Engineers and corresponding 401 Water Quality
Certification. Please be advised that a 401 Water Quality Certification requires satisfactory protection of
water quality to ensure that water quality standards are met and no wetland or stream uses are lost. Final
permit authorization will require the submittal of a formal application by the NCDOT and written
concurrence from the NCDWQ. Please be aware that any approval will be contingent on appropriate
avoidance and minimization of wetland and stream impacts to the maximum extent practical, the
development of an acceptable stormwater management plan, and the inclusion of appropriate mitigation plans
where appropriate.
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
Brian L. Wrenn at 919-733-5715.
cc: Eric Alsmeyer, Corps of Engineers Raleigh Field Office
Steve Lund, Corps of Engineers Asheville Field Office
Gary Jordan, USFWS
Travis Wilson, NCWRC
Chris Militcher, USEPA
Central Files
File Copy
C:\Correspondence\2005 EA, EIS, FONSI\1-3802 I-3610 13-3039Veoping comments.doc
IVlllil lAtll r. CAJItl Y, 1.'1VVtl111V1
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director
N. C. Division of Water Quality 1650 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 [phone]
Customer Service: 1 800 623-7748
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
? P@7 Project Review Form
N1AR 2 20M Project Number: 05-0254
vv Trl:.r: ou Aim Date Received: 02/24/2005
%PJFJI.AN6S AND S , ORM PA'R RMNCHs
Date Response Due: 03/21/2005
Counties: Cabarrus and Rowan
'roject Description: Proposed project to widen I-85 from 4 lanes to 8 from NC73 to US29-601 Connector. TIP
#I-3802 and NC 152 interchange improvements at US29/601 and I-85. TIP# I-3610 & B-3039.
Phis Project is being reviewed as indicated below:
Regional Office Regional Office Area In-House Review
Asheville N y Air Soil & Water Marine Fisheries
Fayetteville y/ Water Coastal Management
? Morresville
?
Groundwater Wildlife Water Resources
Environmental Health
Raleigh
Land Quality Engineer
Wildlife - DOT
Solid Waste Mgmt
Washington
Forest Resources
Radiation Protection
Wilmington Land Resources Other
Winston-Salem
? Parks & Recreation
_ Water Quality
`?s ' Waiter Qtt?li'ty -t:?07'
Air Quality
Manager Sign-Off/Region: Date: In-House Reviewer/Agency:
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]
0W_.01)
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GOVERNOR
February 16, 2005
LYNDO TIPPETT
SECRETARY
MEMORANDUM TO: Ms. Chrys Baggett, Director
State Clearinghouse
Department of Administration
FROM: --?IGregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Environmental Managem Ant
Project Development & Environmental Analysis BrSUBJECT: Environmental Assessment, Proposed Widening and Interchange
Improvements of I-85 from NC 73 to US 29/601 Connector (TIP Project
No. I-3802), and NC-152 Interchange Improvements at US 29/601 and
1-85 (TIP Project Nos. I-3610 & B-3039), Rowan and Cabarrus Counties.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is initiating an environmental study of the
referenced project. The proposed roadway widening and interchange improvements begin in Cabarrus
County near the cities of Concord and Kannapolis and end in Rowan County near the Town of China
Grove, as shown in Figure 1. The NCDOT has retained Mulkey Engineers and Consultants to prepare an
Environmental Assessment pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended
(42 USC 4321 et seq.). The project is programmed in the 2004-2010 Transportation Improvement
Program (TIP) for planning and environmental study only.
The purpose of this letter is to initiate coordination with federal, state, and local agencies and other
interested groups on the proposed project. A formal project scoping meeting will not be held for this
project. The NCDOT is requesting comments concerning the proposed action. Please provide your
comments related to project-area conditions or issues of special concern so that they may be evaluated
during the environmental study and the development of the project design. Additional data related to the
proposed project, including known environmentally sensitive issues and proposed or ongoing projects in
the vicinity are provided below. If possible, please review this information and provide your comments
in writing to the NCDOT by March 18, 2005.
The NCDOT TIP Project No. I-3802 proposes to widen 1-85 from four lanes to eight lanes from NC 73 to
US 29-601 Connector. Widening may occur both within the existing median and to the outside of
existing shoulders. The project corridor is 13.6 miles long and will connect TIP Project Nos. I-3803 at
NC 73 and 1-2511 at US 29-601. Interchange improvements proposed in the project corridor include
reconstruction of existing structures to meet current design standards for vertical clearance. The
proposed study limits consist of a 1,000-foot wide corridor centered on 1-85, which will extend an
additional 500 feet along intersecting roads at interchanges.
TELEPHONE: [phone]
MAILING ADDRESS: FAX: [phone] LOCATION:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS WEBSITE: WWW.NCDOT.ORG 1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER RALEIGH NC
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548
2
The NCDOT TIP Project No. I-3610 proposes to reconstruct two interchanges: NC 152 at US 29-601,
and NC 152 at I-85. The NCDOT TIP Project No. B-3039 proposes to replace Bridge No. 34 over US 29
on NC 152. The 14CDOT has combined TIP Project Nos. I-3802, I-3610, and B-3039 into one work
effort because of the proximity and interrelationship of the projects. The three projects will be addressed
in one Environmental Assessment document.
Table 1 lists other projects included in the 2004-2010 Transportation Improvement Program in the I-85
project area:
Table 1. NCDOT TIP Projects near I-3802,1-3610 and B-3039.
TIP NCDOT
Project Description Highway Schedule
No. Division
Right-of-way - Part in
I-85, Rowan County. US 29-601 Connector acquisition
I-2511 (Exit 68) to north of SR 2120 (Exit 81). 9 Construction - US 29-601
Rehabilitate bridges and widen to eight lanes. Connector to SR 2528
complete, remaining portions
not complete.
U-3803 China Grove, Rowan County. US 29A, 9 Right-of-way - In Progress
realign intersection of NC 152 and SR 1337. Construction - 2004
B-4809 SR 1308, Bridge No. 221, Rowan County. 9 Right-of-way - 2009
Replace bridge over Lake Fisher. Construction - 2010
Kannapolis, Bridge No. 44, Cabarrus County. Right-of-way - N/A
B-3540 Replace bridge on Mount Olivet Road over 10

Three Mile Branch. Construction - 2004
B-4050 SR 1778, Bridge No. 30, Cabarrus County. 10 Right-of-way - 2005
Replace bridge over Irish Buffalo Creek. Construction - 2006
I-85, Mecklenburg-Cabarrus Counties. US Right-of-way - Post years

29-NC 49 Connector in Mecklenburg County Construction - 2004 Design
D
I-3803 to NC 73 in Cabarrus County. Add additional 10 Build north of SR 24

lanes. SR 2467, remaining portion
unfunded.
The project area includes three municipal jurisdictions, Concord, Kannapolis, and China Grove; as well
as Rowan and Cabarrus Counties. Interstate 85 provides the jurisdictional boundary between Concord
and Kannapolis. Cabarrus County was the fifth fastest growing county in the state at the last census.
Land use along the project corridor is varied. Commercial and industrial development is more intense in
the southern portion of the project area around the NC 73 and US 29-601 interchanges. Dale Earnhardt
Boulevard is considered a gateway to Kannapolis, and is currently experiencing substantial new
development.
Three federally-protected species are listed for Cabarrus and/or Rowan Counties: bald eagle (Haliaeetus
leucocephalus), Schwenitz's sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii), and Carolina heelsplitter (Lasmigona
decorata). A review of the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program files revealed no recorded
occurrences of the above-listed species within one mile of the project area.
Files at the North Carolina State Preservation Office (HPO) were reviewed to determine whether any
properties within the project study area are currently listed or determined eligible for listing on the
3
National Register of Historic Places (NR). No projects on or eligible for the NR were found within the
project study area. One archaeology site (CAI 82) is recorded within the project study area north of Dale
Earnhardt Boulevard.
The proposed project is within the Yadkin River Basin. More than 30 streams are located within the
project area. Most of the streams are unnamed tributaries which cross under I-85. A portion of the
project corridor is located within the Critical Area of the WS-IV watershed associated with Lake Fisher,
which straddles the Cabarrus and Rowan County line. The freeway also traverses the watershed's
Protected Area east of the lake, as well as the Protected Area east of Lake Concord's Critical Area.
Named streams in the project area are listed in Table 2.
Table 2. Named Streams in the 1-3802,1-3610 & B-3039 Project Area.
Stream Classification Index Number 303 d Listing
Cat. 6, historical

Town Creek
C
12-115-3 listing: `sediment'
based on biological
impairment
Cold Water Creek, source to 0.5
mile downstream of Rowan Co. SR WS-IV 13-17-94-(0.5) No
1221
Cold Water Creek (Lake Fisher),
0.5 mile downstream of Rowan Co. WS-IV;CA 13-17-94-(1) No
SR 1221 to dam at Lake Fisher
Cold Water Creek, dam at Lake

Fisher to Irish Buffalo Creek C 13-17-94-(1.5) No
Threemile Branch C 13-17-94-5 No
Irish Buffalo Creek C 13-17-9-(2) No
If further information regarding the proposed action of the environmental analysis process is required,
please contact Ms. Gail Grimes, P.E., Assistant Branch Manager, Project Development and
Environmental Analysis Branch, NCDOT, at [phone], extension 323 or through email at
g rig mes(a,dot.state. nc.us.
GJT/lk/pr
Attachment

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Project End
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Legend
• State Historic Sites
F • Archeological
I-85
v Project Start
o ° Roads
o Major Streams
Streams
County Boundary
a
a a Natural Heritage Element Occurrence Sites
Cities
Water Supply Watersheds
PCA_TYPE
® WS Critical Area
WS Protected Area
NOIR
1-3802 / 1-3610 & B-3039 N Figure No.
Of n 1-85 from NC 73 to the US 29-601 Connector
Cabarrus & Rowan Counties, North Carolina
Prepared By:
-MULKEY Miles
ENOINEERB & CONBULTANTS 0 1 2 3 4