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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20071823 Ver 1_EEP Letter_20100726Page 1 of 1 http://www.ncdot.org/planning/development/TIP/TIP/Trans/maps/R2301.jpg 10/3/2007 R-2301A Subject: R-2 301A From: Colin Mellor <cmellor@dot.state.nc.us> Date: Tue, 02 Oct 2007 10:16:17 -0400 To: David Wainwright <David.Wainwright @ncmail.net> CC: John Hennessy <john.hennessy@nemail.net> David, have you seen the ICE report for R-2301A (Dec., 2004), US 17 New Bern Bypass? I've been going over some upcoming (2008/2009) Let dates and this was a project that came up. The report lists the Trent River as 303(d), which apparently it was in 2002 but was removed in the 04 and 06 listing (after the report was written). The facility is controlled access which should limit development to the interchanges at US 17 and US 70. There is some National Heritage Area and State Significant Aquatic Habitiat along the Trent that was not addressed in the report. Let me know if you have even seen the report or if you have it in your files. I can provide it if necessary. Sorry that my searches seem to be limited to your jurisdictions lately. Colin Mellor PDEA - Natural Environment Unit N.C. Department of Transportation 919-715-1426 1 of 1 10/3/2007 10:47 AM o stem -a = e PROGRAM October 5, 2007 Mr. Richard Spencer U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington Regulatory Field Office Post Office Box 1890 Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890 Dear Mr. Spencer: Subject: EEP Mitigation Acceptance Letter: ? ems, ,f r f t%F. R-2502B, Widening US 1 from SR 1528 to Existing Facility in Richmond County, Richmond and Moore Counties; Lumber River Basin (Cataloging Unit 03040203); Southern Piedmont (SP) Eco-Region The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) will provide the compensatory riparian and nonriparian mitigation for the unavoidable impact associated with the above referenced project. As indicated in the NCDOT's mitigation request dated October 1, 2007, compensatory riparian and nonriparian mitigation from EEP is required for approximately 2.95 and 2.23 acres of impacts, respectively- This mitigation acceptance letter replaces the mitigation acceptance letter issued August 21, 2007. Compensatory wetland mitigation associated with this project will be provided in accordance with Section X of the Amendment No. 2 to the Memorandum of Agreement between the N. C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the N. C. Department of Transportation, and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers fully executed on March 8, 2007 (Tri- Party MOA). EEP commits to implement sufficient compensatory riparian and nonriparian wetland mitigation up to 5.90 riparian and 4.46 nonriparian wetland credits to offset the impacts associated with this project by the end of the MOA year in which this project is permitted. If the above referenced impact amounts are revised, then this mitigation acceptance letter will no longer be valid and a new mitigation acceptance letter will be required from EEP. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ms. Beth Harmon at 919-715-1929. Sin erely, Willia Gilmore, P.E. EEP Director cc: Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., NCDOT-PDEA Mr. John Hennessy, Division of Water Quality, Wetlands/401 Unit File: R-2502B Revised sty ? ... ?, ... rot 0 Ita)-C8 NR North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program, 1652 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1652 / 919-715-0476 / www.nceep.net October 5, 2007 Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D. Environmental Management Director Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation 1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1548 Dear Dr. Thorpe: Subject: EEP Mitigation Acceptance Letter: R-2502B, Widening of US 1 from SR 1528 to Existing Facility in Richmond County, Moore and Richmond Counties The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) will provide the compensatory riparian and nonriparian wetland mitigation for the subject project. Based on the information supplied by you on October 1, 2007, the impacts are located in CU 03040203 of the Lumber River Basin in the Southern Piedmont (SP) Eco-Region, and are as follows: Riparian Wetlands: 2.95 acres Nonriparian Wetlands: 2.23 acre This mitigation acceptance letter replaces the mitigation acceptance letter issued August 21, 2007. EEP commits to implementing sufficient compensatory wetland mitigation to offset the impacts associated with this project by the end of the MOA Year in which this project is permitted, in accordance with Section X of the Amendment No. 2 to the Memorandum of Agreement between the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, fully executed on March 8, 2007. If the above referenced impact amounts are revised, then this mitigation acceptance letter will no longer be valid and a new mitigation acceptance letter will be required from EEP. ?tor? ... E?,.,? ... Proms Otlw .?? e, eENR North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program, 1652 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1652 / 919-715-0476 / www.nceep.net If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ms. Beth Harmon at 919-715-1929. Sincerely, Wil ' D. Gilmore, P.E. EEP Director cc: Mr. Richard Spencer, USACE - Wilmington Mr. John Hennessy, Division of Water Quality, Wetlands/401 Unit File: R-2502B Revised 0? wAT FRpG r ? Y Michael F. Easley, Governor William G. Ross Jr., Secretary North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Coleen H. Sullins, Director Division of Water Quality October 15, 2007 Mr. Brian Dustin Mulkey Engineers & Consultants 6750 Tryon Rd Cary, NC 27511 Subject: NCDOT TIP # R-3430, Caldwell County Gunpowder Creek [Catawba Basin, 03-08-31, 11-43-(1), WS-IV] Stafford Creek [Catawba Basin, 03-08-32, 11-55-(0.5), C] On-Site Determination for Applicability to the Mitigation Rules (15A NCAC 2H .0506(h) Dear Mr. Dustin: On October 12, 2007, at your request and in your attendance and with Monte Matthews of the Army Corps of Engineers, Sue Homewood, Division of Water Quality (DWQ) staff, conducted an on-site determination to review drainage features located in the project corridor for the above referenced project for applicability to the mitigation rules (15A NCAC 2H .0506(h)). The drainage features are approximated on the attached map initialed and dated October 15, 2007. During the site visit Streams Sl, S2A and S3B were visually inspected. Streams S1 and S3B were determined to be intermittent streams and therefore not subject to 15A NCAC 2H.0506(h). Stream S2A was determined to be a perennial stream and is subject to mitigation as per 15A NCAC 2H .0506(h). Please note that other sites identified in the jurisdiction vertification request package but not reviewed on site by DWQ will be considered accurate as presented. This letter only addresses the applicability to the mitigation rules and the buffer rules and does not approve any activity within Waters of the United States, or Waters of the State. Any impacts to wetlands, streams and buffers must comply with the 404/401 regulations, water supply regulations (15A NCAC 2B .0216), and any other required federal, state and local regulations. The owner (or future owners) or permittee should notify the DWQ (and other relevant agencies) of this decision in any future correspondences concerning this property and/or project. This on-site determination shall expire five (5) years from the date of this letter. Ne Carolina Atura!!y North Carolina Division of Water Quality 585 Waughtown Street Phone (336) 771-4600 Customer Service Internet: h2o.enr.state.nc.us Winston-Salem, NC 27107 FAX (336) 771-4630 1-877-623-6748 An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer- 50% Recycled/10% Post Consumer Paper Mr. Brian Dustin October 15, 2007 Page 2 Landowners or affected parties that dispute a determination made by the DWQ or Delegated Local Authority that a surface water exists and that it is subject to the mitigation rules may request a determination by the Director. A request for a determination by the Director shall be referred to the Director in writing c/o John Hennessy, DWQ Wetlands/401 Unit, 1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1650. Individuals that dispute a determination by the DWQ or Delegated Local Authority that "exempts" a surface water from the mitigation rules may ask for an adjudicatory hearing. You must act within 60 days of the date that you receive this letter. Applicants are hereby notified that the 60-day statutory appeal time does not start until the affected party (including downstream and adjacent landowners) is notified of this decision. DWQ recommends that the applicant conduct this notification in order to be certain that third party appeals are made in a timely manner. To ask for a hearing, send a written petition, which conforms to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes to the Office of Administrative Hearings, 6714 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-6714. This determination is final and binding unless you ask for a hearing within 60 days. If you have any additional questions or require additional information please call Sue Homewood at 336-771-4964 or at sue.homewood@ncmail.net. Sincerely, Steve Tedder Attachments: cc: Monte Matthews, US Army Corps of Engineers - Raleigh Regulatory Field Office DWQ Winston-Salem Regional Office I? bt an s 401 Tran?portattoaj- a e A x[.14 r - t f? J I S3 End Project S3A S3B 1 W \j _ ? < ?? t':•7i i . ? Mel Begin Project ?? R H O D HISS -CEFAWBA-?? _ ervae AID= PROJECT TOPOGRAPHY M U L K E Y Figure No. Connelly Springs ngs Road Widening ENGINEERS & C O N S U L T A N T S Caldwell Countv, North Carolina Prepared For: ?o 3 ''?'rw rt.N? Miles 0 0.10.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 USGS 7.5- Minute Topographic Quadrangles: Drexel, Granite Falls, Kings Creek, & Lenoir 1:50,000 I X pF W AT F9 Michael F. Easley, Governor ? 0 p G ? ?- William G. Ross Jr., Secretary North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources p -? Coleen H. Sullins, Director Division of Water Quality October 8, 2007 Ashley Cox NCDOT - Natural Environment Unit 1598 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina, 27699-1598 Subject: NCDOT TIP # U-2612A & B, New interchanges on US 421 at SR 3389 and SR 3418 Guilford County Big Alamance Creek [03-06-03, 16-19-(1), WS-IV, NSW] On-Site Determination for Applicability to the Mitigation Rules (15A NCAC 211 .0506(h) Dear Mr. Cox: On May 8, 2007, at your request and in your attendance, Sue Homewood Division of Water Quality (DWQ) staff, conducted an on-site determination to review drainage features located adjacent to the proposed new interchanges for the above referenced project for applicability to the mitigation rules (15A NCAC 2H .0506(h)). The drainage features are approximated on the attached map initialed and dated October 8, 2007. The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) has determined that the stream and wetland features identified in the attached summary letter provided by NCDOT accurately describes the field verification conducted. This letter only addresses the applicability to the mitigation rules and does not approve any activity within Waters of the United States, or Waters of the State. Any impacts to wetlands, streams must comply with the 404/401 regulations, water supply regulations (15A NCAC 2B .0216), and any other required federal, state and local regulations. The owner (or future owners) or permittee should notify the DWQ (and other relevant agencies) of this decision in any future correspondences concerning this property and/or project. This on-site determination shall expire five (5) years from the date of this letter. Landowners or affected parties that dispute a determination made by the DWQ or Delegated Local Authority that a surface water exists and that it is subject to the mitigation rules may request a determination by the Director. A request for a determination by the. Director shall be referred to the Director in writing c/o John Hennessy, DWQ Wetlands/401 Unit, 1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1650. Individuals that dispute a determination by the DWQ or Delegated Local Authority that "exempts" a surface water from the .One Carolina Naturally North Carolina Division of Water Quality 585 Waughtown Street Phone (336) 771-4600 Customer Service Internet: h2o.enr.state.nc.us Winston-Salem, NC 27107 FAX (336) 771-4630 1-877-623-6748 An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer- 50% Recycledl10% Post Consumer Paper Ashley Cox October 8, 2007 Page 2 mitigation rules may ask for an adjudicatory hearing. You must act within 60 days of the date that you receive this letter. Applicants are hereby notified that the 60-day statutory appeal time does not start until the affected party (including downstream and adjacent landowners) is notified of this decision. DWQ recommends that the applicant conduct this notification in order to be certain that third party appeals are made in a timely manner. To ask for a hearing, send a written petition, which conforms to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes to the Office of Administrative Hearings, 6714 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-6714. This determination is final and binding unless you ask for a hearing within 60 days. If you have any additional questions or require additional information please call Sue Homewood at 336-771- 4964 or at sue.homewood@ncmail.net. Sincerely, Steve Tedder Attachments: cc: Andy Williams, US Army Corps of Engineers - Raleigh Regulatory Field Office DWQ WSRO File Copy 1 II ! I III ??))..:II I)L?1 r` TIP ???\` 1f ^•?/?,f??1?' l ?)(("^I :1 Ilr w?1//}1' Its ?Hl 11r/.. 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BOO V?. ® North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission MEMORANDUM TO: Jennifer Harris North Carolina Turnpike Authority FROM: David Cox, Technical Guidance Superv' or Habitat Conservation Program f / DATE: October 15, 2007 SUBJECT: Mid-Currituck Bridge Study, Alternatives for Detailed Study. Currituck and Dare counties, North Carolina. TIP No. R-2576. On September 19th the NC Turnpike Authority (NCTA) proposed to carry two alternatives forward for detailed study in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). NCTA proposed to drop all non bridge alternatives therefore selecting to study only two bridge corridor alternatives. NCWRC cannot agree with the elimination of all non-bridge alternatives at this time, and therefore requests alternative ER2 be carried forward for detailed study based upon the following: 1. Total wetland impacts are less with the non-bridge alternative. 2. Human impacts are preliminary and are based on a standard corridor width. Forty-seven potential displacements compared to a low of eleven for the least human impacts for a bridge alternative is not substantial enough to drop an alternative before it is studied in detail. 3. All the alternatives meet the purpose and need of the project, therefore it is not prudent to drop an alternative prior to the DEIS based on which alternative best meets purpose and need. The intent of the DEIS is to study in detail the potential impacts and gather public comment on a full range of alternatives. 4. Most notably WRC requests a non-bridge alternative be studied to have a full range of alternatives as a comparison for the secondary and cumulative impacts on the fish and wildlife resources with in the project area. These include: • Increased development on mainland Currituck leading to a shift from residential to commercial and a potential increase in the pace of development. Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721 Telephone: (919) 707-0220 • Fax: (919) 707-0028 NCTA Mid-Currituck Page 2 October 15, 2007 • Impacts to essential fish habitat • Impacts to submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) due to storm water runoff and shading. Bridging alternatives will impact SAV beds in Currituck Sound. SAV's are an important habitat for migratory waterfowl and aquatic species. Mitigation for SAV's is difficult, usually unsuccessful, and can result in a net loss of this habitat type. • Impacts to migratory waterfowl utilizing the Currituck sound. Currituck sound is a focus area described in the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, bridge alternatives have the highest potential to effect waterfowl usage and effect shoreline development patterns along Currituck sound. • Bridging alternatives will bisect Maple Swamp, a Significant Natural Area (SNA) identified by the NC Natural Heritage Program as being of state significance. Therefore directly impacting an SNA and further fragmenting habitat In conclusion, NCWRC feels it is necessary to study a non-bridge alternative in the DEIS in order to fully assess the direct and indirect impacts of this project upon the natural environment and to have a full range of feasible and comparable alternatives for the resource agencies and public to review. If you have questions or need further information regarding our comments, please contact Travis Wilson, Eastern NCDOT Coordinator, at (919) 528-9886. Cc: George Hoops, FHWA Bill Biddlecome, USACE Chris Militscher, USEPA Gary Jordan, USFWS Cathy Brittingham, DCM David Wainwright, DWQ Ron Sechler, NMFS ?amCT 10 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA 6??r?^rQS ?R, w ``? Zp qa'D ggrrq 0> DEPART OF TRANSPORTATION MICHAEL F. EASLEY LY IDO - ,VETT GOVERNOR SECRETARY October 17, 2007 MEMO TO: File FROM: Brad Smythe, PE, Project Planning Engineer Project Development and Environmental Ana is Branch SUBJECT: Concurrence Point 2A Meeting Minutes for TIP Project U-3419 The NEPA/404 Concurrence Point 2A Bridging Decisions and Alignment Review meeting for U-3419 was held on September 20, 2007. Those in attendance were: Chris Militscher EPA Kathy Mathews EPA Ron Lucas Federal Highway Administration Bill Biddlecome US Army Corps of Engineers Gary Jordan US Fish and Wildlife Service David Wainwright NC Division of Water Quality Travis Wilson NC Wildlife Resources Commission Sara Winslow NC Division of Marine Fisheries Jim Hoadley NC Division of Coastal Management Cathy Brittingham NC Division of Coastal Management Anne-Marie Knighton Edenton Town Manager Stephen Yeung NCDOT - Congestion Management Jerry Jennings NCDOT - Division I Mohammed Mulla NCDOT - Geotechnical Unit Jerry Snead NCDOT - Hydraulics Tony Houser NCDOT - Roadway Design Jason Talley NCDOT - Roadway Design Quang Nguyen NCDOT - Structure Design Tom Stoddard NCDOT - TIP Unit Kerry Vallant NCDOT - Transportation Planning Branch Jamelle Robbins NCDOT - Human Environment Unit Elizabeth Lusk NCDOT - Natural Environment Unit Chris Rivenbark NCDOT - Natural Environment Unit Brad Smythe NCDOT - Project Development and Environmental Analysis Rob Hanson NCDOT - Project Development and Environmental Analysis Charles Cox NCDOT - Project Development and Environmental Analysis MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: 919-733-3141 LOCATION: NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX: 919-733-9794 TRANSPORTATION BUILDING PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET 1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER WEBSITE. WWW.DOH.DOT.STATE.NC.US RALEIGH NC RALEIGH NC 27699-1548 Pre-CP2A Field Meeting Merger team members and NCDOT representatives met in the field on September 13 to view the wetland and stream locations to be discussed at the Concurrence Point 2A meeting. The group visited five sites, corresponding to the major hydraulic locations and one additional wetland impact area with high impacts. For all the sites considered major drainage systems, NCDOT hydraulic recommendations called for culverts. The fifth site was not a major drainage system but the Soundside alternative has a large impact area in this wetland. After reviewing the sites in the field, the agencies represented asked NCDOT to investigate minimum length bridges at two locations, Site 1 and Site 3. Site 1 is an unnamed tributary of Queen Anne's Creek and Site 3 is a crossing of Queen Anne's Creek itself. NEPA/404 Concurrence Point 2A Meeting Table 3 from the merger packet was revised to show details that were discussed in the field and provide a comparison of costs/ wetland acres impacted for sites where bridging is being considered. 'Copies of this table were distributed at the meeting. A copy of this table is attached to this memo. Mr. Biddlecome started the meeting by introducing the project. After introductions and the distribution of the revised Table 3, Mr. Smythe reviewed the project history and provided a brief description of each of the three current alternatives. The discussion then moved into the discussion of bridging decisions. The group went through the five sites reviewed in the field and came to an agreement on each one before proceeding on. Some of the wetland sites listed in Table 2 of the concurrence packet were not visited in the field because they had small impacts and were not considered major hydraulic locations. All wetland sites along the creek were rated the same. The sites that were visited are noted below: Site 1: Most of the discussion was at Site 1. The wetland at this site is high quality with a well-defined channel. This tributary enters Queen Anne's Creek downstream of the riser- board structure located in the creek. The hydraulic recommendation for this crossing was dual 8' x 5' reinforced concrete box culverts (RCBC). Discussion in the field indicated that the addition of equalizer pipes would make this recommendation acceptable. At the end of the field meeting Mr. Biddlecome asked if NCDOT would look at a minimum length bridge (approximately 140') at this location. After completing cost estimates for a minimum length bridge, PDEA recommended a minimum length bridge at this site. This was based on cost estimates that included construction costs and mitigation costs associated with wetland and stream impacts. The estimates show that the cost of the bridge is slightly less than the cost of the culvert at this location, though future maintenance was not taken into account. The merger team concurred with- this recommendation. 2 Site 2: Site 2 is a wetland area associated with Queen Anne's Creek. There is no well- defined channel in this area. The hydraulic recommendation was a 10' x 6' RCBC with the addition of equalizer pipes. The merger team concurred with this recommendation. Site 3: TIP Project B-4463, replacement of the existing bridge on NC 32 over Queen Anne's Creek, is scheduled to go to Let in January of 2011. The site 3 crossing of Queen Anne's Creek is upstream of the bridge replacement and is also upstream of the riser-board structure in place under a farm road in the area. There was a question of the legality of the riser, but Mr. Wainwright found a copy of the permit, and it is indeed legal. A large portion of the wetland along the creek has been recently clear-cut. This appears to have a negative effect on the quality of the overall wetland system, though the portion of the corridor along the creek remains intact and of high quality. Initial hydraulic recommendation for this site was a dual 8' x 6' RCBC, but after comment from the agencies, NCDOT proposed a minimum length bridge at this site. A bridge of approximately 120' meets this purpose and may, in fact, bridge all of the effective high quality wetland in this location. The merger team concurred with this recommendation. Site 4: Site 4 was also a crossing of Queen Anne's Creek but is located farther upstream. At the field meeting, the group agreed with the NCDOT recommendation of a 9' x 6' RCBC at this location. Ms. Brittingham (who wasn't present at the field meeting) was initially concerned with the agreement of a culvert at this location since DOT had previously indicated a commitment to look at bridging all high quality wetland systems. This site is near the upper reaches of Queen Anne's Creek, and has the smallest drainage area of the major sites at 0.8 square miles. It should be noted that all of the wetlands around Queen Anne's Creek were given the same DWQ score of 82. There is some decrease in the actual quality of the wetland as you go upstream which is not indicated in the wetland score. The merger team then concurred with this recommendation. Site 5: Unlike the previous four sites, site 5 was part of Wetland 2, a lower quality system in the northeast part of the study area, not connected to the Queen Anne Creek system. This system is not a major hydraulic conveyance, so NCDOT recommends no culvert or bridge. Once hydraulic designs are done, pipes may be constructed along this alternative in order to maintain existing drainage patterns. This can be addressed at the 4B meeting, per Mr. Snead. There were no other comments for this location. The merger team concurred with this recommendation. Alternatives Discussion At the end of the Concurrence Point 2 meeting in 2003, there were six alternatives remaining. These included Paradise Road, Peanut Lane, and Soundside Western. These were to be considered as fully controlled access, both with and without service roads. The purpose of the service roads was to provide access for large property parcels whose access was being cut off by the new road. NCDOT decided that the service road alternatives were not necessary because access to most parcels could be-provided off of adjacent, existing roads. NCDOT recommends 3 that the three alternatives (Paradise, Peanut, and Soundside) be carried forward in the Environmental Assessment and to the Public Hearing. There were no comments against this. Summary Results from this meeting, with regards to bridging options, are compiled in a short table, which is shown on the signature sheet. In addition, the alternatives to be carried forward are also shown on the signature sheet. An Environmental Assessment document for this project is scheduled for completion in the Fall of 2007, and a public hearing will be held in the Spring of 2008. BDS/bds Cc: Meeting attendees Ron Sechler, NMFS Adrian Cox, Albemarle RPO 4 Section 404/NEPA Interagency Merger Agreement Extension of NC 94 (Soundside Road) from NC 32 to US 17 Bypass, Chowan County, TIP Project U-3419, State Project 8.2030301, Federal Aid Project STP-1114(2) Concurrence Point No. 2A Bridging Decisions & Alignment Review Bridging Decisions: Site Description Alts. Bridging Solution 1 Unnamed Tributary to QAC #1 All minimum length bridge (140') 2 Unnamed Tributary to QAC #1 A All 1 @ 10' x 6' RCBC w/ 48" equalizer pipes 3 Queen Anne's Creek Paradise minimum length bridge (120') -4- 1 Queen Anne's Creek Peanut 1 9' x 6' RCBC Alignment Reivew: The project team has concurred with the bridging alternatives as described above. In addition, the team concurs that the three alternatives, Paradise, Peanut, and Soundside, will be carried forward to the public hearing. NAME AGENCY DATE NCDOT 9 ?z • /-- 7 USACE FHWA ^Z6 - zCb7 NCDWQ JZ?f i' USEPA G1 - 2°" o1 USFWS NMF NCWRC NCDCM _ C) SHPO i^f _Q? O n OA O n r? C7 ? y QQ N CD O• .? CD ?cr CD ?z C) ?d O ?x CD ?a a C17 n • e? (IQ V] O CD O? h C r•. CCD ?. ao o CD CD 0 P) P ?e• CD C O r?•r O ?'h J N n Cl. go El CD t CAD O cD BCD N f+ .? W N CD N CD 0 > CD v 'o , am A y 9? hh l l P-1, M ^^ 1 1 l ? CD CD 1 ? CD CD l CD C Q+ CD- CD (n w CD W CD A7 CD CD A c W C ? n x , CD CD CD CD CD CD CD CA ?• w ?• V7 .-? N ~ N ? ?? 00 0 00 x X X x ON CD :0 l 1 r. tz tz n n ? r n o > 0 CD CD 0 M ? ? x' CAD ? a ?. o . ? . CD A) N rQ (rQ CD N O O O 3' ' CD CD CD .0 O -- CD cr rCD ? ? r ' H ? M ~ N ? F S C D . S CD N CD N N N ? A 00 00 00 ?b 0 X O 00 CC O O O d CS' cr C' ~ ?3- CD CD O CD CD CD CD CD W to .? 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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION T ?d??Aao STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA 4?T0Rk??? ., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MICHAEL F. EASLEY LYNDo TIPPETT GOVERNOR SECRETARY October 10, 2007 MEMORANDUM TO: Secretary Lyndo Tippett l FROM: Kimberly D. Hinton Senior Public Hearing Officer Human Environment Unit RE: Notice of a Public Hearing on Howell Mill Road (SR 1184) from Russ Avenue (US 276) to Asheville Avenue (US 23 Business) Haywood County. The following Notice is furnished for your information: U-4412 This project proposes to improve Howell Mill Road from Russ Avenue to Asheville Avenue. KDH/cdh Attachment cc: Mr. Conrad Burrell, Board of Transportation Member- Div. 14 Mr. Steve Varnedoe, P.E. Mr. A. D. Allison, 11. Ms. Deborah M. Barbour, P.E. Mr. C. W. Leggett, P.E. Mr. Majed Al-Ghandour, P.E. Mr. Bill Rosser Mr. Greg Thorpe Mr. Rob Hanson, P.E. Ms. Teresa Hart, P.E. Mr. Art McMillan, P.E. Mr. Jay Bennett, P.E. Mr. J.' Victor Barbour, P.E. Mr. Kevin Lacy, P.E. Ms. Sharon Lipscomb MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: 919-715-1500 LOCATION: NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX: 919-715-1522 PARKER LINCOLN BLDG HUMAN ENVIRONMENT UNIT 2728 CAPITAL BLVD 1583 MAIL SERVICE CENTER WEBSITE: WWW.N000T.ORG RALEIGH NC RALEIGH NC 27699-1583 Ms. Tammy Denning Mr. Everett Ward Mr. Mike Bruff, P.E. Mr. John Hennessy Mr. Charles Brown, P.E., PLS Mr. Teddy Greene, Right of Way Agent - Division 14 FHWA NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING ON HOWELL MILL ROAD (SR 1184) FROM RUSS AVENUE (US 276) TO ASHEVILLE ROAD (US 23 BUSINESS) TIP Project No. U-4412 Haywood County The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will hold a Design Public Hearing on November 15, 2007 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the Waynesville Recreational Center, 550 Vance Street, Waynesville, 28786. NCDOT representatives will be available in an informal setting to answer questions and receive comments relative to the proposed project. The opportunity to submit written comments or questions will also be provided. Interested citizens may attend at any time during the above mentioned hours. Please note there will be no formal presentation. NCDOT proposes to make improvements to Howell Mill Road (SR 1184) from Russ Avenue (US 276) to Asheville Road (US 23 Business). The proposed project would correct the existing two-lane roadway deficiencies and upgrade the roadway to current design standards. The NCDOT also proposes to construct a railroad grade separation with an improved alignment over the Norfolk Southern Railway to eliminate train-car conflicts. A map setting forth the design of the project and a copy of the environmental document - Environmental Assessment (EA) - are available for public review at the Waynesville Recreational Center, 550 Vance Street, Waynesville, 28786; the Town of Waynesville Administration Department, 16 South Main Street, Waynesville, 28786; and the NCDOT's Division Office located at 253 Webster Road, Sylva, 28779. Anyone desiring additional information may contact Ms. Kimberly Hinton, Human Environment Unit at 1583 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1583, phone (919) 715-1595, fax (919) 715-1501, or email khinton(@-dot. state. nc.us. Additional comments may be submitted until November 30, 2007. NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who wish to participate in this hearing. Anyone requiring special services should contact Ms. Hinton as early as possible so that arrangements can be made. STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA ?"" "At:rRhtU;???g9P?CH DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ?? MICHAEL F. EASLEY LYNDo TIPPETT GOVERNOR SECRETARY Mr. Brian Wrenn NCDWQ 1650 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 October 11, 2007 SUBJECT: EEP Mitigation Acceptance Letter for TIP R-2408A. Dear Sir: Please find the attached EEP mitigation acceptance letter for TIP Project R-2408A. EEP has agreed to provide compensatory stream mitigation for 167 ft. of permanent impacts attributed to this project. If you have any questions, or need additional information, please contact me at 919-715- 5535. Sincer y, 1 I > Jas L. Dilday N OT Environmental Specialist MAILING ADDRESS: NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 1598 MAIL SERVICE CENTER RALEIGH NC 27699-1598 TELEPHONE: 919-715-1500 FAX: 919-715-1501 WEBSITE: WWW.DOH.DOT.STATE.NC.US LOCATION: 2728 CAPITOL BOULEVARD PARKER LINCOLN BUILDING, SUITE 168 RALEIGH NC 27699 RECEIVED C CT 9 2001 &os stem PROGRAM October 5, 2007 Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D. Environmental Management Director Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation 1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1548 Dear Dr. Thorpe: Subject: EEP Mitigation Acceptance Letter: `MWOF HOMYS OMME1M O W R-2408A, Improve SR 1323 (Riverview St) from US 441 Bus. To NC 28 The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) will provide the compensatory stream mitigation for the subject project. Based on the information supplied by you on September 28, 2007, the impacts are located in CU 06010202 of the Little Tennessee River Basin in the Southern Mountains (SM) Eco-Region, and are as follows: Cool Stream: 167 ft. EEP commits to implementing sufficient compensatory wetland mitigation to offset the impacts associated with this project by the end of the MOA Year in which this project is permitted, in accordance with Section X of the Amendment No. 2 to the Memorandum of Agreement between the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, fully executed on March 8, 2007. If the above referenced impact amounts are revised, then this mitigation acceptance letter will no longer be valid and a new mitigation acceptance letter will be required from EEP. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ms. Beth Harmon at 919-715-1929. Sincerely, William D. Gilmore, P.E. EEP Director cc: Mr. David Baker, USACE-Asheville Field Office Mr. John Hennessy, Division of Water Quality, Wetlands/401 Unit File: R-2408 MEMORANDUM October 1, 2007 TO: Secretary Lyndo Tippett FROM: Eileen A. Fuchs Z Public Hearing Officer Human Environment Unit LYNDo TIPPETT SECRETARY RE: Notice of a Citizens Informational Workshop for the Improvements to Smith Level Road (SR 1919) from south of Rock Haven Road to Bridge No. 88 over Morgan Creek TIP Project No. U-2803 Orange County The following Notice is furnished for your information: U-2803 This project proposes to improve Smith Level Road from south of Rock Haven Road to Bridge No. 88 over Morgan Creek. EAF/cdh Attachment cc: Mr. J. Douglas Galyon, Board of Transportation Member - Division 7 Mr. Steve Varnedoe, P.E. Mr. A. D. Allison, II Ms. Deborah M. Barbour, P.E. Mr. C. W. Leggett, P.E. Mr. Majed Al-Ghandour, P.E. Mr. Bill Rosser Mr. Greg Thorpe, Ph.D. Mr. Rob Hanson, P.E. Ms. Teresa Hart, P.E. Mr. Eric Midkiff, P.E. Mr. Art McMillan, P.E. Mr. Jay Bennett, P. E. Mr. J. Victor Barbour, P.E. LTyv M STATE o N ? STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MICHAEL F. EASLEY GOVERNOR MAILING ADDRESS: NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HUMAN ENVIRONMENT UNIT 1583 MAIL SERVICE CENTER RALEIGH NC 27699-1583 TELEPHONE: 919-715-1500 FAX: 919-715-1522 WEBSITE: WWW.NCDOT.ORG /0 4 / o ?`?pb CT .2 0> LOCATION: PARKER LINCOLN BLDG 2728 CAPITAL BLVD RALEIGH NC Mr. Kevin Lacy, P.E. Ms. Sharon Lipscomb Ms. Tammy Denning Mr. Everett Ward Mr. Mike Bruff, P.E. Mr. John Hennessy Mr. Charles Brown, P.E., PLS Mr. Ritchie Tuttle, Right of Way Agent - Division 7 FHWA NOTICE OF A CITIZENS INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOP FOR THE PROPOSED TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS TO SMITH LEVEL ROAD (SR 1919) FROM SOUTH OF ROCK HAVEN ROAD TO BRIDGE NO. 88 OVER MORGAN CREEK TIP Project No. U-2803 Orange County The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) together with the Town of Carrboro will hold the above Citizens Informational Workshop on November 5, 2007, between the hours of 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the Carrboro High School Cafe Commons, 201 Rock Haven Road, Carrboro, 27510. Interested individuals may attend this informal workshop at their convenience during the above stated hours. Please note there will be no formal presentation. The purpose of this workshop is for NCDOT representatives to provide information, answer questions, and accept written comments regarding this project. NCDOT proposes the following improvements to Smith Level Road: ? widen the northern section (between Morgan Creek and Bpw's Club Road) to a four-lane divided roadway ? widen the central section (between Bpw's Club Road and Culbreth Road) to where four lanes would transition to three lanes ? widen the southern section (between Culbreth Road and Rock Haven Road) to a three-lane roadway with a central turning lane ? install a roundabout at the intersection of Rock Haven Road ? install sidewalks and bicycle accommodations throughout the length of the project The purpose of the project is to increase capacity, improve bicycle and pedestrian access and to improve vehicle and pedestrian safety. Anyone desiring additional information may contact Mr. Steve L. Brown, Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch at 1548 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1548, phone (919) 733-3141, fax (919) 733-9794 or email: slbrown(aD_dot.state. nc.us. NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who wish to participate in this workshop. Anyone requiring special services should contact Mr. Brown as early as possible so that arrangements can be made. J Z STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CT ©8 ?O r'4NOc V1' ZO ?Hn wq?F,... 0/> DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION `ro ?Rry MICHAEL F. EASLEY LYNDO TIPPETTo GOVERNOR SECRETARY October 1, 2007 MEMORANDUM TO: Secretary Lyndo Tippett FROM: Ed Lewis Public Hearing Officer Human Environment Unit RE: Notice of a Combined Public Hearing for Improvements to SR 1406 (Piney Green Road) from NC 24 To US 17 TIP Project No. U-3810, Onslow County The following Notice is furnished for your information: U-3810 This project proposes to improve Piney Green Road from NC 24 To US 17. EL/cdh Attachment cc: Mr. Lanny T. Wilson, Board of Transportation Member - Division 3 Mr. Louis W. Sewell, Jr., At-Large Member - Division 3 Mr. Steve Varnedoe, P.E. Mr. A. D. Allison, II Ms. Deborah M. Barbour, P.E. Mr. C.W. Leggett, P.E. Mr. Majed Al-Ghandour, P.E. Mr. Bill Rosser Mr. Greg Thorpe Mr. Rob Hanson, P.E. Ms. Teresa Hart, P. E. Mr. Art McMillan, P.E. Mr. Jay Bennett, P.E. Mr. J.Victor Barbour, P.E. Mr. Kevin Lacy, P.E. Ms. Sharon Lipscomb MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: 919-715-1500 LOCATION: NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX: 919-715-1522 PARKER LINCOLN BLDG HUMAN ENVIRONMENT UNIT 2728 CAPITAL BLVD 1583 MAIL SERVICE CENTER WEBSITE. WWW.NCDOT.ORG RALEIGH NC RALEIGH NC 27699-1583 Ms. Tammy Denning Mr. Everett Ward Mr. Mike Bruff, P.E. Mr. John Hennessy Mr. Charles Brown, P.E., PLS Mr. Hugh Thompson, Jr., Right of Way Agent - Division 3 FHWA NOTICE OF A PRE-HEARING OPEN HOUSE AND FORMAL COMBINED PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS TO SR 1406 (PINEY GREEN ROAD) FROM NC 24 TO US 17 TIP Project No. U-3810 Onslow County The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will hold a Pre- Hearing Open House and Formal Combined Public Hearing on Thursday, November 8, 2007 in the Cultural Arts Building Auditorium at White Oak High School, 1001 Piney Green Road, Jacksonville, 28546. NCDOT representatives will be available at the Pre-Hearing Open House between the hours of 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to answer questions and receive comments relative to the location and design of the proposed project. Interested citizens may attend at any time during the above mentioned hours. The formal Public Hearing will begin at 7:00 p.m. The hearing will consist of an explanation of the proposed location, design, the State-Federal relationship, right of way, and relocation requirements and procedures. The hearing will be open to those present for statements, questions and comments. The presentation and comments will be recorded and a transcript will be prepared. NCDOT proposes to widen and partially realign SR 1406 (Piney Green Road) to a four lane median divided curb & gutter roadway with wide outside lanes to accommodate bicycles. The purpose of the project is to improve safety and traffic flow along Piney Green Road. There are two alternatives considered. Widening will occur on the west side or symmetrically. Preliminary designs for these options will be presented at the hearing for public comments. Additional right of way and the relocation of homes and businesses will be required for this project. A map displaying the location and design of the project and a copy of the environmental document - Environmental Assessment (EA) - are available for public review at the Jacksonville City Hall in the Planning Department located at 815 New Bridge Street, Jacksonville, 28540 and at the NCDOT District Office located at 295-A Wilmington Highway, Jacksonville, 28540. The map is also available on the City of Jacksonville's website: www.ci.iacksonville.nc.us Additional copies of the Environmental Assessment (EA) are available for viewing at the Onslow County Public Library Main Branch, 58 Doris Avenue East, Jacksonville, 28540. Anyone desiring additional information may contact Mr. Ed Lewis, 1583 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, 27699-1583, by phone at (919) 715-1593, fax at (919) 715- 1501, or E-mail at elewisCaD-dot.state. nc.us. Additional comments may be submitted until December 7, 2007. NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who wish to participate in this hearing. Anyone requiring special services should contact Mr. Lewis as early as possible so that arrangements can be made. 01 Ecosvstem rA?;J PROGRAM October 9, 2007 Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D. Environmental Management. Director Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation 1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1548 Dear Dr. Thorpe: Subject: EEP Mitigation Acceptance Letter: 0 o R-250213, Widening of US 1 from SR 1528 to Existing Facility in Richmond County, Moore and Richmond Counties The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) will provide the compensatory riparian and nonriparian wetland mitigation for the subject project. Based on the information supplied by you on October 1, 2007, the impacts are located in CU 03040203 of the Lumber River Basin in the Southern Piedmont (SP) Eco-Region, and are as follows: Riparian Wetlands: 5.18 acres This mitigation acceptance letter replaces the mitigation acceptance letter issued August 21, 2007. EEP commits to implementing sufficient compensatory wetland mitigation to offset the impacts associated with this project by the end of the MOA Year in which this project is permitted, in accordance with Section X of the Amendment No. 2 to the Memorandum of Agreement between the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, fully executed on March 8, 2007. If the above referenced impact amounts are revised, then this mitigation acceptance letter will no longer be valid and a new mitigation acceptance letter will be required from EEP. Ji Ecpsystem PROGRAM October 9, 2007 Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D. Environmental Management Director Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation 1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1548 Dear Dr. Thorpe: Subject: EEP Mitigation Acceptance Letter: R-250213, Widening of US 1 from SR 1528 to Existing Facility in Richmond County, Moore and Richmond Counties The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) will provide the compensatory riparian and nonriparian wetland mitigation for the subject project. Based on the information supplied by you on October 1, 2007, the impacts are located in CU 03040203 of the Lumber River Basin in the Southern Piedmont (SP) Eco-Region, and are as follows: Riparian Wetlands: 5.18 acres This mitigation acceptance letter replaces the mitigation acceptance letter issued August 21, 2007. EEP commits to implementing sufficient compensatory wetland mitigation to offset the impacts associated with this project by the end of the MOA Year in which this project is permitted, in accordance with Section X of the Amendment No. 2 to the Memorandum of Agreement between the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, fully executed on March 8, 2007. If the above referenced impact amounts are revised, then this mitigation acceptance letter will no longer be valid and a new mitigation acceptance letter will be required from EEP. -Eco stem PROGRAM October 9, 2007 Mr. Richard Spencer U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington Regulatory Field Office Post Office Box 1890 Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890 Dear Mr. Spencer: Subject: EEP Mitigation Acceptance Letter (revised): R-250213, Widening US 1 from SR 1528 to Existing Facility in Richmond County, Richmond and Moore Counties; Lumber River Basin (Cataloging Unit 03040203); Southern Piedmont (SP) Eco-Region The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) will provide the compensatory riparian and nonriparian mitigation for the unavoidable impact associated with the above referenced project. As indicated in the NCDOT's mitigation request dated October 1, 2007, compensatory riparian mitigation from EEP is required for approximately 5.18 acres of impacts. This mitigation acceptance letter replaces the mitigation acceptance letter issued October 5, 2007. Compensatory wetland mitigation associated with this project will be provided in accordance with Section X of the Amendment No. 2 to the Memorandum of Agreement between the N. C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the N. C. Department of Transportation, and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers fully executed on March 8, 2007 (Tri- Party MOA). EEP commits to implement sufficient compensatory riparian and nonriparian wetland mitigation up to 5.90 riparian and 4.46 nonriparian wetland credits to offset the impacts associated with this project by the end of the MOA year in which this project is permitted. If the above referenced impact amounts are revised, then this mitigation acceptance letter will no longer be valid and a new mitigation acceptance letter will be required from EEP. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ms. Beth Harmon at 919-715-1929. JEE ce rely, lliam . Gi mor , P.E. P Dir for cc: Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., NCDOT-PDEA Mr. John Hennessy, Division of Water Quality, Wetlands/401 Unit File: R-2502B Revised c® stemy: PROGRAM Mr. Bill Biddlecome U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Washington Regulatory Field Office Post Office Box 1000 Washington, North Carolina 27889-1000 Dear Mr. Biddlecome: September 20, 2007 Subject: EEP Mitigation Acceptance Letter: T??osr?? I s t% ^?. B-4226, Replace Bridge Number 62 on SR 1110 over Bear Swamp Canal, Perquimans County; Pasquotank River Basin (Cataloging Unit 03010205); Northern Outer Coastal Plain (NOCP) Eco-Region The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) will provide the riparian wetlan; rn. itigation for the unavoidable impact associated with the above referenced project. As indicated in the NCDOT's mitigation request dated September 10, 2007, the riparian wetland mitigation from EEP !? required for approximately 0.19 acre of riparian wetland impact. Riparian wetland mitigation; associated with this project will be provided in accordance with Section X of the Amendment No. 2 to the Memorandum of Agreement between the N. C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the N. C. Department of Transportation, and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers fully executed on March 8, 2007 (Tri-Party MOA). EEP commits to implement sufficient 0.38 riparian wetland credits to offset the impacts associated with this project by the end of the MOA year in which this project is permitted. If the above referenced impact amounts are revised, then this mitigation acceptance letter will no longer be valid and a new mitigation acceptance letter will he required from EEP. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ms. Beth Harmon at 919-715-1929. Sincerely, Willi D. Gilmore, P.E. EEP Director cc: Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., NCDOT-PDEA Mr. John Hennessy, Division of Water Quality, Wetlands/401 Unit File: B-4226 AMA NCDENR North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program, 1652 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1652 / 919-715-0476 / www.nceep.net _.qos stem J. ? PROGRAM September 21, 2007 Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D. Environmental Management Director Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation 1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1548 'Dear Dr. Thorpe: Subject: EEP Mitigation Acceptance Letter: B-4226, Replace Bridge Number 62 on SR 1100 over Bear Swamp Canal, Perquimans County The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) will provide the compensatory riparian wetland mitigation for the subject project. Based on the information supplied by you on September 10, 2007, the impacts are located in CU 03010205 of the Pasquotank River Basin in the Northern Outer Coastal Plain (NOCP) Eco-Region, and are as follows: Riparian Wetland: 0.19 acre EEP commits to implementing sufficient compensatory riparian wetland mitigation to offset the impacts associated with this project by the end of the MOA Year in which this project is permitted, in accordance with Section X of the Amendment No. 2 to the Memorandum of Agreement between the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, fully executed on March 8, 2007. If the above referenced impact amounts are revised, then this mitigation acceptance letter will no longer be valid and a new mitigation acceptance letter will be required from EEP. ..???'^:.?? w3,\CDLN North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program, 1652 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1652 / 919-715-0476 / www.n(eep.net If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ms. Beth Harmon at 919-715-1929. Sincerely, Will D. Gilmore, P.E. EEP Director cc: Mr. Bill Biddlecome, USACE - Washington Mr. John Hennessy, Division of Water Quality, Wetlands/401 Unit File: B-4226 PROGRAM August 21, 2007 Mr. Steve Lund U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Asheville Regulatory Field Office 151 Patton Avenue, Room 208 Asheville, North Carolina 28801-5006 Dear Mr. Lund: Subject: EEP Mitigation Acceptance Letter: 4o o 2 `yFT(a,H?s NR Ir20 sr0, /Q0 ryO? ?ReA R-2320G, US 52 Extension from the Intersection of US 52/NC 73/ NC24/27 and NC 138 to the Intersection of US 52 and SR 1785 (Johns Road), Stanly County; Yadkin River Basin (Cataloging Unit 03040105); Southern Piedmont (SP) Eco-Region The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) will provide the compensatory stream mitigation for the unavoidable impact associated with the above referenced project. As indicated in the NCDOT's mitigation request dated August 7, 2007, compensatory stream mitigation from EEP is required for approximately 948 feet of warm stream impact. Compensatory stream mitigation associated with this project will be provided in accordance with Section X of the Amendment No. 2 to the Memorandum of Agreement between the N. C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the N. C. Department of Transportation, and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers fully executed on March 8, 2007 (Tri- Party MOA). EEP commits to implement sufficient compensatory stream mitigation up to 1,896 warm stream credits to offset the impacts associated with this project by the end of the MOA year in which this project is permitted. If the above referenced impact amounts are revised, then this mitigation acceptance letter will no longer be valid and a new mitigation acceptance letter will be required from EEP. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ms. Beth Harmon at 919-715-1929. Sincerely, ?. William . Gilmore P.E. EEP Director cc: Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., NCDOT-PDEA Mr. John Hennessy, Division of Water Quality, Wetlands/401 Unit File: R-2320G As A NCDENR North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program, 16S2 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1652 / 919-715-0476 / www.nceep.net CfJ stem ?. PROGRAM August 21, 2007 Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D. Environmental Management Director Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation 1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1548 Dear Dr. Thorpe: Subject: EEP Mitigation Acceptance Letter: R-2320G, Albemarle - US 52 Extension from the Intersection of US 52/ NC73/NC 24/27 and NC 138 to the Intersection of US 52 and SR 1785 (Johns Road), Stanly County The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) will provide the compensatory stream mitigation for the subject project. Based on the information supplied by you on August 7, 2007, the impacts are located in CU 03040105 of the Yadkin River Basin in the Southern Piedmont (SP) Eco-Region, and are as follows: Warm Stream: . 948 feet EEP commits to implementing sufficient compensatory stream mitigation to offset the impacts associated with this project by the end of the MOA Year in which this project is permitted, in accordance with Section X of the Amendment No. 2 to the Memorandum of Agreement between the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, fully executed on March 8, 2007. If the above referenced impact amounts are revised, then this mitigation acceptance letter will no longer be valid and a new mitigation acceptance letter will be required from EEP. ©A NCDENR North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program, 1652 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1652 / 919-715-047 6 / www.nceep.net If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ms. Beth Harmon at 919-715-1929. Sincerely, Willis . Gilmore, P.E. EEP Director cc: Mr. Steve Lund, USACE - Asheville Mr. John Hennessy, Division of Water Quality, Wetlands/401 Unit File: R-2320G r "I,$-- -M?Ji c E ow stem . PROGRAM August 21, 2007 Mr. William Wescott U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Washington Regulatory Field Office Post Office Box 1000 Washington, North Carolina 27889-1000 Bear Mr. Wescott: Subject: EEP Mitigation Acceptance Letter: e*o I - ? pF G' 7 'V WN , B-3625, Replace Bridge Number 20 on SR 1124 over East Prong of Broad Creek, Carteret County; White Oak River Basin (Cataloging Unit 03020106); Southern Outer Coastal Plain (SOCP) Eco-Region The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) will provide the compensatory riparian wetland mitigation for the unavoidable impact associated with the above referenced project. As indicated in the NCDOT's mitigation request dated July 27, 2007, compensatory riparian wetland mitigation from EEP is required for approximately 0.13 acre of riparian wetland impacts. Compensatory riparian wetland mitigation associated with this project will be provided in accordance with Section X of the Amendment No. 2 to the Memorandum of Agreement between the N. C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the N. C. Department of Transportation, and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers fully executed on March 8, 2007 (Tri- Party MOA).- EEP commits to implement sufficient compensatory stream mitigation up to 0.26 riparian wetland credits to offset the impacts associated with this project by the end of the MOA year in which this project is permitted. If the above referenced impact amounts are revised, then this mitigation acceptance letter will no longer be valid and a new mitigation acceptance letter will be required from EEP. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ms. Beth Harmon at 919-715-1929. Sincerely, 1D . William ilmore, P.E. EEP Director cc: Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., NCDOT-PDEA Mr. John Hennessy, Division of Water Quality, Wetlands/401 Unit File: B-3625 eN North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program, 1652 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1652 / 919-715-0476 / www.nceep.net stem Eco! PROGRAM August 21, 2007 Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D. Environmental Management Director Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation 1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1548 Dear Dr. Thorpe: Subject: EEP Mitigation Acceptance Letter: B-3625, Replace Bridge Number 20 on SR 1124 over East Prong of Broad Creek, Carteret County The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) will provide the compensatory riparian wetland mitigation for the subject project. Based on the information supplied by you on July 27, 2007, the impacts are located in CU 03020106 of the White Oak River Basin in the Southern Outer Coastal Plain (SOCP) Eco-Region, and are as follows: Riparian Wetlands: 0.13 acre During the review of this request, it was noted that this project did not include any wetland or stream impacts in the 2007 Impact Projection Database; however, EEP will provide the requested riparian wetland mitigation. Depending on the availability and projected need of stream mitigation in this cataloging unit, additional stream mitigation may be required that was not included in the biennial budget submitted to NCDOT on April 2, 2007 (revised April 16, 2007). EEP commits to implementing sufficient compensatory riparian wetland mitigation to offset the impacts associated with this project by the end of the MOA Year in which this project is permitted, in accordance with Section X of the Amendment No. 2 to the Memorandum of Agreement between the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, fully executed on March 8, 2007. If the above wa%_i y. 7???z,N ,,, ;.?,?m'3 r; if .:> ..J 1.9 NCDENR North (arolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program, 1652 Mail Service (enter, Raleigh, NC 27699-1652 / 919-715-0476 / www.n(eep.net referenced impact amounts are revised, then this mitigation acceptance letter will no longer be valid and a new mitigation acceptance letter will be required from EEP. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ms. Beth Harmon at 919-715-1929. Sincerely, -61 -3? . ? Willi 7m ore, P.E. EEP Director cc: Mr. William Wescott, USACE - Washington Mr. John Hennessy, Division of Water Quality, Wetlands/401 Unit File: B-3625 f; Ems X111 F y PROGRAM August 21, 2007 Mr. David Baker U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Asheville Regulatory Field Office 151 Patton Avenue, Room 208 Asheville, North Carolina 28801-5006 Dear Mr. Baker: Subject: EEP Mitigation Acceptance Letter: 4 2 Fr,?a °FWR. ¢ ZO Oj h B-4197, Replace Bridge Number 73 on SR 1552 (Lake James Road) over Dales Creek, McDowell County; Catawba River Basin (Cataloging Unit 03050101); Northern Mountains (NM) Eco-Region The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) will provide the compensatory stream mitigation for the unavoidable impact associated with the above referenced project. As indicated in the NCDOT's mitigation request dated August 1, 2007, compensatory stream mitigation from EEP is required for approximately 167 feet of cool stream impacts. Compensatory stream mitigation associated with this project will be provided in accordance with Section X of the Amendment No. 2 to the Memorandum of Agreement between the N. C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the N. C. Department of Transportation, and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers fully executed on March 8, 2007 (Tri- Party MOA). EEP commits to implement sufficient compensatory stream mitigation up to 334 stream credits to offset the impacts associated with this project by the end of the MOA year in which this project is permitted. If the above referenced impact amounts are revised, then this mitigation acceptance letter will no longer be valid and a new mitigation acceptance letter will be required from EEP. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ms. Beth Harmon at 919-715-1929. Sincerely, William . Gilmore, P.E. EEP Director cc: Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., NCDOT-PDEA Mr. John Hennessy, Division of Water Quality, Wetlands/401 Unit File: B-4197 F , - tea NCDENR North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program, 1652 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1652 / 919-715-0476 / www.nceep.net 1^ Eeo stem. PROGRAM August 21, 2007 Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D. Environmental Management Director Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation 1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1548 Dear Dr. Thorpe: Subject: EEP Mitigation Acceptance Letter: B-4197, Replace Bridge Number 73 on SR 1552 (Lake James Road) over Dales Creek, McDowell County The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) will provide the compensatory stream mitigation for the subject project. Based on the information supplied by you on August 1, 2007, the impacts are located in CU 03050101 of the Catawba River Basin in the Northern Mountains (NM) Eco-Region, and are as follows: Cool Stream: 167 feet During the review of this request, it was noted that this project did not include any wetland or stream impacts in the 2007 Impact Projection Database; however, EEP will provide the requested stream mitigation. Depending on the availability and projected need of stream mitigation in this cataloging unit, additional stream mitigation may be required that was not included in the biennial budget submitted to NCDOT on April 2, 2007 (revised April 16, 2007). EEP commits to implementing sufficient compensatory stream mitigation to offset the impacts associated with this project by the end of the MOA Year in which this project is permitted, in accordance with Section X of the Amendment No. 2 to the Memorandum of Agreement between the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, fully executed on March 8, 2007. If the above referenced impact HCDEHR North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program, 1652 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, 'NC 27699-1652 / 919-715-0476 / www.nceep.net - %. amounts are revised, then this mitigation acceptance letter will no longer be valid and a new mitigation acceptance letter will be required from EEP. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ms. Beth Harmon at 919-715-1929. Sincerely, U Willi D. Gilmore, P.E. EEP Director cc: Mr. David Baker, USACE - Asheville Mr. John Hennessy, Division of Water Quality, Wetlands/401 Unit File: B-4197 r r sew r r >? R +{w y' ?. ?•."??. t..K.t?`,?w.. ikL??i..,??.KF,'3'?4*.b'? ?jf. ;'.3?Yiv North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 0 MEMORANDUM TO: Melba McGee Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, DENR FROM: Travis Wilson, Highway Project Coordinator - ?? Habitat Conservation Program --?--- DATE: September 6, 2007 SUBJECT: North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed widening of SR 1406 in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina. TIP No. U-3810, SCH Project No. 08-0051 Staff biologists with the N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission have reviewed the subject EA and are familiar with habitat values in the project area. The purpose of this review was to assess project impacts to fish and wildlife resources. Our comments are provided in accordance with certain provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)) and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d). NCDOT proposes to widen existing SR 1406 (Piney Green Rd) from NC 24 to US 17 in Jacksonville. Two alternatives are presented in the EA. Widening to the west of existing will impact 1,160 linear feet of stream and 2.6 acres of wetlands. Widening with a "best fit" alignment will impact 1,195 linear feet of stream and 3.4 acres of wetlands, but will reduce human impacts. At this time we do not have any specific comments, we concur with the EA for this project. We will continue to assess the impacts associated with the remaining alternatives in preparation for the Merger 01 concurrence point 3 meeting, selection of the LEDPA and for further avoidance and minimization measures. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this EA. If we can be of any further assistance please call me at (919) 528-9886. cc: Gary Jordan, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Raleigh Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721 Telephone: (919) 707-0220 • Fax: (919) 707-0028 Memo David Wainwright, DWQ, Raleigh Jennifer Frye, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington Chris Militscher, EPA September 6, 2007 ®system ? err i Y '.. PROGRAM August 21, 2007 Mr. Richard Spencer U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington Regulatory Field Office Post Office Box 1890 Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890 Dear Mr. Spencer: Subject: EEP Mitigation Acceptance Letter: 4&c ?r?NOS'??. w 2 g Zp ?NOSgTFiQ. ?l,% R-2502B, Widening US 1 from SR 1528 to Existing Facility in Richmond County, Richmond and Moore Counties; Lumber River Basin (Cataloging Unit 03040203); Southern Piedmont (SP) Eco-Region The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) will provide the compensatory riparian and tionriparian mitigation for the unavoidable impact associated with the above referenced project. As indicated in the NCDOT's mitigation request dated July 11, 2007, compensatory riparian and nonriparian mitigation from EEP is required for approximately 4.73 and 0.49 acres of impacts, respectively Compensatory wetland mitigation associated with this project will be provided in accordance with Section X of the Amendment No. 2 to the Memorandum of Agreement between the N. C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the N. C. Department of Transportation, and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers fully executed on March 8, 2007 (Tri- Party MOA). EEP commits to implement sufficient compensatory riparian and nonriparian wetland mitigation up to 9.46 riparian and 0.98 nonriparian wetland credits to offset the impacts associated with this project by the end of the MOA year in which this project is permitted. If the above referenced impact amounts are revised, then this mitigation acceptance letter will no longer be valid and a new mitigation acceptance letter will be required from EEP. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ms. Beth Harmon at 919-715-1929. Sincerely, hl- WilliD. Gilmore, P.E. EEP Director cc: Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., NCDOT-PDEA Mr. John Hennessy, Division of Water Quality, Wetlands/401 Unit File: R-2502B NCDENR North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program, 1652 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1652 / 919-715-047 6 / www.nceep.net P't NO- -co S My. PROGRAM August 21, 2007 Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D. Environmental Management Director Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation 1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1548 Dear Dr. Thorpe: Subject: EEP Mitigation Acceptance Letter: R-2502B, Widening of US 1 from SR 1528 to Existing Facility in Richmond County, Moore and Richmond Counties The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) will provide the compensatory riparian and nonriparian wetland mitigation for the subject project. Based on the information supplied by you on July 11, 2007, the impacts are located in CU 03040203 of the Lumber River Basin in the Southern Piedmont (SP) Eco-Region, and are as follows: Riparian Wetlands: 4.73 acres Nonriparian Wetlands: 0.49 acre EEP commits to implementing sufficient compensatory wetland mitigation to offset the impacts associated with this project by the end of the MOA Year in which this project is permitted, in accordance with Section X of the Amendment No. 2 to the Memorandum of Agreement between the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, fully executed on March 8, 2007. If the above referenced impact amounts are revised, then this mitigation acceptance letter will no longer be valid and a new mitigation acceptance letter will be required from EEP. l A NCDENR North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program, 1652-'Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 21699-1652 J 919-715-0476 / www.nceep.net If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ms. Beth Harmon at 919-715-1929. Sincerely, I Q. , V William D. Gilmore, P.E. EEP Director cc: Mr. Richard Spencer, USACE - Wilmington Mr. John Hennessy, Division of Water Quality, Wetlands/401 Unit File: R-2502B J?<tE0 ST?TFS o e? 2? yJ UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 4? o Q ATLANTA FEDERAL CENTER z or 61 FORSYTH STREET 4 3?irq< PROI9 ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303-8960 ?r?fpps4b August 3, 2007 Ms. Jennifer Harris, P.E. North Carolina Turnpike Authority 1578 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1578 ps?A,s?rFA <'IZ 2911> RE: USEPA Scoping Comments: - Mid-Currituck Bridge Study; Currituck County TIP Project Number: R-2576 Dear Ms. Harris: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 Office has reviewed the June 20, 2007, Turnpike Environmental Agency Coordination (TEAL) information, including the proposed purpose and need, conceptual alternatives report, and the Draft Section 6002 Project Coordination Plan for the Mid-Currituck Bridge Study Toll project in Currituck County. In addition, EPA has also included in this letter its comments following the July 10, 2007, field review meeting for the proposed corridor alignments C1 to C6. EPA understands that scoping for the proposed Mid-Currituck Sound Bridge began with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) in 1994. A Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was issued in January of 1998. The FHWA and NCTA basically propose the same corridors (Cl to C6) that were proposed in the 1998 DEIS. Since the issuance of the DEIS and prior to the project being turned over to the NCTA, the proposed project was placed into the NEPA/Section 404 Merger process. According to .EPA's tracking database, Concurrence Point 1, Purpose and Need was signed September 15, 2003. In 2005, the North Carolina General Assembly issued Article 6H of Chapter 136 of the NC General Statutes that more specifically defined NCTA activities with respect to toll projects. Under Section 136-89.183A, there is a requirement for an accelerated pilot toll bridge project. The statute is very clear in requiring a contract with a single private firm to design, obtain all necessary permits for, and construct the toll bridge described in G.S. 136-89.183(a)(2). The bridge is to be of more than two miles in length going from the mainland to a peninsula bordering the State of Virginia, in order to provide accelerated, efficient, and cost-effective completion of the project. EPA and other agencies interpreted this to mean the Mid-Currituck Bridge project, although the FHWA and NCTA's project study area and proposed corridors are more than 10 miles from the Virginia state border. FHWA and NCTA should confirm this interpretation. Intemet Address (URL) • http://www.epa.gov Recycled/Recyclable • Printed with Vegetable Oil Based Inks on Recycled Paper (Minimum 30% Postconsumer) t ` EPA has attached to this letter specific comments on the proposed Purpose and Need for the bridge project, the preliminary alternatives under consideration, data and analytic needs for the NEPA review and other comments and observations from the field review meeting (See Attachment). J EPA appreciates the opportunity for early comments and to highlight some of the issues of environmental concern on this proposed toll facility under SAFETEA-LU Section 6002. Should you have any questions or want to discuss, please feel free to contact Chris Militscher at 919-856-4206 or me at 404-562-9611. Sincerely, Heinz J. Mueller, Chief. NEPA Program Office Cc: Clarence Coleman, FHWA Scott McLendon, USAGE John Hennessy, NCDWQ Pete Benjamin, USFWS Attachment R-2576, Mid-Currituck Bridge Study Currituck County, NC Scoping Comments Purpose and Need The 1998 DEIS describes two general purposes for the Mid-Currituck Bridge, including the reduction of road user costs and travel times between Currituck Countys Outer Banks and its mainland and to provide-public services more efficiently to the Outer Banks. In 2007, NCTA incorporated coastal hurricane evacuation of the Northern Outer Banks into the proposed toll bridge's purpose and need statement. NCTA's consultant provided a coastal hurricane evacuation model and report to develop evacuation clearance times for the years 2004 and 2030 when the project was with the NCDOT. Subsequently, modeling efforts have been updated (Referring to the April 24, 2007, handout on important model development features) -and a hurricane evacuation analysis has been developed (Referring to the May 16, 2007, handout time summary prepared by D. Lewis, PBSJ). The FHWA and FHWA have refined the original purpose and need to improving traffic flow on the project area's thoroughfares, including US 158 and NC 12, to reducing travel times for persons traveling between Currituck County mainland and the Currituck County Outer Banks, and to reducing hurricane clearance time for residents and visitors who use NC 168 and US 158 during coastal evacuation. Details of the primary purposes for the project are included in the May 2007 Statement of Purpose and Need. EPA notes that the statement concerning the NC General Statute Section 136-102.7 for statewide hurricane evacuation clearance time"goal'on Page 1-4. Unfortunately, the General Statute does not refer to the 18-hour hurricane evacuation standard as merely a goal. This Section specifically states: Hurricane Evacuation Standard (a) Evacuation Standard = The hurricane evacuation standard to be used for any bridge or highway construction proiect pursuant to this Chapter shall be no more than 18.hours, as recommended by State Emergency Management officials EPA is concerned that this State standard, as it is currently written, is so prescriptive that it will not allow for the FHWA and NCTA to explore a full range of alternatives under NEPA if a proposed project does not meet the 18-hour clearance time as it is applied to a Category 3 storm with a 75% tourist occupancy. Based upon the current purpose and need and the alternatives under consideration by NCTA and FHWA, none of the alternatives or a combination of alternatives strictly.meet the 18-hour standard. There is no explanation as to how this legislated requirement might be interpreted as a`goar or that all projects must cumulatively add to improved clearance times for hurricane evacuation even if individually they do not meet the 18-hour standard. Existing clearance times well exceed the 18-hour standard along portions of the Outer Banks based upon current projections and multiple bridges, new roadways, and other infrastructure might be required to meet the standard. EPA has requested that FHWA obtain clarification from the N.C. General Assemblys Transportation Oversight Committee and that this information be fully disclosed in the DEIS. EPA has reviewed the traffic forecast data, including the Level of Service (LOS) and Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) for non-summer weekday, summer weekday, and summer weekend, for the years 2001 and 2025 (Figures 1-4 to 1-7). The project study area is sectioned in to `links' along US 158 and NC 12. EPA notes that the LOS for most of the US 158 links in 2001 is LOS A and B. Year 2025 projections for these same links (#l, 2, 3, 4 and 5) from Barco to the Wright Memorial Bridge are LOS C or D. NCTA projects that nearly all of the links will be either LOS E or F in the 2025 design year. Tables 1-3 and 1-4 of the Statement of Purpose and Need document provide base (2001) and future (2025) daily traffic volumes. FHWA and NCTA are projecting a doubling or near doubling of traffic volumes (in AADT provided by NCDOT) at most of the links. Summer weekday and summer weekend traffic volumes are more than double the AADT and non-summer weekday. From these traffic numbers there appears to be no end to future traffic demand in the project study area, particularly at US 158 between the bridge and NC 12 (Link #6), US 158 just west of the NC 12 intersection (Link #7), and US 158 just south of NC 12 intersection (Link #8). Summer weekend traffic numbers (>90,000 AADT) in 2025 would potentially exceed an expanded four-lane type facility at peak hours. EPA is concerned that these projected traffic numbers from NCDOT are not current and that there were assumptions made prior to 2001 that may not be realistic regarding growth along the Outer Banks. Much of the growth has occurred or is occurring now and much of the project study area along the Outer Banks, appears to be approaching `build ouf, particularly for the upland areas. There are extensive coastal wetlands located in the project study area that may be included in the development estimates for future traffic projections. Permits from regulatory agencies may not allow for as much development as was projected by NCDOT. Furthermore, EPA has concerns that the traffic analyses appear to be based upon the`worst-cases summer weekday and summer weekend projections. Projections were based upon the summer peak season including the months of June, July and August (Page 1-31). Since hurricane evacuation is such a vital component to the overall purpose and need for the proposed bridge and that the peak hurricane season does not occur until.after the peak summer traffic months (i.e., After September 1"), EPA believes that the justification or need for a new bridge maybe overestimated. This is also highlighted by the fact that the major failing links of the overall traffic network along the Outer Banks will continue to be LOS E and F in the 2025 design year even with a new bridge (and no other improvements). EPA recommends that traffic forecasts be updated for the base and design year in the DEIS and that current traffic counts also be utilized. EPA reviewed Table 1-14 regarding year 2004 and 2030 hurricane evacuation clearance times, based upon the Category of hurricane (1-2 and 3-5) and percent occupancy. The 2004 clearance time for a Category 3-5 storm at 75% occupancy is 25.8 hours. The projected year 2030 clearance time for a Category 3-5 storm at 75% occupancy is 39.0 hours. EPA is uncertain as to the likelihood of a Category 3-5 hurricane prior to September I"* Most of the strongest and most damaging storms have occurred later in the hurricane season (September and October). EPA requests that a`risk analysis' be performed by NCTA and FHWA that documents the past recorded storm events along the Outer Banks that met or exceeded the Category 3 status and the time when these storms occurred. NCTA and FHWA should be able to provide a model that includes the probability (risk) of a Category 3 storm event along the Outer Banks during the peak summer traffic season. Table 1-14 also includes clearance times for 2030 with the TIP projects shown in Figure 1-3. Even with all of these other 2007-2013 TIP projects (R-4429, R-2574, R-4457, R-2404, and R-2545/2544), the year 2030 with 75% occupancy clearance time for Category 3-5 is 35.9 hours. It is interesting to note that the 2007-2013 TIP.includes $137.5 million for the Mid-Currituck Bridge project. EPA was informed that due to B-2500, Bonner Bridge/NC 12, even the short bridge replacement alternative would use all of the TIP funds for the next several years for Division 1. EPA raised questions during one of the scoping meetings regarding the funding assumptions for a toll facility. It was explained by the NCTA consultants that are examining the different funding scenarios that only the new bridge alternatives could be justified (i.e., Specifically, Alternative MCB3) for the proposed project. The DEIS needs to fully disclose the assumptions and conditions for full funding and how the available toll funding can fully meet the purpose and need for the project. Alternatives Analysis EPA has reviewed the Tune 20, 2007, information (Handout 6) concerning the different alternatives under consideration by the FHWA and NCTA, including ER1, ER2, MCB1; MCB2, and MCB3. Based upon EPA's review of this material, the following comments are offered for FHWA and NCT Ns consideration: 1. An alternative of improving (i.e., Widening) Aydlett Road through Maple Swamp needs to be analyzed in the DEIS. This alternative should investigate different potential locations for toll plaza facilities on the mainland and bridge termini in Aydlett rather than along US 158 as is currently proposed. NCTA has cited that there will be significant impacts to the Aydlett community. These potential impacts should be fully explored and examined in the DEIS 2. An investigation of alternatives for the interchanges with US 158 and NC 12 on the Outer Banks should be examined in the DEIS. FHWA and NCTA should perform a full analysis of alternative interchange designs in order to reduce potential impacts to wetlands. EPA recognizes that there is a potential desire to design a high-speed type interchange facility. However, the development characteristics and traffic conditions along NC 12 in Currituck County do not support this type of 'high-speed facility. 3. FHWA and NCTA need to perform a full wetlands assessment using the new `NCWAM'functional assessment for all of the potential alternatives. Each wetland type potentially impacted needs to be fully described and characterized in the DEIS. 4. The DEIS should examine and analyze the operational impacts of a proposed bridge facility on Currituck Sound. If the bridge is expected to be.ultimately a 4- lane facility, this configuration should be assessed. 5. FHWA and NCTA should also address how stormwater will be collected and treated from any bridge alternatives. 6. Although EPA and other agencies did not explore other termini on Bodie Island, it is clear that each of the two sites investigated during the field meeting would have - - -- significant impacts to wetlands and aquatic resources.- Other termini need to be considered that have potentially less wetland impacts.. 7. The potential widening of NC 12 needs to be fully examined in the DEIS. EPA has reviewed the July 12, 2007, functional designs for the alternatives. EPA is concerned that without improvements to NC 12, hurricane evacuation clearance times will not be sufficiently reduced. Referring to the June 20, 2007 handout, Table 6 revised, the MCB3 Alternative still exceeds the 18-hour clearance standard by 8.2 hours. NCTA has stated that this is the only alternative that does not have a`substantiar funding shortfall (i.e., $51.2 million). Alternatives ERl,. ER2, MCB 1 and MCB2 are essentially being `eliminated due to the potential funding shortfalls ($268.6 to $525.5 million). The MCB3 Alternative does not include any improvements to US 158 in Dare County. Alternatives ER1, ER2, MCB1 and MCB2 all include some improvements to US 158 in Dare. County. The MCB3 Alternative includes the least amount of improvements to NC 12 from these 5 alternatives ($77.3 million). FHWA and NCTA should consider Ynixingt some of the improvement components of the alternatives to achieve a better balance of traffic network conditions. 8. FHWA and NCTA have provided a characterization in Table 6 revised referred to as`Rural/Beach Community Fragmentation: EPA is concerned that some of the impacts from the alternatives may be mischaracterized, including Cl, C3, C4 and C5 (?ass through middle of subdivisiori'oe?asses through Aydlett). FHWA and NCTA should discuss the Federal and state requirements concerning community impacts (e.g., E.O. 12898 on. Environmental Justice, the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, etc.). 9. EPA requests that the estimated wetland impacts from the ERI, ER2' MCB1, MCB2 and MCB3 Alternatives be fully identified in the DEIS. EPA cannot ascertain where the impacts to 10+ acres of wetlands would occur along NC 12 from ERl, ER2, MCB1 and MCB2. Similarly, EPA cannot locate the impacts to 23+ acres of wetlands from ERl and ER2 for the US 158 third northbound lane in Currituck County. 10. EPA cannot concur with the estimates for the `high quality resources filledlbridgecr presented on Page 6, table 6 revised form the June 20, 2007, handout. FHWA 2. Include and provide an analysis of the most recent submerged rooted aquatic vegetation survey data from USGS and/or NOAA of Currituck Sound. Define all benthic sediment and habitat present in the Sound. Consideration of the general habitat and water quality is insufficient. 3. The DEIS should evaluate the proposed project in relationship to either conflict or consistency with the management goals and objections set forth by the joint State/Federal National Estuary Program for Currituck Sound. This discussion should also include consultation with State officials concerning the requirements and consistency with the Coastal Zone Management Acfs Federal consistency regulations. The DEIS should include a full characterization of the traditional uses for the Currituck Sound, including recreational fishing, commercial fishing, hunting, etc. and what the short-term, long-term and cumulative effects of this proposed project will have on these uses. 4. The DEIS should provide an analysis of the worst-case impact of construction activity on the water quality and aquatic habitats within Currituck Sound. This analysis should include dredging needed to move equipment and materials to and . from the projecfs mainland areas and during construction. Alternative construction methods to minimize impacts should be fully considered and described in the DEIS. 5. EPA is aware that fecal coliform is an issue in shallow water estuaries and that continued runoff from human activities such as parking lots, roadsides, etc., can further degrade water quality and traditional uses of these water bodies. Harmful bacteria in the coastal zone can be very problematic to water quality as there are generally few upland areas available to treat contaminated runoff. The DEIS should analyze this water quality parameter and any potential effect that direct sources of runoff will have on shellfishing and benthic organisms within Currituck Sound. The DEIS should further explore and discuss the issue of `hydrologic trespass' to new or existing roadway ditches and conveyances. 6. Based upon the site visits recently conducted, it is essential that a detailed functional assessment be accomplished for all of the wetlands potentially impacted. 7. EPA and other agencies noted numerous specimen trees during the July 10, 2007 site visit. An arboreal survey should be conducted for all of the new location corridors, including both uplands and wetlands in Maple Swamp, Great Swamp, and at the proposed interchanges and an avoidance strategy developed. Size and species should be documented and mature specimen trees mapped. Cavity and rookery nesting of avian species is highly likely and should also be documented. 8. Alternative construction practices should be evaluated for accessing the work areas within wetlands. 9. With the exception of small areas of Phragmites sp., and Chinese privet along Aydlett Road, the presence of exotic invasive plant species was not evident during . the site visit. Therefore, the potential introduction and spread of such species should be considered in theNEPA review and compliance with Executive Order 13112 and FHWA guidance should be documented. 10. A cultural impacts assessment is needed and should include potential bisection caused by the roadway and its approaches. and NCTA need to provide a full disclosure of how these estimates were developed for high quality resources and what criteria were utilized in ascertaining their quality. 11. Relocations (displacements as presented in Table 6) have been estimated based upon past right-of-way investigations by NCDOT (circa mid-1999s) and it appears that they need to be updated. Furthermore, the DEIS needs to analyze and disclose the methodology for determining an actual relocation. Noting the comments from WRC and others at one of the past scoping meetings, EPA requests that the minimum `lot sizes issue for Dare County (15,000 square feet) and Currituck County (20,000 square feet) be examined by FHWA and NCTA and discussed in the DEIS. This analysis should include a consistency determination with other projects where structures and necessary services (e.g., Well, septic, etc.) were not impacted and minimum zoning lot sizes were used as the `legal criteria' for relocations. 12. FHWA and NCTA need to explore a ferry service alternative that is compared both individually to other alternatives as well as combinations of the `highwaY alternatives with a ferry alternative. Based discussions with NCTA and FHWA indicate that the ferry service alternative does not meet purpose and need. This alternative needs to be fully examined and explored in the DEIS. A combined Yew bridge alternative with a. robust ferry service could help to improve estimated hurricane evacuation clearance times, especially for critical link segments, on Bodie Island. 13. EPA notes that improvements to NC 12, include a 17-foot median, 4-lane facility. Considering the close proximity to pedestrian walkways/bicycle paths along NC 12, FHWA and NCTA should examine the safety aspects of providing a `higher- . speecf 4-lane facility so close to these other users. FHWA and NCTA should fully consider the current tourist conditions and community setting issues along NC 12 and develop plans that incorporate safe, mixed modal activities. 14. EPA might consider NCTNs proposal `to eliminates Alternatives C5 and C6 due to the very high quality of the Maple Swamp south of Aydlett Road. However, EPA has requested that FHWA and NCTA examine a new alternative closer to Aydlett Road as well as widening the existing road. Additional Data and Analytical Needs for NEPA Review EPA has identified numerous data and analytical needs that should be explored during the NEPA process and provided in the DEIS, including the following: Currituck Sound 1. Depth and benthic profiles of potential roadway corridors and a general description of the entire Currituck Sound ecosystem. 11. Because of the documented presence of ancient habitation and early European colonization in this area of the State, there should be extensive survey work of all potential corridors and this new information should be considered in the site selection rather than waiting for a final alignment. 12. The project study area is in the coastal ecosystem and it is possible that potential future sea level rise (SLR) could be an important construction and environmental issue. North Carolina has a Climate Change Commission that includes such coastal geology experts such as Dr. Stan Riggs. He and other experts should be consulted during the planning process regarding the vulnerability of placing additional infrastructure within the dynamic coastal beach setting. Future initiatives by government agencies in response to SLR may influence design year traffic volumes and patterns. The DEIS should examine SLR issues and the potential affect on future traffic volumes and patterns. Other NEPA `Cross-cutting' Issues Currently, NCTA is not a signatory agency to the Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for compensatory mitigation needs. The issue of compensatory mitigation should be fully coordinated with the EEP and other agencies to insure that there are adequate mitigation credits available in the hydrologic cataloguing units (HUCs) where the impacts are occurring. Please feel free to consult with Ms. Kathy Matthews of EPA's Wetlands Section at matthews.kathvnaLepa.gov. FHWA and NCTA need to provide detailed mitigation plans for the new location alternatives. The NCTA should consider some of other potential NEPA `Cross-cutters' in the DEIS, including compliance with Executive Order 13112 on Invasive Species and the requirements under the Migratory Bird Treaty Reform Act (MBTRA) of 2004. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service should be consulted regarding an analysis of avian Federal Species of Concern (FSOC) and potential requirements and considerations under MBTRA. All of the alternatives involving new bridge structures need to fully investigate the potential impacts to migratory birds along the Atlantic flyway. 0? W A T??QG r Michael F. Easley, Governor William G. Ross Jr., Secretary North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Coleen Sullins. Director Division of Water Quality August 27, 2007 Rachelle Beauregard NCDOT PDEA 1598 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699 Subject Property: "Stream 2" of R-2814A, UT channel to Neuse River, US 401 at Ventura Circle, Wake County. On-Site Determination for Applicability to the Neuse River Riparian Area Protection Rules (15A NCAC 2B .0233) Dear Ms. Beauregard: On August 27, 2007, at your request I conducted a site visit to the subject channel to determine applicability to the Neuse Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 2B.0233). The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) has determined that the surface water labeled as "Stream 2" on the attached map is ephemeral and is not subject to the Neuse Buffer Rule. This determination shall expire five (5) years from the date of this letter. Landowners or affected parties that dispute a determination made by the DWQ that a surface water is or is not subject to the buffer rule may request a determination by the Director. A request for a determination by the Director shall be referred to the Director in writing c/o John Hennessy, DWQ, Transportation Permitting Unit, 2321 Crabtree Blvd., Suite 250, Raleigh, NC 27604-2260. Individuals that dispute a determination by the DWQ that "exempts" a surface water from the buffer rule may ask for an adjudicatory hearing. You must act within 60 days of the date that you receive this letter. Applicants are hereby notified that the 60-day statutory appeal time does not start until the affected party (including downstream and adjacent landowners) is notified of this decision. DWQ recommends that the applicant conduct this notification in order to be certain that third party appeals are made in a timely manner. To ask for a hearing, send a written petition, which conforms to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes to the Office of Administrative Hearings, 6714 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-6714. This determination is final and binding unless you ask for a hearing within 60 days. This letter only addresses the applicability to the buffer rules and does not approve any activity within Waters of the United States or Waters of the State. If you have any additional questions or require additional information please call me at (919) 733-9817. Sincerely, Rob Ridings, Transportation Permitting Unit Attachment cc: File Copy (R-2814) N°othCarolina Transportation Permitting Unit ahlCa!!y 1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650 2321 Crabtree Boulevard, Suite 250, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 Phone (919) 733-1786 / Fax (919) 733-6893 Internet: http:/!h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands . 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