U 5026_complete file

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Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Coleen Sullins, Director
Division of Water Quality
June 7, 2007
MEMORANDUM
To: Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., NCDOT PDEA
From: Rob Ridings, NC DWQ Transportation Permitting Unit, j?
Subject: Scoping comments on proposed interchange on I-95 at SR 1770 in Nash County, Federal Aid
Project No. IMF-095-3(94)137, State Project No. 44033.1.1, TIP No. U-5026.
Reference your correspondence dated May 23, 2007 in which you requested comments for the referenced
project. Preliminary analysis of the project reveals the possibility of impacts to streams and/or
jurisdictional wetlands in the project area. More specifically, impacts to:
Stream Name River Basin & Stream Stream Index
Subbasin Classifications Number
UT Stony Creek TAR 02 C, NSW 28-68
*303(d). Listed
Further investigations at a higher resolution should be undertaken to verify the presence of other streams
and/or jurisdictional wetlands in the area. In the event that any jurisdictional areas are identified, the
Division of Water Quality requests that NCDOT (or the consultant(s) that requested the comments)
consider the following environmental issues for the proposed project:
Project Specific Comments:
1. Stony Creek is class C, NSW; 303(d) waters of the State. DWQ is very concerned-with sediment
and erosion impacts that could result from this project. DWQ recommends that the most protective
sediment and erosion control BMPs be implemented to reduce the risk of nutrient runoff to Stony
Creek and its tributaries. DWQ requests that road design plans provide treatment of the storm water
runoff through best management practices as detailed in the most recent version of NC DWQ
Stormwater Best Management Practices.
2. This project is within the Tar-Pamlico River Basin. Riparian buffer impacts should be avoided
and minimized to the greatest extent possible pursuant to 15A NCAC 213.0259.
General Project Comments:
1 The environmental document should provide a detailed and itemized presentation of the proposed
impacts to wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping. If mitigation is necessary as
required by 15A NCAC 2H.0506(h), it is preferable to present a conceptual (if riot finalized)
.mitigation plan with the environmental documentation. Appropriate mitigation plans will be
required prior to issuance of a 401 Water Quality Certification.
One
Ng
ithCarolin
Transportation Permitting Unit Naturally
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650
2321 Crabtree Boulevard, Suite 250, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Phone: [phone] / FAX [phone] / Internet: http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetiands
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2. Environmental assessment alternatives should consider design criteria that reduce the impacts to
streams and wetlands from storm water runoff. These alternatives should include road designs
that allow for treatment of the storm water runoff through best management practices as detailed
in the most recent version of NC DWQ Stormwater Best Management Practices, such as grassed
swales, buffer areas, preformed scour holes, retention basins, etc.
After the selection of the preferred alternative and prior to an issuance of the 401 Water Quality
Certification, the NCDOT is respectfully reminded that they will need to demonstrate the
avoidance and minimization of impacts to wetlands (and streams) to the maximum extent
practical. In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules 11 5A NCAC
2H.0506(h)l, mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 1 acre to wetlands. In the
event that mitigation is required, the mitigation plan should be designed to replace appropriate
lost functions and values. The NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program may be available for use as
wetland mitigation.
4. In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules { 15A NCAC
2H.0506(h)), mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 150 linear feet to any single
perennial stream. In the event that mitigation is required, the mitigation plan should be designed
to replace appropriate lost functions and valkies. The NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program may
be available for use as stream mitigation.
5. DWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project.
NC DOT should address these concerns by describing the potential impacts that may occur to the
aquatic environments and any mitigating factors that would reduce the impacts.
6. Bridge supports (bents) should not be placed in the stream when possible.
7. Whenever possible, the DWQ prefers spanning structures. Spanning structures usually do not
require work within the stream or grubbing of the streambanks and do not require stream channel
realignment. The horizontal and vertical clearances provided by bridges allow for human and
wildlife passage beneath the structure, do not block fish passage and do not block navigation by
canoeists and boaters.
8. Bridge deck drains should not discharge directly into the stream. Stormwater should be directed
across the bridge and pre-treated through site-appropriate means (grassed swales, pre-formed
scour holes, vegetated buffers, etc.) before entering the stream. Please refer to the most current
version of NC DWQ Stormwater Best Management Practices.
9. If concrete is used during construction, a dry work area should be maintained to prevent direct
contact between curing concrete and stream water. Water that inadvertently contacts uncured
concrete should not be discharged to surface waters due to the potential for elevated pH and
possible aquatic life and fish kills.
10. If temporary access roads or detours are constructed, the site shall be graded to its preconstruction
contours and elevations. Disturbed areas should be seeded or mulched to stabilize the soil and
appropriate native woody species should be planted. When using temporary structures the area
should be cleared but not grubbed. Clearing the area with chain saws, mowers, bush-hogs, or

other mechanized equipment and leaving the stumps and root mat intact allows the area to re-
vegetate naturally and minimizes soil disturbance.
11. Placement of culverts and other structures in waters, streams, and wetlands shall be below the
elevation of the streambed by one foot for all culverts with a diameter greater than 48 inches, and
20 percent of the culvert diameter for culverts having a diameter less than 48 inches, to allow low
flow passage of water and aquatic life. Design and placement of culverts and other structures
including temporary erosion control measures shall not be conducted in a manner that may result
in dis-equilibrium of wetlands or streambeds or banks, adjacent to or upstream and down stream
of the above structures. The applicant is required to provide evidence that the equilibrium is being
maintained if requested in writing by DWQ. If this condition is unable to be met due to bedrock
or other limiting features encountered during construction, please contact the NC DWQ for
guidance on how to proceed and to determine whether or not a permit modification will be
required.
12. If multiple pipes or barrels are required, they should be designed to mimic natural stream cross
section as closely as possible including pipes or barrels at flood plain elevation and/or sills where
appropriate. Widening the stream channel should be avoided. Stream channel widening at the
inlet or outlet end of structures typically decreases water velocity causing sediment deposition
that requires increased maintenance and disrupts aquatic life passage.
13. If foundation test borings are necessary; it should be noted in the document. Geotechnical` work
is approved under General 401 Certification Number 3494/Nationwide Permit No. 6 for Survey
Activities.
14. Sediment and erosion control measures sufficient to protect water resources must be implemented
and maintained in accordance with the most recent version of North Carolina Sediment and
Erosion Control Planning and Design Manual and the most recent version of NCS000250.
15. All work in or adjacent to stream waters should be conducted in a dry work area unless otherwise
approved by NC DWQ. Approved BMP measures from the most current version of NCDOT
Construction and Maintenance Activities manual such as sandbags, rock berms, cofferdams and
other diversion structures should be used to prevent excavation in flowing water..
16. Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands and streams.
17. Borrow/waste areas should avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practical. Impacts to wetlands
in borrow/waste areas could precipitate compensatory mitigation.
18. While the use of National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps, NC Coastal Region Evaluation of
Wetland Significance (NC-CREWS) maps and soil survey maps are useful tools, their inherent
inaccuracies require that qualified personnel perform onsite wetland delineations prior to permit
approval.
19. Heavy equipment should be operated from the bank rather than in stream channels in order to
minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other pollutants into streams.
This equipment should be. inspected daily and maintained to prevent contamination of surface
waters from leaking fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials.
20. In most cases, the DWQ prefers the replacement of the existing structure at the same location
with road closure. If road closure is not feasible, a temporary detour should be designed and
located to avoid wetland impacts, minimize the need for clearing and to avoid destabilizing
stream banks. If the structure will be on a new alignment, the old structure should be removed
and the approach fills removed from the 100-year floodplain. Approach fills should be removed
and restored to the natural ground elevation. The area should be stabilized with grass and planted
with native tree species. Tall fescue should not be used in riparian areas.
21. Riprap should not be placed in the active thalweg channel or placed in the streambed in a manner
that precludes aquatic life passage. Bioengineering boulders or structures should be properly
designed, sized and installed.
Thank you for requesting our input at this time. The DOT is reminded that issuance of a 401 Water
Quality Certification requires that appropriate measures be'instituted to ensure that water quality
standards are met and designated uses are not degraded or lost. If you have any questions or require
additional information, please contact Rob Ridings at (9190 733-9817.
cc: William Wescott, US Army Corps of Engineers, Washing Field Office
Jamie Guerrero, Division 4 Environmental Officer
Chris Militscher, Environmental Protection Agency
Jameelah,El-Amin, NCDOT PDEA
Travis Wilson, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Gary Jordan, US Fish and Wildlife
File Copy
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY LYNDO TIPPETT
GOVERNOR SECRETARY
May 23, 2007
MEMORANDUM TO: Mr. Rob Ridings
Division of Water Quality/Wetlands
Central Office
FROM: Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Manager
Project Development and Environmen 1 Analysis Branch
SUBJECT: Start of Study for Proposed Interchange on I795 at SR 1770 (Sunset
Avenue), Nash County, Federal-Aid Project No. IMF-095-3(94)137,
WBS Element No. 44033.1.1, TIP Project No. U-5026
The Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch is starting the project
development, environmental and engineering studies for the proposed I-95 and SR 1770 (Sunset Avenue)
interchange. The project is included in the 2007-2013 North Carolina Transportation Improvement
Program and is scheduled for right of way in fiscal year 2012 and construction in fiscal year Post Years.
Attached for your review and comments are the scoping information sheets for the proposed project.
We would appreciate any information you might have that would be helpful in evaluating potential
environmental impacts of the project. If applicable, please identify any permits or approvals that may be
required by your agency. A scoping meeting will be scheduled with NCDOT staff to discuss the proposed
project in more detail. In order to include your comments in our materials for this meeting, we would
appreciate your response by July 23, 2007. If you would like to attend the scoping meeting, please notify the
project engineer.
It is anticipated that a federally funded Categorical Exclusion will be prepared for this project.
This document will be prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
If you have any questions concerning the project, please contact Jameelah El-Amin, Project
Planning Engineer, of this Branch at [phone], Ext. 362. Please include the TIP Project Number in
all correspondence and comments.
GJT/plr
Attachment
MAILING ADDRESS:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION -
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
WEBSITE: WWW.NCDOT.ORG
LOCATION:
TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
RALEIGH NC
PDEA Scoping Procedures
Rev 4/10/06
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
Scoping Information Sheet
TIP No.: -U--1
WBS No.: 44033.1.1
Federal Aid No: IMF-095-3(94)
137
Division: 0=
Sent Date: 5/23/07
Revision Date:
Meeting Date: TBD
County: Nash
Pro'ect Descri tion:
Covert an existing grade separation at 1-95 and SR 1770 (Sunset Ave.) to an interchange.
General Pro'ect Need:
The proposed project is intended to improve access to the Rocky Mount Area.
Metropolitan / Rural Planning Organization Rocky Mount Urban Area MPO
Area:
NEPA/404 Merg er Candidate?: ? Yes ® No ? Not sure
Feasibility Study Completed?: El Yes ® No Date
Type of Environmental Documents to be Prepared / Project Schedule:
Dates: Type of Document:
Environmental Document:
Right of Way:
Let:
2012
PY
CE
Air Quality Status: ? Non-attainment ® Maintenance ? Attainment
PAGE 1 OF 2
PDEA Scoping Procedures
Design Criteria:
Length of Project Limits: N/A
Type of Access Control:
(Existing / Proposed)
Structure Inventory:
Functional
Classification:
Rev 4/10/06
Full/Full
N/A
Urban principal arterial
Strategic Highway Corridor
Information:
CTP/Thoroughfare Plan
Designation (Facility Type):
Roadway Typical
Section:
(Existing / Proposed)
Typical Section in Compliance with Conformity Determination:
® Yes ? No
Right of Way:
(Existing / Proposed)
N/A
4 lane median divided (1-95)
varies
Existing Posted 65 mph (1-95) Proposed Design 70 mph (1-95)
SSgeed: 45 mph (SR Speed: 55 mph (SR
11770) 1770
Traffic (AADT): % TTST:
Current Year: E200030) 5) 34000-38000 % Dual:
Design Year: Traffic projections req. % DHV:
Design Standards Applicable: ?J AASHTO 313
Railroad Involvement:
N/A
Cost Estimate:
TIP Estimate:
Current Estimate:
Construction: Riaht of Wav: Total Cost:
14,900,000 700,000 15,600,000
14,900,000 700,000
TIP Estimate 15,600,000
PAGE 2 OF 2
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NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BRANCH
PROPOSED INTERCHANGE AT
SR 1770 (SUNSET AVE) AND 1-95
NASH COUNTY
TIP PROJECT U-5026
1
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