U-4707

NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Michael F. Easley, Governor
November 17, 2004
MEMORANDUM
William G. Ross, Jr., Secretary
Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director
TO: Ms. Melba McGee, Environmental Coordinator
NCDENR Office of Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs
FROM: Beth Haines Barnes, NCDOT Coordinator,
SUBJECT: Review of Scoping Sheets for Reconstruction\ f SR 2970 (Reedy Fork Parkway)/US 29
Interchange reconstruction in Greensboro, Guiord County,
Project Number 05-0121
State Project No. 3.659911
TIP Project U-4707
Division: 07.
In reply to your correspondence dated October 11, 2004 in which you requested comments for the above
referenced project, preliminary analysis of the project indicates that Reedy Fork Creek and its unnamed
tributaries lie within the project area. These waters are classified as WS-III NSW and lie within the
Critical Area of the water supply watershed. The Hardy Mill Pond feature also lies within the project
area. This feature is classified as class C NSW waters. The Division of Water Quality offers these
comments:
Environmental Documentation
1. Any environmental documents pertaining to this project should provide a detailed and itemized
presentation of the proposed impacts to wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping. There
should be a discussion on mitigation plans for unavoidable impacts. If mitigation is required, it is
preferable to present a conceptual (if not finalized) mitigation plan with the environmental
documentation. While the NCDWQ realizes that this may not always be practical, it should be noted
that for projects requiring mitigation, appropriate mitigation plans will be required prior to issuance of
a 401 Water Quality Certification.
2. The environmental documents should provide a detailed and itemized presentation of the proposed
project's impacts to wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping as well as the cumulative and
secondary impacts anticipated as a result of this project in relation to the proposed reconstruction of
the Reedy Fork Parkway/US 29 Interchange.
3. Hazardous spill catch basins may be required for stream crossing within the critical area of the water
supply watershed.
401 Transportation Permitting Unit
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650
2321 Crabtree Boulevard, Suite 250, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Phone: [phone] / FAX [phone] / Internet: htW://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetiands
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R-4707 Scoping Comments
Page 2
November 17, 2004
4. Within the Cape Fear Basin, urban stormwater runoff is a major concern. Stormwater should be
designed to flow into buffer areas or retention basins rather than routed directly into streams.
5. Borrow/waste areas should not be located in wetlands. It is likely that compensatory mitigation will
be required if wetlands are impacted by waste or borrow as well as utility relocations.
6. The DWQ requests that DOT adhere to North Carolina regulations entitled, "Design Standards in
Sensitive Watersheds" (15A NCAC 04B .0124) and use Best Management Practices for the
Protection of Surface Waters (March 1997) specifically using all applicable preventive and control
measures during the design, construction and maintenance of this project. These measures should be
implemented prior to any ground-disturbing activities to minimize impacts to downstream aquatic
resources.
7. Wetland delineation should be performed prior to permit application. Wetland and stream impacts
should be avoided to the maximum extent practical. If this is not possible, alternatives that minimize
wetland impacts should be chosen. In accordance with they CDWQ. Wetlands Rules 115A NCAC
2H.0506(b)(6) ), mitigation will be required for impacts of g?eater than 150 linear feet to any single
perennial stream In the event that mitigation becomes required, the mitigation plan should be
designed to replace appropriate lost functions and values. Onsite mitigation is preferable, however,
the NC Ecological Enhancement Program (EEP) is available for use as compensatory mitigation.
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 Beth Barnes at [phone].
pc: John Thomas, USACE Raleigh Field Office
Gary Jordan, USFWS
Travis Wilson, NCWRC
Chris Militscher, USEPA Region IV, Raleigh Field Office
Central Files
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