20200065_USFWS Comments_20100727

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United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Raleigh Field Office
Post Office Box 33726
Raleigh, North Carolina 27636.3726
November 23, 2004
Ms. Gail Grimes
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Project Development and Environmental Analysis
1548 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1548
Dear Ms. Grimes:
This letter is in response to your request for comments from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service)
on the potential environmental impacts of the proposed reconstruction of the SR 2970 (Reedy Fork
Parkway) / US 29 Interchange in Guilford County, North Carolina (TIP No. R-4707). These comments
provide scoping information in accordance with provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16
U.S.C. 661-667d) and section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C.
1531-1543).
The Service does not have any specific concerns at this time. However, the Service recommends the
following general conservation measures to avoid or minimize environmental impacts to fish and wildlife
resources:
1. Wetland and forest impacts should be avoided and minimized to the maximal extent practical.
Areas exhibiting high biodiversity or ecological value important to the watershed or region
should be avoided. Proposed highway projects should be aligned along or adjacent to existing
roadways, utility corridors or other previously disturbed areas in order to minimize habitat loss
and fragmentation. Highway shoulder and median widths should be reduced through wetland
areas;
2. Crossings of streams and associated wetland systems should use existing crossings and/or occur
on a bridge structure wherever feasible. Bridges should be long enough to allow for sufficient
wildlife passage along stream corridors. Where bridging is not feasible, culvert structures that
maintain natural water flow and hydraulic regimes without scouring or impeding fish and wildlife
passage should be employed;
3. Bridges and approaches should be designed to avoid any fill that will result in damming or
constriction of the channel or flood plain. To the extent possible, piers and bents should be
placed outside the bank-full width of the stream. If spanning the flood plain is not feasible,
culverts should be installed in the flood plain portion of the approach to restore some of the
hydrological functions of the flood plain and reduce high velocities of flood waters within the
affected area;
4. Bridge designs should include provisions for roadbed and deck drainage to flow through a
vegetated buffer prior to reaching the affected stream. This buffer should be large enough to
alleviate any potential effects from run-off of storm water and pollutants;
A-
5. Off-site detours should be used rather than construction of temporary, on-site bridges. For
projects requiring an on-site detour in wetlands or open water, such detours should be aligned
along the side of the existing structure which has the least and/or least quality of fish and wildlife
habitat. At the completion of construction, the detour area should be entirely removed and the
impacted areas be planted with appropriate vegetation, including trees if necessary;
6. If unavoidable wetland or stream impacts are proposed, a plan for compensatory mitigation to
offset unavoidable impacts should be provided early in the planning process. Opportunities to
protect mitigation areas in perpetuity via conservation easements, land trusts or by other means
should be explored at the outset;
7. Wherever appropriate, construction in sensitive areas should occur outside fish spawning and
migratory bird nesting seasons. In waterways that may serve as travel corridors for fish, in-water
work should be avoided during moratorium periods associated with migration, spawning and
sensitive pre-adult life stages;
8. Best Management Practices (BMP) for Protection of Surface Waters should be implemented; and
9. Activities within designated riparian buffers should be avoided or minimized.
Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act requires that all federal action agencies (or their designated
non-federal representatives), in consultation with the Service, insure that any action federally authorized,
funded, or carried out by such agencies is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any
federally-listed threatened or endangered species. A biological assessment/evaluation may be prepared to
fulfill the section 7(a)(2) requirement and will expedite the consultation process. To assist you, a county-
by-county list of federally protected species known to occur in North Carolina and information on their
life histories and habitats can be found on our web page at littp://nc-es.fNvs..;ov/es/countyfr.litml .
Although the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) database does not indicate any known
occurrences of listed species near the project vicinity, use of the NCNHP data should not be substituted
for actual field surveys if suitable habitat occurs near the project site. The NCNHP database only
indicates the presence of known occurrences of listed species and does not necessarily mean that such
species are not present. It may simply mean that the area has not been surveyed. If suitable habitat
occurs within the project vicinity for any listed species, surveys should be conducted to determine
presence or absence of the species.
If you determine that the proposed action may affect (i.e., likely to adversely affect or not likely to
adversely affect) a listed species, you should notify this office with your determination, the results of your
surveys, survey methodologies, and an analysis of the effects of the action on listed species, including
consideration of direct, indirect, and cumulative effects, before conducting any activities that might affect
the species. If you determine that the proposed action will have no effect (i.e., no beneficial or adverse,
direct or indirect effect) on listed species, then you are not required to contact our office for concurrence.
We reserve the right to review any federal permits that may be required for this project, at the public
notice stage. Therefore, it is important that resource agency coordination occur early in the planning
process in order to resolve any conflicts that may arise and minimize delays in project implementation. In
addition to the above guidance, we recommend that the environmental documentation for this project
include the following in sufficient detail to facilitate a thorough review of the action:
1. A clearly defined and detailed purpose and need for the proposed project, supported by
tabular data, if available, and including a discussion of the project's independent utility;

2. A description of the proposed action with an analysis of all alternatives being considered,
including the upgrading of existing roads and a "no action" alternative;
3. A description of the fish and wildlife resources, and their habitats, within the project impact area
that may be directly or indirectly affected;
4. The extent and acreage of waters of the U.S., including wetlands, that are to be impacted by
filling, dredging, clearing, ditching, or draining. Acres of wetland impact should be
differentiated by habitat type based on the wetland classification scheme of the National
Wetlands Inventory (NWI). Wetland boundaries should be determined by using the 1987 Corps
of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and verified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers;
5. The anticipated environmental impacts, both temporary and permanent, that would be likely to
occur as a direct result of the proposed project. The assessment should also include the extent to
which the proposed project would result in secondary impacts to natural resources, and how this
and similar projects contribute to cumulative adverse effects;
6. Design features and construction techniques which would be employed to avoid or minimize
impacts to fish and wildlife resources, both direct and indirect, and including fragmentation and
direct loss of habitat;
7. Design features, construction techniques, or any other mitigation measures which would be
employed at wetland crossings and stream channel relocations to avoid or minimize impacts to
waters of the US; and,
8. If unavoidable wetland or stream impacts are proposed, project planning should include a
compensatory mitigation plan for offsetting the unavoidable impacts.
The Service appreciates the opportunity to comment on this project. Please continue to advise us during
the progression of the planning process, including your official determination of the impacts of this
project. If you have any questions regarding our response, please contact Mr. Gary Jordan at (919) 856-
4520, ext. 32.
Sii ere
Pete njamin
Ecological Services Supervisor
cc: . John Thomas, USACE, Raleigh, NC
T
Travis Wilson, NCWRC, Creedmoor, NC
Chris Militscher, USEPA, Raleigh, NC
Bt'-t'N 1 lip040 /VG?)W(A I R 4 lr;J?
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• - O C T 2 5 2004
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DENR - WATER QUALITY
WETLANDS AND STORMWATER BRANCH
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY LYNDO TIPPETT
GOVERNOR &Y'r-l SECRETARY
-6-6 ?
MEMORANDUM TO: -
Wetlands
FROM: vin. uregmy j. I impu, virect r
Project Development and Environ ? tal Analysis Branch
SUBJECT: Start of Study Coordination and Request for Input for the
Reconstruction of the SR 2970 (Reedy Fork Parkway) / US 29
Interchange reconstruction in Greensboro, State Project Number
3.659911, T.I.P. Project Number R-4707, Guilford County
The City of Greensboro and North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Project
Development and Environmental Analysis Branch proposes to reconstruct the SR 2970 (Reedy
Fork Parkway) / US 29 Interchange in Greensboro. The project is included in the 2004 - 2010
NCDOT Transportation Improvement Program for planning and environmental study. The City
of Greensboro and NCDOT has retained Wilbur Smith Associates to conduct an environmental
assessment for the proposed improvements, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act
of 1969, as amended (42 USC 4321 et seq.)
The proposed reconstruction is considered necessary to improve safety and reduce congestion
on the SR 2970 (Reedy Creek Parkway)/US 29 interchange, and to accommodate the planned
land use changes in the project vicinity. The purpose of this letter is to initiate coordination with
federal, state, and local agencies and other interested parties and to solicit comments on the
proposed action. Comments and suggestions are invited from all interested parties to ensure
that all issues concerning the proposed action are addressed. If applicable, please identify any
permits or approvals that may be required by your agency. The remainder of this letter
provides a brief summary of initial project information regarding the preliminary study area,
existing land use, cultural resources, protected species, and water resources. A proactive and
inclusive public involvement program is under development for the project.
Preliminary Study Area
It is proposed to reconstruct and improve the SR 2970 (Reedy Fork Parkway) / US 29
Interchange in Greensboro with improvements to SR 2526 (Summit Avenue) from SR 2641
(Bryan Park Road) to the interchange as shown in Figure 1. It is proposed that the Interchange
and US 29 be upgraded to interstate standards for approximately one and a half miles.
MAILING ADDRESS:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
WESSITE: WWW.NCDOT.ORG
LOCATION:
TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
RALEIGH NC
2
Existing Land Use
The proposed project is located northeast of downtown Greensboro in Guilford County in
central North Carolina. The study area is moderately developed and includes a mixture of light
industry and institutional uses. There are plans for additional commercial, industrial and
residential development in the vicinity of the SR 2970 (Reedy Creek Parkway/US 29
interchange.
Cultural Resources
Preliminary research of the existing records of historic architectural properties within the study
area indicates that there are no properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places
(NRHP). A Phase II Architectural Survey will identify any properties in the study area that are
potentially eligible for listing in the NRHP.
Threatened, Endangered, and federal Species of Concern
Species currently listed (February 18, 2003) by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for
Guilford County include the following:
Common Name
Vertebrates
Bald eagle
Carolina darter
Scientific Name
Haliaeetus leucocephalus Threatened (Proposed for delisting)
Etheostoma collis lepidinion Federal Species of Concern
Status
Water Resources
The study is located in the Cape Fear River Basin. Reedy Fork Creek and Hardy Mill Pond are
within the study area. Several smaller tributaries to Reedy Fork Creek are within the study area
also. (See Figure 1.) National Wetlands Inventory maps for the study area depicts one wetland
associated with Hardy Mill Pond. Wetland and stream delineations will be performed as part of
this study.
Comments on the proposed project should be mailed to the following person by
November 30, 2004 to ensure use in the early phases of the planning process.
Ms. Gail Grimes, P.E.
Project Development & Environmental Analysis Branch
North Carolina Department of Transportation
1548 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1548
If further information regarding the proposed action or the environmental analysis process is
required, please contact Ms. Grimes at [phone] extension 323. Thank you for your
participation in this most important transportation project.
GJT/plr
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Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
Project Review Form
Projed Numbs County Date Received: Dale Response Due (film deadline):
(D5 - 01-2-1 6L), /Ford 10112?s/0-?4 )I ///q 1,4,?_
This project is being reviewed as indicated below:
Regional Office Regional Office Area In-House Review
? Asheville Y-4-ir Soil & Water ? Marine Fisheries
? Fayetteville _?_Water ? Coastal Management
? Mooresville Groundwater Wildlife n ? Water Resources
? Raleigh )(,-and Quality Engineer environmental Health
? Washington ? Recreational Consultant crest Resources ? Solid Waste Mgmt

? Wilmington ? Land Resources ? Radiation Protection
Winston-Salem Parks & Recreation ? Other

Water Quality r-p
? Groundwater
? Air Quality
Manager Sign-Off7Rcgion: Date: ln-House Reviewtt/Agrnry:
Response (check all applicable)
? No objection to project as proposed.
? No Comment
? Insufficient information to complete review
o Other (specify or attach comments)
c ?.
C?
NOV 0 2 2004
DEP?R - WATER QUALITY
WETLfdv'DS NZ STCR%TjYATER BRANCH
KLI UKN 7U:
Melba McGee
Environmental Coordinator -
Off Ice of Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs
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MICHAEL
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OCT 200¢ ti .?.
FNEO
fl0A p?? o STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
PARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
October 11, 2004
LYNDo TIPPETT
SECRETARY
MEMORANDUM TO: Ms. Chrys Baggett, Director
State Clearinghouse
Department of Administration
r
, ROM: Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Director
-PAProject Development and Environme fall Analysis Branch
SUBJECT: Start of Study Coordination and Requost for Input for the
Reconstruction of the SR 2970 (Reedy Fork Parkway) / US 29
interchange reconstruction in Greensboro; State Project Number
3.659911, T.I.P. Project Number R-4707, Guilford County
The City of Greensboro and North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Project
Development and Environmental Analysis Branch proposes to reconstruct the SR 2970 (Reedy
Fork Parkway) / US 29 Interchange in Greensboro. The project is included in the 2004 - 2010
NCDOT Transportation Improvement Program for planning ai-id environmental study. The City
of Greensboro and NCDOT has retained Wilbur Smith Associates to conduct an environmental
assessment for the proposed improvements, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act
Of 1969, as amcnded (42 USC 4321 et seq.)
The proposed reconstruction is considered necessary to improve safety and reduce congestion
on the SR 2970 (Reedy Creek Parkway)/US 29 interchange, and to accommodate the planned
land use changes in the project vicinity. The purpose of this letter is to initiate coordination with
federal, state, and local agencies and other interested parties and to solicit comments on the
proposed action. Comments and suggestions are invited from all interested parties to ensure
that all issues concerning the proposed action are addressed. If applicable, please identify any
permits or approvals that may be required by your agency. The remainder of this letter
provides a brief summary of initial project information regarding the preliminary study area,
existing land use, cultural resources, protected species, and water resources. A proactive and
inclusive public involvement program is under development for the project.
Preliminary Study Area
It is proposed to reconstruct and improve the SR 2970 (Reedy Fork Parkway) / US 29
Interchange in Greensboro with improvements to SR 2526 (Summit Avenue) from SR 2641
(Bryan Park Road) to the interchange as shown in Figure 1. It is proposed that the Interchange
and US 29 be upgraded to interstate standards for approximately one and a half miles.
MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: [phone] LOCATION:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX: [phone] TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND E4VIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER WEBSITE: WWW.N000T.ORG RALEIGH NC
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548

2
Existing Land Use
The proposed project is located northeast of downtown Greensboro in Guilford County in
central North Carolina. The study area is moderately developed and includes a mixture of light
industry and institutional uses. There are plans for additional commercial, industrial and
residential development in the vicinity of the SR 2970 (Reedy Creek Parkway/US 29
interchange.
Cultural Resources
Preliminary research of the existing records of historic architectural properties within the study
area indicates that there are no properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places
(NRHP). A Phase II Architectural Survey will identify any properties in the study area that are
potentially eligible for listing in the NRHP.
Threatened, Endangered, and federal Species of Concern
Species currently listed (February 18, 2003) by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for
Guilford County include the following:
Common Name_ Scientific Name Status
Vertebrates
Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucccephalus Threatened (Proposed for delisting)
Carolina darter Etheostoma collis lepidinion Federal Species of Concern
Water resources
The study is located in the Cape Fear River Basin. Reedy Fork Creek and Hardy Mill Pond are
within the study area. Several smaller tributaries to Reedy Fork Creek are within the study area
a!sn. (See Figure 1.) National Wetlands Inventory maps for the study area depicts one wetland
associated with Hardy Mill Pond. Wetland and stream delineations will be performed as part of
this study.
Comments on the proposed project should be mailed to the following person by
November 30, 2004 to ensure use in the early phases of the planning process.
Ms. Gail Grimes, P.E.
Project Development & Environmental Analysis Branch
North Carolina Department of Transportation
1548 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1548
If further information regarding the proposed action or the environmental analysis process is
required, please contact Ms. Grimes at [phone] extension 323. Thank you for your
participation in this most important transportation project.
GJT/plr
Attachment
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