P3814-1

? wATF Michael r-. Lesley, Uovernor
9 William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
`O? QG North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
fib 7, Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director
Division of Water Quality
July 11, 2005
MEMORANDUM
To: Melba McGee, Environmental Coordinator, Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental
Affairs
From: Brian L. Wrenn, NCDWQ, Transportation Permitting Unit
Subject: Request for Input for the Proposed Extension of Central Avenue (SR 1235) across the
North Carolina Railroad Company/Norfolk Southern Railroad in Rowan County, TIP
Project No. P-3814, State Project No. 8.2663301
In reply to your correspondence dated May 26, 2005 (received June 21, 2005) in which you requested
comments for the referenced project, the NC Division of Water Quality has the following comments:
Project-Specific Comments:
1. Although it appears that there are no named streams in the immediate project area, it is difficult to tell .
based on the supplied maps. Mapping should be submitted, that clearly depicts the project location
and the project boundaries.
2. Two unnamed tributaries to Cold Water Creek appear to be located near the project study area. Cold
Water Creek are classified as WS-IV waters of the State from its source to SR 1221 and as WS-IV;
CA waters of the State below SR 1221 to the Lake Fisher dam. DWQ is very concerned with
sedimentation and erosion impacts that could result from this project, especially in light of the fact
that there are water supply critical areas downstream. DWQ recommends that the most protective
sedimentation and erosion control BMPs be implemented to reduce the risk of sedimentation and
erosion to Cold Water Creek. DWQ requests that road design plans provide treatment of the storm
water runoff through best management practices as detailed in Best Management Practices for the
Protection of Surface Waters. Refer to 15A NCAC 2B .0224(2) and 15A NCAC 2H .1006.
3. A thorough field survey should be conducted within the project study area to locate intermittent and
perennial streams and jurisdictional and non jurisdictional wetlands. All surface waters should be
clearly mapped in relation to the project study area boundaries.
General Comments:
1. Live concrete should not be allowed to contact the water in or entering into the stream. Concrete is
mostly made up of lime (calcium carbonate) and when in a dry or wet state (not hardened) calcium
carbonate is very soluble in water and has a pH of approximately 12. In an unhardened state concrete
or cement will change the pH of fresh water to very basic and will cause fish and other
macroinvertebrate kills.
2. If temporary access roads or detours are constructed, they should be removed back to original ground
elevations immediately upon the completion of the project. Disturbed areas should be seeded or
mulched to stabilize the soil and native tree species should be planted with a spacing of not more than
10'x10'. If possible, when using temporary structures the area should be cleared but not grubbed.
NorthCarolina
Transportation Permitting Unit )Vatumlly
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/ncwetlands
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer- 50% Recycled/10% Post Consumer Paper
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 disturbed soil.
3. Sedimentation and erosion control measures sufficient to protect water resources must be
implemented prior to any ground disturbing activities. Structures should be maintained regularly,
especially following rainfall events.
4. Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands.
5. Bare soil should be stabilized through vegetation or other means as quickly as feasible to prevent
sedimentation of water resources.
6. All work in or adjacent to stream waters should be conducted in a dry work area. Sandbags, rock
berms, cofferdams, or other diversion structures should be used where possible to prevent excavation
in flowing water.
7. Heavy equipment should be operated from the bank rather than in stream channels in order to
minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of intrgducing 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 maiprials.
8. 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 professionally
designed, sized, and installed.
9. In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules 115A NCAC
2H.0506(b)(6) 1, mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 150 linear feet to any single
perennial stream. In the event that mitigation is required, the mitigation plan should be designed to
replace appropriate lost functions and values. In accordance with the Environmental Management
Commission's Rules 115A NCAC 2H.0506 (h)(3) ), the NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program may
be available for use as stream mitigation.
10. The 401 Water Quality Certification application will need to specifically address the proposed
methods for storm water management. More specifically, storm water should not be permitted to
discharge directly into streams or surface waters.
11. Borrow/waste areas should avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practicable. Impacts to wetlands
in borrow/waste areas could precipitate 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 Brian Wrenn 919-733-5715.
pc: Eric Alsmeyer, USACE Raleigh Field Office
Chris Militscher, USEPA
Marla Chambers, NCWRC
Marella Buncick, USFWS
File Copy
Department of Environment and Natural ResourISA,
Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affaip
Project Review Form
41?t?o°?,o
Project Number: County: Date Received: v R Due ( line):
s
?s?- (33(a 1 Fri o t- ? ???"/or
This project is being reviewed as indicated below:

Regional OtTrec Regional OfTicc Area In-House Review
? Asheville Air ? Soil & Water ? Marine Fisheries
? Fayetteville Water ? Coastal Management

ooresville Groundwater ildlife ? Water Resources
? Raleigh Land Quality Engineer ? Environmental Health

? Washington ? Recreational Consultant ? Forest Resources ? Solid Waste Mgmt
? Wilmington ? Land Resources, ? Radiation Protection
? Winston-Salem ? Pads & Recreation ? Other
ater Quality ?b
? Groundwater
? Air Quality
Manager Sign-0ffrRegion: Datc: In-House R.sin-r/Agcncy.
Response (check all applicable)
? No objection to project as proposed.
? No Comment
? Insufficient information to complete review
? Other (specify or attach comments)
KhJ U" TV:
Melba McGee
Environmental Coordinator
Office of Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs
?5TA7Z
?Tyd ...-?n,o
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GOVERNOR
LYNDo TIPP=
May 26, 2005
?pis
MEMORANDUM TO: Ms. Chrys Baggett
NC State Clearinghouse
FROM: Marc Hamel 1016;
Rail Environmental Planning Engineer
NCDOT Rail Division, Environmental and Planning Division
SUBJECT: Start of Study for the Proposed Extension of Central
Avenue (SR 1235) across the North Carolina Railroad
Company/Norfolk Southern Railroad in Rowan County. A
component of TIP Project No. P-3814, State Project No.
8.2663301.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Rail Division has retained
.the firm of Stantec Consulting Services Inc. to prepare a Categorical Exclusion (CE) for
the proposed extension of Central Avenue (SR 1235) in northeast Landis. This project
is included in the Draft 2006-2012 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and is
part of the grade crossing improvements being conducted for the rail corridor between
Salisbury and Charlotte (collectively known as TIP Project No. P-3814).
The purpose of this letter is to provide notification of the start of study and to
solicit comments regarding potential concerns or data within the project study
area. Please submit written comments to Mr. Marc Hamel at the address below by
July 30, 2005. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Hamel, at 733-7245,
extension 270.
The following paragraphs provide a description of the project, the purpose and need for
the project, plus the general characteristics and natural resources of the project study
area.
Project Description
The proposed project would allow improvements to be made at Central Avenue's
crossing of the North Carolina Railroad (NCRR) and Norfolk Southern (NS) rail corridor
by shifting the crossing eastward and constructing a new crossing perpendicular to the
NCRR/NS rail corridor.
MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: [phone] LOCATION:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX: [phone] TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
RAIL DIVISION 1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
1553 MAIL SERVICE CENTER WESSITE: WWW.BYTRAIN.ORG RALEIGH NC
RALEIGH NC 27699-1553
N

1
Central Avenue Extension (SR 1235), Rowan County
TIP Project No. P-3814
Start of Study Letter
Page 2 of 3
Existing Central Avenue is a paved road, approximately 22 feet wide that runs roughly
parallel to the existing tracks. Several residences have driveway access to Central
Avenue on the south side. The proposed project would shift the road southeast roughly
26 feet, at maximum, and extend it to a new crossing approximately 620 feet to the east
along the rail line.
The approximate length of the project is 0.2-mile and construction would most likely
begin in fiscal year 2006. The attached exhibit shows the project location.
Purpose and Need
The NCRR corridor between Salisbury and Charlotte is one of the most traveled rail
lines in the state. To improve safety at railroad crossings, the NCDOT is working with
municipalities in Rowan County to evaluate safety at public crossings. The NCDOT
South End Traffic Separation Study (August 1997) identified the Central Avenue
crossing as a location for safety improvements. The existing crossing is aligned at a
skew to the tracks and has poor vertical alignment and site distance.
The proposed extension of Central Avenue would provide a safer crossing of the
NCRR/NS rail corridor by improving site distance and the vertical alignment.
General Characteristics of the Project Study Area
The project study area is located in northeast Landis, North Carolina.
Land Use - The project study area is urban in nature, surrounded by residential
properties.
Natural Resources - The project lies within the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin (USGS
Hydrologic Unit 03040101, DWQ Subbasin 03-07-12). The railroad runs along a slight
ridge in Landis, attributing to the absence of streams within the project study area.
Ephemeral or intermittent channels may be present; however, perennial streams do not
occur in the immediate area. Further, the topography of the project study area is not
very conducive to the formation of wetlands. Initial surveys indicate the absence of
wetland systems within the project study area. Formal wetland delineations will be
conducted during the course of the study.
In accordance with provisions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the project study
area will be evaluated for threatened and endangered species habitat. One animal
species are listed for Rowan County (USFWS 2003), the bald eagle (Haliaeetus
leucocephalus), which is categorized as Threatened. Two fish species, the Carolina
darter (Etheostoma collis lepidinion) and robust redhorse (Moxostoma robustum), are
federal species of concern (FSC).
Based on a field review of the site, there is no suitable habitat for the bald eagle. Due to
the high level of development and lack of suitable nesting/foraging habitat, colonization
of the project study area is not likely. The potential for impact of this project to federally
protected species is extremely low. There is no habitat for the Carolina darter or robust
redhorse, as there are no waterbodies within the project study area
Central Avenue Extension (SR 1235), Rowan County
TIP Project No. P-3814
Start of Study Letter
Page 3 of 3
The Schweinitz's sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii) is the single plant species listed as
Endangered for Rowan County. The Georgia aster (Aster georgianus) is a Candidate
species, a classification that is reserved for species that are under consideration for
protection and have sufficient information to support listing. Potential habitat exists for
both species along the shoulders of Central Avenue, the railroad corridor, and clear-cut
areas. A survey for this plant will be conducted during the upcoming flowering season.
Two plant FSC are listed for Rowan County: Heller's trefoil (Lotus hellen) and Virginia
quillwort (Isoetes virginica).
Archeological and Historic Architectural Properties - A review of historic maps,
reports, and other relevant documents at the Office of State Archaeology and the
Survey and Planning Branch of State Archives and Records did not identify any sites on
the Nationai Register, eligible for the National Register, or on the State's study list within
the project study area.
MH/acs
Attachments
cc: File
Rowan County
I%^ North CaJro4hro Department of Transportation
I?kk
% I V15IO I "
Central Avenue Extension
Project Location
Categorical Exclusion NTS
Stantec Rowan County, North Carolina Exhibit 1
O?OF W ATFRQG
r
Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director
Division of Water Quality
June 28, 2005
MEMORANDUM
To: Marc Hamel
Rail Environmental Planning Engineer
NCDOT Rail Division, Environmental and Planning Division
From: Sue Homewood ON,
Division of Water Quality
Winston-Salem Regional Office
RkD IR&ROW21
JUL 0 6 2005
WETLANDS ANDS ORMWA R BRANCH
Subject: Comments on proposed extension of Central Avenue (SR 1235) across the North Carolina Railroad
Company/Norfolk Southern Railroad in Rowan County, State Project No8.2663301, TIP P-3814
Reference your correspondence dated May 26, 2005 in which you requested comments for the referenced project.
Preliminary analysis of the project reveals no projected impacts to any perennial streams or jurisdictional wetlands.
Further investigations at a higher resolution and in the field should be undertaken to verify the presence of any streams
and/or jurisdictional. wetlands in the area. In the event that any jurisdictional areas are identified, the Division of Water
Quality requests that NCDOT consider the following environmental issues for the proposed project:
A. The document should provide a detailed and itemized presentation of the proposed impacts to wetlands and
streams with corresponding mapping.
B. 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.
C. Wetland and stream impacts should be avoided (including sediment and erosion control structures/measures) to the
maximum extent practical. If this is not possible, alternatives that minimize wetland impacts should be chosen.
Mitigation for unavoidable impacts will be required by DWQ for impacts to wetlands in excess of one acre and/or
to streams in excess of 150 linear feet.
D. 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.
E. In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Wetlands Rules { 15A NCAC 211.0506(b)(6)),
mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 150 linear feet to any single perennial stream. In the event
that mitigation becomes required, the mitigation plan should be designed to replace appropriate lost functions and
values. In accordance with the NCDWQ Wetlands Rules {15A NCAC 211.0506 (h)(3)), the Wetland Restoration
Program may be available for use as stream mitigation.
F. Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands.
None Caro ina
'atural)ly
North Carolina Division of Water Quality 585 Waughtown Street Phone [phone] Customer Service
Internet: h2o.enr.state.nc.us Winston-Salem, NC 27107 FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer- 50% Recycled/10% Post Consumer Paper
G. While the use of National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps and soil surveys is a useful office tool, their inherent
inaccuracies require that qualified personnel perform onsite wetland delineations prior to permit approval.
Thank you for requesting our input at this time. The NCDOT 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 Sue
Homewood at 336-771-4600 extension 287.
cc: DWQ Winston-Salem Regional Office Files
DWQ Wetlands 401 Files
DWQ Central Files