R-3430

O?O? W AT FgpG
Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D.
Acting Director
Division of Water Quality
March 12, 2003
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Director
NCDOT Project Development & Environmental Analysis
FROM: Cynthia F. Van Der Wiele, NCDOT Coordinator Ct>o?j
SUBJECT: Review of Scoping Sheets for SR 1001 (Connelly Springs Road) from Burke County
Line to SR 1933 (Lenoir Southwest Blvd.), Caldwell County. TIP Project R-3430
In reply to your correspondence dated March 7, 2003 (received March 12, 2003) in which you
requested comments for the referenced project, preliminary analysis of the project by the NC Division
of Water Quality indicates that unnamed tributaries to Gunpowder Creek (index number 11-55, class
C) and the Catawba River (11, class WS-IV & B Critical Area) in Hydrologic Unit 030832 will be
impacted. The NC Division of Water Quality has the following comments:
Environmental Documentation
1. The environmental document 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. DWQ recommends that the environmental document include 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.
Design & Construction
1. A biological assessment of Gunpowder Creek showed a good-fair rating.
2. The project shall incorporate the requirements for WS-IV Waters within a critical area as
specified in 15A NCAC 213 .0215 (i.e., stormwater management, sedimentation and erosion
control, and buffers).
3. Hazardous spill catch basins will most likely be required for this project.
4. The DWQ requests that DOT strictly adhere to North Carolina regulations entitled, "Design
Standards in Sensitive Watersheds" (15A NCAC 04B .0024) and Best Management Practices for
the Protection of Surface Waters (March 1997) throughout design and construction of the project.
5. The subbasin that this project occurs in, contains portions of the cities of Hickory, Conover and
Newton. Highly erodable soils and moderate gradients contribute to the large amounts of
sediment in the Little Rivers (U211er. Middle and Lower) and their tributaries. Where practicable.
North Carolina Division of Water Quality, 401 Wetlands Certification Unit,
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 (Mailing Address)
2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604-2260 (Location)
919-733-1786 (phone), 919-733-6893 (fax), hftp://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands/
r
storm water should be directed to buffer areas, grass-lined swales or retention basins and must not
be routed directly into streams in order to filter pollutants and sediment. While vegetated buffers
are not a requirement within this basin, NCDOT is encouraged to retain vegetation as much as
possible.
6. Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands. Sediment should be
removed from any water pumped from behind a cofferdam before the water is returned to the
stream.
7. Do not use any machinery in the stream channels unless absolutely necessary. Additionally, do
not remove vegetation from the stream bank unless it is absolutely necessary. Especially avoid
removing large trees and undercut banks. If large, undercut trees must be removed, then cut the
trunks and leave the stumps and root systems in place to minimize damage to stream banks.
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.
9. 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 the
NCDWQ Wetlands Rules 11 5A NCAC 2H.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 115A NCAC 2H.0506 (h)(3)1, the Wetland
Restoration Program may be available for use as stream mitigation.
10. Qualified personnel should perform onsite wetland delineations prior to permit approval.
11. DWQ prefers replacement'of bridges with bridges, particularly in higher quality waters (i.e. trout
streams, water supply watersheds, high quality and outstanding resource waters).
12. When practical, the DWQ requests that bridges be replaced on the existing location with road
closure. If a detour proves necessary, remediation measures in accordance with the NCDWQ
requirements for General 401 Certification 2726/Nationwide Permit No. 33 (Temporary
Construction, Access and Dewatering) must be followed.
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 Cynthia Van Der Wiele at [phone].
pc: John Thomas, USACE Raleigh Field Office
Chris Militscher, USEPA
Marella Buncick, USFWS
Marla Chambers, NCWRC
File Copy
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
1407-
it,
'9r), DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONw T qR ) Z Zoo.3
MICHAEL F. EASLEY ?T?? PETT
GOVERNOR
March 7, 2003
MEMORANDUM TO: Ms. Cynthia Van der Wiele
Division of Water Quality/Wetlands-
FROM: Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D. ? .?
Environmental Management Director, PDEA
SUBJECT: Caldwell County, SR 1001 (Connelly Springs Road), from
SR 1115 (Dry Ponds Road) to SR 1933 (Lenoir SW Boulevard),
Federal-Aid Project STP-1001(25), State Project No. 8.2733401,
TIP No. R-3430
The Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch has begun studying the
proposed improvements to SR 1001 (Connelly Springs). The project is included in the Draft
2004-2010 North Carolina Transportation Improvement Program and is scheduled for right of
way in fiscal year 2008 and construction in fiscal year 2010.
DOT proposes to widen SR 1001 (Connelly Springs Road) to a multi-lane facility.
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 which may be required by your agency. Your comments will be used in the
preparation of a federally funded Environmental Assessment. This document will be prepared in
accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act. It is desirable that your agency respond
by April 25, 2003 so that your comments can be used in the preparation of this document.
If you have any questions concerning the project, please contact Richard L. Brewer, P.E.,
Project Development Engineer, of this Branch at [phone], Ext. 242. 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.N000T.ORG
LOCATION:
TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
RALEIGH NC

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BEGIN
PROJECT NOT TO SCALE FIGURE 1
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PROJECT
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NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT &
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BRANCH
PROJECT VICINITY MAP
CALDWELL COUNTY
SR 1001 (CONNELLY SPRING RD.) FROM
BURKE COUNTY LINE TO SR 1933 (LENOIR
SOUTHWEST BLVD.)
`NAT ?qpG
co
Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D.
Acting Director
Division of Water Quality
April 2, 2002
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mr. William D. Gilmore, P.E., Manager
NCDOT Project Development & Environmental Analysis
FROM: Cynthia F. Van Der Wiele, NCDOT Coordinator Wd,,?,J
SUBJECT: Review of Scoping Sheets for SR 1001 (Connelly Springs Road) from Burke County
Line to SR 1933 (Lenoir Southwest Blvd.), Caldwell County. TIP Project R-3430
In reply to your correspondence dated February 7, 2002 (received March 4, 2002) in which you
requested comments for the referenced project, preliminary analysis of the project indicates that
unnamed tributaries to Gunpowder Creek (index number 11-55, class C) and the Catawba River (11,
class WS-IV & B Critical Area) in Hydrologic Unit 030832 will be impacted. The NC Division of
Water Quality has the following 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. DWQ recommends that the environmental document include a detailed and itemized presentation
of the proposed project's impacts to wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping as well as
the cumulative and secondan• impacts anticipated as a result of this project.
Design & Construction
1. A biological assessment of Gunpowder Creek showed a good-fair rating.
2. The project shall incorporate the requirements for WS-IV Waters within a critical area as
specified in 15A NCAC 2B .0215 (i.e., stormwater management, sedimentation and erosion
control, and buffers). Hazardous spill catch basins will most likely be required for this project.
The DWQ requests that DOT strictly adhere to North Carolina regulations entitled, "Design
Standards in Sensitive Watersheds" (15A NCAC 04B .0024) and Best Management Practices for
the Protection of Surface Waters (March 1997) throughout design and construction of the project.
3. The subbasin that this project occurs in, contains portions of the cities of Hickory, Conover and
Newton. Highly erodable soils and moderate gradients contribute to the large amounts of
sediment in the Little Rivers (Upper, Middle and Lower) and their tributaries. Where practicable,
storm water should be directed to buffer areas or retention basins and must not be routed directly
into streams. Instead, storm water should be designed to drain to a properly designed storm water
North Carolina Division of Water Quality, 401 Wetlands Certification Unit,
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 (Mailing Address)
2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604-2260 (Location)
919-733-1786 (phone), 919-733-6893 (fax), http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetiands/
detention facility/apparatus. While vegetated buffers are not a requirement within this basin,
NCDOT is encouraged to retain vegetation as much as possible.
4. Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands. Sediment should be
removed from any water pumped from behind a cofferdam before the water is returned to the
stream.
5. Do not use any machinery in the stream channels unless absolutely necessary. Additionally, do
not remove vegetation from the stream bank unless it is absolutely necessary. Especially avoid
removing large trees and undercut banks. If large, undercut trees must be removed, then cut the
trunks and leave the stumps and root systems in place to minimize damage to stream banks.
6. 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.
7. 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 the
NCDWQ Wetlands 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 becomes
required, the mitigation plan should be designed to replace appropriate lost functions and values.
In accordance with the NCDWQ Wetlands Rules 115A NCAC 2H.0506 (h)(3)}, the Wetland
Restoration Program may be available for use as stream mitigation.
8. Qualified personnel should perform onsite wetland delineations prior to permit approval.
9. DWQ prefers replacement of bridges with bridges, particularly in higher quality waters (i.e. trout
streams, water supply watersheds, high quality and outstanding resource waters).
10. When practical, the DWQ requests that bridges be replaced on the existing location with road
closure. If a detour proves necessary, remediation measures in accordance with the NCDWQ
requirements for General 401 Certification 2726/Nationwide Permit No. 33 (Temporary
Construction, Access and Dewatering) must be followed.
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 Cynthia Van Der Wiele at [phone].
pc: Jean Manuele, USACE Raleigh Field Office
Marcella Buncick, USFWS
MaryEllen Haggard, NCWRC
Central Files
File Copy
STAT,•
r MAR 4 200?
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY LYM)o TIPPETT
GOVERNOR SF RIYARY
February 7, 2002
MEMORANDUM TO: Ms. Cynthia Van der Wiele
Division of Water Quality/Wetlands v ?
?..-
FROM: William D. Gilmore, P. E., Mand" g r
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
SUBJECT: Review of Scoping Sheets for R-3430, SR 1001 (Connelly Springs
Road), from the Burke County Line to SR 1933 (Lenoir Southwest
Boulevard), Caldwell County
Attached for your review and comments are the Scoping sheets for the subject project
(see attached map for project location). The purpose of these sheets and the related review
procedure is to have an early "meeting of the minds" as to the scope of work that should be
performed and thereby enable us to better implement the project. A Scoping meeting for this
project is scheduled for arch 5, 2002 at 10:30 AM in the Roadway Design Unit Conference
Room (Century Center). You may provide us with your comments at the meeting or mail them
to us prior to that date.
Thank you for your assistance in this part of our planning process. If there are any
questions about the meeting or the scoping sheets, please call Richard Brewer, P. E., Project
Development Engineer, at 733-7844, Ext. 242. Please include the TIP Project Number in all
correspondence and comments.
WDG/plr
Attachment
U T
C
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
PROJECT SCOPING SHEET
Date 02/11/02
Revision Date
Project Development Stage
Programming
Planning X
Design
TIP #.R-3430
Project # 8.2733401
F.A. Project # STP-1001(25)
Division 11
County Caldwell
Route SR 1001 (Connelly Springs Rd.)
Functional Classification Major collector
Length 7.1 miles (11.4 kilometers)
Purpose of Project: To improve the traffic-carrying capacity and safety of the roadway.
Description of project (including specific limits) and major elements of work: Construct a
multi-lane hiahwav on existino location, from the Burke Co. line to SR 1933 (Lenoir Southwest
Type of environmental document to be prepared: Federal Environmental Assessment / Finding
of No Significant Impact (FONSI) (anticipated)
Environmental study schedule: EA .............. IN PROGRESS - JULY 03
FONSI......... FEB 04 - MAY 04
Will there be special funding participation by municipality, developers, or other?
Yes No X
If yes, by whom and amount: ($) or (%)
How and when will this be paid?
Type of Access Control: Full Partial None X
Type of Roadway: Proposed facility is a multi-lane highway on existing location.
Interchanges 0 Grade Separations
Typical Section of
lane undivided, OR
considered,
Roadway: EITH
0 Stream Crossings
anes divided by 16'
Traffic: Current (2000) 2,000 vpd
Design Year (2025) 4,800 vpd
%Trucks 5% duals, 2% TTST
PROJECT SCOPING SHEET
Design Standards Applicable:
Design Speed: 60 mph
Preliminary Resurfacing Design:
Preliminary Pavement Design:
Current Cost Estimate*:
AASHTO X 3R
Construction Cost (including engineering and contingencies).... $ 22,750,000 [4 lane]
$ 24,800,000 [5 lane]
Right of Way Cost (including rel,, util., and acquisition)......... $
Force Account Items .................................... $
Preliminary Engineering .................................. $
Total Cost ............................................ $
2002.2008 TIP Cost Estimate:
Construction ...................................... $ 19,800,000
Right of Way ...................................... $ 4,700.000
Prior Years ........................................ $ 1,500,000
Total Cost ........................... . ............ $ 26,000,000
4Vr? 5eG'G«p-j
PROJECT SCOPING SHEET
List any special features, such as railroad involvement, which could affect cost or schedule
of project*:
ITEMS REQUIRED ( X ) COMMENTS COST
Estimated Costs of Improvements:
? Pavement
Windening ....................................... $
Resufacing ...................................... $ q; I. I Do. ov
/Subgrade Stabilization ............................. $ eact o. o,:)
"-New Pavement ................................... $ z . 43 ZZ,5o. ?
?-
Shoulders: Paved .............................. $
Earth ............................... $
Earthwork and Fine Grading .............................. $ 24y?,
$
Subsurface Items: ......................................
Subgrade Stabilization .................................. $
Drainage (List any special items) .......................... $ 2}
$
Sub-Drainage ..........................................
Structures:
Bridge Rehabilitation .......... ............ $
New Bridge ........................... $
Widen Bridge ........................... $
Remove Bridge ........................... $
New Culverts:
Size Length Fill Ht. ... $
Culvert Extension ............................... $
Retaining Walls:
Type Avg. Ht. Skew $
Noise Walls ..................................... $
Any Other Misc. Structures ....................... $
Concrete Curb & Gutter ............................... $ ?. 844'4.00
?' ?--
Concrete Sidewalk .................................... $
Median Cross-overs ................................... $
Fencing: W.W. and/or C.L. .............. $
Erosion Control ...................................... $ 234. Oct, en
Landscape ........................................... $
Lighting ............................................. $
Traffic Control .......................................
N $ 28?. ow. vp
$
ew ...................................
Signing:
Upgrading..... v ......................
Traffic Signals .,.New ............................. $
$ 230, deo.o-o
Revised .......................... $
RR Signals: New ................................ $
Revised ............................. $
With or Without Arms ................ $
If 3R: Drainage Safety Enhancement .............. $
Roadside Safety Enhancement .............. $
Realignment for Safety Upgrade............ $
Pavement Markings:
Paint Thermo - Markers ........... $
Delineators .......................................... $
Other (Mob./Misc., Clearing/Grubbing and Utilities) ......... $ e35.oov. a?
CONTRACT COST (Subtotal): $ (Q.'t%- aD
Iq L r1l -/ a "wr--j
PROJECT SCOPING SHEET
Contingencies & Engineering (15%) ........................ $ e? .
PE Costs .............................................. $
Force Account .......................................... $
Construction Cost $ 2.?. ? o O
Right of Way:
Will Contain within Exist Right of Way: Yes No
Existing Right of Way Width:
New Right of Way Needed: Width Est. Cost $
Easements: Type Width Est. Cost $
Utilities: $
Right of Way Subtotal: $
Preliminary Engineering $
Total Estimated Cost: (Includes RM) $
Prepared By: Richard L, Brewer, P.E. Date: 01117102
The above scoping has been reviewed and approved* by:
INIT. DATE INIT. DATE
Highway Design
Roadway
Structure
Design Services
Geotechnical
Hydraulics
Loc. & Surveys
Photogrammetry
Prel. Est. Engr.
Planning & Environ,
Right of Way
RM Utilities
Traffic Engineering
Project Management
County Manager
City/Municipality
Others
Board of Tran. Member
Mgr. Program & Policy
Chief Engineer-Precons
Chief Engineer-Oper.
Secondary Roads Off.
Construction Branch
Roadside Environmental
Maintenance Branch
Bridge Maintenance
Statewide Planning
Division Engineer
Bicycle Coordinator
Program Development
FHWA
Dept. of Cult. Res.
Dept. of EH & NR
Scoping Sheets for local officials will be sent to Division Engineer for handling.
Comments or Remarks:
*If you are not in agreement with proposed project or scoping, note your proposed
revisions in Comments or Remarks Section and initial and date after comments.

PROJECT SCOPING SHEET
List any special features, such as railroad involvement, which could affect cost or schedule
of project*:
ITEMS REQUIRED ( X 1 COMMENTS COST
Estimated Costs of Improvements:
?
Pavement
Windening ....................................... $
'Resufacing ...................................... $ 5?1°?.cao
Subgrade Stabilization ............................. $ A--to, S56>.5?q
i New Pavement ................................... $ t L1?B.«D
Shoulders: Paved .............................. $
Earth ...............................
l Earthwork and Fine Grading $
Subsurface Items: ...................................... $
Subgrade Stabilization .................................. $
Drainage (List any special items) .......................... $ -2105, no
Sub-Drainage .......................................... $
Structures: ..
Bridge Rehabilitation ........................... $
New Bridge ........................... $
Widen Bridge ' ................ $
Remove Bridge ........................... $
New Culverts:
Size Length Fill Ht. $
Culvert Extension ............................... $
Retaining Walls:
Type Avg. Ht. Skew $
Noise Walls ..................................... $
Any Other Misc. Structures ..................... S
Concrete Curb & Gutter ............................... $ rnq,-7 1 2 ae,
$
Concrete Sidewalk ....................................
Median Cross-overs ................................... $
Fencing: W.W. and/or C.L. $
.? Erosion Control ...................................... $ 2 34C co
$
Landscape ...........................................
Lighting ............................................. $
/ Traffic Control ....................................... $ 2O} .ocn. co
Signing: New ................................... $
y Upgrading ............................. $
/ Traffic Signals New ............................. $ 7_Soto a0.00
Revised .......................... $
RR Signals: New ................................ $
Revised ............................. $
With or Without Arms ................ $
If 3R: Drainage Safety Enhancement .............. $
Roadside Safety Enhancement .............. $
Realignment for Safety Upgrade............ $
V Pavement Markings:
Paint Thermo Markers . ..........
. $
Delineators .......................................... $
Other (Mob./Misc., Clearing/Grubbing and Utilities) ......... $ C, C' Doi)
CONTRACT COST (Subtotal): $ Z 31,__ Vv
. ? L. 56C?Vt o&).
PROJECT SCOPING SHEET
Contingencies & Engineering (15%) ........................ $ c2?
PE Costs .............................. ................ $
Force Account ......................... ................. $
Construction Cost $ 2,41 P9202)-,?
.
Right of Way:
Will Contain within Exist Right of Way: Yes No
Existing Right of Way Width:
New Right of Way Needed: Width Est. Cost $
Easements: Type Width Est. Cost $
Utilities: $
Right of Way Subtotal: S
Preliminary Engineering $
Total Estimated Cost: (Includes RIW) $
Prepared By: Richard L. Brewer, P.E. Date: 01/17/02
The above scoping has been reviewed and approved* by: _
INIT. DATE INIT. DATE
Highway Design Board of Tran. Member
Roadway Mgr. Program & Policy
Structure Chief Engineer-Precons
Design Services Chief Engineer-Oper.
Geotechnical Secondary Roads Off.
Hydraulics Construction Branch
Loc. & Surveys Roadside Environmental
Photogrammetry Maintenance Branch
Prel. Est. Engr. Bridge Maintenance
Planning & Environ. Statewide Planning
Right of Way Division Engineer
R/W Utilities Bicycle Coordinator
Traffic Engineering Program Development
Project Management FHWA
County Manager Dept, of Cult. Res.
City/Municipality Dept. of EH & NR
Others
Scoping Sheets for local officials will be sent to Division Engineer for handling.
Comments or Remarks:
*If you are not in agreement with proposed project or scoping, note your proposed
revisions in Comments or Remarks Section and initial and date after comments.
? 'NJ
a e
?w END
PROJECT
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NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT &
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BRANCH
PROJECT VICINITY MAP
CALDWELL COUNTY
SR 1001 (CONNELLY SPRING RD.) FROM
BURKE COUNTY LINE TO SR 1933 (LENOIR
SOUTHWEST BLVD.)
T.I.P. N0. 0-3430
BEGIN
- , PROJECT NOT TO SCALE FIGURE 1
- - - - - - - - - - - - - ---
- - - BURKE Co. LINE lei
CATAWBA RIVER I 1
p?? vy
1
W A 7- Michael F. Easley, Governor
\O?O 9p61 William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D.
> Acting Director
Division of Water Quality
February 21, 2002
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mr. William D. Gilmore, P.E., Manager
NCDOT Project Development & Environmental Analysis
FROM: Cynthia F. Van Der Wiele, NCDOT Coordinator CO &_0
SUBJECT: Review of Scoping -Sheets for SR 1001 (Connelly Springs Road) from Burke County
Line to SR 1933 (Lenoir Southwest Blvd.), Caldwell County. TIP Project R-3430
In reply to your correspondence dated February 7, 2002 (received February 15, 2002) in which you
requested comments for the referenced project, preliminary analysis of the project indicates that
unnamed tributaries to Gunpowder Creek (index number 11-55, class C) and the Catawba River (11,
class WS-IV & B Critical Area) in Hydrologic Unit 030832 will be impacted. The NC Division of
Water Quality has the following 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. DWQ recommends that the environmental document include 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.
Design & Construction
1. A biological assessment of Gunpowder Creek showed a good-fair rating.
2. The project shall incorporate the requirements for WS-IV Waters within a critical area as
specified in 15A NCAC 213 .0215 (i.e., stormwater management, sedimentation and erosion
control, and buffers). Hazardous spill catch basins will most likely be required for this project.
The DWQ requests that DOT strictly adhere to North Carolina regulations entitled, "Design
Standards in Sensitive Watersheds" (15A NCAC 04B .0024) and Best Management Practices for
the Protection: of Surface Waters (March 1997) throughout design and construction of the project.
3. The subbasin that this project occurs in, contains portions of the cities of Hickory, Conover and
Newton. Highly erodable soils and moderate gradients contribute to the large amounts of
sediment in the Little Rivers (Upper, Middle and Lower) and their tributaries. Where practicable,
storm water should be directed to buffer areas or retention basins and must not be routed directly
into streams. Instead, storm water should be designed to drain to a properly designed storm water
North Carolina Division of Water Quality, 401 Wetlands Certification Unit,
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 (Mailing Address)
2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604-2260 (Location)
919.733-1786 (phone), 919-733-6893 (fax), http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands/
detention facility/apparatus. While vegetated buffers are not a requirement within this basin,
NCDOT is encouraged to retain vegetation as much as possible.
4. Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands. Sediment should be
removed from any water pumped from behind a cofferdam before the water is returned to the
stream.
5. Do not use any machinery in the stream channels unless absolutely necessary. Additionally, do
not remove vegetation from the stream bank unless it is absolutely necessary. Especially avoid
removing large trees and undercut banks. If large, undercut trees must be removed, then cut the
trunks and leave the stumps and root systems in place to minimize damage to stream banks.
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.
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 the
NCDWQ Wetlands Rules { 15A NCAC 21-1.0506(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 2H.0506 (h)(3)}, the Wetland
Restoration Program may be available for use as stream mitigation.
8. Qualified personnel should perform onsite wetland delineations prior to permit approval.
9. DWQ prefers replacement of bridges with bridges, particularly in higher quality waters (i.e. trout
streams, water supply watersheds, high quality and outstanding resource waters).
10. When practical, the DWQ requests that bridges ba replaced on the existing location with road
closure. If a detour proves necessary, remediation measures in accordance with the NCDWQ
requirements for General 401 Certification 2726/Nationwide Permit No. 33 (Temporary
Construction, Access and Dewatering) must be followed.
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 Cynthia Van Der Wiele at [phone].
pc: Jean Manuele, USACE Raleigh Field Office
Marcella Buncick, USFWS
MaryEllen Haggard, NCWRC
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