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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2107BMichael F. Easley, Governor MEMORANDUM To: Melba McGee From: Polly Lespinasse ,141v 1 oRQUgZ006 `-? Ra,?yq? a William G. Ross Jr., Secretary North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director Division of Water Quality January 10, 2006 Subject: Comments on the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Proposed Widening of NC 24-27 (East Main Street) from US 220A to I-73-74/US 220 in Biscoe, Montgomery County, TIP R-210711, WBS Element No. 34373.1.1, State Project 6.559004T, DENR Project No. 06-0211 This office has reviewed the referenced document. The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) is responsible for the issuance of the Section 401 Water Quality Certification for activities that impact Waters of the U.S., including wetlands. The DWQ offers the following comments based on review of the aforementioned document: A) Based on the document, no jurisdictional streams and/or wetlands exist within the project area. If the project limits change and jurisdictional streams and/or wetlands will be affected, a 401 Water Quality Certification will be required. A 401 Water Quality Certification requires satisfactory protection of water quality to ensure that water quality standards are met. Final permit authorization will require the submittal of a formal application by the NCDOT and written concurrence from the NCDWQ. B) A 401 Water Quality Certification application will need to specifically address the proposed methods for stormwater management. More specifically, stormwater should not be permitted to discharge directly into streams or surface waters. C) Borrow/waste areas should avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practicable. Impacts to wetlands in borrow/waste areas could precipitate compensatory mitigation. D) Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands. The NCDWQ appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on your project. Should you have any questions or require any additional information, please contact Polly Lespinasse (704) 663-1699. cc: US Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington Office Gary Jordan, USFWS Travis Wilson, NCWRC Chris Militscher, EPA Rob Ridings, NCDWQ File Copy N e hCarohna Noaturally North Carolina Division of Water Quality 610 East Center Avenue, Suite 301 Internet h2o.enr.state.nc.us Mooresville, NC 28115 Phone (704) 663-1699 Fax (704) 663-6040 An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer- 50% Recycled/10% Post Consumer Paper L to Regions TIP ScoDing' Sue Homewood (WSRO): Div 7, O, 11. >100, Polly Lespinasse (MRO): Div 8, 10912 FILE Copy ? -2(07 Title of Project: County: Date response due date: .-2v?? n?H ?i Z? DENR Project review form and pre-application project materials attached. S r`s a r o?? jC e?? r t -, c a S Le>,J C c9 srp -e.1J r Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs- Project Review Form ,oject Number. Canty Date Received: Dale Response Due (firm deadline): ~ p - oa l ? MOO ?Gv Mcrty t /slob a / /off as project is being reviewed as indicated below: tcgional Office Regional Office Area In-House Review J Asheville %LAir o Soil & Water o Marine Fisheries ,'kFayetteviHe 19 Water ? Coastal Management ? Mooresviuc P Groundwater Wildlife ? Water Resources TRAVIS l)lc_ ei-sJ ? Raleigh p Land Quality Engineer ? Environmental Health ? Washington' ? Recreational Consultant o Forest Resources ? Solid Waste Mgmt ? Wilmington ? Land Resources ? Radiation Protection ? Winston-Salem t tParks & Recreation ? Other is Water Quality z0h J N i5 pi 0 E ? Groundwater :.: ? Air Quality 4 Manager Sign-omcgion: pau: In-House Reviewer/Agency: Response (check all applicable) ? No objection to project as proposed. ? No Comment Ii Insuficient information to complete review ? Other (specify or attach comments) W6 Gf, VQ,s 4iVD 4,.I r,. RETURN TO: Melba McGte Environmental Coordinator Office orItgislative & Intergovernmental Affairs Biscoe NC 24-27 (East Main Street) From US 220A to I-73-74/US 220 Montgomery County State Project 6.559004T WBS Element 34373.1.1 TIP Project R-2107B ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION STATE FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS' In Compliance with the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act APPROVED: a5- ate Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Environmental Management Director Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch Biscoe NC 24-27 (East Main Street) From US 220A to I-73-741US 220 Montgomery County State Project 6.559004T WBS Element 34373.1.1 TIP Project R-2107B STATE FINDING OF N SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Documentation prepared in the Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch by. ??W'kk lI //,? ` kw ?? ??????' • 3 ??a? 0 Josep tMler,'!?.E. Project velopment ?6, d3S 'a : Engi ? r:y01SS.??O?'.G .1.0 "00 JaMes A. McInnis, Jr., P. Project Engineer TABLE OF CONTENTS PROJECT COMMITMENTS .......................................................................i I. TYPE OF ACTION ........................................................... -............................. .......1 II. DESCRIPTION OF ACTION .................................................................................1 III PROJECT STATUS AND SCHEDULE ................................................. 2 IV. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ................................................. 2 IV. COMMENTS AND COORDINATION ................................................................. 2 .A. Distribution the of Environmental Assessment ....................................................... 2 B. Local Government Involvement ...........................................................:.................. 3 C. Comments on the Environmental Assessment ........................................................ 3 V. REVISIONS TO ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ....................................... 3 A. Revised Recommendation ....................................................................................... 3 B. Updated Cost Estimate ...................:........................................................................ 3 C. Protected Species ............................................................................ .4 VI. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ........................................................................... 4 A. Revised Project Committments ............................................................................... 4 VII. BASIS FOR FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT .................................... 4 TABLES 1. Anticipated Environmental Effects of Proposed Project ......................................1 2. Federally Protected Species in Montgomery County ........................................3 FIGURES 1. Project Vicinity Map 2. Typical Section APPENDIX Agency Comments on the Environmental Assessment l /:. '. 1 i J ?..` V.. ?. , V . ? ` .. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT PREPARED BY THE PROJECT DEVELOPEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BRANCH, NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 1. TYPE OF ACTION This is a State Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). NCDOT has determined this project will not have any significant impact on the human environment. This FONSI is based on the Environmental Assessment (EA), which has been evaluated by the NCDOT and determined to adequately and accurately discuss the environmental issues and impacts of the proposed project. The EA provides sufficient evidence and analysis for determining that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required. NCDOT takes full responsibility for the accuracy, scope, and content of the EA. II. DESCRIPTION OF ACTION The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes to widen NC 24-27 (East Main Street) from a three-lane to a five-lane undivided facility between US 220A (North/South Main St.) and I-73-741US 220, a distance of approximately 0.9 mile. The proposed project is included in the 2006-2012 North Carolina Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Right of Way acquisition and construction are scheduled in the 2006-2012 TIP for state fiscal years 2007 and 2009, respectively. The 2006-2012 TIP includes an estimated right of way acquisition cost of $2,125,000 and construction cost of $4,200,000. Total project cost included in the TIP is $6,325,000. The latest estimated costs for TIP Project R-2107B are as follows: Right of Way Acquisition $2,125,000 Construction $4,200,000 Total Cost $6,325,000 III. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS Table 1 below presents a summary of the environmental effects of the proposed project. Estimated impacts are derived based on the project length of 0.9 mile and a right of way width of approximately 100 feet. TABLE 1 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF PROPOSED PROJECT RESIDENTIAL RELOCATEES- TOTAL(MINORITIES) 0(0) BUSINESS RELOCA EES-TOTAL 3 OTHER RELOCATEES 0 WETLANDS AFFECTED (ACRES) 0 NUMBER OF STRE CROSSINGS 0 LENGTH STREAM RELOCATIONS (FEET) 0 ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES 0 HISTORIC RESOURCES 0 IV. COMMENTS AND COORDINATION A. Distribution of the Environmental Assessment NCDOT approved the EA on September 30, 2004. The approved EA was circulated to the following federal; state and local agencies for review and comments. An asterisk (*) indicates a written response was received from the agency. Copies of the correspondence received are included in the Appendix of this document. .US Department of the Army - Corps of Engineers (Wilmington District) *US Fish and Wildlife Service NC Department of Administration - State Clearinghouse NC Department of Cultural Resources *NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources Montgomery County *Town of Biscoe 2 B. Comments on the Environmental Assessment Substantive comments on the environmental assessment are discussed below: North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality COMMENT: "According to the Yadkin-Pee Dee Basinwide Water Quality Management Plan (NCDW.Q.1998), sedimentation from construction, urban development and streambank erosion are the most widespread water quality problems identified for the basin as a whole: Other concerns include growth management, urban and industrial stormwater, nutrients in lakes, fecal coliform bacteria and oxygen- consuming wastes. Therefore, NCDWQ recommends consideration at the planning stage as to the handling of s ormwater runoff from this transportation facility." NCDOT RESPONSE: The proposed project is located in the Cape Fear River Basin, with the exception of a small portion of the project west of US 220A. The project is in a WS III water supply watershed, for which standard rules for erosion, sedimentation and stormwater runoff are applicable. NCDOT will follow Best Management Practices for Protection of Surface Waters during design and construction of this project. C. Public Involvement Following circulation of the environmental assessment, an informal public hearing was held at Biscoe Town Hall on March 21, 2005. Approximately 60 persons attended the hearing. The majority of comments at the hearing related to the typical section. At the public hearing, a four-lane median divided facility was presented. Most of the citizens commenting spoke against the proposed four-lane median divided typical section, although there were a few citizens who commented in favor of it. Some citizens believed the proposed median would make the facility less safe due to u-turns. Concerns were also expressed regarding the ability of large trucks to make u-turns. Some feared trucks would use neighborhood streets because they will not be able to make left turns onto NC 24-27 except at designated intersections. Citizens and town officials present at the hearing also expressed concerns the proposed median would discourage commercial development. 3 D. Other Agency Coordination The Town of Biscoe expressed its opposition to the proposed median in a letter to the Board of Transportation Member for their area (see Appendix). V. REVISIONS TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT A. Proposed Roadwav Typical Section A five-lane undivided highway with a center turn lane and a four-lane divided highway with a median were alternatives considered for the project (see Section IV-A of the EA). The four-lane median divided facility was selected as the recommended alternative in the environmental assessment (see Sections III-A and IV-A of the EA). This alternative was presented to the public at the March 21, 2005 public hearing. As discussed in Section IV-C, most citizens commenting at the public hearing expressed opposition to the proposed median divided typical section. A number of citizens and the Town of Biscoe requested NCDOT provide a five-lane undivided section for the project. Following the hearing, the decision was made to change the recommended typical section for the project from a four-lane median divided facility to a five-lane undivided facility. This decision was made based on the following factors: • The amount of opposition to the median from both the public and the Town. • The amount of residential development surrounding the road. • The short length of this project (0.9 mile). • The adjoining approximately 2.9 mile section of NC 24-27 to the west has a five-lane typical section. The proposed five-lane typical section is shown on Figure 2 of this document. A median island will still be provided at major intersections along the project. The now proposed five-lane typical section will result in essentially the same environmental impacts as the previously recommended four-lane median divided typical section. The proposed project will still require the relocation of three businesses. 4 B. Landscaping Prior to completion of the environmental assessment, the Town of Biscoe had requested landscaping in the proposed median (see Section III-M of the EA). The list of project commitments in the environmental assessment included a commitment that NCDOT would coordinate with the Town regarding their request at the end of the construction phase of the project. Since a median is no longer proposed, no special landscaping is proposed on the project. C. Protected Species Since completion of the environmental assessment, no changes have occurred to the list of federally-protected species for Montgomery County. The following table presents federally-protected species listed for Montgomery County as of October 13, 2005.' Table 2 Federallv Protected Species in Montgomery County Scientific Name Common Name Status Habitat? Biological Conclusion Helianthus Schweinitz's E No No Effect Schweinitzii Sunflower Echinacea Smooth E No No Effect Laevi ata Coneflower Puma Concolor Eastern E No No Effect Cougar Cougar Picoides Red Cocked E No No Effect Borealis Woodpecker Haliaeetus Bald Eagle T* No No Effect leucoce halus "E"- Endangered species are ones that are in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion their range. "T" - Threatened species are ones that are likely to become endangered within the near future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. "*" - Historic record indicating a species was last observed in the county more than 50 years ago. *Bald eagle is proposed for delisting. No habitat for any federally-listed species were found during project surveys. A review of the NC Natural Heritage Program database of rare species and unique habitats in October 2003 indicated no known occurrences of any of these species in this area. Therefore, it is anticipated the project will have "No Effect" on any federally-protected species. The US Fish and Wildlife Service concurred with this finding in a letter dated October 19, 2004 (See Appendix). 5 VII. BASIS FOR FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Based upon a study of the impacts of the proposed project, and coordination with appropriate state and local agencies and the general public, it is the finding of the NCDOT that this project will not have a significant adverse impact upon the human or natural environment. In view of the above evaluation, it has been determined that a FONSI is applicable for this project. Therefore a State Environmental Impact Statement is not required. The following person may be contacted for additional information regarding this proposal: Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D. Environmental Management Director Project Development and Environmental alysis Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation 1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1548 (919) 733-3141 JBAVjhm 6 T - ,, ao 1339 n I I ;' z I I i m IS OE I i ' POP. 1,672 1338 C0 ENO ' PROJEC T C m ? BEGAN PROJECT a 24 ' d Davis St 1 ! . ?e v 27 ?, i 24' fD St. E. Main \ .21 0 58 0 \ w. Main St. 03 aw' . 0 m ?' q \ \ 1617 12 v, 14 church St. m 1577 m \ Miller Pond Rd. i \% Hunsucker St ost Office Rd - - - , - -?,? I St ? i .24 55 1503 1 1 . 1500 03 - I' II 1? $ 1500. co I 1501 , AO ?fo mS .63 Bruton St ! ` ?Ra 220 220 I % a vA y A I I ' 73 74 FEET 0 1000 2000 0 200 400 600 METERS _ OF TRANSPORTATION- - DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BRANCH NC 24-27 (East Main Street) US 220A to I-73-74/US 220 Montgomery County TIP Project R-21076 FIGURE I TIP PROJECT R-2107B TYPICAL SECTION 100' PROPOSED TOTAL RIGHT OF WAY 64' 10, (FACE TO FACE OF CURB) 10, 12' 12' 12' 12' 12' 2' 2' w WESTBOUND CENTER EASTBOUND LANES TURNING LANES LANE NO SCALE FIVE LANES WITH CURB AND GUTTER FIGURE 2 APPENDIX Agency Comments on the Environmental Assessment A • 1i o?CF w H r?9pG r ? y o ? October 17, MEMORANDUM OCT 21. 2002 To: Gregory I Thorpe, Ph.D., Director NZO NCDOT Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch From: Cynthia F. Van Der Wiele, NCDOT Coordinator axw Subject: Review of Scoping Sheets for NC 24-27 (East Main Street) from US 220A to I-73/I- 74/US 220, Montgomery County, TIP Project R-2107B. This letter is in reply to your correspondence dated) October 11, 2002 (received October 16, 2002) in which you requested comments for the above-referenced project. The purpose of this project is to add additional lanes to the existing road in order to acc mmodate the current and projected traffic volumes as well as improve safety. A preliminary analysis of he project reveals no potential for direct impacts to perennial streams or jurisdictional wetlands in the project area. Lick Creek (hydrologic unit 030610; stream index 17-26-5-3-1) is in the area and is clas ified as WS-III. According to the Yadkin-Pee Dee Basinwide Water Quality Management Plan (NCDWQ. 1998), sedimentation from construction, urban development and streambank erosion are the most widespread water quality problems identified for the basin as a whole. Other concerns include growth management, urban and industrial stormwater, nutrients in lakes, fecal coliform bacteria and oxygen-consuming wastes. Therefore, NCDWQ recommends consideration at the planning stage as to the handling of stormwater runoff from this transportation facility. In the event that the project scope is amended, the Division of Water Quality requests that NCDOT send notification of any proposed impacts to wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping. The NCDWQ appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on your project. If you have any questions, please call Cynthia Van Der Wiele at 919.733.5715. pc: Richard Spencer, USACE Wilmington Field Office Marla Chambers, NCWRC File Copy AM 9M N 'T Q,, --- William G. Ross Jr., Secretary North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director Division of Water 0.uaHtv CEIV4r. 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/ncwetiands/ United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Raleigh Field Office Post Office Box 33726 Raleigh, North Carolina 27636.3726 October 19, 2004 Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D. Project Development and Environmental Analysis North Carolina Department of Transportation 1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1548 Dear Dr. Thorpe: CE1? OCT In- ? 20'04 Hj?aNON OF IRCVELOO This letter is in response to your October 11, 2004 letter which requested comments from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) on the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed widening of NC 24-27 from US 220A to US 220 in Biscoe, Montgomery County (TIP No. R-2107B). These comments are provided 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). According to the EA, the North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes to widen a 0.8 mile portion of NC 24-27 from the existing three-lane facility to a four-lane, median-divided facility. The EA states that no wetlands or streams will be affected by the project. Due to the suburban/residential nature of the project area, impacts to fish and wildlife resources should be minimal. The EA states that, due to the lack of habitat, the project will have no effect on the five federally listed species for Montgomery County. The Service concurs with the "no effect" determination. We believe that the requirements of section 7(a)(2) of the ESA have been satisfied f6r now. We remind you that obligations under section 7 consultation must be reconsidered if. (1) new information reveals impacts of this identified action that may affect listed species or critical habitat in a manner not previously considered in this review; (2) this action is subsequently modified in a manner that was not considered in this review; (3) a new species is listed or critical habitat determined that may be affected by the identified action. The Service believes that this EA adequately addresses the potential effects of this proposed project on fish and wildlife resources and on waters and wetlands of the United States. The Service appreciates the opportunity to review this project. if you have any questions regarding our response, please contact Mr. Gary Jordan at (919) 856-4520, ext. 32. Si er , Pete enjiain in Ecological Services Supervisor cc: Richard Spencer, USACOE, Wilmington, NC Chris Militscher, USEPA, Raleigh, NC Travis Wilson, NCWRC, Creedmoor, NC Beth Barnes, NCDWQ, Raleigh, NC ToffW of BI.SCO Mayor of bjs Board of Commissioners: James E. Blake ?a t'0 Larry Preslar- Mayor Pro-Tem Richaid Kissell . Town Manager Joshua W. Ray N? rwn saw c Michael Criscoe Town Clerk Jerry Smith Lisa L. Cagle cogpoR, ` John Beard Town Attorney Max Garner 31 August 2004 G.R. Kindley NC Department of Transportation Division 08 PO Box 280 Rockingham, NC 28380 Dear Mr. Kindley, On Monday 30 August 2004, the Town of Biscoe Board of Commissioners held a meeting to discuss the proposed plan for the widening of Highway 24/27 from US 73/74 to highway 220 Alt. This meeting was called in response to the meeting held on Thursday 19 August 2004 at Biscoe Town Hall in which local business owners expressed their concerns about the plan. Although the Board understands that the North Carolina Department of Transportation is working to make North Carolina's highways a safer place for our citizens, the Board voted 5-0 against the proposed plan that would include a median. All members of the Board were active in this discussion and stated the following reasons why this plan will not be efficient in the Town of Biscoe: 1. Increased traffic in residential neighborhoods 2. Negative impact on existing businesses along Highway 24/27 3. Negative impact on Future Commercial Development on the East end of Town 4. Vehicular safety with proposed U-turns The Board completely understands the need to address the growing number of vehicles that use Highway 24/27 on a daily basis and drive through the Town of Biscoe. The Board also understands that the Town of Biscoe is experiencing a change in its general composition. ?although Biscoe is a small rural town with 1,547 citizens, it has the potential to offer services to a much larger population. The Board has begun to take measures that will allow for future commercial development along the Highway 24/27 corridor throughout the Town. After careful consideration of our Economic Development goals, the well-being of our citizens, and the future of this town, the Board of Commissioners would litre to request 110 West Main Street - P.O. Box 1228 • Biscoe, NC 27209 Phone (910) 428-4112 - Fax (910)428-3975 • www.townofbiscoe.com h -2- August 31,2004 that the North Carolina Department of Transportation revisit this proposal. the Board feels that although a fifth turning lane. may not work in some communities, it will serve as the avenue for growth and safety that the Town of Biscoe needs. The construction of US 73/74 will lead to an increase of traffic through our area and the availability of businesses to be accessible to interstate traffic will play an important role in the Town's future growth. We greatly appreciated all of the efforts that have gone into this plan thus far and offer our assistance and cooperation for the Inal plan. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, James E. Blake T Mayor Town of Biscoe Joshua W. Ray Town Manager JWR cc: US Representative Robin Haves NC Senator Jerry Tillman NC Representative Pryor Gibson NC Representative-elect Melanie Goodwin 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 October 17, 2002 MEMORANDUM To: Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Director NCDOT Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch From: Cynthia F. Van Der Wiele, NCDOT Coordinator WOW Subject: Review of Scoping Sheets for NC 24-27 (East Main Street) from US 220A to I-73/I- 741US 220, Montgomery County, TIP Project R-2107B. This letter is in reply to your correspondence dated October 11, 2002 (received October 16, 2002) in which you requested comments for the above-referenced project. The purpose of this project is to add additional lanes to the existing road in order to accommodate the current and projected traffic volumes as well as improve safety. A preliminary analysis of the project reveals no potential for direct impacts to perennial streams or jurisdictional wetlands in the project area. Lick Creek (hydrologic unit 030610; stream index 17-26-5-3-1) is in the area and is classified as WS-III. According to the Yadkin-Pee Dee Basinwide Water Quality Management Plan (NCDWQ 1998), sedimentation from construction, urban development and streambank erosion are the most widespread water quality problems identified for the basin as a whole. Other concerns include growth management, urban and industrial stormwater, nutrients in lakes, fecal coliform bacteria and oxygen-consuming wastes. Therefore, NCDWQ recommends consideration at the planning stage as to the handling of stormwater runoff from this transportation facility. In the event that the project scope is amended, the Division of Water Quality requests that NCDOT send notification of any proposed impacts to wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping. The NCDWQ appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on your project. If you have any questions, please call Cynthia Van Der Wiele at 919.733.5715. pc: Richard Spencer, USACE Wilmington Field Office Marla Chambers, NCWRC File Copy 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.ric.us/ncwetlands/ 4% N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TRANSMITTAL SLIP nwre TO: - REF: NO. OR ROOM, BLDG. - 'wIL1 VON Y? .PROM:. - REF. NO. OR ROOM, BLDG* ?c., ? OPSUA1,o ACTION ? NOTE AND FILE ? PER OUR CONVERSATION ? NOTE AND. RETURN TO ME ? PER. YOUR REQUEST ?-RETURN WITH- MORE' DETAILS ? FOR YOUR APPROVAL ? -NOTE AND SEE ME- ABOUT THIS ? FOR YOUR INFORMATION ? PLEASE ANSWER FOR YOUR COMMENTS ?.PREPARE REPLY FOR MY SIGNATURE ? SIGNATURE ?.-TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION. ?INVESTIGATE-AND REPORT COMMENTS: '-- - OCT 1 6 „a STATpq, STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MICHAEL F. EASLEY GOVERNOR October 11, 2002 MEMORANDUM TO: Ms. Cynthia Van der Wiele Division of Water Quality/Wetlands FROM: u? Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D.91400? Environmental Management Director, PDEA LYNDo TIPPETT SECRETARY SUBJECT: Review of Scoping Sheets for TIP Project R_-2107BLINC 24-27 (East Main Street), from US 220A (North/South Main Street) to I-73-74/US 220, Montgomery County, Division 8 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 Wednesday, Qg,Q bar 23 2. OQ? at 10:00 AM in the Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch Conference Room (Room 470). You may provide us with your comments at the meeting or mail them to us prior to that date (see page 4 of the scoping sheets). Preliminary Engineering funds have been requested and the State Project Number will be available at the meeting. 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 Ben Upshaw, Project Development Engineer, at 733-7844, Ext. 252. Please include the TIP Project Number in all correspondence and comments. GJT/plr Attachment atzj J; k CUeL (AU. 0 36 X010) 17-zo-5-3- t - MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: 919-733-3141 NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX: 919-733-9794 PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER WEBSITE: WWW.NCDOT.ORG RALEIGH NC 27699-1548 fig &,,,: '-du [&?? LOCATION: TRANSPORTATION BUILDING 1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET RALEIGH NC PROJECT SCOPING SHEET TIP # R-2107 B PROJECT # F.A. PROJECT # DIVISION: 8 COUNTY: Montgomery ROUTE: NC 24-27 FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION: Rural Minor Arterial LENGTH: 0.8 miles Date: October 10, 2002 Revision Date: Project Development Stage Programming ® Planning F1 Design PURPOSE OF PROJECT: The purpose of this project is to improve the safety of the roadway and to provide additional lanes to accommodate current and projected traffic volumes. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT (INCLUDING SPECIFIC LIMITS) AND MAJOR ELEMENTS OF WORK: It is proposed to widen the existing _3 Mane portion of NC 24- 27 from US 220A to I-73-74/US 220. TYPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT TO BE PREPARED: State Environmental Assessment ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY SCHEDULE: EA-March 2004 FONSI-Dec. 2004 WILL THERE BE SPECIAL FUNDING PARTICIPATION BY MUNICIPALITY, DEVELOPERS, OR OTHERS? Yes F_? No IF YES, BY WHOM AND AMOUNT: ($)N/A, or (%) HOW AND WHEN WILL THIS BE PAID? N/A r? PROJECT SCOPING SHEET TYPE OF ACCESS CONTROL: Full ? Partial F? None NUMBER OF: Interchanges Grade Separations Stream Crossings TYPICAL SECTION OF ROADWAY: Existing: 3-lane curb & gutter Proposed: 5-lane curb & gutter TRAFFIC (ADT): Current (2001): 11,000 (county traffic map) Design Year (2022): requested* *Traffic projections have been requested and are due to be completed in November 2002. % TTST DUAL DHV DESIGN STANDARDS APPLICABLE: AASHTO ? 3R ? DESIGN SPEED: 50 mph (81 km/h) CURRENT COST ESTIMATE: Construction Cost (including engineering and contingencies) ....................... $ 3,000,000 Right of Way Cost (including relocation, utililities and acquisition) ...... ............ $ 200,000 (TIP) Force Account Items ........................... $ Preliminary Engineering ......................... $ Total Cost ................................... $ 3,200,000 TIP COST ESTIMATE: Construction .................................. $ 2,600,000 Right of Way......... ....................... $ 200,000 TOTAL TIP COST ESTIMATE .................. $ 2,800,000 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: ®Surface ......................................... $ 633,660 ?Base ........................................... $ ? Milling & Recycling ............................... $ ? Turnouts ....................................... $ ? $ ? Shoulders: ? Paved ...................................... .. $ ? Earthern ........................................ $ ® Earthwork ............................................ $ 180,840 Fine Grading ........................................... $ ? Subsurface Items ....................................... $ ® Subgrade and Stabilization ................................ $ 54,486 ® Drainage (List any special items) ........................... $ 465,500 ? Sub-Drainage ......................................... $ ? Structures Width x Length ? Bridge Rehabilitation x .......... $ ? New Bridge x .......... $ ? New Bridge x .......... $ ? New Bridge x .......... $ ? Widen Bridge x .......... $ ? Remove Bridge x .......... $ ? New Culvert: Size Length .......... $ F_j Culvert Extension ................................. $ ' ? Retaining Walls .................................. $ ? Noise Walls ..................................... $ ? Other Misc. Structures ............................. $ ? $ ® Concrete Curb & Gutter ................................. $ 154,000 ? Concrete Sidewalk ..................................... $ ? Guardrail........ .................................. $ ? Fencing: W.W. ? and/or C.L.? .......................... $ ® Erosion Control ................ $ 14,000 ? Landscaping .......................................... $ ? RR Detour Track $ ? $ ? $ PROJECT SCOPING SHEET ITEMS REQUIRED (X) COMMENTS COST [:] Lighting ............................................. $ ® Traffic Control ........................................ $ 66,500 Signing: New .......................................... $ ? Upgraded ....................................... $ Z Traffic Signals: New .......................................... $ ® Revised ........................................ $ 70,000 Upgrade $ RR Signals: R New ........................................... $ Revised ......................................... $ With or Without Arms .............................. $ If 3R: Drainage Safety Enhancement ........................ $ Roadside Safety Enhancement ........................ $ R Realignment for Safety Upgrade ....................... $ ® Pavement Markings: Paint .......................................... $ ® Thermo ......................................... $ 29,260 R Markers ......................................... $ E $ Delineators ........................................... $ ®Other clearing,grubbing,mobilization,misc ...................... $ 941,000 Contract Cost Subtotal ................................ $ 2,609,246 Engineering & Contingencies ................................. $ 390,754 Preliminary Engineering Costs ................................ $ Force Account ............................................ 9 $ CONSTRUCTION Subtotal: ..................... $ 3,000,000 Right of Way: EXISTING RIGHT OF WAY WIDTH: New Location WILL EXISTING RIGHT OF WAY CONTAIN IMPROVEMENTS? Yes F-1 No New Right of Way Needed: Width .......... $ Easements: Type Width .......... $ Utilities: ............................................ $ RIGHT OF WAY Subtotal: .................................. $ 200,000 (TIP) TOTAL ESTIMATED PROJECT COST: $ 3,200,000 Prepared By: ALJ Date: 9/10/02 THE ABOVE SCOPING INFORMATION HAS BEEN REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: INIT. DATE Highway Design Board of Tran. Member Roadway Board of Tran. Member Structure Dir. Plan. & Prog. Design Services Dep. Admin.-Preconst. Geotechnical Chief Engineer-Oper.. Hydraulics Secondary Roads Off. Loc. & Surveys Construction Branch Photogrammetry Roadside Environmental Prel. Est. Engr. Maintenance Branch Planning & Envir. Bridge Maintenance Right of Way Statewide Planning R/W Utilities Division Engineer Traffic Engineering Bicycle Coordinator Project Management Program Development County Manager FHWA City/Municipality Dept. of Cult. Res. Others Dept. of EH & NR Others Others INIT. DATE Scoping Sheet for local officials will be sent to Division Engineer for handling. IF YOU ARE NOT IN AGREEMENT WITH PROPOSED PROJECT OR SCOPING, NOTE YOUR PROPOSED REVISIONS BELOW AND INITIAL AND DATE AFTER COMMENTS. . . FEET 0 1000 2000 0 200 400 600 METERS 1618 1500 ?- i A O sfo ' i; 220 i;" ? 917 3 74 7 `; OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS JNo2 PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND NC 24-27 (East Main Street) US 220A to 1-73-74/US 220 Montgomery County TIP Project R-21076 • 1339 z d 1338 se C BEGIN PROJECT .21 W. Main St. 03 i N II St i ' 1503 h c 220 0i A IS OE POP. 1,672 d Davis St. 24 cn a o 27 E. Maine St. n .58 n m o; W N 1 Church St. y 1577 U ? N R Hunsucker St ost Office - 55 I--- .2t I 1500 I I I I 1501 I .63 Bruton St I I i I I i I I i 1 END PROJEC T i ?-- .24 \ 1617 12 \ Miller Pond Rd. \ i o e MSfATE 01 y - ? MICHAEL F. EASLEY GOVERNOR STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 1501 MAIL SERVICE CENTER, RALEIGH, N.C. 27699-1501 LYNDO TIPPETT SECRETARY August 14, 2002 Mr. Dave Timpy U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Branch Post Office Box 1890 Wilmington, NC 28402-1890 Attention: Mr. Dave Timpy Subject: As-Built Package for USMC Mitigation Site, Onslow County, TIP Project Number. Please find enclosed the As-Built Package for the above mentioned on-site mitigation in Onslow County. The package includes as-built elevations and revised plan sheets per construction of the site. This package represents the final plan sheets with all the modification that were encountered during the construction of the project. Site construction began on this mitigation site in mid March, 2002 and was completed on mid May, 2002. Following grading the site was planted in late May 2002. If you should have any questions or need any additional information, please contact Randy Griffin at (919) 733-7844 Ext. 294 Sincerely, V. Ch les Bruton, Ph.D. P -P PDEA-Office of Natural Environment PHONE 919-733-2520 FAX 919-733-9150 cc: Attachment Mr. Doug Huggett, CAMA Mr. John Hennessy, NCDWQ w/out Attachment Mr. David Cox, NCWRC Mr. Scott McLendon, COE Mr. Howard Hall, USFWS Mr. Ron Sechler, NMFS M.51'Ai? o ?trq ww STATE of NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MICHAEL F. EASLEY DIVISION of HIGHWAYS LYNDO TIPPETT GOVERNOR SECRETARY May 6, 2002 PROJECT NO.: 6.269010T (U-2107WM) COUNTY: Onslow DESCRIPTION: USMC Marsh Wetland Mitigation Site, Clearing and Grading MEMORANDUM TO: Charles Cox Transportation Engineer FROM: C.D. Moorefield, PE Resident Engineer BY: J. Zepeda 11 Assistant Resident Engineer SUBJECT: U2107 WM As-Builts Please find attached a drawing of the Mitigation site showing the contours as constructed in the field. If I can be of further assistance, please advise. CDM/JZ:dtm Attachment cc: File w/att 299-A WILMINGTON HWY., JACKSONVILLE, NC 28540 TELEPHONE (910) 347-5258/FAX (910) 347-4973 i i t3?i5Lltcift33 ii tiiitt 3 S iSOGNt33SiSSS3t 33ti3t USEnL.""-I•icStit a n 3 ? Dz N r- w ? t0 M O p G r O M N -? O O '„ N 2? L oy? s o NX a 1 \ / ' 1 -335790 70S. I ay v ??' tl06?L2 1 • (• • • . • • • • • i .L r r r r ?u • • • ya, ? I ?? ? ? o m ,Z i} 1 • • • • • • - ? . f -s r ?' 31Qi30•??v I I I ???\ NOn ?" \ `.`JN • • • • • • r , , /,!-? I f?.St 6?}!1 =1'-" ?,- Q! 1.05'_ / '?. I I I I I ?o 01 _ '+ I •-r\ ?° / X08 l85 J 1 - / - 3.V .65.905 i ?•. 4 IfI ` ' ? O 4 7 9 N ? O o• ? 0 (A T n r n? -o 9<7 0 z >0 m H zo Ao Z 0 0 I r_ I b OO 0 rt O 0 °o li I It I (0 M ysa ? I ? t m 'gab-'• \ '% t. I (J , I ? t` `\ d m I 1 I ` x0 ? `r0 lax V11,\ \f1o I C' X . ,t1 ?, I \ 0 1 \ O !y ?0 o ?sp D r D f? Jb \ i I O 0 W ?s °a X 0 0 v 0 30> v z G? z l 1 N m m C7 0 z Z3 At n ? Z a Z 0 z Z 0 z N c $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ cr) a c -n m D z c 3 X) x 0 z 'n m D ror-m D m ?Q:() r 3 o -i m 0O ? m 7 a z D 0 z .. a m c cn m 0 7D m x -- --I D _ m_ r N 3?,15?90.40S D Zg • • • • • ? • • • w,,. • i CD A LP m `-' t1 -•i •.• U.. • ., • .... :..... :••MbYu ISS O ^ n :: ?'• m 1.0 N. • • ?. t' " v J? a .q m. • ;w. ?' Og Z8 V A m m ? N08.48'S3"E m u v u v a r ?i . m 1105 S? o i. 0 3„44.6£ .405 O F y Z?• Z I / \ z u y cn 6 CU ?? ''••. u . j _D W fA rS m C , IA- .A a Ilk ?'''-A s? `'?! n`: 1 x? l m# e9 ' 1, '• ,`• ''•,. '•.,??? . : ? .... / o o ,/lam J ?i N V i e b 4 . K ? a 8e V o C Ie _Ie z eQ, S Do ? A mm vn ? m' Z 0 m 0 Z 4 00 Z O m mc: O ?D W O m z c? m 0 z m m 0 z m m 4 May 17, 2001 U-2107 Jacksonville Bypass Update Project History - A United States Army Corps of Engineers Individual Permit was issued on March 9, 1998. A 401 Water Quality Certification was issued on May 1, 1997. A CAMA permit was issued on August 12, 1997. - These permits cover sections A,A, JA,,C, and D of TIP Project No. U-2107, but only sections B, BA, and C were authorized for construction. - These permits authorize NCDOT to place fill material into approximately 33.3 acres of wetlands associated with various tributaries to the New River and Edwards Creek (wetland impacts include A, B; $A,. and D sections). - -Compensatory mitigation has been fulfilled for the B, BA, and C sections. Sections A and D were not covered, which is why these sections were not authorized for ? r`5 construction. - The Corps of Engineers Individual Permit expires on December 31, 2001 CAMA permit would have expired on December 31, 2000, but a renewal for this permit was issued and it expires on December 31, 2002. Current Status At the time that the original permit application was sent (March 27, 1996), GPS was not used to delineate wetland boundaries. - Additionally, stream impacts were not considered, or mitigated for, at that time. Since then, GPS has been used to delineate the wetland boundaries and stream impacts have to be mitigated for. Consequently, wetland impacts have been altered. We have new drawings for the A, D, and BC sections, including stream impacts. A "BC" section was added after the permits were issued, and involves grading, drainage, structure construction, and paving of the B, BA, and C sections. - Impacts and mitigation needs for each section are included in the tables below. Wetland Impacts Section Existing Permit Impacts New Drawings Impacts & Wetland Mitigation Needs A 3.12 ac rbhf* 5.654 ac rbhf D 2.89 ac rbhf 1:82 ac rbhf 3.64 ac mphf* 3.9 ac mphf 0.02 ac mhflat* 0.032 ac mhforest* 0.027 ac rssw* BC 0.28 ac rssw Total by Habitat 6.01 ac rbhf 7.474 ac rbhf 3.64 ac mphf 3.9 ac mphf 0.02 ac mhflat 0.032 mhforest 0.307 ac rssw Total 9.65 ac 11.733 ac -roni=riverme nouomiana narawooct mphf=mixed pine-hardwood flat ?,? mhflat=mixed hardwood flat mhforest=mixed hardwood fores rssw=riverine scrub-shrub wetland U-2107D Bell Fork Road ?/1-i? ? o` llitlz? - Two additional wetland sites on the D section could be impacted, depending on whether NCDOT chooses to use a bridge or culvert. - Alternate 1 involves using 2 long bridges and would cost $3,900,000. - Alternate 2 involves using 2 short bridges, 1 stream culvert, and 1 pedestrian culvert and would cost $2,600,000. - If culverts are used, approximately I I5m of stream impacts will occur. Stream Impacts Section New Drawings Impacts A 0.158 ac fsw* and 3,566 ft psi* D 0.23 ac fsw and 6,685 ft psi ash BC 0.19 ac fsw and 1,093 ft psi Total 0.578 ac fsw and 11,344 ft psi ?isw=iil in surface waters cdaAce- psi=permanent stream impacts a`i dA ray o 4- sf -r 'Oxr . , . 14 Stream Mitigation Section Stream mitigation needs Mitigation Ratio l:l 2:1 A 0.111 ac fsw and 2,735 ft psi D 0.18 ac fsw and 5,513 ft psi BC 0.08 ac fsw and 671 ft psi 0.06 ac fsw and 275 ft psi Total 0.26 ac fsw and 6,184 ft psi 0.171 ac fsw and 3,010 ft psi - `NCDOT anticipates using the Clayhill Farms Mitigation Site to compensate for some of the wetland and stream impacts, and using WRP for the remainder of the impacts. - The following table includes what is available at Clayhill Farms. mitigation ratio would require two credits be debited from the bank for each acre of wetland impact). No credit is being requested for the 44.1 acres of upland restoration or 57.9 acres of 'upland preservation included in the Clayhill Farms Mitigation Bank. However, the existence of upland communities on the site is integral to the successful functioning of the ecosystem and should be considered when final credit determinations are made. Additionally, should water quality buffer rules be enacted in the White Oak River Basin, opportunities exist on-site for vegetated buffer credits. Table 1. Preliminary credit calculations for the Clayhill Farms Mitigation Bank. Total Acres or Credit Total Mitigation Type Linear Feet Ratio Credits Non-Riverine Wetlands ' Non-riverine wet hardwood forest restoration 37.4 ac 0.85:1 44.0 Mesic pine flatwoods restoration 22.4 ac 0.85:1 26 4 Mixed mesic hardwood forest restoration 5.6 ac 0.85:1 . 6.6 ' Mixed pine regeneration preservation 148.5 ac 5:1 29 7 -Mixed mesic hardwood forest preservation 3.6 ac 5:1 - - ----- -------- --- . 0 7 ------------------ - Total non-riverine wetland credits . 107.4 Riverine Wetlands Streamhead Atlantic white-cedar forest restoration 32.3 ac 0.85:1 38 0 Coastal plain bottomland hardwood forest enhancement 1.8 ac . 0 9 Coastal plain bottomland hardwood_ forest preservation 2.0 ac 5:1 . 0 4 Total riverine wetland credits "-"-------------- . ------- --- - --- 39 . 3 Stream Perennial restoration 5,210 l.f. 1:1 ' 5 210.0 Intermittent restoration 2,200 l.f. 1:1 , 2 200.0 Perennial preservation 1,350 U. 2.5:1 , 540 0 I Total stream credits . 7,950.0 3.9 Proposed Schedule for Bank Completion and Credit Release The current implementation schedule for the Clayhill Farms Mitigation Bank is as follows. August 2000 to November 2001 Final Design June 2002 to December 2002 Site Construction December 2002- March 2003 Planting March 2003 - December 2008 Monitoring The following credit release schedule is proposed for the Clayhill Farms Mitigation Bank: December 2001 - 15 percent release, contingent upon approval of final design plans by the MBRT, approval and signature of the MBI, recordation of the conservation easement, and establishment of any required financial assurances; December 2002 - 10 percent release, contingent upon completion of site construction; Draft Clayhill Farms Mitigation Bank Prospectus April 2001 X C. Department of Transportation TIP :Vo. R-21056 V Page 8 . ' ? r PROJECT SCHEDULES AND COSTS ARE ACCURATE AS OF DATE SHOWN O O S Z Z O W I J C O O V a 0 0 0 0 7c \ * O N \ a ~ W a J v 0 r 2 N ? - ? O S v m m O Q n 0 O - r ,? N M D .o W H ? H ?JeJ W ?JOlO O, Ei N O R ?? a E„sRd ?W a C M m ? 14 co O mmo. ? A - - D T L S ? C3 M on U-2107 0 m In m in m In v ? v A m m m m z m ? r n v v ln r v a a X n 0 O 0 O 0 Z Cl Z K ? ? m Z a p C y ? O m p O m - 1 D m ' o ? m O Z N m N m y \ p \ I A O ? 1 S { n H n ti ? \ o o v v v f ? m \ m Z 0 0 n A n m m D D z ? an i c H * m . _ 0 0 A V1 A m ti A A Q - Z n Z p C N C c y O Z 9 H B O Z O n N n - _ O O 2 °z mo Ao =' ? m n o Z cCi ? A O ~ N -i -, o C M :p Z n O Z N I ? jV ?O Q1 U y ? N N N ; O 0 A 2 0 m ; ? C p ? Z? I/I p y c RI N G N IO m m O ° O O OC { N \ N m 0 x Q D o o °m N w sz nn N N o a 7r.- m $ s m °, U O Z m? s N O N y V w N ? m 2 r C y m N C c ? - ;I o In `? i ?o x'r m b vl o N o 4 m ,o ? \ oc n o 0 o a c N \ ul X ? m v ^ ?a w ?- 00 z m m O r O C O n m M y N S Z D A v ? C :? ..I N F ? R1 ? ? f m ? N m F 0 M ' q O O_ IO a O n y \ \ O zz m ° m S ., m ._ o - W o x a o S, w m K m c ?c S p c n CI 7/ N m? C O a y O N ? O w N O ? ? r N ? ? ? V RI T C p ? - ? 4 O N m N r O L N o m T N d \ ? z N ? a a =n 0 . 0 -. ul w < C m N ? ?O In i N N C ?_ ooZ ill y m N M N ; Z Z A 00 !?I G_ O : T ? lil y ? Z yl N Ci 4 N { c ? 0 0 z L 2 ?m \ OI ? N o w w w \ \ a 0 p 0 0 u iR U ? Z y >0 S i v y oz O a A Z x Z N .I °o z =? D SO Z 01 Cc) V D O m/I I mI V A A m A < m 0 A A N i 0 ' -_? ; -? ? O O O_ z ? a 9 m Z i C O m Om D m o f o m o m x ? x -c ? n m o A ° i v o \ o m o r n o g m z H ? RI m D Z N O m m A N ti ti O H C O CI ? ~ Z O D O ma ? - ? m Z O . ? ? O Z m A m S a > d Z < OI u t ; ?A Lso vl ol c o T r r n v . O a K < ? C m VI i NZ m m OI N O O .a N \ \ O N < a n b 0 ? _ ° 0 ^ o m p0 v ? r i a x ? O w l l ? a ys ? p : v p S a N g UN1 0 N N a z o - T C m ? O ? ? N a m - N 2 Se m ? o 0 In O t+' ? \ \ o r m A o m 0 z _ O < 2 mo ? ? o z . w w an < ; x c75 c n United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Raleigh Field Office Post Office Box 33726 Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726 October 19, 2004 Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D. Project Development and Environmental Analysis North Carolina Department of Transportation 1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1548 Dear Dr. Thorpe: This letter is in response to your October 11, 2004 letter which requested comments from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) on the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed widening of NC 24-27 from US 220A to US 220 in Biscoe, Montgomery County (TIP No. R-2107B). These comments are provided 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). According to the EA, the North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes to widen a 0.8 mile portion of NC 24-27 from the existing three-lane facility to a four-lane, median-divided facility. The EA states that no wetlands or streams will be affected by the project. Due to the suburban/residential nature of the project area, impacts to fish and wildlife resources should be minimal. The EA states that, due to the lack of habitat, the project will have no effect on the five federally listed species for Montgomery County. The Service concurs with the "no effect" determination. We believe that the requirements of section 7(a)(2) of the ESA have been satisfied for now. We remind you that obligations under section 7 consultation must be reconsidered if. (1) new information reveals impacts of this identified action that may affect listed species or critical habitat in a manner not previously considered in this review; (2) this action is subsequently modified in a manner that was not considered in this review; (3) a new species is listed or critical habitat determined that may be affected by the identified action. The Service believes that this EA adequately addresses the potential effects of this proposed project on fish and wildlife resources and on waters and wetlands of the United States. The Service appreciates the opportunity to review this project. If you have any questions regarding our response, please contact Mr. Gary Jordan at (919) 856-4520, ext. 32. Si er , Pete enjamin Ecological Services Supervisor cc: Richard Spencer, USACOE, Wilmington, NC Chris Militscher, USEPA, Raleigh, NC Travis Wilson, NCWRC, Creedmoor, NC Beth Barnes, NCDWQ, Raleigh, NC A X'5WA 741A_?. ACDENR North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality Michael F. Easley, Governor William G. Ross, Jr., Secretary Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director November 15, 2004 MEMORANDUM TO: Ms. Melba McGee, Environmental Coordinator NCDENR Office of Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs FROM: Beth Haines Barnes, NCDOT Coordinator, 194l9 SUBJECT: Review of Scoping Sheets for NC 24-27 (E st Maine Street), from US 220A to I-73-74/US 220, Montgomery County, Project Number: 05-0113 State Project 6.559004T WSB Element No.: 34373. 1.1 TIP Project R-2107B Division: 08. In reply to your correspondence dated October 25, 2004 in which you requested comments for the above referenced project. The purpose of this project is to add additional lanes to the existing road to accommodate the current and projected traffic volumes as well as improve safety. A preliminary analysis of the project indicates no potential for direct impacts to perennial streams or jurisdictional wetlands in the project area. Lick Creek (hydrologic Unit 030610; stream index 17-26-5-3-1) is in the area and is classified as WS-III. According to the Yadkin-Pee Dee Basinwide Water Quality Management Plan (NCDWQ 1998), sedimentation from construction, urban development and streambank erosion, are the most widespread water quality problems identified for the basin as a whole. Other concerns include growth management, urban and industrial stormwater, nutrients in lakes, fecal coliform bacteria and oxygen-consuming wastes. Therefore, NCDWQ recommends consideration at the planning stage as to the handling of stormwater runoff from this transportation facility. In the event that the project scope is amended, the Division of Water Quality requests the NCDOT send notification of any proposed impacts to wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping. 401 Transportation Permitting Unit 1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650 One 2321 Crabtree Boulevard, Suite 250, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 NorthCarohna Phone: 919-733-1786 / FAX 919-733-6893 / Internet: httn://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands An Epual Opportunitv/Affirmative Action Emplover - 50% Recvcled/10% Post Consumer Paper " R-2107B Page 2 November 15, 2004 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 (919) 715.8394. pc: Richard Spencer, USACE Wilmington Field Office Gary Jordan, USFWS Travis Wilson, NCWRC Chris N ilitscher, USEPA Region IV, Raleigh Field;Office Central Files \\ File Copy .? ?. L _ ?. ?. -- ?? ar???. - :-o t• .-? r __...._.__._....__?.__ ..__.._.??.m.?....p_._._...?.._?_ _._._._._.-__ _____?_? -.--____ _? i micnaei r. tasiey, 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 5, 2003 McGee, Environmental Coordinator 'R Office of Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs ,a F. Van Der Wiele, NCDOT Coordinator (it>dCA) w of Scoping Sheets for Biscoe, Widening of NC 24-27 (East Main Street) from US to I-73/I-74/US 220, Montgomery County, TIP Project R-2107B. State inghouse Project No. 03-0332. to your correspondence dated May 21, 2003 (received May 27, 2003) in which you for the above-referenced project. The purpose of this project is to add additional ,6 road in order to accommodate the current and projected traffic volumes as well as A preliminary analysis of the project reveals no potential for direct impacts to perennial :isdictional wetlands in the project area. Lick Creek (hydrologic unit 030610; stream index ,t) is in the area and is classified as WS-III. According to the Yadkin-Pee Dee Basinwide Water Quality Management Plan (NCDWQ 1998), sedimentation from construction, urban development and streambank erosion are the most widespread water quality problems identified for the basin as a whole. Other concerns include growth management, urban and industrial stormwater, nutrients in lakes, fecal coliform bacteria and oxygen-consuming wastes. Therefore, NCDWQ recommends consideration at the planning stage as to the handling of stormwater runoff from this transportation facility. In the event that the project scope is amended, the Division of Water Quality requests that NCDOT send notification of any proposed impacts to wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping. The NCDWQ appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on your project. If you have any questions, please call Cynthia Van Der Wiele at 919.733.5715. pc: Richard Spencer, USACE Wilmington Field Office Marla Chambers, NCWRC File Copy 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/ STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MICHAEL F. EASLEY GOVERNOR May 8, 2003 MEMORANDUM TO FROM: SUBJECT: Biscoe, Widening of NC 24-27 (East Main Street) from US 220A to I-73-74/US 220, Montgomery County, State Project 6.559004T, TIP Project R-2107B The Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch has begun studying the proposed it .-provements to NC 24-27 (East Main Street). The project is included in the 2004- 2010 North Carolina Transportation Improvement Program and is scheduled for right of way in fiscal year 2006 and construction in fiscal year 2008. The project proposed to widen NC 24-27 (East Main Street) from US 220A (North/South Main Street) to I-73-74/US 220 through Biscoe in Montgomery County. A five-lane and a four- lane divided facility each with curb and gutter are being considered for the proposed typical section. 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 State Environmental Assessment. This document will be prepared in accordance with the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act. It is desirable that your agency respond by July 7, 2003 so that your comments can be used in the preparation of this document. If you have any questions concerning the project, please contact Jay McInnis, Project Development Unit Head, of this Branch at (919) 733-7844, Ext. 249. Please include the TIP Project Number in all correspondence and comments. GJT/plr Mrs. Chrys Baggett, Director State Clearinghouse Department of Administration Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D. Environmental Management Director, PDEA ?00? lr OQ 3 •? /,a ryS tr?aJ LYNDo TIPPETT SECRETARY Attachment MAILING ADDRESS: NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 1548 MAIL. SERVICE CENTER RALEIGH NC 27699-1548 TELEPHONE: 919-733-3141 FAX: 919-733-9794 WEBSITE; WWW.NCDOT.ORG LOCATION: TRANSPORTATION BUILDING 1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET RALEIGH NC 1339 . 11 z I i d IS E 1 POP. 1,672 1 1338 END PROJECT C m 1 BEGIN P n ROJECT m d Davis St. 24 ( i v, o a 27 o ? - .2¢ E. Main ° St. 21 v 58 a \ 03 °' \\ W. Main St. 0 12 church St. N Q 1577 \ 1617 \ Miller Pond Rd. Hunsucker St ost Office Rd V I St ---?? 1503 .55 i--- .24 1500 I 0,3 1618 1500 _ I / CO 1501 oS?o .63 Bruton St m I ;' a ? 22 I ?I % r, j 9p 220 ? I 173 74 I i FEET 0 1000 2000 0 200 400 600 METERS NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ,• .•.. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BRANCH NC 24-27 (East Main Street) US 220A to 1-73-74/US 220 Montgomery County TIP Project R-2107B Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Project Review Form Project Number: County: Date Received: Date Response Due (firm deadline): 65-?<<3 ?a .mod 1???10? This project is being reviewed as indicated below: Regional Office Regional Office Area In-House Review ? Asheville *ir ? Soil & Water ? Marine Fisheries ayetteville Water ? Coastal Management ? Mooresville Groundwater Water Resources )6vildlife Al ? Raleigh `,Land Quality Engineer vironmental Health i ? Washington ? Recreational Consultant Xyorest Resources ? Solid Waste Mgmt ? Wilmington ? Land Resources ? Radiation Protection o Winston-Salem arks & Recreation ? Other ? Groundwater ? Air Quality Manager Sign-OWRegion: Date: In-House Reviewer/Agency: Response (check all applicable) ? No objection to project as proposed. E3 No Comment O Insufficient information to complete review ? Other (specify or attach comments) RL;?c?c?oeg r= @ OCT 2 7 2004 WETLANDS AND STTORMWATERISRANCH KLl U" IV: Melba McGee Environmental Coordinator - Oftice of Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs r Biscoe NC 24-27 (East Main Street) US 220A to I-73-74/US 220 Montgomery County State Project 6.559004T WBS Element 34373.1.1 TIP Project R-2107B ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION STATE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSNfENT N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS In Compliance with the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act APPROVED: Date oAGregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Environmental Management Director Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch Biscoe NC 24-27 (East Main Street) US 220A to I-73-74/US 220 Montgomery County State Project 6.559004T WBS Element 34373. 1.1 TIP Project R-2107B STATE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Documentation prepared in the Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch by: Michael S. Goins Project Development Engineer James A. McInnis, Jr., P.E. Project Development Unit Head Robert P. Hanson, P.E. Assistant Branch Manager, Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch ?•D?ZN CAROi; 04 SE AL ?20701? ,SCI NEE ? 4.Iyjc1N?••` 9/3o ?v? TABLE OF CONTENTS PROJECT COMMITMENTS .............................................................................................. i SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................ II 1. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION ..........................................................1 A. PROJECT PURPOSE .................................................................................................... 1 B. GENERAL DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................... 1 C. COST ESTIMATES ..................................................................................................... i H. NEED FOR PROJECT ............................................................................................ 2 A. DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING FACILITY ....................................................................... 2 B. DEFICIENCIES OF EXISTING FACILITY ...................................................................... 4 C. BENEFITS OF PROPOSED PROJECT ............................................................................ 5 III. PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS ............................................................................ 7 A. ROADWAY TYPICAL SECTION .................................................................................. 7 B. RIGHT OF WAY AND ACCESS CONTROL ................................................................... 7 C. SPEED LIMIT ............................................................................................................ 7 D. DESIGN SPEED ......................................................................................................... 7 E. ANTICIPATED DESIGN EXCEPTIONS ......................................................................... 7 F. INTERSECTIONS/INTERCHANGES .............................................................................. 7 G. MEDIAN CROSSOVERS ............................................................................................. 8 H. STRUCTURES ............................................................................................................ 8 I. BICYCLE ACCOMMODATIONS/SIDEWALKS ............................................................... 8 J. UTILITIES ................................................................................................................. 8 K. SERVICE ROADS ....................................................................................................... 8 L. RAILROAD CROSSINGS ............................................................................................. 9 M. LANDSCAPING ..........................................................................................................9 N. NOISE BARRIERS ...................................................................................................... 9 IV. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION ............................................. 9 A. TYPICAL SECTION ALTERNATIVES ........................................................................... 9 B. "NO-BUILD" ALTERNATIVE ..................................................................................... 9 V. PROBABLE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF PROPOSED ACTION...... 10 A. NATURAL RESOURCES ........................................................................................... 10 B. CULTURAL RESOURCES ......................................................................................... 14 C. SOCIAL EFFECTS .................................................................................................... 14 D. LAND USE .............................................................................................................. 15 E. TRAFFIC NOISE ANALYSIS ..................................................................................... 15 F. AIR QUALITY ANALYSIS .................................................................................:...... 18 G. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ....................................................................................... 19 H. GEODETIC SURVEY MARKERS ............................................................................... 19 VI. COMMENTS AND COORDINATION ............................................................... 20 A. CITIZENS INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOP ................................................................. 20 B. PUBLIC HEARING ................................................................................................... 20 C. -AGENCY COORDINATION ....................................................................................... 20 MAPS AND ILLUSTRATIONS Figure 1 Project Vicinity Map Figure 2 Aerial Photograph of Project Figure 3 2008/2028 Average Daily Traffic Volumes Figure 4 Typical Section Alternatives Figure 5 Water Resources in Project Area APPENDICES Appendix A - Comments Received Appendix B - Relocation Reports LIST OF TABLES Page Table 1- Existing Bridge Structure .....................................................................................3 Table 2 - 2008/2028 Intersection Level of Service Without Project ...................................5 Table 3 - 2008/2028 Intersection Level of Service With Project ........................................6 Table 4 - Anticipated Impacts to Terrestrial Communities ...............................................1 I Table 5 - Federally-Protected Species for Montgomery County ......................................12 Table 6 - Federal Species of Concern for Montgomery County .......................................13 Table 7 - Underground Storage Facilities .........................................................................19 PROJECT COAEMaTIVIENTS Biscoe NC 24-27 (East Main. Street) US 220A to I-73-74/US 220 • Montgomery County State Project 6.559004T WBS Element 34373.1.1 TIP Project R-2107B Geotechnical Unit Five sites potentially containing hazardous materials were identified in the project area The project will likely require right of way from four of the potentially contaminated sites. Preliminary site assessments to identify the nature and extent-of any contamination will be performed on these sites prior to right of way acquisition. Right of Way -Utilities Section Brackets and power outlets for Christmas decorations are attached to every other power pole along NC 24-27 in the project area The Town of Biscoe has asked these brackets and outlets be reinstalled on any power poles to be relocated as a part of this project NCDOT will coordinate with the Town regarding this request during preparation of utility relocation plans for the project. Roadside Environmental - Landscaping The Town of Biscoe requested' landscaping in the median along the project area. Funding in the amount of %2 of 1 % of the construction cost is available for landscaping. NCDOT will coordinate with the Town regarding this request at the end of the construction phase of the project. Program Development Branch/Roadway Desian.Unit ' Sidewalks exist along both sides of NC 24-27 for the entire length of the project. NCDOT will bear the full cost to replace sidewalks relocated by the project. State Environmental Assessment - R-2107B Page 1 of 1 i September 2,004 • SUMMARY 1. Type of Action This is a State Environmental Assessment. 2. Additional Information The following person may be contacted for additional information concerning this proposal and statement: Mr. Gregory J. Thorpe, PhD., Environmental Management Director Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation 1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1548 3. Project Purpose/Description of Action The purpose of the proposed project is to improve the safety and increase the traffic carrying capacity of NC 24-27 through Biscoe. The project involves widening NC 24-27 (East Main Street) to a four-lane curb and gutter facility with a 20-foot raised median from US 220A (North/South Main Street) to I-73-741US 220. 4. Summary of Environmental Effects The proposed project will require the relocation of three businesses. No wetlands or streams were found to exist in the project area. The proposed widening will result in noise impacts to twelve homes and one church. The project will not affect any properties or sites listed on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. 5. Alternatives Considered A five-lane undivided highway with a center turn lane, a four-lane divided highway with a median, and the "no build" alternative were considered for this project. 6. Permits Required Since this project will not effect any "Waters of the US," neither a Section 404 permit nor Section 401 Water Quality Certification will be required. ii 7. Coordination The following federal, state and local officials were consulted regarding this project: US Department of the Army"- Corps of Engineers (Wilmington District) US Fish and Wildlife Service NC Department of Administration - State Clearinghouse NC Department of Cultural Resources NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources Montgomery County Town of Biscoe iii Biscoe NC 24-27 (East Main Street) US 220A to I-73-74/US 220 Montgomery County State Project 6.559004T WBS Element 34373.1.1 TIP Project R-2107B 1. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION A. Project Purpose The purpose of the proposed project is to improve the safety and increase the traffic carrying capacity of NC 24-27 through Biscoe. B. General Description This project involves widening NC 24-27 (East Main Street) from a three-lane to a four-lane divided facility. The project will widen NC 24-27 between US 220A (North/South Main St.) and I-73-74/US 220, a distance of approximately 0.8 mile. The project is scheduled for right of way acquisition in state fiscal year 2006 and construction in state fiscal year 2007. C. Cost Estimates The project is included in the 2004-2010 North Carolina Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The 2004-2010 TIP includes an estimated right of way acquisition cost of $200,000 and construction cost of $3,000,000. Total project cost included in the TIP is $3,200,000. The latest estimated costs for TIP Project R-2107B are as follows: Right of Way Acquisition $2,125,000 Construction $2,800,000 Total Cost $4,925,000 H. NEED FOR PROJECT A. Description of Existing Facility The proposed project includes NC 24-27 from just west of US 220A to just east of I-73-74/US 220. 1. Route Classification NC 24-27 within the project limits is classified as a Rural Minor Arterial in the North Carolina Functional Classification System. 2. Physical Description of Existing Facility a. Roadway Typical Section Existing NC 24-27 west of US 220A is a five-lane curb and gutter roadway with sidewalks on both sides. Twelve-foot lanes with 5-foot sidewalks exist on this portion of NC 24-27. Existing NC 24-27 within the project limits is a three-lane curb and gutter roadway with sidewalks on both sides. The roadway has 13-foot lanes, a 14-foot turn lane, and 5-foot sidewalks. Existing NC 24-27 east of I-73-74/US 220 has two 12-foot lanes with 12-foot grassed shoulders. b. Right of Way and Access Control Approximately 100 feet of right of way exists along NC 24-27 within the project limits. With the exception of immediately adjacent to the I-73-74/US.220 interchange, no control of access exists along NC 24-27 in the project area. c. Speed Limit A 35 MPH speed limit exists along NC 24-27 within the project limits. d. Intersections At-grade intersections exist at all but one roadway crossing NC 24-27 within the project limits. An interchange is provided between NC 24-27 and I-73-74/US 220. The ramp terminals on NC 24-27 for this interchange are stop sign-controlled. The US 220A 2 intersection is the only existing signalized intersection along NC 24-27 in the project limits. All other intersections along this section of NC 24-27 are unsignalized. e. Railroad Crossings The Aberdeen Carolina and Western (ACWR) runs north to south, parallel to and west of US 220A, and crosses NC 24-27 at-grade approximately 73 feet west of the US 220A intersection. The at-grade crossing of the ACWR and NC 24-27 is identified as crossing number 466216U. This section of track carries 5 trains per day. The maximum train speed through the project area is 25 mph. The ACWR owns a 100-foot wide right-of-way in the project area. Gates and lights exist at this crossing. The exposure index for the crossing will be 85,500 in the year 2008 and 148,500 in the year 2028. E Structures One bridge structure exists along NC 24-27 within the project limits. This bridge carries NC 24-27 over I-73-741US 220. Information regarding this structure is presented in Table 1 below. TABLE 1 Existing Bridge Structure Bridge Carries/ Clear Year Suff. No. Crosses Roadway Width Length Built *Rt . NC 24-27/ 35 I-73-74/US 220 68.3 ft. 272.0 ft. 1977 100 *Sufficiency Rating (out of a possible 100 rating points). g. Bicycle Accommodations/Sidewalks Sidewalks exist along both sides of NC 24-27 for the entire length of the project. No special bicycle accommodations exist along NC 24-27 within the project limits. h. Utilities Overhead power and telephone lines run parallel to or cross NC 24-27 at several locations within the project limits. Waterlines run parallel to or cross NC 24-27 at several locations within the project limits, as well. 3 3. Traffic Volumes Traffic projections were prepared for the subject section of NC 24-27 for the years 2008 and 2028. In the year 2008, average daily traffic along NC 24-27 in the project limits will range between 11,600 to 13,800 vehicles per day. In 2028, average daily traffic along NC 24-27 will range between 20,000 to 23,600 vehicles per day. Figure 3 presents, traffic volumes along NC 24-27 and crossing roadways within the project limits. 4. Degree of Roadside Interference Numerous driveways exist along NC 24-27 within the project limits. At the western end of the project, buildings are located within 15 feet of the edge of pavement. Utility poles are generally located at the right of way line. 5. School Bus Usage There are sixteen school bus trips per day along the subject section of NC 24-27. 6. Other Highway Proiects in the Area One other highway project is immediately adjacent to the subject project. TIP Project R-2528 involves widening NC 24-27 to multi-lanes from I-73-74/US 220 to the Carthage Bypass. This project is unfunded in the 2004-2010 Transportation Improvement Program. No decisions have been made regarding the typical section to be used on this adjacent project. B. Deficiencies of Existing Facility 1. Traffic Carrying Caaacity Highway capacity analyses were performed for existing NC 24-27 within the project limits for the years 2008 and 2028. These analyses revealed, without the proposed improvements, the entire section of NC 24-27 within the project limits would operate at a level of service E in the year 2008 and level of service F in the year 2028*. Capacity analyses were also performed for existing at-grade intersections along the subject sections of NC 24-27. These analyses concluded, without the proposed improvements, turning traffic at many of the at-grade intersections along NC 24-27 would experience excessive delay in the years 2008 and 2028. The results of these analyses are presented in Table 2 below. *Based on HCS two-lane analysis 4 TABLE 2 2008/2028 Intersection Level Of Service Without Proiect Intersection 2008 LOS* 2028 LOS* US 220** E F Oak St. C F Pine St. D F Brendana Ct. C D Maple St. C D Cedar St. C D McCaskill St. F F I-73-74/US 220 Western Ramps B C I-73-741US 220 Western Ramps D F *Level of service presented for unsignalized intersections is for the minor street approach with the worst level of service. * * US 220 intersection is signalized. Level of service presented is for the entire intersection. 2. Accident Record An accident study was performed for NC 24-27 within the project limits for the period between January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2001. During this time, 48 crashes occurred along the subject section of NC 24-27. Of this total, 15 accidents resulted in non-fatal injuries. There were no fatal accidents. Left-turn accidents (19), rear-end collisions (9), and angle accidents (8) were the most frequent types of accidents to occur along the subject section of NC 24-27 within the study period. The total crash rate for NC 24-27 within the project limits for the study period was 640.86 accidents per 100 million vehicle miles. In comparison, the statewide crash rate for rural two-lane NC routes between 1999-2001 was 240.33 accidents per 100 million vehicle miles. As the above statistics show, the subject section of NC 24-27 has a significantly higher total crash rate than the statewide average for similar routes. C. Benefits of Proposed Proiect 1. Traffic Carrying Capacity The proposed project will increase the traffic carrying capacity of the subject section of NC 24-27. With the proposed project, NC 24-27 within the project limits will operate at a level of service A in the year 2008 and level of service B in the year 2028*. *Based on HCS multi-lane analysis 5 Highway capacity analyses were also performed for intersections along NC 24-27 with the proposed project for the years 2008 and 2028. The results of these analyses are presented in Table 3 below. TABLE 3 2008/2028 Intersection Level Of Service With Project Intersection 2008 LOS* 2,028 LOS* US 220** D F Oak St. B B Pine St. C F Brendana Ct. B B Maple St. B B Cedar St. B B McCaskill St. C C I-73-74/US 220 Western Ramps B B I-73-74/US 220 Western Ramps D F *Level of service presented for unsignalized intersections is for the minor street approach with the worst level of service. ** US 220 intersection is signalized. Level.of service presented is for the entire intersection. 2. Safe It is anticipated the proposed project will increase safety along the subject section of NC 24-27. The proposed dual lanes in each direction will allow motorists to pass slower moving vehicles without encroaching upon the opposing travel lane. The proposed median will provide separation for opposing traffic, reducing the likelihood of head-on collisions. The median will also limit the location of left turns. Turn lanes to be provided as part of the project will allow turning vehicles to move out of the through lanes, reducing the likelihood of rear-end collisions. The total crash rate for NC 24-27 within the project limits for the study period was 640.86 accidents per 100 million vehicle miles. In comparison, amulti-lane section of NC 24-27 adjacent to the project has a total crash rate of 211.57 accidents per 100 million vehicle miles. 3. Other Benefits Widening NC 24-27 within the project limits should result in reduced delay and lower travel costs for users of the facility. 6 . The proposed four-lane facility should result in lower accident rates, as well. These lower accident rates should lead to cost savings due to decreases in the number of injuries and the amount of property damage occurring along this section of roadway. III. PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS A. Roadway Typical Section A four-lane median divided typical section with curb and gutter is recommended for the project (see Figure 4). A twenty-foot median is proposed. Ten-foot berms and five-foot sidewalks are proposed on both sides of NC 24-27. B. Right of Way and Access Control The proposed project will require the acquisition of additional right of way, for a total of 160 feet. No control of access is proposed for the majority of the project. Near the I-73-74/US 220 interchange, it is proposed to extend the existing control of access approximately 350 feet westward on the north side of NC 24-27 and approximately 100 feet westward on the south side of NC 24-27. This will require relocating the driveway for a shopping center located north of NC 24-27. C. Speed Limit project. A speed limit of 35 MPH is anticipated for NC 24-27 throughout the length of the D. Design Speed The design speed for the proposed project is 50 MPH. This is consistent with the anticipated 35 MPH speed limit. E. Anticipated Design Exceptions The proposed median crossovers at Pine Street and McCaskill Street do not meet the minimum space criteria set in the median crossover guidelines. An exception to the median crossover guidelines will need to be obtained in order to allow these median crossovers. F. Intersections/Interchanges Turn lanes will be added along US 220A at the signalized intersection of US 220A with NC 24-27. It is anticipated that the intersection of NC 24-27/ McCaskill Street will be signalized as a part of this project. The intersections of the-US 220 ramp terminals with NC 24-27 will likely not be signalized as a part of this project, but may require signalization by the design year (2028). The potential for future signalization will be considered in the design of these intersections. 7 G. Median Crossovers Median crossovers are anticipated at Pine Street and McCaskill Street along the subject section of NC 24-27. The proposed median crossovers at Pine Street and McCaskill Street do not meet the minimum space criteria set in the median crossover guidelines. An exception to the median crossover guidelines will need to be obtained in order to allow these median crossovers. H. Structures The existing structure on NC 24-27 over US 220 provides sufficient horizontal clearance for the proposed widening and will be retained. No new structures are proposed as apart of this project. 1. Bicycle Accommodations/Sidewalks As discussed previously, sidewalks exist along both sides of NC 24-27 for the entire length of the project. NCDOT will bear the full cost to replace sidewalks to be relocated. The Town of Biscoe will be responsible for maintenance and liability of the relocated sidewalks. A municipal agreement will be prepared prior to project construction regarding sidewalk maintenance and liability. No special bicycle accommodations are proposed. J. Utilities It is anticipated,the project will have a medium degree of utility conflict. Utilities located within the construction limits of the project will be relocated prior to construction. During construction, care will be taken to prevent damage to utilities located along the project, especially waterlines running parallel to or crossing the project and any utilities located along the proposed project. Brackets and power outlets for Christmas decorations are attached to every other power pole along NC 24-27 in the project area. The Town of Biscoe has asked these brackets and outlets be reinstalled on any power poles to be relocated as a part of this project. NCDOT will coordinate with the Town regarding this request during preparation of utility relocation plans for the project. K. Service Roads No service roads are proposed to be constructed as apart of this project. 8 L. Railroad Crossings As stated previously, the tracks for the Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway cross NC 24-27 west of the US 220A (North/South Main Street) intersection. While the roadway improvements do not encounter the railroad tracks, there will be changes to the signal phasing. The existing railroad gate and signal will need to be upgraded and relocated as well. The exposure index for the crossing will be 69,000 in the year 2008 and 118,000 in the year 2028. Although the exposure index for this crossing exceeds the warrant for a grade separation, constructing a grade separation would be very expensive and very disruptive to businesses near the crossing. Therefore, a grade separation is not feasible at this location. M. Landscaping Disturbed areas along the project will be reseeded with grass. The Town of Biscoe has requested landscaping in the median along the project area. Funding in the amount of Y2 of I% of the construction cost is available for landscaping. NCDOT will coordinate with the Town regarding this request at the end of the construction phase of the project. N. Noise Barriers No noise barriers are proposed along the project. IV. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION A. Typical Section Alternatives Two typical sections were considered for this project. A five-lane typical section with two travel lanes in each direction and a continuous two-way left turn lane in the center (see Figure 4) and a four-lane divided typical section with a raised median (see Figure 4) were both examined. Both alternatives would utilize curb and gutter. The four-lane median divided typical section was chosen for the project because it provides a higher level of safety and would operate more efficiently than a five-lane undivided section would. The proposed median would also provide a refuge area for pedestrians seeking to cross the roadway. B. "No-Build" Alternative The "no-build" alternative is the least expensive alternative from a construction cost standpoint. The "no-build" alternative also avoids the anticipated effects on the natural environment of the proposed project. However, if the "no-build" alternative were 9 chosen, none of the project's benefits would be realized. For this reason, the "no-build" alternative- is not recommended. V. PROBABLE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF PROPOSED ACTION A. Natural Resources 1. Water Resources a. Streams, Rivers, Impoundments The project is located within the Cape Fear River Basin, Subbasin 030610, eight- digit HUC 03030003. The proposed widening will not cross any streams. No waters classified as High Quality Waters (HQW), Water Supplies (WS I or WS II) or Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) occur within one mile of the project study area. The Ambient Monitoring System (AMS) is a network of stream, lake and estuarine water quality monitoring stations strategically located for the collection of physical and chemical water quality data. The type of water quality data or parameters that are collected is determined by the classification of the waterbody (freshwater or saltwater) and corresponding water quality standards. There are no AMS stations located near the project area. Point source dischargers located throughout North Carolina are permitted through the NPDES Program. All dischargers are required to register for a permit. There are no permitted NPDES dischargers located within one mile of the project area. Non-point source pollution refers to runoff that enters surface waters through stormwater flow or through no defined point of discharge. The non-point sources that could be identified within the project vicinity were urban and road runoff and pastured land. b, Summary of Anticipated Effects Aquatic communities are sensitive to changes in the environment. Activities that affect water quality can adversely impact aquatic organisms. With proper sedimentation and erosion controls, adverse impacts are minimized. Since this project is a widening and does not cross any streams, effects will be minimal. No impacts to surface waters are anticipated as a result of this project NCDOT's Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the Protection of Surface Waters and Sedimentation Control guidelines will be strictly enforced during the construction stage of the project. 10 2. Biotic Resources Biotic resources include aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Descriptions of the terrestrial systems are presented in the context of plant community classifications. These classifications follow descriptions presented by Schafale and Weakley (1990) where possible. Dominant flora and fauna observed, or likely to occur, in each community are described and discussed. Animals observed during the site visit are denoted by an asterisk (*). Published range distributions and habitat analysis are used in estimating fauna expected to be present within the project area. a. Biotic Communities One biotic community, the maintained/disturbed community, was found within the project study area. The maintained/disturbed area consists of frequently mowed and infrequently maintained areas of low vegetation including former pasture land, maintained yards and highway right of way. Species observed include various grasses such as fescue, typical weedy roadside species including henbit, field garlic and dandelion were found in the maintained yard and right of ways. Scattered clusters of trees including loblolly pine, willow oak, flowering dogwood, tulip poplar, black cherry and red maple were found, as well. Shrubs found include wax myrtle and elaeagnus. Terrestrial fauna likely to occur throughout this community includes Virginia opossum, eastern cottontail, raccoon, woodchuck, white tailed deer, eastern box turtle and black rat snake. Avian fauna likely to occur in this area includes permanent residents such as rufous-sided towhee, northern cardinal*, robin*, blue jay, various sparrows, crow, starling, and brown-headed cowbird. b. Summary of Anticipated Effects Project construction may result in clearing and degradation of portions of the biotic community. Table 4 summarizes potential quantitative losses to this biotic community resulting from project construction. Estimated impacts are derived using the entire proposed right of way and subtracting the current road area. Table 4 Anticipated Impacts to Terrestrial Communities Community type Impacts Maintained/Disturbed 2.4 acres 4. 11 3. Surface Waters and Wetlands Surface waters and wetlands fall under the broad category of "Waters of the United States," as defined in Section 33 of the Code of Federal Register (CFR) Section 3283(a). Any action that proposes to place fill material into these areas falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344). a. Wetlands Surveys were conducted to determine whether jurisdictional wetlands exist in the project area. There are no jurisdictional streams or wetlands in the project area. b. Summary of Anticipated Effects The project will have no effect on any jurisdictional stream or wetlands. c. Permit Requirements Since this project will not effect any "Waters of the US," neither a Section 404 permit nor Section 401 Water Quality Certification will be required. 4. Federally Protected Species Plants and animals with federal classifications of Endangered, Threatened, Proposed Endangered and Proposed Threatened are protected under provisions of Section 7 and Section 9 of the. 'Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended. As of February 25, 2003, the US Fish and Wildlife Service lists four federally protected species for Montgomery County (see Table 5). TABLE 5 Federally-Protected Species In Montgomery County Common Name Scientific Name Status Habitat? Biological Conclusion Schweinitz's sunflower Helianthus schweinitzii E No No Effect smooth coneflower Echinacea laevi ata E No No Effect eastern cougar Puma concolor cougar E No No Effect red-cockaded woodpecker Picoides borealis E No No Effect bald eagle Haliaeetus leucoce halus T* No No Effect T-Threatened, E- Endangered *Bald eagle is proposed for delisting. 12 No habitat for any federally-listed species was found during project surveys which were conducted on October 28, 2003. A review of the NC Natural Heritage Program database of rare species and unique habitats in October 2003 indicated no known occurrences of any of these species in this area. Therefore, it is anticipated the project will have "No Effect" on any federally-protected species. 5. Federal Species of Concern and State Listed Species As of February 25, 2003, there are ten federal species of concern (FSC) and one candidate species listed for Montgomery County. Federal Species of Concern are not afforded federal protection under the Endangered Species Act and are not subject to any of its provisions, including Section 7, until they are formally proposed or listed as Threatened or Endangered. Organisms listed as Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) list of rare plant and animal species are afforded state protection under the State Endangered Species Act and the North Carolina Plant Protection and Conservation Act of 1979. Table 6 lists the Federal Species of Concern for Montgomery County, the species' state status and the presence of suitable habitat for each species in the study area. TABLE 6 Federal Species Of Concern/Candidate Species In Montgomery County Common Name Scientific Name Federal Status NC Status `Habitat? Carolina darter Etheostoma collis collis FSC SC No Pinewoods darter Etheostoma mariae FSC SC Northern pine snake Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus FSC SC** No Brook floater Alasmidonta varicosa FSC T/PE No Atlantic i oe Fusconaia masoni FSC T/PE No Sandhills clubtail dragonfly hus arvidens carolinus FSC SR No Sandhills Chub Semotilus lumbee FSC SC Savannah lilli ut Toxolasma ullus FSC T/PE No Carolina creekshell Villosa vau haniana FSC SC/PE No Ravine sedge Carex im resinervia FSC C No Bo s icebush Lindera subcoriacea FSC E No Georgia Aster Aster eor ianus C 1 Yadkin River goldenrod Solids o lumosa FSC E* No `B"-- Endangered species "T"-- Threatened species "SC"-- Special Concern species "C"-- Candidate species 13 "SR"-- Significantly Rare species "/P_"--denotes a species which has been formally proposed for listing as Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern, but has not yet completed the listing process. * -- Historic record - the species was last observed in the county more than 50 years ago. ** -- Obscure record - the date and/or location of observation is uncertain. A review of the NC Natural Heritage Program (NHP) database of rare species and unique habitats in October 2003 revealed no records of Federal Species of Concern in or near the project study area. Surveys for the state listed species were not conducted, nor were any of these species observed. B. Cultural Resources The proposed project is subject to North Carolina General Statute 121-12(a). 1. Historic Architectural Resources A historic architectural survey of the project's area of potential effects was conducted. There are no properties listed on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places within the project's area of potential effects. The State Historic Preservation Office concurred with this finding on July 22, 2003. A copy of the concurrence form is included in Appendix A. 2. Archaeological Resources The State Historic Preservation Office recommended that no archaeological investigation be conducted in connection with the project. A copy of the October 29, 2002 memorandum is included in Appendix A. C. Social Effects 1. Neighborhoods/Communities Homes and business are located along NC 24-27 in the project area. Businesses and churches in the downtown area are located more on the US 220A (North/South Main Street) side of the proposed project. 2. Relocation of Homes and Businesses The proposed project will require the relocation of 3 businesses. The relocation program for the project will be conducted in accordance with the Federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-646), and/or the North Carolina Relocation Assistance Act (GS-133-5-through 133- 18). The NCDOT relocation program is designed to provide assistance to displaced persons in relocating to a replacement site in which to live or do business. Appendix B 14 contains additional information regarding NCDOT relocation programs and includes copies of the relocation reports prepared for the project. 3. MinoriWLow Income Populations A citizens informational workshop was held for the project on March 27, 2003. This workshop was advertised in local newspapers. Through the public involvement program, citizens have been kept informed of the proposed project. No issues related to environmental justice concerns have been discovered through the public involvement process. Three businesses will be relocated as a result of the project. 4. Public Facilities The only public facilities in the immediate vicinity of the project are water lines. Car, will be taken to minimize disruption to these utilities during project construction. D. Land Use 1. Existing Land Use The majority of land surrounding NC 24-27 in the project area is developed as either business or residential. One industrial facility is located at the eastern end of the project along McCaskill Street. 2. Flood Hazard Evaluation The project does not cross any streams and is not located within any flood hazard areas. E. Traffic Noise Analysis A traffic noise analysis was performed to determine the effect of the proposed project on noise levels in the immediate area of the roadway. This investigation included an inventory of existing noise sensitive land uses and a field survey of existing noise levels in the study area. These ambient noise levels were compared with the predicted future noise levels to determine if traffic noise impacts will result from the proposed project. If traffic noise impacts are predicted, alternative noise abatement measures for reducing or eliminating the noise impacts must be considered. An analysis was performed considering the "no-build" alternative, as well. Only preliminary alignment was available for use in this noise analysis. The "worst-case" topographical and traffic volume conditions were assumed. In order to determine whether highway noise levels are compatible with various land uses, the Federal Highway Administration has developed noise abatement criteria (NAC) 15 and procedures to be used in the planning and design of highways. These abatement criteria and procedures are set forth in Part 772 of Title 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations. A land use is considered to be impacted when exposed to noise levels approaching or exceeding the FHWA noise abatement criteria and/or predicted to sustain a substantial noise increase. A substantial increase is defined as an increase in noise levels of 15 dBA or greater for receptors with existing noise levels greater than 50 dBA. 1. Ambient Noise Levels One ambient noise measurement was taken in the vicinity of the project to determine existing noise levels for the identified land uses. The purpose of this noise level information was to quantify the existing acoustic environment and to provide a base for assessing the impact of noise level increases. The existing Leq noise level in the project area as measured at 50 feet from the edge of pavement was 64.5 dBA. A background noise level of 45 dBA was used for the project in areas where traffic noise was not the predominant source. 2. Analysis Results The analysis determined the proposed project would impact 12 residencies and 1 church due to highway traffic noise. The maximum extent of the 72 dBA noise level contour is <58.0 feet from the center of the proposed roadway. The maximum extent of the 67 dBA noise level contour is 77.1 feet from the center of the proposed roadway. 3. Noise Abatement Alternatives Measures for reducing or eliminating the traffic noise impacts of the subject project were considered. Noise abatement alternatives investigated for the project include: highway alignment changes, traffic system management measures, and construction of noise barriers. Cost and environmental considerations make highway alignment changes an impractical noise abatement measure for this project. Traffic system management measures, which limit vehicle type, speed, volume and time of operations, are often effective noise abatement measures. For this project, traffic management measures are not considered appropriate for noise abatement due to their effect on the capacity and level-of-service of the proposed facility. Past project experience has shown that a reduction in the speed limit of 10 mph would result in a noise level reduction of approximately 1 to 2 dBA. Because most people cannot detect a noise reduction of up to 3 dBA and because reducing the speed limit would reduce roadway capacity, it is not considered a viable noise abatement measure. Businesses, churches, and other related establishments normally require ease of accessibility and high visibility. Because of this fact, and the number of driveways located along the project, noisewalls or other solid mass attenuable noise abatement measures would not be acceptable. 16 Due to cost concerns, the acquisition of property in order to provide buffer zones to minimize noise impacts is not considered a viable alternative for the proposed project. The traffic noise impacts for the "do nothing" or "no-build" alternative was also considered. If the proposed widening did not occur, 5 receptors would be impacted by traffic noise. Also, the receptors could anticipate experiencing an increase in exterior noise levels of approximately 2.5 dBA increase. 4. Construction Noise The major construction elements of this project are expected to be earth removal, hauling, grading, and paving. General construction noise impacts, such as temporary speech interference for passers-by and those individuals living or working near the project, can be expected particularly from paving operations and from earth moving equipment during grading operations. However, considering the relatively short-term nature of construction noise and the limitation of construction to daytime hours, these impacts are not expected to be substantial. The transmission loss characteristics of nearby natural elements and man-made structures are believed to be sufficient to moderate the effects of intrusive construction noise. 5. Summary The predicted noise level increases for this project range up to +6 dBA. When real-life noises are heard, it is barely possible to detect noise level changes of 2-3 dBA. A 5 dBA change is more readily noticeable. Traffic noise impacts are expected to result from this project. All traffic noise impacts were considered for noise mitigation. Based on these preliminary studies, traffic noise abatement is not recommended, and no noise abatement measures are proposed. This evaluation completes the highway traffic noise requirements of Title 23 CFR Part 772, and unless a major project change occurs, no additional noise reports will be submitted for this project. In accordance with NCDOT Traffic Noise Abatement Policy, the Federal/State governments are not responsible for providing noise abatement measures for new development for which building permits are issued within the noise impact area of a proposed highway after the Date of Public Knowledge. The Date of Public Knowledge of the location of this proposed highway project will be the approval date of the final environmental document (FONSI or ROD) or the Design Public Hearing, whichever comes later. For development occurring after this public knowledge date, local governing bodies are responsible to insure that noise compatible designs are utilized along the proposed facility. 17 F. Air Ouality Analysis Automobiles are considered to be-the major source of CO in the project area. For this reason, most of the analysis presented herein is concerned with determining expected carbon monoxide levels in the vicinity of the project due to traffic flow. A microscale air quality analysis was performed to determine future CO concentrations resulting from the proposed highway improvements. "CAL3QHC - A Modeling Methodology For Predicting Pollutant Concentrations Near Roadway Intersections" was used to predict the CO concentration near sensitive receptors. Carbon monoxide vehicle emission factors were calculated for the years 2010, 2015, and 2030 using the EPA publication "Mobile Source Emission Factors", and the MOBILE5B mobile source emissions computer model. 1. Background CO Concentrations The background CO concentration for the project area was estimated to be 1.8 parts per million (ppm). Consultation with the Air Quality Section, Division of Environmental Management (DEM), North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources indicated that an ambient CO concentration of 1.8 ppm is suitable for most suburban and rural areas. 2. Air Ouality Analysis Results The worst-case air quality scenario was determined to be in the vicinity of the intersection of US220A (South and North Main St.) and NC 24/27 (East Main St.). The predicted 1-hour average CO concentrations for the evaluation build years of 2010, 2015, and 2030 are 6.30, 6.70 and 8.10 ppm, respectively. Comparison of the predicted CO concentrations with the NAAQS (maximum permitted for 1-hour averaging period = 35 ppm; 8-hour averaging period = 9 ppm) indicates no violation of these standards. Since the results of the worst-case 1-hour CO analysis for the build scenario is less than 9 ppm, it can be concluded that the 8-hour CO level does not exceed the standard. . 3. Construction Air Ouality Effects During construction of the proposed project, all materials resulting from clearing and grubbing, demolition or other operations will be removed from the project, burned or otherwise disposed of by the contractor. Any burning will be performed in accordance with applicable local laws and ordinances and regulations of the North Carolina SIP for air quality in compliance with 15 NCAC 2D.0520. Care will be taken to insure burning will be done at the greatest distance practical from dwellings and not when atmospheric conditions are such as to create a hazard to the public. Burning will be performed under constant surveillance. Also during construction, measures will be taken to reduce the dust generated by construction when the control of dust is necessary for the protection and comfort of motorists or area residents. 18 4. Summary The project is located in Montgomery County, which has been determined to be in compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. 40 CFR part 51 and 93 is not applicable, because the proposed project is located in an attainment area. This project is not anticipated to create any adverse effects on the air quality of this attainment area. This evaluation completes the assessment requirements for air quality of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments and no additional reports are necessary. G. Hazardous Materials Five sites potentially containing hazardous materials were identified in the project area. Three of these sites contain underground storage tanks and two are potentially contaminated sites. The project will likely require right of way from four of the potentially contaminated sites. Preliminary site assessments to identify the nature and extent of any contamination will be performed on these sites prior to right of way acquisition. Based on the GIS search and the field reconnaissance, no potential RCRA or CERCLA sites were identified within the project limits. Table 7 Underground Storage Facilities ST SITE NO PROPERTY TYPE FACILITY R/W'REQD. FROM FACILITY? 1 Former uik Check #22 UST YES 2 McBride Auto Sales former Red's Auto Sales UST YES 3 Quik Check#3 UST YES 4 Former Allen Motors Co. Other YES 5 Vernon's Automotive Other NO H. Geodetic Survey Markers If it is determined the project will impact any geodetic survey markers in the area, the NC Geodetic Survey will be contacted prior to construction in order to allow resetting of monuments. Intentional destruction of a geodetic monument is a violation of NC General Statute 102-4. 19 VI. COMMENTS AND COORDINATION A. Citizens Informational Workshop A citizens informational workshop was held March 27, 2003 at Biscoe Town Hall located at 10 West Main Street. Approximately fifty citizens attended the workshop. An aerial photograph showing the proposed project was displayed. Questions and comments were received from those present. Several businesses on the east side of the project expressed concerns regarding the proposed median. The Citation Corporation, Food Lion, and Hardees expressed concerns about ease of access to their respective businesses. The majority of the comments concerned the potential relocation of elderly citizens within the project area. Citizen comments and concerns have been taken into consideration during the planning process for the subject project. B. Public Hearin A public hearing for the subject project will be held prior to the start of right of way acquisition. C. Azency Coordination The North Carolina Department of Transportation has coordinated with appropriate local, state, and federal agencies throughout this project study. Appropriate coordination will continue throughout the design and construction phases of the project. Comments have been requested from the agencies listed below. An asterisk indicates a response was received (copies of responses are included in Appendix A). *US Department of the Army Corps of Engineers (Wilmington District) *US Fish and Wildlife Service *Montgomery County *Town of Biscoe *NC Department of Administration - State Clearinghouse *NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources *NC Department of Cultural Resources 20 f 1339 z o ' T- 1338 H C BEGIN PROJECT .L1 W. Main St. I 03 x I? Cn I? ? w 1 I St 1503 co ti 22 y B I SCO E POP. 1.672 m s v_ C CL + Davis St. 24 m ?. c 27 E. mains St. .o s .58 I I J/ END PROJECT 1 a a \ ?J Church St. ?' \ 12 1577 Hunaudar St oat Office Rd /; .55 I .24 1500 I •/ t 1 18 1501 I .63 BfUtDfl $t I / 1617 Miller Pond Rd. 1500 A? 220 FEET 0 1000 2000 0 200 400 600 METERS ll? r N Q N (Si`9) 01 NCI SS %0 00 00 __ 1••1 N? '7 a NJ 00 .h. - M N O 10 PM 60 o M Og w U NI Wt) N 01 yid 09 4 00 ?I N NI N C? b 00 ?o ~I'" U (1`Z) U 09 10 PM 60 ot CI NI N ?'--? 1 ? 00 al ac ? i I O N (i`Z) 10 PM 60, Oi -W (2'1) NI b O??O r a cVlcn _,_ N 00 cnI N ` (1 Z) 01 W dl 09? V? NI N C? C14 ool N ? 10 PM 60 C141 (Z'O (4,2) OI ilid 09 N N ? p? ?' MIS + MIS N °? I ? N N U z OTIhd SS ? A (S 1 9) A O A eq ? o x N ~ ? W A ? 1?1 W G a+ A 00 W Z 00 NOI N 0 V a v O w O O z ?z U O F" U aW. A A N 0 o N11o a .? 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I r ? ... ?{ r Tit ?•~? ??.? "--?' y~ 7'? 7/ /? t\ ? ? r ,?y l 1 ?r% r ' / : s ] 1 ?'°` f =?`+.S`Zl? ,I ?t ^ ?.?,. ? ?'S ?. ? _ ? i _?r? i{ I / j? J ?,' `f S ?6f r•. t J..l ?? -_ 'r`te' - Jr r?\? { fr("??`" j ?! .l ./,/" / 1? t P? t-'?•-"„ ) ?-,? •" ?. /rte ? r4? `\ ?`- t^•-?t ? ? , r'4 t ?'? _?r^y??7? ,; '???•.._.r}'+? ,-..1 J • ? jj ? (/ r ? ?rJIJ ?i-•-- > 1?Jrl? ?. 1 ?-?.m?-? f f _ ? r-J / 1 ? ??,???'r i.?? 1.r ?' '?•`C_.r ?. ~` J I.?J ' } ` ? rl lj l?r? 1, J ?+e?i ?? 7 {T'ar' Y ?" /' ::?i I r+ ?i ?} ?,•t? ?` ?'.!, ,1::°??}??`- / t ?yry/{` ? J'/' r I ?`? ?`?\ t+ - >:?;???rt+?\..••-'I H? ;r?? ?J1' ~v?Y`? North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources State Historic Preservation Office David L. S. Brook, Administrator Michael F. Easley, Governor Division of Historical Resources Lisbeth C. Evans, Secretary CJ ? Jethey J. Crow, Deputy Secretary October 29, 2002 ?IE??IORANDL 'h•I 0?? TO: Greg Thorpe, Manager o? Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch F e ?,? 15 NCDOT Division of Highways , ?`'?'2,` '/` FROM: David Brook ?"? SUBJECT: Scopuig, NC 24-27 (East Mam Street), from L'S 21-OA (North 'South Main Street) to I-73- 74/US 220, R-2107B, Montgomery County, ER 02-11202 Thank you for your TMemorandum of October 11, 2002, concerning the above project. On October 23, 2002, Sarah Davis McBride our preservation specialist for transportation projects met with North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) staff for a meeting of the minds concerning the above project. We reported our available information on historic architectural and archaeological surveys and resources along with our recommendations. Based upon our review of the photographs and the information discussed at the meeting, we offer our preliminary comments regarding this project. In terms of historic architectural resources, the aerial photographs revealed the potential for historic structures in the project area. In addition, Montgomery County has never been surveyed. Therefore, we recommend that a Department of Transportation architectural historian identih• and evaluate any structures over fifty, years within the project area and report the finds to us There are no recorded archaeological sites within the proposed project area. Based on our present knowledge of the area, it is unlikelv that any archaeological resources which may be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places will be affected by the project construction. We, therefore, recommend that no archaeological investigation be conducted in connection with this project. Having provided this information, we look forward to receipt of either a Categorical Exclusion or Environmental Assessment which indicates how NCDOT addressed our comments. The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of National Historic Preservation Act and :advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36 CFR Part 800. Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above comment, contact Renee Gledhill-Earlev, environmental review coordinator, at 919/733-4763. In all future f communication concerning this project, please cite the above referenced tracking number. -- cc--iVlary--Porye-Farr - --- - Location Mailing Address Telephone/Fax Administration 507 N. Blount St, Raleigh, NC 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh 27699-4617 (919) 733-4763 •733-8653 Restoration 515 N. Blount St, Raleigh. NC 4613 Mail Service Center, Raleigh 27699-4613 (919) 733-6547 •715-4801 Survey & Planning 515 N. Blount St, Raleigh, NC 40 18 Mail Service Center, Raleigh 27699-4618 (919) 733-4763 •715-4801 63 ? r y October 17, 2 MEMORANDUM To: Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D.. Director NCDOT Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch From: Cynthia F. Van Der Wiele, NCDOT Coordinator WOW OCT 21 2002 cw OF }lfCy5 ??ti DEVEL04a !TAL Atr Subject: Review of Scoping Sheets for NC 24-27 (East Main Street) from US 220A to I-73/I- 74/US 220, Montgomery County, TIP Project R-2107B. This letter is in reply to your correspondence dated October 11, 2002 (received October 16, 2002) in which you requested comments for the above-referenced project. The purpose of this project is to add additional lanes to the existing road in order to accommodate the current and projected traffic volumes as well as improve safety. A preliminary analysis of the project reveals no potential for direct impacts to perennial streams or jurisdictional wetlands in the project area. Lick Creek (hydrologic unit 030610; stream index 17-26-5-3-1) is in the area and is classified as WS-III. According to the Yadkin-Pee Dee Basinwide Water Quality Management Plan (NCDWQ 1998), sedimentation from construction, urban development and streambank erosion are the most widespread water quality problems identified for the basin as a whole. Other concerns include growth management. urban and industrial stormwater, nutrients in lakes, fecal coliform bacteria and oxygen-consuming wastes. Therefore, NCDWQ recommends consideration at the planning stage as to the handling of stormwater runoff from this transportation facility. In the event that the project scope is amended, the Division of Water Quality requests that NCDOT send notification of any proposed impacts to wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping. The NCDWQ appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on your project. If you have any questions, please call Cynthia Van Der Wiele at 919.733.5715. pc: Richard Spencer, USACE Wilmington Field Office Marla Chambers, NCWRC File Copy 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/ncwedands/ North Carolina Department of Environment and Naturai Resources - Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director Division of Water QuatiLy .- 4GEI VE, UCDEN' rutlerai.40 IP K I i073 L ollnty :1 it w4_10t11CrV CONCURRENCE FORM FOR PROPERTIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES 1 Project Description: . On July 22, 2003, representatives of the ® North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) ® Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) ® North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (HPO) ? Other Reviewed the subject project at ? Scoping meeting ® Historic architectural resources photograph review session/consultation ? Other All parties present agreed ? There are no properties over fifty years old within the project's area of potential effects. ® There are no properties less than fifty years old which are considered to meet Criteria Consideration G within the project's area of potential effects. ® There are properties over fifty years old within the project's Area of Potential Effects (APE), but based on the historical information available and the photographs of each property (List Attached) they are considered not eligible for the National Register and no further evaluation of them is necessary. ® There are no National Register-listed or Study Listed properties within the project's area of potential effects. ® All properties greater than 50 years of age located in the APE have been considered at this consultation, and based upon the above concurrence, all compliance for historic architecture with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and GS 121-12(a) has been completed for this project. ® There are no historic properties affected by this project. (Attach any notes or documents as needed) Signed: t??dl e_ G? v ?L F/Z 2-12 D O Z _ Representative, NCDOT Date FHWA, for the Division Administrator, or, _? / zLle.3 Federal Agency Representative, HPO State Historic (reservation Officer Date Date Date (t :1 -mrvcy rcprnt i ? prep: rcd. a hilai .1,p ut thr. term and the :dLici:":d li 1 :•.1II dn. indtidcd EIS RELOCATION REPORT REVISED 919/04 North Carolina Department of Transportation PROJECT: 8.1560601 RELOCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ® E.I.S. ? CORRIDOR ? DESIGN WBS: 34373.1.1 COUNTY Montgomery Alternate 1 of 1 Alternate I.D. NO.: R-2107B F.A. PROJECT N/A DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: NC 24/27 between US 220A and 1-73-74/US 220 ESTIMATED DISPLACEES INCOME LEVEL Type of Displacees Owners Tenants Total Minorities 0-15M 15-25M 25-35M 35-50M 50 UP Residential 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 Businesses 3 0 3 3 VALUE OF DWELLING DSS DWELLING' AVAILABLE Farms 0 0 0 0 Owners Tenants For S ale For Rent Non-Profit 0 0 0 0 0-20M 0 $ 0-160 0 o-2oM 0 $ 0-150 ANSWE R ALL QUESTIONS 20-40M 0 160-250 0 2040M 5 160-250 3 Yes No Explain all "YES" answers. 40-70M 0 250-400 0 40-70M 15 260-400 10 X 1. Will special relocation services be necessary? 70-100M 0 400-603 0 70-100M 20 400-600 10 X 2. Will schools or churches be affected by 100 up 0 500 uP 0 100 up 10 600 up 5 displacement? TOTAL 0 0 50 28 X 3. Will business services still be available REMARKS' (Respond by Number) after project? 4.3 are unknown business trades but X 4. Will any business be displaced? If so, They break down as follows: #1=1800 sf w/3 empl. (1 minority); indicate size, type, estimated number of employees, minorities, etc. #2=14,000 sf w/10 empl. (4 minority); #3=2400 sf w/3 empl. (1 minority). X 5. Will relocation cause a housing shortage? 11. Public housing is available in the county. 6. Source for available housing (list). 12. Replacement housing for sale was found available on X 7. Will additional housing programs be needed? The Internet through Realtor.com X 8. Should Last Resort Housing be considered? 14. Replacement housing for rent was found available on X 9. Are there large, disabled, elderly, etc. The Internet through Realtor.com families? X 10. Will public housing be needed for project? X 11. Is public housing available? X 12. Is it felt there will be adequate DSS housing housing available during relocation period? X 13. Will there be a problem of housing within financial means? X 14. Are suitable business sites available (list source). 15. Number months estimated to complete RELOCATION? 12 Denise Thomsen - , 8/17/04 William Blair Scholl z 8/17/04 8-20-04 Right of Way Agent Relocation Coordinator Date FRMISE Revised 09.02 Original & 1 Copy: Relocation Coordinator DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS RELOCATION PROGRAMS It is the policy of NCDOT to ensure comparable replacement housing will be available prior to construction of state and federally-assisted projects. Furthermore, the North Carolina Board of Transportation has the following three programs to minimize the inconvenience of relocation: • Relocation Assistance • Relocation Moving Payments • Relocation Replacement Housing Payments or Rent Supplement As part of the Relocation Assistance Program, experienced NCDOT staff will be available to assist displacees with information such as availability and prices of homes, apartments, or businesses for sale or rent and financing or other housing programs. The Relocation Moving Payments Program, in general, provides for payment of actual moving expenses encountered in relocation. Where displacement will force an owner or tenant to purchase or rent property of higher cost or to lose a favorable financing arrangement (in case of ownership), the Relocation Replacement Housing Payments or Rent Supplement Program will compensate up to $22,500 to owners who are eligible and qualify and up to $5,250 to tenants who are eligible and qualify. The relocation program for the proposed action will be conducted in accordance with the Federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-646), and/or the North Carolina Relocation Assistance Act (GS-133-5 through 133-18). The program is designed to provide assistance to displaced persons in relocating to a replacement site in which to live or do business. At least one relocation officer is assigned to each highway project for this purpose. The relocation officer will determine the needs of displaced families, individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, and farm operations for relocation assistance advisory services without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The NCDOT will schedule its work to allow ample time, prior to displacement, for negotiations and possession of replacement housing which meets decent, safe, and sanitary standards. The displacees are given at least a 90-day written notice after NCDOT purchases the property. Relocation of displaced persons will be offered in areas not generally less desirable in regard to public utilities and commercial facilities. Rent and sale prices of replacement property will be within the financial means of the families and individuals displaced and will be reasonably accessible to their places of employment. The relocation officer will also assist owners of displaced businesses, non- profit organizations, and farm operations in searching for and moving to replacement property. All tenant and owner residential occupants who may be displaced will receive an explanation regarding all available options, such as (1) purchase of replacement housing, (2) rental of replacement housing, either private or public, or (3) moving existing owner- occupant housing to another site (if possible). The relocation officer will also supply information concerning other state and federal programs offering assistance to displaced persons and will provide other advisory services as needed in order to minimize hardships to displaced persons in adjusting to anew location. W The Moving Expense Payments Program is designed to compensate the displacee for the costs of moving personal property from homes, businesses, non-profit organizations, and farm operations acquired for a highway project. Under the Replacement Program for Owners, NCDOT will participate in reasonable incidental purchase payments for replacement dwellings such as attorney's fees, surveys, appraisals, and other closing costs and, if applicable, make a payment for any increased interest expenses for replacement dwellings. Reimbursement to owner-occupants for replacement housing payments, increased interest payments, and incidental purchase expenses may not exceed $22,500 (combined total), except under the Last Resort Housing provision. A displaced tenant may be eligible to receive a payment, not to exceed $5,250, to rent a replacement dwelling or to make a down payment, including incidental expenses, on the purchase of a replacement dwelling. The down payment is based upon what the state determines is required when the rent supplement exceeds $5,250. It is a policy of the state that no person will be displaced by the NCDOT's state of federally-assisted construction projects unless and until comparable replacement housing has been offered or provided for each displacee within a reasonable period of time prior to displacement. No relocation payment received will be considered as income for the purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or for the purposes of determining eligibility or the extent of eligibility of any person for assistance under the Social Security Act or any other federal law. Last Resort Housing is a program used when comparable replacement housing is not available, or when it is unavailable within the displacee's financial means, and the replacement payment exceeds the federal/state legal limitation. The purpose of the program is to allow broad latitudes in methods of implementation by the state so that decent, safe, and sanitary replacement housing can be provided. It is not felt that this program will be necessary on the project, since there appear to be adequate opportunities for relocation within the area.