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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2719BV , Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Division of Highways Concurrence Meeting Update CRESCENT ROAD KINSTON LENOIR COUNTY TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROJECT R -2719B June 8, 2000 TIP Project R- 2719BA Crescent Road From US 258 to Rouse Road Table of Contents NEPA / Section 404 Process Status and Goals ............................. ............................... 1 ProjectLocation Map .............................................................. ..............................3 Purposeand Need ................................................................ ............................... 4 Identification of Alternatives to Study ........................................ ............................... 5 LEDPA Comments from WRC and DWQ ................................... ............................... 6 Comments on EA from CORPS ............................................... ............................... 8 Avoidance and Minimization .................................................. ............................... 13 Permit Application for R -2719B ............................................ ............................... 20 NEPA / Section 404 Merger Process 1. PURPOSE AND NEED 2. IDENTIFY ALTERNATIVES TO STUDY 3. SELECT PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE 4. AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION OF IMPACTS During the development of this project, the Merger Agreement was ratified. It was determined by the NCDOT and the Agencies to informally follow this new process. However, at each stage of the process there was no formal written concurrence obtained. It is significant to note though that through the development of the Crescent Road Project there was a healthy, open, and effective dialogue among all the parties involved in this project. There are several goals for today's meeting. • With this information packet and meeting, I have attempted to present enough background information to get everyone on the same page as to the project history and status. • Complete Avoidance and Minimization of impacts by reviewing final design of Part BA. • Coordinate with the Corps regarding the resubmittal of the permit application for Part BA. Date Proposed Crescent Road From US 258 To NC 58 Lenoir County Federal Aid Project Number STP- 0224(3) State Project Number 8.2200101 TIP Project R -2719B Administrative Action Environmental Assessment U. S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and N. C. Department of Transportation Submitted pursuant to 42 U. S. C. 4332(2)(C) Lubin V. Prevatt, P.E., Assistant Manager Planning and Environmental Branch, NCDOT Date 4Nic as L. raf /iv ion Administrator, FHWA I(11 e Ey KINSTON REGIONAL PROJECT M JETPORT _ �� ���• � BEGIN 1577 — PROJECT a 3 �e \ KRvSTON I .._. - - -- ^ ° " NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT Q OF TRANSPORTATION LEGEND a DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND ENVIRONENTAL M BRANCH - — \ ALTERNATIVE 1 ■ ■ KINSTON .. ALTERNATIVE 2 ■ FROM US 258 — I NORTH OF KINSTON ,a ALTERNATIVE 3 + 'W-&m ! TO NC 58 a LENOIR COUNTY ALTERNATIVE 4 111110111 � (Recommended) TIP PROJECT R - 27198 —�. • 0 KILOMETERS 1 MILES s FIGURE 1 3 Inllilut! Oar — �_ —= .. 1— instal Css c5 'l `e ♦ • ec Rut ``� _. • ,cg° � ` '' Pint Mill I(11 e Ey KINSTON REGIONAL PROJECT M JETPORT _ �� ���• � BEGIN 1577 — PROJECT a 3 �e \ KRvSTON I .._. - - -- ^ ° " NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT Q OF TRANSPORTATION LEGEND a DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND ENVIRONENTAL M BRANCH - — \ ALTERNATIVE 1 ■ ■ KINSTON .. ALTERNATIVE 2 ■ FROM US 258 — I NORTH OF KINSTON ,a ALTERNATIVE 3 + 'W-&m ! TO NC 58 a LENOIR COUNTY ALTERNATIVE 4 111110111 � (Recommended) TIP PROJECT R - 27198 —�. • 0 KILOMETERS 1 MILES s FIGURE 1 3 Proposed Crescent Road From US 258 To NC 58 Lenoir County Federal Aid Project Number STP- 0224(3) State Project Number 8.2200101 TIP Project R -2719B I. NEED FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT A. General Description of Project The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes to construct a four -lane, median - divided road (mostly on new location) from US 258 just north of Poole Road (SR 1575) to the existing intersection of Benjamin Franklin Road (SR 1579) and NC 58 north of Kinston. This route will cross Poole Road (SR 1575), Robinson Road (SR 1574), Shackleford Road (SR 1607), Rouse Road (SR 1572), Airport Road (SR 1578), and John Mewborn Road (SR 1581). Preferred Alternative 4 is 7.3 km (4.5 miles) in length. The project vicinity is shown in Figure 1, and the proposed improvements are shown in Figure 2. B. Purpose and Need The purpose of this project is to provide motorists a more direct east- west route on the north side of Kinston, improve operating conditions along existing routes by reducing the volume of traffic along those routes, provide improved access to houses, schools, businesses, and industries north of Kinston, and improve access to the North Carolina Global TransPark. C. Historical Resume Prior to Kinston's selection as the site of the North Carolina Global TransPark (TransPark), the 1992 Kinston Thoroughfare Plan (adopted in part by the city - see section I.F. below) recommended that Crescent Road be a four - lane divided boulevard with control of access to limit the number of driveway entrances. Starting at US 70 west of Kinston, Crescent Road was to run in a northeastern direction on new location, crossing over the Norfolk- Southern Railroad and Banks School Road (SR 1546). It would then follow Daly Waldrop Road (SR 1554) across US 258 to Hull Road (SR 1557). From Hull Road, Crescent Road continued to the northeast on new location and merged with Dobbs Farm Road (SR 1573) just west of Shackleford Road. It continued along DobbsTarm Road to the Rouse Road (SR 1572) intersection, then veered on new location to the southeast, crossing Airport Road (SR 1578) and intersecting NC 58 at Cunningham Road (SR 1745). From NC 58, Crescent Road would have followed Cunningham Farm Road to NC 11. This concept (see Figure 1A, Concept A) was presented to resource agencies for their comment on April 4, 1994 and was presented at the first Citizens Informational Workshop held on May 31, 1994 (see Section V of this report and pages A- 90 through A -97 in Appendix A). This concept would have impacted 24.4 hectares (61 acres) of wetlands between US 258 and NC 58 and would have crossed Briery Run twice. 4 +}, Ge�rl t_J t cN I ,.,. . 14eYv1oAve5, +� 15 S4%ld j the alignments of Alternatives 1 and 4 are very similar, as are the alignments of Alternatives 2 and 3. These alternatives are shown in Figures 1, 2, and 10 and are compared in Table 2A. Table 2A - Comparison of Alternatives Alternatives Length km/mi Wetlands acres 1 2.814.5 44.0 2 3.1/5.0 51.4 3 3.1/5.0 34.9 4 Preferred 2.8/4.5 36.8 Stream Crossings Relocations 8 3 6 28 6 61 8 5 Note: Wetland estimates based on 67 m (220 feet) corridor. Noise Construction mnacts I Cost 25 49 3 RJW I Total Cost Cost 1,000 1 $31 As shown in Table 2A, the costs of Alternatives 1 and 4 are similar, as are the costs of Alternatives 2 and 3. The difference in costs between Alternatives 1 and 4 and Alternatives 2 and 3 are due to the extra pavement and borrow material associated with the greater distance (an additional 0.5 mile) along the northernmost alternatives (Alternatives 2 and 3) between US 258 and Shackleford Road (SR 1607). In addition, the additional five -lane widening of US 258 to the proposed Crescent Road crossing for Alternatives 2 and 3 adds to the cost. Alternative 3 is the only alternative with recommended noise walls, and these also contribute to higher costs. The concurrent section of the alternatives between Shackleford Road and NC 58 generally follows the proposed alignment of the southern part of the Internal Loop Corridor as shown in the North Carolina Global TransPark's Masterplan (see Figure 5). The typical sections proposed by the TransPark for the Internal Loop Corridor in the TransPark Masterplan and by NCDOT for Crescent Road are four -lane median - divided facilities. Alternative 1 is the originally proposed study line for the current scope of Crescent Road and was presented at a Citizens Informational Workshop held in September 1996 (see pages A -98 through A -107 in Appendix A). After the workshop, the COE requested NCDOT investigate additional alternatives which would avoid or minimize wetland impacts, while at the same time more closely follow the Internal Loop Corridor (ILC) proposed in the TransPark Masterplan (see Figure 5). Alternatives 2, 3, and 4 were developed in an attempt to minimize and/or avoid wetland impacts and stream crossings. Alternatives 2 and 3 follow the ILC for a farther distance than Alternatives 1 and 4. The expanded study area for these alternatives were shown and explained in a project newsletter mailed in March 1998 (see pages A -105 through A -111 in Appendix A). These alternatives are discussed below. 2. Alternative 1 Alternative 1 involves constructing a four -lane divided road (mostly on new location) from US 258 approximately 300 m (1000 feet) north of Poole Road to NC 58 at its intersection with Benjamin Franklin Road, a distance of approximately Sheading, northeast 58, crosses P ool R 7.3 km oad ( SR 1575)takes a alternative outheastward and crosses 5 Jui PA _ it North Carolina WAdlife Resources Commission"" ommission i 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 -1188, 919 - 733.3391 Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director Ivil-:MORANDUM 1.0: 11clba McGee Office of Legislative and intergovernmental Affairs, DE NR FROM: David Cox, Highway Project or din r Habitat Conservation Progr DATE: Jule 20, 1998 SUBJF.CT: Environmental Assessment (EA) for Crescent Road, from US 258 to NC 58, Lenoir County, North Carolina. TIP No. R- 271913, SCH Project Nu. 98 -F. -0832. Stale biologists with the N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission ('. ICWTtQ have rev,em;ed the subject EA, and are familiar with habitat values in the project area. The purpose of this review was to assess project impacts to fish and wildlife re:,ources. tour comments are provided in accordance with certain provisions of the Natioiial Filvironmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)) and the Fish and 1Vildlil: Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661- 667d). '\,-C. DOT proposes to construct a four -lane median divided freeway mostly on new location from US 258 just north of SR 1575 to the NC 581 SR 1580 intersection north of Kinston. The project length is approximately 4.5 miles. Wetland impacts aiticipated from the preferred alternative total approximately 36.8 acres. We have: reviewed the information regarding the, preferred alternative and concur with the selection of Alternative 4. The document generally does a good job of describing the anticipated impacts of the project on wildlife, fish and their habitats. We are pleased that NCDOT has acknowledged the importance of mainmining wildh ie habitat connectivity along the GTP designated Stonyton Creek South Wildlife Corridor. However, we believe that the wildlife crossing structure proposed is undersized. Literature reviews have yielded several papers on the reduction of highway related wildlife mortality. There is very specific information on the structure type rind sire used by elifferent animals. If the goal is to move big game such as black bear and white- tailed deer, a spanning structure will be required. If small game, fur bearers, amphibians and reptiles are the goal, then box culverts may be acceptable. Box culverts for wildlife passage should remain dry during normal stream flows. A box should be .provided on each bath: of the stream. No riprap or other stones should be placed at the A -10 % l.O NC DWQ W ENVSCI Fax :�19 -7:.3 -9959 Jul 14 '98 10:51 State of North Carolina _ Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality James S. Hunt, Jr.. Governor Wayne McDevitt, Secretary A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director MEMORANDUM To: Mary Klesau MY"' Through: John Dorn* From: Cyndi Bell Z Lo P. 02/11 LED PA ± 19; lk 4 • • D E N R July 13, 1998 Subject: Environmental Assessment for Proposed Crescent Road from US 258 to NC 58 Lenoir County State Project No. 8.2200101, T.I.P. Nos. R- 2719B, DENR # 98 -0832, DWQ # 12125 The referenced document has been reviewed by this office. The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) is responsible for the issuance of the Section 401 Water Quality Certificarion for activities which impact waters of the state including wetlands. Construction of the Pref=e d Alternative 4 will involve fill in up to 36.8 acres of jurisdictional wetlands and eight stremn crossings. DWQ offers the following comments based upon review of the EA: A) DWQ appreciates the efforts made by DOT to reduce wetland impact: associated with Alternative 1, resulting in a new Preferred Alternative 4. Although this is not the least damaging alternative, the number of relocations associated with the least damaging alternative (Alternative 3) includes 56 more residences than Alternate 4. Based efforts to develop Alternative 4 in cooperation with the review agencies, and upon an cipated social impacts of Alternative 3, DWQ endorses this as the Pre erred ternative. B) As this project corridor is located in the Neuse River Basin, it is crucial that DOT demonstrate avoidance and minimization of wetland and stream impacts (i.e., bridging of riparian wetlands) during design of this project. Section 15A NCAC 02B .0200(f) of T15A: 02B .0233, Neese River Basin: Nutrient Sensitive Waters Management Strategy: Protection and Maintenance of Existing Riparian Areas states: Roads, bridges. stormwater management facilities, ponds. and utilities may be allowed where no practical alternative exists. These structcues shall be located, designed, constructed, and maintained to have minimal disturbance, to provide maximum nutrient removal and erosion protection, to have tie least adverse effects on aquatic life and habitat, and to protect water quality to the maximum extent practical through the use of best management practices. P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27828 -0535 An Equal opportunity Affirmative Action Employer A -12 Telephone 919 - 733 -5083 FAX 919 - 733 -9919 50% recycled/ 10% post - consumer paper - ovY7 WENTS FRoW DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY WILMINGTON DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS P.O. BOX 1890 WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28402 -1890 REPLY TO October 1, 1998 ATTENTION OF Planning Services Section Mr. William D. Gilmore, P.E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch North Carolina Division of Highways Post Office Box 25201 Raleigh, North Carolina 27611 -5201 Dear Mr. Gilmore: oN c 60gPS -� OCi C 6 1998 z ors . 01VI'S',011,1 OF f This is in response to your letter of June 11, 1998, requesting our comments on the "Federal Environmental Assessment for Proposed Crescent Road, From US 258 to NC 58, Lenoir County, Federal Aid Project Number STP- 0224(3), State Project Number 8.2200101, TIP Project R- 27196" (Regulatory Division Action I.D. 199402641). Our comments involve impacts to flood plains and jurisdictional resources, which include waters, wetlands, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects. There are no Corps projects which would be impacted by the proposed improvements. Enclosed are our comments on the other issues. We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this project. If we can be of further assistance, please contact us. Enclosure Sincerely, 1 C. Alex Morrison, Jr., P.E. Chief, Technical Services Division October 1, 1998 Page 1 of 4 U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, WILMINGTON DISTRICT, COMMENTS ON: "Federal Environmental Assessment for Proposed Crescent Road, From US 258 to NC 58, Lenoir County, Federal Aid Project Number STP- 0224(3), State Project Number 8.2200101, TIP Project R- 2719B" (Regulatory Division Action I.D. 199402641) 1. FLOOD PLAINS: POC - Bobby L. Willis, Planning Services Section, at (910) 251 -4728 The proposed project is located in Lenoir County and partially within the jurisdiction of the city of Kinston, both of which are participants in the National Flood Insurance Program. Based on a review of Panels 45 and 50 of the January 1983 Lenoir County Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), the portion of the preferred alternative in the county's jurisdiction is not located in an identified flood hazard area. This is confirmed by a review of the pertinent United States Geological Survey topographic maps of the area ( "Falling Creek, NC" and "Kinston, N.C. "). From a review of Panel 5 of the June 1982 Kinston FIRM, the proposed roadway crosses the approximately mapped portion of Briery Run. In addition, a tributary to Briery Run which drains the Regional Jet Port is also crossed by the road. Although not identified as a flood Y hazard area on the FIRM, it appears that this stream has sufficient drainage area to produce flooding. Both of these crossings are shown on Figure 7 in the Environmental Assessment (EA). in the flood hazard evaluation on page 42 of the EA, the statement is made, in reference to the Briery Creek crossing, that "construction of this project will not adversely affect the existing floodplain." It is likely that the crossing would increase upstream flood elevations. We suggest coordination with the city to ensure that the crossing(s) will comply with their flood plain ordinance. ``001 d 1-r Recent meetings and discussions on this project have taken place. At the most recent �� interagency meeting, several issues were discussed which were not included in the EA. These vt issues include the Spine Road connections and the bridging of riverine wetlands associated with the proposed project. These outstanding issues will need to be addressed before a Department of the Army (DA) permit decision can be made. 2. WATERS AND WETLANDS: POC - Mr. Michael Bell, NCDOT Coordinator /Regulatory Project Manager Washington Field Office, Regulatory Division, at (919) 975 -1616, Extension 26 9 October 1, 1998 Page 2 of 4 U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, WILMINGTON DISTRICT, COMMENTS ON: "Federal Environmental Assessment for Proposed Crescent Road, From US 258 to NC 58, Lenoir County, Federal Aid Project Number STP- 0224(3), State Project Number 8.2200101, TIP Project R- 2719B" (Regulatory Division Action I.D. 199402641) 2. WATERS AND WETLANDS: (Continued) a. SUMMARY. "Summary of Environmental Commitments." The second paragraph in this [accepted ction states, "that mitigation for the wetland impacts associated with Crescent Road where it llows the proposed TransPark internal loop corridor from just west of Shackleford Road (SR 0V' 607) t? NC 58 will be mitigated by the TransPark. The `Net! =.nd impacts associated with rescent Road where it diverges from the TransPark internal loop corridor (from US 258 to est of Shackleford Road) will be addressed by the NCDOT." NCDOT has requested and b �� responsibility for the Crescent Road project and associated social and environmental ja pacts. The Global TransPark (GTP) is not an agent or contractor for the NCDOT and can ot be responsible for the impacts from this separate project. Linking mitigation to another unpermitted project with no mitigation established is not acceptable. Gtio'( The second paragraph also discusses the feasibility of providing a bridge over Briery Run to . minimize or avoid impacts to riverine wetlands. As discussed in previous meetings, the EA t 5, should address alternative bridge lengths that would further reduce wetland losses. Increased bridge lengths may increase construction cost, but this cost could be offset by a reduction in the cost of mitigation to offset unavoidable wetland losses. This information is necessary for us to determine the least environmentally damaging practicable alternative. The "Summary of Environmental Commitments" also discusses the importance of A, maintaining wildlife habitat connectivity along the GTP designated Stonyton Creek South Wildlife Corridor. However, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission believes the /.` VVQ- wildlife crossing structure is undersized. We concur with the suggestions and `�, recommendations made by the Commission in correspondence to Ms. Melba McGee, Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, dated July 20, 1998. Specifically, a spanning structure will be required to move large mammals, such as black bear and white - tailed deer. b. Page 1. "Historical Resume." This section of the document discusses three "concepts" for the proposed project. These "concepts" were and are alternatives. NCDOT did not adopt the "concepts" due to the conception of the GTP. As discussed in paragraph (a.) above, NCDOT requested ttot thMaga roposed project be separated_fj�p�iLtli� G�P_pr ect. Without GTP, the improved existi ternative would be a reasonable and feasible alternative which meets the purpose and need for the project. A matrix comparing the social and environmental impacts of the four alternatives presented in the document with the improved existing alternative (Figure 1A, Concept B) will be necessary before an alternative is selected or a permit decision made. The matrix should include all the comparisons listed in Table 2A on page 15. ,see Response tt 2. ) P• to � PONS I See Response tl: &) i>• >> In October 1, 1998 Page 3 of 4 U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, WILMINGTON DISTRICT. COMMENTS ON: "Federal Environmental Assessment for Proposed Crescent Road, From US 258 to NC 58, Lenoir County, Federal Aid Project Number STP- 0224(3), State Project Number 8.2200101, TIP Project R- 2719B" (Regulatory Division Action I.D. 199402641) 2. WATERS AND WETLANDS: (Coritinusd) Ga J��-� c. Page 5. "5.0 Capacity Analysis and Level of Service." Based on the Level of Service 4aX J91 analysis, the proposed Crescent Road will operate at a level of service (LOS) ranging from B to F depending upon location for the design year 2020. As a transportation agency, you are . fit aware that LOS A represents the best traffic operating conditions and LOS F the worst. We � question the justification of NCDOT/FHWA expending between 28 and •32 million dollars in TIP funds and impacting natural resources if the LOS is unacceptable. As part of our permit ,gyp �`�� process we must determine if a proposed project is in the public interest. According to the EA, �v this project appears to not be in the public interest. Please provide justification for building this �rj proposed road with a LOS of F at some areas or provide a new design which provides for an V, acceptable LOS. d. Page 12. "L. Mitigation." Reference "a." above concerning NCDOT's responsibility for mitigation. It is Corps policy that prior to issuance of a DA Permit, NCDOT will provide this �1 office with an approved, final mitigation plan for this project. Development of these plans can require a significant amount of time and could lead to delays in the issuance of permits if not `l addressed in a timely manner. Accordingly, NCDOT should pursue development of this plan C as early as possible. Bridging riverine systems is an appropriate wetland avoidance measure for this project. This avoidance method would alleviate the need for a riverine wetland mitigation plan. Based upon the information provided, mitigation will likely be required for all eight stream crossings. NCDOT has not addressed stream mitigation in the EA. A stream mitigation plan suitable to replace the functions and values of the existing streams will also be required prior to issuance of a DA Permit. e. Page 48. "e. Neuse River Basin: Nutrient Sensitive Waters and Management Strategy." 0. , The cumulative impact on water quality of this project, in conjunction with other highway 1� projects in the area, and the development of the GTP is not addressed. The National Environmental Policy Act requires that all secondary and cumulative impacts associated with a proposal must be addressed. The EA should be revised to address the issues of cumulative wetland losses and the associated cumulative impact on the nutrient sensitive waters of the Neuse River. Resp onses ��.3 ff PP 8 -Q o' PONS October 1, 1998 Page 4 of 4 U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, WILMINGTON DISTRICT, COMMENTS ON: "Federal Environmental Assessment for Proposed Crescent Road, From US 258 to NC 58, Lenoir County, Federal Aid Project Number STP- 0224(3), State Project Number 8.2200101, TIP Project R- 271913" (Regulatory Division Action I.D. 199402641) 2. WATERS AND WETLANDS: (Continued) f. Page 58. "12. Construction Impacts." This section states that waste and debris will be disposed of in areas outside of the right of way and provided by the contractor. This statement V is incorrect. The contractors are not responsible for borrow and waste activities; NCDOT is the applicant and has sole responsibility. Borrow and waste activities associated with this project are covered under the same individual permit as the "construction" project. The following statement is our policy concerning responsibility for borrow and waste activities and should be reflected in the document. " NCDOT and its contractors and /or agents shall not excavate, fill, or perform land clearing at any time in the construction or maintenance of this project within waters and /or wetlands, except as authorized by the Department of the Army (DA) permit or any modification to the /permit. There shall be no excavation from or waste disposal into jurisdictional wetlands or waters associated with this project without appropriate modification of the individual permit. To ensure that all borrow and waste activities occur on high ground, except as authorized by individual DA permit, the permittee shall require its contractors and /or agents to identify all areas to be used to borrow material or to dispose of dredged, fill, or waste material. Documentation of the location and characteristics of all borrow and disposal sites associated with this project will be available to the Corps on request." We encourage NCDOT to investigate whether or not temporary fill will be required during V construction to build haul roads and place culverts. NCDOT should include this information with the permit application, rather than applying for a permit modification after the project has been let to contract. As a major permitting agency, we appreciate the opportunity to coordinate with your staff prior to the finalization of the EA. As stated above, our main concern with this project is the severity of the impacts in relation to the benefits and the mitigation responsibility. If you have any questions regarding our comments, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Bell. I� AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION OF WETLAND IMPACTS FOR PART BA 1. Alternatives 2, 3, and 4 were A/M alternatives to Alternative 1 2. NCDOT is bridging the riverine wetlands associated with Briery Run 3. At A/M meeting for Part BB where NCDOT had final design, wetland impacts were minimized through design modifications. NCDOT made a commitment to incorporate these modifications into final design for Part BA. At today's meeting, NCDOT welcomes A/M comments on the final design. 4. Attached is the literature from the A/M meeting for Part BB X2 ttry STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT JR. P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH. N.C. 27611 -5201 E. NORRIS TOLSON GOVERNOR SECRETARY MEMO TO: Attendees FROM: Greg Brew I3 e (� Project Engin DATE: January 25, 1999 SUBJECT: Project R- 2719B, Lenoir County Crescent Road from NC 258 to NC 58 Agenda for Meeting • Overview • Related Issues Discussed at November 18, 1998 Meeting • The Corps was concerned with the Spine Road connection and bridging of riverine wetlands not being addressed in the EA. • Response - These issues were addressed in the FONSI. • The Corps was concerned with linking the mitigation of Crescent Road with the mitication for the GTP. • Response - GTP now has a conditional permit that allows for the mitgation for the R- 271933 (Rouse Road to NC 58) segment of Crescent Road. Conditions are that we minimize wetland impacts. • NCDOT has committed to bridging Briery Run. • The R- 2719BA segment can be permited separately due to the R- 2719BB segment already having a conditional permit through the GTP permit. • Avoidance /Minimization Alternatives Studied (See Comparison of Alternatives) • Minimization of Alternative 4 • Alternative 4 was an avoidance \minimization for Alternative 1 which was our original recommended alternative. • Interchanges at NC 58, Rouse Rd., and Mewbourne Rd. have been eliminated which has resulted in a reduction of wetland impacts. • Alignment was shifted to miss water tower which resulted in reduction of wetland impacts. • Committed to bridging riverine wetlands. • Design changes (see chart) • Discussion 14 1 �5 0 0 0' o' 0 0 C) o Z °o °o Z 0 0 o. o; ZO 0, o 0 °o 0' O o0 opl O C) 0` I=- U o o: o o, n. ° o, ~ U ,°n, o C) Lo U M o o o: o QI to NI -T � CO! co, N ; wl u►� Z C,4; C14 �, 61311 O N U N U I U O C, CD O I O 3 O•, C' OI O O f C1 Oi OI . i OI OI O O! I O: C) O p: O� O' O �i T! co `7 I tt l i i O• rn O; O I V co: �i �i wl w! i MI chl tNi V. W, W� 1 y j m j W cm W I Uo , O M; N; fpl pi i W C) W �I w I � c � I y y I 7 _ W coi c0 co Co. Q W O. 0 O A O. Cl: : 0 Q' E N N ; E LO u)! c N to U • i ~O �. co: ui to - F- U Q IL m c G Q w o ci ¢ ¢ ¢' ¢ m > o ¢ v ¢ m `m ~ Q Cl) Q o v rn o rn rn co U cc ui w v l) v c (L 0 CL c Z o 5 �+ W W rn O o 0 m Q rn r y m N y G N t) u) LO m � N N m E nj N J' � C y > l0 d .r C C IE d y Q m N Q> N y O 0 m E 01 c N M. N 0 y C_ C 0 d O - O d is = d . C n 1 �5 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT JP, P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH. N.C. 27011 -5201 E. NoRm TOLSON SECRETARY GOVERNOR MEMO TO: File FROM: Greg Brew, PE I JU1_ Project Engineer DATE: February 11, 1999 SUBJECT: Project R- 2719B, Lenoir County Crescent Road from NC 258 to NC 58 Summary of Wetland Minimization Meeting A wetland minimization meeting was.held on January 25, 1999 in the Project Development and Environmental Analysis Conference Room (Room 470) in the Highway Building for the subject project. A list of the attendees is attached. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss wetland minimization efforts with the resource agencies and to get their preliminary concurrence. Summarizing, I opened by giving a brief overview of the project issues that were resolved at a meeting held November 18, 1999. The issues and resolutions were as follows: • The Corps was concerned with the Spine Road connection and bridging of riverine wetlands not being addressed in the EA. • Response - These issues.were addressed in -the FONSI. • The Corps was concerned with linking the mitigation of Crescent Road with the mitigation for the GTP. • Response - GTP now has a conditional permit that allows for the mitigation for the R- 2719BE (Rouse Road to NC 58) segment of Crescent Road. The Corps permit conditions stated that wetland impacts had to be minimized. I (0 E) File February 11, 1999 Page 2 • NCDOT has committed to bridging Briery Run. • The R- 2719BA segment can be permitted separately due to the R- 2719BB segment already having a conditional permit through the GTP permit. Mike Bell also mentioned his concerns regarding the EA which showed a poor level of service for the design year at several of the intersections along Crescent Road. Ed Lewis stated that the level of service shown in the EA was for non - signalized intersections. By adding traffic signals, the intersections will improve to an acceptable level of service. The meeting continued by reviewing a comparison of the avoidance and minimization alternatives. There were four alternatives considered west of Rouse Road. Alternative 4 was the recommended alternative based on the reduced residential and wetland impacts, cost, and public input. It was noted that Alternative 4 was developed from revising the alignment for Alternative 1 to provide further minimization. There was only one alternative studied for the segment of Crescent*Road east of Rouse Road. This segment of Crescent Road (R- 2719BB) was set up to follow the internal loop corridor for the Global Transpark and was conditionally permitted as a part of the overall permit for the GTP. The minimization shown for the R- 2719BA segment of Crescent Road consists of bridging the riverine wetlands at Briery Run and steepening the roadway slopes to 3:1 through the wetland areas. In order to minimize wetland impacts through the R- 2719BB segment of Crescent Road, the roadway slopes have also been steepened to 3:1 through the wetland areas. Alignment shifts were not investigated along the R- 2719BB segment of the project based on the need to stay within the GTP internal loop corridor. 11 File February 11, 1999 Page 3 On the R- 2719BA segment of Crescent Road, non - riverine wetland impacts have been reduced from 9 acres to 8 acres. The o.9 acres or riverine impacts have been eliminated. On the R- 2719BB segment of Crescent Road, there were no riverine wetland impacts and the non - riverine wetland impacts have been reduced from 6.3 acres to 5.5 acres. (Note: the wetland area impacts were computed from the preliminary design for project R- 2719BA. As the design progresses, these numbers could change slightly.) After reviewing the minimization plans, they were found to be acceptable with the following comments noted: It was recommended that there be no lateral ditching through wetlands. • It appeared that revising the alignment on the R- 2719BB segment of Crescent Road could further reduce wetland impacts. However, alignment shifts would move Crescent Road out of the roadway corridor that has previously been approved by the Corps. Therefore, these shifts will not be made. In conclusion it was decided that the minimization efforts were acceptable with the following course of action: • On R- 2719BB, the department will submit a formal request to utilize the GTP permit; also, permit drawings will be attached. • On R- 2719BA, a permit application will be sent in the near future. This permit application will be based from the preliminary design. This memo will serve as documentation of the minimization meeting for R- 2719B. If there are any revisions or corrections that need to be made to this memo, please let me know. GEB/ File February 11, 1999 Page 4 cc: Attendees Len Hill, PE Tom Shearin, PE David Cox (NC Wildlife Resources Commission) Attendees: Mike Bell. Cindy Bell Tom McCartney John Wadsworth Debbie Barbour Greg Brew David Williams Cindy Sharer Dave Schiller Ed Lewis Alice Gordon Danny Wiegand Omar Azizi Tim Coggins US Army Corps of Engineers NC Division of Water Quality US Fish and Wildlife Service FHWA Roadway Design Roadway Design Roadway Design Project Development Project Development Project Development Project Development Project Development Structure Design Structure Design 9 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA A L� ; v DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT JR. P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611 -5201 E. NORRIS TOLSON GOVERNOR SECRETARY May 28, 1999 Mr. Michael F. Bell Washington Regulatory Field Office U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Post Office Box 1000 Washington, North Carolina 27889 -1000 Dear Mr. Bell: SUBJECT: Lenoir County, Crescent Road from US 258 to NC 58, Federal Aid Project STP- 0224(3), State Project No. 8.2200101, TIP No. R -2719 B. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is proposing to construct a 7.03 - kilometer (4.37 -mile) four -lane, median- divided facility (mostly on new location) in association with the Global TransPark (GTP). The project will extend from US 258 approximately 197 meters (650 feet) north of SR 1575 (Poole Road) to the NC 58 /SR 1580 (Benjamin Franklin Road) intersection north of Kinston. The proposed facility will have control of access with access at intersections only. The proposed project is in two separate sections. Section BA will be a 2.12 mile segment of Crescent Road in Kinston from US 258 to SR 1572 (Rouse Road) and Section R -2719 BB a 2.25 mile segment from SR 1572 to NC 58 and will be located entirely within the Global TransPark. This letter is organized in two sections. The first section, Section R -2719 BB, provides the information to comply with Condition 2 of the existing Section 404 permit for the Global TransPark. The second section, Section R -2719 BA, provides the information required for Section 404 and Section 401 individual permit applications. SECTION R -2719 BB A Section 404 permit, which included Section BB of the proposed road, was issued to the Global TransPark Authority (GTPA) for the Global TransPark by the USACE (Action ID 19920285 1) on October 21, 1998. The GTP permit application provided only preliminary plans for a portion of the Park known as "Area B." Section BB is located within "Area B." Special Condition 2 of the permit states that no work may begin in Area B until final plans for the work are submitted to the USACE. Further, Special Condition 2 requests a written finding from the USACE stating that the proposed plans avoid and minimize impacts to water and wetlands on -site to the maximum extent practicable. The following paragraphs list the Avoidance and Minimization actions taken in the design of R -2719 BB. This list documents that the proposed project has fulfilled the requirements for Avoidance and Minimization as stated in the Section 404(b)(1) guidelines and in Special Condition 2 of the Global TransPark permit. In addition, you have requested 1. Documentation that Section BB has independent utility, and 2. Documentation from the GTP that they are in agreement with the proposed road design. INDEPENDENT UTILITY: R -2719 BB is in compliance with 23 CFR Part 771.111(f) that lists the FHWA characteristics of independent utility of a project. FHWA and NCDOT determined that R- 2719B, Crescent Road, which extends from US 258 to NC 58, would have independent utility and logical termini. R -2719 was divided into two sections, A and B. Section B extends from US 258 to NC 58. Its western terminus will tie into a multi -lane section of US 258 and the eastern terminus will tie into NC 58. Section A of Crescent Road under study and extends from US 70 to US 258. Section A is not part of this application and will be evaluated in a separate NEPA process. R -2719 will provide improved access with and west of Kinston between US 70 and NC 58, even if the future extensions of Crescent Road westward to US 70 and eastward to NC 11 are not constructed. An Environmental Assessment and a FONSI were completed for R- 2719B. Section B of R -2719 has been partitioned into two parts as well. Part BA will start at US 258 and terminate at Rouse Road (SR 1). Part BB will start at Rouse Road and terminate at NC 58. (1) R- 2719BB connects logical termini and is of sufficient length to address environmental matters on a broad scope: The western terminus is Rouse Road (SR 1572), a two -lane shoulder facility. It connects directly to Dobbs Farm Road, a two -lane shoulder facility. Dobbs Farm Road connects to US 258 west of Kinston. US 258 from Dobbs Farm Road south to US 70 is being constructed as a five -lane curb and gutter facility. The eastern terminus is NC 58, which is a two - lane shoulder facility. (2) R- 2719BB is usable and a reasonable expenditure even if no additional transportation improvements are made in this area. The project is 2.25 miles in length and thus is a usable length of road even if no further improvements are made to the road. (3) R- 2719BB does not restrict consideration of alternatives for other reasonably foreseeable transportation improvements; R- 2719BA, mentioned above is located immediately west of R- 2719BB. This project was studied together with R- 2719BB, and it is scheduled for construction approximately one and one -half years after R- 27191313. There are no other projects scheduled in the vicinity of R- 27191313. GTPA AGREEMENT: A letter from Mr. Van Noah, P.E., the Engineering Programs Manager of the GTPA is attached to this application. This letter states their agreement with the proposed design it AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION: AVOIDANCE: NCDOT will avoid impacting the TransPark's Southern Interstream Mitigation Area located between John Mewboume Road and NC 58 south of Benjamin Franklin Road. The TransPark defined a corridor for their Internal Loop Corridor along the northern fringe of this mitigation site. 1. Station 129 +62 Location Shift: At this site we avoided impacts to approximately 0. 19 acres of jurisdictional wetlands. These wetlands are known as NCDOT Sites 1 and 2 and are located near the intersection of Rouse Road and the Mainline. The Mainline and adjoining Y -line were shifted to avoid the water tower. The impacts were originally 0.24 acres and have now been reduced to 0.05 acres. 2. Station 142 + 20 to 144 +00 Location Shift: The mainline was shifted to the south, which avoided impacts to all of the wetlands identified in the GTP permit as Site F30 3. Station 145 +20 to 157 +60 Location Shift: At this site we avoided impacts to approximately 6.2 acres of jurisdictional wetlands. The Crescent Road corridor along the northern fringe of the TransPark's Southern Interstream Mitigation Area was shifted farther to the north to reduce impacts to wetlands. These wetlands were located in the GTP Site F31 that showed an impact of 13.8 acres. The shift resulted in avoidance of approximately 6.2 acres of jurisdictional wetlands so the impacts at this site are 7.6 acres ( NCDOT Site 4). 4. Station 158 +80 to 159 +50 Location Shift: At this site we avoided impacts to approximately 0.55 acres of jurisdictional wetlands. The mainline was shifted away from the wetlands. GTP Site F32 impacted 0.9 acres whereas NCDOT Site 5 will impact 0.35 acres. This figure includes the impacts from mechanized clearing and excavation, which were not activities included in the plans submitted by the GTP in their permit application. 5. Median Width: The standard median width for this type of highway is 60 feet. Early in the planning stage we decided on a width to 46 feet, which resulted in avoiding wetlands and stream impacts. The savings of wetlands and streams from this action were not quantified. 6. Interchange Elimination: The early plans from the GTP called for at -grade intersections at Mewbourne Road and NC 58. During the development of the design these intersections were changed to interchanges. The NCDOT and the GPT agreed to return to the original design. If the interchange scenario had been used, the wetland impacts at Mewbourne Road would have increased by approximately 23.6 acres and at NC 58 by 0.79 acres. MINIMIZATION: 1. Slopes: The NCDOT is committed to reducing impacts in wetlands to the greatest extent possible and to mitigating unavoidable losses. Whenever possible, 2:1 fill slopes will be used in wetlands. When slopes of 2:1 or 3:1 are used, guardrails must be installed and the shoulder width of the highway increased by one meter to meet the AASHTO safety standards. When the road bed elevation is low and the terrain flat, the footprint of the project can be greater using the steeper slopes than with 4:1 slopes. This project is a case in point. Therefore, most of the side slopes are 4:1 resulting in a footprint equal to or less than either a 3:1 or a 2:1 scenario. On this project the use of the steepest possible slopes coupled with the flat terrain resulted in minimizing the wetland impacts by 0.8 acres. 2. Best Management Practices: There will be strict enforcement of High Quality Storm Sedimentation and Erosion Control Best Management Practices (BMP) for the protection of surface waters and wetlands. 3. Ditching: We have eliminated lateral ditching in wetlands. All roadside ditches in wetlands will be of the same design (i.e. width, depth and slope) as the existing roadside ditches. Therefore, these ditches will not drain adjacent wetlands. SECTION R -2719 BA This segment of Crescent road will require individual Section 404 and 401 permits. This package of information includes an application for these permits, which consists of a permit application form and cover letter. In addition, in compliance with Section 143- 215.3D(e) of the NCAA we have enclosed a. check for $475.00 to act as payment for processing the Section 401 permit application. The following sections provide information pertaining to R -2719 BA. NEPA DOCUMENT STATUS A Federal Environmental Assessment for the proposed Crescent Road project was approved by the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) on June 4, 1998. The document describes the need for a new facility that will provide a more direct east -west route between US 258 and NC 58 north of Kinston. In addition, existing and projected conditions in the study area were described including natural systems and wetlands. Alignments were evaluated with respect to costs, social and economic impacts, and environmental consequences. The FONSI was approved on August 31, 1998. Copies of the EA and the FONSI have been provided to regulatory review agencies involved in the approval process. Additional copies will be provided upon request. RESOURCE STATUS Wetland delineations: The total wetland impact for the project is 34.3 acres, with 26.4 acres to be mitigated by the TransPark and the remaining 7.9 acres of wetland impacts to be mitigated by the NCDOT. Wetland delineations using the criteria specified in the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual were conducted for the portion of the project in the Global TransPark. Mr. David Franklin and Henry Wicker of the DOA WASHINGTON Regulatory Field Office verified the delineations in the field. The wetland impacts of the segment of proposed Crescent Road which follows the 0 TransPark's Internal Loop Corridor (Section R -2719 BB) will be mitigated by the TransPark as described in the permit issued to them by the USACE. A wetland determination using the criteria specified in the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual was conducted by NCDOT biologists on May 27, 1997. The NCDOT will be responsible for mitigation for impacts to the 7.9 acres of wetlands located on Crescent Road between US 258 and Shackleford Road. The total wetland impact for the project is 34.3 acres, with 26.4 acres to be mitigated by the TransPark and the remaining 7.9 acres of wetland impacts to be mitigated by the NCDOT. There are eight stream crossings, five of which are located on section R -2719 BB section and will be mitigated by the Global TransPark. Of the remaining three, one will be bridged [Briery Run tributary (UT7)] and two stream crossings (UT8 and UT9) will be addressed by NCDOT. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed Crescent road project was first included in the Kinston Thoroughfare Plan in 1992. At that time the Crescent Road corridor would provide motorist a more direct east -west route on the north side of Kinston, improve operating conditions along existing routes by reducing the volume of traffic, and to provide improved access to facilities north of Kinston. In April 1994, the project was presented to the resource agencies and to the citizens at the first Informational Workshop on May 31, 1994. With the advent of the Global TransPark in 1996 the plan was again retooled, presented to the resource agencies in its present scope and location, and presented to the public at the second Citizen's Informational Workshop on September 24, 1996. The proposed four -lane, median- divided facility will have partial control of access with 46 -foot wide medians and a 250 right -of -way width. The proposed termini (US 258 and NC 58) will be "T- type" intersections. In the design year 2020, Crescent Road will pull 23,000 vehicles per day (vpd) off of US 258, 6,000 to 13,000 vpd off of Dobbs Faun road, 9,000 vpd off of Vernon Avenue, and 5,000 vpd off of Mitchell Street in downtown Kinston. Crescent Road will provide an alternative route to the heavily traveled roads in Kinston, thus reducing traffic volumes and improving the level of service on those roads. The project is included in the NCDOT's 1998 -2004 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and is scheduled for construction in the fiscal year 2000. The BB section is scheduled to be let to construction in January 2000 and the BA section in August 2001. Four build alternatives were evaluated in detail. Based on the data presented in the Environmental Assessment and on comments received at the July 14, 1998 public hearing, Alternative 4 is the recommended alternative. In addition, three other alternatives were evaluated in the Environmental Assessment and rejected: a No -Build Alternative, A Postponement of Proposed Action Alternative and an Alternate Modes of Transportation Alternative. Each of the four Build Alternatives called for constructing a four -lane, median- divided, partially controlled access facility north of Kinston from US 258 to NC 58. Alternative 1 resulted in the fewest relocations, had the lowest cost, but had the second highest impact on wetlands. Alternative 2 had the greatest impact on wetlands, more relocations an d more noise impacts than Alternative 1 and 4 and the second highest cost. Alternative 3 had the highest cost and greatest number of relocations. Alternative 4 (Recommended) would have the second lowest impact on wetlands, number of relocations and noise impacts. In addition it will have the second lowest cost. Alternative 1 involves constructing a four -lane divided road (mostly on new location) from US 258 approximately 300 in (1000 feet) north of Poole Road to NC 58 at its intersection with Benjamin Franklin Road, a distance of approximately 7.3 -km (4.5 miles). This alternative heads northeast from US 258, crosses Poole Road (SR 1575), takes a southeastward heading, and crosses Robinson Road (SR 1574). From that point it roughly parallels Dobbs Farm Road (SR 157' :)) on the north side, crossing Shackleford Road (SR 1507) and Rouse Road (SR 1572). It then heads northeastward, crossing Airport Road (SR 1578) and John Mewborn Road (SR 1581) and generally follows Benjamin Franklin Road (SR 1580) to NC 58. Alternatives 2 and 3 - Alternatives 2 and 3 were developed to evaluate the possibility of avoiding or minimizing the wetland impacts of Alternative 1. Alternatives 2 and 3 follow the TransPark's Internal Loop Corridor for a longer distance compared to Alternatives 1 and 4. Generally, Alternatives 2 and 3 follow the same alignment, and both are approximately 8.0 km (5.0 miles) in length. Both alternatives start at US 258 approximately 1.1 km (0.7 mile) north of the US 258 / Poole Road (SR 15 75) intersection and head northeastward. Alternative 2 takes a more northern route with a maximum separation of approximately 330 m (1000 feet) from Alternative 3. Alternative 3 crosses Poole Road 365 m (1200 feet) east of the Poole Road / Robinson Road intersection, while Alternative 2 crosses 635 m (2100 feet) east of this intersection. All four alternatives merge approximately 330 m (1000 feet) west of Shackleford Road, and follow the same route from west of Shackleford Road to NC 58. Alternative 4 (Preferred) begins at US 258 approximately 197 m (650 feet) north of Poole Road (SR 1575) just south of Alternative 1. This alternative was developed to minimize impacts to a wetland located north of Poole Road near the western project terminus. From US 258, this alternative heads northeastward, joining Alternative 1 just north of Poole Road. It follows Alternative 1 to just west of Shackleford Road, then follows Alternatives 1, 2, and 3 to NC 58. This Alternative is 7.3 km (4.5 miles) in length. MITIGATION The Corps of Engineers had adopted, through the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), a wetland mitigation policy that embraces the concept of "no net loss of wetlands" and sequencing. The purpose of this policy is to restore and maintain the chemical, biological, and physical integrity of the Waters of the United States. Mitigation of wetland and surface water impacts has been defined by the CEQ to include: avoiding impacts, minimizing impacts, rectifying impacts, reducing impacts over time and compensating for impacts (40 CFR 1508.20). Executive Order 11990 (Protection of Wetlands) and Department of Transportation Order 5660.1A (Preservation of the Nations Wetlands), emphasize protection of the functions and values provided by wetlands. These directives require that new construction in wetlands be avoided as much as possible and that all practicable measures were taken to minimize or mitigate impacts to wetlands. The NCDOT is committed to incorporating all reasonable and practicable design features to avoid and minimize wetland impacts, and to provide full compensatory mitigation of all remaining wetland impacts. Avoidance measures were taken during the .2S planning and EA/FONSI phases; minimization measures were incorporated as part of the project design. AVOIDANCE: The NCDOT proposes to bridge the high - quality, bottomland hardwood wetland systems associated with the Briery Run tributary (UT7). MINIMIZATION: 1. Alternative 4 was developed to minimize impacts to the wetland located north of Poole Road near the western project terminus. 2. Slopes: In wetlands the side - slopes will be steepened to at least 3:1 and, if the soil is sufficiently stable, the slopes will beat a 2:1 slope which is the maximum allowed by federal highway design standards. 3. Best Management Practices: Strict enforcement of High Quality Storm Sedimentation and Erosion Control Best Management Practices (BMP) for the protection of surface waters and wetlands. 4. Ditching: We have eliminated lateral ditching in wetlands. All roadside ditches in wetlands will be of the same design (i.e. width, depth and slope) as the existing roadside ditches. Therefore, these ditches will not drain adjacent wetlands. COMPENSATION: The primary emphasis of the mitigation is to reestablish a condition similar to that, which existed if the project were not built. As previously stated, mitigation is limited to reasonable expenditures and practicable considerations related to highway operation. Mitigation is generally accomplished through a combination of methods designed to replace wetland functions and values lost as a result of construction of the project. These methods consist of creation of new wetlands from uplands, borrow pits, and other non - wetland areas; restoration of existing degraded wetlands; and enhancement of existing wetlands. All Compensatory Mitigation must be in compliance with 2' ) CFR Part 777.9, "Mitigation of Impacts" that describes the actions to be followed to qualify for Federal - aid highway funding. This process is known as the FHWA "Step Down" procedures: 1. Consideration must be given to mitigation within the right -of -way and should include the enhancement of existing wetlands and the creation of new wetlands in the highway median, borrow pit areas, interchange areas and along the roadside. 2. Where mitigation within the right -of -way does not fully offset wetland losses, compensatory mitigation may be conducted outside the right -of -way including enhancement, creation, and preservation. A6 The NCDOT has purchased a tract known as the Gurley Mitigation Site for use as a wetland mitigation site. A Final Mitigation Plan for the Gurley Mitigation Site has been completed and approved by the resource agencies. We propose to use this site to mitigate for the wetland impacts associated with this project. The mitigation plan identifies that there are 30.56 acres of riverine restoration Coastal Plain bottomland hardwood (SPH) available and 20.54 acres of Coastal Plain BLH enhancement available for use at Gurley. Both the project and the mitigation sites are located within the Neuse River Basin in the Coastal Plain Physiographic Province. The 179 -acre Gurley Mitigation Site tract is adjacent to Nahunta Swamp, immediately west of the confluence of Nahunta Swamp and Beaver Branch in Greene County, North Carolina. It is located approximately eight miles northwest of Snow Hill, 12 miles northeast of Goldsboro and 16 miles southeast of Wilson and transected on the north and east by SR 1058 and SR 1253. Specifically, we have set aside 7.9 acres of BLH restoration and 7.9 acres of enhancement to act as compensatory mitigation for project R- 291713A. As you know, we are currently finalizing the design for Section R- 2917BA with the intention of further minimizing impacts. Therefore, the final compensatory mitigation needed may be less. We have prepared a Status Report updating the use of the Gurley Mitigation Site for compensatory mitigation. A copy is enclosed with this application. The NCDOT hereby submits a permit application for TIP Project No. R -2719 BA. Enclosed you will find a completed ENG form 4345. This letter, along with the previously distributed EA, should provide sufficient information for the issuance of a Public Notice for the project. If you have any questions, or need additional information, please contact Mr. Ed Lewis at (919) 733 -7844 extension 293 or Ms. Alice Gordon at (919) 733 -7844 extension 307. Sincerely, illiam D. Gilmore, P.E., Manager Project Development & Environmental Analysis Branch cc: w /encl. Mr. David Franklin, USACE, Wilmington Field Office Mr. John Dorney, DWQ, DENR Mr. John Hefner, USFWS Mr. David Cox, NCWRC Mr. Ron Sechler, NMFS Mr. N. L. Graf, P.E., FHWA w /out encl. Mr. A. L. Hankins, P.E., Hydraulics Mr. Len Hill, P.E., Highway Design Branch Mr. Whitmel Webb, P.E., Program Development Branch Mr. Tom Shearin, P.E., Roadway Design Unit Mr. C. E. Lassiter, P.E., Division 2 Engineer Mr. Ed Lewis, P.E., PD &EA ,27