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HomeMy WebLinkAbout19950942 Ver 1_Complete File_19950907•0 4ty, SP - 7 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF •TMNSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS R. SAMUEL HUNT Ill GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 SECRETARY August 30, 1995 Regulatory Branch U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington Field Office Post Office Box 1890 Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890 Dear Sir: SUBJECT: Beaufort County, Replacement of Bridge No. 70 over Smith Creek on NC 99, Federal Aid Project BRSTP-99(1), State Project 8.1150801, T.I.P. No. B-2805. Please find enclosed three copies of the project planning report for the above referenced project. Bridge No. 70 will be replaced in its existing location with a bridge that will be approximately 25 meters (82 ft.) in length. It will have a 7.2 meter (24 ft.) wide travelway plus a 2.4 meter (8 ft.) wide offset on each side and 1372 millimeter (54 inch) bicycle-safe rails. During construction, traffic will be detoured onto existing area roads. Construction of the proposed project will impact approximately 0.05 hectares (0.12 acres) of jurisdictional wetland communities. The project is being processed by the Federal Highway Administration as a "Categorical Exclusion" in accordance with 23 CFR 771.115(b). Therefore, we do not anticipate requesting an individual permit, but propose to proceed under a Nationwide Permit in accordance with 33 CFR Appendix A (B-23). The provisions of Section 330.4 and Appendix A(C) of these regulations will be followed in the construction of the project. We anticipate that 401 General Certification No. 2145 (Categorical Exclusion) will apply to this project, and are providing one copy of the CE document to the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Management, for their review. We anticipate that a permit will be required from the North Carolina `?epartment of Frv;ronmont; Health, and Natur??l Re-ources, Division of Coastal 4anagement, for l.hi s project. i he NCDOI wi l "ph ly d1i rectly to DEHNR for that permit when plans have been developed. :a .August 30, 1995 Page 2 If you have any questions or need additional information please call Ms. Alice N. Gordon at 733-3141 Ext. 314. Sincer ly - H. F a klin Vick, P. E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch HFV/rfm cc: W/attachment Mr. David Lekson, COE Washington Field Office Mr. John Dorney, NCDEHNR, DEM Mr. John Parker, NDDEHNR, DCM Mr. Kelly Barger, P. E., Program Development Branch Mr. Don Morton, P. E., Highway Design Branch Mr. A. L. Hankins, P. E., Hydraulics Unit Mr. John L. Smith, Jr., P. E., Structure Design Unit Mr. Tom Shearin, P. E., Roadway Design Unit Mr. G. R. Shirley, P. E., Division 2 Engineer NC 99 Beaufort County Bridge No. 70 Over Smith Creek Federal Aid Project No. BRSTP-99(1) State Project No. 8.1150801 T.I.P. No. B-2805 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMII*IISTRATION AND N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS APPROVED: +-r7-95 r v ` - - p", ? D H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager r Planning and Environmental Branch Dated Nicholas L. Graf, P.E. Division Administrator, FHWA NC 99 Beaufort County Bridge No. 70 Over Smith Creek Federal Aid Project No. BRSTP-99(1) State Project No. 8.1150801 T.I.P. No. B-2805 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION April 1995 Documentation Prepared in Planning and Environmental Branch By: 4 9-S7 Richard W. Fedora, P.E. Project Planning Engineer W? ; Gyka- Wayne Elliott Bridge Project Planning Engineer, Unit Head f Lubin V. Prevatt, P.E., Assistant Manager Planning and Environmental Branch SEAL 20642 ' - - r P •• c??, ell NC 99 Beaufort County Bridge No. 70 Over Smith Creek Federal Project No. BRSTP-99(1) State Project No. 8.1150801 T.I.P. No. B-2805 1. SUMMARY OF PROJECT The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to replace Bridge No. 70 in Beaufort County. This bridge crosses over Smith Creek (Figure 1). NCDOT includes this bridge in the 1995-2001 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) as a bridge replacement project. NCDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) classify this project as a federal Categorical Exclusion. These agencies expect no significant environmental impacts. NCDOT will replace Bridge No. 70 at the existing location as shown in Alternate 1, Figure 2. NCDOT recommends replacing Bridge No. 70 with a bridge that will be approximately 25 meters (82 feet) long. It will have a 7.2- meter (24-foot) wide travelway plus a 2.4-meter (8-foot) wide offset on each side and 1372-millimeter (54-inch) bicycle-safe rails. The project will require minor improvements to the roadway approaches. The new roadway approaches will have a 7.2-meter (24-foot) wide travelway with 2.4-meter (8.0- foot) shoulders, 0.6 meter (2 feet) of which will be paved. The new roadway approaches and bridge will be at approximately the same grade as the existing roadway. During construction, traffic will be maintained by detouring along area roads as shown in Figure 1. The completed project will provide a design speed of approximately 100 km/h (60 mph). The estimated cost is $ 332,000. The estimated cost shown in the 1995-2001 TIP is $ 343,000. II. ANTICIPATED DESIGN EXCEPTIONS NCDOT expects no design exceptions for this project. III. SUMIVIARY OF PROJECT COMMITMENTS All standard procedures and measures will be implemented to avoid or minimize environmental impacts. Best Management Practices will be used during construction. NCDOT will obtain a North Carolina Division of Environmental Management (DEM) Section 401 Water Quality General Certification prior to issue of the Corps of Engineers Nationwide permit #23. NCDOT will obtain a CAMA major development permit. A United States Geodetic Survey benchmark located on Bridge No. 70 will be relocated. IV. EXISTING CONDITIONS NCDOT classifies NC 99 as a Rural Major Collector in the Statewide Functional Classification System. Near Bridge No. 70, NC 99 is a two lane paved road, 5.5 meters (18 feet) wide with 2.1-meter (7-foot) shoulders. Vertical alignment in the project area is flat, and horizontal alignment is good. The deck of Bridge No. 70 is 4.3 meters (14 feet) above stream bottom. Water depth is approximately 2.4 meters (8 feet) in the project area. Vertical clearance under the bridge is approximately 1.2 meters (4.0 feet), depending on tidal conditions. NCDOT built Bridge No. 70 in 1949. It has a reinforced concrete floor on I-beams with reinforced concrete caps on timber piles (Figure 3). It is 23.2 meters (76 feet) long with a 6.7-meter (22-foot) roadway width. It carries two lanes of traffic and the posted load limits are 19 metric tons (21 tons) for single vehicles and 26.4 metric tons (29 tons) for Truck-tractor Semi-Trailers (TTST). According to Bridge Maintenance Unit records (updated February 1995), the sufficiency rating of Bridge No. 70 is 42.1 of a possible 100.0. The bridge has an estimated remaining life of six years. The current traffic volume is 2,400 VPD. The projected traffic volume for 2014 is 4,300 VPD. Truck percentages are 3% truck-tractor semi-trailer and 6% dual-tired vehicles. Speed limit in the area is 90 km/h (55 mph). Traffic Engineering records indicate zero accidents occurred in the vicinity of Bridge No. 70 between 1 April 1991 and 31 March 1994. The Transportation Director for Beaufort County Schools indicated there are eight school bus crossings daily (four busses crossing in the morning and afternoon). V. ALTERNATES There are two build alternates for replacing Bridge No. 70 (Figure 2): Alternate 1 (Recommended) will replace the bridge at the existing location. The replacement bridge will be approximately 25 meters (82 feet) long. It will have a 7.2- meter (24-foot) wide travelway plus a 2.4-meter (8-foot) wide offset on each side and 1372- millimeter (54-inch) bicycle-safe rails. This alternate will require minor improvements to the roadway approaches. During construction, traffic will be detoured off site along SR 1714, US 264, and SR 1718 as shown in Figure 1. The design speed for this alternate will be approximately 100 km/h (60 mph). Alternate 2 would replace the bridge at the existing location as in Alternate 1. During construction, traffic would be maintained along a temporary on-site detour. The detour structure would be a bridge approximately 72 meters (236 feet) long. The design speed of the detour alignment would be approximately 80 km/h (50 mph). The "do-nothing" alternate is not practical. The bridge would continue deteriorating until unusable. This would require closing the road, or continued intensive maintenance. VI. COST ESTIMATES Table 1 shows the estimated costs and component costs of the alternates. Table 1. Cost Estimates COMPONENT ALTERNATE I (RECOMMENDED) ALTERNATE 2 BRIDGES $166,300 $ 166 300 BRIDGE REMOVAL 10,500 10,500 TEMPORARY DETOUR ------------ 436,500 ROADWAY & APPROACHES 34,200 34,200 MISCELLANEOUS & MOBILIZATION 45,000 125,000 ENGINEERING & CONTINGENCIES 35,000 110,000 TOTAL CONSTRUCTION $291)000 $ 882 500 RIGHT OF WAY $41,000 $63,500 TOTAL COST ESTIMATE $ 332 000 $946,000 VII. RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS NCDOT will replace Bridge No. 70 at the existing location as shown in Alternate 1, Figure 2. Traffic will be maintained on area roads during construction. NCDOT will replace Bridge No. 70 with a bridge that will be approximately 25 meters (82 feet) long. It will have a 7.2-meter (24-foot) wide travelway plus a 2.4-meter (8- foot) wide offset on each side and 1372-millimeter (54-inch) bicycle-safe rails. The completed project will provide a design speed of approximately 100 km/h (60 mph). The project will require minor improvements to the roadway approaches. The new roadway approaches will have a 7.2-meter (24-foot) wide travelway plus 0.6-meter (2-foot) paved shoulders. The new roadway approaches will be at approximately the same grade as the existing roadway. NCDOT recommends Alternate 1 due to the lower cost and minimal environmental impact. Provision of a temporary on-site detour would result in additional costs and environmental effects to Smith Creek. Closing the road to traffic during construction will avoid the extra cost and environmental effects. The division office concurs with closing the road during construction. The Beaufort County School Bus Transportation Supervisor does not anticipate significant inconvenience. Alternate 1 will require approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) of additional travel for the average vehicle affected by road closure. Based on a closure period of six months, the road user costs would be approximately $1,015,000. NCDOT estimates the cost of Alternate 2 would be $614,000 more than Alternate 1. This additional cost is from maintaining traffic in the project area. The resulting ratio of user costs to project costs (benefit-cost ratio) would be 1.6. The project should be let to contract between January and March. This would result in an availability date between March and May. This would minimize the amount of construction during the school year. A letting date later than April will cause more construction to occur during the school year. In addition, it would conflict with winter months, causing a road closure period greater than six months. Construction of Alternate 1 will not increase the 100-year flood elevation by more than 30 centimeters (12 inches). Figure 4 shows the 100-year floodplain limits in the project area. Construction of Alternate 1 will not place significant amounts of fill in the floodplain area. NCDOT expects utility conflicts to be low. There is a United States Geodetic Survey benchmark located on Bridge No. 70. This benchmark must be relocated due to the project. NC 99 is a bicycling highway. These highways normally require 4.2-meter (14-foot) lanes and 1372-millimeter (54-inch) bridge rails. The replacement bridge will provide the required bridge rails. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Unit comments that the 12-meter (40- foot) wide, two lane replacement bridge will be sufficient for bicycle traffic. Therefore, 4.2- meter (14-foot) lanes will not be necessary. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) prefers the navigational clearance of the bridge be maintained or increased if possible. Increasing the clearance would increase the amount of fill on the roadway approaches, which would increase the project cost and environmental impact. There is not justification for increasing the vertical clearance of the bridge. No recognized demand for navigation exists. A major bridge, Bridge No. 64, is just south of Bridge No. 70 (Figure 1). Bridge No. 64 provides access to waters for boating activities in the main channel of Pungo Creek. NCDOT constructed this bridge in 1949. It is 208 meters (681 feet) long with a 6.7-meter (22-foot) wide clear roadway width. The vertical clearance of Bridge No. 64 is 3.6 meters (12 feet), and the water depth is 6.7 meters (22 feet). Only a small body of water exists upstream of Bridge No. 70; therefore, little improvement would result from raising the vertical clearance relative to the additional environmental impact. The design of the bridge should provide the same vertical clearance as the existing bridge. Smith Creek is not susceptible for use as a means to transport interstate or foreign commerce and there is no evidence that boats greater than 6.4 meters (21 feet) long cross under Bridge No. 70. Therefore, NCDOT and FHWA have determined that the project does not require a U. S. Coast Guard Permit. VIII. NATURAL SYSTEMS CHARACTERISTICS AND EFFECTS A. Overview Materials and research data in support of this investigation include the following sources: North Carolina Division of Environmental Management (DEM) water quality classification (Tar-Pamlico River Basin), DEM Point Source Discharge Report for the Tar- Pamlico River Basin, DEM Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN) survey for the Tar- Pamlico River Basin, United States Geodetic Survey (USGS) quadrangle map (Pantego, N.C.), United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) list of protected species, North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NC-NHP) data base of uncommon and protected species and unique habitats, and aerial photography (scale 1:1200) furnished by the NCDOT. A biologist conducted field surveys along the alternate project alignments on 8 July 1994. The biologist observed plant communities likely to be impacted. The biologist identified wildlife using the following observation techniques: active searching and capture, visual observations (binocular), and recording identifying signs of wildlife (sounds, tr acks, and burrows). The biologist conducted cursory surveys of the aquatic habitats using a long- handled triangular sweep net. The basis for impact calculations is the right of way limits of 24 meters (80 feet) for the existing alignment and additional temporary easement of 18 meters (60 feet) for the temporary detour. The proposed project occurs in a rural area of Beaufort County (Figure 1). Nearby land-use is agricultural, marsh, residential, commercial, and urban/disturbed areas. There are marsh wetlands along Smith Creek. There are urban/disturbed areas along the project area including an old road bed, manicured lawn, and roadside areas. Agricultural and swamp lands comprise much of the surrounding areas. Commercial development adjacent to the project area includes the Cee-Bee Marina. B. Soils and Topography Beaufort County is in the Lower Coastal Plain-Pamlico System. Topography is a combination of broad, gently undulating plains separated by sounds. Elevations in the immediate project area range from 1.2 meters (4.0 feet) along the creek to 1.5 meters (5.0 feet) along the roadside. Sedimentary rock is the primary underlying rock in Beaufort County. Local changes in subsurface geology are common, and large, homogeneous masses of a single rock type are rare. Soils in the project vicinity include the presence of Dorovan mucky peat, Dragston loamy sand and Augustatine sandy loam. The classification for Dorovan mucky peat is as a hydric soil or as having hydric soils as a major component. C. Biotic Communities 1. Plant Communities Two distinct plant community types occur within the project area. Specific communities exhibited slight variation dependent upon location and physical characteristics of the site (soils, topography, human uses, etc.). The marsh area (Tidal Freshwater Marsh Type) occurs on level areas within and adjacent to Smith Creek. The dominant vegetation in this community are sawgrass and rush. Also present are common cattail, wax myrtle, arrow-head, skullcap, sedge, and panic-grass. The urban/disturbed community includes disturbed areas along an old road bed, manicured lawn, and roadside areas within the project area. The composition of the canopy is sweetgum, red maple, loblolly pine, and eastern red cedar. Sub-canopy trees include the canopy species and chokeberry, sweetbay magnolia, sourwood, and honey locust. The shrub layer includes myrtle and saplings of red maple and sweetgum. Vines present are poison ivy, multiflora rose, greenbrier, grape, and trumpet creeper. Grasses present are fescue grass, crabgrass, foxtail, and plantain. 2. Wildlife The biologist observed no sighting or evidence (tracks, scat, burrows, nests, etc.) of any mammals. Mammals typical for this type of area are the gray squirrel, gray fox, Virginia opossum, mink and white-tailed deer. The observed bird species are typical of coastal and rural settings where a patchwork of habitat types are available. Species encountered above and near Smith Creek include common crow, fish crow, and summer tanager. Reptiles and amphibians typical of these communities include the eastern garter snake, Carolina anole, yellowbelly slider, eastern box turtle, spotted turtle, and Fowler's Toad. Smith Creek supports aquatic invertebrates and several species of fish. The biologist observed anglers along Smith Creek with buckets of sunfish. The biologist also observed clam shell fragments in the creek. American shad, white perch, and striped bass are in similar coastal waters. The creek and adjacent banks also provide suitable benthic and riparian habitat for amphibians and aquatic reptiles such as the eastern newt, southern dusky salamander, frogs, and several snake species. 3. Biotic Community Impacts Impacts on plant communities are reflective of the relative abundance of each system present in the study area. The basis for estimated impacts is the entire proposed right of way. Project construction often does not require the entire right of way and therefore, actual impacts may be less. The following table summarizes potential plant community impacts which could result from the proposed bridge replacements. Table 2. Estimated Irn acts to Plant Communities ESTIMATED IMPACT PLANT COMMUNITIES Alternate 1 Alternate 2 Permanent Temporary Urban\Disturbed 0.15 ha 0.37 ac 0.15 ha 0.37 ac 0.30 ha 0.74 ac Tidal Freshwater Marsh 0.05 ha (0. 12 ac 0.12 ha 0.30 ac 0.07 ha 0.18 ac Total 0.20 ha 0.49 ac 0.27 ha 0.67 ac 0.37 ha 0.92 ac Alternate 1 impacts plant communities along narrow strips adjacent to the existing bridge and roadway segments. Bridge and approach improvements occur primarily within disturbed right-of-way limits and marsh edges. Alternate 2 requires greater taking of the tidal freshwater marsh along the shoreline of Smith Creek. The loss of marsh habitat is likely to reduce the number of plant species which serve as shelter, nesting, and foraging habitat for numerous species of wildlife. Habitat affected by the proposed action includes marsh and urban/disturbed areas. The proposed action can potentially have substantial effects on the aquatic ecosystem unless NCDOT maintains strict sediment control measures. The disturbance of the creek bed and sedimentation from the banks could affect aquatic life, (fish, mollusks, and benthic invertebrates) both at the project site as well as down stream reaches. D. Water Resources Bridge No. 70 crosses Smith Creek southwest of Belhaven, North Carolina. Smith Creek flows to the east into Pungo Creek which is part of the Tar-Pamlico River Basin. Smith Creek is class SC NWS, indicating tidal salt waters which are suitable for aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, and secondary recreation and a supplemental classification for Nutrient Sensitive Waters, which require limitations on nutrient inputs. The DEM National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) reports no dischargers within 6.4 kilometers (4.0 miles) upstream of the proposed crossing. No Anadromous Fish Spawning Areas, Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), WS I or WS Il Waters occur within 175 meters (575 feet) of the project site. There is a proposed High Quality Water (HQW) zone 0.81 kilometers (0.5 miles) downstream of the project area. There are no Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network sampling stations on streams in the immediate vicinity of the project. Short term impacts to water quality can be anticipated from construction-related activities, which may increase sedimentation and turbidity. Impacts will be minimized by the use of best management practices, including implementation of stringent erosion and sedimentation control measures during construction. The biologist does not expect long term impacts to water resources as a result of proposed improvements. The new bridge will maintain the present flow to protect stream integrity. Increased runoff from roadway surfaces will be partially mitigated by providing for vegetated road shoulders and limited use of ditching wherever possible. E. Jurisdictional Issues 1. Wetlands and Surface Waters Wetlands and surface waters fall under the broad category of "Waters of the United States" as defined in 33 CFR 328.3, in accordance with provisions of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344). Surface waters and wetlands will be impacted by project construction. Alternate 1 will impact approximately 0.05 hectares (0.12 acres) and Alternate 2 would impact approximately 0.12 hectares (0.30 acres) of Estuarine Intertidal Emergent Wetlands (see Cowardin et al. 1979). Section 404 impacts to wetlands will occur. A Nationwide Permit 33 CFR 330.5(A)23, for impacts to surface waters of Smith Creek will apply if the NCWRC certifies that construction of this project will not adversely affect these waters. A DEM Section 401 Water Quality General Certification must be acquired prior to issuance of the Nationwide Permit. The issuance of a 401 permit from DEM is a prerequisite to issuance of a Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) or Section 404 permit. This project will require a CAMA major development permit because impacts to Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC) are likely. The CAMA major development application form serves as an application for three other state permits and for permits from the COE required by Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The state permits include: 1) permit to excavate and/or fill; 2) easement in lands covered by water, and; 3) 401 Water Quality Certification. This project is likely to affect the following AEC: Estuarine Waters, Public Trust, Coastal Wetland, and Estuarine Shoreline. 2. Protected Species The Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (1978, 1979, 1983, and 1988) protects species with federal classifications of Endangered (E), Proposed Endangered (PE), Threatened (T), or Proposed Threatened (PT). The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) lists the following federally protected species for Beaufort County as of 17 November 1994: Red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) - E Bald Eagle (Hahaeetus leucocephalus) - T Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kemtri) - E Loggerhead turtle (Care tta caretta) - T Green head turtle (Chelonia mydas) - T Rough-leaved loosestrife (Lys achia asperulaefolia) - E Sensitive joint-vetch (Aeschynomene v_ir i iica) - T The following text gives brief descriptions of these organisms's characteristics and habitat requirements. Red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) Status: E Family: Picidae Listed: 10/13/70 This federally Endangered woodpecker has a range comprised of scattered locations throughout the southeast. Nesting habitat consists of open pine stands (minimum age 60 years) or mixed pine/hardwood stands (50 percent or more pine). Longleaf pine is most commonly used, but other species of southern pine are also acceptable. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT No suitable habitat exists along the bridge replacement alternatives. Also, a review of NCNHP data revealed no records of this species in the subject project study area. It can be concluded that project construction will have no impact on the Red-cockaded woodpecker. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Status: E Family: Accipitridae Listed: 2/14/78 The bald eagle primarily occurs in areas with coasts, rivers, and lakes. It usually nests near bodies of water where it feeds. It usually constructs nests in living trees, but will occasionally use a dead tree. The proximity of good perching trees may also be a factor in site selection. An otherwise suitable site may not be used if there is excessive human activity in the area. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT There is human activity near the creek including residential and commercial development which would discourage bald eagle nesting. Biologists conducted surveys along Smith Creek on 23 April 1994 to determine the presence or absence of this species. They found no evidence of bald eagles during the survey. Also, a review of NCNHP data revealed no records of this species in the project area. It can be concluded that project construction will have no impact on the bald eagle. 8 Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kepi) Status: E Family: Cheloniidae Listed: 12/2/70 The Kemp's ridley sea turtle inhabits shallow coastal and estuarine waters often associated with red mangrove. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT The Kemp's ridley sea turtle does not nest or breed along the study area. Also, a review of NCNHP data revealed no records of this species in the subject project study area. An incidental passage of the turtle through the study area is possible. It can be concluded that project construction will have no impact on the Kemp's ridley sea turtle. Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) Status: T Family: Cheloniidae Listed: 7/28/78 The Loggerhead turtle inhabits a large range of marine, salt marshes, and inshore areas. The loggerhead nests on beaches from North Carolina through Florida. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT A review of NCNHP data revealed no records of this species in the subject project study area. An incidental passage of the turtle through the study area is possible. It can be concluded that project construction will have no impact on the Loggerhead turtle. Green head turtle (Chelonia mydas) Status: T Family: Cheloniidae Listed: 7/28/78 The Green sea turtle inhabits shallow waters (except when migrating) inside reefs, bays and inlets. The Green turtle nests on open beaches with a sloping platform which have minimal disturbance. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT A review of NCNHP data revealed no records of this species in the subject project study area. An incidental passage of the turtle through the study area is possible. It can be concluded that project construction will have no impact on the Green sea turtle. Rough-leaved loosestrife (Lysimachia asperulaefolia) Status: E Family: Primulaceae Listed: 6/12/87 Rough-leaved loosestrife habitat occurs in the ecotones or edges between longleaf pine uplands and pond pine pocosins (areas of dense shrub and vine growth) usually on a wet, peaty, poorly drained soil, on moist to seasonally saturated sands and on shallow organic soils overlaying sand. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT The wet, poorly drained soil areas along the project study area offers suitable habitat for this species. A biologist conducted plant by plant surveys along the wet, poorly drained soil area on 8 July 1994. The biologist did not observe rough-leaved loosestrife. Also, a review of NCNHP data revealed no records of this species in the project area. It can be concluded that construction of this project will not impact this species. Sensitive joint vetch (Aeschynomene vir 'ice) Status: T Family: Fabaceae Listed: 6/19/92 Sensitive joint-vetch habitat occurs within freshwater tidal marshes influenced by tidal fluctuations with fresh or only slightly brackish water. Plants that grow in this environment are subject to a cycle of twice-daily flooding. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT Freshwater marsh habitat occurs within the project study area. A biologist conducted plant by plant surveys on 8 July 1994. The biologist did not observe sensitive joint-vetch. Also, a review of NCNHP data revealed no records of this species in the subject project study area. It can be concluded that construction of this project will not impact this species. F. Air and Noise The project is within the Northern Coastal Plain Air Quality Control Region. The ambient air quality for Beaufort County is in compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. This project is in an area where the State Implementation Plan (SIP) does not contain any transportation control measures. NCDOT and the FHWA do not anticipate that it will create any adverse effect on the air quality of this attainment area. The impact on air quality will be insignificant. If the project uses burning to dispose of vegetation, all burning shall be done in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations of the North Carolina SIP for air quality in compliance with 15 NCAC 2D.0520. This evaluation completes the assessment requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments and the National Environmental Policy Act. The project requires no additional reports. The project will not significantly increase traffic volumes. Therefore, it will have no significant impact on noise levels. Temporary noise increases may occur during construction. IX. CULTURAL RESOURCES CHARACTERISTICS AND EFFECTS A. Farmland The Farmland Protection Policy Act requires all federal agencies, or their representatives, to consider the impact of land acquisition and construction projects on prime and important farmland soils, as designated by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service (SCS). The Act exempts from its requirements developed land, or land commited to urban or other non-agricultural. Bridge No. 70 is on a man-made causeway in Smith Creek that cannot be used for agricultural purposes. Therefore, this project requires no further consideration of farmland impacts. 10 B. Historic Architectural and Archaeological Resources In terms of historic architectural resources, there are no historic structures located within the area of potential effect of the project. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) recommends no surveys for historical resources. There are no known archaeological sites within the project area of potential effect. The SHPO believes that it is unlikely there are any archaeological resources eligible for the National Register of Historic Places in the project area. The SHPO recommends no surveys for archaeological resources. NCDOT and FHWA conclude this project will not affect historic architectural or archaeological resources. X. CONCLUSION Based on the above discussion, NCDOT and FHWA conclude that the project will cause no significant environmental impacts. Therefore, the project may be processed as a Categorical Exclusion. FIGURES Road 2 t- IN /' 15 Pike Old Ford Pinetow c NA i ?2G3 10 6 Panteeo, . \ r ashington? 3 Acre Terre 3 Lsechville? 5 63 ? eatesvill 'cowinit u 3 6 )10 6 NORTH CAROLINA 3•ck - 9 Rt idnein a 6?,? line 8erv1 r ns v, `I a fRee r Core Wilmer Pal FFRRY? 1Q/ \ ? r"e' Peril co Cox Cross ad Bonn n .?•- Mount Creek / Sou Edward 3 Leek , urors Royal 12 ? 3, e LHgVEN POP • 2,430 FAP BYP. 7609 PQ Deep Ran 'eels `?V? I ;. 2.0 264 2US BUS. b ``----- .` ; 64Pc,'.a\ .? 264 774 7718 •3 i-775 99 mitht S on 1752 BRIDGE NO. 70 FPS 1 j ; 1 13 .77. Ck 3 ( 176 9 1 67 17116 .8 -' A 1-3 1 BRIDGE NO. 64 i, •6 ? •0 1_717 1 7 JqcA. 1720 100 10 Q 1,19 1V Sidney 0 1778 b ? 1,32 17 1722?? SOCk e X19 NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ?? ? 17 WlnstepdDIVISION OF HIGHWAYS lam 99 A PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL. BRANCH NC 99 BRIDGE NO. 70 STUDIED DETOUR OVER SMITH CREEK -?-?-?- T.I.P. NO. B-2805 FIG I ROUTE 0 kilometers 1.6 0 miles 1 I 1 I I I I f f, ?f - r t Y. i i Y O IrU M1 LTJ b d ?. T. r ro p1 0 ii Pd 7 !-? s @ - Gpaoc in ? ptl ? io ? x H r , x?y m .a1r?rLrL 1 7 ' T?,?A. T -., f h -tit' ?A I Y.Si: ' f? a BRIDGE NO. 70 BEAUFORT COUNTY B - 2805 FIGURE 3 1 APPENDIX s,,. STATE °? SV - w.n North Carolina Department of Cultural James B. Hunt Jr., Governor Betty Ray McCain, Secretary July 6, 1'994 Nicholas L. Graf Division Administrator Federal Highway Administration Department of Transportation 310 New Bern Avenue Raleigh, N.C. 27601-1442 Re: Replace Bridge No. 70 Pungo Creek, Beaufort 8777 Dear Mr. Graf: on NC 99 over Branch of County, B-2805, ER 94- GE?Vc? ?:1t JAK? 1 DIVISION OF k sa^Ls,ueVC , On June 21, 1994, Robin Stancil of our staff met with North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) staff for a meeting concerning the above project. We reported our available information on historic architectural and archaeological surveys and resources along with our recommendations. NCDOT provided project area photographs and aerial photographs at the meeting and for our use afterwards. 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, we are aware of no historic structures located within the area of potential effect. We recommend that no historic architectural survey be conducted for this project. There are no known archaeological sites within the proposed project area. Based on our present knowledge of the area, it is unlikely that any archaeological resources which may be eligible for inclusion 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 the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106, codified at 36 CFR Part 800. 109 East Jones Street - Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807 Nicholas L. Graf July 6, 1994, Page 2 Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above comment, please contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental revievii coordinator, at 919/733-4763. .Sincerely, avi Brook Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer DB:slw cc: H. F. Vick B. Church T. Padgett N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TRANSMITTAL SLIP DAT 9 TO: E C; ? ] REF. NO. OR ROOM, BLDG. -DIEM ? c ?.., a FkOMI REF. NO. OR ROOM. BLDG. ACTION ? NOTE AND FILE ? PER OUR CONVERSkI10N ? NOTE AND RETURN TO ME ? PER YOUR REQUEST ? RETURN WITH MORE DETAILS FOR ? YOUR APPROVAL ^ ,,,,,, ? , ? NOTE AND SEE ME ABOUT TNIS L-FOR YOUR INFORMATION - ? PLEASE ANSWER ? FOR YOUR COMMENTS _ ? PREPARE REPLY FOR MY SIGNATURE- ? SIGNATURE ? TARE APPROPRIATE ACTION ? INVESTIGATE AND REPORT COMMENTS: JUN 31994 WE.TLANDi GROUP WATLR Ui?LiTY ScCI'ICN I STAIr JAMES B. HUNT, JR. GOVERNOR STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 June 1, 1994 MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: SUBJECT: Mr. Eric Galamb DEM - DEHNR, 6th Floor Wayne Fedora Planning and Environmental Branch R. SAMUEL HUNT I I I SK:RHARY Scoping Meeting for Replacement of Bridge No. 70 on NC 99 over Smith Creek, Beaufort County, B-2805 The Planning and Environmental Branch held a scoping meeting on May 18, 1994 to initiate the subject project. The participants decided on two alternates for replacement: replace on the existing location with road closure, and replace at existing location with a temporary on-site detour to the west of the existing alignment. The replacement structure will be a bridge approximately 25 meters (82 feet) long, with a 12-meter (40-foot) wide travelway. The detour structure would be a bridge approximately 15 meters (50 feet) long. The participants concluded that for the road closure alternate, traffic would be detoured along SR 1718, US 264, and SR 1714 as shown in Figure 1. The Roadway Design Unit is preparing a cost estimate for each alternate. In terms of historic architectural resources, there are no historic structures in the project area. There are no recorded archaeological sites in proximity to the bridge. SHPO recommends no survey for archaeological resources. Mr. Galamb of the Division of Environmental Management (DEM) indicated that DEM classifies Smith Creek as SC-nutrient sensitive. Normal soil erosion control methods will be required. Mr. Galamb prefers replacement at the existing location with road closure. Mr. Cox of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) prefers replacement in existing location with road closure. He also stated NCWRC would like to raise the grade to allow anglers access to the waters upstream of the bridge. Mr. Cox said the NCWRC prefers at least 1.2 meters (4.0 feet) of clearance above the mean surface elevation. R J 1 June 1, 1994 Page 2 Mr. Tarleton indicated there is a fiber optic cable attached to the bridge and an underground cable in the project area. Mr. Snead noted evidence of an earlier roadway alignment east of the existing alignment. This evidence includes the old approaches, abutments, and remaining timber piers in the water. The detour alignment could line up with this previously disturbed area. The current project schedule includes right of way beginning August 16, 1996, and letting August 20, 1997. A USGS benchmark located on the bridge will need to be relocated. NCDOT personnel will consult with the USGS on this matter. WF/plr Attachments v i d ('ox 1, I.Y Srlea(I 1r,V Moore A? .lI I Lansford I`mii Tar I e t on wmllly Ko?er's V I.I1 I? I. r,1) v 1"d kathmn . A. West I,ric (;aIalnh "',lyric fedora Nc,,, hI I1 ,':I r,1u l i ?'?. ?tl!Iclill'?' 111; 11)UI', ,k( UAFK D4/O5/q` REVISION PATE;: 06/0_1/q) PROJ I,A"T I)I;VF,I,UI'?JI;N'I' S 1',AGi,, PROGRAMMING: PI.ANN I NG : - ?, OKS 1 GN : I 1 I' I'I.().I i i' ;;'I'AT11, 1'1,',O I)I?.?I, Iil I , l'(,)t?N i ,,, ? I 1"OtI'1 : BkAUF'ORT COUNTY I'WANCH OF PUNGO CREEK Ml,;l'lh)i) (,', 'i•1,1.A('1";W, ,, !,: KN `T1?N(; 1. "',ATI(Q (&Sill? I)1?DAG', i'I 1'!? ;;i'I i11 i'(i;N1)11IARTI('II'-1'I'ION P'Y MU NICII'A1,I'I'Y.. 1, 1 '.`r 'A- 1! i':U 4A,I \;' A`d1 , .:,i,: (;i,j ('L) TRA1'1'IC. CI'RI'FNT 110H `,'I'II. IH ! „ n l'YI AL 1, OAI)WA)" ti I';('': FX 1 ST f N(; STRUCTUR1'; : l l;` (l 1`11 ..? M, t I :I `pit! I r, rr, PROPOSED STRUCTUR F : RRIDUK - `,i':^;i;'III O I\, I•I';N(?`1'li CULVERT D1;TOUR STRUCTURE: (if l hud ) Bk I DGE -- l,l;MITH OR P I P F 0• ?Nbd KU( "L ION COST ( I NCLKW ! i ('(ANT I `'(: !•;! ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I' I (ill I' O1, WAY COST ( I',N('lTH I Nh I:1'. AP AN 1) Al`(!I I I `, I'i' I 1 ()RCI?. (VOUNT ITEMS .. . .... .. . . . . . . . . . . . \I, COST .... . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 'I' f T' ('ON,,TRUCT I ON .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 'I; !"A . 000 'I' i P R I (fill` OF WAY CONT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 o . no '1'O'1',11. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -' 000 PRIOR V EARS COST ... . . . .. . . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. :i, I f' 1'U'1'A1 ('0ST............. . . . . . . . . . .:f 2 7 Q0() ?1- -2- NORTH CAROLINA A ? M p Frs. lhd, ,9 Gi 17 1?1 I l]J ? L767 6 G -H S O S k A M _3 2.6 STUDIED DETOUR ? ROUTE -Pike Road t? Old F ord Plnetow?y PanleRo Washington+ 9 31 C h., r es9dle Belnav - uny 6 - \ J g A 699 - - - [owlmty lack ? ?A_ f . .. c,... R I nay / 2 6 \J s, rr y? Bath Z Mns ea, n„.t C. Ine Baynew l_ ans?(?i11e ? J .1 U T\ FREE I }mar PO ?Ir, fERRYt '1 /r'irty. \? f Pamlico Be tl i Co. Cwssroa Bon ne &unl Creek F . Soul Edward Creek r7 a Royal It 3 r t l ] ?D' - 11gp .FJ 99 _ J? !'04 -BELHAVEN 'tr POP. 2.420 AP aYr. 9 264 r5 1o t t? 1 ads.') U>er 264 1p 1704 99 7 2 _ -nh Pint BRI E 35-30' 70 3.7 p 1722 S" -dock / / Polnr 1119 IJ2?t ? I a \ s Wlndwdvilla NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF 122 '2';t TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL, 131ZANCH NC 99 BRIDGE NO. 70 OVER BRANCH OF PUNGO CREEK T. I. P. B - 2805 FIG. 1 o kilometers 3.2 0 miles 2 1 1 I I a - ?c . f ` ?F t 1??? ??1_'IfI LV(`ll , ? =F t J3 0' 1 1) i,lfld (92 ? - r 1 I N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TRANSMITTAL SLIP DA E 4 9 9 TO: R[F . .0.. ON ROOM, SLOG. 11 Eri C C AlA.m T I l if / -1 FROM; REF. NO. OR ROOM, BLDG. ACTIO N _ ? NOTE AND FILE ? PER OUR CONVERSATION ? NOTE AND RETURN TO M[ ? PER YOUR REQUEST ? RETURN WITH MORE DETAILS FOR YOUR APPROVAL ? ? NOT[ AND SEE M[ ABOUT THIS ,? ? , ?roR YOUR INFORMATION ? PLEAS[ ANSWER ? FOR YOUR COMMENTS ? PREPARE REPLY FOR MY SIGNATURE ? SIGNATURE ? TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ? INVESTIGATE AND REPORT COMMENTS: Fo ? d r _ APR 1 91994 WETLAND WATER UAL S GROUP iiY StUICI'! a M STAR' ° V M^ STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT. JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS Govi,KNOR P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 April 18, 1994 MEMORANDUM TO: Mr. Eric Galamb DEM - DEHNR, 6th Floor FROM: H. Franklin Vick, P. E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch R. SAMUEI. HUNT 111 SECRETARY SUBJECT: Review of Scoping Sheet for Replacement of Bridge No. 70 on NC 99 over Branch of Pungo Creek, Beaufort County, Federal Aid No. BRSTP-99(1), State Project No. 8.1150801, T.I.P. No. B-2805 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 May 18, 1994 at 9:30 A. M. in the Planning and Environmental Branch Conference Room (Room 434). You may provide us with your comments at the meeting or mail them to us prior to that date. Thank you for your assistance in this part of our planning process. If there are any questions about the meeting or the scoping sheets, please call Wayne Fedora, Project Planning Engineer, at 733-7842. WF/plr Attachment 71 V 71 S A) 1,J ?llc9? ?J???? c/of PHONE (919) 733-7384 FAX (919) 733-94"28 BRIDGE PROJECT SLOPING SHEET DATE 04/05/94 REVISION DATE: _ PROJECT DEVELOPMENT STAGE PROGRAMMING: PI_,ANN I NG : X DESIGN: TIP PROJECT: B-2805 F. A. PROJECT: BRSTP-99(1 STATE PROJECT: 8.1150801 DIVISION: TWO COUNTY: BEAUFORT ROUTE: NC 99 PURPOSE: REPLACE OBSOLETE BRIDGE DESCRIPTION: NC 99, BRIDGE #70, BEAUFORT COUN'T'Y REPLACE BRIDGE OVER BRANCH OF' PUNGO CREEK COMMENTS: USGS QUAD SHEET: PANTEGO METHOD OF REPLACEMENT: 1. EXISTING LOCATION - ROAD CLOSURE 2. EXISTING LOCATION - ON S I TE DETOUR 3. RELOCATION 4. OTHER WILL THERE BE SPECIAL FUNDING PARTICIPATION BY MUNICIPALITY, DEVELOPERS, OR OTHERS? YES NO X IF YES, BY WHOM AND WHAT AMOUNT: ($) (%) - BRIDGE PROJECT SCOPING SHEET TRAFFIC : CURRENT LC?G _ VPD ; DESIGN YEAR 0 C VPD TTST DT % TYPICAL ROADWAY SECTION: EXISTING STRUCTURE: LENGTH 23.2 Meters WIDTH 7.1_ Meters 76.0. Feet 23.4__ Feet PROPOSED STRUCTURE: BRIDGE - LENGTH Meters WIDTH Meters Feet Feet OR CULVERT - LENGTH Meters Feet DETOUR STRUCTURE: BRIDGE - LENG'T'H Meters Feet OR PIPE - SIZE Millimeters Inches CONSTRUCTION COST (INCLUDING ENGINEERING AND CONTINGENCIES) ..................... $ RIGHT OF WAY COST (INCLUDING RELOCATION, UTILITIES, AND ACQUISITION) ................... $ FORCE ACCOUNT ITEMS .................................. $ TOTAL COST .......................................$ - TIP CONSTRUCTION COST ................................ $ _ 265,000 TIP RIGHT OF WAY COST ................................ $ ______101000 SUB TOTAL ........................................... $ 275,000 PRIOR YEARS COST ..................................... $ TIP TOTAL COST ........................................ $ __275,000 -- ? 15 Pike Road Z? Old Ford I Pmetow C NA 99 / - - _ - \ Z64 ?o fi * 25 Acr;,vtll Terrs Pante°o e t Washington 32 c 264 3 5 Y e NORTH CAROLINA -- 6 u y 3 6 99 _- cowrmty lack C, k 92 W R / sr k Bath Z ms as, 6 2 N„ro„< Bore ISO !`ne Bayvie ' ns 3 mar Porn 1+'ff"i s' RIte' Pamlico Be co,re Cos Crossr adk Bonne n _ "I plount Creek out ? Edward 3 Creek t urora ` Rovat 12 33 r A M P Pop 0 ? 99 rti b Jy 2.2 BEIHAVEN 2" ,7 'fr POP. 2•430 0 go. 9 a p 36e t?. rp37 :'o? 1 3 1619 Frs minion Rod ((I ( ?6' i:. aUi?`':1•. A\ ! 264 1 1609 a 3?t.1 I]II P_?p ?` G? awkwiM Ya°taevilb ` a ) 99 14 : G QA. ?-"•??J ?, Il?p N 9S 'v? 17J7 -.1% Pint 1)73 _ ?...\ X67- _ l_ 1 _ ine r 35°70'_ ` GRID b 3717 lu Jock J,7 t p 17F7 Sxk W ddnck / Q / - Si ney b - / Point ? A C K S 0 N. a i?ie 19 I a, t 3 W q U71 2 s M P WimN°dv01? Lo IZ;} !a ) . NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF 99 "7i•r, TRANSPORTATION ' JA R°nean01. 6"" e DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS °"?? p PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BRANCH NC 99 BRIDGE NO. 70 OVER BRANCH OF FUNGO CREEK - T. I. P. 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