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HomeMy WebLinkAbout19950450 Ver 1_Complete File_19950427 s.,. SfATF° STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TMNSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH. N.C. 27611-5201 April 24, 1995 District Engineer U.S. Army Corps of Engineers P. 0. Box 1890 Wilmington, North Carolina 28402 ATTENTION: Regulatory Branch Dear Sir: Subject: Halifax County - Interstate 95 from,SR 1600 to South of US 158; State Project No. 8.1301102; T.I.P. No. I-2512B At c for your information are copies of the project planning report aEon v al reso ces technical information for the subject project. The pbein processed by the Federal Highway Administration as a "al clusion" in accordance with 23 CFR 771.115(b). Therefore, we d i 'pate requesting an Individual Permit but propose to proceed u ionwide Permit in accordance with 33 CFR 330 Appendix A (B-23) i ember 22, 1991, by the Corps of Engineers. The provisions of S 0.4 and Appendix A (C) of these regulations will be followed in the construction of the project. We anticipate that 401 General Certification No. 2745 (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 'Managem?; -fo .t-hear review. If you have any questions, please ca Cyndi Bell a (919) 733-3141 extension 306. l S ' H: Franklin HFV/cb Planning and Attachment cc: Eric Alsmeyer, COE, Raleigh Field Office Eric Galamb, DEHNR, DEM John Parker, DEHNR, DCM/Permit Coordinator Kelly Barger, P.E., Program Development Branch Don Morton, P.E., Highway Design A. L. Hankins, P.E., Hydraulics John L. Smith, Jr., P.E., Structure Design Tom Shearin, P,E., Roadway Design D. R. Dupree, P.E., Division 4 Engineer Brian Yamamoto, Planning & Environmental Davis Moore, Planning & Environmental 9 5q5o ick, P.E., Manager Environmental Branch 9 R. SAMUEL HUNT I II SECRETARY Amy Date: 1/93 Revised: 1/94 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION ACTION CLASSIFICATION FORM TIP Project No. I-2512 B State Project No. 8.1301102 Federal-Aid Project No. IR-95-3(60)16 A. Project Description: The project calls for rehabilitating the pavement and improving the safety along I-95 from SR 1600 to 0.8 mile south of US 158. See Figures lA and 1B for maps showing the project vicinity and proposed project limits. B. Purpose and Need: The subject highway section is in poor physical condition. In order to increase safety along I- 95 in the project area, pavement rehabilitation and safety feature upgrades are proposed. C. Proposed-Improvements-:' Circle one or more of the following improvements which apply to the project: 1. Modernization of a highway by resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation, reconstruction, adding shoulders, or adding auxiliary lanes (e.g., parking, weaving, turning, climbing). E) Restoring, Resurfacing, Rehabilitating, and Reconstructing pavement (3R and 4R improvements) b. Widening roadway and shoulders without adding through lanes c. Modernizing gore treatments d. Constructing lame improvements (merge, auxiliary, and turn lanes) Adding shoulder drains Replacing and rehabilitating culverts, inlets, and drainage pipes, including safety treatments g. Providing driveway pipes h. Performing minor bridge widening -(less than one through lane) 2. Highway safety or traffic operations improvement projects including the installation of ramp metering control devices and lighting. a. Installing ramp metering devices Installing lights c. Adding or upgrading guardrail Installing safety barriers including Jersey type barriers and pier protection e. Installing or replacing impact attenuators 1 Date: 1/93 Revised: 1/94 10. Construction of bus transfer facilities (an open area consisting of passenger shelters, boarding areas, kiosks and related street improvements) when located in a commercial area or other high activity center in-which there is adequate street capacity for projected bus traffic. 11. Construction of rail storage and maintenance facilities in areas used predominantly for industrial or transportation purposes where such construction is not inconsistent with existing zoning and where there is no significant noise impact on the surrounding community. 12. Acquisition of land for hardship or protective purposes, advance land acquisition loans under section 3(b) of the UMT Act. Hardship and protective buying will be permitted only for a particular parcel or a limited number of parcels. These types of land acquisition qualify for a CE only where the acquisition will not limit the evaluation of alternatives, including shifts in alignment for planned construction projects, which may be required in the NEPA process. No project development on such land may proceed until the NEPA process has been completed. D. Special Pro.iect Information: (1) Best Management Practices (BMP's) and Sedimentation Control guidelines will be strictly applied to ensure that no sediment will be washed into Quankey Creek or Little Quankey Creek as a result of the project. Currently, no proposed construction activities are anticipated that will cause siltation at either Quankey Creek or Little Quankey Creek. If final design plans indicate fill will be placed in either creek, surveys for the dwarf wedge mussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) will be conducted and appropriate permits and authorizations for fill in Waters of the United States applied for. (2) Safety clearing done in conjunction with this project will not violate the agreement reached between the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the NCDOT to landscape the area between the Garner House (eligible for the National Register of Historic Places) and I-95. The agreement was secured to obtain a finding of "no adverse effect" for TIP Project I-2004. 3 n Date: 1/93 Revised: 1/94 PERMITS AND COORDINATION (10) If the project is located within a CAMA county, will the project.significantly affect the coastal zone and/or any "Area of Environmental Concern" (AEC)? (11) Does the project involve Coastal Barrier Resources Act resources? (12) Will a U. S. Coast Guard permit be required? (13) Will the project result in the modification of any existing regulatory floodway? (14) Will the project require any stream relocations or channel changes? SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC YES NO F-1 X F-1 X F-1 X 17 X F-1 X (15) Will the project induce substantial impacts ? X to planned growth or land use for the area? (16) will the project require the relocation of ? X any family or business? (17) If the project involves the acquisition of right of way, is the amount of right of way X acquisition considered minor? (18) Will the project involve any changes in X access control? (19) will the project substantially alter the usefulness and/or land use of adjacent ? X property? (20) Will the project have an adverse effect on permanent local traffic patterns or ? X community cohesiveness? 5 Date: 1/93 Revised: 1/94 F. Additional Documentation Reguired or Unfavorable Responses in Part E (2) A field investigation was conducted on December 14, 1994 by an NCDOT biologist to determine the presence of any federally-protected species within the project corridor. Plants and animals with federal classifications of Endangered, Threatened, Proposed Endangered, and Proposed Threatened are protected under Section 7 and Section 9 of the Endangered species Act of 1973, as amended. As of November 17, 1994, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the following three federally- protected species in Halifax County: dwarf wedge mussel (Alasmidonta heterodon), Tar River spinymussel (Elliptio steinstansance), and the red- cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis). All of these species are listed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service as Endangered. Suitable habitat within the project area was found for the dwarf wedg construction work dwarf wedge mussel drainage basin, no is anticipated. e mussel. Since no in-stream and no known population of the occurs in the Roanoke River effect on the dwarf wedge mussel 7 G. CE Approval TIP Project No. I-2512 B State Project No. 8.1301102 Federal-Aid Project No. IR-95-3(60)16 Date: 1/93 Revised: 1/94 Project Description: The project calls for pavement rehabilitation and safety improvements to I-95 from SR 1600 to 0.8 mile south of US 158. Categorical Exclusion Action Classification: (Check one) TYPE II(A) X -TYPE II(B) Approved: D to /Manager Planning & Environmental Branch at- 2.7-15 Date Project Planning Unit Head 7-95j Date Project Pla ing Engineer For Type II(B) projects only: 3?i?(4s Date L? Division Administrator 6 " Federal Highway Administration 8 -- >L , lwt '1 -•?' V f/'` 1 1 IlII - Y L300P $ 1 ?: L , . fry 1.0 vaMa? > •3 • ? ,., CS.cr •..-?t.-,. •:^....y? .` er..r7 L291 A-V? to .t r. NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. ?' N'c? Im. HAU?FAX COUNTY o ? n?b.a iae tr:? 1? )1 yw .e ? .SY11Y11V M ?? t 1+12 1+1 1/I1? 11 1001 :. 3 2.0 /3 A 1416 ?? .. ti I R µ f1 Lo 1001 J1Z i .s o i -?£ 1J V 45 v ~ 32>L ?! .9 h F yoJ? /?III?Kpr1 1312 '? ( < i.o , 1110 1 1LR5 tctr 1JZQ? J/ Z!!.4 Pry Z alter 1710 1/ ry n 1x17 ., ?? \ ?? 1ffi2 o` Ibl L! •O 1601 1.3 M2 A! 11pP. 1? < + ., ? ' 361 9 FAS lAS. 10 t %? 906. 301 1 ?-? lballrliA 3!£'r!'• tJ 9 j ,_ r im c • V( 1.0 1710 +s Way" B4Z 121+ 1 3oe- :A 2.2 s h -tm _ t A2!). 1210 " E 1.2 L t0 1 1? '? .1 A A 120? l.Iii Anw ? a 1211 3 13 717 9 - 1007 4 -? ?! ' J s ,p 1 l+ 3L t ? ?O!, 1+•702 • J ' f L42L +?.t It ex \ e b lid: "} - J .,1 I ! S 2 37ll?.3 3 ..3 J Wlaaavrla 1 ... fin y • ?? LZiZ . 1 JIB 1Li G r ` PROJECT ' a UMITS G Qr - ?? 4 i t' 1lli ? ds 1.1 e L+ n ta71 11 INSET fo? SEE FIGURE 1 B /.1 IOa1 ` 1 7 l.!!L o a 4 J, i NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 1 r DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL i BRANCH i 1-95 FROM SR 1600 TO SOUTH OF US 158 HALIFAX COUNTY 27 T. 1. P. NO.1-25128 FIG. 1 A , o kilometers 3 0 miles 2 - 1 L 1 1 1 ? - T 2.3 rAa, Balling RAPIDS ' p POP, 14,702 95 1547 ROSEMARY 125 Z 1460 O T(UNING) P. 1,828 5 0 0 ?':• r:•;: ?? V • /-- ? ^ ? • . \?` A /,•;' 'wry ?l r.:l \??r \ URe- - fAP a 1499 1527 158 \?• ' 14 ? Q f ?? •; 1498 1 328 ? 1 .4 434 co c .,..,. ) AP 125 ?? • :• : } 2.2 b E7Ct ? 1550 \ , 1 3 158 . v 1 1549 Halifax 1 \ County ? ?c S' WELD p Airport BDY. ) .1 1474 h 4P (LINING) ::? / ''• • 1 e a ;r 1548 0 3 i END PROJECT PQP. Creek WE 3 1 3 a'1 tel. 1, 80 "x POP .33 1682 1683 l . Adams Jul b = 1508 ,j b O . 1.1 160 / ' 1692 n 434 1 1724 A 3 ? Rheasille \1 * 1623 1698 1600 ` ? a 1719 4 1627 1733 ? a CP 172-4 G, 1666 2 1626 •a;3 4 b 1731 Days TA 1726 1665 roo rP 1717 ti Crossroads 1.1 721 ? 1624. C 6 --. 1621 J FqS 1625 q 1712' 0O , A 1?6 1730 1627 QtrQ o 1622 i) ?? a' b ??P? •S P, O ? •4 1694 Fqs ??• ,?P ?P? 1671 14 1210 0 1621 lb 1600 h' 168 sf ?N rsh 903 1667 125 ` 2.6 t3EGEN PROJECT .5 'S Pierces Andersons N • Crossroads 22 Crossroads 1600 ' 04> C er 1600 6 PPS 1 6i5 1616 Creek ? f 1 1695 ^ 1613 a 1617 Z'0 1612 ?i ewis 1615 .8 rssroods 16_l12 95 1.,3 1612 10 .6 1'0 1001 FAS .8 Darlington 1613 1614 1 1.0 AS 1612 •4 i ?t 561 y ?SWEo? _ STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TP ANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT. JP. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS R. SAMUEL HUNT III GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH. N.C. 27611-5201 SECRETARY 19 December 1994 MEMORANDUM TO: Linwood Stone. Unit Head ?- Project Planning unit FROM rr?? Phillip Todd, Environmental Biologist Environmental Un-it SUBJECT: Federally-Protected Species issue for the Proposed Pavement Rehabilitation and Safety Improvements on I-95 from SR 1600 to 1.3 km south of US 153: Halifax County; TIP No. I-2512B; State Project No. S.1301102; Federal ?,id No. IR-95-3(60)16. REFERENCE: (1) Investigation of Natural Resources by Phillip Todd. dated 15 December 1994. (2) Response to Investigation of Natural Resources by Brian Yamamoto, dated 16 December 1994 ATTENTION: Brian Yamamoto. Project Manager Information concerning possible construction plans was insufficient at the time of natural resources investigation (Reference rl) to conclude a biological conclusion for the dwarf wedge mussel (Alasmidonta heterodon). Reference -.: clarified that no sediment would be washed into Quankey Creek and Little Quankey Creek and that no stormwater runoff will flow directly into these water resources. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT It can be concluded that no impact to the dwarf wedge mussel will result from project construction because there will be no in-stream construction work and no known populations of the dwarf wedge mussel occur in the Roanoke River Drainage Basin. Surveys for this mussel were not conducted. Implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Sedimentation Control guidelines should be enforce to ensure no that the Quankey Creek and Little Quankey Creek will not be impacted. E) L I c:_. V. Charles Bruton, Ph.D. M. Randall Turner, Environmental Supervisor File: B-2135 e `STARa? 4f 4r 3 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TPANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT. JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GovfRrioR P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH. N.C 27611-5201 15 December 1994 R. SAMUEL HUNT III SECRETARY MEMORANDUM TO: Linwood Store, Unit Head Project Planning.Unit FROM: Phillip Todd, Environmental Biologist Environmental Unit SUBJECT: Investigation of Natural Resources for the Proposed Pavement Rehabilitation and Safety Improvements on I-9? from SR 1600 to 1.3 km south of US 158; Halifax County; TIP No. .I-3S13B; State Project No. 3.1301102: Federal Aid No. ItR-9S-3(60)16. ATTENTION: Brian.Yamamoto, Project Manager The following report is submitted to assist in preparation of a Programmatic Categorical Exclusion (PCE). A completed Ecological Threshold checklist for a Type II PCE is also included. This report contains information concerning water resources, biotic resources, wetlands and permits, and federally-protected species. The proposed project lies in Halifax County and involves various safety improvements along I-95 from SR 1600 to 1.3 km (0.3 mi) south of US 158 for a total project length of 3.3 'Km (5.5 mi). Project work includes: rehabilitating the existing concrete pavement.; replacing guardrail as needed; installing pavement markings; upgrading pier protection underneath all structures; improving/installing continuous shoulder drains and clearing other areas for safety purposes. All of the proposed improvements will occur within the existing right of way. A site visit was conducted on 14 December 1994: Final construction plans (i.e., locations of earth movement and replacement of guardrail around streams and specific information about shoulder drain work) were not available prior to field investigation of the federally- protected dwarf wedge mussel (Alasmidonta heterodon). Once plans are finalized, appropriate recommendations can be made to resolve the federally-protected dwarf wedge mussel issue. G) 1) WATER RESOURCES The proposed project crosses, two streams, Quankey Creek and Little Quankey Creek. These two streams lie in"the Roanoke River Drainage Basin. Little Quankey Creek drains into Quankey Creek approximately 6.4 km (4.0 mi) from its intersection with I-95. The mouth of Quankey Creek empties into the Roanoke River just east of Halifax. The Division of Environmental Management (DEMO assigns all streams a best usage classification. DENT has designated these streams as Class C waters. Water resources with this classification are suitable for aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation and -asriculture. Neither High Quality Waters (HQW), Water Supplies (WS-I or WS-II) nor Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) occur within 1.6 km (1.0 mile) of project study area. The Benthic Macro invertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN) is managed by DEM and monitors ambient water quality. This program addresses long term trends in water auaiity by sampling for selected benthic macro invertebrate organisms at fixed monitoring sites. No specific BMAN information is available for these water resources. Point source dischargers located throughout North Carolina are permitted through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. All dischargers are required to register for a permit. One discharger occurs over 6.4 km (4.0 mi) upstream of where Quankey Creek intersects with I-95. This discharger releases domestic waste. Earth work occurring up-slope of streams may result in sediment entering water resources. Toxic compounds (gas, oil, etc.) from construction machinery use may be carried into Quankey Creek and Little Quankey Creek. Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Sedimentation Control guidelines should be strictly applied to reduce the wash of sediment and toxic compounds into Quankey Creek and Little Quankey Creek. BIOTIC RESOURCES A maintained community dominates the biotic resources found in the study area. Grasses like fescue (Festuca spp.) and other herbaceous plants are the prevalent vegetative . components of this community type. Even-aged loblolly pine (?inus taeda) and hardwood trees occur in highway buffers of the median, shoulder slopes and drainages. 3 WETLANDS and PERMITS If the proposed action is likely to result in the placement of fill material into Waters of the United States, authorizations under Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act may be required. A Nationwide Permit 33 CFR 330.5(a) (23) would then be applicable for all impacts to Waters of the United States resulting from the proposed project. This permit is suitable for use with a CE. A 401 Water Quality General Certification would then be required from the DEM prior to the issuance of the Nationwide permit. FEDERALLY-PROTECTED SPECIES As of 11 November 1994, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) lists the following federally-protected species for Halifax County (Table 1). A brief description of each species characteristics and habitat follows. Table I. Federally-Protected Species for Halifax County SCIENTIFIC NAIME COMMON NAME STATUS Alasmidonta heterodon dwarf wedge mussel E Ellintio steinstansana Tar spinymussel E Picoides borealis red-cockaded woodpecker E Note: "E" denotes Endangered (a species that is threatened with extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range). A review of the Natural Heritage program database of uncommon and protected species revealed no recorded occurrence of federally-protected species in or near the project study area. Alasmidonta heterodon (dwarf wedge mussel) E The dwarf wedge mussel is a small mussel having a distinguishable shell noted by two lateral teeth on the right half and one on the left half. The periostracum (outer shell) is olive green to dark brown in color and the nacre (inner shell) is bluish to silvery white. Known populations of the dwarf wedge mussel in North Carolina are found in streams of the Neuse River Basin and Tar River Basin. This mussel is sensitive to agricultural, domestic, and industrial pollutants and requires a stable silt free streambed with well oxygenated water to survive. 4 BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: UNRESOLVED Construction plans concerning earth work up slope of streams, replacement of guardrail around streams and continuous shoulder drain improvement work must be finalized before a biological conclusion can be reached. Elliptio steinstansana (Tar spinymussel) E The Tar spinymussel is endemic to the Tar River drainage basin, from Falkland in Pitt County to Spring Hope ii+ Wash County. This mussel requires a stream with fast flowing, well oxygenated, circumneutral pH water that is relatively silt-free. The Tar spinymussel lives in substrates consisting of uncompacted gravel and coarse sand. This mussel is known to rely on a species of freshwater fish to act as an intermediate host for its,larvae. The Tar spinymussel is a very small mussel. This mussel is named for its spines which project perpendicularly from the surface and curve slightly ventrally. As many as 12 spines can be found on the shell which is generally smooth in texture. The nacre is pinkish (anterior) and bluish-white (posterior) BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT The Tar spinymussel is endemic to the Tar River Drainage Basin, and no populations are known to occur outside of this drainage basin. Quankey Creek and Little Quankey Creek lie in the Roanoke River Basin. It can therefore be concluded that construction of the proposed project will not impact the Tar spinymussel. Picoides borealis (red-cockaded woodpecker) E The adult red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) has a plumage that is entirely black and white except for small red streaks on the sides of the nape in the male. The back of the RCS' is black and white with horizontal stripes. The breast and underside of this woodpecker are white with streaked flanks. The RCW has.a large white cheek patch surrounded by the black cap, nape, and throat. The RCW uses open old growth stands of southern pines, particularly longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), for foraging and nesting habitat. A forested stand must contain at least 50% pine, lack a thick understory, and be contiguous with other stands to be appropriate habitat for the RCW. These birds nest exclusively in trees that are >60 years old and are contiguous with pine.stands at least 30 years of age. The fora-ino range of the RCW is up to 200 hectares (500 acres). This acreage must be contiguous with suitable nesting sites. These woodpeckers nest exclusively in living pine trees and usually in trees that are infected with the fungus that causes red-heart disease. Cavities are located in colonies from 3.6-30.3 m (12-100 ft) above the ground and average 9.1- 15.7 m (30-50 ft) high. They can be identified by a large incrustation of running sap that surrounds the tree. The RCW lays its eggs in April, May, and June; the eggs 'hatch approximately 33 days later. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT No habitat for the red-cockaded woodpecker occurs in the project study area. Those pines found here are too young, grow on the fringe of hardwood forests and/or isolated from contiguous pine stands. No impact to.the red-cockaded woodpecker will result from project construction. c: V. Charles Bruton, Ph.D. Randall Turner, Environmental Supervisor M. File: I-2512B .tee ?n STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT. JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH. N.G 27611-5201 December 16, 1994 R. SAMUEL HUNT 111 SECRETARY MEMORANDUM TO: Phillip Todd Environmental Biologist G FROM: Brian Yamamoto Project Planning Engineer, SUBJECT: Investigation of Natural Resources for the proposed improvements to I-95, from SR 1600 to 1.3 km south of US 158, Halifax County, Federal-Aid Project No. I-95-3(60)16, State Project No. 8.1301102, TIP No. I-25126 This is in response to the Natural Resources report submitted on December 15, 1994 for the subject project. In that report, you identified three federally-protected species for Halifax County and provided "Biological Conclusions" for two of those species. For one of the listed species, the dwarf wedge mussel (Alasmidonta heterodon , the potential effects of the proposed project on the animal is unresolved". In your report, you requested the aid of construction plans concerning possible earthwork up slope of the streams in the project area, replacement of guardrail near the streams, and installation of continuous shoulder drain in order to determine the project's effects on the dwarf wedge mussel. While construction plans are not finalized at this time, the roadway design project engineer and the hydraulic project manager for the subject project have indicated that no proposed construction activities are anticipated to cause siltation at either Quankey Creek or Little Quankey Creek. In addition, no stormwater runoff will flow directly into either creek in the project area. If you need any additional information in order to resolve the potential effects of the project on the dwarf wedge mussel, please contact me for assistance. BFY/rfm E)