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HomeMy WebLinkAbout19950246 Ver 1_Complete File_19950308N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DATE TRANSMITTAL SLIP REF. NO. OR ROO BLDG. m FROM: REF. NO. OR ROOM, BLDG. ACTION ? NOTE AND FILL ? PER OUR CONVERSATION ? NOTE AND RETURN TOME ? PER YOUR REQUEST ? RETURN WITH MORE DETAILS ? FOR YOUR APPROVAL ? NOTE AND SEE ME ABOUT THIS. ? FOR YOUR INFORMATION ? PLEASE ANSWER ? FOR YOUR COMMENTS ? PREPARE REPLY. FOR MY SIGNATURE ?. SIGNATURE ? ?. TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ? INVESTIGATE AND REPORT COMMENTS: SrArt :.q ?.w STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TPANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 May 8, 1996 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Field Office 6512 Falls of the Neuse Road Suite 105 Raleigh, North Carolina 27615 ATTENTION: Mr. Michael Smith Chief, Northern Section Dear Sir: 1-996 GARLAND B. GARRETT JR. SECRETARY SUBJECT: Request for Modification of General Permit No. 198200031 (Action ID's: 199401885, 199401886 and 199401887) for the Proposed Replacement of Roanoke River Overflow Bridge Nos. 74, 65 and 72 in Northhampton County; TIP Nos. B-1299, B-1300 and B-1307; State Project Nos. 8.1100901, 8.1101001 and 8.1100801; Federal Aid Nos. BRST-258(2), BRSTP-258(3) and BRSTP-258(1), respectively One of the conditions in the subject permit expressly prohibits in-stream construction activities at the three bridge sites from February through June of any year to protect anadromous fish resources. Observations at Bridge No. 74 and Bridge No. 72 during April and May of this year indicate that the overflow channels were either dry, or held small quantities of water at pool elevations. Elevations were taken at the lowest channel points at each bridge site on May 6, 1996 and were found to be: 36.2 feee and 35.8 feet*, respectively. To ascertain whether channel flows from the Roanoke River had provided recent hydrological inputs to either of the overflow streams, an elevation of the most recent high water mark at the Scotland Neck Bridge (over the Roanoke River) was recorded as 30.6 feet= on May 6, 1996. The Water Control Management Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers confirms that an approximate high water elevation of 36.0-37.0 feet* would be expected at the Scotland Neck Bridge following a release of 35,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) from the Roanoke Rapids Dam. This kind of release is considered to be a very rare event. Single releases of 20,000 cfs are more normal occurrences (approximately annually), but even this additional input to the river channel would only result in a high water elevation of approximately 32.5 feef at the Scotland Neck Bridge, 3-4 feet lower than the lowest channel elevations at the two bridge sites. . I Page 2 May 8, 1996 Mr. Smith It is reasonable to assume that anadromous fish runs into the floodplains adjacent to Bridge Nos. 74 and 72 only occur during so-called flood years, when high water levels in the river channel exceed elevations of 35.0-36.0 feet:, respectively. Recent field data and information from the Corps of Engineers seem to confirm that hydrological inputs to these areas from the river may only occur intermittently in conjunction with significant flood events. Based upon this information the Department requests that General Permit Special Condition "a" be modified as follows: a. Construction and restoration activities will not occur within waters of the United States, including wetlands, during any February through June interval, in which high water elevations of at least 35.8 feet are experienced at the Scotland Neck Bridge over the Roanoke River on US 258. The proposed detour fill and pipe culvert at Bridge No. 65 may remain in place over the restrictive period; however, no active construction or restoration will take place over this period. The detour fills at Bridge Nos. 74 and 72 may not remain in place during the moratorium Modifying this restriction will allow the Department's contractor to initiate work immediately on projects B-1299 and B-1307, which would make it possible for these bridges to be completed within a more realistic time frame. Your assistance in providing a timely response to this request will be appreciated. Should you have any questions or comments, please call Mr. M. Randall Turner at (919) 331-4737. values cited are "above mean sea level" Sincerely, H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager Planning & Environmental Branch Enclosure HFVlmrt cc: Mr. Eric Alsmeyer, COE, Regulatory Branch Mr. Allen Piner, COE, Water Control Management Mr. John Domey, DEM, Water Quality Section Mr. David Cox, NCWRC, NCDOT Coordinator Ms. Howard Hag, FWS, Raleigh Mr. Ron Sechler, NMFS, Beaufort Ms. Sara Winslow, DMF, Elizabeth City Mr. Kelly Barger, P.E., NCDOT, Program Development Mr. Tom Shearin, P.E., NCDOT, Roadway Design Mr. A. L. Hanicins, P.E., NCDOT, Hydraulics Unit Mr. John Smith, P.E., NCDOT, Structure Design Mr. Don Morton, P.E., NCDOT, Design Branch Mr. D. R. Conner, P.E., NCDOT, Division 1 Mr. J. R. Pope, P.E., NCDOT, Division 1 Mr. M. Randall Turner, NCDOT, Division 1 U I ?/ J o ro r)j 04 'moo ??` i\ ro w l N ?? ([f 4-1 1 1 \? ; 104 N 4J o(.0 V r „a / n 1 IV H w N ID ? rn U W o r I O'o `j 6`i I-q 0 14 Z E m • \11 ii' ' (D 0 .\ m III a V a(?daLn =iT if, ? I l lj 4 If if ji 1011 it 1, cam' d 1 ' } t? , 4{III I I\ if I i? if by / ?? `" o Rte/ .... ......... OJv r 11 i ' O /? )? State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Management James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director AILWT4 0. WA ?Mza M IL ID F= F=1 March-13;-1995 Northampton County DEM Project # 95246 TIP# B-1300 COE # 199401885 APPROVAL of 401 Water Quality Certification Mr. Franklin Vick NC DOT P.O. Box 25201 Raleigh, N.C. 27611-5201 F9! E DOPY Dear Mr. Vick: You have our approval to place fill material in 0.03 acres of permanent fill and 0.52 acres of temporary fill of wetlands or waters for the purpose of bridge replacement at Bridge # 65 on US 258 between the Roanoke River and SR 1107, as you described in your application dated 22 February 1995. After reviewing your application, we have decided that this fill is covered by General Water: Quality Certification Number 2735. This certification allows you to use General Permit Number 031 when it is issued by the Corps of Engineers. This approval is only valid for the purpose and design that you described in your application. If you change your project, you must notify us and you may be required to send us a new application. For this approval to be valid, you must follow the- conditions listed in the attached- certification. In addition, you should get any other federal, state or local permits before you go ahead with your project. If you do not accept any of the conditions of this certification, you may ask for an adjudicatory hearing. You must act within 30 days of the date that you receive this letter. To ask for a hearing, send a written petition which conforms to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes to the Office of Administrative Hearings, P.O. Box 27447, Raleigh, N.C. 27611-7447. This certification and its conditions are final and binding unless you ask for a hearing. This letter completes the review of the Division of Environmental Management under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. If you have any questions, please telephone John Domey at 919-733-1786. Sincerely, PnH 4r 1,J . P Attachment cc: Wilmington District Corps of Engineers Corps of Engineers Raleigh Field Office Raleigh DEM Regional Office Mr. John Domey Central Files 95246.1tr P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone 919-733-7015 FAX 919-733-2496 An Equal opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post-consumer paper DEM C) 914 ACTION ID: 199401885 Nationwi Permit Requested (Provide Nationwide Permit #): General Permit # 31 SSUF JOINT FORM FOR Nationwide permits that require notification to the Corps of Engineers Nationwide permits that require application for Section 441 certification WILMINGTON DISTRICT ENGINEER WATER QUALITY PLANNING CORPS OF ENG24EERS DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ?. r DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY NC DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRO P.O. Box 1890 AND NATURAL RESOURCES Wilmington, NC 28402-1890 P.O. Box 29535 ATTN• CESAW-CO-E Raleigh, NC 27626-0535. # MAR 8 ISC5 Telephone (919) 251-4511 ATTN: MR. SOHN DORNEY Telephone (919) 733-5083?s° -- ONE (1) COPY OF THIS COMPLETED APPLICATION SHOULD BE SENT TO THE CORPSOF ENGINEERS. SEVEN (7) COPIES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE N.C. DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT. PLEASE PRINT. 1. Owners Name: North Carolina Department of Transportation, Planning & Environmental Branch 2. Owners Address: P 0 Box 25201; Raleigh NC 27611- 3. Owners Phone Number (Home): --- ' (Work): (919) 733-3141 4. If Applicable: Agent's name or responsible corporate official, address, phone number. H Franklin Vick P .E., Manager 5. Location of work (MUST ATTACH MAP). County: Northampton (8-1300) Nearest Town or City: Rich Square Specific Location (Include road numbers, landmarks; etc.): -Bridge # 65 on US 258 between the Roanoke River and SR 1107 6. Name of Closest Stream/River. Tributary of the Roanoke River 7, River Basin: Roanoke 8. Is this project located in a watershed classified as Trout, SA, HQW, ORW, WS I, or WS H? YES & ] NO [ 9. Have any Section 404 permits been previously requested for use on this property? YES ] NO ( 1 If yes, explain. NWo 23 applied for and denied due to "greater than mini imparts" 10. Estimated total number of acres of waters of the U.S., including wetlands, located on project site: N/A L 11. Number of acres of waters of the U.S., including wetlands, impacted by the proposed project: Filled: Permanent fill = 0.03 acre; Temporary fill = 0.52 acre Drained: Flooded: e Excavated: Total Impacted: 0.55 permanent and tem Rorary fill sr-rPC - 12. Description of proposed work (Attach PLANS-8 1/2"X 11" drawings only):_ Replacement of the existing bridge at the same location with a new birdqe structure. A 1060" (1700'mm) CS will be used at the detour just downstream 13. Purpose of proposed work: To continue to -provide access over this tributary 14. State reasons why the applicant believes that this activity must be carried out in wetlands.- Also, note measures taken to minimize wetland impacts. See cover letter. 15. You are required to contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and/or National Marine Fisheries Service . . (NUTS) regarding the presence or any Federally listed orpmposed for listing endangered or threatened species or critical habitat in the permit area that may be affected by the proposed project. Have you done so? YES[ ] NO [ ] RESPONSES FROM THE USFWS AND/OR NMFS SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO CORPS. 16. You are required to contact the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) regarding the presence of historic properties in the permit area which may be affected by the proposed project? Have you done,so? YES { ] NO [ ]. RESPONSE FROM THE SHPO SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO CORPS. 17. Additional information required by DEM: A. Wetland delineation map showing all wetlands, streams, and lakes on the property. N/A B. If available, representative photograph of wetlands to be impacted by project. N/A C. If delineation was performed by a consultant, include all data sheets relevant to the placement of the delineation line. N/A D. If a stormwater management plan is required for this project, attach copy. N/A E. F. What is land use of surrounding property? Forest If applicable, what is proposed method of sewage disposal? N/A ?J - Q. r Ga 3 , t .-.. mse t• ? L ?t t ] 2.-. Horhna 6 . f Aansonexav,,` Ali ;} acon Vaughan dleburq "ranerllon Sur oe 1 Liberia AJ a: p + Creek r•' Elberon r S Arcola R ILr Inez i l . + .4 o xt--- ?rN Aro 5, 2 Oatcne;ill • slxrnq Momcie. l ? I z ? . ? 0u ;?• \. Hope ?:...? .?lasnvrH.e. /r Scale of Mites 0 5 10 20 e0 0 70 20 40 48 Scale of Kilometers H A t t s 1 f C, o? Hr Y ??ITE .(„IAP SCALE 1 0 1 2 3 4 MILES ?'??POwtllsrdle `?• 4j Co4rar i;' t4 t jll 6 . 0 Mount Gw ?Askewvrllc Ashland ?T 1 Mrdwarj Hd. ?r 1 ,1 VICINITY MAP NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. a « ?3€. ?' ' o 32 Pis- pia ` q o N.C. DEPT. or,t-TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS Ci.iCIIT / .. r ? nrnr .. n n . Merl NORTHAMPTON COUNTY 8.1100101 ( B-1300 ) Replacement of BR #65 on US-258 b/w the Roanoke River and SR 1107 ( No. 2 Overflow Structure ) SCALE AS SHOWN YIRGINIA CAROLMIA son.^y .- . 1"A .?? R.oduc Murlreesbo. de -a Iil[ + wrnton; MA Tr,H i I , ?! w ? l 1 i:i r y ? ! w to ?•?$ft1 S y 1 ? N t< V W ` W d' Q W :3 00%•01 S V O C?. m ul d? O ?Q ? 4. V W a h v o o? w F J C W 1 ?: w ' ti In s w w( em (+f. . ? F 1 .' ?i dId --3.J it N ? 3 ?k m z i Q I L' aJ R< J l1J 4tWC WQ( ` w Z. W(i Z_j zJ w LL 1 D O t Q w x \v vi a o U4 1 Ci ° t Z, -. fJ 1 ~ O A' ? Y f e LJJ LLJ e w t, ?? ? N ? 1 ? m F4` ?' : '1 1 j,eG 1 >, °t 6 a LLJ Sd? LtJ 'W Clot ? r i? v?'i ?. 1 > ?? ? p • t, / L 1.. F? O O 4 I i to t1) (V Q W W W u? 1. Q:1 1 tr, 01 tn in 5 , Z i ti E` a s \ Y Y ?tnW V W a•1•`, 21 . N MATC-,H UAlE STA. 10t300-L- Jay s O 0 3 a m a19 Zr i DIVISION OF HI,CHWAYS NORTHAMPTON COUNTY 8.1100101 ( B-1300 ) Replacement of BR #65 on US-258 blw the Roanoke River and SR 1107 C No. 2 Overflow Structure ) SCALE AS SHOWN CNFT'T 2 of S cr_nT t nn. ' ? Ol MATCH LIN Es?J ID+300-L- n . + J LL Q- I 11 Do Q+ Z? (2 J J fl 0 0 a 0- 1 ' w I 1 ?? J I o a I I ? R I z I I g I I 3? I a I C1 LLI I rQ I ; I I ? I i ; 1 O { 1 1 w I M Z 1 - J L u? OI ? a i cs' \ C A- ' + ? OG \ I I - ?? 1 - . 1 I ? r , Q I a I ' o o U) I p tQ ' n N + 2 !i _ -° a I 4 a I ? 1- I z l i s ?? I u, . + + W QQ0 N ? ? i cXQ ? ' p w i I 0 -LI J w 1 I t` i i W ' I Ck +N _ QTC,H LINE ? ~ z ? u l? ? ° Uj _, - E E I _ + `J IJ4 4 T ' a ~ 0 n a G O U ?- ?j lWL1 - -J 0 O W Z W' ? W .a CC) N U4 J lu J =1 I =1 ?I J ?- J 4 ?. a. C5 '? N.C. DEPT. OF ISRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGIIWAYS NORTHAMPTON COUNTY 8.1100101 C B-1300 ) Replacement of BR #65 on US-258 b/w the Roanoke River and SR 1107, C No. 2 Overflow Structure ) SCALE AS SHOWN SHEET ';; of S SEPT. 1994 r i r ? o al a I Q S \ti a Z N J ? f Q f 3 fl r uu w -. Q a9 0 ? -o N `n Q +? J O U1 I > 3 I <? i 1 ( I I i Q ---+3 --- - Li I V W ? cry ? -o -?I -4 i d1 I J N ! N CA z i 0 o Q. vU) _j p 0.Q :k w 3 L Uj a? rUJ ? u (J) U1 i? W C) 7 J U t z j o u_ Uj cc a a l w W a .O + I . . ` ? N"? KZ 2 N.C. DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF I11dHWAYS NORTHAMPTON COUNTY 8.1100101 C B-1300 ) Replacement of BR #65 on US-258 b!w the Roanoke River and SR 1107 t No. 2 Overflow Structure ) SCALE AS SHOWN SHEET _ of 5 SEPT. 1994 ADDRESSES 1. Union Camp Corporation c/o Monroe Jones P.O. Box 178 Franklin, VA 23831 SUMMARY Ha cu.m 1. Permanent Fill in Wetlands............ 0.8130 250 2. Temporary Fill in Wetlands............ 0.2100 8150 3. Total Fill in Wetlands ................ 0.2230 8400 4. Permanent Fill Below O.H.W:........... - 50 5. Temporary Fill below O.H.W. .......... - 45 6. Total Fill bel ow O.H.W. .............. - 95 N.C. DEPT. OF TRAIkSPORTATION ? DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS NORTHAMPTON COUNTY 8.1100101 < B-1300 ) Replacement of BR 965 on US-258 b/v the Roanoke River and SR 1107 C No. 2 Overflow Structure ) e i SCALE AS SHOWN SHEET of .5 SEPT. 1994 State of North Carolina IF Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources • • Division of Environmental Management James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary E H N F1 A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director Division of Environmental Management August 4, 1993 MEMORANDUM To: Michelle Wagoner NCDOT Through: John DornEq From: Eric Galamb DEM Subject: Preliminary CE for Bridge 65 on US 258 Northampton County State Project DOT No. 8.1101001, TIP #13-1300 The Water Quality Section of the Division of Environmental Management would not object to a Categorical Exclusion for this project if after project completion, DOT removed the temporary fill to the pre-existing elevation and replanted with pre- construction tree species. The document should present the costs for replacing the bridge with another bridge rather than stating, "Extenuating circumstances and costs suggest another alternative". What would the permanent wetland impacts be if another bridge was installed? This project as proposed will permanently fill 0.75 acres of wetland. b1300.com P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone 919-733-7015 FAX 919-733-2496 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post-consumer paper Northampton County, US 258 Bridge No. 65 over Roanoke River Overflow State Project No. 8.1101001 Federal-Aid Project BRSTP-258(3) I.D. No. B-1300 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION AND N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS APPROVED: Date L. J. Ward, P. E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch, Date Nicholas L. Graf, P. E. Division Administrator, FHWA Northampton County, US 258 Bridge No. 65 over Roanoke River Overflow State Project No. 8.1101001 Federal-Aid Project BRSTP-258(3) I.D. No. B-1300 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION June 1993 Documentation Prepared at William G. Daniel & Associates, P. A. by: Thomas McCloskey Project Engineer Thomas R. Hepler, P.E. Project Manager For The North Carolina Department of Transportation: L. Gail Grimes, P.E., Unit Head Consulting Engineering Unit E. Michelle Wagoner Project Planning Engineer Northampton County, US 258 Bridge No. 65 over Roanoke River Overflow State Project No. 8.1101001 Federal-Aid Project BRSTP-258(3) I.D. No. B-1300 Bridge No. 65 has been included in the Federal-Aid Bridge Replacement location is shown in Figure 1. No substantial environmental impacts are of this action. The project has been classified as a Federal "categorical e; 1. The i as a result All standard procedures and measures, including best management practice l, will be implemented to avoid or minimize environmental impacts. No special or u 'que environmental commitments are necessary. 11. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS Bridge No. 65 should be replaced at the existing location with a pre-cast box culvert as shown by Alternate 1 in Figure 2. Preliminary hydrographic studies indicate that a single barrel 12-foot wide culvert should be provided. The length of the culvert should be adequate 1 24-foot roadway section with eight foot shoulders (four feet paved), the ty to be provided throughout the project limits. The grade of the existing ro,- retained. Bridge construction should be "clustered" with nearby projects B-1299 and will be maintained on-site during the construction period by providing a tei the east side of the existing structure. The estimated cost of the project, based on current prices, is $858,000. the project, as shown in the 1993 - 1999 Transportation Improvement I concrete y 10-foot high box accommodate a al section that is wav is to be 1307. Traffic orarv detour on estimated cost of m, is $1,250,000. III. EXISTING CONDITIONS US 258 is classified as a rural minor arterial route in the Statewide Functic System and is included as a part of the Federal Aid System. In the vicinit) US 258 has 32-foot pavement width (24-foot travelway and four foot paves total shoulder width is eight feet. Vertical alignment is generally flat. Ho in a tangent. The structure is situated 20 feet above the creek bed. The ap embankments ranging up to 16 feet above natural ground. Land use in the of the bridge is primarily woodland and farmland. Speed limit is 55 mph. The current traffic volume of 2800 VPD is expected to increase to by the year 2015. The projected volume includes 5 % truck-tractor 7% dual-tired vehicles (DTT). The existing bridge (see Figure 3) was constructed in 1923. The supm reinforced concrete deck on I-beams. The substructure is composed of caps, on H-piles. Overall length is 396 feet. Clear roadway width is 26 feet. The posted for single vehicles and legal limit for trucks with trailers. An underground fiber optic cable is located to the west of the existing underground telephone cable is located to the east. aal Classification of the bridge, shoulders). The izontal alignment is proaches are on immediate vicinity y 5500 VPD (TTST) and consists of a ;d concrete limit is 28 tons , and an Bridge No. 65 has a sufficiency rating of 49.3 compared to a rating of 1001for a new structure. Five accidents were reported near Bridge No. 65 during the period from April 30, 1992. Coordination with local school officials indicated no school bus trips over IV. ALTERNATIVE Several replacement alternatives were considered for Bridge No. 74. The alternative would eventually necessitate closure of the bridge. This is not traffic service provided by US 258. "Rehabilitation" of the old bridge is i age and deteriorated condition. The recommended alternative for Bridge replacement with a 12-foot wide by 10-foot high reinforced concrete box 1 approximately 80 feet in length. The roadway approaches should be 32 ft feet travelway and four foot paved shoulders) with a total shoulder width existing. Since the existing alignment is tangent, the only prudent alignin replacement of the existing structure on the present alignment. Traffic wi 1, 1989 to bridge. do-nothing" udent due to the it feasible due to its o. 65 is of pavement (24 eight feet to match t alternative is be maintained on- 10 site during the construction period due to the high traffic volumes and the lack of a suitable detour route. Two on-site detour alternatives were studied for the replacement of Bridge o 65. The temporary detour for each alternate employs a 60 inch reinforced concrete ipe to carry the drainage during construction. The approach roadway, for the detour, will list of 20 feet of travelway with six foot shoulders The detour alternates are as follows: Alternate I (Recommended) consists of maintaining traffic on-site with a structure immediately east of the existing bridge (see Figure 2). Alternate 2 consists of maintaining traffic on-site with a temporary detour immediately west of the existing bridge. V. ESTIMATED COST Estimated costs of the proposed bridge replacement and two detour (Recommended) Alt. I (East Detou: Structure Permanent Roadway Approaches Temporary Detour Structure Temporary Detour Structure Removal Engineering & Contingencies Right-of-Way, Utilities Total Design Speed Alt. 2 detour are as follows. $66,500 $66,500 37,000 37,000 6,000 6,000 572,500 572,500 66,000 66,000 105,000 105,000 5,000 5,000 $858,000 $858,000 60 mph VI. RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS Bridge No. 65 should be replaced at its existing location with a pre-cast i box culvert, incorporating an on-site detour constructed to the east of the shown by Alternate 1 in Figure 2. 60 mph rced concrete ing roadway, as Widening to the east side was chosen due to the additional cost of relocatin# the fiber optic cable located on the west side of the roadway. According to a preliminary hydraulic study, a one barrel 12-foot wide by 1 -foot high reinforced concrete box culvert will accommodate the flow of the Roanoke River overflow at this point. The elevation of the new crossing is expected to be approximately the same as the elevation to the existing bridge. The structure dimensions will be assessed, as necessary, during final design. The recommended improvement will include about 500 feet of improved n The roadway approaches should be 32 feet of pavement (24 feet travelway shoulders) with a total shoulder width of eight feet to match existing. VII. NATURAL RESOURCES On December 17, 1992, Gary B. Blank and Richard R. Braham visited the to verify documented information and gather field data for a thorough asses impacts incurred by the alternatives being considered. Project B-1300 prop bridge on US 258 spanning one of the sloughs (overflow channels) in Cypn northeastern side of the Roanoke River in Northampton County, NC. Proji constraints required assessment in late fall, so possible effects of conducting this time are discussed below. ay approaches. four foot paved ,-1300 project site ment of potential ,ses to replace a ,s Swamp on the A timing an evaluation at The investigation examined the vegetation and habitat conditions surroun ' the bridge on US 258 spanning a portion of Cypress Swamp--a complex of sloughs (overflow channels) on the northeastern side of the Roanoke River in Northampton County, NC. The ' vestigation's purpose was to (1) search for threatened and/or endangered plants, and evi rice of habitation by listed animal species (2) identify unique or prime-quality communities, ( ) describe the current vegetation and wildlife habitats, (4) delineate wetlands, and (5) pro 'de information to minimize adverse environmental effects of the proposed bridge replacement Project B-1300. Methods The project area was a circular plot with a radius of 450 feet, enclosing 14. acres. Plot center was located in the middle of the current bridge. Plant communities within this plot were delineated from aerial photographs and ground-checked on site. Fore community types follow Schafale and Weakley (1990). Within each community, a list of me ber plant species and general site description was developed on-site. Dominance (ft2/ac) of woody vegetation layers was determines} by the variable plot method (Husch et al. 1972). Dominance (percent foliar cover) of herbaceous layers or communities was determined by ocular estimation, using foliar cover guides developed by Belanger and Anderson (1989). For com unities dominated by trees, tree age, stem diameter at 4.5 feet above the ground (dbh), and t height were measured for the largest trees. Age was determined from 2-mm increment rings; dbh and height were measured using d-tape dendrometers and Abney-level hypsome rs, respectively (Wilson 1976). Ground distance was determined either by estimation on th ground or by measurement on aerial photographs, but all other measurements and all species lists were developed from on-site reconnaissance. Evidence of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife was sought on-site through clo observation of all available signs. Habitats were characterized based on plant communities, d typical wildlife communities associated with these habitats were determined. Special atten on was given to features indicative of habitat for species listed as threatened, endangered, o deserving special concern. Aquatic system features were observed at the existing bridge, upstream, and feet downstream of the existing structure. Available documentation of water q ity was reviewed (NCDEM 1989, 1991, 1993). Wetland determinations followed procedure described by the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (Environmental Lab. 19K), and wetland classification follows Cowardin et al. (1979). Plant Communities All land within the project area is naturally forested except for (1) the mowed roadsides which are about 20 feet wide (occupying 1.1 acres) and (2) the northeastern portion of the project area which is farmland planted to annual crops. Two forest communities ur: Cypress-Gum Swamp (Brownwater Subtype), a wetland community, and Coastal Plain B ttomland Hardwoods (Brownwater Subtype). These two communities are similar to aldcypress-Tupelo and Sweetgum-Willow Oak, respectively (Eyre 1980). Forests are common in Northampton County, where 211,383 acres--61 percent of the land--are forested (Thomp on 1990). Much forest acreage, 43 percent, contains sawtimber-sized trees over 9-inches db . Current county forest statistics do not distinguish between Cypress--Gum Swamp and Coasl al Plain Bottomland Hardwoods, and comparisons cannot be made. But all bottoml d communities occupy 41,635 acres--20 percent of all forest land in Northampton County (Thompson 1990). The Cypress--Gum Swamp, occupies 12.8 acres (77.5 percent) of the study area. It is all wetland, and it occurs in the slough, which will be flooded for five to eight months in years with average precipitation. In years with above average precipitation, the mmunity may be continuously flooded for 12 months. A drainage ditch, probably dug imm lately prior to logging the previous stand, runs the length of the study area on the east sid of the current bridge, but beavers (Castor canadensis) have constructed a small dam under the current bridge. This dam impounds the water into a shallow lake, raising the water level about three feet above pre-dam levels. The stand on the west side is also much younger, about 10 years old compared to about 50 years old on the east side. The Coastal Plain Bottomland Hardwoods community occupies 0.7 acres ( 5 percent) of the study area. None of this community is wetland, and it occurs upslope of th Cypress--Gum Swamp community. This community floods only for very brief periods in ears with much above average precipitation. Farmland, which occupies 1.5 acre (10 perce t) of the study area, is not discussed further in this section, since it is annually plowed or iked and planted to annual row crops, and since natural processes do not dominate. The re ' 'ng land, 1.1 acre (7.5 percent) of the study area, is occupied by the existing road and roadsides, and they will also not be discussed further in this section. Details of the two forest mmunities, as they occur in the project area, are provided below. Cypress--Gum Swamp (Brownwater Subtype)I Wetland 14 The upper canopy of the Cypress--Gum Swamp community contains baldc ress CLxodium distic li ), water tupelo (Nxssa aquati), swamp blackgum ( Nyssagvlvatic var. i , overcup oak (Quercus lv?, swamp cottonwood (PgpWushh?rop lla), d red maple (Ater rubram). Carolina ash (Fraxinus carolinian American elm ( ), and laurel oak (Quercus laurifoli a} forma lower canopy. Mistletoe (Ph n r rotinum) grows on several of the red maple. Canopy dominance averages about 140 (acre. The tallest trees are baldcypress, measuring 90 feet and .50 years old. The widest trees are laurel oak, measuring 19-inches dbh. A few large decaying cypress stumps about 42-inches in diameter occur scattered in the understory. These stumps persist from the f rmer stand that was regenerated in about 1942. The presence of several multiple-stemmed ees, indicates that some trees of the current stand sprouted from cut stumps of the previous s d. The small tree layer contains musclewood (Caoigus caroliniana) and possu haw (11@x d i . The shrub layer contains Virginia-willow (Itea virginica), and ruumyberry (Viburnum nudum) Shrubs generally grow in drier microsites, especially on small hummocks, tree bases, and fallen logs. Foliar cover of the shrub layer averages five rcent. The ground layer is sparse, owing to the long hydroperiod that limits the gr and cover to tree bases, fallen logs, old stumps, and small, raised microsites. Foliar cover is enerally less than five percent, except for the spoil bank from the drainage canal where cover averages 75 percent. It is composed of false-nettle (Boehmeria cy ' drica), lizard's tail Saur-uruscernuus), seedbox (Lubin sp.), netted chainfern (Woodw ardia areolata), panic gra s (Panicum sp.), and uniola grass ( nil sp.). Coastal Plain Bottomland Hardwoods I Non-WetlgaQ. The upper canopy of the Coastal Plain Bottomland Hardwoods contains sw tgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), cherrybark oak ( c var. a d' I' ), persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), and sugarberry ( 1 is 1 ). The lower canopy contains laurel oak ( ercus urifali), red maple (Acerb), merican elm (Ulmus americana), and ash (Fraxinus sp.). Dominance of the overstory a rages 140 ft2/acre, consisting mostly of sweetgum, sugarberry, and oak. The tallest ees are sweetgums, measuring 90 feet and 50 years old. The widest trees were sw tgums and laurel oak, both measuring about 18-inches dbh. The shrub/small tree layer contains possumhaw (Ilex decidua), American h lly (Ilex crpacal, privet (Ligustrum sing-n- and musclewood (C Wus oliniana). Foliar ver of this layer is low, about 10 percent. The ground layer contains Japanese honeysuckle ni er laWnica), greenbriers (Smilax bona-nox and a. rotundifoIi , poison-ivy (T xi n radi"nsj, rattlesnake fern (Botrychium virginianum), trumpet creeper ( Campsis i ), cross-vine (An sos 'chus reolata), sedge (Cam sp.), and spike grass latifolium). Foliar cover of the ground layer averages about 25 percent, Japanese honeysuckle and spike grass. Wildlife (General) Cypress-Gum swamp and Coastal Plain bottomland hardwoods dominate th site, but conditions on either side of US 258 differ markedly. Upstream th landowner has established extensive ( > 100 acres) young, bottomland hart A beaver (Castor canadensi.) dam beneath the existing bridge has created a upstream, backing water into the lower portions of these stands. Downstre drainage pattern flows through a band of nearly mature cypress-gum forest feet wide. Areas north and south of this mature stand have recently been c According to Dickson et al. (1980), six songbird species may be abundant cypress forest habitat: Yellow-billed cuckoo (CyCCT amedom), Acw (Empidonax vi tens}, Tufted titmouse (Pares bigQLQ1), Carolina wren (-I ludovicianus), Red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivacm), Cardinal (CardinaW care woodpecker (Pi pubescm) are also probably common here, and an( songbirds may be present or regular visitors to such forests {Dickson et al. kingfisher (Megacervle ln) frequents this particular stand and was agg its territory during our visit. Large wading bird tracks were observed in s downstream of the bridge. In young oak-hickory stands the following songbird species are usually abi al. 1980): Yellow-breasted chat (Ic n virgins), Indigo bunting (Passer sided towhee (i i o e1 throphthalmus), Field sparrow (591 1?lla Ila), (D r is di Ior . Cardinal (Cardinals carding i ), Common flicker (i Golden-winged warbler {Vermivora r}?ryso tt r?), Hooded warbler (Wilsoa headed cowbird (MolothruS t r , American goldfinch (C dwells testis} n Winter examination considerably reduces opportunities for observing herl populations are usually abundant in such habitats. Little evidence of man observed due to the exceedingly wet conditions, but a possum carcass lay course the beaver dam dominates this site. Physical Resources The terrain in this portion of the Roanoke River floodplain features an exte swamps and sloughs, oxbows, and shallow drains. Geologically, the projt Cape Fear Formation, Cretaceous-aged sediments of sandstone and muddy Coastal Plain physiographic region (Brown 1985). The 40 foot contour lir the separation between upland and bottomland, and except for the road car embankment, the project area lies between 35 and 40 feet. mostly of B-1300 project industrial wood plantations. large impoundment im, a braided approximately 600 mature oak-gum- a flycatcher Wrl'._s). Downy ier 35 species of 980). A Belted ssively protecting eral locations ant (Dickson et nom), Rufous- Prairie warbler aRto aumw' citrina), Brown- be common. species, but their ,I activity was the road and of led series of area lies on the mdstone of the generally marks ructed on an The modern soil survey for Northampton County due to be published in 19 3 is not yet available. But being close to the Bertie County line, this project appears or ? the northwestern- most plate (#1) from that survey. Two soil associations dominate in lowest areas of the landscape: Dorovan-Bibb-Johnston or Wehadkee-Chewacla (Tant et al. 1990). In either case, they are hydric soils, nearly level and poorly drained. Differences in drain e are a matter of slight degree. The Dorovan-Bibb-Johnston soils have a "mucky surface la r with sandy underlying material or a loamy surface layer and loamy and sandy underly' g material." Wehadkee-Chewacla soils "have a loamy surface layer and a loamy subsoil " Samples taken on site had sandy underlying material, indicating that the so' is either Bibb or Johnston, which are mapped together in the survey and appear to occupy the drains in this portion of the floodplain. Aquatic Resources The effective drainage basin above the B-1300 project site is immense, as a Roanoke River begins in the Southern Appalachian Mountains in Montgomery County, Vii nia. Entering North Carolina in northeastern Warren County, it flows southeasterly befor entering Albemarle Sound at Bachelor Bay. Beginning in the mountains and flowin through the Piedmont, water in the Roanoke River carries silt and clay sediments, so flik river is classified as a red water river. Before flood control structures were built on the Roanoke, much of this bot mland flooded at least briefly, especially in winter and spring. Sloughs are normally hydrol ically unique, because water moves both ways depending upon water level in the river. At times of low water, water moves from the slough into the river, but at times of high wa r, water moves from the river into the slough. Since 1952 river flow has been more-or-le stabilized. Natural flooding and sedimentation in the river have been greatly reduced, movement of water in these sloughs is unidirectional, from Cypress Slough to the river. The waters of Cypress Slough are classified as C, which means the water is suitable for agricultural, fish, and wildlife propagation but not for direct contact recrea on and human consumption (NCDEM 1993). The nearest BMAN site, in the Roanoke Ri er Overflow at Scotland Neck, was given a "Fair" rating in both 1985 and 1987 (NCDEM 1989, 1991). According to the report, however, the river at that site is three meters deep 80 meters wide, and has a sand substrate. Such conditions are totally different from what curs at the B-1300 site (Table 1), so the nearest BMAN rating should not be considered indi( Table 1. Stream Characteristics Observed At B-1300 Crossing. Observation Point Downstream Upstream Substrate Sand and mud Sand and mud Current Flow sluggish sluggish Channel width (ft) 8.0 Variable Bank Height (it) 1.0 .5 to 1.5 Water Depth (ft) 1.5 variable Water Color Cloudy Clear, dark Water Odor None Sulfur odor wh en disturbed Aquatic Vegetation None Duckweed Adjacent Vegetation Grasses and juncus Cypress-gum Wetlands Associated Flooded Flooded Jurisdictional Topics Wetlands The extensive wetland surrounding the B-1300 project can be characterized palustrian system dominated by cypress-gum and associated bottomland har actuall y part of the larger riverine system drained and seasonally flooded b` River. Flood control decisions at reservoirs upstream typically affect the p duration of flooding in the lower Roanoke watershed. Observed in the don water table was at the surface in the undisturbed forest east of the highway. occupies a 600-foot wide slough that features many flooded depressions alo channel. Due to the flat gradient, flow through this system is sluggish but main channel. With the vegetation between the forest and highway control: area begins about fifty feet east of the pavement. Soils here are dark, fully saturated Bibb or Johnston as indicated above. color sampled on this site was 2.5 YR 4l2. Protected Species Under federal law, any federal action which is likely to result in a negative protected plants and animals is subject to review by the US Fish and Wildli (USFWS) under one or more provisions of the Endangered Species Act (E; the case of state-funded action, where federal wetland permits are likely to example, the USFWS can require consultation to insure that the proposed a jeopardize any endangered, threatened or protected species. Even in the at actions, the USFWS has the power, through provisions of Section 9 of the s a forested woods. It is the Roanoke iodicity and ant season, the This forest g one primary )t stagnant in the d, the forested Munsell soil ipact to federally Service i of 1973. In required, for on does not ice of federal A, to exercise jurisdiction on behalf of a protected plant or animal. The USFWS and oth4 agencies also exercise jurisdiction in this resource area in accordance with Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 USC 661 et seq). laws are also designed to protect certain plants and animals where statewid, decline. r wildlife resource ie Fish and North Carolina populations are in FedemUy Listed Species The US Fish and Wildlife Service Raleigh Field Office has identified only a Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) and Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) endangered species occurring in Northampton County ( Mignogne letter 12111/1992). Each of these is discussed below; neither was observed. Bald eagles ( i to leucocephalus) typically require large bodies of % fish populations and roosting habitat in proximity to this food supply (Lu According to Luukkonen et al., "good perch trees are the most important forest stands for eagles." Eagles appear to prefer large, open-crowned pE roost habitat requires large trees with open structures at low densities. As evidenced in the discussion above, such conditions do not exist within close enough to the project limits to require further consideration of this Red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoide s or s) (RCW) nesting colonies usi mature pine (preferably Longleaf) stands with open understories, contiguou pines dominate the surrounding forest to provide suitable foraging habitat. consists of pine or pine-hardwood (50 percent or more pine) stands 30 year (Henry 1989). Although some colonies may be found in pine stands where encroachment has occurred, this situation is relatively rare. As was noted in the discussion of plant communities, habitat suitable for does not occur in or anywhere close to the study area. No pines were of corridor. State Listed Species The NC Natural Heritage Program indicates that it has no records of any 1 proximity to this site, though there are records from the nearby Bull Neck 1/12/93). Unique and/or Prime-Quality Habitat. No unique and/or prime quality habi during the field survey. Occupying 20 percent of all forest land, both forest common in Northampton County (Thompson 1990). Both forest communiti sawtimber-sized trees over 9-inches dbh, but 43 percent of the forests in N( are classified as sawtimber (Thompson 1990). No individual, very-large or with abundant men et al. 1989). ra.cteristics of trees, and eagle project area nor illy occur in with areas where Suitable habitat of age or older" nidstory hardwood colonization in the species in up (Kelly letter it was observed, communities are contain mpton County -old trees occur within the study area. Closing US 258 during construction is not a feasible alternative since traf: and no practical offsite detour exists. Because an on-site detour is requirt one of examining how the existing structure will be replaced and which si the preferable location for a temporary structure. Arguably, the soundest alternative is to replace the current bridge with another bridge. Extenuati costs suggest another alternative. The proposed replacement action will install a 12-foot wide by 10-foot hij carry the present flow. The culvert will be covered with fill 80 feet wide somewhat wider than the existing causeway due to required pavement and the new construction. Thus, 0.75 acres of wetland will be rmanenti fi studies indicate that since t e current n a-e=:F ?-ar Ilibefore the river, the proposed structural change would not result in water flooding regimes. However, resident beaver populations will probably fmd such construction own dam-building needs, with predictable consequences. A culvert could raise the height of their current dam, flooding additional bottomland upstrc in flooded portions of the hardwood plantations. From an environmental standpoint, placing a detour on the upstream (west) bridge would be preferable, since less mature forest would have to be clear, temporary detour to the east is proposed because a fiber-optic cable is burie highway. The temporary detour would result in a temporary filling of less wetland. Material would remain in place six to nine months and will be rei project completion. Forest loss would be temporary because the trees woul regenerate after removal of the fill material provided the area is not regular mowing. The long-term effect will be creation of younger forest of the sar. Accelerated soil erosion can occur during construction and, generally, acre contributes to soil loss. Without proper controls, eroded sediments are def clog and restrict drainage, and smother aquatic organisms, especially botta bottom-reproducing species. These effects are largely avoidable if suitable control erosion during construction. To keep erosion at acceptable levels d Best Management Practices will be followed. Ruts and soil compaction caused by operating machinery in the forested bott create small water impoundments by restricting water movement. Because vegetation is extremely sensitive to changes in the depth and duration of floc impoundments could cause existing trees to die or fail to regenerate adequaN taken to restrict vehicles and other machinery from operating within the bott drainage regimes, to which the current vegetation is adapted, are preserved. volume is high the issue becomes of the highway is circumstances and box culvert to the toe of slope, ?oulder width for d. Hydrologic .ood controls on under current :er suits their w the beavers to and killing trees de of the current . However, a west of the an 1.5 acres of )ved following naturally disturbed by type. a erosion i downstream, elling and is taken to construction, could ag, sma=ll . Care must be Hand, so natural Permit Coordination A permit will not be required from the Corps of Engineers because the Nat onwide Section 404 permit provisions for Categorical Exclusion are applicable, and the provisions of 33 CFR 330.5 (b) and 330.6 will be followed. A 401 Water Quality Certification, administered through the North Caro ' Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources (NCDEHNR), will be requir . This certificate is issued for any activity which may result in a discharge into waters for w 'ch a federal permit is required. Erosion and sedimentation control measures will be strictly enforced during construction to minimize unnecessary impacts to stream and wetland ecosystems. Best m agement practices will also be implemented. Compensatory wetland mitigation is not required under a Nationwide Pe ' . The temporary impacts predicted as a result of an on-site detour do not permanently alter a wetland functions in evidence at this site. Thus, area permanently filled and therefo a no longer functioning as wetland will be very small. Literature Cited Belanger, R.P., and R.L. Anderson. 1989. A guide for visually assessing rown densities of loblolly and shortleaf pines. USDA For. Ser., Southeast For Exp, ta. Res Note SE- 352. Brown, P. M. 1985. Geologic map of North Carolina. Div. of Land Res., r ept. of Natl. Res. and Community Dev., Raleigh, NC. Cowardin, L. M., V. Carter, F. C. Golet, and E. T. LaRoe. 1979. Classi cation of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States. FWS/OBS-79131. Fis and Wildlife Service, U.S. Dept of Interior: Washington, D.C. 103 p. Dickson, J. G., R. N. Conner, and J. H. Williamson. 1980. Relative abundance of breeding birds in forest stands in the southeast. Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers wetlands delinea ' manual. Technical Report Y-87-1, U. S. Army Engineer Waterways Expert ent Station, Vicksburg MS. Eyre, F.H. (Ed.) 1980. Forest cover types of the United States and Canada Soc. of Amer. For., Washington, DC. 148 p., map. Henry, V. G. 1989. Guidelines for Preparation of Biological Assessments for the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, GA. 13 p. and appendices. Husch, B., C. I. Miller, and T. W. Beers. 1972. Forest mensuration. The NY. 410 p. Evaluations heast Region, Press Co., Luukkonen, D. R.; T. J. Smith; D. N. Chester; J. D. Fraser; and D. F. S uffer. 1989. Ecology, habitat and management of bald eagles at B. Everett Jordan Lake, North Carolina. Project Final Report. Dept. Fisheries and Wildlife Scien s, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA. NCDEM. 1989. Benthic macroinvertebrate ambient network (BMAN) wa r quality review 1983-1988. Water Quality Tech. Rept. No. 89-08. NC Dept. of E V., Health, and Nat. Res., Div. Env. Mgt., Water Qual. Sect., Raleigh, NC. NCDEM. 1991. Biological assessment of water quality in North Carolina eams: benthic macroinvertebrate data base and long term changes in water quality, 1983-1990. NC Dept. of Env., Health, and Nat. Res., Div. Env. Mgt., Water Qual. Sect., Raleigh, NC. NCDEM. 1990. Classifications and water quality standards assigned to the waters of the Roanoke River Basin. NC Dept. Envir. Health, and Nat. Res.: Ral igh, North Carolina. Schafale, M. P. and A. S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the natural co munities of North. Carolina, Third Approximation. N. C. Natl. Heritage Prog., Div. f Parks and Recreation, N. C. Dept. of Environ., Health, and Natl. Res., Ralei 325 p. Tant, P. L., R. H. Ranson, J. A. Gagnon, E. W. Mellete, I. M. Allen, anW. A. Hayes, Jr. 1990. Soil survey of Bertie County, North Carolina. USDA Soil Cc?nservation Service Thompson, M. T. 1990. Forest Statistics for the Northern Coastal Plain of Vorth Carolina, 1990. USDA, For. Serv., Southeast. For. Expt. Sta. Res. Bul SE-1 3. 52 p. Webster, W. D.; J. D. Parnell; and W. C. Biggs, Jr. 1985. Mammals of a Carolinas, Virginia, and Maryland. Univ. of North Carolina Press: Chapel Hip, NC. 255 p. Wilson, R. L. 1976. Elementary forest surveying and mapping. Oregon Stake Univ. Book Stores, Inc., Corvallis. 1 p. VIII. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS The project is expected to have an overall positive impact. Replacement of?an inadequate bridge will result in safer traffic operations. The project is considered to be a Federal "categorical exclusion" due to its limited scope and insignificant environmental consequences. The bridge replacement will not have a significant adverse effect on the q .ty of the human or natural environment with the use of current NCDOT standards and sped ications, and best management practices. The project is not in conflict with any plan, existing land use, or zoning re ulation. No significant change in land use is expected to result from construction of the Project. No adverse impact on families or communities is anticipated. Right-of-wa acquisition will be limited. No relocation a expected with implementation of the proposed ternative. r An underground teipphone able will have to be relocated due to the recom ended temporary detour. The overall conflicts for the project are considered low. No adverse effect on public facilities or services is expected. The project i not expected to adversely affect social, economic, or religious opportunities in the area. Since the bridge is to be replaced in its present location, the project is Farmland Protection Policy Act. This project is subject to compliance with Section 106 of the National Histc Act of 1966, as amended, implemented by the advisory council on Historic Regulations for Compliance with Section 106, codified at 36 CFR Part 800 requires that if a federally funded, licensed, or permitted project has an eff{ listed on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, the Advisc Historic Preservation be given an opportunity to comment. The existing bridge, built in 1923, is the only structure in the project area. reviewed by the State Historic Preservation Officer and determined not to National Register; therefore, no further compliance with Section 106 is ret The State Historic Preservation Officer has also reviewed the project and determined that . The project does not involve any Section 4(f) properties. There are no 3 historic sites, recreational facilities or wildlife and waterfowl refuges of significance in the vicinity of the project. from the c Preservation reservation's Section 106 on a property Council on The structure was eligible for the aspects of the wned parks, state or local The project is located with the Northern Piedmont Air Quality Control Re air quality for Northampton County has been determined to be in complia Ambient Air Quality Standards. Since this project is located in an area w implementation Plan (SIP) does not contain any transportation control me conformity procedures of 23 CFR 770 do not apply to this project. The project will not substantially increase traffic volumes. Therefore, its im levels and air quality will be insignificant. Noise levels could increase durin will be temporary. If vegetation is disposed of by burning, all burning shall accordance with applicable local laws and regulations of the North Carolina in compliance with 15 NCAC 2D.0520. This evaluation completes the asses requirements of FHPM 7-7-3 (highway traffic noise) and FHPM 7-7-9 (air c additional reports are required. An examination of records at the North Carolina Department of Environmer Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Management, Groundwater S North Carolina Department of Human Resources, Solid Waste Management with an on-site exploration, revealed no underground storage tanks or hazan the project area. Northampton County is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Regul approximate 100-year floodplain in the project area is shown in Figure 4. floodplain area to be affected is not considered to be significant. There are alternatives to crossing the floodplain area.. All reasonable measures will t minimize any possible harm. On the basis of the above discussion, it is concluded that no serious adverse effects will result from implementation of the project. i. The ambient with the National the State -es. the Lct on noise construction but e done in P for air quality ) and no Health and Lion and the action, combined is waste sites in Program. The amount of practical taken to B-1300 BRI GE NO. 65 NORTHAMPTON COUNTY NORTH APPROACH SOUTH APPROACH Si E VIEW FIGURE 3 -71 r \ \ •` ?;? ` i !`n I '? '` 1.1 i \ ?, ?. (di ?'"?b9•-4{_^•? ?" _? elm - _•-- _?`„ / - -:._ '._ _ ` ? _,...... ts'1 ;nz 258 u I 561 7G it , I it a? v. J s 1 s' C .1 \ \ r. u'• •% __= o Q.vnvo!C S\ .1 l\\ tiff: ... 1 1 •1 t it •I: ,• O - E i I Y• I ` ` \??'' .. •.<? % X45--???\? '.?.? / ?": %:: `. _ . c Sp . - °,, ,\ ?- rViii ii:ii rr..=c ... .... ,:?.r?= .• , ='v. :?::?'?':"µ' art: ?E • ??':' )\? ? +??:':.:ti/ a :\ \ \ - - - •-?-• :?• : \. • ? -? ...::: ? 100- YEAR FL D. \ r.L i •::e:•... .v. \ k. -N r!Y.. ?-•• - 'ter V \\' ... .,?:;::•:: ?•?:: ? . Rio GE NO. 6v ,,:... 1 yyr,•i ., .:..:• 1 . •. _- Q - 1 V x: =' -:?:v:?::::•:b:::t.;: .:ASS; :: .;v::•i:•:::• •?;: •:::.; ; - :•.i'ri:•s?; :?:j;•;•i:;?;:::; -mn :: ?;.:.::... :: w :•:: . BREDGE N10. 64 y ::; ? ?;•:: .. .• .::-: ::::_;.:::•:::::?:.:.. -.? ORMAI'iPTON COUNT) ' `j•4-.?-?n}?? -:;?'y`:N••.. :?;'••: :tea. .:: .v. •:V::::.•.;-:: J.`-; :':::::: :::.:': ::: :': " :. ?V:?.•''? -. - _ -. _ I FIGURE 41, Bryontcwn 1 1109 8 '-O 1114 44 1113 ''•' ' 1.0 ?b co / 1109 1117 . •:'Y Creek 1108 \`ti 4 RICH SQUARE 1136 ppp 1057 1 - ??r?4'9e,s r?s .0 1553 ? `•??i FAP 308 \ 5 1104 HALIFAX I NORTHAMPTON .o COUNTY COUNTY 110: ?s . 1107 ? ? -: is Y:{. •: '•. O O 258 (1106 .r-/--- 1 . ?/ Pleas t Hill 6 argarettsvi lle Henrico Vul tares Gasto r d8 88 Sevem •'Hrhr?.n- _ 6 Seab and Cs?' d ?p? umber Pendlet 35 I R nr Galatia? ?Sf :GSrysbur Conway ( 158 158 RT AMPTON 5 10 Milwaukee g )a k ?1 Potecasi 7 I K + Lasker _.•- `I 258 ll •?Woodlan George ` 5 ! ryt 35 v ntown c 561 Z Rich Srruar 7 ? NOR CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TR SPORTATION HWAYS DIVI IONS OF HIG w PLA? G AND ENVIRONMENTAL BR CH NORT AMPTON COUNTY RIDGE NO. 65 ON 258/NC 561 OVER ROANO E RIVER OVERFLOW B-1300 0 mile 1 FIG.I B-1300 BRIDGE NO. 65 NORTHAMPTON COUNTY NORTH APPROACH SOUTH APPROACH ,E VIEW FIGURE 3 - __ _ '_ _ :..• vim:,'' ...:.?',.?' :J.'; ; :"::.-e'. _ -r 6. .. A-Z ?:,,,•: •.Y? ?m \1, \% ? O •111 i \ :?1a F9: .Ay -•:\.'Q':,•µ:•ia¢y?':;: \ kyv" Idaoou uvaA-OoI -- p• °II 7 1 3 • .?Y C l r rr. 11 I \ r 1 1 1 ?\ 1 I 1 ^ \ 1 - 1 = .7. it I 1 1 1 l I r; a n / u '"r • c \ I t I 1 "Y^ I \_ 1 ?• II / a li I • 11 ? • li.?? U v 'r{: ?.? 11 r:::.• :ri:: t... ::.:...t: 11' \? :i'•??: ;rt ?,'?.':• ? •'N.^:'"?:: ter: •• - ._ ??T'- _ / • '•• . "? '•..10:.:,:.x,..• ,?-. 'M'- ..?' ? / • i n 85Z t95 ??? "?. ps ' :^d,;,, _? _•w•- .,m- ^*' --.u- L "` ?"...- N ? •- _ - Z? _;t f / Wei. 211 ,Y STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS Gi GOVERNOR 113 Airport Drive Suite 100 P.O. Box 850 Edenton, NC 27932 March 3, 1997 Mr. Eric Alsmeyer, Regulatory Project Manager U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Branch Raleigh Regulatory Field Office 6512 Falls of the Neuse Road, Suite 105 Raleigh, NC 27615 ?s Zy? D B. GA JR. U SECRETARY RECEIVED NO 05 1997 -'NV1R01V%VTq SCIFN SUBJECT: Request for Modification of Department of the Army Permit o. 198200031 for Bridge No. 65 in Northhampton County, TIP to. B-9300; State Project No. 8.1101001 Dear Mr. Alsmeyer: Item a. of the special conditions of the subject permit states: "Constr ction and restoration activities will not occur within waters of the United States, includi g wetlands, from February 1 through June 30 of any year. The proposed deto r fill and pipe culvert at Bridge No. 65 (TIP B-1300) may remain in place over the res rictive period; however, no active construction or restoration will take place over thi period." The purpose of this request is to allow for resumption of normal, safe traffic flows across the new bridge structure. All structural work will be completed o/a March 14, 1997. Traffic resumption at design speeds can only be restored following th installation of guard rails along both sides of the approachways. Guard rail on the detour side of the roadway cannot be installed until the temporary fills have been removed. The contractor anticipates that all miscellaneous work including a proachway paving and installation of guard rail on opposite side of roadway from detour will be completed by April 11, 1997. BeNveen April 11 and April 25 detour fill mate ial above wetland elevations can be removed. The contractor has further indicated that, with regulatory authorization, the temporary fills within the wetland can be removed during the week of April 25 through May 2. Guardrail installation can then be completed o/a May 16, following which normal, safe traffic flows can be restored. Reforestation efforts can be accomplished between November 15 and December 1, 1997. Based upon the desirability to shift from a "Work Zone" to a normal traffic pattern, it is requested that the permit be modified to allow for removal of temporary fills in the wetland from April 25 through May 2, 1997. Phone: (9 19) 482-7977 Fax: (919) 482-3826 Courier: 10-62-26 t -At Page 2 March 3, 1997 Mr. Alsmeyer I have consulted with Ms. Sara Winslow, Biological Supervisor with t e Division of Marine Fisheries, and she has indicated willingness to modify the morato ium to permit this activity so long as certain safeguards are put in place. Theses eguards are: 1. Strict maintenance of sedimentation controls; including silt fenci g etc. 2. Site visit with DMF the week preceding proposed work to confr the level of water in the wetland area. 3. Daily phone coordination with the DMF office each morning of t proposed work week to confirm that water from the river has not reached t e work site. A representative of the Resident Engineer, or the contractor will ake a cell phone report to the Division Environmental Officer at 8:00 A. M. ach morning. This report will consist of a water surface elevation at he work zone, read directly from a pre-set, graduated rod or stake. The ocation of this graduated device will be approved by the DMF during the re- construction field review. The Department feels that these safeguards are reasonable and will insure that knowledge of unanticipated water releases upstream of the site in the Roa oke River; or major storm events is made available to the DMF so that that agency can roperiy evaluate the risks to the important fishery resources. Please call me if you have any questions or comments. Thank and assistance in this important matter. Sincerely, M. Randall Turner. Division Environmental 1 Planning & Environmental Branch-Division cc: Ms. Sara Winslow, NCDMF Mr. David Cox, NCWRC Mr. Ron Sechler, NMFS VNIs. Cyndi Bell; NCDWQ Mr. John Hefner, USFWS Mr. D. R. Conner, PE., NCDOT Mr. H. Franklin Vick. RE., NCDOT for your time cer DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY WILMINGTON DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS P.O. BOX 1890 WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28402-1890 REPLY TO ATTENTION OF January 31, 1997 Regulatory Branch SUBJECT: for-1r1Ds.,1.99'4b1885,199401886, and 1994011 General Permit No. 198200031 Mr. M. Randall Turner Division Environmental Officer Planning and Environmental Branch -Division 1 North Carolina Department of Transportation Division of Highways Post Office Box 850 Edenton, North Carolina 27932 Dear Mr. Turner: I030 Reference is made to our June 16, 19_? confirmin of the Army permit authorization of your proposed con replacement of Bridge No. 65 (TIP No. B-1300, State P 8.1101001), by general permit No. 198200031. The pro located on an unnamed tributary to the Roanoke River, between the Roanoke River and S.R. 1107, southwest of in Northampton County, North Carolina. The confirmat conditioned that work would not occur within waters c States, including wetlands, from February 1 through year. By your January 10, 1997 letter, you requested to allow a maximum of three days operation of a crane stream bottom between February 1 and February 15, 1991, Based on our review of the information you have coordination with the National Marine Fisheries Serv Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, we have deter proposed modification would have only a minimal adve aquatic resources. Therefore, the authorization is allow operation of a crane within the stream bottom for a maximum of three days between February 1 and F inclusive. It is understood that all conditions of t. 50' 387 and .04%, tl a? Department truction of .oj ect No. ect is on US 258 Rich Square, on was the United ne 30 of any modification in the rovided, and our e and the North ned that the e effect on the reby modified to Bridge No. 65 ruary 15, 1997, original ?? 2 authorization remain applicable, including the seas< all other activities within waters of the United Sty expiration date of the general permit is unchanged. within wetlands or on stream banks should use mats. nal restriction on tes, and that the Equipment working If you have questions, contact Mr. Eric Alsmey r, Raleigh Regulatory Field Office, telephone (919) 876-8441, Ixtension 23. Sincerely, Copies Furnished: 1 ?Lz . . O ?C Kenneth Jolly Manager, Raleigh Field Office Mr. H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation Division of Highways P.O. Box 25201 Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-5201 Mr. John Dorney Division of Environmental Management North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Post Office Box 29535 Raleigh, NC 27626-0535 Regulatory