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HomeMy WebLinkAbout19950633 Ver 1_Complete File_19950614State 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 APPROVAL of 401 Water Quality Certification Mr. Barney O'Quinn Planning and Environmental Branch NC DOT P. 0. Box 25201 Raleigh, N. C. 27626-0535 Dear Mr. O'Quinn: FILE CO,' You have our approval to place fill material in 1.11 acres of wetlands or waters for the purpose of constructing a road at Hammond Road extension, as you described in your application dated 13 June 1995. After reviewing your application, we have decided that this fill is covered by General Water Quality Certification Number 2671. This certification allows you to use Nationwide Permit Number 26 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 pen-nits 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 60 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, P son How d, Jr. P.E. Attachment cc: Wilmington District Corps of Engineers Corps of Engineers Raleigh Field Office Raleigh DEM Regional Office Mr. John Domey Central Files ED F= F1 July 14, 1995 Wake County DEM Project # 95633 TIP # U-515AA Project # 8.2432801 COE # 19950863 95633.1tr 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 bl, ??sjas 2> eor" T. - o `T i STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TkANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT J R. GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 June 13, 1995 Regulatory Branch U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington Field Office P. O. Box 1890 Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890 Dear Sir: 14 SUBJECT: Wake County, Hammond Road ( SR 2026) from SR 2683 (Rush Street) to US 70. State Project No. 8.2432801, T.I.P. No. U-515AA, COE Action ID No. 199500863. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to widen and extend Hammond Road (SR 2026) from Rush Street to 0.3 mile south of US 70, a length of 2 miles. The proposed project will complete a link between the six-lane section of Hammond Road to the north and the four-lane section of Timber Drive to the south. From Rush Street to Tryon Road, the existing two-lane portion of Hammond Road will be widened to a four-lane divided shoulder section, mostly asymmetrically to the east. From Tryon Road to US 70, a six-lane divided curb and gutter section will be constructed on new location. Additional travel lanes are proposed along US 70 to provide six lanes in the vicinity of Hammond Road. An at grade intersection is proposed at US 70 with the subject project, however, the ultimate Hammond Road design includes an interchange at US 70. Mechanical Boulevard will be relocated approximately 1000 feet north of the existing location so the intersection will not interfere with the future US 70 interchange. The potential environmental effects of this project were initially evaluated in an Environmental Assessment in 1980 and a Finding of No Significant Impact completed in 1981. A Reevaluation document was completed in 1992 for improvements between Tryon Road and Grovemont Road. The NCDOT has completed a Reevaluation for the segment between Rush Street and Tryon Road, which was signed by the Federal Highway Administration on March 10, 1995. This document evaluated three design alternatives for wetland avoidance and minimization. R. SAMUEL HUNT 111 SECRETARY (9- 2 The NCDOT proposed in the 1981 FONSI to widen Hammond Road by constructing two new lanes on the east side of the existing roadway separated by a 30-foot median. This alternative was anticipated to impact 1.4 acres of high quality wetlands. The NCDOT examined a west side widening alternative to avoid this wetland impact. This alternative avoided the wetlands impacted by the first alternative, but impacted 0.22 acres of lesser quality wetlands. This alternative also had the highest cost due to additional right of way and construction costs. As a compromise, the NCDOT is proposing to widen Hammond Road on the east side with a reduced median. Two new lanes would be constructed east of the existing roadway separated by a 16-foot median and with a maximum 2:1 side slopes. This alternative minimizes wetland impacts while maximizing the use of the existing alignment and right of way. This alternative retains all of the existing two-lane portion of Hammond Road and is contained within the existing right of way and easements. The proposed median was reduced to a minimum desirable width of 16 feet through the wetlands area. This median was designed to contain a 12-foot left turn lane and a 4-foot raised island at intersections on each side of the wetlands. The NCDOT has eliminated improvements to existing Hammond Road north of Rush Street. This widening was proposed to tie into the original design, and impacted 0.23 acres of wetlands. Eliminating this widening reduces both project wetland impacts and cost. The proposed alternative impacts 1.1 acres of wetlands. The site affected consists of a relatively undisturbed high quality beaver pond/swamp approximately 6 acres in size. The site is located on the east side of Hammond Road between Rush Street and Chapanoke Road. Common species of flora include: soft rush (Juncus effusus), spike rush (Eleocharis spy.), black willow (Salix nigra), arrow arum (Peltandra virginica), touch-me- not (Impatiens capensis), smooth alder (Alnus serrulata), redroot cyperus (C py, erus er hrorhizos), river birch (Betula ni ra and several common sedge species (Carex W.). In October, 1986, the Corps of Engineers issued a Section 404 permit to place fill material in wetlands along Wildcat Branch for the construction of Hammond Road between Rush Street and Tryon Road . The permit authorized NCDOT to initially construct Hammond Road as a two-lane roadway and later widen the roadway to a four- lane facility. The project was originally anticipated to impact a total of 4.5 acres of wetlands including 1.6 acres from the two-lane construction and 2.9 acres from the future widening improvements. The two lane roadway was completed in January, 1988, and the permit expired in December 1989. The proposed design for the widening improvements is contained within the previously permitted construction limits and impacts a smaller acreage of wetlands than originally anticipated. In the previous Section 404 permit, mitigation was included for anticipated wetland losses resulting from the future widening of Hammond Road. Because the project improvements are contained within the previously permitted four-lane construction limits, this mitigation remains valid, and no additional mitigation is proposed. This project has been extensively coordinated with the regulatory review agencies, including the Corps of Engineers. The COE has indicated that a Nationwide Permit, 33 CFR 330.5(a)(26) will likely apply to the project since the impacted wetlands are above headwaters. The NCDOT hereby requests that your agency review this project for authorization under Section 404. By copy of this correspondence, the NCDOT also requests that the N.C. Division of Environmental Management review this project for authorization by a Section 401 Water Quality Certification. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please call Mr. Gordon Cashin at (919) 733-3141. Sincerely, H. Franklin Vick, PE, Manager Planning and Environmental Branch HFV/plr cc: Mr. Eric Alsmeyer, COE, Raleigh Mr. John Dorney, NCDEM, Raleigh Mr. D. A. Allsbrook, PE, Division 5 Engineer Mr. Don Morton, PE, State Highway Engineer - Design Mr. Kelly Barger, PE, Program Development Branch Mr. A. L. Hankins, PE, Hydraulics Mr. Tom Shearin, PE, State Roadway Design Engineer Mr. N. L. Graf, FHWA, attn: Mr. Roy Shelton DEM ID: ACTION ID: Nationwide Permit Requested (Provide Nationwide Permit #): JOINT FORM FOR Nationwide permits that require notification to the Corps of Engineers Nationwide permits that require application for Section 401 certification WILMINGTON DISTRICT ENGINEER CORPS OF ENGINEERS DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY P.O. Box 1890 Wilmington, NC 28402-1890 ATTN: CESAW-CO-E Telephone (919) 251-4511 WATER QUALITY PLANNING DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT NC DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, AND NATURAL RESOURCES P.O. Boy 29535 Raleigh, NC 27626-0535 ATTN: MR. jOHN DORNEY Telephone (919) 733-5083 ONE (1) COPY OF THIS COMPLETED APPLICATION SHOULD BE SENT TO THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS. SEVEN (7) COPIES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE N.C. DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT. PLEASE PRINT. I. Owners Name: N C Dapartment of Transpnrtatinn, Plannin0 and FnvirnnmPntal 2. Owners Address: P 0 Box 25201 Attn• Mr. H Franklin Vick. PE 3. Owners Phone Number (Home): (Work): (919) 733-3141 4. If Applicable: Agent's name or responsible corporate official, address, phone number: 5. Location of work (MUST A T T A C H MAP). County: W a k e Nearest Town or City: Raleigh Specific Location (Include road numbers, landmarks, etc.): Hammond Road (SR 2026) from Rush Street to US 70. 6. Name of ClosestStream/River: Wildcat Branch and unnamed tributaries to Wildcat Bran 7. River Basin: N e u s e 8. Is this project located in a watershed classified as Trout, SA, HQW, ORW, WS I, or WS II? YES [ ] NO [X] 9. Have any Section 404 permits been previously requested for use on this property? YES k J NO [ ] If yes, explain. S P P rover 1 attar - 10. Estimated total number of acres of waters of the U.S., including wetlands, located on project site: g i t e impacted is approximately 6 acres in size. 11. Number of acres of waters of the U.S., including wetlands, impacted by the proposed project: Filled: 1.092 wetland acres, 0.016 acres surface waters Drained: _ Flooded: _ Excavated: Total Impa es 12. Description of proposed work (Attach PLANS-8 1/2" X 11" drawings only): Wed . n_; n Q n f Hamm no ri Road (SR 2026) from SR 2683 (Rush Street) to US 70. 13. Purpose of proposed work public roadway 14. State reasons why the applicant believes that this activity must be carried out in wetlands. Also, note measures taken to minimize wetland impacts. Np_practicable a l t e r n a t i v e 15. You are required to contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and/or National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) regarding the presence or any Federally listed or proposed 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 T X] 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 [X J 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. B. If available, representative photograph of wetlands to be impacted by project. C. If delineation was performed by a consultant, include all data sheets relevant to the placement of the delineation line. D. If a stormwater management plan is required for this project, attach copy. E. What is land use of surrounding property? F. If applicable, what is proposed method of sewage disposal? Owner's Signature Date r 7, 2- SCALE _ VICINITY MAP 0 '/z ? FROM U.S.G.S. QUADRANGLE MILES SITE I fir,%: x- •:>v =ten •r"' OEM C. d. F- u . n.f ,g "BEGIN PROJEC SCALE VICINITY MAP 0 z FROM NCDOT COUNTY MAP MILES OF WAKE COUNTY N.C. DEPT, OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS WAKE COUNTY PROJECT U-515AA PROPOSED HAMMOND ROAD EXTENSION SHEET 1 OF 15 IV ¢0 r J 7JO aim Y C P. m p N N N , 7 LZ•Ll 3S 6 N Gam{ V ? Y .CN W¢RW ? oI ? N I04N 6 O I ? r I o i O ? ° ' . W II p x W W W? ¢ ?I r = 4 o w I Qa r I ,T, l7l]•!]L I I o? cl , LL•5 SI _ I ; Q z bl I O oN , All., O b m O s N w JIII? \ W 1 J NL? ;:: 1 dl 30d NJ? Il _-=-'I O 30d O I nom' ? 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LL 1L T v W V W z O U W c J N N N W W W C:f C a: cry < < < W : co" f 1> C z W s W ?< J {i ~ C J W D J_ W 'v)? I Z Z J J J ~ J _J 0 La. L? N W H 0 W J ?y W D rn z z J J _J J N U) W W F- f- 0 0 W w D 0 Fui K>i 0 0 n J J l F4 - z z o 0 a a 0 0 x x W W J J LL 0 ? C a r u a a i o.? J LLJ w CD w o > Q O w m = Q F- 0 L O d Q L Lil F- Q v LLJ Q Z O J W Q J Q LLJ V) Q D U U) Q Z (n J J Z Q F- W Lli a w a_ Z O_ F- Q F- V) WI F- W > Z O Z O ~ O ?4 Off} Z Li C- En F- OZ tr) Lo X w Z Q=O O = (n o Ln u_7 ~ O to OW U 0 O t? oZ an Y, 0 CL j d < D D ? U w Z Z F• L O L Z 4 CD CD O O O O N N 0) O O - O 1 O- Of- F-- -? F- ? J ? ' "o ° Ln c) n i O to N d O N PROPERTY OWNERS NAME AND ADDRESS PROJECT REF. NO. U-515AA SR 2026 (HAMMOND ROAD) IN RALEIGH FROM SR 2683 (RUSH STREET) TO SOUTH OF US 70 WAKE COUNTY PARCEL NO. OWNER'S NAME ADDRESS (F-B & ASSOCIATES) Oj MONTLAWN MEMORIAL 3201 S. WILMINGTON ST. PARK, INC. RALEIGH, N.C. 27603-3537 2 STATE OF N.C. 116 W. JONES ST. DEPT. OF CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFTY C/O/ DEPT. OF ADMINISTRATION RALEIGH, N.C. 27603-1300 N.C. DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS WAKE COUNTY PROJECT U-515AA PROPOSED HAMMOND ROAD EXTENSION gPP';'T 1r, nc ir, I State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Q o Division of Environmental Management James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor ?I Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary ? ??? 0 J A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director May 8, 1995 MEMORANDUM To: Melba McGee Through: John Dorne*V Monica Swihart From: Eric Galamb Subject: Reevaluation of the FONSI for SR 2026 (Hammond Road) Wake County State Project DOT No. 8.2432801, TIP # U-515AA EHNR # 95-0735, DEM # 10929 The subject document has been reviewed by this office. The Division of Environmental Management is responsible for the issuance of the Section 401 Water Quality Certification for activities which impact waters of the state including wetlands. The subject project may impact 1.33 acres of waters including wetland. DEM offers these comments based on the reevaluation FONSI document: A) DEM appreciates the early coordination with DOT on this project. The level of discussion of wetland avoidance and minimization alternatives (pages 7-9) documents efforts undertaken by DOT and should be incorporated into each document. The discussion of wetlands on pages 19-22 is a model of the information needed by DEM. DOT should be congratulated (especially Mark Reep and Lane Sauls) for the thoroughness of the wetland analysis. DOT is reminded that the 401 Certification could be denied unless water quality concerns are satisfied. Questions regarding the 401 Certification should be directed to Eric Galamb (733-1786) in DEM's Water Quality Environmental Sciences Branch. cc: Raleigh COE Frank Vick Charles Bruton hammond.rev 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/ 1096 post-consumor paper A z December 19, 1994 TO: Melba McGee, Legislative Affairs FROM: Monica Swihart;'Water Quality Planning SUBJECT: Project Review #95-0336; Scoping Comments - NC DOT Reevaluation of Proposed Improvements to SR 2026, Raleigh, TIP No. U-515AA The Water Quality Section of the Division of Environmental Management requests that the following topics be discussed in the environmental documents prepared on the subject project: A. Identify the streams potentially impacted by the project. The stream classifications should be current. B. Identify the linear feet of stream channelizations/ relocations. If the original stream banks were vegetated, it is requested that the channelized/relocated stream banks be revegetated. C. Number of stream crossings. D. Will permanent spill catch basins be utilized? DEM requests that these catch basins be placed at all water supply stream crossings. Identify the responsible party for maintenance. E. Identify the stormwater controls (permanent and temporary) to be employed. F. Please ensure that sediment and erosion and control measures are not placed in wetlands. G. Wetland Impacts 1) Identify the federal manual used for identifying and delineating jurisdictional wetlands. 2) Have wetlands been avoided as much as possible? 3) Have wetland impacts been minimized? 4) Discuss wetland impacts by plant communities affected. 5) Discuss the quality of wetlands impacted. 6) Summarize the total wetland impacts. 7) List the 401 General Certification numbers requested from DEM. RECE1 /Ef) DEC 2 u Melba McGee "'???'a??%??r+rai December 19, 1994 Page 2 H. Will borrow locations be in wetlands? Borrow/waste areas should avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practicable. Prior to approval of any borrow/waste site in a wetland, the contractor shall obtain a 401 Certification from DEM. I. Did NCDOT utilize the existing road alignments as much as possible? Why not (if applicable)? J. To what extent can traffic congestion management techniques alleviate the traffic problems in the study area? K. Please provide a conceptual mitigation plan to help the environmental review. The mitigation plan may state the following: 1. Compensatory mitigation will be considered only after wetland impacts have been avoided and minimized to the maximum extent possible. 2. On-site, in-kind mitigation is the preferred method of mitigation. In-kind mitigation within the same watershed is preferred over out-of-kind mitigation. 3. Mitigation should be in the following order: restoration, creation, enhancement, and lastly banking. Please note that a 401 Water Quality Certification cannot be issued until the conditions of NCAC 15A: 01C.0402 (Limitations on Actions During NCEPA Process) are met. This regulation prevents DEM from issuing the 401 Certification until a FONSI or Record of Decision (ROD) has been issued by the Department requiring the document. If the 401 Certification application is submitted for review prior to issuance of the FONSI or ROD, it is recommended that the applicant state that the 401 will not be issued until the applicant informs DEM that the FONSI or ROD has been signed by the Department. Written concurrence of 401 Water Quality Certification may be required for this project. Applications requesting coverage under our General Certification 14 or General Permit 31 will require written concurrence. Please be aware that 401 Certification may be denied if wetland impacts have not been avoided and minimized to the maximum extent practicable. 10791.mem cc: Eric Galamb FF,'iitt 1" 1 19P4 1 it: 1 r ,4'- N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DATE TRANSMITTAL SLIP I,/ / ` TO: REF NO. R ROOM, BLDG. FROM: REF. NO. OR ROOM, BLDG. r ?? Z G 7s l NC 12 -• 1 ACTION ? NOTE AND FILE ? PER OUR CONVERSATION ? NOTE AND RETURN TO ME ? PER YOUR REQUEST ? RETURN WITH MORE DETAILS ? FOR YOUR APPROVAL ? NOTE AND GEE ME AUOUT THIS ';OR YOUR INFORMATION ? PLEASE ANSWER ? FOR YOUR COMMENTS ? PREPARE REPLY FOR MY SIGNATURE ? SIGNATURE ? TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ? INVESTIGATE AND REPORT COMMENTS: y STATE ?t STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT. JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH. N.C. 27611-5201 November 14, 1994 MEMORANDUM TO: File FROM: Mark L. Reep, P. E. Project Planning Planning En?neer RECEIV4D y to 71994 fl'lVIRCh,:I?+T? ?IENC R. SAMUEL HUNT I I I SECRETARY SUBJECT: Hammond Road from SR 2683 (Rush Street) to US 70, Raleigh, Wake County, State Project No. 8.2432801, Federal Aid Project No. M-5797(1), TIP No. U-515 AA On 10/27/94, a field review was conducted for the subject project. The following people attended the field meeting: Eric Galamb Division of Environmental Management Amy Ohlberg US Army Corps of Engineers Davidian Byrd Design Services John Johnson Design Services Abdul Rahmani Hydraulics Gordon Cashin Planning and Environmental Lane Sauls Planning and Environmental Mark Reep Planning and Environmental The purpose of the meeting was to discuss potential impacts to wetlands associated with Wildcat Branch. The meeting began with a brief project description. The project consists of constructing a multilane divided facility between SR 2683 (Rush Street) and US 70. Existing Hammond Road will be widened between Rush Street and SR 2684 (Tryon Road), and the roadway will be constructed on new location between Tryon Road and US 70. The project will provide an ultimate cross section width that will accommodate a six-lane divided curb and gutter section. A reevaluation of the 1981 Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is underway. The proposed alignment between Rush Street and Tryon Road consists of widening Hammond Road along the east side. Right of way and easements exist for this alignment. An Army Corps of Engineers permit was issued in 1987 for constructing the two-lane portion of Hammond Road. The Company Swamp mitigation bank was debited to include the impacts from the future widening as well as the existing two lane construction. However, Amy Ohlberg, from the Corps of Engineers, indicated that the permit expired in 1989 and that the Company Swamp mitigation is no longer applicable. She commented that NCDOT would be required to apply for a new permit for wetland and surface water impacts. Naw Memorandum Page 2 y The wetland area is a 6-acre site located entirely along the east side of Hammond Road. This site is rated a high quality wetland based on properties such as water storage, sediment filtration, and wildlife habitat. The proposed alignment impacts approximately 1.4 acres of the wetlands and likely requires some stream rechannelization. The meeting participants walked along the proposed alignment to review the potential wetland impacts. Because of the size, type, and quality of the wetland site, the review agency representatives indicated that a Section 404 permit and a 401 Water Quality Certification would be difficult to obtain for the proposed alignment. In addition, suitable on-site mitigation will likely be costly and very limited. If the roadway is widened along the west side of existing Hammond Road, impacts to this wetland site will be limited to 0.1 acre. Some wetland areas exist along the west side, but these wetlands are small and of lower quality than the site on the east side. The review agency representatives favored an alignment that widens Hammond Road along the west side. Based on the preliminary field review, it is likely that a Nationwide permit would be applicable for west side widening. Planning and Environmental will delineate the wetland areas along the west side of Hammond Road and incorporate this information in a comparison of alternatives. that avoid or minimize impacts to the wetlands. This information will be presented in an upcoming monthly meeting with the Army Corps of Engineers and other review agencies to obtain the agency comments and concurrence. MLR/ cc: Meeting Participants H. Franklin Vick, P. E. Richard B. Davis, P. E. Charles H. Casey, P. E. William R. Butler, Jr., P. E. State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources 4 Division of Environmental Management ?t James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor J r= Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary Lf-'L2 A. Preston Howard, Jr„ P.E„ Director November 7, 1994 M(-.mnrnndum To: Mark Reep NC DOT From: Eric Galame6; Subject: Preliminary Wetland Investigation for Hammond Road Widening TIP # U-515AA A site visit was made on October 27, 1994 to determine the %vetland quality and quantity associated with the subject project. The wetland is classified as a bottomland hardwood/beaver pond. This wetland is performing significant functions including pollutant removal, water storage, aquatic life, and bank stabilization. Alternatives to avoid the wetland should be examined. DEM requests that DOT compare the wetland impacts to the west and the east of existing Hammond Road. This comparison should be submitted to DEM for review prior to a permit application. DOT should also discuss minimization efforts including side slopes and median widths. DOT is commended for including the resource agencies in an early coordination meeting. u515aa.mcm 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 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA" DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION - 4aw v?_z N? JAMES B. HUNT, JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS R. SAMUEL HUNT III GOVERNOR P.O BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.G 27611-5201 SECRETARY July 26, 1994 MEMORANDUM TO: Lynwood Stone" , Unit. Head Project Planning FROM: Lane Sauls, Environmental Biologist Environmental Unit SUBJECT: Preliminary wetland investigation and Dwarf-wedge mussel investigation for Wildcat Branch; Hammond Road widening in Wake County; TIP No. U-515AA; State Project No. 8.2432801; Federal Project No. M-5797(1). ATTENTION: Mark Reep, Project Manager The subject project calls for the construction of a four-lane divided facility from SR 2683 (Rush Street) to US 70 in Wake County. The first section incorporates the existing two-lane portion of Hammond Road which will be widened between Rush Street and SR 2684 (Tryon Road). The second section in on new location between Trvon Road and US 70. This investigation addresses potential impacts related to the wetland along section 1 that will be widened between Rush Street and Tryon Road. 1. Wetlands. A field investigation was conducted on July 18, 1994. A single wetland site was identified in the study area. This wetland, associated with Wildcat Branch, is described as a beaver pond/swamp area. Wildcat Branch originates north of Garner and flows northward into Raleigh and into Walnut Creek- The stream is characterized by slow moving water, silty bottom and high amounts of wetland vegetation along the banks. Common species of flora include: soft rush (Juncus effusus) ; spike rush (Eleocharis spp.); black willow (Sal ix nigra); arrow arum (Peltandra viroinica); touch-me-not (Impatiens capensis); smooth alder (Alnus serrulata); redroot V*V cyperus (Cyperus erythrorhizos); river birch (Betula nigra); and a several common sedges (Carer spp.). This wetland appears to be healthy, relatively undisturbed and rich in both vegetation and wildlife. Wood ducks (Aix sponsa), great blue heron (Ardea herodias), green heron (Butorides virescens), belted kingfisher (Me-aceryle alcyon) and other bird species were seen throughout the area. A beaver (Castor canadensis) was also seen making its way along Wildcat Branch. This wetland is important because it provides habitat for diverse assemblage of species within an urban landscape. Wetland Quality: A wetland evaluation was conducted in accordance with methodologies recommended by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM). Parameters such as water storage, bank/shoreline stabilization, pollutant removal, wildlife habitat, aquatic life value, recreational/ educational and economic values were evaluated. These parameters are weighted differently from each other to reflect the importance of water quality, aquatic life value, water storage, bank/shoreline.--stai Iization, etc. This wetland received a score of 88 0 of a possible score of 100, which indicates it ism-cr?high quality jurisdictional wetland. POTENTIAL WETLAND I14PACTS: The approximate area of the wetland is 2.4 ha (6.0 ac). The proposed right-of-way takes the east bound lane of Hammond Road through the middle of the wetland. The area of wetland that will be impacted for the right-of-way is 1.2 ha (3.0 ac). Rechannel ization and fill is planned for Wildcat Branch and will adversely affect the quality of this functioning wetland. In addition to decreasing the total area, it also constitutes a potential impact to fish and wildlife resources in the vicinity. Potential impacts resulting from the widening of Hammond Road include: (1) excessive sedimentation from fill material and surrounding bare soils during construction; (2) ossible chemical and toxic infiltration of elements fromconstructtion activity and increased traffic leads; (3) channel relocation; (4) changes in hydrolic regimes; and (5) losses of biodiversity. Widening to the west would reduce impacts to the associated wetland. Area of impact is estimated as <0.1 ha (0.11 ac). Only minor impacts would result with the extension of the culvert presently under Hammond Road, containing a small tributary to Wildcat Branch. 2. Protected Species (the dwarf-wedge mussel). The dwarf- wedge mussel is a-federally Endangered. species. Endangered . 4, 1 3 refers to any species or higher taxon of plant or animal whose continued existence as a viable component of the State's is determined to be in jeopardy. Searches for the dwarf-wedge were performed by sight and feel along the creek channel. Alasmidonta heterodon (dwarf wedge mussel) E Animal Family: Unionidae Date Listed: 3/14/90 Distribution in N.C.: Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Johnston, Nash, Vance,'Wake, Warren, Wilson. The dwarf wedge russel 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 Middle Creek and the Little River of the Meuse River Basin and in the upper Tar River and Cedar, Crooked, and Stony Creeks of the Tar River system. This mussel is sensitive to agricultural, domestic, and industrial pollutants and requires a stable silt free streambed with well oxygenated water to survive. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT Wildcat Branch is a tributary to Walnut Creek which eventually flows into the Neuse River. Wildcat Branch was investigated and found to support no evidence of the existence of any mussel species including the dwarf-wedge musse 1 . cc: V. Charles Bruton, Ph.D., Environmental Unit Head M. Randall Turner, Environmental Supervisor File: U-515AA Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources ? Project located in 7th floor library Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Project Review Form Project Number: County: Date: Date Response Due (firm deadline): aJ 07 5 ?,. C. ??15 J lc( 5 -71 Tl is project i5 beirg reviewed as indicated below: )"Tn 7 ?1 ?? Qtr U i i 8, zlVED FNIOR 201995 CNM?NTq`uSCIFNCFS . i SR 2026 (Hammond Road) From SR 2683 (Rush Street) to US 70 Raleigh Wake County Federal Aid Project No. MAM-M-5797(1) State Project No. 8.2432801 U-515AA ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION REEVALUATION OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and N.C. Department of Transportation Division of Highways Submitted Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C) 1?// o/ G Date rt?Nic s L.-Graf, P. E. Cv?Division Administrator, FHWA IIA-3- A. Franklin Vick, P.E., anager Planning and Environmental Branch, NCDOT SR 2026 (Hammond Road) From SR 2683 (Rush Street) to US 70 Raleigh Wake County Federal Aid Project No. MAM-M-5797(1) State Project No. 8.2432801 U-515AA ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION REEVALUATION OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Prepared by Planning and Environmental Branch Division of Highways N.C. Department of Transportation Gil(' Mar L. Reep, P. E. Project Planning Engi eer Environmental 1A CA `,* ESS no( E • ?;? IN Linwood Stone Project Planning Engineer, Unit Head SUMMARY OF SPECIAL PROJECT COMMITMENTS This document calls for the following special project commitments: A. From north of Rush Street to the proposed Mechanical Boulevard Relocation, the proposed roadway will provide wider outside lanes for shared bicycle accommodations. The proposed 36-foot travelways will contain two 11-foot inside travel lanes and a 14-foot outside travel lane in each direction (refer to discussion in Section I.B.3.). B. If requested by the City of Raleigh and Town of Garner, sidewalks may be incorporated into the project as a shared cost item between NCDOT and the municipalities. As outlined in the Pedestrian Policy Guidelines, NCDOT will participate in 50 percent of the sidewalk cost within Raleigh's jurisdiction, and 70 percent of the sidewalk cost within Garner's jurisdiction (refer to discussion in Section I.B.4.). C. Additional design studies on the future interchange at US 70 will be required to meet capacity guidelines of LOS D or better (refer to discussion in Section II.C). D. Approximately 60 graves in an abandoned cemetery, located on the north side of existing Mechanical Boulevard, will be documented and moved prior to construction (refer to Section IV.A.1 for discussion). E. The project relocates the Chason Diesel Service business along Mechanical Boulevard. Prior to right of way acquisition, a more thorough investigation will be conducted to determine if hazardous materials are located at this site. TABLE OF CONTENTS >? PAGE SUMMARY 1 I. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION 1 A. Project Description and Status 1 B. Revisions to the Project 1 1. Design Speed 2 2. Cross Sections 2 3. Bicycle Accommodations 2 4. Sidewalks 3 5. Right of Way 3 6. Mechanical Boulevard Relocation 4 7. Cost Estimate 4 II. NEED FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT 4 A. Route Function and Thoroughfare Plan 4 B. Traffic Volumes 4 C. Capacity Analysis 5 III. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION 6 A. Highway Construction Alternatives 6 1. Cross Section Alternatives 6 a. Four-lane Divided Shoulder Section 6 b. Six-lane Divided Curb and Gutter Section 6 (Recommended) 2. Wetland Avoidance and Minimization Alternatives 7 a. Alternatives Between Rush Street and Chapanoke 7 Road 1) Alternative 1 7 2) Alternative 2 7 3) Alternative 3 (Recommended) 8 b. 0.3-Mile Extension North of Rush Street 8 (Recommended) B. Transportation Management Alternatives 10 IV. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 12 A. Social Environment 12 1. Right of Way and Relocation Impacts 12 2. Cultural Resources 13 TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) PAGE a. Architectural Resources 13 b. Archaeological Resources 13 B. Natural Environment 14 1. Federally Protected Species 14 2. Federal Candidate and State Protected Species 16 3. Water Resources 17 4. Wetlands 19 5. Permits 22 6. Mitigation 22 7. Air Quality 23 8. Traffic Noise 26 9. Hazardous Materials 30 V. COMMENTS AND COORDINATION VI. CONCLUSIONS TABLES 31 32 Table 1 - Projected Traffic Volume Summary at Major Intersections Table 2 - Levels of Service for Signalized Intersections Table 3 - Comparison of Wetland Avoidance and Minimization Alternatives Table 4 - Federally Protected Species Listed for Wake County Table 5 - Federal Candidate and State Protected Species Listed for Wake County FIGURES Figure 1 - Vicinity Map Figure 2 - Recommended Alignment Figures 3A-3C - Roadway Typical Sections Figure 4 - Projected Traffic Volumes Figure 5 - Proposed Intersection Treatments Figure 6 - Wetland Locations APPENDIX Appendix A - Relocation Assistance Report and Relocation Programs Appendix B - Agency Comments Appendix C - Air Quality and Traffic Noise Data SR 2026 (Hammond Road) From SR 2683 (Rush Street) to US 70 Raleigh Wake County Federal Aid Project No. MAM-M-5797(1) State Project No. 8.2432801 U-515AA SUMMARY The purpose of this report is to reevaluate the Finding of No Significant Impact prepared for improvements to Hammond Road, Project U-515. 1. Description of Action The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to widen and extend SR 2026 (Hammond Road) from 0.3 mile north of SR 2683 (Rush Street) to 0.3 mile south of US 70, a length of 2.3 miles (refer to Figure 1 for project location). A six-lane divided curb and gutter facility is proposed for the project to complete a link between the six-lane section of Hammond Road to the north and the four-lane section of Timber Drive to the south. From Rush Street to Tryon Road, the existing two-lane portion of Hammond Road will be widened mostly asymmetrically to the east. From Tryon Road to US 70, the project will be constructed on new location. Additional travel lanes are proposed along US 70 to provide six lanes in the vicinity of Hammond Road. An at grade intersection is proposed at US 70 with the subject project; however, the ultimate Hammond Road design includes an interchange at US 70. Mechanical Boulevard will be relocated approximately 1000 feet north of existing location so the intersection will not interfere with the future US 70 interchange. The project is included in the 1995-2001 North Carolina Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and is scheduled for right of way acquisition in fiscal year 1995 and construction in fiscal year 1996. The estimated project cost in the TIP is $8,000,000, which includes $3,175,000 for right of way acquisition and $4,825,000 for construction. 2. Summary of Environmental Impacts The proposed project will provide an overall positive benefit for the Greater Raleigh Urban Area. The project will connect Hammond Road to the north with Timber Drive to the south to complete a direct route from NC 50 west of Garner to I-40 and Downtown Raleigh. The proposed multilane facility will help reduce travel times, provide more efficient vehicle operation, and relieve excessive traffic demand on Wilmington Street and Old Garner Road. Some negative environmental impacts result from the project. Two businesses and an abandoned family cemetery will be relocated. Approximately 1.33 acre of wetland impacts will result from the proposed improvements Noise impacts will occur at three businesses and eleven residences, but no physical abatement measures are feasible and none are recommended for the project. Although some of these impacts are substantial, the project will not have a significant adverse impact on the human and natural environment. The relocation impacts will have no effect on the area's socio-economic development. No significant impacts to historic architectural or archaeological resources in the project area will occur. No impacts to federally protected species will occur. No adverse air quality impacts are anticipated from the estimated traffic volumes along the facility. 3. Alternatives to the Proposed Construction A. Highway Construction Alternatives 1. Cross Section Alternatives a. Four-lane Divided Shoulder Section b. Six-lane Divided Curb and Gutter Section (Recommended) 2. Wetland Avoidance and Minimization Alternatives a. Alternatives Between Rush Street and Chapanoke Road 1) Alternative 1 - East side widening between Rush Street and Chapanoke Road with a six-lane divided curb and gutter section and a 30-foot raised grass median. 2) Alternative 2 - West side widening between Rush Street an C apanoke Road with a six-lane divided curb and gutter section and a 30-foot raised grass median. 3) Alternative 3 (Recommended) - East side widening between Rush Street and Chapanoke Road with a six- lane divided curb and gutter section and a 16-foot raised grass median. b. 0.3-Mile Extension North of Rush Street (Recommended) B. Transportation Management Alternatives 4. Coordination The following federal, state, and local agencies were consulted during the preparation of this Reevaluation: Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ii Department of Cultural Resources Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources Department of Public Instruction N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission State Clearinghouse Triangle J Council of Governments Wake County Commissioners Town of Garner City of Raleigh Section V of this document further discusses the comments and coordination for this project. 5. Permits Required A Section 404 Nationwide Permit, 33 CFR 330.5(a)(26), will likely apply to the project since the jurisdictional wetlands are located above headwaters (refer to Section IV.B.5 for further permit discussion). Final determination of permit applicability lies with the COE. A Section 401 Water Quality Certification is also required prior to issuance of the 404 permit. 6. Mitigation In 1986, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a Section 404 permit to construct the two-lane portion of Hammond Road between Rush Street and Tryon Road. This permit authorized the construction of both the two-lane and the future four-lane widening improvements. Mitigation was included for anticipated wetland losses resulting from the future widening of Hammond Road. Because the current six-lane improvements are contained within the previously permitted four-lane construction limits, this mitigation remains valid, and no additional mitigation is proposed (refer to Section IV.B.6 for further discussion of mitigation). 7. Additional Information Additional information concerning the proposal and reevaluation can be obtained by contacting the following individuals: Mr. Nicholas L. Graf, P. E. Division Administrator, FHWA 310 New Bern Avenue, Suite 410 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 Telephone (919) 856-4346 Mr. H. Franklin Vick, P. E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch Division of Highways North Carolina Department of Transportation Post Office Box 25201 Raleigh, North Carolina 27611 Telephone (919) 733-3141 iii SR 2026 (Hammond Road) From SR 2683 (Rush Street) to US 70 Raleigh Wake County Federal Aid Project No. MAM-M-5797(1) State Project No. 8.2432801 U-515AA I. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION A. Project Description and Status The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to widen and extend SR 2026 (Hammond Road) from 0.3 mile north of SR 2683 (Rush Street) to 0.3 mile south of US 70, a length of 2.3 miles (refer to Figure 1 for project location). A six-lane divided curb and gutter facility is proposed for the project to complete a link between the six-lane section of Hammond Road to the north and the four-lane section of Timber Drive to the south. From Rush Street to Tryon Road, the existing two-lane portion of Hammond Road will be widened mostly asymmetrically to the east. From Tryon Road to US 70, the project will be constructed on new location (refer the proposed design in Figure 2). Additional travel lanes are proposed along US 70 to provide six lanes in the vicinity of Hammond Road. An at grade intersection is proposed at US 70 with the subject project; however, the ultimate Hammond Road design includes an interchange at US 70. Mechanical Boulevard will be relocated approximately 1000 feet north of existing location so the intersection will not interfere with the future US 70 interchange. The project is included in the 1995-2001 North Carolina Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and is scheduled for right of way acquisition in fiscal year 1995 and construction in fiscal year 1996. The estimated project cost in the TIP is $8,000,000, which includes $3,175,000 for right of way acquisition and $4,825,000 for construction. Project U-515 was previously evaluated in an Environmental Assessment (EA) (completed in June, 1980) and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) (completed in April, 1981). A Reevaluation was completed in March, 1992 for improvements between SR 2684 (Tryon Road) and SR 2720 (Grovemont Road). The current study proposes to reevaluate the segment between Rush Street and Tryon Road, which was not reevaluated in 1992, in addition to the segment between Tryon Road and US 70. B. Revisions to the Project This section describes changes which have occurred in the project since the Finding of No Significant Impact and the Reevaluation were approved. 2 1. Design Speed The EA recommended a design speed of 60 miles per hour (mph), but existing Hammond Road between Rush Street and Tryon Road was designed for 50 mph and posted at 45 mph. Since the project widens existing Hammond Road, the proposed design speed has been revised to 50 mph. 2. Cross Sections The EA recommended a four-lane divided section with 24-foot travelways, a 30-foot median, and ten-foot usable shoulders with four-foot paved inside and outside shoulders. This cross section was to be designed to accommodate a future six-lane divided curb and gutter section in the same overall cross section width. Both the four-lane and six-lane cross sections have been evaluated in the subject study. The shoulders for the four-lane section have been revised to include two-foot paved inside shoulders, 22-foot usable outside shoulders, and ten-foot paved outside shoulders. The six-lane divided curb and gutter section provides 36-foot travelways, six-foot berms, and a variable width raised grass median (refer to Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, and to Section III.B for a discussion of cross section alternatives). From the northern project limit to the proposed Mechanical Boulevard Relocation, the travelways will provide two 11-foot inside lanes and a 14-foot outside lane in each direction for shared bicycle accommodations (refer to Section I.B.3 for a discussion of bicycle provisions). From the Mechanical Boulevard Relocation to the southern project limit, the travelways will consist of three 12-foot lanes in each direction. A 16-foot wide median is proposed from north of Rush Street to Chapanoke Road to minimize impacts to wetlands. A 30-foot wide median is proposed from Chapanoke Road to north of US 70. A variable width median is proposed from US 70 to the southern project limit to tie into the existing 22-foot Timber Drive median. 3. Bicycle Accommodations No bicycle provisions were originally recommended for the project. However, in 1991, the City of Raleigh identified the subject portion of Hammond Road from north of Rush Street to Mechanical Boulevard as a primary bicycle transportation corridor in its Bicycle Master Plan. This corridor was also incorporated in the adopted 1994 Capital Area Metropolitan Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. The City of Raleigh Transportation Department has requested wide outside lanes to allow bicyclists to more safely share the roadway. The AASHTO standard outside lane width for roadways with shared bicycle accommodations, high design speeds, and high projected traffic volumes is 14 feet. To minimize additional right of way and easement costs, bicycle provisions will be contained within the proposed 36-foot travelways. From north of Rush Street to the proposed Mechanical Boulevard Relocation, the proposed cross section will provide two 11-foot inside travel lanes and a 14-foot outside travel lane in each direction as shown on Figure 3B. 3 4. Sidewalks Sidewalks were not included in the original project recommendations. However, according to NCDOT's Pedestrian Policy, adopted in 1993, sidewalks are justified along the project, and transportation representatives from the City of Raleigh and the Town of Garner have expressed interest in sidewalks. If requested by these local officials, sidewalks may be incorporated into the project as a shared cost item between NCDOT and the municipalities.- As outlined in the Pedestrian Policy Guidelines, NCDOT will participate in 50 percent of the sidewalk cost within Raleigh's jurisdiction, and 70 percent of the sidewalk cost within Garner's jurisdiction. Because sidewalks were not originally anticipated, the proposed design was developed with a minimum desirable berm width of six feet to reduce right of way and construction costs. A 6.5-foot berm can contain a standard five-foot sidewalk within the proposed project right of way; however, an eight-foot berm is desirable to accommodate sidewalks. A substantial right of way and construction cost increase will likely result from upgrading the proposed design to include an eight-foot berm. If this wider berm is requested, the municipalities will share in these additional right of way and construction costs. 5. Right of Way The EA recommended a 120-foot wide right of way with easements to contain the proposed cross section. From north of Rush Street to Tryon Road, the current design will be contained mostly within the existing 120-foot right of way and easements (refer to Figure 2 for existing and proposed right of way). From existing Mechanical Boulevard to south of US 70, the cross section will be contained within the existing, variable width right of way. However, a wider right of way width is needed along the remainder of the project to contain the current improvements. Some additional right of way is needed in the northwest quadrants of the Rush Street and Tryon Road intersections to construct the southbound exclusive right turn lanes along Hammond Road. From Tryon Road to existing Mechanical Boulevard, the proposed right of way varies from 158 feet to 185 feet. Some additional right of way is needed along the east side of Hammond Road between existing Mechanical Boulevard and the US 70 intersection to construct the westbound free-flowing right turn lane. A 100-foot right of way width is proposed along the proposed Mechanical Boulevard Relocation. Much of the right of way and access control for the future US 70 interchange was previously acquired. Access control for the existing and future interchange right of way will be protected from development through the NCDOT Division Office. 4 6. Mechanical Boulevard Relocation Part of the alignment for the proposed Mechanical Boulevard Relocation has been shifted to accommodate adjacent development plans. A portion of this alignment east of Hammond Road has shifted a maximum of 200 feet east of the original alignment location. 7. Cost Estimate Currently, the recommended improvements are estimated to cost $10,675,550, including $7,500,000 for construction and $3,175,550 for right of way acquisition. II. NEED FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT A. Route Function and Thoroughfare Plan The proposed improvements will complete a link between the six-lane section of Hammond Road to the north and the four-lane section of Timber Drive to the south and will create a direct access route from NC 50 west of Garner to the Raleigh Central Business District (CBD). The Greater Raleigh Urban Area Thoroughfare Plan calls for Hammond Road to serve as a major arterial which would relieve the excessive traffic demands on Wilmington Street and Old Garner Road. The project is needed to alleviate the congestion at the major intersections along Wilmington Street as well as at its confluence with US 401. B. Traffic Volumes Estimated traffic volumes along Hammond Road for the year 1998 range from 22,900 vpd north of US 70 to 35,100 vpd north of Rush Street. Projected design year traffic volumes for the year 2018 range from 39,200 vpd to 57,100 vpd at the respective locations. Projected traffic volumes at the major intersections are listed in Table 1 along with the design hour data and truck percentages. Figure 4 shows the traffic volumes and turning movements in the project area. Table 1 Projected Traffic Volume Summary At Majo? r Intersections 1998 2018 Percentage of Trucks Location ADT ADT TTST Du-aT_ Rush Street 17,600 26,300 2 4 Tryon Road 13,100 19,900 3 5 Mechanical Boulevard 7,200 11,100 2 8 US 70 38,100 65,100 3 5 Design Hourly Volume Percentage = 10 Directional Percentage = 60 % C. Capacity Analysis A capacity analysis was performed at the existing and proposed signalized intersections using construction year (1998) and design year (2018) peak hour traffic volumes. Signalized intersections exist at Rush Street, Tryon Road, and US 70. A traffic signal is recommended at the relocated Mechanical Boulevard intersection. Table 2 summarizes the results of the analysis. Table 2 Levels of Service for Signalized Intersections 1998 2018 Year Year Traffic Traffic Reaching Reaching Intersection LOS LOS LOS E LOS F 1. Rush Street F F -- -- 2. Tryon Road D F 2015 2018 3. Mechanical Boulevard C D -- -- 4. US 70 D F 2005 2009 Rush Street will operate at LOS F in the year 1998 with the proposed improvements. Dual left turn lanes and an exclusive right turn lane are needed along Rush Street to provide LOS E in the year 1998. To achieve an acceptable level of service (LOS D or better) through the design year, the intersection design requires eight through lanes along Hammond Road and four through lanes along Rush Street. These improvements would exceed the funding scope of the current project and are not recommended. The recommended improvements provide an exclusive left turn lane at each approach, an exclusive southbound right turn lane along Hammond Road, and a shared through and right turn lane on the remaining approaches (refer to Figure 5 for proposed intersection treatments). The Tryon Road intersection will operate at LOS F in the design year. This intersection will reach LOS E in the year 2015 and LOS F in the year 2018. To achieve an acceptable level of service at this intersection, dual exclusive left turn lanes are needed along eastbound Tryon Road and exclusive right turn lanes are needed along the eastbound and westbound approaches of Tryon Road. Because of the additional costs required to purchase right of way and extend the construction limits along Tryon Road, these lanes are not recommended for the project. The recommended improvements provide an exclusive left turn lane at each approach, a shared left turn and through lane along eastbound Tryon Road, an exclusive right turn lane along southbound Hammond Road, and shared through and right turn lanes at the remaining approaches. The Mechanical Boulevard intersection will operate at a sufficient level of service through the design year (2018) with the proposed lane improvements. Mechanical Boulevard will operate at LOS D in the design 6 year with an exclusive left turn lane at each approach, an exclusive westbound right turn lane, and a shared through and right turn lane at the remaining approaches. US 70 will operate at LOS F by the design year with the proposed improvements. This intersection reaches LOS E in the year 2005 and LOS F in the year 2009. To achieve an acceptable level of service through the design year, an interchange is needed at this location. Constructing an interchange at US 70 is beyond the funding scope of the current project and is not recommended; however, the previously acquired interchange right of way will be protected to contain a future interchange. The recommended improvements provide an exclusive westbound left turn lane, dual exclusive left turn lanes at the remaining approaches, a free-flowing eastbound and westbound right turn lane, and an exclusive northbound and southbound right turn lane. Additional design and capacity studies will be performed during the design of the future interchange at US 70 to provide a satisfactory level of service in the design year. The interchange should operate at LOS D or better to be eligible for federal funds. III. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION A. Highway Construction Alternatives 1. Cross Section Alternatives a. Four-lane divided shoulder section The four-lane divided section provides 24-foot travelways, a 30-foot median, and ten-foot usable shoulders with two-foot paved inside shoulders and ten-foot paved outside shoulders. This typical section is estimated to cost $4,400,000 for construction and costs less than the six-lane divided section. However, when the traffic demand increases to warrant six lanes, an additional cost will be required to widen the travel lanes and install curb and gutter. The four-lane shoulder section will reach LOS F before the design year. For these reasons, this typical section was not recommended for the project. b. Six-lane divided curb and gutter section (Recommended) The six-lane divided curb and gutter section generally provides 36-foot travelways, six-foot berms, and a 30-foot raised grass median. The proposed median varies from this width in two locations: (1) from the northern project limit to Chapanoke Road and (2) from US 70 to the southern project limit. A 16-foot median is proposed from 0.3 mile north of Rush Street to Chapanoke Road (refer to Section III.A.2 for a discussion of wetland avoidance and minimization alternatives between Rush Street and Chapanoke Road). A variable width median is proposed from US 70 to the southern project limit to tie into the existing 22-foot median along Timber Drive. The estimated construction cost for the six-lane section is $7,500,000. Although this typical section costs more than the four-lane section, it will operate more efficiently in the design year. For this reason, the six-lane divided cross section is recommended for the project. 2. Wetland Avoidance and Minimization Alternatives Five wetland sites are located in the vicinity of Wildcat Branch near the northern project limit (refer to Figure 6 for locations). Alternatives were evaluated to avoid these wetlands where possible and to minimize unavoidable wetland impacts (refer to Section IV.B.4 for the wetland evaluation). A four-lane divided shoulder section and a six-lane divided curb and gutter section were considered for each alternative. The four-lane alternatives were studied from Rush Street to Chapanoke Road. The six-lane alternatives were studied from 0.3 mile north of Rush Street to Chapanoke Road. These alternatives are described below and compared in Table 3. a. Alternatives Between Rush Street and Chia ano?ke Road (Four-lane dive a shouTFer s tice on and six-lane divided curb and gutter section) 1) Alternative 1 (East side widening: original alignment studied in FONSI) Alternative 1 consists of widening Hammond Road along the east side. The typical section provides a 30-foot wide median. This alternative retains all of the existing two-lane portion of Hammond Road and is contained within the existing right of way and easements. Alternative 1 impacts 1.40 acre of high quality wetlands from Site #5 along the east side of the roadway and results in the largest wetland takings. For this reason, Alternative 1 was not recommended for the project. 2) Alternative 2 (West side widening: avoidance alternative) Alternative 2 consists of widening Hammond Road along the west side. The typical section provides a 30-foot wide median. This alternative was evaluated to avoid the high quality wetlands along the east side of the roadway. Alternative 2 acquires additional right of way along the west side of the roadway and reconstructs approximately 1000 feet of existing Hammond Road. Alternative 2 does not impact the high quality wetlands from Site #5, but it does impact 0.22 acre of lower quality wetlands from Site #4 on the west side of the roadway. Although Alternative 2 has the least impact to wetlands, it requires additional right of way and pavement reconstruction resulting in the highest project cost. Alternative 2 was not recommended for the project. a 3) Alternative 3 (Recommended) (East side widening: minimization alternative, reduced median width) Alternative 3 consists of widening Hammond Road along the east side. The typical section provides a 16-foot wide median and maximum 2:1 slopes. This alternative was considered to minimize wetland impacts while maximizing the use of the existing alignment and right of way. This alternative retains all of the existing two-lane portion of Hammond Road and is contained within the existing right of way and easements. The proposed median was reduced to a minimum desirable width of 16 feet through the wetland areas. This median was designed to contain a 12-foot left turn lane and a four-foot raised island at intersections on each side of the wetlands. This alternative impacts 1:06 acre of high quality wetlands from Site #5. Although these wetland impacts are substantial, all of the existing Hammond Road alignment and right of way can be retained resulting in a lower project cost. Alternative 3 is recommended since it minimizes impacts to the wetlands within the existing right of way. b. 0.3 Mile Extension North of Rush Street (Recommended) Six-lane cu- rb and gutter section') (Symmetric widening, minimization of impacts, reduced median width) The 0.3 mile extension north of Rush Street consists of widening the existing four-lane portion of Hammond Road symmetrically and providing a 16-foot wide median. This alternative was evaluated to tie the proposed improvements into the existing six-lane Hammond Road typical section. This extension retains all of the existing four-lane portion of Hammond Road and requires additional easements. The extension impacts a total of 0.26 acre of wetlands from three sites located on both sides of the roadway. On the west side of Hammond Road, the proposed extension impacts 0.04 acre of wetlands from Site #1 and 0.22 acre of wetlands from Site #2. On the east side of Hammond Road, the proposed extension impacts less than 0.01 acre of wetlands from Site U. This northward extension is recommended to tie the project into the existing six-lane Hammond Road typical section. 9 Table 3 Comparison of Wetland Avoidance and Min mizatio' n Alternat-i ve Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3 Four-Lane Divided Shoulder Section (From RusFi Street to C if apano a Roa ) Preliminary Cost Estimate: Right of Way $ 81,000 $ 454,000 $ 81,000 Construction $1,150,000 $1,350,000 $1,100,000 Total 1,231,000 1,804,000 1,181,000 Wetland Impacts: (acres) Site #1 --- --- --- Site #2 --- --- Site #3 --- --- --- Site #4 --- 0.22 --- Site #5 1.40 --- 1.06 Total 1.40 0.22 1.06 Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3 Six-lane divided curb and utter section (From 0.3 Mile North-7o Rus Street to C apano a Road) Preliminary Cost Estimate: Right of Way $ 100,900 $ 473,900 $ 100,900 Construction l $2,625,000 725 00 $2,825,000 298 900 3 $2,525,000 2 900 625 Tota 2, ,9 , , , , Wetland Impacts: (acres) Site #1 0.04 0.04 0.04 Site #2 0.22 0.22 0.22 . Site #3 < 0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01 Site #4 --- 0.22 --- Site #5 1.40 --- 1.06 Total 1.67 0.49 1.33 10 B. Transportation Management Alternatives In Transportation Management Areas (TMA) designated as non-attainment for air quality, the 1991 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) places restrictions on federally funded projects that increase capacity for single occupancy vehicles (SOV). Section 1024(a) of ISTEA states that projects which increase SOV capacity in TMA's classified as non-attainment areas must be part of an approved Congestion Management System. North Carolina is currently developing its Congestion Management System (CMS). A working plan for North Carolina's CMS is expected to be in place by October 1, 1995. Prior to implementation of the CMS, projects that improve SOV capacity in non-attainment areas will be analyzed to determine if travel demand reduction and operational management strategies can be used to reduce SOV demand. Raleigh is classified as a moderate non-attainment area for carbon monoxide and as a maintenance area for ozone. Widening and extending Hammond Road will increase the capacity for SOV use. The following is an analysis of travel demand reduction strategies, operational management strategies, and alternative transportation modes that have been considered as part of the proposed project. Travel Demand Reduction Strategies The following travel demand reduction strategies were considered for this project: 1. Staggering work hours at local businesses 2. Growth Management 3. Road Use Pricing Staggered work hours, flex-time, or modified work weeks can be implemented on a corridor level if large employers along the corridor cause congestion at their entrances or exits. These applications would reduce spot congestion at entrances and exits to large employers (those employers attracting enough trips to cause congestion). There are no such employers along this project, but many workers from these types of employers in Downtown Raleigh travel along the project corridor. Growth management involves public policies to regulate development so that trip generation follows a desired pattern. Road pricing involves charging motorists a "price" associated with their use of a particular facility. Growth management and road use pricing are not considered feasible options because they involve area-wide policies rather than policies applicable to discrete corridors. Because SOV reduction strategies are not considered appropriate for this corridor, additional SOV capacity is warranted and will be provided by the Hammond Road project. 11 Consideration of Alternative Transportation Modes The City of Raleigh and the North Carolina Department of Transportation have adopted a thoroughfare plan designed to provide Raleigh with an efficient transportation network. The thoroughfare plan includes both highway improvements and transit service. Proposed Hammond Road improvements are a part of Raleigh's thoroughfare plan and will be a step towards its implementation. The City of Raleigh, in cooperation with the Triangle Transit Authority, has alternative modes of transportation available to commuters which are designed to reduce vehicular trips in the city. An ultimate goal of 4% reduction in internal auto trips has been targeted by the City of Raleigh. These programs are outlined below. Bus Service In 1989, it was estimated 10,000 riders per day used Raleigh's public transit service. This represented 1.2% of Raleigh's internal trips. Raleigh is seeking to increase ridership on its transit service with a target goal of 43,000 riders per day. Increased advertisement and connector vans are being used to increase ridership. Connector service involves the use of smaller transit vehicles to board passengers at their residences. Bus service has been improved by the City of Raleigh's computerized traffic signal system, which reduces stopped delay for both buses and automobiles at signalized intersections. CAT (Capital Area Transit Bus Service) does not serve the Hammond Road corridor directly, but Route #7 (South Saunders Street/ Carolina Pines/ Rush Street CAT Connector) crosses the corridor at Rush Street. The CAT Connector route serves Rush Street between South Saunders Street to the west and Old Garner Road to the east. TTA (Triangle Transit Authority) currently does not provide bus service in the vicinity of the project. However, in its proposal for regional public transit for the area, TTA plans to expand transit service to Garner. An express bus route, anticipated to begin by 1997, is proposed near the project area from Garner to Downtown Raleigh. At this time, provision of bus turnouts is not considered useful for transit operations along this corridor; therefore, no bus turnouts are proposed. Carpool/Vanpool Programs The Triangle Transit Authority also operates a computer-aided carpool and vanpool service for the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area. TTA currently has over 6000 names in its car/van pool matching data base and leases 29 vans in its vanpool program. Four of the vanpools originate south and east of Raleigh and travel near or cross the Hammond Road corridor. In addition, two Park and ride lots, used by carpool and vanpool participants, are located within a mile of the project. Hammond Road provides a desirable route for carpool and vanpool traffic into Downtown Raleigh. 12 Bicycle Use Bicycle accommodations are proposed along much of the project. As discussed in Sections I.B.3, the proposed cross section will provide wider outside lanes to more safely accommodate bicyclists. In addition, a designated bicycle route, Route #6, crosses Hammond Road at Rush Street. Route #6 follows Rush Street and other low traffic residential streets to access Carolina Pines Park to the west and Sanderford Park to the east. Congestion Management Strategies Progressive signal timing will likely be considered after the project is constructed. Four signalized intersections will exist after the proposed improvements are completed. Progressive signal timing can be used to aid traffic flow along Hammond Road. Ramp metering and High Occupancy Vehicle lanes are not appropriate as congestion management strategies since partial control of access exists along the project. Consistency with ISTEA ISTEA requirements, as amended in 23 USC 134, for the Raleigh TMA have been reviewed as previously described. Project U-515AA is a part of Raleigh's approved thoroughfare plan. Travel demand reduction strategies, operational management strategies, and alternative transportation modes have been analyzed along the Hammond Road corridor to determine if these strategies could eliminate the need for additional SOV capacity. IV. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS A. Social Environment 1. Right of Way and Relocation Impacts Much of the proposed alignment is contained within existing right of way. Right of way will be acquired along the northwest quadrants of the Rush Street and Tryon Road intersections, from Tryon Road to existing Mechanical Boulevard, along the alignment of the proposed Mechanical Boulevard Relocation, and in the northeast quadrant of US 70 (refer to Section I.B.S for further discussion). Two businesses and an abandoned family cemetery will be relocated by the project. These relocatees are shown on Figure 2 and described in the Relocation Report prepared for the 1992 Reevaluation study (refer to Appendix A). The remaining relocatees shown in the Relocation Report will result from constructing the northern portion of the future US 70 interchange. Braswell Manufactured Homes, a tenant business located on the north side of US 70, is a mobile home dealership that employs three to five people. Chason Diesel Service, located on Mechanical 13 Boulevard, is also a tenant business that employs four people. The Chason property was previously acquired by advance acquisition and is eligible for relocation. These businesses can be adequately relocated due to available commercial and undeveloped land in the vicinity of the project. The displacements will not adversely impact the future operations of the businesses. The relocations will be conducted in accordance with the Federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-646) and the North Carolina Relocation Assistance Act (GS-133-5 through 133-18). NCDOT offers a relocation program to assist families and businesses that are relocated by a highway project. This program provides replacement housing payments, rent and/or down payment supplements, and increased interest payments to prevent hardship for the displacees. Additional information regarding the Division of Highways Relocation Program is included in Appendix A. The abandoned family cemetery is located on the north side of existing Mechanical Boulevard. The Relocation Report indicates that as many as 30 graves will be relocated; however, according to archaeological studies, the cemetery actually contains 60 graves that will be relocated by the project. This cemetery will be documented and moved prior to construction in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 65. 2. Cultural Resources a. Architectural Resources On September 26, 1994, an NCDOT staff architectural historian conducted a field survey to reevaluate historic architectural resources for the subject project. Based on the results of this survey, no changes in historic architectural resources have occurred since the previous Reevaluation study was completed in March, 1992. No eligible National Register properties are located within the area of potential effect of the project, and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) concurs with these conclusions. b. Archaeological Resources An NCDOT staff archaeologist reviewed the project files on the various archaeological surveys conducted for the Hammond Road project and discussed the survey investigations with the Office of State Archaeology. No significant historic properties were found in those studies, and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) concurred with those results and agreed that the project complied with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Based on these survey results, the SHPO believes that the proposed project will have no effect upon significant archaeological resources and recommends no additional archaeological investigations (refer to Appendix B for SHPO correspondence). 14 B. Natural Environment 1. Federally Protected Species Plants and animals with federal classifications of Endangered (E), Threatened (T), Proposed Endangered (PE), and Proposed Threatened (PT) are protected under provisions of 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 (USFWS) lists four federally-protected species for Wake County (refer to Table 4). A brief description of each species' characteristics and habitat follows. Table 4 Federally Protected Species Listed For Wake County Scientific Name Common Name Status Alasmidonta heterodon dwarf wedge mussel E Ha iaeetus leucoce talus bald eagle E Picot es orea is red-cockaded woodpecker E R us michaux- it Michaux's sumac E "E" denotes Endangered (a species that is threatened with extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range). Dwarf-Wedge Mussel The dwarf-wedge mussel is a federally Endangered species. Endangered refers to any species or higher taxon of plant or animal whose continued existence as a viable component of the State's is determined to be in jeopardy. 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 Middle Creek and the Little River of the Neuse River Basin and in the upper Tar River and Cedar, Crooked, and Stony Creeks of the Tar River system. This mussel is sensitive to agricultural, domestic, and industrial pollutants and requires a stable silt free streambed with well oxygenated water to survive. Wildcat Branch is a tributary to Walnut Creek which eventually flows into the Neuse River. On July 18, 1994, a site visit was conducted along Wildcat Branch to determine if the Dwarf-wedge mussel exists within the project area. Searches for the mussel were 15 performed by sight and feel along the creek channel. No evidence of the existence of any mussel species, including the dwarf-wedge mussel, was found during the investigation. Therefore, it can be concluded that the project will not impact the Dwarf-wedge mussel. Bald Eagle Adult bald eagles can be identified by their large white head and short white tail. The body plumage is dark-brown to chocolate-brown in color. In flight bald eagles can be identified by their flat wing soar. Eagle nests are found in close proximity to water (within a half mile) with a clear flight path to the water, in the largest living tree in an area, and having an open view of the surrounding land. Human disturbance can cause an eagle to abandon otherwise suitable habitat. The breeding season for the bald eagle begins in December or January. Fish are the major food source for bald eagles. Other sources include coots, herons, and wounded ducks. Food may be live or carrion. The bald eagle does not occur within the vicinity of the project because of human disturbance, lack of available nesting/perching trees and lack of forage habitat (large open water body). Therefore, it can be concluded that the project will not impact the Bald eagle. Red-Cockaded Woodpecker 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 RCW 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 foraging 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 38 days later. 16 The red-cockaded woodpecker does not exist within the project area due to the absence of suitable foraging/nesting habitat. Therefore, it can be concluded that the project will not impact the red-cockaded woodpecker. Michaux's Sumac Michaux's sumac is a densely pubescent rhizomatous shrub. The bases of the leaves are rounded and their edges are simply or doubly serrate. The flowers of Michaux's sumac are greenish to white in color. Fruits, which develop from August to September on female plants, are a red densely short-pubescent drupe. This plant occurs in rocky or sandy open woods. Michaux's sumac is dependent on some sort of disturbance to maintain the openness of its habitat. It usually grows in association with basic soils and occurs on sand or sandy loams. Michaux's sumac grows only in open habitat where it can get full sunlight. Michaux's sumac does not compete well with other species, such as Japanese honeysuckle, with which it is often associated. On July 18, 1994, a plant by plant survey for Michaux's sumac was conducted along the roadsides and disturbed areas of the project site. No Michaux's sumac plants were found. Therefore, it can be concluded that the project will not impact Michaux's sumac. 2. Federal Candidate and State Protected Species There are 10 federal candidate (C2) species listed for Wake County. Federal Candidate species are not afforded federal protection under the Endangered Species Act and are not subject to any of its provisions, including Section 7, until they are formally proposed or listed as Threatened or Endangered. C2 species are defined as organisms which are vulnerable to extinction although no sufficient data currently exists to warrant a listing of Endangered, Threatened, Proposed Endangered or Proposed Threatened. Organisms which are listed as Endangered (E), Threatened (T), or Special Concern (SC) by the North Carolina Heritage Program list of Rare Plant and Animal species are afforded state protection under the State Endangered Species Act and the North Carolina Plant Protection and Conservation Act of 1979. Table 5 lists federal candidate species, the species' state status (if afforded state protection) and the existence of suitable habitat for each species in the study area. This species list is provided for information purposes as the status of these species may be upgraded in the future. Surveys for these species were not conducted during the site visit, nor were any of these species observed. A review of the database of the N.C. Natural Heritage Program Rare Species and Unique Habitats revealed no records of North Carolina rare and/or protected species in or near the project study area. 17 3. Water Resources The project is located within the Walnut Creek sub-basin, a tributary within the Neuse River Basin. Wildcat Branch is the only stream located within the project corridor. This stream originates north of Garner and flows northward into Raleigh and into Walnut Creek. The stream is characterized by slow moving water, silty bottom and high amounts of wetland vegetation along the banks. The channel was braided through a beaver pond swamp. Depths vary from 0.5 m to 1.5 m (1.6 to 5.0 ft). The substrate is composed mainly of silt and water clarity was moderate (0.5 m to 1.0 m). Best Usage Classification Streams have been assigned a best usage classification by the Division of Environmental Management (DEM). Best usage classifi- cations for Wildcat Branch (from source to Walnut Creek) are rated as C NSW. By definition from the DEM Class C refers to aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation, and agriculture and NSW refers to Nutrient Sensitive Waters which require limitations on nutrient inputs. Neither High Quality Waters (HQW), Water Supplies (WS-I or WS-II) nor Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) occur within 1.6 km (1 mile) of the study area for the project. Point source dischargers located throughout North Carolina are permitted through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. Any discharger is required to register for a permit. The NPDES does not list any dischargers for Wildcat Branch. Summary of Anticipated Impacts Potential water resources impacts resulting from the proposed improvements include: (1) excessive sedimentation from fill material and surrounding bare soils during construction; (2) possible chemical and toxic infiltration of elements from construction activity and increased traffic leads; (3) changes in hydrologic regimes; and (4) losses of biodiversity. Sedimentation is the major anticipated impact to water quality. Scouring of the stream bed, soil compaction, loss of shading due to vegetation removal and alterations of water levels are other noted impacts. Increased sedimentation from lateral flow along with erosion is expected. Material must be brought in to divert the natural flow of the stream. No stream rechannel ization will occur with the project. 18 Table 5 Federal Candidate And State Protected Species Listed For Wake County Scientific Name MMotiiss austrori arius Aimo hi a aestiva is* El id?o'uitae E11iptio anceo ata Fusconala mason i LasmLasm g suEvviridis Speyeria diana Monotropsis odorata Nestronia um e u a Tri?Fium use var. pusillum Common Name Southeastern bat Bachman's sparrow Neuse slabshell Yellow lance Atlantic pigtoe Green floater Diana fritillary butterfly Sweet pinesap Nestronia Carolina trillium Status Habitat Fed. NC C2 SC N C2 SC N C2 E N C2 T N C2 T N C2 E N C2 - N C2 C N C2 - N C2 E N NOTES: Population not documented in Wake County in the past twenty years. E - Endangered. Any native or once-native species of wild animal whose continued existence as a viable component of the State's fauna is determined by the Wildlife Resources Commission to be in jeopardy or any species of wild animal determined to be an 'endangered species' pursuant to the Endangered Species Act. T - Threatened. Any native or once-native species of wild animal which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range, or one that is designated as a threatened species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act. SC - Special Concern. Any species of wild animal native or once-native to North Carolina which is determined by the Wildlife Resources Commission to require monitoring but which may be taken under regulations adopted under the provisions of this Article (Article 25 of Chapter 113 of the General Statues). 19 Jurisdictional Issues for Waters of the U.S. a Surface waters and wetlands fall under the broad category of "Waters of the United States," as defined in Section 33 of the Code of Federal Register (CRF) Part 328.3. Wetlands, defined in 33 CFR 328.3, are those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted to life in saturated conditions. Any action that proposes to place fill into these areas falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344). 4. Wetlands This investigation addresses potential impacts to the wetlands located from north of Rush Street to Chapanoke Road. Preliminary designs were developed to avoid wetlands, where possible, and to minimize impacts to unavoidable wetlands (refer to alternatives discussed in Section III.A.2). Jurisdictional wetlands were identified using the 1987 "Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual" and classified using the Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetland Inventory (NWI) classification scheme. Criteria to delineate jurisdictional wetlands include evidence of hydric soils, hydrophytic vegetation and hydrology. A wetland evaluation was conducted in accordance with methodologies recommended by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM). Parameters such as water storage, bank/shoreline stabilization, pollutant removal, wildlife habitat, aquatic life value, recreational/ educational and economic values were evaluated. These parameters are weighted differently from each other to reflect the importance of water quality, aquatic life value, water storage, bank/shoreline stabilization, etc. Field investigations were conducted on July 18 and November 18, 1994. Five wetland sites associated with Wildcat Branch were identified in the study area (refer to Figure 6 for locations). Wetland areas, potential impacts, and wetland ratings for each site are described below. The abbreviations used for the wetland classifications, soils, and hydrological evidence are explained at the end of this section. Wetland Sites #1, #2, and #3, are disturbed beaver ponds located adjacent to the existing four-lane portion of Hammond Road north of Rush Street. These sites are unavoidable, but the proposed six-lane divided cross section will provide a 16-foot median and maximum 2:1 slopes to minimize the wetland impacts. Wetland Sites #4 and #5 are located between Rush Street and Chapanoke Road along the existing two-lane portion of Hammond Road. Site #4 is a small disturbed floodplain associated with a tributary 20 of Wildcat Branch on the west side of the existing roadway. Site #5 is a relatively large, undisturbed beaver pond/ swamp located on the east side of Hammond Road. The recommended improvements will not impact Site #4 but will impact Site #5. These wetland impacts have been minimized to the extent possible. Site #1 Site #1 is a disturbed small beaver pond located approximately 700 feet northwest of the Rush Street intersection. Vegetation is mainly emergent with vines scattered along the edges. Dominant species include black willow (Salix ni ra), kudzu (Pueraria lobata) and Japanese honeysuckle. This wetland site has -thfollowing characteristics: Class: PEM1aA Soils: 10 YR 4/2 Hydrological Evidence: Sat. Wetland Score: 74 The proposed widening along Hammond Road will impact 0.04 acre of wetlands at this site. Site #2 Site #2 is a system associated with tributary of Wildcat Branch and is located along the northwest quadrant of the intersection with Rush Street. This area is permanently flooded throughout the year and its wetland boundary is located along the toe of the existing slope of Hammond Road. Vegetation includes black willow, red maple, greenbrier, blackberry (Rubus spp.), bulrush (Scir us spp.), spikerush (Juncus spp.) an?Tudwigia (Ludwigia spp.).Site #2 has the following c aracteristics: Class: PUBHh Soils: 10 YR 4/2 Hydrological Evidence: Sat. Wetland Score: 78 The proposed widening along Hammond Road will impact approximately 0.22 acre of wetlands from this site. Site #3 Site #3 is a system associated with Wildcat Branch that is located along the northeast quadrant of the Rush Street intersection. This area supports beaver activity and as a result, the channel is obscured. Vegetation includes sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), red maple, black willow, tag alder (Alnus serrulata), blackberry and greenbrier. This wetland has the f-oT1-ow1ng characteristics: 21 Class: PFO1bA Soils: 10 YR 4/2 Hydrological Evidence: Sat. Wetland Score: 48 The proposed widening along Hammond Road will impact less than 0.01 acre of wetlands from this site. Site #4 Site #4 is a disturbed small floodplain associated with a tributary of Wildcat Branch draining from the lake at Montlawn Memorial Park. This site is located approximately 1300 feet south of Rush Street along the west side of Hammond Road. Canopy vegetation includes tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) and sweetgum (Liquidambar st raciflua). The understory is composed primarily of American elm U mus americana), ironwood (Car inus carolinana), red maple (Acerr rubrum an swamp dogwood Cornus amomum . Shrub/vine/herbs incluTe-privet (Li ui g strum sinense , Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), poison-ivy (Toxico3endron radicans), greenbrier (Smite rotundifolia) and knotwee Po?lygonum spp.). Site #4 is an 0.3-acre wetland with the following characteristics: Class: PFO1bA Soils: 10 YR 4/2 Hydrological Evidence: Sat., ORs, Mot. Wetland Score: 69 The proposed widening along Hammond Road will not impact any wetlands from this site. Site #5 This wetland is a large relatively undisturbed, high quality beaver pond/swamp rich in vegetation. This site is located along the east side of Hammond Road between Rush Street and Chapanoke Road. Common species of flora include: soft rush Juncus effusus • spike rush (Eleocharis spp.); black willow Salix ni ra • arrow arum (Pelta?ndra vier inica); touch-me-not (Impatiens capensis); smooth alder Alnus serrulata • redroot cyperus C erus erythrorhizos river birch Betu a ni ra • and a several common sedges Carex spp.). Site #5 is a 6.0-acre site with the following characteristics: Class: PEM1aA Soils: 10 YR 4/2 Hydrological Evidence: Sat. Wetland Score: 88 The recommended improvements impact approximately 1.06 acre of wetlands from this site. 22 Terminology Used: STA: Station Number Class: Fish and Wildlife Service NWI Classification P- Palustrine, FO= Forested, EMI- Emergent UB- Unconsolidated Bottom, la= Persistent, lb- Broad-leaved Deciduous, A- Temporarily Flooded, Hs Permanently Flooded, h= Diked/Impounded Soils: Munsell Soil Chart Classification Wetland Score: DEM Wetland Rating Hydrological Evidence: Sat= Saturation, ORs= Oxidized Rhizospheres, Mot= Mottled Soils 5. Permits In October, 1986, the Corps of Engineers issued a Section 404 permit to place fill material in wetlands along Wildcat Branch for the construction of Hammond Road between Rush Street and Tryon Road. The permit authorized NCDOT to initially construct Hammond Road as a two-lane roadway and later widen the roadway to a four-lane facility. The project was anticipated to impact a total of 4.5 acres of wetlands including 1.6 acres from the two-lane construction and 2.9 acres from the future widening improvements. The two-lane roadway was completed in January, 1988, and the permit expired in December, 1989. The current improvements will impact a total of 1.32 acres of wetlands including 1.06 acres south of Rush Street and an additional 0.26 acre north of Rush Street. Although the permit expired, the recommended six-lane improvements south of Rush Street are contained within the previously permitted four-lane construction limits and impact a smaller acreage of wetlands. In a meeting held on 2/16/95 with permit review agencies, Corps of Engineers representatives indicated a Nationwide Permit, 33 CFR 330.5(a)(26), will likely apply to the project since the jurisdictional wetlands are located above headwaters (refer to discussion of permit coordination in Section V). During the permit application process, NCDOT will coordinate with the Corps of Engineers to obtain the necessary permits. The final determination of permit applicability will be made by the Corps. A Section 401 Water Quality Certification is also required by the DEHNR Division of Environmental Management prior to issuance of the 404 permit. 6. Mitigation When the Section 404 permit was authorized in 1986, wetland impacts were mitigated using the Company Swamp mitigation bank. The mitigation bank was debited 4.5 acres to compensate for wetland losses that would result from constructing both the two-lane and the multilane Hammond Road facility. This mitigation remains valid for the subject project, and no additional mitigation is proposed. 23 7. Air Quality A preliminary analysis was conducted to reevaluate the project's effect on the air quality of the area. Traffic is the center of concern when determining the impact of a new highway facility or the improvement of an existing highway facility. Motor vehicles emit carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NO), hydrocarbons (HC), particulate matter, sulfur dioxide (SO ), and lead (Pb) (listed in order of decreasing emission rate). Automobiles are considered to be the major source of CO in the project area. For this reason, most of the analysis presented is concerned with determining expected carbon monoxide levels in the vicinity of the project due to traffic flow. In order to determine the ambient CO concentration at a receptor near a highway, two concentration components must be used: local and background. The local concentration is defined as the CO emissions from cars operating on highways in the near vicinity (i.e., distances within 100 meters) of the receptor location. The background concentration is defined by the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources as "the concentration of a pollutant at a point that is the result of emissions outside the local vicinity; that is, the concentration at the upwind edge of the local sources." In this study, the local concentration was determined by the NCDOT Traffic Noise/Air Quality staff using line source computer modeling and the background component was obtained from the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources (NCDEHNR). Once the two concentration components were resolved, they were added together to determine the ambient CO concentration for the area in question and to compare to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Automobiles are regarded as sources of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. Hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides emitted from cars are carried into the atmosphere where they react with sunlight to form ozone and nitrogen dioxide. It is the ozone and nitrogen dioxide that are of concern and not the precursor hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide. Area-wide automotive emissions of HC and NO are expected to decrease in the future because of the continued installation and maintenance of pollution control devices on new cars. Hence, the ambient ozone and nitrogen dioxide levels in the atmosphere should continue to decrease as a result of the improvements to automobile emissions. The photochemical reactions that form ozone and nitrogen dioxide require several hours to occur. For this reason, the peak levels of ozone generally occur 10 to 20 kilometers downwind of the source of hydrocarbon emissions. Urban areas as a whole are regarded as sources of hydrocarbons, not individual streets and highways. The emissions of all sources in an urban area mix together in the atmosphere, and in the presence of sunlight, the mixture reacts to form ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and other photochemical oxidants. The best example of this type of air pollution is the smog which forms in Los Angeles, California. 24 Automobiles are not regarded as significant sources of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide. Nationwide, highway sources account for less than seven percent of particulate matter emissions and less than two percent of sulfur dioxide emissions. Particulate matter and sulfur dioxide emissions are predominantly the result of non-highway sources (e.g., industrial, commercial, and agricultural). Because emissions of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide from automobiles are very low, there is no reason to suspect that traffic on the project will cause air quality standards for particulate matter and sulfur dioxide to be exceeded. Automobiles without catalytic converters can burn regular gasoline . The burning of regular gasoline emits lead as a result of regular gasoline containing tetraethyl lead which is added by refineries to increase the octane rating of the fuel. Newer cars with catalytic converters burn unleaded gasoline eliminating lead emissions. Also, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has required the reduction in the lead content of leaded gasolines. The overall average lead content of gasoline in 1974 was 2 grams per gallon. By 1989, this composite average had dropped to 0.01 grams per gallon. In the future, lead emissions are expected to decrease as more cars use unleaded fuels and as the lead content of leaded gasoline is reduced. The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 make the sale, supply, or transport of leaded gasoline or lead additives unlawful after December 31, 1995. Because of these reasons, it is not expected that traffic on the proposed project will cause the NAAQS for lead to be exceeded. A microscale air quality analysis was performed to determine future CO concentrations resulting from the proposed highway improvements. "CAL3QHC - A Modeling Methodology For Predicting Pollutant Concentrations Near Roadway Intersections" was used to predict the CO concentration for each of the sensitive receptors to the project. Inputs into the mathematical model to estimate hourly CO concentrations consisted of a level roadway under normal conditions with predicted traffic volumes, vehicle emission factors, and worst-case meteorological parameters. The traffic volumes are based on the annual average daily traffic projections. Carbon monoxide vehicle emission factors were calculated for the completion year (1998), five years after completion (2003) and the Design Year of 2018 using the EPA publication "Mobile'Source Emission Factors", the MOBILE5A mobile source emissions computer model for idle emissions and for free flow conditions. The background CO concentrations for the project area was estimated to be 1.9 parts per million (ppm). Consultation with the Air Quality Section, Division of Environmental Management (DEM), North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources indicated that an ambient CO concentration of 1.9 ppm is suitable for most suburban and rural areas. 25 The worst-case air quality scenario was determined to be located at the US 70 intersection. The predicted 1-hour average CO concentrations for the build years of 1998, 2003 and 2018 for the a worst-case air quality scenario are as follows: Four-lane divided shoulder section: 1-Hour CO Concentration (ppm) Receptor 1998 2003 2018 REC 12B(NW CORNER) 6.6 6.6 7.4 REC 20 (SW CORNER) 6.4 6.4 7.1 REC 14 (NE CORNER) 7.3 7.7 9.5 Six-lane divided curb and gutter section: 1-Hour CO Concentration (ppm) Receptor 1 1998 1 2003 1 2018 1 REC 13 (NW CORNER) 8.0 7.3 7.6 REC 12A(SW CORNER) ( 5.3 5.1 6.0 REC 20 (SE CORNER) I 6.2 5.8 6.5 Comparison of the predicted CO concentrations with the NAAQS (maximum permitted for 1-hour averaging period = 35 ppm; 8-hour averaging period = 9 ppm) indicates no violation of these standards. See Tables Al through A3 in Appendix C for input data and output. The project is located within the jurisdiction for air quality of the Raleigh Regional Office of the N. C. Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources. The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments designated Wake County as a moderate nonattainment area for carbon monoxide (CO) and Ozone (0 ). However, due to improved monitoring data, this county was rede53ignated as a maintenance area for 0 on June 17, 1994 and remains as a moderate nonattainment area for Cd. The current State Implementation Plan (SIP) does not contain any transportation control measures (TCM) for Wake County. The Raleigh Area Thoroughfare Plan (TP) and the 1995 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) have been determined to be in conformity to 26 the intent of the SIP. The approval date of the TP and the TIP by the MPO was on October 25, 1994. The approval date of the TIP and the TIP by the USDOT was on February 24, 1995. There have been no significant changes in the project's design concept and scope, as used in the conformity analyses. During construction of the proposed project, all materials resulting from clearing and grubbing, demolition or other operations will be removed from the project, burned or otherwise disposed of by the Contractor. Any burning done will be done in accordance with applicable local laws and ordinances and regulations of the North Carolina SIP for air quality in compliance with 15 NCAC 2D.0520. Care will be taken to insure burning will be done at the greatest distance practical from dwellings and not when atmospheric conditions are such as to create a hazard to the public. Burning will be performed under constant surveillance. Also during construction, measures will be taken to reduce the dust generated by construction when the control of dust is necessary for the protection and comfort of motorists or area residents. This Evaluation completes the assessment requirements for air quality of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments and the NEPA process, and no additional reports are necessary. 8. Traffic Noise Probable traffic noise impacts were reevaluated for the project using updated traffic volumes. This investigation includes an inventory of existing noise sensitive land uses and a field survey of ambient (existing) noise levels in the study area. It also includes a comparison of the predicted noise levels and the ambient noise levels to determine if traffic noise impacts can be expected resulting from the proposed project. Traffic noise impacts are determined from the current procedures for the abatement of highway traffic noise and construction noise, appearing as Part 772 of Title 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations. If traffic noise impacts are predicted, examination and evaluation of alternative noise abatement measures for reducing or eliminating the noise impacts must be considered. Noise Abatement Criteria in order to determine whether highway noise levels are or are not compatible with various land uses, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has developed noise abatement criteria (NAC) and procedures to be used in the planning and design of highways. These abatement criteria and procedures are set forth in the aforementioned Federal reference (Title 23 CFR Part 772). A summary of the noise abatement criteria for various land uses is presented in Table N2 of Appendix C. The Leq, or equivalent sound level, is the level of constant sound which in a given situation and time period has the same energy as does time varying sound. In other words, the fluctuating sound levels of traffic noise are represented in terms of a steady noise level with the same energy content. 27 Ambient Noise Levels Ambient noise measurements were taken along Hammond Road and in the immediate vicinity of the new extension to determine the existing background noise levels. The purpose of this noise level information was to quantify the existing acoustic environment and to provide a base for assessing the impact of noise level increases. The existing Leq noise levels along Hammond Road as measured at 25 feet from the roadway for Sites #1 and #3 was 68.8 dBA for both sites, and the noise levels as measured at 50 feet from the roadway for Sites #2 and #4 ranged from 65.7 to 70.0 dBA. The existing roadway and traffic conditions were used with the most current traffic noise prediction model in order to calculate existing noise levels for comparison with noise levels actually measured. The calculated existing noise levels were within 0.1 to 2.4 dBA of the measured noise levels where noise measurements were obtained. Differences in dBA levels can be attributed to "bunching" of vehicles, low traffic volumes, and actual vehicle speeds versus the computer's "evenly-spaced" vehicles and single vehicular speed. The ambient noise measurement sites and the corresponding existing Leq noise levels are presented in Figure N1 and Table N3, respectively. Procedure For Predicting Future Noise Levels The procedure used to predict future noise levels in this study was the Noise Barrier Cost Reduction Procedure, STAMINA 2.0 and OPTIMA (revised March, 1983). The BCR (Barrier Cost Reduction) procedure is based upon the FHWA Highway Traffic Noise Prediction Model (FHWA-RD-77-108). The BCR traffic noise prediction model uses the number and type of vehicles on the planned roadway, their speeds, the physical characteristics of the road (curves, hills, depressed, elevated, etc.), receptor location and height, and, if applicable, barrier type, barrier ground elevation, and barrier top elevation. Two typical sections were evaluated in this analysis: (1) a four-lane divided shoulder section and (2) a six-lane divided curb and gutter section. was available for use in this noise analysis. Only those existing natural or man-made barriers were included in setting up the model. The roadway sections and proposed intersections were assumed to be flat and at-grade. Thus, this analysis represents the "worst-case" topographical conditions. The noise predictions made in this report are highway-related noise predictions for the traffic conditions during the year being analyzed. Peak hour design and level-of-service (LOS) C volumes were compared, and the volumes resulting in the noisiest conditions were used with the proposed posted speed limits. Hence, during all other time periods, the noise levels will be no greater than those indicated in this report. 28 The STAMINA 2.0 computer model was utilized in order to determine the number of land uses (by type) which would be impacted during the peak hour of the design year 2018. A land use is considered to be impacted when exposed to noise levels approaching or exceeding the FHWA noise abatement criteria and/or predicted to sustain a substantial noise increase. The basic approach was to select receptor locations such as 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 feet from the center of the near traffic lane (adaptable to both sides of the roadway). The location of these receptors were determined by the changes in projected traffic volumes and/or the posted speed limits along the proposed project. The result of this procedure was a grid of receptor points along the project. Using this grid, noise levels were calculated for each identified receptor. The Leq traffic noise exposures associated with this project are listed in Table N4. Information included in these tables consist of listings of all receptors in close proximity to the project, their ambient and predicted noise levels, and the estimated noise level increase for each. The maximum number of receptors in each activity category that are predicted to become impacted by future traffic noise is shown in Table N5. These are noted in terms of those receptors expected to experience traffic noise impacts by approaching or exceeding the FHWA NAC or by a substantial increase in exterior noise levels. Highway traffic noise from the four-lane divided alternative will impact three businesses and three residential receptors. Traffic noise from the six-lane divided alternative will impact five businesses and eleven residential receptors. These impacts, however, are due to -Y-line sources. Other information included in Table N5 is the maximum extent of the 72 and 67 dBA noise level contours. This information should assist local authorities in exercising land use control over the remaining undeveloped lands adjacent to the roadway within local jurisdiction. For example, with the proper information on noise, the local authorities can prevent further development of incompatible activities and land uses with the predicted noise levels of an adjacent highway. Table N6 indicates the exterior traffic noise level increases for the identified receptors in each roadway section. Predicted noise level increases for the four-lane divided typical section range from +1 to +12 dBA. Noise level increases for the six-lane divided typical section range from +1 to +15 dBA. When real-life noises are heard, it is possible to barely detect noise level changes of 2-3 dBA. A 5 dBA change is more readily noticeable. A 10 dBA change is judged by most people as a doubling or a halving of the loudness of the sound. Traffic Noise Impact Analysis Traffic noise impacts occur when the predicted traffic noise levels either: [a] approach or exceed the FHWA noise abatement criteria (with "approach" meaning within 1 dBA of the Table N2 value), or [b] substantially exceed the existing noise levels. The 29 NCDOT definition of substantial increase is shown in the lower portion of Table N2. Consideration for noise abatement measures must be given to all receptors which fall in either category. Highway Alignment Highway alignment selection involves the horizontal or vertical orientation of the proposed improvements in such a way as to minimize impacts and costs. The selection of alternative alignments for noise abatement purposes must consider the balance between noise impacts and other engineering and environmental parameters. For noise abatement, horizontal alignment selection is primarily a matter of siting the roadway at a sufficient distance from noise sensitive areas. Changing the highway alignment is not a viable alternative for noise abatement. Traffic System Management Measures Traffic management measures which limit vehicle type, speed, volume and time of operations are often effective noise abatement measures. For this project, traffic management measures are not considered appropriate for noise abatement due to their effect on the capacity and level-of-service on the proposed roadway. Noise Barriers f Physical measures to abate anticipated traffic noise levels can often be applied with a measurable degree of success by the application of solid mass, attenuable measures to effectively diffract, absorb, and reflect highway traffic noise emissions. Solid mass, attenuable measures may include earth berms or artificial abatement walls. The project will maintain only limited control of access, meaning most commercial establishments and residences will have direct access connections to the proposed roadway, and all intersections will adjoin the project at grade. For a noise barrier to provide sufficient noise reduction it must be high enough and long enough to shield the receptor from significant sections of the highway. Access openings in the barrier severely reduce the noise reduction provided by the barrier. It then becomes economically unreasonable to construct a barrier for a small noise reduction. Safety at access openings (driveways, crossing streets, etc.) due to restricted sight distance is also a concern. Furthermore, to provide a sufficient reduction, a barrier's length would normally be 8 times the distance from the barrier to the receptor. For example, a receptor located 50 feet from the barrier would normally require a barrier 400 feet long. An access opening of 40 feet (10 percent of the area) would limit its noise reduction to approximately 4 dBA (FUNDAMENTAL AND ABATEMENT OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC NOISE, Report No. FHWA-HHI-HEV-73-7976-1, USDOT, chapter 5, section 3.2, page 5-27). 30 In addition, businesses, churches, and other related establishments located along a particular highway normally require accessibility and high visibility. Solid mass, attenuable measures for traffic noise abatement would tend to disallow these 2 qualities, and thus, would not be acceptable abatement measures in their case. Based on the above factors, no physical abatement measures are feasible and none are recommended for this project. "Do Nothing" Alternative The traffic noise impacts for the "do nothing" or "no-build" alternative were also considered. If the traffic currently using the network of roads in the project area should double within the next twenty years, future traffic noise levels would increase approximately 2-3 dBA. This small increase to the present noise level would be barely noticeable to the people working and living in the area. As previously noted, it is barely possible to detect noise level changes of 2-3 dBA. A 5 dBA change in noise levels is more readily noticed. Construction Noise The major construction elements of this project are expected to be earth removal, hauling, grading, and paving. General construction noise impacts, such as temporary speech interference for passers-by and those individuals living or working near the project, can be expected particularly from paving operations and from the earth moving equipment during grading operations. However, considering the relatively short-term nature of construction noise and the limitation of construction to daytime hours, these impacts are not expected to be substantial. The transmission loss characteristics of nearby natural elements and man-made structures are believed to be sufficient to moderate the effects of intrusive construction noise. Summary Based on these preliminary studies, traffic noise abatement is not recommended, and no noise abatement measures are proposed. This evaluation completes the highway traffic noise requirements of Title 23 CFR Part 772, and unless a major project change develops, no additional noise reports will be submitted for this project. 9. Hazardous Materials A hazardous materials investigation was conducted during the preparation of the 1992 Reevaluation. Three properties were evaluated for potential impacts to underground storage tanks (UST's): (1) the former Greenbriar Exxon site, (2) the John Deere/Massengill and Sons Construction Company, and (3) the Chason Diesel Service property. The structures and pump islands were removed from the Greenbriar Exxon site, and UST closure was obtained on July 25, 1990. UST's for the remaining two sites were determined to be located outside of the proposed right of way. 31 The Chason Diesel Ser acquisition, and this busin project. Although no UST' project corridor, a thorough right of way acquisition to this site. vice property was acquired by advance ess will be relocated with the current s were previously located within the investigation will be conducted prior to determine if hazardous materials exist at No other hazardous materials involvement is anticipated with the project. V. COMMENTS AND COORDINATION Comments on the proposed project were requested from the following federal, state, and local agencies. An asterisk indicates that a written response was received (refer to Appendix B for agency comments). Environmental Protection Agency * U.S. Army Corps of Engineers * U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service * Department of Cultural Resources * Department of Environment, Health, * Department of Public Instruction * N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission * State Clearinghouse Triangle J Council of Governments Wake County Commissioners Town of Garner City of Raleigh and Natural Resources These comments and issues have been addressed in this study. Coordination with Permit Review Agencies On January 19, 1994, the project was presented at a monthly Permit Review Meeting to obtain comments from the permit review agencies and to begin early coordination in the permit process. Approximately 35 people attended the meeting including representatives from the Army Corps of Engineers, Division of Environmental Management, Wildlife Resources Commission, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and NCDOT. A brief description of the project and a comparison of the alignments that avoid or minimize wetland impacts were presented during the meeting (refer to discussion of alternatives in Section III.A.2). Comments from the review agencies focused on the previous Section 404 permit that was issued along Hammond Road. Because a permit had been issued in 1986 to construct the two-lane portion of Hammond Road in the wetlands of Wildcat Branch, some of the conditions authorized by the previous permit may remain applicable for the current project. Representatives from the Corps of Engineers and the Division of Environmental Management requested copies of the current preliminary designs to compare with the previously permitted design. After the meeting, NCDOT sent the design information to these agencies for their review in determining the applicability of the previous permit with the current project. 32 During the February 16, 1995 Permit Review Meeting, Permit applicability for the project was discussed. At this meeting, Corps of Engineers representatives indicated that a Nationwide Permit, 33 CFR 33.5(a)(26), will apply to the project since the total wetland impacts resulting from the two-lane and six-lane widening are less than three acres. A final determination of permit applicability will be reached during the permit application process. VI. CONCLUSIONS The findings presented in the 1981 FONSI remain valid. It is anticipated that the proposed Hammond Road project will not have significant adverse impacts on the human or natural environment. Proposed right of way and relocation impacts will have no effect on the area's socio-economic development. No significant impacts to architectural or archaeological resources in the project area will occur. No impacts to federally protected species will occur. Approximately 1.33 acre of wetland impacts will result from the project, but these impacts were previously mitigated with the construction of the two-lane Hammond Road in 1988. No stream rechannel ization will occur. No adverse air quality impacts are anticipated from projected traffic volumes along the proposed facility. Noise impacts will occur at three businesses and eleven residences, but no physical abatement measures are feasible and none are recommended for this project. MLR/plr FIGURES a lam' ? ? ? . O O ' uu n, j r r Raleigh IOU PROJECT LIMITS ++ r h et i ? d ' ' trc ) Sk 2. 683 ? -----------fir 1 01- '1-4 rJA•,? 1 Chapanoke -^ ®0 Road - ----SUL ( Tryoj1 Road) SR 2684 ,.. _?1?---- --- "" S ? 1 1 2111 ? 1 1 PROJECT LIMIT'S q ;CGrovemont Road 0116 L 6== SR 2720 , ?[lsl i 1 1 LUI ••• + U" V arr 1 , L11 Inr `, • ' fill t ( ' ' t • • ? ` \ l V" Iw. N.. r ` •" M' , tl11 J•1 • r• r.. t t 1 0A GARNER .. ., tttl ,.. , f. +W.W ...w...r , t0 / ^r?y r arner CJ •f ?j , tali i r Cow ' r ttll `?? ?, • 1i z .. 1 J uu e.r. -- Hammond Road from North of SR 2683 (Rush Street) to South of US 70 Raleigh, Wake County U-515 AA Vicinity Map Approx Scale: linch =2500 feet Figure 1 z d r It I ? w ?a O 1• a ? •I 1 Coe) 1 E lot M ?( ajCrb= foam r r r r r r I /- z I;e i CD COl ' •,rI w p,, , I SR 268 •••'"'••••... 5tre••'•. "...'„• 3 (Rush ???•""'•••••• .............• eta _jf C N ^ H A cd H O J On ? p a N o . w o a3? 8 ? `n o ? a a o ? o II x ? o ? w t ? z i r to 6 pLPO a U 1 ? y 1 L ? I I•?' aa?S ?a1?N1 ¦0 i i £ laagS q:)I el t 4-4 0 ? N a? 6 Match Sheet 2 t b b ? a ^? ° Ct7 , Illy. w..• ..,.,, 000 tt? i Z 00 1*0 I T! i f i -SR 2684 (Tryon R • . add t i ?i .. i it V i s: 1 6 . ! i i ! i # ! ! p f I IV? ? A. . r ,s it i t i I i! i! i to ! j L 11 11 ? It >: i i `Th !s ti r ; i \ s i ! ! i !41 • 4 e ! s, t ? s tit i? ?. 3 ? yyyy?r • ^ NN,ti ! j ! 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N O CD I r b m i N m ch W cr LL N A C O A-,0 V/ co •Q PC m N •5 U C RS VJ m N j N i i - N i - r -_ T I N r t m O O ? M O T 3 0 "' _ r m o I C7 r N i 1 -- N i - r I I io 1 I U M (DD V_ LL. ESTIMATED 1998/2018 ADT'S IN HUNDREDS FOR s HAMMOND ROAD-TIMBER, DRIVE FROM RUSH STREET TO US-70 HAMMOND RD. TTST = 3% 351 DUAL = 5% 57t DHV = 10% DIR = 60% RUSH ST. 176 263 TRYON RD. 131 _ 199 MECHANICAL BLVD. (GARNER LOOP RD.) 43 71 49 73j"j' 5 ?8 39? _ 3 58 5 339 553 99 145 16 ? 29 23? - r 5 34 9 252 422 2 4? 28 ?39 US-70 381 651 HAMMOND BECOMES 183 TIMBER DRIVE 312 TTST = 2% DUAL = 4% DHV = 10% DIR = 60% 96 145 TTST = 3% DUAL = 5% DHV = 10% DIR = 60% 30 58 TTST = 2% DUAL =8% DH V = 10% DIR = 60% 72 111 TTST = 3% DUAL = 5% DHV = 10% DIR = 60% 373 639 FIGURE 4 PROPOSED INTERSECTION TREATMENTS Rush Street I I I I ?, I I I I i I I I rljl?l?l` I a! I?°I 1,o I I of I EI ICI as I I 11 t It I? I I I I I I ! I ! I I I I I I I I I I I t SR 2683 (Rush Street) Intersection I I I l ICI I I I {? I.fll I I ! ? I of I I I I EI EEI Mechanical Boulevard l I I' I I I I I I ?? I I I I I I i- I I I flop. SR 2538 (Mechanical Boulevard) Intersection I I I I ? I,QI I I I I lol ?!jljljl` IEI Tryon Road l -411116 r ii I ! I I I I I ! I ! SR 2684 (yon Road) Intersection I i I I ? I I I I ?Itlti?l` US 70 Iol ? lal ! cl I el I EI Frl p?., t f? I ?11?I t It lr', i l l I I I I I 1 1 I` I! I I I I I '? I I I I I ! I ?/ US 70 Intersection FIGURE 5 _ iV vV/4 UMRwr. t? t? .nu n....•?• ?-?-- / 1 10 o r n 712 RALEIGH rSrArE CAPITOL) 2.3 MI. ?' r4U1 - 2 110000 FEET I 78 7 3?0 i • 1 •- ?, ,. / -?? . -•' n :? ,.y _ . ?b .. :?.; _ iii .. •.?••? ?: 7 Par?k; eo - - x _4 "Lake, ??? '? ..?•;. Site #1 Al , ;'?•; • t . L"tat e • ? ,,, ?•.?1 ,;? .,••. •• is • ?' ?=,:... ? '•? I • r ' %5 Site #2 ?' ?' ' I , • :. . ,, ?.,..:`1 .. , .y1 i `? +, - 3958 est Ferri -? Site #3 z 00- It Nt 1 • I J . ?? 1 ' ?, 26g3 014- ? Stje "`•\`1`, ?\`' ,?II et) •? Into !t'? "" Site #4 r ' ?LNI, Acres . _--;-?-, 2530 v .1A1 ???'1 j' pmgfial ark Site #5 '' +? • •? -y"ei "? `' I' i, , `? \\1 O lS'1'7r'!'E• SCHOOL .FOR. BM A59 ;r. chapanOke Road/ I'\'.l?\IiL?177S AND D1LAF 3 - 13957 ,><364 ?`! ? ? J/ •`?/ ,._- /?? I I ?L? r.' ? _? w` 1 1? \` I? ? ` W?_??_?\ '? ew.age -734 268. ` \\ SIR ?. , `; -?,>;,?. •' ?' ` •:?: r' ; .? Road) ? V. \ rr 720 FEE :j= -iubb \j 7 rive-i 'Th'eater'? 0 V, ....Water Tankj •.^ ••.. °?'`J? ?? [`'? ?' _ /?-.- - ??'\?;?:? .•• Hammond Road Greenbrier,' from North of SR 2683 (Rush Street) 1-- ' • ' • • ; i,' ;..; to South of US 70 ` Estate's I _: • - Raleigh, Wake County Jaw \! if .`? ?\ '\\? ?••1• •?.'/•,??,•h •+•'???,' U-515 AA `' • ':• ( Wetland Locations /• 1, ri I" Approx Scale: linch =1250 feet Figure 6 APPENDIX Appendix A Relocation Assistance Report and Relocation Programs REL-O CA T I ON REPORT North Carolina Department of Transportation ._X.. E.I.S. _ CORRIDOR _ DESIGN RELOCATION ASSISTANCE PROJECT: 8.2432801 COUNTY: Wake - Alternate I_ of _I_. Alternate I.D. NO.: U-515AA F.A. PROJECT: M-5797(1) R E V I S E D DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: Hammond Rd. from Tryon Rd_ to northern interchange ramp on 15 70, L ES TIMATED DISPLACEES INCOME LEVEL _ Type of Minor- Displacee Owners Tenants Total ities 0-15M 15-25M 25-35M 35-50M 50 UP Individuals Families 1 1 2 0 0 1 1 - - Businesses 1 2 3 0 VALUE OF DWELLING DSS DWELLINGS AVAILABLE Farms - - - - Owners Tenants For Sale For Ren t Non-Profit - - - - 0-20M 0 $ 0-150 0 0-20M $ 0-150 ANSWER ALL QUESTI ONS 20-40M 0 150-250 0 20-40M see 150-250 YYES - NO EXPLAIN ALL 'YES' ANSWERS • 40-7011 0 250-400 0 40-70M #6 250-400 M X 1. Will special relocation services be necessary- 70-1 00 1 400-600 1 1 70-100 1 below 400-600 X 2. Will schools or churches be 100 UP 0 600 UP 0 100 UP _ 600 UP affected by displacement X 3. Will business services still TOTAL 1 1 - be available after project _ 4. Will any business be dis- REMARKS (Respond by Number) placed. If so, indicate size X type, estimated number of 3. Raleigh has a plethora of businesses, so there employees, minorities, etc. 3 will have no impact. All will relocate else- X 5. Will relocation cause a where. housing shortage X 6. Source for available hoes- 4. (A) Chason Diesel Service. Inc. - 3000 sq. ft. ing (list) building, 4 employees. Parcel acquired via X 7. Will additional housing advance acquisition. Tenant business eligible for programs be needed relocation. X B. Should Last Resort Housing - be considered (9)_ Garner Animal HoGni.al - 3000 sq. ft. X 9. Are there large, disabled, building, 2-4 employees. Owner occupied. elderly, etc. families ANSWER THESE AI Sn FOR DESIGN ( C ) Braswell Manufactured Homes - Mobile home 10. Will public housing be dealer has 15 mobile homes on lot. Tenant needed for project business with 3-5 employees. 11. Is public, housing avail- - - able 6. MLS service lists 1000's of homes for sale, so no 12. Is it felt there will be ad- breakdown is given in the grid above. equate DDS housing available - during relocation period B. Last resort is a possibility. 13. Will there be a problem of housing within financial means NOTE: There is a family cemetery with 10-30 graves 14. Are suitable business sites directly across Mechanical Blvd. from the available (list source) Chason business noted above. 15. Number months estimated to complete RELOCATION Relocation Ag6n? t Date Approved Date ' Form 15.4 Revised 5/90 rzemSit Original & 1 Copy: State Relocation Agent 2 Copy: Area Relocation File DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS RELOCATION PROGRAMS It is the policy of the NCDOT to ensure that comparable replacement housing will be available prior to construction of state and federally-assisted projects. Furthermore, the North Carolina Board of Transportation has the following three programs to minimize the inconvenience of relocation: * Relocation Assistance, * Relocation Moving Payments, and * Relocation Replacement Housing Payments or Rent Supplement. With the Relocation Assistance Program, experienced NCDOT staff will be available to assist displacees with information such as availability and prices of homes, apartments, or businesses for sale or rent and financing or other housing programs. The Relocation Moving Payments Program, in general, provides for payment of actual moving expenses encountered in relocation. Where displacement will force an owner or tenant to purchase or rent property of higher cost or to lose a favorable financing arrange- ment (in cases of ownership), the Relocation Replacement Housing Payments or Rent Supplement Program will compensate up to $22,500 to owners who are eligible and qualify and up to $5,250 to tenants who are eligible and qualify. The relocation program for the proposed action will be conducted in accordance with the Federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-646), and/or the North Carolina Relocation Assistance Act (GS-133-5 through 133-18). The program is designed to provide assistance to displaced persons in reloca- ting to a replacement site in which to live or do business. At least one relocation officer is assigned to each highway project for this purpose. The relocation officer will determine the needs of displaced families, individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, and farm operations for relocation assistance advisory services without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The NCDOT will schedule its work to allow ample time, prior to displacement, for negotiations and possession of replacement housing which meets decent, safe, and sanitary standards. The displacees are given at least a 90-day written notice after NCDOT pur- chases the property. Relocation of displaced persons will be offered in areas not generally less desirable in regard to public utilities and commercial facilities. Rent and sale prices of replacement property will be within the financial means of the families and individuals displaced and will be reasonably accessible to their places of employment. The relocation officer will also assist owners of displaced businesses, non-profit organizations, and farm operations in searching for and moving to replacement property. All tenant and owner residential occupants who may be displaced will receive an explanation regarding all available options, such as (1) purchase of replacement housing, (2) rental of replacement housing, either private or public, or (3) moving existing owner-occupant housing to another site (if possible). The relocation officer will also supply information concerning other state or federal programs offering assistance to displaced persons and will provide other advisory services as needed in order to minimize hardships to displaced persons in adjusting to a new location. The Moving Expense Payments Program is designed to compensate the dis- placee for the costs of moving personal property from homes, businesses, non-profit organizations, and farm operations acquired for a highway project. Under the Replacement Program for Owners, NCDOT will participate in reasonable incidental purchase payments for replacement dwellings such as attorney's fees, surveys, appraisals, and other closing costs and, if applicable, make a payment for any increased interest expenses for replacement dwellings. Reimbursement to owner-occupants for replacement housing payments, increased interest payments, and incidental purchase expenses may not exceed $22,500 (combined total), except under the Last Resort Housing provision. A displaced tenant may be eligible to receive a payment, not to exceed $5,250, to rent a replacement dwelling or to make a down payment, includ- ing incidental expenses, on the purchase of a replacement dwelling. The down payment is based upon what the state determines is required when the rent supplement exceeds $5250. It is a policy of the state that no person will be displaced by the NCDOT's state or federally-assisted construction projects unless and until comparable replacement housing has been offered or provided for each displacee within a reasonable period of time prior to displacement. No relocation payment received will be considered as income for the purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or for the purposes of determining eligibility or the extent of eligibility of any person for assistance under the Social Security Act or any other federal law. Last Resort Housing is a program used when comparable replacement housing is not available, or when it is unavailable within the displacee's finan- cial means, and the replacement payment exceeds the federal/state legal limitation. The purpose of the program is to allow broad latitudes in methods of implementation by the state so that decent, safe, and sanitary replacement housing can be provided. It is not felt that this program will be necessary on the project, since there appear to be adequate opportunities for relocation within the area. DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY WILMINGTON DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS P.O. BOX 1890 WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28402-1890 IN REPLY REFER TO Raleigh Regulatory Field Office MEMORANDUM THRU: Ken Jolly FROM: Amy Ohlberg !A"41 FOR: Mark L. Reep, Planning and Environmental - North Carolina Department of Transportation December 6, 1994 SUBJECT: Action ID. 199500863; Hammond Road Widening and Extension, TIP No. U-515 AA Thank you for forwarding a copy of your memorandum dated November 14, 1994 to my office. In reviewing the issues discussed at the on site meeting, there are a few points I would like to clarify further. I indicated that the previous mitigation debit of 4.5 acres to the Company Swamp was no longer applicable, due in part to the 1:1 ratio utilized in 1989 for preservation of wetlands whereas current guidelines employ a 10:1,ratio. According to the expired permit and supporting documentation, 1.6 acres of wetland impacts were carried out, leaving a balance of 2.9 acres of mitigation credit. This credit is still valid; however, the current ratio guidelines would apply. This results in 0.29 acre of mitigation credit still remaining for the project. Your recent memo reports that 1.4 acres of wetlands would be impacted by widening Hammond Road on the eastern side. However, the memorandum from Lane Sauls dated July 26, 1994 which you provided me at our meeting indicates that 1.2 hectares (3.0 acres) would be impacted by this alignment. It was my understanding that this earlier calculation was more accurate. Please note that relocation of Wildcat Branch may result in additional wetland impacts due to altering the drainage in the area. In any case, I want to re-emphasize that a final determination of jurisdictional impacts must be confirmed by my office when specific plans are provided. Lastly, I would like to clarify the applicability of a Nationwide Permit for this project. Regardless of which alignment is chosen for Hammond Road, it is potentially eligible for authorization by Nationwide Permit No. 26 (NWP 26) because the jurisdictional areas are located above the headwaters of Wildcat Branch. Since 1.6 acres of waters and wetlands have already been impacted by the construction of Hammond Road, December 6, 1994 Page 2 additional impacts should be minimized, as stated by the permit guidelines. The alternative alignment on the west side of Hammond Road satisfies this requirement and NWP 26 could be applied without mitigation beyond the existing credit of 0.29 acre. The proposed eastern alignment would maximize-impacts and additional mitigation would be required to compensate for these wetland losses. I appreciate the opportunity to participate in the planning of this project. Please don't hesitate to contact me at (919) 876-8441, ext. 26. Copy furnished: Mr. Eric Galamb Water Quality Section Division of Environmental Mgmt. North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Post Office Box 27687 Raleigh, NC 27611-7687 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY WILMINGTON DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS P.O. BOX 1890 WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28402-1890 IN REPLY REFER TO January 3, 1995 Planning Division Mr. H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch Division of Highways North Carolina Department of Transportation Post Office Box 25201 Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-5201 Dear Mr. Vick: € AN 0 5 1995 2 DI. CCP H! This is in response to your letter of November 18, 1994, to our Raleigh Field Office, Regulatory Branch, requesting our comments on the "Reevaluation of SR 2026 (Hammond Road) from north of SR 2683 (Rush Street) to south of US 70, Raleigh, Wake County, State Project No. 8.2432801, Federal Aid Project No. M-5797(1), TIP No. U-515AA" (Regulatory Branch Action I.D. No. 199500863). Our comments involve impacts to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' projects, flood plains, and other jurisdictional resources, primarily waters and wetlands. The proposed roadway does not cross any Corps-constructed flood control or navigation project. Enclosed are our comments on the other issues. We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this project. If we can be of further assistance, please contact us. Sincerely, Wilbert V. Paynes Acting Chief, Planning Division Enclosure 1.N January 3, 1995 Page 1 of 2 U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WILMINGTON DISTRICT COMMENTS ON: "Reevaluation of SR 2026 (Hammond Road) from north of SR 2683 (Rush Street) to south of US 70, Raleigh, Wake County, State Project No. 8.2432801, Federal Aid Project No. M-5797(1), TIP No. U-515AA" (Regulatory Branch Action I.D. No. 199500863) 1. FLOOD PLAINS: POC - Bobbv L. Willis, Plan Formulation and Flood Plain Services Branch, at (910) 251-4728 This proposed project is located in the jurisdiction of the city of Raleigiil and the town of Garner, both of which participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. From a review of the March 1992 Wake County, North Carolina, and Incorporated Areas Flood Insurance Study Rate Map, it appears the roadway would not cross any identified flood hazard area within the Garner jurisdictional limits. Within the Raleigh limits, the proposed roadway improvements would both cross and parallel Wildcat Branch, a detail study stream with 100-year flood elevations determined and a floodway defined. A certification will be required indicating that new structures will not cause any rise in the 100-year natural water surface elevations. If changes in the floodway are required, these changes should be coordinated with the city for modification to the flood insurance map and report. We also suggest coordination with the city for compliance with their flood plain ordinance. 2. WATERS AND WETLANDS: POC - Amy Ohlberg Raleigh Field Office Regulatory Branch, at (919) 876-8441, Extension 26 Review of the project indicates that the proposed work will involve the discharge of excavated or fill material into waters and/or wetlands located above the headwaters of tributaries within the Wildcat Branch and Swift Creek drainage basins. In particular, the proposed widening of Hammond Road on the east side of the existing facility between Rush Street and Tryon Road would adversely impact significant acreage of high quality wetlands adjacent to Wildcat Rra.nch..by fill ing and channel relocation. A smaller jurisdictional crossing of an unnamed tributary to Swift Creek is indicated. where Hammond Road would intersect US 70. The applicability of Nationwide Permit Nos. 14 or 26 for the project will be reviewed when detailed plans are submitted. Please note, however, that construction of the existing Hammond Road has already resulted in impacts to 1.6 acres of waters and wetlands adjacent to Wildcat Branch, according to the expired Section 404 permit and supporting documentation. For this reason, a Nationwide Permit No. 14 would not apply for this crossing and in order to utilize a Nationwide Permit No. 26, additional impacts need to be minimized. January 3, 1995 Page 2 of 2 U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, WILMINGTON DISTRICT. COMMENTS ON: "Reevaluation of SR 2026 (Hammond Road) from north of SR 2683 (Rush Street) to south of US 70, Raleigh, Wake County, State Project No. 8.2432801, Federal Aid Project No. M-5797(1), TIP No. U-515AA" (Regulatory Branch Action I.D. No. 199500863) 2. WATERS AND WETLANDS: (continued) The alternative alignment on the west side of Hammond Road satisfies this requirement and the wetland impacts would likely be mitigated by the mitigation credit of 0.29 acre which is currently available for this project. This credit exists due to the previous permit conditions as explained in a memo dated December 6, 1994, to Mr. Mark Reep of the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Planning and Environmental Branch. The proposed eastern alignment would maximize impacts and additional mitigation would be required to compensate for these wetland losses. Please contact Ms. Ohlberg if you have any questions related to Department of the Army permits. (Aadg, K44) S? 1? 4 J 1 United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Ecological Services Post Office Box 33726 Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726 C E 1? December 5, 1994 DEC 0 6 1994 Z r,'L DIVISICN OF Q Mr. H. Franklin Vick CP HIGHWAYS p? Planning and Environmental Branch ["/RONN?E? N.C. Division of Highways P.O. Box 25201 Raleigh, NC 27611 Subject: Reevaluation of SR 2026 (Hammond Road) from north of SR 2683 (Rush Street) to south of US 70, Raleigh, Wake County, State Project No. 8.2432801, Federal Aid Project No. M-5797(1), TIP No. U-515AA Dear Mr. Vick: This responds to your letter of November 18, 1994 requesting information from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) on evaluating the potential environmental impacts of the above-referenced project. This report provides scoping information and is provided in accordance with provisions of the Fish and Wildlife coordination Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 661-667e) and Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543). Preliminary planning by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) calls for improvements to SR 2026 (Hammond Road) from 0.3 mile north of SR 2683 (Rush Street) to 0.2 mile south of US 70. The project is included in the 1995-2001 North Carolina Transportation Improvement Program and is scheduled for right-of-way in fiscal year 1995 and construction in fiscal year 1996. The project completes a link between the six-lane section of Hammond Road to the north and the four-lane section of Timber Drive to the south. A multilane divided facility is proposed from Rush Street to US 70 and the existing two-lane portion of Hammond Road from Rush Street to Tryon Road will be widened. The NCDOT is also considering additional travel lanes along US 70 to provide six lanes in the vicinity of the Hammond Road intersection. An intersection is proposed at US 70 with the subject project, however, the ultimate Hammond Road design includes an interchange at US 70. The Service's review of any environmental document would be greatly facilitated if it contained the following information: 1. A description of the fishery and wildlife resources within existing and required additional right-of-way and any areas, such as borrow areas, which may be affected directly or indirectly by the proposed project. 2. A list of the wetland types which will be impacted. Wetland types should follow the wetland classification scheme of the National Wetlands Inventory. This list should also give the acreage of each wetland type to be affected by the project as determined by the Federal Manual for Identifying and Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands. 3. Engineering techniques which will be employed for designing and constructing any wetland crossings and/or relocated stream channels along with the linear feet of any water courses to be relocated. 4. The cover types of upland areas and the acreage'of each type which would a be impacted by the proposed project. 5. Mitigation measures which will be employed to avoid, eliminate, reduce, or compensate for upland and wetlands habitat impacts associated with the project. These measures should include plans for replacing unavoidable wetland losses. 6. The environmental impacts which are likely to occur after construction as a direct result of the proposed project (secondary impacts) and an assessment of the extent to which the proposed project will add to similar environmental impacts produced by other, completed projects in the area (cumulative impacts). The attached page identifies the Federally-listed endangered, threatened, and candidate species which occur in Wake County. The section of the environmental document regarding protected species must contain the following information: 1. A review of the literature and other information; 2. A description of any listed species or critical habitat that may be affected by the action; 3. An analysis of the "effect of the action", as defined by CFR 402.02, on the species and habitat including consideration of direct, indirect, cumulative effects, and the results of related studies; 4. A description of the manner in which the action may affect any species or critical habitat; 5. Summary of evaluation criteria used as a measure of potential effects; and, 6. Determination statement based on evaluation criteria. Candidate species refer to any species being considered by the Service for listing as endangered or threatened but not yet the subject of a proposed rule. These species are not legally protected under the Act or subject to its provisions, including Section 7, until formally proposed or listed as threatened or endangered. New data could result in the formal listing of a candidate species. This change would place the species under the full protection of the Endangered Species Act, and necessitate a new survey if its status in the project corridor is unknown. Therefore, it would be prudent for the project to avoid any adverse impact to candidate species or their habitat. The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program should be contacted for information on species under State protection. The Service appreciates the opportunity to comment on this project. Please continue to advise us of the progress of this project, including your official determination of the impacts of this project. If our office can supply any additional information or clarification, please contact Howard Hall, the biologist reviewing this project, at 919-856-4520 (ext. 27). Sincerely yours, Tom Augs rger Acting Supervisor REVISED NOVEMBER 30, 1994 Wake County Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocenhalus) - E Red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) - E Michaux's sumac ( hus michauxii) - E Dwarf wedge mussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) - E There are species which, although not now listed or officially proposed for listing as endangered or threatened, are under status review by the Service. These "Candidate"(C1 and C2) species are not legally protected under the Act, and are not subject to any of its provisions, including Section 7, until they are formally proposed or listed as threatened or endangered. We are providing the below list of candidate species which may occur within the project area for the purpose of giving you advance notification. These species may be listed in the future, at which time they will be protected under the Act. In the meantime, we would appreciate anything you might do for them. Bachman's sparrow (Aimovhila aestivalis) - C2* Southeastern bat ( t s austrorivarius) - C2 Diana fritillary butterfly (Speveria diana) - C2 Green floater (Lasmiaona subviridis) - C2 Yellow lance (mussel) (Ellivtio lanceolata) - C2 Neuse slabshell (Ellivtio judithae) - C2 Atlantic pigtoe (mussel) (Fusconaia a on ) - C2 Nestronia (Nestronia umbellula) - C2 Carolina trillium (Trillium pusillum var. vusillum) - C2 Sweet pinesap (MonotroASis odorata) - C2 *Indicates no specimen in at least 20 years from this county. NORTH CAROLINA STATE CLEARTLLGii"LLF FM206 DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTR !G I?/ 116 WEST JONES STREET ?Q RALEIGH NORTH CAROLIN 2 603-8003 ?Lg 4-4 11-71 DEC 051 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT DIVISION OF v? HIGHWAYS MAILED TO: FROM: N-C- DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION MS- JEANETTE FURNEY FRANK VICK ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT PLANN- E ENV. BRANCH STATE CLEARINGHOUSE TRANSPORTATION BLDG./INTER-OFFICE PROJECT DESCRIPTION: SCOPING - PROPOSED REEVALUATION OF SR 2026 (HAMMOND RD-) FROM NORTH OF SR 2683 (RUSH ST-) TO SOUTH OF US 70 IN RALEIGH TIP #U-515AA TYPE - SCOPING THE N-C- STATE CLEARINGHOUSE HAS RECEIVED THE ABOVE PROJECT FOR INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW- THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN ASSIGNED STATE APPLICATION NUMBER 95E42200336- PLEASE USE THIS NUMBER WITH ALL INQUIRIES OR CORRESPONDENCE WITH THIS OFFICE. REVIEW OF THIS PROJECT SHOULD BE COMPLETED ON OR BEFORE 01/05/95- SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL (919) 733-7232- -m wv-, 4zktv M208 01-05-95 NORTH CAROLINA STATE CLEARINGHOUSE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTR 116 WEST JONES STREE3oO RALEIGH NORTH CARO G 27E 601 3Y -14? FJA% 0 6.1995', INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW COMM S 2 MAILED T0: FROM: pNISIC'd OF 2g HIGHWAYS ?0 N-C- DEPT- OF TRANSPORTATION MRS. CHRYS FRANK VICK DIRECTOR PLANN- E ENV. BRANCH N C STATE CLEARINGHOUSE TRANSPORTATION BLDG./INTER-OFF PROJECT DESCRIPTION: SCOPING - PROPOSED REEVALUATION OF SR 2026 (HAMMOND RD-) FROM NORTH OF SR 2683 (RUSH ST-) TO SOUTH OF US 70 IN RALEIGH TIP #U-515AA SAX NO 95E42200336 PROGRAM TITLE - SCOPING THE ABOVE PROJECT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE NORTH CAROLINA INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS- AS A RESULT OF THE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING IS SUBMITTED: ( ) NO COMMENTS WERE RECEIVED ( X) COMMENTS ATTACHED SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS9 PLEASE CALL THIS OFFICE (919) 733-7232. C-C- REGION J State of North. Carolina Department of Environment, -AV I Health and Natural Resources 4 • o Legislative Affairs 41 James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary ID E H N F =I Henry Lancaster, Director MEMORANDUM T0: Chrys Baggett State Clearinghouse FROM: Melba McGee Project Review Coordinator RE: 95-0336 - Scoping Hammond Road, Wake County DATE: January 4, 1995 The Department of Environment, Health, and has reviewed the proposed scoping notice. The list and describe information that is necessary to evaluate the potential environmental impacts More specific comments will be provided during review. Thank you for the opportunity to respond. encouraged to notify our commenting divisie assistance is needed. attachments Natural Resources attached comments for our divisions of the project. the environmental The applicant is ns if additional JAN - 4 I ? ,. ;,i P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7687 Telephone 919-733-4984 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 60% recycled/ 10% post-consumer paper State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Division of Forest Resources James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary Stanford M. Adams, Director Griffiths Forestry Center 2411 Old US 70 West Clayton, North Carolina 27520 December 8, 1994 MEMORANDUM A*A BEHNR TO: Melba McGee, Policy Development FROM: Don H. Robbins, Staff Forester SUBJECT: DOT Re-Evaluation/Scoping of SR2026 (Hammond Road) from North of Rush Street to South of US 70 in Raleigh, Wake County PROJECT: #95-0336 and TIP #U-515AA DUE DATE: 12-27-94 We have reviewed the above subject DOT scoping notice and have the following comments: 1. Even though this project is in an urban setting, woodland will be impacted. 2. We have no problems with the project as it appears to be needed. 3. The EA should address the following: a. The total forest land acreage by types that would be taken out of forest production as a result of new right-of-way purchases and all construction activities. b. The productivity of the forest soils as indicated by the soil series, that would be involved within the proposed project. C. The impact upon existing greenways within the area of the proposed project. P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7687 Telephone 919-733-2162 FAX 919-733-0138 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post-consumer paper Memo to Melba McGee PROJECT: #95-0336 Page 2 d. The provisions that the contractor will take to sell any merchantable timber that is to be removed. This practice is encouraged to minimize the need for piling and burning during construction. If any burning is needed, the contractor should comply with all laws and regulations pertaining to debris burning. e. The provisions that the contractor will take during the construction phase to prevent erosion, sedimentation and construction damage to forest land outside the right-of- way and construction limits. Trees outside the construction limits should be protected from construction activities to avoid: 1. Skinning of tree trunks by machinery. 2. Soil compaction and root exposure or injury by heavy equipment. 3. Adding layers of fill dirt over the root systems of trees, a practice that impairs root aeration. 4. Accidental spilling of petroleum products or other damaging substances over the root systems of trees. We would hope that a route could be chosen that would have the least impact to forest and related resources in that area. PC: Warren Boyette - CO Albert Coley - Wake Co File State of North Caroiins Reviewing tI' e YEIGH REGIONAL OFFICE Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources Due Date: INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW - PROJECT COMMENTS project Number: Due After review of this project It has been determined that the EHNR permit(s) and/or approvals indicated may need to be obtained in order for this project to comply with North Carolina Law. Questions regarding these permits should be addressed to the Regional Office indicated on the reverse of the form. All applications, Information and guidelines relative to these plans and permits are available from the "m Time Regional Office. Normal Process (statutory time SPECIAL APPLICATION PROCEDURES Or REQUIREMENTS limit) PERMITS A lication 90 days before begin construction or award of 30 days Permit to construct 6 operate wastewater treatment PP ? facilities, sewer system extensions, d sewer construction contracts On•site inspection. Post•application (90 days) technical conference usual systems not discharging into state surface waters. to activit On-site inspection. 90.120 days NPDES • permit to discharge into surface water andlor Application 180 days before beg' y• permit to operate and construct wastewater facilities Pro-application conference usual. Additionally. obtain permit to (NIA) ? discharging into state surface waters. construct wastewater treatment facilily•granted after NPDES Reply time. 30 days after receipt of plans or issue of NPDES permit-whichever is later. 30 days Water Use Permit Pre-application technical conference usually necessary (NIA) s Complete application mutt be received and permit issued s) Well Conatruetion Permit prior to the installation o a well. Application copy must be served on each adjacent riparian property s Fs) Dredge and Fill Permit owner. On•site inspection. Pre•application conference usual. Filling may require Easement to Fill from N.C. Department of Administration and Federal Dredge and Fill Permit. 60 days Permit to construct & operate Air Pollution Abatement NIA (90 days) ? facilities and/or Emission Sources as per 15A NCAC 21H.060 Any open burning associated with subject proposal must be in compliance with 15A NCAC 2D.0520. Demolition or renovations of structures containing 60 days asbestos material must be In compliance with 15A NIA NCAC 2D.0525 which requires notification and removal prior to demolition. Contact Asbestos Control Group (90 days) Complex Source Permit required under 15A NCAC 2D.0800. dimenlaUo The Se<Jimo:,fation Pollution Control Act of 1973 must be properly addressed for any land disturbing activity. An erosion d ae Plan Illed with proper Regional Oflice ILand Quality Sect.) at least 30 d I 20 d 0 d y . control plan will be required if one or more acres to be disturbe f = for the first acre and 520.00 for each additional acre or ail muss accom an the Ian l a s 3 s) 0 d ee o da s before be mein activity . A tion ?ollulion Control Act of 1973 must be addressed with respect to the referrenced Local Ordinance: t • ay (3 a i The Sedimen r mount fI d a tI._ On-site Inspection usual. Surety bond filed with EHNR. 9on 30 days it varies with type mine and number of acres of affected land Any area The appropriate bond t be permited P (60 days) . erm Mining mined greater than one acre mus must be received before the permit can be issued. On-site Inspection by N.C. Division Forest Resources if permit ,Fda) North Carolina Burning permit exceeris i days • - ? On-site inspection by N.D. Division Forest Resources required ••if more 1 day " N ay l Special Ground Clearance Burning Permit • 22 than 'Ive'acres of ground clearing activities are involved. Inspections ' C. with organic soils requested di leas' ten days before actual burn is planned. ? counties in coastal N ld b . e shou 90120 days tNIA) LJ Oil Refining Facilities NIA If permit required, applk.a?lon 60 days before "gin construction. 30 days Applicant must hire N.C. qualified engineer to'. prepare plans. s ac;:o,ding to EHNR approv ? Dam Safety Petmit Inspect cu. struclion, certify construction i May also require permit under mosquito rontrol program. And lans (60 days) _ . eo p silee is n Engineers a permit from s r ac must minimum fee of io _3ry ry to ve,{fy Hazard Cias si cal the appllCaliof.. An additional processing fee based on a n y compa percentage or the total project cost will be required upon Completion Continued on reverse ,Pb rtw . No rrna. Process I • Time (statulory linie SPECIAL APPLICATION PROCEDURES or REQUIREMENTS limd) PERMITS _- r File surety bond of 55,000 with EHNR running to State of N.C. 10 days Permit to drf::.t,:i?•.?•? 1 Oil or gas well conditional that any well opened by drill operator shall, upon abandonment, be plugged according to EHNR rules and regulations. (NIA) {!-t Geophysical tl?ploration Permit Application filed with EHNR at least 10 days prior to issue of permit Application by letter. No standard application form. 10 days (NIA) lJ l d i s 1520 da State Lakes Construction Permit u e nc Application lee based on structure size is charged. Must tructure 6 proof of ownership f i y (NIA) ? ngs o s descriptions 8 draw of riparian property. 60 days. 401 Water Ouallty Certification NIA (1]0 days; 55 days ? CAMA Permit for MAJOR development 5250.00 fee must accompany application (150 days) 22 days ? $50.00 lee must accompany application CAMA Permit for MINOR development (25 days) Several geodetic monuments are located in or near the project area. If any monuments need to be moved or deslroyed. please nobly ?' N.C. Geodetic Survey, Box 27687. Raleigh, N.C. 27611 ? Abandonment of any wells, if required, must be in accordance with Title 15A, Subchapler 2C.0100 ? Notification of the proper regional office is requested if "orphan" underground storage tanks (USTS) are discovered during any excavation operation 45 days day O Compliance with 15A NCAC 2H.1000 (Coastal Stormwater Rules) is required. IN A) ° • Other comments (attach additional pages as necessary, being certain to cite comment authority). l? >7 1 1'? i g? - ? i u T 1 ?L/? N ,?c Sf?Dtr ,f t.?-j Pt N ? t D S f o?J.r?C-0 N ""fit-O I'c1 Lc???4r>+ . ?4YlJrlc?? R'T7T°J.J '( 5 / k? • oT ?+0 jn1s?/ri vrt .F ?(G n Q(r= ?1V,fa.( -I- i7? t ST IE .5 A-71- 'the ?' ?" '?? oN f ku ors 7z/L0 5 04 0-44-r - 1 "'J ; DE 41 C Ail_k J L S (-I, ter.-i?i7?It ty;,t vg,,7^0 `.E t O tJ-r? 7' S fyR?.w A-1, A t=r14- 44E>9 - i REGIONAL OFFICES Ouestions regarding these permits should be addressed to the Regional Office marked below. t-1 .-ClA heville Regional Office = ? Fayetteville Regional Office s .• odfin Place 59 W Suite 714 Wachovia Building o Asheville, NC 28801 Fayetteville, NC 28301 (919) 4851541 (704) 251.6208 f' .-D.Miooresville Regional Office `oc is ? Raleigh Regional Office Suite 101 3800 Barretk•Drive `i.9t9 North Main Street, P.O. Box 950 . Raleigh,. NC 27609 -9Mtloresville. NC 28115 (919) 733.2314 )(nAy 663.1699 ? Washington Regional Office i oio;,al ? Wiimincaon+Regionaf Office ' 1424 Carolina Avenue ha1iDrive Exlens)on 127 Catdi Wilmington, NO 28405 Washington. NC 27889 (9191 3953900 (919) 946.6481 ? Winston-Salem Regional Office , •;r,•;, ••. 8025 North Point Blvd. Suite 100 Winston Salem, NC 27106 (919) 8967007 State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Division of Land Resources James G. Martin, Govemor PROJECT REVIEw COMMENTS William W. Cobey, Jr., Secretary Project Number: % S - G 3 3 ? County: V C 09 1994 1 Charles H. Gardner Director Project Name: L 3 E Geodetic Survey This project will impact geodetic survey markers. N.C. Geodetic Survey should be'contacted prior'to construction at P.O. Box' 27687, .Raleigh, N.C. 27611 (919) 733-3836. Intentional destruction of a geodetic monument is a violation of N.C. General Statute 102-4. This project will have no impact on geodetic survey markers. Other (comments attached) For more information contact the Geodetic Survey office at (919) 733-3836. L" //1zz 1'71 w-„ Reviewer Erosion and Sedimentation Control No comment i Date This proje9t will require approval of an erosion and sedimentation control plan prior to beginning any land =disturbing activity if more than one (1) acre will be disturbed. If an environmental document is required to satisfy Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) requirements, the document must be submitted as part of the erosion and sedimentation control plan. If any portion of the project is located within a High Quality Water Zone (HQW), as classified by the Division of Environmental Management, increased design standards for sediment and erosion control will apply. f? The erosion and sedimentation control plan required for this project should be prepared by the Department of Transportation under the erosion control program delegation to the Division of Highways from the North Carolina Sedimentation Control Commission. Other (comments attached) For more information contact the Land Quality Section at (919) 733-4574. A". ? G-? 12101,154 Reviewer Date P.O. Box 27687 • Raleigh, N.C. 27611-7687 • Telephone (919) 733-3833 An Equal Opportunlty A18rrnadve Acdon Employer State of North Carolina Department of Environment, AN Health and Natural Resources W 4 Division of Environmental Management ?w James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor C) Admodsoodw Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary E H N F? A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director November 7, 1994 Memorandum To: Mark Reep NC DOT From: Eric Galamb Subject: Preliminary Wetland Investigation for Hammond Road Widening TIP # U-515AA A site visit was made on October 27, 1994 to determine the wetland quality and quantity associated with the subject project. The wetland is classified as a bottomland hardwood/beaver pond. This wetland is performing significant functions including pollutant removal, water storage, aquatic life, and bank stabilization. Alternatives to avoid the wetland should be examined. DEM requests that DOT compare the wetland impacts to the west and the east of existing Hammond Road. This comparison should be submitted to DEM for review prior to a permit application. DOT should also discuss minimization efforts including side slopes and median widths. DOT is commended for including the resource agencies in an early coordination meeting. u515aa.mem 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 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 10 1 IDEHNR December 19, 1994 T0: Melba McGee, Legislative Affairs FROM: Monica Swiharf,'Water Quality Planning SUBJECT: Project Review #95-0336; Scoping Comments - NC DOT Reevaluation of Proposed Improvements to SR 2026, Raleigh, TIP No. U-515AA The Water Quality Section of the Division of Environmental Management requests that the following topics be discussed in the environmental documents prepared on the subject project: A. Identify the streams potentially impacted by the project. The stream classifications should be current. B. Identify the linear feet of stream channelizations/ relocations. If the original stream banks were vegetated, it is requested that the channelized/relocated stream banks be revegetated. C. Number of stream crossings. D. Will permanent spill catch basins be utilized? DEM requests that these catch basins be placed at all water supply stream crossings. Identify the responsible party for maintenance. E. Identify the stormwater controls (permanent and temporary) to be employed. F. Please ensure that sediment and erosion and control measures are not placed in wetlands. G. Wetland Impacts 1) Identify the federal manual used for identifying and delineating jurisdictional wetlands. 2) Have wetlands been avoided as much as possible? 3) Have wetland impacts been minimized? 4) Discuss wetland impacts by plant communities affected. 5) Discuss the quality of wetlands impacted. 6) Summarize the total wetland impacts. 7) List the 401 General Certification numbers requested from DEM. P.O. Box 29535, Rdeigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone 919-733-7015 FAX 919-733-2496 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post-consumer paper Melba McGee December 19, 1994 Page 2 H. Will borrow locations be in wetlands? Borrow/waste areas should avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practicable. Prior to approval of any borrow/waste site in a wetland, the contractor shall obtain a 401 Certification from DEM. I. Did NCDOT utilize the existing road alignments as much as possible? Why not (if applicable)? J. To what extent can traffic congestion management techniques alleviate the traffic problems in the study area? K. Please provide a conceptual mitigation plan to help the environmental review. The mitigation plan may state the following: 1. Compensatory mitigation will be considered only after wetland impacts have been avoided and minimized to the maximum extent possible. 2. On-site, in-kind mitigation is the preferred method of mitigation. In-kind mitigation within the same watershed is preferred over out-of-kind mitigation. 3. Mitigation should be in the following order: restoration, creation, enhancement, and lastly banking. Please note that a 401 Water Quality Certification cannot be issued until the conditions of NCAC 15A: 01C.0402 (Limitations on Actions During NCEPA Process) are met. This regulation prevents DEM from issuing the 401 Certification until a FONSI or Record of Decision (ROD) has been issued by the Department requiring the document. If the 401 Certification application is submitted for review prior to issuance of the FONSI or ROD, it is recommended that the applicant state that the 401 will not be issued until the applicant informs DEM that the FONSI or ROD has been signed by the Department. Written concurrence of 401 Water Quality Certification may be required for this project. Applications requesting coverage under our General Certification 14 or General Permit 31 will require written concurrence. Please be aware that 401 Certification may be denied if wetland impacts have not been avoided and minimized to the maximum extent practicable. 10791.mem cc: Eric Galamb NCWRC,HCP,FALLS LAKE TEL:919-528-9839 Dec 27'94 11:41 No.002 P.03 Noah Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 312 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604-1188, 919-7333391 Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director MEMORANDUM TO: Melba McGee office of Policy Development, DEHNR FROM: David Cox, Highway Project Cdr inato Habitat Conservation Prograttr ••' fir. DATE: December 27, 1994 SUBJECT: Request for information from the N. C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) regarding fish and wildlife concerns for the reevaluation of SR 2026 (Hammond Road) from SR 2683 (Rush Street) to south of US 70 in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, TTP No. U-515AA, SCH Project No. 95-0336. This memorandum responds to a request from Mr. H. Franklin Vick of the NCDOT for our concerns regarding impacts on fish and wildlife resources resulting from the subject project. Biologists on the staff of the N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) have reviewed the proposed improvements, and our comments are provided in accordance with provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)) and the fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661- 667d). we are concerned about the wetlands associated with Wildcat Branch and any stream channel relocation that may result from this project. We request that NCDOT thoroughly investigate alternatives which avoid the wetlands and scream channel modifications. We are unlikely to concur the project document if impacts to natural resources are not clearly minimized. In addition to any specific recommendations or concerns regarding the subject project, our general informational needo are outlined below: C,HCP,FALLS LAKE TEL:919-528-9839 Dec 27'94 11:42 No.002 P.04 Memo Page 2 December 27, 1994 1. Description of fishery and wildlife resources within the project area, including a listing of federally or state designated threatened, endangered, or special concern species. Potential borrow areas to be used for project construction should be included in the inventories. A listing of designated plant species can be developed through consultation with: The Natural Heritage Program N. C. Division of Parks and Recreation P. O. Box 27687 Raleigh, N. C. 27611 (919) 733-7795 and, NCDA Plant Conservation Program P. O. Box 27647 Raleigh, N. C. 27611 (919) 733-3610 2. Description of any streams or wetlands affected by the project. The need for channelizing or relocating portions of streams crossed and the extent of such activities. 3. Cover type maps showing wetland acreages impacted by the project. Wetland acreages should include all project-related areas that may undergo hydrologic change as a result of ditching, other drainage, or filling for project construction. Wetland identification may be accomplished through coordination with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE). If the COE is not consulted, the person delineating wetlands should be identified and criteria listed. 4. Cover type maps showing acreages of upland wildlife habitat impacted by the proposed project. Potential borrow sites should be included. 5. The extent to which the project will result in loss, degradation, or fragmentation of wildlife habitat (wetlands or uplands). 6. Mitigation for avoiding, minimizing or compensating for direct and indirect degradation in habitat quality as well as quantitative losses. 7. A cumulative impact assessment section which analyzee the environmental effects of highway construction and quantifies the contribution of C,HCP,FRLLS LRKE TEL:919-528-9839 Dec 27'94 11:42 No.002 P.05 . - Memo Page 3 December 27, 1994 this individual project to environmental degradation. 8. A discussion of the probable impacts on natural resources which will result from secondary development facilitated by the improved road access. 9. If construction of this facility is to be coordinated with other state, municipal, or private development projects, a description of these projects should be included in the environmental document, and all project sponsors should be identified. Thank you for the opportunity to provide input in the early planning stages for this project. If we can further assist your office, please contact David Cox, Highway Project Coordinator, at (919) 528-9886. CCs Wayne Jones, District 3 Fisheries Biologist Mike Scruggs, District 3 Wildlife Biologist Randy Wilson, Nongame/Endangered Species Program Mgr. David Dell, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Raleigh % (' jl.i ifs; ?.)i• I?.;tIVI.L?.t.?!'•t???ll?.l`.! I'!`,!. L I!.•:r\' •t???i (rater-A,cricy' P:•Oject Review 1\CSp011SC ?S'-O 33 1"11ii l'11:Y? , 1-0j%:C:: Nan- ° SGz 2C?tS C Ypc of 1'rojcet The applicant should be advised that plans and specifications for all water system ?--? improvements must be approved by the Division of Environmental Health prior to:the award of a contract or the initiation of conscruccioli (as requ:-ed by 15A NCAC 18(7 .0300 et. seq.). For information, contact the Public. Wacer Supply Se:tion, (919) 733-2460. ?-, This project will be classified as -a non-conimunity public water supply and must comply with ?---J state and federal drinking water monitoring requireme::cs. For more Information the applicant should contact the Public Water Supply Seccion, (91``! 733-2321. If this project is constructed as proposed, we will recd nmend closure of feet. of adjacerit Waters to the haniesi of shellfish. For inform' aeon regarding the•shellfisi -sanitation progra. m, the applicant should contact the Shellfish Sanitac!'Dn Branch ac (919) 726-6827. r? The spoil disposal area(s) proposed for this project produce a mosquito breeding problerr_. ?-? For information concerning appropriate mosquito :ontrol measures, the applicant -should: contact the Public Health Pest Management. Section it (919) 726-897C. ' The applicant. should be advised that prior co zh t removal or demolition of dilapidated. structures, an extensive rodent control program ma-•- be necessary in order co - prevent. the f mi-ration of the roderics cc adjacent area. The :-formation. concerning rodent control, t) 1 contact the local health departir,.ent or the Public H-alt?l Pest I\Zanasemen. Sectior at (919) 733-6407. -? T1ie applicant should be advised co ceatact the local hfalth department regarding their ? ' IIC. ?C 1'?. .1900 et. sec reouirem:.nts for tanit inscallat.o r.s (as :ec, ,l.lird_ ; under . ?........ .. 51. .. For info rrnation corcernlllg s?pu?. tarn: Ind ntne'_ or-sire waste disposal methods', contact the On-43111.t Vt/aste?.c^r ?eCrio:1 at X919; 717.2995. I--? The applicant should br- advised tO Con.noln tile. lcca?! rlealth department: regarding the sanit:ir; L._ ...? Facilities rc.dl.:ircc] icr this projc_1Cc I- -I tf exi.su.ng Water Ili! ;will be 1'ClOt:atCi durlnr lh:: C011St("UCE1011. 111'A'M Ur tilt water i ---? relocation muse be subrnu:tcd CC) the ]?C.T0011 Ot F.n lromnem i 17±ca?tl?, P',:b1i1_ ?X?ater SM,:-ot lcct':011, Plan PcV1C;J U1'wCh, 1'). )0 St. 1?(?rv S ?C:CCt !\llClnll NL?IImo.; lrlll112., ?i l??) 73.E i?.StiK CCWC1, L X11 V?• MM.,.•I?r•:' n,) •{.fit... `i ,e7t SS Se cion/Branc'h 02 Date 4 North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Betty Ray McCain, Secretary December 29, 1994 MEMORANDUM TO: H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch Division of Highways Department of Transportation ?j FROM: David Brook Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Division of Archives and History William S. Price, Jr., Director SUBJECT: Reevaluation of SR 2026 (Hammond Road) from north of SR 2683 (Rush Street) to south of US 70, Raleigh, Wake County, U-515AA, Federal-Aid Project M- 5797(1), State Project 8.2432801, ER 95-7932, CH 95-E-4220-0336 We have received information concerning the above project from the State Clearinghouse. Kelly Lally conducted a comprehensive survey of Wake County in 1991. We have conducted a search of our files and are aware of no structures of historical or architectural importance located within the planning area. Given the results of earlier archaeological investigations in the area, it is our opinion that the proposed project will have no effect upon significant archaeological resources and do not recommend any archaeological investigations for this project as currently proposed. 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. Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above comment, please contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919/733-4763. DB:slw cc: Mate Clearinghouse N. Graf B. Church T. Padgett 109 East Jones Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807 9? rn? ? ekp r NORTH CAROLINA •?• DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION 301 North Wilmington Street, Education Building Raleigh, NC 27601-2825 January 3, 1995 A O_c; 1? 1 TO: H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch Division of Highways FROM: Charles / Assistan Superintendent Auxiliary Services BOB ETHERIDGE State Superintendent ?C E? JAN 1 l 1993 z 2 DIVISIC?V OF ? CCP I GHwAYS % Q' ?RONME? RE: Reevaluation of SR 2026 (Hammond Road) from north of SR 26583 (Ruth Street) to south of US 70, Raleigh, Wake County, State Project No. 8.2432801, Federal Aid Project No. M-5797(1), TIP No. U-515AA Please find attached communication from Mr. B. Clinton Jobe, Real Properties Specialist for Wake County Public School System, relative to subject project. mrl Enclosure An Equal Opportunity / Affirm2tive Action Employer A WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM FACILITY PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT December 21, 1994 Dr. Charles H. Weaver Assistant State Superintendent - Auxiliary Services North Carolina Department of Public Instruction 301 N. Wilmington Street Education Building Raleigh, NC 27601-2825 JM - 3 05 RE: Re-evaluation of SR 2026 "Hammond Road" from N. SR 26583 "Ruth Street" State Project No. 8.2432801 Dear Dr. Weaver: I have reviewed the material forwarded with your letter of November 21, 1994, and can find no serious negative impact with this project related to the Wake County Public School System. It also would appear that we have no information that would indicate any negative environmental impacts for the project. Sincerely, X-1 I ??? B. Clinton Jobe Real Properties Specialist 1551 ROCK QUARRY ROAD 9 FACILITIES BUILDING • RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27610 • TELEPHONE (919) 856-8274 Appendix C Air Quality and Traffic Noise Data TABLE Al CAL3QHC: LINE SOURCE DISPERSION MODEL - MARCH, 1990 VERSION JOB: U-515AA, Hammond Rd./US 70 Wake Co. RUN: SR 2026/US 70 BUILD 1998 DATE: 09/06/1994 TIME: 08:16:18.84 SITE 6 METEOROLOGICAL VARIABLES VS - .0 CM/S VD . .0 CM/S ZO - 108. CM U = 1.0 M/S CIJS - 5 (E) ATIM . 60. MINUTES MUM - 400. M AM - 1.9 PPM 7.TNx VARTART.RA LINK DESCRIPTION X1 LINK COORDINATES (M) Y1 X2 Y2 1. Hammond Rd. NB APP 8.2 -304.8 8.2 .0 2. Hammond Rd.NB QUE 8.2 -13.7 6.2 -51.8 3. Hammond Rd. NBLT 2.7 -13.7 2.7 -93.3 4. Hammond Rd. NB DEP 8.2 .0 8.2 304.8 5. Hammond Rd. SB APP -8.2 304.6 -8.2 .0 6. Hammond Rd. BB QUE -8.2 13.7 -8.2 43.6 7. Hammond Rd. SBLT -2.7 13.7 -2.7 98.2 8. Hammond Rd. SB DEP -8.2 .0 -8.2 -304.8 9. US 70 EB APP -304.8 -8.2 .0 -6.2 10. US 70 EB QUE -13.7 -8.2 -77.6 -8.2 11. US 70 EBLT -13.7 -2.7 -181.1 -2.7 12. US 70 EB DEP .0 -8.2 304.8 -8.2 13. US 70 WB APPR 304.8 8.2 .0 8.2 14. US 70 WB QUE 13.7 8.2 103.5 8.2 15. US 70 WBLT 13.7 2.7 159.4 2.7 16. US 70 WB DEP .0 6.2 -304.8 8.2 LENGTH BRG TYPE VPH EF H W V/C QUEUE (M) (DEC) (G/MI) (M) (M) (VEH) 305. 360. AG 915. 13.8 .0 13.4 38. 180. AG 1768. 100.0 .0 7.3 .88 6.3 80. 180. AG 769. 100.0 .0 3.7 1.00 13.3 305. 360. AG 1145. 13.8 .0 13.4 305. 180. AG 1145. 13.8 .0 13.4 30. 360. AG 1679. 100.0 .0 7.3 .67 5.0 84. 360. AG 707. 100.0 .0 3.7 .98 14.1 305. 180. AG 915. 13.8 .0 13.4 305. 90. AG 1905. 14.4 .0 13.4 64. 270. AG 1149. 100.0 .0 7.3 .84 10.6 167. 270. AG 937. 100.0 .0 3.7 1.27 27.9 305. 90. AG 1870. 14.4 .0 13.4 305. 270. AG 1870. 14.4 .0 13.4 90. 90. AG 1273. 100.0 .0 7.3 .97 15.0 146. 90. AG 1016. 100.0 .0 3.7 3.67 24.3 305. 270. AG 1905. 14.4 .0 13.4 RECEPTOR LOCATIONS COORDINATES (M) RECEPTOR X Y Z 1. REC 12B(NW CORNER) -76.2 54.9 1.8 2. REC 20 (SW CORNER) -76.2 -51.8 1.8 3. REC 14 (NE CORNER) 39.6 47.2 1.8 JOB: U-515AA, Hammond Rd./ US 70 Wake Co. RUN: SR 2026/US 70 BUILD 1998 MODEL RESULTS REMARKS : In search of the angle corresponding to the maximum concentration, only the first angle, of the angles with same maximum concentrations, is indicated as maximum. WIND ANGLE RANGE: 1.-360. WIND ANGLE (DEGR) MAX DEGR. CONCENTRATION (PPM) REC1 REC2 REC3 6.6 6.4 7.3 111 42 199 TABLE Al CAL3QHC: LINE SOURCE DISPERSION MODEL - MARCH, 1990 VERSION JOB: U-515AA, Hammond Rd./US 70 Wake Co. RUN: SR 2026/US 70 BUILD 1998 DATES 12/08/1994 TIME: 09:16s03.88 SITE & METEOROLOGICAL VARIABLES VS - .0 CM/S VD - .0 CM/S ZO - 106. CM U - 1.0 M/S CLAS - 5 (E) ATIM - 60. MINUTES MIXH - 400. M AMB - 1.9 PPM T.TNx VARTAW RR LINK DESCRIPTION X1 LINK COORDINATES (M) Yl X2 Y2 1. Hammond Rd. NB APP 10.1 -304.8 10.1 .0 2. Hammond Rd.NB QUE 10.1 -13.7 10.1 -392.5 3. Hammond Rd. NBLT 2.7 -13.7 2.7 -277.7 4. Hammond Rd. NB DEP 10.1 .0 10.1 304.8 5. Hammond Rd. SB APP -10.1 304.8 -10.1 .0 6. Hammond Rd. SB QUE -10.1 13.7 -10.1 114.3 7. Hammond Rd. BBLT -2.7 13.7 -2.7 303.1 8. Hammond Rd. SB DEP -10.1 .0 -10.1 -304.8 9. US 70 EB APP -304.8 -8.2 .0 -8.2 10. US 70 EB QUE -17.4 -8.2 -59.9 -8.2 11. US 70 EBLT -17.4 -2.7 -231.1 -2.7 12. US 70 EB DEP .0 -8.2 304.8 -8.2 13. US 70 WB APPR 304.8 8.2 .0 8.2 14. US 70 WB QUE 17.4 8.2 70.8 8.2 15. US 70 WBLT 17.4 2.7 163.0 2.7 16. US 70 WB DEP .0 8.2 -304.8 8.2 RECEPTOR LOCATIONS LENGTH BRG TYPE VPH EF H W V/C QUEUE (M) (DEC) (G/MI) (M) (M) (VEH) 305. 360. AG 915. 13.8 .0 17.1 379. 180. AG 1927. 100.0 .0 11.0 2.02 63.1 264. 180. AG 804. 100.0 .0 3.7 1.16 44.0 305. 360. AG 1145. 13.8 .0 17.1 305. 180. AG 1145. 13.8 .0 17.1 101. 360. AG 1821. 100.0 .0 11.0 1.09 16.8 289. 360. AG 751. 100.0 .0 3.7 1.14 48.2 305. 180. AG 915. 13.8 .0 17.1 305. 90. AG 1905. 14.4 .0 13.4 43. 270. AG 901. 100.0 .0 7.3 .66 7.1 214. 270. AG 946. 100.0 .0 3.7 1.41 35.6 305. 90. AG 1870. 14.4 .0 13.4 305. 270. AG 1870. 14.4 .0 13.4 53. 90. AG 1043. 100.0 .0 7.3 .75 8.9 146. 90. AG 1016. 100.0 .0 3.7 3.67 24.3 305. 270. AG 1905. 14.4 .0 13.4 COORDINATES (M) RECEPTOR X Y Z 1. REC 13 (NW CORNER) -44.2 77.7 1.8 2. REC 12A(SW CORNER) -115.8 -82.3 1.8 3. REC 20 (SE CORNER) 76.2 -86.9 1.8 JOB: U-515AA, Hammond Rd./US 70 Wake Co. RUN: SR 2026/US 70 MODEL RESULTS REMARKS : In search of the angle corresponding to the maximum concentration, only the first angle, of the angles with same maximum concentrations, is indicated as maximum. WIND ANGLE RANGE: 1.-360. WIND ANGLE (DEGR) MAX DEGR. CONCENTRATION (PPM) REC1 REC2 REC3 8.0 5.3 6.2 126 37 296 BUILD 1998 TABLE A2 CAL3QHC: LINE SOURCE DISPERSION MODEL - MARCH, 1990 VERSION JOB: U-515AA, Hammond Rd./US 70 Wake Co. RUN: SR 2026/US 70 DATE: 09/06/1994 TIME: 08:25:45.51 SITE & METEOROLOGICAL VARIABLES VS = .0 CM/S U - 1.0 M/S LINK VARIABLES LINK DESCRIPTION BUILD 2003 VD - .0 CM/S ZO - 108. CM CLAS = 5 (E) ATIM - 60. MINUTES MIXH - 400. M AMB - 1.9 PPM LINK COORDINATES (M) I LENGTH BRG TYPE VPH EF H W V/C QUEUE X1 Y1 X2 Y2 (M) (DEG) (G/MI) (M) (M) (VEH) 1. Hammond Rd. NB APP 6.2 -304.8 8.2 .0 2. Hammond Rd.NB QUE 8.2 -13.7 8.2 -99.0 3. Hammond Rd. NBLT 2.7 -13.7 2.7 -332.0 4. Hammond Rd. NB DEP 8.2 .0 8.2 304.8 5. Hammond Rd. SB APP -8.2 304.8 -8.2 .0 6. Hammond Rd. BB QUE -8.2 13.7 -8.2 51.5 7. Hammond Rd. SBLT -2.7 13.7 -2.7 373.1 8. Hammond Rd. SB DEP -8.2 .0 -8.2 -304.8 9. US 70 EB APP -304.8 -8.2 .0 -8.2 10. US 70 EB QUE -13.7 -8.2 -113.2 -8.2 11. US 70 EBLT -13.7 -2.7 -294.9 -2.7 12. US 70 EB DEP .0 -8.2 304.8 -8.2 13. US 70 WB APPR 304.8 8.2 .0 8.2 14. US 70 WB QUE 13.7 8.2 412.3 8.3 15. US 70 WBLT 13.7 2.7 194.0 2.7 16. US 70 WB DEP .0 8.2 -304.8 8.2 RECEPTOR LOCATIONS 305. 360. AG 1075. 10.7 .0 13.4 85. 180. AG 1473. 100.0 .0 7.3 1.04 14.2 318. 180. AG 641. 100.0 .0 3.7 1.17 53.0 305. 360. AG 1350. 10.7 .0 13.4 305. 180. AG 1350. 10.7 .0 13.4 38. 360. AG 1399. 100.0 .0 7.3 .79 6.3 359. 360. AG 589. 100.0 .0 3.7 1.16 59.9 305. 180. AG 1075. 10.7 .0 13.4 305. 90. AG 2245. 11.5 .0 13.4 99. 270. AG 957. 100.0 .0 7.3 .99 16.6 261. 270. AG 780. 100.0 .0 3.7 1.50 46.9 305. 90. AO 2200. 11.5 .0 13.4 305. 270. AG 2200. 11.5 .0 13.4 399. 90. AG 1060. 100.0 .0 7.3 1.14 66.4 180. 90. AG 847. 100.0 .0 3.7 4.33 30.1 305. 270. AG 2245. 11.5 .0 13.4 COORDINATES (M) RECEPTOR X Y Z 1. REC 12B(NW CORNER) -76.2 54.9 1.8 2. REC 20 (SW CORNER) -76.2 -51.8 1.8 3. REC 14 (NE CORNER) 39.6 47.2 1.8 JOB: U-515AA, Hammond Rd./US 70 Wake Co. RUN: SR 2026/US 70 MODEI. RESULTS REMARKS : In search of the angle corresponding to the maximum concentration, only the first angle, of the angles with same maximum concentrations, is indicated as maximum. WIND ANGLE RANGE: 1.-360. WIND ANGLE (DEGR) MAX DEGR. CONCENTRATION (PPM) REC1 REC2 REC3 6.6 6.4 7.7 104 70 196 BUILD 2003 TABLE A2 CAL3QHC: LINE SOURCE DISPERSION MODEL - MARCH, 1990 VERSION JOB: U-515AA, Hammond Rd./US 70 Wake Co. RUN: OR 2026/US 70 BUILD 2003 DATE: 12/08/1994 TIME: 09:22:12.71 SITE & METEOROLOGICAL VARIABLES VS - .0 CM/S U - 1.0 M/S LINK VARIABLES LINK DESCRIPTION VD - .0 CM/S ZO a 108. CM CLAS e 5 (E) ATIM - 60. MINUTES LINK COORDINATES (M) X1 Y1 X2 Y2 MIXH - LENGTH (M) 400. M AMB - 1.9 PPM BRG TYPE VPH EF (DEG) (G/MI) H (M) W (M) /C UEUE (VEH) 1. Hammond Rd. NB APP 10.1 -304.8 10.1 .0 305. 360. AG 1075. 10.7 .0 17.1 2. Hammond Rd.NB QUE 10.1 -13.7 10.1 -516.8 503. 180. AG 1605. 100.0 .0 11.0 2.38 83.9 3. Hammond Rd. NBLT 2.7 -13.7 2.7 -517.2 503. 180. AG 670. 100.0 .0 3.7 1.36 83.9 4. Hammond Rd. NB DEP 10.1 .0 10.1 304.8 305. 360. AG 1350. 10.7 .0 17.1 5. Hammond Rd. SB APP -10.1 304.8 -10.1 .0 305. 180. AG 1350. 10.7 .0 17.1 6. Hammond Rd. SB QUE -10.1 13.7 -10.1 237.1 223. 360. AG 1517. 100.0 .0 11.0 1.28 37.2 7. Hammond Rd. SBLT -2.7 13.7 -2.7 605.1 591. 360. AG 626. 100.0 .0 3.7 1.34 98.6 8. Hammond Rd. SB DEP -10.1 .0 -10.1 -304.8 305. 180. AG 1075. 10.7 .0 17.1 9. US 70 EB APP -304.8 -8.2 .0 -8.2 305. 90. AG 2245. 11.5 .0 13.4 10. US 70 EB QUE -17.4 -8.2 -71.6 -8.2 54. 270. AG 751. 100.0 .0 7.3 .77 9.0 11. US 70 EBLT -17.4 -2.7 -345.0 -2.7 328. 270. AG 788. 100.0 .0 3.7 1.67 54.6 12. US 70 EB DEP .0 -8.2 304.8 -8.2 305. 90. AG 2200. 11.5 .0 13.4 13. US 70 WB APPR 304.8 8.2 .0 8.2 305. 270. AG 2200. 11.5 .0 13.4 14. US 70 WB QUE 17.4 8.2 89.3 8.2 72. 90. AG 869. 100.0 .0 7.3 .88 12.0 15. US 70 WBLT 17.4 2.7 197.7 2.7 180. 90. AG 847. 100.0 .0 3.7 4.33 30.1 16. US 70 WB DEP .0 6.2 -304.8 8.2 305. 270. AG 2245. 11.5 .0 13.4 RECEPTOR LOCATIONS COORDINATES (M) RECEPTOR X Y Z 1. REC 13 (NW CORNER) -44.2 77.7 1.8 2. REC 12A(SW CORNER) -115.6 -82.3 1.8 3. REC 20 (SE CORNER) 76.2 -86.9 1.8 JOB: U-515AA, Hammond Rd./US 70 Wake Co. RUN: SR 2026/US 70 BUILD 2003 MODEL RESULTS REMARKS : In search of the angle corresponding to the maximum concentration, only the first angle, of the angles with same maximum concentrations, is indicated as maximum. WIND ANGLE RANGE: 1.-360. WIND ANGLE (DEGR) MAX DEGR. CONCENTRATION (PPM) REC1 REC2 REC3 7.3 5.1 5.8 167 29 335 TABLE A3 CAL3QHC: LINE SOURCE DISPERSION MODEL - MARCH, 1990 VERSION JOB: U-515AA, Hammond Rd./US 70 Wake Co. RUN: SR 2026/US 70 BUILD 2018 DATE: 09/06/1994 TIME: 08:21:50.70 S SITE 6 METEOROLOGICAL VARIABLES VS = .0 CM/S VD s .0 CM/S ZO - 108. CM U - 1.0 M/S CLAS - 5 (E) ATIM - 60. MINUTES MM a 400. M AMB - 1.9 PPM • LINK VARIABLES LINK DESCRIPTION LINK COORDINATES (M) LENGTH BRG TYPE VPH EF H W V/C QUEUE X1 Y1 X2 - - Y2 - (M) (DEG) (G/MI) (M) (M) (VEH) 1. Hammond Rd. NB APP 8.2 -304.8 8.2 .0 2. Hammond Rd.NB QUE 8.2 -13.7 8.2 -546.2 3. Hammond Rd. NBLT 6.2 -13.7 -87.7 -1106.7 4. Hammond Rd. NB DEP 8.2 .0 8.2 304.8 5. Hammond Rd. SB APP -8.2 304.8 -8.2 .0 6. Hammond Rd. SB QUE -8.2 13.7 -8.2 182.6 7. Hammond Rd. SBLT -2.7 13.7 -2.7 1275.7 8. Hammond Rd. SB DEP -8.2 .0 -8.2 -304.8 9. US 70 EB APP -304.8 -8.2 .0 -8.2 10. US 70 EB QUE -13.7 -8.2 -1106.7 -8.4 11. US 70 EBLT -13.7 -2.7 -619.8 -2.7 12. US 70 EB DEP .0 -8.2 304.8 -8.2 13. US 70 WB APPR 304.8 8.2 .0 8.2 14. US 70 WB QUE 13.7 6.2 1483.5 8.4 15. US 70 WBLT 13.7 2.7 244.6 2.7 16. US 70 WB DEP .0 8.2 -304.8 8.2 RECEPTOR LOCATIONS 305. 360. AG 1555. 9.3 .0 13.4 533. 180. AG 1357. 100.0 .0 7.3 1.71 88.8 1097. 185. AG 585. 100.0 .0 3.7 1.76 182.9 305. 360. AG 1960. 9.3 .0 13.4 305. 180. AG 1960. 9.3 .0 13.4 169. 360. AG 1251. 100.0 .0 7.3 1.10 28.1 1262. 360. AG 532. 100.0 .0 3.7 1.69 210.3 305. 180. AG 1555. 9.3 .0 13.4 305. 90. AG 3255. 14.1 .0 13.4 1093. 270. AG 851. 100.0 .0 7.3 1.40 182.2 606. 270. AG 705. 100.0 .0 3.7 2.17 101.0 305. 90. AG 3195. 14.1 .0 13.4 305. 270. AG 3195. 14.1 .0 13.4 1470. 90. AG 958. 100.0 .0 7.3 1.66 245.0 231. 90. AG 758. 100.0 .0 3.7 3.17 38.5 305. 270. AG 3255. 14.1 .0 13.4 COORDINATES (M) RECEPTOR X Y Z 1. REC 12B(NW CORNER) -76.2 54.9 1.8 2. REC 20 (SW CORNER) -76.2 -51.8 1.8 3. REC 14 (NE CORNER) 39.6 47.2 1.8 JOB: U-515AA, Hammond Rd./US 70 Wake Co. RUN: SR 2026/US 70 MODEL RESULTS REMARKS : In search of the angle corresponding to the maximum concentration, only the first angle, of the angles with same maximum concentrations, is indicated as maximum. WIND ANGLE RANGE: 1.-360. WIND ANGLE (DEGR) MAX DEGR. CONCENTRATION (PPM) REC1 REC2 REC3 7.4 7.1 9.5 104 75 189 BUILD 2018 TABLE A3 CAL3QHC: LINE SOURCE DISPERSION MODEL - MARCH, 1990 VERSION JOB: U-515AA, Hammond Rd./US 70 Wake Co. RUN: SR 20260S 70 BUILD 2018 DATE: 12/08/1994 TIME: 09:24:01.07 SITE & METEOROLOGICAL VARIABLES VS - .0 CM/S U - 1.0 M/S T.TNx VARTART.F.4 LINK DESCRIPTION VD - .0 CM/S ZO - 108. CM CLAS - 5 (E) ATIM - 60. MINUTES MIXH - 400. M AMB . 1.9 PPM LINK COORDINATES (M) LENGTH BRG TYPE VPH EF H W V/C QUEUE X1 Y1 X2 Y2 (M) (DEG) (G/MI) (M) (M) (VEH) 1. Hammond Rd. NB APP 10.1 -304.8 10.1 .0 2. Hammond Rd.NB QUE 10.1 -13.7 10.1 -876.8 3. Hammond Rd. NBLT 2.7 -13.7 2.7 -1251.6 4. Hammond Rd. NB DEP 10.1 .0 10.1 304.8 5. Hammond Rd. SB APP -10.1 304.8 -10.1 .0 6. Hammond Rd. SB QUE -10.1 13.7 -10.1 599.3 7. Hammond Rd. SBLT -2.7 13.7 -2.7 1510.8 8. Hammond Rd. SB DEP -10.1 .0 -10.1 -304.8 9. US 70 EB APP -304.8 -8.2 .0 -8.2 10. US 70 EB QUE -17.4 -8.2 -499.7 -8.2 11. US 70 EBLT -17.4 -2.7 -670.6 -2.7 12. US 70 EB DEP .0 -8.2 304.8 -8.2 13. US 70 WB APPR 304.8 8.2 .0 8.2 14. US 70 WB QUE 17.4 8.2 875.3 8.2 15. US 70 WBLT 17.4 2.7 301.7 2.7 16. US 70 WB DEP .0 8.2 -304.8 8.2 RECEPTOR LOCATIONS 305. 360. AG 1555. 9.3 .0 17.1 863. 180. AG 1450. 100.0 .0 11.0 3.43 143.8 1238. 180. AG 605. 100.0 .0 3.7 1.97 206.3 305. 360. AG 1960. 9.3 .0 17.1 305. 180. AG 1960. 9.3 .0 17.1 586. 360. AG 1370. 100.0 .0 11.0 1.86 97.6 1497. 360. AG 565. 100.0 .0 3.7 1.96 249.5 305. 180. AG 1555. 9.3 .0 17.1 305. 90. AG 3255. 14.1 .0 13.4 482. 270. AG 679. 100.0 .0 7.3 1.12 80.4 653. 270. AG 712. 100.0 .0 3.7 2.41 108.9 305. 90. AG 3195. 14.1 .0 13.4 305. 270. AG 3195. 14.1 .0 13.4 858. 90. AG 785. 100.0 .0 7.3 1.28 143.0 284. 90. AG 765. 100.0 .0 3.7 6.33 47.4 305. 270. AG 3255. 14.1 .0 13.4 COORDINATES (M) RECEPTOR X Y Z 1. REC 13 (NW CORNER) -44.2 77.7 1.8 2. REC 12A(SW CORNER) -115.8 -82.3 1.8 3. REC 20 (SE CORNER) 76.2 -86.9 1.8 JOB: U-515AA, Hammond Rd./US 70 Wake Co. RUN: SR 2026/US 70 MODEL RESULTS REMARKS : In search of the angle corresponding to the maximum concentration, only the first angle, of the angles with same maximum concentrations, is indicated as maximum. WIND ANGLE RANGE: 1.-360. WIND ANGLE (DEGR) MAX DEGR. CONCENTRATION (PPM) REC1 REC2 REC3 7.6 6.0 6.5 165 20 292 BUILD 2018 TABLE N1 HEARING: BOUNDS BOMBARDING US DAILY 140 Shotgun blast, jet 100 ft away at takeoff PAIN Motor test chamber HUMAN EAR PAIN THRESHOLD 130 Firecrackers 120 Severe thunder, pneumatic jackhammer Hockey crowd Amplified rock music UNCOMFORTABLY LOUD 110 Textile loom 100 Subway train, elevated train, farm tractor Power lawn mower, newspaper press Heavy city traffic, noisy factory LOUD 90 D Diesel truck 40 mph 50 ft. away E 80 Crowded restaurant, garbage disposal C Average factory, vacuum cleaner I Passenger car 50 mph 50 ft. away MODERATELY LOUD B 70 E Quiet typewriter L 60 Singing birds, window air-conditioner S Quiet automobile Normal conversation, average office QUIET 50 Household refrigerator Quiet office VERY QUIET 40 Average home 30 Dripping faucet Whisper 5 feet away 20 Light rainfall, rustle of leaves AVERAGE PERSON'S THRESHOLD OF HEARING Whisper JUST AUDIBLE 10 0 I THRESHOLD FOR ACUTE HEARING Sources: World Book, Rand McNally Atlas of the Human Body, ' Encyclopedia Americana, "Industrial Noise and Hearing Conversation" by J. B. Olishifski and E. R. Harford (Researched by N. Jane Hunt and published in the Chicago Tribune in an illustrated graphic by Tom Heinz.) TABLE N2 NOISE ABATEMENT CRITERIA Hourly A-Weighted Sound Level - decibels (dBA) Activity Category Leq(h) Description of Activity Category A 57 Lands on which serenity and quiet are of extraordinary significance and serve an important public (Exterior) need and where the preservation of those qualities Is essential if the area is to continue to serve its intended purpose. B 67 Picnic areas, recreation areas, playgrounds, active sports areas, parks, residences, motels, (Exterior) hotels, schools, churches, libraries, and hospitals. C 72 Developed lands, properties, or activities not included in Categories A or B above. (Exterior) D -- Undeveloped lands E 52 Residences, motels, hotels, public meeting rooms, schools, churches, libraries, hospitals, and (Interior) auditoriums. Source: Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 772, U. S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration DEFINITION OF SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE Hourly A-Weighted Sound Level - decibels (dBA) Existing Noise Level Increase in dBA from Existing Noise in Leq(h) Levels to Future Noise Levels <50 > 15 > 50 > 10 Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation Noise Abatement Guidelines. TABLE N3 AMBIENT NOISE LEVELS (Leq) SR 2026 - Hammond Rd From SR 2683 - Rush St to US 70 Wake County TIP # U-515AA State Project # 8.2432801 1 SITE LOCATION DESCRIPTION NOISE LEVEL (dBA) 1. SR 2026 (Hammond Rd); Grassy 69 300' S. of Chapanoke Rd 2. SR 2684 (Tryon Rd); .12 Grassy 65 mi W. of SR 2026 (Hammond Rd) 3. SR 2538 (Mechanical Blvd); Gravel 69 across from Dynamic Dr 4. US 70; 200' E of Jessup Grassy 70 Rd NOTE: The ambient noise level sites for Sites #1 and #3 were measured at 25 feet from the center of the nearest lane of traffic and the ambient noise level sites for Sites #2 and #4 were measured at 50 feet from the center of the nearest lane of traffic. TABLE N4 1/1 Leq TRAFFIC NOISE EXPOSURES SR 2026 - Hammond Road From SR 2683 (Rush St) to US 70 Wake County TIPN U-515AA State Project# 8.2432801 AMBIENT NEAREST NOISE RECEPTOR INFORMATION NEAREST ROADWAY NOISE PROPOSED ROADWAY PREDICTED NOISE LEVELS LEVEL ID M LAND USE CATEGORY NAME DISTANCE(ft) LEVEL NAME DISTANCE(ft) -L- -Y- MAXIMUM INCREASE SR 2683 (Rush St) to SR 2 684 (Tryon Rd) 1 Business C SR 2026 165 R 58 SR 2026 185 R - - 67 + 9 SR 2684 (Tryon Rd) to SR 2538 (Mechanical Blvd) 2 Business C SR 2684 370 R 50 SR 2026 290 R 62.4 50.0 62 + 12 3 Business C " 130 R 61 " 530 R 55.2 65.9 66 + 5 4 Business C " 310 R 52 " 505 R 55.8 57.3 59 + 7 4A Residence B SR 2538 120 L 60 SR 2026 1000 L 47.3 63.5 63 + 3 4B Residence B " 110 L 61 " 900 L 48.4 64.3 64 + 3 5 Business C " 180 L 57 " 770 L 50.2 60.1 60 + 3 5A Residence B " 80 L 63 " 580 L 54.0 66.6 * 66 + 3 6 Business C " 100 L 62 " 520 L 55.4 65.2 65 + 3 6A Business C " 80 R 63 " 700 L 51.5 66.9 67 + 4 6B Residence B " 85 R 63 " 450 L 57.4 66.6 * 67 + 4 6C Residence B " 200 R 56 " 350 L 60.3 59.2 62 + 6 7 Business C " 80 R 63 " 25 L ---------- ----------R/W------ ----- --- 9 Business C " 100 R 62 " 500 R 55.9 63.2 63 + 1 10 Business C " 110 R 61 " 820 R 49.4 62.3 62 + 1 SR 2538 (Mechanica l Blvd) to US 70 11 Business C US 70 170 L 63 SR 2026 920 R 48.0 69.0 69 + 6 12 Church E " 185 L 62/<40 " 585 R 53.6 68.2 68/43 + 6/+3 12A Residence B " 300 L 57 " 405 R 58.4 63.1 64 + 7 12B Residence B " 190 L 62 " 165 R 68.1 67.9 * 71 + 9 13 Business C " 130 L 66 " 0 L --------------------R/W------ -------- 14 Business C " 160 L 63 " 150 L 69.0 69.7 * 72 + 9 15 Business C " 150 L 64 " 290 L 62.2 70.3 70 + 6 16 Business C " 130 L 66 " 470 L 56.6 71.8 * 71 + 5 16A Business C " 250 L 59 " 650 L 52.2 65.2 65 + 6 17 Church E " 180 R 62/<40 " 1350 R 44.1 68.5 68/43 + 6/+3 18 Business C " 100 R 68 " 800 R 49.5 74.0 * 74 + 6 18A Business C " 185 R 62 to 710 R 51.1 68.2 68 + 6 19 Business C " 175 R 63 " 635 R 52.6 68.8 68 + 5 20 Business C " 150 R 64 " 290 R 62.2 70.3 70 + 6 NOTE: Distances are from center of the existing or proposed roadways. -L--> Proposed roadway's noise level contribution. All noise levels are hourly A-weighted noise levels. -Y--> Noise level from other contributing roadways. Category E noise levels shown as exterior/interior (58/48). * _> Traffic noise impact (per 23 CFR Part 772). TABLE N5 FHWA NOISE ABATEMENT CRITERIA SUMMARY SR 2026 - Hammond Rd From Rush St (SR 2683) to US 70 Wake County ' TIPN U-515AA State Project N 8.2432801 Maximum Predicted Contour Approximate Number of Impac ted Leq Noise Levels Distances Receptors According to dBA (Maximum) Title 23 CFR Part 772 Description 50' 100' 200' 72 dBA 67 dBA A B C D E 1. Hammond Rd. from Rush St. to Tryon Rd. 75 71 65 122' 205' 0 0 0 0 0 2. Hammond Rd. from Tryon Rd. to Mechanical 74 70 65 112' 190' 0 2 0 0 0 Blvd. 3. Hammond Rd. from Mechanical Blvd. to US 70 74 70 64 108' 184' 0 1 3 0 0 TOTALS 0 3 3 0 0 NOTES: 1. 501, 100', and 200' distances are measured from center of nearest travel lane. 2. 72 dBA and 67 dBA contour distances are measured from center of proposed roadway. TABLE N6 TRAFFIC NOISE LEVEL INCREASE SUMMARY SR 2026 - Hammond Rd From Rush St SR (2683) to US 70 Wake County TIPN U-515AA State Project# 8.2432801 RECEPTOR EXTERIOR NOISE LEVEL INCREASES Substantial Impacts Due Noise Level to Both Section <•0 1-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 >• 25 Increases(1) Criteria(2) 1 1. Rush St. to Tryon Rd. 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2. Tryon Rd. to Mechanical Blvd. 0 9 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 3. Mechanical Blvd. to US 70 0 0 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 TOTALS 0 9 17 1 0 0 0 0 0 (1) As defined by only a substantial increase (See Bottom of Table N2). (2) As defined by both criteria in Table N2. TABLE N4 1/2 Leg TRAFFIC NOISE EXPOSURES SR 2026 - Hammond Road, Six Lane Alternative From SR 2683 (Rush St) to US 70 Wake County TIP# U-515AA State Project# 6.2432801 AMBIENT NEAREST NOISE RECEPTOR INFORMATION NEAREST ROADWAY NOISE PROPOSED ROADWAY PREDICTED NOISE LEVELS LEVEL ID Y LAND USE CATEGORY NAME DISTANCE(ft) LEVEL NAME DISTANCE(ft) -L- -Y- MAXIMUM INCREASE I-40 to SR 2683 (Rush St) IA Residence B SR 2026 260 R 54 SR 2026 260 R - - 65 * + 11 1B Residence B " 260 R 54 " 260 R - - 65 * + 11 1C Residence B " 290 R 53 " 290 R - - 63 * + 10 1D Residence B " 290 R 53 " 290 R - - 63 * + 10 1E Residence B " 300 R 52 " 300 R - - 63 * + it 1F Residence B to 300 R 52 to 300 R - - 63 * + 11 1G Residence B " 310 R 52 " 310 R - - 63 * + 11 1H Residence B " 330 R 51 " 330 R - - 62 " + 11 lI Residence B " 360 R 50 " 360 R - - 61 + 11 1J Residence B " 380 R 50 " 380 R - - 60 + 10 1K Residence B " 400 R 49 " 400 R - - 60 + 11 IL Residence B " 420 R 49 " 420 R - - 59 + 10 LM Residence B " 460 R 47 " 460 R - - 58 + 11 SR 2683 (Rush St) to SR 2684 (Tryon Rd) 1 Business C SR 2026 165 R 58 SR 2026 185 R - - 68 • + 10 SR 2684 (Tryon Rd) to SR 2538 (Mechanical Blvd) 2 Business C SR 2684 370 R 50 SR 2026 290 R 62.9 50.0 63 + 13 3 Business C " 130 R 61 " 530 R 55.5 65.9 66 + 5 4 Business C " 310 R 52 " 505 R 56.1 57.3 59 + 7 4A Residence B SR 2538 120 L 60 " 1000 L 47.5 63.5 63 + 3 4B Residence B It 110 L 61 " 900 L 48.5 64.3 64 + 3 5 Business C to 180 L 57 " 770 L 50.4 60.1 60 + 3 5A Residence B " 80 L 63 " 580 L 54.2 66.6 * 66 + 3 6 Business C " 100 L 62 520 L 55.7 65.2 65 + 3 6A Business C " 80 R 63 " 700 L 51.7 66.9 67 + 4 6B Residence B " 85 R 63 " 450 L 57.7 66.6 * 67 + 4 6C Residence B " 200 R 56 " 350 L 60.7 59.2 63 + 7 7 Business C " 80 R 63 25 L --------------------R/W------- ---- --- 9 Business C " 100 R 62 " 500 R 56.3 63.2 64 + 2 10 Business C " 110 R 61 " 820 R 49.6 62.3 62 + 1 NOTE: Distances are from center of the existing or proposed roadways. -L--> Proposed roadway's noise level contribution. All noise levels are hourly A-weighted noise levels. -Y--> Noise level from other contributing roadways. Category E noise levels shown as exterior/interior (58/48). * a> Traffic noise impact (per 23 CFR Part 772). TABLE N4 Leq TRAFFIC NOISE EXPOSURES SR 2026 - Hammond Road, Six Lane Alternative From SR 2683 (Rush St) to US 70 Wake County TIPN U-515AA State Project# 8.2432801 AMBIENT NEAREST RECEPTOR INFORMATION NEAREST ROADWAY NOISE PROPOSED ROADWAY PREDICTED NOISE LEVELS ID N LAND USE CATEGORY NAME DISTANCE(ft) LEVEL NAME DISTANCE(ft) -L- -Y- MAXIMUM SR 2538 (Mechanical Blvd) to US 70 11 Business C US 70 170 L 63 SR 2026 920 R 48.1 12 Church E " 185 L 62 " 530 R 55.3 12A Residence B " 285 L 58 " 275 R 63.4 12B Residence B " 175 L 63 " 0 R -------- 13 Business C " 130 L 66 " 255 L 64.3 14 Business C " 160 L 63 " 360 L 60.1 15 Business C " 150 L 64 " 495 L 56.2 16 Business C to 130 L 66 650 L 52.5 16A Business C " 250 L 59 to 815 L 49.5 18 Business C " 185 R 62 " 615 R 53.2 18A Business C to 195 R 62 " 530 R 55.3 19 Business C " 175 R 63 " 450 R 57.5 20 Business C " 350 R 55 " 290 R 62.7 r 2/2 NOISE LEVEL INCREASE 69.0 69 + 6 68.2 68 + 6 63.1 " 66 + 8 ---------- R/W-------------- 71.8 * 72 + 6 69.7 70 + 7 70.3 70 + 6 71.8 * 71 + 5 65.2 65 + 6 74.0 to 74 to + 12 68.2 68 + 6 68.8 69 + 6 70.3 70 " + 15 NOTE: Distances are from center of the existing or proposed roadways. -L--> Proposed roadway's noise level contribution. All noise levels are hourly A-weighted noise levels. -Y--> Noise level from other contributing roadways. Category E noise levels shown as exterior/interior (58/48). to -> Traffic noise impact (per 23 CFR Part 772). TABLE N5 FHWA NOISE ABATEMENT CRITERIA SUMMARY SR 2026 - Hammond Rd, Six Lane Alternative } From Rush St (SR 2683) to US 70 Wake County TIP# U-515AA State Project M 8.2432801 Maximum Predicted Contour Leq Noise Levels Distances dBA (Maximum) Description 50' 100' 200' 72 dBA 67 dHA 1. I-40 to Rush St. 75 71 65 2. Hammond Rd. from Rush St. to Tryon Rd. 75 71 65 3. Hammond Rd. from Tryon Rd. to Mechanical 74 70 65 Blvd. 4. Hammond Rd. from Mechanical Blvd. to US 70 74 70 64 Approximate Number of Impacted Receptors According to Title 23 CFR Part 772 A B C D E 122' 205' 0 8 0 0 0 122' 205' 0 0 1 0 0 112' 190' 0 2 0 0 0 108' 184' 0 1 4 0 0 TOTALS 0 11 5 0 0 NOTES: 1. 501, 1001, and 200' distances are measured from center of nearest travel lane. 2. 72 dBA and 67 dBA contour distances are measured from center of proposed roadway. TABLE N6 TRAFFIC NOISE LEVEL INCREASE SUMMARY SR 2026 - Hammond Rd, Six Lane Alternative From Rush St SR (2683) to US 70 Wake County TIP# U-515AA State Project# 8.2432801 RECEPTOR EXTERIOR NOISE LEVEL INCREASES Substantial Impacts Due Noise Level to Both Section <-0 1-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 >- 25 Increases(1) Criteria(2) 1. 1-40 to Rush St. 0 0 0 13 0 0 0 8 0 2. Rush St. to Tryon Rd. 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 3. Tryon Rd. to Mechanical Blvd. 0 9 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 4. Mechanical Blvd. to US 70 0 0 10 2 0 0 0 2 1 TOTALS 0 9 13 17 0 0 0 11 1 (1) As defined by only a substantial increase (See Bottom of Table N2). (2) As defined by both criteria in Table N2.