19960857 Ver 1_Complete File_19960903

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
James B. Hunt, Jr., Govemor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Directo
APPROVAL of 401 Water Quality Certification
Mr. Franklin Vick
N.C. Dept. of Transportation
Planning and Environmental Branch
P.O. Box 25201
Raleigh, NC 27611-5201
Dear Mr. Vick:
AMAMOM?MCMMM?dM
C) EHNR
October 30, 1996
Ashe County
DWQ Project # 960857
TIP #B-3107, State Project No.8.2710601
You have our approval to place fill material in waters for the purpose of conducting test borings for a
foundation investigation at Bridge No. 448 on SR 1130, as you described in your application dated 22
August 1996. After reviewing your application, we have decided that this fill is covered by General Water
Quality Certification Number 3027. This certification allows you to use Nationwide Permit Number 6
when it is issued by the Corps of Engineers.
This approval is only valid for the purpose and design that you described in your application. If you
change your project, you must notify us and you may be required to send us a new application. For this
approval to be valid, you must follow the conditions listed in the attached certification. In addition, you
should get any other federal, state or local permits before you go ahead with your project.
If you do not accept any of the conditions of this certification, you may ask for an adjudicatory
hearing. You must act within 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 Water Quality under Section 401 of the Clean
Water Act. If you have any questions, please telephone John Dorney at 919-733-1786.
ston Howard, Jr. P.
Attachment
cc: Wilmington District Corps of Engineers
Corps of Engineers Raleigh Field Office
Winston-Salem DWQ Regional Office
Mr. John Dorney
Central Files
960857.1tr
Division of Water Quality - Environmental Sciences Branch
Environmental Sciences Branch, 4401 Reedy Creek Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607 Telephone [phone] FAX # [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer • 50% recycled/10% post consumer paper
30
960857
JAMES B. HUNT JR.
GOVERNOR
as QU,,,vd''
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPOR.
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201
August 22, 1996
i ,yyi.:::_. u....,?py?:?`4y.?hi3::i?r.L7r -•
401 ISSUED
CATION rtt?za,:-zr
GARLAND B. GARRETT JR
SECRETARY
RECEIVED
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
Regulatory Field Office
6508 Falls of the Neuse Road
Suite 120
Raleigh, North Carolina 27615
ATTN: Mr. Michael Smith
Chief, Northern Section
Dear Sir:
.MCP 63 1996
ENVIRONWNTAI SCIENCES
^an.ts%w
SUBJECT: Ashe County, Replacement of Bridge No. 448 over Buffalo Creek on
SR 1130, TIP No. B-3107, State Project No. 8.2710601, Federal Aid
Project No. BRZ-1130(3).
Attached for your information is a copy of the project planning report for the subject
project. The project is being processed by the Federal Highway Administration as a
programmatic "Categorical Exclusion" in accordance with 23 CFR 771.115(b).
Therefore, we do not anticipate requesting an individual permit but propose to proceed
under a Nationwide Permit in accordance with 33 CFR 330 Appendix A (B-23) issued
November 22, 1991, by the Corps of Engineers. The provisions of Section 330.4 and
appendix A (C) of these regulations will be followed in the construction project. Since
test borings will be required for a foundati 1 estigation, please review the project for
authorization under.h'Nationwide Permit 6 as ell.
We anticipate that 401 General Water Qu 'ty Certification No. 27 &Resces, Exclusion) will apply to this project, and are providing one copy ent to
the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Naturivision
of Water Qual ity, for their review. Since this project occurs in a designated trout county,
a copy of this document is also being provided to the N. C. Wildlife Resources
Commission for their review.
11-110I&I
4., t, r r
2
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact Mr. Michael
Wood at [phone], Extension 315.
Sincer y,
H. Franklin Vick, PE, Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
HFV/plr
cc: w/ attachment
Mr. Eric Alsmeyer, COE, NCDOT Coordinator
Mrs. Stephanie Goudreau, NCWRC, Marion
Mr. John Dorney, Division of Water Quality
Mr. William J. Rogers, P.E., Structure Design
w/o attachments
Mr. Tom Shearin, P.E., Roadway Design
Mr. Kelly Barger, P.E., Program Development
Mr. Don Morton, P.E., Highway Design
Mr. A. L. Hankins, P.E., Hydraulics
Mr. W. E. Hoke, P.E., Division 11 Engineer
Mr. John L. Williams, P.E., Planning & Environmental
t
-e
Ashe County
Bridge No. 448 on SR 1130
Over Buffalo Creek
Federal Project BRZ 1130 (3)
State Project 8.2710601
TIP # B-3107
CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
APPROVED:
e0
Date H. Franklin Vick, P. E., Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
ate-
Date N holas Graf, P. E.
Division Administrator, FHWA

Ashe County
Bridge No. 448 on SR 1130
Over Buffalo Creek
Federal Project BRZ 1130 (3)
State Project 8.2710601
TIP # B-3107
CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION
July, 1996
Documentation Prepared in
Planning and Environmental Branch By:
Date Jot. p L. illiams
Project Planning Engineer
INgy Ell;
7-16--94
Date Wayne Elliott
Bridge Project Planning Engineer, Unit Head
Date Lubin V. Prevatt, P. E., Assistant Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
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Ashe County
Bridge No. 448 on SR 1130
Over Buffalo Creek
Federal Project BRZ 1130 (3)
State Project 8.2710601
TIP # B-3107
Bridge No. 448 is located in Ashe County on SR 1130 crossing over Buffalo
Creek. It is programmed in the 1997-2003 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
as a bridge replacement project. This project is part of the Federal Aid Bridge
Replacement Program and has been classified as a "Categorical Exclusion". No
substantial environmental impacts are expected.
1. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATION
Bridge No. 448 will be replaced with a new bridge approximately five meters (16
feet) south of its present location. Traffic will be maintained on the existing bridge
during construction. The design speed will be approximately 30 km/h (20 mph).
The elevation of the new bridge and approaches will be approximately the same
as the current roadway. The structure will be approximately 30 meters (100 feet) in
length and 6.6 meters (22 feet) in width including two 2.7-meter (9-foot) lanes and 0.6-
meter (2-foot) offsets. Approach work will extend approximately 49 meters (160 feet)
from the west end of the new bridge to tie in with the existing alignment as shown in
Figure 2.
The alignment of NC 194/ NC 88 must be temporarily shifted 3.3 meters (11 feet)
as shown in Figure 2 in order to allow for the new bridge abutment on the east bank of
Buffalo Creek to be constructed.
The estimated cost of the project is $ 407,000 including $ 300,000 in construction
costs and $ 107,000 in right of way costs. The estimated cost shown in the 1997-2003
TIP is $ 310,000.
II. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT
All standard procedures and measures will be implemented to avoid or minimize
environmental impacts. All practical Best Management Practices (BMP's) sedimentation
guidelines will be administered throughout construction untill all work is completed and
new vegetation has taken root.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33
U.S.C. 1344), a permit will be required from the Corps of Engineers for the discharge of
dredged or fill material into "Waters of the United States."
North Carolina Division of Environmental Management (DEM) Section 401
Water Quality General Certification will be obtained prior to issue of the Army Corps of
Engineers Nationwide Permit # 23.
This project must be reviewed under Section 26a of the Tennessee Valley
Authority (TVA) Act. The final bridge plans, hydraulic analysis of the effects of the
replacement strcture on the 100-year flood elevation, and notice of compliance with the
Historic Preservation Act of 1966 will be forwarded to TVA for approval.
The footprint of the temporary shift of NC 194/NC 88 will be limited to the extent possible
to minimize impacts to the wetlands in that area.
While Buffalo Creek does not presently support trout, the stream is designated as Public
Mountain Trout Water. Therefore, the following environmental commitments will be implemented:
• If concrete will be used, work will be accomplished so that wet concrete does not contact
stream water. This will lessen the chance of altering the stream's water chemistry and causing
a fish kill.
• Heavy equipment will be operated from the bank rather than in the stream channel where
possible in order to minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other
pollutants into the stream.
• Temporary or permanent herbaceous vegetation will be planted on all bare soil within 15 days
of ground disturbing activities to provide long-term erosion control.
• Foundation investigations will be required on this project. The investigation will
include test borings in soil and/or rock for in-site testing as well as obtaining samples
for laboratory testing. This may require test borings in streams and/or wetlands.
III. ANTICIPATED DESIGN EXCEPTION
A design exception is anticipated due to design speed.
IV. EXISTING CONDITIONS
SR 1130 is classified as a Rural Local Route in the Statewide Functional
Classification System. It carries 75 vehicles per day. There is no posted speed limit.
SR 1130 is a dead end road serving a few residences.
The existing bridge was completed in 1959. It is 20 meters (66 feet) long. There
are approximately 3.3 meters (11 feet) of vertical clearance between the bridge deck and
streambed. The deck has 3.6 meters (12 feet) of bridge roadway width providing one lane
for traffic on the bridge.
According to Bridge Maintenance Unit records, the sufficiency rating of the
bridge is 11.6 out of a possible 100. Presently the bridge is posted 16 tons for single
vehicles and posted 22 tons for truck-tractor semi-trailers.
As seen in Figure 2, the horizontal alignment to the west of the bridge along
SR 1130 is fair. The east end of the bridge forms an intersection with NC 88/ NC 194.
To the east of the bridge, the vertical alignment is relatively flat. To the west of the
bridge, the alignment climbs slowly up the side of the valley. SR 1130 is unpaved and
approximately 3 meters (10 feet) wide. The approach shoulders on the east and west
ends of the bridge are approximately 1.2 meters (4 feet) wide.
Traffic volume is currently 75 vehicles per day (VPD) and projected at 90 VPD
for the year 2020.
Consultation with the Traffic Engineering Branch indicates that no accidents have
been reported within the last three years in the vicinity of the project.
There are no school bus crossings over the studied bridge.
Utilities impacts are associated with the temporary shift of NC 194/NC 88. There
are several telephone poles, a well, and a septic field which will be effected.
V. PROPOSED ALTERNATIVES
There is only one feasible build alternative. Bridge No. 448 will be replaced with
a new bridge approximately 5 meters ( 16 feet) south of its present location. Traffic will
be maintained on the existing bridge during construction. The alignment of NC 194/ NC
88 will be temporarily shifted to allow for construction of the bridge abutment. The
design speed for SR 1130 will be approximately 30 km/h (20 mph).
Realigning to the north was not considered because it would have affected a
residence and also required relocating several hundred feet of a tributary parallel to the
exising alignment. A connector roadway between SR 1130 and SR 1185 was studied and
eliminated due to cost, indirect travel, and environmental impacts. Maintaining traffic
with a temporary bridge and replacing in place was considered to be to costly relative to
the proposed alternate. Therefore, neither of these alternates is evaluated in this
document.
"Do-nothing" is not practical, requiring the eventual closing of the road as the
existing bridge completely deteriorates.
Rehabilitation of the existing deteriorating bridge is neither practical nor
economical.
VI. ESTIMATED COST
COMPONENT COST
New Bridge Structure $ 141,000
Bridge Removal $ 7,000
Roadway & Approaches $ 91,000
Temporary Alignment Shift $ 21,000
of NC 194/ NC 88
Engineering & Contingencies $ 40,000

Total Construction $ 300,000
Right of Way $ 107,000
Total Cost $ 407,000
Note: Mobilization & Miscellaneous are incorporated into the construction costs above.
VII. RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS
Bridge No. 448 will be replaced with a new bridge approximately 5 meters
(16 feet) south of its present location. Traffic will be maintained on the existing bridge
during construction. The design speed will be approximately 30 km/h (20 mph).
The elevation of the new bridge and approaches will be approximately the same as
the current roadway. The structure will be approximately 30 meters (100 feet) in length
and 6.6 meters (22 feet) in width including two 2.7-meter (9-foot) lanes and 0.6-meter
(2-foot) offsets.
Approach work will extend approximately 49 meters (160 feet) from the west end
of the new bridge to tie in with the existing alignment as shown in Figure 2. The project
has been designed with the intention that the building immediately west of the bridge will
not be taken as a result of the new alignment. The approaches will include two 2.7-meter
(9-foot) lanes and 2.2-meter (7-foot) grassed shoulders to accommodate guardrail. The
shoulder will taper down to 0.6 meters (2 feet) where guardrail is not required. The entire
typical section will continue to taper until it matches the existing roadway width at the tie
in.
The alignment of NC 194/ NC 88 must be temporarily shifted 3.3 meters (11 feet)
as shown in Figure 2 in order to allow for the new bridge abutment on the east bank of
Buffalo Creek to be constructed. The shifted alignment will include guardrail.
VIII. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
A. GENERAL
This project is expected to have an overall positive impact. Replacement of an
inadequate bridge will result in safer traffic operations.
This project is considered to be a "Categorical Exclusion" due to its limited scope
and insignificant environmental consequences.
This bridge replacement will not have a substantial adverse effect on the quality of
the human or natural environment by implementing the environmental commitments listed
in Section H of this document in addition to use of current NCDOT standards and
specifications.
The project is not in conflict with any plan, existing land use, or zoning regulation.
No change in land use is expected to result from construction of this project.
There are no hazardous waste impacts.
No adverse effect on families or communities is anticipated. Right-of-way
acquisition will be limited.
No adverse effect on public facilities or services is expected. The project is not
expected to adversely affect social, economic, or religious opportunities in the area.
There are no publicly owned parks, recreational facilities, or wildlife and waterfowl
refuges of national, state, or local significance in the vicinity of the project.
The proposed bridge replacement project will not raise the existing flood levels or
have any significant adverse effect on the existing floodplain.
NCDOT anticipates impacting approximately twenty powerline poles. This
accounts for $ 70,000 of the estimated $ 107,000 of right-of-way costs.
B. AIR AND NOISE
This project is an air quality "neutral" project, so it is not required to be included in
the regional emissions analysis and a project level CO analysis is not required.
The project is located in Ashe County, which has been determined to be in
compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. 40 CFR part 51 is not
applicable, because the proposed project is located in an attainment area. This project is
not anticipated to create any adverse effects on the air quality of this attainment area.
The project will not significantly increase traffic volumes. Therefore, it will not
have significant impact on noise levels. Temporary noise increases may occur during
construction.
C. LAND USE & FARMLAND EFFECTS
The Farmland Protection Policy Act requires all federal agencies or their
representatives, to consider the impact of land acquisition and construction projects on
prime and important farmland soils. These soils are determined by the U. S. Soil
Conservation Service (SCS) based on criteria such as crop yield and level of input of
economic resources. The SCS was asked to determine whether the alternatives under
consideration will impact prime or important farmland soils.
The soils affected by the project were rated at the highest relative value of 100
points on a Land Evaluation Criterion scale of 0 to 100 points by the SCS. Only two
percent of the farmland in Ashe County is rated at the same or higher relative value.
There are 0.90 total acres to be converted directly by the proposed project. The
total site assessment score for the conversion of farmland was less than 160. The
Department of Agriculture has established a threshold of 160 points as the level at which
other alternatives or mitigation measures should be constructed.
D. HISTORICAL EFFECTS & ARCHAEOLOGICAL EFFECTS
An archaeological investigation was completed for this project resulting in no
archaeological sites identified within the project's Area of Potential Effect. A similar
architectural survey was completed resulting in no structures (including the pony truss
bridge) on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Attached to this
document is a letter and a concurrence form stating that the Department of Cultural
Resources concurs in these conclusions.

E. NATURAL RESOURCES
Physical Resources
Soil and water resources, which occur in the study area, are discussed below. Soil
types and availability of water directly influence composition and distribution of flora and
fauna in any biotic community.
Ashe County lies in the Blue Ridge Mountain physiographic province. The
topography of Ashe County is characterized by hills and mountains as the entire county is
drained by New River and its tributaries. The mean sea level (msl) elevation of the project
study area is 849.3 meters (2800.0 feet).
Soils
Two specific soil types, Chandler loam and Tusquittee loam, are found within the
project area. Chandler loam soils are somewhat excessively drained, having a percent slope
of 25-65 and a rapid surface runoff. Chandler loam is a non- hydric soil.
Tusquittee loam soils are well drained and occur in coves and drainage ways. These
soils have a high organic content and moderate surface runoff with a percent slope of 8-15.
Tusquittee loam soils have a "B" hydric classification which denotes the presence of hydric
soil inclusions or wet spots.
Waters Impacted and Characteristics
Buffalo Creek is the only water resource located in the project study area. Buffalo
Creek originates 9.7 kilometers (6.0 miles) south of the study area near Bluff Mountain and
flows in a northly direction to its confluence with the North Fork New River approximately
3.2 kilometers (2.0 miles) downstream. Dimensions of Buffalo Creek are 6.1 meters
(20.0 feet) in width and 0.9 meters (3.0 feet) in depth. The stream has a fast flow rate, and
its substrate varies from cobble and pebble to silt and sand.
Best Usage Classification
Streams have been assigned a best usage classification by the Division of
Environmental Management (DEM). The DEM has designated Buffalo Creek a "C Tr
stream. The "C" (Class C) designation refers to waters suitable for aquatic life propagation
and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation and agriculture; "Tr" (Trout water) is a
supplemental water classification including waters suitable for natural trout propagation and
maintenance of stocked trout. The "+" symbol identifies waters subject to special
management strategy in order to protect downstream waters designated as Outstanding
Resource Waters (ORW).
Neither High Quality Waters (HQW) nor Water Supplies (WS-1 or WS-II) occur
within 1.6 kilometers (1.0 mile) of project study area.
Water Quality
The Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN) is managed by DEM
and is part of an ongoing ambient water quality monitoring program which addresses long
term trends in water quality. The program assesses water quality by sampling for selected
benthic macroinvertebrate organisms at fixed monitoring sites. Macroinvertebrates are
6

sensitive to very subtle changes in water quality; thus, the species richness and overall
biomass are reflections of water quality. A monitoring site located 5.6 kilometers
(3.5 miles) upstream of the project study area received a BMAM rating of GOOD in a July
1986 sampling.
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. Two permitted dischargers are located on Buffalo Creek.
The nearest discharge occurs approximately 0.5 kilometers (0.3 miles) upstream of the
study area. The design flow of this discharger is 400.0 gallons per day (GPD). The next
discharge lies approximately 6.4 kilometers (4.0 miles) upstream of the project and releases
10,000 GPD of wasterwater. Both dischargers release domestic wastewater.
Summary of Anticipated Impacts
The proposed project will impact Buffalo Creek in several manners. Streamside
vegetation will be removed/ buried through construction activities (ie., placement of fill
material, grading, etc.) for new roadway approaches to the bridge. Machinery from bridge
construction and removal will increase concentrations of toxic compounds (oil, gas, etc.) in
and around Buffalo Creek. Streamside vegetation not only holds the soil but filters water
and other solubles before reaching any water resource. Without the vegetation, these
compounds flow into the stream thereby adversely altering the water quality of Buffalo
Creek.
The removal of streamside vegetation, when coupled with soil compaction from
construction machinery, presents several problems for Buffalo Creek. These modifications
of the streamside environment increase sedimentation and erosion. Scouring of the
streambank may occur and drastically reshape the streamside landscape. Scour would
intensify stormwater runoff into Buffalo Creek and would result in streambank particles and
other substances being carried directly into the water resource. With the greater influx of
sediments from these processes, the stream has the potential for greater turbidity, which
may exist for extended periods of time.
The proposed project is likely to require the installation of two piles into the stream
substrate. The new piles, when coupled with Buffalo Creek's fast flow rate, may result in
channelization of the substrate. Scouring around the piles may occur over time with
sediment deposition downstream of the piles. Disruption of the substrate can degrade the
water quality at the site as well as downstream.
Biotic Resources
Terrestrial Communities
Three distinct terrestrial communities have been identified in the project study area:
disturbed community, hardwood forest and riparian scrub/shrub community. Many faunal
species are highly adaptive and may populate the entire range of terrestrial communities
discussed.
7
r of
Disturbed Community
The disturbed community involves those habitats frequently disrupted by human
activities. This community type can be divided into three subtypes; roadside, fallow field
and residential.
The roadside habitats consist of areas regularly and irregularly maintained. Fescue
predominates the vegetation found in the maintained areas. Irregularly maintained areas
found on slope embankments and ditches have vegetation such as fescue, clover and poison
ivy. Trees and shrubs present here include tulip poplar, green ash, red maple and hickory.
Two fallow field habitats occur within the study area. One field lies west of the
stream, and this habitat will be impacted by the new alignment of SR 1130. Field vegetation
includes vetch, clover, asters and plantain. The second field habitat lies in front of the
house to be impacted by the temporary shift of NC 194/NC 88. This field classifies as a
jurisdictional wetland with hydrophytic vegetation found here including black willow,
swamp dogwood, rush and impatiens. Other vegetation growing here includes grape, asters
and Virginia creeper.
The broad-winged hawk may be seen descending from its perch to catch small
mammals such as eastern cottontails. Other birds found here include red- winged blackbird,
indigo bunting and grasshopper sparrow.
Other wildlife commonly found in disturbed habitats include the black rat snake,
black racer and American toad.
Hardwood Forest
A hardwood forest lies east of the existing bridge and a small portion of this forest
will likely be impacted. Wildlife probably utilize this small tract of forest as a corridor to
access other communities. The dominant canopy constituents are rock chestnut oak and
black locust with red maple and black cherry interspersed. Rhododendron and flowering
dogwood compose the sub-canopy. Other vegetative components found along the fringe of
this community include Christmas fern , impatiens and asters. Wildlife potentially found
utilizing this hardwood stand include white-tailed deer, raccoon and ruffed grouse.
Riparian Scrub/Shrub Community
The riparian scrub/shrub community exists along the steep embankment of the
Buffalo Creek. The Buffalo Creek flows so swiftly that few, if any, sediments and nutrients
are deposited along the banks. Black willow, box elder, dogwood and elderberry grow very
frequently along the stream embankments. Blackberry dominates some areas. Other
vegetative representatives are asters, graminoids, grape, and impatiens.
Louisiana waterthrush nests along in the steep banks of fast-flowing rocky streams
during the summer months. The yellow-breasted chat may also build its nest in thickets of
blackberry or saplings.
Other faunal species often found at stream edges include the northern water snake,
Fowler's toad and bullfrog. Bullfrogs primarily forage on insects and sometimes small
vertebrates such as hairy-tailed moles.
8
.. I
Aquatic Communities
One aquatic community type, Mountain Perennial Stream, will be impacted by the
proposed project. Physical characteristics of the water bodies and conditions of the water
resources reflect faunal composition of the aquatic communities. Terrestrial communities
adjacent to a water resource also greatly influence aquatic communities.
The cold, rocky waters of mountain streams and areas surrounding these streams
provide habitat for a variety of amphibians, including seal salamander, blackbelly salamander
and spring salamander. Seal and spring salamanders are commonly found along streamside
edges. Large insects and worms are the dietary items of the spring salamander.
Fish likely to occur in this mountain stream include rainbow trout, brook trout,
smallmouth bass, central stoneroller, New River shiner, bluehead chub, blacknose dace, and
rosyside dace. Rainbow trout, brook trout and smallmouth bass are popular sport fish.
Rainbow trout have been introduced to provide greater sport fishing. Brook trout have a
diverse diet feeding primarily on aquatic insects and occasionally other fishes.
Summary of Anticipated Impacts
Construction of the subject project will have various impacts on the biotic resources
described. Any construction related activities in or near these resources have the potential
to impact biological functions. This section quantifies and qualifies impacts to the natural
resources in terms of area impacted and ecosystems affected. Temporary and permanent
impacts are considered here as well.
Impacts to Terrestrial Communities
Calculated impacts to terrestrial resources reflect the relative abundance of each
community present in the study area. Project construction will result in clearing and
degradation of portions of these communities. Table 4 summarizes potential quantitative
losses to these biotic communities, resulting from project construction. Estimated impacts
are derived using the entire proposed right of way width of 24.0 m (80.0 ft). Usually,
project construction does not require the entire right of way; therefore, actual impacts may
be considerably less.
Table 2. Anticipated Impacts to Biotic Communities
COMMUNITY TYPE
Disturbed
Hardwood Forest
Riparian Scrub/Shrub
Mountain Stream
TOTAL IMPACTS
AREA IMPACTED
0.2 (0.6)
<0.1 (<O.1)
<0.1 (<O.1)
<0.1 (<O.1)
0.3 (0.8)
Note: Values cited are in hectares (acres).
Plant communities found within the study area serve as foraging, nesting and
sheltering habitat for various wildlife. Impacts to biotic communities will have minimal
impacts on faunal species because new bridge construction will occur primarily to disturbed
communities. These impacts to faunal species are considered minimal because species are
r •„
very adaptable and prefer disturbed habitats. Dispersion of mobile wildlife from the study
area will occur from construction work; however, less mobile species may be lost as a result
of the proposed project. Animals temporarily displaced by construction activities will
repopulate areas suitable for the species. This displacement of animals, whether temporary
or permanent, may result in an increase, or possibly a decrease, of competition for the
remaining resources.
Terrain modified by construction (but not paved) will become road shoulders and
early successional habitat. These post-construction habitats will attract wildlife suitable to
these areas. After bridge removal, the area associated with the existing bridge will
revegetate over time to a riparian scrub/shrub community. This community will in time
provide habitat for wildlife adapted to a such an area.
Impacts to Aquatic Communities
Aquatic communities are sensitive to even small changes in their environment.
Stream channelization, scouring, siltation, sedimentation and erosion from construction-
related work will effect water quality and biological constituents. Although direct impacts
may be temporary, environmental impacts from these construction processes may result in
long term or irreversible effects.
Alterations in the aquatic communities will result from the new location bridge
construction. In-stream construction modifies the stream substrate and may remove
streamside vegetation at the site. Disturbances to the substrate will produce siltation which
cloggs the gills and/or feeding mechanisms of benthic organisms (sessile filter-feeders and
deposit-feeders), fish and amphibian species. Benthic organisms can also be covered by
excessive amounts of sediment. These organisms are slow to recover or repopulate a
stream. Turbidity, another effect of siltation, reduces light penetration thus decreasing the
growth of aquatic vegetation. Suppression of aquatic vegetation effects aquatic organisms
which feed on these aquatic plants. In turn, this inhibition of aquatic vegetation would
indirectly impact those terrestrial wildlife which forage on aquatic fauna.
The removal of streamside vegetation and placement of fill material at the
construction site will modify the riparian landscape. Alterations of the streamside enhance
the likelihood of erosion and sedimentation. Revegetation stabilizes and holds the soil thus
reducing these processes. Erosion and sedimentation carry soils, toxic compounds and other
materials into aquatic communities at the construction site. These processes magnify
turbidity which can affect the growth of vegetation. Streamside alterations also lead to
more direct sunlight penetration and to elevations of water temperatures which may impact
many species.
BW's and sedimentation guidelines will be administered throughout construction
untill all work is completed and new vegetation has taken root. This will help in reducing
the wash of sediment and toxic compounds into water resources.
10
R.
Jurisdictional Topics
This section provides descriptions, inventories and impact analysis pertinent to two
important issues--rare and protected species, and Waters of the United States.
Waters of the United States
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 (CFR) Part 328.3.
Wetlands, 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 (CWA) (33 U. S.C. 1344).
Characteristics of Jurisdictional Wetlands
Criteria to delineate jurisdictional wetlands include evidence of hydric soils,
hydrophytic vegetation and hydrology. One jurisdictional wetland is located within the
project study area and will be impacted by the temporary shift in NC 88 to accommodate
new bridge construction. Soil indicators are 10YR 5/1 (gray) with oxygenated
rhizospheres. Other evidence includes saturation to surface and the presence of hydrophytic
vegetation.
Two mechanisms are currently being used to evaluate wetlands; a classification
system developed by Cowardin, et al (1979) and a numerical rating system developed by
DEM. The Cowardin system provides a uniform approach in describing concepts and terms
used in classifying ecological taxa found within a wetland system. The Cowardin
classification of this site is PSS613. This classification is interpreted as palustrine (P),
scrub/shrub (SS) habitat with deciduous vegetation (6). The water regime is saturated (B).
The DEM rating system gauges wetland quality using a numerical rating system (0-
100 with 100 being the highest value). This wetland rating system (Fourth Version)
emphasizes water storage, bank/shoreline stabilization, pollutant removal and aquatic life
values. Other wetland attributes considered in this rating system include wildlife habitat and
recreational/educational values. The rating of this wetland site is 18.
Summary of Anticipated Impacts
The proposed project will impact less than 0.1 hectares (0.1 acres) both surface
waters and jurisdictional wetlands. The wetland impact results from the temporary shift in
NC 88 to accommodate the construction of the new bridge.
Permits.
Impacts to jurisdictional wetlands and surface waters are anticipated. In accordance
with provisions of section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U. S.C. 1344), a permit will be
required from the COE for the discharge of dredged or fill material into "Waters of the
United States."
A Nationwide Permit 33 CFR 330.5(a) (23) is likely to be applicable for all impacts
to Waters of the United States resulting from the proposed project. This permit authorizes
activities undertaken, assisted, authorized, regulated, funded or financed in whole, or part,
by another Federal agency or department where that agency or department has determined
11

the pursuant to the council on environmental quality regulation for implementing the
procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act:
(1) that the activity, work, or discharge is categorically excluded from environmental
documentation because it is included within a category of actions which neither
individually nor cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment, and;
(2) that the office of the Chief of Engineers has been furnished notice of the agency's or
department's application for the categorical exclusion and concurs with that
determination.
In addition, this project will also require a 401 Water Quality General Certification
from the DEM prior to the issuance of a Nationwide Permit. Section 401 of the CWA
requires that the state issue or deny water certification for any federally permitted or
licensed activity that may result in a discharge to Waters of the United States.
The proposed project occurs within a designated "Trout" county. The authorization
of a nationwide permit by the COE is conditioned upon the concurrence of the Wildlife
Resource Commission (WRC). Final decisions concerning applicable permits for the
subject project rests with the COE.
Mitigation
The COE has adopted through the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) a
wetland mitigation policy which embraces the concept of "no net loss of wetlands" and
sequencing. The purpose of this policy is to restore and maintain the chemical, biological
and physical integrity of Waters of the United States, specifically wetlands. Mitigation of
wetland impacts has been defined by the CEQ to include: avoiding impacts (to wetlands),
minimizing impacts, rectifying impacts, reducing impacts over time and compensating for
impacts (40 CFR 1508.20). Each of these three aspects (avoidance, minimization and
compensatory mitigation) must be considered sequentially.
Avoidance
Avoidance mitigation examines all appropriate and practicable possibilities of
averting impacts to Waters of the United States. According to a 1990 Memorandum of
Agreement (MOA) between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the COE, in
determining "appropriate and practicable" measures to offset unavoidable impacts, such
measures should be appropriate to the scope and degree of those impacts and practicable in
terms of cost, existing technology and logistics in light of overall project purposes.
Minimization
Minimization includes the examination of appropriate and practicable steps to
reduce the adverse impacts to Waters of the United States. Implementation of these steps
will be required through project modifications and permit conditions. Minimization typically
focuses on decreasing the footprint of the proposed project through the reduction of median
widths, ROW widths, fill slopes and/or road shoulder widths. Other practical mechanisms
to minimize impacts to Waters of the United States crossed by the proposed project include:
strict enforcement of sedimentation control BMP's for the protection of surface waters
during the entire life of the project; reduction of clearing and grubbing activity; reduction/
elimination of direct discharge into streams; reduction of runoff velocity; reestablishment of
12
\.
vegetation on exposed areas, with judicious pesticide and herbicide usage; minimization of
"in-stream" activity; and litter/debris control.
The footprint of the temporary shift of NC 88 will be limited to the extent possible.
Compensatory Mitigation
Compensatory mitigation is not normally considered until anticipated impacts to
Waters of the United States have been avoided and minimized to the maximum extent
possible. It is recognized that "no net loss of wetlands" functions and values may not be
achieved in each and every permit action. Appropriate and practicable compensatory
mitigation is required for unavoidable adverse impacts which remain after all appropriate
and practicable minimization has been required. Compensatory actions often include
restoration, creation and enhancement of Waters of the United States. Such actions should
be undertaken in areas adjacent to or contiguous to the discharge site.
Authorizations under Nationwide Permits usually do not require compensatory
mitigation according to the 1989 MOA between the EPA and the COE. Final decisions
concerning compensatory mitigation rest with the COE.
Rare and Protected Species
Some populations of fauna and flora have been in, or are in, the process of decline
either due to natural forces or their inability to coexist with man. Federal law (under the
provisions of the Endangered Species Act [ESA] of 1973, as amended) requires that any
action, likely to adversely affect a species classified as federally-protected, be subject to
review by the Fish and Wildlife (FWS). Other species may receive additional protection
under separate state laws.
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 ESA of 1973, as amended. As of 01 April 1996, the FWS
lists the following species for Ashe County. A brief description of these species
characteristics and habitat follows.
A review of the Natural Heritage Program database of uncommon and protected
species revealed no recorded occurrence of federally-protected species in or near the project
study area.
Spreading avens (Geum radiatum, Endangered) is a perennial herb having stems
with an indefinite cyme of bright yellow radially symmetrical flowers. Flowers of spreading
avens are present from June to early July. Spreading avens has basal leaves which are odd-
pinnately compound; terminal leaflets are kidney shaped and much larger than the lateral
leaflets, which are reduced or absent.
Spreading avens is found only in the North Carolina and Tennessee sections of the
Southern Appalachian Mountains. Spreading avens occurs on scarps, bluffs, cliffs and
escarpments on mountains, hills, and ridges. Known populations of this plant have been
found to occur at elevations of 1535.0 - 1541.0 meters (5060.0-5080.0 feet), 1723.0-
1747.0 meters (5680.0-5760.0 feet) and 1759.0 meters (5800.0 feet). Other habitat
requirements for this species include full sunlight and shallow acidic soils. These soils
13
'r
contain a composition of sand, pebbles, humus, sandy loam, clay loam, and humus. Most
populations are pioneers on rocky outcrops.
The project study area does not support habitat for spreading avens because the
elevational requirement for spreading avens (1535.0 meters/5060.0 feet) is not met. No
impact to spreading avens will result from the proposed project.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT
Roan Mountain bluet (Hedyotis purpurea var. montana, Endangered) is a perennial
species that grows in low tufts. Roan Mountain bluet has several bright purple flowers
arranged in a terminal cyme.
This plant can be found on cliffs, outcrops, steep slopes, and in the gravelly talus
associated with cliffs. Known populations of Roan Mountain bluet occur at elevations of
1400.0-1900.0 meters (4600.0-6200.0 feet). It grows best in areas where it is exposed to
full sunlight and in shallow acidic soils composed of various igneous, metamorphic, and
metasedimentary rocks.
The project study area does not support habitat for Roan Mountain bluet because
the elevational requirement for this species to grow (1400.0 meters/ 4600.0 feet) is not met.
No impact to Roan Mountain bluet will result from the proposed project.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT
Heller's blazing star (Liatris helleri, Threatened) is a short, stocky plant that has one or
more erect stems that arise from a tuft of narrow, pale green basal leaves. Leaves are
acuminate and diminish in size and breadth upward on the stem. Heller's blazing star has
small lavender flowers, and its fruits appear from September to November.
Heller's blazing star is endemic to high elevation ledges of rock outcrops of the northern
Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. Known populations of this plant occur at
elevations of 1067.0-1829.0 meters (3500.0-6000.0 feet). Heller's blazing star is an early
pioneer species growing on grassy rock oucrops where it is exposed to full sunlight.
Heller's blazing star prefers shallow acid soils associated with granite rocks.
The project study area does not support habitat for Heller's blazing star because the
elevational requirement for this species to grow (1067.0 meters/ 3500.0 feet) is not met.
No impact to Heller's blazing star will result from the project construction.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT
Virginia spiraea (Spiraea virginiana,Threatened) has arching and upright stems that
grow from one to three meters tall. This shrub often grows in dense clumps, having
alternate leaves which vary greatly in size, shape, and degree of serration. They are green
above and usually somewhat glaucous below. The cream colored flowers are present from
June to July and occur in branched, flattoped inflorescences. Virginia spiraea is easily
located during the late fall while herbaceous growth is minimal and the leaves are down.
14
Virginia spiraea is found in a very narrow range of habitats in the mountains of
North Carolina. Habitats for the plants consist of scoured banks of high gradient streams,
on meander scrolls, point bars, natural levees, or braided features of lower reaches. The
scour must be sufficient to prevent canopy closure, but not extreme enough to completely
remove small, woody species. This species occurs in the maximum floodplain, usually at
the water's edge with various other disturbance-dependent species. It is most successful in
areas with full sunlight, but can survive in shaded areas until it is released from competition.
Habitat for Virginia spiraea exists along stream banks found within the project study
area. Plant-by-plant surveys for Virginia spiraea were conducted by NCDOT biologists on
07 June 1995. No populations of Virginia spiraea occur in the study area. No impact to
Virginia spiraea will result from the proposed construction.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT
On the 28 March 1995 listing of Threatened and Endangered Species, the FWS
listed the rock gnome lichen for Ashe County. The 01 April 1996 listing does not include
the rock gnome lichen. It is not clear that this deletion was intended and therefore the
following assessment was included.
The rock gnome lichen (Gymnoderma lineare, Endangered) is a squamulose lichen
in the reindeer moss family. The lichen can be identified by its fruiting bodies which are
born singly or in clusters, black in color, and are found at the tips of the squamules. The
fruiting season of the rock gnome lichen occurs from July through September.
The rock gnome lichen is a narrow endemic, restricted to areas of high humidity.
These high humidity environments occur on high elevation Q11220.0 meters/4000.0 feet)
mountaintops and cliff faces which are frequently bathed in fog or lower elevation
(:<_762.0 meters/2500.0 feet) deep gorges in the Southern Appalachians. The rock gnome
lichen primarily occurs on vertical rock faces where seepage water from forest soils above
flows at (and only at) very wet times. The rock gnome lichen is almost always found
growing with the moss Adreaea in these vertical intermittent seeps. The major threat of
extinction to the rock gnome lichen relates directly to habitat alteration/loss of high
elevation coniferous forests. These coniferous forests usually lie adjacent to the habitat
occupied by the rock gnome lichen. The high elevation habitat occurs in the counties of
Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Mitchell, Rutherford, Swain,
Transylvania, and Yancey. The lower elevation habitat of the rock gnome lichen can be
found in the counties of Jackson, Rutherford and Transylvania.
The project study area does not support habitat for rock gnome lichen because the
elevational requirements for this species to grow (1220.0 meters/ 4000.0 feet) is not met.
No impact to rock gnome lichen will result from the proposed construction.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT
15
FIGURES
1 140 • ?" - r ? v
i 383 ,?•1342
5 1343 . Q.i2 ' 7 1347 PHOENIX
! 'O .342 Z- ", 1 MTN.
1.5
1344 1345 S BRIDGE NO. 448 FAS
e ?W 1 t y 1146 ?A? -.-- eel Warrensville
1 199 ?y y
p5
Oak - e\
O ?.
1
.6 3 ?•O 1129 Ch. " 194
19 .3
Clifton 1 ` 1508
1128 1130 - 1509 1512
267 (b
O
120: 1 127 1185 M?N• 1 198
JEFFERSON
O )Q 1193 POP.1,333
0 S \31 ® `? --- - -- \
_ 1194 1132 -
& 1 2 91190 Smethport?' I B1
??
1228 127' f ' , ' Mt. Paddy 0 .6
Tree / ', 229 113' . . t}`
Top N N v Ch. I 2
1. S O
,133 l 1133 y" p 1 I / \ 1
1125 r 194 221 --------
a ` Buf Salo
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l M?N• CNN. WEST I 1
M'
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1138 N P P.1,017 1s
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- -? 1 r Q
0 ; 1133
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- Beave !
reek . N
? ?? 1138 1 J

ililenv.!.
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9 S
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° 221
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-5- Fps 1143
I FAS , g 12
1145 f
_ S
1258
2 1147 11?
s North Carolina Department Of
a Transportation
Planning & Environmental Branch
ASHE COUNTY
REPLACE BRIDGE NO. 448
ON SR 1130 OVER BUFFALO CREEK
B-3107
0 kilometers 1.6 kilometers 3.2
Figure 1
0 miles 1.0 miles 2.0
Ms

North Carolina Department Of
?l Transportation
7? 1 Planning & Environmental Branch
ASHE COUNTY
REPLACE BRIDGE NO. 448
ON SR 1130 OVER BUFFALO CREEK
B-3107
0 meters 30 kilometers 60
i i a Figure 2
0 feet 100 feet 200

VIEW OF NC 194/ NC 88 NORTH APPROACH
VIEW OF NC 194/ NC 88 SOUS? APPROACH
FIGURE 4
.
VIEW OF NORTH FACE OF BRIDGE
INTERSECTION FACING WEST ON SR 1130
FIGURE 33
f
MAP OF 100 YEAR FLOODPLAIN
ZONE A
ZONE X

There is no longer
a railroad here.

1130
ZONE X
NORFOLK
iOUTHERP
RAILWAY
PROJECT SITE
FIGURE 5
118

t' .` a
ATTACHMENTS
• r ?
TIP # 3to7
Federal Aid # I iM - tt3o (3) County
CONCURRENCE FORM
FOR
PROPERTIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Brief Project Description
r_EPLuE PR1DGE No. 40, ow SR 1130 odER 6uFFAt,e CREEK-
On NUrzq I , 101,1 5 , representatives of the
? North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
Federal Highway Administration (FHwA)
V_ North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
Other
reviewed the subject project at
A scoping meeting
-?- Historic architectural resources photograph review 'session/consultation
Other
All parties present agreed
there are no properties over fifty years old within the project's area of potential effect.
? there are no properties less than fifty years old which are considered to meet Criterion
Consideration G within the project's area of potential effect.
? there are properties over fifty years old (list attached) within the project's area of potential effect,
but based on the historical information available and the photographs of each property, properties
identified as 14rAYr, 1{ousE Agt> ??-- are
considered not eligible for the National Register and no further evaluation of thettris necessary.
? there are no National Register-listed properties within the project's area of potential effect.
Signed:
Reares ti , NCDOT Date
311
FH vA r the Division Administrator, or other Federal Agency Lane
Representative, SHPO Date
3 z ? ?s
?
fate Historic Preserration Officer ate
If a survey report is prepared, a final copy of this form and the attached list will be included.

North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Betty Ray McCain, Secretary
June 16, 1995
Nicholas L. Graf
Division Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
Department of Transportation
310 New Bern Avenue
Raleigh, N.C. 27601-1442
Re: Bridge 448 on SR 1 130 over Buffalo Creek, B-
3107, Ashe County, State Project 8.2710601,
Federal-Aid Project BRZ-1130(3), ER 95-9053
Dear Mr. Graf:
JUN 2?
DIVISION QK'r
Thank you for your letter of May 11, 1995, transmitting the archaeological survey
report by John Mintz concerning the above project.
During the course of the survey no sites were located within the project area. Mr.
Mintz has recommended that no further archaeological investigation be conducted
in connection with this project. We concur with this recommendation since this
project will not involve significant archaeological resources.
The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act 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.
Sinfcerely,
v
David Brook
X
Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer
DB:slw
cc: H. F. Vick
T. Padgett
109 East Jones Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807
Division of Archives and History
William S. Price, Jr., Director

North_ Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604-1188, 919-733-3351
Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director
MEMORANDUM
TO: John L. Williams, project Planning Engineer
Planningg and En ironmental ranch, NCDOT
FROM: Steph '?anl c E 1E . Goo t. gtoll Coordinator
au,
habitat Conservation Program
DATE: May 8. 1996
SUBJECT: Scoping comments for replacement of Bridge No. 448 on SR 1130 over Buffalo Creek.
Ashe County, TIP No. B-3107.
This correspondence responds to a request by you for our preliminary comments toregarding replace Bridge
subject project. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes No. 448 with another bridge on new alignment south of the existing structure.
This project is downstream of the portion of Buffalo Creek that is Designated Public Mountain
Trout Water. The stream in the project area does not support trout, and our comments to the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers will reflect this during the permit stage.
Bui'falo Creek likely supports rock bass, other sunfish species, and various nongame fish species
in the project area. We have the following recommendations for minimizing adverse impacts to these
species:
1) if concrete will be used, work must be accomplished so that wet concrete does not contact stream
water. This will lessen the chance of altering the stream's water chemistry and causing, a fish
kill.
2) Heavy equipment should be operated from the bank rather than in the stream channel in order to
minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other pollutants into the stream.
3) Temporary or permanent herbaceous vegetation should be planted on all bare soil within 15 days
of ground disturbing activities to provide long-term erosion control.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project. If you have any questions
regarding these comments, please contact me at 704/652-4257.