19960028 Ver 1_Complete File_19960118

N. C..DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DATE
TRANSMITTAL SLIP

T REF. O. OR ROOM, BLDG.
FROM: REF. NO. OR ROOM,. BLDG.
ACTION
? NOTE AND FILE ` ? PER OUR CONVERSATION
? NOTE AND RETURN TO ME ? PER YOUR REQUEST
?. RETURN WITH MORE DETAILS ? FOR YOUR APPROVAL
? NOTE AND BEE ME ABOUT THIS ? FOR YOUR. INFORMATION.
? PLEASE ANSWER ? FOR YOUR COMMENTS
? PREPARE. REPLY. FOR MY SIGNATURE -? SIGNATURE
? TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION: ? INVESTIGATE AND. REPORT
COMMENTS:.
MSTA7Fo
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
JAMES B. HUNT JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GARLAND B. GARRETt JR.
GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 SECRETARY
November 25, 1997
US Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington Regulatory Field Office
P.O. Box 1890
Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890
ATTENTION: Mr. Michael D. Smith, P.W.S.
Assistant Branch Chief
Dear Sir:
Subject: Guilford County, Replacement of Bridge No. 170 over US 29-70/I-85
Business on Brentwood Street, Federal Project No. BRNHS-29(6), State
Project No. 8.1493001, T.I.P. No. B-2565, Action I.D. 199601910.
The Corps of Engineers (COE) issued a Section 404 Nationwide Permit 23 for the
subject project on January-23,J-99-6-.- This permit expired on January 21, 1997. The
replacement of Bridge No. 170 over US 29-70/1-85 Business on Brentwood Street is not
scheduled to be let to construction until January 1998. Consequently, the Department of
Transportation (DOT) needs to renew authorization for this work.
Information regarding the project description has not changed since the
distribution of the programmatic Categorical Exclusion and the Natural Resources
Technical Report in a letter dated January 12, 1996. The bridge will be replaced on
existing location with a new bridge approximately 61 meters (200 feet) long and
19.2 meters (64 feet) wide. In addition, a three barrel box culvert north of the bridge will
be extended 6.1 meters (20 feet). Traffic will be maintained on the existing bridge by
phasing construction. The project may require temporary relocation of Richland Creek to
extend the existing culvert.
Since issuance of the Section 404 Nationwide Permit 23, the US Fish and Wildlife
Service (FWS) has added the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) to its listing for
Guilford County. The DOT has included with this letter a biological conclusion of "No
Effect" for this project in regard to its review of the bald eagle issue. A copy of this
permit reauthorization request is also being sent to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
0
2
The DOT requests that the COE reauthorize this bridge replacement project in
Guilford County under a Section 404 Nationwide Permit 23. Reissuance of 401 Water
Quality Certification by the Division of Water Quality is also requested.
If you have any questions or need additional information please call Ms. Alice N.
Gordon at 733-7844 Ext. 307.
Sincerely,
H. Franklin Vick, PE, Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
HFV/pct
cc: Mr. Ken Jolly, Corps of Engineers, Raleigh Field Office
Mr. John Dorney, NCDEHNR, Division of Water Quality
Mr. Whit Webb, P.E., Program Development Branch
Mr. R. L. Hill, P.E., Highway Design Branch
Mr. A. L. Hankins, P.E., Hydraulics Unit
Mr. William J. Rogers, P.E., Structure Design Unit
Mr. Tom Shearin, P.E., Roadway Design Unit
Mr. J. W. Watkins, P.E., Division 7 Engineer
Mr. P. Wayne Elliott, P & E Project Planning Engineer

4
r ;. surf
4 ?-
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TP ANSPORTATION
JAMES B. HUNT JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GARLAND B. GARRETT JR.
GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH. N.C. 27611-5201 SECRETARY
27 February 1997
Memorandum To: Wayne Elliot, Unit Head
Bridge Unit
From: Christopher A. Murray, Environmental Biologist
Environmental Unit
Subject: Protected species update: proposed replacement
of Bridge No. 170 on Brentwood Street over US 29-
70/I-85 Business, Guilford County. TIP No.
B-2565; State Project No. 8.1493001; Federal Aid
Project No. BRNHS-29(6).
Reference:' Programatic Categorical Exclusion (NCDOT, 20
January 1995).
Attention: Jeff Ingham, Project Engineer
Bridge Unit
The project proposes to replace Bridge No. 170 on Brentwood
Street over US 29-70/I-85 Business. This report provides updated
information on federally-protected species for the referenced
project.
Federally-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 human activities. 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 Service (FWS). Other species may
receive additional protection under separate state laws.
Plants and animals with federal classifications of
Endangered, Threatened, Proposed Endangered and Proposed
Threatened are protected under provisions of Section 7 and
Section 9 of the ESA. Since completion of the referenced
document, the FWS has upgraded the listing of federally protected
a
2
species (23 August, 1996). The bald eagle (Haliaeetus
leucocephalus) is listed as Threatened in Guilford County. A
threatened species is likely to become endangered within the
foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its
range. A description of this species and a conclusion regarding
potential impacts is included below.
Haliaeetus leucocephalus (bald eagle) Threatened
Animal Family: Accipitridae
Date Listed: 11 March, 1967
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.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: No Effect
Several streams are located in the project vicinity; however,
these water bodies are too small to offer suitable habitat for the
bald eagle. A review of the North Carolina Natural Heritage
Program database of rare species and unique habitats did not
indicate the presence of any bald eagle activity near the project
area. Impacts to this species will not occur from project
construction.
CC: V. Charles Bruton, Ph.D., Environmental Unit Head
Hal Bain, Environmental Supervisor
Gordon Cashin, Permits Supervisor
File: B-2565
t
max'
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA 401 ISSUED
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
JAMEs B. HUNT JR. DMSION OF HIGHWAYS GARLAND B. GARRETT JR.
GovERNOR P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 SECRETARY
January 12, 1996
r
Regulatory Branch RECEIVED
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers JqN 8 J??H 1 71996
Wilmington Field Office IS,J?
Post Office Box 1890 ENVIRONNIENTA?LSCIENCES
WETLANDS GROUP
Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-189 WATER UALITYSECPOfv
Dear Sir:
Subject: Guilford County, Replacement of Bridge No. 170 over US 29-70/1-85
Business on Brentwood Street, Federal Aid Project No. BRNHS-29(6),
State Project No. 8.1493001, T.I.P. No. B-2565.
Please find enclosed three copies of the project planning report for the above referenced
project. Bridge No 170 will be replaced at its existing location with a new bridge
approximately 61 meters (200 feet) long and 19.2 meters (64 feet) wide. In addition to the
bridge, a three barrel box culvert north of the bridge will be extended 6.1 meters (20 feet).
Traffic will be maintained on the existing bridge by phasing construction. The project may
require temporary relocation of Richland Creek to extend the existing culvert. No
wetlands will be affected by the project.
The project is being processed by ay Administration as a "Categorical
Exclusion" in accordance with 23 C . Therefore, we do not anticipate
requesting an individual permit, but ceed under a Nationwide Permit in
accordance with 33 CFR Appendix provisions of Section 330.4 and
Appendix A (C) of these regulations will be followed in the construction of the project.
We anticipate the 401 General Certification will apply to this project, and are providing
one copy of the CE document to the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health
and Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Management , for their review.
the F eralI?i w
771.115( )
pr pose to 0
A ( he
tt
•r

2
If you have any questions or need additional information please call Ms. Alice N. Gordon
at 733-3141, Ext. 314.
Sincere ,
H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
AG/plr
cc: w/attachment
Mr. John Thomas, Corps of Engineers, Raleigh Field Office
Mr. John Dorney, NCDEHNR, Department of Environmental Management
Mr. Kelly Barger, P.E. Program Development Branch
Mr. Don Morton, P.E., Highway Design Branch
Mr. A. L. Hankins, P.E., Hydraulics Unit
Mr. John L. Smith, Jr., P.E., Structure Design Unit
Mr. Tom Shearin, P.E., Roadway Design Unit
Mr. J. W. Watkins, P.E., Division 9 Engineer
Mr. Wayne Elliott, Planning and Environmental Project Planning Engineer
1
t
P r
t

CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION ACTION CLASSIFICATION FORM
TIP Project No. B-2565
Federal-Aid Project No. BRNHS-29(6)
State Project No. 8.1493001
A. Project Des tion : (include project scope and location)
NCDOT will be replacing Bridge No. 170 on Brentwood Street over U. S. 29-
70/1-85 Bus. in Guilford County (Figure 1). The bridge will be replaced at
the existing location with a new bridge approximately 61 meters (200 feet)
long. The new bridge will provide a clear roadway width of 19.2 meters (64
feet). The bridge includes five lanes with curb and gutter and a 1.5-meter (5-
foot) sidewalk on one side. The elevation of the new bridge will be increased
to provide approximately 4.9 meters (16 feet) of clearance above the highway.
The roadway approach grades will be raised to meet the higher elevation. In
addition to the bridge, a three barrel box culvert north of the bridge will be
extended 6.1 meters (20 feet). The existing two travel lanes on Bridge
No. 170 will be maintained by phasing construction.
B. purpose and Need:
Bridge No. 170 has a sufficiency rating of 40.5 out of 100.0 and an estimated
remaining life of nine years. The deck provides only two lanes while each
roadway approach provides five lanes. For these reasons, Bridge No. 170
needs to be replaced.
C: Proposed Immovements:
Circle one or more of the following improvements which apply to the project:
Type II Improvements
1. Modernization of a highway by resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation,
reconstruction, adding shoulders, or adding auxiliary lanes (e.g., parking
weaving, turning, climbing).
a. Restoring, Resurfacing, Rehabilitating, and Reconstructing pavement
(3R and 4R improvements)
b. Widening roadway and shoulders without adding through lanes
c. Modernizing gore treatments
d. Constructing lane improvements (merge, auxiliary, and turn lanes)
e. Adding shoulder drains
s
.Y
r
f Replacing and rehabilitating culverts, inlets, and drainage pipes, including
safety treatments
g. Providing driveways pipes
h. Performing minor bridge widening ( less than one through lane)
2. Highway safety or traffic operations improvement projects including the
installation of ramp metering control devices and lighting.
a. Installing ramp metering devices
b. Installing lights
c. Adding or upgrading guardrail
d. Installing safety barriers including Jersey type barriers and pier protection
e. Installing or replacing impact attenuators
f. Upgrading medians including adding or upgrading median barriers
g. Improving intersections including relocation and/ or realignment
h. Making minor roadway realignment
i. Channelizing traffic
j. Performing clear zone safety improvements including removing hazards
and flattening slopes
k. Implementing traffic aid systems, signals, and motorist aid
L Installing bridge safety hardware including bridge rail retrofit
3O. Bridge rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement or the construction of
grade separation replace existing at-grade railroad crossings.
a. Rehabilitating, reconstructing, or replacing bridge approach slabs
b. Rehabilitating or replacing bridge decks
c. Rehabilitating bridges including painting ( no red lead paint), scour
repair, fender systems, and minor structural improvements
Replacing a bridge (structure and/ or fill)
4. Transportation corridor fringe parking facilities.
5. Construction of new truck weigh stations or rest areas.
6. Approvals for disposal of excess right-of-way or for joint or limited use of
right-of-way, where the proposed use does not have significant adverse
impacts.
7. Approvals for changes in access control.
8. Construction of new bus storage and maintenance facilities in areas used
predominantly for industrial or transportation purposes where such
2
,a

construction is not inconsistent with existing zoning and located on or near a
street with adequate capacity to handle anticipated bus and support vehicle
traffic.
9. Rehabilitation or reconstruction of existing rail and bus buildings and ancillary
facilities where only minor amounts of additional land are required and there
is not a substantial increase in the number of users.
10. Construction of bus transfer facilities (an open area consisting of passenger
shelters, boarding areas, kiosks and related street improvements ) when
located in a commercial area or other high activity center in which there is
adequate street capacity for projected bus traffic.
11. Construction of rail storage and maintenance facilities in areas used
predominantly for industrial or transportation purposes where such
construction is not inconsistent with existing zoning and where there is no
significant noise impact on the surrounding community.
12. Acquisition of land for hardship or protective purposes, advance land
acquisition loans under section 3 (b) of the LTMT Act. Hardship and
protective buying will be permitted only for a particular parcel or a limited
number of parcels. These types of land acquisition will not limit the
evaluation of alternatives, including shifts in alignment for planned
construction projects, which may be required in the NEPA process. No
project development on such land may proceed until the NEPA process has
been completed.
D. SWcial Project Information
Environmental Commitments:
1. Best Management Practices will be implemented throughout construction.
2 Any relocation or channelization of Richland creek for the culvert extension
will adhere to NCDOT guidelines for stream relocation and channelization.
3. NC Geodetic Control Station "Brent," located on the existing bridge, will be
relocated before demolishing the existing bridge.
4. A North Carolina Division of Environmental Management Section 401 Water
Quality General Certification will be obtained prior to issue of a Corps of
Engineers Nationwide Permit No. 23.
3
1%

Estimated Costs:
Construction $ 2,000,000
Right of Way $ 320,000
Total $ 2,320,000
Estimated Traffic:
Current -11,500 VPD
Year 2020 -19,600 VPD
Proposed Typical Roadway Section:
19.2 meters (64 feet) from face to face of curb and gutter
Design Speed:
The speed limit in the project area is 60 km/h (35 mph)
Functional Classification:
Urban Minor Arterial
Division Office Comments:
The Division Engineer recommends keeping two lanes of traffic open during
construction
Other Items:
The NCDOT Bicycle Unit recommends considering differential striping to provide
3.9-meter (13-foot) outside lanes to accomodate anticipated bicycle use.
Current pedestrian use justifies inclusion of a sidewalk on the bridge. The City of
High Point conducted a four hour pedestrian survey during morning, noon, and
afternoon peak periods. The survey recorded 17 pedestrians crossing Bridge
No. 170. This suggests the bridge gets significant pedestrian use throughout the
day (perhaps as many as 35 to 40 crossings).
U. S. 29-70/1-85 Bus. is a four lane divided highway beneath Bridge No. 170.
4
s
3
E. Threshold Criteria
If any Type II actions are involved in the project, the following evaluation must
be completed. If the project consists o* of Type I improvements, the following
checklist does not need to be Completed.
ECOLOGICAL YES NO
(1) Will the project have a substantial impact on any
-
unique on any unique or important natural resource? F
I X
(2) Does the project involve any habitat where federally
listed endangered or threatened species may occur? X
(3) Will the project affect anadromous fish?
F-I X

(4) If the project involves wetlands, is the amount of
permanent and/or temporary wetland taking less than N/A
one-third (1/3) acre and have all practicable measures
wetland to avoid and minimize takings been evaluated?
(5) Will the project require use of U. S. Forest Service lands? ? -
X
(6) Will the quality of adjacent water resources be adversely
impacted by proposed construction activities? 7 X
(7) Does the project involve waters classified as Outstanding
Water Resources (OWR) and/or High Quality Waters X
(HQW)? -
(8) Will the project require fill in waters of the United States
in any of the designated mountain trout counties? 7 X
(9) Does the project involve any known underground storage
tanks (UST's) or hazardous materials sites? F-I X
5
. 4
V
PERMITS AND COORDINATION
(10) If the project is located within a CAMA county, will the
project significantly affect the coastal zone and/or any N/A
"Area of Environmental Concern" (AEC)?
(11) Does the project involve Coastal Barrier Resources Act ?
resources? X
(12) Will a U. S. Coast Guard permit be required? -
7 X
(13) Will the project result in the modification of any existing
regulatory floodway? 1-1 X
(14) Will the project require any stream relocations or channel
changes? X
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC YES NO
(15) Will the project induce substantial impacts to planned
growth or land use for the area? 7 X
(16) Will the project require the relocation of any family or
X
business?
1-1
(17) If the project involves the acquisition of right of way, is the ?
amount of right of way acquisition considered minor? X
(18) Will the project involve any changes in access control? ? -
X
(19) Will the project substantially alter the usefulness and/ or land
use of any adjacent property? X
* see page 8 for additional documentation
6
If

(20) Will the project have an adverse effect on permanent local
traffic patterns or community cohesiveness? X
(21) Is the project included in an approved thoroughfare plan
and/ or Transportation Improvement Program (and is, X
therefore, in conformance with the Clean Air Act of 1990)?
(22) Is the project anticipated to cause an increase in traffic
volumes? 7 X
(23) Will traffic be maintained during construction using existing ?
roads,staged construction, or on-site detours? X
(24) Is there substantial controversy on social, economic, or
environmental grounds concerning the project? F1 X
(25) Is the project consistent with all Federal, State, and local
laws relating to the environmental aspects of the action? X
CULTURAL RESOURCES
YES NO
(26) Will the project have an "effect" on properties eligible for
or listed on the National Register of Historic Places? X
(27) Will the project require the use of Section 4(f) resources
(public parks, recreation lands, wildlife and waterfowl X
Section 4(f) of the U. S. Department of Transportation
Act of 1966)?
(28) Will the project involve construction in, across, or adjacent
to a river designated as a component of or proposed for X
inclusion in the natural Wild and Scenic Rivers?
7
r
F. Additional Documentation Required for Unfavorable Responses in Part E
(Discussion regarding all unfavorable responses in Part E should be provided
below. Additional supporting documentation may be attached as necessary.)
Question 14:
The project may require temporary relocation or channelization of Richland
Creek to extend the existing culvert. The project will not permanently
relocate Richland Creek.
8

G. CE Approval
TIP Project No. B-2565
Federal-Aid Project No. BRNHS-29(6)
State Project No. 8.1493001
Project Description : (include project scope and location)
NCDOT will be replacing Bridge No. 170 on Brentwood Street over U. S. 29-
70/1-85 Bus. in Guilford County (Figure 1). The bridge will be replaced at
the existing location with a new bridge approximately 61 meters (200 feet)
long. The new bridge will provide a clear roadway width of 19.2 meters (64
feet). The bridge includes five lanes with curb and gutter and a 1.5-meter (5-
foot) sidewalk on one side. The elevation of the new bridge will be increased
to provide approximately 4.9 meters (16 feet) of clearance above the highway.
The roadway approach grades will be raised to meet the higher elevation. In
addition to the bridge, a three barrel box culvert north of the bridge will be
extended 6.1 meters (20 feet). The existing two travel lanes on Bridge
No. 170 will be maintained by phasing construction.
Categorical Exclusion Action Classification: (Check one)
TYPE H (A)
X TYPE II (B)
Approved:
Date Assistant Manager
Planning & Environmental Branch
lf-a-9S W 4 e L'71_0 o,,a?•?????q,
Date Project Planning Unit Head CARO /',, ?'••
ESSIpN

4 k A ?.. ••. ??
.? •.
scat

Date
Project Planning Engineer ? : 20642 : ?:
[-I • : p
For Type R (B) projects only: ?'••,,? ?INq
yN??,,••`,
s4in FGR ??-? '
Date Division Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
9

i r -
NORTH CAROLINA

- r Il.r' ;11 osceoresuaW"erbe a 8rs Mo-cello
O.s ? Su;
L,kr r
-!T7q Jr o s s,4c
G e 1; E V R D I
rille
s Cd4s ` - eVM4 .... °
Q r
RNatOwn - '
reensbior
( 1
2' ' SL'+ r `vim Pleasant GarEen A
Ou Runes
( to i i 1 . I
1T ^??. uban
alit.
HIGH POINT 311 s R;,,n
POP. 67.3W
• J ,
A7
G? plw r700 ate. PYI
6u
l
AU .10 "u
Im
1Si
rss.
as
»K
I?
jai
slim
3i
-0 0 STUDIED DETOUR ROUTE
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL
BRANCH
BRENTWOOD STREET
BRIDGE NO. 170 OVER
US 29-70/I 85 BUS.
GUILFORD COUNTY
T.I.P. NO. B-2565
0 miles 1/4
0 kilometers 2/5 FIG.1

ow.?
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
JAMES B. HUNT JR.
GOVERNOR
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH. N.C. 27611-5201
January 20, 1995
MEMORANDUM TO:
FROM:
ATTENTION:
Wayne Elliott, Unit Head
Bridge Replacement Unit
GARLAND B. GARRETT JR.
SECRETARY
Chris A. Murray, Environmental Biologist
Environmental Unit
Wayne Fedora, Project Manager
SUBJECT: Proposed Replacement of Bridge No. 170 on
Brentwood Street over U.S. 29-70/
Interstate-85 (Business) in Guilford
County; Federal Aid No. BRNHS-29(6); State
Project No. 8.1493001; TIP No. B-2565.
This Programatic Categorical Exclusion (PCE) addresses
four issues: water resources, wetlands, biotic communities
and federally-protected species associated with the proposed
project.
The proposed project calls for replacement of Bridge No.
170 on Brentwood Street over U.S. 29-70/Interstate 85
(Business). The existing bridge is a two lane, 7.9 m (26.0
ft) wide roadway. Bridge No. 170 will be replaced at the
existing location. Traffic will be maintained on the
existing bridge while the new bridge is being constructed.
Traffic will be switched onto two lanes of the new bridge
while the remaining three will be completed. The proposed
bridge will be a 19.2 m (64.0 ft) wide roadway. The proposed
project length is approximately 365 m (1,200 ft). The
proposed bridge replacement will necessitate the widening of
approach roadway and extension of box culverts located on
Brentwood Street over Richland creek, approximately 168 m
(550 ft) north of U.S.-29-70/Interstate 85.
Water Resources
Richland Creek, located in the Cape Fear River Basin,
originates to the south of High Point and flows in an
easterly direction approximately 9.4 km (5.8 mi), where it
empties into the Deep River. Streams have been assigned a
best usage classification by the Division of Environmental
Management (DEM). The best usage classification of Richland
Creek is C (1993, DEM). Class C is defined as suitable for
aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife,
.secondary recreation, and agriculture. Neither High Quality
9
A t
2
Waters (HQW), Water Supplies (WS-I or WS-II), nor
Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) occur within 1.6 km (1.0
mi) of the project study area.
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 sensitive to
very subtle changes in water quality; thus, the species
richness and overall biomass are reflections of water
quality. A site on Richland Creek located approximately 7.4
km (4.6 mi) downstream of the project area was surveyed.
Five samples were collected from 1983 through 1988 ranging in
quality from Poor to Fair.
Richland Creek is approximately 4 meters (15 feet) wide
and 0.2 to 0.6 meters (0.5 to 2.0 feet) deep. The stream
bottom is comprised of sand, silt, and scattered boulders.
Water clarity and flow rate were moderate during the site
visit. Trash, including cinder blocks, plastic bottles, and
glass bottles, was observed in the creek bed. Abundance of
algal growth and excessive sedimentation also demonstrated
the severly degraded condition of the stream.
Potential impacts to water resources include increased
sedimentation, decreased dissolved oxygen, and temperature
instability. The latter two impacts are attributed to
removal of the stream-side canopy. Sedimentation and
substrate disturbance, occurring during culvert extension can
significantly reduce water clarity.
Wetlands
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 Part 328.3.
Wetlands are those areas that are inundated or saturated by
surface water or groundwater 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).
Although no impacts to jurisdicitonal wetlands are
anticipated, impacts to surface waters will result from this
project. The project will impact surface waters of Richland
Creek when box culverts are extended during roadway approach
construction. Approximately 6 m (20 ft) of Richland Creek
will be affected by the proposed action.

3
Since the project is classified as a Programatic
Categorical Exclusion, a Nationwide Permit 33 CFR
330.5(a)(23) is likely to be applicable for proposed
construction. This permit authorizes activities undertaken,
assisted,,,authorized, regulated, funded, or financed in
whole, or`'in part, by another federal agency or department.
That agency or department has determined that the activity is
categorically excluded from environmental documentation,
because it will neither individually or cumulatively have a
significant environmental effect.
A Section 401 General Water Quality Certification is
required for any activity which may result in a discharge and
for which a federal permit is required.
Note: A small isolated wetland is located outside of the
proposed project area. Specifically, this wetland is located
to the south of the southbound Interstate 85 (Business) off-
ramp. Habitat disturbance and sedimentation that may
inadvertently impact this community must be restricted as
these activities are detrimental to wetlands. Best
Management Practices (BMPs) for the protection of this
wetland must be strictly adhered to, to ensure that the
biological integrity is not impacted by this project.
Biotic Resources
A field investigation was conducted on 12 January 1995
by NCDOT biologists Chris Murray and Tim Savidge to determine
natural resources conditions. Three distinct terrestrial
communities (Maintained Community, Dry Mesic Oak-Hickory
Forest, and Piedmont Alluvial Forest) and one aquatic
community (Richland Creek) were identified in the project
study area.
Maintained Communities are land parcels in which the
vegetation is kept in a low-growing, non-successional state.
This habitat is located within the existing roadside
shoulder, existing interchange right-of-way, and commercial
lawns. This community is dominated'by fescue (Fescue sp.)
and low-growing herbaceous species 'including red clover
(Trifolium pratense), nightshade (tolanum sp.), plantain
(Plantacro sp.), and sericea (Lespedeza cungata) . A gray.
squirrel (sciurus carolinensis) nest was observed in this
community.
The Dry Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest is located to the east
of Brentwood Street in the interchange area. The canopy is
dominated by pin oak (Ouercus palustris), scarlet oak (Q_
coccinea), northern red oak (0. rubra), hickory (Carva sp.),
and American elm (Ulmus americana). Red cedar (Juniperus
virainianal, sweet gum (Licruidambar styraciflua), and sugar
maple (Acer saccharum) were observed in the understory. The
herbaceous component of this community includes pipsissewa

4
(_qhimnah 1a maculata), broomstraw (Androponon sp.),
blackberry (Rubus sp.), cudweed (Gnaphalium sp.), goldenrod
(Solidago sp.), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), and
milkweed (Asclepias sp.). Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera
iaponica) is observed throughout the community. Faunal
species identified in this habitat include gray squirrel,
Carolina chickadee (Parus carolinensis), and American robin
(Turdus miaratorius)
A very narrow strip, 9 m (30 feet), of Piedmont alluvial
forest is located along the Richland Creek banks. The
vegetation is dominated by sycamore (Platanus occidentalis),
American elm, hickory, sweet gum, and Japanese honeysuckle.
This area may be innundated during flood events.
Richland Creek is a channelized, disturbed area cleared
of vegetation. The creek is located approximately 4 m (15
ft) below existing roadway grade and is spanned by box
culverts. A crayfish (Procambarus sp.) and speckled
killifish (Fundulus rathboni) were collected in the creek
bed.
Project construction will result in clearing and
degradation of portions of the biotic communities observed in
the project area. The estimated loss to these communities is
listed in Table 1. It should be noted that estimated impacts
were derived using the entire proposed right-of-way. Project
construction often does not require the entire right-of-way
and actual impacts maybe considerably less.
Table 1. Anticipated Impacts to Biotic Communities
COMMUNITY
Maintained Community 0.2 (0.5)
Dry Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest <0.1 (0.2)
Piedmont Alluvial Forest <0.1 (<0.1)
TOTAL IMPACTS -0.3 (0.7)
Note: Estimated impacts in hectare's (acres) are based on a
proposed 19.2 m (64.0 ft) wide roadway and an estimated
project length of 365 meters (1,200 feet).
The terrestrial communities found along the project
alignment serve as shelter, nesting, and foraging habitat for
numerous species of wildlife. Loss of habitat is likely to
reduce the number of faunal organisms and concentrate them
into a smaller area, which causes some species to become more
susceptible to disease, predation, and starvation.
Individual mortalities during construction are likely to
occur to animals closely associated with the ground. Mobile
species will be displaced during construction activity.

5
These mammals may return to the area following construction;
however, the amount of forested habitat will be reduced even
further.
Anticipated impacts to the stream community of Richland
Creek can'be attributed to construction-related habitat
disturbance and sedimentation. Although disturbance, reduced
water quality, and sedimentation may be temporary processes
during the construction phase of this project, environmental
impacts from these processes may be long-lived or
irreversible. Habitat disturbance and sedimentation are
detrimental to aquatic ecosystems. BMPs for protection of
surface waters must be strictly adhered to for this proposed
project.
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, there are no
federally-protected species listed for Guilford County.
cc: V. Charles Bruton, Ph.D.
M. Randall Turner, Environmental Supervisor
File: B-2565