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HomeMy WebLinkAbout19960130 Ver 1_Complete File_19960207r ? ?a , ®• ?. , FEB a 199 "NVIR0N% STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA NrA? Sci` DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 February 1, 1996 D Raleigh Regulatory Field Office U. S. Army Corps of Engineers 6512 Fall of the Neuse Road, Suite 105 Raleigh, North Carolina 27615 GARLAND B. GARRETT JR. SECRETARY FEB 7 1996 0 ATTENTION: Mr. Mike Smith: Chief, Northern Section Subject: Lee County, Widen US 421/NC 42-87 (Horner Blvd.), Federal Aid Project STP-OOOS(60), State Project No. 8.1540501, TIP No. U-2921. Please find enclosed three copies of the project planning report for the above referenced project. The proposed improvements include widening 1.8 miles of US 421/ NC 42-87 (Horner Blvd.) to a five lane curb and gutter facility with a continuous center turn lane from SR 1107 (Fields Dr.) to NC 42-78 (Main St.) in Sanford. As you know, US 421/ NC 42-87 at this location is heavily developed, therefore, impacts to jurisdictional areas are minimal. The project will not involve any impacts to wetlands, however, culverts at Little Buffalo Creek and three tributaries of Little Buffalo Creek will be extended. In addition, 25 feet of stream channel modification will be required for a portion of one of the tributaries. All crossings are located above headwaters and impacts to surfaces waters resulting from this work are anticipated to be less than 0.20 acres. The project is being processed by the Federal Highway Administration as a "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). The provisions of Section 330.4 and Appendix A (C) of these regulations will be followed in the construction of the project. We anticipate that 401 General Certification No. 2745 (Categorical Exclusion) will apply to this project, and are providing one copy of the CE document to the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Management, for their review. 9 r_ 2 If you have any questions or need additional information, please call Mr. Scott P. Gottfried at 733-3141. Sincerely, H. Franklin Vick, PE, Manager Planning and Environmental Branch HFV/spg cc: w/attachment Mr. Ken Jolly, COE Mr. John Dorney, NCDEHNR, DEM Mr. Kelly Barger, PE, Program Development Branch ' Mr. Don Morton, PE, Highway Design Branch Mr. A. L. Hankins, PE, Hydraulics Unit Mr. John L. Smith Jr., PE, Structure Design Unit Mr. Tom Shearin, PE, Roadway Design Unit Mr. F. E. Whitesell, PE, Division 8 Engineer US 421/NC 42-87 (Horner Boulevard) from SR 1107 (Fields Drive) to NC 42-78 (Main Street) Sanford, Lee County Federal Project No. STP-OOOS(60) State Project No. 8.1540501 ` TIP ID No. U-2921 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and N. C. Department of Transportation Division of Highways APPROVED: Date -47or H. Franklin Vick, P. E., Manager. Planning and Environmental Branch r. 1 5 15 /-1 A 1 4!!?' PLI it 4atW? icho as Graf, P. E. Division A inistrator;.FHWA US 421/NC 42-87 (Horner Boulevard) from SR 1107 (Fields Drive) to NC 42-78 (Main Street) Sanford, Lee County • Federal Project No. STP-OOOS(60) State Project No. 8.1540501 TIP ID No. U-2921 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION May, 1995 Documentation Prepared in Planning and Environmental Branch By J e A. Hunkin , P. E. P Ject Planning Engineer, Unit Head Lubin V. Prevatt, P. E., Assistant Manager Planning and Environmental Branch A "''• , ESS 410C?-y4 SE AL 18496 •?.,_ A. H?N..•• C ?u U s/3i/9S TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 1. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . 1 II. NEED FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 A. Description and Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 B. Project Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 C. Existing Roadway Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1. Length of Roadway Section Studied . . . . . . . 2 2. Route Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 3. Existing Cross Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 4. Existing Right-of-Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5. Access Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 6. Speed Limits . . . . * . . 3 7. Bridges and/or Drainage Structures . . . . . . 3 8. Traffic Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 9. Sidewalks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 10. Utilities .. . . . . . . . . . 4 11. Horizontal and Vertical Alignment . . . . . . . 4' 12. Intersecting Roads and Type of Control . . . . . . 4 .13. Degree of Roadside Interference . . . . . . . . 4 14. Railroad Crossings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 15. School Bus Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 16. Airports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 D. Capacity Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 1. Mainline Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2. Intersection Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 E. Accident Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 F. Project Terminals . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . 8 G. Thoroughfare Plan . . . . . . . . . . . 9 H. Benefits to State, Region, and Community . . . . . . 9 III. PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 A. General Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 B. Length of Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 C. Cross Section Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 D. Design Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 E. Right of Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 F. Access Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 G. Intersection Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 H. Bridges and/or Drainage Structures . . . . . . . . . 10 1. Special Permits Required . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 J. Changes in the State Highway System . . . . . . . . . 10 K. Bikeways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE L. M. N. 0.. P. Q. R. S. T. Multiple Use of Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Sidewalks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Noise Barriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Cost Estimates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Utility Impacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Railroad Involvement . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Proposed Highway Improvements in the Area . . . . . . 12 Anticipated Design Exceptions . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Geodetic Survey Markers . . . 12 IV. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION . . . . . . . . . . . 12 A. Recommended'Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 B. Design Alternatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 C. Postponement of Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 D. "Do-Nothing" Alternative . . . . . . 13 E. Alternate Modes of Transportation . . .. . . . . . 13 V. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS . . . . . . , 14 A. So cial Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . 14 1. Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 a. Existing Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 b. Existing Zoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 C. Proposed Land Use . . . . . . . . . . 14 d. Project Consistency With Local Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 2. Neighborhood Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . 14 3. Rel ocatees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 4. Public Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 5. Cultural Resources . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . 15 a. Architectural/Historic Resources . . . . . 15 b. Archaeological Resources . . . . . . . . . 16 C. Section 4(f) Properties . . . . . . . . . . 16 B. Economic Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 C. Environmental Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 1. Biological Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 a. Plant Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 b. Wildlife Communities . . . . . . . . . . . 19 1. Terrestrial . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 2. Aquatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE ' c. Protected Species . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 1. Federally Protected Species . . . . . 20 2. Federal Candidate Species . . . . . . 22 2. Soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 3. Water Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 4. Jurisdictional Wetlands . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 5. Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 6. Mitigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 7. Flood Hazard Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . 26 8. Hazardous Wastes/GeologicalImpacts . . . . . . 26 9. Noise Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 10. Air Quality Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 11. Farmland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 12. Construction Impacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 VI. COMMENTS AND COORDINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 A. Comments Received . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : .' 30 B. Public Hearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 VII. CONCLUSION . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 TABLES Table 1 - Traffic Volumes . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Table 2 - Intersection Configurations . . . . . . . . . . 5 Table 3 - Mainline Capacity Analysis . . . . . . . . . . 6 Table 4 - Intersection Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Table 5 - Accident Rates . . . . . . . . . . 8 Table 6 - Anticipated Biotic Community Impacts '. . . . . 18 Table 7 - Federally Protected Species for Lee County . . . . . . . . . . 20 Table 8 - Federal Candidate Species for Lee County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 MAPS AND ILLUSTRATIONS Figure 1 - Vicinity Map Figure 2 - Proposed Improvements Figure 3A - Projected 1997 Traffic Volumes Figure 3B - Projected 2020 Traffic Volumes ' Figure 4 - Thoroughf are Plan Figure 5 - Proposed Five-Lane Typical Section Figure 6 - 100-year Floodplain Map Figure 7 - Existing Intersection Configurations Figure 8 - Proposed Intersection Configurations TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE ` APPENDIX A Correspondence/Comments Received . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1 Relocation Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-18 APPENDIX B Geological Environmental Impact Study . . . . . . . . . . B-1 APPENDIX C Discussion of Division of Highways Relocation Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1 US 421/NC 42-87 (Horner Boulevard) from SR 1107 (Fields Drive) to NC 42-78 (Main Street) Sanford, Lee County Federal Project No. STP-OOOS(60) State Project No. 8.1540501 TIP ID No. U-2921 I. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS To minimize surface water impacts, the following will be observed: - Instream activities will be scheduled during low flow periods (summer and fall). - Non-point sediment sources will be identified and efforts will be made to control sediment runoff. - Best Management Practices and Sedimentation Control guidelines will be strictly adhered to during the construction phase of the project. To avoid impacts to the Lee County Courthouse (listed in the National Register of Historic Places), the following conditions will be observed:- - The North Carolina Department of Transportation will install protective fencing along the easement line. - If roots are encountered during construction, the contractor is required to cleanly cut them and exercise good tree protection practices. - Construction activities within the easement will be limited, as much as possible. A 401 Water Quality Certification administered through the North Carolina Department.of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources (DEHNR) will be required. The subject project is classified as a Categorical Exclusion and is likely to fall under Provisions of Nationwide Permit 33 CFR 330.5(A)23. The North Carolina Department of Transportation will coordinate with the City of Sanford and Lee County regarding any possible changes in the floodplain and will coordinate with the Atlantic and Western Railroad regarding all improvements at the two railroad crossings. h II. NEED FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT A. Description and Purpose The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to widen US 421/NC 42-87 (Horner Boulevard) to a five-lane curb and gutter 2 facility with a continuous center turn lane from SR 1107 (Fields Drive) to NC 42-78 (Main Street) A closed loop traffic signal system will also be installed at signalized intersections throughout the project, and gates will be installed at both railroad crossings with US 421/NC 42-87. The project is located within the Sanford City Limits in Lee County and is approximately 1.8 miles in length. The general location of the project is shown in Figure 1. The proposed improvements are shown in Figure 2. For the purpose of this document, US 421/NC 42-87 will be described as an east/west highway, SR 1107 (Fields Drive) being the western terminal and NC 42-78 (Main Street) being the eastern terminal. The studied improvements to US 421/NC 42-87 will be described as north side or south side widening. The implementation of the proposed project is based on the need to reduce the high number of accidents along the studied roadway segment. B. Project Status The NCDOT 1995-2001 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) calls for widening the existing four-lane roadway to a five=lane undivided curb and gutter facility. Right-of-way acquisition and construction are scheduled to begin in Fiscal Years 1995 and 1996, respectively. The TIP includes a total funding of $ 1,500,000 for the project, including $ 250,000 for right of way and $1,250,000 for construction. The total cost of improvements recommended in this report is $ 2,182,000, including $ 527,000 for right of way and $ 1,655,000 for construction. The improvements to US 421/NC 42-87 are to be made within the minimum amount of right of way required to contain the proposed cross-section. This project is not anticipated to result in significant impacts to the existing human or natural environment. This action is considered to be a "categorical exclusion," as defined by the Federal Highway Administra- tion's environmental guidelines (23 CFR 771.177). C. Existing Roadway Inventory 1. Length of Roadway Section Studied The length of the studied section of US 421/NC 42-87 is approximately 1.8 miles. 2. Route Classification US 421/NC 42-87 is classified as an Other Principal Arterial and is a Federal Aid Primary Route. 3. Existing Cross Section US 421/NC 42-87 is a four-lane, 52-foot curb and gutter roadway throughout most of the project. The exceptions to this typical section are at five signalized intersections throughout the project, where US 421/NC 42-87 is a five-lane, 64-foot curb and gutter roadway, and at Lee Street where US 421/NC 42-87 is a five-lane, 48-foot curb and gutter roadway with a 22-foot raised traffic island. 3 4. Existing Right of Way The existing right of way along US 421/NC 42-87 varies from 60 feet to 120 feet. 5. Access Control Currently, there is no control of access along the project. 6. Speed Limits The posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour (MPH) within the project limits. 7. Bridges and/or Drainage Structures The existing structure at Little Buffalo Creek is the only major stream crossing associated with this project. It is a single barrel, 7-foot by 7-foot concrete box culvert, and it is located approximately 1000 feet east of SR 1515 (Third Street), in the vicinity of the Atlantic and Western Railroad (see Figure 2). This structure is adjoined at the west (upstream) end to a 96-inch aluminum pipe under fill, which runs under the parking lot of a nearby restaurant. This drainage structure is not listed on the state system. 8. Traffic Data Current and projected average daily traffic (ADT) volumes are shown in Table 1 below. TABLE 1 TRAFFIC VOLUMES (vehicles per day) YEAR HIGH LOW 1995 28,700 239500 1997 30,600 25,000 2017 28,100 20,100 2020 33,800 22,600 The traffic volumes generally include 1% truck tractor " semi-trailers (TTST) and 1% dual tired (DT) vehicles. The design hourly volume (DHV) is 10% of the ADT (see Figures 3A and 3B for complete traffic projections). The design year (2017) traffic takes into account the anticipation that future traffic volumes will be reduced by the proposed construction of the Sanford Bypass (TIP ID No. R-2417). The proposed Sanford Bypass is a multi-lane freeway on new location (see Figure 4). 4 9. Sidewalks There is one segment of concrete sidewalk along the proposed project; it extends from Rose Street eastward to Courtland Drive on the south side of US 421/NC 42-87. 10. Utilities Several utilities are located along this project, including aerial power lines, sewer systems, telephone, and the water intake for the City of Sanford. According to preliminary utility investigations, the proposed project will have high utility involvement. 11. Horizontal and Vertical Alignment Although the terrain in the project vicinity is described as rolling, US 421/NC 42-87 is relatively flat throughout the project area. However, there is a section of roadway from slightly east of Third Street to slightly west of Third Street where the vertical alignment is undesirable. The horizontal alignment throughout the project is good, and there are no sharp curves along the project. 12. Intersecting Roadways and Type of Control All intersections with US 421/NC 42-87 are at grade. The two intersections of US 421/NC 42-87 with the Atlantic Western Railroad are controlled by railroad signals. The intersections of US 421/ NC 42-87 with SR 1107 (Fields Drive) and SR 1119 (Woodland Avenue), Rose Street, Courtland Avenue, SR 1133 (Lee Avenue), SR 1514 (Bragg Street), and NC 42-87 (Main Street) are currently signalized. The existing lane configurations at the signalized intersections are shown in Table 2 on the following page (see Figure 7 for graphic representation of existing intersection configurations). All other intersections with US 421/NC 42-87 are stop sign controlled. 13. Degree of Roadside Interference Roadside interference is heavy throughout the project area due to the large number of business establishments along the project. 14. Railroad Crossings The Atlantic and Western Railroad crosses US 421/NC 42-87 approximately 1100 feet west of SR 1514 (Bragg Street) and approximately 600 feet west of NC 42-78 (Main Street). The crossings are at-grade and have flashing lights but no signal arms. One to two trains cross the junction five days per week. 15. School Bus Data Approximately 40 school buses traveling to six area schools utilize this section of US 421/NC 42-87 each day. 5 16. Airports No airports or other aviation facilities are located within one mile of the project area. TABLE 2 EXISTING INTERSECTION CONFIGURATIONS INTERSECTING STREET WITH US 421/NC 42-87 CONFIGURATION SR 1107 - Northbound: one through lane with a shared (Fields Drive) left turn lane and one exclusive right turn lane SR 1119 - Northbound: one exclusive left turn lane (Woodland Avenue) and one through lane with a shared left turn lane and a shared right turn Rose Street - Northbound: one through lane with a shared right turn and one through lane with shared left turn Southbound: one through lane with a shared right turn and one exclusive left turn lane Courtland Drive - Northbound: one exclusive right turn lane and one exclusive left turn lane Southbound: one through lane with both a shared right turn and a shared left turn SR 1133 - Northbound: two through-lanes, one of (Lee Avenue) which has a shared right turn, plus two exclusive left turn lanes Southbound: two through lanes, one of which has a shared right turn, plus one exclusive left turn lane SR 1514 - Northbound: one through lane with a (Bragg Street) shared right turn plus an exclusive left turn lane Southbound: one through lane with a shared R right turn plus two exclusive left turn lanes NC 42-78 - Northbound: one through lane with a shared (Main Street) right turn plus an exclusive left turn lane Southbound: one through lane plus an exclusive right turn lane and an exclusive left turn lane 6 D. Capacity Analysis The concept of level-of-service is defined as a qualitative measure describing operational conditions within a traffic system and how. these conditions are perceived by motorists and/or passengers. A level-of -service definition generally describes these conditions in terms of such factors as speed, travel time, freedom to maneuver, traffic interruptions, comfort, convenience, and safety. Six levels are defined for each type of facility for which analysis procedures are available. They are given letter designations from A to F, with level-of-service A representing the best operational conditions and level-of-service F representing the worst. 1. Mainline Analysis Mainline capacity analyses were performed for the existing four-lane undivided highway and the proposed five-lane undivided highway. The results of the capacity analysis show no substantial difference in the level of service between the four-lane and the five-lane highway (see Figure 3 below). Because of the short distance (approximately 100 feet) between SR 1107 (Fields Drive) and SR 1119 (Woodland Avenue), capacity analysis for this segment was not performed. TABLE 3 MAINLINE CAPACITY ANALYSIS FOR US 421/NC 42-87 SECTION OF ROADWAY 1997/2017 LOS (W/OUT PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF SANFORD BYPASS) 1997/2017 LOS (WITH-PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF SANFORD BYPASS) Fields Drive to Rose Street C/F C/B Rose Street to Courtland Drive B/D B/B Courtland Drive to SR 1133 C/F C/B SR 1133 to SR 1514 C/F C/B SR 1514 to NC 42-78 C/F C/C 7 The results show that widening the existing facility, in conjunction with the proposed construction of the Sanford Bypass, would significantly improve the level of service. 2. Intersection Analysis Intersection capacity analyses were performed for major intersections, due to heavy turning movements at these locations (see Table 4). TABLE 4 INTERSECTION ANALYSIS INTERSECTION WITH 2017 LOS 2017 LOS US 421/NC 42-87 (NO IMPROVEMENTS) (WITH IMPROVEMENTS) Rose Street F D Courtland Drive F C Lee Avenue F D Bragg Street F F NC 42-78 F F The proposed improvements to US 421/NC 42-87 will slightly improve the LOS at three of the intersections listed in Table 4. The intersections would operate at a higher level of service with'the addition of left-turn, right-turn, and/or through lanes in each direction on both the mainline and on the intersecting roads; however, these substantial improvements are considered to be outside the scope of this project due to numerous business relocations, adverse impacts to at least one property listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and increased construction and right-of-way costs. The primary purpose of the proposed project is to alleviate the number of rear-end collisions by the provision of a continuous center turn lane. A E. Accident Analysis A comparison of accident rates along US 421/NC 42-87 and the statewide rates for urban four-lane "US" routes is shown in Table 5. The rates shown for US 421/NC 42-87 were obtained from studies conducted from November 1, 1991 to October 31, 1994. The statewide rates were obtained from studies conducted from 1991 through 1993. 8 TABLE 5 ACCIDENT RATES [PER 100 MILLION VEHICLE MILES (MVM)] Accident Type Rates along US 421/NC 42-87 Statewide Average for US Urban Routes 4-lanes undivided) All Accidents Fatal Non-Fatal Nighttime Wet Conditions 1083.0 0.0 278.9 141.7 270.2 324.6 0.6 131.1 68.1 76.0 The results show that the total accident rate along the studied segment of US 421/NC 42-87 is more than three times the statewide rate. Approximately 50.2 percent of the 497 accidents recorded along the project during the three year study period involved vehicles that rear-ended other vehicles. Studies have determined that the construction of five-lane roadway sections in urban areas reduce the occurrence of rear-end collisions, as compared to a four-lane roadway section in urban areas; the five-lane section provides a storage area for left turning traffic, thus keeping stopped vehicles out of traffic flow. It is anticipated that the proposed widening of the existing roadway and the provision of a continuous center-turn lane will reduce the likelihood of this type of accident by providing a separate lane for traffic yielding and/or stopping to make left turns. F. Project Terminals The western terminal of this project is the intersection of US 421/ NC 42-87 and SR 1107 (Fields Drive). US 421/NC 42-87 currently has two eastbound lanes and two westbound lanes at this location, plus an exclusive left turn lane in each direction. SR 1107 currently has two-lane, two way traffic, with an exclusive left turn-lane an exclusive right-turn lane in the northbound direction. The eastern terminal of this project is the intersection of US 421/ NC 42-87 and NC 42-78 (Main Street). US 421/NC 42-87 currently has two eastbound lanes and two westbound lanes at this location, plus an exclusive left-turn lane in each direction. There is also a shared right-turn lane in the westbound direction. NC 42-78 currently has one through lane with a shared right-turn lane in the northbound direction and one through lane plus an exclusive right turn lane in the southbound direction. NC 42-78 has an exclusive left-turn lane in both directions. 9 G. Thoroughfare Plan The Sanford Thoroughfare Plan was adopted in April, 1992 (see Figure 4). US 421/NC 42-87 is a designated major thoroughfare. The proposal to widen US 421/NC 42-87 to five lanes is in concurrence with the Sanford Thoroughfare Plan. • H. Benefits to the State, Region, and Community The primary benefit of the project will be the anticipated reduction in rear-end collisions due to the provision of a continuous center turn lane. In addition, the capacity of the roadway will be slightly improved. The result will be a safer highway for motorists. It is anticipated that the improvements to existing US 421/NC 42-87 will also improve access to businesses and public services in the area. III. PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS A. General Description The proposed improvements to US 421/NC 42-87 include widening the existing roadway primarily on the north side to five lanes from SR 1107 (Fields Drive) to NC 42-78 (Main Street), the provision of gates at the two rail crossings (Atlantic and Western Railroad) along the.project,•and the installation of a closed loop traffic signal system at all- signalized intersections along the project. The closed loop traffic signal system is a computer-linked, traffic responsive system, which is designed to adjust signal timing based on density and speed of traffic. It is anticipated that the utilization of the closed loop traffic signal system will improve traffic progression and flow; thus, the level of service of the facility will be improved. All existing curb 'and gutter along the project will be replaced. B. Length of Project The length of roadway to be improved is approximately 1.8 miles. C. Cross Section Description It is recommended that US 421/NC 42-87 be widened to a five-lane curb and gutter roadway (64-foot face to face of curbs). This width includes a 12-foot continuous center-turn lane. Figure 2 shows the proposed widening of US 421\NC 42-87. D. Design Speed The recommended design speed is 50 mph for the entire length of the project. 10 E. Right of Way A minimum right-of-way width of 100 feet will be necessary for the length of the project. In those areas where the existing right-of-way width is less that 100 feet, additional right of way will be acquired. It ' is estimated that approximately 0.86 acre of additional right of way will be required for the proposed improvements. F. Access Control No control of access is proposed for the segment of US 421/NC 42-87. G. Intersection Treatment A closed loop traffic signal system will be installed to tie each of the existing signalized intersections together along the project, and gates will be installed at the two intersections of US 421/NC 42-87 with the Atlantic and Western Railroad. The addition of lanes is proposed at signalized intersections along the project, with the exception of Courtland Drive, where resurfacing improvements are anticipated. These improvements are illustrated in Figure 8. H. Bridges and/or Drainage Structures On the basis of preliminary hydraulics analysis and recent field investigation, the existing 7-foot by 7-foot culvert located approximately 150 feet west of the Atlantic and Western Railroad along US 421/NC 42-87 will be retained and lengthened. Any pipes that are located along the project will be retained and extended to accommodate the widened roadway. I. Special Permits Required It is anticipated that the Department of the Army Nationwide Permit 33 CFR 330.5(a)(14) will be applicable. A Section 401 General Water Quality Certification 'may be required for activities resulting in a discharge into any streams involved with this project. J. Changes in the State Highway System No changes in the state highway system are anticipated. K. Bikeways No special accommodations for bicycles along the project have been identified. L. Multiple Use of Space A Right of way along the project area will be utilized for public utilities (within certain limitations). 11 M. Sidewalks Widening along US 421/NC 42-87 will necessitate the removal and replacement of existing sidewalk. Approximately 150 feet of existing sidewalk in the vicinity of the Sanford Post Office (located at the intersection of US 421/NC 42-87 and Rose Street) and approximately 400 feet of existing sidewalk in the vicinity of the Lee County Courthouse, (located at the intersection of US 421/NC 42-87 and Courtland Drive) will be replaced according to current NCDOT standards. N. Noise Barriers No noise barriers are proposed for this project. 0. Railroad Involvement Grade separations at the two intersections of US 421/NC 42-87 with the Atlantic and Western Railroad are not recommended due to the limited use of the existing railroad crossings, lack of evidence indicating a safety hazard, and the high cost of constructing grade separations. It is recommended that both intersections of US 421/NC 42-87 with the Atlantic and Western Railroad be controlled by gates and signals. The center turning lane will be paint striped in the vicinity of the crossing to deter its use, and a rubberized crossing will be used. All improve- ments-to US 421/NC 42-87 will be coordinated with the Atlantic and Western Railroad. P. Utility Impacts It is anticipated that the proposed project will impact the following utilities: power lines, sewer systems, telephone, and the water intake for the City of Sanford. Q. Cost Estimates The estimated cost for the proposed improvements are as follows: Construction US 421/NC 42-87 widening $ 1,250,000 Install closed loop traffic system 225,000 Install gates at railroad crossings $ 180,000 Total Construction Cost $ 1,655,000 Right of Way 527,000 Total Cost $ 291829000 12 R. Proposed Highway Improvements in the Area There are four other TIP Projects in the project area: 1. TIP Project R-2238: Widen NC 24-87 from SR 1451 in Spring Lake to Sanford City Limits in Lee County. Right-of-way acquisition for this project is underway and construction is scheduled to begin in Fiscal Year 1996. 2. TIP Project R-2417: Sanford Bypass from US 421/NC 42-87 south of Sanford to US 421/NC 42-87 north of Sanford in Lee County. This project is scheduled for right-of-way acquisition in Fiscal Year 1999; construction is scheduled for post year (beyond the year 2001). 3. TIP Project U-2565: SR 1515 (Third Street Extension); construct a multi-lanef-acility on new location from SR 1560 (Weatherspoon Street) to US 1 Business (Hawkins Avenue) in Sanford, Lee County. This project is scheduled for right-of-way acquisition in Fiscal Year 2001; construction is scheduled for post year. 4. TIP Project B-2843: Replacement of Bridge No. 19 on NC 78 in Sanford, Lee County. This project is scheduled for right-of-way acquisition in Fiscal,Year 1997 and construction in Fiscal'.Year 1998. S. Anticipated Design Exceptions No design exceptions are anticipated for this project. T. Geodetic Survey Markers No geodetic survey markers will be impacted by this project. IV. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION A. Recommended Improvements The recommended improvements consist of the following: 1. Widen US 421/NC 42-87 to five lanes from SR 1107 (Fields Drive) to NC 42-78 (Main Street). 2. Install a closed loop traffic signal system at all signalized intersections along the project. 3. Install gates and signals at the two intersections of US 421/ NC 42-87 and the Atlantic and Western Railroad. A 13 B. Design Alternatives Two different widening alternates were studied. They are: 1. Widening to five lanes primarily on the north side of US 421/ NC 42-87 (Recommended) 2. Symmetrical widening to six lanes The alternate which proposed symmetrical widening from four lanes to six lanes was dropped from further consideration because it has been determined that this type of substantial improvement is outside the scope of this project; numerous business relocations, adverse impacts to at least one property listed in the National Register of Historic Places (the Lee County Courthouse), and increased construction and right-of-way costs are anticipated to result from its implementation. Because of funding constraints, these substantial improvements cannot be included in the project scope. Widening exclusively on the south side of US 421/NC 42-87 was not considered due to the fact that it would result in adverse impacts to at least one property listed in the National Register of Historic Places (the Lee County Courthouse). C. Postponement.of Project Postponement of the project would result in a continuing deterioration of traffic and safety conditions in the future as traffic demand increases. Therefore, this alternative is not recommended. D. "Do Nothing" Alternative Although this alternative would avoid the limited environmental impacts that are anticipated to result from the project, there would be no positive effect on the traffic capacity and safety of the highway. Therefore, this alternative is not recommended. E. Alternate Modes of Transportation No alternate mode of transportation is considered to be a practical alternative. Highway transportation is the dominant mode of transporta- tion in the project area, and the project involves widening the existing highway. Furthermore, the purpose of the proposed project is to reduce accident potential along the existing highway corridor; therefore, mass transit and congestion management options do not meet the purpose and need of the project and, consequently, were not considered as part of this study. 14 V. SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS A. Social Effects 1. Land Use a. Existing Land Use The proposed widening is located in an urbanized portion of the City of Sanford. The immediate vicinity can best be described as "strip commercial," as it is dominated by fast food restaurants, gas stations, and other convenience stores. b. Existing Zoning The entire area is zoned General Business, which is also the land use type identified in the City of Sanford's 1979 Land Development Plan for the project area. C. Proposed Land Use The City's Historic and Appearance Commission recently explored the possibility of improving the streetscape along Horner Boulevard by initiating a tree planting project. However, limited right of way and conflicts with driveways, utility-poles, and structures thwarted the plan. A newly constructed Bojangle's restaurant is located on the north side of Horner Boulevard at the intersection of Fields Drive. Access to the restaurant and to the Hardee's restaurant (located to the south) is provided by a new road which is located directly across from Fields Drive and Woodland Avenue. This has created a "five points." intersection. The developer is also making improvements to the traffic signal at the intersection. d. Project Consistency With Local Plans An update to Sanford's Land Development Plan the plan is underway, with completion likely in 1995. The City of Sanford has no plans to extend or construct sidewalks or bikeways in the project area, nor will the proposed widening conflict with any plans. 2. Neighborhood Characteristics The proposed project is located in Lee County. Lee County is located in the central section of the state and is bounded by Harnett, Moore, and Chatham Counties. According to the North Carolina State Data Center, in 1992 Lee County had a population of 43,086. Its population density (persons per square mile) in 1990 was 160.81. 'In terms of racial composition, 1990 data indicates that there are 31,216 classified as whites and 10,158 classified as nonwhites in the county. 15 The project area is characterized by commercial development. All establishments are located far enough from the proposed project improvements to avoid significant impacts. 3. Relocatees It is anticipated that three businesses will be relocated as a result of this project (see Relocation Report in Appendix A, page A-15). With the Relocation Assistance Program, experienced NCDOT staff will be available to assist business displacees with information such as availability and prices of businesses for sale or rent. The Relocation Moving Payments Program, in general, provides for payment of actual moving expenses encountered in relocation. See Appendix C for further discussion of the NCDOT Relocation Programs. 4. Public Facilities Public facilities along the project include the U. S. Post Office, Lee County's Sheriff's Office, Lee County's Courthouse, and the Family :Practitioner's Center. These public facilities are . outside the proposed construction corridor of the project; therefore, they will not be impacted. 5. Cultural Resources a. Architectural/Historic Resources This project is subject to compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, implemented by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106, codified at 36 CFR Part 800. To comply with Section 106, the Area of Potential Effect (APE) of the subject project was reviewed by an NCDOT staff architectural historian in the field. The Lee County Court- house, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is located on the south side of US 421/NC 42-87 and is within the APE. Although it is anticipated that a temporary construction easement will be necessary for the Lee County Courthouse Property and because widening will occur to the north side of US 421/NC 42-87 in the vicinity of the courthouse, it has been determined that the project will have no effect on this historic resource. The State Historic Preservation Office has concurred with this determination (see Appendix A, page A-3). Two other structures over fifty years old are located within the APE on the south side of US 421/NC 42-87. The Sheriff's Office, which is located approximately 600 feet west of Courtland Drive, and the H. F. Ohler House, which is located 16 approximately 300 feet east of Courtland Drive, are both over fifty years old and are located within the APE. However, it has been determined that neither property is eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The SHPO has concurred with this determination. To avoid impacts to the Lee County Courthouse (listed in the National Register of Historic Places), the SHPO recommends the following conditions be observed: (1) The North Carolina Department of Transportation will install protective fencing along the easement line. (2) If roots are encountered during construction, the contractor is requirec to cleanly cut them and exercise good tree protection practices. (3) Construction activities within the easement will be limited, as much as possible. Since there are no other properties either listed on or eligible for-listing in the National Register of Historic Places within the APE of this undertaking, no further compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 or the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 is necessary. b. Archaeological Resources No previously known archaeological sites are located within the APE. Under the advisement of the SHPO, no further investigation was conducted in connection with this project. The correspondence from the SHPO is included in Appendix A (see page A-5). This completes compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. C. Section 4(f) Properties The Lee County Courthouse, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is located on the south side of US 421/NC 42-87 and is within the APE. It is anticipated that a temporary construction easement will be necessary on a portion of the Lee County Courthouse property. A temporary occupancy of land is so minimal that is does not constitute Section 4(f) when the following conditions are satisfied: (1) Duration must be temporary, i.e., less than the time needed for construction of the project, and there should be no change in ownership of land; (2) Scope of the work must be minor, i.e., both the nature and the magnitude of the changes to the Section 4(f) resource are minimal; 17 (3) There are no anticipated permanent adverse- physical impacts, nor will there be the resource, on either a temporary or permanent basis; (4) The land being used must be fully restored, i.e., the resource must be returned to a condition which is at least as good as that which existed prior to the project; and (5) There must be documented agreement of the appropriate Federal, State, and Local officials having jurisdiction over the resource regarding the above conditions. The FHWA concurs that the above criteria have been met regarding the Lee County Courthouse; therefore, no Section 4(f) documentation is necessary. This completes compliance of Section 4(f) and of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966, as amended. B. Economic Effects During the month of April 1994, Lee County had a labor* force of 23,060. Out of this total, 22,140 persons were gainfully employed. This left an unemployment total of 920, or 4.0 percent. The proposed widening of the existing alignment will have a positive impact. on the businesses along the proposed project.. Although the proposed widening may eliminate parking spaces for some of the business establishments, businesses may benefit by the improved access and visibility. The proposed widening will also improve traffic flow in the immediate area. This may generate more customers for commercial district, which could enhance the area's economy. C. Environmental Effects 1. Biological Resources a. Plant Communities Three plant communities were identified in the project area: Man-dominated, Pine Forest, and Hardwood Forest. Man-Dominated Commercial development and roadside shoulders constitute man-dominated communities in the project area, where man's structures or activities preclude natural plant succession. Maintained shoulder slopes and lawns support fescue (Festuca sp.) as the dominant vegetative component, complemented with landscape ornamentals. Redbud (Cercis canadensis), dogwood (Cornus florida), azaleas (Azalea spp.), pecan (Carya illinoensis), red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), and various oak trees ( uercus spp.) are common. Mowing is frequently associated with this community. 18 Pine Forest An even-aged stand of loblolly pine, approximately 11 inches in diameter at breast height (dbh), is surrounded by commercial development in the project area. The stand is less than 0.10 acre in size. No subcanopy or shrub layer is present. Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) and Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica are dominant vine components. Ebony spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuron) was the only herbaceous plant noted. Hardwood Forest A small tract of hardwood forest occupies a dry ridgetop and an associated mesic slope. The canopy contains mixed hardwood species, the presence of which is largely dictated by hydrologic conditions. On the well-drained ridgetop, common canopy species such as white oak ( uercus alba), southern red oak (Q falcata), post oak (L stellata), and mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa) may be found. Red cedar and sourwood (Ox_ydendrum arboreum) are typical understory components, complimented with shrubs such as blueberries (Vaccinium staminium and V. arboreum). Christmas fern (Pol_ystichum acrostichoides), pipsissewa (Chimaphila maculata), partridge berry (Mitchella repens), crane-fly orchid (Tipularia discolor), and heartleaf (Hexastylis arifolia) are common herbaceous plants. Mesic slopes support a canopy of tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipfera) and sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua), while the understory consists of red maple, water oak ( uercus nigra), iron wood (Carpinus caroliniana), and American holly (Ilex o aca). The proposed construction will minimally impact the Man-dominated, Pine forest, and Hardwood forest communities. A narrow strip of forest will be lost, resulting in a direct loss of plant species from grubbing operations, soil compaction, and soil erosion. Future widening will mainly eliminate portions of roadside shoulders and commercial development. Impacts to each community are summarized in Table 6 below. Calculations are based on right-of-way limits of 100 to 120 feet. TABLE 6 ANTICIPATED BIOTIC COMMUNITY IMPACTS PLANT COMMUNITY Man-dominated Areas Pine Forest Hardwood Forest ESTIMATED IMPACTS 2.8 acres 0.1 acre 0.4 acre TOTAL IMPACTS 3.3 acres 19 b. Wildlife Communities 1. Terrestrial Impacts due to the proposed widening will be reflected in the alteration and elimination of previously existing habitat. Subterranean, burrowing, and slow moving organisms will be eliminated. Larger, faster animals will simply be displaced. Road-kills will decrease numbers of individuals of.certain species. Disturbed roadside communities and urban areas provide shelter for opportunistic animal species, such as the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus), white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus), house mouse (Mus musculus), eastern harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys humilis), hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus), and eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus mallurus). These are primarily animals of disturbed environments, brushy edges, and other habitats characterized by mixtures of herbaceous* vegetation and shrubby plants. Gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) were frequently observed in the project area, as were bird species, such as the rock dove (Columba livia), northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), dark eyed junco' (Junco hyemalis), blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), and European. starling (Sturnus vulgaris). The most commonly seen in the canopy of forested habitats are the pileated woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), brown creeper (Certhia familiaris), northern cardinal, yellow-rumped warbler (Dendrocia coronata), and the Carolina wren (Th omanes bewickii Brown-headed nuthatches (Sitta usp it a are common in the pine forested stands. The eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina), slimy salamander (Plethodon glutinosus), worm snake (Carphophis amoenus), and black racer (Coluber constrictor) are reptiles and amphibians that may be found in the project area, utilizing fallen logs and the litter layer for cover. 2. Aquatic The majority of waterbodies in the project area are comprised of small, intermittent Piedmont streams. In the winter and spring, water is present. In summer, stream beds are dry but may retain small pools of water. Sections of these stream courses occur in urbanized areas, resulting in degraded water quality and habitat for aquatic species. Aquatic insects and snails were noted at several crossings, as were crayfish (Cambaridae) burrows. Neither fish nor mussel fauna were seen during field investigations. Fish diversity is expected to be low in waters without continual 20 flow. Shiners (Notropis spp.), creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus), and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) may utilize these intermittent tributaries for spawning during periods of flow. Amphibians are water-dependent, laying shell-less eggs in freshwater or in moist places and having an aquatic larval stage. Amphibians which may inhabit ditches and streams in the project area include the southern cricket frog (Acris r llus , spring peeper (Hyla crucifer), pickerel frog (Rana palustris), and two-lined salamander (E. bislineata). Insects, snails and worms are important food sources of these species. C. Protected Species 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. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (US.FWS) .lists three federally protected species for Lee County as'of November 17, 1994 (see Table 7). Descriptions and. habitat requirements for each species are summarized below. TABLE 7 FEDERALLY PROTECTED SPECIES FOR LEE COUNTY SCIENTIFIC NAME COITION NAME STATUS Notropis mekistocholas Cape Fear shiner E Picoides borealis red-cockaded woodpecker E Ptilimnium nodosum harperella E* "*" No specimen from Lee County found in at least twenty years. 21 No?tropis mekistocholas (Cape Fear shiner) E Animal Family: Cyprinidae Date Listed: 9/26/87 Distribution in N.C.: Chatham, Harnett, Lee, Moore, Randolph. The Cape Fear shiner is a small, moderately stocky minnow. Its body is flushed with a pale silvery yellow, and a black band runs along its sides. The fins are yellowish and somewhat pointed. The upperlip is black, and the lower lip has a black bar along its margin.The Cape Fear shiner habitat occurs in streams with gravel, cobble, or boulder substrates. It is most often observed inhabiting slow pools, riffles, and slow runs associated with water willow beds. Juveniles can be found inhabiting slackwater, among large rock outcrops, and in flooded side channels and pools. The Cape Fear shiner is thought to feed on bottom detritus, diatoms, and other periphytes. Captive specimens feed readily on plant and animal material. The Cape Fear shiner is limited to three populations in North Carolina. The strongest population of the Cape' Fear shiner is in Chatham and Lee Counties from the Locksville dam upstream to Rocky River and Bear Creek. Another population is located above the Rocky River Hydroelectric Dam in Chatham County, and the third population is found in the Deep River system in Randolph and Moore Counties. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: No Effect. Intermittent tributaries do not provide suitable habitat for the Cape Fear shiner, nor does suitable habitat exist downstream of the project area.' Picoides borealis (red-cockaded woodpecker) E Animal Family:- P cidae Date Listed: 10/13/70 Distribution in N. C. :. Anson, Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chatham, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Dare, Duplin, Forsyth, Gates, Halifax, Harnett, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Montgomery, Moore, Nash, New Hanover, Northampton, Onslow, Orange, Pamlico, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Tyrrell, Wake, Wayne, Wilson. 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. 22 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 greater than 60 years old and are contiguous with pine stands at least 30 years of age. The foraging range of the RCW is up to 500 acres. This acreage must be contiguous with suitable nesting sites. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: No Effect. The pine-dominated stand present is too small to support the RCW. Ptilimnium nodosum (harperella) E Plant Family: Apiaceae Federally Listed: September 28, 1988 Flowers Present: late July - August Distribution in N.C.: Chatham, Granville, Lee. Harperella is an annual herb in the carrot family, with fibrous roots and erect to spreading stems. The stems are green and often have a purplish tinge at the base and they may branch above mid-stem. The leaves are hollow, cylindrical, and septate, with broadly clasping bases. Flowers are umbels, each umbel subtended by an involucre of small lanceolate bracts. North Carolina currently has two known populations of harperella, one in Granville County and one in Chatham County. This plant can be found in two types of habitat: rocky or gravel shoals and the margins of clear, swift-flowing stream sections; and the edges of intermittent pineland ponds or low, wet savannah meadows in the coastal plain. It is always found in saturated substrates and tolerates periodic, moderate flooding. There is a preference for sunny areas and this species is abundant where it is sheltered from stream erosion, usually on the downstream side of large rocks or amidst thick clones of water willow. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: No Effect. No suitable habitat is present. Streams in the project area are highly modified and do not provide water flow year round to support this species. 2. Federal Candidate Species Candidate 2 (C2) species are not legally protected under the Endangered Species Act and are not subject to any of its provisions until they are formally proposed or listed as Threatened or Endangered. 23 Plants or animals with state designations of Endangered (E), Threatened (T) or Special Concern (SC) are granted protection by the State Endangered Species Act and the North Carolina Plant Protection and Conservation Act of 1979, administered and enforced by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. The following table includes Federal Candidate species listed for Lee County and their state statuses (see Table 8). These species may potentially occur in the project area; however, organisms and their suitable habitat were not surveyed for. The National Heritage Program (NHP) data base was reviewed to determine if any protected species have been verified in the project area. None were recorded. TABLE 8 FEDERAL CANDIDATE SPECIES FOR LEE COUNTY COMM NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME CAT. NC Bog spicebush Lindera subcoriacea C2 E Carolina grass-of-parnassus Parnassi_a caroliniana* C2 E *" No specimen from Lee County found in at least twenty years. 2. Soils The majority of Lee County lies in the Piedmont Physiographic Province, with a small area in the eastern part of the county lying in the Coastal Plain Physiographic Province. The City of Sanford is divided between these two provinces and, thus, is located within two soil systems: Upper Coastal Plain and Piedmont System and the Triassic Basin System. Topography in the immediate study area is somewhat rolling, dissected by numerous streams. The dominant map unit in the project area is Mayodan-Urban land complex. This map unit consists of areas of Mayodan soil that is well-drained and areas of Urban land. Mayodan soils have a yellowish brown fine sandy loam surface layer. Subsoil varies from yellow clay loam in the upper part to a red silty clay in the lower subsoil. The underlying material is red saprolite that crushes to loam. The Urban land part of this map unit consists of areas that are covered with impervious material, such as parking lots and commercial development. The extent of site modification varies greatly. 24 Chewacla silt loam underlies drainages in the study area. This soil is nearly level, somewhat poorly drained, and contains hydric inclusions of Wehadkee. The surface layer is brown silt loam, with a subsoil comprised of brown silty clay loam. 3. Water Resources The project crosses Little Buffalo Creek and three tributaries 01 to Little Buffalo Creek. Points of crossing of these streams are above headwaters. These waters pass beneath existing US 421/NC 42-87 by way of culverts and pipes, eventually draining into the Deep River, located within the Cape Fear River basin. All crossings are intermittent, have very narrow channel widths from three feet to five feet, and have no associated wetlands. Due to heavy rainfall at the time of the field visit, water levels were high (one foot) and the flow rate was fast. Most stream substrates are highly silted. The drainage pattern is dendritic, highly dissecting the landscape. "Best usage" classifications are assigned to the waters of North Carolina by the Division of Environmental Management (DEM). Little Buffalo Creek and unnamed tributaries to Little Buffalo Creek are assigned a best usage classification of C and WS-IV, respectively, by the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources (DEHNR). Unnamed streams carry the same classification as- that assigned to the stream segment to which it is tributary. Class C waters are suitable for aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation, and agriculture. Waters classified as WS-IV are waters protected as water supplies which are generally in moderately to highly developed watersheds; point source discharges are permitted; local programs to control nonpoint source and stormwater discharge of pollution are required; and these waters are suitable for all Class C uses. The Benthic Macro invertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN) addresses long term trends in water quality at fixed monitoring sites by sampling for selected benthic macroinvertebrates. These organisms are sensitive to very subtle changes in water quality. No data is available for Little Buffalo Creek. Neither High Quality Waters, Outstanding Resource. Waters, nor waters classified as WS-I and WS-II are located in the study area or within one mile downstream. No National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits have been issued for the project area. 4. Jurisdictional Wetlands The Corps of Engineers is responsible for regulating activities in "Waters of the United States" based on the following laws: Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (33 USC 403); Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC 1344); and Section 103 of the Marine 25 Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, as amended (33 USC 1413). Any action that proposes to impact "Waters of the United States" falls under the jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers. Generally, "Waters of the United States" are defined as navigable waters, their tributaries and associated wetlands and is usually subdivided into "wetlands" and "surface waters." Surface-waters fall under the broad category of "Waters of the United States," as defined in 33 CFR 328.3. Jurisdictional areas impacted by the proposed alignment are confined to defined channel boundaries of headwater tributaries and fall under the jurisdiction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (COE). No jurisdictional wetlands are located within the project area. Surface water impacts are anticipated for all stream crossings. Culverts and pipes will be extended, reducing the linear feet of natural stream channel. Other potential impacts are increased sedimentation from construction and/or erosion, increased concentration of toxic compounds from highway runoff and/or toxic spills, scouring of stream beds due to the channelization of streams, alterations of water levels due to interruptions or additions to surficial and/or groundwater flow, and changes in light incidence due to the removal of vegetative cover. It is estimated that approximately 25 feet of stream channel modification. and/or relocation will be required for a portion'of an unnamed tributary to Little Buffalo Creek. This shall be treated as a "minor relocation," applicable when less than 100 feet of total relocation is required at a given crossing, or less than 50 feet-is relocated on any one side (upstream or downstream). Relocation should be similar to the original channel in width, depth, gradient, and substrate. The establishment of bank vegetation with planting regime is required. To minimize surface water impacts, the following will be observed: - Instream activities will be scheduled during low flow periods (summer and fall). - Non-point sediment sources will be identified and efforts will be made to control sediment runoff. - Best Management Practices and Sedimentation Control guidelines will be strictly adhered to during the construction phase of the project. A 401 Water Quality Certification administered through the DEHNR will be required. 26 5. Permits The subject project is classified as a Categorical Exclusion and is likely to fall under Provisions of Nationwide Permit 33 CFR 330.5(A)23. This permit authorizes any activities, work and discharges undertaken, assisted, authorized, regulated, funded or financed, in whole or in part, by another federal agency and that the activity 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 environment. However, final permit decisions are left to the discretionary authority of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (COE). A 401 Water Quality Certification administered through the DEHNR will be required. This certificate is issued for any activity which may result in a discharge into waters for which a federal permit is required. 6. Mitigation Mitigation is generally not required where Nationwide permits or General permits are authorized, according to the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA') and the COE. Final discretionary authority in these matters rests with the COE. 1. Flood Hazard Evaluation The City of Sanford and Lee County are both participants in the National Flood Insurance Program. Little Buffalo Creek is not included in a detailed flood study. Figure 6 shows the floodway map which delineates the approximated limits of the 100-year floodplain in the vicinity of this crossing. The floodplain area impacted by the project is urban and developed; however, there are no known buildings with floor elevations below the 100-year flood level. The proposed widening will not raise the existing flood levels nor have an adverse effect on the existing floodplain. The project lies within a water supply watershed; however, it is well upstream of the critical area and it is not in a designated high quality water zone. No significant wetland impacts are anticipated, and the Little Buffalo Creek crossing is above headwaters; therefore, it is anticipated that no individual environmental permits will be required for this project. The NCDOT will coordinate with the City of Sanford and Lee County regarding any possible changes in the floodplain. 8. Hazardous Wastes/Geological Impacts A reconnaissance survey of the project corridor identified ten sites which contain or have the potential for underground storage tanks (UST's). A records search of the DEM/Groundwater Section was conducted, and the information is provided in Appendix B. 27 The files at the DEM/Groundwater Section indicated that Lee Iron and Metal Company, Inc. and Holt Truck and Tractor Co. are small generators of hazardous wastes. There have been no listings of any sort of contamination or spillage problems associated with either of these sites. Lee Iron and Metal Company, Inc. is located outside of the project corridor. Holt Truck and Tractor Company is fairly close to the proposed project; any sort of problematic activity involving the generation of hazardous wastes at this business is most likely located farther back from the road on the north side of the building, although the exact location of the wastes is not known. A Solid Wastes files search was also completed but revealed nothing relevant to this project. It is recommended that all effort be made to avoid impact to both the UST sites and the above ground storage tank (AST) sites mentioned above. Although findings did not indicate leakage from the tanks, it has been shown in past experience that 80% of tanks assessed by the NCDOT of its contractors have some degree of leakage. 9. Noise Analysis In dealing with traffic noise predictions in the vicinity of the project, a "worst case" scenario was used. The maximum extent of the 67 Leq and the 72 Leq is 236 feet and 140 feet from the centerline of the proposed project; it is predicted to be approximately 3 dBA. Generally, a 3 dBA increase is considered to be a ,barely perceptible change. If the project was not constructed, noise levels will increase in the vicinity of the project 2 to 3 dBA. Noise levels could increase in the area during construction but will be temporary. Therefore, the proposed projects impact on noise quality will be insignificant. This evaluation completes the assessment requirements for highway traffic noise (23 CFR Part 772) and no additional reports are necessary. 10. Air Quality Analysis This project is located within the jurisdiction for air quality of the Raleigh Regional Office of the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources. Lee County has been determined to be in compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. This project is not anticipated to create any adverse effect on the air quality of the region of this attainment area. If vegetation is disposed of by burning, all burning shall be done in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations of the North Carolina State Implementation Program (SIP) for Air Quality in compliance with 15 NCAC 2D.0520. This evaluation completes the assessment requirements for air quality (1990 CAAA and NEPA) and no additional reports are required. 28 11. Farmland 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, as designated by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service. Land which is developed or planned for urban development by the local governmental authority is exempt from the requirements of the Act. The proposed project is located in an urbanized area with a mix of commercial and industrial land uses. Therefore, no further consideration of farmland impacts is required. 12. Construction Impacts To minimize potential effects caused by construction, the following measures will be enforced during the construction phase: a. All possible measures will be taken to insure that the public's health and safety will not be compromised during the movement of any materials to and from construction sites along the project and that any inconveniences imposed on the public will be kept to a minimum. b. Dust control will be exercised at all times to prevent endangering the safety and general welfare of the public and to prevent diminishing the value, utility, or appearance.of any public or private properties. C. The contractor shall be required to observe and comply with all laws, ordinances, regulations, orders and decrees, including those of the North Carolina State Board of Health regarding the disposal of solid waste. All solid waste will be disposed of in accordance with the standard specifications of the Division of, Highways. These specifications have been reviewed and approved by the Solid Waste Vector Control Section of the Division of Health Services, North Carolina Department of Human Resources. d. Waste and debris will be disposed of in areas outside of the right of way and provided by the contractor, unless otherwise required -by the plans or special provisions or unless disposal within the right of way is permitted by the engineer. Disposal of waste and debris in active public waste disposal areas will not be permitted without prior approval by the engineer. Such approval will not be permitted when, in the opinion of the engineer, it will result in excessive siltation or pollution. e. The construction of the project is not expected to cause any serious disruptions in service to any of the utilities serving the area. Before construction is started, a preconstruction conference involving the contractor, 29 pertinent local officials, and the Division of Highways will be held to discuss various steps to be taken during the time of construction that will minimize interruption of service. f. Prior to construction, a determination will be made regarding the need to relocate or adjust any existing utilities in the project area. A determination of whether the NCDOT or the utility owner will be responsible for this work will be made at that time. g. During construction of the proposed project, all materials resulting from clearing and grubbing, demolition, or other operations will be disposed of by the contractor. Any burning will be done in accordance with applicable local laws and ordinances and regulations of the North Carolina SIP for Air Quality. Care will be taken to insure burning will be done at the greatest distance practicable from dwellings and not when atmospheric conditions are such as to create a hazard to the public. Burning will be performed under constant surveillance. h. An erosion control schedule will be devised by the contractor before work is started. The schedule will show the time relationship between phases of the work which must be coordinated to reduce erosion and shall describe construction practices and temporary erosion control measures which will be used to minimize erosion. In conjunction with the erosion control schedule, the contractor will be required to follow those provisions of the plans and specifications which pertain to erosion and siltation. These contract provisions are in accordance with the strict erosion control measures, as outlined in the U. S. Department of Transportation's FHPM 6-7-3-1. Temporary erosion control measures, such as' the use of berms, dikes, dams, silt basins, etc., will be used as needed. i. Prior to the approval of any borrow source developed for use on this project, the contractor shall obtain a certificate from the State Department of Cultural Resources certifying that the removal of material from the borrow source will have no effect on any known district, site, building, structure, or object that is included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. A copy of this certification shall be furnished to the Engineer prior to performing any work on the proposed borrow source. j. Traffic service in the immediate project area may be subjected to brief disruption during construction of the project. Every effort will be made to insure that the transportation needs of the public will be met both during and after construction. 30 VI. COMMENTS AND COORDINATION A. Comments Received from Federal, State, and Local Agencies The project has been coordinated with the following federal, state, and local agencies. Comments were received from the agencies marked with an asterisk (*): *U. S. Army Corps of Engineers U. S. Environmental Protection Agency U. S. Federal Emergency Management Administration U. S. Fish and Wildlife Services U. S. Geological Survey *State Clearinghouse *N. C. Department of Cultural Resources *N. C. Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources *N. C. Division of Land Resources *N. C. Wildlife Resource Commission *N. C. Department of Public Instruction Region J Council of Governments Lee County Commissioners *Lee County Public Schools *City of Sanford Copies of the comments received are included in Appendix A. B. Public Hearing A public hearing will be held following approval of this report to provide additional information on the proposed project to local citizens and to gather further input. VII. CONCLUSION On the basis of the above discussion, the NCDOT and the FHWA conclude that no adverse environmental effects will result from the implementation of the project. MLP/plr 0 OF US 421 /NC 42-87 FROM SR 1107 (FIELDS DRIVE) TO NC 42-78 (MAIN STREET) SANFORD, LEE COUNTY TIP NO. U-2921 0 MILE '/2 1 FIG.l [ LAL?L?11?V A1?L L'1??li1V1?1?1 L'1?lAL BRANCH t SA`JFORD ( r_ ra ? ? 00- as p ri ! vi ?? s ? , ? ...tea- •lA., i Y MATCH LINE Q Nf 11 dw ... .. - _10 J N.? 0 n aN 3T e?° _ O ? c tr .y a > Op N FQQ 1 ?v N ? y ? w r? z W co c 1- z j w0 N W m oC j Q a N A , u fp 1 F ? ? N 1 Q I N y W j N ? , i W W H H y w i Q 1 ft i Q cr U a Qi O w w w 0 N i N 1- W Q O N O W GC a 04 I N v w o J r F ? ca °o r - N a a° o Cl cq ? J" N q yQ> N r N p N ? J r F~-OG Ham= 1-pG N Q J n N NO O Nt7p }-Jr P3 ? Q > t ? FJr y DO ~ G ~ F - F - O c* to N N ? CD 4 ?^ ! 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J c/1 Q > f~-DD Z 0 t r. co q N H C U O C4 ti F C w O G t ' N J r ??S 1- D D N N l cl) t mot" O P _ C',+ ? ? tV o a° o N !1 ? ;+? r r O Y ) t J ih N ? ? 3,ti17 Nr^.1:1Jn1 U LL LL m O •F- _O Z W W Q J w0 > > a r i I j p U n ? C ! ^1 MIUVWSNWM AVMYOM'lM=U rounmod rm A AMBRI YYO Wn wr rluWUOeer rokwo MrMV V a "IVAILIVA" M Ao won" HCLLV uo M ul 40 L13MLIUM vwiorvo "IMM w u..e.M VNII0UV3 HLUON Amnoo an aao:INVS d0 AIJ3 Nrld 3UV:JI4!DnomoHl O HMVtlY4136 30Vw0 O 30NVH3M3l M --??- 3wVA*Xx im MONO ••¦¦¦ ¦••? 3w &IMOYOH1 wcxvw mamas a? sum AVM883WX3 / MUM DRM ----- bN t rLL likidr ??'0 iv7r Lgl'li lgldl/ _-___iN` c H?erw 1N31111WA0 IJ'H ?aHrua3"ivi? OYOMWS i0 ALA DNWV3H 3116nd :A6 031d00V "IS-401inW1 Jo 8;1WVe tut M1?II awo4wR 1NTIF-.a 'Y aOlwiYlll w ISIZ OW)WA H ??' : Ohs , c? . s 0 .?__1?? r? • ?j / `w rI .//2. AY• O J S 1 UY _- l y f. ONE 0 "Ass 0 fr NIJ38 1 s• 0 or r ir ,i 1 It I 1 ?\ o / .t ? r O 0 / .-- l le 40 ?- n? ouYOaMrimw ?.. (SSVdA9 (180 Nb'S) L LtZ a ?\ . 4 04'1 ( !A 5 i i s T N N U W MM) 0 OC a. cr LU 0 Cl z m cr D W Z Z O U w Cl) U LL O S C'3 cr. 0 0 T z O U w CD w CO O U w CD O IL a (V 3 Q O iC Z X W N T N Q W H H 0 D z Q) / \ I I CO) Z X Q W m m D U w I- W rD V/ o On CL Z 11?`\ V a : D U i L~ I 0) .E W 0 IL ^0 A 1 Z ?a W M . ? CC o a O W Z U. -3 1 ol 0 ,l O w m V cz? W ° W J r ?? H O Q co ?VI ^? Q UJ z O a w U. Z O uj N w , a was 1 ? ? ? j 111 ?`°. s o, ,s 0 Ts?oO s . ? a m o? ?O to sA psh St fS r .0 Vic` ? ld op Job ?o`? CON -s.,0 a f T.I.P PROJECT U-2921 EXISTING INTERSECTION CONFIGURATIONS 4 14 US 421/NC 42-87 (HORNER BOULEVARD) - - - - - 1 • SR 1107 SR 1119 (FIELDS DRIVE) (WOODLAND AVENUE) US 421/NC 42-87 (HORNER BOULEVARD) I I 1 1 r I I ROSE STREET FIGURE 7A T.I.P. PROJECT U-2921 EXISTING INTERSECTION CONFIGURATIONS COURTLAND DRIVE Ir 1 I I 1 I I US 421 /NC 42-87 (HORNER BOULEVARD) SR 1616 (THIRD STREET) US 421/NC 42-87 (HORNER BOULEVARD) I I 1 1 1 I 1 1 r - - 1 I 1 1 I 1 SR 1133 (LEE AVENUE) F IGURE 7B T.I.P. PROJECT U-2921 EXISTING INTERSECTION CONFIGURATIONS SR 1514 (BRAGG STREET) I I I 1 I 1 1 1 I 1 I 1 US 421 /NC 42-87 I 1 (HORNER BOULEVARD) i W'. I 1 V/' I I i i i SR 1137 1LRYMPLE STREET) FIGURE 7C ----------------- 1 T.I.P. PROJECT U-2921 EXISTING INTERSECTION CONFIGURATIONS NC 42-78 (MAIN STREET) I I 1 1 1 I 1 I I I I 1 I 1 US 421/NC 42-87 (HORNER BOULEVARD) - - - - - - - - - - 41 FIGURE 7D -- - - - - - - - - - - - ----------- r T.I.P. PROJECT U-2921 PROPOSED INTERSECTION CONFIGURATIONS c US 421/NC 42-87 (HORNER BOULEVARD) - _ - - - - ?. COURTLAND DF 4T;r I 1 1 I I ROSE STREET I I I I I I I I I I I 1 1 I I ? 11 " I I I 1 1 I I 1 I 1 I I 1 I 1 I US 421 /NC 42-87 (HORNER BOULEVARD) FIGURE 8A ?- T.I.P. PROJECT U-2921 PROPOSED INTERSECTION CONFIGURATIONS US 421/NC 42-87 (HORNER BOULEVARD) US 421/NC 42-87 (HORNER BOULEVARD) -------- . ---------- . SR 1614 (BRAGG STREET) 1 1 1 1 1 I i I I I i 1 1 I 1 I ?!li 1?l?? i 1 1 I I ? I 1 1 SR 1137 (DALRYMPLE STREET) SR 1616 (THIRD STREET) I , 1 1 1 , 1 1 I I X 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 41,41 1 1 i , I 1 i I , 1 I 1 i I 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 I ' 1 1 1 1 SR 1133 (LEE AVENUE) 14 s ---------------- t- r ------------?? T.I.P. PROJECT U-2921 PROPOSED INTERSECTION CONFIGURATIONS NC 42-78 (MAIN STREET) 1 I I 1 { I 1 I I I I I I i I I I I 1 1 1 1 I 1 ' 1 I 1 41!111* I US 421/NC 42-87 (HORNER BOULEVARD) ----------- ------------ lI 1 I? 1 I 1 I I I I ! I I I r ---------- FIGURE 8C APPENDIX A CORR ESPON DANCE\COM M ENTS RECEIVED fy\%?_? P0_4? DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY WILMINGTON DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS P.O. BOX 1890 WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28402-1890 July 29, 1993 "REPLY REFER To Planning Division Mr. L. J. Ward, 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. Ward: \rNViRO ,"t. „ This is in-response to your letter of May 18, 1993, requesting. our comments on the initiation of a study of the project, "US 421/NC 42-87 (Horner Boulevard) From NC 42-78 (Main Street) to SR 1107 (Fields Drive), Lee County, Federal Aid No. STP-OOOS(60); State Project No. 8.1540501; TIP No. U-2921" (Regulatory Branch Action I.D. No. 199302710). From the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) perspective, our comments involve impacts to COE projects, flood plains, and other environmental aspects, primarily waters and wetlands. The proposed project would not involve any COE-constructed navigation or flood control project. The proposed project is sited in Lee County, which participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. From a review of the September 1989 Flood Insurance Rate Map, the proposed improvements cross a portion of the Little Buffalo Creek flood plain which was mapped by approximate methods.- We recommend that you coordinate with the county for compliance with their flood plain ordinance and for any possible changes to their flood insurance map. Our Regulatory Branch has reviewed your letter and has the following comments. During the site inspection, it was determined that most of the widening of the road will occur within commercially developed areas. However, it was noted that there may be potential for impacts to Little Buffalo Creek, located north of Tony's Seafood Restaurant on the east side of Horner Boulevard. Altrough no wetlands were found associated with the creek for approximately 120 feet east of Horner Boulevard, a Department of the Army permit will be required for any work associated with either piping and filling the creek or relocating the creek. A-1 -2- The only other area within the construction corridor found to be subject to our regulatory authority is a small drain (less than 5 to 10 feet wide) located west of Horner Boulevard and south of Birch Street. Any mechanized land clearing or discharges of fill material into these areas will require that Department of the Army authorization be obtained prior to commencement of construction. Questions or comments related to the permit may be directed to Ms. Jean Benton, Raleigh Field Office, Regulatory Branch, at (919) 876-8441. We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this project. If we can be of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us. n S' cer Lawre Chief, 1 \. l J W Saunders 1 ning Division r A-2 North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources James B. Hunt, Jr.. Governor Division of Archives and History Betty Ray McCain, Secretary William S. Price, Jr., Director May 17, 1995 CN Nicholas L. Graf Division Administrator Federal Highway Administration Department of Transportation 310 New Bern Avenue Raleigh, N.C. 27601-1442 Re: US 421 /NC 42-87 from SR 1107 to NC 42-78, LeeCounty, U-2921, Federal Aid project STP-OOOS(6), State Project 8.1540501, ER 95-8994 Dear Mr. Graf: Thank you for your letter of May 3, 1995, concerning the above project. We have reviewed your determination of effect for the above project and concur that the project will have no effect on the Lee County Courthouse if the following conditions are made a part of the environmental commitments and construction contract: 1. The North Carolina Department of Transportation will install protective fencing along the easement line. 2. If roots are encountered during construction, the contractor is required to cleanly cut them and exercise other good tree protection practices. 3. Construction activities within the easement will be limited, as much as possible. 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. Sincerely, hIS BDeputy State Historic Preservation Officer DB:slww cc: " H. F. Vick A-3 B. Church ? 109 East Jones Street - Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807 ?p? aaAA$v awa North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Division of Archives and History Betty Ray McCain, Secretary William S. Price, Jr., Director ? C, E l y? June 4, 1993 Q. MEMORANDUM TO: L. J. Ward, P.E., Manager JUN 0 8 , 1993 Planning and Environmental Branch Z v Division of Highways 2 DIVISION OF ?' Department of-Transportation HIGHWAYS FROM: David Brook !Vi/,R? Deputy State Histo Preservation Officer SUBJECT: Widening of US 421/NC 42-87 (Horner Boulevard) from NC 42-87 (Main Street) to SR 1107 (Fields Drive), Sanford, Lee County, U-2921, 8.1540501, STP-000S(60), CH 93-E- 4220-0937 We have received information concerning the above project from the State Clearinghouse. We have conducted a search of our maps and files and have located the following structures of historical or architectural importance within the general area of the project: Lee County Courthouse (LE 2). Homer Boulevard and McIntosh, Sanford. The courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 10, 1979. Sanford Milling Company (LE 486). 914, 923, 1003, 1017 North Lee Avenue, Sanford. The Sanford Milling Company has been placed on our state study list (July 8, 1992) bejause it appears worthy of further investigation to definitely determine its eligibility for listing in the National Register. For purposes of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and barring a finding to the contrary, we consider this property eligible for the National Register and protection under federal law. The following historic properties in the area of potential effect have not been evaluated for National Register-eligibility: H. F. Ohler House (LE 463). 1508 South Horner Boulevard, Sanford. 208 West Makepeace, Sanford. 206 McIntosh Street, Sanford. 426 East Main Street, Sanford. A-4 OD 109 East Jones Street - Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807 ?? L. J. Ward June 4, 1993, Page 2 There are no known archaeological sites within the proposed project area. Based on our present knowledge of the area, it is unlikely that any archaeological resources which may be eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places will be affected by the project construction. 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: State Clearinghouse Nicholas Graf, Federal Highway Administration B. Church T. Padgett A-5 State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources AYA Division of Environmental Management James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary E) E H N F I A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director June 17, 1993 MEMORANDUM TO: Melba McGee, Planning and Assessment FROM: Monica Swihart, Water Quality Planning SUBJECT: Project Review #93-0937; Scoping Comments - NC DOT Proposed Improvements to US 421/NC 42-87 (Horner Blvd.) From NC 42-78 (Main Street) To SR 11Q7 (Fields Drive) TIP #U-2921 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 channel ized/ relocated stream banks be revegetated. C. Number of stream crossings. D. WiAl 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. A-6 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 Melba McGee June 17, 1993 Page 2 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. 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. 1. Did NCDOT utilize the existing road alignments as much as possible? Why not (if applicable)? J. Please provide a detailed discussion for.mass-transit as an option. K. To what extent can traffic congestion management techniques alleviate the traffic problems in the study area? L. 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.t 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. Written concurrence of 401 Water Quality Certification may be required for this project. Applications requesting coverage under our General Certification 14 or General Permit ?l 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. 9432er.mem cc: Eric Galamb A-7 State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources Division of Land Resources James G. Martin, Governor PROJECT REVIEW CXX94ENTS Wiliam W. Cobey. jr., Secretary Charles H. Gardner Director Project Number: >o 9 County: Project Name: (/ S 7 2?/jvG ???^?j 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. 11- This project will have no impact on geodetic survey markers. Other (comments attached) For more information contact the Geodetic Survey office at Revie er Date Erosion and Sedimentation Control No comment (919) 733-3836. s ntation ?} lr/if more` V This project will require approval of an erosion and sed control plan prior to beginning any ljand-disturbing acti 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. 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. .4 I,r1?0e-Reviewer Date' Y R P.O. Box 27687 • Raleigh, N.C. 27611-7687 • Telephone (919) 733-3833 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW - PROJECT COMMENTS f Regional Office -- lumber. Due Date: - 07'A ZA After review of this project it has been determined that the EHNR permit(s) andlor approvals indicated may need to 'be obtained in order for this project to comply with North Carolina Law. ..._ ee..'-.1 ntti?e Inelieatad nn the reverse of the form. f` Questions regarding these permits snouto Die awuicaaw ,...._ --- ---- - All applications, information and guidelines relative to these plans and permits are available from the same Normal Process Regional Office. time PERMITS SPECIAL APPLICATION PROCEDURES of REQUIREMENTS (statutory time limit) Permit to construct 3 operate wastewater treatment Application 90 days before begin construction or award of 30 days ? facilities, sewer system extensions. & sewer construction contracts On-site inspection. Post-application (90 days) systems not discharging into state surface waters. technical conference usual 14PDES • permit to discharge into surface water andlor Application 180 days before begin activity. On-site inspection. 90.120 days ? permit to operate and construct wastewater facilities rface waters t i Pre-application conference usual. Additionally. obtain permit to construct wastewater treatment facility-granted after NPDES. Reply (NIA) . e su nto sta discharging 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) 7 days ? Well Construction Permit Complete application must be received and permit issued prior to the installation of a well. 15 days) ( Ys) Application copy must be served on each adjacent riparian property 55 days Dredge and Fill Permit owner. On-site inspection. Pre-application conference usual. Filling ? may require Easement to Fill from N.C. Department of (90 days) Administration and Federal Dredge and Fill Permit. 0 Permit to construct R operate Air Pollution Abatement 15A NCAC 21 H NIA 60 days (90 days) . . facilities andlor Emission Sources as per Any open burning associated with subject proposal must be in compliance with 15A NCAC 20.0520. Demolition or renovations of structures containing 60 days asbestos material must be in compliance with 15A ? NCAC 2D.0525 which requires notification and removal NIA prior to demolition. Contact Asbestos Control Group (90 daysi 919.733.0820. ? Complex Source Permit required under 15A NCAC 20.0810 The Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 must be properly addressed for any land disturbing activity. An erosion b sedimentatio Plan filed with proper Regional Office (Land Ouatity Sect.) at least 30 rb t d d 20 days ? is u e . control plan will be required if one or more acres to be da s before be innino activity. A fee of S30 for the first ac and S20.00 for-each additional acre or part must accompany the plan (30 davsi ? The Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 must be addressed with respect to the referrenceb Local Ordinance: 130 days) On-site inspection usual. Surety bond filed with EHNR. Bond amount ? Mining Permit varies with type mine and number of acres of affected land Any area d 30 days (60 days) mined greater than one acre must be permited. The appropriate bon must be received before the permit can be issued. ? North Carolina Burning permit On-site Inspection by N.C. Division Forest Resources it permit 1 day (NIA) ' exceeds 4 days Special Ground Clearance Burning Permit - 22 On-site inspection by N.D. Division Forest Resources required -if more 1 day NIA ? counties in coastal N.C. with organic soils than five acres of ground clearing activities are involved. Inspections " ) I should be requested at least ten days before actual burn is planned. • 90.120 days ? Oil Relining Facilities NIA (NIA) if permit required. application 60 days before begin construction. Applicant must hire N.C. qualified engineer to: prepare plans. 30 days ? Dam Safety Permit inspect construction. certify construction is according to EHNR approv• ed plans. May also require permit under mosquito control program. And (60 days) a 404 permit from Corps of Engineers. An inspection of site is neces- sary to verity Hazard Classification. A minimum fee of $200.00 must ac• company the application. An additional processing fee based on a percentage'or the total project cost will be required upon completion Continued on reva- ft 1W_ Normal Process Tim- . (statutory time PERMITS SPECIAL APPLICATION PROCEDURES or REQUIREMENTS limit) File surety bond of 55,000 with EHNR running to State of N.C. 10 days ? Permit to drill exploratory oil or gas well conditional that any well opened by drill operator shall, upon (NIA) abandonment, be plugged according to EHNR rules and regulations. ? Geophysical Exploration Permit Application filed with EHNR at least 10 days prior to issue of permit 10 days Application by letter. No standard application form. (NIA) ? State.Lakes Construction Permit Application fee based on structure size is charged. Must include 15.20 days descriptions & drawings of structure 5 proof of ownership (NIA) of riparian property. ? 60 days 401 Water Quality Certification NIA (130 days) ? 55 days CAMA Permit for MAJOR development $250.00 fee must accompany application (150 days) ? 22 days CAMA Permit for MINOR development 550.00 fee must accompany application (25 days) ? Several geodetic monuments are located in or near the project area. If any monuments need to be moved or destroyed. please notify: l i N 76 7 R C gh, . 11 , a e . 2 N.C. Geodetic Survey, Box 2768 ? Abandonment of any wells. If required, must be in accordance with Title 15A, Subchapter 2C.0100. ? Notification of the proper regional office is requested if --orphan" underground storage tanks (USTS) are discovered during any excavation operation. ? Compliance with 15A NCAC 2H.1000 (Coastal Stormwater Rules) is required. T < NIA)s • Other comments (attach additional pages as necessary, being certain to cite comment authority): ??QS ?,?Y1r?ir.+r-¢- ?lLvSr.ot?l (,oJ.lTti.x. Jt^??Sf (?+? fMG?tEs?? sIJ .?-ealepq,Iy-r,6? w / TA DO S I oJ?-?o GR t . / IJ .QQ Rat-?..?--.?Yz+ 14a0e--Q A5 - 1*4t++_d4_AE4_ ) Co.'J ?7'o?-s ?s?,o?r??t?.,- ZY'-APS? ->?s?r B£ 0&-S.1c-Wi 0 AT As 5 +..?? C? ? -t- 5 1 Cr-4,JJ a 07-1.4-7-X t REGIONAL OFFICES Questions regarding these permits should be addressed to the Regional Office marked below. ? Asheville Regional Office ? Fayetteville Regional Office 59 Woodfin Place Suite 714 Wachovia Building Asheville, NC 28801 Fayetteville, NC 28301 (704) 251-6208 (919) 486.1541 ? Mooresville Regional Office 919 North Main Street, P.O. Box 950 Mooresville, NC 28115 (704) 663.1699 ? Washington Regional Office 1424 Carolina Avenue Washington, NC 27889 (919) 946.6481 A-10 ? Raleigh Regional Office 3800 Barrett Drive, Suite 101 Raleigh, NC 27609 (919) 733.2314 ? Wilmington Regional Office 127 Cardinal Drive Extension Wilmington, NC 28405 (919) 395.3900 ? Winston-Salem Regional Office 8025 North Point Blvd. Suite 100 Winston-Salem, NC 27106 (919) 896.7007 . i. ORTH CAROLINA Mace" •?• DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION 301 North Wilmington Street, Education Building BOB ETHERIDGE Raleigh, NC 27601-2825 State Superuuendent June 9, 1993 X C E X 10 0 00 'JUN 10:1993 MEMORANDUM ? piV (SIGN O?q HIC,N14r.YS' 'Vi TO: L. J. Ward, P.E. Manager of Planning and Research NC Division of Highways - FROM: Charles H Assistant 6ftpb(e)jrintendent Auxiliary Services RE: US 421/NC 42-87 (Horner Boulevard) from NC 42-78 (Main Street) to SR 1107 (Fields Drive), Lee County, Federal Aid No. STP-OOOS(60; State Project No. 8.1540501; TIP No. U-2921 Please find attached communicatiah from Donny L. Hunter,,, Superintendent for Lee County Schools, relative to subject project. t mrl Attachment a 14 ;. ti i;9?3 7 A-11 RE North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604-1188, 919-733-3391 Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director MEMORANDUM TO:.. Melba McGee, Planning and Assessment Dept. of Environment, Health, & Natural Resources FROM: David Yow, Highway Project Coordinator Habitat Conservation Program DATE : June '23 , ' 1993 SUBJECT: Request for information from the N. C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) regarding fish and wildlife concerns for improvements to US 421/NC 42-87 (Horner Blvd.) from NC 42-78 (Main St.) to SR 1107 (Fields Dr.), Lee County, North Carolina, TIP No. U-2921, SCH Project No. 93-0937. This memorandum responds to a request from Mr. L. J. Ward of the NCDOT for our concerns regarding impacts on fish and wildlife resources resulting from the subject project. The N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC)?has reviewed the proposed improvements, and project impacts were discussed,at an interagency scoping meeting on April 8, 1993. 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). The proposed work involves widening of existing facilities in an area of extensive urban development. Wildlife habitat in the project area is limited, and no significant impact on wildlife resources is anticipated. Aquatic habitat is limited to one previously culverted headwater channel, and fisheries impacts are likewise anticipated to be negligible. The NCWRC supports the choice of a widening alternative for the subject project. Recent NCDOT documents for projects of this scope have generally provided satisfactory information on project impacts. For purposes of reference, our informational needs are listed below: A-12 Memo Page 2 June 23, 1993 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. When practicable, 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. t. Division of Parks and Recreation P. O. Box 27687 Raleigh, N. C. 27611 (919) 733-7795 and, Cecil C. Frost, Coordinator NCDA Plant Conservation Program P. O. Box 27647 Raleigh, N. C. 27611 (919) 733-3610 In addition, the NCWRC's Nongame and Endangered Species Program maintains databases for locations of vertebrate wildlife species. While there is no charge for the list, a service charge for computer time is involved. Additional information may be obtained from: Randy Wilson, Manager Nongame and Endangered Species Program N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission 512 N. SalisburyStreet Raleigh, N. C. 27604-1188 (919) 733-7291. 2.t 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. A-13 Memo Page 3 June 23, 1993 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 analyzes the environmental effects of highway construction and quantifies the contribution of this individual project to environmental degradation. Thank you for the opportunity to provide input in the early- planning stages for this project. If I can further assist your office, please contact me at (919) 528-9887. cc Larry Warlick, District 5 Wildlife Biologist Shari Bryant, District 5 Fisheries Biologist Randy Wilson, Nongame/Endangered Species Program Mgr. David Dell,-U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service s L? A A-14 Xer d1vuttiv county Co q WILLIAM C. STAFFORD, JR. Chairman GORDON A. WICKER Vice-Chairman JACK DOSSENBACH, JR. F. HUBERT GARNER BERT MATTHEWS NATHAN E. PASCHAL ROBERT T. REIVES NORTH CAROLINA June 28, 1993 L.J. Ward, P.E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch Department of Transportation Division of Highways PO Box 25201 Raleigh, NC 27611=5201 Dear Mr. Ward,- WILLIAM K. COWAN Manager Telephone 774.8405 JOHN A. CRUMPTON Finance Director Telephone 7748430 KENNETH R. HOYLE County Attorney Telephone 7748437 FAR 7748407 ?G t t VF rJUN 2 9 * W DIVISION OF ?3? G' HIGHWAYS S VtJF NME?P?. . SUBJECT: US 421/NC-42-87 (Horner Boulevard) From NC 42-78 (Main Street) to SR 1107 (Fields Drive), Lee County, Federal Aid No. STP-OOOS(60); State Project No. 8.1540501; TIP No. U-2921 Thank you for your letter of May 24, 1993 concerning the proposed improvements to Horner Boulevard. At present, Lee County requires no permits or approvals which would affect this project. Additionally, I have asked the staff to review this matter with our Environmental Affairs Board and their discussion indicates no known environmental concerns related to the project. Please feel free to contact Bill Cowan, County Manager, or Bob Joyce, Administrative Services Director if there are other questions. Sincerely,' ?• ? l ? /,? DAB-t!/V '? ? 1993 William C. Stafford, Jr. Chairman, "Lee County Commissioners WCS:aw A-15 mom, Pa4f t-1 106 Hillcrest Drive P.O. Box 1968 Sanford, North Carolina 27331-1968 sew On Seu?ne AtGiearwrnt DONNY L. HUNTER Superintendent Lee County Schools . MARION S. CARVER Assistant Superintendent P.O. BOX 1010 ANN Y. HART Assistant Superintendent Sanford, North Carolina 27331-1010 919/774-6226 Fax # 919/776-4954 June 4, 1993 Mr. Charles H. Weaver Assistant State Superintendent Auxiliary Services N. C. Department of Public Instruction 301 N. Wilmington Street, Education Building Raleigh, NC 27601-2825 SUSAN L. HAWKS Finance Officer DR. LINDA S. MARSAL Director of Student Services J.L. SEAMAN Administrative Assistant LINDA A. SMITH ?Director of Personnel Services ,, - 8 1993 i' l Re: US 4211NC 442-87 (Horner Boulevard) from NC 42-78 (Main Street) to SR 1107 (Fields Drive), Lee County; Federal Aid No. STP-OOOS(60; . State Project No. 8.1540501; TIP No. U-2921) Dear Mr. Weaver: I am in receipt of your letter of May 28, 1993 concerning the above project. I am in total support of this project. Thank you. Sincerely, l a. r ?'r Donn L. Hunter Superintendent DLH/pe r A-16 r v ??I 0! ?. P.O. Box 338 Sanford, NC 27330 eag of 042tnvrb (919) 774-6501 REX MCLEOD Mayor June 1, 1993 Mr. Michael Paylor Project Planning Engineer Department of Transportation P. O. Box 25201. Raleigh, NC 27611-5201 Dear Mr. Paylor: RE: US 421/NC 42=87 (Horner Boulevard) from NC 42-78 (Main Street) To SR 1107 (Fields Drive), Lee County, Federal Aid No. STP- OOOS (60); State Project No. 8.1540501; TIP No. U-2921 I am in response to your letter of May 18, 1993, concerning the above referenced project. The City of Sanford is not aware of any environmental concerns that would impact this project. Also, we do not know of any permits or approvals that would be required. If you need any further information, please let me know. RMc:bw f e A-17 RELCIGAT ION REPOR-i- x- E.I.S. _ CORRIDOR _ DESIGN PROJECT: 8.1540501 COUNTY: Lee I.D. NO.: 0-2921 F.A. PROJECT: STP-00OS(60) 5 LANE ALIGNMENT DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT! Horner Blvd., Sanford (from Main St. to Fields St.) I~ ESTIMATED DISPLACEES Iirnlacee Owners Tenants Total ifee tnrltvir?tnls - rnmilies 0 0 0 0 nur, inesses 1 2 3 1 t'arm.q tInn. -Prnf it y ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS YES 71 NO EXPLAIN ALL 'YES` ANSWERS 1. Will special relncation X. services be necessary ^_. Will schools or churches be - X. affected by displacement .3. Will business services still X. he available after pro ect 4. 41111 any business be d?s- x placed. If so, indicate size type, estimated number of employees, minorities, etc. x 5. 41111 relocation cause a -- - housing shortage 6. Source for available hour- A-- i tnc_1 ( l l at ) x 7. Will additional housing - - programs be needed x R. Should Last Resort Housing - -- be corns i dar ed x 9. Are there large, disabled, _.L elderly, ctr. fami 1 ies t0. Wi11 public-, hauling be - x - needed tfnr 'orn.in?:t N It. Is public huu^ing avall- -• - - able 12. In it. felt there will be nd-- NA equate 1)DS housing available - tiering relocation perind 13. Will there be a problem of NA Imusitig within fitrancial - means 14. Are riuitable business sites x- -- available (list source) 1.15. Number months estimated to complete REL-OCAfION A A.M. Simpson V?rYL?1. Rn I oca t 1 on Agent rr m 15.4 Rnv i serl 5/90 INCOME LEVEL _ 0-15M 15-25N .25-35N 35-50M 50 UP VALUE OF Owners 0-20M 20-4011 40-70M 70-100 100 Up rO IAL . North Carolina Department of Transportation RELOCATION ASS I STANI;E Alternate - of Alternate DWELLING Tenants S 0-150 . 150-250 250-400 400-600 600 Im _bSS DWELLINGS AVAILABLE For Sale For Rent 0-20M 0-150 20-40H 150-250 40-70M 250-400 70--100 400-600 100 lit) 60C) UP REMARKS (Respond by Number) 3. Little change to business community. 4. (A) Custom Car Center - a large auto repair and tire sales business would lose some parking and easy access to front bays, but would probably choose not to relocate. (B) Cooper Oil Company - One large above-ground tank and two storage sheds are in the proposed R/W, but again this business would probably remain. j- (C) Centu`ra Bank - This branch office would have to relocate unless a line could be moved off the corner of the building. Perhaps 10 employees. 14. Commercial brokers say there are many sites available. NOTE: These businesses will be affected by the proposed project, and are counted above for this report, though it is entirely possible that all three might remain in business at their current locations. Several other businesses will also be affected by loss of frontage and parking spaces, but it does not appear that any would have to move because of this. 10-19-94 • Date Apprnvrrl Unt?? A-18PT idinal n I C:npy: St.al:e Reloc it inn Aannl. 2 Copy' Area Rnlncatinn t-lir.- F t x ' APPENDIX 1?wl GEOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IAmFs B. HUNT. JR DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GovnNOR P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH. N.G 27611-5201 June 21, 1993 I JUN 2 21993 22 DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS STATE PROJECT: 8.1540501 (U-2921) COUNTY: Lee DESCRIPTION: US 421/NC 42-87 (Horner Boulevard) from NC 42-78 (Main Street) to SR 1107 (Fields Drive) SUBJECT: Geological Environmental Impact Study INTRODUCTION The intention of the proposed project is to widen the existing four-lane undivided road (US 421/NC 42-87; S. Horner Boulevard) to a five-lane section between NC 42-78 (Main Street) and SR 1107 (Fields Drive). PHYSIOGRAPHY. R . .T .F. AN DRAINAGE The project area lies within the Piedmont Province, which is generally defined by its rolling hills and ridges and its network of rivers and streams. This area rests relatively close to the fall line between the''liedmont Pr.pvince and the Inner Coastal Plain and is, thus, flattening out more than the areas of the Piedmont that are located closer to the Appal chians. The relief of the project area is only about eighty feet and covers a landscape with gentle hills. The elevation at the north end of the project (Fields Drive) is about 360 feet, rising to about 440 feet by the southern end of the project (Main Street). The project runs over a small part of Little Buffalo Creek, which serves to drain some of the area, as well as going over a very small tributary of an unnamed tributary, which also serves as drainage for the corridor. G The proposed project falls in the Piedmont Plateau Province, specifically resting in the Sanford Basin Portion of the Newark Triassic-Basin. The area is characterized by fanglomerate, sandstones, red and brown claystones, mudstones, and conglomerates, which make up the Sanford Formation, the uppermost formation in the Chatham Group. The soils of this B-1 Tpzj i. I 4 ? k t U-2921 June 21, 1993 Page Two area are generally classified in the Mayodan-Pinkston group, characterized by gently sloping to steeply sloping (0-15%), well-drained soils with a loamy surface layer and a clayey and loamy subsoil. These are characteristically located in uplands. The AASHTO classification of these soils ranges from A-2 through A-4 and including also A-6. HAZARDOUS MAT RTAr S/UNDERGROUN STORAGE TANK A reconnaissance survey of the project corridor identified ten sites which contain or have the potential for underground storage tanks (USTs). In a subsequent records search of*the DEM/Groundwater Section, the following information was obtained: ' Site #1 Service Distributing Company, on the west side of the proposed extension, is located at the intersection of Globe Street and South Horner Boulevard. There are five active USTs located on the site, all of which are registered (#0-032318). with the DEM/Groundwater Section. The installation date of all five tanks was 04/18/91. Four of the tanks hold 12,000 gallons, the other remaining tank holds only 10,000 gallons. The closest pump is located approximately 58 feet from the centerline of S. Horner, whereas the tanks themselves are located approximately 135 feet from the centerline. 7r s Site #2- Lee Iron and Metal Company, Inc. is located a considerable distan a from the proposed project, but this company should be mentiohed for thoroughness. They have one 10, 000 gallon UST which was installed on 02/27/76. The location of this tank is unknown but thought to be as far back from the road as is the facility to which it belongs. The UST is listed in DEM/Groundwater records under #0-014582. This company is also listed in Hazardous Waste records as being a small generator. There have been no reports of spills or of any other type of contamination. Site #3- Tru-Buy Exxon is also located on the west side of S. Horner Boulevard, about .15 miles south of the intersection between Bragg Street (SR 1514) and S. Horner Blvd. There are four active USTs on this site, which are registered (#0-005160) with the DEM/Groundwater Section. Two 10,000 gallon tanks were installed on 04/14/71; the remaining two 4,000 gallon tanks were installed on 04/14/70, according to the records. The B-2 T i i f • U-2921 June-21, 1993 Page Three closest pump is located about 48 feet from the centerline, while two of the UST's are located about 62 feet from the centerline of Horner Boulevard. The other pumps and USTs are considerably farther back than these and are not anticipated to fall within the proposed right-of-way. Site #4- C. Mini Mart #8 sits on the west side of Horner Boulevard, approximately 0.2 miles south of the S. Third Street (SR 1515) intersection with S. Horner Blvd. At this location, there are three active USTs, registered with the DEM/Groundwater Section under #0-031551. All three tanks hold 10,000 gallons and were installed on 11/24/89. The pumps were located about 63 feet from the centerline of Horner Boulevard and the UST's were about 126 feet from the centerline. No impact to this site is anticipated. Site #5- Country Cubbard #11 is on the east side of the project area and has three USTs that are listed with the DEM/Groundwater Section records, under #0-002686. All three tanks were installed on 11/08/80. Two of them hold 6,000 gallons, the remaining one holds 8,000 gallons. The pumps are forty feet from the.centerline and the USTs are about sixty feet from the centerline. We saw evidence on the site for about six USTs, but the records only list three and list no removals. This would be a good area to avoid, if possible, considering also its close 'proximity to the road. The area across the street is wooded, has no buildings or construction at all, and is located right next to the Lee County Courthouse. Therefppre, it would be a good-place to locate the road extension. Site #6- Lee County Courthouse is listed in the DEM/Groundwater Section records, under #0-013870, as having one 500 gallon UST, which was permanently removed on 01/01/71. This building is located across the street from both Sites #5 and #7. The previous location of the UST is unknown. 1 Site #7- ' There is an unidentified parcel of Above-ground Storage Tanks (ASTs) approximately 120 feet from the centerline on the east side of S. Horner Blvd, about .10 mile from site # 5. These large ASTs, as well as a truck filling area, are located both behind and beside a small church and a carpet store. These tanks do not seem to be a problem. B-3 i? U-2921 June 21, 1993 Page 4 Site # 8- There is a large section of ASTs on the east side of the proposed project, which is owned by several companies, including York Heating and Air Conditioning, Cooper Oil Co., Inc., Westinghouse Heating and Air Conditioning, Williamson Heating and Cooling, BP, and J. Ray Hunter. Within this large section are at least fourteen ASTs and one truck filling station for gas-carrying trucks. This whole area is surrounded by barbed wire and cyclone fencing. It lies immediately adjacent to the existing roadway, leaving very little room for construction. Site #9- The DEM/Groundwater Section files show that Macs Business Machines, located on the east side of Horner boulevard, about .15 miles from the end of the project corridor. This site has one 550, gallon UST temporarily installed on 05/01/71, listed under #0=014459. The building itself is located fairly close to the road, approximately 55 feet from the centerline. However, the location of the UST is unknown but is thought to be relatively close to the proposed project as well. Site #10- The Pantry #366 is located on the west side of the proposed project at the intersection of Woodland Avenue and S. Horner Blvd. At this site are located three active USTs, all of which are registered under #0-01063 with the DEM/Groundwater Section. The three USTs are 12.000 gallon tanks which were installed on 08/17/84. They are located approximately 48 feet from the centerline of the proposed extension. The pump location 7s approximately 85 feet from the center of Horner Boulevard. The files at the DEM/Groundwater Section indicated that both Lee Iron and Metal.Co., Inc. and Holt Truck and.Tractor Co. are small generators of hazardous wastes. There have been no listings of any sort of contamination or spillage problems associated with any of these sites on this report. As stated earlier, Lee Iron and Metal Co., Inc. is located far from the project in question. Holt Truck and Tractor Co.jis located on the west side of the street, across from Macs Business Machines. Although the main building for Holt Truck and Tractor Co. is fairly close to the proposed project, any sort of problematic activity involving the generation of hazardous wastes is probably located farther back from the road, although the exact location of the wastes is not known. B-4 U-2921 June 21, 1993 Page 5 A Solid Wastes files search was also completed but revealed nothing relevant to this particular project. The Geotechnical Unit recommends that all effort be made to avoid impact to both the UST sites and the AST sites mentioned above. Although we did not find any information which indicates any leaking from the tanks, it has been shown in past experience that eighty percent of tanks assessed by NCDOT or its contractors have some degree of leakage. Respectfully Submitted, X ;4L Lisl Hampton Geotechnical Assistant Geotechnical Unit 11 3 B-5 I APPENDIX C DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS RELOCATION PROGRAMS 3 ? s 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 arrangement. (in cases of. ownership),-the-Relocation Replacement Housing Payments or the 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 the North Carolina Relocation Assistance Act (GS-133-5 through 133-18). The program is designed to provide assistance to displaced persons in relocating 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 nee'Cls of displace families, individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, and farm operations for relocation assistance advisory servibes 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 or replacement housing which meets decent, safe, and sanitary standards. The displacees are given at least a 90-day written notice after the NCDOT purchases 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. C-1 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) 9' rental of replacement housing, either public or private, 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 displacee 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, the 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 payments, and incidental 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, including 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 $5,250. It is the 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 oir provideld 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 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 financial 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. Adequate replacement housing will be available for all relocatees. Last Resort housing will be considered if the financial situation of tenants or owners warrant such action. C-2 j NORTH CAROLINA 1VMENT OF T)?ANSPORTATIO )AMEs B. HUNT, IR DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 5G ??E I V MAY 2 0 1993 Q`? 22 DIVISION OF ?HIGH EC RLE FNViRON?1C May 18, 1993 MEMORANDUM TO: Mr. Eric Galamb DEM - DEHNR, 6th Floor FROM: L. J. Ward, P. E., Manager LfJ Planning and Environmental h SUBJECT: US 421/NC 42-87 (Horner Boulevard) From NC 42-78 (Main Street) to SR 1107 (Fields Drive), Lee County, Federal Aid No. STP-OOOS(60); State Project No. 8.1540501; TIP No. U-2921 The Planning and Environmental Branch of the Division of Highways has begun studying the proposed improvements to the highway segment described above. The project is included in the 1993-1999 North Carolina Trans- portation Improvement Program and is scheduled for right of way in fiscal year 1996 and construction in fiscal year 1997. The Transportation Improvement Program calls for widening the existing four-lane undivided section to a five-lane section. We would appreciate any information you might have that would be helpful in evaluating potential environmental impacts of the project. If applicable, please identify any permits or approvals which may be required by your agency. Your comments will be used in the preparation of a document evaluating environmental impacts of the project. It is desirable that your agency respond by July 1, 1993 so that your comments can be used in the preparation of this document. If you have any questions concerning the project, please contact Michael Paylor, Project Planning Engineer, of this Branch at (919) 733-7842. %Q LJW/plr 'A Attachment :?? G I,'% N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TRANSMITTAL SLIP DATE 4-07-,?-5 TO: e, REF. NO. OR ROOM, BLDG. , A 1 l _ r E 14 ^ bE# `l !- FROM: - REF. NO. OR ROOM, BLDG. PAM ACTION ? NOTE AND FILE ? PER OUR CONVERSATION ? NOTE AND RETURN TO ME ? PER YOUR REQUEST ? RETURN WITH MORE DETAILS ? FOR YOUR APPROVAL ? NOTE AND SEE ME ABOUT THIS Q-FOR YOUR INFORMATION" ? PLEASE ANSWER Q FOR YOUR COMMENTS ? PREPARE REPLY FOR MY SIGNATURE ? SIGNATURE ? TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ? INVESTIGATE AND REPORT COMMENTS: I t Cuvn Mme` JAMES B. HUNT, JP, GOVERNOR STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 April 26, 1993 MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: Mr. Eric Galamb DEM - DEHNR, 6th Floor Michael L. Paylor, Project Engineer Planning and Environmental Branch SUBJECT: US 421/NC 42-87 (Horner Boulevard) from NC 42-78 (Main Street) to SR 1107 (Fields Drive), Lee County, Federal Aid Project No. STP-OOOS(60), State Project No. 8.1540501, T.I.P. No. U-2921 SAM HUNT SECRETARY p [C?f0T I??w APR 2 8 1993 WETLANDS GROUP WATER QUALITY SECTION A scoping meeting was held on April 8, 1993 in the Planning and Environmental Conference Room. The purpose of the meeting was to determine the scope of the project, and to determine recommendations concerning the project. The following people were in attendance at the meeting: Peter Slipp Jenifer Phillips Paul Atlas Roland W. Robinson, Jr. Kathy Lassiter Betty Yancey Paul Worley 0. M. Clark Jerry Snead Jack Matthews David Yow David Foster Eric Galamb John P. Taylor Danny Rogers Joe Foutz Michael L. Paylor Statewide Planning Traffic Control Traffic (Signals) Roadway Design Roadway Design Right-of-Way Railroads Division (8) Engineer Hydraulics Photogrammetry NCWRC Habitat Conservation DEHNR DEM-WQ Roadway Design Program Development Planning and Environmental Planning and Environmental After opening the meeting with a brief description of the proposed project, including the current TIP schedule and funds available, the following major points were discussed: April 26, 1993 Page 2 1. SHPO stated that no archaeological survey would be required because the project area has been disturbed through heavy commercial development. The Lee County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Sanford Milling Company is on the SHPO State Study List awaiting eligibility determination for the National Register of Historic Places. Transitioning from side to side was recommended for avoidance of such properties. 2. There is no wildlife habitat located on the project. 3. Traffic Engineering (Signals) stated that the cost for the closed loop traffic system is approximately $225,000. 4. There are two railroad crossings along the study route (Atlantic - Western Railroad). The cost of resignalizing the crossings will be extensive, therefore, coordination with the railroad will need to take place. 5. The project is located in a water supply watershed, and it is recommended that a high hazard spill catch basin will be necessary. 6. Storm water and bridge deck runoff needs to be dispersed (no point source discharge). 7. There are no recorded National Heritage Sites in the project area. 8. Utilities are very close to US 421/NC 42-87 on both sides. 9. During construction, existing sidewalks will be replaced. If the City of Sanford would like sidewalks to be added, then the City will need to share the additional costs. MLP/sdt s ?<R SEW 4A p4? mvh p V ? L g ?h qux ?? STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT, IR GOVERNOR DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 March 3, 1993 MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: SUBJECT: Mr. Eric Galamb DEM - DEHNR, 6th Floor SAM HUNT SECRETARY vcw o ?ec3 WATWETLANDS IY SECTION L. J. Ward, P. E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch g'I Review of Scop' g Sheet for proposed improvements to US 421/NC 42- (Horner Boulevard) from NC 42-78 (Main Street) to SR 1107 (Fields Drive), Lee County, Federal Aid Project No. STP-OOOS(60); State Project No. 8.1540501; TIP No. U-2921 Attached for your review and comments are the scoping sheets for the subject project (See attached map for project location). The purpose of these sheets and the related review procedure is to have an early "meeting of the minds" as to the scope of work that should be performed, thereby enabling us to better implement the project. A scoping meeting for this project is scheduled for April 8, 1993 at 9:30 A. M. in the Planning and Environmental Branch Conference Room (Room 470). You may provide us with your comments at the meeting or mail them to us prior to that date. Thank you for your assistance in this part of our planning process. If there are any questions about the meeting or the scoping sheets, please call Michael L. Paylor, Project Planning Engineer, at 733-7842. MLP/pl r LK -?A(o a. c Attachment kr?k- iak - /,", PROJECT SCOPING SHEET Date March 1,1993 Revision Date Project Development Stage Programming Planning X Design TIP # U-2921 Project # 8.1540501 F.A. Project # STP-OOOS(60) Division Eight County Lee Route US 421/NC 42-87 Functional Classification Other Urban Principal Arterial Length 1.8 miles Purpose of Project: INCREASE CAPACITY AND SAFETY OF EXISTING US 421 AND TO IMPROVE LEVEL OF SERVICE FOR CURRENT AND DESIGN YEAR TRAFFIC Description of project (including speci is limits) and major elements of work: WIDEN US 421/NC 42- TO A FIVE-LANE CURB AND GUTTER SECTION (1.8 MILES) FROM NC 42-978(MAIN STREET) TO SR 1107 (FIELDS STREET), AND INSTALL A CLOSED LOOP TRAFFIC SYSTEM. Type of environmental document to be prepared: EA AND FONSI Environmental study schedule: EA JAN 94 FONSI JUL 94 q7 Will there be special funding participation by municipality, developers, or other? Yes No X If yes, by whom and amount: ($) or W How and when will this be paid? Page 2 PROJECT SCOPING SHEET Features of Proposed Facility Type of Facility: MULTI-LANE Type of Access Control: Full Partial None X Type of Roadway: Interchanges 0 Grade Separations 0 Stream Crossings 1 Typical Section of Roadway: 5-LANE CURB AND GUTTER Traffic: Current 10,350 vpd Design Year 18,630 vpd# Design Standards Applicable: AASHTO 36 000 15 Design Speed: 50 MPH ???CcG IrDO??V Q?rds F Preliminary Resurfacing Design: 3324vca3`Oi.?'0%G Preliminary Pavement Design: Current Cost Estimate: Construction Cost (including engineering and contingencies). . . . . . . . . . . $ Right of Way Cost (including rel., util., and acquisition). . . . . . . . . . . . $ Force Account Items. . . . . . . . . . . . $ Preliminary Engineering. . . . . . . . . $ Total Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ TIP Cost Estimate: Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,150,000 Right of Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 250 , 000 Total Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,400,000 List any special features, such as railroad involvement, which could affect cost or schedule of project: * ESTIMATE MADE BY PROJECT PLANNING ENGINEER Page 3 PROJECT SCOPING SHEET ITEMS REQUIRED ( } COMMENTS COST Estimated Costs of Improvements: Pavement Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Milling & Recycling . . . . . . . . . . Turnouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shoulders: Paved. . . . . . . . . . . . Earth. . . . . . . . . . . . Earthwork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subsurface Items: . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subgrade and Stabilization. . . . . . . . . Drainage (List any special items) . . . . . Sub-Drainage. . . . . . . . . Structures: Width x Length Bridge Rehabilitation X New Bridge X - Widen Bridge x _ - Remove Bridge X New Culverts: Size Length _ Fill Ht. _ _ Culvert Extension Retaining Walls: Type Ave. Ht. _ Skew _ Noise Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Any Other Misc. Structures. . . . . . Concrete Curb & Gutter. . . . . . . . . . Concrete Sidewalk . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guardrail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fencing: W.W. and/or C.L. Erosion Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Traffic Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Signing: New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Upgrading . . . . . . . . . . . Traffic Signals: New . . . . . . . . . Revised . . . . . . . RR Signals: New . . . . . . . . . . . . Revised . . . . . . . . With or Without Arms. . . . If 3R: Drainage Safety Enhancement. . . Roadside Safety Enhancement. . . Realignment for Safety Upgrade Pavement Markings: Paint Thermo Markers Delineators . . Other . . CONTRACT COST (Subtotal): Page 4 PROJECT SCOPING SHEET Contingencies & Engineering . PE Costs. . . . . . . . . . Force Account . . . . . . . . $ $ $ Subtotal: $ Right of Way: Will Contain within Exist Right of Way: Yes Existing Right of Way Width: 60'-120' New Right of Way Needed: Width 100' Est. Cost $ Easements: Type Width Est. Cost $ Utilities: $ No X Right of Way Subtotal: $ Total Estimated Cost (Includes R/W): $ Prepared By: MICHAEL L. PAYLOR Date: 3-2-93 The above scoping has been reviewed and approved* by: Highway Design Roadway Structure Design Services Geotechnical Hydraulics Loc. & Surveys Photogrammetry Prel. Est. Engr. Planning & Environ. Right of Way R/W Utilities Traffic Engineering Project Management County Manager City/Municipality Others INIT. DATE INIT. DATE Board of Tran. Member Mgr. Program & Policy Chief Engineer-Precons Chief Engineer-Oper Secondary Roads Off. Construction Branch Roadside Environmental Maintenance Branch Bridge Maintenance Statewide Planning Division Engineer Bicycle Coordinator Program Development FHWA Dept. of Cult. Res. Dept. of EH & NR Scope Sheet for local officials will be sent to Division Engineer for handling. Comments or Remarks: *If you are not in agreement with proposed project or scoping, note your proposed revisions in Comments or Remarks Section and initial and date after comments. .............................. o Bnc ave Northview 42 -t 4z 421 anford; J< \ Tramway r?Br \L E 876 L on 6 •'?•. sp gs LEE COUNTY -•i 61 •yneron n g! I'' 7 ii G< p LITY S!-'";-j in;,y June 17, 1993 MEMORANDUM TO: Melba McGee, Planning and Assessment FROM: Monica Swihart, Water Quality Planning SUBJECT: Project Review #93-0937; Scoping Comments - NC DOT Proposed Improvements to US 421/NC 42-87 (Horner Blvd.) From NC 42-78 (Main Street) To SR 1107 (Fields Drive) TIP #U-2921 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. r Melba McGee June 17, 1993 Page 2 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. 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. Please provide a detailed discussion for mass-transit as an option. K. To what extent can traffic congestion management techniques alleviate the traffic problems in the study area? L. 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. 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. 9432er.mem cc: Eric Galamb 5c/ April 25, 2003 Subject: Draft Minutes Interagency Permit Drawing Review Meeting on April 24, 2003, for U2921, Cumberland County. Team Members: Dave Timpy - USACE (Present) John Hennessy - NCDWQ (Present) Travis Wilson - NCWRC (Present) Gary Jordan - USFWS (Absent) Christopher Militscher - USEPA-Raleigh (Absent) Heather Montague - NCDOT PDEA (Present) Jimmy Goodnight - NCDOT Roadway Design (Absent)* Participants: David Chang - NCDOT Hydraulics Elizabeth Lusk - NCDOT PDEA Marshall Clawson - NCDOT Hydraulics Anne Gamber - NCDOT Hydraulics *The time of the meeting had been changed and Jimmy Good night was not informed of the informed of the new meeting time. The meeting began with a discussion of the history of the project. Each site was reviewed. The only comment pertained to Site 1. There seemed to be an existing dry detention basin in this area. John Hennessy questioned whether it would be used in conjunction with the drainage design. Since this was a permit review, the design engineer was not in attendance. Marshall Clawson agreed to verify this with the design engineer. Draft Minutes for Permit Drawing Review (interagency 4C Review) U-3101 C&D State Project 8.1403101 US 1/64 From US64/SR1009 (Tryon Rd.) to South of the I-40 Interchange A Permit Review Meeting was held on Thursday, April 24, 2003 in the Location and Surveys conference room at the NCDOT Century Center Complex, Raleigh. Team members: Eric Alsmeyer-USACE (Present) John Hennessy-NCDWQ (Present) Travis Wilson-NCWRC (Present) Gary Jordan-USFWS (Absent) Chris Militscher-EPA (Absent) Matt Haney-PDEA (Absent) Jimmy Goodnight-NCDOT Roadway Design (Present) Andrew Nottingham-NCDOT Hydraulics Unit (Present-Facilitator) Participants: David Chang-NCDOT Hydraulics Dean Noland-NCDOT Roadway Design Betsy Cox-NCDOT Structures Unit David Harris-NCDOT Roadside Environmental Unit Stephen Morgan-NCDOT Hydraulics The meeting began with Mr. Nottingham describing the project and presenting a project overview. He then described the permit packet team members would be referencing noting the stream and wetland impacts were shown followed by buffer impacts. The permit drawings were then reviewed site by site. The discussion and comments for each site are as follows: Site 1a Buffer Drawings) NCDOT advised that an alternative design has been explored whereas the outlet left of station 13+70 -L- may be moved further from the stream. An existing ditch could be used as the outlet, eliminating any impact to the buffer. DWQ requested that discharge analysis and swale length be shown on the buffer drawings. Page 1 of 3 U-3101c&D Permit Drawing Review Draft Minutes 4/25/03 Site 1 The USACE representative noted the absence of wetland delineation on the plans. NCDOT will assure this file is attached to the final plans. The USACE and DWQ representatives noted the stream relocation would be an improvement over the existing stream. NCDOT will proceed with natural stream design. DWQ requested a morphological table as well as sediment transport analysis (including pebble count) for the stream relocation. It was noted that it would cost approximately $250,000 to. move the sewer pump station located left of station 17+70 -L-. NCDOT will realign the stream to avoid the pump station. A portion of the stream will have to be piped or armored with rip rap immediately adjacent to the pump station. There were no further comments. Site 2 USACE noted the impacts to the stream should include the length to where the relocated channel ties back into the existing channel. NCWRC noted in general, all culverts should be buried and no stream should be excavated or widened. USACE requested the issue of any perched culverts be addressed. After some discussion by the team members, it was agreed that where any culverts were perched upstream, the stream bed would be armored with appropriate-sized rip rap. DWQ requested that details of the flow splitter boxes used in the level spreader designs be included in the buffer drawings. Site 3 No comment Site 4 USACE advised stream impacts upstream should include the length to where the relocated channel ties back into the existing channel. DWQ requested a statement be included in the buffer drawings justifying the grass swale through the buffer instead of a level spreader (station 38+00 to 39+20 Lt.). Site 5 No comment from team members. NCDOT Roadside Environmental expressed concerns over stability below level spreaders in general, noting reconcentration of flow below the devices was a particular concern. The team members agreed this is a concern, and would cooperatively strive to find a solution. Page 2 of 3 U-3101c&D Permit Drawing Review Draft Minutes 4/25/03 Site 6 (and Site 6 Buffer Drawings) DWQ requested grass swale information for the 600 cross pipe at station 50+80-L-. DWQ requested the noise wall (station 50 +80 Lt. and 50 +40 Rt.) be integrated into the roadway by moving the wall closer to the road to eliminate a variance. NCDOT will investigate. DWQ and USACE suggested the stream (station 50+80 -L-) could be "marginal and not jurisdictional" and may have been confused with the stream at station 52+34 -L-. A determination could not be made as to which stream was shown on the soils map. Team members agreed a site visit would be appropriate for verification. NCDOT will schedule a site visit for verification. Site 7 NCWRC requested alignment of thel050mm pipe extension be altered if possible to eliminate any upstream impacts. DWQ requested grass swale criteria (station 11+60 to 12+60 RPBWS Lt.). NCDOT Hydraulics noted the criteria were shown on the Buffer permit drawings except for length. Site 8 DWQ requested a preformed scour hole at the end of the grass swale (station 11+00 LPBWS Rt.) in the loop. Other Comments NCDOT noted that three wetland sites and one intermittent stream noted in the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the project were not shown and they would coordinate to verify the sites. The sites were located in the vicinity of the new ramp and loop for the Walnut Street interchange. The sites were referred to as wetland sites 2, 3 and 4 and stream site 10 in the EA. These minutes are the interpretation of the author, please respond with any omissions or discrepancies by Thursday, May 8, 2003, after which time this document will be recorded as the official meeting minutes. Prepared By: Stephen Morgan April 25, 2003 Page 3 of 3 B-682 Subject: B-682 Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2003 10:53:08 -0500 From: David.L.Timpy@saw02.usace.army.mil To: john.hennessy@ncmail.net, Cathy.Brittingham@ncmail.net Cathy and John, Attached note to file is my interpretation of how that meeting ended up. Below is the pertinent text of my note: "Mr. Max Price opened the meeting with a discussion of the stormwater options being considered by NCDOT. Two potential stormwater options for drainage to the east include the concrete pad area located on the southeast side of the existing causeway to the beach and a site located on the island. A third option discussed pertained to drainage west of the ICW and is located north of SR 1172. Mr. Price thoroughly discussed each option with a wide range of estimates for wetland impacts. Mr. Price also discussed the detours and workbridges that will be proposed for the project. Based on the information provided the resource agencies suggested the need for another meeting that would provide clarification of the project impacts and design considerations. Specifically, the agencies have requested information on the wetland impacts, detour design, workbridge design, stormwater details for each option being considered, and construction methods. The USEPA and Corps requested that this information be compared to the EA/FONSI for the project. The DCM requested that this information be provided at least two weeks in advance. The NCDOT concurred and will consider holding this meeting on May 22, 2003. The NCDOT indicated this early date is optimistic and may need to be changed." Did I miss something? dave 1 of 1 5/8/03 6:42 PM CESAW-RG-L MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD April 28, 2003 Subject: Action ID: 199503519, TIP Project R-2514A, US 17 Widening from Jacksonville to Belgrade, New Hanover County, North Carolina. A meeting was held on April 24, 2003 to discuss the hydraulic design and permit drawings for the subject project. Attendees included: Jay Twisdale, NCDOT Travis Wilson, NCWRC John Hennessy, NCDWQ Cathy Brittingham, CAMA Linda Lewis, NC Stormwater Dr. David Chang, NCDOT Hydraulics Elizabeth Lusk, NCDOT PDEA Rachele Beauregard, NCDOT PDEA Chris Militcher, EPA. The purpose, of the meeting was to discuss the hydraulic design and permit drawings submitted to the resources prior the meeting. Meeting discussion items are summarized as follows: 1. Project Segmentation. The USEPA expressed concern that this project has been segmented into two projects R-2514A and R-2514B. The corps agreed with the segmentation issue, in general, but advised the USEPA that the FHWA has decided that logical termini exists at the Belgrade point. The corps also re- iterated that the EA and FONSI for this project is complete and that re-visiting the segmentation issue on this project will not be done at this time. The NCDOT subsequently confirmed that FHWA made the logical termini determination on this project. 2. Avoidance and Minimization. The proposed widening of US 17 requires all widening to be located east of the existing US 17. The Corps expressed concern that the NCDOT had not taken the appropriate avoidance measures associated with this alignment. The Corps also stated that use of the existing soil road west of US 17 should be considered for part of this widening. The NCDOT stated that the proposed alignment has not changed since completion of the draft EA and the resource agencies have concurred with this alignment. After a discussion, it was learned that this concurrence was obtained at a previous meeting on TIP Project No. R-2514B. The NCDOT provided a copy of a signed concurrence form dated December 9, 1999 of which the USEPA and NCDOT had signed the form. In addition, the NCDOT produced a copy of meeting minutes for a meeting on R- 2514B that indicated approval of the proposed alignment. Based on this information, the Corps stated that the NCDOT has satisfied its requirement for avoidance and minimization associated with proposed alignment. Thus, the project team approved the proposed widening of US 17 where all the widening is located east of US 17. 3. Ditching Wetland Impacts. The NCDWQ stated that all impacts due to constructed drainage on adjacent wetlands must be considered in the total estimate of wetland impacts. The corps and epa concurred with this request. The NCDOT stated these impacts have been included but will double check all potential impact areas to ensure all impacts from ditching are addressed. 4. Bottoms of Culverts (referred to as "culverts"). The NCDWQ stated that all culverts must be buried to allow for passage of aquatic life. The NCDOT stated that all culvert will be buried. The corps agreed and added that this information should be clear from the drawings. The DWQ also stated that outlets should only discharge non-erosive velocities. 5. Mitigation.. The Corps stated that onsite mitigation must be strongly considered prior to searching for offsite mitigation. The corps also stated that this request has been made several times prior to this meeting and has, on more than one occasion, specifically asked the NCDOT to evaluate the existing abandoned railroad located east of US 17. After review of the permit drawings and half-size drawings, the NCDOT agreed that onsite mitigation potential exists and that it would further evaluate this. The DCM recommended that NCDOT submit its mitigation proposal asap. 6. Goldenrod. The DCM re-stated an earlier DCM comment made during preparation of the environmental document that the NCDOT must take all measures necessary to avoid and minimize impacts to Goldenrod. The NCDOT concurred with this request. 7. Alignment STA 107+50 to 109+00. The DWQ requested the NCDOT to evaluate the alignment in this segment to avoid impacts to the adjacent wetlands. The NCDOT concurred. 8. Wetland Site 14. The DWQ questioned the need for the proposed excavation and whether or not these impacts were included. After a discussion, it was agreed that the proposed impact cannot be avoided or further minimized. Dave Timpy Regulatory Project Manager