19970188 Ver 1_Complete File_19970227

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director
A lf?
4 4?jj
I D FE F1
April 22, 1997
Avery County
DWQ Project # 970188
APPROVAL of 401 Water Quality Certification and ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS
Mr. Franklin Vick
N. C. Dept. of Transportation
Planning and Environmental Branch
P.O. Box 25201
Raleigh, NC 27611-5201
Dear Mr. Vick:
You have our approval, in accordance with the attached conditions and those listed below, to place fill
material in wetlands or waters for the purpose of replacing a bridge at Bridge No. 68 over North Toe River, as
you described in your application dated 12 February 1997. After reviewing your application, we have decided
that this fill is covered by General Water Quality Certification Numbers 3127 and 3107. These certifications
allow you to use Nationwide Permit Numbers 6 and 23 when they are issued by the Corps of Engineers.
This approval is only valid for the purpose and design that you described in your application except as
modified below. If you change your project, you must notify us and you may be required to send us a new
application. If total wetland fills for this project (now or in the future) exceed one acre, compensatory
mitigation may be required as described in 15A NCAC 211.0506 (h) (6) and (7). For this approval to be
valid, you must follow the conditions listed in the attached certification and any additional conditions listed
below. Applicant is reminded to utilize High Quality Waters BNIPs for this project due to the classification
of the adjacent stream. In addition, you should get any other federal, state or local permits before you go
ahead with your project including (but not limited to) Sediment and Erosion Control, Coastal Stormwater,
Non-Discharge and Water Supply Watershed regulations. This approval will expire when the accompanying
404 or CAMA permit expires unless otherwise specified in the General Certification.
If you do not accept any of the conditions of this certification, you may ask for an adjudicatory hearing.
You must act within 60 days of the date that you receive this letter. To ask for a hearing, send a written
petition which conforms to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes to the Office of -
Administrative Hearings, P.O. Box 27447, Raleigh, N.C. 27611-7447. This certification and its conditions
are final and binding unless you ask for a hearing.
This letter completes the review of the Division of Water Quality under Section 401 of the Clean Water
Act. If you have any questions, please telephone John Dorney at 919-733-1786.
Sincerely,
lHow ? ?
estoard , Jr. P
Attachment
cc: Wilmington District Corps of Engineers
Corps of Engineers Asheville Field Office
Asheville DWQ Regional Office
Mr. John Dorney
Central Files
970188.1tr
Division of Water Quality • Environmental Sciences Branch
Environmental Sciences Branch, 4401 Reedy Creek Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607 Telephone [phone] FAX # [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Aff irmative Action Employer • 50% recycled/100/6 post consumer paper
State of North Carolina
Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director
C) EHNF=1
April 15, 1997
Avery County
DWQ Project # 970188
APPROVAL of 401 Water Quality Certification and ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS
W. Franklin Vick
N. C. Dept. of Transportation
Planning and Environmental Branch
P.O. Box 25201
Raleigh, NC 27611-5201
Dear Mr. Vick:
You have our approval, in accordance with the attached conditions and those listed below, to place fill
material in wetlands or waters for the purpose of replacing a bridge at Bridge No. 68 over North Toe River, as
you described in your application dated 12 February 1997. After reviewing your application, we have decided
that this fill is covered by General Water Quality Certification Numbers 3127 and 3197. These certifications
allow you to use Nationwide Permit Numbers 6 and 23 when they are issued by the Corps of Engineers.
This approval is only valid for the purpose and design that you described in your application except as
modified below. If you change your project, you must notify us and you may be required to send us a new
application. If total wetland fills for this project (now or in the future) exceed one acre, compensatory
mitigation may be required as described in 15A NCAC 2H.0506 (h) (6) and (7). For this approval to be
valid, you must follow the conditions listed in the attached certification and any additional conditions listed
below. Applicant is reminded to utilize High Quality Waters BMPs for this project due to the classification
of the adjacent stream. In addition, you should get any other federal, state or local permits before you go
ahead with your project including (but not limited to) Sediment and Erosion Control, Coastal Stormwater,
Non-Discharge and Water Supply Watershed regulations. This approval will expire when the accompanying
404 or CAMA permit expires unless otherwise specified in the General Certification.
If you do not accept any of the conditions of this certification, you may ask for an adjudicatory hearing.
You must act within 60 days of the date that you receive this letter. To ask for a hearing, send a written
petition which conforms to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes to the Office of
Administrative Hearings, P.O. Box 27447, Raleigh, N.C. 276 1 1-7447. This certification and its conditions
are final and binding unless you ask for a hearing.
This letter completes the review of the Division of Water Quality under Section 401 of the Clean Water
Act. If you have any questions, please telephone John Domey at 919-733-1786.
Sincerely,
l
ston Howar , r. P. .
Attachment
cc: Wilmington District Corps of Engineers
Corps of Engineers Asheville Field Office
Asheville DWQ Regional Office
,Mr John Do-ney47
Central Files
970188.1tr
Division of Water Quality • Environmental Sciences Branch
Environmental Sciences Branch, 4401 Reedy Creek Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607 Telephone [phone] FAX # [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Aff irmative Action Employer • 50% recycled/10% post consumer paper
' AVERY COUNTY, BRIDGE NO. 68
WATAUGA STREET IN NEWLAND
OVER NORTH TOE RIVER
' STATE PROJECT 8.2720501
FEDERAL-AID PROJECT NO. BRZ 1118(1)
TIP NO. B-3273
i
? .oPaoVEO.

/
ate
5' 2 3 9 6
Date

CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
AND
N.C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch, NCDOT
? U., 10
cPficholas L. Graf, P.E. ?.?
Division Administrator, FHWA

AVERY COUNTY, BRIDGE NO. 68
WATAUGA STREET IN NEWLAND
OVER NORTH TOE RIVER
STATE PROJECT 8.2720501
FEDERAL-AID PROJECT NO. BRZ 1118(1)
TIP NO. B-3273
Documentation Prepared by:
VAUGHN & MELTON CONSULTING ENGINEERS
7i'9 Date
Date
ate
S- "
Date
e?-, e'5' Z?'
Jerry A. Carter, P.E., RLS
Project Manager
for North Carolina Department of Transportation
ZA. Bissett, Jr., P.E.
Consultant Engineering Unit
? ?? P--, K
Th as R. Kendig, AICP
Project Manager
and the Town of Newland
The Honorable Beatrice Daniels
Mayor - Town of Newland
u
' AVERY COUNTY, BRIDGE NO. 68
WATAUGA STREET IN NEWLAND
OVER NORTH TOE RIVER
STATE PROJECT 8.2720501
FEDERAL-AID PROJECT NO. BRZ 1118(1)
TIP NO. B-3273
t
Bridge No. 68 is included in the Federal-Aid Bridge Replacement Program. The
' project location is shown in Figure 1. No substantial environmental impacts are
anticipated. The project has been classified as a Federal "categorical exclusion."
1. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS
' All standard procedures and measures will be implemented to avoid or minimize
environmental impacts. No special or unique environmental commitments are necessary.
' No wetlands will be impacted by the proposed action. Best Management Practices will
be utilized to minimize impacts to North Toe River.
Coordination will be maintained with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources
Commission with regards to construction near the trout stream.
' If concrete is used, work will be accomplished so that wet concrete does not
contact river water. Heavy equipment will be operated from the bank rather than in the
river channel in order to minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing
' other pollutants into the river. Temporary or permanent herbaceous vegetation will be
planted on all bare soil within 15 days of ground disturbing activities to provide long-term
erosion control.
' Design Standards for Sensitive Watershed Sedimentation Control Guidelines will
be used for this project to protect the existing WS classification and the trout
supplemental classification. The bridge will be designed so that weep holes do not drain
directly into the river. It ' It is anticipated a Bridge Replacement General Permit will be required by the US
Army Corps of Engineers and approval from TVA under section 26A of the TVA act.
' Foundation investigations will be required on this project. The investigation will
include test borings in soil and/or rock for in-site testing as well as obtaining samples for
laboratory testing. This may require test boring in streams and/on wetlands.

11

II. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Bridge No. 68 should be replaced at existing location as shown in Figure 2.
The recommended width of the new bridge is 8.4 meters (28 foot). The cross
section on the structure will consist of a 7.2 meter (24 foot) pavement with .6 meter (2-
foot) shoulder.
The National Bridge Inventory indicates that a structure 19.5 meters (64 feet) in
length should be used to replace Bridge No. 68. Approximately 100 meters (328 feet) of
roadway approaches will need to be reconstructed, 45 meters (148 feet) on the South
and 55 meters (180 feet) on the North.
The existing roadway has no recorded right-of-way. The proposed structure and
approach widening will require additional right-of-way. All property owners affected by the
improvements have voiced approval for the project and show no opposition to providing
additional right-of-way.
Traffic will be detoured along existing city streets during the 12-month construction
period. Figure 4, in Appendix A, shows the routes by which local traffic will be detoured.
Estimated cost, based on current prices, is $292,085.
The estimated cost of the project, as shown in the 1996-2002 Transportation
Improvement Program, is $250,000.
III. EXISTING CONDITIONS
Watauga Street is classified as a local route in the Statewide Functional
Classification System and is not part of the Federal Aid System.
In the vicinity of the bridge, Watauga Street has a 5.5 to 6.1 meter (18 to 20-foot)
pavement with .6 meter (2-foot) shoulders. Vertical alignment is good. Horizontal
alignment is good on the West end and involves a curve on the East End. Bridge No. 68
is situated 4.3 meters (14 feet) above the creek bed. The approaches are on
embankments ranging up to ±1.8 meters (6 feet) above natural ground. Land use in the
immediate vicinity of the bridges is primarily residential, and farmland. The speed limit is
40 km/h, (25 mph).
The current traffic volume of 300 VPD is expected to increase to approximately 600
VPD by the year 2010. The projected volume includes 1 % truck-tractor semi-trailer (TTST)
and 2% dual-tired vehicles (DT).
Bridge No. 68 (see Figure 3) was constructed as a single lane structure in 1950.
The super-structure consists of a timber floor/steel girder beam system. The
substructure is composed of concrete and stone masonry.
2

Overall length of Bridge No. 68 is 12.42 meters (40 feet, 9 inches). Clear roadway
' width is 4.6 meters (15 feet, 1 inch). The posted weight limit is 6.35 metric tons for single
vehicles and 10.9 metric tons for trucks with trailers.
' Bridge No. 68 has a sufficiency rating of 21.5 compared to a rating of 100 for a
new structure.
No accidents have been reported on Bridge No. 68 during the last year.
' The bridge is closed to use by school buses.
There is no deeded right-of-way for Watauga Street. The only existing right-of-way
' is by prescriptive use.
IV. ALTERNATIVES
Because Watauga Street has a fairly low volume of traffic [300 Vehicles Per Day
(VPD)] and is located in the Town of Newland with alternative routes available, the only
alternative bridge location replacement considered, was to replace the bridge on site.
' The roadway and bridge will be widened to the down stream side to minimize impacts to
the surrounding area.
' The "do-nothing" alternative would eventually necessitate closure of the bridge.
This is not prudent due to the traffic service provided by Watauga Street.
' "Rehabilitation" of the old bridge is not feasible due to its age and deteriorated
condition.
ESTIMATED COST
Estimated costs of the project is as follows:
Structure $121,200
'
Roadway Approaches 15,000
' Structure Removal 25,000
Engineering & 100,885
' Contingencies, include s P.E.
Right-of-Way & 30.000
' Utilities
' TOTAL $292,085

VI. TRAFFIC DETOUR
The Division Engineer concurs that traffic can be detoured during construction as
shown in Figure 4. Approximately 0.8 kilometers (0.5 miles) of additional travel would be
required for local traffic.
Provision of an on-site detour is not justifiable due to the availability of a suitable
detour route. Detour roadways and bridges are adequate to accommodate affected traffic
during the construction period.
Since the bridge is already closed to use by school buses, the Avery County
School Transportation Director has no objections if Bridge No. 68 is closed to traffic for
construction.
VI. RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENT
Bridge No. 68 should be replaced at the existing location as shown in Figure 2.
The replacement structure would have a 8.4 meter (28 foot) clear roadway width (Figure
6 shows the typical sections of the roadway and proposed structure).
The recommended improvements will include about 100 meters (328 feet) of
improved roadway approaches. A 7.2 meter (24 foot) pavement with .6 meter (2-foot)
shoulders should be provided on the approaches. The elevation of the new structure is
expected to remain the same as that of the existing structure. The length of the new
bridge is 19.5 meters (64 feet), which is based on the National Bridge Inventory sheet
prepared for the existing structure. The length and height may be adjusted as necessary
to accommodate peak flows to be determined by further studies. All widening will be
done to? the down stream side of the existing structure. This will minimize the impact to
the local area by utilizing land which is currently non-utilized.
Existing right-of-way for Watauga street is by prescriptive use only. Additional right-
of-way will be needed and all affected residences have voiced approval for the project.
VIII. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
The project is expected to have an overall positive impact. Replacement of the
inadequate bridge will result in safer traffic operations and will also permit use of the
bridge by school buses.
The project is considered to be a Federal "categorical exclusion" due to its limited
scope and lack of substantial environmental consequences.
The bridge replacement will not have a significant adverse effect on the quality of
the human or natural environment with the use of current NCDOT standards and
specifications.
4

The project is not in conflict with any plan, existing land use, or zoning regulation.
' No significant change in land use is expected to result from construction of the project.
No adverse impact on families or communities is anticipated. Right-of-way
' acquisition will be limited.
No significant adverse effect on public facilities or services is expected. The project
' is not expected to adversely affect social, economic, or religious opportunities in the area.
The bridge is to be replaced at its existing location. Therefore, the project is
' exempt from the Farmland Protection Policy Act.
There are no properties in the vicinity of the project that are eligible for inclusion
' in the National Register of Historic Places. The State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO)
was given an opportunity to review both the architecture and the archeological aspects
of the project to determine whether an intensive survey should be undertaken. No
request for an intensive survey was requested by the SHPO. (See letter in appendix B
dated October 11, 1995 from the Department of Cultural Resources).
' The project does not involve any Section 4(0 properties. There are no publicly-
owned parks, historic sites, recreational facilities, or wildlife and waterfowl refuges of
national, state, or local significance in the vicinity of the project.
Aquatic and terrestrial animal communities will be impacted to a limited extent, by
' proposed construction. Species that might inhabit these areas are southeastern shrew,
eastern mole, eastern cotton-tail, woodchuck, oldfield mouse, cotton rat, pine vole,
eastern harvest mouse, red fox, white tailed deer, as well as various avian, reptilian,
' amphibian, and crustacean populations.
In view of highly disturbed, highly fragmented nature of the existing site, anticipated
' impacts from bridge replacement will be minor. However, it is important to recognize that
while the area probably does not support a highly diverse assemblage of plant and/or
animal populations, due to its urban nature and past disturbances, there are resident
' populations of plant and animals which survive and even prosper in such disturbed site,
urban ecosystems.
' The project crosses the North Toe River, a designated public mountain trout water,
but since no construction activity is required or will be permitted in the river, no impact
to this valuable resource is expected. Best management practices will be required during
' construction and demolition of the existing bridge, and the implementation of the erosion
and sedimentation control plan established by NCDOT in cooperation with North Carolina
' Department of Environmental Health and Natural Resources (DEHNR), will insure
minimization of impacts associated with this project.
' There are no Federally or State endangered or threatened species within the
impact area of the proposed project. Furthermore, there are no wetlands or other
important environmental areas that will be impacted by the proposed action. (See letter
in Appendix B dated October 3, 1995 from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service).

The project is located with the Western Mountain Air Quality Control Region. The
ambient air quality for Avery County has been determined to be in compliance with the
National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Since this project is located in an area where the
State Implementation Plan (SIP) does not contain any transportation control measures,
the conformity procedures of 23 CFR 770 do not apply to this project.
The project will not substantially increase traffic volumes. Therefore, its impact on
noise levels and air quality will not be substantial. Noise levels could increase during
construction but will be temporary. If vegetation is disposed of by burning, all burning
shall be done in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations of the North
Carolina SIP for air quality in compliance with 15 NCAC 2D.0520. This evaluation
completes the assessment requirements of FAPG 7-7-3 (highway traffic noise) and FAPG
7-7-9 (air quality) and no additional reports are required.
Avery County is not a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program.
However, Flood Insurance Maps do exist in this area and the US Corps of Engineers has
a detailed hydraulic analysis of this area. The approximate 100-year floodplain in the
project area is shown in Figure 5. The amount of floodplain area to be affected is not
considered to be significant.
There are no practical alternatives to crossing the floodplain area. Any shift in
alignment would result in a crossing of about the same magnitude. The alignment of the
project is perpendicular to the floodplain area. All reasonable measures will be taken to
minimize any possible harm.
A bridge replacement general permit will be required from the Corps of Engineers
and approval from TVA (under section 26A of the TVA act). Since the North Toe River
is a designated public mountain trout water, the project will be coordinated with the North
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commision.
On the basis of the above discussion, it is concluded that no serious adverse
environmental effects will result from implementation of the project.
6

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APPENDIX A
(Figures)

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ry
d
FM-1 NE`dLANi
srxt r.t?r

NOW CAROLNA
G DEAARRADIT OR 71?ANSPORI'A?10N
OQASM OF 1NOMVS
PIJ11 " at EMIOAEmm
WATAUGA STREET BRIDGE NO.68
OVER NORTH TOE RIVER
TOWN OF NEWLANO. N.C.
AVERY COUNTY
B - 3273
12/95 FIG.1
o.

? -'T•U6. S?T.R,?E?ET
` P. PT
-sts
I .;
( `MQ
I
O
O •/
P.I. u0+117.427
0 54.36' 02' LT.
T 30.991m
L 57.212m
R 60.000m
E T.531m
Ru?Off .
RIMIgA t
CP .??
4
i
? N

SCALE - 1:1000
0 1000
MOM CAROLM
DEPARiMW OF 1 PANSPORTATM
DWOON OF FMQHMfAIS
MAN= & &VOMFNTAL
BRum
WATAUGA STREET BRIDGE NO.58
OVER NORTH TOE RIVER
TOWN OF NEWLAND. N.C.
AVERY COUNTY
8 - 3273
O
+
_O
Q P.I. - 0+020.294
D - 9057'08' LT.
T - 10.274m
L - 20.•496m
R - 116.000m
E 0.446m

12/95 FIG.2
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? .• y??,x,, j?t R.? r?.r °tfi• iy,;.,,. Wit, ti ,?;. a ?'"• s

v= NEI VON"
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?,? •- 41. LOOKING UPSTREAM
F t
} r
e (East)

•

I NORTH ABUTMENT
r?.? .
` AND
BEAMS

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46i.
W.

.,
- ROADWAY
(Looking South)
N W ` ,ti a
NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
wL ` DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
PLANNING ec EilIROMENTAL
BRANCH

WATAUGA STREET BRIDGE N0.68
OVER NORTH TOE RIVER
TOWN OF NEWLAND, N.C.
? AVERY COUNTY
8 - 3273
12/95 FIG.3
co '/ CAMP RD,
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DETauR
IV,
De??R
SCALE 1'600'
U 600'
s
PROJECT
SITE
NORTH
TOE
RIVER
fad, NORTH CAROLINA
1 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPMATM
? DNNSION OF HIGHWAYS
i PLANNING & EVROMENTAL w
BRANCH
WATAUGA STREET BRIDGE NO.68
OVER NORTH TOE RIVER
TOWN OF NEWLAND, N.C.
AVERY COUNTY
B - 3273
12/95 FIG.4
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p0: Q 701
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12/95
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BRIDGE
NO. 68

LUIV t b -
SCAL 1 600' ?a NOM CAROLM
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DNISON OF HIGHWAYS
0 600' PLANNNNG & EVNWMENTAL
• BRANCH
WATAUGA STREET BRIDGE NO.68
OVER NORTH TOE RIVER
TOWN OF NEWLAND, N.C.
AVERY COUNTY
B - 3273
FIG.5
-5orm NYA am
RESSTANT PAV3MDrr
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M! ML ML MI MI
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TRANSVERSE S M'rOW 0 MV-SPAN
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\ GRADE TO M$
UNE

I

APPENDIX B
(Correspondence)

United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Asheville Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
October 3, 1995
Mr. Jerry A. Carter, P.E.
Vaughn & Melton
Consulting Engineers
1419 Patton Avenue
Asheville, North Carolina 28806
Dear Mr. Carter:
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r
OCT - 5 1995
%/A & MLEL ON EN G;,'
j ASHEVILLE,L
' Subject: Scoping for proposed bridge replacement project over the North
Toe River in the Town of Newland, Avery County, North Carolina

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In your letter of September 27, 1995, you requested information regarding
potential environmental impacts that could result from the subject
project for your use in the preparation of a categorical exclusion. The
following comments are provided in accordance with the provisions of the
Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 661-667e), and
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C.
1531-1543) (Act).
According to your letter, the proposed bridge replacement project will
involve the construction of a new 63-foot-long, 28-foot-wide bridge
located on site of the existing structure. The proposed work will be
conducted in a primarily urban environment--downtown Newland--and will
not involve any work in the river.
We have reviewed our records and are familiar with the project area and
believe that no federally endangered or threatened species occur within
the impact area of the proposed action. In accordance with the
provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, we also reviewed
the subject project with regard to the effects the proposed action may
have on wetlands and related fish and wildlife resources. It appears
there will be no significant impacts to wetlands or other important
environmental areas in or adjacent to the proposed impact area.
Obviously, we encourage the use of best management practices to minimize
sedimentation associated with bridge replacement activities.

We appreciate the opportunity to provide these comments. In any future '
correspondence concerning this project, please reference our Log Number
4-2-96-002.
Si RardG. Ri iggins
Acti ng Field Supervisor

North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Betty Ray McCain, Secretary
Division of Archives and History
William S. Price, Jr., Director
October 11, 1995
' Jerry A. Carter, P.E.
Project Engineer
Vaughn & Melton
' 1419 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28806
Re: Bridge replacement project in Newland, Avery
' County, B-3273, ER 96-7595
Dear Mr. Carter:
' Thank you for your letter of September 27, 1995, concerning the above project.
' We have conducted a review of the project and are aware of no properties of
architectural, historic, or archaeological significance which would be affected by the
project. Therefore, we have no comment on the project as currently proposed.
' The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations
for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36 CFR Part 800.
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions
concerning the above comment, please contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental
review coordinator, at 919/733-4763.
' Sincerely,
&,P-4
i
David Brook
Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer
DB:slw
cc: N. Graf
H. F. Vick
B. Church
T. Padgett
i ?.
61996
a w & MF_J0
ASHEVILLE, "
' '109 East Jones Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807
Tennessee Valley Authority, 400 West Summit Hill Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902-1499
October 13, 1995
Mr. Jerry A. Carter, P.E.
Project Manager
Vaughn & Melton Consulting Engineers
1419 Patton Avenue
Asheville, North Carolina 28806
Dear Mr. Carter:
9915
cCT 16 r
VAUGHN & MELTON ENGINEERS
ASHEVILLE, NC
PRELIMINARY INQUIRY - BRIDGE REPLACEMENT - NORTH TOE RIVER - WATAUGA
STREET, TOWN OF NEWLAND, AVERY COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
We have received the scoping notice on proposed improvements to
Watauga Street in Newland, Avery County. It appears that the bridge
replacement on the North Toe River would require an approval under
section 26a of the TVA Act.
The following are typical conditions that TVA attaches to Section 26a
approvals for bridge and culvert replacements. You may wish to
include these as mitigation measures:
1. Best Management and Best Engineering Practices will be used to
prevent the introduction of soil or any other pollutants into
surface or groundwaters, including but not limited to the
following:
a. Installing cofferdams and/or silt control structures between
construction areas and the streams prior to any
soil-disturbing demolition/construction activity, and
clarifying all water that is trapped or accumulates behind
these devices to meet water quality criteria before it is
returned to the stream. Cofferdams must be used wherever
construction activity is at or below water elevation.
b. Removing demolition products and construction by-products
from the site for recycling, if practicable, or proper
disposal outside of a 100-year floodplain.
C. Minimizing removal of vegetation.
d. Keeping equipment out of streams (i.e., performing work "in
the dry").
e. Keeping equipment off stream banks to the degree practicable.
f. Using erosion control structures around any material
stockpile areas.
g. Removing, redistributing, and stabilizing (with vegetation)
all sediment which accumulates behind cofferdams and silt
control structures.
' Mr. Jerry A.
Page 2
October 13,

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Carter
1995
h. Using vegetation (versus shot rock or riprap) wherever
practicable and sustainable, to stabilize streambanks and
floodplain areas. These areas will be stabilized as soon
as practicable, using either an appropriate seed mixture
that includes an annual (quick cover) as well as 1 or 2
perennial legumes and 1 or 2 perennial grasses, or
equivalent sod. In certain periods of the year, this will
require initial planting of a quick cover annual only, to
be followed by subsequent establishment of the perennials.
Seed and soil will be protected as appropriate with erosion
control netting and/or mulch, and provided adequate
moisture. Streambank and floodplain areas will also be
permanently stabilized with native woody plants, to include
trees wherever practicable and sustainable and consistent
with other regulatory agency specifications.
i. Applying clean/shaken riprap or shot rock (where needed at
water/bank interface) over a water permeable/soil
impermeable fabric or geotextile and in such a manner as to
avoid stream sedimentation or disturbance.
j. Avoiding spilling concrete, or other substances or
materials, into the streams.
k. Designing/constructing any instream piers in such a manner
as to discourage river scouring or sediment deposition.
1. Bank, shoreline, and floodplain stabilization will be
permanently maintained in order to prevent erosion, protect
water quality, and preserve aquatic habitat.
M. Culverts are constructed in phases, and adequate streambank
protection measures are employed, such that the diverted
streamflow is handled without creating streambank or
streambed erosion/sedimentation and without preventing fish
passage.
2. Culverts (and any culvert extensions) must allow for the creation
and maintenance of natural streambed substrate, or natural
substrate and pool areas, throughout the culvert; and must
create/maintain velocities and flow patterns which offer refuge
for fish and other aquatic life, and allow passage of indigenous
fish species under all flow conditions. Where new culverts are
planned, or where existing culverts are to be extended, culvert
floors (bottom slabs) must be buried at least one foot below
natural streambed grade, and natural streambed material placed on
the culvert floor.

Mr. Jerry A. Carter
Page 3
October 13, 1995
3. All natural stream values (including equivalent energy
dissipation, elevations, and velocities; riparian vegetation;
riffle/pool sequencing; habitat suitable for fish and other
aquatic life) must be provided at all stream modification sites.
This must be accomplished using a combination of rock and .
bioengineering, and is not accomplished using solid, homogeneous
riprap from bank to bank.
A hydraulic analysis of effects of the project on the base (100-year)
flood elevation will need'to be submitted for 26a review and approval
for all bridges crossing streams with a drainage area of one square
mile or greater.
Once your NEPA review is completed, an application for 26a approval
should be submitted to F. C. Bennett, TVA Upper Holston Reservoir Land
Management, 4105 Fort Henry Drive, Suite 218, Kingsport, Tennessee
37663; telephone [phone]. Should you have any questions, please
contact Harold M. Draper at [phone].
Sincerely,
Dale V. Wilhelm, Liaison
National Environmental Policy Act
Environmental Management
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REPLY TO
ATTENTION OF
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
WILMINGTON DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
P.O. BOX 1890
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28402-1890
November 3, 1995
Special Studies and
Flood Plain Services Section
NOV 1 0 1995
,'AUGHN & ?N1 EN<iEE2 E
Mr. Jerry A. Carter, P.E. L ASHEVILLE, NC
' Project Engineer
Vaughn & Melton Consulting Engineers
' 1419 Patton Avenue
Asheville, North Carolina 28806
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Dear Mr. Carter:
This is in response to your letter of September 27, 1995, requesting
comments on the North Carolina Department of Transportation "Bridge
Replacement Project in the Town of Newland in Avery County, North Carolina"
(Regulatory Action I.D. No. 199600010).
Our comments are enclosed. We appreciate the opportunity to comment on
this project. If we can be of further assistance, please contact us.
Sincerely,
i iam R. Dawson, .E.
hief, Engineering and
Planning Division
Enclosure
Printed on is Recoad Paper
November 3, 1995
Page 1 of 1
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, WILMINGTON DISTRICT, COMMENTS ON:
"Bridge Replacement Project in the Town of Newland In Avery County, North Carolina" (Regulatory Action
I.D. No. 199600010)
1. FLOOD PLAINS: POC - Bobby L. Willis, Special Studies and Flood Plain Services Section, at
[phone]
Avery County is within the planning jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District
and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) with respect to any construction or development involving the
flood plains. At this time, the Nashville District does not have any projects that would be affected by this
proposed project. Mr. Dennis Williams may be contacted at [phone] for further information and
comments from the Nashville District. Flood plain concerns are normally addressed within the TVA Section
26a permitting process. A 26a permit is required for all construction or development Involving streams or
flood plains in the Tennessee River drainage basin. Mr. Roger Milstead at [phone] should be
contacted for information on the TVA 26a permitting process.
From a review of the December 1984 Town of Newland Flood Insurance Rate Map, the bridge is over the
North Toe River, a detail study stream with 100-year flood elevations determined and a floodway defined.
We suggest that the Federal Emergency Management Agency be contacted relative to the need for a
no-rise certification. Also, the project should be designed to meet any other requirements of the National
Flood Insurance Program and be in compliance with all local ordinances. Specific questions pertaining to
community flood plain regulations or developments should be referred to the local building official.
2. WATERS AND WETLANDS: POC - Steve Chapin, Asheville Field Office, Regulatory Branch, at
[phone]
Department of the Army (DA) permit authorization, pursuant to Section 404 of the River and Harbor Act
of 1977, as amended, within the State of North Carolina is handled by the Regulatory Branch of the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District.
Section 404 permits will be required for the discharge of excavated or fill material in waters of the United
States or any adjacent and/or isolated wetlands in conjunction with your proposed bridge replacement,
4ncluding disposal of construction debris. The replacement of this bridge may be eligible for nationwide
permit authorization [33 CFR 330.5(a)(23)] as a Categorical Exclusion, depending upon the amount of
jurisdictional wetlands to be impacted by the project and the construction techniques utilized. Please be
reminded that prior to utilization of nationwide permits within any of the 25 designated mountain trout
counties, you must obtain a letter with recommendation (s) from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources
Commission and a letter of concurrence from the Wilmington District Engineer. In addition, any
jurisdictional impacts associated with temporary access roads or detours, cofferdams, or other dewatering
structures should be addressed in the Categorical Exclusion documentation in order to be authorized by
Nationwide Permit No. 23. If such information is not contained within the Categorical Exclusion
documentation, then other DA permits may be required prior to construction activities.
When final plans are complete, including the extent and location of any work within waters of the United
States and wetlands, our Regulatory Branch would appreciate the opportunity to review those plans for a
project-specific determination of DA permit requirements. Questions or comments concerning
DA permits may be directed to Mr. Chapin.
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® North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 91
512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604-1188, 919-733-3391
Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director
MEMORANDUM
TO: Jerry A. Carter, Project Engineer
Vaughn & Melton Consulting Engineers
FROM: Stephanie E. Goudreau, Mt. Region Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Program
DATE: November 17, 1995
SUBJECT: Additional scoping comments regarding replacement of existing bridge over the
North Toe River along Watauga Street in the Town of Newland, Avery County,
TIP #B-3273.
Attached are my comments dated 11 October 1995 regarding the subject project. I
apologize for the fact that you failed to receive them in a timely manner.
In addition to my previous comments, you may want to contact the Natural Heritage
Program at 919/733-7701 to determine if the project has the potential to impact listed species.
' - To ensure that future requests for scoping comments are circulated to all pertinent state
agencies, you may want to direct future letters to Ms. Chrys Baggett of the State Clearinghouse
(919/733-7232) or Ms. Melba McGee of the Department of Environment, Health, and Natural
' Resources (919/715-4194).
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project. If you have any
' questions regarding these comments, please contact me at 704/652-4257. Again, I apologize for
the delay.
ki P^' ?U U
'r ., 11,
NOV 2 13
:-AJGHN & MELTON ENGINEESIS ,y
AS!-;EVILLE, NC 1
-2-
Copies Furnished (with enclosure
and incoming correspondence):
Ms. Barbara Miller
Chief, Flood Risk Reduction
Tennessee Valley Authority
400 West Summit Hill Drive
Knoxville, Tennessee 37902-1499
Mr. Dennis Williams (CEORN-EP-H-M)
U.S. Army Engineer District, Nashville
Post Office Box 1070
Nashville, Tennessee 37202-1070
Ms. Stephanie Briggs
Supervisor, Permits Section
Planning and Environmental Branch
North Carolina Division of Highways
Post Office Box 25201
Raleigh, NC 27611-5201

11

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® North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604-1188, 919-733-3391
MEMORANDUM Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director
TO: Melba McGee, Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
Dept. of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources
FROM: Stephanie E. Goudreau, Mt. Region Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Program
DATE: October 11, 1995 _--
SUBJECT: Scoping comments for replacement of existing bridge over the North Toe River along Watauga
Street in the Town of Newland, Avery County, TIP #B-3273.
This correspondence responds to a request by Mr. Jerry Carter of Vaughn & Melton Consulting Engineers
for scoping comments regarding the subject project. The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes to
replace the existing one-lane bridge with a two-lane bridge at the same location, and a categorical exclusion is
being prepared for the project.
Biological staff of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) have the following
comments regarding this project:
1) The North Toe River is designated as Hatchery Supported Public Mountain Trout Water at the project site,
indicating that the river is stocked with hatchery trout. The river also supports wild trout.
2) Project sponsors should contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to determine if a 404 permit is required
for this project. Contact is Mr. Steve Chapin at 704/271-4014. Because the Corps has designated Avery
County as one of the 25 trout counties, project sponsors should also provide a copy of the permit
application to the WRC at the same time one is sent to the Corps so that we may provide a letter of
concurrence to the Corps.
3) If concrete will be used, work must be accomplished so that wet concrete does not contact river water.
This will lessen the chance of altering the river's water chemistry and causing a fish kill.
4) If possible, heavy equipment should be operated from the bank rather than in the river channel in order to
minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other pollutants into the river.
5) Temporary or permanent herbaceous vegetation should be planted on all bare soil within 15 days of
ground disturbing activities to provide long-term erosion control.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment during the early stages of this project. If you have
' any questions regarding these comments, please contact me at 704/652-4257.

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
Division of Environmental Management
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P,E„ Director
Mr. Jerry A. Carter, P.E.
Vaughn and Melton
Consulting Engineers
1419 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28806
Dear Mr. Carter:
The Division of Environmental Management (DEM) has reviewed your
September 27, 1995 letter dealing with the bridge replacement on Watauga Street in
Newland North Carolina. The National Wetland Inventory maps do not indicate that
there are wetlands in the project vicinity. We request that an individual that can make
jurisdictional wetland delineations inspect the location for wetlands if there will be
alignment changes or if there will be an on-site detour.
The North Toe River at this location has a stream classification of WS III Tr.
DEM requests that Design Standards for Sensitive Watershed Sedimentation Control
Guidelines be used for this project to protect the existing WS classification and the
trout supplemental classification. Furthermore, DEM request that the bridge be
designed so that weep holes do not drain directly into the river.
It is recommended that future scoping requests be sent through the State
Clearinghouse. Please contact Ms. Chrys Baggett at [phone] to determine the
appropriate information to be sent to the State.
Should you wish to discuss this further, I can be reached at [phone].
Sincerely,
cc: Mr. Richard Davis, DOT
Ms. Lori Szemple
b3273.com
Q110)i
FE [***-,J F1
November 20 1995 P t L '
NOV241995

VAUGHN & MELTON ENGINEER '
ASHEVILLE, NC

Eric Galamb
Environmental Specialist

P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post-consumer paper
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State of North Carolina
Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
Division of Parks & Recreation
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
Dr. Philip K. McKnelly, Director
November 27, 1995
Mi. Jerry Carter
Vaughn & Melton
1419 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28806
A171FA
44
ID F== F1
SUBJECT: Rare Species, High Quality Natural Communities, and
Significant Natural Areas in the Proposed Newland Bridge
Replacement Project Area, Avery County, North Carolina
Dear Mr. Carter:
The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program does not have records
of known rare species, high quality natural communities, or
significant natural areas occurring at or within a 0.5 mile
radius of the Newland/Watauga Street bridge replacement project
area. To our knowledge, this project area has not been
systematically inventoried and we cannot definitively state that
rare species or significant natural areas do not occur there.
The North Toe River is not a Wild and Scenic River. However, the
' Water. Quality Section of the NC Division of Environmental
Management may have a classification for this stream. You will
need to contact them at [phone] for this information.
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Enclosed is a list of rare species that are known to occur in
Avery County. If suitable habitat for any of these species
occurs in the project area, then those species may be present at
the project site. If it is necessary to be certain that this
site does not contain rare species, a field survey would need to
be conducted.
Please contact me at the address below or call me at (919) 733-
7701 if you have any questions or need further information.
Sincerely,
Inge Smith
Information Specialist
Natural Heritage Program
/iks
Enclosures
?f
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is ?' IS a 'U Ni
1f NOV301995
H N & MELTON ENGINEERS
IVAUG?
ASHEVILLE, NC
' R0. Box 27687, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7687 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post-consumer paper
NATURAL HERITAGE ELEMENTS AND SPECIES STATUS CODES
The attached output from the N.C. Natural Heritage Program database is a listing of
the elements (rare species, geologic features, natural communities, and special
animal habitats) known to occur in your geographic area of interest. The
information on this printout is compiled from a variety of sources, including field
surveys, museums and herbaria, literature, and personal communications. The
database is dynamic, with new records being added and old records being revised as
we receive new information. The enclosed list cannot be considered a definitive
record of natural heritage elements, and it should not be considered a substitute
for field surveys. When this information is used in any document, we request that
the printout date be given and that the Natural Heritage Program be credited.
This cover sheet explains the four columns of status codes that are given on the
right-hand side of the printout.
STATE PROTECTION
CODE STATUS CODE STATUS
E Endangered SR Significantly Rare
T Threatened V Vulnerable
SC Special Concern UNK Undetermined
C Candidate EX Extirpated
P_ Proposed (E, T, or C)
Plant statuses are determined by the Plant Conservation Program (N.C. Dept. of
Agriculture) and the Natural Heritage Program (N.C. Dept. of Environment, Health,
and Natural Resources). E, T, and SC species are protected by state law (the Plant
Protection and Conservation Act, 1979); C and SR designations indicate rarity and
the need for population monitoring and conservation action, as determined by the
Plant Conservation and Natural Heritage Programs.
Animal statuses that indicate state protection (E, T, and SC) are published in
"Endangered Wildlife of North Carolina", March 16, 1992, N.C. Nongame and Endangered
Wildlife Program. The Significantly Rare, Undetermined, Vulnerable and Extirpated
statuses are (for the most part) Natural Heritage Program designations. They
indicate rarity and the need for population monitoring and conservation action.
FEDERAL PROTECTION
The current federal status is listed in "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and
Plants, July 15, 1991 (SO CPR 17.11 & 17.12, Department of the Interior).
Definitions are taken from the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended through
the 100th Congress (1988), and the Federal Register, Part VIII, November 21, 1991
(50 CPR 17, Department of the Interior).
CODE STATUS DEFINITION
E Endangered A taxon which "is in danger of extinction
throughout all or a significant portion of its
range"
T Threatened A taxon "which is likely to become an endangered
species within the foreseeable future throughout
all or a significant portion of its range"
P_ Proposed A taxon which has been proposed for official
listing as endangered or threatened
L_ Listed A taxon which has been officially listed as
endangered or threatened
Cl Category I A taxon which is under consideration, and for
("Candidate 1") which there is sufficient information to support
listing
' b
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or
on,
Category 2 A taxon which is under considerat
("Candidate 20) which there is insufficient information to support
listing
' 3A Category 3A A taxon which was formerly under consideration for
("Candidate 3A") listing, but for which there is "persuasive
evidence of extinction"
33 Category 33 A taxon which was formerly under consideration for
("Candidate 33") listing, but which current taxonomic understanding
does not support as a distinct entity meeting the
Endangered Species Act's definition of "species"
' 3C Category 3C A taxon formerly under consideration for listing,
("Candidate 3C") but which has been "proven to be more abundant or
widespread than previously believed and/or (which
"
' is] not subject to any identifiable threat
' GLOBAL AND STATE RANK
rarity
tem of measurin
'
d
These rank g
s sys
by The Nature Conservancy
s are determine
and threat status. "Global" refers to worldwide and "State" to statewide.
' RANK DEFINITION
G1 Critically imperiled globally because of extreme rarity or otherwise
very vulnerable to extinction throughout its range
' G2 Imperiled globally because of rarity or otherwise vulnerable to
extinction throughout its range
03 Either very rare and local throughout its range, or found locally in
' a restricted area
G4 Apparently secure globally, although it may be quite rare in parts
of its range (especially at the periphery)
' G5 Demonstrably secure globally, although it may be quite rare in parts
of its range (especially at the periphery)
GS Of historical occurrence throughout its range
' GB Believed to be extinct throughout its range
GU Possibly in peril but status uncertain; more information is needed
G? Unranked, or rank uncertain
Q Of questionable taxonomic status
T Status of subspecies or variety; the G rank refers to the species as
' a whole
State rank codes follow the same definitions, except the words "in the state" should
be substituted for "globally" or "throughout its range." Also, there are four
' additional state ranks:
RANK DEFINITION
' SR Reported from North Carolina, but without persuasive documentation
B Rank of the breeding population in North Carolina; used only for
migratory species
N Rank of the non-breeding population in North Carolina; used only for
migratory species
Z Population is not of significant conservation concern; applies to
' _ transitory, migratory species
2/4/93
N.C. Natural Heritage Program P.a. Box 27687
t Division of Parks and Recreation Raleigh, NC 27611

SCIENTIFIC AND STATE FED. STATE GLOBAL
COMMON NAME PROT. PROT. RANK RANK
a*s Avery
** Vertebrates
ACCIPITER STRIATUS SR - S2B,S4 G5
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK
AEGOLIUS ACADICUS SC - S2B,SU G5
NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL
CATHARUS GUTTATUS SR - S1B,S5 G5
HERMIT THRUSH
CLEMMYS MUHLENBERGII T C2 S2 G3
BOG TURTLE
COCCYZUS ERYTHROPTHALMUS SR - S2B,SZ G5
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO
CORVUS CORAX SR - S3 05
COMMON RAVEN
CORYNORHINUS TOWNSENDII VIRGINIANUS E LE Si G4T2
VIRGINIA BIG-EARED BAT
CRYPTOBRANCHUS ALLEGANIENSIS SC C2 S3 G4
HELLBENDER
DENDROICA MAGNOLIA SR - S1B,SZ G5
MAGNOLIA WARBLER
EMPIDONAX ALNORUM SR - S2B,SZ G5
ALDER FLYCATCHER
FALCO PEREGRINUS E LE S1B,S2 G4
PEREGRINE FALCON
GLAUCOMYS SABRINUS COLORATUS E LE S 1 G5T1
CAROLINA NORTHERN FLYING SQUIRREL
MICROTUS CHROTORRHINUS CAROLINENSIS SC C2 S2 G5T3
SOUTHERN ROCK VOLE
MUSTELA NIVALIS SR - S2 G5
LEAST WEASEL
MYOTIS LEIBII SC C2 SUB,S2 G3
EASTERN SMALL-FOOTED MYOTIS
MYOTIS SEPTENTRIONALIS SC - SUB,S2 G4
NORTHERN MYOTIS
NEOTOMA MAGISTER SC. C2 S1S2 G3G4
ALLEGHENY WOODRAT
PARUS ATAICAPILLUS SC - S3 G5
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE
PLETHODON WELLERI SC - S2 G4
WELLER'S SALAMANDER
RIPARIA RIPARIA SR SUB,SZ G5
BANK SWALLOW
SOREX PALUSTRIS PUNCTULATUS SC C2 S1S2 G5T3
SOUTHERN WATER SHREW
SPHYRAPICUS VARIUS SR - S2B,S5 G5
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER
SYLVILAGUS OBSCURUS SR C2 S3 G4
APPALACHIAN COTTONTAIL
THRYOMANES BEWICKII ALTUS E C2 SHB,SZ G5T?
APPALACHIAN BEWICK'S WREN
VIREO GILVUS SR - S2B,SZ G5
WARBLING VIREO
NC NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM. NC DIVISION OF PARKS AND RECREATION JUNE 1"S
SCIENTIFIC AND STATE FED. STATE GLOBAL
' COMMON NAME PROT. PROT. RANK RANK
•* Invertebrates
ERORA LAETA SR - S2? G4
EARLY HAIRSTREAK
EUPHYDRYAS PHAETON SR - S2S3 G4
BALTIMORE
MESODON SUBPALLIATUS Sc - S2 G?
VELVET COVERT
MICROHEXURA MONTIVAGA SR E Si G1
' SPRUCE-FIR MOSS SPIDER
PARAVITREA ANDREWSAE SC - S2 G?
HIGH MOUNTAIN SUPERCOIL
' POLYGONIA FAUNUS SR - S2S3 G5
GREEN COMMA
POLYGONIA PROGNE SR - S1S2 G5
GRAY COMMA
SPEYERIA DIANA SR C2 S3 G3
DIANA
SPEYERIA IDALIA SR C2 S1 G3
' REGAL FRITILLARY
** Vascular plants
t ACONITUM RECLINATUM SR - S3 G3
TRAILING WOLFSBANE
AGROSTIS MERTENSII C - Si G5
ARCTIC BENTGRASS
ALNUS VIRIDIS SSP CRISPA C - Si G5T5
GREEN ALDER
ARABIS GLABRA C - SH G5
' TOWER MUSTARD
ARETHUSA BULBOSA E - Si G4
BOG ROSE
' ARISAEMA TRIPHYLLUM SSP STEWARDSONII SR - Si G5T4
BOG JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT
ASTILBE CRENATILOBA C C2 SH GHQ
ROAN FALSE GOAT'S BEARD
BOTRYCHIUM MATRICARIIFOLIUM SR - Si G5
DAISY-LEAF MOONWORT
BOTRYCHIUM ONEIDENSE C - Si G3G4
' BLUNT-LOBED GRAPE FERN
BRACHYELYTRUM SEPTENTRIONALE SR - S2? G4G5

' NORTHERN SHORTHUSK
CALAMAGROSTIS CANADENSIS
SR
-
S1
G5
CANADA REEDGRASS
CALTHA PALUSTRIS SR - S1 G5
MARSH MARIGOLD
CAMPANULA APARINOIDES SR - S2 G5
MARSH BELLFLOWER
CARDAMINE.CLEMATITIS C C2 S2? G2
MOUNTAIN BITTERCRESS
CAREX AENEA E - Si G5
BRONZESEDGE
CAREX LEPTONERVIA
C
-
S i
G4
A WOOD SEDGE
CAREX MANHARTII C C2 S2 G2?
MANHART'S SEDGE
NC NATURAL IIERITAGE PROGRAM, NC DIVISION OF PARKS AND RECREATION JUNE 1995

SCIENTIFIC AND STATE FED. STATE GLOBAL
COMMON NAME PROT. PROT. RANK RANK
CAREX MISERA SR 3C S3 G3
WRETCHED SEDGE
CAREX OLIGOSPERMA C/PE - S I G4
FEW-SEEDED SEDGE
CAREX PROJECTA C - SH G5
NECKLACE SEDGE
CAREX TRISPERMA SR - Si G5
THREE-SEEDED SEDGE
CAREX WOODU SR - S2 G4Q
WOOD'S SEDGE
CHELONE CUTHBERTII SR - S3? G3
CUTHBERT'STURTLEHEAD
COELOGLOSSUM VIRIDE VAR VIRESCENS C - Si G5T5
LONG-BRACTED FROG ORCHID
CONIOSELINUM CHINENSE E - Si G5
HEMLOCK-PARSLEY
COREOPSIS LATIFOLIA SR 3C S3 G3
BROADLEAF COREOPSIS
EPILOBIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM SR - S1 G5
PURPLE WILLOWHERB
EPILOBIUM CILIATUM SR - S2 G5
PURPLELEAF WILLOWHERB
GEUM ALEPPICUM C - S i G5
YELLOW AVENS
GEUM GENICULATUM T C2 S2 G2
BENT AVENS
GEUM LACINIATUM VAR TRICHOCARPUM SR - Si G5T?
ROUGH AVENS
GEUM RADIATUM E-SC LE Si GI
SPREADING AVENS
HELIANTHEMUM PROPINQUUM C - S 1 G4
CREEPING SUNROSE
HOUSTONIA MONTANA E LE S2 G2Q
MOUNTAIN BLUET
HUPERZIA APPALACHIANA C - S2 G3G4
APPALACHIAN FIR-CLUBMOSS
LIATRIS HELLERI T-SC LT Si GI
HELLER'S BLAZING STAR
LILIUM CANADENSE SSP EDITORUM C - S1 G5T4?
RED CANADA LILY
LILIUM GRAYI T-SC C2 S3 G3
GRAY'S LILY
LILIUM PHILADELPHICUM VAR PHILADELPHICUM C - Si G5T?
WOOD LILY
LIAARIS LOESELII C - S i G5
FEN ORCHID
LISTERA CORDATA C - SH G5
HEART-LEAVED TWAYBLADE
LYCOPODIELLA INUNDATA C - Si G5
BOG CLUBMOSS
MEEHANIA CORDATA SR - S2 G5
MEEHANIA
MINUARTIA GROENLANDICA C - S2 G5
GREENLAND SANDWORT
NC NATURAL IIERITAGE PROGRAM, NC DIVISION OF PARKS AND RECREATION JUNE 1995
' SCIENTIFIC AND
COMMON NAME STATE
PROT FED.
PROT STATE
RANK GLOBAL
RANK
. .
OENOTHERA PERENNIS C - Si G5
PERENNIAL SUNDROPS
PARNASSUA GRANDIFOLIA C/PT - Si G2G3
LARGE-LEAVED GRASS-OF-PARNASSUS
PLATANTHERA GRANDIFLORA SR - S2 G5
' LARGE PURPLE-FRINGED ORCHID
POA PALUDIGENA E C2 Si G3
BOG BLUEGRASS
' POA PALUSTRIS SR - Si G5
SWAMP BLUEGRASS
PRENANTHES ROANENSIS SR 3C S3 G3
ROAN RATTLESNAKEROOT
RHODODENDRON VASEYI SR 3C S3 G3
PINK-SHELL AZALEA
ROBINIA HISPMA VAR FERTILIS C - Si G5T2
FRUITFUL LOCUST
SAXIFRAGA CAROLINIANA C C2 S2 G2
CAROLINA SAXIFRAGE
' SENECIO PAUPERCULUS SR - Si? G5
BALSAM RAGWORT
SENECIO SCHWEINITZIANUS E - S2 G5?
' SCHWEINITZ'S RAGWORT
SOLIDAGO SPITHAMAEA E LT Si G1
BLUE RIDGE GOLDENROD
SPARGANIUM CHLOROCARPUM C - Si G5
' GREENFRUIT BUR-REED
SPIRANTHES OCHROLEUCA SR - Si G4
YELLOW LADIES'-TRESSES
' THELYPTERIS SIMULATA T - Si G5
BOG FERN
TORREYOCHLOA PALLIDA SR Si G5?
' PALE MANNAGRASS
TRICHOPHORUM CESPITOSUM C S2 G5
DEERHAIR BULRUSH
' VACCINIUM MACROCARPON C - S2 G4
CRANBERRY
VERONICA AMERICANA SR - S2 G5
AMERICAN SPEEDWELL
' ZIGADENUS LEIMANTHOIDES C - Si G4Q
PINEBARREN DEATH-CAMUS
' ** Nonvascular plants
BAZZANIA NUDICAULIS C C2 S2 G2G3
A LIVERWORT
' CAMPYLOPUS PARADOXUS C - Si G3?
PARADOXICAL CAMPYLOPUS
CETRARIA ARENARIA SR - S2 G4
A FOLIOSE LICHEN
' DICRANUM UNDULATUM SR - Si G5
BOG BROOM-MOSS
GYMNODERMA LINEARE
ROCK GNOME LICHEN T LE S2 G2
HOMALIA TRICHOMANOIDES C - Si G5
LIME HOMALIA

NC NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM, NC DIVISION OF PARKS AND RECREATION JUNE 1995

.
SCIENTIFIC AND
STATE
FED.
STATE
GLOBAL
COMMON NAME PROT. PROT. RANK RANK
HYDROTHYRIA VENOSA C - S2 G3
AN AQUATIC LICHEN
LEPTODONTIUM EXCELSUM C - S1 G2?
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN LEPTODONTIUM
LEPTODONTIUM FLEXIFOLIUM SR - S1 G5
PALE-MARGINED LEPTODONTIUM
MELANELIA STYGIA SR - S1S2 G4G5
A FOLIOSE LICHEN
MYLIA TAYLORII SR - S1 G5
A LIVERWORT
PLAGIOCHILA AUSTINII SR - S1S2 G3
A LIVERWORT
PLAGIOCHILA CORMCULATA SR - S2 G3?
A LIVERWORT
PLAGIOCHILA SULLIVANTII VAR SULLIVANTII C C2 S2 G2T2
A LIVERWORT
PLAGIOCHILA VIRGINICA VAR CAROLIAIIANA C C2 S1 03T2
A LIVERWORT
RHYTIDIUM RUGOSUM SR - S2 G5
GOLDEN TUNDRA-MOSS
SPHAGNUM FALLAX SR - S1 G5
PRETTY PEATMOSS
SPHENOLOBOPSIS PEARSONII C C2 S2 G2
A LIVERWORT
SPLACHNUM PENNSYLVANICUM C - SH G2?
SOUTHERN DUNG MOSS
'• Natural communities
ACIDIC COVE FOREST - - S5 G5
BOULDERFIELD FOREST - - S3 G3
CANADA HEMLOCK FOREST - - S5 G5
CHESTNUT OAK FOREST - - S5 G5
FRASER FIR FOREST - - S1 G1
GRASSY BALD - - S2 G2
HEATH BALD - - S3 G4
HIGH ELEVATION GRANITIC DOME - - S2 G2
HIGH ELEVATION RED OAK FOREST - - S5 G5
HIGH ELEVATION ROCKY SUMMIT - - S2 G2
HIGH ELEVATION SEEP - - S3 G3
MONTANE ACIDIC CLIFF - - S3 G4
MONTANE ALLUVIAL FOREST - S1 G2?
MONTANE CALCAREOUS CLIFF - - S1 G?
NC NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM. NC DIVISION OF PARKS AND RECREATION JUNE 1995
SCIENTIFIC AND STATE FED. STATE GLOBAL
' COMMON NAME . PROT. PROT. RANK RANK
1 MONTANE OAK-HICKORY FOREST - - S5 G5
NORTHERN HARDWOOD FOREST (BEECH GAP SUBTYPE) - S2? 02?
NORTHERN HARDWOOD FOREST (TYPIC SUBTYPE) - - S4 05
PINE-OAK/HEATH - - S4 G5
' -
FRASER FIR FOREST
RED SPRUCE S2 G2
-
-
' RICH COVE FOREST - - S4 G4
ROCKY BAR AND SHORE - - S5 G5
' SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BOG (NORTHERN SUBTYPE) - - S1 G1T1
SWAMP FOREST-BOG COMPLEX (SOUTHERN SUBTYPE) - - S2 G2G3T2
1

1

t -

NC NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM. NC DIVISION OF PARKS AND RECREATION JUNE 1995
y?S_Art
0U)o I
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
JAMES B. HUNT JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GARLAND B. GARRETT JR.
GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 SECRETARY
February 12, 1997
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
Regulatory Field Office
P. O. Box 1890
Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890 L
ATTENTION: Mr. Cliff Winefordner
Chief, Southern Section..
Dear Sir:
SUBJECT:. Avery County, Watauga Street in Newland, replace Bridge No. 68
over North Toe River; Federal Aid No. BRZ-1118(1); State Project
No. 8.2720501; TIP, No. B-3273.
Attached for your information is a copy of the project planning document prepared
by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) and signed by the Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA) on May 1996. The project involves replacing Bridge
No. 68 over the North Toe River on Watauga Street in Newland. The new bridge will be
placed on existing alignment. During project construction, traffic will be routed using an
off-site detour. No jurisdictional wetlands will be impacted by the proposed p&cith
The project is being processed by the FHWA as a "Categorical Exclusn
accordance with 23 CFR 771.115(b). Therefore, we do not anticipate request individual permit but propose to proceed under a Nationwide Permit in accord 33 CFR 330 Appendix A (B-23) issued 13 December 1996, by the Corps of Engineers
(COE). The provisions of Section 330.4 and Appendix A (C) of these regulations will be
followed in the construction of the project.
It is anticipated that 401 General Water Quality Certification for an approved CE
will apply to this project. A copy of the CE document has been provided to the North
Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources, Division of Water
Quality (DWQ), for their review. Since this project occurs in a designated trout county, a
copy of this document is also being provided to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission
(WRC) for their review.
9
y_ . W
As noted in the CE document prepared for the subject project, foundation
investigations will be needed for this project. It is anticipated that this activity may be
authorized under a Section 404 Nationwide Permit 6 (Survey Activities). This work
would not require notification if not for the fact that this project lies in a mountain trout
county.
As stated in the CE document for this bridge replacement, the DOT commits to
the implementation of Design Standards for Sensitive Watershed Sedimentation Control
Guidelines in addition to standard Best Management Practices. The DOT also commits to
designing the bridge without weep holes draining directly into the North Toe River.
Enclosed is a project site map, as well as a completed preconstruction notification
form for a Nationwide Permit 6 and 401 General Water Quality Certification for survey
activities. These permits are necessary for survey work within the North Toe River. The
DOT asks that the bridge replacement work be authorized under a Nationwide Permit 23
and 401 General Water Quality Certification. The DOT is also requesting that the WRC
provide comments to the COE concerning both permit requests.
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact
Mr. Phillip Todd at [phone], Extension 314.
Sincerer
H. Franklin Vick, PE, Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
HFV/pct
cc: w/ attachment
Mr. Bob Johnson, COE, Asheville
Mr. John Dorney, NCDEHNR, Division of Water Quality
Ms. Stephanie Goudreau, WRC, Marion
Mr. William Rogers, PE, Structure Design
w/o attachment
Mr. Kelly Barger, PE, Program Development
Mr. Don Morton, Highway Design
Mr. A. L. Hankins, Hydraulics Unit
Mr. Tom Shearin, PE, Roadway Design
Mr. W. E. Hoke, PE, Division I 1 Engineer
Mr. Bill Moore, Geotechnical Unit
Mr. Tom Kendig, Planning & Environmental
. _... 9
DEM ID: 9 7 0 1 B 8 CORPS ACTION ID:
199600010
NATIONWIDE PERMIT REQUESTED (PROVIDE NATIONWIDE PERMIT #):
6
PRE -CONSTRUCT = ON NOT = F =CAT = ON APPL =CAT = ON
FOR NATIONWIDE PERMITS THAT REQUIRE:
1) NOTIFICATION TO THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS
2) APPLICATION FOR SECTION 401 CERTIFICATION
3) COORDINATION WITH THE NC DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT
SEND THE ORIGINAL AND (1) COPY OF THIS COMPLETED FORM TO THE APPROPRIATE
FIELD OFFICE OF THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS (SEE AGENCY ADDRESSES SHEET). SEVEN
(7) COPIES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE N.C. DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(SEE AGENCY ADDRESSES SHEET). PLEASE PRINT.
1. OWNERS NAME: NC Dept. of Transportation; Planning & Environmental Branch
2. MAILING ADDRESS: Post Office Box 25201
CITY: Raleigh STATE:
SUBDIVISION NAME:
NC ZIP CODE: 27611
PROJECT LOCATION ADDRESS, INCLUDING SUBDIVISION NAME (IF DIFFERENT FROM
MAILING ADDRESS ABOVE):
3. TELEPHONE NUMBER (HOME):
(WORK): [phone]
4. IF APPLICABLE: AGENT'S NAME OR RESPONSIBLE CORPORATE OFFICIAL, ADDRESS,
PHONE NUMBER:
H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager
5. LOCATION OF WORK (PROVIDE A MAP, PREFERABLY A COPY OF USGS TOPOGRAPHIC
MAP OR AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY WITH SCALE):
COUNTY: Avery NEAREST TOWN OR CITY: Newland
1

USGS Topo - Newland
NUMBERS, LANDMARKS, ETC.):
SPECIFIC LOCATION (INCLUDE ROAD
Bridge No. 68 over North Toe River on Watauga Street
6. IMPACTED OR NEAREST STREAM/RIVER:
North Toe River
RIVER BASIN: French Broad
7a. IS PROJECT LOCATED NEAR WATER CLASSIFIED AS TROUT,
HIGH QUALITY WATERS (HQW), OUTSTANDING RESOURCE WATERS
(WS-I OR WS-II)? YES [X] NO [ ] IF YES, EXPLAIN: _
Stream designated by NCWRC as trout.
7b. IS THE PROJECT LOCATED WITHIN A NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF COASTAL
MANAGEMENT AREA OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN (AEC)? YES [ ] NO [X]
7c. IF THE PROJECT IS LOCATED WITHIN A COASTAL COUNTY (SEE PAGE 7 FOR LIST
OF COASTAL COUNTIES), WHAT IS THE LAND USE PLAN (LUP) DESIGNATION?
8a. HAVE ANY SECTION 404 PERMITS BEEN PREVIOUSLY REQUESTED FOR USE ON THIS
PROPERTY? YES [ ] NO [X] IF YES, PROVIDE ACTION I.D. NUMBER OF
PREVIOUS PERMIT AND ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (INCLUDE PHOTOCOPY OF 401
CERTIFICATION):
8b. ARE ADDITIONAL PERMIT REQUESTS EXPECTED FOR THIS PROPERTY IN THE
FUTURE? YES [X] NO [ ] IF YES, DESCRIBE ANTICIPATED WORK:
Nationwide Permit No. 23 will be requested for the bridge replacement.
TIDAL SALTWATER (SA),
(ORW), WATER SUPPLY
2
9a. ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBER OF ACRES IN TRACT OF LAND:
9b. ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBER OF ACRES OF WETLANDS LOCATED ON PROJECT SITE:
No wetlands present
10a. NUMBER OF ACRES OF WETLANDS IMPACTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT BY:
FILLING:
FLOODING:
EXCAVATION:
OTHER:
DRAINAGE: TOTAL ACRES TO BE IMPACTED: N/A
10b. (1) STREAM CHANNEL TO BE IMPACTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT (IF
RELOCATED, PROVIDE DISTANCE BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER RELOCATION):
LENGTH BEFORE: N/A FT AFTER: N/A FT
WIDTH BEFORE (based on normal high water contours): N/A FT
WIDTH AFTER: N/A FT
AVERAGE DEPTH BEFORE: N/A FT AFTER: N/A FT
(2) STREAM CHANNEL IMPACTS WILL RESULT FROM: (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
OPEN CHANNEL RELOCATION: N/A PLACEMENT OF PIPE IN CHANNEL: N/A
CHANNEL EXCAVATION: N/A CONSTRUCTION OF A DAM/FLOODING: N/A
OTHER:
N/A
11. IF CONSTRUCTION OF A POND IS PROPOSED, WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE WATERSHED
DRAINING TO THE POND? N/A
WHAT IS THE EXPECTED POND SURFACE AREA? N/A
12. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED WORK INCLUDING DISCUSSION OF TYPE OF MECHANICAL
EQUIPMENT TO BE USED (ATTACH PLANS: 8 1/2" X 11" DRAWINGS ONLY):
Survey work - equipment for surveying activities
3
13. PURPOSE OF PROPOSED WORK: Foundation investigations (survey
activities) for future bridge replacement.
14. STATE REASONS WHY IT IS BELIEVED THAT THIS ACTIVITY MUST BE CARRIED OUT
IN WETLANDS. (INCLUDE ANY MEASURES TAKEN TO MINIMIZE WETLAND IMPACTS):
N/A
15. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO CONTACT THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (USFWS)
AND/OR NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE (NMFS) (SEE AGENCY ADDRESSES SHEET)
REGARDING THE PRESENCE OF ANY FEDERALLY LISTED OR PROPOSED FOR LISTING
ENDANGERED OR THREATENED SPECIES OR CRITICAL HABITAT IN THE PERMIT AREA THAT
MAY BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT. DATE CONTACTED: Oct. 3, 1995 (See
Appendix B of CE) . (ATTACH RESPONSES FROM THESE AGENCIES.)
16. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO CONTACT THE STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER
(SHPO) (SEE AGENCY ADDRESSES SHEET) REGARDING THE PRESENCE OF HISTORIC
PROPERTIES IN THE PERMIT AREA WHICH MAY BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT.
DATE CONTACTED: Oct. 11, 1995 (See Appendix B of CE).
17. DOES THE PROJECT INVOLVE AN EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC FUNDS OR THE USE OF
PUBLIC (STATE) LAND?
YES [X] NO [] (IF NO, GO TO 18)
a. IF YES, DOES THE PROJECT REQUIRE PREPARATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL
DOCUMENT PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL
POLICY ACT?
YES [X] NO []
b. IF YES, HAS THE DOCUMENT BEEN REVIEWED THROUGH THE NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION STATE CLEARINGHOUSE?
YES [X] NO []
4
IF ANSWER TO 17b IS YES, THEN SUBMIT APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION FROM THE
STATE CLEARINGHOUSE TO DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT REGARDING
COMPLIANCE WITH THE NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT.
QUESTIONS REGARDING THE STATE CLEARINGHOUSE REVIEW PROCESS SHOULD BE
DIRECTED TO MS. CHRYS BAGGETT, DIRECTOR STATE CLEARINGHOUSE, NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, 116 WEST JONES STREET, RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA
27603-8003, TELEPHONE [phone].
18. THE FOLLOWING ITEMS SHOULD BE INCLUDED WITH THIS APPLICATION IF
PROPOSED ACTIVITY INVOLVES THE DISCHARGE OF EXCAVATED OR FILL MATERIAL INTO
WETLANDS:
a. WETLAND DELINEATION MAP SHOWING ALL WETLANDS, STREAMS, LAKES
AND PONDS ON THE PROPERTY (FOR NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBERS 14, 18, 21, 26, 29,
AND 38). ALL STREAMS (INTERMITTENT AND PERMANENT) ON THE PROPERTY MUST BE
SHOWN ON THE MAP. MAP SCALES SHOULD BE 1 INCH EQUALS 50 FEET OR 1 INCH
EQUALS 100 FEET OR THEIR EQUIVALENT.
b. IF AVAILABLE, REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOGRAPH OF WETLANDS TO BE
IMPACTED BY PROJECT.
C. IF DELINEATION WAS PERFORMED BY A CONSULTANT, INCLUDE ALL DATA
SHEETS RELEVANT TO THE PLACEMENT OF THE DELINEATION LINE.
d. ATTACH A COPY OF THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN IF REQUIRED.
e. WHAT IS LAND USE OF SURROUNDING PROPERTY? Mix of residential and
undeveloped.
f. IF APPLICABLE, WHAT IS PROPOSED METHOD OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL? N/A
g. SIGNED AND DATED AGENT AUTHORIZATION LETTER, IF APPLICABLE.
NOTE: WETLANDS OR WATERS OF THE U.S. MAY NOT BE IMPACTED PRIOR TO:
1) ISSUANCE OF A SECTION 404 CORPS OF ENGINEERS PERMIT,
2) EITHER THE ISSUANCE OR WAIVER OF A 401 DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT (WATER QUALITY) CERTIFICATION, AND
3) (IN THE TWENTY COASTAL COUNTIES ONLY), A LETTER FROM THE NORTH
CAROLINA DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT STATING THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY IS
CONSISTENT WITH THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.
5
M
0 ER' /AGENT'S SIGNATURE
(AGENT'S SIGNATURE VALID ONLY
-?IS 97
DATE
IF AUTHORIZATION LETTER FROM
THE OWNER IS PROVIDED (18g.))
i
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17:G.1 NE`JLANI
sxt r?

MOM CAPIOLM
?G DEFARTIENf OF 1RAN3PORfATiOl1
DIMMM OF HICHWAYS
PLANMNO • EVIIIOMWX
Bwmm
WATAUGA STREET BRIDGE NO.88
OVER NORTH TOE RIVER
TOWN OF NEWLAND, N.C.
AVERY COUNTY
B - 3273
12/95 FIG.1
4
State of North Carolina
Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
Division of Environmental Management
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director
November 20, 1995
Mr. Jerry A. Carter, P.E.
Vaughn and Melton
Consulting Engineers
1419 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28806
Dear Mr. Carter:
A ILTI.NWA
IT7t*
4 )A
E: F= " PA F='.'
g, 3293
The Division of Environmental Management (DEM) has reviewed your
September 27, 1995 letter dealing with the bridge replacement on Watauga Street in
Newland North Carolina. The National Wetland Inventory maps do not indicate that
there are wetlands in the project vicinity. We request that an individual that can make
jurisdictional wetland delineations inspect the location for wetlands if there will be
alignment changes or if there will be an on-site detour.
The North Toe River at this location has a stream classification of WS III Tr.
DEM requests that Design Standards for Sensitive Watershed Sedimentation Control
Guidelines be used for this project to protect the existing WS classification and the
trout supplemental classification. Furthermore, DEM request that the bridge be
designed so that weep holes do not drain directly into the river.
It is recommended that future scoping requests be sent through the State
Clearinghouse. Please contact Ms. Chrys Baggett at [phone] to determine the
appropriate information to be sent to the State.
Should you wish to discuss this further, I can be reached at [phone].
Sincerely,
cc: Mr. Richard Davis, DOT
Ms. Lori Szemple
b3273.com
1
1
zi?1
Eric Galamb
Environmental Specialist
P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
An Equal opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post-consumer peer
NOV 17 '95 09:09AM EHNR•PUBLIC AFFAIRS
State of North Carolina
Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
Post-it* Fax Note 7671 bate l i p gam:
To
Eha
Frorn
Co./Dept. co.
Phone # aM #
Fax of tax #
" ll'- H "
November 17, 1995
Mr. Jerry A. Carter, P.E.
Vaughn & Melton
Consulting Engineers
1419 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28806
Dear Mr. Carter:
Thank you for your letter to Secretary Jonathan B. Howes regarding a bridge replacement '
project in the Town of Newland in Avery County, North Carolina.
I am sorry that there was such a delay in response to your letter. Your questions pertain
to two different divisions within the Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources.
I have taken the liberty of forwarding your letter Mr. Eric ('.lralamb, Division of Environmental
Management, Wetlands and Aquatic Plants, phone [phone] and Mr. David Cox, Wildlife
Resources Commission, phone [phone]. By copy of this letter to Mr. Galamb and
bor. Cox, I am asking that they respond directly to you.
Please let me know if I can assist you fiirther.
Sincerely,
Lori Szemple
Executive Assistant
cc: Mr. Eric CGalamb via fax [phone]
Mr. David Cox via fax [phone]
P. O. Box 27687, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7687 Telephons 919.715.4100
An Equal Opportunily Affirmative Action Employer 50%recycled/ 10%post-consumer paper
NOV 17 '95 09:09AM EHNR-.PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Consulting Engineers
1419 Patton Avenue
Ashevlile. North Corolino 28866
Tel. [phone]
FAX. [phone]&A
September 27, 1996
Mr. Jonathan a. "owes, Secretary .
NC Dept of Environment Health and Natural Besourees
Archdale Buildlo
512 North Salisbury Street
Rdelgh, NC 27604-1118
2P /4
Subject: Bdd6e Replacement Ptojebt In the Tc'n of Newland in Avery County, North Carolina
Dear Mr. Howes:
The North Carolina Depa m.. ent of Transp6dation has plans to replace an existing bridge on
Watauga Street in the Town of NgvAarid ln'AUe'r County: 'The esdsting bridge Is abdoon (1e) feet
wide and forty-orte (41) feetin' length-aod sarves ens'-way,traffic on a two-way local street. The
bridge carries Watauga Stre0'.over`;th f: Nonh• T.66 River and is presently closed to school buses
and emergency vehicies.
Watauga Street will be closed to d1ru traffic and the bridge replaced on site. The now structure
will be apprciArriately sixty-four (84)' feet 'in-1erigth. and approximately twenty-eight (29) feet wide,
curb to curb. The pavorne* on eachhd"d-tile, ne,w structure wilt be widened to a twenty-four
(24) foot pavement with two :(?) #aot?sl?uid, Ors an each side which would match the new bridge
width. All widening Will be a onie on tti? Newt side: pf,ihe existing structure and will not require the
taking of any buildings. :'
Since the new structure will be, rst]laceti c p site, and will be a single span Nidge, its IS 'not
anticipated that there will be any n g t+ve rrOviron tiellt`aI impacts in conjunction with this project,
and that the project will therefore tie'Cla3sifleei as a Werai "categorical exclusion".
-To assist us in the preparation. ot. rhe, categorical exclusion, it is requested that you review this
project and provide us with your cVlr nvnta;-as well as stream ciasstticafion and the specles
protected by the-Natural fieiitag6:p? bgranl` tir't(ye'lAfildlIfe F esaurces Commission, trout stream
designation, and biaiogiW. dais ,ori:the::Ws rtl'if it. is available.
Please see ,Attachments A and B,, shemng'the location of the project and the work to be done-
Your cooperation is appregiatr d.
sincerely,
Jerry A. Carter, P.F
Projact Engineer
Middlesboro, KY • C ieenevillo, TN • W, < Little Rco: , Aft
• f V Y 1 • - T ' " ": ' : "' - " hl l;- L M
„ a NOV...•17+J'95W G09:09AM EHNRPUV / CBLIC AFFAIRS'
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[LANNIG ORTH CAROLINA
EPT, OF TRANSPORTATION
IVISION OF HIGHWAYS
& RESEARCH BR.
WATAUGA STREET BRIDGE
TOWN OF NEWLAND, N.C.
AVERY COUNTY
B-3273
09/95 - FIG.)
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ATTACHMENT B
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