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HomeMy WebLinkAbout19970964 Ver 1_Complete File_19970117State of North Carolina Department of Environment l? `2 and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Wayne McDevitt, Secretary A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director RECEIPT May 19, 1998 Mr. Steve Davenport Senior Vice President AAC Real Estate Services, Inc. 333 Fayetteville Street Mall, Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27601 A LT.K;qA1 r41 D E N R MY 2 21998 1 Dear Steve, The Wetlands Restoration Program have received checks for the total amount of $25,250.00, check numbers 010360 and 010462, as payment for the compensatory mitigation requirements of the 401 Water Quality Certification issued for DWQ Project #970964. This receipt serves as notification that the compensatory mitigation requirements for this project have been satisfied. Please note that you must also comply with all other conditions of this certification and any other state, federal or local government permits or authorization associated with this activity. If you have any questions concerning this matter please contact Ron Ferrell at 919-733-7015 ext. 358. Sincerely, U4 Z Ronald E. Ferrell Program Manager cc: John Domey File P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone 919-733-7015 FAX 919-733-2496 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post-consumer paper State of North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Wayne McDevitt, Secretary A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director LT?A ? • 612 NC ENR NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES February 19, 1998 Wake County DWQProject # 970964 APPROVAL of 401 Water Quality Certification and ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS Frank Vick; NC DOT PO 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 0.54 acres of wetlands and 202 feet of perennial streams for the purpose of constructing the Brier Creek Parkway in Wake County, as you described in your application dated October 28, 1997. After reviewing your application, we have decided that this fill is covered by General Water Quality Certification Number 3103. This certification allows you to use Nationwide Permit Number 14 when it is issued by the Corps of Engineers. 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. 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. 1. Sediment and erosion control measures shall adhere to the Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds (T 15A:04B .0024) and High Quality Storm Erosion Control Measures. 2. Design Features and commitments listed the in February 3, 1998 letter from Parsons Brinckerhoff to DWQ shall be implemented in the design, construction, and long-term maintenance of the Brier Creek Parkway. We understand that you have chosen to contribute to the Wetland Restoration Program in order to compensate for these impacts to streams. In accordance with 15A NCAC 2R..0500, this contribution will satisfy our compensatory mitigation requirements under 15A NCAC 2H .0506(b). According to 15A NCAC 2H .0506(h), 202 feet of stream restoration will be required. Until the Wetland Restoration Program reccieves and clears your check (made payable to: DENR - Wetland Restoration Program), wetland or stream fill shall not occur. Mr. Ron Ferrell should be contacted at 919-733-5083 ext. 358 if you have any questions concerning the Wetland Restoration Program. You have one month from the date of this Certification to make the payment. For accounting purposes, this Certification authorizes the fill of 202 feet of streams, in the Neuse River and subbasin and 202 feet of stream restoration are required. 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. Division of Water Quality - Non-DischargeBranch 4401 Reedy Creek Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607 Telephone 919-733-1786 FAX # 733-9959 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer - 50% recycled/10% post consumer paper Attachment cc: Wilmington District Corps of Engineers Corps of Engineers Raleigh Field Office Raleigh DWQ Regional Office Mr. John Domey Central Files P,Siner n Howar , Jr. P.E. 970964.1tr NORTH CAROLINA - DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY 401 WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION SUMMARY OF PERMITTED IMPACTS AND MITIGATION REQUIREMENTS In accordance with 15A NCAC 2H .0500, NC DOT, DWQ Project # 970964 is authorized to impact the surface waters of the State of North Carolina as indicated below for the purpose(s) of constructing the Brier Creek Parkway. All activities associated with these authorized impacts must be conducted in accordance with the conditions listed in the attached certification transmittal letter. THIS CERTIFICATION IS NOT VALID WITHOUT THE ATTACHMENTS. COMPENSATORY MITIGATION REQUIREMENTS FOR WETLAND RESTORATION LOCATION: Brier Creek Parkway COUNTY: Wake RIVER/SUBBASIN: Neuse As required by 15A NCAC 2H .0506, and the conditions of this certification, you are required to compensate for the above impacts through the restoration, creation, enhancement or preservation of wetlands and surface waters as outlined below prior to conducting any activities that impact or degrade the waters of the state. Note: Acreage requirements proposed to be mitigated through the Wetland Restoration Programs must be rounded to one-quarter acre increments according to 15A 2R .0503(b). acres of Class WL wetlands acres of riparian wetlands acres of non-riparian wetlands acres of Class SWL wetlands 202 linear feet of stream channel One of the options you have available to satisfy the compensatory mitigation requirements is through the payment of a fee to the Wetlands Restoration Fund per 15A NCAC 2R .0503. If you choose this option, please sign this form and mail it to the Wetlands Restoration Fund at the address listed below. An invoice for the appropriate amount will be sent to you upon receipt of this form. PLEASE NOTE, THE ABOVE IMPACTS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED UNTIL YOU RECEIVE NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR PAYMENT HAS BEEN PROCESSED BY THE WETLANDS RESTROATION PROGRAM. Signature Date WETLANDS RESTORATION PROGRAM DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY PO BOX 29535 RALEIGH NC 27626-0535 919-733-5083 ext. 358 WATER QUALITY PLANNING Fax:919-715-5637 :iC?ADMIN-C.ODE ` t3??; aC?1C!IB 0024, DE8K3N STANnARDS. IN:SENSITIV i• - .. 15A NCAC :4a..0 :.TITLE. 15. :,0024 DESIGN !(a) •Uncov maxis?um ..total portion.'ot the this:Rule. e with'the;writt :•iSb) ::'?Ero81? ;within HQW •;zori protection -frc peai,rate of i :..Department. of • •... Pield. Manual. f any" other. ages recognized orq such: that, the: the 40 aiicron :runoit of that aw `.calculated Agr> culhire, S0: ConBervation.-P? of ' 'hit3 st'ate..c 'at, On. (cl<) Newly cbn-9t:ru6te.d • wi a vegetative.c' steeper s1'ope'.• structural;dev :.for side;;slopee to• . rest.r'azin. ?.erq activity`;i'n a.. comppl-etiori:: of *20319' ,. `xlitory• Note:: :1990;.. . "Tditor." s.' note is `Development; :..• Hei1.Eh, and Nat • Was ? pur8?tant •to? Jun 5 '97 8:56 P.01i01 Post-It" brOd (ax transmittal memo 7611 { # of pages '?e cv ? NORTIi; :CAROLINA ADMINISTRAT CODE 5DEPARZ1='; :OF . ENVIRONMM, HEALTH, •,AND= NATURAL RESOURCES • '" 'CHAPTER , 9 . •. SEDIIMEIVTATIQIJ C0 OL SUBCRAPTER •4R. RPOSION AND SEDTbG:i1T CONTROL iTANDARDS'IN SENSITIVE WATERSHEDS r-? rent, areas 7n:HQW zones shall be limitied at any time to a irea ?witfiin, the: boundaries of the trams of 20 acres. Only the ,:and=disturbing-".activity within a HQF zone shall be governed. by +gei:Ae eaq'.may be uncovered within the boundaries of the tract !i`'approv8l of the Director. -,and? sedimentation. control measures, structures, and devices e:;oh!a1:be so planned, designed dnd Fonstructed to provide tha:;runot€ cf the 25 year storm 'which produces the maximum nof! `as . cglcuatec3 .accardiz?g to procedures in the United States g'ri:c-biturnl Soil Conservation Service's "National Engineering r.•Conaervation.Practices" or according to procedures adopted by 'ot thii aft to or the United States jor any generally tizhtida* or association. i t-basins kithin HQW zones shall be designed and constructed sijn' wi'71• hake a settling efficiency ; of At least 70 percent for i.09iam) size:'soilparticle transported into the basin by the :wo=year storm which produces the! maximuti peak rate of runoff 4ozdi'nq to.:;.pro6e4ures in the united Statea Department of ;:CrJnserdtition Services "National+' Engineering Field Manual for 01t ices= or according to procedures adopted by any other agency ah United-States or any generally!recognized organization or conotUcted:.open channels in HQw zones, shall be designed and tiff, side, ,slopes; no steeper than twoj horizontal to one vertical if I.ver`is; used for stabilization unlessisoil, conditions permit a on where .th`e••.slope's are stabilized by ?u'sing mechanical devices, idea; or• otfier;acceptable ditch liners.; In any event, the angle .•MaiT`be: p4riclent to restrain accelerated erosion. t. to :G.S.' .:123A-57(3) provisions 4or 4k ground cover sufficient ilonjmust.be provided for any portiori.of a land-disturbing Q4P..:z6ne 15 working days or 1 60 icalendar trays following oniikudtioh or. development, whichevgrj period is shorter. Latu't bxy ,Authority G.S. 113P.-54-(b); 1113A-54 c) (1 ,i ( ) . Etc. May 1, "-Tit1e'„15;;,Department of Natural Resources and Community hsl,,!been recodified as Title 15A, Department of Environment, 2lResouzges..effective November'l, 11989: The recodification G'.9,? T43B=279.1. Eopyri06t- (c) :l7i as Pubtiahin0 Co: 1996 No claim 10 original U.S. Govt. works. - --700 YFAPS 'i February 3, 1998 Ms. Cyndi Bell Water Quality Section Division of Environmental Management North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources 4401 Reedy Creek Road Ralviyii, North Carolina 27607 RE: Brier Creek Parkway (R-3619) Design Characteristics Dear Cyndi: Parsons Br/nckerhoff FEB - 6 Iaaq 991 Aviation Parkway Suite 500 Morrisville, NC 27560 919-467-7272 Fax: 919-467-7322 Pursuant to our phone conversation of January 29, 1 am writing this letter to describe in more detail the design aspects of the Brier Creek Parkway project that will contribute to the minimization of water quality impacts. This information is intended to assist you in the preparation of water quality certification for the project. I understand that you cannot prepare the certification prior to February 16, the State Clearinghouse closing date, but I am providing this information in advance to facilitate your review of this project. The attached Figure 1 indicates the location of several features of the project that will mitigate water quality impacts. Figure 2 shows typical sections of the vegetated swales that will be built. The specific features are as follows: 1. A 32-foot pipe under the existing alignment of Globe Road will be removed from a section of the road that will be abandoned. Removal of this pipe will restore floodplain function in the area. See the top of page 7 and section 4.4.3 on page 14 in the SENFONSI for further discussion of the benefits of removing this pipe, which has altered floodplain function in the area. 2. A 120-foot vegetated swale will be built to connect the flow from pipes under the roadbed to the headwaters of Brier Creek. 3. A 125-foot, cwveu, vegetated swaie will be built to connect two segn-ie its of the roadway drainage system. (See Figure 3, Site 3) 4. On the south side of the project, the culvert carrying a perennial stream (a tributary to Little Brier Creek) under the roadway joins the existing streambed in a tangent to an existing curve in the streambed. The runoff outlet at this location enters a section of streambed that will be abandoned because of the culvert. The runoff will travel 120 feet in the abandoned stream bed before it reaches the main flow of the stream at the end of the culvert. This will reduce the water quality impacts of the runoff at this point. (See Figure 3, Site 4) 5. A 60-foot curved, vegetated swale will be built to connect two segments of the roadway drainage system. The swales described above will be planted with grass. The developer has agreed to sod mat or cocoa mat these swales to enhance their stability if you so recommend. Also, as I told you previously, the 40- foot median in the project will be heavily vegetated, largely with trees and shrubs. There will be extensive tree plantings on the outer edges of the project, some of which may assist with stabilizing the banks of Over a Century of Engineering Excellence -.-_100 YEARS February 3, 1998 Ms. Cyndi Bell Page 2 the ditches and swales in the project, but I cannot provide precise details on this at present because streetscape plans are under development. I hope this information is helpful in your consideration of this project for 401 water quality certification. Please contact me if I may be of further assistance. Very truly yours, PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF QUADE & DOUGLAS, INC. vI furcA CCU1 C Lv? Lorna Parkins, AICP, Project Planner e-mail: parkins®pbworld.corn Enclosure c: Steve Davenport Byron Brady (file name) Over a Century of Engineering Excellence T LU w 0 D M M 1.? ,n V CL LL G W W O CL O GC CL N W O O a m E U E Y N R v • t # w .r? ± sY Jr s.. Bd U off, ,• ? ?r4 w@ ? \ °:. ? :, tom. ; ' ? w ?,? .y,. : ,? r OY^J i W *;s w r ; • ?+wwir xi?.?4rir(Ari '?•« • • :,n,• ?. .... s A i9Y 0, ? yr°!,,,..•y .< iY ??YiF dt? r r ? ? • • ?""""""'^'•.. •, E cv c a rn cd (D T? U E co a) o ai m? m aa) o _ _ o 0 c CL IL` 3 a. z ? W cm W J a c C TYPICAL LATERAL 'V' DITCH (Not to Scale ) NATURAL GROUND ?y 2\ 8% 0 FILL SLOPE MIN. D = I FT. TYPICAL 2 FT. BASE DITCH ( Not to Scale ) NATURAL NATURAL GROUND GROUND con -? 2 FT. MIN. D = I F T. FIGURE 2 c. SITE 3 im New Channel SITE 4 z O O O tov, s r i - (P 7 k ! p '? O ••?. •? ` PUXSTRIANO;CUIVERT .75 Q • ` \ • ' . ' PROP. GR. t5• CSP C9 'ry Co 40 CAT-1 r ' r? n? ° W sr o N u _? f - CB x -? J W W C STA. 58.54.00 / iS•50 Mt.) W Z J S U F- Q _? Existing Streambed Culvert/Ditch Stormwater Pipe FIGURE 3 f ? PRE-DISCHARGE NOTIFICATION PCN 970964 TO: National Marine Fisheries Service _.. _,._..,_..__.._ Pivers Island, NC FAX (919)728-8796 !r,&' US Fish & Wildlife Service ?r, Asheville, NC FAX (704)258-5330 US Fish & Wildlife Service Raleigh, NC FAX (919) 856-4556 State Historic Preservation Office b- Raleigh, NC FAX (919)733-8653 NC Division of Water Quality ..? Raleigh, NC FAX (919)733-9959 NC Wildlife Resources Commission Creedmoor, NC FAX (919) 528-9839 to q\ 1. ACTION ID: 199700179/19982015321??' I9y, 2. APPLICANT: NCDOT/Brier Creek Parkway ?? 3. DATE OF TRANSMITTAL: 11/3/97 4. RESPONSE DEADLINE(5 days from transmittal): 11/7/97 5. COMMENT DEADLINE(10 days from response deadline):11/18/97 6. SEND COMMENTS TO: RALEIGH REGULATORY FIELD OFFICE RALEIGH, NC. ATTN: Eric Alsmeyer FAX (919)876-5823 We are also forwarding the attached PCN to the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service for review and comment concerning any likely affect to any threatened or endangered species or their critical habitat within those agencies' jurisdiction. AZICEIVED LITTLE & LITTLE OCT 2 8 1997 11"IT R O 7R'ANS,11/'17: II. So S ??S o? ?J?SC ?. _ WE AR1.' S Nl)ING 1011-?Attachetl - I fader s(/)(1rcne corer, Vin - Shop drawings - Prints - Plans - Samples - Specifications - Copy of letter - Change order C01111iS I)A7%: 5111" 7' 1)11S(,R11Y11UN / b -27- 9 7 f'.4?- ctyv ria? .von X64 77 Lam! 0oli 7%IE.SL AR/i ?RAN.SRII"17IiD as checked below: For approval - Approved as submitted - For your use - Approved as noted - As requested - Returned for corrections For review and comment - - FOR BIDS DUE 19 REMARKS _ Resubmit copies for approval - Submit copies for distribution - Return corrected prints PRINTS RETURNED AFTER LOAN TO US COPY 77) enclosures are not as noted, kind!, notch) ns at once SIGNED: LAND.SCA11 ARC1I17'hCT1IRIi /PLANNING PO. BOX 1448 RALI:IG11, NOR7'11 CAROLINA 27602 919/821-5645 q q `Z b b( -7 ? "'?Ce1 VP D DEM ID: CORPS ACTION ID: ry NATIONWIDE PERMIT REQUESTED (PROVIDE NATIONWIDE PERMIT k): ( r4 0 ++ _ y ) I nch PRE-CONSTRUCTION NOTIFICATION APPLICATION FOR NATIONWIDE PEPUMITC THAT REQUIRE: 1) NOTIFICATION TO THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS 2) APPLICATION FOR SECTION 401 CERTIFICATION 3) COORDINATION WITH TUE 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: North Carolina Department of Transportation 2. MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 25201 SUBDIVISION NAME: CITY: Raleigh STATE: NC ZIP CODE: 27611 PROJECT LOCATION ADDRESS, INCLUDING SUBDIVISION NAME (IF DIFFERENT FROM MAILING ADDRESS ABOVE) : N/A 3. TELEPHONE NUMBER (HOME): (WORK) : 4. IF APPLICABLE: AGENT'S NAME OR RESPONSIBLE CORPORATE OFr1CIAL, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER: J. Mack Little, Little & Little Landscape Architecture/Planning PO Box 1448 Raleigh NC 27602 *-(919) 821-5645 S. LOCATION OF WORK (PROVIDE A FiAP, PREFERABLY A COPY OF USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP OR AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY WITH SCALE) : COUNTY: _Wake NEAREST TOWN OR CITY: Raleigh See Location Map 1 SPECIFIC LOCATION (INCLUDE ROAD NUMBERS, LANDMARKS, ETC.) : Take 1540 South from US 70 - Take Aviation Parkway Exit north to Globe Road - West end of project begins at this intersection and goes generally eastward *? itc7n ar nrr Rr,,,1 a..ar[j 6. IMPACTED OR NEAREST STREAM/FIVER: Brier Creek RIVER BASIN: Neuse River 7a. IS PROJECT LOCATED NEAR WATER CLASSIFIED AS TROUT, TIDAL SALTWATER (SA), HIGH QUALITY WATERS (HQW), OUTSTANDING RESOURCE WATERS (ORW), WATER SUPPLY (WS-I OR WS-II)? YES ( ] NO (X] IF YES, EXPLAIN: 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 Lr.ND USE PLAN (LUP) DESIGNATION? Be. HAVE ANY SECTION 404 PERMITS BEEN PREVIOUSLY REQUESTED FOR USE ON THIS PROPERTY? YES (X] NO ( ) IF YES, PROVIDE ACTION I.D. NUMBER OF PREVIOUS PERMIT AND ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (INCLUDE PHOTOCOPY OF 401 CERTIFICATION): Globe Center Fill Permit #3 8b. ARE ADDITIONAL PERMIT REQUESTS EXPECTED FOR THIS PROPERTY IA' THE FUTURE? YES (X] NO ( ] IF YES, DESCRIBE ANTICIPATED WORK: This project is a regional road which traverses a t 1800 acre property which will develop over the next 15-20 years. Road crossings, fills, stormwater basins, commercial development, and residential development are anticipated and will most likely impact jurisdictional wetlands and/or waters. 9a. ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBER OF ACRES IN TRACT OF LAND: ± 25 Acres 9b. ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBER OF ACRES OF WETLANDS LOCATED ON PROJECT SITE: Ii ,! 0.58 2 10a. NUMBER OF ACRES OF WETLANDS IMPACTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT BY: FILLING: FLOODING: 0.54 EXCAVATION: DRAINAGE: OTHER: TOTAL ACRES TO BE IMPACTED: o'er 10b. (1) STREAI.1 CHANNEL TO BE IMPACTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT (IF RELOCATED, PROVIDE DISTANCE BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER RELOCATION) : ?• i? ?c.(?AG.f? Z li-v7 )? s -??'A-,-, // /v.3 S?/?", `?l+ LENGTH BEFORE: 1176.8 FT AFTER: - 0 - FT YT -6 131;Pl- C'ee? ',3 -,1, '°7 /SQ' WIDTH BEFORE (based on normal high water contours): Varia le - See FT Delineation Map WIDTH AFTER: AVERAGE DEPTH BEFORE: FT AFTER: (2) STREA4 CHANNEL IMPACTS WILL RESULT FROM: (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) OPEN CHANNEL RELOCATION: ?LitiCEMENT OF PIPE IN CHANNEL: X CHANNEL EXCAVATION: X CONSTRUCTIYON Or A DAM/ FLOODING: OTHER: 11. IF CONSTRUCTION OF A POND IS PROPOSED, WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE WATERSHED DRAINING TO THE POND? NA WHAT IS THE EXPECTED POND SURFA-E AREA? NA 12. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED WORK INCLUDING DISCUSSION OF TYPE OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT TO BE USED (ATTACH PLANS: 8 1/2" X 11" DRAWINGS ONLY): Work includes construction of ± 12,000 linear feet of public roads. Equipment to be used will be but not be limited to, Front end lnndprq, Pans, Motor graders, track & rubber tired back hoes, Tractors, Drilling rigs, Paving equipment, Dump trucks, Tank trucks, and curbing machines. 13. PURPOSE OF PROPOSED CORK: Construction of Brier Creek Parkway 3 14. STATE REASONS I4HY IT IS BELIEVED THAT THIS AC'T'IVITY MUST BE CARRIED OUT IN WETLANDS. (INCLUDE ANY MEASURES TAKEN TO MINIMIZE WETLAND IMPACTS): Roadwav alignment h J- t-a rn minimize crossing. Crossings have been made as perpendicular to the channels/wetlands as possible Crossings have been made where adjacent wetlands are minimal and/or do not 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 t? PROPOSED FOR LISTING ENDANGERED OR THREATENED SPECIES OR CRITICAL HABIT,-.- IN THE. PERMIT AREA THAT -'MAY`BE-.AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT. DATE CONTACTED: (ATTACH RESPONSES FROM, THESE AGENCIES.) 16. YOU ARz:,_7ZQUTRED-TO -CONTACT THE STATE h!STORIC _PRESERVAT•ION-DFFICEP, (SHPO) (SEE AGENCY P_DD.RES.SES..SHEET) REGARDING THE PRESENCE OF H35^ORIC?Y PROPERTIES IN'"THE PERMIT AREA ,RICH I-MY HE AFFECTED BY T}iE ' PROPOSED 'PROJECT. DATE CONTACTED:- 17. DOES THE PROJECT INVOLVE AN EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC FUNDS OR THE USE OF PUBLIC (STATE) LA.'ID? YES N NO () (IF NO, GO TO 18) a. IF YES, DOES THE PROJECT REQUIRE PREPARATI-': OF P.N ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT? YES D. NO ( J b. IF YES, HAS THE DOCUMENT BEEN REVIEWED THROUGH THE, NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF AD;:IN! _..f:TION STATE CLEARINGHOUSE? YES I] NO 1; Will be submitted at a later date IF ANSWER TO 17b IS YES, SUBMIT APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION FROM THE STATE CLEARINGHOUSE TO DIVISION OF ENVIRON!-:ENTAL XA11AGEMSNT REGARDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY Tl QUESTIONS REGARDING THE STATE CLEARINGHOUSE REVIEW PROCESS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO MS. CHRYS BAGGETT, DIRECTOR STATE CLEARINGHOUSE, i:Cc.T CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, 116 WEST JONES STREET, RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27603-8003, TELEPHONE (919) 733-6369. 4 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 I14CH 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 :.LL DATA SHEETS RELEVANT TO THE PLACEMENT OF THE DELINEATION LINE. d. ATTACH P_ COPY OF THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAIT IF REQUIRED. e. WHAT IS LAND USE OF SURROUNDING PROPERTY? RDU Airport & Undeveloped f. IF APPLICABLE, WHAT IS PROPOSED METHOD OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL: City of Raleigh Public System 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 = 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. //,? 4V?ZA ??IER"'S/AGENT'S-SIGNATURE (AGENT'S SIGNATURE VALID ONLY IF AUTHORIZATION LETTER FROM THE OWNER IS PROVIDED (189.)) 101,111,17 DATE 5 ITEM 22 oo 1. CHANNELS Site Linear Feet Impacted I-A 136.31.f. I-B 1701.f. I-C S 142.6 If I-D 1126.8 Lf. I-E 2 I-F 20 I-G P 130.71.f. II. WETLANDS SB of Brier Creek /Ddb Ve/ a -l o I Tributary SB to Brier Creek Unconnected water channel on ridge Unnamed SB to UT to Little Brier Creek Unnamed SB to UT to Little Brier Creek SB of UT to Little Brier Creek SB of Little Brier Creek Site Acres Impacted II-A 0.113 acres *II-B 0.039 acres II-C 0.205 acres II-D 0.204 acres II-E 0.021 acres Location Unconnected wetland on side of ridge Wetland adjacent to UT to Little Brier Creek Wetland adjacent to Little Brier Creek Wetland in storm water channel Unconnected wetland on side of ridge * Not Impacted ?CWdtlj 4 Sated C ,-t fl , [dln"4 7-? c) ?e Location 0 • n tD gg ? t . ?S ar ?? gy9l 'tt5?•,"l W (7 ,? 1 _ ? 75 p 7d rr: L- ..'. o Z LL- 0 U. _ +L JlNA it O i \ t. +:11 . L -! t,• tl\ ! 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J --?-? % v,ul30 1 1 di O QV,O`i *-1mnmm-v mxxovx? -f m --ZONoo DmW OK. : ZEXCMMX ozoxz"?, M> i ce r r r m z R m e c 4 I I Q I I Q I I f I I I 70 !1t i I . o i / 1 I O Ln N U State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Wayne McDevitt, Secretary A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director Mr. Franklin Vick NC DOT Planning and Environmental Branch PO Box 25201 Raleigh NC 27611 Dear Mr. Vick: FILE COPY Re: 401 Water Quality Certification Brier Creek Parkway Wake County DWQ #970964 On October 27, 1997 you wrote to the Division of Water Quality (DWQ) requesting a 401 Water Quality Certification for your project to fill wetlands for construction of the Brier Creek Parkway at RTP in Wake County. We believe that this project is currently under review by the State Clearinghouse. DWQ cannot issue the 401 Certification until the project has received a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or Record of Decision (ROD) from the State Clearinghouse in accordance with NCAC 15A: 01C.0402. Therefore, I must hereby place this project on indefinite hold until the State Clearinghouse has issued the FONSI or ROD. However we will continue to review the project and make you aware of any concerns. We recommend that you notify us that the NEPA/SEPA process is complete so we can reactivate the project. In add non, by copy of this letter, I am also notifying the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that this project should be placed on hold. If you believe that this decision is in error, please call me at 919-733-1786 to discuss the matter. incerely, S 2 jN J hn R. Dorney Water Quality Ce ifi tion Program cc: Raleigh DWQ Regional Office U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District Office Central Files Raleigh Field Office US Army Corps of Engineers Mack Little; Little and Little [D FE F=1 December 2, 1997 970964.nocert Division of Water Quality • Environmental Sciences Branch 4401 Reedy Creek Rd., Raleigh, NC 27626-0535 • Telephone 919-733-1786 • FAX 919-733-9959 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post-consumer paper 'State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Ar4je Division of Water Quality James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Wayne McDevitt, Secretary C) E H N R A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director November 17, 1997 MEMORANDUM To: Michelle Suverkrubbe Through: .Iohn Dornd? From: Cyndi Bell Subject: Draft State Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact. for Brier Creek Parkway Wake County State project No. 6.804813, T.I.P. No. R-3619; EHNR #98-0329 The referenced document has been reviewed by this office. Tile Division of Water Quality (DWQ) is responsible for the issuance of (.he Section 401 Water Quality Certification for activities which impact waters of, the state including wetlands. The project. will involve wetland and/or stream crossings at eleven loca(ions. DWQ offers the following comments based on the document review: A) The primary purpose of this project is to serve traffic to he generated by a proposed development by the Eastern Air Lines pilots retirement plan, and secondly for traffic movements coming from Westgate Road. A public need has not been sufficiently explained in the EA. In the EA. DOT states that six location alternatives were considered, but all except the preferred were dropped due to traffic and engineering objectives. Since a scoping meeting was never held for this project, and the new roadway is primarily to serve private interests, DOT should have included complete inl'ormation regarding all alternatives in the document.. The review agencies were not given an opportunity to review any of these alternatives before they were dropped. Since we cannot make in informed decision whether or not DOT's preferred alignment. avoids and minimizes impacts to streams and wetlands, we are not prepared to endorse the preferred alternative. DOT should include a full discussion of alternatives in the Final EA. B) As (his proposed project corridor is located in file Neuse River Basin, it is crucial that DOT demonstrate avoidance and minimization of wetland and stream impacts. Section 15A NC:AC 02B .0200(1) of T I SA: 0213 .0233, Neuse River Basin: Nutrient Sensitive Waters Management Strategy: Protection and Maintenance of Existing Riparian Areas states: Environmental Sciences Branch 4401 Reedy Creek Road Raleigh, North Carolina 27607 Telephone 919-733-9960 FAX # 733-9959 An Equal opportunity Affirmative Action Employer so% recycled/10% post consumer paper Ms. Michelle Suverkrubbe Memo November 17, 1997 Page 2 of 3 Roads, bridges, stormwatcr management. facilities, ponds, and utilities may be allowed where no practical alternative exists. These structures shall be located, designed, constructed, and maintained to have minimal disturbance, to provide maximum nutrient removal and erosion protection, to have the least adverse effects on aquatic life and habitat, and to protect water quality to the maximum extent practical through the use of best management practices. The EA does not provide enough information to support. DOT's claim that the chosen alignment. has no pratical alternatives which would better avoid streams and wetlands. C) As this project is located within the Neuse River Basin, we recommend implementation of High Quality Storm Erosion Control Measures and Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds (15A NCAC 04B .0024) for the entire project corridor. Also, Hazardous Spill Catch Basins should be placed at all perennial stream crossings. D) The preferred corridor would cross eleven wetlands and streams. The cumulative wetland impact area is indet.crminatc since sonic of (lie wetland crossings are listed in linear feet. DOT should provide an acreage impact area for each wetland so that permit. and wetland mitigation requirements can be determined. 11' wetland impacts exceed one acre, mitigation will be required in accordance with DWQ Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 211.0506(h)(2)j. DOT should be aware that in-kind mitigation will be required for wetland impacts. Hence, the 404/401 Permit application should include a specific breakdown list and map of wetlands by cit.her riparian or non-riparian type. The mitigation site should be planned and developed with respect to this impact assessment. DOT has suggested that a mitigation opportunity exists where a portion of Globe Road near headwaters to Brier Creek would be removed. This mitigation proposal should be thoroughly discussed in the Final FA. I)OT is also reminded that mitigation of' rivcrinc impacts with in-kind restoration will he a priority, particularly if rivcrinc impacts are permitted. 11" DOT cannot demonstrate that mitigation of rivcrinc wetlands is possible, then DWQ will require bridging of' rivcrinc wetlands to avoid impacts. DOT should also note that, in accordance with our rules, the Welland Restoration Program will be available to use for wetland mitigation for (his project. E) DOT has included a list of stream crossings within the EA; however, we cannot. determine which dreams are perennial. This information should be included in the FONSI, based upon field det.crminations of perennial versus intermittent streams. UOT is reminded that culverts and/or channel changes exceeding 150 Iccl linear distance of perennial stream impacts at any crossing will require mitigation in accordance with current. I)WQ Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 211.0506(b)(6)1. The Welland Restoration Program will be available to use for stream mitigation for this project. Ms. Michelle Suverkrubbe Memo November 17, 1997 Page 3 of 3 F) We encourage NCDOT to investigate whether or not temporary fill will be required to build haul roads and place culverts. We suggest that. DOT include this information with the permit application. DOT is advised that full restoration (including removal of fill material and planting/monitoring of vegetation) of temporary fill areas exceeding one acre will be required in accordance with Condition #4 of General Certification 3114 (Nationwide Permit 33) All temporary fill material must be removed from construction access areas. On May 27, 1997, DWQ submitted a draft restoration policy for temporary impact areas to DOT. We anticipate sending this policy to Public Notice before the end of November 1977 and finalizing it prior to construction of this project. G) In our December 2, 1996 scoping comments for this project, DWQ expressed our concern over secondary impacts to be incurred by new roadway. Given the stated purpose and need and developer involvement with this project, this project would obviously facilitate secondary impacts by creating access to parcels of land adjacent to streams and we(lands. This is especially problematic due to Lhc location of this project within the Neuse River Basin. NCDOT should address (his issue in the Final FA. 1-1) NCDOT should stipulate that borrow ma(crial will be taken from upland sources in the construction contract awarded for this project. Based upon the wetland impacts described in the EA, an Individual Water Quality Certification may authorization will require concurrence from DWQ. upon evidence of avoida? file extent practical, and necessary. be required for this project.. Final permit. formal application by NCDOT and written Please be aware that this approval will be contingent ?ce and minimization of wetland and stream impacts to provision of wetland and stream mitigation where DWQ appreciates the opportunity to provide conuncnls on the FA. DOT is reminded that issuance of a 401 Water Quality Certil'ication requires satisfaction of water quality concerns, to ensure (hat water quality standards are met. and no welland or s(ream uses are lost. Qucs(ions regarding the 401 Certification should be directed to Cyndi Bell at (919) 733-1786 in DWQ's Water Quality Fnvironmcntal Sciences Branch. cc: Fric Alsmeycr, COIF, Raleigh Howard Hall, FWS David Cox, WRC R3619EA.DOC N,4, S -fc,- 4 -e- ,firm(-f C te-&?-t?kjc-ls Q, C, 13 I1GV L.1 V L.-L.0 AW Environmental Review Tracking Sheet DWQ - Water Quality Section Date: J ol (o ,1 MEMORANDUM TO: Env. Sciences Branch (WQ Lab) O Trish MacPherson (end. sps) O Kathy Herring (forest/ORW/HQW) O Larry Ausley (ecosystems) O Matt Mathews (toxicology) O Jay Sauber (intensive survey) Non-Discharge Branch (Archdale 9th) O Kim Colson (Permitting) Wetlands (WQ Lab) John Dorney (Corps, 401) ;&Cyndi Bell (DOI) O Eric Galamb O Eric Fleck DEC ._' 1997 ENVIRONMEN1ALSUIENCES DENR # gg f Digs DWQ# 11f31S Reg./ Prg Mgmt Coordination Branch O Ed Buchen (Archdale 9th) O Brent McDonald (Archdale 12th) Regional Water Quality Supervisors O Asheville O Mooresville O Washington O Fayetteville O Raleigh O Wilmington O Winston -Salem Plannine Branch (Archdale 6th) O Alan Clark (basinwide planning) O Boyd DeVane (classifications & standards) O Beth McGee (management planning) O Steve Zoufaly (reclassifications) O Ruth Swanek (modeling) (Archdale 9th) Point Source Branch (Archdale 9th) O Dave Goodrich (NPDES) O O Bradley Bennett (Stormwater) O O Tom Poe (Pretreatment) (Archdale 7th) O FROM: Michelle Suverkrubbe, Regional / Program Management Coordination Branch PROJECT: A(im Wei Co Attached is a copy of the above document. Subject to the requirements of the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act, you are being asked to review the document for potential significant impacts to the environment, especially pertinent to your jurisdiction, level of expertise or permit authority. Please check the appropriate box below and return this form to me along with your written comments, if any, by the date indicated. Thank you for your assistance. Suggestions for streamlining this process are greatly appreciated! Notes: I can be reached at: phone: (919) 733-5083, ext. 567 fax: (919) 715-5637 e-mail: michelle@dem.ehnr.state.nc.us inlsAcircinento - mac version Brier Creek Parkway Wake County State Project No. 6.804813 'TIP No. R-3619 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION STATE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT North Carolina Department of Transportation Division of Highways In compliance with the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act ' For further information contact; H. Franklin Vick, PE, Manager Planning and Environmental Branch ' North Carolina Department of Transportation Post Office Box 25201 ' Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-5201 (919) 733-3141 2 Dat? 1 Z Franklin i k, PE Manager, Planning and Environmental Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation Brier Creek Parkway Wake County State Project No. 6.804813 TIP No. R-3619 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION STATE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Documentation Prepared By: Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, Inc. in association with: Environmental Services, Inc. Little & Little 4??' 4?') William D. Gilmore, PE Principal-in-Charge 1JWa POLA Lorna Parkins, AICP Environmental Study Manager 111141~, CAR01 ss?? ti9 '- 6809 Q IEL for the: North Carolina Department of Transportation ' ames A. Bissett, PE, Unit Head Consulting Engineering Unit ' Byro Brady, PE Project Manager SUMMARY 1. TYPE OF ACTION I This is a North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Administrative Action, Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact. 2. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following person can be contacted for additional information concerning this action: H. Franklin Vick, PE, Manager Planning and Environmental Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation Post Office Box 25201 Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-5201 (919) 733-3141 3. ACTIONS REQUIRED BY OTHER AGENCIES Permits from the US Army Corps of Engineers are anticipated to be required under the provisions of Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972. Permits under Section 404 are anticipated to consist of Nationwide Permits No. 14 and No. 26. The project also will require 401 Water Quality Certification from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality. 4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT AREA The project area is in western Wake County, between US 70 and 1-40 and west of the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The project area consists primarily of undeveloped ' woodland at present, but much of the area recently was approved for a mixed-use development, including residential, commercial, office, and golf course uses. The project area contains Little Brier Creek and a tributary of Little Brier Creek. S. PROPOSED PROJECT Brier Creek Parkway would extend from US 70 on the east to the realigned Aviation Parkway on the west. It would serve traffic generated by the planned mixed-use development in the airport area, as well as east-west through movements. The length of the project is approximately 2 miles. Approximately 2000 feet of Globe Road would be realigned. The proposed project is designated R-3619 and is included in the 1998-2004 NCDOT Transportation Improvement Program for construction in Fiscal Year 1998. 6. SUMMARY OF BENEFICIAL AND ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS The proposed project is necessary to serve anticipated traffic and help fulfill the goals of the Greater Raleigh Urban Area Thoroughfare Plan. Adverse impacts from the proposed project include minor wetland encroachment, loss of vegetation and wildlife, and habitat fragmentation. As a part of relocating a portion of Globe Road, the abandonment of 2,000 feet of the existing Globe Road alignment and restoration to natural contours where the alignment crosses the headwaters of Brier Creek would improve floodplain function and water quality in the project area. One residence is directly adjacent to the proposed Parkway and would suffer noise impacts. 7. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED The typical section being considered for the proposed Brier Creek Parkway is a four-lane road with curb and gutter and a 40-foot median. This typical section was preferred over an alternative 16-foot median because it allows for future widening of the roadway with little disruption to future development and natural resources. A 40-foot median also offers improved operational characteristics, particularly for turning movements. Five other location alternatives were considered, but rejected because they did not meet the purpose and need of the project or violated engineering objectives. The no-build alternative and postponement of the project were not considered viable options because the proposed roadway is essential to serve traffic generated by airport area development, which already has been approved for implementation by the City of Raleigh. 8. BASIS FOR FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT An analysis of the potential environmental impacts from the proposed project has concluded that no significant adverse effects will result to the human or natural environment from the construction of the proposed Brier Creek Parkway. 9. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS 1. On the section of existing Globe Road that will be abandoned, the crossing of the headwaters of Brier Creek (just south of the utility lines) will be returned to original contours and the existing pipe will be removed. This will restore floodplain functions and reduce sedimentation in Brier Creek. 2. Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be used during construction to control erosion, sedimentation, and stormwater runoff. 3. NCDOT will coordinate with NC Geodetic Survey on any impacts to geodetic survey markers. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY 1. NEED FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT 1.1 BACKGROUND 1.2 FORECAST TRAFFIC VOLUMES AND LEVEL OF SERVICE 1.3 BENEFITS TO THE REGION AND COMMUNITY 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT 2.1 GENERAL 2.2 INTERSECTION TREATMENT AND ACCESS CONTROL 2.3 DRAINAGE STRUCTURES 2.4 BIKEWAYS AND SIDEWALKS 2.5 PERMITS REQUIRED ' 3. ALTERNATIVES 3.1 NO-BUILD ALTERNATIVE 3.2 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ALTERNATIVE ' 3.3 TRANSIT ALTERNATIVE 3.4 POSTPONEMENT OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT 3.5 OTHER PARKWAY LOCATION ALTERNATIVES 3.6 DESIGN ALTERNATIVES 4. SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 4.1 SOCIAL IMPACTS 4. 1.1 Consistency with Land Use Plan 4.1.2 Neighborhood Impacts 4.1.3 Relocations 4.1.4 Public Facilities and Services 4.1.5 Environmental Justice 4.2 ECONOMIC IMPACTS 4.3 CULTURAL RESOURCE IMPACTS 4.4 NATURAL RESOURCES 4.4.1 Geology 4.4.2 Soils 4.4.3 Water Quality 4.4.4 Vegetation and Wildlife 4.4.5 Rare/Unique Natural Areas 4.4.6 Protected Species 4.4.7 Section 404 Jurisdictional Areas 4.4.8 Flood Hazard Evaluation 4.5 FARMLANDS 4.6 TRAFFIC NOISE ANALYSIS 4.6.1 Noise Measurements 4.6.2 STAMINA Modeling 4.6.3 Noise Sensitive Receptors 4.6.4 Project Impact 4.6.5 Project Noise Abatement 4.6.6 Construction Noise Iff 1 1 1 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 9 9 9 9 9 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 12 12 13 13 13 14 15 19 19 21 24 24 24 24 26 26 26 27 27 v 4.7 AIR QUALITY 28 4.7.1 Analysis Results 28 4.7.2 Compliance with Clean Air Act 28 4.7.3 Construction 30 4.8 POTENTIAL HAZARDOUS WASTES/UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK SITES 30 4.9 VISUAL 30 4.10 CONSTRUCTION 30 4.11 SECONDARY IMPACTS 31 4.11.1 Natural Resource Impacts 31 4.11.2 Community Impacts 32 4.11.3 Summary 32 4.12 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS 33 4.13 PERMITS REQUIRED 33 S. COMMENTS AND COORDINATION 33 6. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 34 LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Existing and Forecast Traffic Volumes and Levels of Service 6 Table 2 Project Area Population Characteristics 12 Table 3 Plant Communities 17 Table 4 Wetland Impact Areas 22 Table 5 Noise Measurement Results 26 Table 6 2010 Noise Levels at Receptors 27 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Project Location Map 2 Figure 2 Proposed Project 3 Figure 3 Thoroughfare Plan in Project Area 4 Figure 4 Existing and Forecast Traffic Volumes 5 Figure 5 Typical Section 8 Figure 6 Alternative Alignments Considered 10 Figure 7 Plant Communities 16 Figure 8 Wetlands 23 Figure 9 Noise Impact Assessment Sites 25 Figure 10 Worst Case Scenario 29 LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix A Scoping Letters A-1 Appendix B List of References and Technical Report B-1 vi 1 1. NEED FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT 1.1 BACKGROUND Brier Creek Parkway is proposed as the major access road between US 70 and 1-40 and west of the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The project area is shown in Figure 1. ' As shown in Figure 2, the proposed Brier Creek Parkway would extend from US 70 on the east and connect to the realigned Aviation Parkway on the west. The purpose of the project is to serve traffic generated by planned development in the airport area, as well as east-west through I movements coming from Westgate Road east of the project area. The current thoroughfare plan (adopted in December 1996) in the project area is shown in Figure 3. Brier Creek Parkway is included in the 1998-2004 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) as R-3619 and ' construction is scheduled for fiscal year 1998. 1.2 FORECAST TRAFFIC VOLUMES AND LEVEL OF SERVICE To determine the traffic need for this project, the Raleigh Urban Area traffic model was utilized in cooperation with the City of Raleigh and NCDOT. The model was updated to account for ' changes in the roadway network and a more refined subdivision of land use zones. Using this information, design year 2010 traffic projections were developed for both the Build and No-Build scenarios. Table 1 and Figure 4 show existing, no-build, and build traffic projections for the proposed Brier Creek Parkway as well as other local roads. The forecast 2010 daily traffic for Brier Creek Parkway ranges from 12,000 vpd near US 70 to 34,200 vpd near Aviation Parkway. The level of service similarly ranges from LOS B on Brier Creek Parkway between US 70 and the Lumley Road intersection to LOS D for sections west to Aviation Parkway. ' A comparison of the No-Build and Build scenarios demonstrates that the proposed Brier Creek Parkway would have a significant positive impact on several local roads of regional importance. Most significantly, the proposed roadway would divert approximately 15,000 vpd from 1-540 (Northern Wake Expressway) improving peak hour operations from LOS E to LOS D. In addition, the roadway would result in less significant reductions in traffic on US 70 and T.W. Alexander Road. In addition to the roadway links, an evaluation of future intersection capacity was conducted at three intersections. The analysis indicated: 1. Brier Creek Parkway at Aviation Parkway -- This intersection will provide an acceptable level ' of service until local development has been significantly completed. At that time, the capacity constraint results from the high volumes of traffic on the planned Aviation Parkway extension and will be resolved as part of Aviation Parkway design development. ' 2. Brier Creek Parkway at Lumley Road -- This intersection would operate at LOS C in 2010 with the provision of dual left turn lanes on northbound Lumley Road, ' 3. Brier Creek Parkway at US 70 -- This intersection would operate near capacity in 2010 assuming US 70 is widened to an eight-lane arterial. The existing Thoroughfare Plan includes widening US 70 to either a ten-lane arterial or a six-lane freeway. An interchange with Brier Creek Parkway would be built as part of improving US 70 to a freeway. Z .- CD W a Cd O J L H V W mma O a N W w O D U CL C W N O CL O cc d N Ul p 11 LE O I v E a) CC M CL _rn Y ? (D U -o a) o .C m co o 0 C L CL C Z W C9 W J 11 v VU o • m ' L ° cz 0..- rn a w a # !? `a a v N1?N Mdd N01 x r - ' uj IRS '` ?? bbd 1? • ? ? ?? a _ 6a ' LEI IV CC W a oc w u_ Q CE CD ? (D W U. = o a = ?- z CL v 0 r -= Y Iit u ? • u tl w Z • Q w cc o N n O^ w 9 c ? \ V ,y O Y O O ? C 1 N w co 88JI 8 ?IN N `? Y ? M y 1 1 ` Y •. CV IMA(+?M ? N OOQ M N ' .7 1 1 IO ` ' N Y ?- Z 8 Cl I Cc , I O1 p0 % f'p 6 "1 1 I Y C Y .r p 1 1 ? ??G 88 Y • %b co C.) 1 `` 8 8 88 c! L Y ' C w 'IT Cn W Q ? W O v D Z 6L U- a C z F- X W i ? Q 7 Q Q O 7 Q Z m co O o T T Q) O O T N N II O O O p O O O Z W cm W J Table 1 Existing and Forecast Traffic Volumes and Levels of Service Link Description Brier Creek Pkwy E of Aviation Pkwy Brier Creek Pkwy E of Globe Rd Brier Creek Pkwy W of Lumley Rd Brier Creek Pkwy E of Lumley Rd Brier Creek Pkwy W of US 70 Lumley Rd N of N. Wake Expressway Globe Road S of Brier Creek Parkway Aviation Pkwy N of N. Wake Expressway Aviation Pkwy N of Brier Creek Pkwy North Wake Expressway from Aviation Parkway to Lumley Rd North Wake Expressway from Lumley Rd To US 70 US 70 Between TW Alex and ACC Blvd/ Brier Creek Pkwy US 70 Between N. Wake Expressway and ACC Blvd/Brier Creek Pkwy Existing ADT (1995) LOS 2010 No Build - - 33,700 D 1,400 A 10,300 C - - 53,500 D - 48,800 E - 99,700 E - - 100,500 E 34,300 D 55,300 C 29,000 C 72,800 D 2010 Build ADT LOS 33,400 34,200 23,000 12,000 16,400 25,300 14,900 63,700 48,300 D D C B C C C D E 82,100 87,400 55,900 70,100 D D C D ADT = Average Daily Traffic LOS = Level of Service - Road does not exist today 1.3 BENEFITS TO THE REGION AND COMMUNITY The airport area is expected to have moderate-to-high density, mixed-use development in order to fulfill the need for a regional center in the area. Traffic attracted to this area will be served by the proposed Brier Creek Parkway. With the roadway, this development will be able to serve as a new regional center because of its location and size. For example, the planned development is: • adjacent to Research Triangle Park, which has no commercial or residential development; • adjacent to Raleigh-Durham International Airport; • accessible to key, major thoroughfares including US 70 and the new Northern Wake Expressway (1-540); and • in a growing section of Wake County that currently lacks a commercial center. Preliminary regional plans for rapid transit show a rail stop within the site. The Raleigh Comprehensive Plan (July 2, 1996), 1998-2004 Transportation Improvement Program (June, 6 1997), and Greater Raleigh Urban Area Thoroughfare Plan (December 6, 1996) all reflect the City of Raleigh's desire that the site develop as a regional center. The existing Globe Road alignment crosses the headwaters of Brier Creek just south of a utility corridor. The pipe and fill material in this location have altered floodplain function, causing excess flooding and ponding on the upstream end of the pipe and reduced flooding downstream. The realignment of Globe Road would enable the removal of this pipe and associated fill material and the original contours of the area will be restored when this section of v1 v Globe Road is removed. This will restore the floodplain to a more natural state and improve water quality in Brier Creek through reduced sedimentation. 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT 2.1 GENERAL Brier Creek Parkway is a proposed two-mile, multi-lane, urban thoroughfare between the intersection of US 70 and ACC Boulevard and a relocated Aviation Parkway. It would be approximately 2,000 feet north of and parallel to the Northern Wake Expressway. Signalized intersections are planned at relocated Aviation Parkway, Globe Road, Lumley Road, and US 70. The road will be four lanes with curb and gutter and a 40-foot median. The typical section is shown in Figure 5. The right-of-way will be a maximum of 120 feet in width with grading easements as needed. The proposed design speed is 50 mph. The posted speed will be 45 mph. 2.2 INTERSECTION TREATMENT AND ACCESS CONTROL All intersections will be at-grade, with traffic signals at Aviation Parkway, Lumley Road, Globe Road, and US 70. The intersection with US 70 will have dual left-turn lanes and a dedicated right-turn lane on Brier Creek Parkway. Dual left-turn lanes westbound and a dedicated right- turn lane and continuation of third through-lane east-bound will be added to US 70 at the Brier Creek Parkway intersection. They will be within existing right-of-way. Between intersections, access to Brier Creek Parkway will be limited to every 1,000 feet. Approximately 2,000 feet of Globe Road will be realigned to separate Brier Creek Parkway's intersections with Aviation Parkway and Globe Road. 2.3 DRAINAGE STRUCTURES The project design calls for a reinforced concrete box culvert at Little Brier Creek and a reinforced concrete box culvert at a tributary of Little Brier Creek. 2.4 BIKEWAYS AND SIDEWALKS There are no special accommodations required for bicycles on this project. No sidewalks are proposed. 2.5 PERMITS REQUIRED Nationwide Permits 14 and 26 from the USACOE will be required for several small wetland crossings. Depending on interpretation of new rules adopted in January 1997 by the USACOE, Z LO O w H ir V ? W W 0 LL ..J a a ' individual permits may be required for the project's streambed crossings. The project also will require 401 Water Quality Certification from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality 3. ALTERNATIVES 3.1 NO-BUILD ALTERNATIVE The No-Build alternative would avoid the negative impacts to natural resources, such as stream crossings, wetland impacts, and habitat fragmentation associated with the proposed road. If the ' No-Build alternative is chosen, the benefits of the proposed roadway would not be realized. The traffic ramifications of the No-Build alternative include LOS E on parallel segments of 1-540, which would have LOS D if the proposed project were built. ' 3.2 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ALTERNATIVE ' Traffic management strategies or widening existing roads might relieve some congestion in the area; however, this alternative would not meet the aspect of the project's purpose and need related to the traffic needs of a planned regional center. 3.3 TRANSIT ALTERNATIVE While airport area development is included in long-term regional transit plans as a potential area ' for a transit link, transit alone would not provide sufficient access for development of the area. The transit line would serve only 7 percent of the trips in the project area (Triangle Transit Authority, 1995). 1 3.4 POSTPONEMENT OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT ' The proposed Brier Creek Parkway would serve traffic generated by airport area development, which has been approved by the City of Raleigh. Postponement of the road, therefore, would delay but not alter development plans. ' 3.5 OTHER PARKWAY LOCATION ALTERNATIVES ' Five other alignment alternatives, shown in Figure 6, were considered prior to the selection of the alignment shown in Figure 2. They all were rejected because they did not meet traffic needs or engineering requirements. Specifically: ' Alternatives 1, 2, and 3 did not cross Lumley Road in tangent. • Alternative 4 passed through a stormwater retention area, which was to be left ' undisturbed, per an agreement between the City and the developer. • Compared to alternative 5, the preferred alternative has greater intersection spacing ' between Aviation Parkway and Globe Road, and the preferred alternative follows more closely the alignment of the approved site plan. I- W z = w W W 0 ? 0 C'3 Z LL J O a C) W a z W J a U) N O O d v 'E Y u i 'v aN C O U Cl) »- c a) E c c ? m Q Q N U) cri ° E a ? o a Q c ? z = LLI W J ' 3.6 DESIGN ALTERNATIVES - ' An alternative typical section with a 16-foot median also was considered for the project. The typical section with a 40-foot median was selected for the following reasons. • Minimizes future disturbance to natural resources and developments by accommodating ' any future widening to six lanes in the median. • Stream disturbance associated with installing culverts at Little Brier Creek and a tributary ' of Little Brier Creek need only occur once with a 40-foot median. With a narrow median, any widening would occur on the outside of the travel lanes, necessitating an extension of the culverts. ' Grading and wetlands fills also will occur only once if a 40-foot median is used. 4. SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 4.1 SOCIAL IMPACTS 4.1.1 Consistency with Land Use Plan The limited amount of existing development in the project area is primarily residential. The majority of the project area is undeveloped but plans are to develop it as a mixed-used development, in accordance with Wake County growth policy. The City of Raleigh's Comprehensive Plan revisions adopted July 2, 1996 reflect the proposed site development plans Brier Creek Parkway is consistent with those development plans. 4.1.2 Neighborhood Impacts ' Traffic volumes would increase adjacent to scattered homes along Globe Road and a home where the Parkway would cross Lumley Road. ' 4.1.3 Relocations No residential or business relocations are expected to occur. ' 4.1.4 Public Facilities and Services ' There are no schools, churches, fire stations, or police stations in the immediate vicinity of the project area. ' 4.1.5 Environmental Justice The proposed road would not specifically benefit, harm, or disproportionately impact any social ' group. Table 2 describes the characteristics of households in the Cedar Fork Township (the project area) and compares them to Wake County as a whole. Table 2 Project Area Population Characteristics Percent of Median Families Percent Percent Age Family Below Area 1 otal Minority 65 and Over Income Poverty Line Wake County 423,380 23.3% 7.3% $44,302 5.5% Cedar Fork Township 2,944 16.5% 8.4% $43,043 5.0% Source: 1990 Census of Population and Housing The data indicate that minority residents, elderly residents, and households with incomes below the poverty line are not represented disproportionately in the project area. The township's median family income is $43,043 and the percent of families with incomes below the poverty line is 5.0 percent compared to $44,302 and 5.5 percent, respectively, for Wake County. Cedar Fork Township has a minority population comprising 16.5 percent of total population, compared to 23.3 percent for Wake County. The percent of persons 65 years of age and older in Cedar Fork Township is 8.4 percent compared to 7.3 percent for the County as a whole. Given that there are no relocations associated with the project, and minority, elderly and low income residents are not concentrated in the project area, these groups would not be expected to receive disproportionate impacts from the proposed road. 4.2 ECONOMIC IMPACTS Construction of the proposed project would have both short-term and long-term economic impacts. In the short-term, the local economy would be affected by the employment of contractors and workers during the construction period, resulting in additional income generation. Also in the short-term, property tax revenues would be reduced because of the removal of some parcels of land from property tax rolls for project right-of-way. In the long-term, the proposed project would provide increased access through previously undeveloped land. This access is necessary for the planned development of the area that has been approved by the City of Raleigh. This development will create numerous permanent jobs. It also would have a substantial positive impact on the local tax base through the generation of property, sales, and income taxes. After development, the real property values will increase. 4.3 CULTURAL RESOURCE IMPACTS In a letter dated December 4, 1996, the Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer stated that he was aware of no properties of historical, architectural, or archaeological importance within the project area (see Appendix A). It was recommended, therefore, that no historic resource surveys be conducted. 12 ' 4.4 NATURAL RESOURCES 4.4.1 Geology Geologically, the project area is in the Durham Triassic Sub-basin. A Triassic Basin is a rift basin, ' filled with exposed sedimentary and igneous rocks, believed to have formed along a fault zone as a result of continental drift. This particular basin is oriented in a northeast-southwest direction. The project corridor is near the eastern boundary of the basin, which is bounded by the Jonesboro fault system. The Triassic sedimentary rocks are part of the Chatham Group, and consist of ' conglomerate, arkosic sandstone, siltstone, claystone, and mudstone (Olsen et al., 1991, SCS 1970). 4.4.2 Soils ¦ Characteristics The project corridor extends through the Creedmore-White Store soil association, which is ' characterized by firm, clayey subsoils derived from sandstone, shale, and mudstone on gently sloping to hilly landscapes (SCS, 1970). Soils that may occur in the project corridor include the non-hydric series Creedmore, Mantachie, Mayodan, and Chewacla. There are no listed hydric ' series mapped within the project corridor (SCS, 1991); however, small inclusions of the hydric series Wehadkee may be found along drainage ways in the Chewacla soil series (SCS, 1991). ' The Creedmore series (Aquic Hapludults) is a moderately well drained soil that occurs on gentle to moderately steep slopes. This series forms from weathered sandstone, mudstone, and shale of the Triassic age. Permeability of the subsoil is low, which often leads to perched water tables during the wet seasons. The shrink-swell potential of this series is high, especially in the clayey subsoils. ' The Mantachie series (Aeric Fluventic Haplaquepts) is a deep, somewhat poorly drained soil in depressions and draws of Piedmont uplands. This series occurs on nearly level or gently sloping ' uplands formed in coarse loamy deposits of local alluvium. The shrink-swell potential is low and the seasonal high water table is about 2.0 feet below the soil surface. This soil is frequently flooded for brief periods because of precipitation and runoff. The Mayodan series (Typic Hapludults) is a well-drained soil that occurs over rock. This series occurs on shallow, rounded divides. Mayodan soils form from weathered sandstone, mudstone, and shale of the Triassic age. Permeability and shrink-swell potential are moderate and the water table remains below the solum. The Chewacla series (Aquic Fluvaquentic Dystrochrepts) is a nearly level, somewhat poorly drained, very deep loam, with hydric inclusions. This series forms in recent alluvial deposits washed largely from soils formed in residuum from schist, gneiss, granite, phyllite, and other metamorphic and igneous rocks. Permeability is moderate and flood frequency ranges from rarely to frequently. Shrink-swell potential is low. Unweathered bedrock is found at depths greater than 6.6 feet below the soil surface. The seasonal high water table is between 0.5 foot and 1.6 feet below the soil surface in undrained conditions. This soil is mapped along the bottoms of Little Brier Creek and the unnamed tributaries. The Wehadkee series (Typic Fluvaquents) is a poorly drained, fine sandy loam. This very deep hydric soil is found on floodplains and forms in loamy alluvial deposits. Permeability is moderate to moderately rapid, and some areas flood frequently in winter. Shrink-swell potential is low. Unweathered bedrock is found at depths greater than 6.6 feet below the soil surface. The seasonal high water table typically occurs within 1.0 foot of the soils surface in undrained conditions. Within the project corridor, this series is present only as inclusions within the Chewacla soil series. 13 Impacts Impacts on soils are expected to be restricted to localized changes in micro-relief. The gently rolling to moderately steep topography of the project corridor represents minor to moderate potential for disturbances such as mass soil movement or flooding as a result of roadway construction. To avoid these impacts, the road is designed to cross steams in a perpendicular fashion and avoid the sides of hills. During construction, an erosion control plan and best management practices will be followed. 4.4.3 Water Quality Characteristics The project corridor intersects Little Brier Creek, an unnamed tributary to Little Brier Creek, and the headwaters of Brier Creek. These streams are within the upper Neuse River Basin (USGS Hydrologic Unit #03020201). Both Brier Creek (DEM Index No. 27-33-4) and Little Brier Creek (DEM Index No. 27-33-4-1) have a best usage classification of C NSW. This classification indicates suitability for aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation, and agriculture. Secondary recreation includes activities involving human body contact with water in an infrequent or incidental basis (DEM, 1993). The NSW designation indicates the system is classified as Nutrient Sensitive Waters, and requires limitations on nutrient inputs. Primary sources of long-term water quality degradation in the project area are roadways, maintained utility line rights-of-way, and erosion resulting from periodic timber harvesting. The Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN) addresses long-term trends in water quality at fixed monitoring stations through sampling for selected benthic macroinvertebrates (DEM, 1989). BMAN stations currently do not exist on Little Brier Creek or Brier Creek, the nearest BMAN location is approximately 6 miles downstream of the project corridor crossings on Crabtree Creek. Water quality at the Crabtree Creek site has an overall rating of Fair. The streams proposed for crossing have been designated with the supplemental classification NSW (Nutrient Sensitive Waters) because they are currently subjected to excessive growth of aquatic vegetation, most likely as a result of an overabundance of nutrient inputs. The State will not allow increases in nutrient levels (primarily phosphorous and nitrogen) over background levels in waters so designated. The State Division of Water Quality will assist in developing nutrient management strategies for streams with this designation. One possible source of excessive nutrient inputs is the utility corridor in the project area. The utility corridor crosses the headwaters of Brier Creek where the proposed Brier Creek parkway would be constructed. Where existing Globe Road crosses the headwaters of Brier Creek, a pipe under the roadway constricts downstream flow, causing periodic flooding and wetter conditions in the utility corridor than would be expected to occur naturally. The utility corridor is mowed periodically which likely causes additional sedimentation in Brier Creek. The pipe under Globe Road also has caused a reduction in downstream floodplain function. Impacts Construction impacts to stream channels will be temporary and localized during road construction. Long-term impacts to streams as a result of road construction are expected to be negligible. Temporary construction impacts because of erosion and sedimentation will be minimized through implementation of a stringent erosion control schedule and the use of best management practices. The contractor will follow contract specifications pertaining to erosion control measures as outlined 14 in 23 CFR 650 Subpart B and Article 107-13 entitled "Control of Erosion, Siltation, and Pollution" (NCDOT, Specifications for Roads and Structures). These measures include: the use of dikes, berms, silt basins, and other containment measures to control runoff; elimination of construction staging areas in floodplains and adjacent to waterways; re-seeding of herbaceous cover on disturbed sites; management of chemicals (herbicides, pesticides, de-icing compounds) with potential negative impacts on water quality; and avoidance of direct discharges into steams by catch basins and roadside vegetation. The existing utility corridor crossing of the headwaters of Brier Creek includes an unpaved access road for utility line maintenance. Vegetation maintenance and vehicular traffic on this access road have resulted in the formation of tire ruts and subsequent erosion of surface sediments into Brier Creek. Construction of the proposed Parkway would allow for stabilization of the ground surface in this portion of the utility line corridor, resulting in a decrease of sedimentation into Brier Creek. 4.4.4 Vegetation and Wildlife Description of Plant Communities The project right-of-way comprises approximately 34.9 acres, 31.1 acres within the Brier Creek Parkway proper and 3.8 acres within the Globe Road relocation. The project corridor is in a region of relatively homogeneous land use and vegetation coverage. Within the project right-of-way, four broad classifications of plant communities are recognized. These communities include hardwood forest (HF), mixed pine/hardwood forest (MF), pine forest (PF), and urban/disturbed area (UD). These communities are shown on Figure 7, and acres of each in the project right-of-way are summarized in Table 3. The forested areas occur at various successional stages because of past disturbances such as logging. Mixed Pine/Hardwood Forest (MF). Mixed pine/hardwood forest is characterized by a canopy dominated by a mixture of pines (greater than 30 percent) and hardwoods. Approximately 11.2 acres of mixed pine hardwood forest are scattered throughout the project right-of-way. Common canopy species include southern red oak (Quercus falcata), blackjack oak (Q, marilandica), white oak (Q. alba), black oak (Q. velutina), scarlet oak (Q. coccinea) loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), Virginia pine (P. virginiana), red maple (Acer rubrum), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), and scattered hickories (Carya spp.). The subcanopy consists of eastern hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), flowering dogwood (Corpus florida), eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), American beech (Fagus grandifolia), American holly (Ilex opaca), and sourwood (Oxydendron arboreum). The sparse shrub layer includes arrow-wood (Viburnum dentatum), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), silver- berry (Elaeagnus umbellate), and blueberry (Vaccinium sp.). Common herbs include Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia), yellow jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), and Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides). Some areas characterized by mixed pine hardwood forest appear to have been thinned selectively within the past 8 to 15 years. Recently-timbered areas are dominated by loblolly pine, sweetgum, flowering dogwood, eastern red cedar, and blueberry. Hardwood Forest (HF). Hardwood forest is characterized as a mature climax community ' dominated by a mixture of hardwoods and includes occasional pines. Approximately 12.1 acres of the project right-of-way support hardwood forest. Species composition varies from nearly pure hardwoods to a pine component approaching 30 percent of the canopy. On ridges and lower ' slopes above floodplains, the canopy includes American beech, tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), post oak (Quercus stellata), northern red oak (Q. rubra), white oak, black oak, swamp chestnut oak (Q. michauxii), shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata), loblolly pine, sourwood, and various hickories. The ' 15 ik: P. t t \ ` !!W LL M w ? W w p Z ? LL O V F- Z CL N O O a a e cn E '? N U) N O L O U- '0 O a RS J ca O O N c ? N `O •- N a ? ?ioc 3 2 u c c ? LL a= u II II J a u;Uie LU 'cm W J Table 3 Plant Communities Acres in Project Plant Community Right-of-Way Mixed Pine/Hardwood Forest 11.2 Hardwood Forest 12.1 Pine Forest 8.4 Urban/Disturbed Areas 3.2 TOTAL 34.9 subcanopy is dominated by American holly and flowering dogwood. The shrub and herb components tend to be sparse because of dense canopy cover. There is a slight change in species composition of hardwood forest in riparian areas, primarily because of a moderation in temperature extremes and increased moisture resulting from the proximity of adjacent waters. Dominant canopy species include American beech, white oak, tulip tree, American elm (Ulmus americana), water oak, red maple, willow oak, sweetgum, river birch (Betula nigra), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxil), and shagbark hickory (Carya ovata). American holly, ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana), river birch, and several species of vines occur in the shrub layer. Pine Forest (PR The canopy of the pine forest is composed almost entirely of loblolly and Virginia pine. Approximately 8.4 acres of the project right-of-way support pine forest, occurring as isolated pockets. This community is commonly the result of some type of urban/commercial disturbance such as abandoned easements or recently timbered land. Shrub and herb layers are commonly sparse because of the dense overstory, and include wax myrtle and Japanese honeysuckle. A small portion of pine forest has been selectively timbered within the past 10 years. These areas primarily support pines and other pioneer species. Understory species include loblolly pine, sweetgum, flowering dogwood, American holly, Japanese honeysuckle, and common greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia). Urban/Disturbed Areas (UD). Urban/disturbed areas have been disturbed by periodic mowing or surface earthwork. Approximately 3.2 acres of the project right-of-way are characterized as urban/disturbed areas. These areas support early successional communities. Examples of sites with this designation include powerline rights-of-way, maintained road sides, and topsoil borrow areas. Species occurring on these areas include multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), lespedeza (Lespedeza sp.), Nepal microstegium (Eulalia vimineum), broom panic grass (Dichanthelium scoparium), asters (Asterspp.), and golden rods (Solidago spp.). Wet pockets contain rushes (Juncus spp.), wool-grass (Scirpus cyperinus), and straw-colored flatsedge (Cyperus strigosus). Description of Characteristic Animal Communities Terrestrial. The project corridor generally supports a contiguous forest system that offers necessary components (food, water, cover) to support a number of animal species typical of the 17 Piedmont region of the state. Mammals noted or expected within the proposed alignment include white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), raccoon (Procyon lotor), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus), southeastern shrew (Sorex longirostris), least shrew (Cryptotis parva), southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans), woodchuck (Marmota monax), eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), gray fox (Urocyon cineareoargenteus), and white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) (Webster et al., 1985). Common bird species that occur in the project corridor are typical of Piedmont forest. Because of the minimal amount of habitat fragmentation, and resulting buffering effect from human activity, the vicinity of the project corridor supports forest interior species that typically avoid such disturbances. Such forest interior species include American woodcock (Scolopax minor), red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), Acadian flycatcher (Empidonax virescens), blue-gray gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea), wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), hermit thrush (Catharus guttatus), red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus), yellow-throated warbler (Dendroica dominica), hooded warbler (Wilsonia citrina), and scarlet tanager (Piranga olivacea). Other common species that occur within the project corridor include red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum), blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus), Carolina chickadee (Parus carolinensis), ruby-crowned kinglet (Regulus calendula), golden-crowned kinglet (R. satrapa), northern junco (Juncus hyemalis), northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), and white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) (Potter et al., 1980). Reptiles and amphibians known to occur in the region include eastern box turtle (Terrapene caroling), eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus), southeastern five-lined skink (Eumeces inexpectatus), rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta), worm snake (Carphophis amoenus), rough green snake (Opheodrys aestivus), copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), American toad (Bufo americana), northern cricket frog (Acris creations), spring pepper (Pseudacris crucifer), two-lined salamander (Eurycea bislineata), and northern dusky salamander (Desmognanthus fuscus) (Palmer and Braswell, 1995, Martof eta/., 1980, Conant and Collins, 1991). Aquatic. Little Brier Creek and its unnamed tributary are the only sources of permanent water within the project corridor. Species of fish expected to inhabit these streams most likely will be limited in size and diversity because of regular fluctuations in water level. Expected species include bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), green sunfish (L. cyanellus), pumpkinseed (L. gibbosus), blue-spotted sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus), banded sunfish (E. obesus), pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus), Carolina madtom (Notorus furiosus), brown bullhead (Ictalurus nebulosus), bluehead chub (Nocomis leptocephalus), white shiner (Notropis albeolus), creek chub (Semotilus atromculatus), greenfin shiner (Notropis chloristius), golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas), eastern mosquito fish (Gambusia holbrooki), and Johnny darter (Etheostoma nigrum) (Menhinick, 1991, Rohde et al., 1994). Wildlife commonly associated with aquatic environments in this region of the state include mink (Mustela vison), muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), great blue heron (Ardea herodias), belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon), snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina), painted turtle (Chrysemys picta), northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon), eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens), pickerel frog (Rana palustris), and bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana). Impacts to Vegetation and Wildlife Plant Community Impacts. Potential impacts to plant communities resulting from roadway construction depend on the relative amount of each community in the project corridor. Impact areas for each community have been discussed within the community descriptions. The region 18 traversed by the proposed project is presently relatively undisturbed and plant communities occur in large contiguous blocks. The project would fragment this large block of forest. Beyond fragmentation, however, the clearing of the project corridor for construction will have a minor impact on plant communities in the immediate vicinity Wildlife Impacts. Fragmentation and loss of wildlife habitat is an unavoidable consequence of roadway development on new location. Short-term displacement of local wildlife populations will occur during initial construction of the road. Many local species are habituated to anthropogenic disturbances and are expected to return to the construction area. Movement through the area will become more dangerous for many transient species because of the new facility. Some wildlife species occurring within the proposed corridor may be displaced through permanent habitat reduction and fragmentation. Localized large mammal populations, such as deer, may experience disruptions in mating, feeding, or migratory patterns as a result of roadway construction. Increased urbanization already has resulted in diminished habitat opportunities as woodlands are committed to development. Many migratory and resident bird species that require forest interiors for nesting may be displaced because of the edge effects associated with bisecting a wooded area with the proposed project. These species also will be affected by further fragmentation within upland hardwood tracts because of secondary impacts associated with site development. (See section 4.11.) In the headwaters of Brier Creek, the proposed project would enable a section of streambed to be restored. Specifically, the section of Globe Road that would be abandoned contains a pipe where it crosses the headwaters of Brier Creek. As part of the proposed project, this pipe would be removed and the natural contours of the area would be restored. This would allow the streambed to revert to a more natural state that, once again, could support wildlife. 4.4.5 Rare/Unique Natural Areas There are no designated rare or unique natural areas identified within the project area according to NHP records (December, 1996). There are no water bodies deserving of special attention as denoted under the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 (Pub. L. No. 90-542, 82 Stat. 906; codified and amended at 16 U.S.C. 1217-1287 (1982) or under the Natural and Scenic Rivers Act of 1971 (G.S. 113A-30). Because rare or unique resources were not identified within the project corridor, no adverse impacts are anticipated. 4.4.6 Protected Species Federal Species Species with federal classifications of Endangered (E) or Threatened (T) are protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The USFWS list of federally protected species as of May 2, 1997 is as follows: Red-cockaded woodpecker Picoides borealis E Dwarf wedge mussel Alasmidonta heterodon E Michaux's sumac Rhus michauxii E Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus T These species are described briefly in the following paragraphs. Red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW). This small woodpecker (7 to 8.5 inches long) has a black head, prominent white cheek patch, and black-and-white barred back. Males often have red 19 markings (cockades) behind the eye, but the cockades may be absent or difficult to see (Potter et al., 1980). Primary nest sites for RCWs include open pine stands greater than 60 years of age with little or no mid-story development. Foraging habitat is comprised of open pine or pine/mixed hardwood stands 30 years of age or older (Henry, 1989). Suitable habitat was not found within the project area Biological Conclusion. This project is expected to have no effect on RCWs. No suitable nesting habitat (stand-size pine or pine-hardwood forest containing pines greater than 60 years old) is present within the project corridor. No birds were observed during the site visit and, currently, no colonies have been documented in Wake County. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT Dwarf wedge mussel. The dwarf wedge mussel is relatively small, averaging 1.0 to 1.5 inches long The shells are olive-green to dark brown in color and are sub-rhomboid ally shaped. The shells of females are swollen posteriorly, while males are generally flattened (TSCFTM, 1990). The preferred habitats are streams with moderate flow velocities and bottoms varying in texture from gravel and coarse sand to mud, especially downstream of debris and on banks of accreting sediment. This species was previously known only from a few, disjunct populations in the Neuse River basin (Johnston Co.) and Tar River basin (Granville Co.). State-wide surveys conducted since 1992 have expanded this species' range in North Carolina, but the dwarf wedge mussel has not been documented in any streams within the vicinity of the project corridor. Biological Conclusion: This project is expected to have no effect on the dwarf wedge mussels. This species has not been found to occur within the project corridor. A 1991 NC Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) survey of Brier Creek and Little Brier Creek failed to locate evidence of dwarf wedge mussels in the system (WRC, 1991). No mussel shells were observed in or adjacent to project corridor streams during the site visit. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT Michaux's sumac. Michaux's sumac is a densely pubescent, deciduous, rhizomatous shrub, usually less than 2 feet high. The alternate, compound leaves consist of 9-13 hairy, round-based, toothed leaflets borne on a hairy rachis that may be slightly winged (Radford et al., 1968). Small male and female flowers are produced during June on separate plants; female flowers are produced on terminal, erect clusters followed by small, hairy, red fruits (drupes) in August and September. Michaux's sumac tends to grow in areas where competition is reduced by periodic fire or other disturbances, and may grow along roadside margins or utility rights-of-way. In the Piedmont, Michaux's sumac appears to prefer clay soils derived from mafic rocks or sandy soil derived from granite (Weakley, 1993). Michaux's sumac ranges from southern Virginia through Georgia in the inner Coastal Plain and lower Piedmont. Biological Conclusion: This project is expected to have no effect on Michaux's sumac. Road sides and utility line rights-of-way within the project corridor are maintained regularly and do not provide suitable habitat for sumac. Michaux's sumac was not observed during the site visit. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT Bald Eaale. The bald eagle occurs throughout North America, primarily in association with large lakes and coastal bays and sounds where food is plentiful. Mature eagles (usually 4 to 6 years and older) are identified by a white tail and head, dark brown to black body and wings (wingspread to 6 feet), and yellow eyes, bill, and feet. Juveniles are uniformly chocolate-brown and sometimes have whitish mottling on their tail, belly, and wing linings. As the birds mature they become lighter in color and the mottling increases until they acquire their adult plumage pattern. Nesting sites occur 20 close to feeding grounds and nests are constructed in large trees (predominately pine or cypress), either living or dead. Eagles are opportunistic hunters and scavengers, feeding on a wide variety of aquatic-dependent organisms including fish, snakes, small mammals and large water birds. Their primary source of food is carrion and fish taken from ospreys (Potter et al. , 1980). Biological Conclusion: This project is expected to have no effect on the bald eagle. No suitable habitat exists within the project corridor, and no eagles were observed during the site visit BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT Federal Species of Concern The May 2, 1997 USFWS list also includes a category of species designated as "Federal species of concern" (FSC). The FSC designation provides no federal protection for the species listed. Common Name Scientific Name Potential Habitat Bachman's sparrow Aimophila aestivalis No Southern hognose snake Heterodon simus No* Southeastern myotis Myotis austroriparius No Yellow lance Elliptio lanceolate No Atlantic pigtoe Fusconaia masoni No Green floater Lasmigona subviridus No Diana fritillary butterfly Speyeria diana No* Sweet pinesap Monotropsis odorata Yes Carolina least trillium Trillium pusillum var. pusillum No *Historic record-the species was last observed in the county more than 50 years ago. No FSC-designated species have been documented in the vicinity of the project corridor according to NHP records (December, 1996). The typical habitat of most of these species does not occur in the project corridor; however, habitat for sweet pinesap does occur within the project corridor. Sweet pinesap typically occurs on dry slopes and bluffs supporting deciduous forests. Sweet pinesap was not observed during the site visit. State Species Species with the North Carolina status of Endangered (E), Threatened (T), or Special Concern (SC) receive limited protection under the North Carolina Endangered Species Act (G.S. 113-331 et seq.) and the North Carolina Plant Protection Act of 1979 (G.S. 106-202.12 et seq.). No state-listed species are known to occur within two miles of the project corridor. 4.4.7 Section 404 Jurisdictional Areas Characteristics Wetlands are defined by the US Army Corps of Engineers (COE) (33 CFR 328.3) as: "those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas." In accordance with this definition, wetlands must possess three essential parameters: hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and evidence of wetlands hydrology (COE Wetlands Delineation Manual, 1987). 21 Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (1972), now referred to as the Clean Water Act, authorized the USACOE, in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), to regulate the disposal of dredged or fill material into "waters of the United States." The term "waters of the United States" has broad meaning and incorporates both deepwater aquatic habitats and special aquatic sites, including wetlands (COE Wetlands Delineation Manual, 1987). Executive Order 11990 requires that new construction in wetlands be avoided to the extent possible, and that all practical measures be taken to minimize or mitigate impacts to wetlands. The wetland and streambed areas within the project corridor were delineated in 1996 and 1997, based on the methodology outlined in the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (1987). Field reconnaissance was conducted in December 1996 and June and July, 1997, to confirm the wetland delineations and streambeds that may be disturbed during construction within the project corridor. Areas within the project corridor that are subject to Section 404 permit review include 1) water and streambed limits of Brier and Little Brier Creeks and associated tributaries, 2) wetlands systems immediately adjacent to these creeks, and 3) isolated pockets of wetlands not connected to any stream or floodplain that are considered jurisdictional based upon the three-parameter methodology outlined in the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Figure 8 shows the location of the wetlands identified in the project corridor. Impacts Table 4 lists the map reference number for each wetland site as shown on Figure 8 and the area of impact at these sites. Wetland crossings for sites A through M will be submitted for Nationwide Permits 14 and 26 from the Wilmington District Corps of Engineers. These permits will be obtained and will be used or modified as part of the roadway construction project. Crossings will be accommodated by the use of culverts. Table 4 Wetland Impact Areas Wetland Site Location Acres/Linear Feet Impacted Permit Status A SB of Brier Creek 136.3 I.f. in preparation B Tributary SB to Brier Creek 170 l.f. in preparation C Unconnected wetland on side of ridge 0.113 acres in preparation D Unconnected wetland/water on ridge 151.6 I.f. in preparation E Unnamed SB to UT to Little Brier Creek 126.8 11 in preparation F Unnamed SB to UT to Little Brier Creek 269.2 11 in preparation H SB of UT to Little Brier Creek 201.2 l.f. in preparation J Wetland adjacent to Little Brier Creek 0.205 acres in preparation K SB of Little Brier Creek 130.7 I.f. in preparation L Wetland in storm water channel 0.204 acres in preparation M Unconnected wetland on side of ridge 0.021 acres in preparation UT = Unnamed Tributary SB = Streambed 22 W Q W Q J w W W U a LL z 0 v W et 0 N N N J O LM L1 p w U) 'E Y cn m C cn N rn cn C o •6 U cn 0 ? U a? c E ? CO C O O II D Z W C3 W J Avoidance and Minimization In accordance with Executive Order 11990, this project has been designed to avoid new construction in wetlands to the extent possible, and employ all practical measures to minimize or mitigate impacts to wetlands. Scattered small wetlands exist throughout the project area, mainly as a result of prior land disturbance (e.g. farming troughs). The proposed alignment avoids these wetlands as much as possible. Because streams cross the entire site, complete avoidance of stream crossings is not practicable. Measures have been employed in the initial planning of the proposed alternatives to minimize potential impacts through route location (avoidance), design, and construction practices. No rechannelling of Brier Creek, Little Brier Creek, or their tributaries is planned other than at the designated crossings. Sedimentation and erosion control practices will be utilized to minimize construction impacts. The project is expected to generate 10,000 to 20,000 cubic yards of waste, which will be used within the project corridor and will not affect wetland areas. Where wetland crossings are unavoidable, the proposed alternative crosses the wetland sites at their narrowest points and as close to perpendicular as possible to minimize impacts. The fill or cut slopes are as steep as the design criteria allow in these locations, also to minimize wetland impacts. Drainage structures will be placed under the roadway as necessary to maintain wetland function. Mitigation Final discretionary authority regarding mitigation rests with the USACOE and NCDWQ. The potential for on-site mitigation exists where an existing stream bed crossing in the abandoned section of Globe Road can be returned to its original state. 4.4.8 Flood Hazard Evaluation A floodplain evaluation was conducted in accordance with Executive Order 11988 "Floodplain Management" and 23 CFR 650, Subpart A "Location and Hydraulic Design of Encroachments on Floodplains." The proposed project will cross Little Brier Creek (Basin 18, Stream 15). The proposed project will not result in a significant encroachment on the floodway or the floodplain for the creek. The project will not increase the extent or level of flood hazard risk. 4.5 FARMLANDS The project corridor consists of areas that are planned to be urbanized, and, therefore, are exempt from the Farmland Protection Policy Act. 4.6 TRAFFIC NOISE ANALYSIS 4.6.1 Noise Measurements Ambient Noise Measurements A noise measurement survey was conducted in the project area on December 23, 24, and 26, 1996 to document existing (ambient) noise levels. Sites selected were representative of noise sensitive receptors within the project area. Figure 9 shows the sites, R3 and R4. Table 5 lists the measurements. Ambient noise measurements were taken with and without airplanes to document the impact of airplanes on noise at the measurement sites. The measurements show that, with airplanes, noise levels are 0 to 4 dBA higher. 24 •? C A '?; ?•?x •? I .off: Y r V I IfIgAIIII, \I 4e? . S • y coo ''" .• Ain I.D ` 35p i o M E •,• •I I C 10- S.. o .:.. `? z I c: ."Wo • coo ' , _ • d ,? ". ? / ? RolobaUpQ I o r ? OSC i fi e ? .? ? ' uo?lel?b 41.0 coo W w cl: co ? Z W LL VI ?/? VI W co Q a W y_ G z LO N J 0 LM LA O I a " s v E cc c m co c E cu c cz a . c co ? Y Q ?cu ? z Q) O U % CL c w E :3 00 N cn ll co 0 C7 0 ) 0 L z? a . v . . z • W i W J Table 5 Noise Measurement Results Noise Noise Site Level Level (w/Airplanes)" Number Location Description (d8A) (d8A) R3 Residence off SR Wooded area 55.2 59.1 1739 R4 Business off of Roadside 44.0 44.3 US 70 `Peak measurement: measurement taken during a peak air travel time. Noise measurements were recorded for 20-minute periods. The noise meter used for this project was a Type-1 Noise Level Analyzer B&K 2230. Accessories included a B&K 4231 calibrator and a B&K 1565 microphone and windshield. The microphone was placed five feet above the ground. Prediction of Future Noise Levels The procedure used to predict future traffic noise levels was the noise Barrier Cost Reduction (BCR) procedure, STAMINA 2.0 and OPTIMA (revised March, 1983). This procedure is based on the FHWA Highway Traffic Noise Prediction Model (FHWA-RD-77-108). Model results take into account the number and type of vehicles on the roadway, their speeds, receptor location and height, and, if applicable, barrier type, barrier ground elevation, and barrier top elevation. 4.6.2 STAMINA Modeling The STAMINA 2.0 computer model was used to determine the number of land uses (by type) that would be exposed to noise levels approaching or exceeding the FHWA noise abatement criteria during the peak hour in the 2010 design year. Those land uses where a substantial noise increase would occur also were determined. 4.6.3 Noise Sensitive Receptors Noise levels for receptors at distances of 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1,600 feet from the center of the nearest travel lane were modeled. These results were used to identify the 67 dBA and 72 dBA noise contours. STAMINA model output is provided in the Noise Report. Six receptors whose noise levels could be influenced by traffic on the proposed Brier Creek Parkway (see Figure 9) also were modeled. The measurement and modeling results were used to determine worst-case noise levels at these receptors (see Table 6). 4.6.4 Project Impact The findings presented in Table 6 show that noise levels in the vicinity of the proposed roadway will exceed or approach the Federal Highway Administration's noise abatement criteria (NAC) of 26 Table 6 2010 Noise Levels at Receptors Distance to Measured Lei, 2019 L,, Brier Distance Creek to Globe Peak Noise Change Parkway Road Off- Modeled Level from Site No. Land Use (in feet) (in feet) Peak Peak' Traffic at Receptor2 1997 R13 Residence 920 520 55 59 52 60 1 R23 Residence/ 850 670 55 59 51 60 1 Business R3 Residence 840 N/A 55 59 47 59 0 R4 Business 710 N/A 44 44 46 48 4 R5 Business 820 N/A 44 44 45 48 4 R6 Residence 100 N/A 55 59 68 68 9 'With airplanes 2Existing modeled Brier Creek traffic plus peak (with airplanes) measured Leq 3Globe road relocation noise impact included 67 dBA (category B land uses) at one residential receptor. Fhe 72 dBA NAC (category C land uses) will not be exceeded. Table 6 also shows that no substantial increases in noise levels (10 dBA or greater when the existing noise level is greater than 50 dBA) will occur for any receptor. The 67 dBA and 72 dBA noise contours for the project are approximately 120 feet and 60 feet, respectively, from the edge of the proposed road west of Lumley Road and 70 feet and 35 feet, respectively, from the edge of the proposed road east of Lumley Road. 4.6.5 Project Noise Abatement ' Noise abatement would not be feasible at the residence where FHWA Noise Abatement Criteria would be approached or exceeded. North Carolina State Noise Abatement Guidelines (May, 1990) state that it is not prudent or reasonable to consider noise abatement for isolated I receptors. Hence, no physical abatement measures are considered feasible and none are recommended for the Brier Creek Parkway. 4.6.6 Construction Noise Construction noise would vary greatly with the type of equipment in use at any particular time and the phase of construction activity. Noise levels during construction therefore would fluctuate greatly from day to day and hour to hour. High noise levels of combustion-engine-powered equipment would be the main contributor to the higher noise levels. Higher noise levels also could result from impact pile driving, if this method is used during construction of the proposed roadway Construction operations, and associated noise, generally would be restricted to daytime hours. Control of construction noise at the source is the most effective approach to reducing noise. Construction equipment would comply with the noise standards adopted by Occupational Safety 27 and Health Administration (OSHA). Construction equipment would be required to have effective muffler, have efficient silencers on air intakes of equipment, and be properly maintained. 4.7 AIR QUALITY The US Environmental Protection Agency's MOBILE 5a air quality model was used to estimate CO emissions in 2010. CAL30HC was used to predict CO concentrations at two "worst-case" sites, the sites with the greatest potential to suffer violations of NAAQS with the proposed project. These sites are shown Figure 10. 4.7.1 Analysis Results The peak one-hour computed CO concentrations for year 2010 (design year) would be: 12.9 ppm at Aviation Parkway. 11.7 ppm at US 70. The peak eight-hour computed CO concentrations for year 2010 (design year) would be: 7.9 ppm at Aviation Parkway. 7.1 ppm at US 70. A comparison with the predicted CO concentrations with the NAAQS (1-hour - 35 ppm; 8-hour - 9 ppm) indicates no violation of these standards would occur. 4.7.2 Compliance with Clean Air Act The project is located in Wake County, which is within the Raleigh-Durham nonattainment area for ozone (03) and carbon monoxide (CO) as defined by the EPA. The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) designated these areas as "moderate" nonattainment areas for 03 and CO. However, due to improved monitoring data, these areas were redesignated as "maintenance" for 03 on June 17, 1994, and "maintenance" for CO on September 18, 1995. Section 176 (c) of the CAAA requires that transportation plans, programs, and projects conform to the intent of the state air quality implementation plan (SIP). The current SIP does not contain any transportation control measures for Wake County. The Capital Area 1996 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) has been determined to conform to the intent of the SIP. The MPO approval date for the TIP is July 20, 1995. The USDOT approval date of the TIP is October 4, 1997. The current conformity determination is consistent with the final conformity rule found in 40 CFR Part 51. There have been no significant changes in the project's design concept or scope, as used in the conformity analyses. The air quality project level CO analysis described above determined that National Ambient Air Quality Standards (1-hour - 35 ppm; 8-hour - 9 ppm) would not be exceeded in the project design year 2010. This project is not anticipated to create an adverse effect on air quality. 28 Z Y F w O W T y 0 W L? W W coo a v y O 3 i zl g it N N N O Q d r, E N O L ? " c m c m cn CL rn o U C a) O a) r- M im co -0.n U +- W O 00 CL s ? a 3 W I ?? cm W J ? 4.7.3 Construction During construction of the proposed project, all materials resulting from clearing and grubbing, demolition, or other operations would be removed from the project corridor, burned or otherwise disposed of by the contractor. Any burning would be in accordance with applicable local laws and ordinances, and regulations of the North Carolina State Implementation Plan (SIP) for air quality and in compliance with 15 NCAC 2D.0520, North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15, Chapter 2, "Environmental Management (NCDEHNR), Control and Prohibition of Open Burning." Care would be taken to ensure burning would 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 would be performed under constant surveillance. Measures would be taken in allaying the dust generated by construction when the control of dust is necessary for the protection and comfort of motorists or area residents. 4.8 POTENTIAL HAZARDOUS WASTES/UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK SITES A field reconnaissance survey was conducted at the airport assemblage site between the terminus of the newly constructed Aviation Parkway and the US 70/ACC Boulevard intersection. A file search of all appropriate federal and state agencies also was conducted to determine if any known environmental hazards were present along the proposed project corridor. Based on this research, there do not appear to be any sites within the project limits that have the potential for underground storage tank involvement. The research also shows that no regulated landfills or unregulated dump sites occur within the project corridor. Therefore, there should not be any environmental conflicts with the proposed project. 4.9 VISUAL The study area is predominantly wooded and undeveloped with no high quality views. The proposed roadway would be clearly visible from one home at Lumley Road. 4.10 CONSTRUCTION Short-term construction impacts may occur in the areas of water quality, air quality, natural resources, and noise. The potential impacts can be minimized by careful adherence to established construction methods. These methods are described below: 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 or debris in active public waste or 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. 2. During construction of the proposed project, all material resulting from clearing, grubbing, demolition, or other operations will be removed from the project, and disposed of by the contractor. Any merchantable timber will be salvaged. 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 and GS 113-60.24. Additionally, trees outside of the construction limits will be 30 protected from construction activities to prevent skinning tree trunks from heavy equipment, exposing roots, smothering trees from fill dirt around the base, or accidentally spilling petroleum. 1 3. Borrow pits and ditches will be drained insofar as possible to alleviate breeding areas for mosquitoes. 4. Care will be taken not to block existing drainage ditches. 5. There will be strict adherence to erosion control plan by the contractor, including limiting areas and duration of exposed earth and stabilizing exposed areas as quickly as possible (see discussion of impacts in section 4.4.3). 6. Measures will be taken to alleviate the dust generated by construction when the control of dust is necessary for the protection, safety, and comfort of motorists and nearby residents. 7. Although the high equipment noise levels are expected to be the main contributor to the construction activity noise emissions, noise impacts during project construction are of short duration. Peak noise levels from highway construction equipment as measured at a distance of 50 feet may vary from 70 dBA to 100 dBA. It is anticipated that the major sources of construction noise will be from earth removal, hauling, grading, pile driving, and paving. General construction noise impacts that can be expected are temporary speech interference for passersby and those individuals working near the project. Such noise will be limited to daylight hours as much as possible. 4.11 SECONDARY IMPACTS Construction of the Brier Creek Parkway and the extension of Globe Road will have little direct natural resource and community impacts. However, the development that would be served by this roadway would result in secondary impacts to these resources. 4.11.1 Natural Resource Impacts Wetlands Development of the property surrounding Brier Creek Parkway could result in a loss of some wetlands. Wetland maps indicate that the area of wetlands on the site is small and that they tend to occur in and around floodplains. Since these areas are typically unsuitable for development, it is expected that wetland loss would be minimal. All developers would have to seek permits for wetlands filled from the USACOE under Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, now referred to as the Clean Water Act. Water Resources As the project area develops, the streams in the area will be affected. In the short-term, the impacts of runoff and clearing for the road will increase temperature and turbidity in the stream, causing increases in aquatic vegetation, decreases in oxygen, and declines in water quality. With the development of the site as a whole, particularly the golf course in the floodplain, further clearing of trees can increase water temperature, and sedimentation in the streams also can increase. Increased sedimentation will impede the growth of aquatic vegetation, but it also will increase sediment loads into the flood control pond downstream. Development plans will need to have adequate planning to minimize erosion and sediment loads entering streams. Planting 31 trees along the streams would help minimize water quality impacts by providing shade, stabilizing banks and deterring erosion. The streams proposed for crossing have been designated with the State supplemental classification Nutrient Sensitive Waters (NSW); the State will not allow increases in nutrient levels (primarily phosphorous and nitrogen) over background levels. Developers are required to have nutrient management strategies for streams with this designation. Biological Resources Contiguous, mature forest tracts typically provide greater diversity of habitats for both plants and animals than smaller, isolated, and younger tracts. Development will continue the trend in forest size reduction, disturbance, and habitat fragmentation that is occurring throughout the Triangle region because of growth and associated development. This development could decrease species diversity in the project area. Current development plans include a minimum 200-acre set aside for open space and recreation. This area will include greenway space and buffers adjacent to waterways, which would reduce somewhat secondary impacts on the area ecology. Protected species as discussed in section 4.4.6 would not be affected by development of the airport assemblage property. Suitable habitat for these species does not exist on the site, and none of the species has been documented in or near the site. 4.11.2 Community Impacts Development would change the character of the existing communities immediately adjacent to the site (along Globe Road and Lumley Road). These areas, which are fairly isolated and primarily residential, would become part of a "mini" urban center, with office, commercial, and industrial uses. There will be an influx of population, which could alter the demographics of the existing community, as people come into the area to live and/or work. Residents currently living in the area would experience a loss in the tranquillity and serenity associated with isolated, rural areas. The existing community also could benefit from the development. For example, services that currently are not close by would be more accessible to residents as the area became urbanized. In addition, new job opportunities would be available within the community. Third, development plans call for a 235-acre public golf course, an amenity currently not available in the existing community. No historic resources are in the study area, as indicated in the letter from the SHPO in Appendix A; thus, the development of the site would not affect this type of community resource. 4.11.3 Summary Although the proposed project would have certain negative secondary impacts associated with development of the airport assemblage property, it is reasonable to conclude that development of the site is imminent given its proximity to major thoroughfares,such as US 70 and the Northern Wake Expressway. While a road is a necessary component of the development, it is not the catalyst for the development. The development already has been approved by the City of Raleigh and its impacts are consistent with city and county plans. If the road is not funded publicly, it can be assumed that private funds will be used and the above impacts will occur anyway. 32 4.12 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS Cumulative impacts associated with the project would consist solely of the combination of the project's direct and secondary impacts for four reasons. First, the ability of the Brier Creek Parkway project to fulfill its purpose is not dependent on additional reasonably foreseeable future local, state, or federal government actions except for a possible future widening of a portion of the parkway. The direct impact of that widening was accounted for in the direct impact assessment. Second, the foreseeable future widening of a portion of the parkway assumes the site's current development plan is implemented, resulting in the impacts described in the secondary impact assessment. Third, the Brier Creek Parkway and the associated development of the airport area are included in approved local and state plans. The secondary impacts assessment assumes the development of the area in the manner anticipated by those plans. Fourth, local and state land use and transportation plans for adjoining areas were considered in the development plans for the area. Thus, implementation of foreseeable actions in surrounding areas would not be likely to cause a change in the character or intensity of development. 4.13 PERMITS REQUIRED Section 404 permits will be required from the USACOE for any activities that encroach into jurisdictional wetlands or "waters of the United States." In addition, Section 401 of the Clean Water Act requires each state to certify that state water quality standards will not be violated for activities that: 1) involve issuance of a federal permit or license, or 2) require discharges into "waters of the United States. The USACOE cannot issue a 404 permit until 401 water quality certification is approved by the NC Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Management. S. COMMENTS AND COORDINATION A scoping letter regarding construction of Brier Creek Parkway was sent to regulatory agencies on November 6, 1996. Issues described in these letters were addressed in this document. A copy of the comments is included in Appendix A. The following agencies sent comments. US Army Corps of Engineers - Wilmington District US Fish and Wildlife Service North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Management ' Division of Forest Resources Division of Land Resources Division of Water Quality North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 33 t 6. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT I Based on the assessment of potential environmental impacts contained in this document and ' consideration of the comments received from federal, state, and local agencies, it is the finding of the North Carolina Department of Transportation that the proposed action will not have a significant impact on the human and natural environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement or further environmental assessment is not required for this action. ' I I jl II 34 F1 APPENDIX A SCOPING LETTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY WILMINGTON DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS P.O. BOX 1890 WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28402-1890 December 20, 1996 IN REPLY HEh EH IU Special Studies and Flood Plain Services Section Mr. H. Franklin Vick, P. E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch North Carolina Division of Highways Post Office Box 2501 Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-5201 EIV O DEC 2 7 1996 i ?,VISIG"IOF ' HIGHWAYS Dear Mr. Vick: This is in response to your letter of November 6, 1996, requesting comments on the "Proposed Brier Creek Parkway between US 70 and Aviation Parkway, Wake County, TIP No. R-3619" (Regulatory Branch Action I.D. No. 199700179). Our comments involve impacts to flood plains and jurisdictional resources, which include waters, wetlands, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects. The proposed roadway improvements would not cross any Corps-constructed flood control or navigation project. Enclosed are our comments on the other issues. We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this project. If we can be of further assistance, please contact us. Sincerely, --C. E. Shuford, Jr., P.E. Acting Chief, Engineering and Planning Division Enclosure A-3 December 20, 1996 Page 1 of 2 U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WILMINGTON DISTRICT COMMENTS ON: "Proposed Brier Creek Parkway between US 70 and Aviation Parkway, Wake County, TIP No. R-3619" (Regulatory Branch Action I.D. No. 199700179 1. FLOOD PLAINS: POC - Mr. Bobby L. Willis, Special Studies and Flood Plain Services Section, at (910) 251-4728 The proposed project is located within the jurisdictional limits of the city of Raleigh, which participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. From your site map and Panel 115 of the March 1992 Wake County, North Carolina and Incorporated Areas Flood Insurance Rate Map, it appears that the proposed project will cross Little Brier Creek (Basin 18, Stream 15). This is a detail study stream with 100-year flood elevations determined and a floodway defined. Enclosed for your information is a copy of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's "Procedures for 'No Rise' Certification For Proposed Developments in Regulatory Floodways." In addition, we suggest coordination with the city of Raleigh for compliance with their flood ordinance and any changes, if required, to the flood insurance maps and report. 2. WATERS AND WETLANDS: POC - Mr. Eric Alsmeyer, Raleigh Field Office, Regulatory Branch, at (919) 876-8441, Extension 23 Review of the project indicates that the proposed work involves the discharge of excavated or fill material into waters and/or wetlands. Potentially affected water bodies include Brier, Little Brier Creek, their unnamed tributaries, and adjacent wetlands, above headwaters. Prior Department of the Army permit authorization, pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1977, as amended, will be required for the discharge of excavated or fill material into waters and/or wetlands in conjunction with this project, including the disposal of construction debris. We recommend that NCDOT begin coordination with the Corps as soon as possible in developing a formal statement of purpose and need for the proposed project. This will allow the Corps to concur with the project purpose and need that is stated in the environmental documentation for this project. If the purpose is related to private development, the Corps will likely consider the secondary effects of this development in making permit decisions on the project. Under our mitigation policy, impacts to wetlands should first be avoided or minimized. Based on a preliminary wetland determination of the Eastern Pilots' site that was completed with input from NCDOT's consultant, Environmental Services Inc., most of the required crossing are channels only, with few adjacent wetlands. Avoidance and minimization should specifically include alternative alignments to avoid impacts to any wetland areas. A-4 I December 20, 1996 Page 2 of 2 U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WILMINGTON DISTRICT COMMENTS ON: ' ' "Proposed Brier Creek Parkway between US 70 and Aviation Parkway, Wake County, TIP No. R-3619" (Regulatory Branch Action I.D. No. 199700179 t 2. WATERS AND WETLANDS: (Continued) ' After maximum avoidance and minimization is accomplished, we will then consider compensation or mitigation for unavoidable impacts. When final plans are completed, 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 these plans for a project-specific determination of Department of the Army permit requirements. It is possible, if the impacts from the proposed project are minor, that the ' work could be authorized under one or more nationwide or regional general permits. Questions or comments pertaining to permits may be directed to Mr. Alsmeyer. I I I I I A-5 Y hf A'ccc w ody- ?,j o a R-4 PROCEDURES FOR "NO-RISE" CERTIFICATION FOR PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS IN REGULATORY FLOODWAYS 1/92 Section 60.3 (d) (3y of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations states that a community-shall "prohibit encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, and other development within the adopted regulatory floodway unless it has-been demonstrated -through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed in accordance with standard engineering practice that the proposed encroachment would not result-in any increase in flood levels within the community during the occurrence of the base (100- year) flood discharge." Prior to issuing any building grading or% development permits involving activities in a regulatory, floodway, the community must obtain a certification stating the proposed development will not impact the pre-project base flood elevations, floodway elevations, or floodway data widths. The certification should be obtained from the permittee and be signed and sealed by a professional engineer. The engineering or "no-rise' certification must be supported by technical data. The supporting technical data should be based upon the standard step-backwater computer model utilized to develop the 100-year floodway shown on : the community's effective Flood Insurance Rate Map or Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM) and the results tabulated in the community's Flood Insurance Study (FIS). Although communities are required to review and approve the "no- rise" submittals, they may request technical assistance and review from the FEMA regional office. However, if this alternative is chosen, the community must.review the technical submittal package and verify that all supporting data, listed in the following paragraphs, are included in the package before forwarding to FEMA. Federal Emergency Management Agency Region IV 1371 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 700 Atlanta, GA 30309 A-6 I -2- To support a "no-rise" certification for proposed developments encroaching into the regulatory floodway, a community will require that the following procedures be followed: Currently Effective Model I 1. Furnish a written request for the step- backwater computer model for the specified stream and community, identifying the limits of the requested data. A fee will be assessed for providing the data. Send data requests to: Federal Emergency Management Agency 1371 Peachtree Street N.E., Suite 735 Atlanta, Georgia 30309 or to: FIS Information Specialist Dewberry & Davis 8401 Arlington Boulevard Fairfax, Virginia 22031-4666 Duplicate Effective Model 2.; Upon receipt of the step-backwater computer model, the engineer should run the original -step-backwater model-to duplicate the data*in the effective FIS. Existing Conditions Model 3. Revise the original step-backwater model to reflect site specific existing conditions. by' adding new cross-sections (two or more) •in the vicinity of the proposed development, without the proposed development in place. Floodway limits should be manually. set at the new cross-section locations by measuring from the effective FIRM or FBFM. The cumulative reach lengths of the stream should also.'remain unchanged. The results of these analyses will indicate the 100-year floodway elevations for revised existing conditions at the proposed project site. 1 A-7 -3- Proposed Conditions Model 4. Modify the revised existing conditions model to reflect the proposed development at the new cross-sections, while retaining the currently adopted floodway widths. The overbank roughness coefficients should remain the same unless a reasonable explanation of how the proposed development will., impact Manning's "n" values should be included with the supporting data. The results. of this floodway run will indicate the 100-year floodway elevations for proposed conditions at the project site. These results must indicate NO impact on the 100-year flood elevations, floodway elevations, or floodway widths shown in the Duplicate`Effective Model or in the Existing Conditions Model. The original FIS model, the duplicate effective FIS model, the revised existing conditions model, and the proposed conditions model should all produce'the same exact results. The "no-rise" -supporting data and -a copy of the engineering certification must be submitted to and reviewed by the appropriate community official prior to issuing a permit: The "no-rise" supporting data should include, but may not be limited to: a. Duplicate of the original FIS step-backwater model printout or floppy disk. b. 'Revised existing conditions. step-backwater model. C. Proposed conditions step-backwater model. d'. FIRM and topographic map, showing floodplain and floodway, the , additional cross-sections,- the site location with the proposed topographic modification superimposed onto the maps, and. a photocopy of the effective FIRM or FBFM showing the current regulatory floodway. e. Documentation clearly stating analysis procedures. All modifications made to the original FIS model to represent revised existing conditions, as well as A-8 -4-- those made to the revised existing conditions model to represent proposed conditions, should be well data. documented and submitted with all supporting ' f. Copy of effective FloodWay Data Table copied from the FIS report. q. Statement defining source of additional cross- section topographic ddta and supporting information. ' h. Cross-section plots, of the added cross sections, for revised existing and proposed conditions. i.. Certified planimetric (boundary survey) information indicating the location of structures on the property. J. Copy of the microfiche, or other applicable source, from which input for original FIS HEC-2 model was taken. k. Floppy disk with all input.fi.les. t 1. Printout of output files :..from EDIT runs. for all three floodway models. ' The engineering."no-rise" certification and supporting technical data must stipulate NO impact on the 100-year flood elevations, floodway elevations, or floodway widths at the new cross-sections ' and. at :..all -existing cross-sections anywhere in the model. Therefore, the revised computer .model should be run for a sufficient distance (usually one mile, depending on hydraulic slope ' of the. stream) , upstream .and downstream of. the development site to. insure proper "no-rise" certification. Attached is `a sample. "no-rise" certification form that can be completed by. a registered professional engineer and supplied to the community along with the. supporting. technical data when applying for a development permit. A-9 ? _ .t .....4i ?r%c.?. ?:- c?b?.,.. ?..±ldP,?ti_'r. tir #ab ,?.-..4 t.?1..4: °r: :b4-•SL^..-i.,:.?1? L?]x??'?4.3`?n: ?iYP:??+.?=4i!??Ci:t?::a:r.`1A7?i:'itcs.r:"ctt5?r??A?++T??i????s? ENT OF ly Q?pP : F?ym N - s_ 9 O A 4RCH 3 19 United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE ,+ 1 Raleigh Field Office Post Office Box 33726 i " Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726 r November 22, 1996 Mr. H. Franklin Vick Manager, Planning and Environment Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation Division of Highways P.O. Box 25201 Raleigh, NC 27611-5201 Subject: Brier Creek Parkway, TIP No. R-3619, Wake County, North Carolina Dear Mr. Vick: 1446 This responds to your letter of November 6, 1996, requesting information from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for evaluating the potential environmental impacts of the above- referenced project. This report provides scoping information and is provided in accordance with provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661-667d) and Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543). This report also serves as initial scoping comments to federal and state resource agencies for use in their permitting and/or certification processes for this project. Your letter indicates that the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to build a multi-lane urban thoroughfare from the intersection of US 70 and ACC Boulevard to the relocated Aviation Parkway. The proposed facility would be a four-lane, curb-and-gutter roadway with a 40-foot median. The median would be adequate for the latter addition of two lanes. The length of the project would be approximately two milers. The Service's mission is to provide the leadership to conserve, protect, and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of all people. Due to staffing limitations, we are unable to provide you with site-specific comments at this time. However, the following recommendations should help guide the planning process and facilitate our review of the project. Generally, the Service recommends that wetland impacts be avoided and minimized to the maximum extent practical as outlined in the Clean Water Act Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines. If unavoidable wetland impacts are proposed, we recommend that every effort be made to identify compensatory mitigation sites in advance. Opportunities to protect target areas in perpetuity, preferably via conservation easement, should be explored at the outset. A-10 Regarding avoidance and minimization of impacts, we generally recommend that proposed highway projects be aligned along or adjacent to existing roadways, utility corridors, or previously developed areas in order to minimize habitat fragmentation and encroachment. Areas exhibiting high biodiversity or ecological value important to the watershed and/or region should be avoided. Crossings of streams and associated wetland systems should use existing crossings and/or occur on structure wherever feasible. Where bridging is not feasible, culvert structures that maintain natural water flows and circulation regimes without scouring or impeding fish and wildlife passage should be employed. Highway shoulder and median widths should be reduced through wetland areas. Roadway embankments and fill areas should be stabilized by using appropriate erosion control devices and/or techniques. Wherever appropriate, construction in sensitive areas should occur outside the seasons of fish spawning and migratory bird nesting. We reserve the right to review ' permits at the time of public coordination should occur earl resolve land use conflicts and any required Federal or State notice issuance. Resource agency y in the planning process to minimize delays. In addition to the above guidance, we recommend that the environmental documentation for this project include the following (the level of detail should be commensurate with the degree of environmental impacts): 1. A clearly defined purpose and need for the proposed project including a discussion of the project's independent utility; 2. An analysis of the alternatives to the proposed project that were considered, including a no action alternative; 3. A description of the fishery and wildlife resources within the action area of the proposed project which may be directly or indirectly affected; 4. The extent and acreage of waters of the U.S., including wetlands, that are to be impacted by filling, dredging, clearing, ditching, and/or draining. Wetland impact acreages should be differentiated by habitat type based on the wetland classification scheme of the National Wetlands Inventory. Wetland boundaries should be determined by using the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and verified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; 5. The anticipated environmental impacts, both temporary and permanent, that would be likely to occur as a direct result of the proposed project. Also, an assessment should be included regarding the extent to which the proposed project would result in secondary impacts to natural resources and how this and similar projects contribute to cumulative adverse effects; A-11 6. Techniques which would be employed to design and construct wetland crossings, relocate stream channels, and restore, enhance, or create wetlands for compensatory mitigation; and, 7. Mitigation measures which would be employed to avoid, minimize, rectify, reduce, or compensate for habitat value losses associated with the project. These measures should include a detailed compensatory mitigation plan for offsetting unavoidable wetland impacts. The attached page identifies the Federally-listed endangered and threatened species that are known to occur in Wake County/Counties. Habitat requirements for the Federally-listed species in the project area should be compared with the available habitat at the project site. If suitable habitat is present within the action area of the project, field surveys for the species should be performed, and survey methodologies and results included in the environmental documentation for this project. In addition to this guidance, the following information should be included in the environmental document regarding protected species (the level of detail should be commensurate with the degree of environmental impacts): 1. A specific description of the proposed action to be considered; 2. A description and accompanying map of the specific area used in the analysis of direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts; 3. A description of the biology and status of the listed species and of the associated habitat that may be affected by the action, including the results of an onsite inspection; 4. An analysis of the "effects of the action" on the listed species and associated habitat: a. Direct and indirect impacts of the project on listed species. Indirect effects are those that are caused by the proposed action and are later in time but are still reasonably certain to occur; b. A discussion of the environmental baseline which includes interrelated, interdependent, past and present impacts of Federal, State, and private activities in the project and cumulative effects area; C. Interrelated actions are those that are part of a larger action and depend on the larger action for their justification; d. Cumulative impacts of future State and private activities (not requiring Federal agency involvement) A-12 that will be considered as part of future Section 7 consultation; 1 5. Summary of evaluation criteria used as a measurement of potential effects; 6. A description of the manner in which the action may affect any listed species or associated habitat including project proposals to reduce/eliminate adverse effects; and, 7. Based on evaluation criteria, a determination of whether the project is not likely to adversely affect or may affect threatened and endangered species. Candidate species are those plant and animal species for which the Service has sufficient information on their biological status and threats to their survival to propose them as endangered or threatened under the ESA. Although candidate species receive no statutory protection under the ESA, Federal agencies are required to informally confer with the Service on actions likely to jeopardize the continued existence of these species or that may destroy or modify proposed critical habitat. Federal species of concern (FSC) include those species for which the Service does not have enough scientific information to support a listing proposal or species which do not warrant listing at the present time. These species receive no statutory protection under the ESA, but could become candidates in the future if additional scientific information becomes available indicating that they are endangered or threatened. Formal listing places the species under the full protection of the ESA, and necessitates a new survey if its status in the project corridor is unknown. Therefore, it would be prudent for the project to avoid any adverse impact to candidate species or their habitat. The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program should be contacted for information on species under State protection. The Service appreciates the opportunity to comment on this project. Please continue to advise us of the progress made in the planning process, including your official determination of the impacts of this project. Sincerely, Howard F. Hall Fish and Wildlife Biologist Attachment FWS/R4:HHall:11/22/96:WP:A:wakr3619.n96 A-13 FEDERALLY-LISTED, CANDIDATE SPECIES AND FEDERAL OF CONCERN (revised August 23, 1996) WAKE COUNTY Common Name Scientific Name Status Vertebrates Bachman's sparrow Aimophila aestivalis FSC Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Threatened Southern hognose snake Heterodon simus FSC Southeastern myotis Myotis austroriparius FSC Red-cockaded woodpecker Picoides borealis Endangered Invertebrates Dwarf wedge mussel Alasmidonta heterodon Endangered Yellow lance Elliptio lanceolate FSC Atlantic pigtoe Fusconaia masoni FSC Green floater Lasmigona subviridus FSC Diana fritillary butterfly Speyeria diana FSC Vascular Plants Sweet pinesap Monotropsis odorata FSC Michaux's sumac Rhus michauxii Endangered Carolina least trillium Trillium pusillum var. pusillum FSC KEY: Status of ti n Endangered A taxon "in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range." Threatened A taxon "likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range." Proposed A taxon proposed for official listing as endangered or threatened. Candidate A taxon under consideration for official listing for which there is sufficient information to to support listing. FSC A Federal species of concern, species which may or may not be listed in the future (formerly C2 candidate species, or species under consideration for listing for which there is insufficient information to support listing.). T(S/A) Threatened due to similarity of appearance (e.g., American alligator) - species which are threatened due to similarity of appearance with other rare species and are listed to protect these species. These species are not biologically endangered or threatened and are not subject to Section7 consultation. EXP A taxon that is listed as experimental (either essential or non-essential). Experimental, non- essential endangered species (e.g., red wolf) are treated as threatened on public lands for consultation purposes, and as species proposed for listing on private lands. Species with 1,2,3, or 4 asterisks behind them indicate historic, obscure, or incidental records. * Historic record, the species was last observed in the county over 20 years ago. ** Obscure record, the date and/or location of the specis observation is uncertain. *** Incidental/migrant record, the species was observed outside of its normal range or habitat. **** Historic, obsure and incidental record. A-14 Q w ? ? o yf L . ,?2c North Carolina Department of Cultural Resource ' James B. Hunt Jr., Governor Betty Ray McCain, Secretary ' December 4, 1996 MEMORANDUM 19961 Division of Archives and History Jeffrey J. Crow, Director ' TO: H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch Division of Highways ' Department of Transportation FROM: David Brook fiistotdic G?'?..6- Deputy State Preservation Officer SUBJECT: Brier Creek Parkway between US 70 and Aviation Parkway, Wake County, R-3619, 97-E-4220-0329 t We have received information concerning the above project from the State Clearinghouse. We have conducted a search of our files and are aware of no properties of historical, architectural, or archaeological importance located within the planning area. Therefore, we recommend that no historic resource surveys be conducted for this project. ' These comments are made in accord with G.S. 121-12(a) and Executive Order XVI. If you have any questions regarding them, please contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, ' environmental review coordinator, at 919/733-4763. DB:slw ' cc: State Clearinghouse B. Church T. Padgett Wake County Historic Preservation Commission A-15 v 109 East Jones Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807 ??? State of North Carolina Reviewing Office: Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW - PROJECT COMMENTS Due Date: After review of this project it has been determined that the EHNR permit(s) and/or approvals indicated may need to be obtained in order for this project to comply with North Carolina Law. 1`1 timn< renarrfinn these permits should be addressed to the Regional Office indicated on the reverse of the form. lans and permits are available from the same formation and guidelines relative to these i i i p n ons, All appl cat Normal Process Regional Office. Tome PERMITS SPECIAL APPLICATION PROCEDURES Or REQUIREMENTS (statutory lime limiq Permit to construct d operate wastewater treatment Application 90 days before begin construction or award of 30 days I ? facilities, sewer system extensions, d sewer construction contracts On-site inspection. Post-application systems not discharging into state surface waters. technical conference usual (90 days) NPOES - permit (o discharge into surface water and/or Application 180 days before begin activity. On-site inspection. 90.120 days permit to operate and construct wastewater facilities Pre-application conference usual. Additionally, obtain permit to ? discharging into state surface waters. construct wastewater'Ireatmen( facility-granted alter NPOES. Reply (N/A) time, 30 days after receipt of plans or issue of NPOES permit -whichever is later. 30 days El Water Use Permit Pre-application technical conference usually necessary (NIA ) I 7 days ? Well Construction Permit Complete application muyt be received and permit issued prior to the installation of a well. (15 daysl Application copy must be served on each adjacent riparian property 55 days I ? Dredge and Fill Permit owner. On-site inspection. Pre-application conference usual. Filling artment of N Fill f C D (90 da si . rom . ep may require Easement to y and Fill Permit. Federal Dre nd Administration a dgge I Permit to construct d operate Air Pollution Abatement " ? / , ?(? /iX?pw Tv 60 nays facilities and/or Emission Sources as per 15A NCAC 21H.06 N/A Og (90 days) Any open burning associated with subject proposal must be in compliance with 15A NCAC 20 . i 6 17 I ' Demolition or renovations of structures containing asbestos material must be in compliance with 15A 60 days ? NCAC 20.0525 which requires notification and removal NIA I prior to demolition. Contact Asbestos Control Group 919.733-0820. (90 days) ? Complex Source Permit required under 15A NCAC 2D.0800. The Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 must be properly addressed for any land disturbing activity. An erosion d sedimenlalio I ? control plan will be required if one or more acres to be disturbed Plan filed with proper Regional Office (Land Ouality Sect l at least 30 29 days days before beginning activity A lee of S30 for the first acre and 520.00 for each additional acre or art must accomoan the tan 130 davst f-1 l! The Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 must be addressed with respect to the referrenced Local Ordinance: 13C days) _ On•sile inspection usual. Surety bond filed with EHNR Bond amount ? Mining Permit varies with type mine and number of acres of affected land. Any area 30 days mined greater than one acre must be permited. The appropriate bond (60 days) must be received before the permit can be issued. _ ? North Carolina Burning permit On-site inspection by N.C. Division Forest Resources if permit 1 day exceeds 4 days (NIA) Special Ground Clearance Burning Permit • 22 On-sole inspection by N.D. Division Forest Resources required "if more )day El counties in coastal N.C. with organic soils than live acres of ground clearing activities are involved. Inspections (NrA) I should be requested at least ten days before actual burn is planned." 90 120 days ? Oil Relining Facilities NIA (NIA) _ I _ It permit required, application 60 days before begin construction. Applicant must more N.C. qualified engineer lo: prepare plans. IG says ? Dam Safety Permit inspect construction. certify construction is according to EHNR soorov ed plans. May also require permit under mosquito control program And ' IEG GAYS) a 404 permit from Corps of Engineers An inspection of site is neces sary to verify Hazard Classification, A minimum lee of 5200.00 must do company the application. An additional processing fee based on a i percentage or the total project cost will be reouired uDon completion Continued on reve,se A- 16 ?.vn nd? true e'.s ? ? C C C C CIAL APPLICATION PROCEDURES or REQUIREMENTS (statutory lint: li PERMITS SPE mr File surety bond of $5,000 with EHNR running to Slate of N.C. 10 days Permit to drill exploratory oil or gas well conditional that any well opened by drill operator shall, upon abandonment, be plugged according to EHNR rules and regulations. (NIAI Geophysical Exploration Permit Application filed with EHNR at least io days prior to Issue of permit lication by letter. No standard application torn. A 10 days (NIA( pp I State Lakes Construction Permit Application fee based on structure size is charged. Must include tions 3 drawings of structure b proof of ownership i 1!-20 days (NIA( p descr of riparian property. 60 days 401 Water Ouslity Certification NIA (130 days) 55 Bays CAMA Permit for MAJOR development $250.00 lee must accompany application (150 days) 22 days CAMA Permit for MINOR development 550.00 lee 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: N.C. Geodetic Survey, Box 27687, Raleigh. N.C. 27611 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. 45 days Compliance with ISA NCAC 2H.1000 (Coastal Stormwater Rules) is required. I (NIA) Other comments (attach additional pages as necessary, being certain to cite comment aulhonty): LA) 6!? NC 0°i's M?'-4P7 7 _ t , j A,,1A1J lam, r it 1-4 n ..-- J l-c_. ? S?!-LS ^ s ? ?`-r4 w/F?? Ge AJ V r£i-J/b?lc?? ?` D t! r??T REGIONAL OFFICES Questions regarding these permits should be addressed to the Regional Office marked below. i l Offi h ill R ? A ? Fayetteville Regional Office ev ona e eg ce s 59 Woodfin Place Suite 714 Wachovia Building Asheville. NC 28801 Fayetteville. NC 28301 (704) 251-6208 (919) 486-1541 ? Mooresville Regional Office ? Raleigh Regional Office 919 North Main Street. P.O. Box 950 3800 Barrett Drive. Suite 101 Mooresville. NC 28115 Raleigh. NC 27609 (704) 663-1699 (9191 1'33-2314 ? Washington Regional Office ? Wilmington Regional Office 1424 Carolina Avenue 127 Cardinal Drive Extension Washington. NC 27889 Wilmington- NC 28405 (919) 946-6481 (9191 3953900 ? Winston-Salem Realonal Office 8025 North Point blvd Suite 100 Winston-Salem, NC 27106 (9191 896-7007 A-17 EHNR - ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2D .0800 History Note: Filed as a Temporary Amendment Eff. March 8, 1994 for a Period of 180 Days or Until the Permanent Rule is Effective, Whichever is Sooner; Statutory Authority G.S. 143-213; 143-215.3(a)(1); 143-215.109; Eff. February 1, 1976; Amended Eff. July 1, 1994; July 1, 1984. .0803 IGHWAY PROJECTS Envy'xronmental assessments regarding highway projects shall be rev?e'wed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and `tte North Carolina Environmental Policy Act. If there is no assessment , or if an assessment shows that there may be a problem in complying with an ambient air quality standard, or if the environmental impact assessment fails to show that the highway project will not result in violations of applicable portions of the control strategy, and will not interfere with attainment or maintenance of a national standard, then the following regulatory provisions shall apply: (1) A person shall not construct or modify any highway if that highway will result in a contravention of ambient air quality standards; (2) Before construction or modification of any highway with an expected maximum traffic volume of 2,000 vehicles per hour or more within 10 years, a person shall apply for and have received a permit as described in 15A NCAC 2Q .0600 , and shall comply with any terms and conditions therein. History Note: Filed as a Temporary Amendment Eff. March 8, 1994 for a Period of 180 Days or Until the Permanent Rule is Effective, Whichever is Sooner; Statutory Authority G.S. 143-215.3(a)(1); 143-215.109; Eff. February 1, 1976; Amended Eff. July 1, 1994; July 1, 1984. .0804 AIRPORT FACILITIES Before constructing or modifying any airport facility designed to have at least 100,000 annual aircraft operations, or at least 45 peak-hour aircraft operations (one operation equals one takeoff or one landing) , the owner or developer of the airport facility shall apply for and have received a permit as described in 15A NCAC 2Q .0600, and shall comply with all terms and conditions therein. History Note: Filed as a Temporary March 8, 1994 for a Until the Permanent Whichever is Sooner; NORTH CAROLINA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE S 27 Amendment Eff. Period of 180 Days or Rule is Effective, D-800-2 A-18 I I I I I I State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Division of Forest Resources James B. Hunt, Jr„ Governor Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary Stanford M. Adams, Director Griffiths Forestry Center 2411 Old US 70 West Clayton, North Carolina 27520 November 20, 1996 MEMORANDUM [DEHNR TO: Melba McGee, Office of Legislative Affairs FROM: Don H. Robbins, Staff Forester _ n#1<1 SUBJECT: DOT EA Scoping for Proposed Brier Creek Parkway between US 70 and Aviation Parkway in Wake County PROJECT #: 97-0329 and TIP #R-3619 DUE DATE: 12-2-96 We have reviewed the above subject scoping document of November 6, 1996, and have the following comments concerning potential impacts to woodland: We are very concerned here because the proposed road and the 1,863 acre site for the proposed Eastern Air Lines Pilots Development Plan will have a heavy serious impact to woodland in that area. It also appears to us that the proposed road will duplicate existing roads and thus we have questions on the need for the road. Also is any environmental documentation being done for the proposed development? Type of Information that we would like to see in this Environmental Document to Address Impacts to Woodland - The following should be addressed for each alternative or project. 1. The total forest land acreage by types and merchantability aspects that would be taken out of forest production or removed as a result of new right-of-way purchases, easements, and all construction activities. Emphasis needs to be directed towards reducing impacts, whenever possible to the following types of woodland in the following order of priority - a. High site index productive land that is currently under active forest management. b. Productive forested wetlands. c. Lower site index productive land that is currently under active forest management. d. Unique or unusual forest ecosystems. e. Unmanaged, fully stocked woodland. f. Unmanaged, cutover rural woodland. g. Urban woodland. A-19 P. O. Box 29581, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0581 ? A C An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer Ni W Voice 919-733-2162 FAX 919-715-4350 500% recycled/10% post-consumer paper 2. The productivity of the forest soils as indicated by the soil series that would be involved within the proposed project. 3. The impact upon existing greenways within the area of the proposed project. 4. The provisions that the contractor will take to sell any merchantable timber or woody material that is to be removed. Emphasis should be on selling all wood products first, including energy chips. If wood products cannot be sold, then efforts should be made to haul the material off or run through a tub grinder and turned into mulch. This practice is encouraged to accomplish the following - a. Minimize the need for piling and burning debris during construction. b. To reduce the danger of escaped fires and smoke on nearby highways. c. Reduce smoke management problems to the traveling public, towns and cities. 5. Woodland. Land Clearing and Open Burning - If any open burning is needed, the contractor should comply with all laws and regulations pertaining to debris burning. The regulation of open fires are covered under G.S. 113-60.21 thru 113-60.31 all inclusive. Land clearing contractors should make particular note of G.S. 113-60.23 High Hazard Counties requiring a special permit from our local county rangers and 113-60.24 for Open Burning in Non-High Hazard Counties requiring a regular burning permit from our local burning permit agents. Wake County is a non-high hazard counties and G.S. 113-60.24 would apply. Certain conditions may exist at the time that would prevent the issuance of this permit. Also there may be other local requirements such as most cities do not now allow any burning and some counties now have a burning ordnance that would take precedence. 6. The provisions that the contractor will take during the construction phase to prevent erosion, sedimentation and construction damage to forest land outside the right-of-way and construction limits. Trees outside the construction limits should be protected from construction activities to avoid: a. Skinning of tree trunks by machinery. b. Soil compaction and root exposure or injury by heavy equipment. c. Adding layers of fill dirt over the root systems of trees, a practice that impairs root aeration. d. Accidental spilling of petroleum products or other damaging substances over the root systems of trees. 7. Water and sewer lines and treatment plants - a. Normally new water distribution lines do not impact much woodland because they are generally placed within existing rights-of-ways. We think this is a good idea. b. New sewer lines do impact woodland and productive woodland because they normally run adjacent to creeks and streams of water. c. WWTP are normally larger facilities and can have higher impacts to woodland. d. Water plants can impact woodland if they are constructed next to rivers and/or streams. e. We would mainly be concerned if any master plans proposed new construction of facilities that in turn would have the potential to impact any woodland, if any construction was proposed for any existing woodland acres. Therefore, the Master Plans should take the following into consideration: 1. Avoid woodland if at all possible. 2. If woodland cannot be avoided, then address all impacts to this woodland. A-20 ' 8. Any cumulative impacts to woodland as a result of the new road and expansion to the water and sewer or other improvements or developments in the service area. Of particular concern would be a good estimate of future loss of woodland acres from future development coming ' into the service area as a result of the road and development from these improvements. Efforts should be made to address the above items and to reduce impacts to woodland. We would ' hope that the improvements would have the least impact to forest and related resources in that area. ' pc: Derryl Walden, Mike Thompson, Larry Such, Warren Boyette - CO Ken Jeffries - R2 ' Whit Stallings - D11 Alton Perry - Wake County File A-21 State of North Caroli Department of Enviri Health and Natural I Division of Land Resourc James B. Hunt, Jr., Go, Jonathan B. Howes, SE Charles H. Gardner, P. Director and State Ge nment,RECEIVED esources DEHNR S 10 Nf1V I g Ad ?rnor retary E. 14AND QUALITY SECTI,,_)!.; Ew coru?NTs its OA4 F= F1 r f Project Project Number: f ?JC% Name: FftEil..6d I0 r I o' l rQ? ? P( r County: LAD(?_c44 yViC? I?_ NC Office of State Planning - Geodetic Survey This project will impact geodetic survey markers. N.C. Geodetic Survey should be contacted prior to construction at P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, N.C. 27611 (919) 733-3836. Intentional destruction of a geodetic monument is a violation of N.C. General Statute 102-4. This project will have no impact on geodetic survey markers. Other (comments attached) For more information contact the N.C. Office of State Planning, Geodetic Surve office at 919/733-3836. ? a M -6 Reviewer 1 'Erosion and Sedimentation Control•'._. No comment (I I I',& I 6/6a Date I I This project will require approval of an erosion and sedimentation control plan prior to beginning any land-disturbing activity if more than one (1) acre will be disturbed. If an environmental document is required to satisfy Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) requirements, the document must be submitted as part of the erosion and sedimentation control plan. If any portion of: the project is located within a High Quality Water Zone (HQW), as classified by the Division of Environmental Management, increased design standards for sediment and erosion control will apply. 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. d Qualify Section Geological Survey SR wr (919) 733-2423 (919) 733-4574 FAX: (919) 733-0900 FAX: 733-2876 A-22 //- zU - 96 Date Geodetic Survey Section (919) 733-3836 FAX: 733-4407 P,O. Box 27687, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7687 Telephone 919-733-3833 FAX 919-733-4407 An Faual Oooortunity Affirmative Action Employer 500k recycled/ 10% pcst•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 MEMORANDUM DATE: December 2, 1996 D E H N R TO: Melba McGee, DEHNR SEPA Coordinator FROM: Michelle Suverkrubbe, Planning Branch RE: Comments on EA # 97-0329 Brier Creek Parkway, Between US 70 and Aviation Parkway, Wake County ' The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) requests that the following topics be discussed in the EA/EIS document: t A. Identify the streams potentially impacted by the project. The current stream classifications and use support ratings for these streams should be included. This information is available from DWQ through the following contacts: Liz Kovasckitz - Classifications - 919-733-5083, ext. 572 Carol Metz - Use Support Ratings - 919-733-5083, ext. 562 B. Identify the linear feet of stream channelization/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? DWQ 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 control measures are not placed in wetlands. G. Wetland Impacts i) Identify the federal manual used for identifying and delineating jurisdictional wetlands. ii) Have wetlands been avoided as much as possible? iii) Have wetland impacts been minimized? iv) Mitigation measures to compensate for habitat losses. P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone 919-733-5083 FAX 919-715-5637 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post-consumer paper A-23 DEHNR #97-0329 12/2/96 page 2 V) Wetland impacts by plant communities affected. vi) Quality of wetlands impacted. vii) Total wetland impacts. viii) List the 401 General Certification numbers requested from DWQ. H. Borrow/waste areas should avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practicable. Prior to the approval of any borrow/waste site in a wetland, the contractor shall obtain a 401 Certification from DWQ. 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. 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. DWQ is also concerned about secondary wetland impacts. For DWQ to concur with an alternative in the mountains or the piedmont, DOT will need to commit to full control of access to the wetland parcels or DOT to purchase these parcels for wetland mitigation. Please note that a 401 Water Quality Certification cannot be issued until the conditions of NCAC 15A: 01C.0402 (Limitations on Actions During NCEPA Process) are met. This regulation prevents DWQ from issuing the 401 Certification until a FONSI or Record of Decision (ROD) has been issued by the Department requiring the document. It is recommended that if the 401 Certification application is submitted for review prior to the sign off, the applicant states that the 401 should not be issued until the applicant informs DWQ that the FONSI or ROD has been signed off by the Department. Written concurrence of 401 Water Quality Certification may be required for this project. Applications requesting coverage under our General Certification 14 or General Permit 31 (with wetland impact) will require written concurrence. Please be aware that 401 Certification may be denied if wetland or water impacts have not been avoided and minimized to the maximum extent practicable. Please give me a call at (919) 733-5083, ext. 567 if you should have any questions. cols:\970329ea.doc cc: Eric Galamb - DWQ- ESB, Ecological Assessment Group A-24 NUWKI. , r11-r , r HLL..J LNNr- I LL . y 17-JLO-700 V Vck. vv ;Iv + +•• ..... . --- . . -- 'North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission n 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604.1188, 919-733.3391 Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director MEN, 10 RANDO M TO: Melba McGee Office of Legislative and. Intergovernmental Affairs, DEHNR FROM: David Cox, Highway Project Co ' for , Habitat Conservation Program DATE: December 3, 1996 SUBJECT: Rc(lUeSt for information from the N. C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) regarding fish and wildlife concerns for the projc)sed Brier Creek Parkway, from US 70 to Aviation Parkway, Wake County, North Carolina, TIP No. R-3619, SCH Project No. 97-0329. This memorandum responds to a request from Mr. H. Franklin Vick of'the NCDOT for our concerns regarding impacts on fish and wildlife resources resulting from the subject project. Biologists on the staff of the N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) have reviewed the proposed project, and our comments are provided in accordance with provisions of the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (G.S. 113A- 1 et seq., as amended; 1 NCAC 25). At this time, we have no specific recommendations regarding the subjcet project. llowevcr, to help facilitate document preparation, our general informational heeds are outlined below: 1 i . Description of fishery and wildlife resources within the project area, including a listing of federally or state designated threatened, endungcred, or special concern species, Potential borrow areas to be used for project ' construction should be included in the inventories. A listing of designated plant species can be developed through consultation with: The Natural Heritage Program ' N. C. Division of Parks and Recreation P. 0. Box 27687 Raleigh, N. C. 27611 ' (919) 733-7795 and, ' A-25 I.I.-- 1 11-1 ! I I IL-v ..-. I.I- Memo December 3, 1996 NCDA Plant Conservation Progra?n P. U. Box 27647 Raleigh, N. C. 27611 (919) 733-3610 21 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 UI SI Army Corps of Engineers (COE). If the C:OE is not consulted, the person delineating wetlands should be identified and criteria listed. 4 Cover type amps showing acreages of upland wildlife habitat impacted by the proposed project. Potential borrow sites should be included. 5. '1 he extent to which the project will result in loss, degradation, or fragmentation of wildlife habitat (wetlands or uplands). 6. Mitigation lbr avoiding, minimizing or compensating for direct and indireot 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. 8. A disciLssion of the probable impacts on natural resources which will result from secondary development facilitated by the improved road access. 9. If construction of this facility is to be coordinated with rather state, municipal, or private development projects, a description of these projects should be included in the environmental document, and all project sponsors should be identified, Thank you for the opportunity to provide input in the early planning stages for this project. IN can further assist your office. please contact me at (919) 528.9886. A-26 I I I APPENDIX B LIST OF REFERENCES AND TECHNICAL REPORTS I I APPENDIX B LIST OF REFERENCES AND TECHNICAL REPORTS B1. REFERENCES City of Raleigh. July 1996. Ordinance (1996) 929 ZC 392. City of Raleigh. July 1996. Raleigh Comprehensive Plan. Conant, Roger and J.T. Collins. 1991. Reptiles and Amphibians: Eastern and Central North America. Houghton Mifflin Company. New York. 450 pp. Division of Environmental Management (DEM). 1989. Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN) Water Quality Review 1983-1987 Rpt. 89-08, NC Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Raleigh, NC. Division of Environmental Management (DEM). 1993. Classifications and Water Quality Standards Assigned to the Waters of the Neuse River Basin. NC Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Raleigh, NC. Hamel, P.B. 1992. The Land Manager's Guide to the Birds of the South. The Nature Conservancy, Southeastern Region, Chapel Hill, NC. 437 pp. Henry, V.G. 1989. Guidelines for Preparation of Biological Assessments and Evaluations for the Red-cockaded Woodpecker. US Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, Atlanta, GA. 13 pp. Martof, B.S., W.M. Palmer, J.R. Bailey, and J.R. Harrison III. 1980. Amphibians and Reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC. 264 PP. Menhinick, E. F. 1991. The Freshwater Fishes of North Carolina. The Delmar Company, Charlotte, NC for North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Raleigh, NC. 227 pp. North Carolina Department of Transportation. December 1996. Greater Raleigh Urban Area Thoroughfare Plan. North Carolina Department of Transportation. June 1997. 1998-2004 Transportation Improvement Program. Olsen, P.E., A.J. Froelich, D.L. Daniels, J.P. Smoot, and P.J.W. Gore. 1991. "Rift Basins of Early Mesozoic Age," Geology of the Carolinas, J.W. Horton, Jr. and V.A. Zullo Eds. University of Tennessee Press, Knoxville, TN. Pp. 142-170. Palmer, W.M. and A.L. Braswell. 1995. Reptiles of North Carolina. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC for the NC State Museum of Natural Sciences. 412 pp. Potter, E.F., J.F. Parnell, and R.P. Teulings. 1980. Birds of the Carolinas. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC. 408 pp. Radford, A.E., H.E. Ahles, and C.R. Bell. 1968. Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC. 1183 pp. DRAFT B-3 10/17/97 Rohde, F.C., R.G. Arndt, D.G. Lindquist, and J.F. Parnell. 1994. Freshwater Fishes of the Carolinas, Virginia, Maryland, & Delaware. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC. 222 pp. Soil Conservation Service (SCS). 1970. Soil Survey of Wake County, North Carolina. US Department of Agriculture. Soil Conservation Service (SCS). 1991. Hydric Soils: Wake County, North Carolina. Technical Guide Section II-A-2. US Department of Agriculture. 2 pp. The Scientific Council on Freshwater and Terrestrial Mollusks (TSCFTM). 1990. A Report on the Conservation Status of North Carolina's Freshwater and Terrestrial Molluscan Fauna. Triangle Transit Authority. February 1995. Triangle Fixed Guideway Study Phase 111 Report. US Army Corps of Engineers. 1987. Wetlands Delineation Manual. Weakley, A. S. 1993. Guide to the Flora of the Carolinas and Virginia. Working Draft of November 1993. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and Recreation, Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources. 575 pp. Webster, W.D., J.F. Parnell, and W.C. Biggs, Jr. 1985. Mammals of the Carolinas, Virginia, and Maryland. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC. 255 pp. Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC). 1991. Annual Report 1990-91. North Carolina Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program, Freshwater Mussel Survey Results. NC Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources. Raleigh, North Carolina. 90 pp. 82. TECHNICAL REPORTS Craig Davis Properties, Inc. June 1996. Eastern Air Lines Property Traffic Impact Statement. Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, Inc. North Carolina Department of Transportation. July 1997. Air Quality Report. Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, Inc. North Carolina Department of Transportation. July 1997. Natural Resources Report. Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, Inc. North Carolina Department of Transportation. July 1997. Noise Report. Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, Inc. DRAFT B-4 10/17/97 I . IF 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 1 0WMA, D E H N R RECEIVED DEC G 4 1996 MEMORANDUM DATE: December 2, 1996 TO: Melba McGee, DEHNR SEPA Coordinator FROM: Michelle Suverkrubbe, Planning Branch 4-5 RE: Comments on EA # 97-0329 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES Brier Creek Parkway, Between US 70 and Aviation Parkway, Wake County The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) requests that the following topics be discussed in the EA/EIS document: A- B. C. E. dgQS? Identify the streams potentially impacted by the project. The current stream classifications and use support ratings for these streams should be included. This information is_ available from DWQ through the following contacts: Liz Kovasckitz - Classifications - 919-733-5083, ext. 572 Carol Metz - Use Support Ratings - 919-733-5083, ext. 562 Identify the linear feet of stream channelization/relocations. If the original stream banks were vegetated, it is requested that the channelized/relocated stream banks be revegetated. Number of stream crossings. Will permanent spill catch basins be utilized? DWQ requests that these catch basins be placed at all water supply stream crossings. Identify the responsible party for maintenance. Identify the stormwater controls (permanent and temporary) to be employed. Please ensure that sediment and erosion control measures are not placed in wetlands. G. Wetland Impacts i) Identify the federal manual used for identifying and delineating jurisdictional wetlands. ii) Have wetlands been avoided as much as possible? iii) Have wetland impacts been minimized? I iv) Mitigation measures to compensate for habitat losses. ?? O"1JL P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone 919-733-5083 FAX 919-715-5637 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post-consumer paper DEHNR #97-0329 12/2/96 page 2 V) Wetland impacts by plant communities affected vi) Quality of wetlands impacted. vii) Total wetland impacts. viii) List the 401 General Certification numbers requested from DWQ. H. Borrow/waste areas should avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practicable. Prior to the approval of any borrow/waste site in a wetland, the contractor shall obtain a 401 Certification from DWQ. I. Did NCDOT utilize the existing road alignments as much as possible? Why not (if applicable)? J. Please provide a detailed discussionfor 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. DWQ is also concerned about secondary wetland impacts. For DWQ to concur - with an alternative in the mountains or the piedmont, DOT will need to commit to full control of acc"s to the wetland parcels or DOT to purchase these parses or we:.an r zrnnganon. Please note that a 401 Water Quality Certification cannot be issued until the conditions of NCAC 15A: 01C.0402 (Limitations on Actions During NCEPA Process) are met. This regulation prevents DWQ from issuing the 401 Certification until a FONSI or Record of Decision (ROD) has been issued by the Department requiring the document. It is recommended that if the 401 Certification application is submitted for review prior to the sign off, the applicant states that the 401 should not be issued until the applicant informs DWQ that the FONSI or ROD has been signed off by the Department. Written concurrence of 401 Water Quality Certification may be required for this project. Applications requesting coverage under our General Certification 14 or General Permit 31 (with wetland impact) will require written concurrence. Please be aware that 401 Certification may be denied if wetland or water impacts have not been avoided and minimized to the maximum extent practicable. Please give me a call at (919) 733-5083, ext. 567 if you should have any questions. mis. \970329ea.doc cc: Eric Galamb - DWQ- ESB, Ecological Assessment Group Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Project Review Form Project Number: I County: I Date: is ? Project located in 7th floor library I 1 iF21 Date Response Due (firm deadline): This project is being reviewe_t as indicated below: Regional Office/Phone I Regional Office Area In-House Review ? Asheville ? All R/O Areas Soil and Water ? Marine Fisheries ill t ? F 'KAir _ ? Coastal Management 'E?Water_ Planning tev aye e Water ? Water Resources Environmental Health ? Mooresville Groundwater Wildlife ? Solid Waste Management Raleigh y Land Ouality Engineer kForest Resources ?Radiation Protection hi t ? W ? Recreational Consultant .Land Resources ? David Foster i on ng as ? Coastal Management Consultant ?? Ll Parks and Recreation El Other (specify) El Wilmington ?Others -,Environmental Management ? Winston-Salem PWS Monica Swihart Manager Sign-Off/Region: Date: fz z In-House Reviewer/Agency: G v Response (check all applicable) Regional Office response to be compiled and completed by Regional Manager ? No objection to project as proposed ? No Comment ? Insufficient information to complete review ? Approve ? Permit(s) needed (permit files have been checked) ? Recommended for further development with recommendations for strengthening (comments attached) ? Recommended for further development if specific & substantive changes incorporated by funding agency (comments attachedlauthority(ies) cited) In-House Reviewer complete individual response. ? Not recommended for further development for reasons stated in attached comments (authority(ies) cited) ? Applicant has been contacted ? Applicant has not been contacted ? Project Controversial (comments attached) ? Consistency Statement needed (comments attached) ? Consistency Statement not needed ? Full EIS must be required under the provisions of ?pNEPA and SEPA L?Qther (specify and attach comments) RETURN TO: Melba McGee Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Q i?- ? ? I ti CL, I ? CAk.C I.I ['4A DEPARTMENT OF TPANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GARLAND B. GARRETT JR. GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH. N.C. 27611-5201 SECRETARY November 6, 1996 MEMORANDUM TO: Mrs. Chrys Baggett, Director State Clearinghouse Dept. of Administration FROM: H. Franklin Vick, P. E., Manager ' Planning and Environmental Bran SUBJECT: Proposed Brier Creek Parkway between US 70 and Aviation Parkway; Wake County, TIP No. R-3619. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), Division of Highways, proposes to construct Brier Creek Parkway (R-3619), a two-mile-long multi- lane urban thoroughfare between the intersection of US 70 and ACC Boulevard and a relocated Aviation Parkway in northwestern Wake County, North Carolina. Brier Creek Parkway would be approximately 2,000 feet north of and parallel to the North Wake Expressway. Signalized intersections are planned at relocated Aviation Parkway, Globe Road, Westgate Road, and US 70. (See Figures 1 and 2.) The project will be funded by a combination of state and developer funds. The NCDOT is preparing a State Environmental Assessment for the project. Construction is scheduled to begin in Fiscal Year 1999. The purpose of this letter is to solicit comments and initiate coordination for the subject project. Project Purpose The purpose of the project is to serve traffic generated by the proposed development of an approximately 1,863-acre site owned by the Eastern Air Lines pilots retirement plan (see Figure 2), as well as to serve east-west through movements coming from Westgate Road east of the site. The Eastern Air Lines site is roughly bordered by US 70, the North Wake Expressway, and the Wake/Durham County line. 0 Status of Site Development Planning A mixed-use development is planned for the Eastern Air Lines site. A conceptual site plan has been developed, and site zoning has been approved by the City of Raleigh. Zoning approval was not opposed by members of the public. The ultimate development mix will depend in part on market demand and the desires of developers. The currently proposed mix of development is: Residential -- 600 acres. Office/Public Facilities -- 299 acres. Commercial -- 155 acres. Industrial -- 270 acres. Public golf course -- 235 acres. Open space/buffers/right-of-way -- 510_acres. Traffic Volumes and Level of Service The forecast 2020 average daily traffic for Brier Creek Parkway is 12,000 to 34,200 vehicles, with the higher volumes occurring at the west end of the parkway. The 2010 peak hour level of service is expected to range from B to D with a four-lane parkway. The City of Raleigh plans to widen the parkway to six lanes west of Westgate Road when warranted by the level of service. Design Characteristics The parkway will be four lanes with curb and gutter and a 40-foot median. The 40-foot median will be adequate to accommodate the later addition of two lanes noted above. The design speed would be 50 mph, posted speed 45. The goal is to contain the parkway within a 120-foot right-of-way, although some regrading will occur outside the right-of-way. Primary parkway location parameters are: 1. On the east, connect to US 70 at ACC Boulevard. 2. On the west, connect to relocated Aviation Parkway at its intersection with Globe Road. The Globe Road intersection would be realigned to connect to the parkway. 3. Meet NCDOT geometric design criteria. 4. Avoid using parcels not owned by the Eastern Air Lines pilots retirement plan. 5. Cross streams perpendicular to the stream. 6. Avoid Section 404 jurisdictional wetlands. Environmental Impact Potential Social and Economic The Eastern Air Lines site is mostly undeveloped. Relocation of homes and businesses is not expected with the proposed parkway. Planned development on the Eastern Air Lines site includes: 2,631 gross square feet of office and public facilities space, 1,699 gross square feet of commercial space, and 3,528 gross square feet of industrial space. Natural Resources The following is currently known about natural resources in the project area and their relation to the proposed project: The parkway corridor is generally either within hardwood forest or mixed hardwood/evergreen forest. This is generally true for the Eastern Air Lines property as a whole. The full site does include some recently clear cut areas and scattered developed areas. The parkway would cross Brier Creek and three unnamed tributaries. Only Brier Creek has a designated floodway. Wetlands on the Eastern Air Lines property are within the 100-year floodplain. The potential exists for the use of wetlands as the parkway crosses two tributaries near Globe Road. Notices and Schedules In order that we may fully evaluate the impact of the proposed project, it is requested that you respond to this letter in writing concerning any beneficial or adverse impacts of the project relating to the interest of your agency. In order for our study team to stay on schedule, it will be appreciated if you can respond by December 2, 1996. If you have any questions concerning this project, Please contact Mr. Byron Brady, PE, project planning engineer, at (919) 733-7842. HFV/beb vi 2 98 C" 9 „ 98 loyland 0 Oak Grove ° a ?a4 roREST RD ° WAKE 0 I A Qp Rok e 4, 99 0 c ' 'I?, ? 4?CFa OO LOVE 9 i L SCALE: N.T.S. RD Eastern ? t? o Air Lines Site s = 4, Bethesda 4e" LEESVrLL m / RD. Rpy?' F y r 000 I Brassfield m q ?° ew RESEARCH ° cF DAR e , t : Hq O SOUTNERN ?= -COUNTY r / R LM PKWY RD. 4k O I m t 2 ( m - r ed r-j W ACC -Z W BLVD. -Leesville STRICK? vWESTGATE RD © V I F r OFF low s Grov RALEIGH s` i ,• j yA °1 RD Nelson T3ner FASte so L '70 LYN Creek Park', f r- Lake r. _ / of ? cI 6 r m n = x r MorrisviII kl/ ARPENTER Carpenter RD NS Lake -' 1 Crabtree v/ESTON 'PKWY GARY PKWr ?L ,y S A O RD Eastern Air Lines Site Location 0 W ? C l.? 2 RF FO Y %r 9 rlr5: ?rrn? A? Guord RO * Ce'r r e' F AYE one' F!nley Stud ?LINITY, R9 Figure 1 SCALE: N.T.S. ite Rd. _ Eastern Air Lines Pilots Association Site Boundary (internal out-parcels not shown) Brier Creek Parkway and its Figure Relation to the Proposed 2 Thoroughfare Network 0. STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMLS B. HUNT JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201, RAIT1611, N.C. 27611-5201 November 6, 1996 MEMORANDUM TO: Mr. Eric Galamb i ECLIVC.i NOV 12 1996 f:iNVIKOWE:NIAL SUIENC:FS GARLAND B. GARRI.I I I R. SIVRI:IARY DEM - DEHNR - Water Quality Lab 4401 Reedy Creek Road FROM: H. Franklin Vick, P. E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branc SUBJECT: Proposed Brier Creek Parkway between US 70 and Aviation Parkway, Wake County, TIP No. R-3619. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), Division of Highways, proposes to construct Brier Creek Parkway (R-3619), a two-mile-long multi- lane urban thoroughfare between the intersection of US 70 and ACC Boulevard and a relocated Aviation Parkway in northwestern Wake County, North Carolina. Brier Creek Parkway would be approximately 2,000 feet north of and parallel to the North Wake Expressway. Signalized intersections are planned at relocated Aviation Parkway, Globe Road, Westgate Road, and US 70. (See Figures 1 and 2.) The project will be funded by a combination of state and developer funds. The NCDOT is preparing a State Environmental Assessment for the project. Construction is scheduled to begin in Fiscal Year 1999. The purpose of this letter is to solicit comments and initiate coordination for the subject project. Project Purpose The purpose of the project is to serve traffic generated by the proposed development of an approximately 1,863-acre site owned by the Eastern Air Lines pilots retirement plan (see Figure 2), as well as to serve east-west through movements coming from Westgate Road east of the site. The Eastern Air Lines site is roughly bordered by US 70, the North Wake Expressway, and the Wake/Durham County line. Status of Site Development Planning A mixed-use development is planned for the Eastern Air Lines site. A conceptual site plan has been developed, and site zoning has been approved by the City of Raleigh. Zoning approval was not opposed by members of the public. The ultimate development mix will depend in part on market demand and the desires of developers. The currently proposed mix of development is: Residential -- 600 acres. Office/Public Facilities -- 299 acres. Commercial -- 155 acres. Industrial -- 270 acres. Public golf course -- 235 acres. Open space/buffers/right-of-way -- 510 acres. Traffic Volumes and Level of Service The forecast 2020 average daily traffic for Brier Creek Parkway is 12,000 to 34,200 vehicles, with the higher volumes occurring at the west end of the parkway. The 2010 peak hour level of service is expected to range from B to D with a four-lane parkway. The City of Raleigh plans to widen the parkway to six lanes west of Westgate Road when warranted by the level of service. Design Characteristics The parkway will be four lanes with curb and gutter and a 40-foot median. The 40-foot median will be adequate to accommodate the later addition of two lanes noted above. The design speed would be 50 mph, posted speed 45. The goal is to contain the parkway within a 120-foot right-of-way, although some regrading will occur outside the right-of-way. Primary parkway location parameters are: 1. On the east, connect to US 70 at ACC Boulevard. 2. On the west, connect to relocated Aviation Parkway at its intersection with Globe Road. The Globe Road intersection would be realigned to connect to the parkway. 3. Meet NCDOT geometric design criteria. 4. Avoid using parcels not owned by the Eastern Air Lines pilots retirement plan. 5. Cross streams perpendicular to the stream. 6. Avoid Section 404 jurisdictional wetlands. Environmental Impact Potential Social and Economic The Eastern Air Lines site is mostly undeveloped. Relocation of homes and businesses is not expected with the proposed parkway. Planned development on the Eastern Air Lines site includes: 2,631 gross square feet of office and public facilities space, 1,699 gross square feet of commercial space, and 3,528 gross square feet of industrial space. Natural Resources The following is currently known about natural resources in the project area and their relation to the proposed project: The parkway corridor is generally either within hardwood forest or mixed hardwood/evergreen forest. This is generally true for the Eastern Air Lines property as a whole. The full site does include some recently clear cut areas and scattered developed areas. The parkway would cross Brier Creek and three unnamed tributaries. Only Brier Creek has a designated floodway. Wetlands on the Eastern Air Lines property are within the 100-year floodplain. The potential exists for the use of wetlands as the parkway crosses two tributaries near Globe Road. Notices and Schedules in order that we may fully evaluate the impact of the proposed project, it is requested that you respond to this letter in writing concerning any beneficial or adverse impacts of the project relating to the interest of your agency. In order for our study team to stay on schedule, it will be appreciated if you can respond by December 2, 1996. If you have any questions concerning this project, Please contact Mr. Byron Brady, PE, project planning engineer, at (919) 733-7842. HFV/beb SCALE: N.T.S. 98 ~ a 9 ?, 98 Joy and H Oak Grove ° a Q? Ro o r FOREST VR Figure Eastern Air Lines Site Location 1 vl i+ Q.T.S. ace Rd. _ Eastern Air Lines Pilots Association Site Boundary (internal out-parcels not shown) Brier Creek Parkway and its Figure Relation to the Proposed 2 Thoroughfare Network 1-:? I-97 Al d ---,-/p -(? l -- - f3,-;e,,- Creek- 1?3611 7q /rew -Ao •dn 3re?? y - "I if "4/q? re ve -l j / gdal Y 40°t-`K vs ?n d (-4?? 40 p e?o'e ?i9, f ?; ,- Cav'P--1' 4V" GvQY;4-i C) I'd -j iY1 % ? i Z A ? dL? C 0-y' C .J, ?S ? 04 /,'j X12&21 av e't- f? e_ 4 #,,1 e- -7o c dam, S 6 e-? A el-,V477' w s, l -{(l l al ?7 ,1," -r`o 9 mac- J Ui?. -?k P.y o?r`? C c%S 3 i??-,l?4c "f,: r rlilh Al) ie ?ec f ne..J joG-)Q i rvJcs . JAd?l&l y P--7-' dar { -? Z-A -/-4 e c lea's, 4 d v`sle ar?Scvs.5e-el- -f4,J I"e f o vf c I l Environmental Review Tracking Sheet DWO - Water Oualixv Section RL/I/,en MEMORANDUM TO: Env. Sciences Branch (WQ Lab) O Trish MacPherson (end. sps) O Kathy Herring (forest/ORw/HQW) O Larry Ausley (ecosystems) O Matt Mathews (toxicology) O Jay Sauber (intensive survey) Non-Discharge Branch (Archdale 9th) O Kim Colson (Permitting) * Wetlands (WQ Lab) k John Dorney (Corps, 401) ' - dyndi Bell (DOT) O Eric Galamb E??l?o ? ' 199TH Reg./ Prg. Mgmt Coordination Branch O Farrell Keough (Archdale 9th) O Brent McDonald (Archdale 12th) * Regional Water Quality Supervisors O Asheville O Mooresville O Washington O Fayetteville O Raleigh O Wilmington O Winston -Salem Planning Branch (Archdale 6th) O Alan Clark (basinwide planning) O Boyd DeVane (classifications & standards) O Beth McGee (management planning) O Ruth Swanek (modeling) (Archdale 9th) Point Source Branch (Archdale 9th) O Dave Goodrich (NPDES) O O Bradley Bennett (Stormwater) O O Tom Poe (Pretreatment) (Archdale 7th) O FROM: Michelle Suverkrubbe, Regional / Program Management Coordination Branch RAE: ;?q A?-?Z Attached is a copy of the above document. Subject to the requirements of the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act, you are being asked to review the document for potential significant impacts to the environment, especially pertinent to your jurisdiction, level of expertise or permit authority. Please check the appropriate box below and return this form to me along with your written comments, if any, by the date indicated. RESPONSE DEADLINE: NO COMMENT COMMENTS ATTACHED Name: Date: ?- Thank you for your assistance. Suggestions for streamlining this process are greatly appreciated! Notes: an be reached at: ne: (919) 733-5083, ext. 567 cmemo - inac version fax: (919) 715-5637 e-mail: michelle@dem.ehnr.state.nc.us Brier Creek Parkway Wake County State Project No. 6.804813 TIP No. R-3619 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION STATE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT North Carolina Department of Transportation Division of Highways ID RAIrr In compliance with the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act Date For further information contact: H. Franklin Vick, PE, Manager Planning and Environmental Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation Post Office Box 25201 Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-5201 (919) 733-3141 H. Franklin Vick, PE Manager, Planning and Environmental Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation Brier Creek Parkway Wake County State Project No. 6.804813 TIP No. R-3619 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION STATE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Documentation Prepared By: Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, Inc. in association with: Environmental Services, Inc. Little & Little William D. Gilmore, PE Principal-in-Charge Lorna Parkins, AICP Environmental Study Manager for the: North Carolina Department of Transportation James A. Bissett, PE, Unit Head Consulting Engineering Unit Byron Brady, PE Project Manager ' SUMMARY 1. TYPE OF ACTION This is a North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Administrative Action, Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact. 2. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following person can be contacted for additional information concerning this action: ' H. Franklin Vick, PE, Manager Planning and Environmental Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation Post Office Box 25201 Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-5201 (919) 733-3141 ' 3. ACTIONS REQUIRED BY OTHER AGENCIES Permits from the US Army Corps of Engineers are anticipated to be required under the ' provisions of Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972. Permits under Section 404 are anticipated to consist of Nationwide Permits No. 14 and No. 26. The project also will require 401 Water Quality Certification from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality. 4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT AREA The project area is in western Wake County, between US 70 and 1-40 and west of the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The project area consists primarily of undeveloped ' woodland at present, but much of the area recently was approved for a mixed-use development, including residential, commercial, office, and golf course uses. The project area contains Little Brier Creek and a tributary of Little Brier Creek. 5. PROPOSED PROJECT Brier Creek Parkway would extend from US 70 on the east to the realigned Aviation ' Parkway on the west. It would serve traffic generated by the planned mixed-use development in the airport area, as well as east-west through movements. The length of the project is approximately 2 miles. Approximately 2000 feet of Globe Road would be realigned. The proposed project is designated R-3619 and is included in the 1998-2004 ' NCDOT Transportation Improvement Program for construction in Fiscal Year 1998. DRAFT iii 10/17/97 6. SUMMARY OF BENEFICIAL AND ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS The proposed project is necessary to serve anticipated traffic and help fulfill the goals of the Greater Raleigh Urban Area Thoroughfare Plan. Adverse impacts from the proposed project include minor wetland encroachment, loss of vegetation and wildlife, and habitat fragmentation. As a part of relocating a portion of Globe Road, the abandonment of 2,000 feet of the existing Globe Road alignment and restoration to natural contours where the alignment crosses the headwaters of Brier Creek would improve floodplain function and water quality in the project area. One residence is directly adjacent to the proposed Parkway and would suffer noise impacts. 7. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED The typical section being considered for the proposed Brier Creek Parkway is a four-lane road with curb and gutter and a 40-foot median. This typical section was preferred over an alternative 16-foot median because it allows for future widening of the roadway with little disruption to future development and natural resources. A 40-foot median also offers improved operational characteristics, particularly for turning movements. Five other location alternatives were considered, but rejected because they did not meet the purpose and need of the project or violated engineering objectives. The no-build alternative and postponement of the project were not considered viable options because the proposed roadway is essential to serve traffic generated by airport area development, which already has been approved for implementation by the City of Raleigh. 8. BASIS FOR FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT An analysis of the potential environmental impacts from the proposed project has concluded that no significant adverse effects will result to the human or natural environment from the construction of the proposed Brier Creek Parkway. 9. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS 1. On the section of existing Globe Road that will be abandoned, the crossing of the headwaters of Brier Creek (just south of the utility lines) will be returned to original contours and the existing pipe will be removed. This will restore floodplain functions and reduce sedimentation in Brier Creek. 2. Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be used during construction to control erosion, sedimentation, and stormwater runoff. 3. NCDOT will coordinate with NC Geodetic Survey on any impacts to geodetic survey markers. DRAFT iv 10/17/97 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 SUMMARY ' 1. NEED FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT 1.1 BACKGROUND ' 1.2 FORECAST TRAFFIC VOLUMES AND LEVEL OF SERVICE 1.3 BENEFITS TO THE REGION AND COMMUNITY 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT 2.1 GENERAL 2.2 INTERSECTION TREATMENT AND ACCESS CONTROL ' 2.3 DRAINAGE STRUCTURES 2.4 BIKEWAYS AND SIDEWALKS 2.5 PERMITS REQUIRED t 1 3. ALTERNATIVES 3.1 NO-BUILD ALTERNATIVE 3.2 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ALTERNATIVE 3.3 TRANSIT ALTERNATIVE 3.4 POSTPONEMENT OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT 3.5 OTHER PARKWAY LOCATION ALTERNATIVES 3.6 DESIGN ALTERNATIVES 4. SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 4.1 SOCIAL IMPACTS 4. 1.1 Consistency with Land Use Plan 4.1.2 Neighborhood Impacts 41.3 Relocations 4.1.4 Public Facilities and Services 4.1.5 Environmental Justice 4.2 ECONOMIC IMPACTS 4.3 CULTURAL RESOURCE IMPACTS 4.4 NATURAL RESOURCES 4.4.1 Geology 4.4.2 Soils 4.4.3 Water Quality 4.4.4 Vegetation and Wildlife 4.4.5 Rare/Unique Natural Areas 4.4.6 Protected Species 4.4.7 Section 404 Jurisdictional Areas 4.4.8 Flood Hazard Evaluation 4.5 FARMLANDS 4.6 TRAFFIC NOISE ANALYSIS 4.6.1 Noise Measurements 4.6.2 STAMINA Modeling 4.6.3 Noise Sensitive Receptors 4.6.4 Project Impact 4.6.5 Project Noise Abatement 4.6.6 Construction Noise DRAFT v 1 1 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 9 9 9 9 9 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 12 12 13 13 13 14 15 19 19 21 24 24 24 24 26 26 26 27 27 10/17/97 4.7 AIR QUALITY 28 4.7.1 Analysis Results 28 4.7.2 Compliance with Clean Air Act 28 4.7.3 Construction 30 4.8 POTENTIAL HAZARDOUS WASTES/UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK SITES 30 4.9 VISUAL 30 4.10 CONSTRUCTION 30 4.11 SECONDARY IMPACTS 31 4.11.1 Natural Resource Impacts 31 4.11.2 Community Impacts 32 4.11.3 Summary 32 4.12 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS 33 4.13 PERMITS REQUIRED 33 5. COMMENTS AND COORDINATION 33 6. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT 34 LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Existing and Forecast Traffic Volumes and Levels of Service 6 Table 2 Project Area Population Characteristics 11 Table 3 Plant Communities 17 Table 4 Wetland Impact Areas 22 Table 5 Noise Measurement Results 26 Table 6 2010 Noise Levels at Receptors 27 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Project Location Map 2 Figure 2 Proposed Project 3 Figure 3 Thoroughfare Plan in Project Area 4 Figure 4 Existing and Forecast Traffic Volumes 5 Figure 5 Typical Section 8 Figure 6 Alternative Alignments Considered 10 Figure 7 Plant Communities 16 Figure 8 Wetlands 23 Figure 9 Noise Impact Assessment Sites 25 Figure 10 Worst Case Scenario 29 LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix A Scoping Letters A-1 Appendix B List of References and Technical Report B-1 DRAFT vi 10/17/97 t t 1. NEED FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT 1.1 BACKGROUND Brier Creek Parkway is proposed as the major access road between US 70 and 1-40 and west of the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The project area is shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the proposed Brier Creek Parkway would extend from US 70 on the east and connect to the realigned Aviation Parkway on the west. The purpose of the project is to serve traffic generated by planned development in the airport area, as well as east-west through movements coming from Westgate Road east of the project area. The current thoroughfare plan (adopted in December 1996) in the project area is shown in Figure 3. Brier Creek Parkway is included in the 1998-2004 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) as R-3619 and construction is scheduled for fiscal year 1998. 1.2 FORECAST TRAFFIC VOLUMES AND LEVEL OF SERVICE To determine the traffic need for this project, the Raleigh Urban Area traffic model was utilized in cooperation with the City of Raleigh and NCDOT. The model was updated to account for changes in the roadway network and a more refined subdivision of land use zones. Using this information, design year 2010 traffic projections were developed for both the Build and No-Build scenarios. Table 1 and Figure 4 show existing, no-build, and build traffic projections for the proposed Brier Creek Parkway as well as other local roads. The forecast 2010 daily traffic for Brier Creek Parkway ranges from 12,000 vpd near US 70 to 34,200 vpd near Aviation Parkway. The level of service similarly ranges from LOS B on Brier Creek Parkway between US 70 and the Lumley Road intersection and LOS D for sections west to Aviation Parkway. A comparison of the No-Build and Build scenarios demonstrates that the proposed Brier Creek Parkway would have a significant positive impact on several local roads of regional importance. Most significantly, the proposed roadway would divert approximately 15,000 vpd from 1-540 (Northern Wake Expressway) improving peak hour operations from LOS E to LOS D. In addition, ' the roadway would result in less significant reductions in traffic on US 70 and T.W. Alexander Road. In addition to the roadway links, an evaluation of future intersection capacity was conducted at ' three intersections. The analysis indicated: 1. Brier Creek Parkway at Aviation Parkway -- This intersection will provide an acceptable level of service until local development has been significantly completed. At that time, the capacity constraint results from the high volumes of traffic on the planned Aviation Parkway extension and will be resolved as part of Aviation Parkway design development. ' 2. Brier Creek Parkway at Lumley Road -- This intersection would operate at LOS C in 2010 with the provision of dual left turn lanes on northbound Lumley Road, ' 3. Brier Creek Parkway at US 70 -- This intersection would operate near capacity in 2010 assuming US 70 is widened to an eight-lane arterial. The existing Thoroughfare Plan includes widening US 70 to either a ten-lane arterial or a six-lane freeway. An interchange ' with Brier Creek Parkway would be built as part of improving US 70 to a freeway. DRAFT 1 10/17/97 Z T O LLI a D o CD J LL. H V W 2 O a t MY. ITS F- V W O O.. O W y O a cm a cm W cr D 0 LL D z W cm W J N N N J O O a m ? v E w Co 'r C E C Y ro CD mm U? a? o m? (D 0 U) C7 OL L o a 3 v yU why ? - :, lot .00, a 000 • m` 5c z a / co CL c j acv ' Q? N?73N ?',??tld N01 00 - 44 A ilil so Q H?? H ?tp?9 Q? Jbd N _ 6a '?by SS i .a L, a . ?..% W a co cr. W CC w °C C7 = W LL o CL x ?- z z z C x V t t t t V i- Y t Z O v W Z s 8 w "J? ?pgpgND C c NI I? In ' \ C ? V O ? 1 I LO V U ?s 888 JII ` N M V C71 ? ?. . L n I rIc y ? I l?7 IN I ? rl r I? ` I r r N ' YO ~ IM y0 ,I? Q p?{ I .Vi O r r Q /? ? ? ? ? ` r pgp Cgp ? `r? u p ?` le!'V < g8S r 8p8 LR .__ C V C r v !-- co It W Q m C? V Z) O LL v D Z U- U- cc c7 CC z F- _ P y W O a ? ? o °a z m' co 0 0 N N II D O l O l o 'D C, o Z W c3 W J Table 1 Existing and Forecast Traffic Volumes and Levels of Service Link Description Existing (1995) ADT LOS 2010 No Build 2010 Build ADT LOS Brier Creek Pkwy E of Aviation Pkwy - - - - 33,400 D Brier Creek Pkwy E of Globe Rd - - - - 34,200 D Brier Creek Pkwy W of Lumley Rd - - - - 23,000 C Brier Creek Pkwy E of Lumley Rd - - - - 12,000 B Brier Creek Pkwy W of US 70 - - - - 16,400 C Lumley Rd N of N. Wake Expressway - - 33,700 D 25,300 C Globe Road S of Brier Creek Parkway 1,400 A 10,300 C 14,900 C Aviation Pkwy N of N. Wake Expressway - - 53,500 D 63,700 D Aviation Pkwy N of Brier Creek Pkwy - - 48,800 E 48,300 E North Wake Expressway from Aviation Parkway to Lumley Rd - - 99,700 E 82,100 D North Wake Expressway from Lumley Rd To US 70 - - 100,500 E 87,400 D US 70 Between TW Alex and ACC Blvd/ Brier Creek Pkwy 34,300 D 55,300 C 55,900 C US 70 Between N. Wake Expressway and ACC Blvd/Brier Creek Pkwy 29,000 C 72,800 D 70,100 D ADT = Average Daily Traffic LOS = Level of Service - Road does not exist today 1.3 BENEFITS TO THE REGION AND COMMUNITY The airport area is expected to have moderate-to-high density, mixed-use development in order to fulfill the need for a regional center in the area. Traffic attracted to this area will be served by the proposed Brier Creek Parkway. With the roadway, this development will be able to serve as a new regional center because of its location and size. For example, the planned development is: • adjacent to Research Triangle Park, which has no commercial or residential development; • adjacent to Raleigh-Durham International Airport; • accessible to key, major thoroughfares including US 70 and the new Northern Wake Expressway (1-540); and • in a growing section of Wake County that currently lacks a commercial center. Preliminary regional plans for rapid transit show a rail stop within the site. The Raleigh Comprehensive Plan (July 2, 1996), 1998-2004 Transportation Improvement Program (June, DRAFT 6 10/17/97 ' 1997), and Greater Raleigh Urban Area Thoroughfare Plar (December 6, 1996) all reflect the City of Raleigh's desire that the site develop as a regional cent Dr. The existing Globe Road alignment crosses the headwate,s of Brier Creek just south of a utility corridor. The pipe and fill material in this location have alt:red floodplain function, causing excess flooding and ponding on the upstream end of the )ipe and reduced flooding downstream. The realignment of Globe Road would enatr le the removal of this pipe and associated fill material and the original contours of the arEa will be restored when this section of Globe Road is removed. This will restore the floodplain tc a more natural state and improve water quality in Brier Creek through reduced sedimentation. 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT 2.1 GENERAL Brier Creek Parkway is a proposed two-mile, multi-lane, urban thoroughfare between the intersection of US 70 and ACC Boulevard and a relocated Aviation Parkway. It would be approximately 2,000 feet north of and parallel to the Northern Wake Expressway. Signalized intersections are planned at relocated Aviation Parkway, Globe Road, Lumley Road, and US 70. The road will be four lanes with curb and gutter and a 40-foot median. The typical section is ' shown in Figure 5. The right-of-way will be a maximum of 120 feet in width with grading easements as needed. The proposed design speed is 50 mph. The posted speed will be 45 mph. 2.2 INTERSECTION TREATMENT AND ACCESS CONTROL All intersections will be at-grade, with traffic signals at Aviation Parkway, Lumley Road, Globe Road, and US 70. Between intersections, access will ba limited to every 800 feet. Approximately 2,000 feet of Globe Road will be realignE?d to separate Brier Creek Parkway's ' intersections with Aviation Parkway and Globe Road. 2.3 DRAINAGE STRUCTURES ?- c, I) ? ' The project design calls for a reinforced concrete box culvert at Little Brier Creek and a reinforced concrete box culvert at a tributary of Little Brier Creek. I 2.4 BIKEWAYS AND SIDEWALKS There are no special accommodations required for bicycles on this project. No sidewalks are proposed. 2.5 PERMITS REQUIRED Nationwide Permits 14 and 26 from the USACOE will be required for several small wetland crossings. Depending on interpretation of new rules <<dopted in January 1997 by the USACOE, individual permits may be required for the project's streambed crossings. The project also will require 401 Water Quality Certification from the North :;arolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality. DRAFT 7 10/17/97 Z u o P c ci - W COO u J a v a fS z C` i J N 3JNIH lnl Y a u: p ?:?? - "?i F yW? C7 N ?: O Z O J J ° N' LO ? o a C s V Q' O ` w O + t lT H N \ C CE CE O N 0 o U) ill w W L -O o O LL 1- N ? j N N W /LI J i Q J ? J O a -1 (-' N ll W w r O o a r , J _ F+1 + Z W N O O,. a ? a J 3 U tY ? .r N 0 o 0 1 h?l D i?l -? ^ ltJ ++ ? N J ?1 V N 30NIH '1113 o -f t t 3. ALTERNATIVES 3.1 NO-BUILD ALTERNATIVE The No-Build alternative would avoid the negative impacts to natural resources, such as stream crossings, wetland impacts, and habitat fragmentation associated with the proposed road. If the No-Build alternative is chosen, the benefits of the proposed roadway would not be realized. The traffic ramifications of the No-Build alternative include LOS E on parallel segments of 1-540, which would have LOS D if the proposed project were built. 3.2 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ALTERNATIVE Traffic management strategies or widening existing roads might relieve some congestion in the area; however, this alternative would not meet the aspect of the project's purpose and need related to the traffic needs of a planned regional center. 3.3 TRANSIT ALTERNATIVE While airport area development is included in long-term regional transit plans as a potential area for a transit link, transit alone would not provide sufficient access for development of the area. The transit line would serve only 7 percent of the trips in the project area (Triangle Transit Authority, 1995). 3.4 POSTPONEMENT OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT The proposed Brier Creek Parkway would serve traffic generated by airport area development, which has been approved by the City of Raleigh. Postponement of the road, therefore, would delay but not alter development plans. 3.5 OTHER PARKWAY LOCATION ALTERNATIVES Five other alignment alternatives, shown in Figure 6, were considered prior to the selection of the alignment shown in Figure 2. They all were rejected because they did not meet traffic needs or engineering requirements. Specifically: Alternatives 1, 2, and 3 did not cross Lumley Road in tangent. Alternative 4 passed through a stormwater retention area, which was to be left undisturbed, per an agreement between the City and the developer. Compared to alternative 5, the preferred alternative has greater intersection spacing between Aviation Parkway and Globe Road, and the preferred alternative follows more closely the alignment of the approved site plan. DRAFT 9 10/17/97 ^. 4 1 cn G co z W Z C 7 = W 2 co Z W D C3 U- J C a C-1 W a z cr. W J a N J p d E N E Y .0 a) N c O U cn .? c m m E c c ? rn Q Q -o > a). a) c? CO o (1) a C3 U W 3.6 DESIGN ALTERNATIVES An alternative typical section with a 16-foot median also was considered for the project. The typical section with a 40-foot median was selected for the following reasons: • Minimizes future disturbance to natural resources and developments by accommodating any future widening to six lanes in the median. Stream disturbance associated with installing culverts at Little Brier Creek and a tributary ' of Little Brier Creek need only occur once with a 40-foot median. With a narrow median, any widening would occur on the outside of the travel lanes, necessitating an extension ' of the culverts. • Grading and wetlands fills also will occur only once if a 40-foot median is used. 4. SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 4.1 SOCIAL IMPACTS ' i ith L d U Pl 4 1 1 C t ency w an se an . . ons s The limited amount of existing development in the project area is primarily residential. The majority of the project area is undeveloped but plans are to develop it as a mixed-used development, in accordance with Wake County growth policy. The City of Raleigh's Comprehensive Plan revisions adopted July 2, 1996 reflect the proposed site development plans. Brier Creek Parkway is consistent with those development plans. 4.1.2 Neighborhood Impacts ' Traffic volumes would increase adjacent to scattered homes along Globe Road and a home where the Parkway would cross Lumley Road. ' 4.1.3 Relocations No residential or business relocations are expected to occur. 4.1.4 Public Facilities and Services There are no schools, churches, fire stations, or police stations in the immediate vicinity of the project area. 4.1.5 Environmental Justice The proposed road would not specifically benefit, harm, or disproportionately impact any social group. Table 2 describes the characteristics of households in the Cedar Fork Township (the project area) and compares them to Wake County as a whole. DRAFT 11 10/17/97 Table 2 Project Area Population Characteristics Percent of Median Families Percent Percent Age Family Below Area Total Minority 65 and Over Income Poverty Line Wake County 423,380 23.3% 7.3% $44,302 5.5% Cedar Fork Township 2,944 16.5% 8.4% $43,043 5.0% Source: 1990 Census of Population and Housing The data indicate that minority residents, elderly residents, and households with incomes below the poverty line are not represented disproportionately in the project area. The township's median family income is $43,043 and the percent of families with incomes below the poverty line is 5.0 percent compared to $44,302 and 5.5 percent, respectively, for Wake County. Cedar Fork Township has a minority population comprising 16.5 percent of total population, compared to 23.3 percent for Wake County. The percent of persons 65 years of age and older in Cedar Fork Township is 8.4 percent compared to 7.3 percent for the County as a whole. Given that there are no relocations associated with the project, and minority, elderly and low income residents are not concentrated in the project area, these groups would not be expected to receive disproportionate impacts from the proposed road. 4.2 ECONOMIC IMPACTS Construction of the proposed project would have both short-term and long-term economic impacts. In the short-term, the local economy would be affected by the employment of contractors and workers during the construction period, resulting in additional income generation. Also in the short-term, property tax revenues would be reduced because of the removal of some parcels of land from property tax rolls for project right-of-way. In the long-term, the proposed project would provide increased access through previously undeveloped land. This access is necessary for the planned development of the area that has been approved by the City of Raleigh. This development will create numerous permanent jobs. It also would have a substantial positive impact on the local tax base through the generation of property, sales, and income taxes. After development, the real property values will increase. 4.3 CULTURAL RESOURCE IMPACTS In a letter dated December 4, 1996, the Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer stated that he was aware of no properties of historical, architectural, or archaeological importance within the project area (see Appendix A). It was recommended, therefore, that no historic resource surveys be conducted. DRAFT 12 10/17/97 1 ' 4.4 NATURAL RESOURCES ' 4.4.1 Geology Geologically, the project area is in the Durham Triassic Sub-basin. A Triassic Basin is a rift basin, filled with exposed sedimentary and igneous rocks, believed to have formed along a fault zone as a result of continental drift. This particular basin is oriented in a northeast-southwest direction. The project corridor is near the eastern boundary of the basin, which is bounded by the Jonesboro fault system. The Triassic sedimentary rocks are part of the Chatham Group, and consist of conglomerate, arkosic sandstone, siltstone, claystone, and mudstone (Olsen et al., 1991, SCS 1970). t 4.4.2 Solis Characteristics ' The project corridor extends through the Creedmore-White Store soil association, which is characterized by firm, clayey subsoils derived from sandstone, shale, and mudstone on gently sloping to hilly landscapes (SCS, 1970). Soils that may occur in the project corridor include the non-hydric series Creedmore, Mantachie, Mayodan, and Chewacla. There are no listed hydric series mapped within the project corridor (SCS, 1991); however, small inclusions of the hydric series Wehadkee may be found along drainage ways in the Chewacla soil series (SCS, 1991). ' The Creedmore series (Aquic Hapludults) is a moderately well drained soil that occurs on gentle to moderately steep slopes. This series forms from weathered sandstone, mudstone, and shale of the Triassic age. Permeability of the subsoil is low, which often leads to perched water tables during ' the wet seasons. The shrink-swell potential of this series is high, especially in the clayey subsoils. The Mantachie series (Aeric Fluventic Haplaquepts) is a deep, somewhat poorly drained soil in depressions and draws of Piedmont uplands. This series occurs on nearly level or gently sloping uplands formed in coarse loamy deposits of local alluvium. The shrink-swell potential is low and the seasonal high water table is about 2.0 feet below the soil surface. This soil is frequently flooded for brief periods because of precipitation and runoff. The Mayodan series (Typic Hapludults) is a well-drained soil that occurs over rock. This series occurs on shallow, rounded divides. Mayodan soils form from weathered sandstone, mudstone, and shale of the Triassic age. Permeability and shrink-swell potential are moderate and the water table remains below the solum. The Chewacla series (Aquic Fluvaquentic Dystrochrepts) is a nearly level, somewhat poorly drained, very deep loam, with hydric inclusions. This series forms in recent alluvial deposits ' washed largely from soils formed in residuum from schist, gneiss, granite, phyllite, and other metamorphic and igneous rocks. Permeability is moderate and flood frequency ranges from rarely to frequently. Shrink-swell potential is low. Unweathered bedrock is found at depths greater than 6.6 feet below the soil surface. The seasonal high water table is between 0.5 foot and 1.6 feet below the soil surface in undrained conditions. This soil is mapped along the bottoms of Little Brier Creek and the unnamed tributaries. 1 The Wehadkee series (Typic Fluvaquents) is a poorly drained, fine sandy loam. This very deep hydric soil is found on floodplains and forms in loamy alluvial deposits. Permeability is moderate to moderately rapid, and some areas flood frequently in winter. Shrink-swell potential is low. Unweathered bedrock is found at depths greater than 6.6 feet below the soil surface. The seasonal high water table typically occurs within 1.0 foot of the soils surface in undrained conditions. Within the project corridor, this series is present only as inclusions within the Chewacla soil series. DRAFT 13 10/17/97 Impacts impacts on soils are expected to be restricted to localized changes in micro-relief. The gently rolling to moderately steep topography of the project corridor represents minor to moderate potential for disturbances such as mass soil movement or flooding as a result of roadway construction. To avoid these impacts, the road is designed to cross steams in a perpendicular fashion and avoid the sides of hills. During construction, an erosion control plan and best management practices will be followed. 4.4.3 Water Duality Characteristics The project corridor intersects Little Brier Creek, an unnamed tributary to Little Brier Creek, and the headwaters of Brier Creek. These streams are within the upper Neuse River Basin (USGS Hydrologic Unit #03020201). Both Brier Creek (DEM Index No. 27-33-4) and Little Brier Creek (DEM Index No. 27-33-4-1) have a best usage classification of C NSW. This classification indicates suitability for aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation, and agriculture. Secondary recreation includes activities involving human body contact with water in an infrequent or incidental basis (DEM, 1993). The NSW designation indicates the system is classified as Nutrient Sensitive Waters, and requires limitations on nutrient inputs. Primary sources of long-term water quality degradation in the project area are roadways, maintained utility line rights-of-way, and erosion resulting from periodic timber harvesting. The Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN) addresses long-term trends in water quality at fixed monitoring stations through sampling for selected benthic macroinvertebrates (DEM, 1989). BMAN stations currently do not exist on Little Brier Creek or Brier Creek, the nearest BMAN location is approximately 6 miles downstream of the project corridor crossings on Crabtree Creek. Water quality at the Crabtree Creek site has an overall rating of Fair. The streams proposed for crossing have been designated with the supplemental classification NSW (Nutrient Sensitive Waters) because they are currently subjected to excessive growth of aquatic vegetation, most likely as a result of an overabundance of nutrient inputs. The State will not allow increases in nutrient levels (primarily phosphorous and nitrogen) over background levels in waters so designated. The State Division of Water Quality will assist in developing nutrient management strategies for streams with this designation. One possible source of excessive nutrient inputs is the utility corridor in the project area. The utility corridor crosses the headwaters of Brier Creek where the proposed Brier Creek parkway would be constructed. Where existing Globe Road crosses the headwaters of Brier Creek, a pipe under the roadway constricts downstream flow, causing periodic flooding and wetter conditions in the utility corridor than would be expected to occur naturally. The utility corridor is mowed periodically which likely causes additional sedimentation in Brier Creek. The pipe under Globe Road also has caused a reduction in downstream floodplain function. Impacts Construction impacts to stream channels will be temporary and localized during road construction. Long-term impacts to streams as a result of road construction are expected to be negligible. Temporary construction impacts because of erosion and sedimentation will be minimized through implementation of a stringent erosion control schedule and the use of best management practices. The contractor will follow contract specifications pertaining to erosion control measures as outlined DRAFT 14 10/17/97 in 23 CFR 650 Subpart B and Article 107-13 entitled "Control of Erosion, Siltation, and Pollution" (NCDOT, Specifications for Roads and Structures). These measures include: the use of dikes, ' berms, silt basins, and other containment measures to control runoff; elimination of construction staging areas in floodplains and adjacent to waterways; re-seeding of herbaceous cover on disturbed sites; management of chemicals (herbicides, pesticides, de-icing compounds) with potential negative impacts on water quality; and avoidance of direct discharges into steams by catch basins and roadside vegetation. The existing utility corridor crossing of the headwaters of Brier Creek includes an unpaved access road for utility line maintenance. Vegetation maintenance and vehicular traffic on this access road have resulted in the formation of tire ruts and subsequent erosion of surface sediments into Brier Creek. Construction of the proposed Parkway would allow for stabilization of the ground surface in this portion of the utility line corridor, resulting in a decrease of sedimentation into Brier Creek. t 4.4.4 Vegetation and Wildlife Description of Plant Communities The project right-of-way comprises approximately 34.9 acres, 31.1 acres within the Brier Creek Parkway proper and 3.8 acres within the Globe Road relocation. The project corridor is in a region of relatively homogeneous land use and vegetation coverage. Within the project right-of-way, four broad classifications of plant communities are recognized. These communities include hardwood forest (HF), mixed pine/hardwood forest (MF), pine forest (PF), and urban/disturbed area (LID). These communities are shown on Figure 7, and acres of each in the project right-of-way are summarized in Table 3. The forested areas occur at various successional stages because of past ' disturbances such as logging. Mixed Pine/Hardwood Forest (MF). Mixed pine/hardwood forest is characterized by a canopy dominated by a mixture of pines (greater than 30 percent) and hardwoods. Approximately 11.2 acres of mixed pine hardwood forest are scattered throughout the project right-of-way. Common canopy species include southern red oak (Quercus falcata), blackjack oak (Q. marilandica), white oak (Q. alba), black oak (Q. velutina), scarlet oak (Q. coccinea) loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), Virginia ' pine (P. virginiana), red maple (Acer rubrum), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), and scattered hickories (Carya spp.). The subcanopy consists of eastern hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), American beech (Fagus grandifolia), American holly (Ilex opaca), and sourwood (Oxydendron arboreum). The sparse shrub layer includes arrow-wood (Viburnum dentatum), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), silver- berry (Elaeagnus umbellata), and blueberry (Vaccinium sp.). Common herbs include Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia), yellow jessamine (Gelsemium ' sempervirens), and Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides). Some areas characterized by mixed pine hardwood forest appear to have been thinned selectively within the past 8 to 15 years. Recently-timbered areas are dominated by loblolly pine, sweetgum, flowering dogwood, eastern red cedar, and blueberry. Hardwood Forest (HR Hardwood forest is characterized as a mature climax community dominated by a mixture of hardwoods and includes occasional pines. Approximately 12.1 acres of the project right-of-way support hardwood forest. Species composition varies from nearly pure hardwoods to a pine component approaching 30 percent of the canopy. On ridges and lower slopes above floodplains, the canopy includes American beech, tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), post oak (Quercus stellata), northern red oak (Q. rubra), white oak, black oak, swamp chestnut oak (Q. michauxil), shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata), loblolly pine, sourwood, and various hickories. The DRAFT 15 10/17/97 40 n ... !(66? ?E (Yt J .. ?' ` fy ? .. wa ? Vo '¦ ; IR 't' /' G I ' i C4 r` W w !- cc Z D 0 U_ 0 V Z Q J CL N u I?i o < a m Q E ? N O a U_ O O 'D C 'O J cd .o 2 ? y 'e d 0 •N N C X 0 O 0 U_ 3 .n u c Via= n II II J aLLU'e LZIJ G7 W J 1-1 Table 3 Plant Communities Acres in Project Plant Community Right-of-Way Mixed Pine/Hardwood Forest 11.2 Hardwood Forest 12.1 Pine Forest 8.4 Urban/Disturbed Areas 3.2 TOTAL 34.9 subcanopy is dominated by American holly and flowering dogwood. The shrub and herb components tend to be sparse because of dense canopy cover. There is a slight change in species composition of hardwood forest in riparian areas, primarily because of a moderation in temperature extremes and increased moisture resulting from the proximity of adjacent waters. Dominant canopy species include American beech, white oak, tulip tree, American elm (Ulmus americans), water oak, red maple, willow oak, sweetgum, river birch (Betu/a nigra), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii), and shagbark hickory (Carya ovata). American holly, ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana), river birch, and several species of vines occur in the shrub layer. Pine Forest (PR The canopy of the pine forest is composed almost entirely of loblolly and Virginia pine. Approximately 8.4 acres of the project right-of-way support pine forest, occurring as isolated pockets. This community is commonly the result of some type of urban/commercial disturbance such as abandoned easements or recently timbered land. Shrub and herb layers are commonly sparse because of the dense overstory, and include wax myrtle and Japanese honeysuckle. A small portion of pine forest has been selectively timbered within the past 10 years. These areas primarily support pines and other pioneer species. Understory species include loblolly pine, sweetgum, flowering dogwood, American holly, Japanese honeysuckle, and common greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia). Urban/Disturbed Areas (UD). Urban/disturbed areas have been disturbed by periodic mowing or surface earthwork. Approximately 3.2 acres of the project right-of-way are characterized as urban/disturbed areas. These areas support early successional communities. Examples of sites with this designation include powerline rights-of-way, maintained road sides, and topsoil borrow areas. Species occurring on these areas include multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), lespedeza (Lespedeza sp.), Nepal microstegium (Eulalia vimineum), broom panic grass (Dichanthelium scoparium), asters (Aster spp.), and golden rods (Solidago spp.). Wet pockets contain rushes (Juncus spp.), wool-grass (Scirpus cyperinus), and straw-colored flatsedge (Cyperus strigosus). Description of Characteristic Animal Communities Terrestrial. The project corridor generally supports a contiguous forest system that offers necessary components (food, water, cover) to support a number of animal species typical of the DRAFT 17 10/17/97 Piedmont region of the state. Mammals noted or expected within the proposed alignment include white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), raccoon (Procyon lotor), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus), southeastern shrew (Sorex longirostris), least shrew (Cryptotis parva), southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans), woodchuck (Marmota monax), eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), gray fox (Urocyon cineareoargenteus), and white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) (Webster et at, 1985). Common bird species that occur in the project corridor are typical of Piedmont forest. Because of the minimal amount of habitat fragmentation, and resulting buffering effect from human activity, the vicinity of the project corridor supports forest interior species that typically avoid such disturbances. Such forest interior species include American woodcock (Scolopax minor), red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), Acadian flycatcher (Empidonax virescens), blue-gray gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea), wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), hermit thrush (Catharus guttatus), red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus), yellow-throated warbler (Dendroica dominica), hooded warbler (Wilsonia citrina), and scarlet tanager (Piranga olivacea). Other common species that occur within the project corridor include red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum), blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus), Carolina chickadee (Parus carolinensis), ruby-crowned kinglet (Regulus calendula), golden-crowned kinglet (R. satrapa), northern junco (Juncus hyemalis), northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), and white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) (Potter et at, 1980). Reptiles and amphibians known to occur in the region include eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina), eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus), southeastern five-lined skink (Eumeces inexpectatus), rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta), worm snake (Carphophis amoenus), rough green snake (Opheodrys aestivus), copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), American toad (Bufo americana), northern cricket frog (Acris creations), spring pepper (Pseudacris crucifer), two-lined salamander (Eurycea bislineata), and northern dusky salamander (Desmognanthus fuscus) (Palmer and Braswell, 1995, Martof et al., 1980, Conant and Collins, 1991). Aquatic. Little Brier Creek and its unnamed tributary are the only sources of permanent water within the project corridor. Species of fish expected to inhabit these streams most likely will be limited in size and diversity because of regular fluctuations in water level. Expected species include bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), green sunfish (L. cyanellus), pumpkinseed (L. gibbosus), blue-spotted sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus), banded sunfish (E. obesus), pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus), Carolina madtom (Notorus furiosus), brown bullhead (Ictalurus nebulosus), bluehead chub (Nocomis leptocephalus), white shiner (Notropis albeolus), creek chub (Semotilus atromculatus), greenfin shiner (Notropis chloristius), golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas), eastern mosquito fish (Gambusia holbrooki), and Johnny darter (Etheostoma nigrum) (Menhinick, 1991, Rohde et al., 1994). Wildlife commonly associated with aquatic environments in this region of the state include mink (Mustela vison), muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), great blue heron (Ardea herodias), belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon), snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina), painted turtle (Chrysemys picta), northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon), eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens), pickerel frog (Rana palustris), and bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana). Impacts to Vegetation and Wildlife Plant Community Impacts. Potential impacts to plant communities resulting from roadway construction depend on the relative amount of each community in the project corridor. Impact areas for each community have been discussed within the community descriptions. The region DRAFT 18 10/17/97 traversed by the proposed project is presently relatively undisturbed and plant communities occur in large contiguous blocks. The project would fragment this large block of forest. Beyond ' fragmentation, however, the clearing of the project corridor for construction will have a minor impact on plant communities in the immediate vicinity. Wildlife Impacts. Fragmentation and loss of wildlife habitat is an unavoidable consequence of roadway development on new location. Short-term displacement of local wildlife populations will occur during initial construction of the road. Many local species are habituated to anthropogenic disturbances and are expected to return to the construction area. Movement through the area will ' become more dangerous for many transient species because of the new facility. Some wildlife species occurring within the proposed corridor may be displaced through permanent habitat reduction and fragmentation. Localized large mammal populations, such as deer, may experience disruptions in mating, feeding, or migratory patterns as a result of roadway construction. Increased urbanization already has resulted in diminished habitat opportunities as woodlands are committed to development. Many migratory and resident bird species that require forest interiors for nesting may be displaced because of the edge effects associated with bisecting a wooded area with the proposed project. These species also will be affected by further fragmentation within upland hardwood tracts because of secondary impacts associated with site ' development. (See section 4.11.) In the headwaters of Brier Creek, the proposed project would enable a section of streambed to be restored. Specifically, the section of Globe Road that would be abandoned contains a pipe where it ' crosses the headwaters of Brier Creek. As part of the proposed project, this pipe would be removed and the natural contours of the area would be restored. This would allow the streambed to revert to a more natural state that, once again, could support wildlife. 1 4.4.5 Rare/Unique Natural Areas There are no designated rare or unique natural areas identified within the project area according to NHP records (December, 1996). There are no water bodies deserving of special attention as denoted under the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 (Pub. L. No. 90-542, 82 Stat. 906; codified and amended at 16 U.S.C. 1217-1287 (1982) or under the Natural and Scenic Rivers Act of 1971 (G.S. 113A-30). Because rare or unique resources were not identified within the project corridor, no adverse impacts are anticipated. 4.4.6 Protected Species Federal Species Species with federal classifications of Endangered (E) or Threatened (T) are protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The USFWS list of federally protected species as of May 2, 1997 is as follows: Red-cockaded woodpecker Picoides borealis E Dwarf wedge mussel Alasmidonta heterodon E Michaux's sumac Rhus michauxii E Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus T These species are described briefly in the following paragraphs. Red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW). This small woodpecker (7 to 8.5 inches long) has a black head, prominent white cheek patch, and black-and-white barred back. Males often have red DRAFT 19 10/17/97 markings (cockades) behind the eye, but the cockades may be absent or difficult to see (Potter et al., 1980). Primary nest sites for RCWs include open pine stands greater than 60 years of age with little or no mid-story development. Foraging habitat is comprised of open pine or pine/mixed hardwood stands 30 years of age or older (Henry, 1989). Suitable habitat was not found within the project area. Biological Conclusion: This project is expected to have no eff ect on RCWs. No suitable nesting habitat (stand-size pine or pine-hardwood forest containing pines greater than 60 years old) is present within the project corridor. No birds were observed during the site visit and, currently, no colonies have been documented in Wake County. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT Dwarf wedge mussel. The dwarf wedge mussel is relatively small, averaging 1.0 to 1.5 inches long. The shells are olive-green to dark brown in color and are sub-rhomboidally shaped. The shells of females are swollen posteriorly, while males are generally flattened (TSCFTM, 1990). The preferred habitats are streams with moderate flow velocities and bottoms varying in texture from gravel and coarse sand to mud, especially downstream of debris and on banks of accreting sediment. This species was previously known only from a few, disjunct populations in the Neuse River basin (Johnston Co.) and Tar River basin (Granville Co.). State-wide surveys conducted since 1992 have expanded this species' range in North Carolina, but the dwarf wedge mussel has not been documented in any streams within the vicinity of the project corridor. Biological Conclusion: This project is expected to have no effect on the dwarf wedge mussels. This species has not been found to occur within the project corridor. A 1991 NC Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) survey of Brier Creek and Little Brier Creek failed to locate evidence of dwarf wedge mussels in the system (WRC, 1991). No mussel shells were observed in or adjacent to project corridor streams during the site visit. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT Michaux's sumac. Michaux's sumac is a densely pubescent, deciduous, rhizomatous shrub, usually less than 2 feet high. The alternate, compound leaves consist of 9-13 hairy, round-based, toothed leaflets borne on a hairy rachis that may be slightly winged (Radford et al., 1968). Small male and female flowers are produced during June on separate plants; female flowers are produced on terminal, erect clusters followed by small, hairy, red fruits (drupes) in August and September. Michaux's sumac tends to grow in areas where competition is reduced by periodic fire or other disturbances, and may grow along roadside margins or utility rights-of-way. In the Piedmont, Michaux's sumac appears to prefer clay soils derived from mafic rocks or sandy soil derived from granite (Weakley, 1993). Michaux's sumac ranges from southern Virginia through Georgia in the inner Coastal Plain and lower Piedmont. Biological Conclusion: This project is expected to have no effect on Michaux's sumac. Road sides and utility line rights-of-way within the project corridor are maintained regularly and do not provide suitable habitat for sumac. Michaux's sumac was not observed during the site visit. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT Bald Eaale. The bald eagle occurs throughout North America, primarily in association with large lakes and coastal bays and sounds where food is plentiful. Mature eagles (usually 4 to 6 years and older) are identified by a white tail and head, dark brown to black body and wings (wingspread to 6 feet), and yellow eyes, bill, and feet. Juveniles are uniformly chocolate-brown and sometimes have whitish mottling on their tail, belly, and wing linings. As the birds mature they become lighter in color and the mottling increases until they acquire their adult plumage pattern. Nesting sites occur DRAFT 20 10/17/97 I close to feeding grounds and nests are constructed in large trees (predominately pine or cypress), either living or dead. Eagles are opportunistic hunters and scavengers, feeding on a wide variety of aquatic-dependent organisms including fish, snakes, small mammals and large water birds. Their primary source of food is carrion and fish taken from ospreys (Potter et al. , 1980). Biological Conclusion: This project is expected to have no effect on the bald eagle. No suitable habitat exists within the project corridor, and no eagles were observed during the site visit. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT Federal Species of Concern The May 2, 1997 USFWS list also includes a category of species designated as "Federal species of concern' (FSC). The FSC designation provides no federal protection for the species listed. Common Name Bachman's sparrow Southern hognose snake Southeastern myotis Yellow lance Atlantic pigtoe Green floater Diana fritillary butterfly Sweet pinesap Carolina least trillium Scientific Name Potential Habitat Aimophila aestivalis No Heterodon simus No' Myotis austroriparius No Elliptio lanceolata No Fusconaia masoni No Lasmigona subviridus No Speyeria diana No" Monotropsis odorata Yes Trillium pusillum var. pusillum No "Historic record-the species was last observed in the county more than 50 years ago. No FSC-designated species have been documented in the vicinity of the project corridor according to NHP records (December, 1996). The typical habitat of most of these species does not occur in the project corridor; however, habitat for sweet pinesap does occur within the project corridor. Sweet pinesap typically occurs on dry slopes and bluffs supporting deciduous forests. Sweet pinesap was not observed during the site visit. State Species Species with the North Carolina status of Endangered (E), Threatened (T), or Special Concern (SC) receive limited protection under the North Carolina Endangered Species Act (G.S. 113-331 et seq.) and the North Carolina Plant Protection Act of 1979 (G.S. 106-202.12 et seq.). No state-listed species are known to occur within two miles of the project corridor. 4.4.7 Section 404 Jurisdictional Areas Characteristics Wetlands are defined by the US Army Corps of Engineers (COE) (33 CFR 328.3) as: "those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas." In accordance with this definition, wetlands must possess three essential parameters: hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and evidence of wetlands hydrology (COE Wetlands Delineation Manual, 1987). DRAFT 21 10/17/97 Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (1972), now referred to as the Clean Water Act, authorized the USACOE, in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), to regulate the disposal of dredged or fill material into "waters of the United States." The term "waters of the United States" has broad meaning and incorporates both deepwater aquatic habitats and special aquatic sites, including wetlands (COE Wetlands Delineation Manual, 1987). Executive Order 11990 requires that new construction in wetlands be avoided to the extent possible, and that all practical measures be taken to minimize or mitigate impacts to wetlands. The wetland and streambed areas within the project corridor were delineated in 1996 and 1997, based on the methodology outlined in the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (1987). Field reconnaissance was conducted in December 1996 and June and July, 1997, to confirm the wetland delineations and streambeds that may be disturbed during construction within the project corridor. Areas within the project corridor that are subject to Section 404 permit review include 1) water and streambed limits of Brier and Little Brier Creeks and associated tributaries, 2) wetlands systems immediately adjacent to these creeks, and 3) isolated pockets of wetlands not connected to any stream or floodplain that are considered jurisdictional based upon the three-parameter methodology outlined in the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Figure 8 shows the location of the wetlands identified in the project corridor. Impacts Table 4 lists the map reference number for each wetland site as shown on Figure 8 and the area of impact at these sites. Wetland crossings for sites A through M will be submitted for Nationwide Permits 14 and 26 from the Wilmington District Corps of Engineers. These permits will be obtained and will be used or modified as part of the roadway construction project. Crossings will be accommodated by the use of culverts. Table 4 Wetland Impact Areas Wetland Site Location Acres/Linear Feet Impacted Permit Status A SB of Brier Creek 136.3 I.f. in preparation B Tributary SB to Brier Creek 170 I.f. in preparation C Unconnected wetland on side of ridge 0.113 acres in preparation D Unconnected wetland/water on ridge 151.6 l.f. in preparation E Unnamed SB to UT to Little Brier Creek 126.8 I.f. in preparation F Unnamed SB to UT to Little Brier Creek 269.2 I.f. in preparation H SB of UT to Little Brier Creek 201.2 I.f. in preparation J Wetland adjacent to Little Brier Creek 0.205 acres in preparation K SB of Little Brier Creek 130.7 I.f. in preparation L Wetland in storm water channel 0.204 acres in preparation M Unconnected wetland on side of ridge 0.021 acres in preparation UT = Unnamed Tributary SB = Streambed DRAFT 22 10/17/97 y a W cr. a a z 0 P C.) C S2 cr d' Q d i s> 4 ?" r ?'w ,?' ' s i, '? a , is • £ k 3. Q z } i W Q LLJ w m D 0 ui L N UJ O O fA N an C cn v> cn C O N U p ° U a> c E co cri 00 i voidance and Minimization n accordance with Executive Order 11990, this project has been designed to avoid new construction in wetlands to the extent possible, and employ all practical measures to minimize or mitigate impacts to wetlands. Scattered small wetlands exist throughout the project area, mainly \? S as a result of prior land disturbance (e.g. farming troughs). The proposed alignment avoids these wetlands as much as possible. Because streams cross the entire site, complete avoidance of stream crossings is not practicable. Measures have been employed in the initial U? planning of the proposed alternatives to minimize potential impacts through route location (avoidance), design, and construction practices. No rechannelling of Brier Creek, Little Brier Creek, or their tributaries is planned other than at the designated crossings. Sedimentation and erosion control practices will be utilized to minimize construction impacts. The project is expected to generate 10,000 to 20,000 cubic yards of waste, which will be used within the project corridor and will not affect wetland areas. Where wetland crossings are unavoidable, the proposed alternative crosses the wetland sites at their narrowest points and as close to perpendicular as possible to minimize impacts. The fill or cut slopes are as steep as the design criteria allow in these locations, also to minimize wetland impacts. Drainage structures will be placed under the roadway as necessary to maintain wetland function. Mitigation Final discretionary authority regarding mitigation rests with the USACOE and NCDWQ. The potential for on-site mitigation exists where an existing stream bed crossing in the abandoned section of Globe Road can be returned to its original state. 4.4.8 Flood Hazard Evaluation A floodplain evaluation was conducted in accordance with Executive Order 11988 "Floodplain Management and 23 CFR 650, Subpart A "Location and Hydraulic Design of Encroachments on Floodplains." The proposed project will cross Little Brier Creek (Basin 18, Stream 15). The proposed project will not result in a significant encroachment on the floodway or the Floodplain for the creek. The project will not increase the extent or level of flood hazard risk. 4.5 FARMLANDS The project corridor consists of areas that are planned to be urbanized, and, therefore, are exempt from the Farmland Protection Policy Act. 4.6 TRAFFIC NOISE ANALYSIS 4.6.1 Noise Measurements Ambient Noise Measurements A noise measurement survey was conducted in the project area on December 23, 24, and 26, 1996 to document existing (ambient) noise levels. Sites selected were representative of noise sensitive receptors within the project area. Figure 9 shows the sites, R3 and R4. Table 5 lists the measurements. Ambient noise measurements were taken with and without airplanes to document the impact of airplanes on noise at the measurement sites. The measurements show that, with airplanes, noise levels are 0 to 4 dBA higher. DRAFT 24 10/17/97 I ? r 44 Dow C 1.5 I ?' ,--?'+• ? vat ?? „? ? ,? B? .i ••? - ?.1? ?? ?*10 ,?.. u7 1 1 Val a Q' . D e mm 110 X, t mfil1??e?? ?:? w Helo?atlon` 1i ,¢? • ? Via,' ? (pejg?o?e ?; ?, ?? • %? ? 4- L r . i v • ?\ epH tiA t. r`) • Food, W ~ W cc COD 0 Z ui G W COD W COD COD CJ a W C07 G Z N N C4 ou u o I a 8 v E N d' cc m o c CD C , I- to co ? c c I? t c c`o c Co a rn ? Y N U) U Q w U N C CC E CL m w m m N 00 at ` z? a 3 W c W J Table 5 Noise Measurement Results Noise Site Level Number Location Description (dBA) Noise Level (w/ Airplanes)* (dBA) R3 Residence off SR Wooded area 55.2 1739 R4 Business off of Roadside 44.0 US 70 "Peak measurement: measurement taken during a peak air travel time. 59.1 44.3 Noise measurements were recorded for 20-minute periods. The noise meter used for this project was a Type-1 Noise Level Analyzer B&K 2230. Accessories included a B&K 4231 calibrator and a B&K 1565 microphone and windshield. The microphone was placed five feet above the ground. Prediction of Future Noise Levels The procedure used to predict future traffic noise levels was the noise Barrier Cost Reduction (BCR) procedure, STAMINA 2.0 and OPTIMA (revised March, 1983). This procedure is based on the FHWA Highway Traffic Noise Prediction Model (FHWA-RD-77-108). Model results take into account the number and type of vehicles on the roadway, their speeds, receptor location and height, and, if applicable, barrier type, barrier ground elevation, and barrier top elevation. 4.6.2 STAMINA Modeling The STAMINA 2.0 computer model was used to determine the number of land uses (by type) that would be exposed to noise levels approaching or exceeding the FHWA noise abatement criteria during the peak hour in the 2010 design year. Those land uses where a substantial noise increase would occur also were determined. 4.6.3 Noise Sensitive Receptors Noise levels for receptors at distances of 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1,600 feet from the center of the nearest travel lane were modeled. These results were used to identify the 67 dBA and 72 dBA noise contours. STAMINA model output is provided in the Noise Report. Six receptors whose noise levels could be influenced by traffic on the proposed Brier Creek Parkway (see Figure 9) also were modeled. The measurement and modeling results were used to determine worst-case noise levels at these receptors (see Table 6). 4.6.4 Project Impact The findings presented in Table 6 show that noise levels in the vicinity of the proposed roadway will exceed or approach the Federal Highway Administration's noise abatement criteria (NAC) of DRAFT 26 10/17/97 Table 6 2010 Noise Levels at Receptors Site No. Land Use Distance to Brier Distance Creek to Globe Parkway Road (in feet) (in feet) Measured Leo 2010 Leo Peak Noise Change Off- Modeled Level from Peak Peak' Traffic at Receptorz 1997 R13 Residence 920 520 55 59 52 60 1 R23 Residence/ 850 670 55 59 51 60 1 Business R3 Residence 840 N/A 55 59 47 59 0 R4 Business 710 N/A 44 44 46 48 4 R5 Business 820 N/A 44 44 45 48 4 R6 Residence 100 N/A 55 59 68 68 9 'With airplanes 2Existing modeled Brier Creek traffic plus peak (with airplanes) measured Leq 3Globe road relocation noise impact included 67 dBA (category B land uses) at one residential receptor. The 72 dBA NAC (category C land uses) will not be exceeded. Table 6 also shows that no substantial increases in noise levels (10 dBA or greater when the existing noise level is greater than 50 dBA) will occur for any receptor. The 67 dBA and 72 dBA noise contours for the project are approximately 120 feet and 60 feet, respectively, from the edge of the proposed road west of Lumley Road and 70 feet and 35 feet, respectively, from the edge of the proposed road east of Lumley Road. ' 4.6.5 Project Noise Abatement Noise abatement would not be feasible at the residence where FHWA Noise Abatement Criteria would be approached or exceeded. North Carolina State Noise Abatement Guidelines (May, ' 1990) state that it is not prudent or reasonable to consider noise abatement for isolated receptors. Hence, no physical abatement measures are considered feasible and none are recommended for the Brier Creek Parkway. 1 4.6.6 Construction Noise Construction noise would vary greatly with the type of equipment in use at any particular time and the phase of construction activity. Noise levels during construction therefore would fluctuate greatly from day to day and hour to hour. High noise levels of combustion-engine-powered equipment would be the main contributor to the higher noise levels. Higher noise levels also could result from impact pile driving, if this method is used during construction of the proposed roadway. Construction operations, and associated noise, generally would be restricted to daytime hours. Control of construction noise at the source is the most effective approach to reducing noise. Construction equipment would comply with the noise standards adopted by Occupational Safety DRAFT 27 10/17/97 and Health Administration (OSHA). Construction equipment would be required to have effective muffler, have efficient silencers on air intakes of equipment, and be properly maintained. 4.7 AIR QUALITY The US Environmental Protection Agency's MOBILE 5a air quality model was used to estimate CO emissions in 2010. CAL3QHC was used to predict CO concentrations at two "worst-case" sites, the sites with the greatest potential to suffer violations of NAAQS with the proposed project. These sites are shown Figure 10. 4.7.1 Analysis Results The peak one-hour computed CO concentrations for year 2010 (design year) would be: 12.9 ppm at Aviation Parkway. 11.7 ppm at US 70. The peak eight-hour computed CO concentrations for year 2010 (design year) would be: 7.9 ppm at Aviation Parkway. 7.1 ppm at US 70. A comparison with the predicted CO concentrations with the NAAQS (1-hour - 35 ppm; 8-hour - 9 ppm) indicates no violation of these standards would occur. 4.7.2 Compliance with Clean Air Act The project is located in Wake County, which is within the Raleigh-Durham nonattainment area for ozone (03) and carbon monoxide (CO) as defined by the EPA. The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) designated these areas as "moderate" nonattainment areas for 03 and CO. However, because of improved monitoring data, these areas were redesignated as "maintenance" for 03 on June 17, 1994, and "maintenance" for CO on September 18, 1995. Section 176 (c) of the CAAA requires that transportation plans, programs, and projects conform to the intent of the state air quality implementation plan (SIP). The current SIP does not contain any transportation control measures for Wake County. The Capital Area 1996 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) has been determined to conform to the intent of the SIP. The USDOT re-approval date of the programmed projects in the FY 1996 TIP is September 26, 1996. The current conformity determination is consistent with the final conformity rule found in 40 CFR Part 51. The proposed project is in the 1997-2003 Transportation Improvement Program (June 1996). There have been no significant changes in the project's design concept or scope, as used in the conformity analyses. The air quality project level CO analysis described above determined that National Ambient Air Quality Standards (1-hour - 35 ppm; 8-hour - 9 ppm) would not be exceeded in the project design year 2010. This project is not anticipated to create an adverse effect on air quality. DRAFT 28 10/17/97 t VD o W •- ~ W O 0 F-- LL CL W V W W N a v C4 O 3 Ui N J p lJ lJ p a .2 E (? 'S Y N C C N E CD ca C cn a .rn 0 (D 0) o U U a) ca c o cr. (D ca ?j 4) o o 0 CL = 0 o y ? a 3 W I W ?r W J 4.7.3 Construction During construction of the proposed project, all materials resulting from clearing and grubbing, demolition, or other operations would be removed from the project corridor, burned or otherwise disposed of by the contractor. Any burning would be in accordance with applicable local laws and ordinances, and regulations of the North Carolina State Implementation Plan (SIP) for air quality and in compliance with 15 NCAC 2D.0520, North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15, Chapter 2, "Environmental Management (NCDEHNR), Control and Prohibition of Open Burning." Care would be taken to ensure burning would 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 would be performed under constant surveillance. Measures would be taken in allaying the dust generated by construction when the control of dust is necessary for the protection and comfort of motorists or area residents. 4.8 POTENTIAL HAZARDOUS WASTES/UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK SITES A field reconnaissance survey was conducted at the airport assemblage site between the terminus of the newly constructed Aviation Parkway and the US 70/ACC Boulevard intersection. A file search of all appropriate federal and state agencies also was conducted to determine if any known environmental hazards were present along the proposed project corridor. Based on this research, there do not appear to be any sites within the project limits that have the potential for underground storage tank involvement. The research also shows that no regulated landfills or unregulated dump sites occur within the project corridor. Therefore, there should not be any environmental conflicts with the proposed project. 4.9 VISUAL The study area is predominantly wooded and undeveloped with no high quality views. The proposed roadway would be clearly visible from one home at Lumley Road. 4.10 CONSTRUCTION Short-term construction impacts may occur in the areas of water quality, air quality, natural resources, and noise. The potential impacts can be minimized by careful adherence to established construction methods. These methods are described below: 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 or debris in active public waste or 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. 2. During construction of the proposed project, all material resulting from clearing, grubbing, demolition, or other operations will be removed from the project, and disposed of by the contractor. Any merchantable timber will be salvaged. 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 and GS 113-60.24. Additionally, trees outside of the construction limits will be DRAFT 30 10/17/97 t protected from construction activities to prevent skinning tree trunks from heavy equipment, exposing roots, smothering trees from fill dirt around the base, or accidentally spilling petroleum. 3. Borrow pits and ditches will be drained insofar as possible to alleviate breeding areas for mosquitoes. 4. Care will be taken not to block existing drainage ditches. 5. There will be strict adherence to erosion control plan by the contractor, including limiting areas and duration of exposed earth and stabilizing exposed areas as quickly as possible (see discussion of impacts in section 4.4.3). 6. Measures will be taken to alleviate the dust generated by construction when the control of dust is necessary for the protection, safety, and comfort of motorists and nearby residents. Although the high equipment noise levels are expected to be the main contributor to the construction activity noise emissions, noise impacts during project construction are of short duration. Peak noise levels from highway construction equipment as measured at a distance of 50 feet may vary from 70 dBA to 100 dBA. It is anticipated that the major sources of construction noise will be from earth removal, hauling, grading, pile driving, and paving. General construction noise impacts that can be expected are temporary speech interference for passersby and those individuals working near the project. Such noise will be limited to daylight hours as much as possible. 4.11 SECONDARY IMPACTS Construction of the Brier Creek Parkway and the extension of Globe Road will have little direct natural resource and community impacts. However, the development that would be served by this roadway would result in secondary impacts to these resources. 4.11.1 Natural Resource Impacts Wetlands Development of the property surrounding Brier Creek Parkway could result in a loss of some wetlands. Wetland maps indicate that the area of wetlands on the site is small and that they tend to occur in and around floodplains. Since these areas are typically unsuitable for development, it is expected that wetland loss would be minimal. All developers would have to seek permits for wetlands filled from the USACOE under Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, now referred to as the Clean Water Act. Water Resources As the project area develops, the streams in the area will be affected. In the short-term, the ' impacts of runoff and clearing for the road will increase temperature and turbidity in the stream, causing increases in aquatic vegetation, decreases in oxygen, and declines in water quality. With the development of the site as a whole, particularly the golf course in the floodplain, further clearing of trees can increase water temperature, and sedimentation in the streams also can ' increase. Increased sedimentation will impede the growth of aquatic vegetation, but it also will increase sediment loads into the flood control pond downstream. Development plans will need to have adequate planning to minimize erosion and sediment loads entering streams. Planting 1 DRAFT 31 10/17/97 trees along the streams would help minimize water quality impacts by providing shade, stabilizing banks and deterring erosion. The streams proposed for crossing have been designated with the State supplemental classification Nutrient Sensitive Waters (NSW); the State will not allow increases in nutrient levels (primarily phosphorous and nitrogen) over background levels. Developers are required to have nutrient management strategies for streams with this designation. Biological Resources Contiguous, mature forest tracts typically provide greater diversity of habitats for both plants and animals than smaller, isolated, and younger tracts. Development will continue the trend in forest size reduction, disturbance, and habitat fragmentation that is occurring throughout the Triangle region because of growth and associated development. This development could decrease species diversity in the project area. Current development plans include a minimum 200-acre set aside for open space and recreation. This area will include greenway space and buffers adjacent to waterways, which would reduce somewhat secondary impacts on the area ecology. Protected species as discussed in section 4.4.6 would not be affected by development of the airport assemblage property. Suitable habitat for these species does not exist on the site, and none of the species has been documented in or near the site. 4.11.2 Community Impacts Development would change the character of the existing communities immediately adjacent to the site (along Globe Road and Lumley Road). These areas, which are fairly isolated and primarily residential, would become part of a "mini" urban center, with office, commercial, and industrial uses. There will be an influx of population, which could alter the demographics of the existing community, as people come into the area to live and/or work. Residents currently living in the area would experience a loss in the tranquillity and serenity associated with isolated, rural areas. The existing community also could benefit from the development. For example, services that currently are not close by would be more accessible to residents as the area became urbanized. In addition, new job opportunities would be available within the community. Third, development plans call for a 235-acre public golf course, an amenity currently not available in the existing community. No historic resources are in the study area, as indicated in the letter from the SHPO in Appendix A; thus, the development of the site would not affect this type of community resource. 4.11.3 Summary Although the proposed project would have certain negative secondary impacts associated with development of the airport assemblage property, it is reasonable to conclude that development of the site is imminent given its proximity to major thoroughfares such as US 70 and the Northern Wake Expressway. While a road is a necessary component of the development, it is not the catalyst for the development. The development already has been approved by the City of Raleigh and its impacts are consistent with city and county plans. If the road is not funded publicly, it can be assumed that private funds will be used and the above impacts will occur anyway. -A DRAFT I0\-O \0 U? 32/ N\j 4 10/17/97 4.12 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS Cumulative impacts associated with the project would consist solely of the combination of the ' project's direct and secondary impacts for four reasons. First, the ability of the Brier Creek Parkway project to fulfill its purpose is not dependent on additional reasonably foreseeable future local, state, or federal government actions except for a possible future widening of a portion of the parkway. The direct impact of that widening was accounted for in the direct impact assessment. Second, the foreseeable future widening of a portion of the parkway assumes the site's current development plan is implemented, resulting in the impacts described in the secondary impact assessment. Third, the Brier Creek Parkway and the associated development ' of the airport area are included in approved local and state plans. The secondary impacts assessment assumes the development of the area in the manner anticipated by those plans. ' Fourth, local and state land use and transportation plans for adjoining areas were considered in the development plans for the area. Thus, implementation of foreseeable actions in surrounding areas would not be likely to cause a change in the character or intensity of development. 1 4.13 PERMITS REQUIRED Section 404 permits will be required from the USACOE for any activities that encroach into ' jurisdictional wetlands or "waters of the United States." In addition, Section 401 of the Clean Water Act requires each state to certify that state water quality standards will not be violated for activities that: 1) involve issuance of a federal permit or license, or 2) require discharges into "waters of the United States. The USACOE cannot issue a 404 permit until 401 water quality ' certification is approved by the NC Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Management. S. COMMENTS AND COORDINATION ' A scoping letter regarding construction of Brier Creek Parkway was sent to regulatory agencies on November 6, 1996. Issues described in these letters were addressed in this document. A ' copy of the comments is included in Appendix A. The following agencies sent comments. US Army Corps of Engineers - Wilmington District ' US Fish and Wildlife Service North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources ' North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Management Division of Forest Resources t Division of Land Resources Division of Water Quality ' North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission DRAFT 33 10/17/97 6. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Based on the assessment of potential environmental impacts contained in this document and consideration of the comments received from federal, state, and local agencies, it is the finding of the North Carolina Department of Transportation that the proposed action will not have a significant impact on the human and natural environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement or further environmental assessment is not required for this action. DRAFT 34 10/17/97 C 1 APPENDIX A SCOPING LETTERS i i i i i i DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY WILMINGTON DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS P.O. BOX 1890 WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28402-1890 December 20, 1996 IN REPLY REFER TO Special Studies and Flood Plain Services Section Mr. H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch North Carolina Division of Highways Post Office Box 25201 Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-5201 Dear Mr. Vick: Q EI O DEC 2 7 1996 Z LIvISIC•N OF `.i HIGHWAYS This is in response to your letter of November 6, 1996, requesting comments on the "Proposed Brier Creek Parkway between US 70 and Aviation Parkway, Wake County, TIP No. R-3619" (Regulatory Branch Action I.D. No. 199700179). Our comments involve impacts to flood plains and jurisdictional resources, which include waters, wetlands, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects. The proposed roadway improvements would not cross any Corps-constructed flood control or navigation project. Enclosed are our comments on the other issues. We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this project. If we can be of further assistance, please contact us. Sincerely, -J tr . E. Shuford, Jr., P.E. Acting Chief, Engineering and Planning Division Enclosure A-3 December 20, 1996 Page 1 of 2 U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WILMINGTON DISTRICT COMMENTS ON: "Proposed Brier Creek Parkway between US 70 and Aviation Parkway, Wake County, TIP No. R-3619" (Regulatory Branch Action I.D. No. 199700179 1. FLOOD PLAINS: POC - Mr. Bobby L Willis Special Studies and Flood Plain Services Section, at (910) 251-4728 The proposed project is located within the jurisdictional limits of the city of Raleigh, which participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. From your site map and Panel 115 of the March 1992 Wake County, North Carolina and Incorporated Areas Flood Insurance Rate Map, it appears that the proposed project will cross Little Brier Creek (Basin 18, Stream 15). This is a detail study stream with 100-year flood elevations determined and a floodway defined. Enclosed for your information is a copy of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Procedures for' No Rise Certification For Proposed Developments in Regulatory Floodways." In addition, we suggest coordination with the city of Raleigh for compliance with their flood ordinance and any changes, if required, to the flood insurance maps and report. 2. WATERS AND WETLANDS: POC - Mr. Eric Alsmeyer Raleigh Field Office, Regulatory Branch at (919) 876-8441, Extension 23 Review of the project indicates that the proposed work involves the discharge of excavated or fill material into waters and/or wetlands. Potentially affected water bodies include Brier, Little Brier Creek, their unnamed tributaries, and adjacent wetlands, above headwaters. Prior Department of the Army permit authorization, pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1977, as amended, will be required for the discharge of excavated or fill material into waters and/or wetlands in conjunction with this project, including the disposal of construction debris. We recommend that NCDOT begin coordination with the Corps as soon as possible in developing a formal statement of purpose and need for the proposed project. This will allow the Corps to concur with the project purpose and need that is stated in the environmental documentation for this project. If the purpose is related to private development, the Corps will likely consider the secondary effects of this development in making permit decisions on the project. Under our mitigation policy, impacts to wetlands should first be avoided or minimized. Based on a preliminary wetland determination of the Eastern Pilots' site that was completed with input from NCDOT's consultant, Environmental Services Inc., most of the required crossing are channels only, with few adjacent wetlands. Avoidance and minimization should specifically include alternative alignments to avoid impacts to any wetland areas. A-4 ' I--- December 20, 1996 Page 2 of 2 1 U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WILMINGTON DISTRICT COMMENTS ON: ' "Proposed Brier Creek Parkway between US 70 and Aviation Parkway, Wake County, TIP No. R-3619" (Regulatory Branch Action I.D. No. 199700179 1 2. WATERS AND WETLANDS: (Continued) 1 After maximum avoidance and minimization is accomplished, we will then consider compensation or mitigation for unavoidable impacts. When final plans are completed, 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 these plans for a project-specific determination of Department of the Army permit requirements. It is possible, if the impacts from the proposed project are minor, that the ' work could be authorized under one or more nationwide or regional general permits. 1 Questions or comments pertaining to permits may be directed to Mr. Alsmeyer. I I I I A-5 <,Y M w ?o . a o R-4 PROCEDURES FOR "NO-RISE" CERTIFICATION FOR PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS IN REGULATORY FLOODWAYS 1/92 of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Section 60.3 (d)•'(3)` regulations states that a community-shall "prohibit encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, and other development within the adopted regulatory floodway unless it has-been demonstrated -through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed in accordance with standard engineering practice that the' ease flood proposed encroachment community during result-In nce incrthe b se (100- levels within th y year) flood discharger" Prior to issuing any building grading or%. development permits involving activities in a regulatory, floodway, the community must obtain a certification stating the proposed development will not impact the pre-project base flood elevations, floodway elevations, or floodway daand b hi. The acertif ication should be sealed by a professional t engineer. the permittee signed The engineering or "no-rise" certification must be supported by technical date. The supporting technical data should be based upon the standard step-backwater computer model utilized to develop the 100-year floodway shown on: the community's effective Flood Insurance Rate Map or Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFH) and the results tabulated in the community's Flood Insurance Study (FIS). Although communities are required to review and approve the "rio- rise" submittals, they may request technical from the FEMA regional office. However, if this alternative is chosen, the community must.review the technical submittal package and verify, that all supporting data, in he package beforedforin the wa ding to 1FEMAg paragraphs, are included A-6 Federal Emergency Management Agency Region IV 1371 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 700 Atlanta, GA 30309 Currently Effective Model 1. Furnish a written request for the step- backwater computer model for the specified stream and community, identifying the limits of the requested theadata data. fee will be assessed data requests for providing to: Federal Emergency Management Agency 1371 Peachtree Street N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309 or to: To support a "no-rise" certification for proposed developments encroaching into the regulatory floodway, a community will require that the following procedures be followed: I I FIS Information Specialist Dewberry & Davis 8401 Arlington Boulevard Fairfax, Virginia 22031-4666 i i i i i Duplicate Effective Model 2. Upon receipt -of the model, the engineer -step-backwater model the effective FIS. -2- step-backwater computer should run the original to duplicate the data'in Existing Conditions Model 3. Revise the original step-backwater model to reflect site specific existing conditions- by adding new-cross-sections (two or more)- in the vicinity of the proposed development, without the proposed development manually. set eat the dnew limits should be cross-section locations by measuring cumulative from thereach. effective FIRM or FBFM. lengths of the stream should also.'remain unchanged. The results of these analyses will indicate 100-year f yconditionsaat elevations for revised existing project site. A-7 -3- Proposed Conditions Model model 4o Modify the revised existing devel development at the new to reflect the proposed cross-sections, while retaining the currently adopted floodway widths. The overbank roughness coefficients should remain the same unless a reasonable explanation of how the proposed development will. impact Manning's "n" values should be included with the supporting data. The results. of this floodway run will indicate the 100-year floodway elevations for proposed conditions at the project site. These results must indicate NO impact flon the 100-year flood elevations, y elevations, 'or floodway widths shown in the Duplicate`Effective Model or in the Existing Conditions Model. The original FIS model., the meffective FIS model, the thec proposed conditions revised existing conditions model should all produce *the same exact results. The "no-rise" supporting data and -a copy of the engineering certification must be submitted to and reviewed by the appropriate community official prior to issuing a permit. The "no-rise" supporting data should include, but may not be limited to: a. Duplicate of the original FIS step-backwater model printout or floppy disk. , b. 'Revised existing conditions. step-backwater model. C. Proposed conditions step-backwater model. d•. FIRM and topographic map, showing floodplain and floodway, the • additional cross-sections,- the site location with the proposed *topograapdhicc modification superimposed onto the maps, photocopy of the effective FIRM or FBFM showing the current regulatory floodway. e. Documentation clearly stating analysis procedures. All modifications made to the original FIS model to represent revised existing conditions, as well as A-8 _q r those made to the revised existing conditions model to represent proposed conditions, should be well data. documented and submitted with all supporting ' f. Copy of effective FloodWay Data Table copied from the FIS report. of additi onal cross- q. Statement defining source section topographic d and supporting information. h. Cross-section plots, of the added cross sections, for revised existing and proposed conditions. i.. Certified planimetric (boundary survey) information indicating the location of structures on the property. Copy of the microfiche, or other applicable source, ' j. from which input for original FIS HEC-2 model was taken. k. Floppy disk with all Input-files. 1. Printout of output files:.-from EDIT runs. for all three floodway models. ' The engineering. "no-rise" certification and supporting technical data must stipulate NO impact on the 100-year flood elevations, floodway elevations, or floodway widths at neWicross-Sections and. at all -existing cross-sections anywhere Therefore, the revised computer model should be run for a sufficient distance (usualnla downs?e? ofentdrie development siteoto ' of the- stream)., upstream a . insure proper "no-?:ise" certification. Attached is "a sample. "no-rise" certification form that can the ' completed by. a registered professional engineer and supplied community along with the. supporting. technical data when applying ' for a development permit. A-9 ? ? ? ?? `i'aUf?-"'fr'?'?iCat?fr.:c'st?itr?:csat•• i •.. .i. .v.. .. .?: !?4ik-..i-. .N^:c..L3 .. ?.?'?,'4?L-T4'e.'tA° rv.4?1aa G..('=r,?f'?:a:'i?.0?@ ENT OF ty p?QQP - F?ym 7 QCH 3 `16a United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Raleigh Field Office Post Office Box 33726 Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726 November 22, 1996 Mr. H. Franklin Vick Manager, Planning and Environment Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation Division of Highways P.O. Box 25201 Raleigh, NC 27611-5201 Subject: Brier Creek Parkway, TIP No. R-3619, Wake County, North Carolina Dear Mr. Vick: Cjr T RRi 1996 This responds to your letter of November 6, 1996, requesting information from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for evaluating the potential environmental impacts of the above- referenced project. This report provides scoping information and is provided in accordance with provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661-667d) and Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543). This report also serves as initial scoping comments to federal and state resource agencies for use in their permitting and/or certification processes for this project. Your letter indicates that the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to build a multi-lane urban thoroughfare from the intersection of US 70 and ACC Boulevard to the relocated Aviation Parkway. The proposed facility would be a four-lane, curb-and-gutter roadway with a 40-foot median. The median would be adequate for the latter addition of two lanes. The length of the project would be approximately two miles. wetland impacts are proposed, we recommend that every effort be made to identify compensatory mitigation sites in advance. Opportunities to protect target areas in perpetuity, preferably via conservation easement, should be explored at the outset. The Service's mission is to provide the leadership to conserve, protect, and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of all people. Due to staffing limitations, we are unable to provide you with site-specific comments at this time. However, the following recommendations should help guide the planning process and facilitate our review of the project. Generally, the Service recommends that wetland impacts be avoided and minimized to the maximum extent practical as outlined in the Clean Water Act Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines. If unavoidable A-10 I I I Regarding avoidance and minimization of impacts, we generally recommend that proposed highway projects be aligned along or adjacent to existing roadways, utility corridors, or previously developed areas in order to minimize habitat fragmentation and encroachment. Areas exhibiting high biodiversity or ecological value important to the watershed and/or region should be avoided. Crossings of streams and associated wetland systems should use existing crossings and/or occur on structure wherever feasible. Where bridging is not feasible, culvert structures that maintain natural water flows and circulation regimes without scouring or impeding fish and wildlife passage should be employed. Highway shoulder and median widths should be reduced through wetland areas. Roadway embankments and fill areas should be stabilized by using appropriate erosion control devices and/or techniques. Wherever appropriate, construction in sensitive areas should occur outside the seasons of fish spawning and migratory bird nesting. We reserve the right to review any required Federal or State permits at the time of public notice issuance. Resource agency coordination should occur early in the planning process to resolve land use conflicts and minimize delays. In addition to the above guidance, we recommend that the environmental documentation for this project include the following (the level of detail should be commensurate with the degree of environmental impacts): 1. A clearly defined purpose and need for the proposed project including a discussion of the project's independent utility; 2. An analysis of the alternatives to the proposed project that were considered, including a no action alternative; 3. A description of the fishery and wildlife resources within the action area of the proposed project which may be directly or indirectly affected; 4. The extent and acreage of waters of the U.S., including wetlands, that are to be impacted by filling, dredging, clearing, ditching, and/or draining. Wetland impact acreages should be differentiated by habitat type based on the wetland classification scheme of the National Wetlands Inventory. Wetland boundaries should be determined by using the 1987 ores of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and verified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; 5. The anticipated environmental impacts, both temporary and permanent, that would be likely to occur as a direct result of the proposed project. Also, an assessment should be included regarding the extent to which the proposed project would result in secondary impacts to natural resources and how this and similar projects contribute to cumulative adverse effects; A-11 6. Techniques which would be employed to design and construct wetland crossings, relocate stream channels, and restore, enhance, or create wetlands for compensatory mitigation; and, 7. Mitigation measures which would be employed to avoid, minimize, rectify, reduce, or compensate for habitat value losses associated with the project. These measures should include a detailed compensatory mitigation plan for offsetting unavoidable wetland impacts. The attached page identifies the Federally-listed endangered and threatened species that are known to occur in wake County/Counties. Habitat requirements for the Federally-listed species in the project area should be compared with the available habitat at the project site. If suitable habitat is present within the action area of the project, field surveys for the species should be performed, and survey methodologies and results included in the environmental documentation for this project. In addition to this guidance, the following information should be included in the environmental document regarding protected species (the level of detail should be commensurate with the degree of environmental impacts): 1. A specific description of the proposed action to be considered; 2. A description and accompanying map of the specific area used in the analysis of direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts; 3. A description of the biology and status of the listed species and of the associated habitat that may be affected by the action, including the results of an onsite inspection; 4. An analysis of the "effects of the action" on the listed species and associated habitat: a. Direct and indirect impacts of the project on listed species. Indirect effects are those that are caused by the proposed action and are later in time but are still reasonably certain to occur; b. A discussion of the environmental baseline which includes interrelated, interdependent, past and present impacts of Federal, State, and private activities in the project and cumulative effects area; C. Interrelated actions are those that are part of a larger action and depend on the larger action for their justification; d. Cumulative impacts of future State and private activities (not requiring Federal agency involvement) A-12 I ' that will be considered as part of future Section 7 consultation; 5. Summary of evaluation criteria used as a measurement of potential effects; ' 6. A description of the manner in which the action may affect any listed species or associated habitat including project proposals to reduce/eliminate adverse effects; and, 7. Based on evaluation criteria, a determination of whether the project is not likely to adversely affect or may affect t threatened and endangered species. Candidate species are those plant and animal species for which the Service has sufficient information on their biological status ' and threats to their survival to propose them as endangered or threatened under the ESA. Although candidate species receive no statutory protection under the ESA, Federal agencies are required ' to informally confer with the Service on actions likely to jeopardize the continued existence of these species or that may destroy or modify proposed critical habitat. Federal species of concern (FSC) include those species for which the Service does not have enough scientific information to support a listing proposal or species which do not warrant listing at the present time. These species receive no statutory protection under the ' ESA, but could become candidates in the future if additional scientific information becomes available indicating that they are endangered or threatened. Formal listing places the species under the full protection of the ESA, and necessitates a new survey if its status in the project corridor is unknown. Therefore, it would be prudent for the project to avoid any adverse impact to candidate species or their habitat. The North ' Carolina Natural Heritage Program should be contacted for information on species under State protection. The Service appreciates the opportunity to comment on this ' project. Please continue to advise us of the progress made in the planning process, including your official determination of the impacts of this project. Sincerely, 1 Howard F. Hall Fish and Wildlife Biologist Attachment FWS/R4:HHall:11/22/96:WP:A:wakr3619.n96 A-13 FEDERALLY-LISTED, CANDIDATE SPECIES AND FEDERAL OF CONCERN (revised August 23, 1996) WAKE COUNTY Common Name Scientific Name Status Vertebrates Bachman's sparrow Aimophila aestivalis FSC Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Threatened Southern hognose snake Heterodon simus FSC Southeastern myotis Myotis austroriparius FSC Red-cockaded woodpecker Picoides borealis Endangered Invertebrates Dwarf wedge mussel Alasmidonta heterodon Endangered Yellow lance Elliptio lanceolata FSC Atlantic pigtoe Fusconaia masoni FSC Green floater Lasmigona subviridus FSC Diana fritillary butterfly Speyeria diana FSC Vascular Plants Sweet pinesap Monotropsis odorata FSC Michaux's sumac Rhus michauxii Endangered Carolina least trillium Trillium pusillum var. pusillum FSC KEY: Status Definition Endangered A taxon "in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range." Threatened A taxon "likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range." Proposed A taxon proposed for official listing as endangered or threatened. Candidate A taxon under consideration for official listing for which there is sufficient information to to support listing. FSC A Federal species of concern, species which may or may not be listed in the future (formerly C2 candidate species, or species under consideration for listing for which there is insufficient information to support listing.). T(S/A) Threatened due to similarity of appearance (e.g., American alligator) - species which are threatened due to similarity of appearance with other rare species and are listed to protect these species. These species are not biologically endangered or threatened and are not subject to Section7 consultation. EXP A taxon that is listed as experimental (either essential or non-essential). Experimental, non- essential endangered species (e.g., red wolf) are treated as threatened on public lands for consultation purposes, and as species proposed for listing on private lands. Species with 1,2,3, or 4 asterisks behind them indicate historic, obscure, or incidental records. * Historic record, the species was last observed in the county over 20 years ago. ** Obscure record, the date and/or location of the specis observation is uncertain. *** Incidental/migrant record, the species was observed outside of its normal range or habitat. **** Historic, obsure and incidental record. A-14 r u .. 1996 1 North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources ' James B. Hunt Jr., Governor Division of Archives and History Betty Ray McCain, Secretary Jeffrey J. Crow, Director r December 4, 1996 MEMORANDUM TO: H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch Division of Highways ' Department of Transportation / 1 t . 1 FROM: David Brook Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer ' SUBJECT: Brier Creek Parkway between US 70 and Aviation Parkway, Wake County, R-3619, ' 97-E-4220-0329 ' We have received information concerning the above project from the State Clearinghouse. We have conducted a search of our files and are aware of no properties of ' historical, architectural, or archaeological importance located within the planning area. Therefore, we recommend that no historic resource surveys be conducted for this project. These comments are made in accord with G.S. 121-12(a) and Executive Order XVI. If you have any questions regarding them, please contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919/733-4763. r DB:slw cc: State Clearinghouse B. Church T. Padgett ' Wake County Historic Preservation Commission 1 A-15 1 109 East Jones Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807 g? 1 Slate of North Carolina Reviewing Office: Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources Project Number: Due Date: INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW - PROJECT COMMENTS ? -7 -e--) ' I? I After review of this project it has been determined that the EHNR permit(s) and/or approvals indicated may need to be obtained in order for this project to comply with North Carolina Law. h Id b dd d lh Re ional Office indicated on the reverse of the form. Questions regarding these permits s ou e a resse to e g ns and permits are available from the same l a All applications, information and guidelines relative to these p Normal Proce Regional Office. Time SPECIAL APPLICATION PROCEDURES or REQUIREMENTS (statutory tin PERMITS limn) Permit to construct d operate wastewater treatment Application 90 days before begin construction or award of 30 days ? facilities, sewer system extensions, b sewer construction contracts on-site inspection. Post application systems not discharging into state surface waters. technical conference usual (90 days) NPDES - permit to discharge into surface water and/or Application 1130 days before begin activity. On-site inspection. 90.120 days permit to operate and construct wastewater facilities pre-application conference usual. Additionally, obtain permit to ? discharging into stale surface waters. construct wastewater treatment facility-granted after NPDES. Reply (NIA) time, 30 days after receipt of plans or issue of NPDES permit-whichever is later. ]0 days El Water Use Permit Pre-application technical conference usually necessary INIA) 7 days ? Well Construction Permit Complete application installation (ion of must received and permit issued (15 days( Application copy must be served on each adjacent riparian property 55 days Dredge and Fill Permit owner. On-site inspection. Pre•appfication conference usual. Filling ? may require Easement to Fill from N.C. Depanment of 190 days) Administration and Federal Dredge and Fill Permit. Permit to construct d operate Air Pollution Abatement (21(?LQ ( 60 Days (00 da s) L?N facilities and/or Emission Sources as per 15A NCAC 21H.06 NIA U y Any open burning associated with subject proposal . must be in compliance with 15A NCAC 2D.eJ2T • t D Demolition or renovations of structures containing 60 days asbestos material must be in compliance with 15A ? NCAC 20.0525 which requires notification and removal NIA prior to demolition. Contact Asbestos Control Group 919.733.0820 190 daysl ? Complex Source Permit required under 15A NCAC 2D.0800. The Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 must be properly addressed for any land disturoing activity, An erosion & sedimentatio ? control plan will be required if one or more acres to be disturbed. Plan filed with proper Regional Office (Land Oualiiy Sea ) at feast 30 20 days days before beginning activity A lee of S30 for the first acre and 52000 for each additional acre or art must accomoan Ine fan 430 davsi r1 t_! The Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 must be addressed with respect to the referrenced Local Ordinance: OC dayst On-site inspection usual. Surety bond filed with EHNR Bond amount ? Mining Permil varies with type mine and number of acres of affected land. Any area 30 days mined greater than one acre must be permiled. The appropriate bond (60 Days/ must be received before the permit can be issued. _ ? North Carolina Burning permit On-site inspection by N.C. Division Forest Resources if permit t pay (NIA) exceeds a days Special Ground Clearance Burning Permit • 22 On-site inspection by N.D. Division Forest Resources required '*if more i day ? counties in coastal N.C. with organic soils than live acres of ground clearing activities are involved. Inspections ' (NIA) should be requested at least ten days before actual burn is planned. 90 120 days ? Oil Refining Facilities NIA (NIA) It permit required, application 60 days before begin construction. Applicant must hire N C. qualified engineer lo: prepare plans. 3C Bays ? Dam Salety Permit inspect construction. certify construction is according to EHNR aoorov 160 Gaysl ed plans. May also require permit under mosquito control program And a a0a permit from Corps of Engineers An inspection of site is neces- sary to verily Hazard Classification. A minimum fee of 5200.00 must ac company the application. An additional processing lee based on a percentage or the total project cost will be required upon Completion »'W Continued on reverse A-16 I I I I Time -? (sralutorv limn. PERMITS SPECIAL APPLICATION PROCEDURES or REOUlrtthntN 15 limit) File surety bond of 55.000 with EHNR running to Slate of N.C. 10 tlays ? Permit to drill exploratory oil or gas well conditional that any well opened by drill operator shall, upon abandonment. be plugged according to EHNR rules and regulations. (NIA) Application filed with EHNR at least 10 days prior to issue of permit 10 days ? Geophysical Exploration Permit Application by letter. No standard application form. (NIA) State Lakes Construction Permit Application fee based on structure size is charged. Must Include ns i drawings of structure d proof of ownership ti i 1!-20 days (NIAI ? p o descr of riparian properly. fill days ? 401 Water Ouality Certification NIA (1]0 tlaysl 55 days ? CAMA Permit for MAJOR development !250.00 fee must accompany aoolicallon (150 days) 22 days ? CAMA Permit for MINOR development LW.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: ? N.C. Geodetic Survey, Box 27687, Raleigh. N.C. 27611 ? 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 (LISTS) are discovered during any excavation operation. ?: tlays ? Compliance wilh 15A NCAC 2H.1000 (Coastal Stormwater Rules) is required. (NIAI • Other comments (attach additional pages as necessary, being certain to cite comment authonty): srv ?.1 Qr?N ?-'c. /--y s l/`(` S(V of r` ?? ??st-1 N'?..?-/L ??"?J(/1'l ? ?` ,V i?r? ? N J- (J!?' / "r"' ?l D,C'?y) ' REGIONAL OFFICES Questions regarding these permits should be addressed to the Regional Office marked below. ? Asheville ReqTonal Office ? Fayetteville Regional Office i 59 Woodfin Place ng Suite 714 Wachovia Build ' Asheville. NC 28801 Fayetteville. NC 28301 (704) 251-6208 (919) 486.1541 ? Mooresville Regional Office ? Raleigh Regional Office Suite 101 3800 Barrett Drive 919 North Main Street. P O. Bo ' Mooresville. NC 28115 x 950 . Raleigh. NC 27609 (704) 663.1699 (9191 733-2314 ? Washington Regional Office ? Wilmington Regional Office 1424 Carolina Avenue 127 Cardinal Drove Extension I Washington. NC 27889 Wilmington. INC 28405 (919) 946-6481 (919) 3953900 ? Winston-Salem Re8;onal Office 8025 North Point vd Suite 100 ' Winston-Salem. NC 27106 (919) 896.7007 I A-17 EHNR - ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2D .0800 History Note: Filed as a Temporary Amendment Eff. March 8, 1994 for a Period of 180 Days or Until the Permanent Rule is Effective, Whichever is Sooner; Statutory Authority G.S. 143-213; 143-215.3(a)(1); 143-215.109; Eff. February 1, 1976; Amended Eff. July 1, 1994; July 1, 1984. 0803 ?IGHWAY PROJECTS Environmental assessments regarding highway projects shal rev' ed in accordance with the National Environmental Polic e North Carolina Environmental Policy Act. If there is no or if an assessment shows that there may be a problem in com an ambient air quality standard, or if the environmental imp result in assessment fails to show that the highway project will not and will not violations of applicable portions of the control strategy, interfere with attainment or maintenance of a national stand the following regulatory provisions shall apply: (1) A person shall not construct or modify any highway highway will result in a contravention of ambient a standards; (2) Before construction or modification of any highway expected maximum traffic volume of 2,000 vehicles p more within 10 years, a person shall apply for and received a permit as described in 15A NCAC 2Q .0600 comply with any terms and conditions therein. History Note: Filed as a Temporary Amendment Eff. March 8, 1994 for a Period of 180 Days or Until the Permanent Rule is Effective, Whichever is Sooner; Statutory Authority G.S. 143-215.3(a)(1); 143-215.109; Eff. February 1, 1976; Amended Eff. July 1, 1994; July 1, 1984. 1 be y Act and assessment, plying with act ard, then if that it quality with an er hour or have , and shall .0804 AIRPORT FACILITIES Before constructing or modifying any airport facility designed to have at least 100,000 annual aircraft operations, or at least 45 peak-hour aircraft operations (one operation equals one takeoff or one landing) , the owner or developer of the airport facility shall apply for and have received a permit as described in 15A NCAC 2Q .0600, and shall comply with all terms and conditions therein. History Note: Filed as a Temporary March 8, 1994 for a Until the Permanent Whichever is Sooner; NORTH CAROLINA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE S 27 Amendment Eff. Period of 180 Days or Rule is Effective, D-800-2 A-18 I I I I I State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Division of Forest Resources James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary Stanford M. Adams, Director Griffiths Forestry Center 2411 Old US 70 West Clayton, North Carolina 27520 November 20, 1996 MEMORANDUM EDEHN TO: Melba McGee, Office of Legislative Affairs FROM: Don H. Robbins, Staff Forester _ n e SUBJECT: DOT EA Scoping for Proposed Brier Creek Parkway between US 70 and Aviation Parkway in Wake County PROJECT #: 97-0329 and TIP #R-3619 DUE DATE: 12-2-96 We have reviewed the above subject scoping document of November 6, 1996, and have the following comments concerning potential impacts to woodland: We are very concerned here because the proposed road and the 1,863 acre site for the proposed Eastern Air Lines Pilots Development Plan will have a heavy serious impact to woodland in that area. It also appears to us that the proposed road will duplicate existing roads and thus we have questions on the need for the road. Also is any environmental documentation being done for the proposed development? Type of information that we would like to see in this Environmental Document to Address Impacts to Woodland - The following should be addressed for each alternative or project. 1. The total forest land acreage by types and merchantability aspects that would be taken out of forest production or removed as a result of new right-of-way purchases, easements, and all construction activities. Emphasis needs to be directed towards reducing impacts, whenever possible to the following types of woodland in the following order of priority - a. High site index productive land that is currently under active forest management. b. Productive forested wetlands. c. Lower site index productive land that is currently under active forest management. d. Unique or unusual forest ecosystems. e. Unmanaged, fully stocked woodland. f. Unmanaged, cutover rural woodland. g. Urban woodland. A-19 P. O. Box 29581, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0581 N%4F C An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer Voice 919-733-2162 FAX 919-715-4350 500% recycled/100k post-consumer paper 2. The productivity of the forest soils as indicated by the soil series that would be involved within the proposed project. 3. The impact upon existing greenways within the area of the proposed project. 4. The provisions that the contractor will take to sell any merchantable timber or woody material that is to be removed. Emphasis should be on selling all wood products first, including energy chips. If wood products cannot be sold, then efforts should be made to haul the material off or run through a tub grinder and turned into mulch. This practice is encouraged to accomplish the following - a. Minimize the need for piling and burning debris during construction. b. To reduce the danger of escaped fires and smoke on nearby highways. c. Reduce smoke management problems to the traveling public, towns and cities. 5. Woodland. Land Clearing and Open Burning - If any open burning is needed, the contractor should comply with all laws and regulations pertaining to debris burning. The regulation of open fires are covered under G.S. 113-60.21 thru 113-60.31 all inclusive. Land clearing contractors should make particular note of G.S. 113-60.23 High Hazard Counties requiring a special permit from our local county rangers and 113-60.24 for Open Burning in Non-High Hazard Counties requiring a regular burning permit from our local burning permit agents. Wake County is a non-high hazard counties and G.S. 113-60.24 would apply. Certain conditions may exist at the time that would prevent the issuance of this permit. Also there may be other local requirements such as most cities do not now allow any burning and some counties now have a burning ordnance that would take precedence. 6. The provisions that the contractor will take during the construction phase to prevent erosion, sedimentation and construction damage to forest land outside the right-of-way and construction limits. Trees outside the construction limits should be protected from construction activities to avoid: a. Skinning of tree trunks by machinery. b. Soil compaction and root exposure or injury by heavy equipment. c. Adding layers of fill dirt over the root systems of trees, a practice that impairs root aeration. d. Accidental spilling of petroleum products or other damaging substances over the root systems of trees. 7. Water and sewer lines and treatment plants - a. Normally new water distribution lines do not impact much woodland because they are generally placed within existing rights-of-ways. We think this is a good idea. b. New sewer lines do impact woodland and productive woodland because they normally run adjacent to creeks and streams of water. c. WWTP are normally larger facilities and can have higher impacts to woodland. d. Water plants can impact woodland if they are constructed next to rivers and/or streams. e. We would mainly be concerned if any master plans proposed new construction of facilities that in turn would have the potential to impact any woodland, if any construction was proposed for any existing woodland acres. Therefore, the Master Plans should take the following into consideration: 1. Avoid woodland if at all possible. 2. If woodland cannot be avoided, then address all impacts to this woodland. A-20 S. Any cumulative impacts to woodland as a result of the new road and expansion to the water and sewer or other improvements or developments in the service area. Of particular concern would be a good estimate of future loss of woodland acres from future development coming ' into the service area as a result of the road and development from these improvements. Efforts should be made to address the above items and to reduce impacts to woodland. We would t hope that the improvements would have the least impact to forest and related resources in that area. ' pc: Derryl Walden, Mike Thompson, Larry Such, Warren Boyette - CO Ken Jeffries - R2 ' Whit Stallings - D11 Alton Perry - Wake County File I A-21 State of North Caroli Department of Envirii Health and Natural I Division of Land Resourc James B. Hunt, Jr., Go, Jonathan B. Howes, SE Charles H. Gardner, P. Director and State Ge nment,RECEIVED esources DEHNR s rnor Nnv 19 6% retary .,P.E. QUALITY SECTRI- i.; Q=_RF .3EW COMMEMS E RHNR Project Number: County: Ck I Project Name: Nc office of State Planning - Geodetic SSuurve This project will impact 3 geodetic survey markers. N.C. Geodetic Survey should be contacted prior to construction at P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, N.C. 27611 (919) 733-3836. Intentional destruction of a geodetic monument is a violation of N.C. General Statute 102-4. This project will have no impact on geodetic survey markers. Other (comments attached) For more information contact the N.C. Office of State Planning, Geodet C c Surve office at 919/733-3836. I O C/ Reviewer Date I -Erosion and Sedimentation Control- No comment This project will require approval of an erosion and sedimentation control plan prior to beginning any land-disturbing activity if more than one (1) acre will be disturbed. If an environmental document is required to satisfy Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) requirements, the document must be submitted as part of the erosion and sedimentation control plan. If any portion of.the project is located within a High Quality Water Zone (HQW), as classified by the Division of Environmental Management, increased design standards for sediment and erosion control will apply. 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. Geological Survey Section ewer Land Quality Section (919) 733-2423 (919) 733-4574 FAX: (919) 733-0900 FAX: 733-2876 A-22 //- z e - 561 Date Geodetic Survey Section (919) 733-3836 FAX: 733-4407 P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7687 Telephone 919-733-3833 FAX 919-733-4407 An Eaual ODDortunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recyclod/ 10% pest-consumer paper 1 I I 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 MEMORANDUM DATE: December 2, 1996 A74 D E H N R TO: Melba McGee, DEHNR SEPA Coordinator FROM: Michelle Suverkrubbe, Planning Branch RE: Comments on EA # 97-0329 Brier Creek Parkway, Between US 70 and Aviation Parkway, Wake County ' The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) requests that the following topics be discussed in the EA/EIS document: A. Identify the streams potentially impacted by the project. The current stream classifications and use support ratings for these streams should be included. This information is available from DWQ through the following contacts: Liz Kovasckitz - Classifications - 919-733-5083, ext. 572 Carol Metz - Use Support Ratings - 919-733-5083, ext. 562 B. Identify the linear feet of stream channelization/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? DWQ 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 control measures are not placed in wetlands. G. Wetland Impacts i) Identify the federal manual used for identifying and delineating jurisdictional wetlands. ii) Have wetlands been avoided as much as possible? iii) Have wetland impacts been minimized? iv) Mitigation measures to compensate for habitat losses. P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone 919-733-5083 FAX 919-715-5637 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post-consumer paper A-23 DEHNR 097-0329 12/2/96 page 2 V) Wetland impacts by plant communities affected vi) Quality of wetlands impacted. vii) Total wetland impacts. viii) List the 401 General Certification numbers requested from DWQ. H. Borrow/waste areas should avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practicable. Prior to the approval of any borrow/waste site in a wetland, the contractor shall obtain a 401 Certification from DWQ. 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. 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. DWQ is also concerned about secondary wetland impacts. For DWQ to concur with an alternative in the mountains or the piedmont, DOT will need to commit to full control of access to the wetland parcels or DOT to purchase these parcels for wetland mitigation. Please note that a 401 Water Quality Certification cannot be issued until the conditions of NCAC 15A: 01C.0402 (Limitations on Actions During NCEPA Process) are met. This regulation prevents DWQ from issuing the 401 Certification until a FONSI or Record of Decision (ROD) has been issued by the Department requiring the document. It is recommended that if the 401 Certification application is submitted for review prior to the sign off, the applicant states that the 401 should not be issued until the applicant informs DWQ that the FONSI or ROD has been signed off by the Department. Written concurrence of 401 Water Quality Certification may be required for this project. Applications requesting coverage under our General Certification 14 or General Permit 31 (with wetland impact) will require written concurrence. Please be aware that 401 Certification may be denied if wetland or water impacts have not been avoided and minimized to the maximum extent practicable. Please give me a call at (919) 733-5083, ext. 567 if you should have any questions. mis.\970329ea.doc cc: Eric Galamb - DWQ- ESB, Ecological Assessment Group A-24 i?(.hlKl.. Hl_N , h HL_b LHNL I tL • y l ?-JLO-?V.' 9 - North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission tea--rte:--.?-- 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, Notch Carolina 27604-1188, 919-733-3.391 Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director MENMO RANDU M 1'U: Melba McGee (')ftice of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, DLHNR FROM: David Cox, Highway Project Co tar Ilabilat Conservation Program DA'Z'E: December 3, 1996 1 I I SUBJECT: Rcilurst for information from the N. C. Department of'1'ransportation (NCDOT) regarding fish and wildlife concerns for the pro?x?scd Brier Creel: Parkway, from US 70 to Aviation Parkway, Wake County, North Carolina, TIP No. R-3619, SCH Project No. 97-0329. I I This memorandum responds to a request from Mr. H. Franklin Vick of the NCDOT for our concerns regarding impacts on fish and wildlife resources resulting from the subject project. Biologists on the staff of the N. C. Wildlife Resources Commnssion (NCWRC) have reviewed the proposed project, and our comments are provided in accordance with provisions of the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (G.S. 113A- 1 et sal., its amended; 1 NCAC 25). I At this time, we have no specific recommendations regarding the subject project. Bowever, to help facilitate document preparation, our general informational deeds are outlined below: ' 1. Description of* fishery and wildlife resources within the project area, including a listing of federally or state designated threatened, endangered, or special concern species. Potential borrow areas to be used for project t consiniction should be included in the inventories. A listing of designated plant species can be developed through consultation with: The Natural Heritage Program ' N. C. Division of Parks and Recreation P. 0. Box 27687 Raleigh, N. C. 27611 ' (919) 733-7795 and, ' A-25 1'4 .,WKl. o r1k_r f t' L_J Lnnr- I LL. • ?, L J J?V Memo 2 Deccmber 3, 1996 NCDA Plant Conservation Program P, U. Box 27647 Raleigh, N. C. 27611 (919) 733-3610 2, Description of any streams or wetlands affected by the project. The need for channelizing or relocating portions of streams crossed and the extent of such activities. 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 he accomplished through coordination with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE). If the COE is not consulted, the person delineating wetlands should be identified and criteria listed. 4 Cover type reaps 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, degradatio , or t'ragmentation of wildlife habitat (wetlands or uplands). 6. Mitigation lbr 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. R. A discussion of the probable impacts on natural resources which will result from secondary development facilitated by the improved road access. 9. If construction of this facility is to be coordinated with other state, municipal, or private development projects, a description of these projects should be included in the environmental document, and all project sponsors should be identified. 't'hank you for the opportunity to provide input in the early plaltning stages for this Project. 11 *1 can further assist your office. please contact meat (919) 528.9886. A-26 I APPENDIX B LIST OF REFERENCES AND TECHNICAL REPORTS 1 I I APPENDIX B LIST OF REFERENCES AND TECHNICAL REPORTS B1. REFERENCES City of Raleigh. July 1996. Ordinance (1996) 929 ZC 392. City of Raleigh. July 1996. Raleigh Comprehensive Plan. Conant, Roger and J.T. Collins. 1991. Reptiles and Amphibians: Eastern and Central North America. Houghton Mifflin Company. New York. 450 pp. Division of Environmental Management (DEM). 1989. Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN) Water Quality Review 1983-1987. Rpt. 89-08, NC Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Raleigh, NC. Division of Environmental Management (DEM). 1993. Classifications and Water Quality Standards Assigned to the Waters of the Neuse River Basin. NC Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Raleigh, NC. Hamel, P.B. 1992. The Land Manager's Guide to the Birds of the South. The Nature Conservancy, Southeastern Region, Chapel Hill, NC. 437 pp. Henry, V.G. 1989. Guidelines for Preparation of Biological Assessments and Evaluations for the Red-cockaded Woodpecker. US Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, Atlanta, GA. 13 pp. Martof, B.S., W.M. Palmer, J.R. Bailey, and J.R. Harrison III. 1980. Amphibians and Reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC. 264 PP. Menhinick, E.F. 1991. The Freshwater Fishes of North Carolina. The Delmar Company, Charlotte, NC for North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Raleigh, NC. 227 pp. North Carolina Department of Transportation. December 1996. Greater Raleigh Urban Area Thoroughfare Plan. North Carolina Department of Transportation. June 1997. 1998-2004 Transportation Improvement Program. Olsen, P.E., A.J. Froelich, D.L. Daniels, J.P. Smoot, and P.J.W. Gore. 1991. "Rift Basins of Early Mesozoic Age," Geology of the Carolinas, J.W. Horton, Jr. and V.A. Zullo Eds. University of Tennessee Press, Knoxville, TN. Pp. 142-170. Palmer, W.M. and A. L. Braswell. 1995. Reptiles of North Carolina. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC for the NC State Museum of Natural Sciences. 412 pp. Potter, E.F., J.F. Parnell, and R.P. Teulings. 1980. Birds of the Carolinas. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC. 408 pp. Radford, A.E., H.E. Ahles, and C.R. Bell. 1968. Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC. 1183 pp. DRAFT B-3 10/17/97 Rohde, F.C., R.G. Arndt, D.G. Lindquist, and J.F. Parnell. 1994. Freshwater Fishes of the Carolinas, Virginia, Maryland, & Delaware. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC. 222 pp. Soil Conservation Service (SCS). 1970. Soil Survey of Wake County, North Carolina. US Department of Agriculture. Soil Conservation Service (SCS). 1991. Hydric Soils: Wake County, North Carolina. Technical Guide Section II-A-2. US Department of Agriculture. 2 pp. The Scientific Council on Freshwater and Terrestrial Mollusks (TSCFTM). 1990. A Report on the Conservation Status of North Carolina's Freshwater and Terrestrial Molluscan Fauna. Triangle Transit Authority. February 1995. Triangle Fixed Guideway Study Phase 111 Report. US Army Corps of Engineers. 1987. Wetlands Delineation Manual. Weakley, A. S. 1993. Guide to the Flora of the Carolinas and Virginia. Working Draft of November 1993. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and Recreation, Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources. 575 pp. Webster, W.D., J.F. Parnell, and W.C. Biggs, Jr. 1985. Mammals of the Carolinas, Virginia, and Maryland. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC. 255 pp. Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC). 1991. Annual Report 1990-91. North Carolina Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program, Freshwater Mussel Survey Results. NC Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources. Raleigh, North Carolina. 90 pp. 1132. TECHNICAL REPORTS Craig Davis Properties, Inc. June 1996. Eastern Air Lines Property Traffic Impact Statement. Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, Inc. North Carolina Department of Transportation. July 1997. Air Quality Report. Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, Inc. North Carolina Department of Transportation. July 1997. Natural Resources Report. Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, Inc. North Carolina Department of Transportation. July 1997. Noise Report. Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, Inc. DRAFT B-4 10/17/97 1 r. X State of North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Wayne McDevitt, Secretary A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director 1Lr!W'J 00% 00 NCDENR NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES March 26, 1998 Wake County DWQProject # 970964 APPROVAL of 401 Water Quality Certification and ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS Steve Davenport 333 Fayetteville Street Mall, Suite 300 Raleigh NC 27601 Dear Mr. Davenport: You have our approval, in accordance with the attached conditions and those listed below, to place fill material in 0.54 acres of wetlands and 202 feet of perennial streams for the purpose of constructing the Brier Creek Parkway in Wake County, as you described in your application dated October 28, 1997. After reviewing your application, we have decided that this fill is covered by General Water Quality Certification Number 3103. This certification allows you to use Nationwide Permit Number 14 when it is issued by the Corps of Engineers. 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. 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. 1. Sediment and erosion control measures shall adhere to the Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds (T 15A:04B .0024) and High Quality Storm Erosion Control Measures. 2. Design Features and commitments listed the in February 3, 1998 letter from Parsons Brinckerhoff to DWQ shall be implemented in the design, construction, and long-term maintenance of the Brier Creek Parkway. We understand that you have chosen to contribute to the Wetland Restoration Program in order to compensate for these impacts to streams. In accordance with 15A NCAC 2R..0500, this contribution will satisfy our compensatory mitigation requirements under 15A NCAC 2H .0506(h). According to 15A NCAC 2H .0506(h), 202 feet of stream restoration will be required. Until the Wetland Restoration Program reccieves and clears your check (made payable to: DENR - Wetland Restoration Program), wetland or stream fill shall not occur. Mr. Ron Ferrell should be contacted at 919-733-5083 ext. 358 if you have any questions concerning the Wetland Restoration Program . You have one month from the date of this Certification to make the payment. For accounting purposes, this Certification authorizes the fill of 202 feet of streams, in the Neuse River and subbasin and 202 feet of stream restoration are required. 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. Division of Water Quality - Non-DischargeBranch 4401 Reedy Creek Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607 Telephone 919-733-1786 FAX # 733-9959 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer - 50% recycled/10% post consumer paper Sincerely, Attachment cc: Wilmington District Corps of Engineers Corps of Engineers Raleigh Field Office Raleigh DWQ Regional Office Mr. John Domey Central Files C ti7P-i est ow- E . 970964.1tr w • + NORTH CAROLINA - DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY 401 WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION SUMMARY OF PERM TTED IMPACTS AND MITIGATION REQUIREMENTS In accordance with 15A NCAC 2H.0500, N T DWQ Project # 970964 is authorized to impact the surface waters of the State of North Carolina as indicated below for the purpose(s) of constructing the Brier Creek Parkway. All activities associated with these authorized impacts must be conducted in accordance with the conditions listed in the attached certification transmittal letter. THIS CERTIFICATION IS NOT VALID WITHOUT THE ATTACHMENTS. COMPENSATORY MITIGATION REQUIREMENT FOR WETLAND RESTORATION LOCATION: Brier Creek Parkway COUNTY: Wake BASIN/SUBBASIN: Neuse As required by 15A NCAC 2H.0506, and the conditions of this certification, you are required to compensate for the above impacts through the restoration, creation, enhancement or preservation of wetlands and surface waters as outlined below prior to conducting any activities that impact or degrade the waters of the state. Note: Acreage requirements proposed to be mitigated through the Wetland Restoration Programs must be rounded to one-quarter acre increments according to 15A 2R.0503(b) acres of Class WL wetlands acres of riparian wetlands acres of non-riparian wetlands acres of Class SWL wetlands 202 linear feet of stream channel One of the options you have available to satisfy the compensatory mitigation requirements is through the payment of a fee to the Wetlands Restoration Fund per 15A NCAC 2R.0503. If you choose this option, please sign this form and mail it to the Wetlands Restoration Fund at the address listed below. An invoice for the appropriate amount of payment will be sent to you upon receipt of this form. PLEASE NOTE, THE ABOVE IMPACTS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED UNTIL YOU RECEIVE NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR PAYMENT HAS BEEN PROCESSED BY THE WETLANDS RESTORATION PROGRAM. Signature Date WETLANDS RESTORATION PROGRAM DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY P.O. BOX 29535 RALEIGH, NC 27626-0535 (919) 733-5083 ext. 358 A . . State of North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Wayne McDevitt, Secretary A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director v4 OF !-DAYS NCDPvNORTH CAROLINA DEPARTME ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURC February 19, 1998 Wake County DWQPrcject # 970964 APPROVAL of 401 Water Quality Certification and ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS Frank Vick; NC DOT PO 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 0.54 acres of wetlands and 202 feet of perennial streams for the purpose of constructing the Brier Creek Parkway in Wake County, as you described in your application dated October 28, 1997. After reviewing your application, we have decided that this fill is covered by General Water Quality Certification Number 3103. This certification allows you to use Nationwide Permit Number 14 when it is issued by the Corps of Engineers. 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. 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. 1. Sediment and erosion control measures shall adhere to the Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds (T 15A:04B.0024) and High Quality Storm Erosion Control Measures. 2. Design Features and commitments listed the in February 3, 1998 letter from Parsons Brinckerhoff to DWQ shall be implemented in the design, construction, and long-term maintenance of the Brier Creek Parkway. We understand that you have chosen to contribute to the Wetland Restoration Program in order to compensate for these impacts to streams. In accordance with 15A NCAC 2R..0500, this contribution will satisfy our compensatory mitigation requirements under 15A NCAC 2H .0506(h). According to 15A NCAC 2H.0506(h), 202 feet of stream restoration will be required. Until the Wetland Restoration Program reccieves and clears your check (made payable to: DENR - Wetland Restoration Program), wetland or stream fill shall not occur. Mr. Ron Ferrell should be contacted at 919-733-5083 ext. 358 if you have any questions concerning the Wetland Restoration Program. You have one month from the date of this Certification to make the payment. For accounting purposes, this Certification authorizes the fill of 202 feet of streams, in the Neuse River and subbasin and 202 feet of stream restoration are required. 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. Division of Water Quality • Non-DischargeBranch 4401 Reedy Creek Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607 Telephone 919-733-1786 FAX # 733-9959 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer • 50% recycled/10% post consumer paper Attachment cc: Wilmington District Corps of Engineers Corps of Engineers Raleigh Field Office Raleigh DWQ Regional Office Mr. John Dorney Central Files PnnSiner Howar , Jr. P.E. 970964.1tr NORTH CAROLINA - DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY 401 WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION SUMMARY OF PERMITTED IMPACTS AND MITIGATION REQUIREMENTS In accordance with 15A NCAC 2H.0500, NC DOT, DWQ Project # 970964 is authorized to impact the surface waters of the State of North Carolina as indicated below for the purpose(s) of constructing the Brier Creek Parkway. All activities associated with these authorized impacts must be conducted in accordance with the conditions listed in the attached certification transmittal letter. THIS CERTIFICATION IS NOT VALID WITHOUT THE ATTACHMENTS. COMPENSATORY MITIGATION REQUIREMENTS FOR WETLAND RESTORATION LOCATION: Brier Creek Parkway COUNTY: Wake RIVER/SUBBASIN: Neuse As required by 15A NCAC 2H .0506, and the conditions of this certification, you are required to compensate for the above impacts through the restoration, creation, enhancement or preservation of wetlands and surface waters as outlined below prior to conducting any activities that impact or degrade the waters of the state. Note: Acreage requirements proposed to be mitigated through the Wetland Restoration Programs must be rounded to one-quarter acre increments according to 15A 2R .0503(b). acres of Class WL wetlands acres of riparian wetlands acres of non-riparian wetlands acres of Class SWL wetlands 202 linear feet of stream channel One of the options you have available to satisfy the compensatory mitigation requirements is through the payment of a fee to the Wetlands Restoration Fund per 15A NCAC 2R .0503. If you choose this option, please sign this form and mail it to the Wetlands Restoration Fund at the address listed below. An invoice for the appropriate amount will be sent to you upon receipt of this form. PLEASE NOTE, THE ABOVE IMPACTS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED UNTIL YOU RECEIVE NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR PAYMENT HAS BEEN PROCESSED BY THE WETLANDS RESTROATION PROGRAM. Signature Date WETLANDS RESTORATION PROGRAM DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY PO BOX 29535 RALEIGH NC 27626-0535 919-733-5083 ext. 358 -C 2'InT_CNn_ rn %T7: ^ ?'Cnn C:.QS.: _-,_IT G.. --_- ??=-_- c-? -e•..--ter - '- ?iC_=: C==C=-^= -_v_C_oi: C: _= C-' C,-= car--s C:-, :d) .T_c_:C_ c-0ss_: C =.= -= =Zaz 1 - c 'n=Z anu c_- C' r _ _ C= w = Cc.c= rf C- = L-}3:==CC= C_ _. c _?. c_ -- 7V C c: chE az CZ-117 - e=r - C. McC---C=- of we.I: Cr C;. wal. :•=`W--- C- t"= --? = -= =---=° LC Cam= - - i r1L"ii L =-=- --- C_ 7-L?._ r?GL tc scr s: ?s ncc to = acc=c I-== neve7e c; c '"`•- - = .?c='? Tic»= c'C Eres:= cCr.C=OI cract C-= c= E.'CC:=_'r_' C CSe CLtI? ? t e 'NCCC^ -.^s_C: a»C Design F.=--?=s Cr '?iCrt C=r^?_»_ Ci:r..c. :C ML_ (ava7.Ia.1. f-C« C= =--- C•C=_s1 a=- to _==';'':C cCC =-=:C _ 0= t=_ ??sc::aErns =d -:vEZ_ r.CC Ccs_??tE as t-CL'c wat=-- hv. Lr'iQi 25- lV? .;s L. a_ ? sa- Nat=_ CIL S:.Gs, C::%.- all __C- C^.C rasaz, C---; G» C 1-0 Dr-us z_- t=c t wa-_S-_) i se`. =a =t arc eres_cn c===01 me=s - _s 011 aced _n w_=__:cs er wet=_-s s:.-=! he removed a:.- the grace re=cc= _ : ==GU=c=s has =clews t a==e- th=_ c- Land ! . M=__s z-a-: s%a11 he taken to p-_;Ent 1=vs or fresh core==_a Z_-?..'u CC- ,C _.cc cCAtcCt We =-s c--' the state uniS t'-e ^r:,: - har^-n C...aC_ C---= hC.s \. L-. ed I ciz is us=--Z tc , C C%c_ -- L----- C? :== C==---- C=--=-T-C=-= 1E -_-_ =--- = - -'?- T--' C c C.-c_ C== ?C=-C:-C_V cC_ __=w?CC•+C?E? i''C_ --- Z' =E- fc C====- - C1C C.__ maV t.= =_c_ CC WE?-= Cu -2 ___.:: L"Alm t C..?'---C -- C=.C= C- ..._. _??•-..__ ?.w_- Lw_ ?._ L-__ ?.G. _-.\.?..'V ? 'mot `- -'' / __ __ _- J c_ C-= war!=!--- C= E_= C=EC1LTC_ . - t- E icr- C- U F: p = w = 3 _o3 10 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT JR. P.O. BOX 25201, RAITIGI I. N.C. 27011-5201 E. NOIZIZIS TO LSON C O VI?RN(?R SIICRI'1ARY March 16, 1998 Mr. John R. Dorney 7 Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality 4401 Reedy Creek Road Raleigh, North Carolina 27607 Dear Mr. Dorney: This is to follow-up on our recent conversation regarding the 401 Water Quality Certification for the Brier Creek Parkway. I am returning the February 19, 1998 letter of approval and additional conditions so that you can reissue it to the developer. Please forward the certification to: Brier Creek Associates Limited Partnerships Attention: Steve Davenport 333 Fayetteville Street Mall, Suite 300 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 If you have any questions or need additional information, please let me know. I appreciate your assistance in reissuing and forwarding the certification to the developer. Sincer y, H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch HFV/lh Attachment 9 Cyndi_B From: Gordon Cashin [GCashin0mail.dot.state. nc.us] Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 1998 11:09 AM To: cyndi_bell®h2o.enr.state.nc.us Cc: eric.c.alsmeyer@saw02.usace.army.mil Subject: Project update, R-3619 Wake County I have news on the Brier Creek Parkway near the airport (R-3619). This project is being done in cooperation with a private developer. NWP 14 tearsheet was issued by Eric on December 3, 1997 (Action ID Nos 199700179 and 199820153). The 401 was issued March 26, 1998 (DWO Project 970964). 1 have copies of both permits on file, but not the application or any other correspondence. I think the developer or their consultant handled it. Anway, they have redesigned the western end of the road between Aviation parkway and Lumley Road and shifted the alignment. This has reduced the impacts of the project. Stream impacts went from 853.9 feet to 495 feet, and wetlands from 0.338 to 0.194 acres. Stream mitigation was apparently provided via the WRP in accordance with the 401. 1 have a table showing the impact changes, a site sketch showing the wetlands and old and new alignments. Since the alignment has changed, do you want a revised PCN with the new numbers? It looks like it should still go as NWP 14. They want to let this one in March. Just let me know so we can get on it. Thanks.