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19990431 Ver 1_Complete File_19990430
State 'of North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality James B. Hunt, Jr., Govemor Wayne McDevitt, Secretary Kerr T. Stevens, Director NCDENR NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES May 7,1999 Richmond County DWQ Project # 990431 APPROVAL of 401 Water Quality Certification Bill Gilmore NC DOT PO Box 25201 Raleigh, NC 27611-5201 Dear Mr. Gilmore: You have our approval, in accordance with the attached conditions, for the purpose of widening US 1 from SR 1974 to proposed US 74 bypass, as you described in your application dated April 30, 1999. 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 the Corps of Engineers issues it. 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. Also 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. If you change your project, you must notify us and send us a new application. If the property is sold, the new owner must be given a copy of this Certification and approval letter and is thereby responsible for complying with all conditions. If total wetlandfills for this project (now or in the future) exceed one acre, compensatory mitigation may be required as described in 15A NCAC 2H .0506 (h). For this approval to be valid, you must follow the conditions listed in the attached certification. This approval shall expire when the corresponding Nationwide Permit expires or as otherwise provided in the General Certification. If you do not accept any of the conditions of this certification, you may ask for an adjudicatory hearing. You must act within 60 days of the date that you receive this letter. To ask for a hearing, send a written petition which conforms to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes to the Office of Administrative Hearings, P.O. Box 27447, Raleigh, N.C. 27611-7447. This certification and its conditions are final and binding unless you ask for a hearing. This letter completes the review of the Division of Water Quality under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. If you have any questions, please telephone John Dorney at 919-733-1786. Attachment cc: Wilmington District Corps of Engineers Corps of Engineers Fayetteville Field Office Wilmington DWQ Regional Office Mr. John Dorney Central Files F Sin ely, e Stevens 99043 Lltr Division of Water Quality - Environmental Sciences Branch Environmental Sciences Branch, 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 , ! PRE C0Xff14.LCC= NOTIFICATION (PCvN) N'ATIONWYDE 14 T0: NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES/B8AtIFORT, NC FISH & WILD'LIPE SERVICE/RALEIGH, NC NC DI'V'ISION OF WATER QUA-LITY/RALEIGH, NC EPA/ATLANTA, GA STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE/RALEIGH, NC 1. 2. 3. 5. 6. ACTION ID. 799603632 _ APPLICANT: NCDOTZTIP -N( L_ 11-2583 DATE OF TRANSMITTAL: D MAY 1999 RESPONSE DEADLIN2 : 07 MAX 1299 COMMENT DEADLINE (10 days from response deadline): 7 AY l - SEND COMMENTS TO WILMINGTON DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS. NILMINGION REGULATORY FIELD C?.- I.CE AYTN: DAVE TINRY PAX Na. (910) 251-4025 NUMBtA OF PAGES, INCLUDING THIS SHEET: T00'd ECCO# NCIOXINUTA cavsn SZOtT5ZOT6 CS:CT 666T,E0'WX 1"' Uto a83a .?,TTyy M'U 4 w.. STATE OF NOKTli CAROLINA DEPARTMENT Or TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT JR. GQVEKNCA P.Q. BOX 25201, KALEIG! I. M.C. 27011.5201 April 16, 1999 L1.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Field Office Post Office Box 1890 Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890 A'TTN: Mr. Scott McLendon or Dave Timpy NCDOT Coordinator Dear Sir: E. NUKKIs ToLsorv SECRETARY SUBJECT; Richmond County, Widening of US 1 from SR 1974 to proposed US 74 bypass. TIP No. I3-2583, State Project No. 8. 1580601, Federal Aid Project No. NHF-220(1). The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to widen an existing two- lane section of US 1 to a five-lane curb and gutter facility. The project extends from SR 1974 to the proposed US 74 bypass in Richmond County, a distance of approximately 0.88 miles. The project will cross one water body, Rocky Branch. The crossing will require the extension of the existing culvert by an additional 82.5 feet- No High Quality Waters or Outstanding Resource Waters occur in the project area. The NC:DOT anticipates that these activities will be authorized under a Nationwide Permit 14. Enclosed please find the project site map, the permit drawing, and the preconstruction notification form for the above referenced project. By copy of this letter, we are also requesting a 401 General Water Quality Certification # 3101 (for NWP 14) from the NC Division of Water Quality. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact Mr. Jim Hauser at (919) 733- 7844 extension 279. Sincerely, -Y, C... ?4 I.,, William D. Gilmore, P.E., Branch Manager Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch DCRljh of 300'd £U0# XCISHINII14 GavsII 9ZOlT5ZOT6 £S:CT 666T,W;0 YYi cc: Mr. David Franklin, COE, Wilmington Mr. John Dorney, NCDWQ Mr. David Cox, NCWRC Mr. Tom Shearin, P.E., Roadway Design Mr. Whit Webb, P.E., Program Development Mr. Len Hill, P.E., Design Services Mr. A. L. Hankins, P.E., Hydraulics Mr. William Rogers, P.E., Structure Design Mr. Bill Rosser, P.E., Division 8 Engineer S00'a CCU# NGIOQINUTA asvsn 990tTSZOt6 ES:ET 666TiC0'xYPI E NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION or I Ick"WAYS PLANNING AND ENVMGNMOTAL BRANCH ROCCINONAH ve 1 nom v® 74 DYPAM TO an 1974 (FDRUBT AD&D) ZRICNMOND COU1lTT _ T.I.P NO. U-2393 PIG I 1 a kitamotom 1.8 0 miles 1 I -j i fi00'a Moo NcloxIN7IM osvgn 5Z06TSUT6 65:£T 666T,WXvDI I 41 Aii; PROJECT ARE ; r` { l 260' /1 ? `. ; '. : -? • . ; ./ ? ?,; ? Wit` ' ;''' V.. ?) ¦ • .. r ?. „? . r ? ?;, . ,• . j ?,? ` .L?• •?, , ti j t do•'?' '}n5?• / * • r 1]T# 2 ROCKY BRANCH org fre 1 :y t? ?`f jl?.r+.+• t I , r. •rl w•-' ?+!? • - dark i• ` ?? +:1 T#1 ROC V ILANCU 1?1r /. .'•? ?'•'7•`•? a ..?„•,,,? 1 t+jy{?? ? 1- ? ?t a° •• l .. ?JQ f//'i,. 75.1 Tjs 281 • ? '•, ? ?.--?? ?? ? -K ? .. , %1 IN cli el 320- mw j q••. r SCALE 1:24,000 A le it ringsou '+ .u FIGURE 2, WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATED WITH PROJECT U-2583 500'a CCU# XCISMINUM as•asn SZOtTMT6 M:CT 666Tteo- x DWQ ID: CORPS ACTION TD: Nkak I. 3? 6a3Q_ .-- NATIONWIDE PERMIT REQUESTED (PROVIDE NATIONWIDE PERMIT 0): 14 PRE-CONSTRUCTION NOTIFICATION APPLICATION FOR NATIONWIDE PERMITS THAT REQUIRE, 1) NOTIFICATION TO THE COMPS OF ENGINEERS 2) APPLICATION FOR SECTICR 401 CgRTIFICATION 3) COORDINATION WITH THE NC DIVISION OF COASTAL, MANAGEMENT SEND THE ORIGINAL AND (1) COPY OF THIS COMPLETED FORM TO THE APPROPRIATE FIELD OFFICE OF THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS (SEE AGENCY ADDRESSES SHEET'). SEVEN (7) COPIES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE N.C. DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (SEE AGENCY ADDRESSES SHEET). PLEA.SB PRINT. 1. OWNERS NAME: N. C. Department of Transportation Planning and Environmental Branch 2. MAILING ADDRESS: P. 0. Box 25201 SUBDIVISION NAME: CITY! Raleigh STATE: _NC ZIP CODE: 27611 PROJECT LOCATION ADDRESS, INCLUDING SUBDIVISION NAME (IF DIFFERENT FROM MM LING ADDRESS ABOVE): 3. TELEPHONE NUMBED (HOME): (WORK): 733-3141 4. IF APPLICABLE: AGENT'S NAME OR RESPONSIBLE CORPORAT OFFICIAL, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER: William D. Gilmore, P.E., Manager 5. LOCATION OF WORK (PROVIDE A MAP, PREFERABLY A COPY OF USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP QR AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY WITH SCALE): COUNTY: Richmond NEAREST TOWN OR CITY: RQckingham 1 9001a ECEO# NCIONIN'liM GSKsn 9ZOtTGFOT6 99:CT 666T,E0'xYPi I l SPECIFIC LOCATION (INCLUDE ROAD NUMBBRS, LANDMARKS, STC.): uS 1 from SR 1974 to proposed US 74 bYgass 6. IMPACTED OR NEAREST STREAM/RIVER: Rocky Branch RIVER BASIN: Yadkin River ?a. IS PROJECT LOCATZO 'OVR WATER C'LASSIF'IED AS TROUT, TIDAL SALTWATER (SA), HIGH QUALITY WATERS (HQW), OUTSTANDING RESOURCE WATERS (ORW), WATER SOPPLY (WS-1 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] 7G. IF THE PROJECT IS LOCAIZO WITelO A COASTAL GOVNTY (SEE PAGE 7 FOR LIST OF COASTAL COUNT14S), WRAF 1$ THE LAND USE PLAN (LUP) DESIGNATION? 8a. HAVE ANY SECTION 404 PERMITS BEEN PREVIOUSLY REQUESTED FOR USE ON TH $ PROPERTY? YES [ ] NO [X] IF YES, PROVIDE ACTION I.D. NUMBER OF PREVIOUS PERMIT AND ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (INCLUDE PEIQTQCQFX OF 401 CERTIFICATION): 8b. ARE ADDITIONAL PERMIT REQUESTS EXPECTED FOP, THIS PROPERTY IN THE FUTURE? YES I ] NO IX] IF YFS, DESCRIBE ANTICIPATED WORK: 9.a. ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBER OF ACRES IN TRACT OF LAND: NSA 9b. ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBER OF ACRES OF WETLANDS LOCATED ON PROJECT SITE' N\P+ 2 L00'd £££0# NCISRIN7IM QaHSII 9Z0tT9Z0T6 99:£T 666T,£0'xYPi 1 10a. NUMBER OF ACRES OF WETLANDS IMPACTED BY THE PROPOSSD PROJECT BY: FILLING: 0.0 EXCAVATION: 0.0 FLOODING: 0.0 DRAINAGE; 0.0 TOTAL ACRES TO BE IMPACTED: 0.0 10b. (1) STREAM CHANNEL TO BE IMPACTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT (Ir RELOCATED, PROVIDE DISTANCE BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER RELOCATION): LENGTR BEFORE: 82.5 FT AFTER: N\A FT WIDTH BEFORE (based on normal high water contours): WIDTH AFTER: N\A FT AVERAGE DEPTH BEFORE: N\A FT AFTER: N\A FT N\A FT (Z) STREAM CHANNEL IMPACTS WILL RESULT FROM; (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) OPEN CHANNEL RELOCATION: PLACEMENT OF PIPE IN CHANNEL: X CHANNEL EXCAVATION: CONSTRUCTION OF A DAM/FLOODING: OTHER: 11. IF CONSTRUCTION OF A POND IS PROPOSED, WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE WATERSHED DRAINING TO THE POND? N\A WHAT IS THE EXPECTED POND SURFACE AREA? N\A 12. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSEO WORK INCLUDING DISCUSSION OF TYPE OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT TO BE USED (ATTACH PLANS: 8 1/2" X 11" ORAWINGS ONLY): Widen existing facility to a five--lane curb and gt:tter soction to i Erove safety and Lraffic flow Road constfuction equipment 13. PURPOSE Of PROPOSED WORK: Improve safety and traffic flow on us 1 3 800'd sce0# OTHER: 0.0 xC10NZwzI14 Gavsn 9ZOtTGZOT6 55:£T 666T140'XVK 10 14. STATE REASONS WHY IT IS BELIEVED THAT THIS ACTIVITY MUST BE CARRIED OUT IN WETLANDS. (INCLUDE ANY MEASURES TAKEN TO MINIMIZE WETLAND IMPACTS): The widening is on existing location and is a linear project. Therefore, crossing jurisdictional areas is unavoidable 15, YOU rAS REDUER&D EIG GONTAGT--`S'HE U.S. r saLSrRN- W avaiiP!, cExAVICE • SHE PRESENGE?OF ANY r-nnER sbl* ESTER OR r EESTING 'c*tnA,.tiGERS + e O CRETIChl RA4'E GON9 GfPA 1AgL^TnI ApgpoNsa'° PAGkm ,,,,, HiSTOAiG OF '47?Tssr'r?' 1411 TT11 rasvsT J'rkg+?'r??. vTVid-? 17. DOES THE PROJECT INVOLVE AN EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC FUNDS OR THE USE OF PUBLIC (STATE) LAND? YES [X] NO I I (IF NO, GO TO 18) a. IP YSS, DOES THE PROJECT REQUYRE PREPARATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT? YES [XI NO [ ) b. IF YES, HA$ THE DOCUMENT BEEN AM VX4WED THROUGH THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION STATE, CLEARINGHOUSE? YES [X] NO [ I IF ANSWER TO 17b IS YES, THEN SUBMIT APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION FROM THE STATE CLEARINGHOUSE TO DIVISION OF ENVIRO'NM$N P-L MANAGEMENT REGARDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE 'FORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT. QUESTIONS REGARDING THE STATE CLEARINGHOUSE REVIEW PROCESS SHOTJLD BE DIRECTED TO MS. CHRYS BAGGETT, DIRECTOR STATE CLEARINGHOUSE, NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, 116 WEST JONES STREET, RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27603-8003, TELEPHONE (919) 733-6369. 4 6001d £fc0# XCISMIN'II14 Clsvsn 9Z0629Z0T6 99:£I 666TiEO*)yYl 18. THE FOLLOWING ITEMS SHOULD BE INCLUDED WITH THIS APPLICATION IF PROPOSED ACTIVITY INVOLVES TnE DISCHARGE OF EXCAVATED OR FILL MATERIAL INTO WETLANDS: a. WETLAND DELINEATION MAP SHOWING ALL WETLANDS, STREAMS, LAKES AND PONDS ON THE PROPERTY (FOR NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBERS 14, 18, 21, 26, 29, AND 38). ALL STREAMS (INTERMITTENT AND PERMANENT) ON THE PROPERTY MUST BE SHOWN ON THE MAP. MAP SCALES SHOULD BE I INCH EQUALS 50 FEET OR 1 INCH EQVhL$ 100 FEET OR THEIR EQUIVALENT. b. IF AVAILABLE, REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOGRAPH OF WETLANDS TO 9E IMPACTED SY PROJECT. e. IF DELINEATION WAS PERFORMED BY A CONSULTANT, INCLUDE ALL DATA SHEETS RELEVANT TO THE PLACEMENT OF THE DELINEATION LINE. d. ATTACH A COPY OF THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN IF REQUIRED. r. WHAT IS SAND USE OF SURROUNDING PROPERTY: Residential/ Commercial f. IF APPLICABLE, WHAT IS PROPOSED METROD OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL? N g. SIGNED AND DATED AGENT AUTHORIZATION LETTER, IP 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 OIL NAIVER OF A 401 DIVISION OF ENVIRONMTAL MANAGEMENT (WATER QUALITY) CERTIFICATION, AND 3) (IN TSE TWL+'NTY COASTAL COUNTIES ONLY), A LETTER FRQM THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT STATING THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY IS CONSISTENT WITH THE NORTH CAROLINA CO,ASTAM MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. OWNER' S /A NT' S SIGNATURE (AGENT'S SIGNATURE VALID ONLY IF AUTHORIZATION LETTER FROM THE OWNER IS PROVIDED (18g.) ) 5 DATE OTO'a £££0# HolomiNgUA cavsn geotT5ZOT6 95:£T 666T,£0';'VN FF ? ? ? zf w f I S BK D r ? o 1 1 C' i ' . ?s OCL .. . ` `' I 1 T ? 1 SOIL & GR r 9.416,` ?-??- , ell, 1 - -----? IOOO -, CB-ED 1 1f 46O CONC ? _ 600 REM Epp us i 7.9 esT CB-E© REM 900 X200 cow, WONC zoo ti ?. coNC ' _ 1!3u IV _ - - - - - - - - - - - - r c' CURB UURB T RED c? CONC 375 / s G i CB-ED CD Cb-EDP` -? - ?r' '? 900 1 ? ?` - - .r__-.. - 1 I S BLK I S \ 1 t ` ? \ ? BUS ` ?? \ (ASAND) j r 1? 1 I \ I W Ir 1 f 1 SOIL 1 S N.C. DEPARTMENT 05 TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS RICHMOND COUNTY PROJECT: 8.1580601 (U-2583) US 1 NEAR ROCKINOHAM SHEET _,-,,,^ OF TTO'a £££0# NCIONINUI14 osvsn 5Z06T5ZOT6 95:£T 666Ti£0"XykI PRE-CONS'T'RUC'T'ION NOTIVICATION (PCV) NATIONWIDE 14 TO, NATIONAL MA12.INE FI9HERIE9/2EAUFORT, NC FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE/RALEIGH, NC NC DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY/RALEIGH, NC EPA/A'T'LANTA, =1 STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE/RALEIGH, NC 1. AC'T'ION ID, 199603832 2. APPLICANT: NCDOT/Tr NO U-2583 3. DATE OF TRANSMITTAL: Q3 MU-1999 4. RESPONSE DEADLINE : 07 MAY 1,999 5. COMMENT DEADLINE (10 days from response deadline?: 17 MAY 1999 - 6. SEND COMMENTS TO WILMINGTON DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS. JJILMINgTON REGULATORY FIELD OFFICE ATTN: DXVS TIMPY -- -- 'FLAX NO (910) 251-4025 NUMBER OF PAGES, INCLUDING THIS SHEET: 11 TTO/T00'a fi££0# NCIONIw'IM (32KSn 9ZOPT9ZOT6 L9:£T 666T,£0')'VH 1q" c Lori 'S 83a STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES 13. HINT) R. P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH. N.C. 27611-5201 E. NORRIs TOLSON clow.. RNok SECRETARY April 16, 1999 U.S. Army Corps ol` Engineers 'regulatory Field Office Post Office Box 1890 Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890 A M'N: Mr. Scott McLendon or Dave Timpy NCDOT Coordinator Dear Sir: SUBJECT: Richmond County, Widening of US 1 from SR 1974 to proposed US 74 bypass. TIP No. U-2583, State Project No. S. 1580601, Federal Aid Project No. NHF-220(1). The North Carolina Department of Trwisportation (NC DOT) proposes to widen an existing two- lane section of US 1 to a five-lane curb and gutter facility. The project extends from SR 1974 to the proposed US 74 bypass in Richmond County, a distance of approximately 0.88 miles. The project will cross one water body, Reeky Branch. The crossing will require the extension of the existing culvert by an additional 82.5 feet. No High Quality Waters or Outstanding Resource Waters occur in the project area. The NCDOT anticipates that these activities will be authorized under a Nationwide Permit 14. Enclosed please find the project site rnap, the permit drawing, and the preconstruction notification form for the above referenced project. By copy of this later, we are also requesting a 401 General Water Quality Certification ;g 3103 (for NVITP 14) from the NC Division of Water Quality. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact Mr. Jim Hauser at (919) 733- 7844 extension 279. Sincerely, ?A 'Y' l C ? 4' William D_ Gilmore, P.E., Branch Manager Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch DCR/jh TTO/ZOO'd tUO# ricsSuINUM asusn 9ZOPT9ZOT6 LS:£T 666T,E0';?'kI cc: Mr. David Franklin, COE, Wilmington Mr. John Dorney, NCDWQ Mr. David Cox, NCWRC Mr. Tom Shearin, P.E., Roadway Design Mr. Whit Webb, P.E., Program Development Mr. Lon Hill, P.E., Design Services Mr. A. L. Hankins, P.E., Hydraulics Mr. William Rogers, P.E., Structure Design Mr. Bill Rosser, P.E., Division S Engineer TTD/Coo'a tceo# NCIONIbd'I M Gavsn 9MT9NT6 85:ST 666T,W;WI k TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL .. BRANCH US 1 pROK us 14 HYPABB To sB 1974 (ranBST ROAD) RIClO(OIID ow"y _ T•I.P NO. U-11SB3 PIfl I t o Kibmecers 1.6 0 miles 1 I TTO/t00'd fi££0# XCIStitaUM CISM1 gMT5ZOT6 85:£T 666T,£0 XYDI PROJECT AREA , •??o' 1' ,•.? i : • . ?, ' ??t• t• ? ° UT# 2 RocitY BRANCH Hwy ?,• ?- ! t ?S(]) i + 2 ellerson* ?? ti ;.: {''' • Park ' `. 't? `3 '• '° ' UT# ROCKY RANCII r? i ?` ,air,- ? °? r t??,? ? '•l• ....- , , t ?_ ! .?1 .? ?- '??•-.Iy.t ,'• ?' 511 7.• . ?` }/? ? 4ti., r_. , •1 ' 'J"?,1 t I 16 76 ? `t ( Ile 284• r• - `t ! ,? ,•'?J`+1>!3?! E •?ta / ` 920 o ?',. i• 1? ' +,\[?f ! '+ ?r + }J 1zl,r • ??[, 11, 22B., SCALE 1:24,000 ( Ova n ?¢?` • '':PoRu;ar, rings' IF, • 44 • .. FIGURE 2• WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATED WITH PROJECT U-2583 TTO/500'a DM# X010MIbdUM aaxsn MtT5ZOT6 65:£T 666T,CV;?Y'i DWQ ID: T_ CORPS ACTION ID: NATIONWIDE PERMIT REQUESTED (PROVIDE NATIONWIDE PERMIT #): 14 PRE-CONSTRUCTION NOTIFICATION APPLICATION FOR NATIOMIDE PERMITS TSAT REQUIRE: 1) NOTIFICATION TO THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS 2) AaVLTMTT09 FOR SECTYON 401 CER'TIFICAT'ION 3) COORDINATION WITH THE NC DIVISION OF COASTAL MWAMMNT SEND THE ORIGINAL AND (1) COPY OF THIS COMPLETED FORM TO THE APPROPRIATS FISLD 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; N. C. Department of Transportation Planning and Environmental Branch 2. MAILING ADDRESS: P. 0. Box 25201 SUBDIVISION NAME: CITY: Raleigh STATE: NC ZIP CODE: 27611 PROJECT LOCATION ADDRESS, INCLUDING SUBDIVISION NAME (IF DIFFERENT FROM MAILING ADDRESS ABOVE): 3. TELEPHONE NUMBER (HOME): (WORK): 733-3141 4. IF APPLICABLE: AGENT'S NAME OR RESPONSIBLE CORPORATE OFFICIAL, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER: William D. Gilmore, P.E., manager 5. LOCATION OF WORK (PROVIDE A MAP, PREFERABLY A COPY OF USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP OR AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY WITH SCALE): COUNTY: Richmond NEAREST 'DOWN OR CITY: Rockingham 1 TTOl900'a tCCO# PICZJNIw'IIt'l ?zvgn 9Z0tT9Z0T6 69:£T 666T,E0'zYPI SPECIFIC LOCATION (INCLUDE ROAD NUMBERS, LANDMARKS, ETC.): US 1 from Sit 1974 'to proposed US 74 bypass 6. IMPACTED OR NEAREST STREAM/RIVER: Rocky Branch RIVER SASIN: Yadkin 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)?YSS[ ] NO[X) 7c. IF THE PROJECT IS LOCATED WITHIN A COASTAL COUNTY (SEE PAGE 7 FOR LIST OF COASTAL COUNTIES), 6J"2 I$ THE LAND U$B PLAN (LUP) DESIGNATION? 8a. HAVE ANY SECTION 404 PERMITS BEEN PREVIOUSLY REQUESTED FOR USE ON TNIS PROPERTY? YES [ ] NO [X] IF YES, PROVIDE ACTION Y.D. NUMBER OF PREVIOUS PERMIT AND ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (INCLUDE PHOTOCOPY OF 401 CERTIFICATION): 8b. ARE ADDITIONAL PERMIT REQUESTS EXPECTED FOR THIS PROPERTY IN THE FUTURE? YES [ ] NO [X] IF YES, DESCRIBE ANTICIPATED WORK: 9a. ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBER OF ACRES IN TRACT OF LAND: NIA 9b. ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBER OF ACRES OF WETLANDS LOCATED ON PROJECT SITE: N\A 2 TTO/L00'a $£EO# mcssuiwzit-i QaKsII 9ZObTGZOT6 OO:DT 666T,E0';WlI 10a. NUMBER OF ACRES OF WETLANDS IMPACTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT BY: F'I'LLING: 0.0 EXCAVATION; 0.0 FLOODING: 0.0 OTHER: 0.0 DRAINAGE: 0.0 TOTAL ACRES TO 1819 n4PACTIRD : 0.0 yob, (1) STREAM CHANNEL TO BE IMPACTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT (Z'F RELOCATED, PROVIDE DISTANCE BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER RELOCATION): LENGTH BEFORE: 82.5 FT AFTER: N\A FT WIDTH BEFORE (based on normal high water cpntours): WIDTH AFTER: N\A FT AVLRA aGE DIEPTH BEFORE: N\A FT N\A FT AFTER: N\A FT (7,) STREAM CHANNEL IMPACTS WILL RESULT FROM: (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) OPEN CHANNEL RELOCATION: PLACEM9NT 0? PIPE IN CHANNEL: X CHANNEL EXCAVATION: CONSTRUCTION OF A DAM/FLOODING: OTHER: 11, IF CONSTRUCTION OF A POND IS PROPOSED, WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE WATERSHED DRAINING TO THE POND? N\A WHAT IS THE EXPECTED POND SURFACE AREA? N\A 12. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED WORK INCLUDING DISCUSSION OF TYPE OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT TO SE USED (ATTACH PLANS: 8 1/2" X 11" DRAWINGS ONLY): Widen existing facility to. a five-Lane curb and gutter section to improve safety and traffic flow Road construction equipment 13. PURPOSE OF PROPOSED WORK: Improve safer and traffic flow on us 1 S TTO/800'a tcc0# XCIONINUM CSKsn 9Z0tT5Z0T6 00:tT 666T.£0';'YX f 14. STA;CS REASONS WHY IT IS BELIEVED THAT THIS ACTIVITY MUST BE CARRIED OUT IN WSTLANDS. (INCLUDE ANY MEASURES TAKEN TO MINIMIZE WETLAND IMPACTS): - - The widening is on existing location and is a linear project. Therefore, crossing jurisdictional areas is unavoidable non. i - YGO THE 21S/lrY_T_TiRD IPn I"YntiYRtTnm ig2l_-T.1.1_T_h7TT_IST_TFE BERM! ((4'Fw ) Tm n_Lofk ?;ATlq?whl 11, 1tn YwY'CY.+"Y by f _ SER-LT_LL'_lJa7.? (SEE Y1 1. D A gj!BE 1 TT'" !TTI T TTTG h/?tHE PRES NGS ,1 V-Oj Y 6 ING E??DrAPNGERIIB-AR m errFf?Er'Ed 6 SFSG S$ OR GRITIGA 9 F 1 E)A -9 GONTA9TED. f PmmZ?l+rt RESPONSES FROM THEE ' rGEN9T-Ta"v4 LT 1$ . V/lr7-T_L1L1?]_L!.Q.i_LT fTGT 01; D To r 2 t?t9 lSS89GRiG a ??rcv aTr rlfvnY /1Y" CT^ L?.D Frli'Re'v4-?a-vF v r? 17. DOES THE PROJECT INVOLVE AN EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC FUNDS OR THE USE OF PUBLIC (STATE) LAND? YES [ X ] NO [ ] (IF NO, GO TO 18) a_ IF YES, DOES THE PROJECT REOUTRE PREPARATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT? YES [X] NO [ ] b. IF YES, HAS THE DOCUMENT BEEN AP-VIEWED THROUGH THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRKPION STATE CLEARINGHOUSE? YES [x] NO [ 3 IF' ANSWER TO 17b IS YES, THEN SOBMXT APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION FAOM THE STATE CLEARINGHOUSE TO DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT REGARDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT. QUESTIONS REGARDING THE STATE CLEARINGHOUSE REVIEW PROCESS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO MS. CHRYS BAGGETT, DIRECTOR STATE CLEARINGHOUSE, NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, 116 WEST JONES STREET, RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27603-8003, TWLEPHONS (919) 733-6369. 4 IIO/600'd DECO# NCZJUIwriiA Qzvsri 9ZOVTGZOT6 00:6I 666TsCO'XV'kl 18. THE FOLLOWING ITEM$ SHOO'LD BE INCLUDED WITH THIS APPLICATION IF PROPOSED ACTIVITY INVOLVES THE DISCHARGE OF EXCAVATED OR FILL MATFRlkL 7NT'O WETLANDS: a. WETLAND 0S'LINEA'T'ION 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 I INCH EQUALS 50 F'EET OR 1 INCH EQUALS 100 FEET OR THEIR EQUIVALENT. b. IF AVAILABLE, REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOGRAPH OF WETLANDS TO BE IMPACTED BY PROJECT. c. IF DELINEATION WAS PERFORMED BY A CONSULTANT, INCLUDE ALL DATA SHEETS RELEVANT TO THE PLACEMENT OF THE DELINEATION LINE. d. ATTACH A COPY OF THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN IS REQUIRED. e. WHAT IS LAND USE OF SURROUNDING PROPERTY? Xesidential/ !' nrnrnc rr? i a 1 f. IF APPLICABLE, WHAT IS PROPOSED METHOD OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL? N\A 9. SIGNED AND DATED AGENT AUTHORIZATION LETTEk, IF APPLICABLE. NOTE: WETLANDS OR WATERS OF THE U.S. MAY NOT BE IMPACTED PRIOR TO: 1) ISSUANCE OF A SECTION 4D4 CORPS OF ENGINEERS PERMIT, 2) EITHER THE ISSUANCE OR MIVER OF A 401 DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (WATER QUALITY) CERTIFICATION, AND 3) ( I'N T= "WNTY COASTAL COUNTIES ONLY) , A LETTER FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF COASTAL MMAGEML*N't' STATING THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY IS CONSISTENT WITH THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. OWNZ'R' S/A NT' S SIGNATURE (AGENT'S SIGNATURE VALID ONLY IF AUTHORIZATION LETTER FROM THE OWNER IS PROVIDED (189.)) 5 if I f'.- DATE TTO/OTO"a tCCO# NclomiNII14 aaKsn 9Z0tT5Z0T6 TO:?T 666T,E0*7XX S } f 1 ISSK D i w r o c Cow I CL. J 5 `? 1 + SOIL & GR 418 LA r r Tal + { ' - + ?-- : CB-ED Aso coNC - a 600 REM 600 Us 1 79 BST 11 CB-ED REM 900 ONC ? \ 200 CONC 200 ?• - - " AST ?. _CONC - - - - - - - - - -? - - - - - - '?u vv r S67- 2 UUFM ?. r_ cuRr ,, , / S O 1 CONC 375 RED CB-ED ,. C CB ED i?-1 -? 900 5 I S BLK BUS %\ (ABAND) µ0W1.. -SOIL _ b??r? 3 ?+ra?cr r D STREAM N.C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DXVFSION OF HIGHWAY" RICHMOND COUNTY PROJECT: 8.1580601 (U-25851 U8 1 NEAR ROCKINGHAM SHeET __.,_.,. OF .?_._ TTO/TTO'a 6££O# mcloxiMilk ciavsn 9906TGFOT6 TO:IT 666T,£0*;Ml 't -. PRE-CON9TWIC'TION NOTIFICATION (PCX) NATIONWIDE 14 TO: NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES/BEAUFORT, NC FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE/RALEIGH, NC NC DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY/RALEIGH, NC EPA./AI'LAN'rA, GA STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE/RALEIGH, NC 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. ACTION 13D. 199603832 APPLICANT: NCDQT/TI2 NO U-2583 DATE OF TRANSMITTAL: 03 KU 1 9 RESPONSE DnAnLYNE : 07 M23Y' 1999 COMMENT DEADLINE (10 days from response deadline): 17 U&X -3-99.9-.... SEND COMMENTS TO WILMINGTON DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS. W LN?TXf;Tf1TT REGULATORY FIFLD OFFICE ATTN: DAVE ".GIMPY ....-- FAX ATO_ (910) 251-40 NUMBER OF PAGES, INCLUDING THIS SHEET: ?-? T00'd ZGEO# Ncls IIm=4 Qavgn SZOtTGFOT6 Zt:CT 666T,E0'T+'X 11 IQlC1614 a&-Sa S'rAi"E OF NORT1i CAROLINA DEPARTMENT Or TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT JR. GoV E RNUR [I.L--), BOX 25201, RALFAUH, N.C. 27611-5201 April 16,1999 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Field Office Post Office Box 1890 Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890 ATTN: Mr. Scott McLendon or Dave Timpy NCDOT Coordinator Dear Sir: E. NORRls TOLSON Swsrra>;v SUBMICT: Richmond County, Widening of 'US 1 from SR 1974 to proposed US 74 bypass. TIP No. U-2583, State Project No. 8.158060 1, Federal Aid Project No. NHF-220(1). The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDO I') proposes to widen an existing two- lane section of US l to a five-lane curb and gutter facility. The project extends from SR 1974 to the proposed US 74 bypass in Richmond County, a distance of approximately 0.88 miles. The project will crass one water body, Rocky Branch. The crossing will require the extension of the existing culvert by an additional 82.5 feet. No I-ligh Quality Waters or Outstanding Resource Waters occur in the project area. The NCDOT anticipates that these activities will be authorized undor a Nationwide Permit 14, Enclosed please find the project site map, the permit drawing, and the preconstruction notification form for the above referenced project. By copy of this letter, we are also requesting a 401 General Water Quality Certification # 3103 (for NWP 14) from the NC Division of Water Quality. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact Mr. Jim Hauser at (919) 733- 7844 extension 279. Sincerely, -Y' C- - ?4 1, William D. Gilmore, P.E.. Branch Manager Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch DCRIjh RE Z00'd Z££0# NCIOKIldU14 asvsn MtiTMT6 Z?:£T 666T,£0';'VH cc: Mr. David Franklin, COE, Wilmington Mr. John Dorney, NCDWQ Mr. David Cox, NCWRC Mr. Tom Shearin, P.E., Roadway Design Mr. Whit Webb, P.E., Program Development Mr. Len Hill, P.E., Design Services Mr. A. L. Hankins, P.E., Hydraulics Mr. William Rogers, P.E., Structure Design Mr. Bill Rosser, P.E., Division S Engineer coo'a Zcco# NOISKINUM aavsn 9FOVTGUT6 cf:CT 666T,c0'7-YX k NORTH C"O"A, DEPA UMNT OF "AMPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND RNVIRONMMAL BRANCH toclu)(0mM US 1 FWW 98 14 BYPASS Tb SQ 1974 (70M W ROO) It1CIGIO)m CDUdTY T.I.P NO. U-3333 PI4 l O k1bMters 1.6 Q miles 1 t00'a Zc£0# XCISIINUM Mlvsn 9Z0VT9Z0T6 Et:CT 666T,£0'X)01 , i 14"%l oil PROJBCT AREA ? ,• ', , ? ,? ?? . --• •.. ?? ••.?.••?' ••,_• ? 1 ? ° ?5U ?• 2 2 ROCKY $RAN r ,r ?'?-?? ! : •?,.. ?..? ' of , erson • : -• ,r?•,; • " , , • ; f„., Park = , I ?'`',?•? I ' ??• ` t-- *?'. •' ?. •-,' '?° UT 1 ROCKX BRAlaCB ;1- ,277 ? ? i ? • ? - NVI eel t v, 40ON 284, k all ' GY78??1 ^? / ?? r?• i 4 1 1 ' ` s J t / ?„• "?` ``` ?,. * •~, 3?s? • ':??;'• part •q `A?hle? . ?. V N\ ''- ? ? .a apel ' ... SCALE 1:24,000 oil,I pit- optstat ring5o l ``. r } 1 SS ` ' . I N ffAT1 1t 1 p i FIGURE 2. WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATED WITH PROJECT U-•2583 • 900'a NCO# MCIOMzraM4 Gaven 990DTGNT6 Et:ET 666T,E0';WM t DWQ ID: CORPS ACTION ID: Vkch' 1, 1 383 a NATIONWIDE PERMIT REQUES"_ED (FROVIDE NATIONWIDE PERMIT #) 14 PRE-CONSTRUCTION NOTIFICATION APPLICATION FOR NATIONWIDE PERMITS THAT REQUIRE: 1) NOTIFICATION TO THE CORPS OF ENGINEZ" 2) APPLICATION FOR SECTION 401 CERTIVICATION 3) COORDINATION WITH THE NC DIVISION OF CQASTAL MANAGEMENT SEND THE ORIGINAL AND (1) COPY OF THIS CdMPIET= FORM TO THE APPROPRIATE F2ELD OFSICE Or THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS (SEE AGENCY ADDRESSES SHEET). SEVEN (7) COPIES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE N.G. DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (SEE AGENCY ADDRESSES SHEET)_ PLEASE PRINT_ 1. OWNERS NAME: N. C. Department of Transportation Planning and Environmental Branch 2. MAILING ADDRESS: P. 0. Box 25201 SUBDIVISION NAME: CITY: Raleigh, STATE: NC 2XP CODE: 27611 PROJECT LOCATION ADDRESS, INCLUDING SUBDIVISION NAME (IF DIFFERENT FROM MAILING ADDRESS ABOVE): 3. T SLEPHONE NUMBER (HOME): (WORK): 733-3141 4. IF APPLICABLE: AGENT'S NAME OR RESPO'NSIBLS CORPORATE OFFICIAL, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER: William 0. Gilmore, P.E., Manager 5. LOCATION OF WORK (PROVIDE A MAP, PREFERABLY A COPY OF USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP OR AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY WITH SCALE): COUNTY: Richmond NEAREST TOWN OR CITY: 1RQckingham 1 900.6 zeeo# xclomimgiM osvsn SZO?T9zOI6 bfi:CT 666Ii£O';?'k1 DWQ ID: CORPS ACTION ID: \lxc?1 lei 383 QL NATIONWIDE PERMIT REQUES'_ED (PROVIDE NATIONWIDE PERMIT #) 14 PRE-CONSTRUCTION NOTIFICATION APPLICATION FOR NATIONWIDE PERMITS THAT REQUIRE: 1) NOTIFICATION TO THE CORPS OF ENGIN=" 2) APPLICATION FOR SEGTEw 401 CgTtTIvICATION 3) COORDIKhTION WITH THE NO DIVISION OF CQASTAL MANAGEMENT SEND THE ORIGINAL AND (1) COPY OF THIS GOMPLZT= FORM TO THE APPROPRIATE FIELD OFFICE Or THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS (SEE AGENCY ADDRESSES SHEET). SEVEN (7) COPIES SHOULD BE SENT TO '.HM N.C. DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (SEE AGENCY ADDRESSES SHEET)_ PLEASE PRIMT_ 1. OWNERS NAME: N. C. Department of Transportation Planning and Environmental Sranch 2. MAILING ADDRESS: P. 0. Box 25201 SUBDIVIS20N NAME: CITY: Raleigh: STATE: NC 2XP CODE: 27611 PROJECT LOCATION ADDRESS, I'NC'LUDING SUBDIVISION NAME (IF DIFFERENT FROM MAILING ADDRESS ABOVE): 3. TELEPHONE NUMBER (HOME): (WORK) 733-3141 4. IF APPLICABLE: AGENT'S NAME OR RESPONSIBLE CORPORATE OFFICIAL, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER: Willi= D. Gilmore,_ P.E., Manager 5. LOCATION OF WORK (PROVIDE A MAP, PREFERABLY A COPY OF USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP OR AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY WITH SCALE): COUNTY: Richmond NEAREST TOWN OR CITY: Rockingham 1 TTO/900'a Z£Eo# Ncloxiil'IIIA a8vsn 9Z0bT9Z0T6 9fi:ET 666T,?0'xVkl SPECIFIC LOCATION (INCLUDE ROAD NUMBERS, LANDMARKS, ETC.): US 1 from SR 1974 tQ PrQPased US 74 bypass_ 6. IMPACTED OR NEAREST STREAM/RIVER: RoCky Branch RIVER BASIN: Yadkin River 7a. IS PROJECT LOCATED NEAR WATER CLASSIFM AS TROUT, TIDAL SALTWATER (SA), HIGH QUA'LI'FY WATERS (HQW), OUTSTANAXNG RESOURCE WATERS (ORW), WATER SUPPLY (WS-1 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[ I NOM 7C. IF THE PROJECT IS LOCATED WITMXN A COASTAL COUNTY (SEE PAGE 7 FOR LIST OF OOASTt,L GOONTIES), WHAT IS THE LAND USE PLAN (tUI51 DESICNATION? $a. HAVE ANY SECTION 404 PERMITS BEEN PREVIOUSLY REQUESTED FOR USE ON THIS PROPERTY? YES [ ] NO [X] IF YES, PROVIDE ACTION I.D. NUMBER OF PREVIOUS PERMIT AND ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (INCLUDE PHOTOCOPY OF 401 CERTIFICATION): $b, ARE ADD'ITIONA'L PERMIT REQUESTS EXPECTED FOR THIS PROPERTY IN THE FUTURE? YES [ ] NO [XI IF YES, DESCRIBE ANTICIPATED WORK: 9a. ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBSR OF ACRES IN TRACT OF LAND: N\A 9b. ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBER OF ACRES OF WETLANDS LOCATED ON PROJECT SITE: N\A 2 TTO/L00'a Z££0# NCIONINIII14 a21KsII GFOtTGFOT6 9fi:£T 666T,£0'xYDi 10a. NUMBER OF ACRES OF WETLANDS IMPACTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT BY: FXLLXNG: 0.0 FLOODING! 0.0 DRAINAGE: 0.0 EXCAVATION: 0.0 OTHER: 0.0 TOTAL ACRES TO BE IbG%CTED: 0.0 10b, (1) STREAM CHANNEL TO BE IMPACTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT (IF RELOCATED, PROVIDE DISTANCE BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER RELOCATION): LENGTH BEFORE: 82.5 FT AFTER: N\A FT WIDTH BEFORE (based on normal high water contours); N\A FT WIDTH AFTER: N\A FT AVERAGE DEPTH BEFORE: N\A FT AFTER: N\A FT (2) STREAM CHANNEL IMPACTS WILL RESULT FROM: (CHECK ALL THAI' APPLX) OPEN CHANNEL RELOCATION: PLACEMENT OF PIPE IN CHANNEL: CHANNEL EXCAVATION: - CONSTRUCTION OF A DAM/FLOODING: OTHER: X 11. IF CONSTRUCTION OF A POND IS PROPOSED, WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE WATERSHED DRAINING TO THE POND? N\A WRAP IS THE EXPECT9D POND SURFACE AREA? N\A 12. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED WORK INCLUDING DISCUSSION OF TYPE OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT TO BE USED (ATTACH PLANS: 8 1/2" X 11" DRAWINGS ONLY): Widen existing facility to a five--lane curb and gutter section to improve safety and traffic flow Road construCtion equipment 13. PURPOSE OF PROPOSED WORK: lr=Ove Safety and traffic f10W on US 1 3 TTO/800'd Z££o# NCIONINUIR csvgn 9ZOtT9ZOT6 9fi:£T 666T,£0'7-VW r 14. STATE REASONS WHY IT IS IMIEVED THAT THIS ACTIVITY MUST BE CARRIED OUT IN WETLANDS. (INCLUDE ANY MEASURES TAKEN TO MINIMIZE WETLAND IMPACTS): The widening is On existing location and is a linear project. Therefore, Crossing jurisdictional areas is unavoidable lMn7T^' tiR' rnTrn- Ti TrcTS NISTORIG T1 TiC?CT'TZ[7??gn*7 nrnTr+trn 16 nrr TRL^ aL+AiTT1iLf1 'P8 T+ Tnv mr%r% ""el cti rtr rirnl rf4^rnL`l `1'CNG mr_rn 71 ?n?Tnn nr v7Cr[+i1r?'r !`? 17. DOES THE PROJECT INVOLVE AN EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC FUNDS OR THE USE OF PUBLIC (STATE) LAND? YES [X] NO [ ] (IF NO, GO TO 18) a. TF YES, GOES THE PROJECT REQUIRE PREPARATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT? YES [X] NO [ l b. IF YES, HAS THE DOCUMENT SEEN REVIEWED THROUGH THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT Or ADMINISTRATION STATE CLEARINGHOUSE? YES [X] NO [ IF ANSWER TO 17b IS YES, THEN SUBMIT APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION FROM THE STATE CLEARINGHOUSE TO DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT REGARDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT. QUESTIONS REGARDING THE STATE CLEARINGHOUSE REVIEW PROCESS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO MS. CHRYS BAGGETT, DIRECTOR STATE CLEARINGHOUSE, NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, 116 WL$T JONES STREET, RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27603-8003, TELEPHONE (919) 733-6369. 4 TTO/600'a Z£c0# XCIONIW'III/I cclsvgl 990tT5ZOT6 L?:£T 666T,E0';?VkI 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 SCALBS SHOULD BE 1 INCH EQUALS 50 FEET OR 1 INCH EQUALS 100 FEET OR THEIR EQUIVALENT. b. IF AVAILABLE, REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOGRAPH Or WETLANDS TO BE IMPACTED BY PROJECT- c. IF DELINEATION WAS PERFORMBO BY A CONSULTANT, INCLUDE ALL DATA SHEETS RELEVANT TO THE PLACEMENT OF THS DELINEATION LINE. d. ATTACK A COPY OF THE S'TORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN IF REQUIRED. e. WHAT IS LAND USE OF SURROUNDING PROPERTY? Residential/ Commercial f. IF APPLICABLE, WHAT IS PROPOSED METHOD OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL? N g. SIGNED AND DATED AGENT AOTRORTZAmYON 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 ENGINERRS PERMIT, 2) EITHER THE ISSUANCE OR WAIVER OF A 401 DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (WATER QUALITY) CERTIFICATION, AND 3) (IN THE TWNTY COASTAL COUNTIES ONLY), A LETTER FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT STATING TAIL PROPOSED ACTIVITY IS CONSISTENT WITH THE: NORTH CAltOLI147A COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. OWNER'S/A NT'S SIGNATURE (AGENT'S SIGNATURE VALID ONLY IF AUTHORIZATION LETTER FROM THE OWNER IS PROVIDED (lBg.)) 5 DATE TTO/0T0'a Z£EO# NcloxIiI221A cisvsn 9F06T9F0T6 Lt:CT 666T,C0',TyN w 1 1 IS SK D ? ? V Q 1 i . ? ?? ,? i i Is ? a o .• Q i ' fl °CL. ' B' RI P 4 03 SOIL & GR LA 1000 CB-ED 600 REM 600 US 1 79 AST CB-ED REM 900 >uc ?., .zaa ca ,f-.R C-lt ,-- -fAT-- CY ° i-?cONC _CJRB? _ --------- _ _ _ CURB CONIC 375 / 0 1 CB-ED RD CB CB-EDP -- ?- `, 900 T y 15 BLK ? ` 1 1 ? BUS (ASAND) r{ , 1 i I µDWL SOIL I _ OlLNCrMab - MPACTF STA I=,gftl N.C. OOPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS RICHMOND COUNTY PROJECT: 8.1580601 (U•-2583) U5 1 NEAR ROCKINGHAMf SHEET - - OF TTO/TTO'a Ze£0# NCIONINII14 osvsn 9Z0tT5Z0T6 Lfi:£T 666T,£0';M µysius?.C 401 ISSUED STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT JR. P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH. N.C. 27611-5201 E. NoR.RIS TOLSON GOVERNOR SECRETARY April 16, 1999 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Field Office Post Office Box 1890 PAYMENT Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890 RECEIVED ATTN: Mr. Scott McLendon or Dave Timpy NCDOT Coordinator Dear Sir: SUBJECT: Richmond County. Widening of US 1 from SR 1974 to proposed US 74 bypass. TIP No. U-2583, State Project No. 8.1580601. Federal Aid Project No. NHF-220(1). The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to widen an existing two- lane section of US 1 to a five-lane curb and gutter facility. The project extends from SR 1974 to the proposed US 74 bypass in Richmond County, a distance of approximately 0.88 miles. The project will cross one water body, Rocky Branch. The crossing will require the extension of the existing culvert by an additional 82.5 feet. No High Quality Waters or Outstanding Resource Waters occur in the project area. The NCDOT anticipates that these activities will be authorized under a Nati wi e' ' 4. Enclosed please find the project site map, the permit drawing, and the prec sr, ctio form for the above referenced project. By copy of this letter, we are also r esti a 401 e Water Quality Certification # 3103 (for NWP 14) from the NC Division s ter ,610y. u have any questions or need any additional information, please contact r =1i r at (F9 9w.) 7844 extension 279. Sincerely, C_ v William D. Gilmore, P.E., Branch Manager Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch DCR/jh cc: Mr. David Franklin, COE, Wilmington Mr. John Dorney, NCDWQ Mr. David Cox, NCWRC Mr. Tom Shearin, P.E., Roadway Design Mr. Whit Webb, P.E., Program Development Mr. Len Hill, P.E., Design Services Mr. A. L. Hankins, P.E., Hydraulics Mr. William Rogers, P.E., Structure Design Mr. Bill Rosser, P.E., Division 8 Engineer 5 L NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BRANCH ROCKINGHAM US 1 FROM US 74 BYPASS TO SR 1974 (FORREST ROAD) ,RICHMOND COUNTY _ T.I.P NO. U-2183 FIG 1 0 kilometers 1.6 0 miles 1 1 1 1 1 1 V _ t_ i? • ?• i •% •. PROJECT AREA l '• i ,-? /? ?.. '`??.;' .`lam t? `..' ??a•A__ • • . :, • • ?• •_ • r \ ?? ': • o - ??SV , • 2 UT# 2 ROCKY BRANCH ,ao,=; :.:: • ' ••efferson • : ?? Par ?,.,-? µ . ' }? ' ?? ???``` } l t_ `? t ` •• - - UT# 1 ROCKY BRANCH 1277 V 1: ,? ? ? `. ? ? J • 275. ? ' • , ?' - - \ V ? , ( Cf ? t ? I ? - US t V% 283 •? ew'DI 9! f \? ?I Clla el J- sk 1-1 p ~ - 326 QA9I . \? + pah .r?fi a q Ile q SCALE 1: 24, 000- '?t=. o _. ?` _l A ley ,Rap _ _ t?;fQ utat ?prings%` •`.r t ??? • n-T FIGURE 2. WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATED WITH PROJECT U-2583 DWQ ID: CORPS ACTION ID: NATIONWIDE PERMIT REQUESTED (PROVIDE NATIONWIDE PERMIT #): 14 PRE-CONSTRUCTION NOTIFICATION APPLICATION FOR NATIONWIDE PERMITS THAT REQUIRE: 1) NOTIFICATION TO THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS 2) APPLICATION FOR SECTION 401 CERTIFICATION 3) COORDINATION WITH THE NC DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT SEND THE ORIGINAL AND (1) COPY OF THIS COMPLETED FORM TO THE APPROPRIATE FIELD OFFICE OF THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS (SEE AGENCY ADDRESSES SHEET). SEVEN (7) COPIES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE N.C. DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL. MANAGEMENT (SEE AGENCY ADDRESSES SHEET). PLEASE PRINT. 1. OWNERS NAME: N. C. Department of Transportation Planning and Environmental Branch 2. MAILING ADDRESS: P. 0. Box 25201 SUBDIVISION NAME: CITY: Raleigh STATE: NC ZIP CODE: 27611 PROJECT LOCATION ADDRESS, INCLUDING SUBDIVISION NAME (IF DIFFERENT FROM MAILING ADDRESS ABOVE): 3. TELEPHONE NUMBER (HOME): (WORK): 733-3141 4. IF APPLICABLE: AGENT'S NAME OR RESPONSIBLE CORPORATE OFFICIAL, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER: William D. Gilmore, P.E., Manaaer 5. LOCATION OF WORK (PROVIDE A MAP, PREFERABLY A COPY OF USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP OR AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY WITH SCALE): COUNTY: Richmond NEAREST TOWN OR CITY: Rockingham 1 SPECIFIC LOCATION (INCLUDE ROAD NUMBERS, LANDMARKS, ETC.): US 1 from SR 1974 to proposed US 74 bypass 6. IMPACTED OR NEAREST STREAM/RIVER: Rocky Branch RIVER BASIN: Yadkin 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 LAND USE PLAN (LUP) DESIGNATION? 8a. HAVE ANY SECTION 404 PERMITS BEEN PREVIOUSLY REQUESTED FOR USE ON THIS PROPERTY? YES [ ] NO [X] IF YES, PROVIDE ACTION I.D. NUMBER OF PREVIOUS PERMIT AND ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (INCLUDE PHOTOCOPY OF 401 CERTIFICATION): 8b. ARE ADDITIONAL PERMIT REQUESTS EXPECTED FOR THIS PROPERTY IN THE FUTURE? YES [ ] NO [X] IF YES, DESCRIBE ANTICIPATED WORK: 9a. ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBER OF ACRES IN TRACT OF LAND: N\A 9b. ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBER OF ACRES OF WETLANDS LOCATED ON PROJECT SITE: N\A 2 10a. NUMBER OF ACRES OF WETLANDS IMPACTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT BY: FILLING: 0.0 EXCAVATION: 0.0 FLOODING: 0.0 OTHER: 0.0 DRAINAGE: 0.0 TOTAL ACRES TO BE IMPACTED: 0.0 10b. (1) STREAM CHANNEL TO BE IMPACTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT (IF RELOCATED, PROVIDE DISTANCE BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER RELOCATION): LENGTH BEFORE: 82.5 FT AFTER: N\A FT WIDTH BEFORE (based on normal high water contours): N\A FT WIDTH AFTER: N\A F- AVERAGE DEPTH BEFORE: N\F, FT AFTER: N\P> FT (2) STREAM CHANNEL IMPACTS WILL RESULT FROM: (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) OPEN CHANNEL RELOCATION: PLACEMENT OF PIPE IN CHANNEL: X CHANNEL EXCAVATION: CONSTRUCTION OF A DAM/FLOODING: OTHER. 11. IF CONSTRUCTION OF A POND IS PROPOSED, WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE WATERSHED DRAINING TO THE POND? N\A WHAT IS THE EXPECTED POND SURFACE AREA? N\A 12. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED WORK INCLUDING DISCUSSION OF TYPE OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT TO BE USED (ATTACH PLANS: 8 1/2" X 11" DRAWINGS ONLY): Widen existing facility to a five-lane curb and gutter section to improve safety and traffic flow Road construction equipment 13. PURPOSE OF PROPOSED WORK: Improve safety and traffic flow on us 1 3 14. STATE REASONS WHY IT IS BELIEVED THAT THIS ACTIVITY MUST BE CARRIED OUT IN WETLANDS. (INCLUDE ANY MEASURES TAKEN TO MINIMIZE WETLAND IMPACTS): The widening is on existing location and is a linear project. Therefore, crossing jurisdictional areas is unavoidable 17. DOES THE PROJECT INVOLVE AN EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC FUNDS OR THE USE OF PUBLIC (STATE) LAND? YES [X] NO [ ] (IF NO, GO TO 18) a. IF YES, DOES THE PROJECT REQUIRE PREPARATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT? YES [X] NO [ b. IF YES, HAS THE DOCUMENT BEEN REVIEWED THROUGH THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION STATE CLEARINGHOUSE? YES [X] NO [ J IF ANSWER TO 17b IS YES, THEN SUBMIT APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION FROM THE STATE CLEARINGHOUSE TO DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT REGARDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT. QUESTIONS REGARDING THE STATE CLEARINGHOUSE REVIEW PROCESS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO MS. CHRYS BAGGETT, DIRECTOR STATE CLEARINGHOUSE, NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, 116 WEST JONES STREET, RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27603-8003, TELEPHONE (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 INCH EQUALS 100 FEET OR THEIR EQUIVALENT. b. IF AVAILABLE, REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOGRAPH OF WETLANDS TO BE IMPACTED BY PROJECT. C. IF DELINEATION WAS PERFORMED BY A CONSULTANT, INCLUDE ALL DATA SHEETS RELEVANT TO THE PLACEMENT OF THE DELINEATION LINE. d. ATTACH A COPY OF THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN IF REQUIRED. e. WHAT IS LAND USE OF SURROUNDING PROPERTY? Residential/ Commercial f. IF APPLICABLE, WHAT IS PROPOSED METHOD OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL? N\A g. SIGNED AND DATED AGENT AUTHORIZATION LETTER, IF APPLICABLE. NOTE: WETLANDS OR WATERS OF THE U.S. MAY NOT BE IMPACTED PRIOR TO: 1) ISSUANCE OF A SECTION 404 CORPS OF ENGINEERS PERMIT, 2) EITHER THE ISSUANCE OR WAIVER OF A 401 DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (WATER QUALITY) CERTIFICATION, AND 3) (IN THE TWENTY COASTAL COUNTIES ONLY), A LETTER FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT STATING THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY IS CONSISTENT WITH THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. 17 -L- 6LlA4? J14, 2L OWNER'S/A NT'S SIGNATURE l r DATE (AGENT'S SIGNATURE VALID ONLY IF AUTHORIZATION LETTER FROM THE OWNER IS PROVIDED (18g.)) 5 C/ . W I I 1 I S BK D IS ° ' ' C L. r B RI 1 QN v ?? SOIL & GR 9.4181 , I - - _ - 1000 CB-ED 450 CONCIF L- - -? 600 REM 600 us I Ts BST CB-ED REM 900 ----- 200 ? i 200 v'ONC 200 CONC L R 3,T / L _ CONC GUR& BST- ,2 CGRB7? CURE ! Mu vy - - ------------ , o CoNc 375 / i SO I CB-ED RED , CB CB-ED - - - -r I ' 90 0 --/ r ` - - - - --- ---- - -- LK B BUS S 1,,3 (ABAND) i 1 1 t / a SOIL r ' I OEnlal E S1PACT Tn c'? N.C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS RICHMOND COUNTY PROJECT: 8.1580601 (U-2583; US 1 NEAR ROCKINGHAM SHEET OF 6r . Co States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Raleigh Field Office' Post Office Box 33726 Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726 / `91 1 January 17, 1997 jµi Mr. H. Franklin Vick Manager, Planning and Environmental Branch Division of Highways N. C. Department of Transportation Post Office Box 25201 Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-5201 Dear Mr. Vick: This responds to your letter of December 18, 1996, requesting comments from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) on the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), dated November 26, 1996, for the Widening of US 1 from the proposed US 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forrest Street), Richmond County, North Carolina (TI-P No. U-2583). An Environmental Assessment (EA) was released on the project in March 1996. The Service did not provide comments on the EA. This report 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). According to the FONSI, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to widen an existing two-lane section with shoulder and ditch borders to a five-lane section with curb and gutter edges. The widening would extend from the proposed US 74 bypass to SR 1974. The total length of the proposed project would be 0.8 of a mile. Alternatives Analysis Section IV of the EA considers alternatives for the project. The Service is pleased that the NCDOT considered symmetrical, asymmetrical, and a combination of these widening designs and that the required transportation improvements can be made by widening the existing road. We consider the analysis of alternatives to be adequate. Wetlands The EA (pp. 20-21) considers project impacts on wetlands. Project plans indicate that wetland impacts would be minimal and consist of less than 0.49 acres. The Service is pleased that the planned alignment was shifted to minimized wetland impacts. The EA notes (p. 22) that Best Management Practices will be implemented throughout construction. Based on information in the EA and. the FONSI, the Service believes that the NCDOT has endeavored to avoid and minimize wetland impacts associated with this project. Federally Protected Species The EA (pp. 16-19) considers potential impacts on federally threatened and endangered species. The Service is pleased that searches were made for the rough-leaved loosestrife (Lysimachia asperulaefolia) and the ,r red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) and that a plant-by-plant survey was conducted for Michaux's sumac (Rhus michauxii). The EA and FONSI state that the NCDOT has determined that the project will have no effect on any species protected by the ESA. Based on the information supplied by the NCDOT and the assumption that stringent water quality and erosion control procedures will be employed during construction, the Service concurs that this project is not likely to adversely affect any federally-listed endangered and threatened species under our jurisdiction, their formally designated critical habitat, or species currently proposed for Federal listing under the ESA, as amended. The NCDOT should note that the shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) is under the jurisdiction of the National Marine Fisheries Service. We believe that the requirements of Section 7 of the ESA have been satisfied. We remind you that obligations under Section 7 consultation must be reconsidered if: (1) new information reveals impacts of this identified action that may affect listed species or critical habitat in a manner not previously considered; (2) this action is subsequently modified in a manner that was not considered in this review; and/or, (3) a new species is listed or critical habitat determined that may be affected by the identified action. Summary The Service believes that the SEA adequately describes the purpose and need for the project, the alternatives considered, and the environmental impacts of the project. Based on information contained in the FONSI, the Service would support a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for this project. 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. If our office can supply any additional information or clarification, please contact Howard Hall at (919)-856-4520 (ext. 27). Sincerely, -I,h 4 e L" ),,- Mike Wicker Acting Supervisor FWS/R4:HHall:1/17/97:WP:A:ricu2583.197 l State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Division of Water Quality JamesB. Hunt, Jr., Govemor Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director January 28, 1997 MEMORANDUM To: Melba McGee e?y Through: John DoM`' From: Cyndi Bell E: > EHNFI FAXED JAN 2 71991 Subject: Finding of No Significant Impact for US 1 Widening from the Proposed US 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forrest Street) in Rockingham Richmond County State Project DOT No. 8.1580601, T.I.P. No. U-2583 EHNR # 97-0433, DWQ # 11477 The subject document has been reviewed by this office. The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) is responsible for the issuance of the Section 401 Water Quality Certification for activities which impact waters of the state including wetlands. The project will involve fill in up to 0.2 hectare (0.49 acre) of wetlands and surface waters. DWQ offers the following comments based on the document review: A) The project design involves widening of 0.8 mile of US 1 in Rockingham. In correspondence dated July 1, 1996, DWQ requested that avoidance alternatives be further investigated in the vicinity of wetland #2. Based upon a meeting on October 30, 1996 between NCDOT and DWQ staff, and on information provided in the FONSI, DWQ concurs with NCDOT's preferred alignment. B) The EA and FONSI include a commitment by NCDOT to utilize Best Management Practices for the protection of Surface Waters throughout construction. Culvert extensions at two unnamed tributaries of Rocky Branch will be involved with this project. We ask that NCDOT implement minimization measures to reduce wetland and stream impacts from the anticipated maximum 0.2 hectare (0.49 acre) throughout the detailed design and construction processes. DWQ will be happy to consult with NCDOT staff to help ensure protection of these streams and wetland systems. C) We ask that NCDOT stipulate that borrow material will be taken from upland sources in the construction contract awarded for this project. D) We ask that NCDOT ensure that the sediment and erosion control measures not be placed in wetlands. This commitment should be incorporated into the construction contract awarded for this project. P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone 919-733-9960 FAX # 733-9919 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 509/6 0% post consumer paper Ms. Melba McGee Memo January 28, 1997 Page 2 E) The EA and FONSI state that no stream relocations and no new stream crossings will be required in order to construct the preferred alternative. If this detail changes during the design phase of this project, NCDOT is reminded that stream mitigation may be required in accordance with current DWQ Wetland Rules which were not in effect at the time the EA and FONSI were prepared. In such a case, a comprehensive stream mitigation proposal would be needed with the application for 401 Water Quality Certification. Based upon the surface water impacts described in the EA and FONSI, General Certification 2732 will likely be applicable to this project. Final permit authorization will require formal application by NCDOT and written concurrence from DWQ. Please be aware that this approval will be contingent upon evidence of avoidance and minimization of wetland and stream impacts to the extent practical. DWQ appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on the FONSI. DOT is reminded that issuance of a 401 Water Quality Certification requires satisfaction of water quality concerns, to ensure that water quality standards are met and no wetland or stream uses are lost. Questions regarding the 401 Certification should be directed to Cyndi Bell at (919) 733-1786 in DWQ's Water Quality Environmental Sciences Branch. cc: Scott McLendon, COE, Wilmington James F. Bridges, Jr., P.E., NCDOT, P&E Michelle Suverkrubbe, DWQ U2583FON.DOC Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources ? Project located in 7th floor library Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Project Review Form l l q7-7?- Project Number: County: Date: Date Response Due (firm deadline): 4211 This project is being reviewed as indicated below: Regional Office/Phone Regional Office Area In-House Review ? Asheville ? All R/O Areas ? Soil and Water .? Marine Fisheries ? Fayetteville ? Air ? Coastal Management ? Water Planning ? Water ? Water Resources ? Environmental Health ? Mooresville ? Groundwater X-16 Idlife ? Solid Waste Management ? Raleigh ? Land Quality Engineer ? Forest Resources ? Radiation Protection ? Washington ? Recreational Consultant ? Land Resources ? David Foster ? Coastal Management Consultant l Parks and Recreation ? Other (specify) E ? Wilmington ? Others , ?? ."Environmental Management ? Winston-Salem PWS ` Monica Swihart Manager Sign-Off/Region: Date: In-House Reviewer/Agency: 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 attached/authority(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) GConsistency Statement needed (comments attached) ? Consistency Statement not needed ? Full EIS must be required under the provisions of NEPA and SEPA ? Other (specify and attach comments) RETURN TO: Melba McGee PS 10a Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs U. S. 1 From Proposed U. S. 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forrest Street) Rockingham, Richmond County Federal Aid Number NHF-220(1) State Project Number 8.1580601 T.I.P. No. U-2583 Administrative Action Finding of No Significant Impact November 1996 Documentation Prepared in Planning and Environmental Branch By: es F. Bridges Jr., P. Project Planning Engineer W n Stroud Project Planning Unit Head Lubin V. Prevatt, P.E., Assistant Manager Planning and Environmental Branch ``l%ttuu,rr,rr??• • N 4Q SEAL ,?S??auabp?q 022109 .•`!\\ CARp'•. ?•• Q0 04!s9 = 4?•s B ??7...? SEAL 6976 % N ??,. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 1. TYPE OF ACTION.: .................................................................................. I II. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION ................................................ I III. SUMMARY OF SPECIAL PROJECT COMMITMENTS ..........................2 A. PERMITS .......................................................................................2 B. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ......................................................... 2 C. UTILITIES .....................................................................................2 D. GEODETIC MARKERS .................................................................2 IV. SUMMARY OF BENEFICIAL AND ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ................................................................ 3 V. COORDINATION AND COMMENTS ...................................................... 4 A. CIRCULATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT .............................................................................. 4 B. COMMENTS RECEIVED ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ............................................ 5 C. COMMENTS RECEIVED DURING AND FOLLOWING THE PUBLIC HEARING ............................................................... 6 VI. REVISIONS TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT .................... 6 VII. ONLY PRACTICABLE ALTERNATIVE WETLAND FINDING ............. 7 VIII. BASIS FOR FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ......................... 7 * TABLES Table I - 72 dBA and 67 dBA Noise Contour Levels ..............................................3 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE FIGURES Figure 1 - Vicinity Map Figure 2 - Proposed Improvements APPENDIX Comments Received on the Environmental Assessment .......................................... A-1 Public Hearing Notice and Handout ....................................................................... A-10 US 1 From Proposed US 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forrest Street) Rockingham, Richmond County Federal Aid Number NHF-220(l ) State Project Number 8.1580601 T.I.P. No. U-2583 FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Prepared by the Planning and Environmental Branch Division of Highways North Carolina Department of Transportation in Consultation with the Federal Highway Administration 1. TYPE OF ACTION This is a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) administrative action, Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The FHWA has determined this project will not have any significant impact on the human environment. This FONSI is based on the Environmental Assessment, which has been independently evaluated by the FHWA and determined to adequately and accurately discuss the environmental issues and impacts of the proposed project. The Environmental Assessment provides sufficient evidence and analysis for determining that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required. The FHWA takes full responsibility for the accuracy, scope, and content of the Environmental Assessment. II. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to widen US 1 from the proposed US 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forrest Street) in Rockingham, Richmond County (see Figure 1). NCDOT includes this project in the 1997-2003 Transportation Improvement Program (T.I.P.). The current project schedule includes right of way acquisition beginning in fiscal year 1998 and construction in fiscal year 2000. NCDOT will widen US 1, which is an existing two lane section with shoulders and ditches to a five lane section with curb and gutter from the proposed US 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forrest Street) in Rockingham (see Figure 2). The project is 1.3 kilometers (0.8 mile) in length. The proposed typical section will be 19.2 meters (64 feet) wide from face to face of curbs. It will provide four through lanes (two in each direction) and a continuous center left-turn lane. The widening will be done to the east of the existing roadway from just north of SR 1180 (Southwood Road) to just south of SR 1136 (Eason Road) and symmetrically from SR 1136 to SR 1974 (see Figure 2). The completed project will provide a design speed of approximately 80 km/h (50 mph) with a proposed posted speed limit of 70 km/hr (45 mph). It will require 30 meters (100 feet) of right of way. The estimated cost of the project is $2,865,000, including $815,000 for right of way and $2,050,000 for construction. The funding included in the 1997-2003 T.I.P. is also $2,865,000. III. SUMMARY OF SPECIAL PROJECT COMMITMENTS A. PERMITS Conditions for a Nationwide Permit No. 14 (minor road crossings) from the Corps of Engineers apply to the project. If the project requires a permit No. 14, a 401 Water Quality Certification will be required from the N.C. Division of Environmental Management. B. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS A field reconnaissance survey identified four underground storage tank (UST) facilities within the project limits. NCDOT will conduct a site assessment of underground storage facilities located within the project area prior to right of way acquisition. If leaks and contamination have occurred, NCDOT will notify the N.C. Division of Water Quality. Also an appropriate amount will be withheld from the property owner during right of way acquisition for clean up. C. UTILITIES NCDOT expects utility conflicts to be moderate to high. Any relocation of utilities along the project will be coordinated with the appropriate utility or local government. D. GEODETIC MARKERS This project will impact one geodetic survey marker. NCDOT will notify the N.C. Geodetic Survey prior to construction with regards to a geodetic survey marker located north of SR 1974. IV. SUMMARY OF BENEFICIAL AND ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS The proposed improvements will allow more efficient vehicle operation and reduced travel times. This will result in road user cost savings. Automobile traffic safety will be enhanced. Access to homes, businesses, and public facilities will be improved. The project will improve the aesthetics of the roadway corridor. Increased channelization and sedimentation are the major anticipated impacts to water quality. Scouring of the stream bed, soil compaction, and loss of shading due to vegetation removal are also potential impacts. Increased sedimentation from lateral flows along with erosion is expected. Approximately 1.6 hectares (4.0 acres) of additional right of way will be required. An estimated six residential relocations and one business relocation will occur as a result of the project. Less than 0.2 hectare (0.49 acre) of wetlands will be impacted by the project. No protected species will be impacted by the project. It is predicted that approximately I 1 receptors will experience traffic noise impacts. However, no receptors are anticipated to be impacted by a substantial increase in future noise levels. The following table shows the predicted maximum extent of the 72 and 67 dBA noise level contours: TABLE 1 72 dBA and 67 dBA Noise Contour Levels Maximum Predicted Leq Noise Levels dBA Project Segment 15m 30m 60m US 220 from Proposed US 74 68 64 58 (East-side/South-side widening) US 220 from SR 1136 to SR 1974 8 64 58 (Forest Road) (Symmetrical widening) Maximum Contour Distances (meters) 72 dBA 67 dBA <14.7 25.0 <14.7 25.0 Notes: 1. 15 m, 30 m, and 60 m distances are measured from the center of the nearest travel lane. 2. The 72 dBA and 67 dBA contour distances are measured from the center of the proposed roadway. 4 This information was included in Table N4 on page A2-10 of the Appendix to the Environmental Assessment and is shown here to assist local authorities in exercising land use control over the remaining undeveloped lands adjacent to the roadway within local jurisdictions. . Physical measures to abate anticipated traffic noise levels such as noise barriers can often be applied with a measurable degree of success. However, for a noise barrier to provide sufficient noise reduction it must be high enough and long enough to shield the receptor from significant sections of the highway. Access openings in the barrier severely reduce the noise reduction provided by the barrier. There is no access control along this project. Because there is no access control it becomes economically unreasonable to construct a barrier for a small noise reduction. Safety at access openings due to restricted sight distance is also a concern. For these reasons, noise barriers were not recommended. In accordance with the NCDOT Traffic Noise Abatement Policy, the Federal/State governments are no longer responsible for providing noise abatement measures for new development for which building permits are issued within the noise impact area of a proposed highway after the Date of Public Knowledge. The Date of Public Knowledge of the location of the proposed highway project will be the approval date of CE's, FONSI's, ROD'S, or the Design Public Hearing, whichever comes later. For development occurring after this public knowledge date, local governing bodies are responsible for insuring that noise compatible designs are utilized along the proposed facility. V. COORDINATION AND COMMENTS A. CIRCULATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT The Environmental Assessment was approved by the NC Division of Highways and the FHWA on March 29, 1996. The approved Environmental Assessment was circulated to the following federal, state and local agencies for review and comments. An asterisk (*) indicates a written response was received from the agency. Copies of the correspondence received are included in the Appendix (pages A-1 through A-9) of this document. *U. S. Department of the Army--Wilmington District Corps of Engineers *N.C. Department of Administration--State Clearinghouse N.C. Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources *Division of Environmental Management Division of Land Resources, Division of Forest Resources, *Wildlife Resources Commission *Fayetteville Regional Office Region H Council of Governments Richmond County Commissioners City of Rockingham--Mayor, City Manager B. COMMENTS RECEIVED ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Comment: "However, from a review of the pertinent United States Geological Survey topographic map ("Rockingham, N.C."), it appears that there is sufficient drainage area at the location of the crossing to cause flooding. We suggest that the crossing be designed to minimize the impact on the upstream water surface elevation and that your agency coordinate with local authorities during final design to ensure compliance with applicable flood plain ordinances." Response: NCDOT will comply with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers recommendation. Comment: "When final plans are completed, including the extent and location of any work in wetlands, our Regulatory Branch would appreciate the opportunity to review these plans for project-specific determinations of Department of the Army permit requirements." Response: During the permit phase of the project, NCDOT will formally apply to the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers for permit authorization pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1977, as amended. Detailed plans and drawings will be included in the permit application package. Division of Environmental Mana eg ment Comment: "DOT is proposing to widen on the east side of the existing road in the vicinity of wetland # 2. Water Quality may request that wetland avoidance options in this vicinity be investigated during the permitting process. Response: NCDOT has coordinated with the Division of Water Quality (formerly the Division of Environmental Management) in regards to avoidance of wetland #2. Shifting the alignment to the west to avoid wetland #2 would require 6 additional (4 business 2 residential) relocations. Also, shifting the alignment to the west may not completely avoid wetland #2. NCDOT and DEM are in agreement that the recommended alternative is the most feasible and other alternatives have been sufficiently investigated. Comment: "Since wetland # 3 occurs on both sides of the road, DOT does not have a practicable alternative at this location". Response: Comment noted. 6 N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Comment: "The EA provides an adequate discussion of anticipated impacts to fish and wildlife resources in the project area. Due to the developed nature of the project area and the decision to widen an existing roadway, we feel that impacts to natural resources will be minimal. Response: Comments noted. C. COMMENTS RECEIVED DURING AND FOLLOWING THE PUBLIC HEARING Following the circulation of the Environmental Assessment, an open forum public hearing was held at the Department of Transportation District Office in Rockingham on August 22, 1996. A copy of the public hearing notice and a copy of the handout presented at the public hearing are included in the appendix of this report (pages A-10 through A-12). Approximately 20 citizens attended the public hearing. There were no controversial topics addressed at the hearing, and no comments were received after the hearing. Overall, most of the citizens were either in favor of the project or recognized the need for the project. Some of the comments received during the public hearing are listed below. Comment: "Will this project worsen a flooding problem I have on my property?" Response: This project will have curb and gutter and will not increase the amount of rainfall runoff on adjacent properties. Comment: "How close can DOT come to a building before it has to be taken?" Response: There is no set distance from a property that requires it to be taken. The NCDOT Right of Way Branch meets with property owners before right of way acquisition to discuss whether a property will be taken and to assess property damages. Comment "Will DOT repave an existing concrete driveway that is damaged by this project?" Response: All existing driveways along the project will be reconnected. VI. REVISIONS TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT There are no revisions to the Environmental Assessment. VII. ONLY PRACTICABLE ALTERNATIVE WETLAND FINDING Executive Order 11990 established as a national policy to avoid, to the extent possible, adverse impacts on wetlands and to avoid direct or indirect support of the new construction in wetlands wherever there is a practicable alternative. NCDOT will not be able to totally avoid wetlands because of occurrences on both sides of US 1. Impacts to wetlands will be minimized because the project does not require construction on new location, it will use a curb and gutter section which will minimize the amount of cut and fill, and Best Management Practices will be implemented throughout construction. It has been determined there is no practicable alternative to the proposed construction in wetlands and that the proposed action includes all practicable measures to minimize harm to wetlands which may result from such use. VIII. BASIS FOR FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Based upon a study of the proposed project documented in the Environmental Assessment and upon comments received from federal, state and local agencies and the public, it is the finding of the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration that this project will not have a significant adverse impact upon the human or natural environment. The project is not controversial from an environmental standpoint. No significant impacts to natural, ecological, cultural, or scenic resources are expected. The proposed project is consistent with local plans and will not disrupt any communities. In view of the above evaluation, it has been determined a Finding of No Significant Impact is applicable for this project. Therefore, neither an Environmental Impact Statement nor further environmental analysis will be required. JFB/plr FIGURES Y ., NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BRANCH ROCKINGHAM US 1 FROM US 74 BYPASS TO SR 1974 (FORREST ROAD) RICHMOND COUNTY T.I.P NO. U-2583 FIG•1 0 kilometers 1.6 0 miles 1 1 1 1 1 1 APPENDIX DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY WILMINGTON DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS P.O. BOX 1890 WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28402-1890 AErENTIONOF July 18, 1996 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: GtivF? `JUL 2 21996 aVISIGN Ur HIGHWAYS let This is in response to your letter of May 30, 1996, requesting our comments on the "Federal Environmental Assessment for US 1, From Proposed US 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forest Street), Rockingham, Richmond County, Federal Aid Number NHF-220(1), State Project Number 8.1580601, T.I.P. No. U-2583" (Regulatory Branch Action I.D. No. 199603832). 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, Enclosure W.*4A)O Shuford, Jr., P.E. Acting Chief, Engineering and Planning Division •i A-1 July 18, 1996 . Page 1 of 1 U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, WILMINGTON DISTRICT, COMMENTS ON: "Federal Environmental Assessment for US 1, From Proposed US 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forest Street), Rockingham, Richmond County, Federal Aid Number NHF-220(1), State Project Number 8.1580601, T.I.P. No. U-2583" (Regulatory Branch Action I.D. No. 199603832) 1. FLOOD PLAINS: POC - Mr. Bobby L. Willis, Special Studies and Flood Plain Services Section, at (910) 251-4728 The proposed project is located in Richmond County and partially within the jurisdiction of the city of Rockingham, both of which participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. From a review of Panel 160 of the September 1989 Richmond County, North Carolina and Incorporated Areas Flood Insurance Rate Map, the improvements would cross Rocky Branch upstream of the approximately mapped limit (outside of the identified flood hazard area). Consequently, it is noted on page 22 of Environmental Assessment that there are no designated flood hazard zones affected by the project. However; from a review of the . ......, ......, pertinentyUnited.States Geological Survey topographic map ("Rockingham;`IS.C."), rt appears that there is sufficient dra'ina'ge-'area at the location of the crossing to cause flooding We suggest that the crossing be, esigned to minimize the impact on the upstream water surface elevation _and tt at yo"u e)cy coordnate?with local authorities during final design to ensure. - compliance with applii?le flood;plam ordinances. 2. WATERS AND WETLANDS: POC - Mr. Scott McLendon, Wilmington Field Office, Regulatory Branch, at (910) 251-4725 Based on information provided in the document, less than 0.5 acre of waters and wetlands of the United States will be impacted by the proposed project. This includes impacts to the headwaters of Rocky Branch. No stream relocation will be required for this project. Although this project may be authorized by nationwide permit 26 or nationwide permit 14, (33 CFR 330.5(a)), it is incumbent upon the North Carolina Department of Transportation to take all practicable measures to avoid and minimize impacts to waters and wetlands. Department of the Army (DA) 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 in waters of the United States or any adjacent or isolated wetlands in conjunction with this project, including disposal of construction debris. Under our mitigation policy, impacts to wetlands should first be avoided or minimized. We will then consider compensatory mitigation for unavoidable impacts. When final plans are completed, including the extent and location * of any work in wetlands, our Regulatory Branch would appreciate the opportunity to review these plans for project-specific determinations of DA permit requirements. If you have any questions or comments concerning DA permits, they should be directed to Mr. McLendon. A-2 -2- Copies Furnished: Mr. Larry Hardy National Marine Fisheries Service Pivers Island Beaufort, North Carolina 28516 Mr. John Hefner, Field Supervisor US Fish and Wildlife Service Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Post Office Box 33726 Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726 Mr. Thomas Welborn, Chief Wetlands Regulatory Section - Region IV Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds Branch US Environmental Protection Agency 345 Courtland Street, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30365 Mr. John Dorney North Carolina Division of Environmental Management Water Quality Section, Wetlands and Aquatic Plants 4401 Reedy Creek Road Raleigh, North Carolina 27607 A-3 07-08-96 Pill d 110 eCJ I auiv?a a I ncc I JUl_ 9145E'j? RALEIGH NCRTH CAROLINA 27603-8003 L-T P- ,PROJ?i Ufa.^Jt',EiI,E';7` JUL 9 1996 INTERGOVERNM;NTAL REVIEW COMMENTS MAILED TO: FROM: PROGRAM VtVELUPNIENT U1N;1 i N.C. DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION MRS. CHRYS BAGGETT WHIT WEBB DIRECTOR PROGRAM DEV. BRANCH N C STATE CLEARINGHOUSE TRANSPORTATION SLOG./INTER-OFF PROJECT DESCRIPTION: ENV. ASSESS. - PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO US 11 FROM PROPOSED US 74 u BYPASS TO SR 1974 (FORREST ST.) IN ROCKINGHAM? NC TIP VU-2583 SAT NO 96F42200796 PROGRAM TITLE - ENV. ASSESS. THE ABOVE PROJECT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE NORTH CAROLINA INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS. AS A RESULT OF THE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING IS SUBMITTED: ( ) NO COMMENTS WERE RECEIVEC t X) COMMENTS ATTACHED SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY OUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL THIS OFFICE (919) 733-7232. ?C E/ C.C. RESION H O JUL 1 1996' A-4 Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources 1 • • Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs James B. Hunt, Governor p E H N IR Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary Richard E. Rogers, Jr., Acting Director MEMORANDUM TO: Chrys Baggett State Clearinghouse FROM: Melba McGee e Environmental Review Coordinator RE: 96-0796 EA for US 1 from US 74 Bypass, Richmond County DATE: July 2, 1996 The Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources has reviewed the proposed information. Thank you for the opportunity to review. attachments RECEIVED JUL 21996 N.C. STATE CLEARINGHOUSE ?y FAX 715-3060 P.O. Box 27687, NIf Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7687 C An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer 919-715-4148 50°k recycled/ 10% post-consumer paper A-5 Stofie::of.. ?lortKCarolit).a:_ :Deodrti . en fbf i±raviroriment, Health and Natural Resources Division-of Environmental Management James*8. HGht;.Jr.;'Governor Jonathan B.: Howes,-Secretary A. Preston. Howtard, Jr., P.E., Director July 1;. 1996 MEMORANDUM To: Melba:.NEcGee Through: Jahn Dorng From: -Frio Galamh'X AF; T-V A, T. iis?? D F-=:= F. Subject: --EA for :U.S .1 from US 74 Bypass to SR 1794 Richiinond County .;State'.'Pcoject.DOT No. 8.1580601, TIP # U-2583 EHNR # 96.0796 The.subject.document has been reviewed by this office. The Division of Water Quality (WO) is responeibleJor.the issuance of the Section 401 Water Quality Certification for activities whichimpact:iniaters'? of the state lncluding wetlands. The document states that 0.49.a&ds'of wetlands and waters will be impacted by this project.' WO offers the following comments 66 the EA: A) DOT.Is proposingg-to widen.on the east side of the existing road in the vicinity of wetiand # 2: W.(3'may,request that wetland avoidance options in this vicinity be investigated during the permitting process. B) Since wetland'#.3 occurs on both.sides of the road, DOT does not have a practicable alterndtive at this location. -DOT is, reminded that :endorsement of a EA by WO would not preclude the denial of a 401 Certification upon -application if wetland and water impacts have not been avoided and minimized to the.*maximum extent practicable. Questions regarding .the 401 Certification should be directed to Eric Galamb (733- 1786) in DEM:s Water Quality Environmental Sciences Branch. us1 rich.ea cc: Wilmington COE P.O.6ox 29535. Raleigh. North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone 919-733-7015 FAX 919-733-2496 An equal Opporfunity Affirmative Action Employer W% recycled/ 10% post-Consumer paper A-6 0 North CarolinaWildlife Resources Commission K _ 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 276044188, 919-733.3391 Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director MEMORANDUM TO: Melba McGee Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, DEHNR FROM: David Cox, Ilighway project Coordin r Habitat Conservation Program DATE: July 1, 1996 SUB3FC'1': North Carolina Department of "Transportation (NCDO'I),Environmental Assessment in (EA) Rfor ockingham, 1Richmond County, North Carolina. 4 TIBypass to SR 1974 (Forrest P No. U-2583, S CH Project No. Rockg 96-0796. Staff biologists with the N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission have reviewed the subject EA and are familiar with habitat values in the project area. The purpose of this review was to assess project impacts to fish and wildlife resources. Our comments are provided in accordance with certain provisions or the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)) and the Fisli and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d). NCDOT proposes to widen US i to a five-lane curb and gutter facility from the proposed US 74 Bypass to SR 1974. Widening will be to the east from just north of SR 1180 (Southwood Road) to just south of SR 1136 (L•ason Road) and symmetrically from SR 1136 to SR 1974. The project length is approximately 0.8 miles. Wetlnnd and waters impacts are associated with culvert extensions and minor wetland crossings and will likely be covered under nationwide "404" permits. '?V I The EA provides an adequate discussion of anticipated impacts to fish and wildlife resources in the project area. Due to the developed nature of the project area and the decision to widen an existing roadway, we feel that impacts to natural resources will be minimal. 'Ale will concur with the EA for this project and anticipate our concurrence with the Finding of No Significant Impact (TONS!). NC DQT should continue efforts to minimize impacts to wetlands and should employ NCDOT Best Management Practices to protect off-site resources. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this EA. If we can be of any further assistance please call me at (919) 528-9886. cc: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Raleigh A-7 State of North Carolina Reviewing Office: Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW - PROJECT COMMENTS Project Number: Due Date: *7 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. Questions regarding these permits should be addressed to the Regional Office indicated on the reverse of the form. All applications. information and guidelines relative to these plans and permits are available from the same Normal Process Regional Office. T- C C C C C C' 11 PERMITS SPECIAL APPLICATION PROCEDURES or REQUIREMENTS (statutory time limit) Permit to construct b 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 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 treatment facility-granted after NPDES. Reply IN 'A) time. 30 days after receipt of plans or issue of NPDES permit-whichever is later. 30 days Water Use Permit Pre-application technical conference usually necessary IN!A) 7 days Well Construction Permit Complete application must be received and permit issued prior to the installation of a well. (15 days) Application copy must be served on each adjacent riparian property 55 clays Dredge and Fill Permit owner. On-site inspection. Pre-application conference usual. Filling may require Easement to Fill from N.C. Department of (90 days) Administration and Federal Dredge and Fill Permit. Permit to construct d operate Air Pollution Abatement 60 days facilities and/or Emission Sources as per 15A NCAC 21H.06 N/A 190 days) Any open burning associated with subject proposal must be in compliance with 15A NCAC 2D.0520. Demolition or renovations of structures containing asbestos material must be in compliance with 15A 60 days NCAC 20.0525 which requires notification and removal N/A 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 b sedimentatio control plan will be required if one or more acres to be disturbed. Plan filed with proper Regional Office (Land Quality Sect.) at least 30 20 days days before be innino activity. A fee of $30 for the first acre and $20.00 for each additional acre or art must accomoan the Dian 130 days) The Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 must be addressed with respect to the referrenced Local Ordinance: (30 days) On-site inspection usual. Surety bond filed with EHNR. Bond amount Mining Permit varies with type mine and number of acres of affected land. Any area 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 t day exceeds 4 days (NIA) Special Ground Clearance Burning Permit - 22 On-site inspection by N.D. Division Forest Resources required -if more 1 day counties in coastal N.C. with organic soils than five acres of ground clearing activities are involved. Inspections (N/A) should be requested at least ten days before actual burn is planned." 90.120 days Oil Refining Facilities N/A (NIA) If permit required. application 60 days before begin construction. Applicant must hire N.C. qualified engineer to: prepare plans. 30 days Dam Safety Permit Inspect construction. certify construction is according to EHNR approv. ed plans. May. also require permit under mosquito control program. And (60 days) a 404 permit from Corps of Engineers. An inspection of site is neces. sary to verify Hazard Classification. A minimum fee of 5200.00 must ac. company the application. An additional processing fee based on a percentage or the total project cost will be required upon completion ab 'u: Continued on reverse A_O e,"V ] I - ,-T,,ime T C C C r 4 4 C C (statutory time PERMITS SPECIAL APPLICATION PROCEDURES Or REQUIREMENTS limit) File surety bond of $5,000 with EHNR running to State of N.C. 10 days Permit to drill exploratoryoil or gas well conditional that any well opened by drill operator shall, upon (NIA) abandonment, be plugged according to EHNR rules and regulations. Geophysical Exploration Permit Application filed with EHNR at least 10 days prior to issue of permit 10 days Application by letter. No standard application form. (N/A) State Lakes Construction Permit Application fee based on structure size is charged. Must include 15.20 days descriptions b drawings of structure 8 proof of ownership (NIA) of riparian property. 01 60 days 401 Water Quality Certification NIA (130 days) 55 days CAMA Permit for MAJOR development 5250.00 fee must accompany application (150 days) 22 days CAMA Permit for MINOR development 550.00 fee must accompany application (25 days) Several geodetic monuments are located in or near the project area. If any monuments need to be moved or destroyed. please notify: 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. Compliance with 15A NCAC 2H.1000 (Coastal Stormwater Rules) is required. A5 days (N/A) Other comments (attach additional pages as necessary, being certain to cite comment authority): REGIONAL OFFICES Questions regarding these permits should be addressed to the Regional Office marked below. ? Asheville Regional Office Fayetteville Regional Office 59 Woodfin Place Suite 714 Wachovia Building Asheville, NC 28801 Fayetteville, NC 28301 (704) 251-6208 (919) 486.1541 ? Mooresville Regional Office 919'North Main Street, P.O. Box 950 Mooresville, NC 28115 (704) 663.1699 ? Washington Regional Office 1424 Carolina Avenue Washington, NC 27889 (919) 946.6481 ? Winston-Salem Regional Office 8025 North Point Blvd. Suite 100 Winston-Salem. NC 27106 (919) 896.7007 ? Raleigh Regional Office 3800 Barrett Drive, Suite 101 Raleigh, NC 27609 (919) 733.2314 ? Wilmington Regional Office 127 Cardinal Drive Extension Wilmington, NC 28405 (919) 395.3900 A-9 NOTICE OF AN OPEN FORUM PUBLIC HEARING ON WIDENING US 1 FROM THE PROPOSED US 74 BYPASS TO SR 1974, FORREST STREET Project 8.1580601 U-2583 Richmond County The North Carolina Department of Transportation will hold the above open forum public hearing on August 22, 1996 between the hours of 4 PM and 7 PM at the Department of Transportation District Office, 517 South Hancock Street in Rockingham. r' . -Interested individuals may attend this informal hearing at anytime between the above stated hours.- No formal session will be held. Division of Highways representatives will be available to answer questions and receive comments concerning the project. Additional materials may be submitted for a period of 15 days from the date of the hearing to: C. B. Goode, Jr., P. E. at P. 0. Box 25201, Raleigh, NC.27611. Under this project, it is proposed to widen this 0.8 mile portion of US 1 to a five lane roadway with curb and gutter. Some additional right of way and construction easements will be required for construction of this project. The relocation of six homes and one business will also be required for construction. Anyone desiring additional information may contact Mr.. C. B. Goode, Jr. at P. 0. Box 25201, Raleigh, NC 27611 or phone (919)250-4092. A copy of the map showing the location and design of the improvements and a copy of the environmental document describing the project are available for public review at the NCDOT District Engineer's Office located at 517 South Hancock Street. NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services for disabled persons who wish to participate in the hearing to comply with the American Disabilities Act. To receive special services, please contact Mr. Goode at the above address or phone number or fax (919)250-4208 to provide adequate notice prior to the date of the hearing so that arrangements can be made. A-10 US 1 FROM PROPOSED US 74 BYPASS TO FORREST STREET'' August 22, 1996 Project proposes to widen busy portion of US4 US 1 in the vicinity of this project is beginning to experience delay and accident problems as- sociated with traffic congestion. Upon the completion of the US 74 Bypass traffic volumes and congestion are anticipated to in- crease considerably beyond the capacity of the existing roadway. In addition, because of the cur- rent congestion, the accident rate for this section of roadway is higher than the statewide aver- age. Because of the turning movements to enter side streets and driveways, and the lack of a turn lane for these turning vehi- cles, rear end accidents often oc- cur. Therefore, in an effort to plan for future traffic, and to re- duce the accident rate, it is pro- posed to make improvements to the portion of US 1 between the proposed US 74 Bypass and For- rest Street. The proposed improvements consist of widening US 1 from its current two lane configuration to a five lane facility with curbs and gutters. This widening will form a 60 ft. roadway with two lanes in each direction and a two way center turn lane and will include curbs and gutters on each side. To accommodate the new lanes For additional information, you may contact the following people. Kathy Lassiter Design Project Engineer 919-2504016 James Bridges Planning Project Engineer 919-733-3141 Carl Goode Public Hearing Officer 919-2504092 100 ft. of right of way will be re- quired for this project which is approximately 40 ft. more than the existing right of way width. In addition, some easements will be required for construction. The relocation of six homes and one business is anticipated be- cause of the widening. The current schedule for this project has right of way acquisi- tion to begin in February, 1998 and the project to be let to con- tract in October, 1999. These schedules are based on availabil- ity of funds. The current cost estimates for this project are as follows: Right of Way - $ 815,000 Construction - $2,050,000 Opportunity for comments and questions provided Today's open forum public hearing is provided to give the general public an opportunity to view our proposals for this pro- ject, ask questions about it, and voice your comments and con- cerns about it. Department of Transportation representatives are present to talk with you about this project. They will try to answer your questions and will listen to your comments. In addition, a comment sheet is attached on which you may sub- mit written comments for a pe- riod of 10 days following today's hearing. These written comments will be reviewed by our staff to determine what changes can be made to this project. You are encouraged to participate in this process. Your comments are welcome and are important. They will be carefully reviewed. In this and all projects, we have to weigh a number of factors in- cluding safety, costs, environ- mental impacts, human impacts, and service to the thousands of motorists who use the facility. This process requires the study of many possible alternatives before determining the most feasible. Thank you for your participa- tion. A-11 COMMENT SHEET US 1 from Proposed US 74 Bypass to SR 1974, Forrest Street U-2583 Project 8.1580601 Richmond County August 22, 1996 NAME: ADDRESS: COMMENTS AND\OR QUESTIONS: Comments may be mailed to: C. B. Goode, Jr., P. E., Public Hearing Officer N. C. Department of Transportation, Division of Highways P. 0. Box 25201 Raleigh, NC 27611 Phone: (919) 250-4092 Fax: (919) 250-4208 A-12 Department of Environment, Health, and Natural ,sources ? Project located in 7th floor library Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Project Review Form Project Number: County: Date: Date Response Due (firm deadline): ?. ,ate -? tz PA - U S ?ro L) '7 4 L ?, s '? S fiz --7-94- This project is being reviewed as indicated below: Regional Office/Phone Regional Office Area In-House Review ? Asheville ? All R/O Areas ? Soil and Water ? Marine Fisheries ill ? F tt T Xi Air ? Coastal Management ? Water Planning aye ev e Water ? Water Resources ? Environmental Health ? Mooresville .Groundwater Wildlife ? Solid Waste Management ? Raleigh and Quality Engineer ? Forest Resources ? Radiation Protection t ? W hi ? Recreational Consultant ? Land Resources ? David Foster on as ng ? Coastal Management Consultant [I Parks and Recreation ? Other (specify) El Wilmington ? Others Environmental Management RECEIVED Winston-Salem PWS Monica Swihart JON 2 5 1996 ENVIRONMENTAL S CIENCES Manager Sign-Off/Region: Date: In-House Reviewer/Agency: 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 attached/authority(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 NEPA and SEPA ? Other (specify and attach comments) RETURN TO: Melba McGee P5 10n Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs s-. .?-! U. S. 1 From Proposed U. S. 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forrest Street) Rockingham, Richmond County Federal Aid Number NHF-220(1) State Project Number 8.1580601 T.I.P. No. U-2583 Administrative Action Environmental Assessment U. S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and N. C. Department of Transportation Submitted Pursuant to 42 U. S. C. 4332(2)(C) APPROVED: 3-21 Date;,H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch ,Nid olWL. ivision Administrator Jr-G?ed Highway Administration U. S. 1 From Proposed U. S. 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forrest Street) Rockingham, Richmond County Federal Aid Number NHF-220(1) State Project Number 8.1580601 T.I.P. No. U-2583 Environmental Assessment March 1996 Documentation Prepared in Planning and Environmental Branch By: Idines F. Bridges Jr. Project Planning Engineer C A R0? J. W n Stroud c' Project Planning Unit Head S E A L = 's 6976 c r• • z 91- 176", Lubin V. Prevatt, P.E. Assistant Manager V•••pR?-?.?`??, Planning and Environmental Branch "t•++++++??`'? Summary Environmental Assessment Prepared by Planning and Environmental Branch Division of Highways North Carolina Department of Transportation in Consultation with Federal Highway Administration Type of Action This is a Federal Highway Administration Action, Environmental Assessment. 2. Additional Information The following people can be contacted for additional information concerning this project: Mr. Nicholas L. Graf, P.E. Division Administrator, FHWA Suite 410, 310 New Bern Avenue Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 (919) 856-4350 Mr. H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch N.C. Department of Transportation Post Office Box 25201 Raleigh, North Carolina 27611 (919) 733-3141 3. Summary of Special Project Commitments NCDOT will implement Best Management Practices throughout construction. NCDOT will notify the N.C. Geodetic Survey prior to construction with regards to one geodetic survey marker located north of SR 1974. NCDOT will conduct a site inspection of underground storage facilities located within the project area prior to right of way acquisition. 4. Anticipated Design Exceptions NCDOT expects no design exceptions will be required for the project. 5. Actions Required by Other Agencies In accordance with provisions of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C., 1344), NCDOT anticipates that a Nationwide permit No. 14 (minor road crossings) will be required from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers for the proposed highway widening. If the project requires a Nationwide permit No. 14, a 401 Water Quality Certification will be required from the Division of Environmental Management, N.C. Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources. ii 6. Description of Action The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to widen U. S. I from the proposed U.S. 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forrest Street) in Rockingham, Richmond County. NCDOT includes this project in the 1996-2002 Transportation Improvement Program (T.I.P.). NCDOT will widen U.S. 1, which is an existing two lane section with shoulder and ditches, to a five lane section with curb and gutter from the proposed U. S. 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forrest Street) in Rockingham (see Figure 2). The proposed typical section will be 19.2 meters (64 feet) wide from face to face of curbs. It will provide four through lanes (two in each direction) and a continuous center left-turn lane. The widening will be done to the east of the existing alignment from just north of SR 1180 (Southwood Road) to just south of SR 1136 (Eason Road) and symmetrically from SR 1136 to SR 1974. The completed project will provide a design speed of approximately 80 km/h (50 mph). It will require 30 meters (100 feet) of right of way. 7. Summary of Beneficial and Adverse Impacts The proposed improvements will allow more efficient vehicle operation and reduced travel times. This will result in road user cost savings. Automobile traffic safety will be enhanced. Access to homes, businesses, and public facilities will be improved. The project will improve the aesthetics of the roadway corridor. Approximately 1.6 hectares (4.0 acres) of additional right of way will be required. An estimated six residential relocations and one business relocation will occur as a result of the project. Less than 0.2 hectare (0.49 acre) of wetlands will be impacted by the project. No protected species will be impacted by the project. 8. Alternatives Considered a. Recommended Improvements--NCDOT will widen U. S. 1 from the existing two lane section with shoulder and ditches to a five lane section with curb and gutter from the proposed U. S. 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forrest Street) in Rockingham (see Figure 2). The proposed typical section will be 19.2 meters (64 feet) wide from face to face of curbs. It will provide four through lanes (two in each direction) and a continuous center left-turn lane. It will require 30 meters (100 feet) of right of way. The widening will be done to the east of the existing alignment from just north of SR 1180 (Southwood Road) to just south of SR 1136 (Eason Road) and symmetrically from SR 1136 to SR 1974. The completed project will provide a design speed of approximately 80 km/h (50 mph). b. Design Alternatives--There are four design alternatives to the recommended improvement for this project. Based on the analysis presented in this document, NCDOT has eliminated these. The additional build alternatives are as follows. * Widening symmetrically. This alternate would require eight residential and two business relocations. In addition, this alternate would require additional traffic control measures throughout the project area during iii construction due to the presence of construction activities on both side of the road throughout the project length (1.3 km/.8 mi.). For these reasons, NCDOT rejected this alternate. * Widening only to the west of the existing alignment. This alternative would require nine residential and two business relocations. Because of this, NCDOT rejected this alternative. Widening only to the east of the existing alignment. This alternative would require seven residential and one business relocation. Widening to the east would require one more residential relocatee than the recommended alternative. In addition, this alternative would not align as well with the segment of existing US I north of the project. Because of this, NCDOT rejected this alternative. * Other combinations of alternatives. The recommended alternative is a combination of widening; to the east and widening symmetrically. Other combinations of alternatives would require more relocations than the recommended alternative. Therefore, NCDOT rejected these combinations. c. Postponement of Proposed Action--Based on traffic projections, the existing facility will exhibit constrained flow in the year 2000 and has a much higher accident rate than the statewide average for similar roadways. With the projected design year traffic volumes, the facility will exhibit gridlock conditions in some areas. Postponement of the project would result in continuing traffic service deterioration as traffic volume increases. Therefore, NCDOT does not recommend this alternative. d. Do Nothing Alternative--This alternative would avoid the limited environmental impacts anticipated to result from construction of the project. However, this alternative would not improve the substandard lane widths or improve turning conditions in the project area. It would also not provide for the additional traffic volumes or provide continuity for traffic coming from the proposed U.S. 74 Bypass. For these reasons, NCDOT does not recommend the Do Nothing Alternative. e. Alternative Modes of Transportation--No alternative mode of transportation such as mass transit, HOV lanes, or van pooling or carpooling appears to be a practical alternative. Highway transportation is the dominant transportation mode in the project area, and the project involves widening an existing road. 9. Federal State and Local Agencies Contacted at the Beginning of this Study U. S. Department of the Army--Wilmington District Corps of Engineers U.S. Department of the Interior--Fish and Wildlife Service N.C. Department of Administration--State Clearinghouse N.C. Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources- Division of Environmental Management, Division of Land Resources, Division of Forest Resources, Office of Policy Development, and Wildlife Resources Commission N.C. Department of Cultural Resources--State Historic Preservation Officer rv N.C. Department of Public Instruction Region H Council of Governments Richmond County Commissioners City of Rockingham--Mayor, City Manager, City Planner, City Schools Superintendent 10. Basis for Environmental Assessment On the basis of planning and environmental studies, NCDOT and FHWA anticipate this project will have no significant detrimental effect on the duality of the human environment. The proposed project will cause no significant changes in route classification and land use and is not controversial. Federal, state, and local agencies have reviewed the project and raised no objections. Members of the public voiced no major objections to the project at the Citizens Informational Workshop held 20 June 1995 in Rockingham. For these reasons, NCDOT and FHWA conclude an Environmental Assessment applies to the project. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE PROJECT SUMMARY 1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION II. NEED FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT A. Project Status and History I B. Project Terminals 2 C. Existing Conditions 2 1. Length of Roadway Section Studied 2 2. Route Classification 2 2 3. Existing Cross Section 2 4. Existing Right of Way 2 5. Access Control 3 6. Speed Limits 3 7. Bridges and Drainage Structures 3 8. Traffic Data 3 Horizontal and Vertical Curvature 9 . 10. Intersecting Roads 3 3 11. Degree of Roadside Interference 12. Railroad Crossings 4 4 13. School Bus Data 4 14. Existing Sidewalk 4 15. Utilities D. Capacity Analysis 4 5 E. Accident Analysis 6 F. Thoroughfare Plan 6 G. Benefits to the State, Region, and Community H. Nearby Airports 7 7 1. Conclusion III. PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS 7 A. General Description 7 7 B. Cost Estimate 7 C. Proposed Typical Section 7 D. Design Speed 7 E. Right of Way 7 F. Access Control 8 G. Intersection Treatment 8 H. Bridges and Other Drainage Structures 8 1. Railroad Crossing Treatment 8 J. Changes in State Highway System 8 K. Permits Required 8 L. Multiple Use of Space 8 M. Bikeways and Sidewalks PAGE N. Noise Barriers 8 0. Anticipated Design Exceptions 8 P. Other Proposed Highway Improvements in the Area 9 IV. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION 9 A. Recommended Improvements 9 B. Design Alternatives 9 C. Postponement of Proposed Action 10 D. Do Nothing Alternative 10 E. Alternative Modes of Transportation 10 V. SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS A. Social Effects Land Use and Planning a. Scope of Local Planning Activities b. Existing Land Use c. Existing Zoning d. Future Land Use 2. Neighborhood Characteristics 3. Public Facilities 4. Relocations 5. Social Impacts 6. Historic and Cultural Resources a. Historic Architectural Resources b. Archaeological Resources B. Section 4(f) Properties C. Economic Effects D. Environmental Effects 1. Biological Resources a. Background b. Biotic Communities c. Anticipated Impacts to Biotic Communities d. Federally-Protected Species e. Federal Candidate and State Protected Species 2. Soils and Topography 3. Wetlands and Permits 4. Flood Hazard Evaluation 5. Water Resources and Water Quality 6. Farmland 7. Highway Traffic and Construction Noise Analysis a. Background b. Noise Abatement Criteria 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 12 12 12 12 12 13 13 13 13 13 14 16 16 19 20 20 21 21 22 22 22 23 PAGE c. Ambient Noise Levels 23 d. Procedure for Predicting Future Noise Levels 24 23 e. Traffic Noise Impact Analysis 24 f. Do Nothing Alternative 25 g. Construction Noise 25 h. Conclusion 8. Air Quality Analysis 25 a. Background 25 b. Hydrocarbons and Nitrogen Oxide 26 c. Particulate Matter 26 d. Lead 26 e. Carbon Monoxide 27 f. Burning 27 g. Conclusion 28 9. Stream Modification 28 10. Hazardous Materials 28 11. Geotechnical Impacts 28 12. Construction Impacts 29 VI. COMMENTS AND COORDINATION 30 A. Comments Received from Federal, State, and Local Agencies 330 0 B. Citizens Informational Workshop 30 C. Public Hearing TABLES Table 1 - Traffic Projections 3 5 Table 2A - Mainline Level of Service 5 Table 2B - Intersection Level of Service 6 Table 3 - Accident Rates 16 Table 4 - Estimated Impacts to Biotic Communities 17 Table 5 - Federally Protected Species for Richmond County Table 6 - Federal Candidate/NC Protected Species for Richmond County 19 27 Table 7 - One Hour CO Concentrations FIGURES Figure 1 A - Project Vicinity Map Figure 1B - TIP Projects in the Vicinity Figure 2 - Aerial Mosaic Showing Project Figure 3A - Photographs of Existing Conditions Figure 3B - Photographs of Existing Conditions Figure 4A - 2000 Average Daily Traffic Map Figure 4B - 2000 Average Daily Traffic Map Figure 4C - 2020 Average Daily Traffic Map Figure 4D - 2020 Average Daily Traffic Map FIGURES Figure 5 - Thoroughfare Plan Figure 6 - Proposed Typical Section Figure 7 - Wetlands APPENDIX Appendix I - Right of Way Relocation Information Appendix 2 - Traffic Noise Analysis Tables and Figures Appendix 3 - Air Quality Analysis Tables Appendix 4 - Comments Received from Federal, State, and Local Agencies Appendix 5 - Citizens Informational Workshop News Release and Information Handout Environmental Assessment Prepared by Planning and Environmental Branch Division of Highways North Carolina Department of Transportation in Consultation with Federal Highway Administration 1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to widen U. S. 1 from the proposed U. S. 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forrest Street) in Rockingham, Richmond County (see Figures IA and 1B). NCDOT includes this project in the 1996- 2002 Transportation Improvement Program (T.I.P.). NCDOT will widen U.S. 1, which is an existing two lane section with shoulders and ditches to a five lane section with curb and gutter from the proposed U.S. 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forrest Street) in Rockingham (see Figure 2). The proposed typical section will be 19.2 meters (64 feet) wide from face to face of curbs. It will provide four through lanes (two in each direction) and a continuous center left-turn lane. The widening will be done to the east of the existing alignment from just north of SR 1180 (Southwood Road) to just south of SR 1136 (Eason Road) and symmetrically from SR 1136 to SR 1974 (see Figure I A and 1B). The completed project will provide a design speed of approximately 80 km/h (50 mph) with a proposed posted speed limit of 70 km/hr (45 mph). It will require 30 meters (100 feet) of right of way. The estimated cost of the project is $2,865,000, including $815,000 for right of way and $2,050,000 for construction. The funding shown in the 1996-2002 T.I.P. is $1,500,000. The cost estimate exceeds the T.I.P. funding by $1,365,000. II. NEED FOR PROPOSED PROJECT A. PROJECT STATUS AND HISTORY The 1996-2002 NCDOT T.I.P. proposes widening U. S. 1 to a multi-lane facility from the proposed U.S. 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forrest Street). The current project schedule includes right of way acquisition beginning in fiscal year 1998 and construction in fiscal year 2000. The T.I.P. includes total funding of $1,500,000 for the project. The total includes $600,000 for right of way and $900,000 for construction. The estimated right of way cost is $815,000. The estimated construction cost is $2,050,000. The total estimated cost is $2,865,000. This is $1,365,000 more than the T.I.P. funding. NCDOT completed a Feasibility Study for this project in 1990. That study concluded the project is needed to provide improved access and safety for existing and future traffic volumes. The project will provide multi-lane continuity to the proposed U.S. 74 Bypass from the Rockingham central area. The study recommended a five lane section, 19.2 meters (64 feet) from face to face of curbs. It recommended symmetrical widening and indicated the proposed section would be consistent with anticipated traffic volumes, the concentration of roadside development, and the ultimate function of the existing road. The project is shown in Figures IA and 1B. B. PROJECT TERMINALS The southern project terminal is just south of SR 1180 (Southwood Road). This is the northern end of the proposed interchange of the U. S. 74 Bypass and U. S. 1. This interchange will include five lane (curb and gutter) widening along U. S. 1 from SR 1137 (Spring Street) to just south of SR 1180 (Southwood Road). Existing US 1 is two lanes at this location. The northern project terminal is the intersection of U.S. 1 and SR 1974 (Forrest Street). Just north of Valley Hill Drive, northbound US I and southbound US 1-US 220 diverge. Northbound U.S. I is a three lane shoulder section 12.2 meters (40 ft.) in width at this location. Southbound U.S. l/U.S. 220 is a three lane shoulder section 12.2 meters (40 ft.) in width just north of SR 1974, including a left turn lane at SR 1974. The southbound US 1/US 220 left turn lane is dropped at SR 1974, and the facility tapers down to one lane at Valley Hill Drive. At this point, U.S. 220 ends, and U.S. 1 is a two lane, two way road to the southern project end. C. EXISTING CONDITIONS 1. Length of Roadway Section Studied The length of the studied section of U.S. 1 from the proposed U.S. 74 Bypass to SR 1974 is 1.3 kilometers (0.8 mile). 2. Route Classification U.S. 1 within the project limits is classified as a Rural Principal Arterial. The NCDOT Statewide Functional Classification for this section of U. S. 1 is Principal Arterial. 3. Existing Cross Section U.S. 1 is two lanes with shoulder and ditch from SR 1180 (Southwood Road) to Valley Hill Drive (1.0 kilometer/0.6 mile). The existing travelway is 7.9 meters (24 feet) wide with a 1.8 meter (6 feet) grass shoulder on the west side. The east side has a shoulder width of 1.8 meters (6 feet) including .6 meter (2 feet) of paved shoulder. Just north of Valley Hill Drive, Northbound US 1 and Southbound US I/US 220 diverge. Northbound US I consists of a 3-lane, 11 meter (36 feet) travelway with a 1.8 meter (6 feet) shoulder including a .6 meter (2 ft) paved shoulder on the east side. The west side has a 1.8 meter (6 foot) shoulder including a 1.2 m (4 foot) paved shoulder. Figures 3A and 3B show photographs of the existing roadway sections. 4. Existing Right of Way The existing right of way width along U.S. 1 from SR 1180 to SR 1974 is 18.3 meters (60 feet). 5. Access Control There is no access control along U.S. 1 in the project area. 6. Speed Limits The posted speed limit in the project area is 85 km/h (50 mph). 7. Bridges and Drainage Structures There are no bridges along the project. There. are two streams crossing U. S. 1 within the project limits (one stream, Rocky Branch, crosses just south of the southern project terminal). Both streams crossing the project are tributaries of Rocky Branch. Each crosses through a 450 millimeter (18 inch) concrete pipe. One stream crosses approximately 48 meters (160 feet) north of SR 1187 (Springdale Drive). The other crosses approximately 105 meters (345 feet) north of SR 1187. 8. Traffic Data Table l shows the NCDOT traffic projections on U.S. 1 for the years 2000 and 2020. These traffic projections take into consideration the affect of the proposed US 74 Bypass (R-512) and the proposed US 1 Bypass (R-2501). 1 UVIC I. 1 1 G.11 C r I V v%ILI 110 Location Year 2000 Year 2020 South of SR I 'l 80 6,800 v d 13,880 d South of SR 1187 7 200 v pd 14,560 d South of SR 1136 9,700 d 18,080 d South of Valle Hill Drive 9,400 d 17,540 v pd South of SR 1974 I 1 700 v d 19,900 d This traffic includes 4% truck-tractor semi-trailers (TTST) and 4% dual-tired trucks in the year 2000 and 6% TTST and 6% dual-tired trucks in the year 2020. Estimated design hourly volumes for the years 2000 and 2020 are 8% and 9% respectively, of the volumes shown in Figures 4A through 4D. Figures 4A thru Figure 4D show projected traffic volumes and turning movements for the years 2000 and 2020, respectively. 9. Horizontal and Vertical Curvature Most of U.S. I has straight horizontal alignment; however, there is an 8 degree horizontal curve at the intersection with SR 1136 (Eason Drive). There is also a crest vertical curve at this location (see Figures 3A and 3B). U.S. 1 is along rolling terrain throughout the project area. 10. Intersecting Roads All the intersections along U.S. 1 are at grade. All are unsignalized. All intersecting roads are two-lane roads. The intersection of U.S. 1 and U.S. 220 near the north project terminal is a channelized "Y" intersection. 11. Degree of Roadside Interference There is a moderate degree of roadside interference along U.S. 1 due to intersecting streets, driveways, adjacent businesses, and one railroad crossing (north of the northern project terminal). 12. Railroad Crossings One railroad crosses U. S. 1 north of SR 1974 (Forrest Street). The existing traffic controls include signs and warning flashers. Three trains cross here twice weekly. The speed of these trains is 15 km/h (10 mph). The exposure index for 2020 will be 20,440. This is under the exposure index threshold of 30,000 for an urban area and does not warrant consideration of a grade separation. During the period from September 1, 1991 to August 31, 1994 there were no reported accidents at the railroad crossing. 13. School Bus Data The Richmond County Schools Transportation Director indicated seven to eight school buses use U.S. I twice daily in the project area. 14. Existing Sidewalks There are no existing sidewalks along the project. 15. Utilities NCDOT expects utility conflicts to be moderate to high. One major electrical power corridor crosses U.S. 1 approximately 275 meters (900 feet) north of SR 1136 (Eason Street). The corridor consists of overhead transmission lines. A second major corridor crosses south of the southern project limits (approximately 220 meters/720 feet south of SR 1180). There are street lights on the east side ofU.S. 1 from Valley Hill Drive north into Rockingham. Street lights on the west side of U. S. 1 begin approximately 165 meters (540 feet) north of Valley Hill Drive and continue into Rockingham. There are power poles with overhead lines on both side of U. S. 1 throughout the project area. The City of Rockingham has water and sewer lines along the project. A water line crosses U.S. 1 at SR 1187 (Springdale Road). A 5-centimeter (2-inch) water line crosses U.S. I at SR 1136 (Eason Road). A water line crosses U.S. 1 at Valley Hill Drive. The water line is along the east side of U.S. 1 from the city limits through the northern project terminal. A sewer line is along the west side of U.S. 1 from Valley Hill Drive through the northern project terminal. Another sewer line is on the east side of U.S. 1 near the junction of U. S. 1 and U. S. 220. One geodetic survey marker (Dairy) is in the median between U. S. 1 and U. S. 220 north of SR 1974. The N.C. Geodetic Survey will be contacted prior to construction. D. CAPACITY ANALYSIS A mainline capacity analysis was performed for the project. Based on traffic projections for the year 2000, without improvements, U.S. 1 will operate at level of service (LOS) D from south of SR 1180 (Southwood Road) to SR 1136 (Eason Road), LOS E between SR 1136 and Valley Hill Drive, and LOS E between Valley Hill Drive and SR 1974. Without improvements, U.S. 1 will operate at LOS E, LOS F, and LOS F in these same areas in the year 2020. With the proposed improvements, in the year 2020, U. S. 1 will operate at LOS A, LOS B, and LOS B in these areas. This mainline analysis is shown in Table 2A. TARI.F 2A Mainline Level of Service U.S. I From/To 2000 (No Improvements) 2020 (No Improvements) 2020 (Improvements) SR 1180/SR 1136 D E A S R I 136/Valle Hill Dr. E F B Valle Hill Dr./SR 1974 A B B Capacity analyses were also performed for the major intersections along the project (see Table 213). All intersections will remain unsignalized under the subject project. The results of the highway capacity analysis for these unsignalized intersections include the LOS for the major road and minor roads (US 1 is the mayor road). The existing US l/SR 1180 intersection will operate at a level of service of A/A (major/minor roads ) in the year 2000. This intersection will operate at level of service A/C in the year 2020 both with and without improvements. The existing US 1/SR 1187 intersection will also operate at level of service A/A in the year 2000. In the year 2020 this intersection will operate at level of service A/C without improvements and A/D with improvements. The US 1/SR 1136 intersection will operate at level of service AB in the year 2000 without improvements and at level of service A/E in the year 2020 with and without improvements. The intersection of US 1 and SR 1974 will operate at level of service A/C in the year 2000. Without improvements this intersection will operate at level of service A/E in the year 2020 both with and without improvements. The intersection of US 1 and SR 1974 will operate at level of service A/C in the year 2000 and 2020 both with and without improvements. T ART F TR intPrcPrtinn Level of Service (Maior/Mlnor Roads) Intersection 2000 (No Improvements) 2020 (No Improvements) 2020 (With improvements) US 1/SR 1180 A/A A/C A/C US I /SR 1187 A/A A/C A/D US 1/SR 1136 AB A/E A/E US 1Nalle Hill Drive A/C A/E A/E US I /SR 1974 A/C A/C A/C For unsignalized intersections, there is no overall level of service calculated; instead, levels of service are broken down by individual movements. No level of service is calculated for the mainline through and right-turning movements for unsignalized intersections. Since mainline through and right-turning movements always have the right of way, the flow of these moves is considered to be basically unaffected by the intersection and is therefore approximated by the mainline levels of service shown in Table 2A. As noted previously, the mainline level of service will be greatly improved as a result of the project. E. ACCIDENT ANALYSIS A comparison of accident rates along US 1 with the statewide rates for rural and urban two-lane "US" routes is shown in Table 3. The accident rates for US 1 are based on the period from September 1991 to August 1994. The statewide averages were generated from data for the years 1992-1994. •r a Rr T7'1 Arrlr)PMT R ATFC (PRR 100 MT1.L10N VEHICLE KILOMETERS) ACCIDENT ?v v RATES ALONG AVERAGE AVERAGE TYPE U.S.l STATEWIDE STATEWIDE RATES FOR RATES FOR URBAN TWO- RURAL TWO- LANE U.S. LANE U.S. ROUTES ROUTES All Accidents 177.44 165.82 107.77 Fatal 3.55 .68 1.55 Non-Fatal 124.29 68.55 51.09 Nighttime 46.16 27.91 30.45 Wet Conditions 21.30 34.99 25.79 Seventeen accidents occurred in the project area during the period from 1 September 1991 to 31 August 1994. The overall accident rate.during this period was 177.44 accidents per 100 nullion vehicle kilometers (acc/IOOMVK). This compares to a statewide average of 107.77 acc/100MVK for two lane rural US routes and a statewide average of 165.82 acc/100MVK for two lane urban US routes during the period from 1992 through 1994. Sixteen of the 17 accidents involved vehicles going straight ahead or stopping in the travel lane. Eight of the accidents were rearend collisions. This is indicative of a two- lane roadway operating near or beyond its capacity. Because US 1 has only a single lane in each direction, vehicles making turning movements slow or stop traffic. This creates a situation where "rearend" accidents occur. One intersection (Eason Road) accounted for five of the 17 accidents. There were no reported accidents at the railroad crossing (north of SR 1974). F. THOROUGHFARE PLAN The 1979 Thoroughfare Plan for Rockingham and Hamlet identifies widening US 1 from the proposed US 74 Bypass (Project R-512) to SR 1974 as a second priority project. The plan states that this widening needs to be done by the year 2000 to prevent intolerable congestion on this section of road and to allow easy access between the bypass and the Rockingham central business district. The plan classifies US 1 as a major radial thoroughfare. Figure 5 shows a portion of the Thoroughfare Plan, including the subject section of US 1. The NCDOT Statewide Planning Branch is currently working on an updated Thoroughfare Plan for Rockingham and Hamlet. The updated Thoroughfare Plan is scheduled to be complete by the summer of 1996. G. BENEFITS TO THE STATE REGION AND COMMUNITY The proposed improvements will allow safer and more efficient travel along US 1 throughout the project area. The additional through lanes and center left turn lane will enhance safety by allowing for passing and by separating left turning traffic from the through traffic stream. Each of these improvements will also improve the efficiency of travel by reducing stops and slow downs due to conflicts between left turning traffic and through traffic. The project will also provide continuity for traffic from the US 74 Bypass to central Rockingham. H. NEARBY AIRPORTS The Rockingham/Hamlet Airport is approximately 3.1 kilometers (1.9 miles) east of US 1 (see Figure 1 A and I B). There are no other airports in the project area. The NCDOT Division of Aviation has reviewed the project and indicated it will not likely affect this airport. 1. CONCLUSION For the reasons discussed in this section--improved safety and efficiency, improved capacity, and continuity for traffic from the proposed bypass to central Rockingham-- NCDOT concludes that US 1 should be widened as proposed. III. PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS A. GENERAL DESCRIPTION NCDOT will widen US 1, which is an existing two lane section with shoulders and ditches to a five lane section with curb and gutter from the proposed US 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forrest Street) in Rockingham. The recommended improvements are shown in Figure 2. The completed project will provide a design speed of approximately 80 km/h (50 mph). It will require 30 meters (100 feet) of right of way. B. COST ESTIMATE The total estimated cost for the project is $ 2,865,000. The estimated right of way cost is $815,000. The estimated construction cost is $2,050,000. C. PROPOSED TYPICAL SECTION The proposed typical section is five lanes plus curb and gutter. It will provide four through lanes and a continuous center left-turn lane. It will be 19.2 meters (64 feet) wide from face to face of curbs. The curb and gutter will be 750 millimeters (2.5 feet) in width. There will be a 3.0-meter (10.0-foot) wide grass berm on each side (see Figure 6). The widening will be done to the east of the existing alignment from just north of SR 1180 (Southwood Road) to just south of SR 1136 (Eason Road) and symmetrically from SR 1136 to SR 1974. D. DESIGN SPEED The completed project will provide a design speed of approximately 80 km/h (50 mph) with a proposed posted speed limit of 70 km/hr (45 mph). E. RIGHT OF WAY The proposed widening will require 30 meters (100 feet) of right of way. This will require purchasing approximately 1.6 hectares (4.0 acres) of additional right of way. Temporary construction easement will also be required throughout most of the project. F. ACCESS CONTROL The proposed improvements will not require any changes in access control. Currently there is no control of access along US 1 or the intersecting roads. There is partial control of access on US 220 north of the junction with US 1. G. INTERSECTION TREATMENT NCDOT does not propose additional turn lanes for any of the intersecting roads along US 1. Also, no traffic signals are proposed for this protect. H. BRIDGES AND OTHER DRAINAGE STRUCTURES There are no bridges along the project. There are two streams crossing under US 1. Each crosses through a 450 millimeter (18 inch) pipe. One crosses approximately 47 meters (155 feet) north of SR 1187 (Springdale Road). The other stream crosses approximately 105 meters (344 feet) north of SR 1187 (Springdale Road). These pipes will be retained and extended to accommodate the proposed widening of U.S. 1. 1. RAILROAD CROSSING TREATMENT A railroad crosses U.S. 1 at grade north of SR 1974 (Forrest Street). No improvements to this crossing are recommended. J. CHANGES IN STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM The project will not require any changes in the State Highway System. K. PERMITS REQUIRED Conditions for a Nationwide Permit No. 14 (minor road crossings) from the Corps of Engineers apply to the project. If the project requires a permit No. 14, a 401 Water Quality Certification will be required from the N.C. Division of Environmental Management. L. MULTIPLE USE OF SPACE There are no plans to use the right of way for any other purposes except public utilities. Public utilities will be allowed within the right of way within certain limitations. M. BIKEWAYS AND SIDEWALKS The NCDOT office of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation reviewed the project and indicated that there does not appear to be any special need for bicycle accommodations. There is no evidence of need for sidewalks on this project. The City Manager and Mayor of Rockingham have concurred that sidewalks are not warranted on the project. N. NOISE BARRIERS There are no noise barriers recommended for the project. 0. ANTICIPATED DESIGN EXCEPTIONS NCDOT expects no design exceptions will be required for the project. P. OTHER PROPOSED HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS IN THE AREA There are five other NCDOT Transportation Improvement Program (T.I.P.) highway projects in the Rockingham area. Figure 1B shows these projects. Project R-2501 proposes to improve US 1 from the South Carolina border to SR 1001 in Richmond County. The project proposes widening to a multi-lane roadway with a bypass of Rockingham. The T.I.P. schedule for this project includes right of way acquisition beginning in fiscal year 2002 and construction beginning after fiscal year 2002. A Draft Environmental Impact Statement for this project is currently being prepared. The alignment shown in Figure 1B for this project is preliminary and subject to change. Project R-512 proposes to construct a four lane divided US 74 Bypass on new location around Rockingham and Hamlet. The US 74 Bypass will be the southern project terminal for Project U-2523. The widening of US 1 is being coordinated with Project R-512. Right of way acquisition is underway and construction is scheduled to begin in fiscal year 1996. Project U-2217 proposes to construct additional ramps at the US 220/SR 1124 interchange in Rockingham. Right of Way acquisition is underway and construction is scheduled to begin in fiscal year 1996. Project B-2607 proposes to replace Bridge No. 29 on US 1 over CSX Railroad and Falling Creek in Rockingham. The T.I.P. includes planning beginning in fiscal year 1996, right of way acquisition beginning in fiscal year 1998, and construction beginning in fiscal year 1999. Project B-3365 proposes to replace Bridge No. 33 on SR 1124 over Falling Creek in Rockingham. The T.I.P. schedule for this project includes planning beginning in fiscal year 1997, right of way acquisition beginning in fiscal year 2000, and construction beginning in fiscal year 2001. IV. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION A. RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS NCDOT will widen US 1 from the existing two lane section with shoulders and ditches to a five lane section with curb and gutter from the proposed US 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forrest Street) in Rockingham. The proposed typical section will be 19.2 meters (64 feet) wide from face to face of curbs. It will provide four through lanes and a continuous center left-turn lane. The widening will be done to the east of the existing alignment from just north of SR 1180 (Southwood Road) to just south of SR 1136 (Eason Road) and symmetrically from SR 1136 to SR 1974. The completed project will provide a design speed of approximately 80 km/h (50 mph). It will require 30 meters (100 feet) of right of way. The total cost of this alternative is $2,865,000. The estimated right of way cost is $815,000. The estimated construction cost is $2,050,000. The will be six residential relocations and one business relocation as a result of this project. There recommended improvements are shown in Figure 2. B. DESIGN ALTERNATIVES Three build alternatives were considered in addition to the proposed alternative. Based on the estimated number of residential and business relocations, NCDOT eliminated 10 these alternatives. These alternatives would provide the same typical section and require approximately the same new right of way as the recommended alternate. The additional build alternatives are as follows: 1. Widening US 1 symmetrically. The total cost of this alternate is $3,061,000. The estimated cost of construction is $2,150,000. The estimated cost of right of way is $911,000. This alternative would require eight residential and two business relocations. 2. Widening US 1 entirely to the west of the existing alignment. The total cost of this alternate is $3,027,000. The estimated cost of construction is $2,000,000. The estimated cost of right of way is $1,027,000. This alternative would require nine residential and two business relocations. 3. Widening US 1 entirely to the east of the existing alignment. The total cost of this alternate is $2,814,000. The estimated cost of construction is $2,000,000. The estimated cost of right of way is $814,000. This alternative would require seven residential and one business relocations. Although this alternative is the least expensive, it does not match up as well with the segment of US 1 north of the project and it would require 1 more residential relocatee than the recommended improvement. In addition to these build alternatives, NCDOT studied combinations of these (the Recommended Alternative is a combination of Alternative 3 and Alternative 1). None of the other studied alternatives had fewer relocations or less environmental impact than the Recommended Alternative; therefore, NCDOT rejected these alternatives. C. POSTPONEMENT OF PROPOSED ACTION The existing facility exhibits constrained flow and has a much higher accident rate than the statewide average for similar roadways. With the projected design year traffic volumes, the facility will exhibit gridlock conditions in some areas (see Section II.D.). Postponement of the project would result in continuing traffic service deterioration as traffic volumes increase. Therefore, NCDOT does not recommend this alternative. D. DO NOTHING ALTERNATIVE This alternative would avoid the limited environmental impacts anticipated to result from construction of the project. However, this alternative would not provide multi-lane continuity from the proposed US 74 Bypass to downtown Rockingham, provide adequate capacity for future traffic, or improve turning conditions at intersections. Therefore, it would not improve the safety and efficiency of traffic flow along US 1. For these reasons, NCDOT does not recommend the Do Nothing Alternative. E. ALTERNATIVE MODES OF TRANSPORTATION No alternative mode of transportation such as mass transit, HOV lanes, or van pooling or carpooling appears to be a practical alternative. Highway transportation is the dominant transportation mode in the project area, and the project involves widening an existing road. 11 V SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS A. SOCIAL EFFECTS 1. Land Use and Planning a. Scope of Local Planning Activities The proposed improvement is located in the City of Rockingham extraterritorial jurisdiction. The City enforces a Unified Development Ordinance containing all land use controls, such as zoning and subdivision regulations. The City does not, however have a long range land use plan. b. Existing Land Use The proposed project begins just south of SR 1180 (Southwood Road) and ends dust south of the U. S. 1 and U. S. 220 intersection. The project area is a mix of commercial and low-density residential land uses. Wooded areas are interspersed with the commercial and residential uses. Land uses from the southern project terminus to SR 1136 (Eason Road) include low-density residential, a floorcovering business, and an auto parts store. The Southwood Pentecostal Holiness Church is located at the intersection of SR 1180. A diner is located at the intersection of SR 1187 (Springdale Road. Development along US 1 from SR 1136 to SR 1974 (Forrest Street) includes single-family residential, a paint store, two small commercial warehouses, and a gas station/ convenience store. Just north of SR 1136 is the Hebron Baptist Temple. c. Existing Zonin Because the City has no long range planning document, the Unified Development Ordinance serves as the primary tool in guiding land use changes. According to the City zoning map, one element of the Ordinance, the project area is zoned for low-density, single-family residential, instrtutJonal, and highway business uses. d. Future Land Use According to local officials, the proposed US 74 bypass interchange construction will improve access to the area and may stimulate commercial and possibly industrial development in the long-range future by accommodating the movement of truck traffic. In the short-term, the project area is anticipated to experience some residential and commercial growth. 2. Neighborhood Characteristics Richmond County is in the south central section of North Carolina. It is bounded by South Carolina and Anson, Stanly, Montgomery, Moore, and Scotland Counties. According to the 1990 Census Data, Richmond County has a population of 44,518. Rockingham is the largest urban area in the county. It has a population of 9,399. The project area consists of residential, commercial, and institutional development. Development in some sections along the project is close to the proposed widening. 12 3. Public Facilities Near the southern end of the proposed project is the Southwood Pentecostal Church. It is set back from the roadway on the west side of U. S. 1. Near the northern end of the proposed project is the Hebron Baptist Church. The proposed project will not adversely affect these, or other, public facilities. 4. Relocations Additional right of way will be needed to complete the project. NCDOT anticipates the project will require relocating six residential dwellings and one business. Although right of way will be purchased from the six residential relocatees, none of the six dwellings are actually in the proposed right of way. However, these residences were assumed to be relocatees due to an anticipated loss of septic systems. It is possible that fewer than six residential relocatees will result from this project. For all relocations, it is the policy of the NCDOT to ensure that comparable replacement housing will be available prior to construction of State and Federal assisted projects. Furthermore, the North Carolina Board of Transportation has the following three programs to minimize the inconvenience of relocation: * Relocation Assistance * Relocation Moving Payments, and * Relocation replacement housing payments or rent supplement. Appendix 1 contains information on the Division of Highways Relocation Programs (see pages Al-1 and Al-2). The relocation report for the project is included in the Appendix (see page Al-3). Of the six residential relocatees anticipated to result from the proposed widening, two are minorities. One low-income relocatee is anticipated from the proposed widening. The proposed widening is not anticipated to disproportionately impact any minority or low-income communities. 5. Social Impacts The proposed action will not disrupt neighborhood cohesion and it will not interfere with the accessibility of facilities and services. It will have a positive social and economic effect on the total community. Richmond County has a population of 44,518. The minority population is 13,702 or 30.7 percent of the total population. Two of the six residential relocatees or 33 percent are minorities. The proposed widening is not anticipated to disproportionately impact any minority or low-income communities. 6. Historic and Cultural Resources a. Historic Architectural Resources According to records at the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), no properties of historic architectural significance occur within 13 the project area. The SHPO recommends no historic architectural survey for the project. See pages A4-14 and A4-15 of Appendix 4 for a copy of correspondence from the SHPO. b. Archaeological Resources According to SHPO, there are no known archaeological sites within the project area. It is unlikely any archaeological resources eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places will be affected by the project. SHPO recommends no survey for archaeological resources. Based on this recommendation no surveys were conducted. See pages A4- 15 and A4-16 of Appendix 4 for a copy of correspondence from the SHPO. B. SECTION 4(f) PROPERTIES The project will not use property from any resource protected by Section 4(f). C. ECONOMIC EFFECTS North Carolina Preliminary Civilian Labor Force Estimates (preliminary data for June 1995) indicate that Richmond County has a total civilian labor force of 21,470. Out of that total, 19,230 persons were gainfully employed. This left an unemployment total of 2,240 persons or 10.4%. The proposed project will have a positive effect on the local economy. US 1 passes through the middle of Rockingham, which is the largest urban area in Richmond County. By widening US 1 , a major thoroughfare, the proposed project can help eliminate some of the existing traffic build up and increase efficiency of delivering goods and services. In addition to being a major thoroughfare in Rockingham, US 1 runs north and south through North Carolina and other states and cities in the eastern United States. This route is used to transport many types of goods. It is a vital link. Improvements will enhance the local and regional economy. US 1 connects with other major highways in the project area, including US 74 and US 220. This increases the economic opportunities for other states, counties, and municipalities. D. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 1. Biological Resources a. Background The study area associated with the proposed project is primarily disturbed. Commercial and residential development dominate the immediate surroundings with several small stands of timber interspersed throughout the project. Rocky Branchand several unnamed tributaries lie within the study area, as well as several small wetlands. Detailed information concerning water resources and wetlands is described later in the report. 14 An NCDOT staff biologist conducted research prior to a site visit. Information sources used in the pre-field investigation of the study area include the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangle map (Rockingham) and NCDOT aerial photomosaic of the project area (1:2000). Water resource information was obtained from publications of the N.C. Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources (DEHNR, 1993) and from the NC Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (Environmental Sensitivity Base Map of Richmond County, 1992). The biologist gathered information concerning the occurrence of federal and state protected species in the study area from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) list of protected and candidate species and the N.C. Natural Heritage Program (NHP) database of rare species and unique habitats. The NCDOT staff biologist made a site visit was 31 January 1995 to evaluate natural resources. General field surveys were conducted along the proposed alignment. Plant communities and their associated wildlife were identified and recorded. Wildlife identification involved using one or more observation techniques including: active searching and capture, visual observations (binoculars), and identifying characteristic signs of wildlife (sounds, scat, tracks and burrows). The biologist identified and released organisms captured during these searches. The biologist performed jurisdictional wetland determinations using delineation criteria prescribed in the "Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual" (Environmental Laboratory, 1987). b. Biotic Communities This section describes the existing vegetation and associated wildlife communities that occur on the U-2583 project site. It also discusses potential impacts affecting these communities as a result of the proposed actions. The biologist identifies three distinct terrestrial communities and one aquatic community in the project study area: (1) Mixed Pine/Hardwood Forest; (2) Bottomland Hardwood Forest, (3) Maintained Community, and (4) Coastal Plain Perennial Stream. Many faunal species are highly adaptive and may populate the entire range of the three terrestrial communities discussed. Faunal species observed during the site visit are noted with an asterisk. 1. Mixed Pine/Hardwood Forest The mixed pine/hardwood forest is sporadic throughout the project area. Before urbanization, this was probably the dominant forest. Loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, longleaf pine, tulip poplar, sweetgum, and northern red oak dominate the canopy portions of this forest. Species found throughout the understory include black cherry, black oak, willow oak, white oak, red cedar, Florida dogwood, and American holly. Shrub, vine, and herbaceous layers contain blueberry, cross vine, Japanese honeysuckle, wild grape, greenbrier, poison-ivy, grapefern, and Christmas fern respectively. The mixed pine/hardwood forest offers habitat for a variety of fauna. Reptilian species that may inhabit such areas include the eastern box turtle, five- lined skink, and ground skink. These species forage on small plants and insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, and harvestmen, respectively. The black racer and copperhead serve predatory roles by feeding on numerous small reptiles, birds, mammals, and amphibians. i> The presence of vegetative stratification provides habitat for species such as the southern flying squirrel, gray squirrel, pine warbler, tufted titmouse, house finch, red-bellied woodpecker, northern flicker, and downy woodpecker. 2. Bottomland Hardwood Forest The bottomland hardwood forest is found along river and stream floodplains. This occurs especially in the piedmont and lower elevation mountain valleys but is also found sporadically in the coastal plain. Bottomland hardwood forests exhibit tree species prone to infrequent, as well as frequent, flooded conditions. Such species associated with the proposed project are found along Rocky Branch (south of the project area). Some of these species have adapted to flooded conditions, since areas exist that are saturated and sometimes inundated throughout the growing season. Species such as tulip poplar, sweetgum, and red maple dominate the canopy layer in this forest. Green ash, silky dogwood, and ironwood are common understory species. The shrub layer is very sparse, consisting primarily of viburnum and blackberry. There are numerous vines and herbaceous components consisting of cross vine, Japanese honeysuckle, greenbrier, catbrier, giant cane, and crane-fly orchid. Species found in areas saturated throughout the growing season include those with hydrophytic characteristics. Small wetland pockets provide habitat for black willow, an understory species, but the dominant flora is herbaceous in this small sub-community. Soft rush, beggar's ticks, false nettle, seedbox, marsh -fleabane, tear-thumb, royal fern, cinnamon fern, and sphagnum moss are a few of the dominant species present. The bottomland hardwood forest offers excellent \ habitat for many birds, mammals, reptiles, and especially amphibians. Birds such as the eastern wood-pewee, Carolina chickadee, Carolina wren, and ruby crowned kinglet may frequent these areas for forage items and shelter. Mammals and reptiles that may be observed in the bottomland hardwood forest include the southern short-tailed shrew, white-footed mouse, raccoon, worm snake, ringneck snake, and eastern garter snake. Since the bottomland hardwood forest exhibits inundated and saturated conditions, there is excellent breeding habitat for amphibians. Salamanders such as the marbled salamander, spotted salamander, northern dusky salamander, mud salamander, and two-lined salamander may live under logs, boards, stones, and leaves in this community. Other amphibians such as spring peeper, pickerel frog, southern leopard frog, and upland chorus frog may inhabit this area as well. 3. Maintained Community The maintained community refers to areas along roadsides and powerline rights-of-way dominated by both woody and herbaceous weeds that are regularly controlled by mowing. In addition, a few remnant canopy trees exist in small areas. Species such as tulip poplar, willow oak, white oak, loblolly pine, and red cedar are in small fragmented stands within such right-of-ways. However, shrubs, vines, and hrebaceous type flora are dominant species in this community. Privet, wild rose, Japanese honeysuckle, greenbrier, aster, thoroughwort, fescue, panic grass, broomsedge, and ebony spleenwort are a few of the common species found in these open areas receiving direct sunlight. 16 This landscape setting provides habitat for the existence of many faunal species adaptable to urban settings. Species such as the northern cardinal, mourning dove, northern mockingbird, and American robin are throughout this community. The hispid cotton rat, Norway rat, eastern cottontail and rat snake also find foraging opportunities and shelter in this community. A major predator of this community is the red-tailed hawk, which forages mainly on rodents. 4. Coastal Plain Perennial Stream One aquatic community type, coastal plain perennial stream, will be impacted by the proposed project. Physical and chemical characteristics of the water body dictate faunal composition of the aquatic communities. Terrestrial communities adjacent to a water resource also greatly influence aquatic communities and vice versa. The coastal plain perennial stream includes fish native to warmer water temperatures. Prey species such as bluehead chub, whitefin shiner, spottail shiner, dusky shiner, and eastern newt may provide foraging opportunities for larger predatory species, including redbreast sunfish, bluegill, and largemouth bass. Other species associated with the coastal plain perennial stream community may include muskrat and mink, which are semi-aquatic mammals that feed on both aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna. c. Anticipated Impacts to Biotic Communities Construction of the subject project will have various impacts on the biotic resources described. Any construction-related activities in or near these resources will impact biological functions. This section quantifies and qualifies impacts to the natural resources in terms of area impacted and ecosystems affected. Temporary and permanent impacts are considered here as well. Calculated impacts to terrestrial resources reflect the relative abundance of each community present in the study area. Project construction will result in clearing and degradation of portions of these communities. Table 4 gives a summary of potential quantitative losses to these biotic communities that may result from project construction. The basis of estimated impacts is the study area of 21 meters (70 feet) on each side of the centerline. Usually, project construction does not require the entire study area or even right of way; therefore, actual impacts will be considerably less. 'r.1,1. A T;cr;mnf&-A Tmnacte to Rintic rnmmnnities Community Im pact Mixed Pine/Hardwood Forest 0.3 ha 0.7 ac Bottomland Hardwood Forest 0.1 ha 0.3 ac Maintained Community 1.1 ha 2.8 ac Total Impacts 1.5 ha 3.8 ac Impacts to terrestrial communities will occur in the form of habitat reduction. Since the project area is already fragmented, relatively little impact will occur to species that live along the edges and open areas. However, ground dwellers and slow moving organisms may decrease in numbers. Mobile species may be permanently displaced. Increased predation may occur as a result of habitat reduction. 17 Impacts to aquatic communities will occur in the form of increased sedimentation, increased light penetration, and loss of habitat. Sedimentation covers benthic organisms, inhibiting feeding and respiration. Removal of stream- side vegetation may lead to increased water temperatures, which can be detrimental to freshwater aquatic species. d. Federally-Protected Species Federal law (under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended) requires that any action, likely to adversely affect species classified as federally-protected, be subject to review by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Other species may receive additional protection under separate state laws. Plants and animals with Federal Classifications of Endangered (E), Threatened (T), Proposed Endangered (PE), and Proposed Threatened (PT) are protected under provisions of Section 7 and Section 9 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. As of 28 March 1995, the USFWS lists the following federally-protected species for Richmond County (Table 5). A brief description of each species's characteristics and habitat follows. Table 5_ Federally-Protected Species for Richmond Countv Scientific Name Common Name Status Aci enser brevirostrum shortnose sturgeon E Haliaeetus leucoce halus bald eagle E Picoides borealis red-cockaded woodpecker E L simachia as erulaefolia rough-leafed loosestrife E* Rhus michauxii Michaux's sumac E "*" species has not been recorded within the past 20 years for Richmond County. Acipenser brevirostrum (short-nosed sturgeon) Endangered Animal Family: Acipenseridae Date Listed: 11 March 1967 Distribution in N.C.: Anson, Brunswick, New Hanover, Richmond. The short-nosed sturgeon requires large fresh water rivers that are unobstructed by dams or pollutants to reproduce successfully. It is an anadromous species that spawns upstream in the spring and spends most of its life in proximity to a river mouth. At least two entirely freshwater populations have been recorded in South Carolina and Massachusetts. Biological Conclusion: No Effect No suitable habitat exists for the short-nosed sturgeon within the project boundaries. There are no large rivers or streams found within the study area. Therefore, no impacts will occur to the short-nosed sturgeon as a result of project construction. Haliaeetus leucocephalus (bald eagle) Endangered Animal Family: Accipitridae Date Listed: 11 March 1967 Distribution in N.C.: Anson, Beaufort, Brunswick, Carteret, Chatham, Chowan, Craven, Dare, Durham, Guilford, Hyde, Montgomery, New Hanover, Northampton, Perquimans, Richmond, Stanley, Vance, Wake, Washington. 18 Eagle nests are found within 0.8 kilometer (0.5 mile) of water with a clear flight path to the water, in the largest living tree in an area, and having an open view of the surrounding land. Human disturbance can cause an eagle to abandon otherwise suitable habitat. Biological Conclusion: No Effect No suitable habitat exists for the bald eagle along the proposed project. With increased human disturbance, no clear paths to open water, and lack of large trees, it is very unlikely that the bald eagle is present in the study area. Therefore, no impacts will occur to the bald eagle as a result of project construction. Picoides borealis (red-cockaded woodpecker) Endangered Animal Family: Picidae Date Listed: 13 October 1970 Distribution in N.C.: Anson, Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chatham, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Dare, Duplin, Forsyth, Gates, Halifax, Harnett, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Montgomery, Moore, Nash, New Hanover, Northhampton, Onslow, Orange, Pamlico, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Tyrrell, Wake, Wayne, Wilson. The red-cockaded woodpecker uses open old growth stands of southern pines, particularly longleaf pine (Pinus alp ustris), for foraging and nesting habitat. A forested stand must contain at least 50% pine, lack a thick understory, and be contiguous with other stands to be appropriate habitat for the RCW. These birds nest exclusively in trees that are >60 years old and are contiguous with pine stands at least 30 years of age. The foraging range of the RCW is up to 200 hectares (500 acres). This acreage must be contiguous with suitable nesting sites. These woodpeckers nest exclusively in living pine trees and usually in trees that are infected with the fungus that causes red-heart disease. Biological Conclusion: No Effect Based upon extensive field reconnaissance, no suitable habitat in the form of stands containing at least 50% pine, lacking a thick understory, and contiguous with other stands with appropriate habitat is present for the red-cockaded woodpecker in the surrounding areas of the proposed project. Therefore, no impacts will occur to the red-cockaded woodpecker as a result of project construction. Lysimachia asnerulaefolia (rough-leaved loosestrife) Endangered Plant Family: Pnmulaceae Federally Listed: 12 June 1987 Flowers Present: June Distribution in N.C.: Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Cumberland, Hoke, Moore, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Richmond, Scotland. Rough-leaved loosestrife is endemic to the coastal plain and sandhills of North and South Carolina. This species occurs in the ecotones or edges between longleaf pine uplands and pond pine pocosins (areas of dense shrub and vine growth usually on a wet, peat, poorly drained soil) on moist to seasonally saturated sands and on shallow organic soils overlaying sand. It has also been found to occur on deep peat in the low shrub 19 community of large Carolina bays (shallow, elliptical, poorly drained depressions of unknown origins). The areas it occurs in are fire maintained. Rough-leaved loosestrife rarely occurs in association with hardwood stands and prefers acidic soils. Biological Conclusion: No Effect Based upon extensive field reconnaissance along ecotones and on moist to seasonally saturated sands and shallow organic soils overlaying sand, no suitable habitat exists for rough-leaved loosestrife along the project area. Therefore, no impacts will occur to this species as a result of project construction. Rhus michauxii (Michaux's sumac) Endangered Plant Family: Anacardiaceae Federally Listed: 28 September 1989 Flowers Present: June Distribution in N.C.: Columbus, Davie, Durham, Franklin, Hoke, Lincoln, Moore, Orange, Richmond, Robeson, Scotland, Wake, Wilson. This plant occurs in rocky or sandy open woods. Michaux's sumac is dependent on some sort of disturbance to maintain the openness of its habitat. It usually grows in association with basic soils and occurs on sand or sandy loams. Michaux's sumac grows only in open habitat where it can get full sunlight. Michaux's sumac does not compete well with other species, such as Japanese honeysuckle, with which it is often associated. Biological Conclusion: No Effect Suitable habitat for Michaux's sumac is present along the roadsides and powerline right-of-ways. A plant-by-plant survey was conducted by an NCDOT biologist during the site visit. No individuals were observed. Therefore, no impacts will occur to Michaux's sumac as a result of project construction. e. Federal Candidate and State Protected Species There are nine federal candidate (C2) species listed for Richmond County. Federal Candidate species are not afforded federal protection under the Endangered Species Act and are not subject to any of its provisions, including Section 7, until they are formally proposed or listed as Threatened or Endangered. C2 species are defined as organisms which are vulnerable to extinction although no sufficient data currently exists to warrant a listing of Endangered, Threatened, Proposed Endangered, or Proposed Threatened. Organisms which are listed as Endangered (E), Threatened (T), or Special Concern (SC) by the North Carolina Heritage Program list of Rare Plant and Animal Species are afforded state protection under the State Endangered Species Act and the North Carolina Plant Protection and Conservation Act of 1979. Table 6 lists federal candidate species, the species' state status (if afforded state protection), and the existence of suitable habitat for each species in the study area. This species list is provided for information purposes, as the status of these species may be upgraded in the future. 20 TABLE 6. Federal Candidate and State Protected Species For Richmond County SCIENTIFIC COMMON NAME NC SUITABLE NAME STATUS HABITAT Aimophila aestivalis Bachman's sparrow SC N Pituophis m. Northern pine snake SC Y melanoleucus Amorpha georgiana Georgia leadplant E Y gerogoama Astragalus michauxii Sandhills milkvetch - N Nestronia umbellula Nestronia - Y Kalmia cuneata White-wicky E-SC N Potamogeton Conferva - N confervoides pondweed* Stylisma p. var. Pickering's morning E Y pickeringii glory Tofieldia glabra - Y No specimen found in Richmond County in twenty years. Surveys for these species were not conducted during the site visit, nor were any of these species observed. A review of the database of the N.C. Natural Heritage Program Rare Species and Unique Habitats revealed no records of North Carolina rare and/or protected species in or near the project study area. 2. Soils and Topography Soils in the project area are from the Cecil Clay and Norfolk Sandy Loam series. The composition of the Cecil Clay is clayey silt with various amounts of organic material overlying clay. The Norfolk Sandy Loam is silty sand to sandy silt overlying sandy silt to sandy clay. These soils are all well drained. Richmond County lies in the sandhills system of the coastal plain physiographic province. The topography of the sandhills is variable. Gently undulating sandy upland divides step down to adjacent major streams in a sequence of terraces differing in elevation. Richmond County is also located along the border of the coastal plain and piedmont physiographic provinces, which suggests a mixture of topographical variations throughout the proposed project. Interstream divides may range from smooth valley slopes to finely dissected areas with steep slopes. The average elevation associated with the proposed project is 76 meters (250 feet). 3. Wetlands and Permits Surface waters and wetlands fall under the broad category of "Waters of the United States," as defined in Section 33 of the Code of Federal Register (CFR) Part 328.3. Wetlands, defined in 33 CFR 328.3, are those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and under 21 normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted to life in saturated conditions. Any action that proposes to place fill into these areas falls under the jurisdiction of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344). Two wetland systems will be impacted by proposed project construction'(see Wetland Nos.:2 and 3, Figure 7): 'One other wetland systems occurs south of the project area (Wetland Nor 11 Figure 7).'; Each wetland is described below and rated in accordance with methodologies recommended by the N.C. Division of Environmental Management (DEM). Wetland #1 This wetland, which is located just south of the project area, is associated with the bottomland hardwood forest. Dominant flora includes black willow, soft rush, sphagnum moss, seedbox and cinnamon fern. Soils colors in this community are 10 YR 5/2 (grayish brown) with 7.5 YR 5/6 (strong brown) mottles. Hydrologic indicators include shallow roots, buttressed trunks, multiple stems, and oxidized rhizospheres. The Cowardin Classification of this community is PFOIE (palustrine, forested, broad-leaved deciduous, seasonally flooded/saturated). The DEM rating of the bottomland hardwood forest wetland community is 69.0 out of a possible 100.0 points. Wet-land #2 This wetland is located just south of Elaine Avenue and is associated with a small seep along the southeast quadrant at the US 1 intersection with SR 2029 (Belle Road). In the vicinity of wetland #2, U. S. 1 will be widened on the east side. Westside widening at this location would avoid wetland #2; however, eastside widening was chosen because of fewer relocatees and lower overall project cost. Dominant vegetation includes black willow, tear thumb, beggar's ticks, and thoroughwort. Soil colors range from 10 YR 3/1 (very dark gray) to 10 YR 5/2 (grayish brown). The area remains inundated/saturated to the surface throughout the year. The Cowardin Classification of this seep is PEM1H (palustrine, persistent emergent, permanently flooded). The;DEM:rating is 32.0 out of a possible 100.0 points. Approximate amount of impact is <0.1 ha (<O.1 ac). Wetland #3 This wetland is located just north of Elaine Avenue on both: sides of US 1 and is associated with a small unnamed tributary of Rocky Branch. Dominant vegetation includes soft rush, epilobium (Epilobium coloratum), sphagnum moss, black willow, seedbox, and graminoids. Soil colors are 10 YR 5/2 (grayish brown). The wetland exhibits inundated conditions throughout the year. The Cowardin Classification of this community is PEM 1 H also. DEM rating of this wetland is 41.0 `out of a possible 100.0 points. Approximate amount of impact is <0.1 ha (<0.1 ac). Eastside widening is proposed in this area. Impacts to jurisdictional surface waters are anticipated. In accordance with provisions of section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344), a Nationwide Permit 33 CFR 330.5 (A) 14 (road crossings) is applicable to the project. Nationwide Permit No. 14 authorizes fill for roads crossing waters of the U. S., including wetlands and other aquatic sites. Standard conditions include: (1) the width of the fill is limited to the minimum necessary for the actual crossing, (2) the fill placed in waters of the U. S. is limited to a filled area of no more than 0.1 ha (0.3 ac), and (3) no more than a total of 61 linear meters (200 feet) of the fill for the roadway can occur in special aquatic sites, including wetlands. 22 The project will not be able to totally avoid wetlands because of occurrences on both sides of U. S. 1. Impacts to wetlands will be minimized because the project does not require construction on new location, it will use a curb and gutter section which will minimize the amount of cut and fill, and Best Management Practices will be implemented throughout construction. Projects issued under Nationwide permits usually do not require compensatory mitigation according to the 1989 Memorandum of Agreement between the Environmental Protection Agency and the COE. Authority for final permit and mitigation decisions rests with the COE. A Section 401 General Water Quality Certification (WQC # 2745) is also required for any activity which may result in a discharge and for which a certification is required. Certifications are administered through the N.C. Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources (DEHNR). 4. Flood Hazard Evaluation Richmond County and the City of Rockingham are participants in the National Flood Insurance Regular Program; however, there are no designated flood hazard zones affected by the project. 5. Water Resources and Water ualit The project is within the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin. Two perennial streams intersect the project. Both are unnamed tributaries of Rocky Branch. Rocky Branch intersects U. S. 1 south of the southern project terminal. All three of the streams flow from southeast to northwest. Rocky Branch converges with Hitchcock Creek approximately 1.6 kilometers (1.0 mile) northwest of its intersection with U. S. 1. Hitchcock Creek then flows westward approximately 6.4 kilometers (4.0 miles) and empties into the Pee Dee River. Most streams have been assigned a best usage classification by the Division of Environmental, Management (DEM). Rocky Branch ao0 its corresponding tributaries at the Project site are designated as Class "C" Class "C" waters denote secondary uses such as aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation, and agriculture. Neither WS-I or WS-II Water Supplies, Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), nor High Quality Waters (HQW) occur within 1.6 kilometers (1.0 mile) of the project study area. No impacts to these waters will result from proposed project construction. The Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN) is managed by DEM and is part of an ongoing ambient water quality monitoring program which addresses long term trends in water quality. The program assesses water quality by sampling for selected benthic macroinvertebrate organisms at fixed monitoring sites. Macroinvertebrates are sensitive to very subtle changes in water quality; therefore, the species richness and overall biomass reflect water quality. No BMAN information is available for Rocky Branch or its unnamed tributaries at the location of the proposed project. Point source dischargers located throughout North Carolina are permitted through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. Any discharger is required to register for a permit. No permitted discharges occur into Rocky Branch or its corresponding tributaries. 23 Increased channelization and sedimentation are the major anticipated impacts to water quality. Scouring of the stream bed, soil compaction, and loss of shading due to vegetation removal are also potential impacts. Increased sedimentation from lateral flows along with erosion is expected. Precautions will be taken to minimize impacts to water resources in the study area. NCDOT's Best Management Practices for the Protection of Surface Waters and Sedimentation Control guidelines will be enforced throughout construction. 6. Farmland North Carolina Executive Order No. 96, Conservation of Prime Agricultural and Forest Lands, requires state agencies to attempt to minimize impacts to prime and important farmland soils. The Executive Order requires that a determination be made as to whether a proposed state action will have a significant adverse effect on these resources. The proposed improvement is located in a primarily low- density urban land use area. The proposed widening project will not effect an actively farmed area; therefore, no consideration of potential impacts to farmland is required. 7. Highway Traffic and Construction Noise Analysis a. Background Traffic noise impacts are determined from the current procedures for the abatement of highway traffic noise and construction noise, appearing as Part 772 of Title 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations. If traffic noise impacts are predicted, examination and evaluation of alternative noise abatement measures for reducing or eliminating the noise impacts must be considered. The project location is shown in Figure N1 (see page A2-1). See Appendix 2 for noise analysis tables N1-N5 (pages A2-2 thru A2-11). b. Noise Abatement Criteria in order to determine whether highway noise levels are or are not compatible with various land uses, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has developed noise abatement criteria (NAC) and procedures to be used in the planning and design of highways. These abatement criteria and procedures are set forth in the aforementioned Federal reference (Title 23 CFR Part 772). A summary of the noise abatement criteria for various land uses is presented in Table N2 (see page A2-2). The Leq, or equivalent sound level, is the level of constant sound which, in a given situation and time period, has the same energy as does time varying sound. In other words, the fluctuating sound levels of traffic noise are represented in terms of a steady noise level with the same energy content. c. Ambient Noise Levels Ambient noise measurements were taken in the vicinity of the project to determine the existing background noise levels. The purpose of this noise level information was to quantify the existing acoustic environment and to provide a base for assessing the impact of noise level increases. The existing Leq noise level along US 220, as measured at 15 meters from the roadway, ranged from 67.8 to 69.8 dBA. 24 The existing roadway and traffic conditions were used with the most current traffic noise prediction model in order to calculate existing noise levels for comparison with noise levels actually measured. The calculated existing noise levels were within 2.9 dBA of the measured noise levels for the measurement locations where noise measurements were obtained. Differences in dBA levels can be attributed to "bunching" of vehicles, low traffic volumes, and actual vehicle speeds versus the computer's "evenly-spaced" vehicles and single vehicular speed. d. Procedure for Predictinnz Future Noise Levels The procedure used to predict future noise levels in this study was the Noise Barrier Cost Reduction Procedure, STAMINA 2.0 and OPTIMA (revised March, 1983). The BCR (Barrier Cost Reduction) procedure is based upon the FHWA Highway Traffic Noise Prediction Model (FHWA-RD-77-108). The BCR traffic noise prediction model uses the number and type of vehicles on the planned roadway, their speeds, the physical characteristics of the road (curves, hills, depressed, elevated, etc.), receptor location and height, and, if applicable, barrier type, barrier ground elevation, and barrier top elevation. In this regard, it is to be noted that only preliminary alignment was available for use in this noise analysis. The proposed project is to widen US 220 from the proposed US 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forrest Street). Symmetrical widening and widening entirely to the east and west of the existing facility were evaluated. The roadway sections and proposed intersections were assumed to be flat and at-grade. Thus, this analysis represents the "worst-case" topographical conditions. The noise predictions made in this report are highway-related noise predictions for the traffic conditions during the year being analyzed. Peak hour design and LOS C volumes were compared, and the volumes resulting in the noisiest conditions were used with the proposed posted speed limits. Hence, during all other time periods, the noise levels will be no greater than those indicated in this report. The STAMINA 2.0 computer model was utilized in order to determine the number of land uses (by type) which would be impacted during the peak hour of the design year 2020. A land use is considered to be impacted when exposed to noise levels approaching or exceeding the FHWA noise abatement criteria and/or predicted to sustain a substantial noise increase. The basic approach was to select receptor locations such as 7.5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240, and 480 meters from the center of the near traffic lane (adaptable to both sides of the roadway). The location of these receptors were determined by the changes in projected traffic volumes and/or the posted speed limits along the proposed project. The result of this procedure was a grid of receptor points along the project. Using this grid, noise levels were calculated for each identified receptor. The Leq traffic noise exposures associated with this project are listed for symmetrical widening (Table N3, pages A24,A2-5), west-side widening (Table N3E, see pages A2-6,A2-7), and East-side widening (Table N3W, pages A2-8,A2- 9). Information included in these tables consist of listings of all receptors in close proximity to the project, their ambient and predicted noise levels, and the estimated noise level increase for each. 25 The maximum number of receptors in each activity category by type of widening and roadway sections that are predicted to become impacted by future traffic noise is shown in Table N4 (page A2-10). Other information included in Table N4 is the maximum extent of the 72 and 67 dBA noise level contours. This information should assist local authorities in exercising land use control over the remaining undeveloped lands adjacent to the roadway within local jurisdiction. For example, with the proper information on noise, the local authorities can prevent further development of incompatible activities and land uses with the predicted noise levels of an adjacent highway. Table N5 (page A2-11) indicates the exterior traffic noise level increases for the identified receptors for each type of widening by roadway section. Predicted noise level increases for this project range up to +3 dBA. When real-life noises are heard, it is possible to barely detect noise level changes of 2-3 dBA. A 5 dBA change is more readily noticeable. The symmetrical widening alternative would have 10 residences impacted by traffic noise. None of these increases in traffic noise would be greater than 2 decibels. The westside alternate would have 9 residences impacted. None of these increases in traffic noise would exceed 3 decibels. The eastside alternative would have 5 residences impacted. None of these increases in traffic noise would exceed 3 decibels. The recommended improvement, which calls for eastside widening from the south project terminal to SR 1136 and symmetrical widening from SR 1136 to the north terminal will have 11 residences impacted. None of these increases in traffic noise will exceed 3 decibels. e. Traffic Noise Impact Analysis Traffic noise impacts occur when the predicted traffic noise levels either: [a] approach or exceed the FHWA noise abatement criteria (with "approach" meaning within 1 dBA of the Table N2 value), or [b] substantially exceed the existing noise levels. The NCDOT definition of substantial increase is shown in the lower portion of Table N2 (page A2-3). Consideration for noise abatement measures must be given to receptors which fall in either category. No receptor is expected to experience a substantial increase in their exterior noise level. As noted previously, noise levels at eleven residences are expected to exceed the NAC in the design year. f. Do Nothing Alternative The traffic noise impacts for the "do nothing" alternative were also considered. Thirteen residences are predicted to be impacted by highway traffic noise within the project limits, if the facility is not widened. Also, if the project is not built, the predicted noise levels along U. S. 21 are predicted to increase up to +2 dBA. As previously stated, when real-life noises are heard, it is possible to barely detect noise level changes of 2-3 dBA. A 5 dBA change is more readily noticeable. g. Construction Noise The major construction elements of this project are expected to be earth removal, hauling, grading, and paving. General construction noise impacts, such as temporary speech interference for passers-by and those individuals living or working near the project, can be expected, particularly from paving operations and from the earth moving equipment during grading operations. However, 26 considering the relatively short-term nature of construction noise and the limitation of construction to daytime hours, these impacts are not expected to be substantial. The transmission loss characteristics of nearby natural elements and man-made structures are believed to be sufficient to moderate the effects of intrusive construction noise. h. Conclusion Based on these preliminary studies, traffic noise abatement is not warranted. Hence, no noise abatement measures are proposed. This evaluation completes the highway traffic noise requirements of Title 23 CFR Part 772, and unless a major project change develops, no additional noise reports are required for this project. 8. Air Quality Analysis a. Background NCDOT staff engineers completed Air Quality Analysis (dated 16 May 1995) for this project. Air pollution originates from various sources. Emissions from industrial and internal combustion engines are the most prevalent sources. Other origins of common outdoor air pollution are solid waste disposal and any form of fire. The impact resulting from highway construction ranges from intensifying existing air pollution problems to improving the ambient air conditions. The traffic is the center of concern when determining the impact of a new highway facility or the improvement of an old highway facility. Motor vehicles emit carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NO), hydrocarbons (HC), particulate matter, sulfur dioxide (SOD, and lead (Pb) (listed in order of decreasing emission rate). Automobiles are considered to be the major source of CO in the project area. For this reason, most of the analysis presented is concerned with determining expected carbon monoxide levels in the vicinity of the project due to traffic flow. In order to determine the ambient CO concentration for the receptor closest to the highway project, two concentration components must be used: local and background. The local concentration is defined as the CO emissions from cars operating on highways in the near vicinity (i.e., distances within 100 meters) of the receptor location. The background concentration is defined by the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources as "the concentration of a pollutant at a point that is the result of emissions outside the local vicinity; that is, the concentration at the upwind edge of the local sources." In this study, the local concentration was determined by the NCDOT Traffic Noise/Air Quality Staff using line source computer modeling, and the background concentration was obtained from the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources (NCDEHNR). Once the two concentration components were resolved, they were added together to determine the ambient CO concentration for the receptor in question and to compare to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Appendix 3 contains the air quality analysis tables Al through A4 (see pages A3-1 thru A34). 27 b. Hydrocarbons and Nitrogen Oxides Automobiles are regarded as sources of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. Hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides emitted from cars are carried into the atmosphere where they react with sunlight to form ozone and nitrogen dioxide. Area-wide automotive emissions of HC and NO are expected to decrease in the future due to the continued installation and maintenance of pollution control devices on new cars. Hence, the ambient ozone and nitrogen dioxide levels in the atmosphere should continue to decrease as a result of the improvements on automobile emissions. The photochemical reactions that form ozone and nitrogen dioxide require several hours to occur. For this reason, the peak levels of ozone generally occur 10 to 20 kilometers downwind of the source of hydrocarbon emissions. Urban areas as a whole are regarded as sources of hydrocarbons, not individual streets and highways. The emissions of all sources in an urban area mix together in the atmosphere, and in the presence of sunlight, the mixture reacts to form ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and other photochemical oxidants. The best example of this type of air pollution is the smog which forms in Los Angeles, California. c. Particulate Matter Automobiles are not regarded as significant sources of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide. Nationwide, highway sources account for less than seven percent of particulate matter emissions and less than two percent of sulfur dioxide emissions. Particulate matter and sulfur dioxide emissions are predominantly the result of non-highway sources (e.g., industrial, commercial, and agricultural). Because emissions of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide from automobiles are very low, there is no reason to suspect that traffic on the project will cause air quality standards for particulate matter and sulfur dioxide to be exceeded. d. Lead Automobiles without catalytic converters can burn regular gasoline. The burning of regular gasoline emits lead as a result of regular gasoline containing tetraethyl lead which is added by refineries to increase the octane rating of the fuel. Newer cars with catalytic converters burn unleaded gasoline eliminating lead emissions. Also, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has required the reduction in the lead content of leaded gasolines. The overall average lead content of gasoline in 1974 was 0.53 grams per liter. By 1989, this composite average had dropped to 0.003 grams per liter. In the future, lead emissions are expected to decrease as more cars use unleaded fuels and as the lead content of leaded gasoline is reduced. The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 make the sale, supply, or transport of leaded gasoline or lead additives unlawful after 31 December 1995. Because of these reasons, it is not expected that traffic on the proposed project will cause the NAAQS for lead to be exceeded. e. Carbon Monoxide A microscale air quality analysis was performed to determine future CO concentrations resulting from the proposed highway improvements. "CAL3QHC - A Modeling Methodology For Predicting Pollutant Concentrations Near Roadway Intersections" was used to predict the CO concentration at the nearest sensitive receptor to the project. 28 Inputs into the mathematical model to estimate hourly CO concentrations consisted of a level roadway under normal conditions with predicted traffic volumes, vehicle emission factors, and worst-case meteorological parameters. The traffic volumes are based on the annual average daily traffic projections. Carbon monoxide vehicle emission factors were calculated for the year of 2000 and the design year of 2020 using the EPA publication "Mobile Source Emission Factors" and the MOBILESA mobile source emissions computer model. The background CO concentration for the project area was estimated to be 1.8 parts per million (ppm). Consultation with the Air Quality Section, Division of Environmental Management, North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources indicated that an ambient CO concentration of 1.8 ppm is suitable for most suburban/rural areas. The worst-case air quality receptors were determined to be receptor #40 for the build scenario and receptor #39 for the do- nothing alternative. The "build" one-hour CO concentrations for the nearest sensitive receptors for the years of 2000 and 2020 are shown in Table 7. Takla 7 OnP 14nnr rO (nnrentratinnc (PPM) Build No-Build R-40 R-39 2000 2020 2000 2020 2.5 m 2.3 m 2.3 m 2.5 m Comparison of the predicted CO concentrations with the NAAQS (maximum permitted for 1-hour averaging period = 35 ppm; 8-hour averaging period = 9 ppm) indicates no violation of these standards. Since the results of the worst-case 1-hour CO analysis is less than 9 ppm, it can be concluded that the 8- hour CO level does not exceed the standard. See Tables Al, A2, A3 and A4 of Appendix 3 for input data and output. f. Burning; During construction of the proposed project, all materials resulting from clearing and grubbing, demolition, or other operations will be removed from the project, burned, or otherwise disposed of by the contractor. Any burning will be done in accordance with applicable local laws and ordinances and regulations of the North Carolina SIP for air quality in compliance with 15 NCAC 2D.0520. Care will be taken to insure that burning will be done at the greatest practical distance from dwellings and not when atmospheric conditions are such as to create a hazard to the public. Burning will only be utilized under constant surveillance. Also during construction, measures will be taken to reduce the dust generated by construction when the control of dust is necessary for the protection and comfort of motorists or area residents. This evaluation completes the assessment requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments and the NEPA process, and no additional reports are required. 29 g. Conclusion The project is located in Richmond County, which has been determined to be in compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. 40 CFR Part 51 is not applicable, because the proposed project is located in an attainment area. This project is not anticipated to create any adverse effects on the air quality of this attainment area. 9. Stream Modification There will be no stream modifications on this project. 10. Hazardous Materials A field reconnaissance survey identified four UST facilities within the project limi NCDOT will conduct a site assessment of underground storage facilities located within ti project area prior to right of way acquisition. If leaks and contamination has occurred NCDOT will notify DEM. Also an appropriate amount will be withheld from the propert owner during right of way acquisition for clean up. The Geotechnical Unit reviewed files from the Division of Solid Waste Management, Solid Waste Section and found that no landfills are in the project area. Based on these files and the Environmental Protection Agency's Superfund list, there are no other potential environmental problem sites that will affect the project. 11. Geotechnical Impacts The project area is in the Atlantic Coastal Plain, immediately east of the Carolina Slate Belt. The topography is gently sloping to steep. Relief in the project limits is approximately 20 meters (65 feet). Soils in the area are well drained and can be worked within a few hours of a hard rain. The composition of subsurface lithology in the project area is sands, sandstone, and mudstone of the Middendorf Formation. The sediments are laterally discontinuous and commonly cross-bedded. Clay balls and iron-cemented concretions are common. Immediately west of the project area is bedrock of the Carolina Slate Belt. This bedrock is primarily phyllite and schist, sheared, fine-grained metasedimentary and metavolcanic rock. Soils in the project area are from the Cecil Clay and Norfolk Sandy Loam series. The composition of the Cecil Clay is clayey silt with various amounts of organic material overlying clay. The Norfolk Sandy Loam is silty sand to sandy silt overlying sandy silt to sandy clay. These soils are all well drained. Engineering properties for the soils in the project area indicate a fair to good suitability for road fill. Cut slopes should be stable, but the sandy nature of the soil requires effective erosion control measures. The AASHTO classifications of the affected soils are A-2, A-4, and A-6. Because of the sandy nature, the soils are subject to wind erosion in the flat areas and water erosion on sloping terrain. Effective erosion and dust control measures will be implemented during construction. Depths to the seasonally high water table are at approximately 1.5 meters (5 feet) and greater. Sections of the corridor close to Rocky Branch and to several small ponds in the vicinity will tend to have groundwater levels closer to the surface. 30 12. Construction Impacts To minimize potential adverse effects caused by construction, the following measures, along with those already mentioned, will be implemented during the construction phase: a. Waste and debris shall be disposed of in areas that are outside of the right-of-way and provided by the Contractor, unless otherwise required by the plans or special provision by the Engineer. Disposal of waste and 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. b. Borrow pits and all ditches will be drained insofar as possible to alleviate breeding areas for mosquitoes. C. Care will be taken not to block existing drainage ditches. d. An extensive rodent control program will be established if structures are to be removed or demolished Telephone, water, sewer, and electric utilities exist along the project. The Department of Transportation will hold a preconstruction conference between the Department, the Contractor, representatives of the involved utility companies, and pertinent local officials. Methods to coordinate utility adjustments will be discussed at this conference. The contractor will prepare a work schedule that minimizes possible damage to these utilities and interruption of service. f. During construction of the proposed project, all materials resulting from clearing and grubbing, demolition or other operations will be removed from the project and burned or otherwise disposed of by the Contractor. Any burning done will be done in accordance with applicable local laws and ordinances and regulations of the North Carolina State Implementation Plan for air quality. Care will be taken to insure burning will be done at the greatest distance practicable from dwellings and not when atmospheric conditions are such as to create a hazard to the public. Burning will be performed under constant surveillance. g. An erosion control schedule will be developed by the contractor before starting work. The schedule will show the time relationship between phases of the work that must be coordinated to reduce erosion and describe construction practices and temporary erosion control measures that will be used to minimize erosion. In conjunction with this schedule, the contractor will be required to follow those provisions of the plans and specifications pertaining to erosion and siltation. Temporary erosion control measures such as berms, dikes, dams, silt basin, and others will be used as needed. h. Prior to the approval of any borrow source developed for the use on this project, the contractor shall obtain a certification from the State Historic Preservation Officer of the State Department of Cultural Resources certifying that the removal of the material from the borrow source will have no effect on any known district, site, building, structure, or object that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A copy of this certification shall be furnished to the Engineer prior to performing any work on the proposed borrow source. 31 Measures will 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. j. Traffic service in the immediate project area may be briefly disrupted during construction. Efforts will be made to ensure the transportation needs of the public will be met during and after construction. VI. COMMENTS AND COORDINATION A. COMMENTS RECEIVED FROM FEDERAL STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES The project has been coordinated with appropriate federal, state, and local agencies listed below. An "*" denotes agencies from which written comments were received. *U. S. Department of the Interior--Fish and Wildlife Service *N. C. Department of Administration--State Clearinghouse *N. C. Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources-Division of Environmental Management, Division of Environmental Health (Fayetteville Regional Office), Division of Land Resources, and Wildlife Resources Commission *N. C. Department of Cultural Resources--State Historic Preservation Officer N. C. Department of Public Instruction City of Rockingham--Mayor, City Manager, City Planner, City Schools Superintendent Appendix 4 includes copies of the comments received (see pages A4-1 to A4-16). B. CITIZENS INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOP . The Division of Highways held an informal, Citizens Informational Workshop for the project on 20 June 1995. This workshop was at the Leath Memorial Library in Rockingham. Representatives of the NCDOT Division 8 Right of Way Office, Planning and Environmental Branch, and Roadway Design Unit were available to explain the project, answer questions, and receive comments. Approximately 15 citizens attended the meeting. Appendix 5 contains a copy of the news release advertising the workshop (see page A5-1). During the workshop, the Division of Highways displayed an aerial photograph of the project area, vicinity maps, and a thoroughfare plan map showing proposed highway improvements. In addition, the Division of Highways supplied each participant with an information packet containing general project information, a vicinity map, and a comment sheet. Appendix 5 contains a copy of this packet (see pages A5-2 thru A5-7). Each participant had the opportunity to review the aerial photograph and maps and ask questions or give comments. The participants generally favored improvements along US 1. Some of the local citizens noted the need for improvements along US 1. Other citizens were interested in other area projects. C. PUBLIC HEARING A Public Hearing will be held following circulation of this report to provide more detailed project information to local citizens and receive additional comments on the project. FIGURES (9 t NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BRANCH ROCKINGHAM US 1 FROM US 74 BYPASS TO SR 1974 (FORREST ROAD) RICHMOND COUNTY T.I.P NO. U-2583 FIG. 1A 0 kilometers 1.6 0 miles 1 1 r Norman i 0 i o. 61 \ ?? e «p ? ? VJN ENe,be -17 \ , 8-3365 q U 2217 N G1` 'L ? ?`?? bpi it •? ? ?/ i M ? 4 ,,005 4* U-2583 I Y a PROPOSED U S. 74 BYPASS (R-512) r PROPOSED U.S. 1 BYPASS (R-2501) (ALIGNMENT SHOWN IS PRELI UNARY AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE) North Carolina Department Of 'i Transportation Planning & Environmental Branch r p, U.S.1 FROM U.S. 74 BYPASS TO SR 1974 y ' ROCKINGHAM, RICHMOND COUNTY T.I.P. NO. U-2583 . ,° 0 meters 610 meters 1220 o i 1 FIGURE III 0 feet 2000 feet 4000 4. Junction of U.S. 1 and U.S. 220 Looking North on U.S. 1 FIGURE 3A Intersection of U.S. 1 and SR 1136 (Eason Street) Looking South on U.S. 1 w + r 47 Intersection of U.S. 1 and SR 1136 (Eason Street) Looking North on U.S. I FIGURE 3B U.S. 1 and Forrest Road (SR 1974) Looking South on U.S. 1 R C O U N O ^L I.L U LL r 0 0 0 C\l Cfl C'7 T T 0 `U) , /? `V Y / (/) Lu ?co co 0 T L Q U) VJ O O M N (D N O O O 0 ?r 'd N N T ' ^ V ) O co co O co co O co LO O M LO C> 0 co M ,, O LO Nj- O O -------------- • (D (OD Cl) In M r"' O Lo 0 IT CO T -C 3: cr) Nr T U) 0 V J U) LO o 0 ------------ ? C Q L? LL cz 0 U i C/) C O U N O U cz i 0 0 0 C\l 0 N N U) O \ >c: ?, ! rrr-? V? O M O O _ T- T 0 / ^? 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O\" + -?js'I? it i! ?I\ mss,,, ; ' ??_?-- C31 v' (JA?, I ;+.???6 OCIN 6 ?s , F ?kol JE7 r ?? I, I \ !l ?? 9'11 (_ 9j 1 O O l M1 .'' \ 9 - - -- O r' { 9 It, y ?` O NI O `• eq9 a -?i? ? / 9 i ol. o 3 1 f ;L / cagier c 1 r IJ; 1 !? m I 0 O O CD ;o ;u \ `?? s Z A D? i N D m n 1 m C O t -Q m nl ? y 6000 -V vim m 11 12nC 00 a '.C as C o (? /?Tf 1 U1 ?I 1 :i=_ -n Tf- F A! ON? ? - O- O II r p ! _ = ?y t Q01 f 75 Z D c a r O O c z v C4 -• b .0 N :.41 lei cn CD 3 m v ? o m O w, C N 3 W N m m = o ?0 c a Z v w -• rn ?? ? O O W (D _w O N N 3 3 3 = O w 3 N m v O v S > CD N V N 3 b Q 3 Z c r Cc) rn z a? v O M O N m O n D O O m O m O O m a r =1 O m O m v on m r n z m. nc cN m j z v C ^7 m m CI) m 0 xm? O z 0;/ PROJECT AREA ?, ??. i , 11 i ; ` r i ;`: ` U.S.1 • • ,? "L \~?• rr\\1 f '260• /I t `? ) ?'i ''????•• •?? d % t WETLAND N0.3: r i ??, • ;Park ':'• ..' `til . i ? ' ?? ?` ?;?t)1 ??`• `(c? fir- ?? ('''•? -?° ?? 1?I'/!? ``"'.'? ':? •C+'1_ ,mac.- •? '??'j u': • 1 ?r WETLAND NO-. 2 1277. I /?•=%' WETLAND NO. 11 N'} :, ( ? nor • .t Off: 4 ? '' 27s.! s • • '!°•=- ? ?' ? ? ???' ?'? l i ? 1 ai 1 ,= Ile ?r 284 • t - (-?- ' 'C el 1A 0 ' 320 a?' ' %'• r ??? ?? •??l• :.l .l - r I ..? • 326 Pah• r fi u :A9Ale l, f M. '•.? North Carolina Department Of Transportation Planning & Environmental Branch U.S.1 FROM U.S. 74 BYPASS TO SR 1974 ROCKINGHAM, RICHMOND COUNTY T.I.P. NO. U-2583 Scale 1:24000 FIGURE 7 _ n 34? tape!:a et :`?Oauiat, ? ings%i •; t ;,1 • A - C10?,0 o? ~?• . Pr 1't ; a APPENDIX 1 RIGHT OF WAY RELOCATION INFORMATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS RELOCATION PROGRAMS It is the policy of the NCDOT to ensure that comparable replacement housing will be available prior to construction -of state and federally-assisted projects. Furthermore, the North Carolina Board of Transportation has the following three programs to minimize the inconvenience of relocation: * Relocation Assistance, * Relocation Moving Payments, and * Relocation Replacement Housing Payments or Rent Supplement. With the Relocation Assistance Program, experienced NCDOT staff will be available to assist displacees with information such as availability and prices of homes, apartments, or businesses for sale or rent and financing or other housing programs. The Relocation Moving Payments Program, in general, provides for payment of actual moving expenses encountered in relocation. Where displacement will force an owner or tenant to purchase or rent property of higher cost or to lose a favorable financing arrange- ment (in cases of ownership), the Relocation Replacement Housing Payments or Rent Supplement Program will compensate up to $22,500 to owners who are eligible and qualify and up to $5,250 to tenants who are eligible and qualify. The relocation program for the proposed action will be conducted in accordance with the Federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-646), and/or the North Carolina Relocation Assistance Act (GS-133-5 through 133-18). The program is designed to provide assistance to displaced persons in reloca- ting to a replacement site in which to live or do business. At least one relocation officer is assigned to each highway project for this purpose. The relocation officer will determine the needs of displaced families, individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, and farm operations for relocation assistance advisory services without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The NCDOT will schedule its work to allow ample time, prior to displacement, for negotiations and possession of replacement housing which meets decent, safe, and sanitary standards. The displacees are given at least a 90-day written notice after NCDOT pur- chases the property. Relocation of displaced persons will be offered in areas not generally less desirable in regard to public utilities and commercial facilities. Rent and sale prices of replacement property will be within the financial means of the families and individuals displaced and will be reasonably accessible to their places of employment. The relocation officer will also assist -owners of -displaced businesses, non-profit organizations, and farm operations in searching for and moving to replacement property.. All tenant and owner residential occupants who may be displaced will receive an explanation regarding all available options, such as (1) purchase of replacement housing, (2) rental of replacement housing, either Al-1 private or public, or (3) moving existing owner-occupant housing to another site (if possible). The relocation officer will also supply information concerning other state or federal programs offering assistance to displaced persons and will provide other advisory services as needed in order to minimize hardships to displaced persons in adjusting to a new location. The Moving Expense Payments Program is designed to compensate the dis- placee for the costs of moving personal property from homes, businesses, non-profit organizations, and farm operations acquired for a highway project. Under the Replacement Program for Owners, NCDOT will participate in reasonable incidental purchase payments for replacement dwellings such as attorney's fees, surveys, appraisals, and other closing costs and, if applicable, make a payment for any increased interest expenses for replacement dwellings. Reimbursement to owner-occupants for replacement housing payments, increased interest payments, and incidental purchase expenses may not exceed $22,500 (combined total), except under the Last Resort Housing provision. A displaced tenant may be eligible to receive a payment, not to exceed $5,250, to rent a replacement dwelling or to make a down payment, includ- ing incidental expenses, on the purchase of a replacement dwelling. The down payment is based upon what the state determines is required when the rent supplement exceeds $5250. It is a policy of the state that no person will be displaced by the NCDOT's state or federally-assisted construction projects unless and until comparable replacement housing has been offered or provided for each displacee within a reasonable period of time prior to displacement. No relocation payment received will be considered as income for the purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or for the purposes of determining eligibility or the extent of eligibility of any person for assistance under the Social Security Act or any other federal law. Last Resort Housing is a program used when comparable replacement housing is not available, or when it is unavailable within the displacee's finan- cial means, and the replacement payment exceeds the federal/state legal limitation. The purpose of the program is to allow broad latitudes in methods of implementation by the state so that decent, safe, and sanitary replacement housing can be provided. It is not felt that this program will be necessary on the project, since there appear to be adequate opportunities for relocation within the area. Al-2 ( R-ELOCATION REPORT a E.I.S. ? CORRIDOR El DESIGN PROJECT: 8.1580601 COUNTY Richmond I.D. NO.: U-2583 F.A. PROJECT NHF-220 1 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: US 1 from proposed US 74 X 3. Will business services still be available after :..::> :...:::......:...::::::....::: Little impact on business community. 3 project? . X 4. Will any business be displaced? If so, estimated number of type indicate size 4. One gas station/iiiimi mart will lose some of its front ,.. :•. , , employees, minorities, etc. parking, but will not need to relocate, in all probability. X 5. Will relocation cause a housing shortage? X 6. Source for available housing (list). 6. MIS, newspapers and property managers. X 7. S Will additional housing programs needed? ld Last Resort Housing be considered? Sh S. Most are older houses and some may be substandard. X X . 9. ou Are there large, disabled, elderly, etc. Upgrading to DSS housing may require Last Resort. `::':: X 10. families? Will public housing be needed for project? 9. There is a good probability that some may have these X 11. Is public housing available? situations. X . . 12. Is it felt there will be adequate DSS housing housing available during relocation period? 11. Richmond County provides public housing and makes . X 13. Will there be a problem of housing within room for highway displacees as necessary. ... . , financial means? NA. . . 14. Are suitable business sites available (list 12. Housing supply is adequate. 15 source). Number months estimated to complete 13. Last Resort may be needed if tenants occupy any units who . RELOCATION? TWELVE 12 ??t k spend in excess of 30% of their income for rent & utilities. NOTE: None of the six residential houses are actually in the proposed R/W. However, they will all probably have septic lace them on their lots. Because of this uncertainty, it is to re syste ms in the RIW, and probably will not have p room nossi ble that fewer than these six may actually be required to relocate. North Carolina Department of Transportation AREA RELOCATION OFFICE Alternate 3A/1B of 1 Alternate to SR 1974 in FSTIMATEI3 DIfiPh?iC`EES I iN+C0i131r EL :. .... Type of Di lacees Owners Tenants Total Minorities 0-15M 15-25M 25-35M 35-50M 50 UP Individuals 2 2 1 0 Families 5 1 6 2 1 0 1 0 ;;:ALT3EQFDWELLII+IG .» . Y . °..DSS>#3ys<ELIINGAVAIIABLI; .::. Businesses 1 Sale For Rent F Owners Tenants or Farms SO 150 0-20M 2 SO-150 0 0-20M 0 - 1 - Non-Profit 50 20 40 Di 6 1502 1 Zo4oM 2 I50 2 0 Atvsw ER ALL QvE?TIONS 40-70 m 15 250400 5 " 40-70M 2 250 -400 0 . Yes No E answers lain all "YES IOOM 70 400 6 X 1 Will special relocation services be necessary? 70-I00br 1 4100.600 0 - ig X . 2 Will schools or churches be affect by 100 yr 0 600 UP 0 100 up 10 600 Ur 1 . t? displacemen TOTAL 5 .:.;: 51 13 REMARKS Res 'rid by Number : ' .. Relocation Form 15.4 Revised 5/90 •4f.•? : ' '4? AM. Simpson 10-30-95 };3 yr04 eaP.,r Date ``--::- Approved by Date Original & I Copy. State Relocation Agent 2 Copy Area Relocation Office Al-3 APPENDIX 2 TRAFFIC NOISE ANALYSIS TABLES AND FIGURES ;>ROj E ?-;CA`i : --, i Rcc-,iny?am; .S =rom Proposed US-74 Bypass co SR IS74 Richmond Cc;;nzy -:?= Slate Prcjec... 8.154305:1 r 1109 1106 0 b .a cOtOe e 7` y r s ORDOIA C o \00:{?tGFlAtrs 1107 .2 cr { 1103 \e s, t 1122 1204, 119 1117 / . _`•.}•: i :::i OCKINGHA .1:-m l I't c~Oa . ,?G? ?•? POP. 8.300 LewoAe 1 t ooov •? r {sx .i Bc G1N 1? ?'. FC J 1,?o j 0• ! s? ti 1 3 ?1 } 1 `•i ly 109 ? •? 1 1 17 •6 ti llos ,a ?? . I O 1105 S% 1 m ek ,L > ,? L Efe \ its J , \ 1-{ jQ65 1x71 1V01 /"{ .9 i 112 / ?.6 Fly T tr 1 2001 \ -Mona. ti looA ( ? .? Pieosont p '900 Grove , OL \ l9os 1090 e t\ 1b \ Creek V ?1 1 s23 Q i A l a 161] ZIs ?3• E fE r •. ?/-HAMLF ror• d,; _ IST2 1,-2- TABLE N1 HEARING: SOUNDS BOMBARDING US DAILY 140 Shotgun blast,.jet 30 m away at takeoff PAIN Motor test chamber HUMAN EAR PAIN THRESHOLD 130 Firecrackers 120 Severe thunder, pneumatic jackhammer Hockey crowd Amplified rock music UNCOMFORTABLY LOUD 110 Textile loom 100 Subway train, elevated train, farm tractor Power lawn mower, newspaper press heavy city traffic, ncisy factory -?-? 90 D Diesel truck 65 kmph 15 m away E BO Crowded restaurant, garbage disposal C Average factory, vacuum cleaner I Passenger car BO kmph 15 m away MODERATELY LOUD B 70 E Quiet typewriter L 60 Singing birds, window air-conditioner S Quiet automobile Normal conversation, average office QUIET 50 Household refrigerator Quiet office VERY QUIET 40 Average home 30 Dripping faucet whisper 1.5 m away 20 Light rainfall, rustle of leaves AVERAGE PERSON'S THRESHOLD OF HEARING Whisper JUST AUDIBLE 10 0 THRESHOLD FOR ACUTE BEARING Sources: World Book, Rand McNally Atlas of the Human Body, Encyclopedia Americana, "Industrial Noise and Hearing Conversation" by J. B. Olishifski and E. R. Harford (Researched by N. Jane Runt and published in the Chicago Tribune in an illustrated graphic by Tom Heinz.) A2-2 R TABLE N2 NOISE ABATE14ENT CRITERIA Hourly A-Weighted Sound Level - decibels (dBA) ` Activity Category Leq(h) Description of Activity Category • A 57 Lands on which serenity and quiet are of extraordinary significance and serve an important public (Exterior) need and where the preservation of those qualities is essential if the area is to continue to serve its intended purpose. B 67 Picnic areas, recreation areas, playgrounds, active sports areas, parks, residences, motels, (Exterior) hotels, schools, churches, libraries, and hospitals. C 72 Developed lands, properties, or activities not included in Categories A or B above. (Exterior) D -- Undeveloped lands E 52 Residences, motels, hotels, public meeting rooms, schools, churches, libraries, hospitals, and (Interior) auditoriums. Source: Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 772, U. S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration DEFINITION OF SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE Hourly A-Weighted Sound Level - decibels (dBA) Existing Noise Level Increase in dBA from Existing Noise in Leq(h) Levels to Future Noise Levels < 50 > 15 > 50 > 10 Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation Noise Abatement Guidelines. TABLE N3 1/2 Leq TRAFFIC NOISE EXPOSURES Rockingham, us 220 From Proposed US-74 Bypass to SR 1974, Richmond Counyy, TIP f U-2583, State Project t 8.1580601 Symmetrical Widening AMBIENT NEAREST NOISE RECEPTOR INFORMATION NEAREST ROADWAY NOISE PROPOSED ROADWAY PREDICTED NOISE LEVELS LEVEL ID 8 LAND USE CATEGORY .s...:..:.......?.:n NAME DISTANCE (m) LEVEL .................. .u.. NAME DISTANCE (m) ............... -L- -Y- MAXIMUM INCREASE ........ ............. -- US-220 From Proposed US-74 to SR 1136 (Eason Road) R 1 Residence B US 220 38.0 L 61 US 220 38.0 L - - 63 + 2 2 Residence B " 42.0 L 61 •' 42.0 L - - 62 + 1 3 Church E 23.0 L 65/40 '• 23.0 L - - 67/42 + 2/2 4 Residence B " 25.0 R 65 " 25.0 R - - * 66 + 1 5 Residence B " 81.0 R 55 " 81.0 R - - 56 + 1 6 Residence B •' 25.0 L 65 " 25.0 L - - * 66 + 1 7 Business C 17.0 L 67 •• 17.0 L - - 69 + 2 8 Residence B " 32.0 R 63 " 32.0 R - - 65 + 2 9 Residence B " 50.0 R 59 `• 50.0 R - - 61 + 2 10 Business ' C " 22.0 R 65 " 22.0 R - - 68 + 3 it Residence B " 44.0 R 60 " 44.0 R - - 62 + 2 12 Business C " 25.0 L •65 " 25.0 L - - 66 + 1 13 Residence B •' 35.0 R 62 •' 35.0 R - - 64 + 2 14 Business C •' 22.0 L 65 " 22.0 L - - 68 + 3 15 Business C •' 23.0 R 65 " 23.0 R - - 67 + 2 16 Residence B " 40.0 L 61 " 40.0 L - - 63 + 2 17 Residence B " 15.0 L 68 " 15.0 L --------------------- R/W-------------- 18 Residence B •' 33.0 L 63 " 33.0 L - - 64 + 1 19 Residence B `• 39.0 L 61 " 39.0 L - - 63 + 2 20 Residence B " 50.0 L 59 " 50.0 L - - 61 + 2 21 Residence B " 25.0 R 65 " 25.0 R - - * 66 + 1 22 Residence B " 33.0 R 63 •' 33.0 R - - 64 + 1 23 Residence B •' 20.0 L 66 " 20.0 L - - * 68 + 2 24 Residence B " 15.0 L 66 " 15.0 L --------------------R/W-------------- 25 Residence B •' 36.0 R 62 " 36.0 R - - 64 + 2 26 Residence B " 35.0 R 62 •' 35.0 R - - 64 + 2 27 Residence B ° 35.0 R 62 •' 35.0 R - - 64 + 2 28 Residence B " 60.0 R 58 " 60.0 R - - 59 + I ` 29 Residence B " 33.0 L 63 " 33.0 L - - 64 + 1 ! HOTS: Distances are from caner of the existing or proposed roadways. -L -> Prop osed roadway's noise level contribution. 1111 noise levels are hourly A-weighted noise levels. -Y --> Noise level from other contributing roadways. Category E noise levels shown as exterior/ interior (58/48). * -> Traffic noise impact (per 23 CFR Part 772). 1 If A2-4 TABLE N3 Leq TRAFFIC NOISE EXPOSURES Rockingham, US 220 From Proposed US-74 Bypass to SR 1974, Richmond County, TIP i U-2583, State Project M 8.1580601 Symmetrical Widening AMBIENT NEAREST RECEPTOR INFORMATION NEAREST ROADWAY NOISE PROPOSED ROADWAY ID 9 LAND USE CATEGORY NAME DISTANCE (m) LEVEL NAME DISTANCE (m) US-220 From SR 1136 (Eason Road) to SR 1974 (Forest Road) 30 Business C US 220 35.0 R 64 US 220 35.0 R 31 Residence B " 36.0 L 64 to 36.0 L 32 Residence B 11 60.0 ,. 60 •' 60.0 L 33 Residence B 22.0 R 67 11 22.0 R 34 Business C •' 14.0 R 70 " 14.0 R 35 Residence B to 37.0 L 64 ^ 37.0 L 36 Business C 24.0 L 67 " 24.0 L 37 Residence B " 20.0 R 68 •• 20.0 R 38 Residence B " 27.0 L 66 " 27.0 L 39 Residence B to 14.0 R 70 " 14.0 R 40 Business C " 16.0 R 70 •' 16.0 R 41 Business C 47.0 L 62 " 47.0 L 42 Residence B to 16.0 R 70 " 16.0 R 43 Business C 32.0 R 65 '• 32.0 R 44 Business C " 30.0 R 65 to 30.0 R 45 Business C " 32.0 L 65 to 32.0 L 46 Residence B " 50.0 L 61 .' 50.0 L 47 Residence B " 20.0 R 68 '• 20.0 R 48 Residence B to 17.0 R 69 " 17.0 R PREDICTED NOISE LEVELS -L- -Y- MAXIMUM 2n NOISE LEVEL INCREASE - - 64 0 - - 64 0 - - 59 - 1 - - * 68 * 1 --------------------- R/W-------------- - - 63 - 1 - - 67 0 - - * 68 0 - - to 66 0 --------------------- R/W----------- - - 69 - 1 - - 61 - 1 - - * 69 - 1 - - 65 0 - - 65 0 - - 65 0 - - 61 0 - - * 68 0 - - * 69 0 NOTE: Distances are from center of the existing or proposed roadways. -I--> Proposed roadway's noise level contribution. All noise levels are hourly A-weighted noise levels. -Y--> Noise level from other contributing roadways. Category E noise levels shown as exterior/interior (58/48). * -> Traffic noise impact (per 23 CFR Part 772). A2-5 TABLE N3N Leq TRAFFIC NOISE EXPOSURES 1/2 Rockingham, US 220 From Proposed US-74 Bypass to SR 1974, Richmond County, TIP N U-2583, State Project M 8.1580601 west-Ule widening AMBIENT NEAREST NOISE RECEPTOR INFORMATION NEAREST ROADWAY NOISE PROPOSED ROADWAY PREDICTED NOISE LEVELS LEVEL ID R LAND USE CATEGORY NAME DISTANCE (m) LEVEL. NAME DISTANCE (m) -L- -Y- MAXIMUM INCREASE L'S-220 From Proposed US-74 to SR 1136 (Eason Road) 1 Residence B US 220 38.0 L 61 US 220 32.6 L - - 64 + 3 2 Residence B " 42.0 L 61 " 36.6 L - - 64 + 3 3 Church E ^ 23.0 L 65/40 " 17.6 L --------------------- R/N-------------- 4 Residence B " 25.0 R 65 " 30.4 R - - 65 0 5 Residence B 81.0 R 55 " 86.4 R - - 55 0 6 Residence B '• 25.0 L 65 " 19.6 L --------------------- R/W-------------- 7 Business C " 17.0 L 67 " 11.6 L --------------------- R/W-------------- 6 Residence B " 32.0 R 63 •' 37.4 R - - 63 0 9 Residence B •' 50.0 R '59 " 55.4 R - - 60 + 1 10 Business C '• 22.0 R 65 " 27.4 R - - 66 + 1 11 Residence B " 44.0 R 60 •' 49.4 R - - 61 + 1 12 Business C " 25.0 L 65 " 19.6 L --------------------- R/W-------------- 13 Residence B " 35.0 R 62 " 40.4 R - - 63 + 1 14 Business C " 22.0 L 65 " 16.6 L --------------------- R/W-------------- 15 Business C to 23.0 R 65 " 26.4 R - - 65 0 16 Residence B to 40.0 L 61 " 34.6 L - - 64 + 3 17 Residence B " 15.0 L 68 " 9.6 L --------------------- R/W-------------- 18 Residence B '• 33.0 L 63 " 27.6 L - - * 66 + 3 19 Residence B " 39.0 L 61 " 33.6 L - - 64 + 3 20 Residence B •' 50.0 L 59 to 44.6 L - - 62 + 3 21 Residence B " 25.0 R 65 " 30.4 R - - 65 0 22 Residence B •' 33.0 R 63 " 38.4 R - - 63 0 23 Residence B " 20.0 L 66 " 14.6 L --------------------R/W-------------- 24 Residence B " 15.0 L 68 '• 9.6 L -------- ------------- R/W---- --------- 25 Residence B " 36.0 R 62 to 41.4 R - - 62 0 26 Residence B " 35.0 R 62 " 40.4 R - - 63 + 1 27 Residence B to 35.0 R 62 •• 40.4 R - - 63 + 1 28 Residence B N 60.0 R 58 •' 65.4 R - - 58 0 29 Residence B " 33.0 L 63 " 27.6 L - - * 66 + 3 I NOTE: Distances are from center of the existing or proposed roadways. -L-=> Proposed roadway's noise level contribution. All noise levels are hourly A-weighted noise levels. -Y--> Noise level from other contributing roadways. Category E noise levels sham as exterior/interior (58/48). • ?> Traffic noise impact (per 23 CFR Part 772). A2-6 TABLE N3N Leq TRAFFIC NOISE EXPOSURES w Rockingham, US 220 From Proposed US-74 Bypass to SR 1974, Richmond County, TIP M U-2563, State Project 6 6.1580601 West-Side Widening AMBIENT NEAREST RECEPTOR INFORMATION NEAREST ROADWAY NOISE PROPOSED ROADWAY ID f LAND USE CATEGORY NAME DISTANCE (m) LEVEL NAME DISTANCE (m) ----°°------°° US-220 From SR 1136 (Eason Road) to SR 1974 (Forest Road) 30 Business C US 220 35.0 R 64 US 220 40.4 R 31 Residence B •' 36.0 L 64 30.6 L 32 Residence B 60.0 L 60 54.6 L 33 Residence B 22.0 R 67 " 27.4 R 34 Business C •' 14.0 R 70 " 19.4 R 35 Residence B 37.0 L 64 •' 31.5 L 36 Business C 24.0 L 67 •' 16.6 L 37 Residence B " 20.0 R 68 25.4 R 38 Residence B " 27.0 L - 66 " 21.6 L 39 Residence B " 14.0 R 70 " 19.4 R 40 Business C '• 16.0 R 70 '• 21.4 R 41 Business C " 47.0 L 62 " 41.6 L 42 Residence B •' 16.0 R 70 " 21.4 R 43 Business C " 32.0 R 65 " 37.4 R 44 Business C " 30.0 R 65 35.4 R 45 Business C " 32.0 L 65 •' 26.6 L 46 Residence B •' 50.0 L 61 " 44.6 L 47 Residence B " 20.0 R 68 " 25.4 R 48 Residence B •' 17.0 R 69 " 22.4 R PREDICTED NOISE LEVELS -L- -Y- MAXIMUM 2/2 NOISE LEVEL INCREASE - - 63 - 1 - - 65 + 1 - - 60 0 - - • 66 - 1 - - 68 - 2 - - 65 + 1 --------------------- R/W-------------- - 66 - 2 - - * 68 + 2 - - * 68 - 2 - - 68 - 2 - - 62 0 - - * 68 - 2 - - 63 - 2 - - 64 - 1 - - 66 + 1 - - 62 + 1 - - * 66 - 2 - - * 67 - 2 NOTE: Distances are from center of the existing or proposed roadways. -L--> Proposed roadway's noise level contribution. All noise levels are hourly A-weighted noise levels. -Y--> Noise level from other contributing roadways. Category E noise levels shown as exterior/interior (58/48). * -> Traffic noise impact (per 23 CPR Part 772). I - nc..• A2-7 TABLE N3S Leq TRAFFIC NOISE EXPOSURES 1/2 Rockingham, US 220 From Proposed US-74 Bypass to SR 1974, Ri chmond County, TIP Y U-2583, State Project M 8.1580601 East-Side Widening AMBIENT NEAREST NOISE RECEPTOR INFORMATION NEAREST ROADWAY NOISE PROPOSED ROADWAY PREDICTED NOISE LEVELS LEVEL ID / LAND USE CATEGORY NAME DISTANCE (m) LEVEL NAME DISTANCE (m) -L- -Y- MAXIMUM INCREASE US-220 From PrODOsed US-74 to SR 1136 (Eason Road) 1 Residence B US 220 38.0 L 61 US 220 43.4 L - - 62 + 1 2 Residence B " 42.0 L 61 " 47.4 L - - 61 0 3 Church E " 23.0 L 65/40 " 28.4 L - - 65/40 0/0 4 Residence B " 25.0 R 65 " 19.6 R --------------------- R/W---- ---------- 5 Residence B " 81.0 R 55 75.6 R - - 57 + 2 6 Residence B " 25.0 L 65 " 30.4 L - - 65 0 7 Business C " 17.0 L 67 " 22.4 L - - 67 0 6 Residence B •' 32.0 A 63 " 26.6 R - - * 66 + 3 9 Residence B 50.0 R •59 '• 44.6 R - - 62 + 3 10 Business C •' 22.0 R 65 " 16.6 R ---------------------A/W---- ---------- 11 Residence B " 44.0 R 60 " 38.6 R - - 63 + 3 12 Business C " 25.0 L 65 " 30.4 L - - 65 0 13 Residence B " 35.0 R 62 •' 29.6 R - - 65 + 3 14 Business C " 22.0 L 65 " 27.4 L - - 66 + 1 15 Business C " 23.0 R 65 •' 17.6 R --------------------- R/W-------------- 16 Residence B " 40.0 L 61 " 45.4 L - - 61 0 17 Residence B " 15.0 L 68 " 20.4 L - - * 68 0 18 Residence B •' 33.0 L 63 •' 38.4 L - - 63 0 19 Residence B " 39.0 L 61 '• 44.4 L - - 62 + 1 20 Residence B " 50.0 L 59 " 55.4 L - - 60 + 1 21 Residence B - " 25.0 R 65 " 19.6 R --------------------- R/W-------------- 22 Residence B •' 33.0 R 63 " 27.6 R - - * 66 + 3 23 Residence B " 20.0 L 66 " 25.4 L - - * 66 0 24 Residence B " 15.0 L 68 " 20.4 L - - * 68 0 25 Residence B " 36.0 R 62 " 30.6 R - - 65 + 3 26 Residence B •' 35.0 R 62 •' 29.6 R - - 65 + 3 27 Residence B " 35.0 R 62 " 29.6 R - - 65 + 3 28 Residence B " 60.0 R 58 •' 54.6 R - - 60 + 2 29 Residence B " 33.0 L 63 " 38.4 L - - 63 0 ROTE : Distances are from center of the existing or proposed roadways. -L--> Proposed roadway's noise level contribution. - All noise levels are hourly A-weighted noise levels. -Y-> Noise level from other contributing roadways. Category E noise levels shown as exterior/interior (58/48). * ?> Traffic noise impact (per 23 CFR Part 772). A2-8 TABLE N3S Leq TRAFFIC NOISE EXPOSURES 2/2 Rockingham, US 220 From Proposed US-74 Bypass to SR 1974, Richmond County, TIP f U-2583, State Project M 8.1580601 East-Side Widening A 4 AMBIENT NEAREST NOISE RECEPTOR INFORMATION NEAREST ROADWAY NOISE PROPOSED ROADWAY PREDICTED NOISE LEVELS LEVEL ID 1 LAND USE CATEGORY NAME DISTANCE (m) LEVEL NAME DISTANCE (m) -L- -Y- MAXIMUM INCREASE ...:::.......spa..:s ....... s.......... .s... ......?e?s..... .......... ..s.... ...s.s ..a- US-220 From SR 1136 (Eason Road) to SR 1974 (Forest Road) 30 Business C US 220 35.0 R 64 US 220 29.6 R 31 Residence B " 36.0 L 64 " 41.4 L 32 Residence B " 60.0 L 60 65.4 L 33 Residence B " 22.0 R 67 " 16.6 R 34 Business C •' 14.0 R 70 " 8.6 R 35 Residence B 37.0 L 64 " 42.4 L 36 Business C " 24.0 L 67 " 29.4 L 37 Residence B •' 20.0 R 68 •' 14.6 R 38 Residence B " 27.0 L 66 " 32.4 L 39 Residence B " 14.0 R 70 •' 8.6 R 40 Business C " 16.0 R 70 " 10.6 R 41 Business C •' 47.0 L 62 " 52.4 L 42 Residence B " 16.0 R 70 •' 10.6 R 43 Business C ^ 32.0 R 65 •' 26.6 R 44 Business C " 30.0 R 65 " 24.6 R 45 Business C " 32.0 L 65 " 37.4 L 46 Residence B '• 50.0 L 61 " 55.4 L 47 Residence B " 20.0 R 68 " 14.6 R 48 Residence B " 17.0 R 69 " 11.6 R 65 + 1 62 - 2 58 - 2 ----------°---------R/W-------------- -------------- -R/W-- 62 - 2 65 - 2 ---------------°----R/W-------------- 64 - 2 --------------------- R/W-------------- --------------------- --------------- 60 - 2 --------------------- R/W-------------- - 66 + 1 - 67 + 2 - 63 - 2 - 60 - 1 --------------------- R/W-------------- --------------------- R/W-------------- NOTE: Distances are from center of the existing or proposed roadways. -I-> Proposed roadway's noise level contribution. All noise levels are hourly A-weighted noise levels. -Y--> Noise level from other contributing roadways. Category E noise levels shown as exterior/interior (58/48). * -> Traffic noise impact (per 23 CPR Part 772). A2-9 TABLE N4 FHWA NOISE ABATEMENT CRITERIA SUMMARY Rockingham, US 220, From Proposed US-74 Bypass to SR 1974, Richmond County, TIP 8 U-2583, State Project # 8.1580601 14 Maximum Predicted contour Approximate Number of Impacted Leq Noise Levels Distances Receptors According to I dBA (Maximum) Title 23 M Part 772 Description 15m 30m 60m 72 dBA 67 dBA A B C D E Symmetrical Widening 1. US 220 From Proposed US 74 Bypass to 68 64 58 <14.7 25.0 0 4 0 0 0 SR 1136 (Eason Road) , 2. US 220 From SR 1136 to SR 1974 (Forest 68 64 58 <14.7 25.0 0 6 0 0 0 Road) TOTALS 0 10 0 0 0 North-Side Widening 1. US 220 From Proposed US 74 Bypass to 68 64 58 <14.7 25.0 0 2 0 0 0 SR 1136 (Eason Road) 2. US 220 From SR 1136 to SR 1974 (Forest 68 64 58 <14.7 25.0 0 7 0 0 0 Roadp TOTALS 0 9 0 0 0 South-Side Widening - 1. US 220 From Proposed US 74 Bypass to 68 64 58 <14.7 25.0, 0 5 0 0 0 SR 1136 (Eason Road) 2. US 220 From SR 1136 to SR 1974 (Forest 68 64 58 <14.7 25.0 0 0 0 0 0 Road) TOTALS 0 5 0 0 0 r NOTES - 1. 15 m, 30 m, and 60 m distances are measured from center of nearest travel lane. 2. 72 dBA and 67 dBA contour distances are measured from center of proposed roadway. i I . A2-10 TABLE N5 TRAFFIC NOISE LEVEL INCREASE SUtMfARY Rockingham, US 220 From Proposed US 74 Bypass to SR 1974, - Richmond County,TIP k U-2583, State Project M 8. 1580601 ¦ RECEPTOR EXTERIOR NOISE LEVEL INCREASES Substantial Impacts Due Noise Level to Both Section <.0 1-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 >- 25 Increases(1) Criteria(2) Symmetrical Widening 1. US 220 From ProD. US 74 0 27 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 to SR 1136 (Eason Road) 2. US 220 From SR 1136 to 16 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 SR 1974 (Forest Road) TOTALS 16 28 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 North-Side Widening 1. US 220 From Prop. US 74 8 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 to SR 1136 (Eason Road) 2. US 220 From SR 1136 to 13 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 SR 1974 (Forest Road) TOTALS 21 18 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 South-Side Widening 1. US 220 From Prop. US 74 11 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 to SR 1136 (Eason Road) 2. US 220 From SR 1136 to 8 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 SR 1974 (Forest Road) TOTALS At 19 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (1) As defined by only a substantial increase (See bottom of Table N2). I (2) As defined by both criteria in Table N2 APPENDIX 3 AIR QUALITY ANALYSIS TABLES TABLE Al CAL3QHC: LINE SOURCE DISPERSION MODEL - VERSION 2.0, JANUARY 1992 PAGE 1 • JOB: V-2583: US 220, Richmond County RUN: US 220, YR-2000, BUILD 45 MPH DATE: 05/16/95 TIME: 15:18 SITE i METEOROLOGICAL VARIABLES ----------------- ------------ VS 0.0 CM/S VD - 0.0 CM/S U 1.0 M/S CLAS - 4 (D) LINK VARIABLES 20 - 108. CM ATIM - 60. MINUTES Min - 1000. M AMB - 1.8 PPM --LINK DESCRIPTION * . LINK COORDINATES (M) X1 Y1 X2 * Y2 ' LENGTH (M) BRG TYPE (DEG) VP8 EF (G/MI) - H W V/C QUEUE (M) (M) (VEH) ----------------------- _ 1. Far Lane Link * 10.8 -805.0 10.8 2. Near Lane Link ' 0.0 805.0 0.0 805.0 * -805.0 * - 1610. 1610. ---------- 360. AG 180. AG ------------- 570. 13.8 743. 13.8 0.0 13.2 0.0 13.2 RECEPTOR LOCATIONS --------------- • COORDINATES (M) RECEPTOR R R X Y 2 ............................ ....- R . ---- --------------------- 1. R40, 16.0 m -R= RES * .. -10.6 0.0 1.8 * JOB: U-2583: US 220, Richmond County RUN: US 220, YR-2000, BUILD 45 MPH MODEL RESULTS ------------- REMARKS : In search of the angle corresponding to the maximum concentration, only the first angle, of the angles with same maximum concentrations, is indicated as maximum. WIND ANGLE RANGE: 0.-360. WIND * CONCENTRATION ANGLE * (PPM) (DEGR)* REC1 MAX * 2.5 DEGR. ' 10 THE HIGHEST CONCENTRATION IS 2.50 PPM AT 10 DEGREES FROM REC1 . '-1 a g? T3 TABLE A2 ('AI.3QHC: LINE SOURCE DISPERSION MODEL - VERSION 2.0, JANUARY 1992 PAGE i JOB: U-2583: US 220, Richmond County RUN: US 220, YR-2020, BUILD 45 MPH DATE: 05/16/95 TIME: 15:19 SITE a METEOROLOGICAL VARIABLES VS - 0.0 CM/S VD ' 0.0 CM/S ZO ' 108. CM U ' 1.0 M/S CLAS ' 4 (D) ATIM ' 60. MINUTES MIXH - 1000. M AMB - 1.8 PPM LINK VARIABLES -------------- LINK DESCRIPTION * LINK COORDINATES (M) * LENGTH BRG TYPE VPH EF B W V/C QUEUE * X1 Y1 X2 Y2 * (M) (DEG) (G/MI) (M) (M) (VEH) --- ------------------------ '-- -------------------------------------- * ---------- ----------- ------- ------- -------------------- 1. Far Lane Link * 10.8 -805.0 10.8 805.0 * 1610. 360. AG 743. 10.4 0.0 13.2 2. Near Lane Link * 0.0 805.0 0.0 -805.0 * 1610. 180. AG 743. 10.4 0.0 13.2 RECEPTOR LOCATIONS ------------------ COORDINATES (M) ' RECEPTOR * X Y 2 -------------------------*-- -----------------------------------* 1. R40, 16.0 m RCL RES * -10.6 0.0 1.8 JOB: U-2583: US 220, Richmond County RUN: US 220, YR-2020, BUILD 45 MPH MODEL RESULTS ------------- REMARKS : In search of the angle corresponding to the maximum concentration, only the first angle, of the angles with same maximum concentrations, is indicated as maximum. WIND ANGLE RANGE: 0.-360. WIND * CONCENTRATION ANGLE * (PPM) (DEGR)* REC1 MAX * 2.3 DEGR. * 2 THE HIGHEST CONCENTRATION IS 2.30 PPM AT 2 DEGREES FROM RECI . '-2 Y TABLE A3 CAL3QHC: LINE SOURCE DISPERSION MODEL - VERSION 2.0, JANUARY 1992 PAGE 3 JOB: U-2583: US 220, Richmond County RUN: US 220, YR-2000, NO-BU 45 MPH DATE: 05/12/95 TIME: 11:29 r SITE i METEOROLOGICAL VARIABLES ------------------------------- VS - 0.0 CM/S VD - 0.0 CM/S U - 1.0 M/S CLAS - 4 (D) LINK VARIABLES -------------- ZO 108. CM ATIM = 60. MINUTES MnM - 1000. M AMB - 1.8 PPM LINK DESCRIPTION * LINK COORDINATES (M) * LENGTH BRG TYPE VPH EF H W WC QUEUE " X1 Y1 X2 Y2 * (M) (DEG) (G/MI) (M) (M) (VER) ----------------- -------*----------------------------_-----------R--------__------------------ ------- ----------------------- 1. Far Lane Link * 3.6 -805.0 3.6 805.0 * 1610. 360. AG 570. 13.8 0.0 9.6 2. Near Lane Link * 0.0 805.0 0.0 -805.0 * 1610. 180. AG 570. 13.8 0.0 9.6 RECEPTOR LOCATIONS ------------------ * COORDINATES (M) RECEPTOR * X Y Z ------------------------- - -------* ----- ------------------------- 1. R39, 14.0 m` RCL RES * -12.2 0.0 1.8 JOB: U-2583: US 220, Richmond County RUN: US 220, YR-2000, NO-BU 45 MPH MODEL RESULTS ------------- REMARKS : In search of the angle corresponding to , the maximum concentration, only the first angle, of the angles with same maximum concentrations, is indicated as maximum. WIND ANGLE RANGE: 0.-360. WIND * CONCENTRATION ANGLE * (PPM) + (DEGR)* REC1 MAX * 2.3 DEGR. * 5 ` THE HIGHEST CONCENTRATION IS 2.30 PPM AT 5 DEGREES FROM REC1 . A3-3 TABLE A4 CAL3QHC: LINE SOURCE DISPERSION MODEL - VERSION 2.0, JANUARY 1592 PAGE 4 JOB: U-2583: US 220, Richmond County RUN: US 220, YR-2020, NO-BU 35 MPH DATE: 05/12/95 TIME: 11:28 SITE a METEOROLOGICAL VARIABLES --- ---------------------------- VS - 0.0 CM/S VD - 0.0 CM/S ZO - 108. CM U - 1.0 M/S CLAS - 4 (D) ATIM - 60. MINUTES MIXH - 1000. M AMB - 1. 8 PPM LINK VARIABLES -------------- LINK DESCRIPTION ' LINK COORDINATES (M) * LENGTH BRG TYPE VPH EF H W V/C QUEUE " X1 Y1 X2 Y2 ' (M) (DEG) (G/MI) (M) (M) (VE9) ------------------------ "---------------------------------------- *----------------------------------- --------------------- 1. Far Lane Link * 3.6 -805.0 3.6 805.0 ' 1610. 360. AG 743. 14.5 0.0 9.6 2. Near Lane Link * 0.0 805.0 0.0 -805.0 ' 1610. 180. AG 743. 14.5 0.0 9.6 RECEPTOR LOCATIONS ------------------ " COORDINATES (M) " RECEPTOR ' X Y Z ---------------------------------' * ------------------------- ---- 1. R39, 14.0 M RCL RES * -12.2 0.0 1.8 ' 220 Ri chmond Count- RUN: US 220, YR-2020, NO-BU 35 MPH JOB: U-2583. US y MODEL RESULTS ------------- REMARKS : In search of the angle corresponding to , the maximum concentration, only the first angle, of the angles with same maximum concentrations, is indicated as maximum. WIND ANGLE RANGE: 0.-360. WIND * CONCENTRATION ANGLE * (PPM) (DEGR)* REC1 ------'------ MAX * 2.5 DEGR. * 6 THE HIGHEST CONCENTRATION IS 2.50 PPM AT 6 DEGREES FROM REC1 . A3-4 APPENDIX 4 COMMENTS RECEIVED FROM FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL AGENCIES C? PAM NT OF Ty?'ym 9 N O ? a t/4ACH ?sa9 United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Ecological Services Post Office Box 33726 Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726 GE January 19, 1995 Mr. H. Franklin Vick Planning and Environmental Branch N.C. Division of Highways P.O. Box 25201 Raleigh, NC 27611 JAN 2 3 1995 2 ? Z? ZDIVISIGN OF GHWAYS 1 O1VN???A0 Subject: Scoping comments on the proposed US 1 widening from the proposed US 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forrest Street), Rockingham, Richmond County, North Carolina, TIP No. U- 2583. Dear Mr. Vick: This responds to your letter of December 7, 1994 requesting information from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) on 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, as amended (16 U.S.C. 661-667d) and Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543). Preliminary planning by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) calls for widening US Highway 1 from two lanes to five lanes with curb and gutter. The Se=Nice,s review of any environmental document would be greatly facilitated if it contained the following information: 1. A description of the fishery and wildlife resources within existing and required additional right-of-way and any areas, such as borrow areas, which may be affected directly or indirectly by the proposed project. 2. A list of the wetland types which will be impacted. Wetland types should follow -the wetland classification scheme of the National Wetlands Inventory. This list should also give the acreage of each wetland type to be affected by the project as determined by the Federal Manual for Identifyincr and Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands. 3. Engineering techniques which will be employed for A4-1 designing and constructing any wetland crossings and/or relocated stream channels along with the linear feet of any water courses to be relocated. 4. The cover types of upland areas and the acreage of each type which would be impacted by the proposed project. 5. Mitigation measures which will be employed to avoid, eliminate, reduce, or compensate for upland and wetlands , habitat impacts associated with the project. These measures should include plans for replacing unavoidable wetland losses. 6. The environmental impacts which are likely to occur after construction as a direct result of the proposed project (secondary impacts) and an assessment of the extent to which the proposed project will add to similar environmental impacts produced by other, completed projects in the area (cumulative impacts). The attached page identifies the Federally-listed endangered, threatened, and candidate species which occur in Richmond County. The section of the environmental document regarding protected species must contain the following information: 1. A review of the literature and other information; 2. A description of any listed species or critical habitat that may be affected by the action; 3. An analysis of the "effect of the action", as defined by CFR 402.02, on the species and habitat including consideration of direct, indirect, cumulative effects, and the results of related studies; . 4. A description of the manner in which the action may affect any species or critical habitat; 5. Summary of evaluation criteria used as a measure of potential effects; and 6. Determination statement based on evaluation criteria. Candidate species refer to any species being considered by the Service for listing as endangered or threatened but not yet the subject of a proposed rule. These species are not legally protected under the Act or subject to its provisions, including Section 7, until formally proposed or listed as threatened or endangered. New data could result in the formal listing of a candidate species. This change would place the species under the full protection of the Endangered Species Act, and necessitate 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 A4-2 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 of this project, including your official determination of the impacts of this } project. If our office can supply any additional information or clarification, please contact Howard Hall, the biologist reviewing this project, at 919-856-4520 (ext. 27). i Sincerely your., L.K. "Mike" Gantt Supervisor F A4-3 s REVISED NOVEMBER 30, 1994 Richmond County Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocerhalus) - E Red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) - E Shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) - E Rough-leaved loosestrife (Lvsimachia asperulaefolia) - E* Michaux's sumac (Rhus michauxii) - E The shortnose sturgeon is under the jurisdiction of the National Marine Fisheries Service and should be contacted concerning your agency's responsibilities under Section 7 of the Endangered species -Act. Their address is: National Marine Fisheries Service U.S. Department of commerce 9450 Koger Boulevard Duval Building St. Petersburg, Florida 33702 There are species which, although not now listed or officially proposed for listing as endangered or threatened, are under status review by the Service. These "Candidate"(Cl and C2) species are not legally protected under the Act, and are not subject to any of its provisions, including Section 7, until they are formally proposed or listed as threatened or endangered. We are providing the below list of candidate species which may occur within the project area for the purpose of giving you advance notification. These species may be listed in the future, at which time they will be protected under the Act. In the meantime, we would appreciate anything you might do for them. Bachman's sparrow (Aimophila aestivalis) - C2 Northern pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus) - C2 White-wicky (Kalmia cuneata) - C2 Georgia leadplant (Amorpha oeoraiana oeoraiana) - C2* Sandhills milkvetch (Astraaalus michauxii) - C2 Nestronia (Nestronia umbellula) - C2 Conferva pondweed (Potamoaeton confervoides) - C2* Pickering's morning glory (Stvlisma yickeringiivar.pickerinaii) -C2 Smooth bog-asphodel (Tofieldia clabra) - C2* *Indicates no specimen in at least 20 years from this county. A4-4 - State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources • Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor p ? H N R Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary Henry M. Lancaster II, Director MEMORANDUM TO: Chrys Baggett State Clearinghouse FROM: Melba McGeei Project Review Coordinator RE: 95-0393 - Scoping Improvements to US 1, Richmond County DATE: January 9, 1995 The Department of Environment, Health, and has reviewed the proposed scoping notice. The list and describe information that is necessary to evacuate the.potential environmental impacts More specific comments will be provided during review. Natural Resources attached comments for our divisions of the project. the environmental Thank you for the opportunity to respond. The applicant is encouraged to notify our commenting divisions if additional assistance is needed. attachments P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7687 Telephone 919-733-4984 An = ,ucl Oppcr'unl!y =."irmarve Action _^ picyer 5C°b recycled/ 10`b pos -consumer pccer A4-5 _-?C , HCP , FALLS LAKE TEL:919-528-9839 Jan 09'95 10:25 No.001 P.03. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission E .512 N. Salisbury Street. Raleigh, North Carolina 27604-1188, 919-733.3391 Charles R. Fullwood. Executive Director MEMORANDUM TO: Melba McGee office of Policy Development, DEHNR t FROM: David Cox, Highway Project C!7?74? Habitat Conservation Progra DATE: January 9, 1995 SUBJECT: Request for information from the N. C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) regarding fish and wildlife concerns for the US 1 widening, Richmond County, North Carolina, TIP No. U-2583, SCH Project No. 95-0393. 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 frcm the subject project. Biologists on the staff of the N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) have reviewed the proposed improvements, and our comments are provided in accordance with provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)) and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661- 667d). The NCDOT proposes to widen existing US 1 from the proposed US 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forrest Street) in Rockingham. The project will widen US 1 from two lanes to a five lane curb and gutter section. At this time the NCWRC has no,specific recommendations or concerns regarding the subject project. However, to help facilitate document preparation and the review process, our general informational needs are outlined below: 1. Description of fishery and wildlife resources within the project area, including a listing of federally or state designated threatened, A4.6 JCWRC,HCP,FALLS LAKE TEL:919-528-9839 Jan 09'95 10:26 No.001 P.04 Memo Page 2 January 9, 1995 endangered, 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. O. Box 27687 Raleigh, N. C. 27611 (919) 733-7795 and, NCDA Plant Conservation Program P. O. Box 27647 Raleigh, N. C. 27611 A919) 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. 3. Cover type maps showing wetland acreages impacted by the project. Wetland acreages should include all project-related areas that may undergo hydrologic change as a result of ditching, other drainage, or filling for project construction. Wetland identification may be accomplished through coordination with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE). If the COE is not consulted, the person delineating wetlands should be identified and criteria listed. 4. Cover type maps showing acreages of upland wildlife habitat impacted by the proposed project. Potential borrow sites should be included. 5. The extent to which the project will result in loss, degradation, or fragmentation of wildlife habitat (wetlands or uplands). 6. Mitigation for avoiding, minimizing or compensating for direct and indirect degradation in habitat quality as well as quantitative losses. 7. A cumulative impact assessment section which analyzes the environmental effects of highway construction and quantifies the contribution of this individual project to environmental degradation. A4-7 CWRC,HCP,FRLLS LRKE TEL:919-528-9839 Jan 09'95 10:25 No.001 P.05 z Memo Page 3 January 9, 1995 r 8. 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. Thank you for the opportunity to provide input in the early planning stages for this project. If we can further assist your office, please contact David Cox, Highway Project Coordinator, at (919) 528-9886. cc: Ken Knight, District 6 Wildlife Biologist Wayne Chapman, District 6 Fisheries Biologist Randy Wilson, Nongame/Endangered Species Program Mgr. David Dell, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Raleigh A4-8 State of North Carolina Reviewing Office: 4Q Dbpartntent of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources Project Number. Due Date: INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW -PROJECT COMMENTS _d - 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. Questions regarding -these permits should be addressed to the Regional Office indicated on the reverse of the form. Normal Process All applications, information and guidelines relative to these plans and permits are available from the same Time Regional Office. (statutory time PROCEDURES or REQUIREMENTS limit) PERMITS Termit rmit to construct b operate wastewater treatment cilities, sewer system extensions. 3 sewer stems not discharging into state surface waters. PDES - permit to discharge into surface water and/or to operate and construct wastewater facilities scharging into state surface waters. MI Water Use Permit Well Construction Permit DI Dredge and Fill Permit C Permit to construe Air Pollution Abatement facilities and/or Emission Sources as Per 15A NCAC 21 Any open burning associated with subject p'oposal AC 20.0520. must be in compliance with 15A NC Demolition or renovations of structures containing asbestos material must be in compliance with 15A NCAC 2D 0525 which requires notification and removal prior to demolition. Contact Asbestos Control Group SPECIAL APPLICATION Application 90 days before begin construction or award of construction contracts on-site inspection. Post-application technical conference usual . Application 180 days before begin activity. On-site inspection. Pre-application conference usual. Additionally. obtain permit to construct wastewater treatment facility-granted after NPDES. Reply time. 30 days after receipt of plans or issue of NPDES permit-whichever is later. pre-application technical conference usually necessary Complete application must be received and permit issued prior to the installation of a well. Application copy must be served on each adjacent riparian property owner. On-site inspection. Pre-application conference usual. Filling may require Easement to Fill from N.C. Department of Administration and Federal Dredge and Fill Permit. NIA NIA 30 days (90 days) 90.120 days (NIA) ' 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 8 sedimentatic eerol more acre tofbstdacrerand $20.Opifordeaen atldieonatgacre lofOpart mustdacccomoanvctheat Caen 30 . Plan with control 01a^ will be ?egaced;f A one a davs before be innin The Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 must be addressed with respect to the referrenced Local Ordinance: I t inspection usual. Surety bond filed with EHNR. Bond amount ng Permit Q North Carolina Burning permit O FcountesEn cial und Clearance Burning Permit • 22 coasta l N.C. with organic soils ?I oil Refining Facilities ?I Dam Safety Permit On-si e varies with type mine and number of acres to affected land. Any area mined greater than one acre must be permited• The appropriate bond must be received before the permit can be issued. On-site inspection by N.C. Division Forest Resources if permit exceeds 4 days On-site inspection by N.D. Division Forest Resources required "if more than five acres of ground clearing activities are involved. Inspections should be requested at least ten days before actual burn is planned.'' 30 days (NIA) 7 days (15 days) 55 days (90 days) 60 days (90 pays) 60 says (90 days) 20 days 130davsi _ (30 days) 30 pays (60 days) 1 day (N!A) 1 day (NIA) 90-120 days (NIA) NIA If permit required. application 60 days before begin construction. 30 days Applicant must hire N.C. Qualified engineer to: prepare plans. inspect construction. certify construction is according to EHNR approv- i60 days) ed plans. May also require permit under mosquito control program. And a 404 permit from Corps of Engineers. An inspection of site is neces. sary to verify Hazard Classification. A minimum fee of 5200.00 must ac company the application. An additional processing fee based on a percentage or the total project cost will be required upon Ccoormpleti or reve se A4-9 Normal r,ocoss Time C C C C C C JK C (statutory time PERMITS SPECIAL APPLICATION PROCEDURES or REQUIREMENTS limit) File surety bond of $5,000 with EHNR running to State of N.C. 10 days Permit to drill exploratory oil or gas well conditional that any well opened by drill operator shall, upon (NIA) abandonment, be plugged according to EHNR rules and regulations. Geophysical Exploration Permit Application filed with EHNR at least 10 days prior to issue of permit 10 days Application by letter. No standard application torn. (NIA) State Lakes Construction Permit Application fee based on structure size is charged. Must include 15.20 days descriptions E drawings of structure b proof of ownership (NIA) of riparian property. 60 days 401 Water Ouality Certification NIA (130 days) 55 days CAMA Permit for MAJOR development 5250.00 fee must accompany application (150 days) 22 days CAMA Permit for MINOR development 550.00 fee must accompany application (25 days) Several geodetic monuments are located in or near the project area. If any monuments need to be moved or destroyed, please notify: 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. 45 days Compliance with 15A NCAC 2H.1000 (Coastal Stormwater Rules) is required. (N/A) Other comments (attach additional pages as necessary. being certain to cite comment authority): REGIONAL OFFICES is Building Asheville, NC 28801 Fayetteville, NC 28301 (704)2516208 (919) 486-1541 ? Mooresville Regional Office ? Raleigh Regional Office Suite 101 3800 Barrett Drive 919 North Main Street, P.O. Box 950 Mooresville, NC 28115 , Raleigh, NC 27609 (704) 663.1699 (919) 733.2314 El Washington Regional Office ? Wilmington Regional Office 1424 Carolina Avenue 127 Cardinal Drive Extension Washington, NC 27889 Wilmington, NC 28405 (919) 395.3900 (919) 9466481 ? Winston-Salem Regional Office 8025 North Point Blvd. Suite 100 Winston-Salem. NC 27106 A4-10 (919) 896.7007 Questions regarding these. permits should be addressed to the Regional Offjc marked below. ? Fayetteville Regio Asheville Regional Office nal Office . 59 Woodfin Place Suite 714 Wachov :`\i\l' i`:;\ :1,11'•.;?.? ??:..'t .I•., ! 9, :.1 ! d31" -_.. 1 I ?. . ; •,i?? 1 ?. ?!II\1. !\!\'I I' .I , I 1 .i\i .I _._..._.. .5 L 0 0 V V, Inter-r\?cncy i?rojecL l\cvie\?' 1•.esJaor.sc -/?'«?, -,-- %c:: I?ia!.r.•:JC?d? '_----- 1 Ypc of ProjcCL -Jroc?r?) -- - 1 1 The applie:tr-t should be advised tlru plans and spec•ificaLions rror ali water sysce!n lmprovenzeliLS niusL be approved by the 'DVislon of. E!%vu•onmental. Healch orlor co: the.a-arard ? t - '300 et. of :? contract or the iniclatloll of con.,u•ualoli (as reqL.::•A ..d by 15A 1?Cl?C 1S' \.: .... For inrormatioll, ConraCL the Public W-Acer Supply Se_ti.on, (919) 733-2460. ---? This-project will be dassi[ied as a non-coct,munity oul-ic water supply and !Host comp;y with ---! state anct federal drini:ing vracer mionitori:l_ requi r-erne::ts. For more information the apFolicar!.t should contact the Pudic \YJacer Suppi)' S'eccion, (91`•! 7.33-232 1. feet. of adjacent --? Tr this project is consclucted as proposed, :ve grill recc_nzmend closure of _ ' waters to the har.Resc of shellfish. For iafornnatlon regarding the .shellrf!s 1 sanlcatlon progra ni, the applicant should contact the Shellfish San'tac::,n Branch ac (919) 726-6827. r---, The spoil disposal area(s) proposed for chls project. ?1a. produce a nlosaiilto breeding•problerv- <__J r For in=ormauon concerning appropr!ace niosgL.ito •_oncrol measures, the appllcaP_c shoulc contact the Public health Pest Marage.ent. Section =c (919) 726-897C. - The applicant shoulc be advlse^ chat 'vr1or to :ilc m-naval or demolition o' C.l.i.ap!datel SC; JC..:, eS, 2n t...nSi /e r0tsc, C COi.U o t ,ill ''n be neCeSSa! ? LEl C:rdCr to -prevent. L iiligraclon of the rod.°-^L•S LC ?cllaccil Tl1? :'sOri11aC10Z CO::tC:Caii?? rGCei is C01-Itf-0 COiaact L-l-:e focal health 'e?a:.irenC C: :?iC li i1C : _-altl_ -1)e-SL Manazen,en-- Ct!0C1: <.L `9 1 C 7'33-64-07. --? T1 e applicant should be advised co c-:)ncac: the !,Dcal health department'. regarding the i I Snn iC f'1! 'r 1 l.l i LinJ ? A ?', ('• 1 0-6 .i900 e.. Sew rC 1.? P.St211--6011 . (as i F<\ tre der _?s 12 -, requirements for- ! 1-Or 1r1fOC:T12.t!O.. trnr;-. l:al:K ?l:i Ofj^Pr on- sir /'a sc is C r- r)oS1l nlCl[WC1S, iUllt',Ct ti ?J is i:... -`!'^.:•::??'?t:-. ,?rl ii?O 'Ir "Iq iq`i 7??_L S l!'11C.. (-- 1 TI-It applicant. should !)(: aCtV!':i:Cl l:% .:0111.a::1. Illy. IOCZ,: Rt'.alla.'l d(,-p-,t-L,lil°-al. rC'j)ar I. 'MC _1 1'aC!Ill:l!:S I'C.C`lllred IQY CIIIS ?JI'U)t'.,: ;l !i CI';C \ti"•l i.t:r 1--- 1 i! CXI;L1Ilg W:1LC1' llr!C \v!I: 1)C ICiOL!-",?G (At.1I!n" CoilSCfUI(j I1, _CA 1 - rPIOCaCtQI': IiILlSi: b:: St1bIl1l1:1.C-! LC? Lll;. i• "':loll Ot' ;.il"ll'011111CnC?.l I'!.C:'•`.CIl; l!'.:?:!IC .JLII?' JCU:1 C)Il, i71a11 ).\f.VIC'+/ ).!I•a I?!C•?I, ..!.?V Jl.. :%.al'" ., .)L. Lt:: i\alClt. .., IVl_. I•I i? _..?r Jli:l;:., C`i 1? ) `';:4 :e. .ewer Section/T3ranc!; - Dice A4-1 I RECEl?/Ep DEHNR State of North Carolina DEC 41994 Department of Environment, Health, and N tural ources ' Division of Land Resources James QUgiS6? r, amen G. Martin, Governor PROJECT Rsv'Igw cotu?rrr WHIam W. Cobey, Jr., Secretary Director Project Number: rs ?? 3 J? County: Project Name: Q 3 e,' -3 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 Geodetic Survey office at (919) 733-3836. Reviewer?L Date Erosion and Sedimentation Control i 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. Reviewer Date P.O. Box 27687 • Raleigh, N.C. 27611-7687 • Telephone (919) 733-3833 A4-12 An Equal Opportunity Affirmadve Action Employer State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Management James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director 1K JW IED EHNFi January.4, 1995 TO: Melba McGee, Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs FROM: Monica Swihart, Water Quality Planning SUBJECT: Project Review #95-0393; Scoping Comments - NC DOT Proposed Improvements to US 1, Richmond County TIP No. U-2583 The Water Quality Section of the Division of Environmental Management requests that the following topics be discussed in the environmental documents prepared on the subject project: A. Identify the streams potentially impacted by the project. The stream classifications should be current. B. Identify the linear feet of stream channelizations/ relocations. If the original stream banks were vegetated, it is requested that the channelized/relocated stream banks be revegetated. C. Number of stream crossings. D. Will permanent spill catch basins be utilized? DEM requests that these catch basins be placed at all water supply stream crossings. Identify the responsible party for maintenance. E. Identify the stormwater controls (permanent and temporary) to be employed. F. Please ensure that sediment and erosion and control measures are not placed in wetlands. G. Wetland Impacts 1) Identify the federal manual used for identifying and delineating jurisdictional wetlands. 2) Have wetlands been avoided as much as possible? 3) Have wetland impacts been minimized? 4) Discuss wetland impacts by plant communities affected. 5) Discuss the quality of wetlands impacted. 6) Summarize the total wetland impacts. 7) List the 401 General Certification numbers requested from DEM. 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/ 1 e% post-consumer paper A4-13 Melba McGee January 4, 1995 Page 2 H. Will borrow locations be in wetlands? Borrow/waste areas should avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practicable. Prior to approval of any borrow/waste site in a wetland, the contractor shall obtain a 401 Certification from DEM. I. Did NCDOT utilize the existing road alignments as much as possible? Why not (if applicable)? J. To what extent can traffic congestion management techniques alleviate the traffic problems in the study area? K. 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. 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 DEM from issuing the 401 Certification until a FONSI or Record of Decision (ROD) has been issued by the Department requiring the document. If the 401 Certification application is submitted for review prior to issuance of the FONSI or ROD, it is recommended that the applicant state that the 401 will not be issued until the applicant informs DEM that the FONSI or ROD has been signed 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 will require written concurrence. Please be aware that 401 Certification may be denied if wetland impacts have not been avoided and minimized to the maximum extent practicable. 10811.mem cc: Eric Galamb A4-14 North Carolina Department of Cultural James B. Hunt. Jr.. Governor Betty Ray McCain. Secretary January 5, 1995 MEMORANDUM TO: H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch Division of Highways Department of Transportation FROM: David Brook Deputy State H storic Preservation Officer Division of William SUBJECT: Improvements to US 1 from proposed US 74 Bypass- SR 1974, Richmond County, U-2583, Federal Project No. NHF-220(1), State Project No. 8.1580601, CH 95-E-4220-0393 E1 V O JAN 0 4 1995 DIVISION OF -H1r-,Hw.4YS__ <i` We have received information concerning the above project from the State Clearinghouse. We have conducted a search of our maps and files and have located the following structures of historical or architectural importance within the general area of the project: Covington Plantation, southeast side of US 1, 0.1 mile southwest of junction with SR 1108, listed in the National Register of Historic Places on May 28, 1980 H. C. Watson House, 625 Caroline Street, Rockingham, listed in the National Register on September 22, 1983 We understand that these two properties are outside the area of potential effect for this project. We recommend that no historic architectural survey be conducted for this project. Because of the location and topographic situation of the proposed project area, it is unlikely that any archaeological sites which may be eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places will be affected by the proposed construction. We, therefore, recommend that no archaeological investigation be conducted in connection with this project. The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106, codified at 36 CFR Part 800. 109 East Jones Street - Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807 ?? A4-15 S P k P i H. F. Vick January 5, 1995, Page 2 Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above comment, please contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919/733-4763. DB:slw cc: State Clearinghouse N. Graf B. Church T. Padgett A4-16 APPENDIX 5 CITIZENS INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOP NEWS RELEASE AND INFORMATION HANDOUT NOTICE OF A CITIZENS INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOP FOR PROPOSED WIDENING/IMPROVEMENTS OF US 1 FROM PROPOSED US 74 BYPASS TO FORREST ROAD (SR 1974) Project 8.1580601 U-2583 Richmond County A citizens informational workshop will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 1995 in the Leath Memorial Library located at 412 East Franklin Street in Rockingham. This will be an informal open house workshop conducted in the Calvin Little Room between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Those wishing to attend may do so at their convenience during these hours. The purpose of this informational workshop is to present information, answer questions, and receive comments during the early design stages of the proposed widening/improvements of US 1 from the proposed US 74 Bypass to Forrest Road. The proposed project consists of widening the existing roadway to a multi-lane facility. Representatives of the Department of Transportation will be available to discuss the proposed project with those attending. Anyone desiring additional information about the workshop may contact Mr. Wayne Fedora, P. E., North Carolina Department of Transportation, Planning and Environmental Branch, P. O. Box 25201, Raleigh, NC 27611 or by telephone at (919) 733-3141 - Extension 236. NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services for disabled persons who wish to participate in the workshop. To receive special services,"please call Mr. Fedora at the above number to give adequate notice prior to the date of the workshop. A5-1 i _ North Carolina Department of Transportation Planning and Environmental Branch ? 3.tca? ?rC t w.- fr v•;! U.S. 1 FROM PROPOSED U.S. 74 BYPASS TO SR 1974 (FOREST STREET) ROCKINGHAM, RICHMOND COUNTY T.I.P.NO. U-2583 20 JUNE 1995 R Citizens Informational Workshop A5-2 U. S. 1 from Proposed U. S. 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forest Street) Rockingham, Richmond County Federal Aid Number NHF-220(1) State Project Number 8.1580601 TIP. No. U-2583 C=ENS INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOP The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), Division of Highways, is holding this workshop to discuss the proposed widening of U. S. 1 in Rockingham and Richmond County (Figure 1). The project begins at the proposed U. S. 74 Bypass (TIP. Project R-512) and ends at SR 1974 (Forest Street). The Division of Highways appreciates comments and suggestions concerning the proposed improvements and will consider these during the project study. The Division of Iighways recognizes individuals living close to a proposed project want to be informed of the possible effects on their homes and businesses. Exact information is not available at this stage in the planning process. The Division of Highways will complete additional planning studies and design work before establishing actual alignment and right of way limits. Please address written comments or requests for additional information to: ?vlr. H. Franklin Vick P.E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch Division of Highways North Carolina Department of Transportation Post Office Box 25201 , Raleigh, North Carolina 27611 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The 1996-2002 NCDOT Transportation Improvement Program (T.I.P.) calls for widening U.S. 1 to a multi-lane facility. NCDOT proposes to widen U.S. 1 to five lanes with curb and gutter as shown in Figure 2. CURRENT SCHEDULE The Division of Highways has scheduled right of way acquisition to begin in fiscal vear 1998 and construction in fiscal year 2000. These schedules are subject to the availability of sufficient highway funds. A5-3 EXISTING FACILITY ' Project Length: 1.5 kilometers (0.9 mile) Roadway Width:, 7.3 meters (24 feet) Paved Shoulder Width: Near Proposed Bypass: 0.6 meters (2 feet) Near Valley Hill Drive: 1.2 meters (4 feet) Number of Lanes: Two (Five at Forest Street) Right of Way Width: 18.3 meters (60 feet) Access Control: None Curves: There are several vertical curves and one major horizontal curve on the project. The intersection of U.S. 1 and SR 1136 (Eason Road) is on the crest of a vertical curve within a horizontal curve. Terrain: Rolling Speed Limit: 80 km/h (50 mph) from proposed U.S 74 Bypass to city limits 60 km/h (35 mph) within city limits Traffic Volumes: Near Southwood Road (North of Bypass): 1994: 4,800 VPD 2020: 14,500 VPD (Projected) Near Eason Road (SR 1136): 1994: 7,200 VPD 2020: 18,100 VPD (Projected) Near Forest Street (SR 1974): 1994: 9,300 VPD 2020: 19,900 VPD (Projected) Cost Estimates: Construction: $2,000,000 Right of Way: $ 600,000 Total: 52,600,000 PROPOSED FACE= (see Figure 2) , Roadwav Width: 19.2 meters (64 feet) face to face of curb and gutter Number of Lanes: Five Right of Way ti'Vidth: 30.5 to 36.6 meters (100 to 120 feet) A5-4 COMMENT SHEET PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO U. S. 1 FROM PROPOSED U.S. 74 BYPASS TO SR 1974 (FOREST STREET) ROCM NGHAM, RICHMOND COUNTY TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROJECT U-2583 20 June 1995 (You do not have to answer every question, but please take time to give us your comments and ask questions regarding this project and the workshop. You may continue on the back of these sheets if necessary.) NAME: ADDRESS: WOULD YOU IBM YOUR NAME TO BE PLACED ON A MAMING LIST TO RECEIVE FUTURE NOTICES ABOUT THUS PROJECT? YES NO COMMENTS AND/OR QUESTIONS REGARDING PROJECT U-2583: A5-5 WAS THE PROJECT ADEQUATELY EXPLAINED TO YOU? DID NCDOT REPRESENTATIVES GIVE CLEAR AND UNDERSTANDABLE EXPLANATIONS? WERE NCDOT REPRESENTATIVES COURTEOUS AND HELPFUL? WERE DISPLAY MAPS EASY TO READ AND UNDERSTAND? PLEASE SUGGEST WAYS WE MAY BETTER PRESENT PROPOSED PROJECTS AND ADDRESS CITIZENS'S CONCERNS IN FUTURE INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOPS: HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP? DO YOU FEEL NCDOT ADEQUATELY PUBLICIZED THIS WORKSHOP? A5-6 i s v THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS RELATE TO GENERAL TRANSPORTATION ISSUES IN YOUR AREA WHAT DO YOU TANK IS THE MOST PRESSING TRANSPORTATION NEED IN { YOUR AREA? WHICH ROAD IN YOUR AREA DO YOU THINK NEEDS RVIPROVEMENT THE MOST? HOW DO YOU RATE THE CONDITION OF THE ROADS IN YOUR AREA? EXCELLENT GOOD FAIR POOR STATEMENTS RELATED TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT MAY ALSO BE MAIL M TO: Mr. H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation Post Office Box 25201 Raleigh, North Carolina 27611 b t A5-7 ttf - j i +I I' Oi I - I , G{i t• _ iii. State of North Carolina Department of Environment, ffl:" Health and Natural Resources 4 • • Division of Environmental Management James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor p E H N R Jonathan B. Howes, , Secretary A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director July 1, 1996 MEMORANDUM To: Melba McGee Through: John Dorn From: Eric Galama Subject: EA for US 1 from US 74 Bypass to SR 1794 Richmond County State Project DOT No. 8.1580601, TIP # U-2583 EHNR # 96-0796 The subject document has been reviewed by this office. The Division of Water Quality (WQ) is responsible for the issuance of the Section 401 Water Quality Certification for activities which impact waters of the state including wetlands. The document states that 0.49 acres of wetlands and waters will be impacted by this project. WQ offers the following comments on the EA: A) DOT is proposing to widen on the east side of the existing road in the vicinity of wetland # 2. WQ may request that wetland avoidance options in this vicinity be investigated during the permitting process. B) Since wetland # 3 occurs on both sides of the road, DOT does not have a practicable alternative at this location. DOT is reminded that endorsement of a EA by WQ would not preclude the denial of a 401 Certification upon application if wetland and water impacts have not been avoided and minimized to the maximum extent practicable. Questions regarding the 401 Certification should be directed to Eric Galamb (733- 1786) in DEM's Water Quality Environmental Sciences Branch. us1 rich.ea cc: Wilmington COE FAXED JUL 0 i t 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 l • DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY WILMINGTON DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS P.O. BOX 1890 WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28402-1890 ATM"OONOF July 18, 1996 / R6061?CFO Special Studies and JU( Flood Plain Services Section sM'/RON,y?NT 1 96 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: This is in response to your letter of May 30, 1996, requesting our comments on o the "Federal Environmental Assessment for US 1, From Proposed US 74 Bypass to -a SR 1974 (Forest Street), Rockingham, Richmond County, Federal Aid Number -,, NHF-220(1), State Project Number 8.1580601, T.I.P. No. U-2583" (Regulatory Branch Action I.D. No. 199603832). Ln N 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. o We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this project. If we can be of further o assistance, please contact us. (D Sincerely, C. E. Shuford, Jr., P.E. Acting Chief, Engineering and Planning Division Enclosure -2- Copies Furnished: Mr. Larry Hardy National Marine Fisheries Service Pivers Island Beaufort, North Carolina 28516 Mr. John Hefner, Field Supervisor US Fish and Wildlife Service Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Post Office Box 33726 Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726 Mr. Thomas Welborn, Chief Wetlands Regulatory Section - Region IV Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds Branch US Environmental Protection Agency 345 Courtland Street, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30365 Mr. John Dorney North Carolina Division of Environmental Management Water Quality Section, Wetlands and Aquatic Plants 4401 Reedy Creek Road Raleigh, North Carolina 27607 July 18, 1996 Page 1 of 1 U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, WILMINGTON DISTRICT, COMMENTS ON: "Federal Environmental Assessment for US 1, From Proposed US 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forest Street), Rockingham, Richmond County, Federal Aid Number NHF-220(1), State Project Number 8.1580601, T.I.P. No. U-2583" (Regulatory Branch Action I.D. No. 199603832) 1. FLOOD PLAINS: POC - Mr. Bobby L. Willis, Special Studies and Flood Plain Services Section, at (910) 251-4728 The proposed project is located in Richmond County and partially within the jurisdiction of the city of Rockingham, both of which participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. From a review of Panel 160 of the September 1989 Richmond County, North Carolina and Incorporated Areas Flood Insurance Rate Map, the improvements would cross Rocky Branch upstream of the approximately mapped limit (outside of the identified flood hazard area). Consequently, it is noted on page 22 of Environmental Assessment that there are no designated flood hazard zones affected by the project. However, from a review of the pertinent United States Geological Survey topographic map ("Rockingham, N.C."), it appears that there is sufficient drainage area at the location of the crossing to cause flooding. We suggest that the crossing be designed to minimize the impact on the upstream water surface elevation and that your agency coordinate with local authorities during final design to ensure compliance with applicable flood plain ordinances. 2. WATERS AND WETLANDS: POC - Mr. Scott McLendon, Wilmington Field Office, Regulatory Branch, at (910) 251-4725 Based on information provided in the document, less than 0.5 acre of waters and wetlands of the United States will be impacted by the proposed project. This includes impacts to the headwaters of Rocky Branch. No stream relocation will be required for this project. Although this project may be authorized by nationwide permit 26 or nationwide permit 14, (33 CFR 330.5(a)), it is incumbent upon the North Carolina Department of Transportation to take all practicable measures to avoid and minimize impacts to waters and wetlands. Department of the Army (DA) 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 in waters of the United States or any adjacent or isolated wetlands in conjunction with this project, including disposal of construction debris. Under our mitigation policy, impacts to wetlands should first be avoided or minimized. We will then consider compensatory mitigation for unavoidable impacts. When final plans are completed, including the extent and location of any work in wetlands, our Regulatory Branch would appreciate the opportunity to review these plans for project-specific determinations of DA permit requirements. If you have any questions or comments concerning DA permits, they should be directed to Mr. McLendon. ?s N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DATE TRANSMITTAL SLIP TO : REF. NO. OR ROOM, BLDG. E IrIc Gale 1)EM FR OM: REF. NO. OR ROOM, BLDG. c U - P' e- ? PArE 1 ., l , ACTION ? NOTE AND FILE ? PER OUR CONVERSATION ? NOTE AND RETURN TO ME ? PER YOUR REQUEST ? RETURN WITH MORE DETAILS ? FOR YOUR APPROVAL ? NOTE AND SEE ME ABOUT THIS ? FOR YOUR INFORMATION ? PLEASE ANSWER ? FOR YOUR COMMENTS ? PREPARE REPLY FOR MY.. SIGNATURE ? .S NATURE ? TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION INVESTIGATE AND REPORT COMMENTS: K- 4-, M4a,r. STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT, JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 December 7, 1994 MEMORANDUM TO: Mr. Eric Galamb DEM - DEHNR, 6th Floor R. SAMUEL HUNT II I SECRETARY tCz®t FROM: H. Franklin Vick, P. E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch SUBJECT: Rockingham, US 1 from Proposed US 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forrest Street), Richmond County, Federal Aid Project No. NHF-220(1),.State Project No. 8.1580601, T.I.P. No. U-2583 The Planning and Environmental Branch of the Division of Highways has begun studying the proposed improvements to US 1. The project is included in the 1995-2001 North Carolina Transportation Improvement Program and is scheduled for right of way in fiscal year 1998 and construction in fiscal year 2000. The project proposes to widen US 1 from two lanes to five lanes with curb and gutter from the proposed US 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forrest Street) in Rockingham. We would appreciate any information you might have that would be helpful in evaluating potential environmental impacts of the project. If applicable, please identify any permits or approvals which may be required by your agency. Your comments will be used in the preparation of a federally funded Environmental Assessment. This document will be prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act. It is desirable that your agency respond by January 23, 1995 so that your comments can be used in the preparation of this document. If you have any questions concerning the project, please contact Wayne Fedora, Project Planning Engineer, of this Branch at (919) 733-7842. HFV/plr Attachment Act, N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DATE TRANSMITTAL SLIP ?Z TO: REF. NO. OR ROOM, BLDG: FROM: REF: NO. OR ROOM, BLDG. rip ?ailo ca Q ? 1 ACTION ? NOTE AND FILE ? PER OUR CONVERSATION ?:'NOTE.AND RETURN TO ME ? PER YOUR REQUEST RETURN WITH MORE DETAILS ? FOR YOUR APPROVAL ? .NOTE'. AND SEE ME. ABOUT TH15 .P--FOR YOUR INFORMATION ? PLEASE ANSWER ? FOR YOUR COMMENTS ? PREPARE REPLY FOR MY SIGNATURE ? SIGNATURE ?, TAKE' APPROPRIATE ACTION ? INVESTIGATE AND REPORT 'COMMENTS: RECEIV DEC n ? 91994 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF 1PANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT, JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS R. SAMUEL HUNT I I I GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 SECRETARY December 7, 1994 MEMORANDUM TO: Mr. Eric Galamb DEM - DEHNR, 6th Floor FROM: Wayne Fedora Planning and Environmental Branch SUBJECT: Scoping Minutes for Widening US 1 from SR 1974 to US 74 Bypass, Rockingham, Richmond County, Federal Aid No. NHF-220(1), State Project No. 8.1580601, T.I.P. No. U-2583 I held a scoping meeting on November 30, 1994 to initiate the subject project. Attached is a list of those who attended. The participants discussed alternates for widening US 1 and concurred that one alternate will be studied. This alternate would widen US 1 to five lanes with curb and gutter from SR 1974 (Forrest Street) to the proposed US 74 Bypass (T.I.P. No. R-512). The proposed typical section is 19.2 meters (64 feet) from face to face of curbs. The proposed design speed is 80 km/h (50 mph) with a speed limit of 70 km/h (45 mph). The current T.I.P. limits for the project extend from SR 1974 to the proposed US 74 Bypass. Based on the location of the proposed bypass, the project will be approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) long. We discussed extending the project limits south to the intersection of US 1 and SR 1108. Based on traffic projections and the effect of the proposed US 1 bypass (T.I.P. No. R-2501, post year construction), this does not seem warranted. We also discussed extending the project limits north to make improvements to the US 1/US 220 intersection. This extension also does not seem warranted. The Roadway Design Unit will prepare a cost estimate for the chosen alternate. I will request a right of way cost estimate from the Right of Way Branch. There are several other T.I.P. projects in the vicinity of U-2583. U-2217 proposes to add ramps to the interchange of US 220 and SR 1124. It is approximately one kilometer (0.6 mile) north of U-2583. R-512 proposes a US 74 bypass around Rockingham and Hamlet. It intersects US 1, forming the southern end of U-2583. R-2501 proposes to widen US 1 from the South Carolina border to SR 1001 in Richmond County. It will include a US 1 bypass of Rockingham beginning approximately three kilometers (two miles) south of U-2583. N December 7, 1994 Page 2 In terms of historic architectural resources, Ms. Renee Gledhill-Earley of the State Historic Preservation Office indicated there are no National Register listed or eligible structures within the project area. She recommends no survey for architectural resources. Ms. Gledhill-Earley also indicated there are no significant archaeological resources within the project area. She recommends no survey for archaeological resources. Mr. Eric Galamb of the Division of Environmental Management (DEM) called in with comments before the Scoping Meeting. He indicated that the DEM classifies the stream crossings in the project area as Class C waters. He recommends normal soil and erosion control measures for the project. Mr. Steve Burris of the Geotechnical Unit indicated there are three Underground Storage Tank sites in the project area. One is in the southwest quadrant of the US 1/SR 1187 intersection. Another is approximately 120 meters (395 feet) north of SR 1187. The third is at the US 1/SR 1136 intersection. There seems to be no justification for providing sidewalks along the project. NCDOT has programmed U-2583 for an Environmental Assessment. Because it is a short project, with apparently minor impacts, it may be processed as a Categorical Exclusion. There are many houses and some small businesses along US 1. These may be impacted and will be very important in determining which type of document to prepare. NCDOT plans to hold a Citizens Informational Workshop and a Public Hearing for the project. NCDOT expects utility conflicts to be moderate to high. The current project schedule includes an Environmental Assessment due in December 1995, a Finding of No Significant Impact due in July 1996, Right of way acquisition beginning in October 1997, and letting in October 1999. WF/plr Attachments Attendance List--Scoping Meeting U-2583: Jerry Snead Steve Burris Renee Gledhill-Earley Debbie Bevin Kathy Lassiter Glenda Gibson Danny Rogers Jay Liner Jack Matthews David Unkefer Wilson Stroud John Williams Wayne Fedora Hydraulics Geotechnical DCR-SHPO DCR-SHPO Roadway Design Roadway Design Program Development Traffic Control Photogrammetry FHWA Planning and Environmental Planning and Environmental Planning and Environmental t PROJECT SCOPING SHEET DATE 10/20/94 REVISION DATE 12/05/94 PROJECT DEVELOPMENT STAGE PROGRAMMING PLANNING X DESIGN TIP # U-2583 F. A. PROJECT NHF-220(1) STATE PROJECT 8.1580601 DIVISION EIGHT COUNTY RICHMOND ROUTE US 1 FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION PRINCIPAL ARTERIAL LENGTH 2.1 km (1.3 mi) PURPOSE OF PROJECT: To provide improved capacity and safety for existing and future traffic. Also to provide multilane continuity into the Rockingham central area from the proposed US 74 Bypass. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT (INCLUDING SPECIFIC LIMITS) AND MAJOR ELEMENTS OF WORK: The proiect proposes to widen the existing two lane section of US 1 from the proposed US 74 Bypass (Project R-512) to SR 1974 (Forrest Road) in Rockingham. The proposed typical section is five lanes with curb and gutter. TYPE OF ENVIRONMETAL DOCUMENT TO BE PREPARED: EA/FONSI ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY SCHEDULE: EA--Dec 95 FONSI--Jul 96 WILL THERE BE SPECIAL FUNDING PARTICIPATION BY MUNICIPALITY, DEVELOPERS, OR OTHERS? YES NO X TYPE OF ACCESS CONTROL: FULL NUMBER OF INTERCHANGES 1 STREAM CROSSINGS 2 PARTIAL NONE X GRADE SEPARATIONS Page 1 TYPICAL SECTION: EXISTING 7.3-m (24-ft) plus 1.2-m (4-ft) sh PROPOSED 18-m (64-ft) curb & gutter TRAFFIC (ADT): 1994: 8900 VPD @ Forrest Road 7200 VPD @ Prop. US 74 Bypass Projected 2020: 19900 VPD @ Forrest Road (w/out US 1 Bypass) 13200 VPD @ Forrest Road (with US 1 Bypass) 18000 VPD @ Prop. US 74 Byp. (w/out US 1 Byp) 13200 VPD @ Prop. US 74 Byp. (with US 1 Byp) DESIGN STANDARDS APPLICABLE: AASHTO X 3R DESIGN SPEED: 80 KPH ( 50 MPH) CURRENT COST ESTIMATE: CONSTRUCTION COST (INCLUDING ENGINEERING AND CONTINGENCIES)... $ 900 ,000 RIGHT OF WAY (INCLUDING RELOCATION, UTILITIES, AND ACQUISITION).. $ 600 ,000 FORCE ACCOUNT ITEMS ......................... $ , PRELIMINARY E NGINEERING ..................... $ 150 ,000 TOTAL PLANNING COST ESTIMATE......... $ 1,650 ,000 TIP COST ESTIMATE: CONSTRUCTION . ............................... $ 900 .000 RIGHT OF WAY . ............................... $ 600 .000 TOTAL T.I.P. COST ESTIMATE ..................... $ 1,500,000 Page 2 PROJECT SCOPING SHEET LIST ANY SPECIAL FEATURES, SUCH AS RAILROAD INVOLVEMENT, WHICH COULD AFFECT COST, SCHEDULE, OR PROJECT: ITEMS REQUIRED M COMMENTS COST ESTIMATED COSTS OF IMPROVEMENTS: X PAVEMENT X SURFACE .................................. $ 223,040 BASE.... ............. ........ ......... $ , X MILLING & RECYCLING..(RESURFACE)......... $ 32,525 TURNOUTS ................................. $ , SHOULDERS PAVED .................................... $ , EARTHEN .................................. $ , EARTHWORK ................................... $ , X SUBSURFACE ITEMS ............................ $ 93,000 X SUBGRADE AND STABILIZATION .................. $ 48,789 X DRAINAGE (LIST ANY SPECIAL ITEMS)............ $ 99,000 SUB-DRAINAGE ................................ $ , STRUCTURES: BRIDGE REHABILITATION .................... $ , NEW BRIDGE ............................... $ , WIDEN BRIDGE ............................. $ , REMOVE BRIDGE ............................ $ , NEW CULVERT .............................. $ CULVERT EXTENSION ........................ $ , RETAINING WALLS .......................... $ , NOISE WALLS .............................. $ , OTHER MISC. STRUCTURES ................... $ , X CONCRETE CURB & GUTTER ...................... $ 55,760 CONCRETE SIDEWALK ........................... $ , GUARDRAIL ................................... $ FENCING: W.W . .................................... $ , C.L . .................................... $ , X EROSION CONTROL ............................. $ 12,000 LANDSCAPING ................................. $ , LIGHTING .................................... $ , X TRAFFIC CONTROL ............................. $ 19,800 SIGNING: NEW ..................................... $ , UPGRADING ............................... $ , TRAFFIC SIGNALS: NEW ..................................... $ , REVISED ................................. $ , RR SIGNALS: NEW ..................................... $ REVISED ................................. $ WITH OR WITHOUT ARMS .................... $ , Page 3 PROJECT SCOPING SHEET IF 3R: DRAINAGE SAFETY ENHANCEMENT .............. $ , ROADSIDE SAFETY ENHANCEMENT .............. $ , REALIGNMENT FOR SAFETY UPGRADE........... $ , X PAVEMENT MARKINGS: PAINT .................................... $ , X THERMOPLASTIC.... ................. $ 14,520 RAISED PAVEMENT MARKERS .................. $ , DELINEATORS ..... $ , X OTHER (CLEARING, GRUBBING, MISC. & MOB.)..... $ 169,566 CONTRACT COST (SUBTOTAL): $ 768,000 --------------------------------------------------- ENGINEERING AND CONTINGENCIES ................... $ 132,000 PE COSTS ........................................ $ 150,000 FORCE ACCOUNT ................................... $ , , SUBTOTAL: $ 1,050,000 -------------------------------------------------- RIGHT OF WAY: WILL CONTAIN WITHIN EXISTING R/W? YES NO EXISTING WIDTH NEW R/W NEEDED ESTIMATED COST $ , EASEMENTS: Type Width ESTIMATED COST $ , Utilities ................................... $ , (T.I.P. ESTIMATE) RIGHT OF WAY SUBTOTAL: $ 600,000 -------------------------------------------------- TOTAL ESTIMATED COST: $ 1,650,000 PREPARED BY: Richard Wayne Fedora DATE: 10/24/94 Page 4 PROJECT SCOPING SHEET *THE ABOVE SCOPING HAS BEEN REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: INIT DATE INIT DATE HIGHWAY DESIGN BOARD OF TRANS MEMB ROADWAY KHL 11/30 MGR PROGRAM & POLICY STRUCTURE RJM 10/27 CHIEF ENGINEER - OPER GEOTECHNICAL SB 11/30 SECONDARY ROADS OFF. HYDRAULICS JS 11/30 CONSTRUCTION BRANCH DESIGN DEP. ADMINISTRATOR - SERVICES PRECONSTRUCTION LOCATION & ROADSIDE SURVEYS ENVIRONMENTAL PHOTOGRAMMETRY MAINTENANCE BRANCH RIGHT OF WAY BRIDGE MAINTENANCE R/W UTILITIES STATEWIDE PLANNING MMR 11/23 DEHNR-DEM EG 11/28 DIVISION ENGINEER FHWA DU 11/30 BICYCLE COORDINATOR COUNTY MANAGER ABT 11/21 PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF PROJECT CULT. RES. RGE 11/30 MANAGEMENT PRELIMINARY TRAFFIC EST. ENG. DMC 10/21 ENGINEERING JL 11/30 PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL CITY/MUNICIPALITY OTHERS (SCOPING SHEET FOR LOCAL OFFICIALS WILL BE SENT TO THE DIVISION ENGINEER FOR HANDLING.) COMMENTS OR REMARKS: *IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THE PROPOSED PROJECT OR SCOPING, NOTE YOUR PROPOSED REVISIONS BELOW, AND INITIAL AND DATE AFTER COMMENTS. Page 5 NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BRANCH ROC[INGBAII US 1 FROM US 74 BYPASS TO SR 1974 (FORREST ROAD) RICHMOND COUNTY T.I.P NO. U-2593 FIG 1 0 kilometers 1.6 0 miles 1 Z. 'N'. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TRANSMITTAL SLIP DATE o 2, 94 T O : REF . NO. R ROOM, BLDG. -- : [{ A 4?' C v { -' Dc-OR T FROM: REF. NO.. OR ROOM, BLDG. N.-,. \lil- P.E P-k E ACTION ? 'NOTE: AND FILE ? PER OUR CONVERSATION ? NOTE. AND RETURN TO ME ?.PER YOUR, REQUEST ?.RETURN WITH MORE DETAILS ?FOR YOUR APPROVAL ,/ _ ? NOTE AND SEE ME ABOUT THIS FOR. YOUR INFORMATION R ?.PLEASE ANSWER ? FOR. YOUR COMMENTS ?. PREPARE REPLY FOR MY SIGNATURE -?. SIGNATURE ? TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ?: INVESTIGATE AND REPORT COMMENTS: W? JAMES B. HUNT, JR. GOVERNOR STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TPANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 October 25, 1994 MEMORANDUM TO: RECEIVED GCI 2 7 1994 ENVIR0f441Z'N Air SCIEW,'M R. SAMUEL HUNT III SECRETARY Mr. Eric Galamb DEM - DEHNR, 6th Floor FROM: H. Franklin Vick, P. E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch SUBJECT: Review of Scoping Sheets for Widening of US 1 from Proposed US 74 Bypass to SR 1974, Rockingham, Federal Aid No. NHF-220(1), State Project No. 8.1580601, T.I.P. No. U-2583 Attached for your review and comments are the scoping sheets for the subject project (See attached map for project location). The purpose of these sheets and the related review procedure is to have an early meeting of the minds„ as to the scope of work that should be performed and thereby enable us to better implement the project. A scoping meeting for this project is scheduled for November 30, 1994 at 10:00 A. M. in the Roadway Design Conference Room (Building A Century Center). You may provide us with your comments at the meeting or mail them to us prior to that date. Thank you for your assistance in this part of our planning process. If there are any questions about the meeting or the scoping sheets, please call Wayne Fedora, Project Planning Engineer, at 733-7842. WF/plr 0307 16 Attachment -ov C k ?a d 2i?`f t N J S -«. t •1 PROJECT SCOPING SHEET DATE 10120194 REVISION DATE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT STAGE PROGRAMMING PLANNING X DESIGN TIP # U-2583 F. A. PROJECT NHF-220(1) STATE PROJECT 8.1580601 DIVISION EIGHT COUNTY RICHMOND ROUTE US 1 FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION PRINCIPAL ARTERIAL LENGTH 2.1 km (1.3 mi) PURPOSE OF PROJECT: To provide improved capacity and safety for existing and future traffic. Also to provide multilane continuity into the Rockingham central area DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT (INCLUDING SPECIFIC LIMITS) AND MAJOR ELEMENTS OF WORK: The project proposes to widen the existing two lane section of US 1 from the proposed US 74 Bvpass (Project R-512) to SR 1974 (Forrest Road) in Rockingham The Feasibility Study recommends widening to five lanes with curb and gutter. TYPE OF ENVIRONMETAL DOCUMENT TO BE PREPARED: EA/FONSI ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY SCHEDULE: EA--Dec 95 FONSI--Jul 96 WILL THERE BE SPECIAL FUNDING PARTICIPATION BY MUNICIPALITY, DEVELOPERS, OR OTHERS? YES NO X TYPE OF ACCESS CONTROL: FULL PARTIAL NONE X NUMBER OF INTERCHANGES 1 GRADE SEPARATIONS STREAM CROSSINGS 2 TYPICAL SECTION: EXISTING 7.3-m (24-ft) plus 1.2-m (4-ft) sh PROPOSED 18-m (64-ft) curb & gutter Page 1 1 TRAFFIC (ADT): 1993 COUNTS: 8300 vpd @ Forrest Road 2300 VPD @ Hammer Mill Road DESIGN STANDARDS APPLICABLE: AASHTO X 3R DESIGN SPEED: 70 KPH ( 45 MPH) CURRENT COST ESTIMATE: CONSTRUCTION COST (INCLUDING ENGINEERING AND CONTINGENCIES)... $ 900,000 RIGHT OF WAY (INCLUDING RELOCATION, UTILITIES, AND ACQUISITION).. $ 600,000 FORCE ACCOUNT ITEMS ......................... PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING ..................... $ 150,000 TOTAL PLANNING COST ESTIMATE......... $ 1,650,000 TIP COST ESTIMATE: CONSTRUCTION ................................ $ 900,000 RIGHT OF WAY ................................ $ 600,000 TOTAL T.I.P. COST ESTIMATE ..................... $ 115001000 Page 2 'b PROJECT SCOPING SHEET LIST ANY SPECIAL FEATURES, SUCH AS RAILROAD INVOLVEMENT, WHICH COULD AFFECT COST, SCHEDULE, OR PROJECT: ITEMS REQUIRED W COMMENTS COST ESTIMATED COSTS OF IMPROVEMENTS: X PAVEMENT X SURFACE .................................. BASE ..................................... X MILLING & RECYCLING..(RESURFACE)......... TURNOUTS ................................. SHOULDERS PAVED .................................... EARTHEN .................................. EARTHWORK .................................... X SUBSURFACE ITEMS ............................ X SUBGRADE AND STABILIZATION .................. X DRAINAGE (LIST ANY SPECIAL ITEMS)............ SUB-DRAINAGE ...... STRUCTURES: BRIDGE REHABILITATION .................... NEW BRIDGE ............................... WIDEN BRIDGE ............................. REMOVE BRIDGE ...................... .. NEW CULVERT .............................. CULVERT EXTENSION ........................ RETAINING WALLS .......................... NOISE WALLS .............................. OTHER MISC. STRUCTURES ................... X CONCRETE CURB & GUTTER ...................... CONCRETE SIDEWALK ........................... GUARDRAIL ................................... FENCING: W.W . .................................... C.L . .................................... X EROSION CONTROL ............................. LANDSCAPING ................................. LIGHTING .................................... X TRAFFIC CONTROL ............................. SIGNING: NEW ..................................... UPGRADING ............................... TRAFFIC SIGNALS: NEW ..................................... REVISED ................................. RR SIGNALS: NEW ..................................... REVISED ................................. WITH OR WITHOUT ARMS .................... $ 223,040 $ 32,525 $ 93,000 $ 48,789 $ 99,000 $ , $ , $ , $ , $ , $ , $ , $ , $ 55,760 $ , $ , $ 12,000 $ , , $ 19,800 Page 3 PROJECT SCOPING SHEET IF 3R: DRAINAGE SAFETY ENHANCEMENT .............. $ , ROADSIDE SAFETY ENHANCEMENT .............. $ , REALIGNMENT FOR SAFETY UPGRADE........... $ , X PAVEMENT MARKINGS: PAINT .................................... $ , X THERMOPLASTIC ............................ $ 14,520 RAISED PAVEMENT MARKERS .................. $ , DELINEATORS ................................. $ , X OTHER (CLEARING, GRUBBING, MISC. & MOB.)..... $ 169,566 CONTRACT COST (SUBTOTAL): $ 768,000 --------------------------------------------------- ENGINEERING AND CONTINGENCIES ................... $ 132,000 PE COSTS ........................................ $ 150,000 FORCE ACCOUNT ................................... $ , SUBTOTAL: $ 11050,000 -------------------------------------------------- RIGHT OF WAY: WILL CONTAIN WITHIN EXISTING R/W? YES NO EXISTING WIDTH NEW R/W NEEDED ESTIMATED COST $ , EASEMENTS: Type Width ESTIMATED COST $ , Utilities ................................... $ , (T.I.P. ESTIMATE) RIGHT OF WAY SUBTOTAL: $ 600,000 -------------------------------------------------- TOTAL ESTIMATED COST: $ 1,650,000 PREPARED BY: Richard Wavne Fedora DATE: 10/24/94 Page 4 PROJECT SCOPING SHEET *THE ABOVE SCOPING HAS BEEN REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: INIT DATE HIGHWAY DESIGN BOARD OF TRANS MEMB ROADWAY MGR PROGRAM & POLICY STRUCTURE CHIEF ENGINEER - OPER GEOTECHNICAL SECONDARY ROADS OFF. HYDRAULICS CONSTRUCTION BRANCH DESIGN DEP. ADMINISTRATOR - SERVICES PRECONSTRUCTION LOCATION & ROADSIDE SURVEYS ENVIRONMENTAL PHOTOGRAMMETRY MAINTENANCE BRANCH RIGHT OF WAY BRIDGE MAINTENANCE R/W UTILITIES STATEWIDE PLANNING DEHNR DIVISION ENGINEER FHWA BICYCLE COORDINATOR COUNTY MANAGER PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF PROJECT CULT. RES. MANAGEMENT PRELIMINARY TRAFFIC EST. ENG. ENGINEERING PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL CITY/MUNICIPALITY OTHERS INIT DATE (SCOPING SHEET FOR LOCAL OFFICIALS WILL BE SENT TO THE DIVISION ENGINEER FOR HANDLING.) COMMENTS OR REMARKS: *IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THE PROPOSED PROJECT OR SCOPING, NOTE YOUR PROPOSED REVISIONS BELOW, AND INITIAL AND DATE AFTER COMMENTS. Page 5 .f _ Norman -- \e? 3 Ei?erDe \R I C H MON NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OP HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND ENVIRONM[?NTAI, 13RAI CH ROCKINGHAM US 1 FROM US 74 BYPASS TO SR 1974 (FORREST ROAD) RICHMOND COUNTY T.I.P NO. U-3533 FIG 1 0 kilometers 1.6 0 miles 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 °?`,..?.?' S? ?,• 1)?'`': 1 ?`` ?/??/)/• ? c?^(??rlj ??%yi? t lt?(?\ ? l i?? j((I :?Cl j? ?? ^lj!" Po'?,?J?_''` `??a _ '_ '?,??p?. ??-,u?i • u 1?, v /'?(//??? 4? I ? / /1?l'` \ ' J r tea. ? <l _;' '/ ? " - \ 'a' \i? Id ;AICL Ali, _? =,?_?l ?;?i?/-'?, -? 1 ? 1?? \ ? " \? -?!/ ? ??' \ ti ' ? ?? ./ a/? "?r?•.y: x,•11 ? ,r: ?,.. '; / ??f?w `1 (/?T?^?? r ' ?? \ 1I' r ?„-. _• ? ? ?/?1. -r? 25 `?•. • a ' 9/.'•• ? `?'J ?\???.I -\ \ P 'dla? '1 Ir1}(1 i \Cv?J `. •r^ 2 n `,?l?i(1j?j ti, (L?_• ,. t•.J ?; ?s a .?. I :. `' . i!\ ",,)???C f?. / > i ii1?f1 /?\U `1 ti .r.• -? ?/ 19JI/ ' %I \ •\? '%"-.? ?\ ,? 14 ,t ,'?? _ 1`` /"? 1 .?-.???th?''.;\? 1 -?•1L_v -- , =?1 ? \ .7. !ci ??''? :1 ACS ?•' -?FI3 _--? I ?V. 1 / / / , \\•' ?, ?r\ ?? 1 IJf ?\???yp- ?'J/ ??/?'/ -r_f % ?J ?•' -' ' r •: ? . ?? i ' ice' ? ? ?'?(? . ?? . 1 ? ?, . ? \? `/\/? 4 '-' ? / // / ' '?».-. Orr. n !/?? 1 ?, \ / r 1 10 PROJECT AREA''. 417) 9, v 7E?.iCordova \Ch 5? J 281 30 \\ n to;ularpnn aJ• V ?`D" I??\ "(! ;\-„ 1'?7/ ti / ? 'n? ?A•? ^? Zip '^ "V \ ? ??6??`\` \` ?°-`• •7` 4? 64/ 26 1,; :1 January 4, 1995 MEMORANDUM TO: Melba McGee, Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs FROM: Monica Swihart'; Water Quality Planning SUBJECT: Project Review #95-0393; Scoping Comments - NC DOT Proposed Improvements to US 1, Richmond County TIP No. U-2583 The Water Quality Section of the Division of Environmental Management requests that the following topics be discussed in the environmental documents prepared on the subject project: A. Identify the streams potentially.impacted by the project. The stream classifications should be current. B. Identify the linear feet of stream channelizations/ relocations. If the original stream banks were vegetated, it is requested that the channelized/relocated stream banks be revegetated. C. Number of stream crossings. D. Will permanent spill catch basins be utilized? DEM requests that these catch basins be placed at all water supply stream crossings. Identify the responsible party for maintenance. E. Identify the stormwater controls (permanent and temporary) to be employed. F Please ensure that sediment and erosion and control measures are not placed in wetlands. G. Wetland Impacts 1) Identify the federal manual used for identifying and delineating jurisdictional wetlands. 2) Have wetlands been avoided as much as possible? 3) Have wetland impacts been minimized? 4) Discuss wetland impacts by plant communities affected. 5) Discuss the quality of wetlands impacted. 6) Summarize the total wetland impacts. 7) List the 401 General Certification numbers requested from DEM. Melba McGee January 4, 1995 Page 2 H. Will borrow locations be in wetlands? Borrow/waste areas should avoid.wetlands to the maximum extent practicable. Prior to approval of any borrow/waste site in a wetland, the contractor shall obtain a 401 Certification from DEM. I. Did NCDOT utilize the existing road alignments as much as possible? Why not (if applicable)? J. To what extent can traffic congestion management techniques alleviate the traffic problems in the study area? K. 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. 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 DEM from issuing the 401 Certification until a FONSI or Record of Decision (ROD) has been issued by the Department requiring the document. If the 401 Certification application is submitted for review prior to issuance of the FONSI or ROD, it is recommended that the applicant state that the 401 will not be issued until the applicant informs DEM that the FONSI or ROD has been signed 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 will require written concurrence. Please be aware that 401 Certification may be denied if wetland impacts have not been avoided and minimized to the maximum extent practicable. 10811.mem cc: Eric Galamb „. SCATS 4 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TP ANSPORTATION 1 `f JAMES B. HUNT JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GAS D,,eGARRETT JR. GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 SECRETARY May 30, 1996 Mr. Eric Galamb RECENM DEHNR - Div. of Environmental Management Water Quality Lab JUN b 1"6 4401 Reedy Creek Road Raleigh, North Carolina 27607 EMiRONWNTALuCIENCES Dear Mr. Galamb: SUBJECT: Federal Environmental Assessment for US 1, From Proposed US 74 Bypass to SR 1974 (Forest Street), Rockingham, Richmond County, Federal Aid Number NHF-220(1), State Project Number 8.1580601, T.I.P. No. U-2583 Attached is a copy of the Environmental Assessment and Natural Resources Technical Report for the subject proposed highway improvement. It is anticipated this project will be processed with a "Finding of No Significant Impact"; however, should comments received on the Environmental Assessment or at the public hearing demonstrate a need for preparing a Draft Environmental Impact Statement you will be contacted as part of our scoping process. Copies of this Assessment are being submitted to the State Clearinghouse, areawide planning agencies, and the counties, towns, and cities involved. Permtit review agencies should note it is anticipated Federal Permits will be required as discussed in the report. Any comment you have concerning the Environmental Assessment should be forwarded to: Mr. H. Franklin Vick, P. E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch N. C. Division of Highways P. 0. Box 25201 Raleigh, North Carolina 27611 Your comments should be received by July 15, 1996. If no comments are received by that date we will assume you have none. If you desire a copy of the "Finding of No Significant Impact," please so indicate. Sincerely, I H. ran in c, P. E., Manager HFV/pl Planning and Environmental Branch r K - ? t Proposed Widening of US 1 from SR 1974 (Forrest Road) to the Proposed US 74 Bypass Rockingham, Richmond County TIP No. U-2583 Federal Aid Project No. NHF-220(1) State Project No. 8.1580601 Natural Resources Technical Report U-2583 NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BRANCH ENVIRONMENTAL UNIT LANE SAULS, ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGIST 13 MARCH 1995 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction .................................... ..1 1.1 Project Description ...........................1 1.2 Purpose .......................................1 1.3 Study Area ....................................1 1.4 Methodology ...................................1 2.0 Physical Resources ..................................3 2.1 Water Resources ...............................3 2.1.1 Best Usage Classification ............ 5 2.1.2 Water Quality ........................5 2.1.3 Summary of Anticipated Impacts ....... 6 2.2 Soils and Topography ..........................6 3.0 Biotic Resources .......... 7 3.1 Terrestrial Communities .......................7 3.1.1 Mixed Pine/Hardwood Forest ........... 7 3.1.2 Bottomland Hardwood Forest ........... 8 3.1.3 Maintained Community .................9 3.2 Aquatic Communities ...........................9 3.3 Summary of Anticipated Impacts ...............10 4.0 Jurisdictional Topics ..............................11 4.1 Waters of the United States .................. 11 4.1.1 Characteristics of Wetlands and Surface Waters .................. 11 4.1.2 Anticipated Permit Requirements ..... 13 4.1.3 Mitigation .................:........ 13 4.1.3.1 Avoidance .................. 14 4.1.3.2 Minimization ............... 14 4.1.3.3 Compensatory Mitigation.... 14 4.2 Rare and Protected Species .................... 15 4.2.1 Federally-Protected Species ......... 15 4.2.2 Federal Candidate and State Protected Species ......... 19 5.0 References .........................................20 LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Stream Characteristics ........................... .5 Table 2. Soil Mapping Units Found Along the U-2583 Project Area ..................................... .6 Table 3. Estimated Impacts to Biotic Communities .......... 10 Table 4. Federal Listed Species for Richmond County....... 15 Table 5. Federal Candidate and State Listed Species for Richmond County .............................. 20 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Vicinity Map (Project U-2583) ....................2 Figure 2. Locations of Waters Associated With Project U-2583 ...................................4 Figure 3. Locations of Wetlands Associated With Project U-2583 ..................................12 I 1.0 INTRODUCTION The following Natural Resources Technical Report is submitted to assist in preparation of a Environmental Assessment (EA). 1.1 Project Description The proposed project calls for widening the existing two lane section of US 1, from SR 1974 (Forrest Road) to the proposed US 74 interchange, to a five lane curb and gutter facility (Figure 1). The project originates within the southern city limits of Rockingham at Forrest Road and proceeds southwestward to the proposed interchange with the US 74 Bypass in Richmond County. Project length is approximately 1.5 km (0.9 mi), and proposed right-of-way is 30.5 m (100.0 ft). However, 21.3 m (70.0 ft) on each side of the centerline was studied to account for the possibility of non-symmetrical widening. 1.2 Purpose The purpose of this technical report is to inventory, catalog and describe the various natural resources likely to be impacted by the proposed action. This report also attemps to identify and estimate the probable consequences of the anticipated impacts to these resources. Recommendations are made fo'r measures which will minimize resource impacts. These descriptions and estimates are relevant only in the context of existing preliminary design concepts. Should design parameters and criteria change, additional field investigation may be needed. 1.3 Study Area The study area associated with the proposed project is primarily disturbed. Commercial and residential development dominate the immediate surroundings with several small stands of timber interspersed throughout the project. Rocky Branch and several unnamed tributaries lie within the study area, as well as several small wetlands. Detailed information concerning water resources and wetlands is described later in the report. 1.4 Methodology Research was conducted prior to the site visit. Information sources used in the pre-field investigation of the study area include: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangle. map (Rockingham) and NCDOT aerial photomosaic of the project area (1:2000). Water resource information was obtained from publications of the Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources (DEHNR, 1993) and from the NC Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (Environmental NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL ., BRANCH ROCKINGHAM US 1 FROM US 74 BYPASS TO SR 1974 (FORREST ROAD) RICHMOND COUNTY _ T.I.P NO. U-2583 FIG 1 0 kilometers 1.6 0 miles 1 Sensitivity Base Map of Richmond County, 1992). Information concerning the occurrence of federal and state protected species in the study area was gathered from the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) list of protected and candidate species and the N.C. Natural Heritage Program (NHP) database of rare species and unique habitats. A site visit was made on 31 January 1995 by NCDOT biologist Lane Sauls to evaluate natural resources. General field surveys were conducted along the proposed alignment. Plant communities and their associated wildlife were identified and recorded. Wildlife identification involved using one or more observation techniques including: active searching and capture, visual observations (binoculars), identifying characteristic signs of wildlife (sounds, scat, tracks and burrows). Organisms captured during these searches were identified and then released. Jurisdictional wetland determinations were performed utilizing delineation criteria prescribed in the "Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual" (Environmental Laboratory, 1987). Qualifications of Investigator Investigator: Lane Sauls, Environmental Biologist, NCDOT Education: BS degree Natural Resources- Ecosystem Assessment, North Carolina State University Employment: Worked in biological field since 1992. Expertise: Section 7 field investigations; wetland delineations; and NEPA investigations. 2.0 PHYSICAL RESOURCES Water and soil resources, which occur in the study area, are discussed below. The availability of water and soil composition directly influences composition and distribution of flora and fauna in any biotic community. 2.1 Water Resources Project U-2583 is located within the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin. Three perennial streams intersect the project: Rocky Branch and two of its corresponding unnamed tributaries (Figure 2). All three of the streams flow from southeast to northwest. Rocky Branch converges with Hitchcock Creek approximately 1.6 km (1.0 mi) northwest of its intersection with US 1. Hitchcock Creek then flows westward approximately 6.4 km (4.0 mi) and empties into the Pee Dee River. Information regarding stream characteristics is shown in Table 1. i 1 ` ` ice' ` •i\ -. > -Y ????% .?'! .r- ? ^•.I .?l . + ? ... ? •\ ( ' Il?'7 ? • it ; •? ' •_ C.0 "I t i- .... \•. ?-•• , . PROJECT AREA _ `_ , ,• • ,.;:?t• ;;' ? 260• ?' :'• U 1• ; ?. } -: ..'•,. •?/±, fit- \? ??' w ?• '/•? • + 1 'Ilk -/• • .'•'• :?. ?`?? `• ? •,,' ? + + ??SV ; • •• 2 UT#2 ROCKY BRANCH ,. , .?,( ,M--/ \? ' ' - , goo, • 1?: ?'?.; ?' efferson Park „ • ? ? ?? •1;1 .• .i l _'A?; ?,. ? • ;? %? NCH ; ? ' ROCKY BRA ??;; : ??? +•, ??• -- •`,l ?. _. , v UT# 1 , i 277 ( r i / ?.... l t l? /; ?_ j • ! •) ?• ? .• • } ? ?` ( ' rte, o.l . ? ?. `•?r-?? T'.-o 1, *' 275.! • ?'-- ?i C?? t ?/ ( ' V, 1. 284- el' l 32.. 46 jj 326 ?? ''` pati ~=fi u 'n iiley,J . • `- \ ?r apel: SCALE 1: 24, 000 r=?;. o It J_?--?-_tA f fey 'aP- Sch opular ?prings ' i FIGURE 2. WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATED WITH PROJECT U-2583 5 TABLE 1. STREAM CHARACTERISTICS Characteristics Rocky. UT #1 UT #2 Branch Substrate C/P/Sa/Si Sa/Si Sa/Si Current fast medium medium Stream Gradient flat flat flat Channel Width 1.2 m 9.1 m 4.6 m (7.0 ft) (3.0 ft) (2.0 ft) Channel Depth 5.1 cm 91.4 cm 10.2 cm (6.0 in) (2.0 in) (2.0 in) Water Color clear clear clear Aquatic Vegetation algae algae none NOTES: Approximate dimensions were averaged along 30.5 m (100.0 ft) upstream and downstream at each crossing; Substrate: C= Cobblestone, P=Pebble, Sa=Sand, Si=Silt. "UT" Refer s to unnamed tributary 2.1.1 Best Usage Cl assification Most streams have been assigned a best usage classification by the Division of Environmental Management (DEM). Rocky Branch and its corresponding tributaries at the project__site are designated as Class "C". Class "C" waters denote "secondary uses such as aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation, and agriculture. Neither WS-I or WS-II Water Supplies, Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) nor High Quality Waters (HQW) occur within 1.6 km (1.0 mi) of the project study area. No impacts to these waters will result from proposed project construction. 2.1.2 Water Quality The Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN) is managed by DEM and is part of an ongoing ambient water quality monitoring program which addresses long term trends in water quality. The program assesses water quality by sampling for selected benthic macroinvertebrate organisms at fixed monitoring sites. Macroinvertebrates are sensitive to very subtle changes in water quality; thus, the species richness and overall biomass are reflections of water quality. No BMAN information is available for Rocky Branch nor its unnamed tributaries at the location of the proposed project. . Point source dischargers located throughout North Carolina are permitted through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. Any discharger 6 is required to register for a permit. No permitted discharges occur into Rocky Branch nor its corresponding tributaries. 2.1.3 Summary of Anticipated Impacts Increased channelization and sedimentation are the major anticipated impacts to water quality. Scouring of the stream bed, soil compaction and loss of shading due to vegetation removal are also potential impacts. Increased sedimentation from lateral flows along with erosion is expected. Precautions should be taken to minimize impacts to water resources in the study area. NCDOT's Best Management Practices for the Protection of Surface Waters and Sedimentation Control guidelines should be strictly enforced during the construction stage of the project". 2.2 Soils and Topography Two dominant soil series are found within the project boundaries; Ailey-Urban Land Complex and Masada Sandy Loam. Information regarding these two series is not available at this time. Refer to Table 2 for a complete list of mapping units associated with the proposed project. TABLE 2. MAPPING UNITS FOUND ALONG THE U-2583 PROJECT AREA Map Unit Specific Percent Hydric Symbol Mapping Unit Slope Classification Ud Udorthents, loamy 0-10 - 37D Masada sandy loam 8-15 - 75B Ailey-Urban Land Complex 0-10 B 232B Georgeville clay loam 2-8 - 232D Georgeville clay loam 8-15 - 410B Pelion loamy sand 2-7 B 575D Ailey loamy sand 7-15 B NOTES: "B" denotes map units with inclusions of hydric soils or wet spots. Richmond County lies in the sandhills system of the coastal plain physiographic province. The topography of the sandhills is variable. Gently undulating sandy upland divides step down to adjacent major streams in a sequence of terraces differing in elevation. Richmond County is also located along the border of the coastal plain and piedmont physiographic provinces, which suggests a mixture of topographical variations throughout the proposed project. Interstream divides may range from smooth valley slopes to finely dissected areas with steep slopes. The average elevation associated with the proposed project is 76.2 m (250.0 ft). 3.0 BIOTIC RESOURCES This section describes the existing vegetation and associated wildlife communities that occur on the U-283 project site. It also discusses potential impacts affecting these communities as a result of the proposed actions. 3.1 Terrestrial Communities Three distinct terrestrial communities were identified in the project study area: (1) Mixed Pine/Hardwood Forest; (2) Bottomland Hardwood Forest and (3) Maintained Community. Many faunal species are highly adaptive and, may populate the entire range of the three terrestrial communities discussed. Faunal species observed during the site visit are noted with an asterisk (*). 3.1.1 Mixed Pine/Hardwood Forest The mixed pine/hardwood forest is found sporadically throughout the project area. Before urbanization, this was probably the dominant forest. Loblolly pine (Pinus echinata), shortleaf pine (P. echinata), longleaf pine (P. palustris), tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), sweetgum (Liauidambar stvraciflua) and northern red oak (Quercus rubra) dominate the canopy portions of this forest. Species found throughout the understory include black cherry (Prunus serotina), black oak (Q. velutina), willow oak (? phellos), white oak (0. alba), red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), florida dogwood (Cornus florida) and American holly (Ilex opaca). Shrub, vine and herbaceous layers contain blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), cross vine (Anisostichus capreolata), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera Japonica), wild grape (Vitis spp.), greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia), poison=ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), grapefern (Botrychium spp.) and Christmas fern (Polvstichum acrostichoides) respectively. The mixed pine/hardwood forest offers habitat for a variety, 'of fauna. Reptilian species that may inhabit such areas include the eastern box turtle (Terrapene Carolina), five-lined skink (Eumeces fasciatus) and ground skink (Scincella lateralis). These species forage on small plants and insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, beetles and harvestmen respectively. The black racer (Coluber constrictor) and copperhead (AQkistrodon contortrix) serve predatory roles by feeding on numerous small reptiles, birds, mammals and amphibians. The presence of vegetative stratification provides habitat for species such as the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans), gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), pine warbler (Dendroica Pinus), tufted titmouse* (Parus bicolor), house finch* (Carpodacus mexicanus), red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus), northern flicker (Colaptes S auratus) and downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens). 3.1.2 Bottomland Hardwood Forest The bottomland hardwood forest is found along river and stream floodplains. This occurs especially in the piedmont and lower elevation mountain valleys but is also found sporadically in the coastal plain. Bottomland hardwood forests exhibit tree species prone to infrequent, as well as frequent flooded conditions. Such species associated with the proposed project are found along Rocky Branch. Some of these species have adapted to flooded conditions, since areas exist that are saturated and sometimes inundated throughout the growing season. Species such as tulip poplar, sweetgum and red maple (Acer rubrum) dominate the canopy layer in this forest. Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), silky dogwood (C. amomum) and ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana) are common understory species. The shrub layer is very sparse, consisting primarily of virburnum (Virburnum spp.) and blackberry (Rubus spp.). Vines and herbaceous components are numberous consisting of cross vine, Japanese honeysuckle, greenbrier, catbrier (Smilax bona-nox), giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea) and crane-fly orchid (Tipularia discolor). Species found in areas which are saturated throughout the growing season include those with hydrophytic characteristics. Small wetland pockets provide habitat for black willow (Salix ni ra), an understory species, but the dominant flora is mainly herbaceous in this small sub- community. Soft rush (Juncus effusus and J. coriaceus), beggar's ticks (Bidens spp.), false nettle (Boelimeria cvlindrica), seedbox (Ludwigia alternifolia), marsh-fleabane (Pluchea spp.), tear-thumb (Polygonum sagittatum), royal fern (Osmunda regalis), cinnamon fern (O. cinnamomea) and sphagnum moss (Sphagnum spp.) are a few of the dominant species present. The bottomland hardwood forest offers excellent habitat for many birds, mammals, reptiles and especially amphibians. Birds such as the eastern wood-pewee (Contopus virens), Carolina chickadee* (Parus carolinensis), Carolina wren (Thrvothorus ludovicianus) and ruby crowned kinglet* (Regulus calendula) may frequent these areas for forage items and shelter. Mammals and reptiles that may be observed in the bottomland hardwood forest include the southern short-tailed shrew (Blarina carolinensis), white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus),.raccoon (Procyon lotor), worm snake (Carphophis amoenus), ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus) and eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis). Since the bottomland hardwood forest exhibits inundated and saturated conditions, excellent breeding habitat for amphibians is present. Salamanders such as the marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum), spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum), northern dusky salamander (Desmognathus fuscush mud salamander (Pseudotriton montanus) and two-lined salamander (Eurycea bislineata) may live under logs, boards, stones and leaves in this community. Other amphibians such as spring peeper (Hula crucifer), pickerel frog (Rana palustris), southern leopard frog (Rana sphenocephala) and upland chorus frog (Pseudacris triseriata) may inhabit this area as well. 3.1.3 Maintained Community The maintained community refers to areas along roadsides and powerline right-of-ways which are dominated by both woody and herbaceous weeds that are regularly controlled by mowing. In addition, a few remnant canopy trees exist in small areas. Species such as tulip poplar, willow oak (Quercus phellos), white oak, loblolly pine and red cedar are found in small fragmented stands within such right-of-ways. However, dominant species of this community are shrubs, vines and herbaceous type flora. Privet (Ligustrum sinense), wild rose (Rosa spp.), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera Japonica), greenbrier, aster (Aster spp.), thoroughwort (Eupatorium spp.), fescue (Festuca spp.), panic grass (Panicum spp.), broomsedge (Andropon spp.) and ebony spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuron) are a few of the common species found in these open areas receiving direct sunlight. This landscape setting provides habitat for the existence of many faunal species adaptable to urban settings. Species such as the northern cardinal* (Cardinalis cardinalis), mourning dove* (Zenaidura macroura), northern mockingbird* (Mimus poly£lottos) and American robin* (Turdus migratorius) are found throughout this community. The hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus), Norway rat (Rattus norvegi'cus), eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) and rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta) also find foraging opportunities and shelter in this community. A major predator of this community is the red-tailed hawk (Buteo Jamaicensis), which forages mainly on rodents. 3.2 Aquatic Communities One aquatic community type, coastal plain perennial stream, will be impacted by the proposed project. Physical and chemical characteristics of the water body dictate faunal composition of the aquatic communities. Terrestrial communities adjacent to a water resource also greatly influence aquatic communities and vice versa. The coastal plain perennial stream includes fish native 10 to warmer water temperatures. Prey species such as bluehead chub (Nocomis leptocephalus), whitefin shiner (Notropis niveus), spottail shiner (Notropis hudsonius), dusky shiner (Notropis cumminQsae) and eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) may provide foraging opportunities for larger predatory species including, redbreast sunfish (Lepomis auritus), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Other species associated with the coastal plain perennial stream community may include muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) and mink (Mustela vison) which are semi- aquatic mammals that feed on both aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna, whatever prey is most available at a particular time. 3.3 Summary of Anticipated Impacts Construction of the subject project will have various impacts on the biotic resources described. Any construction- related activities in or near these resources will impact biological functions. This section quantifies and qualifies impacts to the natural resources in terms of area impacted and ecosystems affected. Temporary and permanent impacts are considered here as well. Calculated impacts to terrestrial resources reflect the relative abundance of each community present in the study area. Project construction will result in clearing and degrada'tion of portions of these communities. Table 3 summarizes potential quantitative losses to these biotic communities, resulting from project construction. Estimated impacts are derived using the requested study area of 21.3 m (70.0 ft) on each side of the centerline. Usually, project construction does not require the entire study area or even right of way; therefore, actual impacts may be considerably less. TABLE 3. ESTIMATED IMPACTS TO BIOTIC COMMUNITIES Community Impact Mixed Pine/Hardwood Forest 0.3 (0.7) Bottomland Hardwood Forest 0.1 (0.3) Maintained Community 1.1 (2.8) Total 1.5 (3.8) NOTE: Impacts are in hectares (acres). Impacts to terrestrial communities will occur in the form of habitat reduction. Since the project area is already fragmented, relatively little impact will occur to species that live along the edges and open areas. However, ground dwellers and slow moving organisms will decrease in numbers. Mobile species will be permanently displaced. Increased predation will occur as a result of habitat reduction. 11 Impacts to aquatic communities will occur the form of increased sedimentation, increased light penetration and loss of habitat. Sedimentation covers benthic organisms, inhibiting feeding and respiration. Removal of stream-side vegetation may lead to increased water temperatures; which can be detrimental to freshwater aquatic species. 4.0 SPECIAL TOPICS This section provides descriptions, inventories and impact analysis pertinent to two sensitive issues--Waters of the United States and rare and protected species. 4.1 Waters of the United States: Jurisdictional Topics Surface waters and wetlands fall under the broad category of "Waters of the United States," as defined in Section 33 of the Code of Federal Register (CFR) Part 328.3. Wetlands, defined in 33 CFR 328.3, are those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted to life in saturated conditions. Any action that proposes to place fill into these areas falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344). 4.1.1 Characteristics of Wetlands and Surface Waters: Three wetland systems will be impacted by proposed project construction (Figure 3). Each wetland is described below and rated in accordance with methodologies recommended by the Division of Environmental Management (DEM). Wetland *1 This wetland is associated with the bottomland hardwood forest. Dominant flora includes black willow, soft rush, sphagnum moss, seedbox and cinnamon fern. Soils colors in this',community are 10 YR 5/2 (grayish brown) with 7.5 YR 5/6 (strong brown) mottles. Hydrologic indicators include shallow roots, buttressed trunks, multiple stems and oxidized rhizospheres. The Cowardin Classification of this community is PF01E (palustrine, forested, broad-leaved deciduous, seasonally flooded/saturated). The DEM rating of the bottomland hardwood forest wetland community is 69.0 out of a possible 100.0 points. Approximate amount of impact is <0.1 ha (0.1 ac)'. Wetland #2. This wetland is associated with a small seep along the southeast quadrant at the US 1 intersection with SR 2029 (Belle Road). Dominant vegetation includes black willow, tear thumb, beggar's ticks and thoroughwort. Soil colors range from 10 YR 3/1 (very dark gray) to 10 YR 512 ( :... :: , .,? lam; • ,,, i t ? ..?:....?' PROJECT.AREA y .t ` ; t .'.,' ! •.; ; . •! • L. - ' ; ?,` •??` / t;l WETLAND #3 `•: ?y Ilt• '?`? ?•? \ . ?? .?•?... ?` .'.,•!?.?? • • `\ ?• • 11 fie rson f , r' ''; :', ' ,' '. y ``. s_ f,t -r • . Park ' ' `ti. . i ..??? ? ,• ? \,? ? •. {?( ?4-- \? ? eau .?'? • l ?? .JA qo ,,P WETLAND *2 1 277 . I/"?? ; ?; i ( ?, ?` •' . ,. '`? ? ~ ? %' • .. ? ; , • is , ?"7 i ; ? ? ;._,` ' w /? ?_? ??-•'? ? - C`' ' `?, ' ).) i t ? ? ???.?-- i .rte WETLAND # 1 275. i !°•- 1 ?'???-''t T r 41 284, ew-Diggs ? ? ?Cha elm :' - ?? , ?,? ` (' ... • ' ?,q ?, ? 320 - ?, ' :' ?\ t ?- ) •?L?[' 41 326 pa?i\r fi YJ 'j 34 b ?- ...s SCALE 1.24, 000 tap( t ? Akilty Pei ?•=? n `,,? _ N=-:Paputar lprings•' •? . i iy . ? AT - FIGURE 3. LOCATIONS OF WETLANDS ASSOCIATED WITH PROJECT U-2583 13 (grayish brown). The area remains inundated/saturated to the surface throughout the year. The Cowardin Classification of this seep is PEM1H (palustrine, persistent emergent, permanently flooded). The DEM rating is 32.0 out of a possible 100.0 points. 'Approximate amount of impact is <0.1 ha (<0.1 ac). Wetland *3 This wetland is associated with a small unnamed tributary of Rocky Branch. Dominant vegetation includes soft rush, epilobium (Epilobium coloratum), sphagnum moss, black willow, seedbox and graminoids. Soil colors are 10 YR 5/2 (grayish brown). The wetland exhibits inundated conditions throughout the year. The Cowardin Classification of this community is PEM1H also. DEM rating of this wetland is 41.0 out of a possible 100.0 points. Approximate amount of impact is <0.1 ha (<0.1 ac). 4.1.2 Anticipated Permit Requirements Impacts to jurisdictional surface waters are anticipated. In accordance with provisions of section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344), a-Nationwide Permit 33 CFR 330.5 (A) 14 (road crossings) is applicable to the project. Nationwide Permit #14 authorizes fill for roads crossing waters of the U.S. including wetlands and other aquatic sites. -Standard conditions include: (1) the width of the fill is limited to the minimum necessary for the actual crossing; (2) the fill placed in waters of the U.S. is limited to a filled area of no more than 0.1 ha (0.3 ac); and (3) no more than a total of 61.0 linear meters (200.0 ft) of the fill for the roadway can occur in special aquatic sites, including wetlands. A Section 401 General Water Quality Certification (WQC # 2745) is also required for any activity which may result in a discharge and for which a certification is required: Certifications are administered through the Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources (DEHNR). 4.1.3 Mitigation The COE has adopted through the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) a wetland mitigation policy which embraces the concept of "no net loss of wetlands" and sequencing. The purpose of this policy is to restore and maintain the chemical, biological and physical integrity of Waters of the United States, specifically wetlands. Mitigation of wetland impacts has been defined by the CEQ to include: avoiding impacts (to wetlands), minimizing impacts, rectifying impacts, reducing impacts over time and compensating for impacts (40 CFR 1508.20). Each of these three aspects (avoidance, minimization and compensatory mitigation) must be 14 considered sequentially. 4.1.3.1 Avoidance Avoidance mitigation examines all appropriate and practicable possibilities of averting impacts to Waters of the United States. According to a 1990 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the COE, in determining "appropriate and practicable" measures to offset unavoidable impacts, such measures should be appropriate to the scope and degree of those impacts and practicable in terms of cost, existing technology and logistics in light of overall project purposes. Some unavoidable impacts to surface waters will result from project construction. 4.1.3.2 Minimization Minimization includes the examination of appropriate and practicable steps to reduce the adverse impacts to Waters of the United States. Implementation of these steps will be required through project modifications and permit conditions. Minimization typically focuses on decreasing the footprint of the proposed project through the reduction of median widths, ROW widths, fill slopes and/or road shoulder widths. The following methods are suggested to minimize adverse impacts" to Waters of the United States: 1. Use of a shoulder section rather than a curb and gutter section in the vicinities of Rocky Branch and its tributaries. 2. If a curb and gutter section is used, wet detention ponds should be constructed.to manage storm water. 3. Strictly enforce Best Management Practices (BMP'S) to control sedimentation during project construction. 4.'. Clearing and grubbing activity should be minimized. 5. Decrease or eliminate discharges into streams. 6. Reestablishment of vegetation on exposed areas, with judicious pesticide and herbicide management. 7. Minimization of "in-stream" activity. 8. Use responsible litter control practices. 4.1.3.3 Compensatory Mitigation Compenstaory mitigation is not normally considered until anticipated impacts to Waters of the United States have been avoided and minimized to the maximum extent possible. It is recognized that "no net los.s of wetlands" functions and values may not be achieved in each and every permit action. Appropriate and practicable compensatory mitigation is required for unavoidable adverse impacts which remain after i4; all appropriate and practicable minimization has been required. Compensatory actions often include restoration, creation and enhancement of Water of the United States, specifically wetlands. Such actions should be undertaken in areas adjacent to or contiguous to the discharge site. Projects issued under Nationwide permits usually do not require compensatory mitigation according to the 1989 Memorandum of Agreement (MOE) between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the COE. However, final permit/mitigation decisions rest with the COE. 4.2 Rare and Protected Species Some populations of fauna and flora have been in, or are in, the process of decline either due to natural forces or their inability to coexist with man. Federal law (under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as ammended) requires that any action, likely to adversely affect species classified as federally-protected, be subject to review by the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Other species may receive additional protection under separate state laws. 4.2.1 Federally-Protected Species Plants and animals with Federal Classifications of Endangered (E), Threatened (T), Proposed Endangered (PE), and Proposed Threatened (PT) are protected under provisions of Section 7 and Section 9 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as ammended. As of November 17, 1994, the FWS lists the following federally-protected species for Richmond County (Table 4). A brief description of each species' characteristics and habitat follows. TABLE 4. FEDERALLY-PROTECTED SPECIES FOR RICHMOND COUNTY SCIENTIFIC NAME Acipenser brevirostrum Haliaeetus leucocephalus Picoides borealis Lysimachia asperulaefolia Rhus michauxii COMMON NAME STATUS shortnose sturgeon E bald eagle E red-cockaded woodpecker E rough-leaved loosestrife E* Michaux' s sumac E "E" denotes Endangered (a species that is threatened with extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range). denotes a species has not been recorded within the past 20 years for Richmond County. 16 Acipenser brevirostrum (short-nosed sturgeon) Endangered Animal Family: Acipenseridae Date Listed: 3/11/67. Distribution in N.C.: Anson, Brunswick, New Hanover, Richmond. The short-nosed sturgeon is a small species of fish which occurs in the lower sections of large rivers and in coastal marine habitats. The short-nosed sturgeon prefers deep channels with a salinity less than sea water. It feeds benthicly on invertebrates and plant material and is most active at night. The short-nosed sturgeon requires large fresh water rivers that are unobstructed by dams or pollutants to reproduce successfully. It is an anadromous species that spawns upstream in the spring and spends most of its life within close proximity of the rivers mouth. At least two entirely freshwater populations have been recorded, in South Carolina and Massachusetts. Biological Conclusion: No Effect No suitable habitat exists for the short-nosed sturgeon within the project boundaries. There are no large rivers or stream found within the study area. Therefore, no impacts will occur to the short-nosed sturgeon as a result of project construction. Haliaeetus leucocephalus (bald eagle) Endangered Animal Family: Accipitridae Date Listed: 3/11/67 Distribution in N.C.: Anson, Beaufort, Brunswick, Carteret, Chatham, Chowan, Craven, Dare, Durham, Guilford, Hyde, Montgomery, New Hanover, Northhampton, Periquimans, Richmond, Stanley, Vance, Wake, Washington. Adult bald eagles can be head and short white tail. The chocolate-brown in color. In identified by their flat wing identified by their large white body plumage is dark-brown to flight bald eagles can be soar. Eagle nests are found inclose proximity to water (within a half mile) with a clear flight path to the water, in the largest living tree in an area, and having an open view of the surrounding land. Human disturbance can cause an eagle to abandon otherwise suitable habitat. The breeding season for the bald eagle begins in December or January. Fish are the major food source for bald eagles. Other sources include coots, herons, and wounded ducks. Food may be live or carrion. 17 Biological Conclusion: No Effect No suitable habitat exists for the bald eagle along the proposed project. With increased human disturbance, no clear paths to open water and lack of large trees, it is very unlikely that the bald eagle is present in the study area. Therefore, no impacts will occur to the bald eagle as a result of project construction. Picoides borealis (red-cockaded woodpecker) Endangered Animal Family: Picidae Date Listed: 10/13/70 Distribution in N.C.: Anson, Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chatham, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Dare, Duplin, Forsyth, Gates, Halifax, Harnett, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Montgomery, Moore, Nash, New Hanover, Northhampton, Onslow, Orange, Pamlico, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Tyrrell, Wake, Wayne, Wilson. The adult red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) has a plumage that is entirely black and white except for small red streaks on the sides of the nape in the male. The back of the RCW is black and white with horizontal stripes. The breast and underside of this woodpecker are white with streaked flanks. The RCW has a large white cheek patch surrounded by the black cap, nape, and throat. The RCW uses open old growth stands of southern pines, particularly longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), for foraging and nesting habitat. A forested stand must contain at least 50% pine, lack a thick understory, and be contiguous with other stands to be appropriate habitat for the RCW. These birds nest exclusively in trees that are >60 years old and are contiguous with pine stands at least 30 years of age. The foraging range of the RCW is up to 200 hectares (500 acres). This acreage must be contiguous with suitable nesting sites. These woodpeckers nest exclusively in living pine trees and usually in trees that are infected with the fungus that causes red-heart disease. Cavities are located in colonies from 3.6-30.3 m (12-100 ft) above the ground and average 9.1- 15.7 m (30-50 ft) high. They can be identified by a large incrustation of running sap that surrounds the tree. The RCW lays its eggs in April, May, and June; the eggs hatch approximately 38 days later. Biological Conclusion: No Effect 1S Based upon extensive field reconnaissance, no --- suitable habitat in the form of stands containing at least 500 pine, lacking a thick understory and contiguous with other stands with appropriate habitat.is present for the red-cockaded woodpecker in the surrounding areas of the proposed project. Therefore, no impacts will occur to the red-cockaded woodpecker as a result of project construction. Lvsimachia asperulaefolia (rough-leaved loosestrife) Endangered Plant Family: Primulaceae Federally Listed: June 12, 1987 Flowers Present: June Distribution in N.C.: Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Cumberland, Hoke, Moore, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Richmond, Scotland. Rough-leaved loosestrife is a perennial herb having slender stems and whorled leaves. This herb has showy yellow flowers which usually occur in threes or fours. Fruits are present from July through October. Rough-leaved loosestrife is endemic to the coastal plain and sandhills of North and South Carolina. This species occurs in the ecotones or edges between longleaf pine uplands and pond pine pocosins (areas of dense shrub and vine growth usually on a wet, peat, poorly drained soil), on moist to seasona'lly saturated sands and on shallow organic soils overlaying sand. It has also been found to occur on deep peat in the low shrub community of large Carolina bays (shallow, elliptical, poorly drained depressions of unknown origins). The areas it occurs in are fire maintained. Rough-leaved loosestrife rarely occurs in association with hardwood stands and prefers acidic soils. Biological Conclusion: No Effect Based upon extensive field reconnaiss and on moist to seasonally saturated sands organic soils overlaying sand, no suitable rough-leaved loosestrife along the project no impacts will occur to this species as a construction. ince along ecotones and shallow habitat exists for area. Therefore, result of project Rhus michauxii (Michaux's sumac) Endangered Plant Family: Anacardiaceae Federally Listed: September 28, 1989 Flowers Present: June Distribution in N.C.: Columbus, Davie, Durham, Franklin, Hoke, Lincoln, Moore, Orange, Richmond, Robeson, Scotland, Wake, Wilson. Michaux's sumac is a densely pubescent rhizomatous shrub. The bases of the leaves are rounded and their edges 19 are simply or doubly serrate. The flowers of Michaux's sumac are greenish to white in color. Fruits, which develop from August to September on female plants, are a red densely short-pubescent drupe. . This plant occurs in rocky or sandy open woods. Michaux's sumac is dependent on some sort of disturbance to maintain the openness of its habitat. It usually grows in association with basic soils and occurs on sand or sandy loams. Michaux's sumac grows only in open habitat where it can get full sunlight. Michaux's sumac does not compete well with other species, such as Japanese honeysuckle, with which it is often associated. Biological Conclusion: No Effect Suitable habitat for Michaux's sumac is present along the roadsides and powerline right-of-ways. A plant-by-plant survey was conducted by NCDOT biologist Lane Sauls during the site visit. No individuals were observed. Therefore, no impacts will occur to Michaux's sumac as a result of project construction. 4.2.2 Federal Candidate and State Protected Species There are nine federal candidate (C2) species listed for Richmond County. Federal Candidate species are not afforded federal-protection under the Endangered Species Act and are not subject of any of its provisions, including Section 7, until they are formally proposed or listed as Threatened or Endangered. C2 species are defined as organisms which are vulnerable to extinction although no sufficient data currently exists to warrant a listing of Endangered, Threatened, Proposed Endangered or Proposed Threatened. Organisms which are listed as Endangered (E), Threatened (T), or Special Concern (SC) by the North Carolina Heritage Program list of Rare Plant and Animal Species 1993 are afforded state protection under the State Endangered Species Act and'.the North Carolina Plant Protection and Conservation Act of 1979. Table 5 lists federal candidate species, the species' state status (if afforded state protection) and the existence of suitable habitat for each species in the study area. This species list is provided for information purposes as the status of these species may be upgraded in the future. r ?0 TABLE 5. FEDERAL CANDIDATE AND STATE PROTECTED SPECIES FOR RICHMOND COUNTY SCIENTIFIC NAME Aimophila aestivalis Pituophis m. melanoleucus Amorpha georgiana gerogiana Astragalus michauxii Nestronia umbellula Kalmia cuneata Potamogeton confervoides Stylisma o var. pickeringii Tofieldia glabra COMMON NAME NC SUITABLE STATUS HABITAT Bachman's sparrow SC N Northern pine snake SC Y Georgia leadplant E Y Sandhills milkvetch - N Nestronia - Y White-wicky E-SC N Conferva pondweed* - N Pickering's morning- glory E Y Smooth bog-asphodel* - Y "*" No specimen found in Richmond County in twenty years. Surveys for these species were not conducted during the site visit, nor were any of these species observed. A review of the database of the N.C. Natural Heritage Program Rare Species' and Unique Habitats revealed no records of North Carolina rare and/or protected species in or near the project study area. 5.0 REFERENCES Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual, "Technical report Y-87-1, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Miss. Martof, Palmer, Bailey, Harrison III. 1980. Amphibians and Reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC. Menhinick, E.F. 1991. The Fresh Water Fishes of North Carolina. N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, The Delmar Company, Charlotte, NC. National Audubon Society, Inc. 1980. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees Eastern Region. Alfred A. Knopf. New York. National Audubon Society, Inc. 1979. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers Eastern Region. Alfred A. Knopf. New York. ti ?1 National Audubon Society, Inc. 1979. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians. Alfred A. Knopf. New York. NCDEHNR-DEM. 1993 Classifications and Water Quality Standards Assigned to Waters of the Yadkin/Pee-Dee River Basin. Raleigh Dept. of Environment, Health and Natural Resources. NCDEHNR-DEM. 1991. Biological Assessment of Water Quality in North Carolina Streams: Benthic Macroinvertabrate Data Base and Long Term Changes in Water Quality, 1983- 1990. Radford, A.E., H.E. Ahles and G.R. Bell. 1968. Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas. The Univ. N.C. Press. Robbins, C.S. B. Bruun, and H.S. Zim. 1966. A Guide to Field Identification Birds of North America. Golden Press. New York. Schafale, M.P. and A.S. Weakley. 1990. Classifications of the Natural Communities of North Carolina. Third Approximation. NC Nat. Heritage Program, Div. of Parks and Rec., NC Dept. of Envir., Health and Nat. Resources. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1984. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. Soil Survey Maps of Richmond County, North Carolina. N.C. Agriculture Experiment Station. Webster, Parnell, Biggs. 1985. Mammals of the Carolinas, Virgina and Maryland. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC. m '&7 0 . 0 H .. D 1 z < A a mm o > = m H Cj7 x a > - D k '? m rn H ? H .n t-C ?O 0 M H zOc C ? H Q ) o mm= mam H r C? H H d D iz H O c H z "D -- -------------------------------- i tV ? Cn Do ? O ? C -- -------------------------------- H C'y 0 z z m > d D tw N O d C7 z d ---- to --------------------------------- I O m m m m G D m CO) 0 m 0 m N c 0 0 0 0 T D D Z Z O NT V J N N Ln N L+a a m o-n 0m m 0a2 -? 3 O :I) o Z I m ?oC) m cnzm OEM 0 C m m 3 n,Z m z n 4P t1a tT GA v m c lV -J 1 a0 W CODES A CONTRACT B EXpENSFjj,VOUCHER C - INVOICE D - SEE ATTACHED LISTING E STATEMENT F OTHER