20010553 Ver 1_Complete File_20010412

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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GOVERNOR
April 3, 2001
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Regulatory Field Office
151 Patton Avenue, Room 208
Asheville, North Carolina 28801-5006
ATTN: Mr. Steven Lund
NCDOT Coordinator
Dear Mr. Lund:
LYNDO TIPPETT
SECRETARY
SUBJECT: Avery County, Replacement of Bridge No. 14 over Plumtree Creek on SR 1114
(Big Plumtree Creek Road). Federal Aid Project No. MABRZ-1114(1), State
Project No. 8.2721001. TIP No. B-3111.
On January 30, 2001, your office issued a Section 404 Nationwide Permit 23 for the
replacement of the subject bridge over Plumtree Creek (Action ID 200130140) . The work
proposed in the permit application dated January 22, 2001 has not changed. This is a subsequent
application for authorization under NWP 19 for the excavation of bedrock material from the
streambed, and NWP 33 for the temporary diversion of water.
NCDOT proposes to replace the bridge with a two-barrel box culvert 80 feet long. Each
barrel of the culvert will have a cross section of 12 x 10 feet. The culverts will be placed on a
new alignment 50 feet west of the existing structure.
Sills and stockpiled streambed material will be placed in the bottom of the box culvert to
create a sinuous channel for continuous movement of water during low-flow conditions,
mimicking channel substrate. The low-flow sill is designed to be flush with the existing
streambed. (See attached plans for details.) In addition, to mitigate for impacts to fish habitat, a
cross-vane will be constructed to re-create a pool just downstream from the project site.
Upstream of the proposed culvert is a natural rock weir that will prevent head cutting.
The cross vane to be constructed downstream will help prevent damage to downstream banks.
Stockpiled natural streambed material placed between sills in the bottom of the culvert will
mimic channel substrate. The width of the box culvert approximates the width of the natural
channel.
MAILING ADDRESS:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
WEBSITE: WWW. DOH. DOT. STATE. NC. US
LOCATION:
TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
RALEIGH NC
If
The existing bridge will be removed. Best management practices for bridge demolition
will be followed during the course of the project. There will be no temporary fill dropped in
Plumtree Creek during demolition. In total, 80 feet of surface water will be impacted as a result
of this project.
NWP 19: It is anticipated that fill (such as sandbags or streambed material) will be
placed across part of the stream as a temporary dike or coffer dam to divert water while the first
barrel of the culvert is constructed. A pipe may be needed to contain the flow of water during
this time. Once the first barrel of the culvert is complete, water will diverted through the barrel
while construction of the second barrel takes place.
NWP 33: Since the bed of the stream contains bedrock, dynamite will be used to remove
material where the culvert will be located, so that it can be placed one foot below streambed
grade and the invert will be flush with the adjacent streambed (per NWP 23 special permit
conditions). Bed material will be stockpiled during construction and placed in the bottom of one
barrel of the culvert to create a low-flow channel once construction is complete. It is anticipated
that less than 25 cubic yards of bed material will be excavated for this project.
Restoration: Once the culvert is complete, bankfull benches and floodplains will be
restored to original contours and natural stream dimensions will be created and maintained in the
low-flow barrel of the culvert. The other barrel will receive only storm flows; it will be fully
silled across both ends and will be connected to the floodplain. Any fill used for diverting water
will be removed to an upland area.
Jurisdictional Surface Waters: Plumtree Creek (DWQ Index # 7-2-17) lies in the French
Broad River basin and is classified as a Class WS-IV Tr waterbody. Plumtree Creek is a
Designated Public Mountain Trout Water and supports a wild brown trout population.
Jurisdictional Wetlands: No jurisdictional wetlands occur within the project area.
Threatened and Endangered ed Species: Ten species of plants and animals occur in Avery
County which receive federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. A biological
conclusion of No Effect has been made for each of these species resulting from the bridge
replacement. A complete discussion of protected species is included in the attached Categorical
Exclusion Planning Document. Although the federally-endangered Appalachian elktoe
(Alasmidonta raveneliana) is not listed for Avery County, it is known to occur in the watershed
downstream of Plumtree Creek. To be certain that there would be no impacts to the species, a
survey was conducted by NCDOT biologists Michael Wood and Tim Savidge in November,
2000. No suitable habitat was found in the project area.
It is anticipated that the aforementioned activities will be authorized via NWP 19 and
NWP 33, in addition to the NWP 23 authorized previously. By copy of this application, request
is made to the Division of Water Quality for the appropriate 401 Water Quality Certification, and
to the Wildlife Resources Commission for their approval for work in a designated trout county.
Please note that this project was scheduled to be let to construction on March 20, 2001.
F
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If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact Mary Frazer at
[phone].
Sincerely,
William Gilmore, P.E., Branch Manager
Project Development and Environmental Analysis
WDG/mef
cc: Mr. David Franklin, COE
Mr. John Dorney, NCDWQ
Mr. Ron Linville, NCWRC
Mr. Brian Cole, USFWS
Mrs. Debbie Barbour, P.E., Design Services
Mr. Calvin Leggett, P.E., Program Development
Mr. John Alford, P.E., Roadway Design
Mr. D.R. Henderson, P.E., Hydraulics
Mr. Tim Rountree, P.E., Structure Design
Mr. Ken Pace, P.E., Roadside Environmental
Mr. R.C. McCann, P.E., Division 11 Engineer
Mr. John Williams, P.E., PD & EA

DEM ID:
CORPS ACTION ID:
NATIONWIDE PERMIT REQUESTED (PROVIDE NATIONWIDE PERMIT #):NWP 19, 33
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: NCDOT; Project Development and Environmental Analysis.
2. MAILING ADDRESS:
Post Office 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): 919-733-3141
4. IF APPLICABLE: AGENT'S NAME OR RESPONSIBLE CORPORATE OFFICIAL,
ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER:
William D. Gilmore, P.E., Branch Manager
5. LOCATION OF WORK (PROVIDE A MAP, PREFERABLY A COPY OF USGS
TOPOGRAPHIC MAP OR AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY WITH SCALE):
COUNTY: Avery NEAREST TOWN OR CITY: Crossnore, NC
1

SPECIFIC LOCATION (INCLUDE ROAD NUMBERS, LANDMARKS, ETC.): Bridge
No. 14 is located over Plumtree Creek on SR 1114 (Big Plumtree Creek
Road).
6. IMPACTED OR NEAREST STREAM/RIVER: Plumtree Creek (DEM # 7-2-17)
RIVER BASIN: French Broad
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 [x] NO [ ] IF YES, EXPLAIN:
Plumtree Creek is designated as trout water (Class WS-IV Tr).
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?
N/A
8a. HAVE ANY SECTION 404 PERMITS BEEN PREVIOUSLY REQUESTED FOR USE ON
THIS PROPERTY? YES [x] NO [ ] IF YES, PROVIDE ACTION I.D. NUMBER OF
PREVIOUS PERMIT AND ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (INCLUDE PHOTOCOPY OF 401
CERTIFICATION): ID # 200130140
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:
9b. ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBER OF ACRES OF WETLANDS LOCATED ON PROJECT
SITE:
None.
2
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10a. NUMBER OF ACRES OF WETLANDS IMPACTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT BY:
FILLING:
FLOODING:
DRAINAGE:
EXCAVATION:
OTHER:
TOTAL ACRES TO BE IMPACTED: None.
10b. (1) STREAM CHANNEL TO BE IMPACTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT (IF
RELOCATED, PROVIDE DISTANCE BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER RELOCATION):
LENGTH BEFORE: 80
FT
AFTER: 80
FT
WIDTH BEFORE (based on normal high water contours): See attached FT
WIDTH AFTER:
FT
AVERAGE DEPTH BEFORE: See attached FT AFTER:
FT
(2) STREAM CHANNEL IMPACTS WILL RESULT FROM: (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
OPEN CHANNEL RELOCATION: PLACEMENT OF PIPE IN CHANNEL:
CHANNEL EXCAVATION: x CONSTRUCTION OF A DAM/FLOODING:
OTHER: Temporary fill in channel to divert water for construction of
first barrel of double barrel box culvert.
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?
12. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED WORK INCLUDING DISCUSSION OF TYPE OF
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT TO BE USED (ATTACH PLANS: 8 1/2" X 11" DRAWINGS
ONLY): Replacement of existing bridge with an 80 foot long double barrel
box culvert Dynamite will be used to remove areas of bedrock, so that
the culvert can be placed one foot below streambed grade and the invert
will be flush with the adjacent streambed. Bed material will be
stockpiled and laced in the bottom of the culvert to create a low-flow
channel Mechanical equipment will include heavy duty excavation
equipment, which will be operated from the streambank whenever possible.
13. PURPOSE OF PROPOSED WORK: Bridge Replacement (Public
Transportation) -
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): No wetland impacts will occur.
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 []
IF ANSWER TO 17b IS YES, THEN SUBMIT APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION FROM THE
STATE CLEARINGHOUSE TO DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT REGARDING
COMPLIANCE WITH THE NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT.
QUESTIONS REGARDING THE STATE CLEARINGHOUSE REVIEW PROCESS SHOULD BE
DIRECTED TO MS. CHRYS BAGGETT, DIRECTOR STATE CLEARINGHOUSE, NORTH
CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, 116 WEST JONES STREET, RALEIGH,
NORTH CAROLINA 27603-8003, TELEPHONE [phone].
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,
agricultural and forested.
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 TAE 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.
OWNER'S/AGENT'S SIGNATURE
? b/ -2<) 0
DATE
(AGENT'S SIGNATURE VALID ONLY
IF AUTHORIZATION LETTER FROM
THE OWNER IS PROVIDED (18g.))
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NOTE:
1. Bed material should be stock piled during excavation
2. Place stock piled bed material between sills upon
completion of culvert floor.
3. Material placed between sills in the culvert should provide
(3 continuous low flow channel between the lower sills.
4. Sills o 32.0 ft. O.C.
A) The I' x I' sills are to be cast seperately and attached
to the floor slab with dowels.
B) The I' x 0.5' sills are to be cast seperately and attached
to the floor slab with dowels.
5. Material placed between sills Is to be taken from the
stock pile created during excavation.
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\ wingwall to elevation 3317.5. R - 31
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North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission l
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Charles R. 1?ullwood, Executive Director
TO: Steve Lund, USACOI?
Asheville Field Office
FROM: Ron Linville, Regional Coordinator., C
Habitat Conservation Program ?
DATE: April 23, 2001
SUBJECT: North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), Bridge No. 14
over Plumtree Creek, SRI 114, TIP B-3111, Avery County
These comments are provided in accordance with the provisions of the Fish and
Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d) and the North
Carolina Environmental Policy Act (G.S. 113A-1 through 113A-10; NCAC 25). The
NCDOT proposes to proceed with the Nationwide Permit (NWP) 23 for this project in
order to replace the present bridge with a double barrel culvert installation. Plumtree
Creek is Wild Designated Public Mountain Trout Water that supports wild rainbow and
brown trout populations. Removal of the existing bridge should not be allowed to impact
waters.
While our preference still remains to replace the bridge with another spanning
structure, we have concurred with the proposed double barrel culvert due to design and
safety issues raised by North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). NCDOT
has repeatedly indicated that they can and will provide aquatic life and fish passage
through the culvert. NCDOT will need a NWP 19 and NWP 33 to complete the project.
NWP 19 could include minor blasting. Based on a site visit conducted on April 12, 2001
and a phone conversation with Randy 1-Ienegar, NCDOT Hydraulics Unit, plus
communications from Bob Brown, Assistant Fish Biologist for District 8, we will not
object to the issuance of the NWPs provided the following conditions are implemented:
1. All conditions previously provided in associated 404 Permits and 401.
Certifications or NCDOT Project Commitments will be followed, including
moratorium periods.
- - - -------- - ------ - -----
Mailing Address: Division of 1iihjui Rd) cries - 1721 1VJail Scrvice Center - KalciSh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] cat. 28J - Fax: [phone]
Plumtree NWPs 19 & 33 2
04/23/01
2. If blasting is necessary, it will be accomplished in dry areas and not in waters.
Blasting work will be accomplished so that shock impacts to aquatic
communities are minimized to the maximum extent practicable, including the
collection and removal of aquatic life to other stream reaches at a distance
considered reasonably safe to blasting experts. Randy Henegar does not
believe blasting will be necessary and that if it is, it will be minimal.
Due to the sensitivity of this project, Randy Henegar should coordinate with the
resident engineers to insure that the culvert elevations are correct during the
beginning of the project and during the siting and installation of all weir and
vane structures. Heavy equipment operated in the stream should be new or in
excellent condition in order to minimize pollutant impacts and spill potential.
Spill containment materials should be kept readily available and used as
appropriate.
4. Sediment and erosion control measures shall adhere to the design standards for
sensitive watersheds (15A NCAC 4B .0024).
5. After construction, NDDOT should routinely inspect and adjust (maintain)
instream structures so that aquatic life and fish passage will not be impacted in
the future. Additional structures and channel modifications may be necessary
if fish passage is ever restricted.
6. During construction sequences and stream diversions, NCDOT should insure
that aquatic life and fish are not stranded to the extent practicable. Pre-
collection and relocation of collectable species will be appropriate.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project during the
early planning stages. if you have any questions regarding these comments, please
contact me at 336/769-9453.
Cc: Marella Buncick, USFWS, Asheville
John Dorney, DWQ, Raleigh
Mary Frazer, NDDOT