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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20011281 Ver 1_Complete File_20010817F WA]F Michael F. Easley, Governor - W William G. Ross Jr., Secretary ?O G North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources r Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D. > Acting Director p Division of Water Quality August 31, 2001 Cleveland County DWQ Project No. 011281 F.A. Project BRSTP-150(9); State Project 8.1801501 TIP Project B-3139 Replacement of Bridge No. 42 over Beaver Dam Creek on NC 150 APPROVAL of 401 Water Quality Certification Mr. William D. Gilmore, P.E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation 1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1548 Dear Mr. Gilmore: You have our approval, in accordance with the attached conditions and those listed below, to place fill material for the purpose of constructing a temporary work causeway for Bridge 42 on NC 150, as you described in your application dated August 3, 2001. After reviewing your application, we have decided that this fill is covered by General Water Quality Certification Number 3114. , This certification allows you to use Nationwide Permit Number 33 when the Corps of Engineers issues it. In addition, you must get any other federal, state or local permits before you go ahead with your project including (but not limited to) Sediment and Erosion Control, Non-Discharge and Water Supply Watershed regulations. This approval will expire when the accompanying 404 permit expires unless otherwise specified in the General Certification. This approval is only valid for the purpose and design that you described in your application except as modified below. If you change your project, you must notify us in writing 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 wetland fills for this project (now or in the future) exceed one acre, compensatory mitigation may be required as described in 15A NCAC 2H.0506 (h) (6) and (7). For this approval to be valid, you must follow the conditions listed in the attached certification and any additional conditions listed below. • Temporary access roads or detours shall be restored to the original elevations upon completion of the project. Disturbed areas shall be seeded or mulched to stabilize the soil. Native trees should be planted with a spacing of no greater than 10 feet x 10 feet. • It is recommended that during construction of the temporary causeway, the area is cleared, but not grubbed. This will minimize soil disturbance and allow natural regeneration of plant material. • Live concrete shall not be allowed to come into contact with the stream. • Stone required for the causeway or pad shall not be dumped on the streambank and pushed in. It shall be placed or dumped directly to the stream bottom. • Sedimentation and Erosion Control Guidelines for Sensitive Watersheds (15A NCAC 4B .0024) must be implemented prior to any ground-disturbing activities to minimize impacts to downstream aquatic resources. it N. C. Division of Water Quality 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 (919) 733-7015 Customer Service 1 800 623-7748 Upon completion of the project, the NCDOT shall complete and return the enclosed "Certificate of Completion" form to notify NCDWQ when all work included in the §401 Certification has been completed. The responsible party shall complete the attached form and return it to the 401/Wetlands Unit of the NC Division of Water Quality upon completion of the project. 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, 6714 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-6714. 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 contact Ms. Cynthia Van Der Wiele at 919.733.5715 or Mr. Pete Colwell of the Mooresville Regional Office at 704.663.1699. Sincerely, Attachment Pc: - Wilmington District Corps of Engineers Steve Lund, USACE, Asheville Field Office Pete Colwell, DWQ Mooresville Regional Office Central Files File Copy y J. Thorpe, Ph.D. Director TO: Mr. Steve Lund, USACOE Asheville Field Office FROM: Maryellen Haggard, DOT Permit Coordinator Habitat Conservation Program DATE: August 30, 2001 SUBJECT: NCDOT bridge replacement of No. 42 on NC 150 over Beaver Dam Creek, Cleveland County. Federal Project BRSTP-150(9); State Project 8.1801501; TIP No. B-3139 The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is requesting a concurrence letter from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) to obtain a 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Biologists on staff with the NCWRC have reviewed the proposed improvements and are familiar with habitat values of the project area. 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 Clean Water Act of 1977 (33 U.S.C. 466 et seq.). NCDOT proposes to replace the existing bridge over Beaver Dam Creek with a new bridge at the same location. During construction, NCDOT will route traffic to a temporary on- site detour. Replacing the bridge with another bridge should have minimal impacts on aquatic resources. We do not object to the project as proposed provided the following conditions are implemented. Temporary access roads or detours should be removed back to original ground elevations immediately upon the completion of the project. Disturbed areas should be seeded or mulched to stabilize the soil and native tree species should be planted with a spacing of not more than 10'x10'. If possible, when using temporary structures the area should be cleared but not grubbed. Clearing the area with chain saws, mowers, bush-hogs, or other mechanized equipment and leaving the stumps and root mat intact, allows the area to revegetate naturally and minimizes disturbed soil. 2. If concrete will be used, work must be accomplished so that wet concrete does not contact stream water. This will lessen the chance of altering the stream's water chemistry and causing a fish kill. Bridge No. 42, NC 150 2 August 30, 2001 TIP No. B-3139 3. Stone for pads or causeways should be placed or dumped onto the stream bottom. Stone should not be dumped on the stream bank and pushed into the water. This can cause unnecessary stream bank disturbance and can introduce sediment into the stream. 4. Stringent erosion control measures should be installed where soil is disturbed and maintained until project completion. Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project. If you have any questions regarding these comments, please contact me at (336) 527-1549. cc: Cynthia Van Der Wiele, NCDWQ Jill Holmes, NCDOT r TC M$r STAVE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MICHAEL F. EASLEY GOVERNOR .. August 3, 2001. U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Asheville Regulatory Field Office 151 Patton Ave. Rm 208 Asheville, North Carolina 28801-5006 LYNDO TIPPE CT SECRE`I'.ARY 011281 Attention: Mr. Steve Lund NCDOT Project Coordinator Subject: Cleveland County; Proposed Replacement of Bridge No. 42 over Beaver Dam Creek on NC 150, Federal Project BRSTP-150(9); State Project 8.1801501; TIP No. B-3139 Dear Mr. Lund: The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) requests authorization from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) under a Section 404 Nationwide Permit (NWP) 23 to replace Bridge No. 42 over Beaver Dam Creek on NC 150. A temporary causeway will be needed to construct thebridge, and the NCDOT asks that this action be authorized under a Section 404 NWP 33. The project has a let date of February 2002. Bridge No. 42 over Beaver Dam Creek on NC 150 will be replaced with a 176 foot (ft) long bridge at the existing location. It will be 32 ft wide with two 12 ft lanes with 4 ft wide offsets. There will be 679 ft of new approach work to the east and 469 ft of new approach work to the west. The pavement width on the approaches will include two 12 ft lanes with 4 ft paved shoulders and 4 ft grassed shoulders. The new bridge will be approximately 2 ft higher in elevation that the existing bridge. Due to the high volume of traffic and the lack of a suitable off-site detour route, during construction, traffic will be maintained on a temporary on-site detour to the south. An on-site detour to the north was not possible due to the presence of a power substation. The temporary alignment will be 1184 ft long with a temporary bridge. The temporary bridge will be 100 ft long with two 11 ft lanes and 3 ft offsets. Upon construction completion, the temporary bridge and the approaches will be removed, and the site will be restored to original contours and replanted with appropriate vegetation. The superstructure of Bridge No. 42 is composed of a reinforced concrete deck on timber joists. The substructure is composed of timber caps and piles with timber bulkheads at the ends. MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: 919-733-3141 LOCATION: NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX'. 919-733-9794 TRANSPORTATION BUILDING PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET 1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER WEBSITE: WWW.DOH.DOT.STATE.NC.US RALEIGH NC RALEIGH NC 27699-1548 r Only the reinforced concrete deck would result in potential temporary fill amounting to approximately 15 yd3 (11.5 m3). The project has been described in a Categorical Exclusion (CE) Action Classification Form signed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on January 31, 2001. The project is being processed by the FHWA as a CE in accordance with 23 CFR 771.115(b). Therefore, the NCDOT does not anticipate requesting a Section 404 Individual Permit but proposes to proceed under a Section 404 NWP 23 in accordance with 61 Federal Register 65874, 65916, issued December 13, 1996. There have been no changes in the proposed project since the CE was completed. There will be no wetlands impacted by the proposed project. As described in the CE, the NCDOT will construct a bridge instead of a culvert. A causeway is needed in order to construct the new bridge. The causeway will result in a temporary impact of 0.0094 ac (0.0038 ha) of surface waters and 207 yd3 (158 m3) of material will be placed in the stream temporarily. Upon completion of construction, the causeway will be removed, and the stream will be restored to its original contours, and the area of disturbance will be replanted with appropriate vegetation. Permit drawings of the causeway are attached to this letter. Written concurrence for 401 Water Quality Certification (WQC) from the N. C. Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ) is not required for either the Section 404 NWP 23 or 33. The NCDWQ is provided written notification of the proposed action by a copy of this Section 404 NWP 23 and 33 application. The NCDOT will adhere to all conditions of the general certification for Section 404 NWP 23 and 33 thereby not necessitating a written concurrence from the NCDWQ. In summary, the NCDOT requests authorization from USACE, under a Section 404 NWP 23, to replace Bridge No. 42 over Beaver Dam Creek on NC 150 and under a Section 404 NWP 33, to construct a temporary causeway. The NCDOT will adhere to the general conditions of the 401 WQC associated with these Section 404 NWPs, thereby not requiring written notification from the NCDWQ. If you have any questions or need any additional information concerning this project, please contact Ms. Jill Holmes of my staff at (919) 733-7844, extension 332. Sincerely, W. D. Gilmore, P. E., Manager Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch WDG/jjh cc: Mr. David Franklin, USACE, Wilmington Mr. John Dorney, NCDWQ, Raleigh Ms. Marella Buncick, USFWS, Asheville Ms. Mary Ellen Haggard, NCWRC Mr. "rim Rountree, P.E., Structure Design Mr. Calvin Leggett, P.E., Program Development Ms. Debbie Barbour, P.E., Highway Design Mr. Dave Henderson, P.E., Hydraulics Unit Mr. John Alford, P.E., Roadway Design Mr. Ken Pace, P.E., Roadside Environmental Mr. Michael L. Holder, P.E., Division 12 Engineer I -II +. } it , 'tl .56 1 'U'p nnali? eJr" i'+ SOILING SPRINGS POP, 2,381 356 42 ?r PRO?EG un 1001 I 1 RL ii! )9 Ead ir!':j f I.5 / j1 Ilrr 130 W. LID R T 1!ES f I+t ? ?reo SCALE p I MILE VICINITY MAP N. C. DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS CLEVELAND COUNTY PROJECT: 8.1801501 (B-3139) NC 150 - BRIDGE REPLACEMENT SHEET 1 OF I IF 10 V 800 g, g PROTEcr s ME N. C. DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS LOCATION MAP CLEVELAND COUNTY PROJECT: 8.1801501 (B-3139) (APPROX.SCALE 1" = 20001) NC 150 •• BRIDGE REPLACEMENT SHEET L 'OF I 1 152 oj, • ? • ` XB 1 R ?,4 / f0 Q s J ? 1 p ?-• ISO I ' w C Alan 1e gal k r "Vzs??J \ // •?•/ £B " y + O U ? h 1 a? h h o co F e E 4 t F G E~ W , cn ? W m ? z o? M ? N 0 U ® x 0 o z z w r. o, U 0 E-1 a a ? w U x z 0 0 H x ?EAvER? Q A 1 O ?-r OZ 110° d I I 0 `" U rj) O H O z ? v k? 0 ro ?J I a I ? ye gg y ?N d S + A u I 0 m 9 a N d R 0 o + s? b a3' O i K oolm PEE + a O N + O + r Q g 1 u a ? \ ? Q ?e b 1 }{ u o J \ a J V m \ N ?o 13 ? a I ? 1 ? m I I i 0 A \ LL- / I I F W W WS U W k - z w V1 a z M W • ® 0 o U .? L a w • U • Z k„ 0 o A z c W o°o V W w ?, O a W U o p• ? y w z w E O N w J a O 0 E 2 o? a 0 Q 1 ? W g w N W K N W iL a E ? Nl N i0 Y m N _wr.m 1 ? fV? N J m O _ T CC) mW W r• N N ~ ? W II 11 Q ~ ?_ K In W W l7 yi Q N N (4J Cn M .44 ? v M s x ? U c ® ? O ZO A A z W w .a U F w O a K? 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T'rAL ISS ro 3 TONAGE OF CAUSEWAY:/ W e?s?1^?was?. _ (Sa.•,3`1.63 „,-r?NsrM3\ T Tfi c = 2S3 MTo,r" SUMMARY OF QUANTITIES 74 r, 3 84 ,,3 1 Z 1 /')TON S I37 MTorrs N. C. DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS CLEVELAND COUNTY PROJECT: 8.1801501 (B-3139) NC 150 - BRIDGE REPLACEMENT SHEET 7 OF `?_ z 0 o3 z OR 0 m 0 1-0 Z ° ° Ix ° U) W U 00 U Z CL o 0 M r t .3 L c: ?i fn CL 5 (1 r . Tt. a n (I y r N 78 N N m E u? o o LL t o ° o ° N T; E a u'?U E o a N? o a ° ° LL 3 ., N N Sor v ? O ° C Z v C N > m t a W 0 O O N Z ~ a? W ° N =?r 0 W W N j ? H u ( W 07 N d' N d ? ? E ? ? E w 0 t J ? N v N N J O O ? = p o Z, ct H z o a x ? ? a x A .? c? x w =° w NJ o z y W m o E-4 o u o ?I ?-4 0 ? -4 U A 4 U W ® z z .? 00 co N N W W N Z p D a L l 0 C C NL POO! W Z O H Of W d 0 Ix m Q. 0 0 } N N N ?N NZ I~-Z NN X D a' ?C X OC_ U LQj L mL L} U Q N ?? O . O C- O+ N L O O N V V m m Z Y 0 Z ? Q ? _I C) O U Q m ? Ix ? W O Q W N ? W Y p T 0112 Cleveland County Bridge No. 42 on NC 150 Over Beaver Dam Creek Federal Project BRSTP-150(9) State Project 8.1801501 TIP No. B-3139 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION AND N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS APPROVED: Date William D. Gilmore, P. E., Manager Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch o1 ate ..? Nicholas Graf, P. E. Division Administrator, FHWA Cleveland County Bridge No. 42 on NC 150 Over Beaver Dam Creek Federal Project BRSTP-150(9) State Project 8.1801501 TIP No. B-3139 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION JANUARY 2001 Documentation Prepared in Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch By: en • o Ff\1 022 5 2 Date John L. Williams, P. E. DY nGli;;c: Bridge Project Planning Engineer, Acting Unit Head ,, N ?•••,??;```?;. ??? Date ? v Lubin V. Prevatt, P. E., Assistant Manager Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch PROJECT COMMITMENTS: Cleveland County Bridge No. 42 on NC 150 Over Beaver Dam Creek Federal Project BRSTP-150(9) State Project 8.1801501 TIP No. B-3139 Resident Engineer & Roadside Environmental Best Management Practices for Bridge Demolition will be followed during design and construction of the project. Due to the silt substrate of the streambed, a turbidity curtain is recommended to contain sediment raised during the demolition and construction process. It is understood that a curtain is only effective to a certain depth which shall be addressed by Roadside Environmental. Categorical Exclusion Page 1 of 1 Green Sheet January 2001 Cleveland County Bridge No. 42 on NC 150 Over Beaver Dam Creek Federal Project BRSTP-150(9) State Project 8.1801501 TIP No. B-3139 Bridge No. 42 is located in Cleveland County over Beaver Dam Creek. It is programmed in the Draft 2002-2008 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) as a bridge replacement project due to deteriorating structural integrity and a deficient cross section. This project is part of the Federal Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program (HBRRP) and has been classified as a "Categorical Exclusion". No substantial environmental impacts are expected. 1. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS Bridge No. 42 will be replaced on the existing location while traffic is maintained on a temporary alignment during construction (see Figure 2). The new 170.6-foot (52-meter) long bridge will include two 12-foot (3.6-meter) wide lanes with 4-foot (1.2-meter) wide offsets (shoulders). The elevation of the new bridge will be approximately 2 feet (0.6 meters) higher than the existing bridge. The total clear roadway width will be 32 feet (9.6 meters). There will'be 679 feet (207 meters) of new approach work to the east and 469 feet (143 meters) of new approach work to the-west. The pavement width on the approaches will include two 12-foot (3.6-meter) lanes with 4-foot (1.2-meter) paved shoulders. Additionally there will be 4-foot (1.2-meter) grass shoulders. Based on preliminary design, the design speed should be 60 mph (100 kph) for horizontal alignment and 40 mph (65 kph) for vertical alignment. The temporary alignment will be 1184 feet (361 meters) long utilizing a temporary bridge. The temporary bridge will be 100 feet (30 meters) long and 28 feet (8.6 meters) wide including two 11-foot (3.3-meter) lanes and 1-meter (3-foot) offsets. The estimated cost of the project is $2,317,000 including $2,100,000 in construction costs and $2,317,000 in right of way costs. The estimated cost shown in the Draft 2002-2008 TIP is $1,675,000. II. ANTICIPATED DESIGN EXCEPTIONS A design exception is anticipated for sag vertical curve. To improve the curve beyond the proposed 40 mph (65 kph) design is not practical given the increased costs and lack of reported accidents. III. EXISTING CONDITIONS NC 150 is classified as an Rural Major Collector in the Statewide Functional Classification System. It is located just east of Boiling Springs, N.C. Currently the traffic volume is 7600 vehicles per day (VPD) and projected at 16100 VPD for the year 2025. There is a posted speed limit of 55 mph in the vicinity of the bridge. Development in the area is largely agricultural with scattered residential. The existing bridge was completed in 1963. It is composed of seven-spans with a reinforced concrete deck and timber sub-structure. The deck is 121 feet (37 meters) long and 29.5 feet (9.0 meters) wide. There is vertical clearance of approximately 24 feet (7.3 meters) between the floorbeams of the bridge deck and streambed. The bridge carries two lanes of traffic. According to Bridge Maintenance Unit records, the sufficiency rating of the bridge is 41.2 out of a possible 100. Presently the bridge is not posted with weight restrictions. Both vertical and horizontal alignment are good in the project vicinity. The pavement width on the approaches to the existing bridge is 24 feet (7.3 meters). Shoulders on the approaches of the bridge are approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters) wide. In an analysis of a recent three year period the Traffic Engineering Branch indicates that no accidents was reported. There are 12 daily school bus crossings over the studied bridge. According to the Transportation Director for Cleveland County closing the road would create a significant burden on their transportation system. There is a power substation in the northeast quadrant. There are high tension power lines crossing the road from the substation. Aerial power lines are along the north side of the road. A water line and underground telephone line are along the south side of the road. A gas line crosses the road just east of the bridge. IV. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED There is one "build" option considered in this document as follows: Replace Bridge No. 42 on the existing location. A temporary detour alignment will be built approximately 65 feet (20 meters) south of the existing bridge. The horizontal design speed is approximately 60 mph (100 kph). An offsite detour is not viable for this project due to the high volumes of traffic and the lack of a suitable route. A temporary onsite detour to the north is not practical due to the presence of the power substation. "Do-nothing" is not practical; requiring the eventual closing of the road as the existing bridge completely deteriorates. Rehabilitation of the existing deteriorating bridge is neither practical nor economical. 2 V. ESTIMATED COST (Table I COMPONENT New Bridge Temporary Detour Structure Bridge Removal Roadway & Approaches 383,000 128,000 25,000 819,000 Mobilization & Miscellaneous 468,000 Engineering & Contingencies 277,000 Total Construction $ 2,100,000 Right of Way $ 217,000 Total Cost $ 2517,000 VI. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS A. GENERAL This project is expected to have an overall positive impact. Replacement of an inadequate bridge will result in safer traffic operations. This project is considered to be a "Categorical. Exclusion" due to its limited scope and insignificant environmental consequences. This bridge replacement will not have a substantial adverse effect on the quality of the human or natural environment by implementing the environmental commitments of this document in addition to use of current NCDOT standards and specifications. The project is not in conflict with any plan, existing land use, or zoning regulation. No change in land use is expected to result from construction of,this project. There are no hazardous waste impacts. No adverse effect on families or communities is anticipated. Right-of-way acquisition will be limited. No adverse effect on public facilities or services is expected. The project is not expected to adversely affect social, economic, or religious opportunities in the area. There are no publicly owned parks, recreational facilities, or wildlife and waterfowl refuges of national, state, or local significance in the vicinity of the project. This project will not impact any resource protected by Section 4(f) of the DOT act. The proposed bridge replacement project will not raise the existing flood levels or have any significant adverse effect on the existing floodplain. Utility impacts are considered to be heavy for the proposed project. B. AIR AND NOISE This project is an air quality "neutral" project, so it is not required to be included in the regional emissions analysis and a project level CO analysis is not required. The project will not increase traffic volumes. Therefore, it will not have an impact on noise levels. Temporary noise increases may occur during construction. C. LAND USE & FARMLAND EFFECTS This bridge replacement project will not result in the substantial loss o f any federally or state designated prime, unique or important farmland soils. D. HISTORICAL EFFECTS & ARCHAEOLOGICAL EFFECTS On April 15, 1998, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) reviewed the subject project. Subsequently, the SHPO determined that this project is not likely to affect any resources of architectural significance (see attachment). An archaeological survey was requested and performed. There were no sites of significance located. The SHPO concurs that no further testing is required (see attachment). E. NATURAL RESOURCES PHYSICAL RESOURCES Topography, soil, and water resources, which occur in the project study area, are discussed below. In addition, a general description of the project vicinity and project region is also described. Topography The project study area lies within the Piedmont Physiographic Province. The project study area is characterized by gently rolling terrain with steep, incised stream banks along Beaver Dam Creek. Elevations within the project study area range from 207 to 219 meters (680 to 720 feet) above mean sea level (amsl). Soils Soil types and availability of water directly influence composition and distribution of flora and fauna in any biotic community. This section describes the soil characteristics of the project study area. Soil Classifications Based on information contained in the available soil data for Cleveland County, the soils within the project study area are composed of Pacolet, Pacolet-Saw, and Toccoa series soils. Pacolet sandy clay loam (32C2) (8 to 15 percent slopes), occur on well-drained, sloping uplands in the project study area. Pacolet-Saw Complex soils (68C2)(8 to 15 percent slopes) are well-drained soils found on uplands. Along the Beaver Dam Creek floodplain are Toccoa loam soils (1 A) (0 to 2 percent slopes) which consist of well- drained, nearly level soils that occur along floodplains. Depth to seasonal high water table is generally greater than 1.8 meters (6 feet) for Pacolet and Saw series soils and between 0.9 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 feet) for Toccoa series soils. Permeability for all three soils types is moderate. Soil borings taken during field reconnaissance confirmed these findings. Hydric Soils The NRCS defines a hydric soil as one that is saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part of the soil. Such soils usually support hydrophytic vegetation. No hydric soils were mapped within the study area and no hydric soils were found in the project study area during field reconnaissance. Water Resources This section contains information concerning those water resources likely to be impacted by the project. Water resource information encompasses the resources' relationship to major water systems, its physical aspects, Best Usage Classification, and water quality of the resources. Probable impacts to these water bodies are also discussed, as are means to minimize impacts. Waters Impacted and Characteristics The project study area lies within the Broad River drainage basin which encompasses 3,900 square kilometers (1,506 square miles) in North Carolina. The proposed project will involve two crossings of Beaver Dam Creek (sub-basin 03-08-04)(NC Department of the Environment and Natural Resources - Division of Water Quality (DWQ) Index No. 9-50-(32)). One of the crossings will include the permanent structure and the other for the temporary detour. Beaver Dam Creek flows south in the vicinity of the project study area and is the only stream to be impacted by the project. Beaver Dam Creek has an average base flow width of approximately 8 meters (25 feet) wide and an average depth of 0.6 meters (2 feet) in the area of the proposed project. Substrate consists of sand, silt and small gravel and varies throughout the riffle/pool system in the project vicinity. The detour crossing of the Beaver Dam Creek would be approximately 15 meters (50 feet) to the south of the existing bridge. The replacement of the existing bridge would result in a new bridge of approximately 40 meters (130 feet) long and the temporary bridge would be approximately 31 meters (100 feet) long. Best Usage Classifications Beaver Dam Creek has been classified by DWQ as a Class C stream. Class C uses 5 include aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation, and agriculture. No water resources classified as High Quality Waters (HQW's), Water Supply Watershed (WS-I or WS II), or Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW's) are located within the project vicinity. Water Quality Based on information obtained from the Broad Basinwide Water Quality Management Plan (DWQ 1998), sub-basin 03-08-04 is considered to be impaired and partially supporting of its classification and identified uses. The DWQ has initiated a whole basin approach to water quality management for the 17 river basins in the state. Prior to the implementation of the basinwide approach to water quality management, the Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN) assessed water quality by sampling for Benthic macroinvertebrates at fixed monitoring stations throughout the state. BMAN data taken from a monitoring station on Beaver Dam Creek immediately downstream of the project study area on NC 150 indicated a Fair rating in July of 1995. 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 NPDES permit. The Whispering Pines Nursing Home on Sugar Branch Road approximately 2500 feet east/southeast, of the project study area was identified as a point source discharger by DWQ. The potential for non-point source discharges in the project study area is fairly high and includes runoff from existing roads and driveways, agriculture, and a large power station. Summary of Anticipated Impacts This section addresses the impacted areas of the proposed project study area. Table 2 shows the impacts for the proposed project within the 30.5 meter (100 foot) corridor. Beaver Dam Creek is the only water resource that will be impacted by the proposed project. The proposed project will impact 30.5 meters (100 feet) of Beaver Dam Creek for the permanent right-of-way and 30.5 meters (100 feet) of Beaver Dam Creek for the temporary detour. Table 2. Approximate Impacts of Proposed Project to Water Resources Type of Impact Permanent Right-of-way Temporary Detour Meters Linear Feet Meters Linear Feet Beaver Dam Creek 30.5 100 30.5 100 *All impacts are approximate based on uniform corridor width and project sketches provided by NCDOT. Both the permanent structure and the temporary detour will impact water resources. The permanent crossing will span Beaver Dam Creek with a 40 meter (130 foot) bridge while the temporary detour will provide a 30.5 meter (100 foot) span. Utilizing the full 30.5 meter (100 foot) right-of-way for both the permanent and temporary structure will yield the impacts shown in Table 2 above. Usually project construction does not require the entire right-of-way, therefore, actual impacts may be considerably less. Short-term impacts include erosion and sedimentation of the stream bed, which may occur during construction activities. The greatest impacts to water resources in the project study area will be at stream crossings, which will require vegetation clearing and fill placement in and/or around streambeds and floodplains. Short term impacts include erosion and sedimentation of the streambed, which may occur during construction activities. Other adverse effects may include degradation of water quality, disturbance of the stream bottom, and increased turbidity during construction. Highly turbid waters can result in oxygen depletion, coating of gills on fish, siltation of filter feeding structures, reduced solar radiation, and interference with spawning activities. Impacts are especially detrimental to the less mobile benthic organisms. Many fish will exhibit an avoidance response and leave the immediate area. Impacts to water quality will be minimized by adherence to NCDOT's "Best Management Practices for Protection of Surface Waters" (June 1991). In addition, a detailed sediment and erosion control plan'consisting of best management practices will be developed for the project. Sedimentation and erosion can be reduced through sediment controls such as retention/detention basins, limits on the extent of disturbed areas, turbidity curtains, and discharging stormwater over vegetated buffers. Cut and fill areas should be appropriately graded and vegetated promptly. Best management practices to control non-point source pollution would aid in delaying the entry of hazardous material spills into the waterway. Hazardous spill containment basins will be considered during the design phases for the proposed project. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) has recommended standard erosion control measures. BIOTIC RESOURCES Biotic resources include aquatic and terrestrial communities. This section describes those communities encountered in the.project study area, as well as the relationships between flora and fauna within those communities. Composition and distribution of biotic communities throughout the project study area are reflective of topography, hydrologic influences and past and present land uses. Description of the terrestrial communities are present in the context of plant community classifications. Representative animal species that are likely to occur in these habitats (based on published range distributions) are also cited. Scientific and common names (when applicable) are provided for each animal and plant species described. Subsequent references to the same organism refer to common name only. Terrestrial Communities Three terrestrial communities were identified in the project study area through aerial interpretation and field reconnaissance conducted on April 12, 2000. The communities 7 identified included a mixed pine/hardwood community, maintained/disturbed areas and agricultural lands. Photographs of the project study area are included in Appendix 2. Mixed Pine/ Hardwood Communities Within the project study area, forested, alluvial communities occur along the banks of Beaver Dam Creek. These somewhat disturbed, mixed pine/hardwood forests are dominated by American beech (Fagus grandifolia), sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), and scrub pine (Pinus virginiana). Understory composition includes saplings of the overstory as well as red maple (Ater rubrum), flowering dogwood (Cornus f orida), and ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana). At stream's edge, several black willow (Salix nigra) and tag alder (Alnus serrulata) were also present. The herbaceous layer consisted mainly of Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and multiflora rose (Rosa multijlora) which has severely overgrown the banks and eliminated most other species in the herbaceous layer. Mixed pine/deciduous forest provide food, shelter, and nesting resources for a relatively diverse population of wildlife. These areas may be particularly suited to wildlife diversity when located adjacent to successional and maintained/disturbed areas as they provide corridors for movement of wildlife as well as a variety of food and other resources. Canopy species common in such areas, hickory and oak forests in particular, provide valuable materials for browser forage as well as materials for nesting, shelter, and cover. A mourning dove (Zenaida macronura) and raccoon (Procyon lotor) tracks were observed in the project study area. Mammalian fauna likely to inhabit forested areas include the gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinerisis), raccoon, eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus), and Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana). The transitional areas are likely to be inhabited by the eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus jloridanus), woodchuck (Marmota monax), and many varieties of small rodents such as field mice and voles. Common reptiles and amphibians found in forested communities include the eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina), black rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta), wood frog (Rana sylvatica), and redback salamander (Plethodon cinereus). In addition to these species, the black racer (Coluber constrictor), eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), and copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) are likely to be found in the transition areas. Avian species likely to be found in these forested communities include the blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus), tufted titmouse (Parus bicolor), and red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). The common crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), American robin (Turdis migratorius), and American kestrel (Falco sparverius) are most likely to be found in the transitional areas. Maintained/Disturbed Areas Maintained/disturbed areas are present in the project study area along the maintained right-of-way for NC 150. These areas include maintained grasses within the existing alignment and an abandoned business on SR 1159. *Dominant vegetation includes fescue (Festuca sp.), crab grass (Digitaria sp.), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japanica) and multiflora rose. The maintained/disturbed habitat within the project study area is surrounded by mixed pine/hardwood forest and agricultural land. It represents only a minor constituent of a larger community structure within the project vicinity. Therefore, faunal species frequenting the maintained community will be largely those species inhabiting the mixed pine/hardwood forest or agricultural lands. Agricultural Lands Agricultural lands are defined by the evidence of recent, active management of open fields. These areas include actively farmed cropland as well as pasture lands used for forage and hay production. These areas are found to the south of the existing bridge right-of-way. The agricultural lands are likely to be inhabited by the eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus jloridanus), woodchuck (Marmota monax), and many varieties of small rodents such as field mice and voles. In addition to these species, the black racer (Coluber constrictor), eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), and copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) are likely to be found in the agricultural fields or along the transition areas. The common crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), American robin (Turdis migratorius), and American kestrel (Falco sparverius) are most likely to be found in the agricultural and transitional areas. Aquatic Communities This category typically includes streams and waterbodies within a project study area and may or may not include a vegetative component. Beaver Dam Creek is the only aquatic community that will be impacted by the proposed project. No fish or aquatic organism surveys were performed on the stream. According to WRC, typical fish species that are likely to inhabit such areas include the creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus), common sucker (Catostomas commersoni), longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataractae). blacknose dace (Rhinichthys atratulus), and rock bass (Ambloplites rupe.stris). Common benthic invertebrates found in such communities would include stoneflies (Plecoptera), caddisflies (Tricoptera), and crayfish (Cambarus spp.). In addition to these invertebrate species, the pickerel frog (Rana palustris), bullfrog (Rana catesbiana), mountain dusky salamander (Desmognathus ochrophaeus), and northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon) are likely to occur within the stream as well. Summary of Anticipated Impacts Construction of the subject property will have various impacts on the biotic resources described. Any construction related activities in or near these resources have a potential to impact biological functions. This section quantifies and qualifies impacts to the 9 natural resources in terms of area impacted and community affected. Temporary and permanent impacts are considered here as well. Within the proposed 30.5 meter (100 foot) right-of-way limits for the permanent alignment and 30.5 meter (100 foot) right-of-way for the temporary detour, impacts to plant communities associated with the construction or widening of a roadway through natural ecosystems would consist largely of community modification resulting from clearing, filling, paving, and creation of borrow areas. As shown in Table 5, the permanent right-of-way will result in approximately 0.4 hectares (0.9 acres) of permanent impact to forested communities, 0.5 hectares (1.2 acres) of agricultural lands, and 0.2 hectares (0.5 acres) of maintained/disturbed impact. The temporary detour will impact 0.3 hectares (0.8 acres) of forested communities 0.3 hectares (0.8 acres) of agricultural lands, and 0.1 hectares (0.2 acres) or maintained/disturbed lands. Typically project construction does not require the entire right-of-way; therefore, actual impacts may be considerably less than those shown in Table 3. Table 3. Approximate Impacts of Proposed Project to Terrestrial Communities Type of Impact Permanent Ri ght-of-way Temporary Detour Hectares Acres Hectares Acres Mixed Pine/Hardwood 0.4 0.9 0.3 0.8 Agricultural Lands 0.5 1.2 0.3 0.8 Maintained/Disturbed Lands 0.2 0.5 0.1 0.2 *All impacts are approximate based on uniform corridor width and project sketches provided by NCDOT. The terrestrial communities found within the project study area will be altered as a result of project construction. These communities serve as nesting, foraging and shelter habitat for fauna. Agricultural and forested areas account for most of the impacts to terrestrial communities for the proposed project while a small portion of the project study area is disturbed by the existing road and residences. Impacts to forested areas can contribute to habitat fragmentation and eliminate nesting, foraging, and shelter habitat for wildlife. This may force animals into a smaller area, which can cause degradation of remaining habitat and increased mortality due to predation, disease and starvation. Some mortality to smaller animals is likely to occur directly from construction activities. These impacts can be minimized by clearing and grading only the areas necessary for construction and leaving natural vegetation along the remaining right-of-way. Due to the size and scope of this project, it is anticipated that impacts to fauna will be minimal. Aquatic communities are sensitive to even small changes in their environment. Stream channelization, scouring, siltation, sedimentation and erosion from construction related work will affect water quality and biological constituents. Although direct impacts may be temporary, environmental impacts from these construction processes may result in 10 long term or irreversible effects. Table 2 summarizes the anticipated impacts to aquatic communities. Impacts often associated with in-stream construction include increased scouring and channelization of the streambed. In-stream construction alters the stream substrate and may remove streamside vegetation at the site. Disturbances to the substrate will produce siltation which clogs the gills and/or feeding mechanisms of benthic organisms (sessile filter feeders and deposit feeders), fish, and amphibian species. Benthic organisms can also be covered by excessive amounts of sediment. These organisms are slow to recover or repopulate a stream. JURISDICTIONAL Topics This section provides descriptions, inventories, and impact analysis related to two jurisdictional topics: Waters of the United States and rare and protected species. Waters of the United States The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) promulgated the definition of "Waters of the United States" under 33 CFR 328.3 (a). Waters of the United States include most interstate or intrastate surface waters tributaries and wetlands. Any action that proposes the placement of dredge or fill materials into Waters of the United States falls under the jurisdiction of the USACE, and must follow the statutory provisions under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) (33 U.S.C. 1344). Wetlands are defined by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) (33 CFR 328.3) as: "areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas." In accordance with this definition, wetlands must possess three essential parameters: hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and evidence of hydrology (USACE Wetlands Delineation Manual, 1987). Besides providing valuable habitat for a diverse number of plant and animal species, wetlands also control floodwaters and erosion, replenish groundwater, filter contaminants and excess nutrients from runoff, and protect municipal water supplies. An evaluation of wetlands within the project study area was conducted on April 12, 2000. The location, extent, and quality of potential wetlands within the proposed right-of-way were determined by: Interpretation of 1:1250 scale black-and-white aerial photography. Review of U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps and NWI wetland maps (Boiling Springs North and Boiling Springs South, NC quadrangles). Review of the NRCS soil/hydric soil data for Cleveland County. Field reconnaissance of the project study area. Characteristics of Wetlands and Surface Waters Beaver Dam Creek is the only jurisdictional surface waters under Section 404 of CWA that will be impacted by the proposed project. The biological, physical, and water quality aspects of this jurisdictional system is described in previous section of the report. Summary of Anticipated Impacts The proposed project will cross jurisdictional surface waters. Anticipated impacts to surface waters were determined using the entire right-of-way width of each alignment. Impacts are summarized in Table 2. The amount of surface water impacts may be modified by any changes in functional design and may lead to increased stream impacts or wetland impacts. The permanent alignment impacts 30.5 meters (100 feet) of Beaver Dam Creek and the temporary detour will impact an additional 30.5 meters (100 feet) of Beaver Dam Creek. Typically, project construction does not require the entire right-of- way, therefore, actual surface water impacts may be considerably less. No wetlands will be impacted by the proposed right-of-way for either alignment. Permits In accordance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), permits will be required from the USACE for any activities that encroach into jurisdictional wetlands or "Waters of the United States." In addition, Section 401 of the CWA requires each state to certify that state water quality standards will not be violated for activities which 1) involve issuance of a federal permit or license; or 2) require discharges into "Waters of the United States." The Corp of Engineers cannot issue a 404 permit until 401 water quality certification is approved by the N.C. Department of the Environment and Natural Resources -- Division of Water Quality. It is anticipated that a Nationwide Section 404 Permit Number 23 will be required from the USACE for waterbody crossings along both alignments. These permits authorize activities undertaken, assisted, authorized, regulated, funded, or financed in whole or part by another federally funded agency or department to fill Waters of the United States for those activities categorically excluded from environmental documentation because they are determined by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to be within the category of actions which are deemed to neither individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the natural environment. A permit will be required for this project for the temporary fill that may result from bridge demolition and the temporary detour as well as for the impacts of permanent construction. Mitigation The USACE has adopted, through the 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 12 impacts, reducing impacts over time, and compensating for impacts (40 CFR 1508.20). Each of the three general aspects (avoidance, minimization, and compensatory mitigation) must be considered sequentially. Avoidance Avoidance 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 USACE, 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. 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 could 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, right-of-way widths, fill slopes, and/or road shoulder widths. Other practical mechanisms to minimize impacts to Waters of the United States crossed by the proposed project include: strict enforcement of sedimentation control BMP's for the protection of surface waters during the entire life of the project; reduction of clearing and grubbing activity; reduction/elimination of direct discharge into streams; reduction of runoff velocity; re-establishment of vegetation on exposed areas, judicious use of pesticides and herbicides; minimization of "in-stream activity"; and litter/debris control. Bridge demolition must minimize the impacts to water courses. This project should follow Case 3 guidelines as established in NCDOT's Best Management Practices for Bridge Demolition and Removal. The superstructure of Bridge No. 42 is composed of a reinforced concrete deck on timber joists. The substructure is composed of timber caps and piles with timber bulkheads at the ends. Only the reinforced concrete deck would result in potential temporary fill amounting to approximately 15 cubic yards. Due to the silt substrate of the stream, a turbidity curtain is recommended. Impacts to Waters of the United States will be minimized by adherence to NCDOT's BMP's for Bridge Demolition during this stage of the project. Compensatory Mitigation Compensatory mitigation is not normally considered until the anticipated impacts to Waters of the United States have been avoided and minimized to the maximum extent possible. It is recognized that "no net loss 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 all appropriate and practicable minimization has been required. Compensatory actions often include restoration, creation, and enhancement of Waters of the United States. Such actions should be undertaken in areas adjacent to or contiguous to the discharge site. Although the 1989 MOA between the USACE and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 13 does not require compensatory mitigation with Nationwide Permit 23, the DWQ has stated in 15A NCAC 211 .0506(h), that compensatory mitigation may be necessary with Nationwide Permit No. 23 if more than 46 meters (150 feet) of stream is filled or altered. Rare and Protected Species Any action which has the potential to result in a negative impact to federally protected plants or animals is subject to review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under one or more provisions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. North Carolina laws are also designed to protect certain plants and animals that are endemic to North Carolina or whose populations are in severe decline. Federally Protected Species Plants and animals with federal status of Endangered (LE), Threatened (LT), Proposed Endangered (PE), and Proposed Threatened (PT) are protected under provisions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Federal actions (permits) or federally-funded actions with potential adverse impacts to protected species require prior consultation with the USFWS under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Even in the absence of federal funds or permits, the provisions of Section 9 of the ESA authorize the USFWS to exercise jurisdiction on behalf of the protected species. A review of USFWS and the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) databases (as of April 2000) identified the following federal and state listed species that may occur in Cleveland County as listed in Table 4 and described in the following paragraphs. Table 4 Federal and State Protected Species for Cleveland County Federal State Scientific Name Common Name . Status* Status* Dwarf-flowered Hexasrylis naniflora LT T heartleaf *LT and T = threatened Federally endangered species (LE) are species that are threatened with extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Federally threatened species (LT) are species that are likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Surveys were conducted for the dwarf-flowered heartleaf (Hexasrylis naniflora), a federal and state threatened species, within the proposed right-of-way for the project on April 12, 2000. This species was identified for survey based on the potential for appropriate habitat and flowering season. No individuals were identified within the project right-of- way for each alignment. 14 Hexasrylis naniflora (dwarf-flowered heartleaf) Federally Threatened Family: Aristolochiaceae Date Listed: 14 April 1989 Flowers Present: , mid-March to early June The dwarf-flowered heartleaf, a federally and state threatened species, is a perennial with jug-shaped flowers and evergreen, leathery, heart-shaped leaves. It is typically found in the upper piedmont regions of North and South Carolina. It is found on Pacolet, Madison, or Musella soils and is reliant upon soil type for adequate growth and reproduction. Once this requirement is met, the moisture levels are highly variable but it is most common adjacent to creekheads and streams as well as on bluffs and slopes of hillsides and ravines (USFWS 1990). Surveys were conducted for the dwarf-flowered heartleaf (Hexasrylis naniflora), a federal and state threatened species, within the proposed right-of-way for the project. No individuals were identified within the project study area. Based on the information above and field reconnaissance, no impacts to this species are anticipated as a result of the proposed project construction. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT Federal Species of Concern and State Protected Species Federal species of concern are not afforded federal protection under the ESA and are not included in the Section 7 process. These species are those that merit further study to determine their status or which may be listed in the future. In addition, those species listed as Endangered (E), Threatened (T), or Special Concern (SC) by the NCNHP database are afforded state protection under the NC State Endangered Species Act and the NC Plant Protection and Conservation Act of 1979. Table 5 lists those species that are designated as Federal Species of Concern or are state listed for Cleveland County and the existence of suitable habitat for each species in the project study area. This species list is provided for information purposes as the status of these species may be upgraded in the future. Table S Federal Species of Concern for Cleveland County Scientific Name Common Name Federal State Habitat Habitat Status* Status* Present Speyerla dlana Diana frittilary FSC SR Rich woods and Yes adjacent edges Monotropsis Sweet Pinesap FSC C Dry forests and Yes odorata bluffs Saxifraga Carolina Saxifrage FSC C High to mid- No caroliniana elevation cliffs 15 * FSC = Federal Species of Concern, SR = Significantly Rare, C = State Candidate (those species whose status is under consideration) State endangered species (E) are species whose continued existence as a viable component of the state's flora or fauna is determined to be in jeopardy. A state threatened species (T) is one which is likely to become an endangered species in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. A Federal Species of Concern (FSC) is a species which may or may not be listed in the future. Significantly rare species (SR) are those which exist in the state in small numbers and have been determined to need further monitoring. Candidate species (C) are very rare in North Carolina and reflect fewer than 20 populations in the state. Species of special concern (SC) are those species which require further monitoring in the state. Based on information from the NCNHP, it is possible that the Diana frittilary (Speyeria diana) and sweet pinesap (Monotropsis odorata) could occur in the project vicinity but due to the overgrown and disturbed nature of the impacted areas, it is unlikely that they would occur within the project study area. Carolina saxifrage (Saxifraga caroliniana) is not likely to occur in the project study area due to lack of adequate habitat. 16 \ 1159 / / \1 I I /OIUNG SPRINGS \\ POP 2.477 \ I \ Bridge No. 42 1 1 I I .95 L ! ? , 35 i I L (150>'?'I I? I / / - ? 150 / ^y \ ? 1 1286 03 .0 . L --- \ l \ \ I \ 1147 1148 \ I. 7 \ \ r ., 1 / J CAF . / N-? IM / 1123 / 1 C .02 .3 / I e / 1 1 1147 / I 1148 1143 MOp2M '1k `'? North Carolina ry \ Department of Transportation Division of Highways j OFM Planning & Environmental Branch Cleveland County Rep lace Bridge No. 42 on NC 150 Over Beaverdam Creek B-3139 Figure One 1151 • I a it 5 I ?Looking East Across Bridge No. 42 /pf NVnTN North Carolina Department of Transportation b } Division of Highways Project Development & "..oFr?? Environmental Analysis Branch Cleveland County Replace Bridge No. 42 on NC 150 Over Beaver Dam Creek B-3139 ' A AEL&I ?. lAAA North Face of Bridge No. 42 Looking South Across Utility Corridor ST :A1 TE „ tee'" . .. .. f ? R 4? // ? ? S North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources State Historic Preservation Office David L. S. Brook, Administrator James B. Hunt Jr., Governor Division of Archives and History Betty Ray McCain, Secretary Jeffrey J. Crow, Director November 7, 2000 MEMORANDUM TO: William D. Gilmore, PE, Manager Project Development & Environmental Analysis Branch NC Department of Transportation FROM: David Brook It ?J4 -''? Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer RE: Archaeological Survey Report, ReplaZB7.-39--, t-of Bridge 42 on NC 150, Cleveland County, TIP N 1Federal Aid No. BRSTP-150(9), ER 98-8647 Thank you for your letter of October 6, 2000, transmitting the archaeological survey report by Daniel Cassedy and Marvin Brown of URS Corporation for the above project. During the course of the survey no prehistoric or historic archaeological sites were located within the project area. Due to the eroded nature of the soils and the absence of cultural resources, Dr. Cassedy has recommended that no further archaeological investigation be conducted in connection with this project. We concur with this recommendation since the project will not involve significant archaeological resources. The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36 CFR Part 800. Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above comment, please contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, Environmental Review Coordinator, at 919/733- 4763. DB:kgc cc: Roy Shelton, FHWA Thomas Padgett, NC DOT Daniel Cassedy, URS Corporation Location Mailing Address Telephone/Fax ADMINISTRATION 507 N. Blount St., Raleigh NC 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-4617 (919) 733-4763 733-8653 ARCHAEOLOGY 421 N. Blount St., Raleigh NC 4619 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-4619 (919) 733-7342 715-2671 RESTORATION 515 N. Blount St., Raleigh NC 4613 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-4613 (919) 733-6547 715-4801 SURVEY & PLANNING 515 N. Blount St.. Raleigh NC 4618 Mail Service Center. Raleigh NC 27699-4618 (919) 733-6545 715-4801 swr Z l? ? f North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources James B. Hunt Jr., Governor Betty Ray McCain, Secretary April 28, 1998 Nicholas L. Graf Division Administrator Federal Highway Administration Department of Transportation 310 New Bern Avenue Raleigh, N.C. 27601-1442 Re: Bridge #42 on NC 150 over Beaverdam Creek, Cleveland County, B-3139, Federal Aid Project BRSTP-150(9), State Project 8.1801501, ER 98- 8647 Dear Mr. Graf: Division of Archives and History Jeffrey J. Crow, Director GEIV O IT APR 3 0 1998 T ' DIVISION OF << HIC H V'JA':'S ?:i On April 15, 1998, Debbie Bevin of our staff met with North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) staff for a meeting of the minds concerning the above project. We reported our available information on historic architectural and archaeological surveys and resources along with our recommendations. NCDOT provided project area photographs and aerial photographs at the meeting. Based upon our review of the photographs and the information discussed at the meeting, we offer our preliminary comments regarding this project. In terms of historic architectural resources, we are aware of no historic structures located within the area of potential effect. We recommend that no historic architectural survey be conducted for this project. An archaeological survey will be necessary if replacement is to be on a new alignment. Having provided this information, we look forward to receipt of either a Categorical Exclusion or Environmental Assessment which indicates how NCDOT addressed our comments. 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 g Nicholas L. Graf April 28, 1998, 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. Sincerely, I David Brook Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer DB:slw cc: ?H. F. Vick B. Church T. Padgett