HomeMy WebLinkAboutUS 13/US 158 (7)David
Farr, Olivia J
Monday, November 15, 2010 3:48 PM
Wainwright, David
R-2507A ICE
R-2507A ICE for DWQ.pdf
Attached is the ICE section from the R-2507A CIA.
ivia Farr
Einail correspondence to and from this sender is subject to the N.C. Public Records Law and
may be disclosed to third parties.
i
TIP Project R-2507A• Hertford & Gates Counties
Cononunity Impact Assessment
Noveniber 1, 2007
VII. CIA CONCLUSIONS
TIP Project R-2507A may have some direct effects upon the community surrounding the
project corridor. The project may also cause the clearing of trees or removal of vegetation
through construction activities. It may also cause some displacements or relocations.
Most of the homes and businesses along the corridor are set back from the roadway;
however, if homes and/or businesses are not relocated, the setbacks would be reduced
with right-of-way acquisition related to the widening. One person in attendance at the
Citizens Informational Workshop in September 2006 indicated that the structures
pertaining to the Story Family Farm (near US 13-158 and NC 137/Sandbank Road) exist
on either side of US 13-158. Depending on the widening alignment, these structures may
be affected by the project.
i
The DCIA is comprised of scattered residential uses, commercial and institutional uses,
and agricultural land. Generally speaking, TIP Project R-2507A will not alter land use
patterns. The widened roadway may help to make the DCIA, particularly the area near
Winton or between NC 137/Sandbank Road and_Tarheel, more attractive for small scale
commercial development or some residential development.. However, if this occurs, it
will not be inconsistent with local, plans. ti
Since TIP Project R-2507A is the proposed widening of an existing facility and includes -
a median, it is possible that sohie residences or 66sinesses may be restricted to right-
in/right-out movements.
US 13-158 is the primary, east-west route through Hertford and Gates Counties, and
commuting patterns will not likely change as a result of the widened roadway. Travel .-
times along the US 13-158 corridor may improve slightly as a result of TIP Project R-
2507A because of the reduced congestion and partial access control anticipated as part of
the project. In addition, adding lanes and limiting left turns through the use of a median ..
should improve vehicular safety along the corridor. With the proposed improvements,
traffic should flow more 'efficiently along the corridor, also likely lowering the number of
traffic accidents and improving overall safety.
Recommendations for reducing the effects of potential impacts are included in the "CIA
and ICE Mitigation, Enhancement & Recommendations" section of this report.
VIII. QUALITATIVE INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ASSESSMENT
ICE Methodoloey
Indirect impacts are those impacts that, as a result of a transportation project such as TIP
Project R-2507A, occur over a longer period of time and can take place away from the
immediate project area. A short-term example would be the development of a small
subdivision along a new or widened roadway that would otherwise not have occurred.
Closely related is the concept of cumulative impacts, which are the collective effects of
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TIP Project R-2507A, Herlford & Gates Counties
Community Impact Assessment
November 1, 2007
Table 15. Population Growth, Trends and Projections
' - = Demographic.
Area - Hertford
Count Gates
Count = North x
-Carolina',
Population:
1980* NIA 23,368 8,875 5,880,095
1990 4,640 22,523 9,305 6,628,637
Percentage Growth 1980-1990 NIA -3.6% 4.8% 12.7%
2000 57227 22,601 10,516 8,049,313
Percentage Growth 1990-2000 12.7% 0.3% 13.0% 21.4%
Population Projections*:
2010 NIA 242097 12,517 9,450,494
Percentage Growth 2000-2010 NIA 6.6% 19.0% 17.4%
2020 N/A 23,704 13,981 10,850,228
-Percentage Growth 2010-2020 N/A -1.6% 11.7% 14.8%
2030 N/A 23,013 15,301 12,274,433
Percentage Growth 2020-2030 NIA -2.9% 9.4% 13:7
Source: US Census Bureau, North Carolina State Demographics*
The North Carolina Employmerit'Security Commission indicates that employment, in
Hert ford County increased by 18:6% between 1990 and 2006 (see Table 11). Hertford
County has experienced a mix of employment growth atidlosses throughout various
sectors. The 'large'si.foss between,1990 and 2006 (number-wise) was in the manufacturing
sector. The largest increase during that time period (number-wise) was experienced in the
health care & social'.assistance sector. .Gates•County employment increased by 24.9% .
between 1990 and 2006, and also experienced a mix of employment growth and losses
throughout various sectors. The largest losses between 1990 and 2006 (number-wise)
were in the retail trade and transportation & warehousing sectors. The largest increase
during that time period (number-wise) was experienced in the government sector.
For a more detailed discussion on this subject see the "Business and Employment
Characteristics" under Section V of this report.
Transportation Plans and Proposed Proiects
Thoroughfare Plan for Hertford County (1992)
This thoroughfare plan was developed for the recommendation of transportation
improvements which were felt to be necessary for the proper traffic circulation within the
planning period (1990-2020). The plan calls for the widening of US 13 from NC 42 to the
Winton Bypass, and US 13 from south of Winton to the Virginia State Line. The Hertford
County portion of US 13-158 is identified as a principal arterial, which should be
widened (including the Gates County portion) to a 4-lane median divided facility. In
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® TIP Project R-2507A, Hertford & Gates Counties
Community Impact Assessment
November 1, 2007
A map depicting hazard areas of Hertford County displayed a limited amount of 100-year
floodplain associated with the Chowan River.
Mapping included with the plan indicated that the majority of the FLUSA (in Hertford
County) was classified as "rural with services", while Winton fell into the "municipal
jurisdiction" classification. The plan indicated that adequate land with water and sewer
service was available near Winton, but since population is decreasing (or stagnant), the
demand for new housing is minimal. The plan discouraged high density development
throughout the County, focused redevelopment in previously developed areas, indicated
the desire to enforce CAMA regulations to limit riverbank development, and encouraged
compliance with zoning regulations: The plan also required that industries within
Hertford County prepare an Environmental Impact Statement or Environmental
Assessment to protect potentially fragile areas.
The plan identified environme.ntallysensitive areas designated Areas of Environmental
Concern (AEC)...There are three categories of AECs'in Hertford County including
estuarine waters of environmental concern, public trust,areas, and estuarine shorelines.
Estuarine waters of environmental concern within the FLUSA (including the Chowan
River),act:as spawning_grounds atid?hatcheries for many aquatic species and are subject';,.,,
td developmental regulation and control. Lands that are within, public trust AECs- dE•,l.i;l
(including:the:Ch'oiViin Ser) areisubject•to the,issuance.of minor CAMA permits for, i, i w-:
construction activities: Development is limited.in the'undeveloped- forestlands within 75. .. er r
feet of.the:Chowan River. Developments in these areas are also required to obtain n ;.
CAMA permits from the'County
y _? t 1 f ,'ili:
. +. r -,'{ i•': :,Hertford Counfy:Ordinancesv ?s t ;+ i ,. 1 *±
Hertford Coumt &'adopted a`Z6.hing Ordinance in 1992 that was revised in June 2005. The
zoning map was not available'at.the:time of this study. -.However, according to local
planners, residential uses in th&,FLUSA have a minimum required.lotarea of 30,000 feet
unless the lot is connected to a public wastewater system (in which case lot area is
restricted to 15,000 feet)'.
Hertford County adopted a Subdivision Ordinance in 1999. Subdivision is defined as a
division of a tract or parcel into two or more lots.for the.purpose of sale or building
development which includes the dedication of a new street or change in existing streets.
All lots must be capable of being served by site wells and septic tank systems, or public
water and sewer facilities, or. private water and sewer systems, approved by the local
jurisdictions. North Carolina Sedimentation and Erosion Control regulations apply as
well.
Hertford County adopted a Floodplain Ordinance in 1995 that requires a development
permit for properties where a base flood elevation is provided.. The permit should include
the elevation of the lowest floor,. flood proofing efforts, or the extent of watercourse
alteration in order to determine effects upon the flood carrying capacity of the area of
special flood hazard. Residential and non-residential development should have the
lowest floor elevation at least two feet higher than the base flood elevation. No
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® TIP Project R-2507A, Hertford & Gates Counties
O?R Community Impact Assessment
November 1, 2007
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addition to this project, the thoroughfare plan identifies several other roadways to be
widened to multi-lane facilities. These include US 13 south of the Winton Bypass and US
158 west of the Winton Bypass.
2007-2013 Transportation Improvement Program
The NCDOT 2007-2013 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) includes several
proposed and recently completed TIP projects that are likely to improve regional
accessibility in the FLUSA along with TIP Project R-2507A (see Figure 1).
• TIP Project R-2205: Widening of US 13 from NC 42 to US 158, with bypass of
Ahoskie on new location. Total project length 14.1 miles. Strategic Highway
Corridor and Intrastate Project. Right of way acquisition scheduled for 2012,
construction unfunded.
• TIP Project R-2507B & C: Continuation of TIP Project R-2507A. Widening of
US 13 from the US 158 bypass in Tanccel to Virginia State Line. Project length is
approximately 10 miles. Strategic Highway. Corridor and Intrastate Project.
Project is unfunded.
TIP Project R=2578•' Widening of US 1.58 from USA 3'to NC 32 in Sunbury
Total project length 15.0 rriiles.'Stiategic Highway Corridor ahd Intrastate Project.
Project is unfunded.::.
•' TIP Project R-2583: Widening of US 158 from Murfreesboro Bypass to US 13
west of Winton. Total project'length 8.0 riles. Strategic Highway Corridor and
- Intrastate' Project. Planning and design''in progress. Right of way acquisition to
begin in 2010, and c6nstr6cti6n'to begin in' 2012.'
Local Land Use Plans, Future Land Use, and Zonina .
Town of Winton . ' '
Local planners indicated that the Town of Winton had no land use plans, but did have a
zoning ordinance. A copy of the zoning ordinance and map was not available for review,
but local planners explained that Winton's zoning jurisdiction did not extend to US 13-
158.
Hertford County CAMA Land Use Plan Update (1996-1997)
In order to better guide growth in Hertford County, the Hertford County CA MA Land Use
Plan was adopted in 1997. The plan lists US 158 as a primary road throughout the
County (along with US 13 and US 258). The plan established several goals relating to
natural resource protection, management of resources, economic and community
development, and continuing public involvement. This plan also lists several potential
constraints and issues for potential future development within Hertford County, including
soils (due to wetland issues and poor suitability for septic systems), water quality issues
related to stomrwater runoff (from point and non-point sources), and flood prone areas.
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® TIP Project R-2507A, Hertford & Gates Counties
W. Community Impact Assessment
November 1, 2007
encroachments shall be allowed within the floodway unless certification that the
proposed encroachment will not result in the increase of flood levels within the floodway.
No manufactured homes shall be permitted within the floodway, except in existing
manufactured home parks. Development is not allowed within 20 feet of a stream or
within standards established by CAMA regulations, whichever is greater.
Gates County CAMA Core Land Use Plan Update (2003-2004)
This plan was adopted in 2005 by Gates County and the Coastal Resources Commission.
The policies, objectives and future land use map included in the document help to guide
the County's decisions about land use and development. The vision statement included
in the document indicates that Gates County desires to remain a "slow paced, rural area"
by balancing residential and commercial uses, protecting the natural environment and
discouraging strip development along State maintained roads.
1 A' future land use, plan map (dated January 6, 2005) is included in the CA MA Core Land
Use Plan. Land.uses are' divided. into six different categories: Developed and In-fill
Development Areas;.Growth.and Town-Like Transition Areas; Limited Growth and
Transition Areas; Community Areas; Rural Areas; and Conservation, Open Space, and .
Recreation Areas. A majority of the FLUSA falls within the Rural and Conservation, .',, _,,..,...
Open Space, and Recreation area designations. Two Community Areas, or crossroads
communities designated for. low, density. development with some sort of commercial;
public or semi-public-use as ,a focal point; exist along the TIP project corridor. These....,
areas. are Storyrys (near the intersection of NC 137 and Sandbank Road), and Tarheel (at - ;,
the northern/eastern terminus of the project). Limited Growth and Transition Areas are;;;
.
shown along. NC'.] 3Tsoutheastof US=13-158, and along US 13-158 between Tinkham
Road (SR 1201) andiTanccel,. Limited Growth and Transition Areas.are defined in the
Gates County Future Land Use Map as areas on the fringes of Growth and Town-like
Transition Areas, or on the fringes of Developed and In-fill Development Areas or „ .., _ .
Community Areas. °Low density residential and/or commercial developments are likely
to occur in these spots.
Gates County Ordinances
The Gates County Development Ordinance was made effective December 18, 1986, and
last amended on November 6, 2006. This ordinance indicates that no building or
structure for occupancy should be constructed on a lot which has not been assessed by the
Gates County Soil Conservation Service to determine soil suitability or whether the
property is in a flood zone. All lots must be one acre at a minimum.
The Gates County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance is dated 2003. It says that in all
special flood hazard areas where a base flood elevation is known, there should be no new
residential or non-residential construction with a reference level lower than regulatory
flood protection elevation. In areas of special flood hazard where base flood elevation is
not established, there shall be no new construction or substantial improvements within
twenty feet of each side of the stream bank, or five times the width of the stream,
whichever is greater.
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TIP Project R-250 7A, Hertford & Gates Counties
Community Impact Assessment
November 1, 2007
The Gates County Zoning Ordinance is dated June 4, 2007. Although the zoning map is
not available at the time of this assessment, the ordinance does not contain any residential
districts allowing lots smaller than one acre in size.
The Gates County Subdivision Ordinance was last amended on June 4, 2007.
Subdivision is defined as the division of a tract or parcel of land into two or more lots for
the purpose of sale or development. The Planning Board must approve the final plat
which shows that the development, to the extent possible, will be outside of flood prone
areas, fill areas and unique or fragile areas (such as wetlands). Every lot shall have a
minimum size of one acre. In addition, a permit is required from the US Army Corps of
Engineers if wetlands are disturbed, and the State must approve a sedimentation and
erosion control plan if more than one acre of land is disturbed.
Environmental Regulations
Erosion Control and Stormwater•Regulations
The North Carolina Division of•Land,Resources' Sediment and Erosion Control Act
requires that any development disturbing more than one acre of land within the State of
North.Carolipa to submit,a,Sedimentation and,Erosion Control Plan to thc•Division of,
Land Resources: Local7governments:may.review and•enforce,the;plan within.their
jurisdiction;: but the plan•has.to bp-as °strtct as
, program;administeced by, he Division;; r.
ofLatid Resources. Site. disturbances of less-than one'acre require the use of Best , %.i
Management Practices (BMPs), but not a site plan. According to the NCDOT report
;
entitled `.`Best Management Practices for Protection of Surface Watcrs" (March 1997), ,
BMP.s include; activities,'practices,•add procedures undertaken.to,prevent. or reduce water,`
pollution This. includes. things such,as: on site_d_etentiomareas,;vegetative buffers
culverts, and erosion control mechanisms
In`1972, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program was t• "-
established under. the authority of the Clean Water Act. Phase I of the NPDES stormwater,.,.:., .;.. ,
program was established in 1990. It requires NPDES permit coverage for large or
medium municipalities with populations of 100,000 or more. In North Carolina, there are
six Phase I communities. The Phase II program extends permit coverage to smaller (<
100,000 pop.) communities and public entities that own or operate a municipal separate
storm sewer system (MS4) by requiring them to apply for and obtain an NPDES permit
for stormwater discharges. Federal law requires communities and public entities that own
or operate an MS4, and that meet either of the following two conditions, to obtain an
NPDES Phase 11 stormwater permit:
1) The MS4 is located in an urbanized area as determined by the latest Decennial
Census of the Bureau of the Census. If the MS4 is not located entirely within an
urbanized area, only the portion that is within the urbanized area is regulated.
2) The community or public entity is designated by the NPDES permitting authority
In the state of North Carolina, the NPDES permitting authority is the
Environmental Management Commission (EMC).
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TIP Project R-2507A, Hertford & Gates Counties
Community Impact Assessment
November 1, 2007
Based on 2000 Census data, neither Gates nor Hertford County or any of their
municipalities are designated as either a Phase 1 or Phase II community.
Watershed Regulations and Water Quality
There are no Water Supply Watersheds, High Quality Waters, or Outstanding Resource
Waters within the FLUSA. The FLUSA is located entirely within the Chowan River
Basin and includes portions of two subbasins. The western portion of the FLUSA is
included in Subbasin 03-01-02, which includes the Meherrin River and Potecasi Creek
watersheds. The eastern portion of the FLUSA is included in Subbasin 03-01-01 of the
Chowan River Basin. The subbasin includes the Chowan River and the Wiccacon River.
According to the NCDENR 2002 Chowan River Water Quality Plan, there are five
NPDES permittees (all minor) in Subbasin 03-01-01. There were no individual
stormwater permits issued in the subbasin, but there were 15 general permits. The
Chowan River was sampled for water quality, and the area near Galesville showed low
dissolved oxygen concentrations in the bottom waters'., 'Voluntary implementation of
BMPs was encouraged. The plan indicated that there were no NPDES facilities in
Subbasin 03-01-02. There was one individual stormwater permit and seven general
permits. A program to implement nonpoint source pollution controls in Potecasi Creek:
.; was recommended to reduce nutrient and sediment. loading..
I
The Draft 2007 Chowan River Water Quality Platr,indicates that the number' of minor
NPDES wastewater discharge permits in Subbasin W-01-01-has not changed since 2002;;
There are ten non-discharge permits and nine stormwatcr permits. in the subbasin. r
. Overall, samples collected during this latest assessment period suggest that water quality. <c,r
conditions. remained similar to the 2002 report findings. All of,thewaters in the subbasin
are classified as Class B or C Nutrient Sensitive Waters. The draft plan also suggested
that there are still no permitted wastewater dischargers in Subbasin 03-01-02; however,,
there are eight non-discharge permits and nine stormwater permits. Like Subbasin 03-01-
01, all waters in 03-01-02 are classified as Class B or C Nutrient Sensitive Waters. Part.
of Potecasi Creek is still considered impaired for low dissolved oxygen and pH, and
BMPs are encouraged.
303(d) Waters and Wetlands
The 303(d) list is a product of the Clean Water Act, which requires states to identify
those waters that do not meet water quality standards or those that have impaired uses. If
control strategies for point and non-point source pollution exist for impaired waters, they
may be excluded from the 303(d) list. A search of NCDENR's DWQ 2006 303(d) List
reveals the presence of two 303(d) streams in or adjacent to the FLUSA. These are the
Chowan River and Potecasi Creek.
According to a National Wetlands Inventory GIS shapefile, wetland areas within the
FLUSA are generally concentrated along major watercourses including the Chowan
River, Run Swamp, Ellis Swamp and Beasley Branch. Other tracts of wetlands are
scattered throughout the remainder of the FLUSA.
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® TIP Project R-2507A, Hertford & Gates Counties
OJP Community Impact Assessment
November 1, 2007
According to an April 24, 1991 letter in the State Environmental Assessment from the
North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF), the Chowan River and its
tributaries are a documented spawning and nursery area for blueback herring and alewife.
NCDMF requested that an in-water construction moratorium be established from
February 15 - September 30.
Buffer Regulations
According the local planners, the Town of Winton does not have any buffer regulations
(or other development regulations). Hertford County planners indicated that CAMA
requires development to be 75 feet from coastal waters such as the Chowan River. Gates
County requires 50 foot buffers on all blue line streams.
Inventory of Notable Features
Based on a review ofNCDOT,GIS data, existing environmental documents, and web-
based database searches; an inventory of notablerfeatures;was assembled. Tables
including the name,-status, and location of these, notable,features are located in the
Appendix.
Two federally listed threatened or,endangered species arc;found;in the USGS.quadrangles
6 rip;; ,..,_encompassing,the FLUSH.! These species arp,the Red-cockaded ;woodpecker, and the.
' Dismal Swamp southeastern shrew (which is only identified in the-1993 SEA): There are
also eight natural, communities and one animal assemblage.
Notable features located within the FLUSA melude the Chowan Swamp Game Lands,
a- a
Chowan River boat access site, and the Beaver Lakeiwater:skiing area,-two railroad lines; •
three National Register properties (Gray Gables; the C.S: Brown School Auditorium, and
the King Parker House all in,the. vicinity of Winton);, a:historic study list district (the Eure ,
Historic District); a historic study list property (Stor)Family Farm), two cemeteries, and `
four churches..The FLUSA also contains one solid waste site and two hazardous
substance disposal sites.. These features are shown on Figure 6. The King Parker House
is located on Mount Moriah Road, part of which is within the FLUSA. Although the
property was unable to be accurately mapped,,it is likely within or just outside,of the
FLUSA.
The FLUSA of TIP Project R-2507A encompasses several natural resources. The
Chowan River is the largest resource in the FLUSA. There are numerous wetland areas
(primarily along the Chowan River, Run Swamp, Ellis Swamp, and Beasley Branch), and
one anadromous fish spawning area (also along the Chowan River). There are no Water
Supply Watersheds, High Quality Waters, Outstanding Resource Waters, or Wild and
Scenic Rivers, but there are two 303 (d) listed water bodies (Potecasi Creek and the
Chowan River) within or adjacent to the FLUSA
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TIP Project R-2507A, Hertford & Gates Counties
Community Impact Assessment
November 1, 2007
Activities That Mav Cause Effects
Development Activity
According local planners, there has been little development activity in the FLUSA. The
only notable development under construction is the Riverscdge mixed use development
along the Hertford County side of the Chowan River. It includes 17 waterfront lots and
40 non-waterfront lots. The Riversedge Master Plan calls for 361 lots total, and two
commercial nodes (a marina on the water, and a pool and clubhouse along US 158).
The only access point for the Riversedge community is located on US 158 west of where
it merges with US 13. This access point is not located within the proposed project limits
(200 feet) of TIP Project R-2507A. In a general sense, access and regional traffic flow
will be improved in the area, thus benefiting the Riversedge community. There will not
likely be any direct improvements or alterations to the community access however.
Previous Repo rt'Conclusions
The NCDOT prepared.a State Environmental Assessment (SEA) for TIP Project R-2507 .. _,
(Sections A, B and Q. The SEA is dated July 28, 1993. The SEA did not include any .
text or conclusions,. but did include a number of letters from various regulatory agencies.- = .
Some of the key concerns raised in these letters were•the number of stream and wetland
crossings (I I'. for the entire project); two threatened and/or endangered species (the Red
cockaded woodpecker and-the Dis'mal,Swamp Southeastern Shrew), the anadromous'
fisher resource along the Chowan River, the Public Trust Area of Environmental Concem r
(Cbewan River), and.severaI historic structures, one of which, the Story Family Farm, is
located along.ihc R=2507A.project corridor and was.recommended for the,State',s.historic
:'study_list.
There were several, comments from residents attending the Citizens Informational ...
Workshop in 2006 expressing concern for relocating elderly persons; however, the
Census data does not reveal high numbers of elderly in the Demographic Area relative to
Hertford or Gates Counties. In addition, one person in attendance at the Citizens '
Informational Workshop indicated that the structures pertaining to the Story Family Farm
(near US 13-158 and NC 137/Sandbank Road) exist on either side of US 13-158. This
person was concerned about impacts to their Story family residence and a cemetery on
the opposite side of US 13-158 from the Story Farm house.
Potential Indirect and Cumulative Effects for Analysis
The North Carolina DOT, in their April 2001 handbook titled GuidanceforAssessing
Indirect and Cumulative Impacts of Transportation Projects in North Carolina, outlines a
set of factors that need to be evaluated to determine whether or not a detailed indirect and
cumulative impact analysis (ICI) is required for specific projects. The following is an
assessment of those factors as they relate to TIP Project R-2507A.
f
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TIP Project R-2507A. Hertford & Gates Counties
O&P Community Impact Assessment
November 1, 2007
Conflict with local plan:
This project is generally consistent with existing local thoroughfare plans that call for the
improvement of US 13-158 to a multi-lane facility.
Generally speaking, the TIP Project R-2507A will not alter existing land use patterns.
Hertford County plans call for redevelopment to occur in areas of existing water and
sewer services (such as near Winton). Gates County identifies two areas, or crossroads
communities, for low density development with some sort of commercial, public or semi-
public use as a focal point. These are Storys (near the intersection of NC 137 and
Sandbank Road) and Tarheel (at the northern/eastern terminus of the project).
Explicit economic development purpose:
This project is designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety. Although
economic development is not part of the purpose and need of TIP Project R-2507A, local
officials look positivelyupon the project and are hoping it stimulates investment,
...particularly in commercial and industrial development.
Planned to serve specific development:
:.The project does not appear; tcibc. designed to servc-a specific development:
{ - .., r Likely to stimulate land development having complementaryfanctions: ;
' • ,' s•_:The assessmenvofthisifactofpart ially:involves* an evaluation ofa subset of factors
i
commonly used to determine the potential for growth resulting from, transportation
projects surrounding ruralinterchanges including
?
' • ':Distance to•a major _urban center,
II F f
• < Traffic volumes'on intersecting'road'ways
• - 'Pre'sence of frontage roads
Availability of watci&/s6kef'
II, There are no major urban centers in either Hertford or Gates Counties. The nearest urban n ' .
' center is Norfolk, Virginia, located approximately 50 miles from the project corridor. It
is unlikely that relative proximity to, or spillover growth from this urban center will have
any impact on development related to TIP Project R-2507A.
According to NCDOT, the year 2005 estimated Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT)
ranged between 8,100 and 8,200 along the portion of US 13-158 proposed for widening
as part of TIP Project R-2507A. NCDOT projections for 2025 indicate an increase to a
count of 14,700 vehicles per day (vpd). According to the NCDOT, 2005 AADT along
major intersecting roadways are as follows:
• 'US 158 (southem/western terminus): 3,600 vpd
• US 13 (southcrn/wcstern terminus): 8,800 vpd
• NC 137 (southeast of US 13-158): 1,700 vpd
• Sandbank Road (SR 1200): 340 vpd
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04 ® TIP Project R-2507A, Hertford & Gates Counties
Community Impact Assessment
November 1, 2007
• US 13 (northem/eastern terminus): 5,000 vpd
• US 158 (northern/eastem terminus): 2,200 vpd
Frontage roads do not exist along the project corridor, nor are they planned as part of TIP
Project R-2507A.
According to local planners, most Hertford County residents and businesses have access
to public water service, but not public sewer service. The Town of Winton provides water
and sewer service within town limits. Winton also provides sewer service along US 158
(west of town), to the Rivers Correctional. Institution and to Nucor Steel (near Cofield
outside of the FLUSA).
Local planners indicate that most of Gates County has access to public water service. The
exception is 6,000 acres of conservation land north of Tarheel. There is no county wide
sewer service, and the only facilities that have sewer are the Gates County Correction
Center, Gates County High School and Community Center and Central Middle School '
(all outside of the FLUSA).
`?' •:
Based upon these findings, TIP Project R-2507A, is unlikely to stimulate a great deal of
land development having complementary functions: Relatively long•distances to major'
urban centers, relatively low existing traffic volumes on intersecting roadways,-,and lack' ',d::"c •: r ^.
%''ofpublic sewer service throughout much of the FLUSA will likely'lin-it 'the amount of>'''
growth associated with TIP Project R-2507A. Some residential development may take s....':.'.': ..
place along US 13=158 and feeder roads due to improved access to a 4-1ane highway, buf.
it'should be-limitcd-in scale: `Commercial or industrial development along the-project
corridor will likely bc'confined to those areas in or just outside of Winton'or Tar}ieel:
Likely to influence'intraregional land development location decisions:
Typically; if the conditions arc favorable for development and/or a region is currently
undergoing urbanization, an enhancement in the transportation infrastructure is likely to•
influence where development will occur. In this case, conditions are marginally
favorable for development.
In conjunction with several other TIP Projects, the construction of TIP Project R-2507A
should improve access and regional traffic flow throughout Hertford and Gates Counties,
making it more attractive for industries that rely upon the transport of goods and services
within the region. Thus, the project could potentially influence location decisions for
these types of industries. However, due to the factors listed above (related to land
development having complementary functions), sluggish population growth and the
limited market for development, it is likely that the project will have minimal impact
upon all types of development throughout the region.
40
® TIP Project R-250 7A, Hertford & Gates Counties
Community Impact Assessment
November 1, 2007
min. . Pop,. Su- . S er ii cc . ,' Potent al
TIP Project-2507A is the widening of an existing 2-lane road into a 4-lane facility. The
4-lane sections would allow motorists -to, bypass turning g _vehicles; thereby creating a slight %
.. h
time savings.
Properties adjacent to theTIP.icorridor and along major connectors may experience a
slight increase in property values due to the improved regional mobility offered by a
widened roadway, but the increase is expected to be minimal.
According to the North Carolina State Demographics websitc, the population of Hertford
County is expected to.increase at an annual growth rate of less than 0.6%. Gates County
is likely to increase at an annual growth rate of less than 1.8%. It is anticipated that
annual population growth within the FLUSA will be somewhere between the rates of
Hertford and Gates Counties.
Indirect and Cumulative Effects
To further determine the potential for indirect and cumulative impacts as a result of TIP
Project R-2507A, an analysis of a set of quantitative factors was completed. This analysis
helps to determine the potential for land use change. Table 16 indicates the results of this
rating analysis:
Table 16. Potential for Land Use Change
"
- -
Land
- ? •
-
-, Change m .., a ..„ 'Supply
in., 7 VS.
- • Change-in °Property Forecastea 'L'and - Water/Sewer - Market For ',Public,-.
Rating Accessibility' aluesv ".Growth'=' _
Demand 'Availability Develo meet -Policy'-"
.
>3% <to-
Travel Time
' Annual Year Current Extremely
Savings > > 50% pop! Supply Services High Pro-
Strong' 10 min. 'Increase' ° Growth` -'oTLand" Potential Growth
X
X,
Xa• X. . .
X X X, s•,i.
Weak :Travel:Time,. „ ,,,No., :?•20, >.20-_..: .4:r No Extremely ,.Anti-_H?
Savings -5 2 . _Change ; . Annual- Year For Future Low Growth
i
....
.. ,..
'.'-:.
`Grow[h
-of Land
':i.'.,
.. ..
Although much of the land in the FLUSA is constrained for development because it is
wetland, floodplain, or used for agricultural purposes, greater than a 20-year supply of
developable land is available within the FLUSA given current growth rates. Public water
service exists along most of the US 13-158 corridor and throughout much of the FLUSA,
but existing sewer service is limited to the area around Winton and the Rivers
Correctional Inst i to t ion.
41
TIP Project R-2507A, Hertford & Gates Counties
Community 6npact Assessment
November 1, 2007
The market is slow, as evidenced by the fact that there is only one identified private
development project under construction in the FLUSA (Riversedge mixed-use
development). Relatively long distances to major urban centers, relatively low existing
traffic volumes on intersecting roadways, and lack of public sewer service throughout
much of the FLUSA will likely limit the amount of growth associated with TIP Project
R-2507A.
There is an effort by local officials to recruit additional industry and businesses to the
area. Planners indicate that Winton, Hertford County, and Gates County are generally
pro-growth communities.
Based on these factors, the overall potential for land use change is low.
i•.
Analysis Results
Evaluation of-IndirectEffects
The construction of a 4-lane median divided US 13-158 facility from US 158.in Hertford
County to Tarheel in Gates County should reduce congestion, improve safety along the
project corridor, and generally provide an improved roadway for business-investment:
With,respect to potential indirceteffects..related to this project, T1P. Project R-2507A-has: a: low. potentialAo, cause land. use changes or accelerate growth and development
throughout the FLUSA.', „
TIP Project R-2507A extends through low: growth; rural portions of Hertford and Gates:
Counties. Most of thiseland.is• unlikely to be developed. due to the presence of ;
environmental features such as wetlands, floodplains and the presence ofstate owned
lands (the Chowan Swarrip Game Lands). Any potential commercial development would
likely occur near Winton`oi in Gates County along US.13-158 between NC 137-and
Tarheel. Hertford County plans call for redevelopment-to-occur in areas of existing water
and sewer services (such as near Winton). Gates County, identifies two areas, or
crossroads communities, for low density development with some sort of commercial,
{ public or semi-public use as a focal point. These are Storys (near the intersection of NC
137 and Sandbank Road) and Tarheel (at the northern/eastern terminus of the project).
Any potential industrial development resulting from the project would likely be
concentrated in the Hertford County Industrial Park, near the intersection of US 158 and
US 13, or in close proximity to the NUCOR steel facility (outside the FLUSA).
Residential sales in Riversedge, west of US 13-158 in Hertford County, may be
somewhat accelerated by construction of the widened roadway.
Evaluation of Cumulative Effects
US 158 is one of the most important cast-west routes in North Carolina. As part of its
Strategic Highway Corridor designation by NCDOT, US 158 is envisioned as a 4-lane
median divided highway from the Triad to the coast. With the implementation of this
vision, it is anticipated that east-west mobility will be greatly improved for north-central
and northeastern North Carolina. Cumulatively, eventual access to four interstates
(future I-73, future 1-74, I-85, and 1 -95) within an approximately 175-mile stretch of 4-
42
® TIP Project R-2507A, Hertford & Gates Counties
Community Impact Assessment
November 1, 2007
lane roadway along US 158 should enable industries to better transport goods and
services throughout the region. US 13 is also an important route through eastern North
Carolina. The cumulative effects of several TIP Projects, including TIP Projects R-2205,
R-2507B&C, R-2578 and R-2583 should improve traffic flow throughout the region and
improve connectivity of the road network.
Existing land planning and development policies, the presence of natural features, the
lack of access to new land (since the project will be constructed almost entirely on
existing alignment), the large amount of rural land, limited availability of utilities outside
built-up areas (especially sewer), low population growth, and limited development
pressures should limit the potential for induced growth to further degrade the water
quality in the area.
ICE Conclusions
:The, potential =for- indirect effects as a result of TIP Project R-2507A is low. TIP Project
R,25,07A extends through low-growth, rural portions of Hertford and Gates Counties.
Most of this land is unlikely to be developed due to the presence of environmental
features such as wetlands; floodplatns and the presence of state owned lands (the Chowan
Swamp. Game Lands)
.. Due, to;existing•,development-and travel patterns;;tt is anticipated that any potential
i
-commercial development resulting-from the project would likelyoccur• near Winton or.
:along US 13 1.58 betweep NC l37 and Tarheel Similarly,
any potential- industrial ;
.
--
f .!
,• development.resultmg'•from",the.project,wouldaikely,be concentrated in%the Hertford
.
YH
•
:_
t,:; County Industrial Park, near the intersection of,US 158 and US 13, or in close proximity} .
.
nt
.'to the NUCOR steel facility (outside the FLUSA). Sales in Riversedge; west of US,l 3-
J 58 in•Hertford County; may be somewhat accelerated by construction of the widened.
!,....:.. .c, ... _ ,roadway: „ ..... :..
The cumulative effects of several TIP. Projects, including TIP. Projects R-2205, R-
2507B&C, R-2578 and R-2583 should improve traffic flow throughout the region and
improve the movement of people, goods, and services. Existing land planning and
development policies, the presence of natural features, the lack ofaccess to new land
(since the project will be constructed almost entirely on existing alignment), the large
amount of rural land, limited availability of utilities outside built-up areas (especially
sewer), low population growth, and limited development pressures should limit the
potential for growth in the general vicinity of the proposed project. Considering all of
these factors, the cumulative effects stemming from the proposed project should be
limited and minor to moderate.
Findines/Recommendations
• In an effort to reduce potential access-related impacts from construction, it is
recommended that temporary driveways be provided for existing businesses and
residences along the corridor which may lose regular access during construction.
43