20120285_Meeting Minutes_20071018

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0 NORTH CAROLINA
Turnpike Authority
Turnpike Environmental Agency Coordination
(TEAQ Meeting -West
MEETING MINUTES
(Draft)
Date: September 27, 2007
1:30 pm to 3:20 pm
NC Turnpike Authority Board Room
Project: STIP U-3321 Gaston E-W Connector - STP-1213(6)
Gaston E-W Connector Spotlight:
Attendees:
George Hoops. FHWA
Donnie Brew, FHWA
Michael Culp, FHWA
Steve Lund, USACE
Scott McLendon, USACE
Kathy Matthews, EPA
Chris Miltscher, EPA
Polly Lespinasse, NCDWQ
Marla Chambers, NCWRC
Marella Buncick, USFWS
Dewayne Sykes. NCDOT-Roadway
Dan Grissom, NCDOT-Division 12
Elizabeth Lusk, NCDOT-NEU
Tony Houser, NCDOT-Roadway
Kristina Solberg, NCDOT-PDEA
Teresa Hart, NCDOT-PDEA
Steve DeWitt, NCTA
Reid Simons, NCTA
Jennifer Harris, NCTA
Ross Andrews, EcoScience Corp.
Michael Gloden, EcoScience Corp.
Jeff Dayton, HNTB
Jill Gurak, PBS&J
Kim Bereis, PBS&J
Amanda Huber, PBS&J
Presentation Materials (Posted on TEAC Website):
• Meeting Agenda
• PowerPoint Presentation
• Detailed Study Alternatives (DSAs) Display
• Handout 1- Elimination of Detailed Study Corridor Segment K1D
• Handout 2- NCDOT Geotechnical Report Update for Fly Ash Basin
General Discussion:
• Purpose - The purpose of the meeting was to provide further updates on recently completed/ongoing
environmental and technical studies, recent correspondence with Duke Power supporting elimination of
detailed study corridor segment K1 D, and next steps towards the DEIS. The NCTA requested comments,
issues and concerns from the agencies regarding environmental issues based on the recently
completedlongoing studies.
• PowerPoint Presentation - Topics highlighted in the PowerPoint presentation included a summary of the
Natural Resources Technical Report (NRTR), activities related to the recent "Rapanos" decision regarding
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additional USACE forms needed for jurisdictional resources, a summary of findings from the Draft
Community Characteristics Report (CCR), toll traffic forecasting status, information related to the Duke
Power Allen Steam Station Fly Ash Basin, current studies/activities, upcoming/future studies and
scheduling of field tours.
The presentation material is summarized below:
Natural Resources Overview
o Ross Andrews (EcoScience) provided an overview of the NRTR. Mr. Andrews discussed the
various natural communities (terrestrial, animal, and aquatic) in the study area as well as federally
protected species, 303(d)-listed streams and wetlands. Mr. Andrews summarized the organization
of the report and investigations by the three sub-consultants for the three project segments.
o Mr. Andrews also discussed applying the "Rapanos" jurisdictional forms to the project, the
coordination taking place with the USACE, and estimated time to complete additional forms.
o The NRTR is near completion for submittal to NCDOT for review. After the report is finalized, hard
copies will be provided to the agencies.
• Community Characteristics Overview
o Kim Bereis (PBS&J) provided a summary of findings from the Community Characteristics Report
(CCR) including demographic information, community resources, proposed school locations within
the corridors for two DSAs and an overview of neighborhoods and communities in the study area.
o The CCR will be provided to NCDOT for comment. The next step is the Community Impact
Assessment (CIA).
• Toll Traffic Forecasting Studies
o Jill Gurak (PBS&J) noted that MAB and Wilbur Smith Associates are coordinating regarding model
assumptions, and that toll scenario traffic forecasts will be completed this year.
Duke Power Allen Steam Station Fly Ash Basin
o Ms. Gurak presented recently received information related to the Allen Steam Station that warrants
consideration of eliminating detailed corridor Segment KID from detailed study. Segment K1 D
traverses a retired Fly Ash Basin (approximately 76 acres in size) south of the Allen Steam Station
main plant.
o Duke Power provided their plans for the retired Fly Ash Basin in an August 7, 2007 memo. Duke
Power is planning to construct a landfill on the Fly Ash Basin site, with construction anticipated to
begin in 2008. NCDOT's Geotechnical Unit reviewed the memo and concluded roadway
construction over the retired basin would not be feasible. Due to the interference with plant
operations and infeasibility for constructing an alignment above the proposed 150-foot high landfill
elevation, the NCTA proposed eliminating segment K1 D from further consideration for detailed
study. This would eliminate 4 of the 16 DSAs (6, 24, 65, and 78). All in attendance agreed that
based on the information provided by Duke Power, corridor segment K1 D is not feasible, and it is
reasonable to eliminate the DSAs that include Segment K1 D from further study.
• Upcoming and Current Studies/Activities
o Supplemental Historic Architectural Survey Work is anticipated to be complete in December for
additional properties being studied for eligibility. An eligibility meeting with HPO will be scheduled
when that work is nearing completion.
o Louis Berger is undertaking the Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects analysis, and a draft of
the report is scheduled to be complete in January.
o The Preliminary Hydraulic Analysis Report is on schedule for completion in late October.
o Existing Noise Measurements are scheduled for October.
o Work on Farmland Soils and Natural Resource Conservation Service coordination is underway.
o After completion of the field verification meetings, additional progress on the preliminary designs
and determinations of eligibility by the HPO, it is believed that some of the DSA corridors may be
candidates for elimination prior to inclusion in the DEIS. As this information becomes available, it
will be presented to the environmental agencies. This information will likely be presented near the
end of the year or beginning of 2008.
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o Natural resources field tours will be scheduled as the agencies provide their availability. No
representative from HPO was in attendance. NCTA will follow-up and solicit available dates from
the agencies and contact HPO regarding their interest in a tour for historic resources.
• Wrap-up/Next Steps
o The October TEAC meeting is anticipated to be a snapshot of project activities.
o Concurrence Point 2A Meeting is tentatively scheduled for early 2008.
o A Preliminary DEIS is scheduled for delivery to the NCTA in June 2008.
Q&A:
What is the status of the Biological Conclusion for bald eagles?
Bald eagle surveys were conducted in 2006/2007 and no evidence of bald eagles nests were found in the study
corridor. In addition, following these surveys, bald eagles were de-listed.
Do the attendees agree that Detailed Study Corridor Segment KID should be eliminated from further study?
All attendees were in agreement that, based on the information provided by Duke Power, corridor Segment K1 D is
not feasible, and it is reasonable to eliminate the DSAs that include Segment K1 D from further study,
The DEIS needs to address the infeasibility of alternatives that involve improving existing roadways due to the
project now being proposed as a toll facility.
This will be discussed in Chapter 2 of the DEIS.
Is this project still in the Merger Process?
Yes, this project is still in the Merger Process. (A discussion ensued whether previous decisions by some agencies
to "abstain" at CP 2 precluded those abstaining agencies from participating in future concurrence points in the
process.) Since this project is moving forward as a toll facility (and will be reflected as such in the updated LRTP),
and because improving existing roadways is not feasible for a toll facility according to state law, those agencies that
previously abstained agreed that there is an advantage to leaving the project in the Merger Process. A decision
was made to bridge the gap between previous Concurrence Point 2 activities and Concurrence forms, and the
"new" set of assumptions moving forward. This could be accomplished through a memorandum that describes the
history of CP 2 for the project, and activities with regard to DSAs to date. This memo will not only provide history,
but will essentially document a "new" CP 2 to reflect the tolling only option and the elimination of Segment K1 D.
Did Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens (DSBG) have any concerns with respect to access? If so, please provide a
summary of their concerns to the merger team.
DSBG supports this project. A May 19, 2003 scoping letter from DSBG is provided with the minutes.
Does the Purpose and Need have to be revisited because of tolling, and what are the implications with the new
Section 6002 requirements?
No, because the project's Purpose and Need is still valid whether the project is tolled or not. Tolling can/will be
used in screening the feasibility of alternatives. Notices of Intent (NOI) issued after August 10, 2005 are subject to
Section 6002. The NOI for Gaston was issued on April 27, 2006. Per FHWA's request, a memo will be developed
to document early coordination efforts for this project.
When will the NRTR be available?
Once approved by the NCDOT, hard copies will be provided to the team, and it will be posted to the TEAC website.
This should be available in October or November.
Previous Action Items:
None
New Action Items:
• There was a lot of interest in scheduling field tours for natural resources. Agencies will send Jennifer
Harris available dates in November and early December for a two-day site visit.
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• Provide a summary of public and agency coordination activities that have occurred for this project up to and
through September 20, 2005 (resolution of Concurrence Point 2).
• Develop a memorandum to document the history of Concurrence Point 2 for this project.
• Provide hard copies of the NRTR to the agencies.
Resolutions:
• Attendees all agreed that construction of a roadway along Detailed Study Corridor Segment K1 D is not
feasible and Detailed Study Alternatives that contain this segment (DSAs 6, 24, 65, and 78) can be
eliminated from further study.
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Date: September 27, 2007
3:20 pm to 5:00 pm
NC Turnpike Authority Board Room
Project: STIP R-3329 Monroe Connector- NHF-74(21)
STIP R-2559 Monroe Bypass - NHF-74(8)
Monroe Connector / Bypass Spotlight:
Additional Attendees:
John Conforti, NCDOT-PDEA
Christy Shumate, HNTB
Carl Gibilaro, PBS&J
Kiersten Giugno, PBS&J
Presentation Materials (Posted on the TEAC website):
• Meeting Agenda
• Second Qualitative Screening Presentation
• Second Qualitative Screening Figures
• Project Study Area and Preliminary Study Corridors Map (updated 9-19-07)
• Corridor 18A Figure
• Corridor 22A Figure
• MUMPO Resolution Recommending the Collection of Tolls on the Monroe Bypass Section of the Monroe
Connector/Bypass
General Discussion:
• Purpose - The purpose of the meeting was to conclude discussions on the Statement of Purpose and
Need and first qualitative screening of conceptual alternatives and begin discussions on the second
qualitative screening of preliminary study corridors and preliminary quantitative third screening data.
• Updates - Updates were given on several ongoing tasks:
o Threatened and Endangered Species - Surveys for federally-listed species with limited survey
windows for identification have been scoped and the work is currently underway. Surveys are being
conducted for smooth coneflower, Michaux's sumac, and Schweintz's sunflower. Since detailed
study alternatives (DSAs) are not yet determined, the study area will encompass the larger areas
associated with the corridors to be carried forward for the quantitative third screening.
o Public Involvement - There has been a significant level of public involvement by an organized local
group known as CARE (Citizens Against Route Eighteen), who oppose Corridor Segment 18.
Therefore, Corridor Segment 18A was developed to avoid and minimize impacts to residences in
the area. Similarly, substantial opposition to Corridor Segment 22 has been raised by residents of
the Bonterra Village subdivision, which resulted in the development of Corridor Segment 22A.
Maps showing these corridors have been posted to the NCTA website.
o MUMPO - On September 19, 2007, MUMPO passed a resolution recommending the NCTA
construct the Monroe Connector/Bypass as a single toll facility. MUMPO had previously endorsed
tolling the Monroe Connector portion of the project. The resolution also indicates that MUMPO will
update its long range transportation plan to include the Bypass portion as a toll facility.
o Historic Architecture Update - NCDOT-HEU has completed an update of the Historic Architecture
surveys completed during previous studies.
o Indirect and Cumulative Effects (ICE) - Comments on the Scope of Work for the ICE distributed at
the August TEAC meeting were received from NCWRC and have been incorporated into the
scope.
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Draft Statement of Purpose and Need - Two sets of comments on the draft Statement of Purpose and
Need were received. The majority of the comments were editorial with the exception of two issues: 1)
Basis for the statement that Union County is the fastest growing county in North Carolina, and 2) Why the
existing crash data was not compared to the State rate. In response to the first issue, the Purpose and
Need was revised to clarify the growth of Union County. In response to the second issue, it was explained
that safety is not identified as a purpose or need for the project. The crash data for the area is included in
the existing conditions section of the Statement of Purpose and Need as evidence of the level of
congestion in the area.
• Alternatives Evaluation Report - An Alternatives Evaluation Report will be prepared that includes the first
and second qualitative screenings, the third quantitative screening, and a recommendation of DSAs to be
studied in detail in the DEIS. This report is currently scheduled for distribution to the agencies on
November 5, 2007. The agencies will be asked to respond with comments within 30 days. A determination
on DSAs will be made at the December 5, 2007 TEAC meeting.
• Qualitative First Screening - No comments were received on the qualitative first screening. The
conclusion of the first screening was to consider new location alternatives, upgrade existing facilities
alternatives and hybrid new location/upgrade existing alternatives. All alternatives would consist of a
freeway-type facility in order to meet the project purpose and need and allow for tolling.
Qualitative Second Screening - The results of the Second Qualitative Screening were presented:
o Corridor Segments along existing US 74 (0, 1, 9, 8, 44, 42, and 43), as well as Corridor Segments
2, 5, 6, 24+26, and 7A were evaluated individually. Corridor Segments 5, 6, and 13 were
recommended for elimination due to high impacts to human resources.
o Corridor Segments 18, 18A, 13, 14, 22, 22A, 30, 34+37, 35+37, 36, 41, and 40 were qualitatively
compared within areas. Corridor Segments 18, 13, 14, 22, 34+37, 35+37, and 41 were
recommended for elimination from further consideration due to comparatively high impacts to
natural or human resources.
o Several Corridor Segments were combined to form single study corridors (some greater than 1000
feet): 12/21A, 25/27/29, 33A/33B/36, and 38/39.
o Based on other recommended eliminations, Corridor Segments 3, 7, 16, 19, and 20 are eliminated
because their connecting segments were removed from consideration.
USEPA commented that rough magnitudes of impact would be helpful in evaluating these corridor
segments. USFWS noted that impacts to farmland in the eastern portion of the project should be
minimized, as should bisecting large areas of open space throughout the project area.
Because of the public interest surrounding Corridor Segments 18 and 22, the group was asked for their
initial thoughts of replacing Segments 18 and 22 with 18A and 22A. No initial concerns were raised for
Corridor Segment 22. One concern was raised over Corridor Segment 18A, which is located in an area not
surveyed as part of previous NCDOT studies. Therefore, there may be additional unknown wetland or
stream impacts related to this Corridor Segment. NCTA will send a team out during the week of October 1
to investigate this area and identify whether any large or high quality wetlands are present. This information
will be provided to the agencies as soon as it is available.
There were no initial objections to the recommendation to eliminate Corridor Segments 3, 5, 6, 13, 14, 18,
19, 20, 22, 34 + 37, 35 + 37, and 41. However, the agencies have 30 days to review and comment on the
recommendations as a result of this screening.
Q&A:
Could Corridor Segment 18A follow Corridor Segment 18 at the west end, where there appears to be less
wetland and stream impacts?
At this point in the study process, 1,000-foot study corridors are being evaluated. Alignments will be determined
after this round of screening and will attempt to avoid and minimize impacts. It would be possible for the
alignment of Corridor Segment 18A to shift closer to Corridor Segment 18 at the west end.
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Should human environment factors be considered in the eastern portion of the project area where some right of
way was previously acquired by NCDOT?
For this analysis, right-of-way ownership was not considered on its own. However, the corridors that follow this
right of way do have fewer (or no) relocations.
Can alternatives be fairly compared with different levels of data? For instance, some corridors are similar to
corridors studied during previous studies and have more detailed field data available than corridors that are
new to this study.
Because we are still at the qualitative analysis stage, we are qualitatively comparing existing data, gathered
from available GIs data and mapping. For the next screening, impacts will be calculated and quantified using
this available data. Field delineations will be conducted for the detailed study alternatives.
Can NCTA provide a summary list of the corridor segments eliminated and carried forward?
Yes, a summary list will be prepared, provided to the group, and posted to the TEAC website.
Previous Action Items:
• Obtain agency input on draft Statement of Purpose and Need, first qualitative screening of conceptual
alternatives, preliminary study corridors and scope of work for indirect and cumulative impact studies.
[Comments were received from NCDOT-Roadway and NCWRC.]
New Action Items:
• Agencies to review presentation of second qualitative screening of preliminary study corridors and provide
comments by October 17, 2007.
• NCTA to prepare and distribute a summary of the qualitative screening results.
• NCTA will post relevant impact information from the Monroe Bypass EA/FONSI and the Monroe Connector
DEIS to the TEAC website.
Resolutions:
• None
Next Steps:
• October 17, 2007 TEAC meeting will be a spotlight update. Comments received on the second qualitative
screening will be reviewed. The results of the quantitative third screening and recommended Detailed
Study Alternatives will be presented and discussed.
Turnpike Environmental Agency Coordination Meeting - West 9/27/07