20061074 Ver 1_Application_20060705

?,. SWf o
STATE of NORTH CAROLINA
-r ? O
ys?gr s
°o
s
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GOVERNOR
June 27, 2006
Mr. David Baker, NCDOT Regulatory Project Manager
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
151 Patton Avenue, Room 208
Asheville, NC 28801-2714
Subject: NW 23 Permit Application
Bridge Number 81 on SR 1311 over Big Tuni Creek
Clay County
State Project: B-4854 (DWQ Notification Only)
Dear Mr. Baker:
LYNDO TIPPETT
SECRETARY
O T-4.
{ cl

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is proposing to replace Bridge
Number 81 on Tuni Gap Road, SR 1311, over Big Tuni Creek (C, Tr, HQW) in Clay County.
NCDOT proposes to replace this structure at the existing location. The road will be closed to
traffic during the construction process. The new bridge is designed to minimize impacts by
implementing longer spans and increasing hydraulic capacity. The removal of the existing
structure shall be performed by sawing and/or non-shattering methods such that debris will not fall
into the water. All work will be performed in a dry environment. Sandbag cofferdams will be
used if necessary to ensure a clean, dry work area, and to minimize impacts to aquatic habitats.
I am attaching the Categorical Exclusion document. The USGS map location and a marked
county map are in the CE document.
The North Carolina Natural Heritage Database was checked for records of federally threatened
and endangered species. There are no records of threatened and endangered species for the entire
Big Tuni Creek watershed. This bridge will be replaced with another spanning structure that will
minimize long term impacts and will result in only very minimal impact during construction. The
stream at the bridge site is a cold water trout stream and is not suitable for freshwater mussels.
For these reasons, this project will have "no effect" on threatened and endangered species
B-4854 on SR 1311 Page 2 June 27, 2006
Impacts to historic or cultural resources are not anticipated. Based on a review by the State
Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the Office of State Archaeology, this project will have
no effect on historic or archaeological resources.
Impacts to Waters of the United States
Big Tuni Creek is at least a 3°' order stream at the project site with a well-defined channel and is
shown on the USGS topographic maps as a blue line stream. The stream is of sufficient size to
support fish, including trout, and other aquatic organisms. The stream channel is composed of
boulder, cobble and gravel and lacks vegetation. Therefore, we believe that Big Tuni Creek is
under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers. In order to construct the project, it
will be necessary to impact waters of the United States in the Hiwassee River Basin. Specifically,
NCDOT is requesting to replace Clay County Bridge No. 81 with a cored slab structure. Listed
below is a summary of the proposed impacts.
Site No.
Station Existing Condition Proposed Condition Net Impacts
Site 1 Western Existing End Structure Removal and Replace 0'
Bent (60 Sq. Ft.) with Class R Rip Rap
60 S . Ft.
Site 2 Eastern Existing End Structure Removal and Replace 0'
Bent (60 Sq. Ft.) with Class II Rip Rap
60 S . Ft.
Total net impact from new structure = 0 Sq. Ft.
Since the existing end bent removal of 60 square feet is equal to the placement of 60 square feet
of rip rap associated with the new bridge, there will be no net impact. Therefore, there will be no
mitigation required for this project.
The best management practices will be used to minimize and control sedimentation and erosion on
this project. The construction foreman will review all erosion control measures daily to ensure
sedimentation and erosion is being effectively controlled. If the planned devices are not
functioning as intended, they will be immediately replaced with better devices.
Permits Requested
NCDOT is hereby requesting authorization under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act to proceed
with the construction project outlined above. By copy of this letter, I am asking Ms. Marla
Chambers, Highway Projects Coordinator, of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
(NCWRC) to comment directly to you concerning the 404 Nationwide Permit request.
Additionally, I am asking Ms. Chambers and Mr. Ed Ingle, Roadside Environmental Field
Operations Engineer (NCDOT), to comment directly to me concerning this permit request.
B-4854 on SR 1311 Page 3 June 27, 2006
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact me at [phone].
Your early review and consideration will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
C.D. Lee, El
Division 14 Bridge Maintenance Engineer
cc: Mr. John Hennessy, DWQ, DENR Raleigh (2 Courtesy Copies) ?
Ms. Marla Chambers, Highway Projects Coordinator, NCWRC
Mr. Joel Setzer, P.E., Division Engineer, NCDOT, Sylva
Mr. Mark Davis, Division Environmental Officer, NCDOT
Mr. E. L. Ingle, Roadside Environmental Field Operations Engineer, NCDOT
CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION ACTION CLASSIFICATION FORM
A.
B.
C.
TIP Project No.
State Project No.
Federal Project No
Project Description:
B-4854
38064.1.1
BRZ-1311(7)
The project will replace Bridge No. 81 on SR 1311 (Tuni Gap Road) over Big
Tuni Creek in Clay County with a new bridge at approximately the same
elevation as the existing bridge. The new structure and roadway will be located
in the same approximate location as the existing bridge and roadway. The new
bridge will be approximately 60 feet in length and 27 feet in width with a clear
roadway width of 24 feet. The approach roadway will consist of two 10-foot
travel lanes and grassed shoulders two feet wide. The shoulder widths will be
increased to five feet where guardrail is warranted. Total project length will be
approximately 500 feet. The project location is shown on the attached map.
Purpose and Need:
Bridge No. 81 has a sufficiency rating of 54.1 out of 100. It is classified as
structurally deficient, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation,
Bridge Maintenance Unit has determined this bridge needs to be replaced.
Proposed Improvements:
Circle one or more of the following Type II improvements which apply to the project:
Modernization of a highway by resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation,
reconstruction, adding shoulders, or adding auxiliary lanes (e.g., parking,
weaving, turning, climbing).
a. Restoring, Resurfacing, Rehabilitating, and Reconstructing pavement (3R
and 4R improvements)
b. Widening roadway and shoulders without adding through lanes
c. Modernizing gore treatments
d. Constructing lane improvements (merge, auxiliary, and turn lanes)
e. Adding shoulder drains
f. Replacing and rehabilitating culverts, inlets, and drainage pipes, including
safety treatments
g. Providing driveway pipes
h. Performing minor bridge widening (less than one through lane)
i. Slide Stabilization
j. Structural BMP's for water quality improvement
2. Highway safety or traffic operations improvement projects including the
installation of ramp metering control devices and lighting.
a. Installing ramp metering devices
b. Installing lights
c. Adding or upgrading guardrail
d. Installing safety barriers including Jersey type barriers and pier protection
C. Installing or replacing impact attenuators
f. Upgrading medians including adding or upgrading median barriers
g. Improving intersections including relocation and/or realignment
h. Making minor roadway realignment
i. Channelizing traffic
j. Performing clear zone safety improvements including removing hazards
and flattening slopes
k. Implementing traffic aid systems, signals, and motorist aid
1. Installing bridge safety hardware including bridge rail retrofit
3O Bridge rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement or the construction of grade
separation to replace existing at-grade railroad crossings.
a. Rehabilitating, reconstructing, or replacing bridge approach slabs
b. Rehabilitating or replacing bridge decks
c. Rehabilitating bridges including painting (no red lead paint), scour repair,
fender systems, and minor structural improvements
O Replacing a bridge (structure and/or fill)
4. Transportation corridor fringe parking facilities.
5. Construction of new truck weigh stations or rest areas.
6. Approvals for disposal of excess right-of-way or for joint or limited use of right-
of-way, where the proposed use does not have significant adverse impacts.
7. Approvals for changes in access control.
8. Construction of new bus storage and maintenance facilities in areas used
predominantly for industrial or transportation purposes where such construction is
not inconsistent with existing zoning and located on or near a street with adequate
capacity to handle anticipated bus and support vehicle traffic.
9. Rehabilitation or reconstruction of existing rail and bus buildings and ancillary
facilities where only minor amounts of additional land are required and there is
not a substantial increase in the number of users.
10. Construction of bus transfer facilities (an open area consisting of passenger
shelters, boarding areas, kiosks and related street improvements) when located in
a commercial area or other high activity center in which there is adequate street
capacity for projected bus traffic.
11. Construction of rail storage and maintenance facilities in areas used
predominantly for industrial or transportation purposes where such construction is
not inconsistent with existing zoning and where there is no significant noise
impact on the surrounding community.
12. Acquisition of land for hardship or protective purposes, advance land acquisition
loans under section 3(b) of the LMT Act. Hardship and protective buying will be
permitted only for a particular parcel or a limited number of parcels. These types
of land acquisition qualify for a CE only where the acquisition will not limit the
evaluation of alternatives, including shifts in alignment for planned construction
projects, which may be required in the NEPA process. No project development
on such land may proceed until the NEPA process has been completed.
13. Acquisition and construction of wetland, stream and endangered species
mitigation sites.
14. Remedial activities involving the removal, treatment or monitoring of soil or
groundwater contamination pursuant to state or federal remediation guidelines.
D. Special Project Information:
Environmental Commitments:
A Best Usage Classification of C, along with the supplemental classification of High
Quality Waters (HQW), has been assigned to Big Turn Creek. In order to minimize
potential impacts to water resources in the project area, a stringent erosion-control
schedule will be followed, and NCDOT's Best Management Practices for the Protection
of Surface Waters will be strictly enforced during the construction phase of the project.
NCDOT's Best Management Practices for Bridge Demolition and Removal must be
applied for removal of this bridge.
A Best Usage Classification of C, along with the supplemental classification of Trout
Waters (Tr), has been assigned to Big Tuni Creek. Therefore, NCDOT should follow all
stream crossing guidelines for trout waters, including an in-water work moratorium from
January 1 to April 15.
Big Tuni Creek is listed as Designated Mountain Trout Waters (Hatchery Supported
Trout Waters) (NCWRC 2004). Generally, the state requires a 25-foot buffer adjacent to
streams designated as Trout Waters. Proposed activities with the trout buffer may need
to be approved by either the Sedimentation Control Commission (G.S. 113A-57(1)) or
the NC Division of Land Resources (NCDLR) (15A NCAC 0413.0125).
Permits:
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Act Section 26a
Estimated Traffic:
Current - 20 vpd
Year 2020 - 40 vpd
Proposed Typical Cross Section and Maintenance of Traffic:
The approach roadway will consist of two 10-foot travel lanes and grassed
shoulders two feet wide. The shoulder widths will be increased to five feet where
guardrail is warranted. The existing bridge will be closed during construction, and
pedestrian access will be provided for the one resident on the north side of Big
Tuni Creek.
Design Speed:
40 mph
Functional Classification:
SR 1311 is classified as a rural local road in the Statewide Functional
Classification system. SR 1311 is also on the US Forest Highway System.
Division Office Comments:
The Division 14 Maintenance Engineer supports the chosen alternate and proposed
method for maintaining traffic during construction.
Bridge Demolition:
The proposed bridge replacement will allow for continuation of pre-project stream
flows in Big Tuni Creek, thereby protecting the integrity of this waterway. Long-
term impacts resulting from construction are expected to be negligible. In order to
minimize impacts to water resources, NCDOT's Best Management Practices for
the Protection of Surface Waters will be strictly enforced during the entire life of
the project.
E. Threshold Criteria
The following evaluation of threshold criteria must be completed for Type II actions
ECOLOGICAL YES NO
(1) Will the project have a substantial impact on any
unique or important natural resource? X
(2) Does the project involve habitat where federally
listed endangered or threatened species may occur? X
(3) Will the project affect anadromous fish?
?
X
(4) If the project involves wetlands, is the amount of
permanent and/or temporary wetland taking less than
one-tenth (1/10) of an acre and have all practicable measures

to avoid and minimize wetland takings been evaluated?
h/a ?
(5) Will the project require the use of U. S. Forest Service lands? ?
X

(6) Will the quality of adjacent water resources be adversely
impacted by proposed construction activities? X
(7) Does the project involve waters classified as Outstanding Water ?
Resources (OWR) and/or High Quality Waters (HQW)? X
(8) Will the project require fill in waters of the United States
in any of the designated mountain trout counties? X
(9) Does the project involve any known underground storage
tanks (UST's) or hazardous materials sites? X
4
PERMITS AND COORDINATION YES NO
(10) If the project is located within a CAMA county, will the
project significantly affect the coastal zone and/or any
"Area of Environmental Concern" (AEC)? 11/1
(11) Does the project involve Coastal Barrier Resources Act
resources? X
(12) Will a U. S. Coast Guard permit be required?
?
X
(13) Will the project result in the modification of any existing
regulatory floodway? X
(14) Will the project require any stream relocations or channel
changes? X
SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND CULTURAL RESOURCES YES NO
(15) Will the project induce substantial impacts to planned
growth or land use for the area? X
(16) Will the project require the relocation of any family or
business? X
(17) Will the project have a disproportionately high and adverse
human health and environmental effect on any minority or
low-income population? X
(18) If the project involves the acquisition of right of way, is the

amount of right of way acquisition considered minor? ?
X
(19) Will the project involve any changes in access control?
?
X
(20) Will the project substantially alter the usefulness
and/or land use of adjacent property? X
(21) Will the project have an adverse effect on permanent
local traffic patterns or community cohesiveness? X
(22) Is the project included in an approved thoroughfare plan
and/or Transportation Improvement Program (and is,

therefore, in conformance with the Clean Air Act of 1990)? ?
X
(23) Is the project anticipated to cause an increase in traffic

volumes? ?
X
(24) Will traffic be maintained during construction using existing
roads, staged construction, or on-site detours? X
5
(25) If the project is a bridge replacement project, will the bridge
be replaced at its existing location (along the existing facility)
and will all construction proposed in association with the
bridge replacement project be contained on the existing facility? X
(26) Is there substantial controversy on social, economic, or
environmental grounds concerning the project? X
(27) Is the project consistent with all Federal, State, and local laws

relating to the environmental aspects of the project? X ?
(28) Will the project have an "effect" on structures/properties
eligible for or listed on the National Register of Historic Places? X
(29) Will the project affect any archaeological remains which are
important to history or pre-history? X
(30) Will the project require the use of Section 4(f) resources
(public parks, recreation lands, wildlife and waterfowl refuges,
historic sites, or historic bridges, as defined in Section 4(f)
of the U. S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966)? X
(31) Will the project result in any conversion of assisted public
recreation sites or facilities to non-recreation uses, as defined
by Section 6(f) of the Land and Water Conservation Act
of 1965, as amended? X
(32) Will the project involve construction in, across, or adjacent
to a river designated as a component of or proposed for
inclusion in the Natural System of Wild and Scenic Rivers? X
F. Additional Documentation Required for Unfavorable Responses in Part E
(2). According to the February 5, 2003 FWS list, two species w ith the
Endangered (E), Threatened (T), or Proposed (P) classification are listed for Clay
County: bog turtle (T[S/A]) and green pitcher plant (E). Based on data included
in the Natural Resources Technical Report, prepared by Ecoscience Corporation
bioglists, this project will have no adverse affect on any of these species.
(7). Big Tuni Creek is classified as High Quality Waters (HQW). This project will
not require fill in waters, and the existing bridge is expected to be removed
without dropping components into waters of the United States. Temporary
construction impacts due to erosion and sedimentation will be minimized through
implementation of a stringent erosion-control schedule and the use of Best
Management Practices (BMPs).
(24). The existing bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic during construction of
the proposed bridge. SR 1311 north of Big Tuni Creek serves one residence and
provides access to US Forestry Service lands. The resident that lives just north of
the project site has agreed to have access to his property temporarily limited to
pedestrian access only.
(25). The new structure will be constructed at the existing location; however, it
will be longer and will extend outside the limits of the existing bridge to the north
and the south. The approaching roadway widths will also be wider.
G.
CE Approval
TIP Project No.
State Project No.
Federal-Aid Project No
Bridge Maintenance Unit
Proiect Description:
The project will replace Bridge No. 81 on SR 1311 (Tuni Gap Road) over Big
Tuni Creek in Clay County with a new bridge at approximately the same
elevation as the existing bridge. The new structure and roadway will be located
in the same approximate location as the existing bridge and roadway. The new
bridge will be approximately 60 feet in length and 27 feet in width with a clear
roadway width of 24 feet. The approach roadway will consist of two 10-foot
travel lanes and grassed shoulders two feet wide. The shoulder widths will be
increased to five feet where guardrail is warranted. Total project length will be
approximately 500 feet. The project location is shown on the attached map.
Categorical Exclusion Action Classification: (Check one)
B-4854
38064.1.1
BRZ-1311(7)
TYPE II(A)
X TYPE II(B)
Approved:
2- 0
Date
ate r ject Manager
For Type II (B) projects only:
at/ isi on Adminis a or
Federal Highway Administratid
Ko & Associates P.C.
Figures
i
t
v?
by
Go?Q.
1307
J
1,
hv? 1311/ 1 f /"1 1
BRIDGE NO. 81
1307
1 , 1346
1311 1307
1' 1

WOO.
w^<s
HAMTAHALA _ \ r,,< w••n rw ?,1;."- ?°i
w?ov i? Apgn!
E f K . En.*nn cmwau
T ter,',..` .l'A
-may
9

G
i
1 ` V
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Bridge Maintenance Unit
BRIDGE NO. 81
SR 1311 OVER TUNI CREEK
CLAY COUNTY
B-4854
VICINITY MAP
0 1 2
GRAPHIC SCALE (MILES) FIGURE I
r.
i I 1 I _I i j + .p - LAl
-04
Od 1 it ,1 - ,
N`-
i of
\ ? / t / _ r I \?.. V 1
k' 11
Bridge No. 81
l /
ultc,-Chr j l I 1 ?, ,1. Z rc.? I (' \Yt! Ili ?+ ??
? ? X18"„? tit _ ?'' / t\\\I;;;,, v ?7 ?•? jl ? A
IV
C ,
\ ,?\ / ?? // rrJJ,, ,i / •:?`? \ - +i ,I -d ? I ? ? (! , 111111' \\\ ' \ r (r-", 1 J 1
'r
?)f '? /?\ ''-t{,- -//? pii `,1f?./r 1' ? -?,' ?. ? rl•1 ? ?? ? r??\ 1`(`?'?',it
1itl ((?? i1? (''d rrr ? ,? ;?1 ?{,,' )\'??_f?? - ?')(a t i'? (',! •?\ ? ?• l? ' / ( / r ??f ? h .y\, 1???'I o
\ ),' \?.. ??? ? ''?/r )?I' ? 1?`? ? \? `? 1` '? 1?/ 1, 'r a.?\. ?+ .? / \•' ? r: ? / ? i (
I(? /.I(? /< /:( lI 11/•11 ? ? r=?l '/ ? ?; /. ???r ?.? ...?.????'?`
1 r' f r \ 1' f \\ 1. J
\K
.•) Irr ?I' i`? '??\??///?\?a! ??--" /'l1 /r. \ t?(?''( _ i. ( !1+1 `\ r,^ ` /\? ?\1111 / ?1 , '1/ ,. _ ?:
/((?' {?(/ `'1l/" `?? "r ° _/ /(1\ \ 1 (?I _ ~I ? \? ???' \ I \\\\, ? \?{j?r ?'`???.Y/_1i/Jf?r?` \\? ?4}?) I •'?,'^f.
:fCV I? 11r / \ . s'lt+ //!Y JSl\, \? '\ i j f.,7 l;;/ /fi(((r \ /?/'^ 1(1 ??US;
S _ ' c (\Ir r? ?'l
i'
\ ?tLh7•
if.
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Q NOPTM C?\
O 4,9
T.I.P. B-4854
= Bridge No. 81 Over Tuni Creek
On SR 1311 - Clay County, N.C.
\' OF TAPN?= /
Quad. Map: Shooting Creek
1o
N
w
v
si
o•
V
00
?o
b
?yy
CC?' az
s n
• o
A A
d
a
0
A
a
s
ywo
0 M
M
X 50c m
Op
rn :j Nz ?
X O
ao Z
?O

® 0
w
?o.nb.
m
s
? 8 +
?
m o A A
c
O
ZZ
S ?
g
$
0
?p •N
n V x
70 T Ln
? ®
N 0
rn
7C W a

4 O
q$
F k m A N
? c
= mm? ? y
t 1 ? m C rn C
"Ell
1$ tb" a
i
N o
'? e A
o I?
?I
I?
M? Al6 A
?9
?I
N ?
m W ? ,
V b t
tic
a p
a
A-
` S
i -1.3
10
/O
R • ?m
b ? y ?? S O O
SSA
b
sn
"i4
1}xjrj pp ?
Y
b"86V
V? ? p
?WWh
PI-5M.12+34.79
R
? I ?ti?oD?
.13+03.66 u u ° u p
N;
?Sho.13+70.39
s v

w ry

"3 PINC 10+51.40 °
5Td5 UI•08' RT.1
?_ 5TA $+

S NNn=
NRiO-
C
m N'?0
? V
n
.Zn?
d
r
I'¦1?dQ? ?tP
O?
?m
N
N +
A

?M
?`?
y s
M
;EA

?4 PINC 12+36.05 °
73' RT.)
STA 17+44.00 09.
I x\
)dMbO - .. ?
??? N
kop A,
x! uuuuu
p / LX M ,? O? V
W
6 P
STA 214. 02
a
2 ?Bg4RT J
zy?oD?
u1M1M
Pq`
tC^
_L"
O
O
n
ao V)
o D
rn
' -O
O
b b
Q s?
z
a z M
4k z o
a Crl ? ?
?
g
y ?ro ?
Zz

cn a Z
0
Appendix
d"? SL17E n
0uw+??
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GOVERNOR
September 14, 2004
See Attached Distribution List
Dear :
LYNDo TIPPETT
SECRETARY
Subject: B-4854, Bridge No. 81 on SR 1311 over Tuni Creek, Clay County
The Bridge Maintenance Unit of the North Carolina Department of Transportation
(NCDOT) has begun studying proposed improvements to the subject bridge replacement
project. The project is included in the NCDOT's 2004-2010 Transportation Improvement
Program and scheduled for replacement in fiscal year 2004.
B-4854, Bridge No. 81 on SR 1311 over Tuni Creek
The existing two-lane structure, constructed in 1964, crosses over Tuni Creek and
is 41 feet long and 19.1 feet wide.
The following alternatives will be studied for this bridge project:
Do-Nothing
Rehabilitate the Existing Structure
Replace in the existing location using staged construction methods to
maintain traffic on-site.
We would appreciate any information you have that would be helpful in
evaluating potential community and environmental impacts of the above project. If
applicable, please identify any permits and/or approvals required by your agency.
Please note that there will be no formal interagency scoping meeting for this
project. This letter constitutes solicitation for scoping comments related to the project. It
is desirable that you respond by October 29, 2004, so that your comments can be used in
the preparation of a proposed Programmatic Categorical Exclusion for the above project.
MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: [phone]
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX: [phone] LOCATION:
BRIDGE MAINTENANCE UNIT BRIDGE MAINTENANCE UNIT
1565 MAIL SERVICE CENTER WEBSITE: WWW.NCDOT.ORG 4809 BERYL ROAD
RALEIGH NC 27699-1565 RALEIGH NC
-2-
If you have any questions concerning the project, please contact me at (919)
835-8277.
Sincerely,
Michael Summers
Project Manager
Bridge Maintenance Unit
MS/Ijw
Attachment
DOT DI'J 14 PAGE 02/04
001" 10:5t? 32858 -4043
a0F VJHTfiR
O? QG
7
-i
Q ;
1\-MN10RANDUNI
OCT 15 2004
TO:. Michael Summers, NCDOT Project Developmesn7t?Engineer OMS1ONOFHIGHMYS
FROM: Brian L. Wrenn, NC Division of Water Quality [P, PDEA -OFFICE NATllRAL Ewg0N
?PD?
SUBJECT: Scoping Review of NCDOT's proposed bridge replacement projects: B-4854
In reply to your correspondence dated September 14, 2004 (received September 16, 2004) in which you
requested comments for the referenced projects, the NC Division of Water Quality has the following N,N Ec G.•.?
comments:
h Project-Snecifc Comments
B-4854 Bridge No. 81 over Big Tuni Creek. Clay Co.
Big 'Z'uni Creek is listed as C; Tr; AQW waters of the State. DWQ is very concerned with sedimentation
and erosion impacts that could result frorrx this project. The proposed environmental assessment should
address these concerns by describing the potential impacts that rmy occur to the aquatic envirombents
and any mitigating factors that would reduce the impacts. DWQ requests that alternatives developed for
the proposed environmental assessment consider design criteria that reduce the impacts to.strearns and
wetlands from storm water runoff. These alternatives should include road desips that allow for treatment
of the storm water runoff through best management practices as detailed in Rest Management Practices
for the Protection of Surface Waters. Refer to 15A NCAC 2B .0224(2) and 15A NCAC 2H. 1006.
11. General Comments Regarding Bridge Replacement Projects
1. If corrugated metal pipe arches, reinforced concrete pipes, or concrete box culverts are used to replace
the bridge, then DWQ recommends the use of Nationwide Permit No, 14 rather than Nationwide
Permit 23.
2. Tf the old bridge is removed, no discharge of bridge material into surface waters its preferred. Strict
adherence the Corps of Engineers guidelines for bridge demolition will be a condition, of the 401
Water Quality Certification.
DWQ prefers spanning structures. Spanning structures usually do not require work within the stream
and do not require stream channel realignment. The horizontal and vertical clearances provided by .
bridges allows for human and wildlife passage beneath the structure, does not block fish passage, and
does not block navigation by canoeists and boaters.
4. Bridge deck drains should not discharge directly into the stream; stormwater should be directed
across the bridge and pre-treated through site-appropriate means (grassed swales, pre-formed scour
holes, vegetated buffers, etc.) before entering the stream. Please refer to NCDOT Best Manageme. nt
Practices for the Protection of Surface Waters
e' Carolina
.ansponatlon Parmidinq Unit ,/Vlll`mrallff
1650 Mail Service Canter, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699.1650
2321 Crabtree Boulevard, Suite 250, Raleigh. North Carolina 27604
Phone: [phone] / FAX [phone] Internal: http;l/h anr.state.n?.trs?rt ntls
. Michael F. Easley, Govornor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Alen W. Klimek, P.E. Director
Divislon of Water Quality
October 15, 2004.
An Equal OpportunitplAmrmathre Action Employer-50% Recydad/10% Post Consumer Paper
01 / ", F_1A ?' I E1: 50 8285eG4043 DOT DIV 14 PAGE 03/04
i L. Abdo t0e should not be allowed to contact the water in or entering into the stream. Concrete is
mostly made up ?f lime (calcium carbonate) and when. in a dry or wet state (not hardened) calcium
carbonate is very. soluble in water and has a pH of approximately 12. In an unhardened state concrete
or cement will change the pH of fresh water to very basic and will cause fish and other
z' iacroinvertebrat6 kills.
6,. If oshfb _? dge supports (bents) should not be placed in the stream.
7. If temporary access roads or detours are constructed, they 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 re-vegetate naturally and minimizes disturbed soil-
8. A clear bank (rip rap-free) area of at least 10 .feet should remain on each side of the steam underneath
the bridge.
9. Sedimentation and erosion control measures sufficient to protect water resources must be
implemented prior to any ground disturbing activities. Structures should be maintained regularly,
especially following rainfall events.
10, Bare soil should be stabilized through vegetation. or other means as quickly as feasible to prevent
sedimentation of water resources.
11. All work in or adjacent to stream waters should be conducted in a dry work area. Sandbags, rock
berms, cofferdams, or other diversion structures should be used where possible to prevent excavation
in flowing water.
12. Heavy equipment should be operated from the bank rather than in stream channels in order to
minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other Pollutants into streams. This
equipment should be inspected daily and maintained to prevent contamination of surface waters from
leaking fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials.
,III. General Comments ifRgplacinz the Bridze with a Culvert
1. The culvert must be designed to allow for aquatic life and fish passage. Generally, the culvert or pipe
invert should be buried at least 1 foot below the natural streambed (measured from the natural thalweg
depth). If multiple barrels are required,. barrels other than the base flow barrel(s) should be placed on or
near stream bankfull Or floodplain bench elevation (similar. to Lyonsfield design). These should be
reconnected to floodplain benches as appropriate. This may be accomplished by utilizing sills on the
upstream end to restrict or divert flow to the base flow barrel(s). Sufficient water depth should be
provided in the base flow barrel during low flows to accommodate fish movement. If culverts are
longer than 40-50 linear feet, alternating or notched bafflessh.ou.ld be installed in a manner that mimics
existing stream pattern. This should enhance aquatic life passage: 1) by depositing sediments in the
barrel, 2) by maintaining channel depth and flow regimes, and 3) by providing resting places for fish
and other aquatic organisms. In essence, the base flow bartel(s) should provide a continuum of water
depth and channel width without substantial modifications of velocity.
It1:'''''3/2-1005 10: 50 ^0'?25o54p43 DOT DIV 14 F'f'GE 04/04
2. If multiple pipes or cells are used, at least one pipe or box should be designed to remain dry during
normal flows to allow for wildlife passage.
3. Culverts or pipes should be situated along the existing channel alignment whenever possible to avoid
channel realignment. Widening the stream channel should be avoided. Stream channel widening at
the inlet or outlet end of structures typically decreases water velocity causing sediment deposition that
requires increased maintenance and disrupts aquatic life passage.
4. Riprap should not be placed in the active tha.lweg channel or placed in the strea:tnbed in a manner that
precludes aquatic life passage. Bi.oenginecring boulders or structures should be professionally
designed, sized, and installed.
In most cases, we prefer the replacement of the existing structure at the same location with road closure-
If road. closure is not feasible, a temporary detour should be designed and located to avoid wetland
impacts, minimize the need for clearing and to avoid destabilizing stream banks. If the structure will, be
on a new alignment, the old structure should be removed and the approach fills removed from the 1,00-
year floodplain. Approach fills should be removed down to the natural ground elevation. The area
should be stabilized with grass and planted with native tree species. Tall -fescue should not be used in
riparian areas. If the area that is reclaimed was previously wetlands, NCDOT should restore the area to
wetlands. If successful, the site may be used as wetland mitigation for the subject project or other
projects in the watershed.
Thank you for requesting our input at this time. The DOT is reminded that issuance of a 401 Water
Quality Certification requires that appropriate measures be instituted to ensure that water quality
standards are mt and designated uses are not degraded or lost. If you have any questions or require
additional information. please contact Brian Wrenn 919-733-5715.
pc-. Angie Pennock, USACE Asheville Field Office
Chris Militscher, USEPA
Marla Chambers, NCWRC
Marella Buncick, USFWS
File Copy

North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
State Historic Preservation Office
Peter B. Sandbeck, Administrator
Michael F. Easley, Governor Office of Archives and History
Lisbeth C. Evans, Secretary Division of Historical Resources
ieffrey ). Crow, Deputy Secretary David Brook, Director
March 10, 2005
MEMORANDUM
TO: Michael Summers, Project Manager
Bridge Maintenance Unit
NC Department of Transportatioln, '
010(?
FROM: Peter B. Sandbeck
SUBJECT: Bridge No. 81 over Tuni Creek, B-4854, Clay County, ER 04-2526
Thank you for your letter of December 16, 2004, concerning the above project.
We have conducted a search of our files and are aware of no structures of historical or architectural
importance located within the planning area. However, since a survey has not been conducted in over
twenty-five years, there may be structures of which we are unaware.
Therefore, we request that a NC Department of Transportation architectural historian survey the Area of
Potential Effect (APE) for historic /architectural resources and report the findings to us.
There are no known archaeological sites within the proposed project area. Based on our knowledge of the
area, it is unlikely that any archaeological resources that may be eligible for inclusion in the National Register
of Historic Places will be affected by the project. We, therefore, recommend that no archaeological
investigation be conducted in connection with this project.
The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act 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,
contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919/733-4763. In all future
communication concerning this project, please cite the above referenced tracking number.
cc: Mary Pope Furr, NCDOT
Matt Wilkerson, NCDOT
Location Mailing Address Telephone/Fax
ADMINISTRATION 507 N. Blount Street, Raleigh NC 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-4617 [phone]/733-8653
RESTORATION 515 N. Blount Street, Raleigh NC 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-4617 [phone]/715-4801
SURVEY & PLANNING 515 N. Blount Street, Raleigh, NC 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-4617 [phone]/715-4801

Federal Aid #: TIP # : B-4854 County: Clay
CONCURRENCE FORM FOR PROPERTIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR
THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Project Description: Replace Bridge No. 81 on SR 1311 over Tuni Creek in Clay County
On May 31, 2005, representatives of the
® North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
? Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (HPO)
? Other
Reviewed the subject project at
? Scoping meeting
Historic architectural resources photograph review session/consultation
? Other
All parties present agreed
? There are no properties over fifty years old within the project's area of potential effects.
® There are no properties less than fifty years old which are considered to meet Criteria Consideration G within the
project's area of potential effects.
® There are properties over fifty years old within the project's Area of Potential Effects (APE), but based on the
historical information available and the photographs of each property, the properties identified as (List below) are
considered not eligible for the National Register and no further evaluation of them are necessary. .
r,--o r4 ( - 3
® There are no National Register-listed or Study Listed properties within the project's area of potential effects.
All properties greater than 50 years of age located in the APE have been considered at this consultation, and based
upon the above concurrence, all compliance for historic architecture with Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act and GS 121-12(a) has been completed for this project.
There are no historic properties affected by this project. (Attach any notes or documents as needed
Signed:
s/3 /©'
Representatie, NCDOT Date
FHWA, for the Division Administrator, o other Federal Agency Date
Representative, HPO Date
?? 0 , 5 1
State Historic Preservation Officer Date
if a survey report is prepared, a final copy of this form and the attached list will be included.