20090769_Report_20070801

dt.,. STATEy,
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
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DEPARTIVffiNT OF TRANSPORTATION STS l
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MICHAEL F. EASLEY LYNDO TIPP
GOVERNOR SECRETARY
August 1, 2007
Mr. John Hennessy
NCDENR - DWQ / WETLANDS
1650 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650
SUBJECT: Bridge Group No. 59
Dear Mr. Hennessy,
The Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch is completing the project
development, environmental and engineering studies for the following projects: B-4456, B-4468, B-4517,
B-4519, B-4553, and B-4632. These projects are included in the 2006-2012 North Carolina
Transportation Improvement Program.
The alternatives under consideration at this time for each of these bridge replacement projects are
as follows:
B-4456
Replace in place with offsite detour.
B-4468
Replace in place with offsite. detour.
B-4517
Replace in place with offsite detour.
B-4519.
• Replace in place with offsite detour.
B-4553
Replace in place with offsite detour.
B-4632
•. Replace in place with offsite detour.
MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: [phone] LOCATION:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX: [phone] PARKER LINCOLN BLDG
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 2728 CAPITOL BLVD- SUITE 168
BRIDGE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT UNIT WEBSITE. WWW.NCDOT.ORG RALEIGH NC 27604
1551 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548
y
I have provided a copy of the Executive Summary of the Natural Resources Technical Report
(NRTR) for each project for your use. I would appreciate any information you might have that would be
helpful in evaluating potential environmental impacts of these projects. Your comments will be
considered in the completion of each federally funded Categorical Exclusion. These documents will be
prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act. It is desirable that your agency
respond by September 24, 2007 so that your comments can be used in the preparation of these
documents.
If you have any questions concerning either of these projects, please contact me directly at (919)
715-5513. Please include the TIP Project Number in all correspondence and comments. Thank you for
your consideration.
Fank ,
wab
Bri dge Project Planning Engineer
Project Development and Environmental
Analysis Branch
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
NATURAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
Replacement of Bridge No. 144
SR 1327 (Mooresboro Road) over Sandy Run Creek
Cleveland County, North Carolina
TIP No. B-4468
State Project No. 8.2802001
Federal Aid No. BRSTP-1327(2)
Prepared for:
The North Carolina Department of Transportation
Raleigh, North Carolina
June 2007
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
B-4468
Cleveland County
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to replace Bridge No. 144
located on North Carolina State Road 1327 (SR 1327, Mooresboro Road) over Sandy Run
Creek in Cleveland County, North Carolina (Figure 1).
INTRODUCTION
The project study area is located at the crossing of SR 1327 over Sandy Run Creek,
approximately 3 miles north of the community of Mooresboro, NC (Figure 1). The project study
area has been determined to be approximately 300 feet wide (100 feet west and 200 feet east
of SR 1327) and approximately 1000 feet long (centered along Bridge No. 144). The project
study area encompasses approximately 8.3 acres. Two alternatives have been proposed for
this project. Alternate A calls for the bridge to be replaced in place with a bridge 160 feet in
length and 28 feet in width. During construction, traffic will be maintained using an off-site
detour. Alternate B calls for the replacement of Bridge No. 144 in place with a temporary bridge
approximately 25 feet east of the existing bridge. The new bridge will be approximately 160 feet
in length and 28 feet in width. During construction, traffic will be maintained by utilizing the
temporary bridge as an on-site detour. It has been determined that, due to the timber structure
of Bridge No. 144, there will be no potential temporary fill associated with bridge demolition.
NCDOT will coordinate with resource agencies during project planning to ensure that all
concerns regarding bridge demolition are resolved.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Physiography and Soils
Included within the project study area is a section of Sandy Run Creek, an unnamed tributary of
Sandy Run Creek (UT1), and adjacent uplands. Elevations within the project study area range
from a high of approximately 920 feet National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) to a low of
approximately 820 feet NGVD (Boiling Springs North, NC 7.5-minute quadrangle [1982]) within
the stream channel. The project study area contains slopes up to 25 percent. Land use within
and adjacent to the project study area consists of disturbed/maintained forest, pasture,
residential lots, and roadside shoulders. The project study area is underlain by six soil units:
Appling sandy loam (Typic Kanhapludults), Cecil sandy clay loam (Typic Kanhapludults),
Chewacla loam (Fluvaquentic Dystrochrepts), Pacolet sandy clay loam (Typic Kanhapludults),
Pacolet-Bethlehem complex (Typic Kanhapludults), and Pacolet-Shaw complex (Typic
Kanhapludults). The Chewacla series is considered a non-hydric soil with hydric inclusions in
Cleveland County (Gregory 2002). There are no other hydric soils within the project study area.
Water Resources
The project study area is located within sub-basin 03-08-04 of the Broad River Basin (NCDWQ
2003a). This area is part of USGS Hydrologic Unit 03050105 of the South Atlantic/Gulf Region.
TIP No. B-4468 Page 1 Cleveland County
The structure targeted for replacement spans Sandy Run Creek. The portion of Sandy Run
Creek that lies within the project study area has been assigned Stream Index Number 9-46 by
North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ) (NCDWQ 2003a). Sandy Run Creek flows
east through the project study area (Figure 2). Sandy Run Creek enters the project study area
as a well-defined, third-order, perennial stream with high flow over a sand, gravel, cobble, and
bedrock substrate. UT1 is an intermittent stream that flows south from a seep located in the
northern portion of the project study area to a confluence with Sandy Run Creek just upstream
of the bridge crossing. UT1 is approximately 1 to 6 feet wide. The banks are approximately 1 to
3 feet in height and moderately sloping. UT1 is entrenched, a likely result of stormwater runoff
from adjacent pasture land. Adjacent banks consist primarily of mesic mixed forest vegetation.
A Best Usage Classification of C has been assigned to Sandy Run Creek (NCDWQ 2006a) and
UT1. Class C waters are suitable for aquatic life propagation and protection, agriculture, and
secondary recreation. Secondary recreation includes wading, boating, and other uses not
involving human body contact with waters on an organized or frequent basis. No Outstanding
Resource Waters (ORW), Water Supply I (WS-11), Water Supply II (WS-11) waters, or watershed
Critical Areas (CA) occur within 1.0 mile of the project study area (NCDWQ 2003a). Sandy Run
Creek is currently listed by NCDWQ as Fully Supporting for its designated uses. With respect
to temperature regimes, Sandy Run Creek is designated as a cool water stream (USACE et al.
2003).
Biotic Resources
Two distinct plant communities were identified within the project study area: (1) disturbed/
maintained land and (2) mesic mixed forest. Plant communities were delineated to determine
the approximate area and location of each (Figure 2). These communities are described below
in order of dominance within the project study area.
Table 1. Plant Communitv Coveraae Within the Proiect Studv Area
Plant Community Coverage
(Acres) Coverage
(Percent)
Disturbed/Maintained Land 5.8 70
Mesic Mixed Forest 2.5 30
Total 8.3 100
Projected permanent impacts to natural plant communities resulting from bridge replacement
will occur along roadside shoulders within disturbed/maintained land and in mesic mixed forest.
Both alternatives call for impacts to mesic mixed forest. Both alternatives propose permanent
impacts of 0.3 acre to mesic mixed forest. Alternate B proposes additional, temporary impacts
to mesic mixed forest of 0.2 acre.
TIP No. B-4468 Page 2 Cleveland County
Table 2. Plant Community Impacts Within Proposed Cut-Fill Limits, Including a 25-foot
Rbiffar

Plant Community Alternate A
(acres) Alternate B
(acres)
Permanent Permanent Temporary
Disturbed/Maintained Land 0.7 0.7 1..4
Mesic Mixed Forest 0.3 0.3 0.2
Total 1.0 1.0 1.6
It has been determined that, due to the timber structure of Bridge No. 144, there will be no
potential temporary fill associated with bridge demolition. NCDOT will coordinate with resource
agencies during project planning to ensure that all concerns regarding bridge demolition are
resolved.
JURISDICTIONAL TOPICS
Surface Waters and Wetlands
Sandy Run Creek exhibits characteristics of a well-defined, third-order, perennial stream with
high flow over a sand, gravel, cobble, and bedrock substrate. The stream contains well-defined
riffle/pool sequences within the project study area. Sandy Run Creek can be classified as
riverine, upper perennial, with an unconsolidated bottom composed primarily of cobble and
gravel (R3UB1) (Cowardin et al. 1979). UT1 exhibits characteristics of a second-order,
intermittent stream with low flow over a gravel, cobble, boulder substrate. The stream contains
well-defined riffle/pool sequences within the project study area. UT1 can be classified as
riverine, intermittent stream, with a streambed composed primarily of cobble and gravel
(R4SB3) (Cowardin et al. 1979). UT1 runs parallel to the road with approximately 400 feet in
the project study area. No jurisdictional wetlands are located within the project study area,
so the proposed project will not impact wetlands. A Section 404 verification request was made
to Mr. Steve Lund of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE) on March 13, 2006.
On June 26, 2007, Mr. Lund indicated that a site visit had been made and that a jurisdictionai
determination was forthcoming.
Two alternatives have been proposed for this project. Alternate A calls for the bridge to be
replaced in place with a bridge 160 feet in length and 28 feet in width. During construction,
traffic will be maintained using an off-site detour. Alternate B calls for the replacement of Bridge
No. 144 in place with a temporary bridge approximately 25 feet east of the existing bridge. The
new bridge will be approximately 160 feet in length and 28 feet in width. During construction,
traffic will be maintained by utilizing the temporary bridge as an on-site detour. Alternate A and
Alternate B will generate 114 linear feet of culvert impact to UT1 (Table 3) due to approach road
shoulder widening during bridge replacement.
TIP No. B-4468 Page 3 Cleveland County
7?kle Q lisAcAir+innni Araac Within Alternative Cut-Fill Limits. Includina a25-foot Buffer
Alternate A Alternate B
Jurisdictional Area Permanent Permanent Temporary
Length' Area' Length' Areal Length' Areal
Sandy Run Creek - - - - 18 < 0.1
UT to Sandy Run Creek
(UT1) 114 < 0.1 114 < 0.1 - -
Total 114 < 0.1 114 < 0.1 18 < 0.1
ream eng s given in linear ee
2Areas are given in acres.
It has been determined that due to the timber structure of Bridge No. 144, there will be no
potential temporary fill associated with bridge demolition.
Permits
This project may be processed as a Categorical Exclusion (CE) under Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) guidelines. USACE has made available Nationwide Permit (NWP) 23
(67 FR 2020, 2082; January 15, 2002) for CEs due to minimal impacts to waters of the United
States expected with bridge construction. The NCDWQ has made available a General 401
Water Quality Certification for NWP 23 (GC 3403). If temporary structures are necessary for
construction activities, access fills, or dewatering of the site, then a NWP 33 (67 FR 2020, 2087;
January 15, 2002) permit and the associated General 401 Water Quality Certification (GC 3366)
will be required. In the event that NWPs 23 and 33 will not suffice, impacts attributed to bridge
replacement and associated approach improvements may qualify under General Bridge Permit
(GP) 031 issued by the Wilmington USACE District. NCDWQ has made available a General
401 Water Quality Certification for GP 031 (GC 3404). Notification to the Wilmington USACE
District office is required if this general permit is utilized. Appropriate and practicable
compensatory mitigation is required for unavoidable adverse impacts which remain after all
appropriate and practicable avoidance and minimization opportunities have been implemented.
In accordance with the "Memorandum of Agreement Among the North Carolina Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and the
United States Army Crops of Engineers, Wilmington District" (MOA), July 22, 2003, the North
Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Ecosystem Enhancement Program
(EEP), will be requested to,provide off-site mitigation to satisfy the federal Clean Water Act
compensatory mitigation requirements for this project. Utilization of BMPs is recommended in
an effort to minimize potential indirect impacts. A final determination regarding mitigation rests
with the USACE and the NCDWQ.
Federally Protected Species
Species with the federal classification of Endangered, Threatened, or officially Proposed for
such listing are protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The term "Endangered Species" is defined as "any species which is in
danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range," and the term
"Threatened Species" is defined as "any species which is likely to become an Endangered
TIP No. B-4468 Page 4 Cleveland County
species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range" (16
U.S.C. 1532).
The USFWS currently (as of June 21, 2007) lists one federally protected species with a range
that extends into Cleveland County: dwarf-flowered heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflora). Dwarf-
flowered heartleaf is considered a Threatened species in Cleveland County.
Hexastylis naniflora (Dwarf-flowered heartleaf)
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT
The NCNHP has no documentation for dwarf-flowered heartleaf within 1.0 mile of the project
study area, and no dwarf-flowered heartleaf specimens were observed during the field visit.
The project study area contains suitable habitat for dwarf-flowered heartleaf: bluffs and nearby
slopes along Sandy Run Creek overlain by mesic mixed forest. A systematic survey for
Hexastylis was conducted within the project study area on October 30, 2006 by EcoScience
staff member, Mr. Dave O'Loughlin. No specimens of Hexastylis species were observed.
Therefore it can be determined that dwarf-flowered heartleaf does not occur in the project study
area and that this project will have No Effect on this species.
CONCLUSIONS
Two alternatives have been proposed for this project. Alternate A calls for the bridge to be
replaced in place with a bridge 160 feet in length and 28 feet in width. During construction,
traffic will be maintained using an off-site detour. Alternate B calls for the replacement of Bridge
No. 144 in place with a temporary bridge approximately 25 feet east of the existing bridge. The
new bridge will be approximately 160 feet in length and 28 feet in width. During construction,
traffic will be maintained by utilizing the temporary bridge as an on-site detour. It has been
determined that due to the timber structure of Bridge No. 144, there will be no potential
temporary fill associated with bridge demolition. Alternate. A and Alternate B will generate 114
linear feet of culvert impact to UT1 (Table 3) due to approach road shoulder widening during
bridge replacement.
Included within the project study area is a section of Sandy Run Creek, a section of UT1, and
adjacent uplands. No jurisdictional wetlands are located within the project study area, so
the proposed project will not impact wetlands. A Best Usage Classification of C has been
assigned to Sandy Run Creek (NCDWQ 2003a) and UT1. Class C waters are suitable for
aquatic life propagation and protection, agriculture, and secondary recreation. Secondary
recreation includes wading, boating, and other uses not involving human body contact with
waters on an organized or frequent basis. No Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), Water
Supply I (WS-1), Water Supply II (WS-II) waters, or watershed Critical Areas (CA) occur within
1.0 mile of the project study area (NCDWQ 2003a). Sandy Run Creek is currently listed by
NCDWQ as Fully Supporting for its designated uses. With respect to temperature regimes,
Sandy Run Creek is designated as a cool water stream (USACE et al. 2003).
The USFWS currently (as of June 21, 2007) lists one federally protected species with a range
that extends into Cleveland County (Table 3): dwarf-flowered heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflora).
TIP No. B-4468 Page 5 Cleveland County
Dwarf-flowered heartleaf is considered a Threatened species in Cleveland County. A
systematic survey for Hexastylis was conducted within the project study area on October 30,
2006 by EcoScience staff member, Mr. Dave O'Loughlin. No specimens of Hexastylis species
were observed. Therefore it can be determined that dwarf-flowered heartleaf does not occur in
the project study area and that this project will have No Effect on this species.
TIP No. B-4468 Page 6 Cleveland County
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Replacement of Bridge No. 144 (B-4468)
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CLEVELAND COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 05-262
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7 PLANT COMMUNITIES AND LAND USE Date:
Replacement of Bridge No. 144(B-4468) Scale: OCT 2006
NC 1327 Over Sandy Run Creek
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