20190230_Scoping Comments_20110718

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ACDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Coleen H. Sullins Dee Freeman
Governor Director
Secretary
July 18, 2011
MEMORANDUM
To: Melba McGee, Environmental Coordinator, Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental
Affairs
From: David Wainwright, Division of Water Quality, Central Office
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Subject: Comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement related to the proposed
widening of US 158 from existing I-95 and NC 46 interchange located west of Garysburg
to the Murfeesboro Bypass, Northampton County, TIP R-2582 and R-2584.
State Clearinghouse Project No. 11-03 16.
This office has reviewed the referenced document dated March 2011. The NC Division of Water Quality
(NCDWQ) is responsible for the issuance of the Section 401 Water Quality Certification for activities that
impact Waters of the U.S., including wetlands. It is our understanding that the project as presented will
result in impacts to jurisdictional wetlands, streams, and other surface waters. NCDWQ offers the
following comments based on review of the aforementioned document:
Project Specific Comments:
1. This project is being planned as part of the 404/NEPA Merger Process. As a participating team
member, NCDWQ will continue to work with the team.
2. The 303(d) analysis, Section 3.5.3.2 Water Quality, is based on the 303(d) list released in 2006.
The analysis should be updated using the more recently approved 2010 303(d) list. While there
does not appear to be any changes to individual listings, the 2010 303(d) list lists all waters in the
state as impaired due to fish consumption advisories related to mercury.
3. The NCDOT is respectfully reminded that jurisdictional determinations made in May 2005 have,
or will, expire soon. The NCDWQ suggests that re-verification of jurisdictional features be
performed prior to submitting a 401 Water Quality Certification application.
4. The NCDWQ requests a copy of the referenced Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects
Assessment, dated August 25, 2008.
General Comments:
5. Future documentation, including the 401 Water Quality Certification Application, should
continue to include an itemized listing of the proposed wetland and stream impacts with
corresponding mapping.
Transportation Permitting Unit One
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650 NorthCarol>,Da
Location: 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone] atuCally
Internet http:l/portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq
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6. NCDOT is respectfully reminded that all impacts, including but not limited to, bridging; fill,
excavation and clearing, and rip rap to jurisdictional wetlands, streams, and riparian buffers need
to be included in the final impact calculations. These impacts, in addition to any construction
impacts, temporary or otherwise, also need to be included as part of the 401 Water Quality
Certification Application.
Based on the information presented in the document, the magnitude_of impacts to wetlands and
streams may require an Individual Permit application to the Corps of Engineers and
corresponding 401 Water Quality Certification. Please be advised that a 401 Water Quality
Certification requires satisfactory protection of water quality to ensure that water quality
standards are met and no wetland or stream uses are lost. Final permit authorization will require
the submittai of a formai application by the NCDOT and written concurrence from NCDWQ.
Please be aware that any approval will be contingent on appropriate avoidance and minimization
of wetland and stream impacts to the maximum extent practical, the development of an
acceptable stormwater management plan, and the inclusion of appropriate mitigation plans where
appropriate.
NCDWQ appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on your project. Should you have any questions
or require any additional information, please contact David Wainwright at [phone].
cc: Bill Biddlecome, US Army Corps of Engineers, Washington Field Office
Chris Militscher, Environmental Protection Agency (electronic copy only)
Travis Wilson, NC Wildlife Resources Commission (electronic copy only)
Garcy Ward, DWQ Washington Regional Office
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