20141169 All Versions_Environmental Assessment Comments_20110809

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NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Coleen H. Sullins
Governor - Director
August 9, 2011
MEMORANDUM
Dee Freeman
Secretary
To: Melba McGee, Environmental Coordinator, Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental
Affairs
From: David Wainwright, Division of Water Quality, Central Office ~"
Subject: Comments on the Final Environmental Impact Statement related to proposed US 17
improvements from existing SR 1330/SR 1439 south of Belgrade w the New Bem
Bypass at the Jones/Craven County lines, OnsIow and Jones Counties, TIP R-2514 B, C,
and D.
State Clearinghouse Project No. 12-0017.
This office has reviewed the referenced document dated Jlme 201 L The NC Division of Water Quality
(NCDWQ) is responsible for the issuance of the Section 401 Water Quality Certification for activities that
impact `d'aters cf the U.S., ~.cluding wetlands. ft is our ^rderstandiag 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:
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.
A portion of this project is within the Neuse River Basin. Riparian buffer impacts shall fie avoided
and minimized to the greatest extent possible pursuant to I SA NCAC 2B.0233. New development
activities located in the protected 50-foot wide riparian areas within the basin shall be limited to
"uses" identified within and constructed in accordance with ] SA NCAC 26.0233. Buffer
mitigation may be required for buffer impacts resulting from activities classified as "allowable with
mitigation" within the "Table of Uses" section of the Buffer Rules or require a variance under the
Buffer Rules. A buffer mitigation plan, including use of the NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program;
must be provided to NCDWQ prior to approval of the Water Quality Certification. Buffer
mitigation may be required for buffer impacts resulting from activities classified as "allowable with
mitigation" within the "Table of Uses" section of the Buffer Rules or require a variance under the
Buffer Rules. A buffer mitigation plan, including,use of the NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program,
must be provided to NCDWQ prior to approval of the Water Quality Certification.
Transportation Permitting Unit
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, Norih Carolina 27699-1650
Location: 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Internet: httpalpodal.ncdencorglweblwq
An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Emp oyer
NonilhCarolina
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General Comments:
3. After the selection of the preferred alternative and prior to an issuance of the 401 Water Quality
Certification, the NCDOT is respectfully reminded that they will need to demonstrate the avoidance
and minimization of impacts to wetlands (and streams) to the maximum extent practical. In
accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules (15A NCAC 2H.0506[h]),
mitigation will be required for impacts of Beater than 1 acre to wetlands. In the event that
mitigation is required, the mitigation plan shall be designed to replace appropriate lost functions and
values. The NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program may be available for use as wetland mitigation.
4. Future documentation, including the 40l Water Quality Certification Application, should continue
to include an itemized listing of the proposed wetland and stream impacts with corresponding
mapping.
5. 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 he included as part of the 401 Watei Quality Certification
Application.
6. The 401 Water Quality Certification application will need to specifically address the proposed
methods for stotmwater management. More specifically, stormwater shall not be pertnirted to
discharge directly into streams or surface waters.
NCDWQ appreciates the epporturity to provide comments on yoer project. Sha!Id you have any questions
or require any additional information, please contact David Wainwright at [phone].
cc: Tom Steffens, JS Arm}• Ccrps of Engineers, Washington Field Office
Chris Militscher, Environmental Protection Agency (electronic copy only)
Travis Wilson, NC Wildlife Resources Commission (electronic copy only)
Steve Sollod, Division of Coastal Management
Garcy Ward, NCDWQ Washington Regional Office
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