20030909 Ver 1_Reports_20030705

N. C. DEI'ARTAfENT OF TRANSPORTATION

TRANSMITTAL SLIP DATE
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ACTION
^ NOTE AND FILE ^ PER OUR CONVERSATION
^ NOTE AND RETURN TO ME ^ PER YOUR REO UEST
^ RETURN WITH MORE DETAILS ^ FOR YOUR APPROVAL
^ NOTE ANO sEE ME ABOUT THIS ^ FOR YOUR INFORMATION
^ PLEASE ANSWER ^ FOR YOUR COMMENTS
^ PREPARE REPLY FOR MY SIGNATURE ^ SIGNATURE
^ TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ^ INVESTIGATE AND REPORT
COMMENTS:
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GOVERNOR
MEMORANDUM
July 2, 2003
TO: John Dorney, Supervisor
Wetlands/401 Certification Unit, DWQ
LYNDO TIPPETT
SECRETARY
FROM: Ann Steedly, P.E., Public Involvement and Community Studies
SUBJECT: Final ICE Report for U-2524AB/AC, Project No. 8U492101,
Greensboro -Western Loop from N of I-85 Near Groometown to
Lawndale Dr, FA No. STP-NHF-124-1 (1)
MESSAGE:
Attached is the final Indirect and Cumulative Effects report for U-2524AB/AC, Project
No. 8U492101, Greensboro -Western Loop from N of I-85 near Groometown to
Lawndale Dr, FA No. STP-NHF-124-1 (1). Please let me know if we maybe of further
assistance.
Attachment
'NC17.~~~~51~~11 U~(~~1~'
AS/sjg .ll~l.. ~~; '~ 20U3
u~11~TC~i Qll~~~~~~"~ ~~~ ~I~I~
ce: Phillip Todd, Natural Systems Permit Specialist, PDEA
Alice Gordon, Regulatory Affairs Coordinator, PDEA (no report)
MAILING ADDRESS:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
OFFICE OF HUMAN ENVIRONMENT
1583 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
Rsi cir.N N(: 'J7RQ0.1.riR.'i
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
WEBSITE: WWN! NCDOT.ORG
LOCATION:
PARKER LINCOLN BUILDING
2728 CAPITAL BOULEVARD, SUITE 168
RALEIGH, NC 27604

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IiVDIRECT Ai~D CUMULATIVE
IMPACT STUDY
U-2524AB/AC, GUILFORD COUNTY,
NORTH CAROLINA
~Re~D~s
Infrastructure, buildings, environment, communications
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Indirect and Cumulative Impact
Study
U-2524A6/AC, Guilford
County, North Carolina
Prepared for.
North Carolina Department of
Transportation
Prepared by:
ARCADIS G&M of North Carolina, Inc.
801 Corporate Center Drive
Suite 300
Raleigh
North Carolina 27607-5073
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
Our Ref.:
NC601041.0011.00524
Date:
June 2003
This document is intended only for the use
of the individual or entity for which it was
prepared and may contain information that
is privileged, ccnfidential, and exempt from
disclosure under applicable law. Any
dissemination, distribution, or copying of
this document is strictly prohibited.
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Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary 1
2. Project Description 3
3. Identification of Study Area 3
4. Analysis of Study Area 4
4.1 Demographic Characteristics 4
4.2 Local Economy 5
4.3 Existing Land Use and Character 6
4.3.1 Natural Environment 6
4.4 Land Use Plans 7
4.4.1 Greensboro 7
4.4.2 High Point 8
4.4.3 Guilford County 9
4.5 Zoning 9
4.5.1 Greensboro 9
4.5.2 High Point 10
4.5.3 Guilford County 10
4.6 Water and Sewer 11
4.6.1 Greensboro 11
4.6.2 High Point 11
4.7 Water Quality Plans and Programs 1 Z
4.7.1 Greensboro 12
4.7.2 High Point 13
4.7.3 Randleman Rules 14
4.7.4 Cape Fear River Basinwide Water Quality Plan 15
4.7.5 Other Programs 15

Table of Contents
5. Analysis of Future Growth Potential
6. Summary of the Effects of the Project
7. References
Tables
1 1990-2000 Population Growth for State, County, City, Town, and
Census Tract
Figures
1 River Basin
2 Vicinity Map
3 Census Tracts
4 Greensboro Area Types
5 High Point Land Use Map
6 Corporate Limits
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1. Executive Summary
The proposed project, Transportation Improvement Program (TII') No. U-2524AB/AC,
is a portion of the ~'Vestern Loop (part of the Greensboro Urban Loop) and involves
construction of amulti-lane freeway (four to eight lanes) on new location in Guilford
County, North Carolina. The project extends from just north of Interstate 85 (I-85)
near Groometown to just south of the Interstate 40 (I-40) interchange with Chimney
Rock Road, a distance of approximately 5.2 miles. The study area is in the
jurisdictions of the city of Greensboro, the city of High Point, and Guilford County.
The project is in sub-basins 03-06-02 and 03-06-08 of the Cape Fear River Basin. The
focus of this study is to determine whether or not indirect and cumulative impacts
resulting from the project will cause a violation of downstream water quality standards.
The report analyzes the area's future growth potential, discusses existing plans and
programs affecting water quality, and makes a finding as to associated water quality
impacts.
Existing Growth and Development
In the past ten years, industrial growth in Guilford County occurred primarily around
the Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTIA), along the interstates, and in south
High Point. Commercial development clustered around major thoroughfares.
Currently, the study area is experiencing residential and commercial development,
which is expected to continue.
Growth Resulting From Construction of U-2524A6/AC
Future development in the study area will be primarily influenced by the growing need
for residential development to serve the Piedmont Triad area and will be largely
Q dependent on transportation infrastnzcture and the availability of water and sewer
services. New commercial development, constructed in response to the additional
residential development, can be expected. However, much of the study area is already
a developed, which limits the area's future growth potential. Growth is more likely to
occur in the southern and northwestern portions of the study area. More intense land
uses will likely occur in the vicinity of the proposed interchanges along the Urban
Loop.
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U-2524AB/AC, Guilford
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Existing Water Quality
Water quality is a concern in the study area as Hickory Creek and South Buffalo Creek
are included on the state's 303(d) list as Part 5 Impaired Waters.
Water Quality Plans and Programs
Both Greensboro and High Point have water supply watershed regulations to guide and
regulate development in the study area. Zoning ordinances are also in effect in each
jurisdiction, which offer additional guidance for future development. Greensboro and
High Point also have land use plans to guide the area's future growth. In addition, the
Randleman Rules have been adopted to help prevent potential water quality problems
in the proposed reservoir (more information on the Randleman Rules is provided in
Section 4.7.3, Randleman Rules).
Conclusion
. Although the Urban Loop will likely accelerate residential development along the
corridor and non-residential development in proximity to interchanges as permitted
by local regulations, notable changes in general land use patterns are not expected.
The land already developed in Greensboro and High Point limits the future growth
potential of the study area. Furthermore, because the corridor is fairly close to
Q these developed areas, it is not expected to open large areas of land for
development.
The city of Greensboro implements plans, programs, and regulations to protect and
improve the city's lakes and streams. The city of High Point has also adopted
regulations to protect water quality.
]n addition to the municipal regulations, the entire study area is subject to the
Randleman Rules, which further protect water quality.
Due to these existing ordinances and regulations, the construction of TIP Project
No. U-2524AB/AC will not result in indirect or cumulative impacts that will
adversely affect water quality. Therefore, no further indirect or cumulative impact
analysis is recommended for the proposed project.
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2. Project Description
The proposed project, TIP No. U-2524AB/AC, is a portion of the Western Loop (part
of the Greensboro Urban Loop) and involves construction of amulti-lane freeway (four
to eight lanes) on new location in Guilford County, North Carolina. The project
extends from just north of I-85 to south of I-40, a distance of approximately 5.2 miles.
The study area is in the jurisdictions of the city of Greensboro, the city of High Point,
and Guilford County. The focus of this study is to determine whether or not indirect
and cumulative impacts resulting from the project will cause a violation of downstream
water quality standards. The report analyzes the area's future growth potential,
discusses cxisting plans and programs affecting water quality, and makes a fmding as
to associated water quality impacts.
Two major interstate highways serve Guilford County. Interstate 40 connects
Greensboro to Asheville to the west and I-40/I-85 connects Greensboro to the Raleigh-
Durham area to the cast. Interstate 85 provides a connection to the Charlotte urban
area to the south. Major US routes serving the area include US 29, US 70, US 220, and
US 421. In addition to providing important connections within the region, these routes
also serve as major thoroughfares in Guilford County. Combined with these and other
thoroughfares, the proposed Urban Loop will provide relief to traffic congestion in this
urban area.
3. Identification of Study Area
The study area was devised by examining the project's location in relation to political
and planning boundaries, watershed boundaries, the role the facility plays in the local
network, the topography, and the existing and anticipated future development patterns
of the region.
The study area is in the jurisdictions of the city of Greensboro, the city of High Point,
and Guilford County. However, the future growth areas of Greensboro and High Point
include the entire study area. Therefore, where applicable, only Greensboro and High
Point are discussed. The study area is in sub-basins 03-06-02 and 03-06-08 of the
Cape Fear River Basin. Figure 1 shows the Cape Fear River Basin in relation to the
study area. The study area encompasses drainage areas for South Buffalo Creek, Long
Branch, Bull Run Creek, Reddicks Creek, Jenny Branch, Hickory Creek, and an
unnamed tributary of Ryan Creek as well as the area that will likely develop as a result
of the project. The study area is shown in Figure 2, Vicinity Map.
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4. Analysis of Study Area
4.1 Demographic Characteristics
The 1990 and 2000 US Census data were used to gather information on the population
of the project study area. Census Tracts 126.07, 126.08, 126.09, 126.10, 126.11,
126.17, 164.01, 164.03, 164.04, 165.01, 165.02, 165.03, and 165.04 were used to
represent the project study area. The boundaries of the census tracts for 2000 and the
study area are shown in Figure 3.
The most notable growth was in Census Tracts 164.01 and 165.01, which increased
almost two-fold. This portion of the study area has experienced recent residential
growth. Compared to the county's population growth rate of 21.2 percent, Census
Tract 126.09 increased at a similar rate of 19.8 percent, whereas, the populations of
Census Tracts 126.10 and 126.08 increased at higher rates of 25.4 percent and 31.4
percent, respectively. Census Tract 126.07 experienced a 3.7 percent decrease in
population. The remainder of the study area Census Tracts, 126.17, 126.11, and
165.02 increased at 3 percent, 8.1 percent, and 10.4 percent, respectively, over the
same 10-year period. The population growth of Guilford County, the city of
Greensboro, and the city of High Point reveals similar population growth rates to the
state as a whole. This information is summarized in Table 1.
Indirect and
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Study
U-2524A6/AC, Guilford
County
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GUILFOR
COON
~_ .
CAPE FEAR

LEGEND
PROJECT LOCATION
COUNTY BOUNDARIE3
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® CAPE FEAR RIVER BASIN
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030602
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20 0
20 40 Miles N
SCALE: 1:1,J00,000
~- ARCADIS ~&M Prepared For Source:
RIVER BASIN Figure No.
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eo1 c«porafe Center orNe sake 300 i
~' Western Loop
T.LP. Protect No. U-2524 AB/AC
1
Raleigh, NC 27807.5073
Tel: 9'IB/854-1282 Fax: [phone] ,, '_" GUILFORD COUNTY, NORTH CAROLMA
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`~ ~ ~ LEGEND
Study Area
J ^ Census Tract
® Census Tract ID
~ ~ /~ ~ ~ Project Corridor
3000 0 3000 600_ 0 Feet N
0.6 0 0.6 1.2 1.8 2.4 Miles
SCALE: ?:55,000
I
NOTE: LOCATION OF PROJECT CORRIDOR IS APPROXIMATE
ARCADISG&M Prepared For: source: CENSUS TRACTS Figure No.
of North Carolina lnc. '~,~"°"'"°~ C@~1Q~S
~ 20$~ Western Loop
~t corporate Center Drive suite 300 T.I.P. Project No. U-2524 AB/AC
Raleigh, NC 276075073 ~~},
Sel: 919/8541282 Fax: 919!854-5448 `~+.o.,a.,.•~ GUILFORD COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

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Indirect and
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Study
U-2524A6/AC, Guilford
County
Table 1. 1990 - 2000 Population Growth for State, County, City, Town, and
Census Tract
s
2000
Population 1990
Population Percent
Change
North Carolina 8,049,313 6,628,637 21.4%
Guilford County 421,048 347,420 21.2%
Greensboro 223,891 183,521 22%
High Point 85,839 69,496 23.5%
Census Tract 126.07 2,159 2,243 -3.7%
Census Trad 126.08 2,558 1,946 31.4%
Census Tract 126.09 7,425 6,199 19.8%
Census Tract 126.10 3,059 2,440 25.4%
Census Trad 126.11 2,740 2,534 8.1
Census Trad 126.17 3,192 3,098 3%
Census Trad 164.01 8,369 2,901 188.5%
(164.03 and 164.04)*
Census Trad 165.01 11,121 4,028 176.1%
(165.03 and 165.04)**
Census Trad 165.02 4,653 4,216 10.4%
* 1990 Census Tract 164.01 is the equivalent of 2000 Census Tracts 164.03 and 164.04.
**1990 Census Tract 165.01 is the equivalent of 2000 Census Tracts 165.03 and 165.04.
4.2 Local Economy
Historically, the economy of the Piedmont Triad area included tobacco, furniture
manufacturing, apparel manufacturing, and textiles. Today, Guilford County maintains
its status as a furniture and textile center for the Piedmont Triad area; however, the
North Carolina Department of Commerce indicates the service industry leads the
workforce in Guilford County with approximately 27 percent of the workforce
employed in this sector. The service industry is followed closely by the manufacturing
and retail industries with 19 percent and 18 percent of the work force, respectively. As
indicated by these percentages, the economy of the county is transitioning from a
manufacturing-based to aservice-based economy. A review of the Gree~zsboro City
Data Book created by city of Greensboro staff as background for its comprehensive
plan reveals that similar economic trends exist in Greensboro.
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4.3 Existing Land Use and Character
Residential development with scattered commercial, industrial, and institutional uses
encompass the study area. Residential development is primarily single-family,
although multi-family development is concentrated in the vicimty of the more mtensely
developed areas. Commercial uses in the study area are focused along High Point
Road and West Wendover Avenue. Industrial uses are scattered on High Point Road in
the vicinity of Mackay Road and along Tarrant Road as it approaches Chimney Rock
Road. The study area also includes several public schools. In addition, Oka T. Hester
State Park is west of Holden Road. Land use in the vicinities of the project's proposed
interchanges with I-85, West Wendover Avenue, and I-40 consists of primarily
residential, residential and commercial, and industrial, respectively. The proposed
interchange with High Point Road is along the potential High Point Road realignment.
The realignment would be to the north of existing High Point Road in a primarily
undeveloped area. Grandover Parkway, which runs parallel to I-85 in the southwest
portion of the study area, is a fairly new corridor and currcntly serves primarily
residential development. However, this area is developing and is zoned for mixed-use
planned unit development.
4.3.1 Natural Environment
Guilford County is at the headwaters of the Cape Fear River Basin, the largest of the
major river basins in North Carolina. The project is in subbasins 03-06-02 and 03-06-
08 of the Cape Fear River Basin. South Buffalo Creek, Long Branch, Bull Run Creek,
Reddicks Creek, Jenny Branch, Hickory Creek, and an unnamed tributary of Ryan
Creek flow through the study area. These creeks flow to the Deep River and the Haw
River. The Deep River flows into the Randleman Reservoir (currently under
construction) before emptying into the Cape Fear River approximately 4 miles south of
the Jordan Lake Dam. The Cape Fear River is formed at the confluence of the Deep
River and the Haw River.
The study area is within the Randleman Lake and High Point Lake water supply
watersheds. Randleman Lake will be a water supply for the Piedmont Triad area.
High Point Lake is currently the water supply for High Point. Both of these watersheds
are classified as Water Supply IV Watersheds (WS-I~. Class WS-IV support water
supplies in moderately to highly developed watersheds and offer the least amount of
water quality afforded to any of the WS classifications. Water supply watersheds are
divided into two areas, the critical area and the protected area. The critical area is the
land adjacent to a water supply intake. The remaining area of the watershed is the
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protected area. The study area includes a small portion of the critical area for High
Point Lake as well as portions of the protected area for both watersheds.
4.4 Land Use Plans
4.4.1 Greensboro
4.4.1.1 Connections 2025
The city is in the process of preparing the first citywide comprehensive plan,
Connectioru 2025, with a plan horizon of 2025. The majority of the study area is
within Greensboro's planning jurisdiction. Figure 4 shows Greensboro's anticipated
future growth. Based on this figure, Greensboro will be extending water and sewer
past its current corporate limits. This extension of water and sewer dictates the extent
of Greensboro's growth potential. The vision statement, which was adopted in 2001,
articulates community values and defmcs expectations for the future of Greensboro.
Community values expressed in the statement include tree canopy, forests, streams,
rural vistas, air and water quality, and other irreplaceable natural and scenic resources;
balanced development patterns; a balance between economic development and the
protection of natural resources and community character, livable neighborhoods; and a
functional, well-integrated transportation system. In addition, the vision for
Greensboro's edges includes the use of growth management tools to, "...promote
wise, balanced and equitable growth while protecting rural lands from premature
development and inefficient sprawl."
The Comprehensive Plan's goals and policies have also been developed but not yet
adopted. The following goal addresses growth at the fringe: "Provide a development
framework for the city/county fringe that guides sound, sustainable patterns of land
use, limits sprawl, protects rural character, evidences sound stewardship of the
environment, and provides for efficient provision of public services and facilities as the
city expands:' The city proposes to develop a joint land use plan for fringe areas with
Guilford County. Concerning open space, parks, and natural resources, the city plans
to protect and restore urban and woodland tree canopy, stream corridors and wetlands,
air and water quality, and its system of parks and greenways. Specifically, the city
wants to strengthen stream comdor protection for water quality and strengthen
floodplain management standards.
Much of the study area within Greensboro's planning jurisdiction is classified as
developed by the comprehensive plan. According to the document, these "areas are

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expected to remain relatively stable...with limited pressure for land use changes or
need for redevelopment." Developing areas are north of I-85 and in the vicinity of the
loop's interchange with Wendover Avenue. These areas are "experiencing substantial
growth pressures, stimulated in part by new roads and highway improvements." Just
east of the proposed interchange with I-40 and surrounding the High Point Road
corridor are two areas that are developed, but are likely to see change. These areas are
experiencing pressures to change land uses which were established years ago and have
become obsolete. Examples of these changes include shills in retail uses from older
strip developments to larger shopping centers. There is a small, undeveloped area west
of South Holden Road. Figure 4 depicts the undeveloped, developing, and developed
areas within Greensboro's planning jurisdiction.
4.4.2 High Point
4.4.2.1 Land Use Plan
High Point's current land use plan, which is a component of the city's comprehensive
plan, was adopted in April of 2000 and plans fora 5-year period. The plan is a
valuable tool for High Point and allows the city to accommodate new growth while
protecting the environment. The land area addressed in the plan goes beyond that of
the current city limits. High Point set annexation agreement boundaries with all
municipalities surrounding the city except Trinity (incorporated in 1997) to the
southwest.
The majority of High Point's future growth will be in Guilford County. As stated in
the plan, "environmental protection, the preservation of established neighborhoods, the
availability of affordable housing, the adequate provision of public services and
facilities, and the impact of continuing urban growth are key development issues facing
the city of High Point and its adjacent planning area." A review of the land use map
shows that the portion of the study area within High Point's jurisdiction is mainly
slated for low and medium-density residential uses as well as industrial uses. In
addition, there are pockets of office and locaUconvenience commercial uses. Figure 5
shows projected future land use within High Point's planning area.
According to a High Point planner, the portion of the study area within High Point's
planning area is almost built out. However, recent residential growth is expected to
continue.

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U-2524A6/AC, Guilford
County
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Tel: [phone] Fax: 919!854-5448 ~~, Departmerrt GUILFORD COUNTY, NORTH CAROLRIA
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801 Corpcxate Center Drive suits 300 T.I.P. Pro eCt No. U-2624 AB/AC 5
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Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] a, Development GUILFORD COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

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4.4.2.2 W. Wendover Ave Guilford College Rd Corridor Plan
The TV Nendover Ave Guilford College Rd Corridor Plan was adopted in 1995 and
addresses the following four topics in relation to the West Wendover Avenue and
Guilford College Road corridors: transportation, land use, environmental factors, and
visual quality. This plan is an update of the 1989 West Wendover Avenue Corridor
Study. Some of the objectives of the plan are "to maintain West Wendover Avenue as
a major traffic carrier rather than a local service road...to focus residential,
neighborhood commercial, and office/institutional uses near the intersection of
Guilford College Road, West Wendover Avenue and Greensboro's Western Loop...to
protect drinking water supply watersheds."
4.4.3 Guilford County
4.4.3.1 Airport Area Plan
Guilford County, in cooperation with Forsyth County, Greensboro, High Point, and
Kernersville, developed an Airport Area Plan beginning in 1999 as an update to a 1986
plan. The Airport Area Plan recommends non-residential uses near the airport,
including both light and heavy industrial uses, offices, warehouses, and service-
oriented commercial activities. Non-residential uses are proposed for most of the
portion of the study area included in this plan. However, some residential
development, low to high-density, is proposed for the southernmost portion of the
study area within the Airport Area Plan's area. The jurisdictions in the airport area
agreed to follow state watershed protection requirements as development takes place.
These regulations seek to remove pollutants from impervious surface runoff. The plan
also recommends that new development be required to manage peak storm flows to
prevent downstream flooding.
4.5 Zoning
4.5.1 Greensboro
Only the portion of the study area in the Greensboro city limits is subject to the
provisions of the Greensboro zoning ordinance. The majority of the study area is
zoned for residential uses. Exceptions include commercial and office districts along
High Point Road and West Wendover Avenue. Another commercially zoned area is at
the I-85/Freeman Mill Road interchange. Industrial districts are concentrated at the
I-40/I-85 split, at the I-85/South Holden Road area, and at the proposed project's

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northern terminus at I-40. An area zoned "corporate park" is south of I-40 and West
Wendover Avenue. North of Grandover Parkway is a planned unit development area.
This zoning district calls for mixed uses.
Greensboro is developing a Scenic Comdor Overlay District that is intended for
application along the Urban Loop corridor. As proposed, the overlay district will
require an undisturbed buffer of 25 to 75 feet with an additional buffer for a distance of
200 feet along intersecting street rights-of--way. In addition, as part of the city's
development ordinance (discussed in Section 4.7 Water Quality Plans and Programs),
two overlay districts cover designated water-supply watersheds. They are the
Watershed Critical Area (WCA) and the General Watershed Area (GWA). The WCA
covers the area adjacent to awater-supply intake or reservoir, and the GWA covers the
rest of the watershed draining to the reservoir or intake.
4.5.2 High Point
The High Point zoning ordinance applies to the portion of the study area in High
Point's jurisdiction. Most of this area is zoned for residential uses. There are some
office areas along West Wendover Avenue west of Guilford College Road. Industrial
districts are along Tarrant Road.
Like the city of Greensboro's ordinance mentioned above, the city of High Point has
also adopted two overlay districts to cover designated water-supply watersheds, the
WCA and the GWA.
4.5.3 Guilford County
The portions of the study area that are not currently within Greensboro or High Point's
jurisdiction are zoned by Guilford County. Figure 6 shows the corporate limits of
Greensboro and High Point. Most of this area is zoned for residential uses, primarily
single-family. In the vicinity of the proposed I-85/LTrban Loop interchange are pockets
of industrial and highway business districts. Business districts, including highway
business and shopping center, and industrial districts are scattered along High Point
Road. In addition, there is a large office area along High Point Road. South of
Chimney Rock Road near the project's northern terminus is an industrially zoned area.
The Wendover Avenue corridor is zoned for industrial, office, public and institutional
uses.
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Tel: [phone] Fax: s,slas4-S4a6 ?
. _ Department GUILFORD COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
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In addition, Guilford County has a Scenic Corridor Overlay District that seeks to
protect the visual appearance of major roadway corridors. Prior to applying the
overlay district, a corridor plan must be developed that at least addresses land use along
the corridor, unique qualities of the corridor such as historic buildings and natural
features, signage, and vehicular access. According to the Guilford County Planning
Department, the overlay district will likely be applied to the Urban Loop corridor.
4.6 Water and Sewer
4.6.1 Greensboro
Greensboro does not allow the extension of its water and sewer service outside the city
limits. Development outside the city limits that wants city water and sewer services is
required to extend the services to the development and request annexation into the city
limits. City water and sewer is available to all areas of the project study area inside the
city limits.
The city's water and wastewater discharge capacities are somewhat limited.
Greensboro's primary water supply comes from the three city-owned lakes, Brandt,
Higgins, and Townsend. Brushy Creek, Horsepen Creek, and Reedy Fork Creek feed
these lakes. Based on current growth projections, the city's current water treatment
plant capacity is estimated to meet demands for approximately 12 to 15 years.
However, when completed, the Randleman Reservoir should meet demands of the
Piedmont Triad area for approximately 50 years.
4.6.2 High Point
Like Greensboro, High Point does not allow the extension of its water and sewer
service outside the city limits. Areas outside of the city limits must be annexed prior to
having water and sewer services extended.
The city's primary source of water is High Point Lake. Oak Hollow Lake serves as a
reserve for the city. As stated above, once completed, the Randleman Reservoir should
meet the demands of the Piedmont Triad area for approximately 50 years.
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4.7 Water Quality Plans and Programs
4.7.1 Greensboro
The city of Greensboro's Water Quality Section of the Stormwater Management
Division implements plans and programs to protect and improve the city's lakes and
streams. The city has numerous plans and services in place to protect water quality.
For example, the city reviews plans for new development and works with the
community to devise best management practices for stormwater runoff.
According to the city's web site, city staff monitors Greensboro's water supply lakes on
a monthly basis to assess the water quality of urbanized watersheds draining to the
city's drinking water reservoirs. Monitoring sites are at Lake Brandt, Lake Higgins,
and Lake Townsend, all north of the study area.
The city monitors stormwater within the city's major drainage basins to characterize the
quality of receiving streams during rainfall events. Samples are collected during
certain rain events on a quarterly basis to determine the effects of urban stormwater
runoff on Greensboro's receiving stream water quality. Of the six sample locations,
none are within the study area. However, one of these sites is just north of the study
area along South Buffalo Creek. One aquatic insect monitoring site is in the study area
along an unnamed tributary to South Buffalo Creek. Several other sites are along
South Buffalo Creek. These include four aquatic insect monitoring sites, one fish
monitoring site, one USGS Station, and one ambient water quality monitoring site.
The city also collects water quality samples during dry weather conditions at 18 sites
around the city. Samples, which are taken bimonthly, are used to determine the
+~ impacts of pollutants on streams. One of these sites is along South Buffalo Creek near
I-40. This program will identify and eliminate sources of pollution through data
analysis and follow-up investigations and determine water quality trends over time.
The city is currently completing an inventory of the city's stormwater drainage system
and natural waterways. T1ie data from the study will be used to create watershed
models and stoimwater master plans for the entire city. The master plans, which will
project Greensboro's growth and take into account current as well as potential
development, will help the city predict and prepare for future storrnwater, floodplain,
and environmental impacts.

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A portion of the study area is in the Randleman Lake and High Point Lake water
supply watersheds. As part of the city's development ordinance, two overlay districts
cover designated water supply watersheds. They arc the WCA and the GWA. The
WCA covers the area adjacent to awater-supply intake or reservoir and the GWA
covers the rest of the watershed draining to the reservoir or intake. The objective of
these overlay districts is to limit the amount of pollution that enters the water supply
reservoirs. Prior to new construction in both of these overlay districts, a watershed
development plan must be submitted and runoff control structures may be required.
Site improvements must meet or exceed the guidelines in the watershed manual. In
addition, stream buffers ranging in width from 30 to 100 feet are required in these
districts. The ordinance also states that, "...the North Carolina Department of
Transportation (NCDOT) shall comply with the practices outlined in its document
entitled Best Management Practices for the Protection of Surface Waters, which is
incorporated by reference." Density limits for the Randleman Lake Watershed are 50
percent built upon area, and 70 percent built upon area for the Lower Randleman Lake
and the Upper Randleman Lake, respectively. More stringent regulations apply in the
WCA. (These zoning overlays correspond to the critical and protected area discussed
previously in Section 4.3.1, Natural Environment.)
In addition, the city's South Buffalo Creek Water Quality Improvement Project,
scheduled to begin in summer/fall of 2003, will create 20 acres of riparian wetlands on
South Buffalo Creek. The project is within the study area south of I-40 and east of
Freeman Mill Road. The project will "improve water quality by treating the first flush
of rainfall runoff; reduce sediment, metals, and other pollutants found in urban
stormwater runoff; and provide public recreation and environmental education
facilities through nature trails and educational signs in the park area."
4.7.2 High Point
Like the city of Greensboro's ordinance described above, the city of High Point has
also adopted water supply watershed regulations. Two overlay districts cover the
designated water-supply watersheds, the WCA and the GWA. The WCA extends
either a minimum of 2,750 feet from the normal pool elevation of the reservoir in
which the intake is located or to the ridgeline of designated water supply reservoir
basins, whichever comes first. This district consists of four tier divisions with Tier 4
being the outer most division. The GWA includes all land draining into designated
water supply reservoirs within the city's jurisdiction, but outside any WCA Overlay
District. Density and built-upon area limits in Tier 4 of the WCA are as follows: one
dwelling unit per acre or 12 percent built-upon area in the Randleman Lake WCA; and
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two dwelling units per acre or 50 percent built-upon area in the remaining water supply
watersheds. More stringent density and built-upon area limits apply to Tiers 1-3 of the
WCA. Density and built-upon area limits in the GWA range from one to two dwelling
units per acre and 50 to 70 percent built-upon area. Some exceptions apply to the
above density and built-upon area limits. In addition, performance standards and
engineered stormwater controls are required in some cases depending on the
watershed.
4.7.3 Randleman Rules
The proposed Randleman Reservoir, currently under construction and scheduled to be
complete in 2005-2006, is southeast of the study area in subbasin 03-06-07 of the Cape
Fear River Basin. Most of the reservoir is in Randolph County. In November 1998,
waters in the proposed Randleman Reservoir watershed were reclassified to WS-IV
CA. Due to this designation, the Randleman Lake Water Supply Watershed Nutrient
Management Strategy, commonly referred to as the Randleman Rules, have been
adopted by nine local jurisdictions to help prevent potential water quality problems in
the proposed reservoir. The local jurisdictions include Guilford, Randolph, and
Forsyth Counties, Greensboro, High Point, Archdale, Jamestown, Kemersville, and
Randleman. The following is a summary of the Randleman Rules:
As far as wastewater discharge is concerned, the city of High Point's Eastside facility
is the only point source discharge that will be allowed in the watershed. This facility
will have to meet phosphorus limits established to protect water quality standards.
Furthermore, the rules require the protection and maintenance of riparian areas. This
protection applies to all sides of surface waters in the Randleman Lake Watershed,
including intermittent streams, perennial streams, lakes, and ponds. The protected area
consists of two zones. Zone 1 will extend a distance of 30 feet on all sides of the
waterbody, measured horizontally on a line perpendicular to the waterbody. This zone
will consist of an undisturbed area of vegetation. Zone 2 will begin at the outer edge of
Zone 1 and will extend horizontally a mmunum of 20 feet. Periodic mowmg and
removal of plant products will be permitted in this zone. Lastly, the rules address
storinwater requirements. These density-related stormwater requirements apply to the
lower portions of the Randleman Lake Watershed. The lower portions include those
waters and lands of the Deep River upstream of and draining to the Randleman Dam,
from the Oakdale-Cotton Dam to the Randleman Dam. In the critical area of the
watershed, low-density development must be limited to either no more than one
dwelling unit per two acres for single-family residential development or six percent
built-upon area for all other residential and non-residential development. If the new
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development exceeds the low-density option, engineered stortnwater controls must be
used to control runoff from the first inch of rainfall and development shall not exceed
30 percent built-upon area. In the balance of the watershed, low-density development
must be limited to either no more than one dwelling unit per acre for single-family
residential development or 12 percent built-upon area for all other residential and non-
residential development. If the new development exceeds the low-density option,
engineered stormwater controls must be used to control runoff from the first inch of
rainfall and development shall not exceed 50 percent built-upon area.
4.7.4 Cape Fear River Basinwide Water Quality Plan
The Cape Fear River Basinwide Water Quality Plan is one of 17 basinwide water
quality plans prepared by the North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ).
The plan, which was updated in 2000, discusses the state's 2000 303(d) list. The
303(d) list is a list of waters not meeting water quality standards or waters that have
impaired uses. Hickory Creek and South Buffalo Creek, within the study area, are on
the 303(d) list.. The majority of the waters draining the study area, while not on the
303(d) list, drain into waters outside the study area that are on the list. The waters
outside the study area include Reedy Fork Creek, the East Fork Deep River, the Deep
River, and the Haw River. According to the Cape Fear River Basin Plan, "For the next
several years, addressing water quality impairment in waters that are on the state's
303(d) list will be a DWQ priority." As a result, the plan recommends resampling for
biological and chemical data to attempt to determine potential problem parameters.
All of the above 303(d) list waters are listed as Part 5 Impaired Waters. Part 5 waters
include those that are biologically impaired. Agriculture, urban runoff and storm
sewers, and non-urban development are listed as potential nonpoint sources of
pollution/pollutants for the impairment of these water resources. The plan states that
the NCDWQ will work with the city of Greensboro stormwater program, where
possible, to improve water quality in these creeks.
4.7.5 Other Programs
Programs are in place to minimize direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts due to the
construction of the proposed project and other NCDOT projects that will be built in the
study area. These requirements, which are specific to the NCDOT, are precautions
taken to protect water quality in the study area and downstream. The NCDOT
activities such as general maintenance operations and facilities, construction operations
including temporary erosion and sediment control, as well as project planning and
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design, must comply with Best Management Practices (BMPs). The BMPs include
preventative and control measures undertaken to avoid or reduce water pollution and
are published in the NCDOT handbook titled, "Best Management Practices for
Protection of Surface Waters: '
A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit that applies
throughout the state on NCDOT-owned rights-of--way was issued on June 8, 1998.
Requirements contained in the permit address a broad range of NCDOT activities.
Included is a requirement for development of a procedure to document newly
constructed stormwater outfalls and add them to a stormwater system inventory of
existing facilities. This documentation process will include the development of project
stormwater management plans.
5. Analysis of Future Growth Potential
In the 1990s, industrial growth in Guilford County occurred primarily around the
Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTIA), the interstates, and in south High Point.
Commercial and/or office development followed or clustered around major
thoroughfares. Field surveys revealed that residential and commercial development is
occumng throughout most of the study area. Any additional future growth will be
dependent on transportation infrastructure, the extension of water and sewer services,
and population growth and will be curbed by the area's development regulations and
policies. Residential development will comprise the majority of all future development
and will be needed to serve the Piedmont Triad's growing population. New
commercial development, required to support the additional residential development,
can be expected. Growth is more likely to occur in the southern and northwestern
portions of the study area.
6. Summary of the Effects of the Project
The Council on Environmental Quality defines indirect impacts as those, "...which
are caused by the action and are later in time or farther removed in distance, but are
still reasonably foreseeable (40 CFR 1508.8)." Cumulative impacts are defined as,
"...impacts on the environment which results from the incremental impact of the
action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions
regardless of what agency (federal or nonfederal) or person undertakes such other
actions (40 CFR 1508.7): '
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Overall, the Urban Loop will complement the existing transportation network and
provide relief to traffic congestion in this urban area. The increased accessibility will
generate residential development in the study area, as residents will have a more direct
route to regional employment centers. However, existing development pattems are
expected to continue.
The city of Greensboro and the city of High Point recognize that the predominant
factors in determining the water quality characteristics of streams and lakes are the
pollutants washing off their urban landscape. As such, Greensboro and High Point
have adopted regulations addressing water quality. New development in the study area
must comply with these regulations. In addition, the Randleman Rules further restrict
new development. Both the city of Greensboro and Guilford County plan to apply a
highway overlay district to the Urban Loop corridor. The Greensboro overlay district
requires a vegetated buffer, which will serve to filter runoff from the new roadway.
The Guilford County overlay must be based on a corridor plan, which addresses natural
features such as streams.
According to the NCDWQ, actions to address water quality impacts of nonpoint source
pollution must be taken at the local level. The NCDWQ recommends that such actions
include development and enforcement of local erosion control ordinances; requirement
of stormwater best management practices for existing and new development;
development and enforcement of buffer ordinances; and land use planning that assesses
impact on natural resources.
Conclusion
Although the Urban Loop will likely accelerate residential development along the
corridor and non-residential development in proximity to interchanges as permitted by
local regulations, changes in general land use patterns are not expected. The land
already developed in Greensboro and High Point limits the future gowth potential of
the study area. Furthermore, because the corridor is fairly close to these developed
areas, it is not expected to open large areas of land for development. Both Greensboro
and High Point have adopted regulations to protect and improve the area's lakes and
streams. In addition to these regulations, the entire study area is subject to the
Randleman Rules, which further protect the water quality of the area. An analysis of
local plans and regulations reveals that adequate water quality measures are in place,
and that the construction of TIP Project No. U-2524AB/AC will not result in indirect
or cumulative impacts that will adversely affect water quality. Therefore, no further
indirect or cumulative impact analysis is recommended for the proposed project.
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7. References
City of Greensboro. Gree~rsboro City Data Book, 2001.
City of Greensboro. Connections 2025 Comprehe~uive Pla~i (draft), 2002.
City of Greensboro. Gree~zsboro Development Ordinance, 1992.
City of High Point. High Point Development Ordinance, 2002.
City of High Point. 1 V i~endover Ave Guilford College Rd Corridor Plan, 1995.
City of High Point Planning and Zoning Commission. City of High Point Land Use
Plan, 2000.
Guilford County. Airport Area Plat, 1999.
North Carolina Administrative Code. 15A NCAC 2B .0248-.0251. Randleman Lake
Water Supply Watershed Nutrient Management Strategy, 1999.
North Carolina Department of Commerce. http://cmedis.commerce.state.ne.us.
Accessed Apri19, 2003.
North Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality. Cape
Fear River Basinwide Water Quality Plan, 2000.
North Carolina Department of Transportation. Best Management Practices for the
Protection of Surface Waters, 1997.
United States Census Data. 1990 and 2000. http://factfinder.census.gov. Accessed
March 24, 2003.
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