U-5318

NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Coleen H. Sullins
Governor Director
October 20, 2011
MEMORANDUM
To: Stephanie Sudano, Director of Engineering, Town of Holly Springs
From: Rob Ridings, NC Division of Water Quality Transportation Permitting Unit /??/'\
Subject: Scoping comments on proposed Main Street Extension Project in Wake County,
NCDOT TIP No. U-5318.
Dee Freeman
Secretary
Reference your correspondence dated received September 20, 2011 in which you requested comments for
the referenced project. Preliminary analysis of the project reveals the potential for impacts to stream,
buffers and jurisdictional wetlands in the project area. More specifically, possible impacts to:

Stream Name River Basin &
Subbasin Stream
Classifications Stream Index
Number 303 d Listing?
Basal Creek Neuse 03 B; NSW 27-43-15-3 No
UTs to Bass Lake Neuse 03 B; NSW 27-43-15-3 No
Utley Creek Cape Fear 07 C 18-7-5.5 No
Further investigations at a higher resolution should be undertaken to verify the presence of other streams
and/or jurisdictional wetlands in the area. In the event that any jurisdictional areas are identified, the
Division of Water Quality requests that the town consider the following environmental issues for the
proposed project:
Project Specific Comments:
Basal Creek and Bass Lake are class B, NSW waters of the State. NCDWQ is very concerned with
sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project. NCDWQ recommends that highly
protective sediment and erosion control BMPs be implemented to reduce the risk of nutrient runoff to
these waters. NCDWQ requests that road design plans provide treatment of the storm water runoff
through best management practices as detailed in the most recent version of NCDWQ's Stormwater
Best Management Practices.
Much of the project study area is within the NeuseRiver Basin. Riparian buffer impacts shall be
avoided and minimized to the greatest extent possible pursuant to 15A NCAC 213.0233.
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General Project Comments:
I. The environmental document shall provide a detailed and itemized presentation of the proposed
impacts to wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping. If mitigation is necessary as required
by 15A NCAC 2H.0506(h), it is preferable to present a conceptual (if not finalized) mitigation plan
with the environmental documentation. Appropriate mitigation plans will be required prior to
issuance of a 401 Water Quality Certification.
2. Environmental assessment alternatives shall consider design criteria that reduce the impacts to
streams and wetlands from storm water runoff. These alternatives shall include road designs that
allow for treatment of the storm water runoff through best management practices as detailed in the
most recent version of NCDWQ Stormwater Best Management Practices, such as grassed swales,
buffer areas, preformed scour holes, retention basins, etc.
3. After the selection of the preferred alternative and prior to an issuance of the 401 Water Quality
Certification, the applicant 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 greater than I 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. In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules {15A NCAC 2H.0506(h)},
mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 150 linear feet to any single perennial stream.
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
stream mitigation.
5. NCDWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project.
The applicant shall address these concerns by describing the potential impacts that may occur to the
aquatic environments and any mitigating factors that would reduce the impacts.
6. Whenever possible, NCDWQ prefers spanning structures. Spanning structures usually do not require
work within the stream or grubbing of the streambanks and do not require stream channel
realignment. The horizontal and vertical clearances provided by bridges shall allow for human and
wildlife passage beneath the structure. Fish passage and navigation by canoeists and boaters shall not
be blocked. Bridge supports (bents) shall not be placed in the stream when possible.
7. Bridge deck drains shall not discharge directly into the stream. Stormwater shall 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 the most current version of
NCDWQ's Stormwater Best Aanagement Practices.
8. 1f concrete is used during construction, a dry work area shall be maintained to prevent direct contact
between curing concrete and stream water. Water that inadvertently contacts uncured concrete shall
not be discharged to surface waters due to the potential or elevated pH and possible aquatic life and
fish kills.
9. If temporary access roads or detours are constructed, the site shall be graded to its preconstruction
contours and elevations. :)isti bed areas shall be seeded or mulchc 1 to suNlize'he s(.il and
appropriate i:ative woody speaes sh )ild be planted. When using tcmpni ary structure. the area shall
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 soil disturbance.
10. Placement of culverts and other structures in waters, streams, and wetlands shall be below the
elevation of the streambed by one foot for all culverts with a diameter greater than 48 inches, and 20
percent of the culvert diameter for culverts having a diameter less than 48 inches, to allow low flow
passage of water and aquatic life. Design and placement of culverts and other structures including
temporary erosion control measures shall not be conducted in a manner that may result in dis-
equilibrium of wetlands or streambeds or banks, adjacent to or upstream and down stream of the
above structures. The applicant is required to provide evidence that the equilibrium is being
maintained if requested in writing by NCDWQ. If this condition is unable to be met due to bedrock
or other limiting features encountered during construction, please contact NCDWQ for guidance on
how to proceed and to determine whether or not a permit modification will be required.
11. If multiple pipes or barrels are required, they shall be designed to mimic natural stream cross section
as closely as possible including pipes or barrels at flood plain elevation, floodplain benches, and/or
sills may be required where appropriate. Widening the stream channel shall 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.
12. Sediment and erosion control measures sufficient to protect water resources must be implemented and
maintained in accordance with the most recent version of North Carolina Sediment and Erosion
Control Planning and Design Manual and the most recent version of NCS000250.
13. All work in or adjacent to stream waters shall be conducted in a dry work area unless otherwise
approved by NCDWQ. Approved BMP measures from the most current version of NCDOT
Construction and Maintenance Activities manual such as sandbags, rock berms, cofferdams and other
diversion structures should be used to prevent excavation in flowing water.
14. Sediment and erosion control measures shall not be placed in wetlands and streams.
15. Borrow/waste areas shall avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practical. Impacts to wetlands in
borrow/waste areas could precipitate compensatory mitigation.
16. While the use of National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps, NC Coastal Region Evaluation of Wetland
Significance (NC-CREWS) maps and soil survey maps are useful tools, their inherent inaccuracies
require that qualified personnel perform onsite wetland delineations prior to permit approval.
17. Heavy equipment shall 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
shall be inspected daily and maintained to prevent contamination of surface waters from leaking fuels,
lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials.
18. In most cases, NCDWQ prefers 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 shall be removed and the approach fills
removed from the 100-year floodplain. Approach fills should be removed and restored to the natural
pound elevation. The area shall be saibilized with grass and planted with native tree sp:cies. Tall
fl scue shall nut be rsed 'n riparian arL as.
19. Riprap shall not be placed in the active thalweg channel or placed in the streambed in a manner that
precludes aquatic life passage. Bioengineering boulders or structures should be properly designed,
sized and installed.
20. Any anticipated bank stabilization associated with culvert installations or extensions should be
addressed in the Categorical Exclusion (CE) document and permit applications. It is understood that
final designs are not determined at the time the CE is developed. However, the CE should discuss the
potential for bank stabilization necessary due to culvert installation. An adequate amount of bank
stabilization should also be applied for in the permit application, to prevent the need of a future
permit modification.
Thank you for requesting our input at this time. The applicant is reminded that issuance of a 401 Water
Quality Certification requires that appropriate measures be instituted to ensure that water quality
standards are met and designated uses are not degraded or lost. If you have any questions or require
additional information, please contact Rob Ridings at 919-807-6403.
cc: Eric Alsmeyer, US Army Corps of Engineers, Raleigh Field Office
Travis Wilson, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Marta Matthews, NCDOT
File Copy
2? tsar +;i
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1PP
THE Town Of
holly
Springs
P.O. Box 8
128 S. Main Street
Holly Springs, N.C. 27540
w .hollyspringsnc.us
September 16, 2011
Mr. Rob Ridings
NC Division of Water Quality
1650 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1650
20?
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RE: Project Initiation for the Proposed Main Street Extension Project, Town of
Holly Springs,
Wake County, TIP No. U-5318, Federal Aid Number STPDA-0510(6)
TOHS Project No. 08-035
Dear Mr. Davila:
The Town of Holly Springs is starting the project development, environmental,
and engineering studies for the proposed Main Street Extension Project. The
project would realign / extend SR 1114 (Ralph Stephens Road) and SR 1101
(Piney Grove Wilbon Road) to form a new intersection, with part of the project
on new location, to improve local connectivity. This project is included in the
2009-2015 North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) State
Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) under TIP Project U-5318. It is
currently programmed for planning and environmental studies only.
Attached for your review and comments are additional mapping of the proposed
project area. We would appreciate any information you might have that would
be helpful in evaluating potential environmental impacts of the project. If
applicable, please identify any permits or approvals that may be required by
your agency. A scoping meeting will be scheduled with NCDOT and Town
staff to discuss the proposed project in more detail. In order to include your
comments into our materials for this meeting, we would appreciate your
response by November 2, 2011. If you would like to attend the scoping
meeting, please let me know.
It is anticipated that a federal Categorical Exclusion will be prepared for this
project, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
[phone]
If you have any questions about this project, please feel free to contact me by
phone or email.
Thank you,,
6 (. %"
Stephanie L. Sudano, PE
Director of Engineering
stephanie.sudano@hollysprin sg nc.us
Attached: Project Figures (4)
cc: Kendra D. Parrish, PE, CFM, Senior Engineer
Rodney L. Campbell, Development Inspection Administrator
Heather V. Keefer, Environmental Specialist
Marta Matthews, NCDOT
Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
08-035 "CE Work"
Correspondence 13476
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Legend
-- Major Roads Holly Springs Town Limit Future 1-540
Minor Roads Holly Springs ETJ - - Project Area

Figure 1
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Springs xtens
on
Main Street
TIP Project No. U-5318

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Holly Springs, Wake County
rire To.C I OP
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Holly Project Study Area Main Street Extension
Springs TIP Project No. U-5318
n o K r r c n e o r. i n Holly Sprinns, Wake Ccuntv
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1 doll Topographic Map
Y Main Street Extension
Springs TIP Proj( rd No. U-5318
n o ic'r:? Z n n 0 L i T A Holly Springs, Wake County
Looking Northeast
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Approximately Mid-Loop Looking West
:.`?.w:•,,,.:?.-`gin -
, ;ad at NC 5 5
(Southern Intersection), Looking Northwest
Figure 4
TI IF,, TOWN Or Photos
Holly Main Street Extension
4A Springs TIP Project No. U-5318
K r ;I C A R 0 L I l A Holly Springs. Wake County
Piney Grove Wilbon Road at Avent Ferry Road,
Ralph Stephens Road at NC 55
(Northern Intersection), Looking North Towards Downtown
Avent Ferry Road at NC 55,
king South at Avent Ferry Road
Avent Ferry Road at NC 55, Looking Southeast