HomeMy WebLinkAbout20131224_Scoping Comments_20111110'f
MC®ENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Coleen H Sullins
Governor Director
November 10 2011
MEMORANDUM
TO Pamela Williams NCDOT Priority Project Office
FROM Rob Ridings NC Division of Water Quality Transportation Permitting Unit
SUBJECT Scopmg Review of NCDOT s Proposed Design Build Bridge Replacement Projects in
Wake County
In reference to the Division 5 Design Build Bridge Replacement Projects Onsite Reviews conducted
November 9 2011 the NCDWQ offers the following comments
Dee Freeman
Secretary
Bridge
Number
Stream Name
River Basin &
Subbasin
Stream Classifications
Stream Index
Number
237
Neuse River
NEU 02
WS V NSW *303(d) Listed*
27 (36)
485
UT Swift Creek
NEU 02
WS III NSW
27 43 5 (1 5)
410
Dutchman s Creek
NEU 02
WS III NSW
2743 45
285
Terrible Creek
NEU 03
B NSW
2743 15 8
467
Walnut Creek
NEU 02
C NSW *303(d) Listed*
27 34 (1 7)
67
Bachelor Branch
CPF 05
(Jordan)
WS IV NSW
1641 62 (2)
363
Reedy Branch
CPF 05
(Jordan)
WS W NSW
1641 10 1
338
Kenneth Creek
CPF 07
C
18 16 1 (1)
Project Specific Comments
Bridges 485 410 285 67 and 363 These projects impact class NSW waters of the State
NCDWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from these projects
NCDWQ recommends that highly protective sediment and erosion control BMPs be implemented
to reduce the risk of nutrient runoff to surface waters and tributaries 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
2 Bridges 237and 467 These projects impact class 303(d) Listed impaired waters of the State
NCDWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from these projects
NCDWQ recommends that the most protective sediment and erosion control BMPs be implemented
in accordance with Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds to reduce the risk of nutrient runoff to
these streams and their tributaries 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 Stormwater Best Management Practices
Transportation Permitting Unit
1650 Mail Service Center Raleigh North Carolina 27699 1650
Phone 919 -807 6403
Internet http llh2o enr state nc uslncwetlandsl
An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer
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NorthCarohna
Naturall'y
6 Bridges 237, 485, 410, 285, and 467 These projects are in the Neuse River Basin Riparian buffer
impacts shall be avoided and minimized to the greatest extent possible pursuant to 15A NCAC
2B 0233
Bridges 67 and 363 These projects are in the Jordan Lake subbasm Riparian buffer impacts shall
be avoided and minimized to the greatest extent possible pursuant to 15A NCAC 2B 0267
General Comments Regarding Bridge Replacement Protects
Bridge deck drains shall not discharge 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 detention basins etc ) before entering the stream Please refer to the most current
version of NCDWQ s Stormwater Best Management Practices
If foundation test borings are necessary it shall be noted in the document Geotechnical work is
approved under General 401 Certification Number 3687/Nationwide Permit No 6 for Survey
Activities
If a bridge is being replaced with a hydraulic conveyance other than another bridge NCDWQ
believes the use of a Nationwide Permit may be required Please contact the US Army Corp of
Engineers to determine the required permit(s)
4 If the old bridge is removed no discharge of bridge material into surface waters is allowed unless
otherwise authorized by the US ACOE Strict adherence to the Corps of Engineers guidelines for
bridge demolition will be a condition of the 401 Water Quality Certification
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) should not be placed in the stream when possible
6 NCDWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from these projects
NCDOT 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
If 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 for elevated pH and possible aquatic life and
fish kills
If temporary access roads or detours are constructed the site shall be graded to its preconstruction
contours and elevations Disturbed areas shall be seeded or mulched to stabilize the soil and
appropriate native woody species shall be planted When using temporary structures 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
9 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
10 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
i
Construction and Maintenance Activities manual such as sandbags rock berms cofferdams and
other diversion structures shall be used to prevent excavation in flowing water
11 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
12 In most cases the NCDWQ prefers the replacement of the existing structure at the same location
with road closure If road closure is not feasible a temporary detour shall 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 shall be removed and restored to the natural
ground elevation The area shall be stabilized with grass and planted with native tree species Tall
fescue shall not be used in riparian areas
13 Any anticipated dewatering or access structures necessary for construction of bridges should be
addressed in the CE It is understood that final designs are not determined at the time the CE is
developed However the CE should discuss the potential for dewatering and access measures
necessary due to bridge construction
General Comments if Replacing the Bridge with a Culvert
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 the NCDWQ for guidance
on how to proceed and to determine whether or not a permit modification will be required
2 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 floodplam 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
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 shall be properly designed
sized and installed
Thank you for requesting our input at this time NCDOT 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
Chris Murray Division 5 Environmental Officer
Travis Wilson NC Wildlife Resources Commission
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