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Home My WebLink About20120285_Public Notice_20090619 (2)cY' ��/ eJ`; `��1�/n�^.... �ti �l !,r I I - - - - `�. �: %, / '� i �� ✓�N '-��^� U5 Army Corps P��,IC NOTI�' ? ��' 9 ��hi n� iQC . ��y',�� Of Engineers �qp,�,QU,y��ry Wilmington Dish-ict ' �'R� H Issue Date: June 17, 2009 Comment Deadline: July 17, 2009 Corps Action ID #: SAW-2009-0909 TIP Project No. U-3321 The Wilmington District, Corps of Engineers (Corps) has received an application from the North Cazolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA) regarding a potential future requirement for Deparhnent of the Army (DA) authorization to dischazge dredged or fill material into waters of the United States associated with the proposed Gaston East-West Connector from I-85 west of Gastouia in Gaston County to I-485/NC 160 southwest of Charlotte in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Specific alignment altematives and location infortnation aze described below and shown on the attached plans. This Public Notice and all attached plans aze also available on the Wilmington District Web Site at www saw.usace.army.miUwetlands Applicant: North Cazolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA) Attn: Mr. Steven D. DeWitt, Ctuef Engineer 1578 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1578 Authority The Corps will evaluate this application to compaze altematives that have been carried forwazd for detailed study pursuant to applicable procedures of Section 10 of the Rivers and Hazbors Act of 1899 and Secrion 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344). In order to more fully integrate Section 10 and Section 404 permit requirements with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and to give cazeful consideration to our requued public interest review and 404(b)(1) compliance determinarion, the Corps is soliciting public comment on the merits of this proposal and on the altematives evaluated in the Federal Highway Administration (FHVJA) Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) of 24 April 2009. At the close of this comment period, the District Commander will evaluate and consider the comments received as well as the expected adverse and beneficial effects of the proposed road construction to select the least envuonmentally damaging practicable altemative (LEDPA). The Dishict Commander is not authorizing construction of the Gaston East-West Connector at this time. A final DA pernut may be issued only after our review process is complete, impacts to the aquatic environment have been minim;Zed to the ma�cimum extent practicable and a compensatory mitigation plan for unavoidable impacts has been approved. Locanon The proposed project study azea stretches from Bessemer City and Crowders Mountain State Pazk on the west to Chazlotte-Douglas Intemational Airport on the east passing - south of Gastonia, Cramerton and Belmont. The proposed alignments for the connector begin at Interstate 85 just south of Bessemer City in westem Gaston County and swing to the south of Gastonia ending at existing Interstate 485 and NC Highway 160 in western Mecklenburg County nnmediately south of the airport, a distance of approacimately 22 miles. The proposed bypass alignments cross US Highway 29-74, Linwood Road, Lewis Road, US Highway 321, Robinson Road, Bud WIlson Road, NC Highway 274, NC Highway 279, NC Highway 279 and Diacie River Road. More specifically, the project begins at Latitude 35.2720 N, Longitude 81.2422 W and ends at Latitude 35.1915 N, Longitude 80.9584 W. E�cisting Site Conditions The project study azea of the Gaston East-West Connector is located in the southem Piedmont physiographic province of North Cazolina with topography chazacterized as gently rolling, well rounded hills, long low ridges and some low mountains. Elevations range &om a high of 900 feet in the west to a low of 570 feet at the Catawba River (Lake Wylie) neaz the eastern end. Land use in the study azea is mixed ranging from agricultural and pasture land to residential, recreational, industrial and commercial developments. Commercial and retail development is concentrated in areas located near I-85, US 29-74 and US 321. The study azea is experiencing growth particularly in the development of new residential housing with much of the rutal azea shifring towazd a more suburban environment. The detailed study alternatives aze located within both the Catawba (Hydrologic_ Unit 03050101) and South Fork Catawba (Hydrologic Unit 03050102) River Basins. Named streams in the project azea within the study azea in Gaston County include the Abernathy Creek, Oates Creek, Bessemer Branch, Crowders Creek, McGill Branch, Ferguson Branch, Blackwood Creek, Mill Creek, Catawba Creek, South Fork Catawba River and Catawba River (Lake Wylie). Named s�eams in the project area within Mecklenburg County include Beaverdam Creek and Legion Lake Stream. Aquatic coaununities in the study area include both internuttent and perennial piedmont streams as well as still-water ponds and a lazge hydro-electric impoundment. A total of 452 jurisdictional stream segments have been identified within the study azea as well as approximately 370 jurisdictional wetlands adjacent to these streams. Approxunately 58 ponds have also been identified. Applicant's Stated Purpose The purpose of the project is to nnprove east-west transportation mobility in the azea azound the City of Gastonia, between Gastonia and the Charlotte metropolitan azea, and particulazly to establish d'uect access between the rapidly growing azeas of southeast Gaston County and westem Mecklenburg County. The proposed project will address the following needs: - There is poor transportation connectivity between Gaston County and Mecklenburg County and within southern Gaston County. - There aze existing and projected poor levels of service on the Project Study Area's major roadways. Project Descripfion The NCTA, in cooperation with the FHWA and the North Cazolina Departrnent of Transpor[ation (NCDOT) proposes to construct a project known as the Gaston East-West Connector, a controlled-access toll road extending &om I-85 south of Bessemer City and west of Gastonia to I-485 just south of Charlotte-Douglas Intemarional Airport, a distance of approximately 22 miles. The proposed project will be constructed on new location. The proposed design will be a six-lane, median-divided, controlled access facility with a median width of 46 feet. The proposed right-of-way width will be approximately 300 feet. The proposed roadway has a design speed of 70 miles per hour. A typical roadway cross section is shown in Figure 5. Tolls will be collected by an electronic toll collection system. There will be no cash toll booths. Detailed Study Alternatives Twelve endpoint-to-endpoint Detailed Study Alternatives (DSAs) were selected for further study based upon the outcome of an altematives screening process, estunated impacts to the human and natural environments and engineering design considerations. Figures 3a and 3b show the segments comprising each DSA. Preliminary engineering designs were prepazed for each DSA within the study corridors established during the altematives screening process. These study corridors are approximately 1400 feet wide. The study comdors aze wider than 1400 feet in areas where interchanges and/or service roads will be considered. Each DSA is currently proposed to have I1 to 12 interchanges with existing roads in the study area including I-85, US 29-74, Linwood Road (SR 1133), Lewis Road (SR 1126), US 321, Robinson Road (SR 2416), Bud Wilson Road (SR 2423), NC 274 (Union Road), NC 279 (South New Hope Road), NC 273 (Southpoint Road), Dixie River Road (SR 1155) and I-485. The attached table identifies the expected envuonmental impacts from each DSA. Total stream impacts range from a low of 47,188 lineaz feet for DSA 81 to a high of 60,244 lineaz feet for DSA 58. Total wetland unpacts range from 6.9 acres (DSA 5) to 13.2 acres (DSA 68). Pond impacts range from 2.1 acres to 63 acres. DSAs 68, 27, and 64 would have the least impacts to ponds and DSAs 4, 77, 58, and 76 would have the greatest impacts. 3 Cultural Resources The FHWA, the lead federal agency for cultural resources coordination on this project, has detem7ined that registered properties, or properties listed as being eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NItF1Y) aze located within the .___ project area and/or will be affected by the proposed work. None of the DSAs would result in an "Adverse EffecY' to a historic property on or eligible for the NRHP. The applicant has detennined that five properties, Wo1fe Family Dairy Fazm, V✓illiam Clazence Wilson House, JBF Riddle House, Hazrison Fanuly Dairy Farm and Thomas Allison House would see "No Adverse EffecY' from at least some of the alternatives. The attached table identifies which DSAs would have an effect on historic properties. Surveys conducted by the applicant indicate that there aze 33 previously recorded azchaeological sites within or immediately adjacent to the DSAs. Most of these sites show low artifact densities and/or loss of integrity through agriculture and erosion. Eight sites, 31GS0184, 31GS0210, 31GS0211, 31GS0212, 31GS0085, 31GS0144, 31GS0146 and 31GS0058 were recommended for additional work or monitoring and one site, 31MK0553 was recommended as potentially eligible for the NRFiP. The applicant recommends addirional survey work to determine if other sites eligible for listing on the NRIIP aze present. Endangered Species There aze four federally protected species of plants and animals that have ranges eactending into Gaston County and/or Mecklenburg County: Carolina heelsplitter mussel (Lasmigona decorata), Michaux's sumac (Rhus michauxii), Schweinitz's sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii), and smooth coneflower (Echinacea laevigata). The FHWA, the lead federal agency for coordination of endangered species issues on this project pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), has determined that the proposed project may have an effect on federally listed endangered or threatened species or theu formally designated critical habitat. One population of Schweinitz's sunflower has been documented along the boundary edge of Corridor Segment K2A (DSAs 4, 22, 58 and 76). As a result, the FHWA has concluded that the proposed project may affect but is not likely to adversely affect this species. Under Section 7 of the ESA, concurrence from the US Fish and Wildlife Service on this conclusion will be needed if DSA 4, 22, 58 or 76 is selected as the LEDPA. No pernut will be issued until this consultation process is complete. The proposed project is expected to have no effect on the Cazolina heelsplitter mussel, Michawc's sumac or the smooth coneflower. Evaluarion The decision whether to issue a pemut will be based on an evaluation of the probable impacts, including cumulative impacts, of the proposed activity on the public interest. That decision will reflect the national concem for both protection and utilization of important resources. The benefit which reasonably may be expected to accrue from the proposal must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments. All factors which may be relevant to the proposal will be considered including the cumulative effects CI thereof; among those are conservation, economics, aesthetics, general envuonmental concerns, wetlands, historic properties, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, flood plain values (in accordance with Executive Order 11988), land use, navigation, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conserva6on, water quality, energy needs, safety, food and fiber production, mineral needs, considerations of property ownerstup, and, in general, the needs and welfaze of the people. For activities involving the dischazge of dredged or fill materials in waters of the United States, the evaluation of the impact of the acfivity on the public interest will include applica6on of the Envuonmental Protection Agency's 404(b)(1) guidelines. Compensatory MiHgafion The purpose of compensatory mirigation is to repiace the lost functions from a projecYs impacts to Waters of the United States, including wetlands. Appropriate and practicable compensatory mitigation will be required for unavoidable impacts from the Monroe ConnectorBypass. The applicant will make every effort to provide on-site mitigation where possible. Any mitigation requirements not provided on-site will be met off=site tUrough utilization of the North Cazolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program. Commenting Information The Corps of Engineers is soliciting comments from the public; Federal, State and local agencies and officials, including any consolidate State Viewpoint or written position of the Govemor; Indian Tribes and other interested parties in order to consider and evaluate the nnpacts of this proposed activity. Any comments received will be considered by the Corps of Engineers to select the least envuonmentally damaging practicable altemative (LEDPA) for this proposal. To make this decision, comments are used to assess impacts on endangered species, historic properties, water quality, general envuonmental effects and the other public interest factors listed above. Comments are used in the prepazation of a Corps of Engineers Environmental Assessment (EA) and/or an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Comments aze also used to detemune the need for a public hearing and to detemune the overall public interest of the proposed activity. Written comments pertinent to the proposed work, as outlined above, will be received by the Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District, until Spm, July 17, 2009. 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Send comme�rts regard'mg this burden estimate or any other aspect of this coilection of information, including suggestions for reducing this hurden, to Departmerrt of Defense, Washington HeatlquMers Service Directorate of Information OprraUons and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington VA 22202-4302; and to the OfFice of Management antl Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0710-0�3), Washing[on, DC 20503. Please DO NOT REfURN your form to ei[her of ffiose addresses. Comple[ed applicatlons must 6e submitted [o the DisVict Engineer havingjurisdiction over the loca[ion of the ro osed ac �� PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT Authority: 33 USC 401, Section 10; � 4'13, Section 404. Principal Purpose: These laws require pertnits authorizing activities in, or affecting, navigable waters of the United States; the discharge of dredged or fill ma[erial Into waters of the United Sta[es, and the vansportaUon of dredged material for [he purpose oF dumping it into ocean waters. Routine uses: Infortnation provided on this form will be used in evalualing the epplication for a permit. Disclosure: Disclosure of reques[ed infortnation is voluntary. IF information is not provided, however, the permit application canno[ be processed nor can a pertni[ be issued. One set of originai drawings or good reprotluclble copies which show the lotatlon and character of [he proposetl aclivity must be attached to this applicatlon (see sample drawings antl insWCtions) and 6e submi[ted to the Oistrict Engineu having juristlic[ion over the proposed activi[y. An a lica[ion [hat is not com le[ed in Full wiil be retumed. (ITEMS 1 THRU 4 TO BE FILLED BY THE CORPS) 1. APPLICATION NO. 2. FIELD OFFICE CODE 3. DATE RECEIVED 4. DATE APPLICATION COMPIETED (ITEMS BELOW TO BE FILLED BY APPLICANT) 5. APPLICANT'S NAME B. AUTHORIZED AGENT'S NAME & TITLE (an agent is not required) North Carolina Turnpike Authority 6. APPLICANT'S ADDRESS 9. AGENT'S ADDRESS 1578 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1576 7. APPIJCANT'S PHONE NUMBERS WITH AREA CODE 10. AGENT'S PHONE NUMBERS WITH AREA CODE a. Residence a. Residence b. Business 919-571-3000 b. Business ii. STATEMENT OF AUTHORIZATION I hereby authorize to act in my behalf as my agent in [he processing of this application and to fumish, upon request, supplemental informa[ion in support of this permi[ application. APPLICANT'S SIGNATURE DATE NAME, LOCATION, AND DESCRI?TION OF PROJECT OR ACTIVITY 12. PROJECT NAME OR TITLE (see inswctions) � Gaston East-West Connector (U-3321) 13. NAME OF WATERBODY, IF KNOWN (if applicable) 14. PROJECT STREET ADDRESS (if applicable) 15. LOCATION OF PROJECT � Gaston & Mecklenbur� NC COUNTY STATE 16. OTHER LOCATION DESCRIPTIONS, IF KNOWN (see insvuctions) From I-85 west of Gastonia in Gaston County to I-485/NC 160 in Meckienburg Counly. 17. DIRECTIONS TO THE SITE Please see attached project study area map and cover Ietter. ENG FORM 4345 — ONLINE CESPK-CO-R 18. NATURE OF ACTIVITY (Description of projett, include all features) Proposed six-lane controlled-access toll road on new location in Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties with up to 12 interchanges. The rypical section generally has six 12-foot travei lanes with a 46-foot median. Approximately 300 feet of right of way would be required, with additional right of way required for interchanges, service roads, and improvements to intersecting roads. Bridges are proposed at most maJor stream crossings (6 to 8 bridges, depending on altemative). the reason or purpose of the project, see insvucliore) Improve east-west transportation mobiiiry in the area around the City of Gastonia, beiween Gastonia and the Charlotte metropolitan area, and particularly to establish direct access between the rapidly growing area of southeast Gaston County and western Mecklenburg County. U5E BLOCKS 20-22 IF DREDGED AND/OR FILL MATERIAL IS TO BE DISCHARGED 20. REASON(Sj FOR DISCHARGE Construction of the proposed action would result in fill in wetlands and surface waters. 21. TYPE(S) OF MATERIAL BEING DISCHARGED AND THE AMOUNT OF EACH TYPE IN CUBIC YARDS Fill from roadway. 22. SURFACE AREA IN ACRES OF WETLANDS OR OTHER WATERS FILLED (see inswctlons) See attached coverletter. 23. IS ANY PORTION OF THE WORK ALREADY COMPLEfE7 YES O NO Q IF YES, DESCRIBE THE WORK 24. ADDRESSES OF ADJOINING PROPERIY OWNERS, LESSEES, ETC. WHOSE PROPERTY ADJOINS THE WATERBODY� (If more than can be entered here, please attach a supplemental list) 25. LIST OF OTHER CER77FICATIONS OR APPROVALS/DENIALS RECEIVED FROM OTHER FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL AGENCIES FOR WORK DESCRIBED IN THIS APPLICATION AGENCY TYPE APPROVAL' IDENTIFICATION NUMBER DATE APPLIED DATE APPROVED DATE DENIED ' Would include bu[ is not restricted to zonin , buildin and Flood lain ermits. 26. Application is hereby made for a pertnit or permi[s to au[horize the work described in this applicatlon. I certify that the informatior in this application is complete and accurate. I further certify that I possess the authority to undertake the work described herein or am acting s d ly o'zed agerrt of the appiicant. 5•'I �09 SI A U O AP ICANT DATE SIGNATURE OF AGENT DATE The application must be signed by [he person who desires to undertake [he proposed activity (applicant) or it may be signed by a duly authorized agent if the statement in block 'I 1 has been filled out and signed. 'I B U.S.C. Sectlon 100'I provides that: Whoever, in any manner within the juristlic[ion of any department or agenty of the Uni[ed Sta[es knowingly and will fully faisifies, conceais, or covers up any trick, scheme, or disguises a material fact or makes any false, facticious, or fraudulent sTatements or representations or makes or uses any false writing or documen[ knowing same to contain any false, fictitlous or fraudulent sia[ements or entry, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than five years or botY ENG FORM 4345 — ONLINE CESPK-CO-R =.� BEVERLY E. PERD[IE GOVERNOR � .n - � �� r'� �- STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA TCJRNPIKE AUTHORTI�Y 1578 Mna SERVICE CErrrert, Wu.EIGH, N.C. 27699-1578 May 7, 2009 Mr. Steve Lund US Army Corps of Engineers Asheville Regulatory Field Office 151 Patton Avenue, Room 208 Asheville, NC 28801-5006 Dear Mr. Lund: DAVID W. JOYNER E�CVm'e D�crox Subject: SECTION 404 — NEPA MERGER PROCESS APPLICATION for a Department of the Army (DOA) Permit pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act TO DISCHARGE DREDGED OR FILL MATERIAL INTO WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES TO CONSTRUCT the proposed Gaston East-West Connector "Garden Parkway" from I-85 west of Gastonia in Gaston County to I-485/NC 160 in Mecklenburg County. STIP Project Number U-3321. The following application, including separate attachments for (1) ENG Form 4345, and (2) summary of impacts is submitted for your consideration. As you are aware, a Project Coordination Plan in accordance with Section 6002 of SAFETEA-LU was finalized in October 2008 and approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in January 2009 and outlines a process that mirrors NCDOT's merger pTOCess. Drafr versions of the plan were shared with the Cooperating and Participating Agencies and discussed at monthly agency coordination meetings. As a Cooperating and Participating Agency, the Regulatory Division has provided concurrence with Purpose and Need (Concurrence Point 1), with the selection of Detailed Study Alternatives (Concurrence Point 2), and with the Bridging/Alignment Decisions (Concurrence Point 2a). There are no unresolved project issues or issues of concern related to the Draft EIS. The Federal Drafr EIS was approved by the FHWA on April 24, 2009. The Drafr EIS was made available on the NCTA's Web site on May 1, 2009. Hard copies of the Drafr EIS will be circulated in Mid-May 2009. We are requesting that you issue the public notice for the project at the earliest opportunity so that we can jointly proceed toward selecting the LEDPA (least environmentally damaging practicable altemative which meets the purpose and need of the project) following analysis of public input. Once the LEDPA is selected and approved, effoRS will be undertaken to further minimize impacts to wetlands, streams, and riparian buffers in the LEDPA corridor and to propose suitable compensatory mitigation to offset unavoidable impacts. NORTH CAROLINA NRNPIF:E AUTHORCfY 7'ELEPHONE:919-571-3000 FAX: 919-57I-3015 The following information is a summary of relevant project details and is being provided to assist in the Section 404 regulatory review of the project. Please note that more detailed information is available in the Draft EIS. Iotroduction The North Cazolina Tumpike Authority (NCTA) proposes to improve east-west transportation mobility in the area around the City of Gastonia, between Gastonia and the Charlotte metropolitan area, and to establish direct access between the rapidly growing area of southeast Gaston County and west Mecklenburg County. Figures 1 and 2 show the location of the project and the project study area, Figure 3a-b are maps of the detailed study alternatives, and Figure 4 shows water resources. The proposed project is approximately 22 miles long and is located in Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties. The alternatives consist of a six-lane, median divided, controlled access facility on new location. The proposed right of way is approximately 300 feet and includes a 46-foot median. The proposed roadway has a design speed of 70 miles per hour (mph). Figure 5 attached shows the typica] cross sections. The Gaston Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (GUAMPO) and the Mecklenburg-Union MPO (MUMPO) Long Range Transportation Plans show a new location roadway running through southern Gaston County and connecting over the Catawba River to Mecklenburg County. The Gaston East-West Connector is included in the GUAMPO and M[.JMPO LRTP as regionally significant projects. The current LRTP lists the Gaston East-West Connector as a 2030 horizon year project. The GUAMPO and MUMPO LRTP's are presently being updated to 2035, and are scheduled to be locally approved and federally reviewed by March 2010. GUAMPO and MUMPO wili incorporate the Gaston East-West Connector into the 2035 LRTP as a toll project with a horizon year of 2015. NCTA will coordinate with GUAMPO and MUMPO to ensure the.air quality conformity determination for the region includes the projecYs design concept and scope consistent with the Preferred Alternative. National Environmental Policv Act (NEPA) Documentation The planning, environmental, and engineering studies were initiated in August 2001. A notice of intent was issued on April 27, 2006. The Drafr Environmental Impact Statement was approved by the Federal Highway Administration on April 24, 2009. Purpose and Need The purpose of the proposed action is to improve east-west transportation mobility in the area around the City of Gastonia, between Gastonia and the Charlotte metropolitan uea, and paRicularly to establish direct access between the rapidly growing area of southeast Gaston County and westem Mecklenburg County. The primary needs for the project are summarized below: Page 2 of 16 • There is poor transportation connectivity between Gaston County and Mecklenburg County and within southern Gaston County. o Limited crossings of the Catawba River constrain travel between Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties. No crossings are located in southern Gaston County. o Projected growth in southern Gaston Counry and western Mecklenburg County will continue to increase demands for accessibility and connectivity between the two counties. o Within southern Gaston County, south of I-85, a lack of connecting east-west roadways makes travel circuitous and limits mobility. o The GUAMPO and the MiJMPO include a new location roadway running through southern Gaston Counry and connecting over the Catawba River to Mecklenburg County in their ]ong range transportation plans. o The Gaston East-West Connector is a state-designated Strategic Highway Corridor, envisioned as a new freeway facility on the Strategic Highway Corridors Vision Plan. • There are existing and projected poor levels of service on the Project Study Area's major roadways. o Traffic volumes are projected to increase on I-85, I-485, US 29-74 and US 321 in the Project Study Area through 2030. o There are existing poor levels of service on segments of I-85 in Gaston County; from Exit 19 (NC 7[Ozark Avenue]) through Exit 27 (NC 273 [Park Street]). o Levels of service on I-85, US 29-74 and US 321 are projected to worsen in the future. o Congestion and frequent incidents on I-85 inhibit regional travel and diminish the ability of I-85 to function as a Strategic Highway Corridor and Intrastate Corridor. A detailed discussion of the projecYs purpose and need is included in Chapter 1 of the Draft EIS. Detailed Studv Alternatives Table 1 presents the 1,400-foot wide Corridor Segments that comprise the 12 New Location, Toll Scenario, Detailed Study Altematives (DSAs) carried forward for further study. Figure 3a-b shows the corridor boundaries for the DSAs. The preliminary engineering design right-of-way limits in each Corridor Segment are shown in Figure 2-9a-ii in the Draft E1S. Cortidor Segments are wider than 1,400 feet at areas for which interchanges and/or service roads will be considered. These 12 DSAs are carried forward for detailed study as toll facilities only. Page 3 of 16 TABLE 1: Twelve Final Detailed Stud Alternatives Wes[Area— ��tralArea— EastArea— Generali west of US Generally east of US 321 and west Generally east of Detailed Study 321 of NC 279 or the Sou[h Fork NC U9 or the South Altemative k Catawba River Fork Catawba River H Segments 1 Segments K Segmenu 4 H2A-H3 14a-14trJ2c12d-15a-156 K2A-KX1-K3B-K3C 5 H2A-H3 14a-J4b-J2c-12d-JX4Jle-llf K1A-K1B-KiC-K4A 9 H2A-H3 14a-14b-J2c-12d-JX4rirJlf K1A-K3A-K3B-K3C 22 H2A-H28-H2C 13-J2c-12d-15a-15b K2A-KXS-K38-K3C 23 H2A-H28-H2C 13-Rr12d-1X4Jfe-Jif K1A-K16-K1C-K4A 27 H2A-H28-H2C 13-12c-J2d-JX4JIe-Jlf K1A-K3A-K3&K3C 58 H1A-H1B-H1C Jla-1X1-12d-15a-156 K2A-Kxl-K3B-K3C 64 H1A-H1B-H1C Jla-Jlb-Jlc-Jld-JlrJlf KlA-K18-K1GK4A 68 H1A-H1B-H1C Jla-Jlb-Jlc-Jid-Jle-Jlf K1A-K3A-K3B-K3C 76 H1A-HX2 J2a-12b-Rc-J2d-JSa-15b K2A-KXl-K3B-K3C 77 H1A-HX2 J2a-12b-12c-12d-JX4-Jle-Jlf K1A-K18-K1C-K4A 81 HIA-H%2 12a-J2b-12c-12d-1X4-Jle-Jlf K1A-K3A-K38-K3C Each Detailed Study Alternative (DSA) currently is proposed to have ll to 12 interchanges (depending upon the DSA), as listed below from west to east. • I-85 . US 29-74 . Linwood Rd (SR I 133) . Lewis Rd (SR 1126) (DSAs 58, 64, and 68 only) • US 321 . Robinson Rd (SR 2416) • Bud Wilson Rd (SR 2423) • NC 274 (Union Rd) • NC 279 (South New Hope Rd) • NC 273 (Southpoint Rd) • Dixie River Rd (SR 1155) • I-485 In addition to the 12 build DSAs on new location, the No-Build Alternative is being retained to provide a baseline for comparison with the DSAs, in accordance with NEPA regulations (40 CFR Part 1502.14(d)) and FHWA guidelines (Technical Advisory T 6640.8A; Section V.E.1). In general, the No-Build Altemative assumes that the transportation systems for southern Gaston County and westem Mecklenburg County would evolve as currently planned in their respective 2030 Long Range Transpor[ation Plans, but without the proposed project. However, the No-Build Alternative would not meet the projecYs purpose and need. Recommended Alternative Based on the information available to date, including this Drafr EIS, the FHWA, NCTA and NCDOT have identified DSA 9 as the Recommended Altemative. This altemative is comprised of Page 4 of 16 Corridor Segments H2A-H3-J4a-J46-J2c-J2d-JX4-Jle-Jlf-K1A-K3A-K3B-K3C, as showm in Figure 3a-b. It should be noted that the "Recommended Alternative" is only a recommendation; it is not a Preferred Alternative and it is not a final decision. The FHWA, NCTA and NCDOT have identified a Recommended Alternative as a way of giving readers of the Drafr EIS an indication of the agencies' current thinking. After the Draft EIS comment period ends, the FHWA, NCTA and NCDOT will identify a Preferred Alternative based on consultation with local transportation planning agencies, and state and federal environmental resource and regulatory agencies, as well as consideration of agency and public comments on this Drafr EIS and at the public hearings. The Preferred Alternative may be developed further in the Final EIS. The NEPA process will conclude with a Record of Decision, which will document the Selected Alternative to be constructed. DSA 9 has been identified as the Recommended Altemative based on the following considerations. Please note this list is not in order of importance, but is organized by issues as they are presented in the Drafr EIS. Also, this list does not represent all benefits or impacts of DSA 9, just those elements that differentiated DSA 9 when compared to the other DSAs. Cost and Desi¢n Considerations • DSA 9 is one of the shoRest alternatives at 21.9 miles (all alternatives range from 21.4 to 23.7 miles). • DSA 9 has the second-lowest median total cost ($1,282 million) (all altematives range from $1,281 million to $1,378.4 million). Human Environment Considerations • DSA 9 is one of the four DSAs with the fewest numbers of residential relocations at 348 residential relocations (the range being 326 to 384 residential relocations). . Although DSA 9 is higher in the range of business relocations at 37 (the range being 24 to 40 business relocations), it would avoid impacts to Carolina Specialty TranspoR (provides transportations services to special needs groups) that would occur under DSAs 58, 64, 68, 76, 77 and 81. . DSA 9 is in the middle of the range of total neighborhood impacts at 25 impacted neighborhoods (the range being 21 to 31 impacted neighborhoods). . DSA 9 would have no direct impacts to schools. (DSAs 5, 23, and 27 also avoid direct impacts to schools.) • DSA 9 would not require relocation of known cemeteries. (DSAs 27, 68, and 81 also would not require relocation of known cemeteries.) • At Linwood Road, DSA 9 is one of three altematives (DSAs 4, 5, and 9) that would avoid impacting either the Karyae Park YMCA Outdoor Family Center or the Pisgah Associate Reformed Presb}nerian Church (part of the church property is also an historic site eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places). Page 5 of 16 • DSA 9 is one of the three alternatives (DSAs 4, 5, and 9) farthest from Crowders Mountain State Park. • DSA 9 would avoid right-of-way requirements from Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. (DSAs 4, 22, 27, 58, 68, 76, and 8] also avoid these right-of-way requirements.) • DSA 9 would avoid the relocation of Ramoth AME Zion Church and cemetery, which is part of the Gazrison Road/Dixie River Road community. (DSAs 4, 22, 27, 58, 68, 76, and 81 also avoid this church.) . DSA 9 is one of the eight alternatives (DSAs 4, 9, 22, 27, 58, 68, 76, and 81) with the least amount of right of way required from future Berewick District Park in Mecklenburg County. Phvsical Environment Considerations DSA 9 is in the middle range of estimated numbers of receptors impacted by traffic noise at 245 receptors (the range being 204 to 309 impacted receptors). DSA 9 is one of the alternatives (DSAs 4, 5, 9, 22, 23, and 27) that would impact the least acreage of land in Voluntary Agricultural Districts. DSA 9 also is one that is expected to have the least indirect and cumulative effects to farmlands. DSA 9 is one of the altematives with the fewest power transmission line crossings at 14 crossings (the range being l3 to 18). Cultural Resources Considerations DSA 9 is one of six altematives (DSAs 4, 5, 9, 22, 23, and 27) that would �ot require right of way from the Wolfe Family Dairy Farm historic site. Selection of DSA 9 makes it more likely that, if the US 321 Bypass is constructed at some future time, the project would also avoid the Wolfe Family Dairy Farm historic site. • DSA 9 is one of four altematives (DSAs 5, 9, 23, and 27) with ]ow to moderate potential to contain archaeo]ogical sites requiring preservation in place or comple�c/costly mitigation. Natural Resources Considerations • DSA 9 is one of eight alternatives (DSAs 4, 9, 22, 27, 58, 68, 76, and 81) that would cross the South Fork Catawba River and the Catawba River where the rivers have been more affected by siltation and they are less navigable, and water-based recreation would be affected less than with DSAs that cross farther south. • DSA 9 would impact the least amount of Upland Forested Natural Communities at 882 acres (all altematives range from 882 to 1042 acres). • DSA 9 is one of the altematives (DSAs 4, 9, 22, and 76) having the lowest potential to indirectly affect upland wildlife species due to habitat fragmentation. • DSA 9 is lower in the range of impacts to ponds at 4.1 acres (all altematives range from 2.1 to 6.3 acres). Page 6 of 16 • DSA 9 is lower in the range of impacts to wetlands at 7.5 acres (all alternatives range from 69 to 13.2 acres). • DSA 9 is lower in the range of impacts to perennial streams at 38,894 linear feet (all alternatives range from 36,771 to 50,739 linear feet). • DSA 9 would have the fewest number of stream crossings at 91 (all altematives range from 91 to 120 crossings). • DSA 9 is one of eight altematives (DSAs 5, 9, 23, 27, 64, 68, 77, and 81) that has a bio]ogical conclusion of No Effect relating to the federally endangered Schweinitz's sunflower. Costs and Schedule The estimated construction cost of each altemative carried forward for detailed study is"shown in Table 2(Table 2-6 of Draft EIS). Right-of-way costs include acquisition, relocations, utilities, and land. The construction costs include mobilization, clearing and grubbing, earthwork, drainage, pavement removal, subgrade, stabilization, pavement, guardrail, erosion control, pavement marking, signing, major culverts and bridges. These costs are estimates and are subject to change. Cost estimates are based on preliminary engineering designs and are in year-of-expenditure dollars, as described in the table notes. These costs will be refined afrer a Preferred Alternative is selected. The Final EIS is scheduled for completion in the 2"d Quarter of 2010 and the Record of Decision is anticipated i� the 4�' Quarter of 2010. The total estimated median costs range from $1,280.5 million for DSA 4 to $1,378.4 million for DSA 23. In order from lowest estimated total cost to highest, the DSAs are: DSA 4, 9, 76, 81, 68, 5, 58, 77, 22, 27, 64, and 23. Page 7 of 16 Approximate Number of DSA Length �nterchanges (miles) Probable Range of Costs Through Year of Ezpenditure Median 7otal ConStruRion Environmental Right-of-Way ProjeRCost Total Cost Cost Mitigation Cost Cost (millions $)' (millions $) I�:11:_��!\� I�:11:��!\• f�:ll: �f�t Source: Gas[on Cos[ Estimation Support Memorandum, HNTB, March, 2W9 ' Assumptions and notes regarding costs: 1. 7otal cost may not add up ezac[ly due to rounding. 2. Cons[ruc[ion wsGS indude construRion, utility relocations, and agency corts. 3. Year of expenditure costs were modeled using a rdnge of possible inflation rates. 4. Fumre construc[ion costs were modeled to mid-year of cons[ruc[ion using inflation rates ranging from 5%-10%, with 6.02% being mos[ likely. i Wture right-of-way ws[s were modeled to anticipated year of acquisition using inflation rares ranging from 5%-72%, with 8% being mostlikely. 6. Wture agency ms[s (induded in cons[ruRion costs) were modeled.to anticipated year of e:penditure using inflation rates anging from 2.5%-4.5%, with 4% being most likely. 7. Ranges of ms[s are based on mst projec[ions in which the lowesi 10% and highest 10% were discarded. There is an BO% proba6iliq associated wiihthese costs. � 8. Year of e:penditure cosLS assume an award date of December 2010 and an opening in Augusi 2015. 9. Environmental mitigation cos[s are based on current costs of estimated impatts to meams and wetlands. 10. Utiliry relocation ms[s (induded in conrtruction coRS) were eSlimated in the Utiliry Impoct Report for tAe Gasron EasP West Cannector (TBE Group, Inc, August 2006�. il. Right-of-way costs were provided in the Relocation Feports for the Goston Eost-West Connector �Carolina Land Acquisitions, Inc, April 2008�. Waters of the United States All of the DSAs have the potential to cause adverse impacts on local water quality. Any of the Build alternatives would increase the amount of impervious surfaces in Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties as well as the accumulation of contaminants normally associated with such facilities. Impacts to surface waters, wetlands, and floodplains are summarized below. The project is located in the Catawba River basin (iJSGS Hydrologic Unit Codes 03050 ] O1 and 03050102; NCDWQ sub- basins 03-08-34, 03-08-36, and 03-08-37). Streams The number and length of impacted perennial and intermittent streams for each DSA is presented in Table 3(Table 6-5 of Drafr EIS). The impacts were calculated using the preliminary engineering designs' construction limits, with an additional 25 feet beyond the slope stake limits. The Natural Resources Technical Report for the Gaston East-West Connector (Earth Tech, Inc., February 2008) includes additional details about each stream. Wetlands Table 3 provides a detailed listing of total impacts to jurisdictional wetlands, as well as ponds, based upon the preliminary engineering designs' construction limits, with an additiona125 feet beyond the slope stake limits. The Notural Resources Technical Report for the Gas[on East-West Connector (Earth Tech, Inc., February 2008) includes additional details about each wetland and pond. Page 8 of 16 TABLE 3: Im acts to Waters of the United States Resource Detailed5tudyAlternatives � 4 5 9 22 23 27 58 64 68 76 77 81 Ponds Ponds i SO 8 8 9 7 7 12 10 10 12 10 10 (# impacted) Ponds (acres) 6.3 5.1 4.1 5.1 3.9 2.9 5.5 3.1 2.1 5.5 6.1 3.3 WeNands Wetlands i 60 48 52 52 40 44 60 53 57 54 42 46 (q impacted) Wetlands�acres) 7.4 6.9 7.5 8.8 8.2 8.9 12.1 12.5 13.2 9.7 9.1 9.8 streams Perennial �q 62 59 78 67 64 66 74 71 80 69 66 (if crossings) Perenniall � qg Zg6 42,733 38,894 50,100 44,609 40,766 50,739 40,915 37,223 46,105 40,033 36,771 (linear ft) Intermittent 32 37 32 33 38 33 34 38 32 31 36 31 (ft crossings) Intermittent g 048 9,501 10,101 8,953 9,406 10,006 9,505 9,537 9,986 9,364 9,678 10,417 (linear ft) TotalStreams 106 99 91 111 105 97 120 112 103 111 105 97 (# crossings) Total Streams (linearft�' S7,344 52,234 48,995 59,053 54,015 50,772 60,244 50,452 47,209 55,469 49,711 47,188 Sources: Notural ResowcesTechnical Reportfor [he Gosron Eost-West Connec[or, Earth Tech, Inc, February 2006 Tufnpike Environmental AgenCy CODrtllnaUOn MeeLng, Fpnl 8, ZWG. `NOte: Highert and lowert values are indiCated by bold font. 1. Impacts were calculated using the preliminary engineering designs' cons[ruction limits, with an additional 25 feet beyond the slope rtake limits, in acrordance with NCDOT procedures. Floodplains A floodplain evaluation was conducted for the project in accordance with Executive Order ll 988 Floodplain Management and 23 CFR Part 650, Subpart A Location and Hydraulic Design of Encroachments on Floodplains. Both Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties are participants in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) administered by the Federal Emergency Management Adminisuation (FEMA). As part of the NFIP, FEMA determines floodway boundaries as a too] for floodplain management. FEMA, in cooperation with federal, state and local governments, developed floodplain and floodway boundaries and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Gaston County in September 2007, and Mecklenburg Counry in February 2004. The preliminary engineering designs for all the DSAs would involve floodplain encroachments at all floodplain crossings except those of the South Fork Catawba River and the Catawba River. At these two ]ocations, the proposed bridges would span both the floodway and the floodplain. Once a Preferred Alternative is selected, a detailed hydrologic and hydraulic analysis will be performed for each crossing location to determine the actual size and configuration of each structure. Also, for all new location crossings on FEMA-regulated streams (streams where a floodway and/or floodplain has been identified), a Conditiona] Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) Page 9 of 16 and Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) will be prepared and submitted to NC Flood Mapping Program or Mecklenburg CounTy, as appropriate, for approval. MitiEation Mitigation has been defined in the Council on Emironmenta] Quality (CEQ) regulations for implementing NEPA to include efforts that: a) avoid; b) minimize; c) rectify; d) reduce or eliminate; or e) compensate for adverse impacts to the environment [40 CFR 1508.20 (a-e)]. Practicable alternative analysis must be fully evaluated before compensatory mitigation can be discussed. Each of these aspects must be considered sequentially. Avoidance Avoidance mitigation examines all appropriate and practical possibilities of averting impacts to Waters of the United States. According to a 1990 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (iJSACE), in detercnining "appropriate and practicaP' measures to offset unavoidable impacts, such measures should be appropriate to the scope and degree of those impacts and practical in tertns of costs, existing technology, and logistics in light of overall project purposes. Minimizatioo Minimization includes the examination of appropriate and practical steps to reduce the adverse impacts to Waters of the United States. Implementation of these steps will be required through project modifications and permit conditions. Strict adherence to BMPs would assist in minimizing project impacts. Minimization methods typically include: • Decreasing the footprint of the proposed project through the reduction of inedian width, right-of-way widths, fill slopes and/or road shoulder widths. • Installation of temporary silt fences, earth berms, and temporary ground cover during construction. • Strict enforcement of sedimentation and erosion control BMPs for the protection of surface waters and wetlands. • Minimizing clearing and grubbing activity in and adjacent to water bodies. • Re-establishing vegetation on exposed areas with judicious pesticide and herbicide management. • Bridge ]engthening in environmentally sensitive areas. • Minimizing in-stream activities. Other Avoidance and Minimization Measures During the development of the preliminary engineering designs for each Detailed Study Altemative, efforts were made to avoid and minimize impacts to wetlands and streams wherever practicable. Where stream crossings were unavoidable, they were located, within design constraints, as perpendicular as possible. Avoidance and minimization efforts are described below. Page 10 of 16 The DSAs incorporate measures to avoid and minimize impacts to Waters of the US. The horizontal alignment of the preliminary engineering designs was adjusted where possible to minimize or avoid impacts [o streams, wetlands, and ponds The presence of weUands and streams, and minimizing or avoiding impacts to these resources, was a factor in considering interchange configurations. Bridge ]engths that were extended to maintain roadway and railway access adjacent to the Catawba River and South Fork Catawba River also avoided or minimized encroachment into Catawba River buffer areas. To further address avoidance and minimization, the NCTA met with the environmental resource and regulatory agencies (USACE, North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ), United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), USEPA, and NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC)) at Tumpike Environmental Agency Coordination (TEAC) Meetings on February 5, March 4, and April 8, 2008, to discuss bridging and alignment decisions for the DSAs' preliminary engineering designs. In the NEPA/404 Merger Process Coordination Plan this is Concurrence Point 2a —.Bridging/Alignment Decisions. As a result of those meetings, there were no changes to the horizontal alignments of any of the DSAs. However, the NCTA agreed to include eight additional bridge sites in the preliminary engineering designs, beyond those required to convey floodwaters, to avoid or minimize stream and wetland impacts. These bridge sites are listed in 4.7.3 (Floodway/Floodplain Impacts and Major Drainage Structures) and shown in Figure 2-9a-ii of the Drafr EIS. Comoensatorv Mitieation The purpose of compensatory mitigation is to replace the lost functions and values from a project's impacts to Waters of the United States, including wetlands. Appropriate and practicable compensatory mitigation is required for unavoidable adverse impacts that remain after all appropriate and practicable avoidance and minimization have been incorporated. It is the decision of USACE and NCDWQ whether to require mitigation for impacts associated with construction. Because this project would be permitted under an Individual 404 Permit, mitigation for impacts to surface waters will be required by the USACE and the NCDWQ. Furthermore, in accordance with its regulations (33 CFR Part 332), the USACE requires compensatory mitigation when necessary to ensure that adverse effects to the aquatic environment are minimal. It is anticipated that stream impacts will be greater than USACE and NCDWQ regulatory thresholds and will require compensatory mitigation. Compensatory actions ofren include restoration, creation, and enhancement of Waters of the US. Such actions should be undertaken in areas adjacent to or contiguous to the discharge site (i.e., compensatory on-site mitigation). There are many possible streams in the Project Study Area whose restoration may qualify as on-site mitigation for stream impacts. On-site restoration can include removal of existing fill materials at old bridge end bents, stabilization of degraded streams, and restoration of floodplains surrounding new bridges. An off-site mitigation program based on in-lieu fee payments made to the NCDENR Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) was established by the Memorandum ofAgr�eement Among the North Page 11 of 16 Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the North Carolina Deparhnent of Transportation, and the USArmy Corps ofEngineers, Wilmington District (July 22, 2003). Coordination with the environmental resource and regulatory agencies determined that payment of an in-lieu fee would be an available option for off-site mitigation. Federallv Threatened and Endaneered Saecies Species with federal status of Endangered (E) and Threatened (T) are protected under provisions of Sections 7 and 9 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), as amended. Table 4 summarizes the DSAs' potential effects on federal protected species listed for Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties. TABLE 4: Summary of Effects on Federelly Protected Species Common Name Scientific Name County Status POtential Habitat Biologiwl Condusion � Presentin DSAs? Vertebretes Holioeetus Gaston, Deliste Bald eagle leucocepholus Mecklenburg d Yes None Required Bog turtle Clemmys muhlenbergii Gaston T(S/A) Yes None Required Invertebrates � - Carolina �osmigona decorata Mecklenburg E Yes No Effect heelsplitter Vascular Plants Michaux's sumac Rhus michouxii Mecklenburg E Yes No Effec[ May Affect/ Schweinitz's Helianthusschweinitzii Gaston, E Yes Not Likely to sunflower Mecklenburg Adversely Affect Smooth coneflower Echinacea laevigata Mecklenburg E Yes No Effect No[es: E Endangered-A species Ihat is threatened with eMinc[ion throughout ali or a significant portion of rts range. T 7hrea[ened-A species that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future [hroughout all or a significant portion of its range. T�5/A) Similariry of AppearanceThreatened due to similarity of appearance wiih o[her rare species and is listed for its proteRion. These species are not biologically endangered or threatened and are not subject to Sec[ion 7 mnsultation Source for species lirt: USFWS Web site, www.fws.eov/no-es/es/counMr html Updated 1/31/08 The biological conclusion regarding the Schweinitz's sunflower for all DSAs is "May Affect/Not Likely to Adversely Affect." Potential habitat for this species is present within the project study area along roadsides and utility rights of way. These high probability areas were surveyed for the presence/absence of Schweinitz's sunflower. One population of Helianthus sclrweinitzii was observed within the DSAs. This population is located in Corridor Segment K2A (DSAs 4, 22, 58, and 76), south of Catawba Creek along the western side of Union New Hope Road (SR 2435). The proposed right of way of the Gaston East-West Connector in Corridor Segment K2A does not encroach on this population. Due to its location along the noRhern edge of the DSA corridor, it is assumed that all direct impacts to the observed Schweinitz's sunflower population can be avoided. Indirect impacts from the DSAs to this site also are not likely. The preliminary engineering designs in Corridor Segment K2A have a grade separation with Union New Hope Road (SR 2435) in this Page 12 of 16 area, with no direct access that could induce adjacent development. Concurrence from the USFWS on the biological conclusion of May AffectlNot Likely to Adversely Effect will be needed if DSA 4, 22, 58, or 76 is selected as the Preferred Alternative. Only informal consultation is likely to be required. Cultural Resources The potential of the Gaston East-West Connector to impact cultural resources was evaluated in accordance with Section ] 06 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. Historic Resources As shown in Table 5(Table 5-2 of the Drafr EIS), none of the DSAs would result in an Adverse Effect to a history property on or eligible for the NRHP. Two propeRies within the Area of Potential Effects (APE) are listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRIIP): William N. Craig Farmstead and Steele Creek Presbyterian Church & Cemetery. Two propeRies (a rural historic district and a bridge) have previously been determined eligible for the NRIIP. In addition, 25 properties warranted intensive evaluation, of which fourteen were determined eligible for listing on the NRI�'. The NC State Historic Preservation Office (HPO) concurred with the eligibility determinations at the Apri121, 2008 meeti�g. TABLE 5: Effects to Historic Architectural Resources Approzimate r Property Name Site No. Size �Aaes) Effects Determination Additional Notes No Effect - No Adverse EffeR for DSAs �58, 64, 68, DSAS 4, 5, 9, 22, 23, 27 76, 77, and 91) that use the western Wolfe Family Dairy G51327 257 interchange at I-85 (Segment H1A). Farm No Adverse Effect- Conditions include plantings at right of DSAS 58, 64, 68, 76, 77, Sl way, replace fencing, and steepen slopes to minimize footprint on site. Pisgah ARP Church GS 00547 2 No Effect -- Jake Long Dairy Barn G51320 <1 No Effec[ -- William Wilson House GS 00198 1 No EffeR -- William Alexander GS OD169 6 No Effect -- Falls House Mendenhall-Grissom GS 00173 13 No Effec[ -- House Stowe-Caldwell- GS 00179 2 No EffeR -- Lowe House No EffeR - DSAs 4, 5, 9, 22, 23, 27, William Clarence 58, 76, 77, 81 For DSAS 64 and 68, ensure full actess Wilson House GS 00341 1 to the property is maintained. No Adverse Effect - DSAs 64, 68 No Effect - No Effect for DSAs using Segments JSa DSAs 4, 22, 58, 76 (DSAs 4, 22, 58, 76) 16F Riddle House GS 00337 Z No Adverse EffeR - No Adverse EffeR for DSAS using DSAS 64, 68 Segment Jld (DSAs 64 and 68) Page 13 of 16 TABLE 5: Effects to Historic Architecturel Resources Property Name Site No. '�Pro�imate Effec[s Determination• Additionat Notes Size (Aves) No Adverse Effect - No Adverse Effect for DSAS 5, 9, 23, 27, DSAs 5, 4, 23, 27, 7J, 81 77, and 81 provided the shoulder width and ditch slope do not result in taking of property either by fee simple or permanent easement. No Effect - DSAs 4, 22, 58, 76 For DSAS 5, 9, 23, 27, 64, 68, 77 and 81, Harrison Family Dairy GS 1322 80 ensure full access to the ro e is Farm P P � No Adverse Effect- DSAS maintained. 5, 9, 23, 27, 64, 68, 77, 81 William N. Craig GS 00320 19 No Effec[ -- Farmstead No Effec[ - For DSAs using Segment K2A (DSAS 4, DSAS 5, 9, 23, 27, 64, 68, zZ 58, 76), avoid drainage Thomas Allison House GS 00316 4 ��' 81 encroachment (either by fee simple or No Adverse EffeR- Permanent easement) into southeast DSAS 4, 22, 58, 76 �orner of site to avoid Adverse Effect. Dillard-Falls House G51323 3 No Effect -- 8ridge No. 350022 Pending Bridge No Effect � - footprint Byrum-Croft House MK 2841 5 No Effect -- Steele Creek Presbyterian Church MK 01377 20 No Effec[ -- and Cemete Steele Creek Presbyterian Church MK 1378 7 � No EffeR -- Manse Shopton Rural _ 16 No EffeR -- Historic District ow��c...y�u., o �u inccmg-nrv,r v ,rv��n,anurvwvi • Effects determination based upon Preliminary Engineedng Designs Unless otherwise noted, the effec[z determinations apply to all Detailed Study Alternatives Archaeoloeical Resources A preliminary archaeological background investigation and field survey was conducted in 2007 based on the preliminary corridors. There are 33 previously recorded sites within or immediately adjacent to the DSAs. Most of these sites have limited potential for additional significant information due to low aRifact densities and/or loss of integrity through agriculture and erosion. A small number of sites (31GS0184, 31GS0210, 31GS0211, 31GS0212, 31GS0085, 31GS0144, 31GS0146, and 31GS0058), however, were recommended for additional work or monitoring, and one site was recommended as potentially eligible for the NRI-IP (31MK0553). These are listed in Table 6(Table 5-3 of the Draft EIS). Because of the findings of previous work, the typically low artifact densities, and loss of integrity through agriculture and erosion, it is unlikely that any of these known sites would merit preservation in place or be extraordinarily complex and costly to mitigate. Page 14 of ] 6 TABLE 6: Previously Recorded Archaeological Sites Where Further Work Was Recommended - Site USGS Recommendationsfrom Corridor Number 4u Ma ^gle Site Type` previous Studies Segment DSAs P 31650184 Bessemer City Early Archaic Monitoring H1A 58, 64, 68, 76, 77, 81 31G50210 Gastonia South �dte Paleoindian and No further work; further H3 4, 5, 9 Early Archaic work if threatened 31G50211 Gastonia South Early Woodland No further work; further H3 4, 5, 9 work if threatened 31GS0212 Gastonia South Unknown Precontac[ No further work; further H3 4, S, 9 work if threatened 31GS0085 Gastonia South Early Archaic and Early Further work �l� 64, 68 Woodland re�ommended 31G50144 Gastonia South Unknown Precontact No further work; further �lc 64, 68 work if threatened 31GS0146 Gastonia South Unknown Precontact No further work; further �lc 64, 68 work if threatened 31GS0058 Belmont Late Archaic and Early Further work K2A 4, 22, 58, 76 Woodland recommended Further work 4, 5, 9, 22, 23, recommended K3C/K4A 31MK0553 Charlotte West 18th Century (potentially eligible for East of I-485 z�• 58, 64, 68, NRHP) . 76,7781 Sourte: Arcboeologiml0.ssessment of De[oiled 5[udy Altemotives for [he Proposed Gosron Eos[- West Connector (COas[al Carolina ReSearCh, Inc, April 2007). Note: 7hese sites are wi[hin or immediately adjarent to the DSA corridors. Sites listed from wes[ [o eas[. ` Late Paleointlian is 9,0066,000 BC, Early Archaic is 8,000-6,000 BC, Late Archaic is 3,0004,000 BC, Early Woodland is 1,000 BC to AD 1650, Premntac[ is before European contaR, approzimately pre-1650 The Preferred Alternative, once defined, is recommended for additional survey to determine if archaeological sites eligible for listing on the NRIIP are present. The results of that archaeological survey will be reported in the Final E1S. Conclusion Enclosed you will find a completed ENG Form 4345. This submittal is in accordance with the Section 6002 Project Coordination Plan for this project. This letter, along with the previously distributed Drai EIS, should provide sufficient information for the issuance of a Public Notice for the project. As discussed, NCTA will include this notice in our project mailing for upcoming public involvement activities on the project. A series of Pre-Hearing Open Houses are scheduled for June 22, 23, 24, and 25, 2009 and Public Hearings are schedule for June 23 and 25, 2009. These meetings will be held within Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties as follows: 8:00 PM 519 W. Franklin Blvd, High School � South Page 15 of 16 Point Rd, � 4301 NCTA is accepting public comments on the Drafr EIS through July 17, 2009. If you have any questions, or need additional information, please contact Jennifer Harris, P.E., at (919) 571-3000 or j ennifer.harris(a�nctumpike.org Sincerely, �..-��I.J Steven D. DeWitt, P.E. Chief Engineer Attachments: 1. Completed ENG Form 4345 2. Drafr EIS Table S-2 — Summary of Environmental Impacts 3. Figure 1— Project Location 4. Figure 2— Project Study Area 5. Figure 3— Water Resources 6. Figure 4— Map of Detailed Study Altematives 7. Figure 5— Typical Cross Sections 8. CD containing Drafr EIS, Corridor Design Hearing Maps, and copy of this letter cc w/attachments: Jennifer Harris, P.E., NCTA-Staff Engineer George Hoops P.E., FHWA-Major Projects Engineer Missy Pair, P.E., NCDOT-PDEA Staff Engineer Chris Militcher, USEPA Kathy Matthews, USEPA Marella Buncick, USFWS Polly Lespinasse, NCDENR-DWQ Marla Chambers, NCWRC Peter Sandbeck, NCDCR-HPO Barry Moose, P.E., NCDOT-Division 10 Engineer Mike Holder, P.E., NCDOT-Division 12 Engineer Page 16 of 16 � NORTH CAROLINA o <u B.5 * pROJECT LOCATION IN REGION � Turnpike Authority M� ;,er p GASTON EAST•WEST CONNECTOR Source: Gaston, York, and Mecklenburg STIPPROJECTNO.U-3321 CountiesGlS. F19U1'@'I Gaslm and MecWenGurg Countles Map p�inted Ap�il 2009. r� j „ �_ ar �a azm � ° = uo hs �' wm n� w0 W�W ` . � mi C ;�^ - r a� �S 3w aF' _ m Qo � $a a c T �2m �Q aZ V� WO ? 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