R-5522 (3)

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE
GOVERNOR
May 2 2012
Mr Brian Wrenn
NCDWQ Raleigh Regional Office
1650 Mall Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699 1650
Dear Mr Wrenn
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MAYS 5
2012
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EUGENE A CONTI JR
SECRETARY
SUBJECT Federal Categorical Exclusion for STIP No R 5522 SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road)
Relocation and Replacement of Bridge #156 over CSX Railroad Rutherford
County
Attached is a copy of the Categorical Exclusion for the subject proposed highway
improvement No significant adverse environmental impacts are expected as a result of this
project
The document is also being distributed for review to other agencies as appropriate Distribution of the
Categorical Exclusion is being made on behalf of the Federal Highway Administration in accordance with
23 CFR 771
Sincerely
Gregory J Th e h D anager
Project Developm nt and Environmental Analysis Unit
GJT /jme
MAILING ADDRESS
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699 1548
TELEPHONE [phone]
FAX [phone]
WEBSITE WWW NCDOT ORG /DOH /PRECONSTRUCT /PE/
LOCATION
CENTURY CENTER BUILDINGA
1000 BIRCH RIDGE DRIVE
RALEIGH NC 27610

SR 1113 (flicks Grove Road) Relocation and Replacement of
Bridge #156 over CSX Railroad
Rutherford County, North Carolina
Federal Aid Project No ADPJI 13(9)
W B S No 45547 1 1
S T I P Project No R -5522
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION
SUBMITTED PURSUANT TO THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
ACT
42 USC 4332(2) (C)
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
.mm,
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
APPROVED
ZD
A 11E Gregory J I Thorpe, PhD
Manager
Project Development & Environmental Analysis Unit
North Carolina Department of Transportation
4L a_
DATE John F Sull van II
Division Admimstra
Federal Highway Administration

SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) Relocation and Replacement of
Bridge #156 over CSX Railroad
Rutherford County, North Carolina
Federal Aid Project No ADPI113(9)
W B S No 45547 1 1
S T I P Project No R 5522
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION
April 2012 ��•,s►�H CAgO'h►
DOCUMENT PREPARED BY Z
I
STV/Ralph Whitehead Associates 034224
1000 West Morehead Street, Suite 200 a
Charlotte NC 28208
li -12 t2
DATE Jas R Gorrie PE
Se for Transportation Engineer
STV/Ralph Whitehead Associates
411412. ?06-AL
DATE Susan Paschal AICP
Senior Planner
STV/Ralph Whitehead Associates
DOCUMENT PREPARED FOR
North Carolina Department of Transportation
� /fZ IZ o - '7.,,a2.._
DATE Marshall Edwards
Project Planning Engineer
Project Development & Environmental Analysis Unit

PROJECT COMMITMENTS
SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) Relocate Roadway
and Replace Bridge #156 over the CSX Transportation Tracks
on SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road)
Rutherford County, North Carolina
W B S No 45547 1 1
S T I P Project No R 5522
Federal Aid Project No ADP- 1113(9)
Proiect Development & Environmental Analysis — Natural Environment Section
• NCDOT will conduct surveys for the small whorled pogonia prior to the start of
construction
• Prior to the start of construction NCDOT will obtain written concurrence from United
States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for a biological conclusion of May Affect —
Not Likely to Adversely Affect for the dwarf - flowered heartleaf
NCDOT Division 13
• NCDOT in the area adjacent to the dwarf flowered heartleaf population will
• minimize tree clearing
• reforest area adjacent to population with native tree species for shading
• minimize maintenance (including restriction of herbacides)
• control exotic species and
• delineate population boundary with orange fencing to prevent disturbance
• NCDOT will coordinate the placement of a conservation easement on the area
containing the dwarf flowered heartleaf population with Horsehead Corporation
Horsehead Corporation will hold the easement in perpetuity
• NCDOT will pave the existing hammer head turn around on SR 1113 (Hicks Grove
Road) dust north of Bridge No 156 for school buses and emergency vehicles
• NCDOT will obtain all required rail agreements with CSX Railroad before beginning
construction of STEP Project R 5522
Green Sheet R 5522
April 2012 Page 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I
INTRODUCTION
I
A
Project Description and Purpose
1
B
Schedule and Cost
1
C
Summary of Effects
1
II
PURPOSE AND NEED FOR PROPOSED ACTION
2
A
Project Setting and Existing Conditions
2
1
Study Areas
2
2
Existing Road Network
2
3
Accident Data
3
B
Purpose for Proposed Action
4
C
Summary of Need for Proposed Action
4
1
Capacity Analysis
4
2
Local, Regional and State Initiatives
5
III
ALTERNATIVES
5
A
No Build Alternative
5
B
Build Alternative
5
IV
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
5
A
Land Use Impacts
5
B
Socio- Economic Impacts
6
C
Community Impacts
6
1
Community Facility Impacts
6
2
Access Impacts
6
3
Relocation Impacts
7
4
Community Cohesion Impacts
7
D
Infrastructure and Utility Impacts
7
E
Cultural Resource Impacts
7
1
Compliance Guidelines
7
2
Historic Architectural Resources
7
3
Archaeological Resources
7
F
Impacts to Section 4(f) and Section 6(f) Resources
8
G
Air Quality Impacts
8
1
Air Quality
8
2
Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs)
8
H
Highway Traffic Noise
9
1
Introduction
9
2
Summary
10
I
Geotechnical Impacts
10
J
Farmland Impacts
10
K
Natural Resource Impacts
10
1
Water Resources
11
2
Biotic Resources
11
3
Threatened & Endangered Species
12
L
Indirect and Cumulative Effects
13
0

TABLE OF CONTENTS
V COMMENTS AND COORDINATION
A Agency Coordination
1 Scoping Meeting
2 Merger Screening Meeting
B Public Involvement
1 Notices and Newsletters
2 Citizens Informational Workshop
VI CONCLUSION
TABLES
1 Federally protected species listed in Rutherford County
APPENDICES
A FIGURES
B ABANDONMENT DOCUMENTATION
C CAPACITY ANALYSIS
D CIW NEWSLETTER
m
13
13
13
13
13
13
14
14

I INTRODUCTION
A Project Description and Purpose
rP ose
The North Carolina Department of Transportation ( NCDOT) and Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) propose to relocate SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) between SR 1113
(Hicks Grove Road), near Hicks Grove Baptist Church, and US 221 This new location
project includes the construction of a two -lane road with twelve foot travel lanes Bridge No
156 over the CSX Railroad will be constructed on the relocated portion of SR 1113 (Hicks
Grove Road) The project length is approximately 0 4 mile The proposed design speed is 35
miles per hour The proposed right -of -way is 60 feet
The purpose of the proposed project is to provide transportation infrastructure that helps
support economic development, an important initiative identified in several local, regional and
state plans or programs It will also replace a connection from SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road)
to US 221 that will serve as an entrance to a planned industrial plant The plant will be a
major employer in a county with one of the higher unemployment rates in North Carolina as
determined by Governor Purdue's JobsNOW initiative, the North Carolina Department of
Commerce, the North Carolina Community Colleges, the North Carolina Department of
Transportation, Rutherford County Economic Development, Appalachian Regional Com-
mission, Duke Energy and PSNC Energy
B Schedule and Cost
Horsehead Corporation had donated that right -of -way on which the relocated road will be
constructed A signed agreement with CSX Railroad allowing construction of Bridge No 156
over the CSX Railroad is required Construction is scheduled to begin in Fiscal Year 2012
There is no cost for right-of-way acquisitions Horsehead Corporation has donated the land on
which the proposed project will be constructed The latest cost estimate was made on
February 16, 2012 Total project cost is estimated to be $2,740,000
' C Summary of Effects
STIP Project R -5522 is expected to have an overall positive impact as it will restore direct
access from SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) to US 221 It is not expected to have a substantial
adverse effect on the quality of the human or natural environment
' No jurisdictional waters of the U S were identified within the Project Study Area No
specially classified waterways, such as Outstanding Resource Waters, Trout Waters,
Anadromous Fish Waters, Primary Nursery Areas, High Quality Waters, or 303(d) unpaired
' waters, are located within a one -mile radius of the Project Study Area The Project Study
Area is not located within a Water Supply (WS -IV) Watershed protected area
I' Only one federally protected species may be affected by the proposed project The biological
conclusion for the dwarf - flowered heartleaf is May Affect — Not Likely to Adversely Affect
NCDOT will be requesting concurrence from the USFWS for the MA -NLAA biological
' conclusion

II PURPOSE AND NEED FOR PROPOSED ACTION
A Project Setting and Existing Conditions
SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) is located in the southern portion of Rutherford County It is
not within the boundaries of any incorporated municipalities Rutherford County is located
adjacent to the North Carolina / South Carolina State Line in the western part of North
Carolina
Rutherford County is a member of the Isothermal Planning & Development Commission
(IPDC), a regional council for Region C in western North Carolina The IPDC is comprised
of the municipal and county governments in Region C, including McDowell, Polk, Cleveland
and Rutherford Counties It fosters collaboration by providing housing, planning and
technical services at a regional level
Rutherford County is also part of the Isothermal Rural Planning Organization (RPO), a
partnership between the NCDOT and the local governments of McDowell, Polk and
Rutherford Counties The RPO is responsible for creating the list of priority projects for the
region STIP Project R -5522 is not included in the RPO's 2009 -2015 Transportation
Improvement Program
1 Study Areas
Two study areas have been identified for the purposes of this report The Project
Study Area was created to identify natural resources and potential impacts to these
resources, and it is a 200 foot corridor fixed on the centerline of the proposed relocated
road See Appendix A Figure 1 for reference Land on the west side of the CSX
Railroad has been graded for construction of the Horsehead Corporation s industrial
plant Land on the east side of the CSX Railroad is open field or pastureland
The Direct Community Impact Area was created to identify potential direct impacts to
the community, and it is shown on Appendix A Figure 1 The Direct Community
Impact Area is primarily bounded by parcel lines in the south and west, a utility
easement in the north, and US 221 in the east
Land use in the Direct Community Impact Area is predominantly single family
residential or undeveloped Modest single family homes are located along existing SR
1113 (Hicks Grove Road) and nearby roads The Hicks Grove Baptist Church and
Cemetery are located near the western terminus of the project The Horsehead
Corporation property makes up much of the western portion of the Direct Community
Impact Area (see Appendix A Figure 2)
2 Existing Road Network
SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) is not a National Highway System Route It is a two -
lane rural, local road with grass shoulders, which begins near the North Carolina /
South Carolina State Line at Island Ford Road and runs west of and parallel to US 221
for over a mile before intersecting and ending at US 221 approximately 550 feet south-
2

southwest of the intersection of US 221 and SR 2105 (State Line Road) There is no
posted speed limit
SR 1114 (Hicks Grove Road Extension) is a short two -lane facility with grass
shoulders that also begins near the North Carolina / South Carolina State Line at Island
Ford Road, and runs in between SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) and US 221 before
ending at SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) near the Hicks Grove Baptist Church and
Cemetery There is no posted speed limit on SR 1114 (Hicks Grove Road Extension)
Historically, SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) crossed the CSX Railroad located 2,400
feet west - southwest of its intersection with US 221 Bridge No 156 was built in 1962
The bridge is not considered structurally deficient, but it is considered functionally
obsolete, the sufficiency rating is 42 8 out of 100 The posted single vehicle truck
weight limit is 20 tons, and the posted tractor trailer semi truck weight lunit is 27 tons
The bridge was abandoned by the County in September 2011, along with a portion of
SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road)
The closed portion is located between the church and Bridge No 156 Horsehead
Corporation has begun grading and construction of the industrial plant Abandonment
documents are included in Appendix B The relocated road will cross the CSX
Railroad approximately 1,250 feet south - southeast of the existing crossing and tie into
US 221 approximately 2,500 feet south - southwest of the existing intersection of SR
1113 (Hicks Grove Road) and US 221 A bridge will be constructed to carry traffic on
the relocated road over the CSX Railroad
US 221 is classified as a minor arterial in the Statewide Functional Classification
System and the portion of US 221 in the vicinity of SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) is
not a National Highway System Route US 221 is a north -south route which traverses
the entire County It is also a NCDOT Strategic Highway Corridor US 221 is
currently being unproved as part of STIP Project R -2233, the widening of US 221
from the South Carolina State Line to north of Rutherfordton
According to NCDOT's 2010 Traffic Volume Maps, the current traffic volume on US
221 near the South Carolina State Line is 5,700 vehicles per day Design data
indicates that the average daily traffic on SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) in 2005 was
500 vehicles per day, 6% of which was truck traffic According to Rutherford County
Schools, three school buses use SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) during their morning
and afternoon routes Following construction the Horsehead industrial plant expects
50 truck deliveries per day and 15 rail car deliveries per day
SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) is not part of a designated bicycle route and there are no
sidewalks or other pedestrian amenities
3 Accident Data
NCDOT prepared an Intersection Analysis Report on April 5, 2012 for the intersection
of US 221 and SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) Between the dates of March 1, 2009 and
3

February 29, 2012, there was one accident The accident was caused by an animal, and
there were no injuries or fatalities
B Purpose for Proposed Action
The purpose of the proposed project is to provide transportation infrastructure that helps
support economic development, an important initiative identified in several local, regional and
state plans or programs It will also replace a connection from SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road)
to US 221 that will serve as an entrance to a planned industrial plant
C Summary of Need for Proposed Action
1 Capacity Analysis
NCDOT's Congestion Management Section completed a review of the project as
requested and based on concurrence from Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and
the District, and an intersection capacity analysis dated March 12, 2012 was performed to
determine the levels of service (LOS) using the 2030 Build design year traffic projections
for STIP Project R -2233A dated November 30, 2005, and trip generation for the proposed
industrial plant on SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) The analysis is included in Appendix C
STIP Project R -5522 will relocate SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) by connecting the
existing SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) to US 221 adjacent to a proposed industrial plant
STIP Project R -2233 is the widening of US 221 to a four -lane, median- divided facility,
and Section A in the project vicinity is currently under construction, with expected
completion by 2014 For the purposes of the intersection capacity analysis, the US 221
widening near the proposed project is assumed to be in place
Traffic on SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) south of the closed portion currently uses SR S-
11-93 (Island Ford Road) in South Carolina to access US 221 It is unpaved Relocated
Hicks Grove Road will provide properties west of the CSX Railroad more direct access to
US 221 without having to use the gravel roads Therefore, the No Build analysis was not
performed
Based on the STIP Project R -2233A forecast, and the assumption that most mdustrial plant
traffic would use the relocated SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road), the relocated road is
expected to carry approximately 1,700 vehicles per day or 204 vehicles in the peak hour
(mainline LOS "A ") The Build analysis network included the following intersections and
intersection configurations
• relocated Hicks Grove Road and existing Hicks Grove Road would be stop -
controlled, all- movement,
• US 221 and relocated Hicks Grove Road would be a stop - controlled directional
crossover, and
• US 221 and southbound U -turn 1,250 feet south of relocated Hicks Grove Road
would be an unsignalized U -turn median break as proposed by STIP Protect R-
2233A
0

The network is anticipated to operate at acceptable LOS (all movement LOS of `C' or
better) and acceptable queuing (all movement queuing less than 225 feet) in the 2030
design year The analysis also shows recommended lanes and storage for STIP Project R-
5522 at analyzed unsignalized intersections
2 Local, Regional and State Initiatives
STIP Project R -5522 will serve a new major employer in a county with one of the higher
unemployment rates in North Carolina as determined by Governor Purdue s JobsNOW
nutnatnve, the North Carolma Department of Commerce, the North Carolma Community
Colleges, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Rutherford County Economic
Development, Appalachian Regional Commission, Duke Energy and PSNC Energy
III ALTERNATIVES
A No Budd Alternative
The No Build Alterative was not evaluated It does not meed the purpose and need
B Build Alternative
There is one Build Alterative (see Appendix A Figure 3) NCDOT proposed to relocate SR
1113 (Hicks Grove Road) between the existing SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) and US 221
This new location project includes the construction of a two -lane road with twelve foot travel
lanes, and a bridge over the CSX Railroad The two lane bridge will meet or exceed the
necessary 23 foot clearance over the railroad The project length is approximately 0 4 mile
The proposed design speed is 35 miles per hour The proposed right -of -way is 60 feet The
Horsehead Corporation has donated the right of way on which the proposed project will be
constructed
Because a portion of SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) is closed due to construction of the
Horsehead Corporation's industrial plant, an off -site detour on gravel roads in South Carolina
is required for traffic on SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) south of the closure to access US 221
The detour route is approximately 1 -1 5 miles longer than the original route The detour route
for this project includes Hicks Grove Extension and Island Ford Road Construction of the
proposed project will improve the route for travelers going between SR 1113 (Hicks Grove
Road) and US 221 as direct access will be restored
IV ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
1 STIP Project R -5522 is expected to have an overall positive impact as it will restore direct
access from SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) to US 221 It is not expected to have a substantial
adverse effect on the quality of the human or natural environment
A Land Use Impacts
According to Rutherford County, the project is consistent with local land use plans and future
' land use designations Changes in land use are not expected to result from the construction of
STIP Project R -5522 The County has worked directly with the NCDOT and Horsehead
Corporation in support of and encouraging the reconnection of SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road)
' to US 221

B Socio- Economic Impacts
Title VI and Environmental Justice considerations promote fair treatment and involvement of
all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to development,
implementation, and enforcement of environmental law and regulations In order to assess
social impacts associated with this project, a field review and review of the demographic
information, available through the US Census Bureau, were performed The proposed project
is not expected to have a disproportionately high and adverse effect on minority or low -
income populations The Community Characteristics Report and Community Impact
Assessment can be referenced for more specific information regarding potential socio-
economic impacts
C Community Impacts
1 Community Facility Impacts
The only community facility identified within the Direct Community Impact Area is
the Hicks Grove Baptist Church and Cemetery STIP Project R -5522 will not
substantially affect this community facility, however congregants of the church may
experience some temporary travel delays during construction of STIP Project R -5522
which are similar to the delays they are experiencing now as a result of the road
closure The completed, realigned road will provide a more direct route from SR 1113
(Hicks Grove Road) in the vicinity of the church to US 221
In addition, the clearing of trees and vegetation for construction of STEP Project R-
5522 may somewhat alter the visual landscape across the street from the church and
cemetery
2 Access Impacts
Due to the County's abandonment of SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) between the church
and Bridge No 156, residents on the northern portion of SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road)
have to travel south on US 221 and into South Carolina in order to access the southern
portion of SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) or SR 1114 (Hicks Grove Road Extension)
Similarly, residents on the southern portion of SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) or on SR
1114 (Hicks Grove Extension) must use the gravel Island Ford Road to access US 221
School buses are currently using the offsite detour as well
Congregants of the Hicks Grove Baptist Church may experience some temporary
travel delays during construction of STIP Project R -5522 There may be residents on
the northern portion of SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) who attend events or services at
Hicks Grove Baptist Church (and/or cemetery) Travel time from the northern portion
of SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) to the church may be slightly greater once the
proposed project has been constructed since they have to US 221 to get to the church,
however, it will be an improvement from the current situation in which delays are
already occurring
Because US 221 is being widened to a four -lane divided facility, vehicular traffic
(including church traffic, Horsehead Corporation traffic school buses and emergency
6

vehicles) wishing to travel north on US 221 from the relocated road will have to travel
south on US 221 for approximately '/4 -mile before making a u -turn to head north This
may increase travel time slightly Vehicular traffic traveling on US 221 from the south
and turning left onto the relocated road may benefit from the median crossover
3 Relocation Impacts
Horsehead Corporation acquired the land necessary to construct a zinc plant and the
right -of -way for a proposed realignment of SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) prior to the
project becoming a federally funded project Horsehead Corporation has donated 60
feet of right -of -way to the State for construction of the proposed project, therefore the
Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (as
amended) is not applicable No relocations are expected as a result of the proposed
project
4 Community Cohesion Impacts
A site visit on March 22, 2012 did not reveal signs of community cohesion
D Infrastructure and Utility Impacts
NCDOT Division 13 indicated that there are no utility conflicts in the vicinity of the proposed
STIP Project R -5522 In addition, March 22, 2012 site visit observations revealed no obvious
above - ground utilities in immediate vicinity of the project corridor There are telephone poles
and wires in other areas of the Direct Community Impact Area
E Cultural Resource Impacts
1 Compliance Guidelines
This project is subject to compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, and implemented by the Advisory Council on
Historic Preservation s Regulations for Compliance with Section 106, codified at Title
36 CFR Part 800 Section 106 requires Federal agencies to take into account the effect
of their undertakings (federally funded, licensed, or permitted) on properties included
in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places and afford the
Advisory Council a reasonable opportunity to comment on such undertakings
2 Historic Architectural Resources
Under the Programmatic Agreement established November 5, 2007 between the North
Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and NCDOT s cultural resources
groups in the Human Environment Section a Historic Architecture Review was
completed by NCDOT on January 10, 2012 It was determined that no historic
resources are present and no survey is required
3 Archaeological Resources
Under the Programmatic Agreement established November 5, 2007 between the North
Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and NCDOT's cultural resources
groups in the Human Environment Section, the area of potential effect (APE) was
reviewed by NCDOT on February 22, 2012 It was determined that no archaeological

survey would be required, as there is a low potential for prehistoric archaeological
sites US 221, a railroad, and industrial development have disturbed the area, and the
project has little potential to impact archaeological sites
F Impacts to Section 4(f) and Section 6(f) Resources
No Section 4(f) or Section 6(f) properties will be affected by this proposed project
G Air Quality Impacts
1 Air Quality
Au pollution originates from various sources Emissions from industry and internal
combustion engines are the most prevalent sources The impact resulting from
highway construction ranges from intensifying existing air pollution problems to
improving the ambient air quality Changing traffic patterns are a primary concern
when determining the impact of a new highway facility or the improvement of an
existing highway facility Motor vehicles emit carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide
(NO), hydrocarbons (HC), particulate matter, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and lead (Pb)
(listed in order of decreasing emission rate)
The Federal Clean Air Act of 1970 established the NAAQS These were established in
order to protect public health, safety, and welfare from known or anticipated effects of
air pollutants The primary pollutants from motor vehicles are unburned hydrocarbons,
NOx, CO, and particulates Hydrocarbons (HC) and Nitrogen oxides (NOx) can
combine in a complex series of reactions catalyzed by sunlight to produce
photochemical oxidants such as ozone and NO2 Because these reactions take place
over a period of several hours, maximum concentrations of photochemical oxidants are
often found far downwind of the precursor sources and, therefore are more regional
than local
The project is located in Rutherford County, which has been determined to comply
with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards The proposed project is located in
an attainment area, therefore, 40 CFR Parts 51 and 93 are not applicable This project
is not anticipated to create any adverse effects on the air quality of this attainment area
2 Mobde Source Air Toxics (MSATs)
Recently, concerns for au toxics impacts are more frequent on transportation projects
during the NEPA process Transportation agencies are increasingly expected by the
public and other agencies to address MSAT impacts in their environmental documents
as the science emerges Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs) analysis is a continuing
area of research where, while much work has been done to assess the overall health
risk of air toxics, many questions remain unanswered In particular, the tools and
techniques for assessing project- specific health impacts from MSATs are limited
These limitations impede FHWA's ability to evaluate how mobile source health risks
should factor into project -level decision -making under the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA)
8

H
Nonetheless, air toxics concerns continue to be raised on highway projects during the
NEPA process Even as the science emerges, we are duly expected by the public and
other agencies to address MSAT impacts in our environmental documents The
FHWA, EPA, the Health Effects Institute, and others have funded and conducted
research studies to try to more clearly define potential risks from MSAT emissions
associated with highway projects The FHWA will continue to monitor the developing
research in this emerging field
Also, EPA has not established regulatory concentration targets for the six relevant
MSAT pollutants appropriate for use in the project development process FHWA has
several research projects underway to more clearly define potential risks from MSAT
emissions associated with transportation projects While this research is ongoing,
FHWA requires each NEPA document to qualitatively address MSATs and their
relationship to the specific highway project through a tiered approach 1 What we
know about mobile source air toxics is still evolving As the science progresses FHWA
will continue to revise and update this guidance To that end we expect that a number
of significant improvements in model forecasting and air pollution analysis guidance
are forthcoming in the EPA's release of the final MOVES model and the issuance of
the PM 2 5 Hot Spot Modeling Guidance
A qualitative analysis of MSATs for this project appears in its entirety in the project
Air Quality Analysis, dated March 16, 2012 A copy of this report may be viewed in
the Project Development & Environmental Analysis Unit office, Century Center
Building B, 1000 Birch Ridge Drive, Raleigh
t US DOT, Federal Highway Administration memorandum, `Interun Guidance
Update on Mobile Source Air Toxic Analysis in NEPA Documents',
September 30, 2009
Highway Traffic Noise
1 Introduction
In accordance with Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations Part 772 Procedures for
Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and Construction Noise (Title 23 CFR 772) and
the North Carolina Department of Transportation Traffic Noise Abatement Policy
each Type I highway project must be analyzed for predicted traffic noise impacts In
general, Type I projects are proposed Federal or Federal -aid highway projects for
construction of a highway or interchange on new location, improvements of an
existing highway which significantly changes the horizontal or vertical alignment,
increases the vehicle capacity, or projects that involve new construction or substantial
alteration of transportation facilities such as weigh stations, rest stops, nde -share lots
or toll plazas
Traffic noise impacts are determined through implementing the current Traffic Noise
Model (TNMO) approved by the Federal Highway Administration and following
procedures detailed in Title 23 CFR 772 and the NCDOT Traffic Noise Analysis and
9

Abatement Manual When traffic noise impacts are predicted, examination and
evaluation of alternative noise abatement measures must be considered for reducing or
eliminating these unpacts Temporary and localized noise impacts will likely occur as
a result of project construction activities Construction noise control measures will be
incorporated into the project plans and specifications
A copy of the unabridged version of the full technical report entitled "Traffic Noise
Analysis Realignment of SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road)" can be viewed in the Project
Development & Environmental Analysis Unit, Century Center Building A, 1010 Birch
Ridge Drive, Raleigh
2 Summary
The traffic noise analysis determined there are no predicted impacts to noise - sensitive
receptors within the study area for this proposed highway project Based on this
preliminary study, traffic noise abatement is not recommended and no noise abatement
measures are proposed This evaluation completes the highway traffic noise
requirements of Title 23 CFR Part 772 No additional noise analysis will be performed
for this project unless warranted by a significant change in the project scope, vehicle
capacity or alignment
In accordance with NCDOT Traffic Noise Abatement Policy, the Federal/State
governments are not responsible for providing noise abatement measures for new
development for which building permits are issued after the Date of Public
Knowledge The Date of Public Knowledge of the proposed highway project will be
the approval date of the Categorical Exclusion (CE) For development occurring after
this date, local governing bodies are responsible to insure that noise compatible
designs are utilized along the proposed facility
I GeotechmcalImpacts
A field review was conducted on February 7, 2012 No UST facilities (petroleum sites) were
identified within the project limits No hazardous waste sites were identified within the
project limits No apparent landfills were identified within the project limits, and no other
geoenvironmental concerns were identified within the project limits
J Farmland Impacts
The Farmland Protection Policy Act requires all federal agencies or their representatives to
f,onsider the potential impact to prime farmland of all land acquisition and construction
projects There are no soils classified as prime or unique within the proposed right -of -way,
however, there are farmlands of statewide importance A farmland conversion impact rating
form (CPA -106) was completed Rutherford County indicates that there are no Voluntary
Agricultural Districts in the Direct Community Impact Area
K. Natural Resource Impacts
The Project Study Area is located in the Piedmont (45) Level III physiographic ecoregion of
North Carolina and is specifically situated within the Southern Outer Piedmont (45b) Level IV
ecoregion The study area primarily occurs on gentle to moderate sloping uplands consisting
10

of fragmented forests and agricultural development Based on review of the U S Geological
Service (USGS) Chesnee topographic quadrangle, elevations range between 800 and 890 feet
above National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) Drainage within the Project Study Area is
in a general east direction towards Big Horse Creek located east of US 221 and approximately
900 feet east of the study area Surrounding and adjacent land use in the project vicinity is
primarily undeveloped woodland and agricultural and rural residential development
1 Water Resources
The Project Study Area is located within the Upper Broad River Watershed (USGS
Hydrologic Unit Code [HUC] 03050105) of the Broad River Basin No water
resources are located within the Project Study Area A man -made pond was observed
adjacent to the Project Study Area approximately 200 feet west of US 221 and
approximately 100 feet north of the eastern portion of the Project Study Area
Drainage within the Project Study Area appears to be directed to tins pond, which
drams into a culvert under US 221 to an unnamed tributary to Big Horse Creek. Big
Horse Creek, in turn, flows in a general north - northeast direction to the Broad River
Qualified biologists conducted a field review on January 25, 2012, and a subsequent
field review on February 27, 2012 with NCDOT and USFWS representatives The
area reviewed encompasses approximately 12 36 acres, consisting of a corridor
approximately 2,428 feet (0 46 mile) long and approximately 200 feet wide fixed on
the centerline of the proposed road
No jurisdictional waters of the U S were identified within the Project Study Area, and
no wetlands were identified on National Wetland Inventory (NWI) mapping No
specially classified waterways, such as Outstanding Resource Waters, Trout Waters,
Anadromous Fish Waters, Primary Nursery Areas, High Quality Waters, or 303(d)
unpaired waters, are located within a one -mile radius of the Project Study Area The
Project Study Area is not located within a Water Supply (WS -IV) Watershed protected
area
A Section 404 Clean Water Act permit from the United States Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE) is not required A Section 401 Water Quality Certification from
the North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ) is not required North
Carolina river basin buffer rules do not apply
2 Biotic Resources
There are three terrestrial communities in the Project Study Area These are
maintamed/disturbed, agricultural field and dry oak - hickory forest Habitat for
terrestrial wildlife is limited due to the small amount of natural, undisturbed habitat
present No aquatic communities are located in the Project Study Area Four invasive
species (princess tree, Chinese privet, Japanese honeysuckle and Japanese stilt grass
were identified within the Project Study Area These invasive species are identified as
a threat to habitat and natural areas, except for Japanese honeysuckle which is a
moderate threat
11

Terrestrial communities in the Project Study Area may be impacted as a result of
clearing, grading, and paving activities associated with construction of the new road
Within the Project Study Area, there is 6 9 acres of maintained/disturbed community,
3 9 acres of agricultural field community, and 16 acres of dry oak - hickory forest
community The total coverage of terrestrial communities in the Project Study Area is
approximately 12 4 acres
3 Threatened & Endangered Species
USFWS lists five federally- protected (endangered or threatened) species in Rutherford
County These are the Indiana bat, the dwarf - flowered heartleaf, the small whorled
pogonia, the white insette, and the rock gnome lichen Table 1 summarizes findings
related to these species
Table 1 Federally protected species listed m Rutherford County
;� a
ttIIC SIIl�
Sc �N st��
�'.�.� ""
��
�ommonNam�
� �
I M . 4
dera%
Wits
HAbta
Piese�
BiblogCa�
Canclns o '�
Myohs sodahs
Indiana bat
E
No
No Effect
Hexastylis naraflora
Dwarf - flowered heartleaf
T
Yes
MA -NLAA
Isotna medeolocdes
Small whorled pogonia
T
Yes*
No Effect
Sisynnchium dichotomum
White rosette
E
No
No Effect
Gymnoderma hneare
Rock gnome lichen
E
No
No Effect
E — Endangered
T — Threatened
MA -NLAA — May Affect — Not Likely to Adversely Affect
*Habitat for small whorled pogoma is marginal
Potential habitat for the dwarf - flowered heartleaf exists in the Project Study Area, and
the NCNHP indicates two populations nearby No plants in the genus Hexastylis were
observed within the Project Study Area during the field reviews The biological
conclusion for this plant is MA -NLAA (with conditions as addressed in the NRTR)
NCDOT will be requesting concurrence from the USFWS for the MA -NLAA
biological conclusion
Potential habitat for the small whorled pogonia exists in the Project Study Area, but it
is marginal and the NCNHP indicates no known occurrences within approximately 20
miles None of these plants were observed within the Project Study Area during the
field reviews The biological conclusion for this plant is No Effect, and surveys will
be conducted prior to construction
Based on the presence of acidic soils at the site, which are conducive for dwarf -
flowered heartleaf but not for white insette, USFWS has determined that there is no
habitat for white insette in the Project Study Area NCNHP indicates no known
occurrences within one mile None of these plants were observed within the Project
Study Area during the field reviews The biological conclusion for this plant is No
Effect, and no further surveys are needed
12

L Indirect and Cumulative Effects
STIP Project R -5522 should not have a substantial influence on travel time, travel patterns or
property access and exposure at the regional level, nor is it expected to create a new
transportation or land use node The proposed project is providing access to an industrial
plant which is under construction Additional changes in land use are not anticipated as a
result of the proposed project, and growth and development pressures are very limited in
Rutherford County
Because a portion of SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) has been abandoned, an offsite detour is
required to get from one end of the road to the other STEP Project R -5522 will replace the
direct connection from SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) to US 221 that was lost following the
abandonment While the proposed project is a new location facility, it is not technically a new
connection, nor is it providing access to US 221 that was not previously available to properties
on Hicks Grove Road Travel patterns and property access are different today because of the
road closure, and they will be slightly different after the proposed project is constructed,
however, the changes are minimal since the proposed project is replacing an existing
connection in the same general vicinity Therefore, a detailed indirect and cumulative effects
study is not recommended
V
Vq
B
COMMENTS AND COORDINATION
Agency Coordination
1 Scopmg Meeting
A project scoping meeting was held on February 21, 2012 Attendees were provided
informational packets that included a project overview summary and a figure showing
notable environmental features and constraints Design plans were available Items of
discussion included right of way acquisition, stormwater runoff, biological conclusions
(and coordination between USFWS and NCDOT), preparations for a Citizens Information
Workshop, CSX coordination, and traffic analysis It was determined that USFWS and
NCDOT would conduct additional surveys for protected species, and NCDOT Congestion
Management would prepare an intersection capacity analysis based on traffic data from
STIP Project R -2233
2 Merger Screening Meeting
The Merger Co -Team Leaders, USACE, FHWA NCDENR and NCDOT, reviewed the
project for potential impacts to wetlands and streams in April 2012 The project does not
exhibit potentially significant impacts to the Waters of the United States It was
determined that STIP No R -5522 does not need to be placed in the merger process
Public Involvement
1 Notices and Newsletters
A newsletter was mailed on March 13, 2012 to local elected officials and staff, and all
property owners within one -half mile of the STIP Project R -5522 site The newsletter, as
13

well as a public notice by the NCDOT Communications Office, invited citizens to a
Citizens Informational Workshop on March 29, 2012 at Chase High School in Forest City
The newsletter is included in Appendix D
2 Citizens Informational Workshop
Approximately thirty people attended the workshop on March 29, 2012, and three written
comments were received The primary concerns identified at the workshop include 1) the
County's road abandonment process and the perceived lack of warning regarding the
closing of SR 1113 or Hicks Grove Road, 2) the speed of construction vehicles traveling
on SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road), 3) potential blasting impacts from the Horsehead
Corporation site, and 4) the current inability of school buses and emergency vehicles to
turnaround on SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road) near Bridge No 156 and near the North
Carolina / South Carolina State Line The only issues directly related to STIP Project R-
5522 are the turnarounds for larger vehicles at either end of SR 1113 (Hicks Grove Road),
and these are addressed in project commitments
An additional comment sheet was received by NCDOT via mail (April 9, 2012) This
citizen expressed concern about run -off water from the proposed new road damaging his
farm lake on the east side of US 221
VI CONCLUSION
Based on studies performed for the proposed
adverse social, economic or environmental uml
proposed project The 'Categorical Exclusion
and CFR 771 117, is appropriate
14
project, it is concluded that no substantial
acts will result from implementation of the
classification, as defined in 40 CFR 1508 4

APPENDIX - A
FIGURES