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Home My WebLink About20210481 Ver 1_multibridge 01302015_WRC_20210304 North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Gordon Myers, Executive Director Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721 Telephone: (919) 707-0220 • Fax: (919) 707-0028 MEMORANDUM TO: Chris Rivenbark NCDOT, Nature Environment Section FROM: Travis Wilson, Highway Project Coordinator Habitat Conservation Program DATE: January 30, 2015 SUBJECT: 2015 Bridge Replacements Biologists with the N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) have reviewed the information provided and have the following preliminary comments on the subject project. Our comments are provided in accordance with provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)) and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d). Our standard recommendations for bridge replacement projects of this scope are as follows: 1. We generally prefer spanning structures. Spanning structures usually do not require work within the stream and do not require stream channel realignment. The horizontal and vertical clearances provided by bridges allows for human and wildlife passage beneath the structure, does not block fish passage, and does not block navigation by canoeists and boaters. 2. Bridge deck drains should not discharge directly into the stream. 3. Live concrete should not be allowed to contact the water in or entering into the stream. 4. If possible, bridge supports (bents) should not be placed in the stream. 5. If temporary access roads or detours are constructed, they should be removed back to original ground elevations immediately upon the completion of the project. Disturbed areas should be seeded or mulched to stabilize the soil and native tree species should be planted with a spacing of not more than 10’x10’. If possible, when using temporary Bridge Memo Page 2 January 30, 2015 structures the area should be cleared but not grubbed. Clearing the area with chain saws, mowers, bush-hogs, or other mechanized equipment and leaving the stumps and root mat intact, allows the area to revegetate naturally and minimizes disturbed soil. 6. A clear bank (riprap free) area of at least 10 feet should remain on each side of the steam underneath the bridge. 7. In trout waters, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission reviews all U.S. Army Corps of Engineers nationwide and general ‘404’ permits. We have the option of requesting additional measures to protect trout and trout habitat and we can recommend that the project require an individual ‘404’ permit. 8. In streams that contain threatened or endangered species, NCDOT biologist should be notified. Special measures to protect these sensitive species may be required. NCDOT should also contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for information on requirements of the Endangered Species Act as it relates to the project. 9. In streams that are used by anadromous fish, the NCDOT official policy entitled “Stream Crossing Guidelines for Anadromous Fish Passage (May 12, 1997)” should be followed. 10. Sedimentation and erosion control measures sufficient to protect aquatic resources must be implemented prior to any ground disturbing activities. Structures should be maintained regularly, especially following rainfall events. 11. Temporary or permanent herbaceous vegetation should be planted on all bare soil within 15 days of ground disturbing activities to provide long-term erosion control. 12. All work in or adjacent to stream waters should be conducted in a dry work area. Sandbags, rock berms, cofferdams, or other diversion structures should be used where possible to prevent excavation in flowing water. 13. Heavy equipment should be operated from the bank rather than in stream channels in order to minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other pollutants into streams. 14. Only clean, sediment-free rock should be used as temporary fill (causeways), and should be removed without excessive disturbance of the natural stream bottom when construction is completed. 15. During subsurface investigations, equipment should be inspected daily and maintained to prevent contamination of surface waters from leaking fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials. If corrugated metal pipe arches, reinforced concrete pipes, or concrete box culverts are used: 1. The culvert must be designed to allow for aquatic life and fish passage. Generally, the culvert or pipe invert should be buried at least 1 foot below the natural streambed (measured from the natural thalweg depth). If multiple barrels are required, barrels other than the base flow barrel(s) should be placed on or near stream bankfull or floodplain bench elevation (similar to Lyonsfield design). These should be Bridge Memo Page 3 January 30, 2015 reconnected to floodplain benches as appropriate. This may be accomplished by utilizing sills on the upstream and downstream ends to restrict or divert flow to the base flow barrel(s). Silled barrels should be filled with sediment so as not to cause noxious or mosquito breeding conditions. Sufficient water depth should be provided in the base flow barrel(s) during low flows to accommodate fish movement. If culverts are longer than 40-50 linear feet, alternating or notched baffles should be installed in a manner that mimics existing stream pattern. This should enhance aquatic life passage: 1) by depositing sediments in the barrel, 2) by maintaining channel depth and flow regimes, and 3) by providing resting places for fish and other aquatic organisms. In essence, base flow barrel(s) should provide a continuum of water depth and channel width without substantial modifications of velocity. 2. If multiple pipes or cells are used, at least one pipe or box should be designed to remain dry during normal flows to allow for wildlife passage. 3. Culverts or pipes should be situated along the existing channel alignment whenever possible to avoid channel realignment. Widening the stream channel must be avoided. Stream channel widening at the inlet or outlet end of structures typically decreases water velocity causing sediment deposition that requires increased maintenance and disrupts aquatic life passage. 4. Riprap should not be placed in the active thalweg channel or placed in the streambed in a manner that precludes aquatic life passage. Bioengineering boulders or structures should be professionally designed, sized, and installed. In most cases, we prefer the replacement of the existing structure at the same location with road closure. If road closure is not feasible, a temporary detour should be designed and located to avoid wetland impacts, minimize the need for clearing and to avoid destabilizing stream banks. If the structure will be on a new alignment, the old structure should be removed and the approach fills removed from the 100-year floodplain. Approach fills should be removed down to the natural ground elevation. The area should be stabilized with grass and planted with native tree species. If the area reclaimed was previously wetlands, NCDOT should restore the area to wetlands. If successful, the site may be utilized as mitigation for the subject project or other projects in the watershed. Project specific comments: B-4453 Camden County bridge number 19 on SR 1235 over UT: Anadromous species are found in this tributary. NCDOT should follow all stream crossing guidelines for anadromous fish passage, including an in-water work moratorium from February 15 to June 30. We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4648 Tyrrell County bridge number 17 on SR 1105 over Riders Creek: Anadromous species are found in this portion of Riders Creek. NCDOT should follow all stream crossing guidelines for anadromous fish passage, including an in-water work moratorium from February 15 to June 30. We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-5416 Perquimans County bridge number 29 on SR 1200 over a branch of Perquimans River: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. Bridge Memo Page 4 January 30, 2015 B-5503 Martin County bridge number 53 on SR 1142 over Collie Swamp: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-5507 Chowan County bridge numbers 24,20, and 21 on NC 32 over Warwick Swamp, Dillard Creek, and Sand Run Creek: Anadromous species are found in these tributaries. NCDOT should follow all stream crossing guidelines for anadromous fish passage, including an in-water work moratorium from February 15 to June 30. We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-5508 Hyde County bridge number 21 on SR 1311 over Waupopin Canal: Anadromous species are found in this portion of Waupopin Canal. NCDOT should follow all stream crossing guidelines for anadromous fish passage, including an in-water work moratorium from February 15 to June 30. We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-5605 Hertford County bridge number 31 on US 13 over railroad: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4425 Beaufort County bridge number 69 on SR 1136 over a Branch of Chocowinity Creek: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4427 Beaufort County bridge number 6 on SR 1422 over Big Swamp: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4430 Beaufort County bridge number 135 on SR 1742 over Bath Creek: Bath Creek is designated as a Primary Nursery Area. NCDOT should follow all stream crossing guidelines for anadromous fish passage, including an in-water work moratorium from February 15 to September 30. We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4483 Craven County bridge number 66 on SR 1232 over Grape creek: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4595 Pamlico County bridge number 14 on SR 1005 over Beard Creek: Anadromous species are found in this portion of Beard Creek. NCDOT should follow all stream crossing guidelines for anadromous fish passage, including an in-water work moratorium from February 15 to June 30. We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4596 Pamlico County bridge number 28 on SR 1005 over Fork of Beard Creek: Anadromous species are found in this portion of Beard Creek. NCDOT should follow all stream crossing guidelines for anadromous fish passage, including an in-water work moratorium from February 15 to June 30. We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4485 Craven County bridge number 26 on SR 1621 over Beaver Dam Swamp: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. Bridge Memo Page 5 January 30, 2015 B-4527 Greene County bridge number 26 on SR 1705 over Bear Creek: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4569 Lenoir County bridge number 68 on SR 1515 over Groundnut Creek: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4593 Pamlico County bridge number 38 on NC 55 over Trent Creek: Anadromous species are found in this portion of Trent Creek. NCDOT should follow all stream crossing guidelines for anadromous fish passage, including an in-water work moratorium from February 15 to June 30. We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4414 Beaufort County bridge number 43 on US 264 over Pungo Creek: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4433 Beaufort County bridge number 40 on SR 1932 over Horse Pen Swamp: Anadromous species are found in this portion of Horse Pen Swamp. NCDOT should follow all stream crossing guidelines for anadromous fish passage, including an in-water work moratorium from February 15 to June 30. We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4605 Pitt County bridge number 5 on SR 1777 over Chicod Creek: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4606 Pitt County bridge number 17 on SR 1780 over Chicod Creek: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4607 Pitt County bridge number 43 on SR 1923 over Swift Creek: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4709 Beaufort County bridge number 14 on SR 1932 over Branch Durham Creek: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4786 Pitt County bridge number 38 on US 13 over Tar River: Tar River at this location is designated as a Primary Nursery Area. NCDOT should follow all stream crossing guidelines for anadromous fish passage, including an in-water work moratorium from February 15 to September 30. We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4438 Brunswick County bridge number 47 on NC 211 over Branch of Juniper Creek: Juniper Creek Game Land is located within the project study area, DOT should coordinate closely with NCWRC during the design and construction of this project to avoid and minimize impacts to this area. We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4590 New Hanover County bridge number 29 on NC 133 over Smith Creek: Anadromous species are found in this portion of Smith Creek. NCDOT should follow all stream crossing guidelines for anadromous fish passage, including an in-water work moratorium from February Bridge Memo Page 6 January 30, 2015 15 to June 30. We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4928 Brunswick County bridge number 28 on SR 1432 over Mill Creek: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-5311 Brunswick County bridge number 104 on SR 1500 over Middel Swamp: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-5540 Brunswick County bridge number 202 on SR 1357 over Branch of Shallotte River: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4501 Duplin County bridge number 325 on SR 1004 over Branch of NE Cape Fear River: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4502 Duplin County bridge number 144 on SR 1704 over Panther Creek: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-5534 Duplin County bridge number 82 on NC 111 over Burnt Coat Creek: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4635 Sampson County bridge number 9 on US 13 over South River overflow: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4636 Sampson County bridge number 56 on NC 24 over Six Runs Creek: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4638 Sampson County bridge number 195 on SR 1703 over Merkle Swamp: The North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP), Great Coharie Tract is located within the project study area, DOT should coordinate closely with EEP during the design and construction of this project to avoid and minimize impacts to this area. We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4813 Sampson County bridge number 18 on SR 1004 over Crane Creek: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4815 Sampson County bridge number 3 on SR 1933 over Beaver Dam Creek: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-5308 Sampson County bridge number 152 on SR 1455 over Caesar Swamp: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-5310 Sampson County bridge number 188 on SR 1817 over Ward Swamp: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4844 Wayne/Duplin County bridge number 117 on SR 1502 over NE Cape Fear River: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. Bridge Memo Page 7 January 30, 2015 B-4839 Wayne County bridge number 96 on SR 1006 over Thoroughfare Swamp: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4840 Wayne County bridge number 264 on SR 1117 over Thunder Swamp: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4842 Wayne County bridge number 45 on SR 1353 over Great Swamp: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4935 Halifax County bridge number 120 on SR 1003 over Branch of Deep Creek: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4940 Wayne County bridge number 25 on SR 157 over Exum Mill Branch: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4941 Wayne County bridge number 93 on SR 1009 over Town Creek: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4942 Wayne County bridge number 121 on SR 1702 over West Bear Creek: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4937 Johnston County bridge numbers 118 and 119 on I-95 over CSX Railroad: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-4479 Columbus County bridge numbers 222, 226, 228, and 230 on SR 1700 over Red Hill Swamp: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-5505 Harnett County bridge number 151 on SR 1415 over Hectors Creek: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-5511 Robeson County bridge number 399 on SR 1741 over Big Marsh Swamp: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-5513 Harnett County bridge number 72 on SR 2045 over Anderson Creek: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. B-5529 Robeson County bridge number 434 on SR 1003 over Back Swamp: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply. If you need further assistance or information on NCWRC concerns regarding bridge replacements, please contact me at (919) 707-0370. Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project.