20201575 Ver 1_MCDC (Signed)_20210319

11/16/20 1 of 4
MINIMUM CRITERIA DETERMINATION CHECKLIST

The following questions provide direction in determining when the Department is
required to prepare environmental documents for state-funded construction and
maintenance activities. Answer questions for Parts A through C by checking either "Yes"
or "No". Complete Part D of the checklist when Minimum Criteria Rule categories #8,
#12(i), or #15 are used.

TIP Project No.:

State Project No.: 17BP.14.R.164

Project Location: Bridge No.133 on SR 1132 (Hickory Cove Road) over Brush Creek
in Swain County, North Carolina.

Project Description: Replace Bridge No. 133 a 20’ W x 18’ 6”L timber deck on timber
joist structure on existing location and replace with a 20’ 7” W x 5’ 3” H x 48’ L single
barrel aluminum box culvert near Bryson City, North Carolina. The project will utilize
an onsite detour during construction.

Anticipated Permit or Consultation Requirements: Nationwide Permit 3 and 401
Certification.

1. Outside river corridor = Yes.
2. Below impact threshold for applicable NWP = No. NWP 3.
3. Tree clearing = Yes. (follow moratorium).
4. Trout watershed = Yes. (follow moratorium unless verification NCWRC letter
states no).
5. NLEB HUC = No, greater than 0.25 miles from known hibernacula site.

NWP 3 will require written authorization and written 401 Certification.

Special Project Information:

The bridge and surrounding area were surveyed on 3.29.2017 and 9.30.2020 and no listed
species were observed nor are there any records 1.00 mile from project area. The bridge
is too low to support bat roosting (lack of bat roosting will be confirmed before
construction). Tree clearing will occur from October 15 to April 15 to protect possible
Indiana bat roosting.

11/16/20 2 of 4

PART A: MINIMUM CRITERIA

YES

NO
Item 1 to be completed by the Engineer.
1. Is the proposed project listed as a type and class of activity allowed under
the Minimum Criteria Rule in which environmental documentation is not
required?
X

If the answer to number 1 is “no”, then the project does not qualify as a
minimum criteria project. A state environmental assessment is required.

If yes, under which category? (9) Reconstruction of existing crossroad or
railroad separations and existing stream crossings,
including, but not limited to pipes, culverts, and
bridges.

If either category #8, #12(i) or #15 is used complete Part D of this checklist.

PART B: MINIMUM CRITERIA EXCEPTIONS

Items 2 – 4 to be completed by the Engineer.
2. Could the proposed activity cause significant changes in land use
concentrations that would be expected to create adverse air quality
impacts?
X

3. Will the proposed activity have secondary impacts or cumulative impact s
that may result in a significant adverse impact to human health or the
environment?
X

4. Is the proposed activity of such an unusual nature or does the proposed
activity have such widespread implications, that an uncommon concern
for its environmental effects has been expressed to the Department?
X

Item 5-8 to be completed by Division Environmental Officer.
5. Does the proposed activity have a significant adverse effect on wetlands;
surface waters such as rivers, streams, and estuaries; parklands; prime or
unique agricultural lands; or areas of recognized scenic, recreational,
archaeological, or historical value?
X

6. Will the proposed activity endanger the existence of a species on the
Department of Interior's threatened and endangered species list?
X

7. Could the proposed activity cause significant changes in land use
concentrations that would be expected to create adverse water quality or
ground water impacts?
X

11/16/20 3 of 4
YES NO
8. Is the proposed activity expected to have a significant adverse effect on
long-term recreational benefits or shellfish, finfish, wildlife, or their
natural habitats
X

If any questions 2 through 8 are answered “yes”, the proposed project may not qualify as a
Minimum Criteria project. A state environmental assessment (EA) may be required. For
assistance, contact:

Manager, Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
P. O. Box 25201
Raleigh, NC 27611
(919) 733 –3141
Fax: [phone]

PART C: COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS

Items 9- 12 to be completed by Division Environmental Officer. YES NO
9. Is a federally protected threatened or endangered species, or its
habitat, likely to be impacted by the proposed action?
X

10. Does the action require the placement of temporary or permanent
fill in waters of the United States? NWP 3/401 Certification
X

11. Does the project require the placement of a significant amount of
fill in high quality or relatively rare wetland ecosystems, such as
mountain bogs or pine savannahs?
X

12. Is the proposed action located in an Area of Environmental
Concern, as defined in the coastal Area Management Act?
X

Items 13 – 15 to be completed by the Engineer.
13. Does the project require stream relocation or channel changes? X

Cultural Resources
14. Will the project have an “effect” on a property or site listed on the
National Register of Historic Places?
X

15. Will the proposed action require acquisition of additional right of
way from publicly owned parkland or recreational areas?
X

Questions in Part “C” are designed to assist the Engineer and the Division Environmental
Officer in determining whether a permit or consultation with a state or federal resource
agency may be required. If any questions in Part “C” are answered “yes”, follow the
appropriate permitting procedures prior to beginning project construction.
11/16/20 4 of 4

PART D: (To be completed when either category #8, #12(i), or #15 of the rules are
used.)

Items 16- 22 to be completed by Division Environmental Officer.

16. Project length:

17. Right of Way width:

18. Project completion date:

19. Total acres of newly disturbed ground
surface:

20. Total acres of wetland impacts:

21. Total linear feet of stream impacts:

22. Project purpose:

If Part D of the checklist is completed, send a copy of the entire checklist document to:

Don G. Lee
State Roadside Environmental Engineer
Mail Service Center 1557
Raleigh, NC 27699-1557
[phone]
Fax [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Reviewed by: Date:
Garrett Higdon
Assistant Bridge Management Engineer
Division 14

Date:
Patrick J. Breedlove
Division 14 - Environmental Specialist II

11/16/2020
11/17/2020
11/16/20 5 of 4

Replace Bridge 133
SR 1132 (Hickory Cove Road)
near Bryson City, N.C. (Swain County)
17BP.14.R.164

 Nationwide 3 Permit will be required and a written 401 under GC 4132. A
trout moratorium may be applied to the permits at the request of WRC.
 Project will adhere to NCDOT best management practices. Avoidance of
erosion and sedimentation into Brush Creek (Class C; Tr.) and
downstream habitats.

 Trees will be cleared from October 15 to April 15 to avoid potential
roosting by Indiana bats.