20210344 Ver 1_Ashe 122 MCDC 20210319_20210511

DocuSign Envelope ID:907A136F-6DD8-40E3-A466-0950F09EF42F
NCDOT MINIMUM CRITERIA DETERMINATION CHECKLIST
State Project No.: 17BP.11.R.131
Project Location: The proposed project involves replacing Bridge No. 122 over North Fork New River
on SR 1549 (Garvey Bridge Road) in Ashe County.
Project Description: The purpose of this project is to replace Ashe County Bridge No. 122 on SR 1549
(Garvey Bridge Road) over North Fork New River (see Figure 1). Bridge No. 122 is 261 feet long. The
replacement structure will be a bridge approximately 270 feet long, providing a minimum 27-foot,
10-inch clear deck width. The bridge will include two 10-foot lanes and 3-foot, 11-inch offsets on new
alignment to the south. The bridge length is based on preliminary design information and is set by
hydraulic requirements. The roadway grade of the new structure will be approximately the same as
the existing structure. Traffic will be maintained on the existing bridge during construction and no
offsite detour is required.
The approach roadway for the proposed replacement structure will extend approximately 30 feet
from the west end of the new bridge and approximately 108 feet from the east end of the new
bridge. The approaches will be widened to include two 10-foot travel lanes and 3-foot shoulders (6-
foot with guardrail). SR 1549 has a functional classification of a Local Rural Route and will be
designed using Sub-Regional Tier Guidelines with a 20 mile per hour design speed.
Approximately 225 feet of SR 1550 (E. Weavers Ford Road) will be widened to provide two 8-foot
travel lanes and 3-foot shoulders (6-foot with guardrail).
Anticipated Permit or Consultation Requirements: A Nationwide Permit 3/General Certification
4132 from the USACE may be required for temporary construction activities such as stream
dewatering, work bridges, or temporary causeways that are often used during bridge construction.
THE USACE holds the final discretion as to what permit will be required to authorize project
construction.
Special Project Information:
Environmental Commitments:
The list of project commitments (green sheets) is located at the end of the checklist.
Purpose and Need:
NCDOT Structures Management Unit records indicates No. 122 has a sufficiency rating of 26.99
out of a possible 100 for a new structure. The bridge is considered structurally deficient due to
a deck condition appraisal of 4 out of 9 according to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
standards.
The superstructure and substructure of Bridge No. 122 have timber elements that are 60 years
old. Timber components have a typical life expectancy between 40 to 50 years due to the
natural deterioration rate of wood. Timber components of Bridge No. 122 are experiencing an
increasing degree of deterioration that can no longer be addressed by reasonable maintenance
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DocuSign Envelope ID:907A136F-6DD8-40E3-A466-0950F09EF42F
NCDOT MINIMUM CRITERIA DETERMINATION CHECKLIST
activities; therefore, the bridge is approaching the end of its useful life. The posted weight limit
on the bridge is down to 12 tons for SV and 15 tons for TTST. Replacement of the bridge will
result in safer traffic operations.
Bridge Demolition:
Bridge 122 is constructed of concrete, timber, and steel and should be possible to remove with
no resulting debris in the water based on standard demolition practices.
Threatened and Endangered Species:
As of March 15, 2021, Ashe County contains 12 species listed as Federally endangered or
threatened.
High Elevation Species: Blue Ridge Goldenrod, Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel, Heller's Blazing
Star, Roan Mountain Bluet, Rock Gnome Lichen, and Spreading Avens —The entire project area
is below 3000 feet MSL, which is well below the elevation range where these species exist.
below the elevation range where these species exist. Therefore, no habitat is believed to be
present within the study area. Furthermore, a review of the NCNHP records, updated January
2021, indicates no known occurrences of these species within 1.0 mile of the project study
area. Due to the lack of habitat and occurrences, a biological conclusion of "No Effect" is
appropriate for these species.
Bog Turtle — No habitat exists for this species in the project study area, and a review of NCNHP
records, updated January 2021, indicates no known occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study
area. Furthermore, a biological conclusion for the bog turtle is Not Required by the USFWS.
Gray Bat—A review of NCNHP records, updated January 2021, indicates no known occurrences
of the gray bat within 1.0 mile of the project study area. Bridge 122 consists of a timber deck;
therefore, the bridge does not provide habitat gray bat. Habitat for the gray bat is not present
within the project study area, and according to Mineral Resources Data System (MRDS) GIS
data, the closest mine is located approximately 0.8 miles north of the project. Therefore, a
biological conclusion of "No Effect" is believed to be appropriate for this species.
Northern Long-eared Bat (NLEB) —A review of NCNHP records, updated January 2021, indicates
no known occurrences of the NLEB within the project study area. Habitat for the NLEB is
present in the study area; the nearest hibernacula is approximately 37 miles southwest of the
project study area. Since the project is not within 150 feet of a known maternity roost tree or
within 0.25 miles of a known hibernaculum, the project is believed to be consistent with the
final Section 4(d) rule.
Rusty-patched Bumble Bee — A review of NCNHP records, updated January 2021, indicates no
known occurrences of this species within 1.0 mile of the study area. Habitat for the rusty-
patched bumble bee is present; however, according to the USFWS, the current range for this
species likely covers 0.1% of the historic range. Since the species represents a historical record,
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NCDOT MINIMUM CRITERIA DETERMINATION CHECKLIST
USFWS advises that the species is not likely to be present and consultations or incidental take
coverage is not necessary.
Swamp Pink — A review of NCNHP records, updated January 2021, indicates no known
occurrences of the swamp pink within the project study area. Suitable habitat for this species is
not present within the project study area. Therefore, a biological conclusion of "No Effect" is
believed to be appropriate for this species.
Virginia Spiraea —Suitable habitat is present for this species along the banks of the New River in
Ashe County. As a result, a survey for Virginia Spiraea will be conducted during the optimal
survey window (May to early-July) in 2021, prior to the start of construction. For now, the
biological conclusion for this species is "Unresolved".
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGPA):
Bald Eagle —The North Fork New River is large enough to support habitat for the bald eagle. No
individuals or nests were observed during the field review on March 4, 2021. A review of
NCNHP records, updated January 2021, indicates no known occurrences of the bald eagle
within 1.0 mile of the project study area. Due to the lack of individuals, nests, or known
occurrences, as well as the minimal impact anticipated for this project, it has been determined
that this project will not affect this species.
The project will involve the construction of a new bridge on new alignment to the south, prior to
removing the existing bridge. As a result, NCDOT staff will have additional opportunities to survey for
these species before work begins on the existing bridge. If any of these species are observed, then
appropriate action will be taken.
Cultural Resources:
There are five Federally recognized tribes with interests in Ashe County (Catawba Indian Nation,
Cherokee Nation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Muscogee Nation, and United Keetoowah
Band of Cherokee Indians) that were notified of the project in December 2019. Responses were
received from three of the five tribes. The tribes did not have any issues with the proposed
work but asked to be notified if cultural material or human remains were encountered during
ground disturbance, construction, or demolition.
PART A: MINIMUM CRITERIA
Item 1 to be completed by the Project Manager. YES NO
1. Is the proposed project listed as a type and class of activity allowed M
under the Minimum Criteria Rule in which environmental
documentation is not required?
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.
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NCDOT MINIMUM CRITERIA DETERMINATION CHECKLIST
If yes, under which category? 9
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 Project Manager. YES NO
2. Could the proposed activity cause significant changes in land use
concentrations that would be expected to create adverse air quality
impacts?
3. Will the proposed activity have secondary impacts or cumulative
impacts that may result in a significant adverse impact to human health
or the environment?
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?
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?
6. Will the proposed activity endanger the existence of_a species on the
Department of Interior's threatened and endangered species list?
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?
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?
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 the Environmental Policy Unit at(919) 707-6253 or EPU(Wncdot.gov.
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?
10. Does the action require the placement of temporary or permanent ® ❑
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DocuSign Envelope ID:907A136F-6DD8-40E3-A466-0950F09EF42F
NCDOT MINIMUM CRITERIA DETERMINATION CHECKLIST
fill in waters of the United States?
11. Does the project require the placement of a significant amount of X
fill in high quality or relatively rare wetland ecosystems, such as
mountain bogs or pine savannahs?
12. Is the proposed action located in an Area of Environmental X
Concern, as defined in the coastal Area Management Act?
Items 13—15 to be completed by the Project Manager.
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 X
National Register of Historic Places?
15. Will the proposed action require acquisition of additional right of X
way from publicly owned parkland or recreational areas?
Questions in Part "C" are designed to assist the Project Manager 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.
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: N/A
17. Right of Way width: N/A
18. Project completion date: N/A
19. Total acres of newly disturbed ground N/A
surface:
20. Total acres of wetland impacts: N/A
21. Total linear feet of stream impacts: N/A
22. Project purpose: N/A
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DocuSign Envelope ID:907A136F-6DD8-40E3-A466-0950F09EF42F
NCDOT MINIMUM CRITERIA DETERMINATION CHECKLIST
(—DocuSigned by:
-1Nlit, tln,t 3/19/2021 1 6:47 AM PDT
Reviewed by: Date:
—•-7B471ADBF00249F...
Kevin mining, uivision Environmental Officer
NCDOT, Division 11
DocuSigned by:
,)bSt f t, b. bays Date: 3/19/2021 1 10:34 AM EDT
— —41135B5E8A334CA..
Joe L. Laws, rt, uivision Bridge Project Manager
NCDOT, Division 11
DocuSigned by:
[--,..3-1„.1
Date: 3/19/2021 1 6:37 AM PDT
E3EB7119684E416..
Jiacy t5. uoernausen, rt, u'ivi
TGS Engineers
MCDC March 2021 Bridge 040122
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DocuSign Envelope ID:907A136F-6DD8-40E3-A466-0950F09EF42F
PROJECT COMMITMENTS
Ashe County
Bridge No. 122 over North Fork New River on SR 1549 (Garvey Bridge Road)
Project No. 17BP.11.R.131
Division Environmental—Virginia Spiraea
A survey will be conducted during the optimal survey period (May to early July) in 2021, prior to
construction, to ensure that no individuals are present and in danger of potential impact.
NCDOT Hydraulic Design Unit—FEMA Coordination
The Hydraulics Unit will coordinate with the NC Floodplain Mapping Program (FMP) to determine the
status of the project with regard to applicability of NCDOT'S Memorandum of Agreement, or approval of
a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) and subsequent final Letter of Map Revision (LOMR).
Division Construction - FEMA
This project involves construction activities on or adjacent to FEMA-regulated stream(s). Therefore, the
Division shall submit sealed as-built construction plans to the Hydraulics Unit upon completion of project
construction, certifying that the drainage structure(s) and roadway embankment that are located within
the 100-year floodplain were built as shown in the construction plans, both horizontally and vertically.
MCDC March 2021 Green Sheet
17BP.11.R.131 Bridge 040122

DocuSign Envelope ID:907A136F-6D D8-40E3-A466-0950F09EF42F
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OFFIORTlf Cq9 NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT VICINITY MAP Date: 01-20-2021
ti� °; OF TRANSPORTATION WBS No. 17BP.11.R.131
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS Ashe Co.
DIVISION 11 Replace Bidge No. 122 on SR 1549
e (Garvey Bridge Rd.) over Figure 1
flT P
ye'�rOF TRPNSQO
North Fork New River

DocuSign Envelope ID:907A136F-6DD8-40E3-A466-0950F09EF42F
Project Tracking No.(Internal Use)
16-02-0091
latlie07 HISTORIC ARCHICTECTURE AND LANDSCAPES
NO SURVEY REQUIRED FORM
This form only pertains to Historic Architecture and Landscapes for this project. It
is not valid for Archaeological Resources. You must consult separately with the
Archaeology Group.
PROJECT INFORMATION
Project No: County: Ashe
WBS No.: 17BP.11.R.131 Document MCC
Type:
Fed.Aid No: Funding: ® State ❑ Federal
Federal ® Yes ❑ No Permit NWP 3
Permit(s): Type(s):
Project Description:
Replace Bridge No. 122 on SR 1549 (Garvey Bridge Rd) over North Fork of New River.
SUMMARY OF HISTORIC ARCHICTECTURE AND LANDSCAPES REVIEW
Description of review activities, results, and conclusions:
Review of HPO quad maps,relevant background reports,historic designations roster, and
indexes was undertaken on April 5, 2016. Based on this review there are no NR,DE, LL, or SL
in the Area of Potential Effects (APE). The Ashe County online tax data reveal there are no
properties in the project vicinity. The bridge itself, Ashe County Bridge No. 122,built in 1961,
does not exemplify any distinctive engineering or aesthetic type and is not eligible for the
National Register of Historic Places. No survey is required.
Why the available information provides a reliable basis for reasonably predicting that there
are no unidentified significant historic architectural or landscape resources in the project
area:
Using HPO GIS website and county tax data provides reliable information regarding the structures in the
APE. These combined utilities are considered valid for the purposes of determining the likelihood of
historic resources being present.
SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION
®Map(s) ['Previous Survey Info. ®Photos ❑Correspondence ❑Design Plans
FINDING BY NCDOT ARCHITECTURAL HISTORIAN
Historic Architecture and Landscapes --NO SURVEY REQUIRED
SIAOU' 2)2.-ef Ae- A9-2 ‘ .11(4
NCDOT Architec ral Historian Date
Historic Architecture and Landscapes NO SURVEY REQUIRED form for Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Prograinruatic Agreement.
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DocuSign Envelope ID:907A136F-6DD8-40E3-A466-0950F09EF42F
16-02-0091
NO NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
o4._Ck44 ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
PRESENT FORM `
ibt\ .;. This form only pertains to ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES for this project. It is not
valid for Historic Architecture and Landscapes. You must consult separately with the
Historic Architecture and Landscapes Group.
PROJECT INFORMATION
Project No: County: Alleghany
WBS No: 17BP.11.R.131 Document: Minimum Criteria Checklist
F.A. No: Funding: ® State ❑ Federal
Federal Permit Required? ® Yes ❑ No Permit Type: NWP 3
Project Description: Replace Bridge 122 on SR 1549 (Garvey Bridge Rd.) over the North Fork
New River in Ashe County. The Area of Potential Effects (A.P.E.) is approximately 234 meters
(760 ft.) long and 18 meters (60 ft.) wide. The A.P.E. includes the area within 116 meters (380
ft.) from each end of the bridge and 9 meters (30 ft.) from centerline on each side of the road.
No design plans were provided.
SUMMARY OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDINGS
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)Archaeology Group reviewed
the subject project and determined:
® There are no National Register listed ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES within the project's
area of potential effects. (Attach any notes or documents as needed.)
❑ No subsurface archaeological investigations were required for this project.
• Subsurface investigations did not reveal the presence of any archaeological resources.
❑ Subsurface investigations did not reveal the presence of any archaeological resources
considered eligible for the National Register.
❑ All identified archaeological sites located within the APE have been considered and all
compliance for archaeological resources with Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act and GS 121-12(a) has been completed for this project.
Brief description of review activities, results of review, and conclusions:
see attached report
SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION
See attached: ® Map(s) ❑ Previous Survey Info ® Photos Correspondence
Other:
Signed:
CALEB SMITH 12/13/2016
NCDOT ARCHAEOLOGIST Date
"NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT OR AFFECTED
form for Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2015 Programmatic Agreement.
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