HomeMy WebLinkAboutU-3618 (2)AFA'h
NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Pat McCrory Charles Wakild, P. E.
Governor Director
April 22, 2013
MEMORANDUM
To: Mark Pierce, P.E., Project Planning Engineer, N��CDJOT
From: David Wainwright, Division of Water Quality (Iln""
John Skvarla, III
Secretary
Subject: Response to the Screening Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report, Lenoir County, TIP
U -3618.
This office has reviewed the referenced document dated December 2012. The NC Division of Water
Quality ( NCDWQ) is responsible for the issuance of the Section 401 Water Quality Certification for
activities that impact Waters of the U.S., including wetlands. Under 15A NAC 2H .0500 (.0506[4]), it is
the NCDWQ's responsibility to ensure that projects will not result in cumulative effects or cause a
violation of downstream water quality based on reasonably anticipated future impacts.
Upon reviewing document, the NCDWQ agrees with the conclusions of the report. We believe the
project, as presented and based on the information provided, does have the potential to induce future
indirect and cumulative impacts and agree that further analysis is warranted. When completed, please
forward a copy of the Indirect and Cumulative Effects Land Use Scenario Assessment mentioned in the
document to the NCDWQ for review.
Thank you for requesting our input at this time. The NCDOT is reminded that issuance of a 401 Water
Quality Certification requires that appropriate measures be instituted to ensure that water quality
standards are met and designated uses are not degraded or lost. If you have any questions or require
additional information, please contact David Wainwright at (919) 807 -6405 or
David. Wainwright @ncdenr.gov.
cc: Tom Steffens, US Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington Field Office (electronic copy only)
Chris Militscher, Environmental Protection Agency (electronic copy only)
Garcy Ward, NCDWQ Washington Regional Office (electronic copy only)
File Copy
Transportation Permitting Unit
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699 -1650
Location: 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Phone: 919. 807 -63001 FAX: 919 - 807 -6488
Internet: hftp: / /portal.ncdenr.orgtwebtwq
, An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
Executive Summary ........................................................ ............................... ............................iii
2.
Project Overview .......................................................................................... ..............................1
2.1. PURPOSEANDNEED ......................................................................................... ..............................1
2.2. ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTATION .................................................................. ...............................
1
3.
Future Land Use Study Area .......................................................................... ..............................3
4.
Time Horizon ................................................................................................ ..............................3
5.
Other Transportation and Infrastructure Projects .......................................... ..............................3
6.
Transportation Impact Causing Activities ....................................................... ..............................6
7.
Population Trends / Projections .................................................................... ..............................6
8.
Job Trends / Projections ................................................................................ ..............................7
9.
Municipal Utilities ........................................................................................ ..............................8
9.1. WATER SERVICE ............................................................................................... ..............................8
9.2. SEWER SERVICE ................................................................................................ ..............................9
10.
Notable Features ......................................................................................... .............................11
10.1. HUMAN ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................. ...............................
11
10.2. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................... ...............................
14
11.
Development Regulations ............................................................................ .............................16
11.1. NC ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION (NCEMC) .............................. .............................16
11.2. LENOIR COUNTY .............................................................................................. .............................16
11.3. CITY OF KINSTON ........................................................................................... ...............................
16
11.4. NORTH CAROLINA GLOBAL TRANSPARK .............................................................. .............................17
12.
Land Suitability ............................................................................................ .............................19
13.
Market for Development ............................................................................. .............................22
13.1. CURRENT DEVELOPMENT PRESSURES ................................................................. .............................22
13.2. DEVELOPMENT MARKET ASSUMPTIONS .............................................................. .............................22
14.
Indirect Screening Matrix Methodology ....................................................... .............................22
14.1.SCREENING MATRIX RESULTS ............................................................................ .............................23
14.2. CONCLUSION ................................................................................................ ...............................
23
15.
Next Steps ................................................................................................... .............................25
16.
Cumulative Effects Summary ....................................................................... .............................25
16.1. PAST PROJECTS ............................................................................................. ...............................
25
16.2. CURRENT PROJECTS ....................................................................................... ...............................
26
16.3. FUTURE PROJECTS ........................................................................................... .............................26
16.4. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS SUMMARY STATEMENT ..................................................... .............................26
17. Sources ....................................................................................................... .............................28
Carey Road Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775
List of Tables
Table 1: Other STIP Projects in the Vicinity of the FLUSA ....................................... ..............................4
Table 2: Summary of Transportation Impact Causing Activities .............................. ..............................6
Table 3: Population Forecasts ............................................................................... ..............................7
Table 4: Definitions of Stream Classifications ....................................................... .............................14
Table5: Available Land ....................................................................................... .............................19
Table 7: Indirect Land Use Effects Screening Tool — Carey Road Extension Project . .............................24
List of Figures
Figure 1: Project Location ..................................................................................... ..............................2
Figure 2: Project Area STIP Projects ...................................................................... ..............................5
Figure 3: Water and Sewer Service Areas ............................................................. .............................10
Figure 4: Human Environmental Features ............................................................ .............................13
Figure 5: Natural Environmental Features ............................................................ .............................15
Figure6: Zoning .................................................................................................. .............................18
Figure 7: Vacant and Underutilized Land .............................................................. .............................20
Figure 8: Environmental Sensitivity Screening ...................................................... .............................21
Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775
I 11:..:..:..:.xecut11ve Surnirnary
The North Carolina Department of Transportation ( NCDOT) is proposing to construct a multi -lane facility
on new location in Lenoir County, North Carolina northwest of the City of Kinston. Listed in the Draft
NCDOT 2013 -2023 Policy to Projects 10 -Year Work Plan as Project No. U -3618, it is described as the
proposed extension of existing Carey Road (SR 1571) from US 258 to Rouse Road (SR 1572). As part of the
proposed project, the US 258, Paul's Path Road (SR 1001), and Hull Road (SR1557) intersection will require
reconfiguration. Hull Road will either be realigned and connected with the Carey Road Extension or
terminated to avoid a future five -leg intersection. The total project length is approximately 2 miles.
The project could potentially result in a decrease in total travel time and an increase in both property
access and property exposure. The project could open up access to parcels currently land- locked and
increase exposure at new transportation nodes where the project intersects Rouse Road and Hull
Road /Paul's Path Road /US 258. The project might also decrease traffic on existing roads, such as Dobbs
Farm Road (SR 1573), Hull Road, and Rouse Road, which could reduce property exposure along those
roads.
The Future Land Use Study Area (FLUSA) includes approximately 3,051 acres of land. Of this,
approximately 1,643 acres (53.9 percent) are considered developable. The time horizon for the study was
from 2000 to 2040. Notable human environmental features in the FLUSA include the Lenoir Youth
Development Center, a new Kinston Fire Station, and a state -owned parcel of managed timberland. Just
outside of the FLUSA, to the north, is the North Carolina Global Transpark (GTP). The GTP is a major
transportation logistics hub for eastern North Carolina and includes an industrial park. The GTP Rail Spur
was recently completed in September 2012 and runs through the center of the FLUSA. The C.F. Harvey
Parkway Extension from US 70 to US 258 is currently under construction and runs along the western
border of the FLUSA. The old Dobbs Farm School property (now referred to as the Dobbs Youth
Development Center), which is located on the north side of Dobbs Farm Road, has been determined
eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. No other historic resources or archaeological
resources within the FLUSA are listed on the National Register nor have been determined eligible.
The population growth rate for the FLUSA has a projected annual average growth rate of less than one
percent. The GTP is anticipated to continue its growth and create more jobs for Kinston and the
surrounding area.
Five 14 -digit Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) watersheds are included in the FLUSA. Three of the 5 have been
designated as "Targeted Local Watersheds" by the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program
(NCEEP). Streams within the FLUSA include Taylor's Branch, two unnamed tributaries to Taylor's Branch,
and two unnamed tributaries to Briery Run. Neuse River buffer regulations will apply to the tributaries of
both stream systems. Taylor's Branch is a FEMA regulated stream (Zone AE), which will likely be crossed.
Briery Run and Taylors Branch are both classified as C; Sw, NSW.
There are no streams within the FLUSA that are on the Final North Carolina Water Quality Assessment and
Impaired Waters List (2010 Integrated 305(b) and 303(d) Report), approved August 31, 2010. No
Outstanding Resource Waters, High Quality Waters, or Wild and Scenic Rivers exist within or within one
mile of the FLUSA.
The portion of the FLUSA within the City of Kinston is subject to stormwater permitting under the Neuse
River Stormwater Program.
Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775
The indirect screening matrix was created to evaluate the likelihood of indirect and cumulative effects of
the project on the surrounding area; the results suggest that an Indirect Scenario Assessment is possible.
The two categories with the highest ratings were scope of project and availability of water and sewer
services.
The majority of development with or without the project is expected to occur in the general project
vicinity, near GTP. Development regulations in the area address future land use, and much of the recent
infrastructure improvements and expansions have taken place in this area. Two new transportation /land
use nodes are likely to be the focus of new development activity from the project.
This project may contribute to cumulative effects of future changes to notable resources within the
FLUSA; this project itself will have a minor effect. The project is expected to result in travel time savings
and could potentially change property access and exposure and create new land use /transportation
nodes. Direct environmental impacts by NCDOT projects are addressed by avoidance, minimization or
mitigation, consistent with programmatic agreements with the natural resource agencies during the
permitting processes. All development will be required to follow local, state, and federal guidelines and
permitting requirements.
Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775
11:::Iroject Overview
The North Carolina Department of Transportation ( NCDOT) is proposing to construct a multi -lane facility
on new location in Lenoir County, North Carolina. Located within the suburban and rural areas of the
northwest fringe of the City of Kinston, the proposed 2.0 -mile long project proposes an extension of
existing Carey Road (SR 1571), from the existing intersection of US 258, Paul's Path Road (SR 1001), and
Null Road (SR 1557) to the existing intersection of Carey Road and Rouse Road (SR 1572). The proposed
access for Carey Road is Limited Control of Access, but driveway permits can be issued through the
Division when the need arises. Limited Control of Access means that connections to a facility are
provided only via ramps at interchanges (major crossings) and at -grade intersections (minor crossings
and service roads). No private driveway connections are allowed. Null Road will be terminated near its
intersection with US 258. In addition, Null Road will be realigned and connected with the proposed
Carey Road Extension or with US 258 to avoid the creation of a five -leg intersection. The project will also
cross the North Carolina Global TransPark (GTP) Rail Spur, which was completed in the summer of 2012.
The proposed project is listed in the Draft NCDOT 2013 -2023 10 -Year Plan, which includes projects
funded in the Draft 2013 -2023 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The project is listed
as STIP Number U -3618 and is described as "Carey Road Extension; multi -lanes on new location."
Figure 1 illustrates the geographic context for the proposed project. The project is scheduled for right -
of -way acquisition in FY 2021 and construction is currently unfunded in the Draft NCDOT 10 -Year Work
Plan.
1 1f3t „mrlpose and INeed
The project is currently in the scoping phase of the project development process. At this time, no formal
purpose and need for the project has been developed and no alternative alignments have been
developed.
The general purpose of and need for the project is to provide a more direct east -west route between the
residential and commercial developments along US 258 and residential areas of Paul's Path Road to the
City of Kinston. The proposed project would address the connectivity deficiencies within the existing
roadway network.
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In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended, it is anticipated
that an Environmental Assessment (EA) will be prepared for the proposed Carey Road Extension. The EA
is intended for use as an informational document by the decision - makers and the public. As such, it
represents a disclosure of relevant environmental information concerning the proposed action.
Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775
3. 11::::::'uture ll,,,,,,, and Use Study Alrea
The Future Land Use Study Area (FLUSA) is defined as the area surrounding a construction project that
could possibly be indirectly affected by the actions of others as a result of the completion of the project
and combined projects. This study area encompasses all of the areas examined for potential increases in
development pressure as a result of project construction. The area shown on Figure 1 represents the
FLUSA. This area has been chosen to include the several possible alternatives for the project as well as
the properties that may be impacted by the project.
The FLUSA begins at the intersection of Rouse Road and Dobbs Farm Road, running west along Dobbs
Farm Road for approximately 1.6 miles until it heads north to run along C.F. Harvey Parkway. The FLUSA
continues to follow the C.F. Harvey Parkway and extension, forming the western boundary. To the south
the FLUSA boundary is south of Hull Road and Rouse Road, north of the Caswell Development Center. To
the east, the FLUSA heads due north along the boundary of an adjacent subdivision and along Briery Run
Creek to the intersection of Rouse Road and Dobbs Farm Road.
The FLUSA was reviewed and approved by the NCDOT Human Environment Section staff at a meeting
held on February 14, 2012. The land uses within the FLUSA include single - family residential
communities, small stand -alone retail establishments, auto service shops, a golf driving range, and
vacant /undeveloped land. The southern portion of the FLUSA contains undeveloped parcels and
scattered single - family residential development located mostly along Hull Road. Most of the interior of
the FLUSA is undeveloped land, with small residential areas in the eastern portion and institutional uses
along Dobbs Farm Road. The residential developments consist of modest single - family housing with a
moderate price range. The northwestern edge of the FLUSA is bounded by the C.F. Harvey Parkway
Extension Project. The C.F. Harvey Parkway Extension Project is a new location, full control of access
highway that will connect the existing portion of C.F. Harvey Parkway to US 70 west of Kinston.
4. "III'° Iii iinn e II ° ° °l iirlii firm
The time horizon for this analysis is between the year 2000 and the year 2040. The Census data and
population projections begin in 2000 and extend to 2030. Adopted local and regional plans relevant to
the project have future planning years ranging from 2015 to 2035. The City of Kinston Comprehensive
Transportation Plan ( NCDOT, 2007) has been developed for 2030. Traffic forecasts currently being
developed for the project will extend to 2040. Therefore, a range from 2000 -2040 encompasses all
relevant plans and data.
Other °" III '° iir firm III iirt tii firm and II firm iir tiru tug ur e 11:::Irojects
Other transportation projects in and around the vicinity of the proposed project may cause indirect and
cumulative effects related to land use, transportation, human demographics, and the environment. The
Draft STIP was reviewed to identify other transportation and infrastructure projects and are listed in
Table 1 and shown on Figure 2. Projects listed in the City of Kinston Comprehensive Transportation Plan
were not included, as it is not a fiscally constrained plan associated with any funding mechanisms.
Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775
Tabs 1: Other S11P Projects in the icinity of th FILUSA
Notes: R — Rural Projects. U — Urban Projects. FS — Feasibility Study. "Unfunded" denotes projects that are not
currently funded in the Draft 2013 -2023 STIP
Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation 2013 -2023 Draft State Transportation Improvement
Program, Division 2. Available: http: / /www.ncdot.gov /performance /reform /.
Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775
" III irainspairtatilain 11hirnpact Causing Activities
The proposed project could affect travel patterns, travel time, property access and property exposure
and create transportation /land use nodes within the FLUSA. The following table summarizes the likely
changes. The location and extent of changes will vary, depending on which alternative is ultimately
selected and built.
Table 2: Summary of Transportation V mpact Causing Activities
Ilf° III u III tii firm "III '° iir firm / 11:::Irojectllains
According to the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM), between 2000 and
2010 the population of Lenoir County remained stagnant, with a loss of 80 persons, equivalent to an
average annual decrease of .01 percent.
The population of Lenoir County is projected by OSBM to modestly increase over the next twenty years:
1.3 percent increase between 2010 and 2020 and another 1.3 percent between 2020 and 2030. This
Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775
population change is equivalent to an average annual population increase of 0.13 percent. Population
projections for the State of North Carolina, in comparison, show larger increases of 15.4 percent
between 2010 and 2020 and 12.9 percent between 2020 and 2030.
While the OSBM projects the population of Lenoir County to experience only slight growth over the next
two decades, this could change if the GTP becomes more productive. When it was initiated, the GTP was
expected to result in population and development increases in the county due to an increase in
employment opportunities. Projections made in 2000 estimated that the population of Lenoir County
would increase substantially by 2012 (annual percentage change of 1.35 percent, with a total growth of
39.9 percent over 25 years).
Table 3 below compares population forecasts for the state and Lenoir County between 2010 and 2030,
in 10 -year increments. Lenoir County is expected to grow by 1.3 percent over the next decade, while the
average growth for North Carolina is 15 percent during the same period.
Talfle : PopWation Forecasts
Source: North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management, State Demographics Unit (2011)
III ° "III '° iir iin / 11:::Irojectllains
According to the North Carolina Department of Commerce- Division of Employment Security, the largest
employers in Lenoir County (in order of the number of employees) which is part of the Eastern Carolina
Workforce Development Board (ECWDB) are the State of North Carolina, Lenoir County Schools, Lenoir
Memorial Hospital, Electrolux Home Products, Gwaltney of Smithfield, Aristocraft/Deco ra/Sch rock,
Lenoir County, City of Kinston, Lenoir Community College, and Wal -Mart. The largest industries are
public administration, education and health services, manufacturing, and trade /transportation /utilities.
According to data on the ECWDB, the top four fastest growing industries between 2009 and 2019 are
projected to be: Professional and Business Services, Education and Health Services, Administration, and
Leisure and Hospitality (ECWDB, 2011). According to the Lenoir County Economic Development
Department, the top five non - governmental employers are the Caswell Center, Lenoir Memorial
Hospital, Electrolux, Associated Materials, and Sanderson Farms (Lenoir County Economic Development
Department, 2011).
According to the North Carolina Civilian Labor Force Estimates, the unemployment rate for Lenoir
County in May 2012 was 10.2 percent. This is down from unemployment numbers of 11.0 percent and
11.7 percent released in May 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775
The ECWDB estimates that the entire nine - county Eastern Carolina Region had 415,440 persons
employed in 2006. Projections for 2016 for the same region show employment climbing at an average
annual rate of 1.6 percent to 487,500 persons.
The region has seen recent economic investments in the community from new and expanding
businesses. According to the City of Kinston the following investments have occurred over the last
seven years:
• Smithfield Packing Company, $80 million investment, and 200 jobs
• Sanderson Farms, $126 million investment, and 1,650 jobs
• Spirit Aerosystems, $570 million investment, and 1,000 jobs (by 2014)
• Spatial Integrated Systems, $2.75 million investment, and 37 jobs
• Ferguson Enterprises, $400K investment, and 30 jobs
• A.G. Machining of North Carolina, 1.65 million investment, and 29 jobs
• Commerce Overseas Corporation, $4.3 million investment, and 73 jobs
• West Pharmaceuticals, $18.5 million investment, and 154 jobs
• Electrolux, $18 million investment, and 97 jobs
• Dupont, $55 million investment, and 66 jobs
The North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs is currently constructing a North Carolina Veterans Home
skilled nursing care facility with 100 beds, which is slated for completion in 2012. This facility will be
located on a 30 -acre site in western Kinston near the Caswell Developmental Center (within the FLUSA,
which provides specialized residential, programmatic, and support services for people with disabilities.
The local planner indicated that a property owner near the intersection of existing Carey Road and
Rouse Road has expressed interest in developing a new shopping center. However, no specific plans or
actions by developers have taken place.
Further development and expansion of industry is expected at the GTP in future years. The GTP, which is
located just to the north and east of the FLUSA, contains a roughly 300 acre industrial park that currently
is home to 12 companies that employ several hundred people, with large expansions planned for some
companies (e.g. Spirit Aerosystems), which could push their employment numbers over 1,000. In
January 2012, a new company — Commerce Overseas Corporation — announced that it will relocate to
GTP from California and will employ 72 people.
Given the recent investments by new and expanding businesses in Kinston and GTP over the past few
years, overall job growth is expected to continue to increase over the next several years for Lenoir
County and the FLUSA. The job growth projections made by ECWDB for an average annual employment
growth of 1.6 percent for the nine - county region is an attainable goal for Lenoir County, but may not
necessarily be this high. This trend is supported by the decrease in the unemployment rate over the last
three years for Lenoir County.
Municipal UtIllitiles
The FLUSA has water service throughout the developed areas. The residential areas along Robinwood
Drive and south along Rouse Road are served by the City of Kinston. Areas along Hull Road are served by
Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775
both the City and North Lenoir Water Corporation. The western and northern areas of the FLUSA are
served by the North Lenoir Water Corporation.
Both the City of Kinston and the North Lenoir Water Corporation are a part of the Neuse Regional Water
and Sewer Authority (WASA). The Neuse Regional WASA is a cooperative partnership of water and
sewer providers that was formed in 2000 to develop regional solutions for meeting future needs. Each
member entity purchases water from the Neuse Regional WASA. The New Water Treatment Plant is the
only water treatment plant operated within Lenoir County and it is operated by the Neuse Regional
Water and Sewer Authority and owned by Lenoir County. The water treatment plant increased the
available water supply to Kinston by 3 million gallons per day and regionally by 15 million gallons per
day. It is designed for expansion and has permitted capacity to withdraw 30 million gallons per day from
the Neuse River. Currently, WASA treats and distributes 7 to 8 million gallons per day to approximately
100,000 citizens and commercial users in the entire distribution area.
Through the use of its existing well field and its membership in WASA, Kinston is projected to provide
enough water service for the next 50 -75 years. In general, WASA expects to be able to provide all the
water capacity needed to meet the demands of existing residents and industry within the FLUSA, as well
as accommodate future growth and demand.
Se weir ervlice
The City of Kinston provides sewer service to portions of the FLUSA along Carey Road, Robinwood Drive
and Rouse Road. Residences located along Null Road and US 258 and areas west are on septic systems
(see Figure 3). Future plans to extend sewer are somewhat limited, but include the area around the GTP.
The Kinston Regional Water Reclamation Facility serves the areas within the FLUSA that have sewer
service. The Kinston Regional Water Reclamation Facility was built in 2007 by expanding upon the
former Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The Kinston Regional Water Reclamation
Facility is a state -of- the -art facility built west of the Neuse River, south of NC 55. The facility treats
approximately 4 million gallons per day, and has an operational capacity of 11.5 million gallons per day.
The Kinston Regional Water Reclamation Facility also contains a 40 acre site used as a spray field, where
sludge generated from the plant is "land applied" rather being discharged directly into the Neuse River.
Through the Kinston Regional Water Reclamation Facility, the City of Kinston expects to be able to
provide all the sewer capacity needed to meet the demands of existing residents and industry within the
FLUSA, as well as accommodate future growth and demand.
Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775
10 Notable 11::::::'ea,tures
r
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The Community Characteristics Report (CCR) completed for STIP U -3618 noted that there are several
minority populations and churches located within the study area. The first area is a residential area off
of Rouse Road near Crestwood Drive and Tanglewood Drive. The second area is located off of Dobbs
Farm Road near the intersection with Hullwood Road. In addition, during a field visit in August 2012, a
Hispanic community was noted just outside of the FLUSA along Daly Waldrop Road east of US 258 in the
Galaxy Park Mobile Homes neighborhood. Several signs were dually written in English and Spanish for
businesses and churches, indicating a likely Hispanic population in this area.
A day care center is located on US 258 just north of Paul's Path Road. There are two fire stations located
in the study area, the North Lenoir Volunteer Fire Station is located near the Intersection of US 258 and
Paul's Path Road and the City of Kinston Fire Station is located east of the Rouse Road /Carey Road
intersection across from the First Baptist Church.
There are several churches within the study area (see Figure 4): First Baptist Church & Roy Poole Family
Life Center, Kinston Community Church, Tanglewood Church, Kinston Baptist Temple, Hull Road Free
Will Baptist Church, and Bible Missionary Church.
There are two Youth Development Centers (YDC) located on Dobbs Farm Road: the Dobbs YDC (formerly
named Dobbs Farm School) and the Lenoir YDC. Both YDCs are part of seven statewide YDCs operated
by the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The Dobbs Farm
School property, located just outside of the FLUSA, has been determined eligible for National Register
listing. The Lenoir YDC is located within the FLUSA.
Eleven previously- recorded archaeological sites exist within the FLUSA. All but one were identified by
NCDOT archaeologists in conjunction with environmental studies for the C.F. Harvey Parkway Project
(R- 2719B) (O'Connell 1998). The other was identified by an archaeology student working on a project for
their masters in the 1960's (Crawford, 1966). None of the eleven sites were recommended as eligible for
inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. It should be noted these eleven sites do not
represent all the archaeological sites within the study area, just those that have been recorded with the
North Carolina Office of State Archaeology, which is the archaeological unit of the North Carolina
Historic Preservation Office. There are no Section 4(f) or Section 6(f) resources located within the FLUSA.
Approximately 300 acres of state -owned land is located immediately south of the FLUSA and is accessed
via Hull Road. The Caswell Development Center, a 24 -hour residential facility for individuals with
intellectual and developmental disabilities, is located on this site. The facility has 29 homes with 405
beds, and currently houses approximately 390 residents. The Center employs 1,450 staff that operates
in three daily shifts. A 30 -acre portion of the 300 -acre site is now managed by the North Carolina
Division of Veterans Affairs which is currently constructing a North Carolina Veterans Home nursing care
facility with 100 beds. This facility is slated for completion in 2012.
The NC Department of Agriculture owns 152 acres of timberland, which is currently landlocked. The
extension of Carey Road could provide access to this parcel. The Department intends to continue
managing it for timber production after the extension is completed. There are no Voluntary Agricultural
Districts (VADs) in the FLUSA.
Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775
The Kinston Regional Jetport at Stallings Field is located just north of Kinston and north of the FLUSA
between NC 58 and US 258, and is owned by the North Carolina GTP Authority. The Jetport has a lighted
asphalt runway 11,500 feet in length and 150 feet in width, making it the longest commercial runway in
North Carolina. With weight limitations of 90,000 pounds for a single - wheeled aircraft and 135,000
pounds for double - wheeled aircraft, the runway can accommodate the world's largest cargo jets.
The C.F. Harvey Parkway Extension (R -2719) is a multi -lane facility on new location connecting US 70 to
US 258. It is currently under construction and will cross over Paul's Path Road, Daly Waldrop Road, and
Banks School Road with grade separations. It will join with the existing C.F. Harvey Parkway near US 258
and continue northeast to NC 58.
The GTP Rail Spur (U -2928) crosses through the FLUSA running north -south between the GTP and the
existing North Carolina Railroad Company /Norfolk Southern Railroad corridor to the south. Construction
of this rail spur was completed in the summer of 2012.
There are no local, state, or national parks or forests in the FLUSA. Just south of the FLUSA along Sand
Clay Road is Barnet Park. Barnet Park is a community park that contains two soccer fields, softball fields,
a picnic shelter, a nature trail, and an 18 -hold disc golf course. Two designated bicycle routes do cross
through the FLUSA and could be impacted by the project. Existing Carey Road is a designated bicycle
route on the Lenoir County bicycle route system and is listed as "needs improvement" on the Kinston
Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) Bicycle Map. Other roads within the FLUSA that are
designated as bicycle routes are Hillcrest Road, Hull Road, and Rouse Road.
Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775
10 ,2, INatt„xrWl Ilf;;;;linvlir iniinimermt
The project lies in the central portion of the Neuse River Basin within the Coastal Plain. The FLUSA is
located within the North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ) sub -basin 03- 04 -05. Five 14 -digit
Hydrologic Unit Code (HUCODE) watersheds are included in the FLUSA: 03020202040010 (Falling Creek),
03020202040020 (Lower Falling Creek), 03020202040030 (Neuse River), 03020202060020 (Briery Run),
and 03020202060030 (Neuse River) (see Figure 5). Three of the five have been designated as "Targeted
Local Watersheds" by the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program (NCEEP): 03020202040010
(Falling Creek), 03020202040020 (Lower Falling Creek), and 03020202060030 (Neuse River), while the
other two, 03020202040030 (Neuse River) and 03020202060020 (Briery Run), have been recommended
for de- listing. Targeted Local Watersheds are those that have a high need for improvement and a high
potential to benefit from restoration efforts, many of which occur in the form of mitigation by the
NCDOT. A Local Watershed Plan (LWP) has only been developed for 03020202040010 (Falling Creek).
Several streams and wetlands are found in the study area. These streams include Taylor's Branch, two
unnamed tributaries to Taylor's Branch, and two unnamed tributaries to Briery Run. Neuse River buffer
regulations will apply to the tributaries of both stream systems. The 100 -year floodplain of Taylor's
Branch (Zone AE) may likely be crossed (See Figure 5). Briery Run and Taylors Branch are both classified
as C; Sw, NSW. Table 4 defines these stream classifications.
There are no 303(d) waters, High Quality Waters, or Outstanding Resource Waters within the FLUSA;
and no Water Supply Watersheds in the project vicinity.
T bie 4: Definitions of Stream Ci ssific tions
Class C Waters protected for uses such as secondary recreation, fishing, wildlife,
fish consumption, aquatic life including propagation, survival and
maintenance of biological integrity, and agriculture. Secondary recreation
includes wading, boating, and other uses involving human body contact
with water where such activities take place in an infrequent, unorganized,
or incidental manner.
Nutrient Sensitive Supplemental classification intended for waters needing additional
Waters (NSW) nutrient management due to being subject to excessive growth of
microscopic or macroscopic vegetation.
Source: NCDENR, Division of Water Quality. 2011. http: / /portal.ncdenr.org /web /wq /ps /csu /classifications
Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775
I I IIG; III III II Burn , I[Regulatilains
11 ,1, INC III...;;lurmvliir ininimermfMl I anagei nwnf Coinivniillsslloin (IN IIf;. :..:. )
The NCEMC adopted a buffer protection rule in 1997 for the Neuse River Basin. This rule requires a 50-
foot riparian area be protected and maintained along waterways within the river basin. A buffer
mitigation rule allows some activities with prescribed mitigation. The buffer rules are administered by
the NCDWQ. These buffer rules apply to the streams found within the study area.
11 2 Ill,,,,,einaliir Coat „jrmfy
The Lenoir County Zoning Ordinance applies to areas of the FLUSA that are outside the City of Kinston's
municipal limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), as well as outside of GTP's planning jurisdiction
(see Figure 6). Lenoir County's jurisdiction is limited to the western portion of the FLUSA and Figure 6
shows that the parcels that fall under the Lenoir County Zoning Ordinance are rural except for a parcel
zoned commercial that is located west of US 258 near Dobbs Farm Road. The zoning district standards
apply to sites within the district and require minimum standards for the buildings, setbacks, driveways,
and permitted and special uses. The county has separate ordinances including; flood damage and
prevention ordinance, subdivision ordinance, watershed protection ordinance, and several others which
regulate nuisance activities.
The Lenoir County Flood Damage and Protection Ordinance is intended to minimize both public and
private losses due to flood conditions. The ordinance includes standards for development in the
floodway or floodway fringe. Major provisions of the ordinance include the following:
• Restrict or prohibit uses which are dangerous to health, safety, and property due to water or
erosion hazards, or which result in damaging increases in erosion or floor heights or velocities;
• Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, be protected
against flood damage at the time of initial construction;
• Control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers
which are involved in the accommodation of flood waters;
• Control filling, grading, dredging, and other development which may increase erosion or flood
damage; and
• Prevent or regulate the construction and flood barriers which will unnaturally divert flood
waters or which may increase flood hazards to other lands.
11 3 City of IlKliirmfarm
Kinston uses a Unified Development Ordinance as its basis for land development. This ordinance applies
to areas within the municipal limits of Kinston, as well as within Kinston's ETJ. The zoning section has
three broad categories of land uses; residential, commercial, and industrial. Each category has several
subcategories of land uses. The objective of the zoning is to guide appropriate use and development of
parcels in a manner in which land uses would be compatible to neighboring parcels, topographic
features, natural habitat, and infrastructure. The City of Kinston is in the process of updating its Unified
Development Ordinance, which is anticipated to be completed in the first half of 2013. As seen in Figure
6, the majority of the parcels under the City's jurisdiction are zoned residential, with the exceptions
being industrial zoned properties along Dobbs Farm Road, commercial zoned properties along Null Road
near Rouse Road and Daly Waldrop Road, and institutional zoned properties along Cary Road and Rouse
Road and along US 258 near Daly Waldrop Road.
Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775
The City of Kinston is mandated by the state to manage stormwater runoff to control nitrogen levels in
the Neuse River. New development activities within the City of Kinston are required to meet nutrient
reduction goals by implementing planning strategies and best management practices (BMPs) per the
Neuse Stormwater Rule. The City of Kinston has implemented a stormwater permitting program for
areas within its municipal jurisdiction for compliance with the Neuse Stormwater Rule.
The City's Neuse River Basin: Stormwater Program for Nitrogen Control, was adopted in 2000. This
ordinance stipulates that development activities cannot exceed certain nitrogen load loading rates.
Secondly, it specifies that there can be no net increase in peak flow leaving a development site as
compared to pre - development conditions for the 2 -year, 24 -hour storm event. And, lastly, it states that
a 50 -foot riparian buffer must be maintained on all sides of intermittent and perennial streams, ponds,
lakes, and estuaries in the Neuse River Basin as specified in the Neuse Management Strategy buffer
rules.
11, ,, IN ai h air6llllllna Ill allbWl "'f'rains: :)ai lk
GTP currently has zoning authority over a tiny northwest portion of the FLUSA, which is east of US 258
and shown on Figure 6. However, GTP currently does not have any zoning ordinances or regulations in
place, nor do they have plans to enact zoning controls in the near future. In addition, the state enabling
legislation provides that GTP may zone for any area within 6 miles of its airfield operations. The City of
Kinston indicated that this would allow GTP to supersede the City's jurisdiction within their ETJ if GTP
chose to enact a zoning ordinance or controls.
Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775
12 II,,,,,,, and a liit 11 Iii III lii t
The FLUSA includes approximately 3,051 acres of land. Of this, approximately 1,643 acres (53.9 percent)
are considered developable.
Developable land was determined to include undeveloped parcels of land (those without any building
structures, or those structures which are assessed at less than $20,000). Developable land does not
include protected lands such as public parks, Voluntary Agricultural Districts (VADs), NCDOT on -site
mitigation properties, or lands managed for conservation and open space. Other land that was not
considered developable includes right of ways for roads and rail lines, rivers and streams, floodways,
properties purchased through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, and land protected by the
Neuse River buffer rules. Wetlands exist within the FLUSA and may be more difficult to develop;
however, these have not yet been delineated for the project and were not excluded from the land
considered developable. Once delineated, the amount of wetlands within the FLUSA could lessen the
developable acres. In addition, underutilized parcels were identified by selecting parcels in which the
total value of improvements (i.e. buildings /structures) is less than the value of the parcel (i.e. land)
without improvements. Table 5 provides a summary of the acreages available for development and of
underutilized parcels. Figure 7 shows the land available for potential development.
Table 5: AvaiIalfle Laud
*Wetlands were not excluded from Vacant and Underutilized land.
The FLUSA was also screened and evaluated for environmental sensitivity. This was completed using NC
DENR's Conservation Planning Tool, which combines different GIS data layers representing wildlife
habitats and places with biological diversity. The index scores land based on its relative conservation
value on a scale from 1 -10, with areas rated 10 having the maximum conservation value and areas rated
1 having a moderate conservation value. Other values shown on this scale include ( -1) for impervious
surfaces and 0 for unrated areas. This assessment helps determine areas of high conservation value.
Figure 8 shows the environmental sensitivity screening that was completed for the FLUSA.
Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775
13 Market ' fair Ilf;; 111 II Irn nrn't
13 1 t „irrermf II'.)ev61l allpi nwin't IDiresst,cres
At the intersection of existing Carey Road and Rouse Road, the City recently opened a new fire station.
The North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs is currently constructing a North Carolina Veterans Home
nursing care facility just south of the FLUSA along Hull Road. This facility is slated for completion in 2012
and will have 100 beds. In January 2012, Commerce Overseas Corporation announced that it was
relocating to GTP and expects to bring 72 jobs to the area.
Representatives from the City of Kinston have indicated that most residential growth in the area has
occurred northwest of the City, which is in the general vicinity of the FLUSA. However, no new
residential development has occurred within the FLUSA, nor is it expected due to its proximity to GTP.
The GTP and surrounding area (Poole Road, Dobbs Farm Road, US 258) includes business and industrial
land uses. This area is also currently mixed with agricultural and residential uses. Additional industrial
and business development is anticipated.
13 ,2, II'.)ev61l allpi nwin't IMai kef Asst,xi mllpflii n
As previously discussed, Lenoir County is expected to see minimal population growth through 2040 (the
horizon for the planning documents and projections used in the development of this report). However,
the presence of the GTP has the ability to impact this projection and push growth upward if there is an
increase in employment and development. When the GTP was initially developed, it was expected to
result in population and development increases in the county due to an increase in employment
opportunities. Projections made in 2000 estimated that population of Lenoir County could increase
substantially, by as much as 39 percent by the year 2025.
In the near -term, the limited growth that is expected for Lenoir County is likely to occur near GTP (north
of Kinston) and in other areas located near transportation and utility infrastructure. This is particularly
true for businesses and industry that depend on the logistical hubs of GTP and the nearby Port of
Morehead City and the interstate highway system. Most notably within the FLUSA, the GTP Rail Spur
and the extension of C.F. Harvey Parkway from US 258 to US 70 will create new transportation nodes
and open up access to land, which may encourage new or expanded growth along these transportation
facilities.
The long -term outlook for the region is positive for economic growth with state and local plans that
envision an overall improved US 70 Corridor, which is anticipated to be built to freeway standards from
1 -40 to the coast. This will connect the GTP in Kinston to both the Port of Morehead City and 1 -40 and
1 -95, creating synergy for the region as a logistics hub.
14. Indirect Screening Matrix rlii Methodology
I
The categories listed in the Indirect Screening Matrix (Table 7) have been shown to influence land
development decisions in numerous areas statewide and nationally. The measures used to rate the
impacts from a high concern for indirect effects potential to less concern for indirect effects potential
are supported by the discussions presented in this document. Each characteristic is assessed individually
and the results of the table are looked at comprehensively to determine the indirect effects potential of
Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775
the proposed project. The scope of the project and change in accessibility categories are given extra
weight to determine if future growth in the area is related to the project modifications.
14 1 Scireei6ling I afrliix IlRestilhf
Based on the information gathered, the majority of the categories on the screening tool reflected
moderate to high concern for indirect and cumulative effects potential. A summary of justification for
each category rating follows.
Scope of Project - The project would construct a two -mile, multi -lane facility on new location. Thus, this
category was rated medium -high.
Change in Accessibility - The project would provide a new east -west thoroughfare between Kinston and
US 258, which will result in travel time savings. Based on the current project understanding, travel time
savings will be less than 5 minutes. Therefore this category was rated medium.
Forecasted Population Growth - Population forecasts for Lenoir County show an annual growth rate of
0.13 percent. Thus, this category was rated low.
Forecasted Employment Growth — The Eastern Carolina Region is projected to have an average annual
employment growth rate of 1.6 percent. Just outside of the FLUSA, GTP is expected to bring a number of
new jobs to the area. Given the current state of the economy nationwide and within North Carolina, this
category was rated medium.
Available Land - It was calculated that within the FLUSA, 1,643 acres of land are vacant and available for
development (53.9 percent). This category was rated medium -low.
Water and Sewer Availability — The entire FLUSA has water service. Wastewater /sewer service is only
available to developed areas outside of Kinston /GTP, but the capability to connect to sewer service is
available. Thus, this category was rated medium -high.
Market for Development — Currently, no major developments are underway within the FLUSA.
Residential development is limited. Thus, this category was rated medium -low.
Public Policy - Standard town and county ordinances exist that provide development and environmental
regulations. The FLUSA also would fall under zoning jurisdiction of the GTP if they choose to implement
a zoning ordinance. Few special regulations exist, with the exception of the Neuse River Buffer Rules
(which pertain to development within the Neuse River watershed). Thus, this category was rated
medium -high.
Notable Environmental Features — The FLUSA is within the Neuse River Basin and contains wetland
systems. Also, the project would most likely cross Taylors Branch. This category was rated medium.
14 ,,2, nlllt „jliirm
Based on the information gathered, the majority of the categories on the screening tool reflected
moderate concern for indirect and cumulative effects potential. The overall result, considering scope of
the project, changes in accessibility, and the amount of land available for development, suggests that
further examination in the form of a Land Use Scenario Assessment is warranted.
Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775
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Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U-3618, WBS No. 35775
15 Next Steps
The indirect screening tool noted that land use and development decisions in this area could be altered
by the construction of the project as currently proposed. An Indirect and Cumulative Effects (ICE) Land
Use Scenario Assessment is possible for this project, which will examine probable growth scenarios to
determine if impacts to notable features, including waterways, are likely. The ICE Land Use Scenario
Assessment will look at the changes that could occur in the area with the proposed project (Build) and
look at the changes that could occur in the area without (No- Build) the proposed project. The Land Use
Scenario Assessment will be initiated after preliminary designs are available.
16 Cumulative II[;;;;;; t u a urn Ilr
The time horizon for indirect and cumulative effects is to the year 2040, which corresponds to local
planning documents. Adopted local and regional plans relevant to the project have future planning years
ranging from 2015 to 2035. The City of Kinston Comprehensive Transportation Plan (NCDOT, 2007) has
been developed for 2030. Traffic forecasts completed for the project extend to 2040. The cumulative
effects analysis includes an assessment of past, current, and future projects that are reasonably
foreseeable to determine potential cumulative effects.
16 1 I1:3a t I1:3rojeot
The following table provides a list and brief description of the major past projects that have influenced
growth and development in the FLUSA.
Table 7: Summary of (Past Project
Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775
16 ,2, t „irrermt I1:3rojeot
The following table provides a brief description of current projects that are likely to influence growth
within the FLUSA.
Talfle W Summary of Current Project
16 ,3, Ilf ° °t „ifi „j re I1:3rojeot
The following table provides a list and brief description of future projects that are likely to influence
growth and development within the FLUSA.
Talfle W Summary of Future Project
16 .,vino „fllatliive I1:..:..:.'ffects St,j i ii airy Stateiii
While this project may contribute to cumulative effects of future changes to notable resources within
the FLUSA; this project itself will have a minor effect. Table 10 provides a summary of impaired and /or
protected notable environmental features that are within the FLUSA and highlights likely foreseeable
cumulative impacts from the proposed project.
Direct environmental impacts by NCDOT projects are addressed by avoidance, minimization or
mitigation, consistent with programmatic agreements in cooperation with the natural resource agencies
during the permitting processes. All development will be required to follow local, state and federal
guidelines and permitting requirements.
Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775
Talfl e 10: Summary Notalfl e EnvironmentA Resources and Foreseealfl e Nmpacts
Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U-3618, WBS No. 35775
17 Sources
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Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775
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Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775