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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 NorthCarolina Natmallry • NORTN C9 O0 9 n o ,� 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. lf;;;;nvliir armunimermfaIll llf ct, i mentaflii n 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 10...1 III ° °h, in «arm Ilf;;;;lnvliruinunimermf 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 u w Wu uj uj .......... 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 Crawford, Robert. An Archaeological Survey of Lenoir County, North Carolina. Unpublished Masters Thesis, Dept. of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville. Manuscript on file, North Carolina Office of State Archaeology, Raleigh, 1966. Eastern Carolina Rural Planning Organization (ECRPO). "Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy." Available: http : / /www.eccog.org /document.asp ?document name= rpo /ecrpo. Accessed: August 2009. Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board (WDB). http: / /www.ecwdb.org/ Accessed July 2012. Eastern Carolina Rural Planning Organization (ECRPO). TIP 2011 -2017 Priority List. Available: http: // www. eccog .org /document.asp ?document_id =174. Accessed: August 2009. Grifton, Town of. "Land Development Plan." 2010. Kinston, City of. Local Planner Survey, completed by Adam Short, Kinston Planning Department. November 2011. Kinston, City of. Interview with Amanda Engesether, Planning Director by Lynnette Batt, URS, and Kory Wilmot, URS. July 28, 2009. Kinston, City of. Interview with Amanda Engesether, Planning Director by Laura Anderson, URS and Kory Wilmot, URS. August 16, 2012. Kinston, City of. "Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan." Rivers & Associates. 2008. Kinston, City of. "Retrofitting Green: Flood Plain Preservation & Conservation Plan." 2005. Kinston, City of. "Stormwater Program for Nitrogen Control." Available at: http: // www. ci .kinston.nc.us /publicservices / Kinston_ StormwaterProgramforNitrogenControl .pdf Kinston, City of. "Unified Development Ordinance." No Date. Lenoir County. Interview with Wayland Humphrey, Lenoir County GIS /Planning Coordinator by Lynnette Batt, URS and Kory Wilmot, URS. July 28, 2009. Lenoir County. "Lenoir County Land Use Plan." May 2001. Lenoir County. "Watershed Protection Ordinance." 2003. Lenoir County. "Zoning Ordinance." February 2003. O'Connell, Megan. "Archaeological Report: Proposed Crescent Road from US 70 to NC 58 North of Kinston, TIP No. R- 2719." North Carolina Department of Transportation, Raleigh. Manuscript on file at North Carolina Office of State Archaeology, Raleigh. 1998. Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775 Neuse River Foundation. Available: http: / /www.neuseriver.org /home.htm1. Accessed: August 2009. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality. "Redbook," Surface Waters and Wetlands Standards. NC Administrative Code 15A NCAC 026.0100, .0200 &.0300. Amended Effective May 1, 2007. North Carolina Department of Transportation. "Environmental Determination Report for Carey Road Extension, U- 3618." December 2003. North Carolina Department of Transportation. State Transportation Improvement Program, 2013 -2023: Division 2. North Carolina Department of Transportation. Kinston Comprehensive Transportation Plan, 2007. North Carolina Employment Security Commission. Available: www.ncesc.com. Accessed: July 2012. North Carolina State Demographics Unit. Available: http: / /www.osbm.state.nc. us /ncosbm/ facts_ and_ figures / socioeconomic _data /popuIation_esti mat es.shtm. Accessed: November 2011. US Census. American Fact Finder, 1990, 2000, 2010 Summary File 1 and 2009 ACS. US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Community Impact Assessment: A Quick Reference for Transportation, Washington, DC, 1996, Publication No. FHWA -PD -036. Corey Rood Extension - STIP No. U -3618, WBS No. 35775