20110857 Ver 1_Newsletters 1_20090201

U.5- Department cf ffansporfalion
Federal Highway
Administration
Newsletter No. 1
February 2009
Environmental Assessment
Background and Purpose
The Federal Highway Administration,
in cooperation with the USDA Forest
Service, Uwharrie National Forest, is in
the process of preparing an environmental
document for the rehabilitation of Badin
Lake Road (FDR 597). The project
includes a 3,5 mile portion of the road
from McLeans Creek Road (FDR 544)
north to Shamrock Road (SR 1179).
This project would improve the road to
meet NCDOT standards by providing
wider lanes, paving the roadway, and
replacing the vented ford over Reeves
Spring Branch with a bridge. Other
drainage improvements would include
rehabilitation or replacement of existing
Alternative 2 is a build alternative with
a 35 mile per hour (mph) design speed.
Alternative 3 is a build alternative with
a 30 mph design speed. A modified
build alternative was developed from
each primary build alternative in order
to reduce impacts at specific locations.
The study evaluated the impacts of the
proposed road improvements on both the
human environment (including property
impacts, historic and archaeological sites,
access, visitor use, and construction
impacts) and the natural environment
(including streams and wetlands, water
quality, noise, air quality, natural habitats,
and protected species).
large culvert pipes under the road. preferred Alternative
Alternatives Analysis
Road improvement alternatives have
been developed and analyzed based
on existing accident data, roadway
conditions, traffic volumes, and cultural
and natural resources. Evaluations
considered widening one or both sides
of the road, realigning the road at sharp
curves, providing a smoother grade
where the road currently has steep
grades, crossing Reeves Spring Branch,
and providing adequate shoulders. Two
primary build alternatives and a no action
alternative were considered for this
project. Alternative 1 would perform no
actions to the existing road other than
routine maintenance activities.
Selected
The alternative that is preferred for this
project is Alternative 3 with Modifications.
The modifications included changes to
reduce impacts at a wetland area, at
Reeves Spring Branch crossing, at Holts
Picnic Area, and at the intersection with
SR 1179. The alternative was designed
to follow the existing alignment except
where it was shifted in order to avoid or
minimize impacts. This alternative has
the least environmental impact: no impact
to wetlands, impact to 651 linear feet
of streams, and impact to 0.63 acres of
floodplains. Sixteen private parcels of
property would be impacted, with the total
area to be acquired from private owners
of 0.74 acres.
Planning Process
NEPA (National Environmental Policy
Act) is a procedural law that provides
a process for agencies to make an
analytical study of the impacts of
alternatives. It also requires agencies
to involve interested and affected
members of the public. The planning
process provides a framework for
striking a balance between the use
and preservation of natural and cultural
resources. The NEPA process includes
the following steps:
NEPA Process
1. Initial Data Gathering and Issue
Identification (Spring 2006) — Develop
baseline resource data; notify public of
proposal
2. Alternatives Development (Summer 2006)
— Develop a range of reasonable alternatives
based on agency objectives and public
interests
3. Impact Analysis (Summer 2007) — Analyze
the human /environmental consequences;
recommend the preferred alternative
4. Environmental Assessment 40
(Jan. 2009) — Prepare, review, and release
document for public comment; present results
at public meetings if needed
5. Decision Document (Summer 2009) —
Prepare, review, and release document to
public
6. Final Design (Winter 2009) — Develop final
construction and right of way plans

Marrie
RANGER STATION
Environmental Document Completed
The Environmental Assessment has been completed for the
rehabilitation of Badin Lake Road (FDR 597). This report
describes the purpose of the project, the alternatives analysis process and
preferred alternative, existing resources, and anticipated impacts on those
resources. The Environmental Assessment is available for review by the public.
To view the document, you can;
= Download a copy from www. cs. unca .edulnfsnclrecreationluwharrie
- -> Forest Service Announcements or from www.efl.fhwa.dot.gov
- Request a personal copy on CD by contacting Teresa Gresham by
telephone at (919) 677 -2194 or by email at [e-mail].
- Visit the District hangers' office at 789 Highway 24 -27 in Troy or 160A Zillicoa
Street in Asheville.
- Visit the Montgomery County Public Library at 215 West Main Street in Troy.
Comments on the Environmental
Assessment can be submitted until
March 25, 2009 to FHWA at the
address on the bottom of this page.
Mail:
Ms. Lisa Landers
Federal Highway Administration,
Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division
21400 Ridgetop Circle
Sterling, VA 20166
Email:
[e-mail]