20211203 Ver 1_USFWS Consultaion 2021_20210805

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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
ROY COOPER J.ERIC BOYETTE
GOVERNOR SECRETARY
May 21,2021
Gary Jordan
Fish and Wildlife Biologist
US Fish and Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 33726
Raleigh,NC 27636-3726
Subject: Ocean Outfall Repairs on Curlew, Conch and Martin Streets in Nags Head, Dare County
Dear Gary Jordan,
The NC Department of Transportation requests concurrence on a "May Affect, Not Likely to
Adversely Affect" determination on potential impacts to Sea Turtles, Piping Plovers, and Red
Knots for repairs to three different adjacent ocean outfalls in the Town of Nags Head, Dare County.
The outlets of Curlew, Conch and Martin Streets ocean outfalls need to be repaired by resetting the
concrete pipe collars (4) in the last 36' of each outfall located in the swash zone on the beach face.
The stainless-steel bolts that secure the concrete collar to the pipe at a pipe joint have succumb to
wave action causing them to fatigue and sheer off. The pipe joints have begun to separate. Pipe
failure is eminent, and the Town of Nags Head has expressed concern with reduced stormwater
drainage and resultant flooding with the approaching hurricane season. NCDOT maintenance staff
propose to excavate beside each failed collar to expose the bottom of the damage bolt for removal.
The excavator will then reset the collar and pipe and a new bolt installed to secure the collar.
The Nags Head outfall repair project is scheduled to be completed by NCDOT maintenance
personnel in the summer of this year. All work will occur within 100 feet of either side of each
outfall during daylight hours. The duration, weather permitting, of the work on the beach is not
expected to last more than 2 days per location with work limited mainly around low tide. The
Conch Street beach access will be the point of access for heavy equipment and the associated
parking lot landward of the beach will be used for overnight equipment storage and staging of
materials. No equipment or materials will be left on the beach at the conclusion of each work day.
Considering the limited scope of work area, the limited duration of the project, and restriction to
working during daylight hours, it is my opinion that proposed project justifies a biological
conclusion of "May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect" for protected sea turtles, Piping
Plovers, and Red Knots. Since the project will occur during sea turtle nesting season,NCDOT will
conduct a turtle crawl survey within the project vicinity each morning prior to any work taking
place, and a log will be generated. If any turtle crawl is observed, NCDOT will stop work and
consult with the NCWRC prior to any further work taking place.
Mailing Address: Telephone:[phone] Location:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Fax:[phone] 113 AIRPORT DRIVE,SUITE 100
DIVISION ONE Customer Service: 1-877-368-4968 EDENTON,NC 27932
113 AIRPORT DRIVE,SUITE 100
EDENTON,NC 27932 Website:www ncdot gov

NCDOT is coordinating with the NCDCM,NCDWR, and USACE for the proposed ocean outfall
repair projects. If you could please review the attached plans and project area map. If you have
any questions or need additional information regarding the project,please contact me at(252)482-
1876 or [e-mail].
Sincerely,
Sterling Baker,P.E.
Divis. a 1 cer
Steve Trowel
Division One Environmental Specialist II