20210191 Ver 1_Signed_MCDC_and_Project_Commitments_20210808

DocuSign Envelope ID:34EFFOBC-B250-4488-8B7C-CF376FA8FBC1
NCDOT MINIMUM CRITERIA DETERMINATION CHECKLIST
WBS No.: 17BP.10.PE.147 (formerly 17.BP.10.R.147)
Project Location: Bridge No. 35 carrying SR 1134 (Millingport Road) over Long Creek
in Stanly County.
Project Description: The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT),
Division 10,plans to replace Bridge No. 35 carrying SR 1134 (Millingport Road) over
Long Creek in Stanly County,North Carolina. Built in 1970, Bridge No. 830035 is an
approximately 30-foot wide structure with two approximately 11-foot travel lanes and
approximately 4-foot paved shoulders. The bridge is approximately 91 feet in length. The
existing bridge is a channel beam structure with no sidewalk or bicycle facilities. Existing
right-of-way width is approximately 60 feet along SR 1134 (Millingport Road). SR 1134
(Millingport Road) is classified as a Major Collector with a 45-mile per hour design
speed.
The proposed project is state funded and proposes replacing the existing bridge in-place
with a three-span cored slab bridge approximately 120 feet long. The proposed bridge
would be a 30-foot wide structure with two 10-foot travel lanes and 4-foot shoulders. The
proposed grade across the profile of the new bridge structure is approximately 5 feet
higher than the existing bridge profile in order to increase the design speed. The proposed
approach roadway includes two 10-foot wide travel lanes with approximately 2-foot
paved shoulders. The proposed approach roadway extends approximately 700 feet from
the western end of the new bridge and approximately 330 feet from the eastern end of the
new bridge. The project also requires a tie in at the intersection of SR 1134 (Millingport
Road) and Miller Road located approximately 50 feet west of the proposed bridge
structure. The tie-in to Miller Road would extend 120 feet north of the intersection and
would include two 10-foot travel lanes with 3-foot shoulders. The total length of the
project is approximately 1,160 feet (0.2 miles). Additional improvements include tie-ins
to two existing driveways, one located approximately 25 feet east of the proposed bridge
and one located approximately 150 feet east of the proposed bridge; further coordination
may be required with property owners to ensure property access during the construction
phase.
The proposed right of way varies from approximately 85 feet to 110 feet and would
require approximately 0.15 acres of proposed right-of-way acquisition and 0.90 acres of
proposed temporary construction and permanent drainage easements. Residential and
business relocations are not anticipated. The project is scheduled for right-of-way in
April 2021 and has a LET date of May 5, 2021.
An eight-mile off-site detour would be required for the full duration of construction. The
detour route would take vehicles on SR 1134 (Millingport Road), SR 1449 (Sunnybrook
Road), SR 1434 (Rogers Road), SR 1451 (Paul's Crossing Road), and SR 1447 (Frick
Road).
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Purpose and Need: NCDOT Bridge Management Unit records indicate Bridge No. 35
has a sufficiency rating of 33.52 out of a possible 100. The bridge's status is identified as
Structurally Deficient in the Structure Safety Report published by the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) from an inspection conducted on 05/02/2017. The purpose of
the project is to replace the structurally deficient bridge.
Anticipated Permit or Consultation Requirements: It is anticipated that a Section 404
Nationwide Permit (NWP) No. 3 Maintenance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE)will be needed for the discharge of fill material into waters of the U.S. associated
with the project. Due to a Section 404 NWP No. 3 being needed, a corresponding Section
401 Water Quality General Certification No. 4132 from the North Carolina Division of
Water Resources (NCDWR) would also be required. Pre-Construction Notification to the
USACE and NCDWR will be completed, as needed, based on permanent and temporary
impacts to streams resulting from final design. If mitigation is required then it is anticipated
that the N.C. Division of Mitigation Services' (DMS) in-lieu fee program will be used.
Cultural Resources: NCDOT Cultural Resource staff reviewed the project for Historic
Architectural and Archeological Resources. A No Survey Required Form for Historic
Architecture and Landscapes was provided through ETRACS by a NCDOT Architectural
Historian on January 23, 2019. Additionally, a No Archaeological Survey Required Form
was provided by a NCDOT Archaeologist on February 14, 2019.
Threatened and Endangered Species: STV Engineers, Inc. (STV) conducted field
reviews of an approximate 3.5-acre study area on November 1, 2019. Prior to the field
reviews, STV reviewed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) online databases for information related to the
occurrence of federal and state protected (threatened or endangered) species in Stanly
County. The USFWS Raleigh Field Office online protected species database,updated June
27,2018,lists three federally protected species as occurring or having the potential to occur
in Stanly County including the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) which is protected
under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. As of June 12, 2019,the NCNHP lists no
occurrences of federally protected species within one mile of the study area.
Review of the NCNHP element occurrence records on June 12, 2019 revealed no
documented occurrences or populations of Schweinitz's sunflower in the study area or
within one mile of the study area. STV Environmental Scientists conducted field surveys
for the presence of Schweinitz's sunflowers on November 1, 2019 during the flowering
season and USFWS-designated optimum survey window. Suitable habitat was found along
the SR 1134 (Millingport Road) roadside and woodland edges, but no sunflowers were
observed. Based on the literature review and field survey conducted during the flowering
season, it is determined that the project would have no effect on Schweinitz's sunflower
(Helianthus schweinitzii).
Based on review of the USFWS Asheville Field Office's online database on June 12,
2019, no known NLEB hibernation or maternity sites have been documented within
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Stanly County. A review of the NCNHP records obtained on May 6, 2019 revealed no
known occurrences of NLEB within the study area or within one mile of the study area.
Field reviews conducted by STV on November 1, 2019 concluded that no caves or mines
(potential hibernacula) exist in the study area and no evidence of bats was discovered
upon inspection of the bridge; however, potential foraging and roosting habitat, including
trees and the air space above Long Creek, is present.
Since this project is state funded, the USACE will act as the lead federal agency for issues
related to the NLEB. The USACE has developed a Standard Local Operations Procedure
for Endangered Species (SLOPES)to address Northern long-eared bat(NLEB)when they
are the lead agency, which NCDOT will follow for this project. This procedure applies to
projects in NCDOT Divisions 9-14. The requirements of the SLOPES for the NLEB will
be completed prior to Let and will be submitted USACE. Based on the findings and in
conforming to SLOPES procedures it has been determined that the USACE's Alternative
Local Procedure (ALP) Situation 1 would be applicable. The biological conclusion for
NLEB is May Effect, however,NLEB is exempt due to consistency with the 4(d)rule.
Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act: The bald eagle is protected under the
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act as regulated by the USFWS. Habitat for the bald
eagle primarily consists of mature forests found in association with rivers and other large
bodies of open water utilized for foraging. Large dominant trees, typically located within
one mile of these waters, are used as nesting sites. Prior to conducting field reviews, a
desktop-GIS assessment of the study area and an area within a one-mile radius of the
project limits was performed. Specifically, aerial photographs were reviewed to identify
any areas of potential foraging habitat. No water bodies large enough to be considered
potential foraging habitat for the bald eagle were identified within the study area or one-
mile radius; therefore, it has been determined that no field surveys for the species are
necessary. Review of the NCNHP element occurrence records obtained on June 12, 2019
revealed no known occurrences of bald eagle within one mile of the study area. Based on
the desktop review and NCNHP element occurrence records, it is determined that the
project would have no effect on the bald eagle.
Special Project Information:
Floodplain: This project involves construction activities on or adjacent to FEMA-
regulated stream, Long Creek, which is classified as an AE floodplain and is at high risk
of flooding under the National Flood Insurance Program. Consequently, the Hydraulics
Unit will coordinate with the NC Floodplain Mapping Program(FMP), to determine
status of project regarding applicability of NCDOT'S Memorandum of Agreement, or
approval of a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) and subsequent final Letter
of Map Revision (LOMR).
Environmental Commitments: Greensheet Commitments are located at the end of the
checklist.
Estimated Costs (FY 2021):
Utility $ 20,000
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DocuSign Envelope ID:34EFFOBC-B250-4488-8B7C-CF376FA8FBC1
Right-of-Way $ 47,500
Construction $ 1,265,000
Total $ 1,332,500
Traffic Information:
Current(2019)* 1,400 vpd
Year(2045)* 1,800 vpd
TTST 1%
DUALS 2%
(Source:STV Bridge No.35,Millingport Road/R No. 17.BP.10.R.147 AADT Growth Memorandum AADT
Growth Memorandum,June 2019)
Design Exceptions: There are no anticipated design exceptions for this project.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accommodations: There are no existing bicycle facilities along
SR 1134 (Millingport Road). Bicycle and pedestrian facilities are not proposed for this
project. SR 1134 (Millingport Road) is identified as Route #2 in the Stanly County
Bicycle Route Map. The Stanly County bicycle route system consists of signed bike
routes which do not include any special accommodating bicycle facilities such as paved
shoulders or bike lanes.
Farmland: According to Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) soil-survey,
approximately 4.11 acres of Prime Farmland, 2.54 acres Prime farmland if drained and
either protected from flooding or not frequently flooded during the growing season and
11.80 acres of Farmland of Statewide Importance are within the Project Study Area.
Preliminary design plans indicate that the proposed ROW acquisition and proposed
temporary construction easements and permanent drainage easement would impact
approximately 0.17 acres of soil classified as "Prime farmland if drained and either
protected from flooding or not frequently flooded during the growing season."
Based on spatial information from the Stanly County GIS Department accessed on March
27, 2020, there are no Voluntary Agricultural Districts (VADs) or Enhance Voluntary
Agricultural Districts (EVADs) within the Project Study Area. Based on aerial imagery
and local input, it appears there is existing cultivated farmland within the Project Study
Area. Proposed temporary construction easements may impact existing cultivated areas
along SR 1134 (Millingport Road) on the eastern approach of the project. Farming
operations in the vicinity of the bridge may be affected temporarily during construction
by using the proposed eight-mile offsite detour route.
Alternatives Discussion:
No Build—The no build alternative would not replace a structurally deficient
bridge, and thus is not a viable option.
Rehabilitation—Rehabilitation would not address the structurally deficient
nature of the bridge.
Onsite Detour—An onsite detour was not evaluated due to the feasibility of the
offsite detour.
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New Alignment—Given that the existing alignment for SR 1134 (Millingport
Road) is acceptable, a new alignment was not considered as an alternative.
Offsite Detour—An approximately eight-mile off-site detour would be required
for the full duration of construction. The detour route would take vehicles on SR
1134 (Millingport Road), SR 1449 (Sunnybrook Road), SR 1434 (Rogers Road),
SR 1451 (Paul's Crossing Road), and SR 1447 (Frick Road).
Other Agency Comments:
A Tribal Coordination Letter was sent out on January 13, 2021 to the representative of
the Catawba Indian Nation, per the NCDOT Tribal Coordination Guidance (dated
6/26/19). To date, no responses have been received.
A Local School Input Form was sent to Stanly County School System Transportation
Director on 11/5/2019, with follow up emails on 1/10/2020 and 3/12/2020. No comments
were received.
Local EMS Input Forms were sent to the Stanly County Emergency Management
Director and the Stanly County Emergency Medical Services Manager on 11/5/2019,
1/10/2020 and 3/12/2020. No comments were received.
A Planner Input Form was sent to Stanly County Planning and Zoning Department on
11/5/2019. The Stanly County Planning Director indicated SR 1134 (Millingport Road)
has no bike lanes but is popular route for bicyclists. Also noted in the input form were
active agricultural operations within the vicinity of the project including Sunnybrook
Farm as well as other leased fields in the general area surrounding the bridge.
Sunnybrook Farm is listed as an Agricultural District with a large field operation and is
located approximately 0.75 mile west of the bridge location outside of the Project Study
Area. Additionally, farm support services within the general vicinity of the project were
noted but are located outside of the Project Study Area. Stanly County Planning Director
checked that replacing Bridge No. 35 would have a low overall impact for local planning
objectives but also noted that bridge closure would be significant as SR 1134
(Millingport Road) is utilized as a major connector road.
Response:According to the Bicycling Stanly County Map, identifies SR 1134 (Millingport
Road) as a bike route (Route#2). As noted in Stanly County Bicycle Route Map, the bike
routes are signed, on-street routes that predominately utilize local roads and do not
include any special accommodations for bicycles, such as paved shoulders or bike lanes.
There are no adopted local plans or proposed projects that identify constructing bicycle
facilities along SR 1134 (Millingport Road).
Based on spatial information from the Stanly County GIS Department accessed on March
27, 2020, there are no Voluntary Agricultural Districts (VADs) or Enhance Voluntary
Agricultural Districts (EVADs) within the Project Study Area. Sunnybrook Farm is
located approximately 0.75 to 1 mile west of the Bridge No. 35 on Sunnybrook Road.
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DocuSign Envelope ID:34EFFOBC-B250-4488-8B7C-CF376FA8FBC1
Farming operations and supporting facilities in the vicinity of the bridge may be affected
temporarily during construction by using the proposed offsite detour route. Coordination
would occur through the NCDOT and the owners of the agricultural properties that may
be impacted by the project.
Public Involvement: Public involvement was not requested by NCDOT Division 10 for
this project.
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DocuSign Envelope ID:34EFFOBC-B250-4488-8B7C-CF376FA8FBC1
PART A: MINIMUM CRITERIA
Item 1 to be completed by the Enginel YES NO
1. Is the proposed project listed as a type and class of activity allowed under ® ❑
the Minimum Criteria Rule in which environmental documentation is not
required?
If the answer to number 1 is"no",then the project does not qualify as a
minimum criteria project. A state environmental assessment is required.
If yes,under which category? #9 (Reconstruction of existing crossroad or
railroad separation and existing stream
crossings, including,but not limited to,
pipes, culverts, and bridges.)
PART B: MINIMUM CRITERIA EXCEPTIONS
Items 2—4 to be completed by the Engineer. I YES NO
2. Could the proposed activity cause significant changes in land use ❑
concentrations that would be expected to create adverse air quality
impacts?
3. Will the proposed activity have secondary impacts or cumulative ❑
impacts that may result in a significant adverse impact to human health
or the environment?
4. Is the proposed activity of such an unusual nature or does the proposed ❑
activity have such widespread implications,that an uncommon concern
for its environmental effects has been expressed to the Department?
Item 5-8 to be completed by Division Environmental Officer.
5. Does the proposed activity have a significant adverse effect on wetlands; ❑
surface waters such as rivers, streams, and estuaries;parklands;prime or
unique agricultural lands; or areas of recognized scenic,recreational,
archaeological, or historical value?
6. Will the proposed activity endanger the existence of a species on the
Depai lment of Interior's threatened and endangered species list?
7. Could the proposed activity cause significant changes in land use
concentrations that would be expected to create adverse water quality or
ground water impacts?
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YES NO
8. Is the proposed activity expected to have a significant adverse effect on ❑
long-term recreational benefits or shellfish, finfish, wildlife, or their
natural habitats?
PART C: COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS
Items Sial to be completed by Division Environmental Officer. MI YES NO
9. Is a federally protected threatened or endangered species, or its
habitat, likely to be impacted by the proposed action?
10. Does the action require the placement of temporary or permanent
fill in waters of the United States?
11. Does the project require the placement of a significant amount of ❑
fill in high quality or relatively rare wetland ecosystems, such as
mountain bogs or pine savannahs?
12. Is the proposed action located in an Area of Environmental ❑
Concern, as defined in the coastal Area Management Act?
5 to be completed by the Enginee
13. Does the project require stream relocation or channel changes? ❑
Cultural Resources
14. Will the project have an"effect" on a property or site listed on the ❑
National Register of Historic Places?
15. Will the proposed action require acquisition of additional right of ❑
way from publicly owned parkland or recreational areas?
Response to Question 9: The USFWS Raleigh Field Office online protected species
database,updated June 27, 2018, lists three federally protected species as occurring or
having the potential to occur in Stanly County including the bald eagle (Haliaeetus
leucocephalus)which is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. As of
June 12, 2019, the NCNHP lists no occurrences of federally protected species within one
mile of the study area.
As of June 27, 2018, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) county page
lists three federally protected species,under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for Stanly
County: Schweinitz's sunflower, the Northern long-eared bat (NLEB) and the bald eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)which is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection
Act.
Review of the NCNHP element occurrence records on June 12, 2019 revealed no
documented occurrences or populations of Schweinitz's sunflower in the study area or
within one mile of the study area. STV Environmental Scientists conducted field surveys
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for the presence of Schweinitz's sunflowers on November 1, 2019 during the flowering
season and USFWS-designated optimum survey window. Suitable habitat was found along
the SR 1134 (Millingport Road) roadside and woodland edges, but no sunflowers were
observed. Based on the literature review and field survey conducted during the flowering
season, it is determined that the project would have no effect on Schweinitz's sunflower
(Helianthus schweinitzii).
Based on review of the USFWS Asheville Field Office's online database on June 12,2019,
no known NLEB hibernation or maternity sites have been documented within Stanly
County. A review of the NCNHP records obtained on May 6, 2019 revealed no known
occurrences of NLEB within the study area or within one mile of the study area. Field
reviews conducted by STV on November 1, 2019 concluded that no caves or mines
(potential hibernacula) exist in the study area and no evidence of bats was discovered upon
inspection of the bridge; however, potential foraging and roosting habitat, including trees
and the air space above Long Creek, is present. The project may require tree clearing or
pile driving but no blasting or percussive activities are anticipated. Based on the findings
and in conforming to SLOPES procedures it has been determined that the USACE's
Alternative Local Procedure (ALP) Situation 1 would be applicable. The biological
conclusion for NLEB is May Effect, however, NLEB is exempt due to consistency with
the 4(d)rule.
Response to Question 10: A Nationwide Permit (NWP)No. 3 from the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers (USACE) is anticipated. It is estimated that there would be
approximately 131 linear feet of temporary stream impacts. No permanent wetland or
stream impacts are anticipated. Stream relocations and/or channel modifications are not
anticipated. No jurisdictional wetland areas were identified and delineated within the
study area.
Potential permanent fill impacts due to bridge construction may occur to Long Creek but
will be avoided if possible and minimized if necessary.
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DocuSign Envelope ID:34EFFOBC-B250-4488-8B7C-CF376FA8FBC1
-DocuSigned by:
,WAcali f t ioff
Prepared by: -451A63ED92B74FB._. Date:2/10/2021
Jacob Elliott, AICP
STV Engineers Inc., Transportation Planner
DocuSigned by:
(,a. ni 11.01SOIA
Reviewed by: OD47496D3ccF4A5 Date:2/10/2021
Larry Thompson, PWS, LSS
Division PDEA Engineer
DocuSigned by:
aiet,ViMMO r
568D887680E4404... JJ Date:2/10/2021
Garland Haywood, PE
Division Project Development Engineer
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DocuSign Envelope ID:34EFFOBC-B250-4488-8B7C-CF376FA8FBC1
PROJECT COMMITMENTS
Bridge No. 35, SR 1134 (Millingport Road) over Long Creek
WBS No. 17BP.10.PE.147
FEMA Coordination
The Hydraulics Unit will coordinate with the NC Floodplain Mapping Program
(FMP), to determine status of project with regard to applicability of NCDOT'S
Memorandum of Agreement, or approval of a Conditional Letter of Map Revision
(CLOMR) and subsequent final Letter of Map Revision(LOMR).
This project involves construction activities on or adjacent to FEMA-regulated
stream(s). Therefore, the Division shall submit sealed as-built construction plans
to the Hydraulics Unit upon completion of project construction, certifying that the
drainage structure(s) and roadway embankment that are located within the 100-
year floodplain were built as shown in the construction plans, both horizontally
and vertically.
Stormwater
NCDOT "Best Management Practices for the Protection of Surface Waters"will
be utilized throughout the life of the project. Erosion and sediment will be
controlled through the specification, installation, and maintenance of more
stringent erosion and sedimentation control methods.
Agricultural Land Use
Farming operations in the vicinity of the bridge may be affected temporarily
during construction by using the approximately 8-mile offsite detour route.
Additionally, existing farmland could be impacted by proposed temporary
construction easements along the project's eastern approach along SR 1134
(Millingport Road). Coordination between NCDOT and the owners of the
agricultural lands that are temporarily impacted by the offsite detour should occur
through right of way.
Property Owner Coordination
Continued coordination may be required with property owner during construction
for tie-in to two driveways east of the bridge location on SR 1134 (Millingport
Road).
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