20070393 Ver 1_Other Agency Comments_20070312

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®North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Richard B. Hamilton, Executive Director
TO: Monte Matthews, USACOE
Raleigh Regulatory Field Office
FROM: Ron Linville, Regional Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Program
DATE: March 8, 2007
SUBJECT: SR1715, Bridge 272 Replacement, Arlie Meyers Road, Bee Tree Branch, Wilkes County
North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to improve SR1715. Biologists with
the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission are familiar with habitat values in the area. These
comments are provided in accordance with the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48
Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d) and the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (G.S.
113A-1 through 113A-10; NCAC 25).
The NCDOT project includes replacement of an existing bridge with two (2) lines of pipe. The double
pipe will have one pipe providing stormwater passage while the lower barrel passes the base flow
channel. Streams in the area are known to support Smallmouth bass.
Based on our review of the submittal and our knowledge of area habitats, we will not object to the project
as proposed providing floodplain benching will ensure natural channel dimensions on each end of the
lower pipe. To the maximum extent practicable, base flow culverts 48" or larger placed in streams should
be buried a foot into the streambed. These measurements must be based on natural thalweg depths. Fish
passage must be assured during low flow or drought conditions. Any riprap used must not interfere with
aquatic life movement during low flows. If feasible for NCDOT, in channel disturbance should be
avoided during the fish spawning season of May 1 through July 15.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project during the early planning stages. If
you have any questions regarding these comments, please contact me at 336-769-9453.
E-copy: Sue Homewood, DWQ-WSRO
Heath Slaughter, NCDOT
Kathy Matthews, USEPA
Marla Chambers, NCWRC
Marella Buncick, USFWS
Sonya Gregory, DWQ-Raleigh
Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries 1721 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone]