20211107 Ver 1_Revised_I-5987_ Final_IP_Application_CoverLetter_2021108(Agency_Review)_No_Appendix_20211109

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
ROY COOPER J. ERIC BOYETTE
GOVERNOR SECRETARY

Mailing Address:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION ENVIRONMENTAL UNIT
PO BOX 1150
FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28302

Telephone: [phone]
Customer Service: 1-877-368-4968

Website: www.ncdot.gov
Location:
421 TRANSPORTATION DRIVE
FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28301

November 8, 2021

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington Regulatory Field Office
ATTN: Liz Hair
69 Darlington Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28403

SUBJECT: Application for a Section 404 Individual Permit and Section 401 Water Quality Certification for the
widening of I-95 to eight lanes from US 301 (Exit 22) to south of the proposed I-295 interchange, in
Robeson County, STIP No. I-5987. WBS 47533.1.1

Ms. Hair,

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to widen existing I-95 to an eight-lane median divided
facility on existing location from US 301 (Exit 22) to south of the proposed I-295 interchange in Robeson County, North
Carolina (STIP I-5987). The project is approximately 16.06 miles in length.

The I-5987 project includes a total of four sections, I-5987A, AA, B and C. Section I-5987AA will construct a weigh-in
motion station along I-95. The widening of I-95 from mile marker 36.7 – 40 (I-5987C) is currently in construction under
STIP U-2519AA/AB (Fayetteville Outer Loop). The widening of I-95 from mile marker 20-21 will be constructed under
STIP I-6064. All sections are included in the I-5987 environmental document prepared for the project. This is a permit
application for sections I-5987A and I-5987B only, depicted on the Project Vicinity Map (Attachment A).

The purpose of this letter is to request approval for a Section 404 Individual Permit and a Section 401 Water Quality
Certification. In addition to this cover letter, the application package includes the following: Project Vicinity Map, ENG
Form 4345, a State Stormwater Management Plan (SMP), permit drawings, roadway plans, utility drawings, Division of
Mitigation Services (DMS) mitigation acceptance letter, minutes from the 30% Hydraulic Design Review Meeting and the
Permit Drawings Review Meeting.

1.0 Purpose and Need

Improvements to this portion of I-95, included in the I-5987A and I-5987B sections, will help relieve congestion, improve
mobility, and improve the resiliency of this corridor to storm events, such that it can continue to serve as a primary East
Coast route through the project design year of 2040. Improvements will be required to accommodate projected future traffic
volumes and ensure the highway operates at an acceptable level of traffic service, particularly during the peak hour. Traffic
volumes along the I-95 corridor are expected to increase considerably by 2040, creating conditions in which operations
degrade and average speeds are below the posted speed limit. Currently, the number of vehicles using the section of I-95
between Exit 20 in Robeson County and Exit 40 in Cumberland County ranges between 56,500 vehicles per day (vpd) to
62,800 vpd. The current Level of Service (LOS) is C or better throughout the corridor.

Future traffic volumes (2040 No Build) are expected to range between 88,200 vpd to 96,800 vpd between Exit 20 and future
I-295 (Fayetteville Outer Loop). Without improvements, operations along I-95 within the project limits are anticipated to
degrade significantly by year 2040. This includes much of the I-95 corridor within the I-5987 project limits operating
between LOS C and LOS D between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. There are several segments anticipated to operate at LOS E for
two hours each day. Widening I-95 to eight lanes as well as interchange reconstruction are proposed to provide the additional

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capacity needed to help relieve congestion and have the corridor within the project area operate at LOS B between 6:00 a.m.
and 8:00 p.m.

In addition to improving traffic conditions, sections of I-95 within the project limits have experienced significant storm
related flooding resulting in total closure of the interstate for multiple days. Roadway and bridge improvements are needed to
make the corridor more resilient to future flood events.

2.0 Alternatives Considered

The following alternatives to the proposed widening were also considered:
• No-Build Alternative
• Alternate Modes of Transportation Alternative
• Transportation System Management Alternative

The No-Build Alternative does not propose any changes to I-95 within the study area aside from projects that are currently
under construction or programmed in the 2020-2029 State Transportation Improvement Program. The No-Build Alternative
would neither increase the traffic carrying capacity of I-95 within the entire study area nor modernize infrastructure on a large
enough scale needed to maintain the integrity of the corridor so that it can continue to serve as a primary East Coast
transportation route through the project design year of 2040. Since the No-Build Alternative does not fulfill the primary
purposes of the project or address the area transportation needs, it is not recommended.

The Alternate Modes of Transportation Alternative would include increasing ridership and freight on mass transportation
modes like buses, railroads, and airplanes to reduce the number of vehicles that would use I-95 daily. While this option could
reduce congestion on I-95, it would not provide nearly the same level of congestion reduction as the recommended
alternative. As well, the Alternate Modes of Transportation Alternative would not modernize the infrastructure needed to
support the remaining buses, trucks, and automobiles that would still use I-95. Since the Alternate Modes of Transportation
Alternative does not fulfill the primary purposes of the project or address the area transportation needs, it is not
recommended.

The Transportation System Management (TSM) Alternative includes operational or physical improvements to increase
available capacity of a roadway within the existing right-of-way with minimum capital expenditures and without
reconstructing or adding additional through lanes to the existing road. Operational changes are largely administrative in
nature while physical improvements are typically more capital intensive. Examples of operational changes include traffic law
enforcement, speed restrictions, and access control. Physical improvements would include striping, signing, and minor
realignments. TSM improvements are best suited for areas with capacity or safety deficiencies in specific locations. The
capacity issues and antiquated infrastructure are widespread through the project area and require more intensive
solutions than those provided by TSM. For these reasons the Transportation System Management Alternative would not
satisfy the project purpose or fulfill the transportation need and is not recommended.

Additionally widening to 6 lanes versus 8 lanes was discussed for the project. During planning for the I-5987 project, funding
became available for the I-6064, completing the long-range vision for widening I-95 to the south. As traffic volumes are
higher on the I-6064 portion, NCDOT wanted to consider an 8-lane cross section for I-95 in the I-5987 study area to avoid
potential traffic bottlenecks in Fayetteville and eventually in Lumberton. Due to traffic volumes it was also important keep
two lanes open during construction. Adding two lanes in each direction, versus one, allows two lanes of through traffic in
each direction during construction and results in less temporary pavement when constructing the project. It was determined
that widening this portion of I-95 to 8 lanes was the best option. Additionally, widening to the median throughout most of the
project resulted in less impacts by keeping the proposed project footpring narrow to avoid a large number of relocations due
to numerous parallel service roads beside I-95. There are some places where the proposed project was widened to the median
and to the outside as well. As we knew widening exclusively to the outside would incur more impacts, which were not
preferred, a strict calculation for widening to the outside was not prepared. The proposed design is the least impactful and
best fit for the project.

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3.0 Project Description

The NCDOT is proposing to widen an approximate 16.06-mile portion of existing Interstate 95, comprising of I-5987A and I-
5987B, to an eight-lane median-divided facility on existing location through Robeson County (Attachment A). Section I-
5987A begins just south of Exit 22 between Nelson Way and Liberty Hill Road, where it ties into NCDOT STIP Project I-
6064. Section I-5987A ends where I-5987B begins, just north of Mcduffie Crossing Road (S.R. 1758), and extends to just
north of Parkton Tobemory Road (S.R. 1723) where it ties into NCDOT STIP Project U-2519, the Fayetteville Outer Loop.
The proposed project is listed in the approved 2020-2029 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) as Project
Number I-5987A and I-5987B, both of which are federally-funded.

4.0 Summary of Impacts

Waters of the U.S.: Based upon Final Permit Drawings for the proposed impacts to jurisdictional areas for the I-5987A and
I-5987B sections, there will be 14.144 acres of permanent wetland impacts, 2,061 linear feet (lf) of permanent stream
impacts, and 0.26 acres of hand clearing in wetlands for Section I-5987B due to utilities.

Table 1. Summary of Water Resources Impacted
Section Proposed
Let Total # of Wetlands Impacted** Total # of Streams Impacted** Buffer Rule Impacts
I-5987A 7/19/22 7 6 NO
I-5987B 7/19/22 9 9 NO
Totals 16 15
** Features may be impacted at more than one Permit Site

Table 2. Summary of Wetland Impacts
Section Total Wetland Impact Area (ac) Impacts Requiring Mitigation (ac)
I-5987A 5.500 5.500
I-5987B 8.644 8.644
Totals 14.144 14.144

Table 3. Summary of Stream Impacts
Section Total Stream Impact Area (lf) Impacts Requiring Mitigation (lf)**
I-5987A 948 582
I-5987B 1,113 1,043
Totals 2,061 1,625
** Mitigation determination requirements are detailed below for each section.

5.0 Summary of Mitigation

NCDOT has avoided and minimized impacts to jurisdictional resources to the greatest extent possible. The proposed
construction of I-5987 will result in unavoidable impacts to 14.144 acres of wetlands (0.291 acres of non-riparian wetlands;
13.853 acres of riparian wetlands) and 1,625 linear feet of jurisdictional stream (1,462 linear feet of perennial stream and 163
linear feet of intermittent stream) that will require mitigation. The Department has acquired the compensatory mitigation for
these unavoidable impacts from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Division of Mitigation
Services (DMS).

6.0 Project Schedule

I-5987A and I-5987B will be under construction concurrently; a total of 16.06 miles. The sections of the I-5987 project
along with approximate section limits or description, length and proposed construction letting are summarized in Table 4.
Should any changes arise resulting in impact changes for the project a permit modification request will be submitted.

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Table 4. I-5987 Project Sections
Section Approximate Section
Limits/Description Approximate Length (mi) Construction Letting
I-5987A South of US 301 (Exit 22) to
south of NC 20 (Exit 31) 8.106 July 19, 2022
I-5987B
South of NC 20 (Exit 31) to
south of proposed I-295
interchange
7.956 July 19, 2022

7.0 NEPA Status

NCDOT approved the Categorical Exclusion (CE) Type III for STIP I-5987 on November 14, 2019, covering all project
sections, including portions now part of U-2519. A CE was approved for STIP I-6064 on December 29, 2020. NCDOT has
conducted a Public Meeting also listed in Table 5. NCDOT has held a 30% Hydraulic Design Review Meeting, and a Permit
Drawing Review Meetin on July 13, 2021 also listed in Table 5.

Table 5. Milestone Dates
Section CE Signed Public Meeting Dates Hydraulic Design
Review
Permit Drawings
Review
I-5987A & B
STIP I-5987
Type III
November 14, 2019
July 22 & 23, 2019

30% - 4/6/2021

7/13/2021

8.0 Logical Termini and Independent Utility

The subject project is in compliance with 23 CFR Part 771.111(f) which lists the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
characteristics of independent utility of a project:

1) The project connects logical termini and is of sufficient length to address environmental matters on a broad scope;
2) The project is usable and a reasonable expenditure, even if no additional transportation improvements are made in the
area;
3) The project does not restrict consideration of alternatives for other reasonable foreseeable transportation improvements.

9.0 Resource Status

The project study area now falls entirely within Robeson County which is located in the Lumber River Basin and lies within
Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) 03040203 (Lumber Subbasin). This project is located within the Middle Atlantic Coastal
Plain ecoregion. The project crosses Big Marsh Swamp, Brisson Branch, Buckhorn Swamp, Cowpen Branch, Little Marsh
Swamp, Mercer Branch and Tenmile Swamp as well as several unnamed tributaries to waters of the US, and multiple
wetlands. Based on field reviews of the delineation of Waters of the US (WOUS), including wetlands, the USACE issued a
Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination (PJD) (Table 6). In addition, on January 13, 2020 and February 9, 2021, the
NCDWR issued an On-Site Determination for Applicability to the Mitigation Rules (15A NCAC 2H .0506[h]).

Table 6. Applicable Jurisdictional Determination Issued by the USACE
STIP County Action ID Date
Issued/Revised USGS Quad River Basin
I-5987 Robeson SAW-2019-01276 April 16, 2020 Saint Pauls Lumber

9.1 Wetland Delineations

Wetland delineations were initially conducted for I-5987 in Cumberland and Robeson Counties. Field work for these
delineations were carried out in April through October of 2019; findings are summarized in the respective December 2019
Natural Resources Technical Reports (NRTR). Additional wetland delineations were conducted per design changes, resulting
in project study area expansion, for the I-95 project. Field work for this delineation was carried out in June of 2021. Findings

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for the expansion areas are summarized in the August 2021 Natural Resources Technical Memo (NRTM). The wetlands
within the project study areas were delineated based on the 1987 USACE Wetland Delineation Manual and a preliminary
design was prepared to avoid and minimize wetlands to the maximum extent possible.

9.2 Stream Delineations

The stream channels within the project study area were identified, evaluated, and classified using the NCDWR stream
identification form. Water quality information for the streams within the project study area was derived from available
sources provided through NCDEQ.

9.3 Characterization of Jurisdictional Sites

9.3.1 Wetlands

Thirty jurisdictional wetland sites were identified within the project corridor. After design revisions (avoidance/minimization
and expansion of the corridor right-of-way), there are sixteen jurisdictional wetlands sites that will be permanently impacted
by the proposed project. Wetland systems throughout the study area vary in vegetative composition depending on
hydrological regime and site-specific disturbances. The project area contains the following North Carolina
Wetland Assessment Method (NCWAM) wetland types: Bottomland Hardwood Forest, Headwater Forest, Riverine Swamp
Forest, Floodplain Pool, Basin Wetland, Hardwood Flat, and Non-Tidal Freshwater Forest.

9.3.2 Streams

Streams within the project footprint with surface water classifications include Big Marsh Swamp, Brisson Branch, Buckhorn
Swamp, Cowpen Branch, Little Marsh Swamp, Mercer Branch and Tenmile Swamp. Unnamed tributaries to waters listed
above were also identified within the project corridor. Surface water classifications for streams can be found in Table 7.
Additional information for the jurisdictional streams within the project area are provided in the NRTRs. There are no waters
within the project vicinity classified as High-Quality Waters (HQW). Neither Water Supplies (WS-I: undeveloped
watersheds or WS-II: predominately undeveloped watersheds), nor Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) occur within 1.0
mile of the project area. Streams within the project area are not designated as North Carolina Natural or Scenic Rivers, or as
National Wild and Scenic Rivers. No streams within the project footprint are listed on the 2018 303(d) list of impaired
waters.

Table 7. Water Resources within the Project Corridor
Stream Name Stream Index Number Best Usage Class Description
Big Marsh Swamp 14-22-2 C;SW From source to Big Swamp
Brisson Branch 14-22-1-3-3-1 C;SW From source to Mercer Branch
Buckhorn Swamp 14-22-1-2 C;SW From source to Gallberry Swamp
Cowpen Branch 14-22-3-1 C;SW From source to Tenmile Swamp
Little Marsh Swamp 14-22-1-3 C;SW From source to Gallberry Swamp
Mercer Branch 14-22-1-3-3 C;SW From source to Little Marsh Swamp
Tenmile Swamp 14-22-3 C;SW From source to Big Swamp

9.4 Impacts to Jurisdictional Resources

Tables 8, 9, and 10 summarize the impacts to jurisdictional water resources based on the final design of I-5987A and tables
11, 12 and 13 based on final design of I-5987B. Table 14 summarizes the impacts to jurisdictional water resources for the I-
5987A & B project. Site numbers for each table correspond with each section of the set of permit drawings included within
this application in Attachment D. The stream and wetland labels correspond to the NRTRs as noted in each table. A brief
description for each proposed final impact site for I-5987A follows Table 10 and for I-5987B follows Table 13.

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Table 8. I-5987A - Wetland Impacts
Permit
Drawing
Site
Number1
NRTR
Label2 Type Structure
Size/Type
Permanent
Impacts
(ac)3
Temporary
Impacts
(ac)
Hand
Clearing
Mitigation
Required4
(USACE)
4 WAB Riparian 8’x7’ RCBC 0.008 -- -- Yes
5 WAB Riparian System Outlet 0.030 -- -- Yes
10 WM Riparian Roadway Fill 3.195 -- -- Yes
10 WM Riparian Utility 0.140 -- -- Yes
12 WK Riparian Roadway Fill 0.755 -- -- Yes
14 WJ Riparian Roadway Fill 0.043 -- -- Yes
16 WJ Riparian
Roadway
Fill/42” & 48”
RCP
0.639 -- -- Yes
17 WJ Riparian
Roadway
Fill/False Cut
Ditch
0.059 -- -- Yes
18 WJ Riparian Roadway Fill 0.043 -- -- Yes
19 WJ Riparian 7’x7’ RCBC 0.013 -- -- Yes
20 WI Riparian
Roadway
Fill/8’x9’
RCBC
0.280 --
--
Yes
21 WH Non-
Riparian Roaway Fill 0.291 -- -- Yes
22 WG Riparian 8’x7’ RCBC 0.004 -- -- Yes
Total Riparian: 5.209 -- --
Total Non-Riparian: 0.291 -- --
Grand Total: 5.500 -- --
Notes:
- = No impacts
1. Permit Drawing Site Numbers refer to Site numbers presented in the I-5987A Wetland and Surface Water Impacts Permit Drawings (August 25, 2021) included in Attachment
D.
2. Waterbody labels from STIP I-5987 NRTR/NRTM/JD (SAW-2019-01276)
3. Permanent Impacts include Permanent Fill, Excavation, and Mechanized Clearing in wetlands.
4. Mitigation required for streams and wetlands permanently impacted. Mitigation not required for open water features.

Table 9. I-5987A - Stream Impacts

Permit
Drawing
Site
Number1
NRTR
Label2
Classification
(from
NRTR)
Structure
Size/Type
Permanent
(ac)
Temporary
(ac)
Permanent
(lf)
Temporary
(lf)
Mitigation
Required3
(USACE/DWR)
1 SM Perennial 7’x7’ RCBC 0.025 0.008 155 36 Yes/No
1 SM Perennial Utility -- 0.005 -- -- No/No
11 Tenmile
Swamp Perennial 12’x12’ RCBC 0.220 0.077 120 40 Yes/No
15 SO Perennial 2 @ 48” RCP 0.012 -- 50 -- Yes/No
15 SO Perennial Bank
Stabilization 0.006 0.003 58 20 No/No
19 SP Perennial 7’x7’ RCBC 0.018 0.006 82 26 Yes/No
19 SP Perennial Bank
Stabilization 0.020 -- 82 -- No/No
20 Cowpen
Branch Perennial Roadway
Fill/8’x9’ RCBC 0.035 0.025 96 104 Yes/No

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Table 9. Continued
Notes:
1. Permit Drawing Site Numbers refer to Site numbers presented in the I-5987A Wetland and Surface Water Impacts Permit Drawings (August 25,2021) included in Attachment D.
2. Waterbody labels from STIP I-5987 NRTR/NRTM/JD (SAW-2019-01276)
3. Mitigation required for features permanently impacted for USACE and DWR. DWR does not require mitigation for any permanent intermittent stream impacts or for permanent
perennial stream impacts less than 300 feet.
4. Total Mitigatable includes permanent impacts to perennial streams and intermittent streams as per USACE requirements, the higher mitigation amount.

Table 10. I-5987A – Open Water Impacts
Permit
Drawing
Site
Number1
NRTR
Label2
Classification
(from
NRTR)
Structure
Size/Type
Permanent
(ac)
Temporary
(ac)
Permanent
(lf)
Temporary
(lf)
Mitigation
Required3
(USACE/DWR
2 TV Tributary System
Outlet 0.003 0.015 -- -- No/No
3 TX Tributary Bank
Stabilization 0.002 0.009 -- -- No/No
4 TT/TU Tributary Bank
Stabilization 0.005 0.030 -- -- No/No
6 TAA Tributary Bank
Stabilization 0.003 0.001 -- -- No/No
7 TAA Tributary System
Outlet 0.022 0.001 -- -- No/No
7 TAA Tributary Bank
Stabilization 0.001 0.003 -- -- No/No
8 TS Tributary 30” RCP 0.004 0.001 -- -- No/No
8 TS Tributary Roadway
Fill 0.024 0.001 -- -- No/No
9 TBB Tributary 66” RCP 0.046 -- -- -- No/No

Permit
Drawing
Site
Number1
NRTR
Label2
Classification
(from
NRTR)
Structure
Size/Type
Permanent
(ac)
Temporary
(ac)
Permanent
(lf)
Temporary
(lf)
Mitigation
Required3
(USACE/DWR)
20 Cowpen
Branch Perennial Bank
Stabilization 0.026 -- 96 -- No/No
21A SAB Intermittent Tailditch-
Cleanout -- 0.070 -- 488 No/No
22 Cowpen
Branch Perennial Bank
Stabilization 0.004 -- 14 -- No/No
22 Cowpen
Branch Perennial 8’x7’ RCBC 0.006 0.007 22 45 Yes/No
22 Cowpen
Branch Perennial Bank
Stabilization 0.018 -- 83 -- No/No
23 Cowpen
Branch Perennial 8’x7’ RCBC 0.020 0.003 57 10 Yes/No
23 Cowpen
Branch Perennial Bank
Stabilization 0.010 0.013 33 30 No/No
Totals
Total Stream Impact: .420 0.217 948 799

Total Perennial Stream Impact: .420 0.147 948 311
Total Intermittent Stream Impact: -- 0.070 -- 488
Total Perennial Mitigable: 0.336 -- 582 --
Total Intermittent Mitigable -- -- -- --
Total Mitigable4: 0.336 -- 582 --

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Table 10. Continued
Permit
Drawing
Site
Number1
NRTR
Label2
Classification
(from
NRTR)
Structure
Size/Type
Permanent
(ac)
Temporary
(ac)
Permanent
(lf)
Temporary
(lf)
Mitigation
Required3
(USACE/DWR
9 TBB Tributary Bank
Stabilization 0.003 0.002 -- -- No/No
10 TBB Tributary Roadway
Fill 0.018 0.003 -- -- No/No
13 TR Tributary System
Outlet 0.004 0.001 -- -- No/No
21A TAD Tributary Roadway
Fill 0.013 -- -- -- No/No
21A TAD Tributary Tailditch-
Cleanout -- 0.040 -- -- No/No
22 TP Tributary Roadway
Fill 0.022 -- -- -- No/No
Total Open Water4: 0.170 0.107 -- -- --
Notes:
1. Permit Drawing Site Numbers refer to Site numbers presented in the I-5987A Wetland and Surface Water Impacts Permit Drawings (August 25,
2021) included in Attachment D.
2. Waterbody labels from STIP I-5987 NRTR/NRTM/JD (SAW-2019-01276)
3. No mitigation required for impacts to surface waters verified as open water (ponds or jurisdictional ditches/tributaries).
4. Total Open Water includes impacts only to surface waters verified as open water (ponds or jurisdictional ditches)

Impact Descriptions by Permit Site
Below are brief descriptions of impacts to wetlands and surfaces waters based on final designs that will result from the I-5987
A section of the I-5987 project. Details mentioned in each Permit Site description refer to the details found on Permit
Drawing Sheet 6 of 33 in the I-5987A Wetland and Surface Water Impacts Permit Drawings (August 25, 2021) included in
Attachment D.

Permit Site 1 (Sheet 6): The widening of I-95 will result in the removal of an existing culvert and the installation of a new
culvert. An existing 48” Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP) that currently provides passage for Stream SM will be removed.
The flow of Stream SM will be maintained through a proposed 7’x7’ Reinforced Concrete Box Culvert (RCBC) that will be
constructed using phased installation. The proposed culvert inlet will be installed on the east side of I-95 in the approximate
location of Stream SM. Class I rip rap will be used at the embankment where SM and the beginning of a Special Lateral V
Ditch intersect (see Detail L). The removal of 70 lf of an existing 15” RCP will daylight a portion of SM. The proposed
culvert will outlet on the west side of I-95 in the approximate location of Stream SM. There will be 20 lf of channel
improvement to SM; Class I rip rap will be used at the embankment where SM and the beginning of a special lateral V ditch
intersect (see Detail L). The installation of the culvert and the associated ditches will result in 155 lf of permanent impacts
and 36 lf of temporary impacts to Stream SM. Additionally, utilities installation will result in 0.0054 acres of temporary
impact to Stream SM due to a 12” Water Line and 30” Encasement Pipe.
.
Permit Site 2 (Sheet 14): The widening of I-95 will result in the removal of an existing culvert and the installation of a new
culvert, with impacts associated with the system outlet. An existing 30” RCP that currently provides passage for Tributary
TV will be filled with flowable fill. The flow of Tributary TV will be maintained through a proposed 42” welded steel pipe
that will be constructed using trenchless installation. The proposed pipe will result in 0.003 acres of permanent impacts and
0.015 acres of temporary impacts to open water.

Permit Site 3 (Sheet 14): The widening of I-95 will result in the installation of a 18” welded steel pipe that will be
constructed using trenchless installation. The outlet will be installed in the existing channel of tributary TX and will use Class
B rip rap embankment (see Detail L). The proposed culvert will result in 0.002 acres of permanent impacts and 0.009 acres of
temporary impacts to open water.

Permit Site 4 (Sheet 14 & 15): The widening of I-95 will result in removal of an existing culvert and the installation of a
new culvert. An existing 2 - 48” RCPs, that currently provides passage for Tributary TT on the east side of I-95 and TU on
the west side of I-95, will be removed. The flow of Tributary TU will be maintained through a proposed 8’x7’ RCBC. The

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proposed culvert inlet will be installed on the west side of I-95 in the approximate location of Tributary TU. There will be 45
lf of channel improvement; Class B rip rap will be used at the embankment where a 15” RCP-IV outfalls into the existing
channel of TU. The proposed culvert outlet will be installed on the east side of I-95 in the approximate location of Tributary
TT. Proposed impacts will also include the installation of an 18” RCP-IV to be installed using trenchless methods, the outlet
of which will be installed in the existing channel of tributary TU. There will be 50 lf of channel improvement; Class I and
class B rip rap (see Detail L) will be used for bank stabilization. There will be 0.008 acres of pemanent impacts to Wetland
WAB due to roadway fill and mechanized clearing. The installation of the culvert and associated pipes with rip rap will result
in 0.005 acres of permanent impacts and 0.030 acres of temporary impacts to open waters.

Permit Site 5 (Sheet 15): The widening of I-95 will result in the installation of a 30” welded steel pipe that will be
constructed using trenchless installation. The outlet will be installed within the wetland boundary of Wetland WAB and will
use Class B rip rap embankment. There will be 0.030 acres of permanent impats to Wetland WAB due to roadway fill and
excavation.

Permit Site 6 (Sheet 16): The widening of I-95 will result in the creation of two Special Lateral V Ditches to facilitate water
flow away from the roadway. Rip rap embankment will be placed at the outlet of each Special Lateral V Ditch (see Detail B
& M) which will be installed within the banks of Tributary TAA. The proposed ditches will result in 0.003 acres of
permanent impacts and 0.001 acres of temporary impacts to open water.

Permit Site 7 (Sheet 16): The widening of I-95 will result in removal of an existing culvert and the installation of a new
culvert. An existing 18” RCP, that currently is at the headwater of Tributary TAA will be filled with flowable fill. The flow
of Tributary TAA will be maintained through a proposed 18” welded steel RCP-IV to be installed using trenchless methods,
the outlet of which will be installed in the existing channel of tributary TAA. Class B rip rap will provide toe protection (see
Detail AH) along the fill slope near the outlet to prevent erosion. A Special Lateral V Ditch will facilitate water flow away
from the roadway. Rip rap embankment (see Detail L) will be placed at the outlet of the Special Lateral V Ditch (see Detail
M) which will be installed within the banks of Tributary TAA. The proposed system outlet and bank stabilization will result
in 0.023 acres of permanent impacts and 0.004 acres of temporary impacts to open water.

Permit Site 8 (Sheet 17): The widening of I-95 will result in alignment changes associated with the interchange at Exit 25.
Russ road will be realigned slightly to the east and cross over Tributtary TS, this portion of Tributary TS will be placed in a
30” RCP-IV. Special Later V Ditches (see Detail P) will flow into Tributary TS at the inlet and outlet. The proposed pipe and
roadway fill will result in 0.028 acres of permanent impacts and 0.002 acres of temporary impacts to open water.

Permit Site 9 (Sheet 17): Per agreement between NCDOT Division 6 and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and
the NC Division of Water Resources (NCDWR), post verification, previously designated Stream SS is now considered as
part of Tributary TBB, as TBB exists on both sides of I-95. Tributary TBB now totals 2,055.23 lf within the project study
area. This change was reflected in the April 13, 2021 Non-Merger 30% Hydraulic Review Meeting and has been recorded as
part of the meeting minutes (Attachment F).

The widening of I-95 will result in alignment changes associated with the interchange at Exit 25. The I-95 northbound off-
ramp and Russ road will be realigned slightly to the east and cross over Tributtary TBB, an open system. An existing 36”
RCP, that currently provides passage for Tributary TBB under Russ road, will be removed. The flow of Tributary TBB will
be maintained through a proposed 66” RCP-IV with Class I riprap at the outlet embankment (see Detail L). Special Later V
Ditches (see Detail P & V) will flow into Tributary TBB at the outlet.

The proposed I-95 southbound on-ramp and traffic circle will be located to the northeast of existing facilities and will cross
over Tributary TBB, an open system. The flow of Tributary TBB will be directed to a Lateral 2’ Base Ditch (see Detail AG)
before going into a 54” RCP-IV that will go underneath the on-ramp. Bucket Road will be realigned to the north and tie into
the traffic circle and will cross over Tributary TBB. The flow of Tributary TBB will be directed to a 42” RCP-IV with Class
B rip rap at the outlet. The proposed system outlet and bank stabilization will result in 0.049 acres of permanent impacts and
0.002 acres of temporary impacts to open water.

Permit Site 10 (Sheet 17): The widening of I-95 will result in alignment changes associated with the interchange at Exit 25.
The proposed traffic circle and Bucket Road tie in, located to the northeast of existing facilities, will be constructed within
Wetland WM. Several 15” CSP’s, some with elbows, will be placed around the traffic circle to direct water away from the
roadway. Class B rip rap will be placed at the culvert outlets. The proposed roadway fill will result in 0.018 acres of

Page 10

permanent and 0.003 acres of temporary impacts to Tributary TBB and 3.195 acres of permanent impacts to Wetland WM.
Additionally, utilities installation will result in 0.1402 acres of permanent impacts to Wetland WM from mechanized clearing
due to the installation of a 8” Water Line.

Permit Site 11 (Sheet 18): The widening of I-95 will result in removal of an existing culvert and the installation of a new
culvert. An existing RCBC, that currently provides passage for Tenmile Swamp will be removed. The flow of Tenmile
Swamp will be maintained through 3 proposed 12’x12’ RCBC’s. The proposed culvert inlets will be installed on the west
side of I-95 in the approximate location of Tenmile swamp. There will be 34 lf of channel improvement (see Detail 2D-1); a
portion of the channel will be filled with Class II rip rap. The proposed culvert outlet will be installed on the east side of I-95
in the approximate location of Tenmile swamp. There will be 45 lf of channel improvements (see Detail 2D-1); a portion of
the channel will be filled with Class II rip rap. The installation of the culvert and associated with rip rap will result in 120 lf
and 0.220 acres of permanent impacts and 40 lf and 0.077 acres of temporary impacts to Tenmile Swamp.

Permit Site 12 (Sheet 18 & 19): The widening of I-95 will result in the installation of a 18” RCP-IV. The pipe and outlet
will be installed within the wetland boundary of Wetland WK located on the east side of I-95, just south of the proposed
RCBC. An existing 18” RCP, that currently diverts stormwater away from the roadway will be filled with flowable fill,
located on the east side of I-95, north of the proposed RCBC. The stormwater will be maintained through a proposed 18”
welded steel RCP-IV to be installed using trenchless methods, the outlet of which will be installed within Wetland WK. Class
B rip rap will be placed at the culvert outlet for bank stabilization. Roadway fill will occur within a portion of Wetland WK
located on the west side of I-95, just north of the proposed RCBC. A proposed 18” RCP-IV will be installed to the west side
I-95, north of the proposed RCBC. The pipe and outlet will be installed within Wetland WK. Class B rip rap will be placed at
the culvert outlet for bank stabilization. There will be 0.755 acres of permanent impats to Wetland WK due to roadway fill
and mechanized clearing.

Permit Site 13 (Sheet 20): The widening of I-95 will result in removal of an existing culvert and the installation of a new
culvert. An existing 18” RCP, that currently provides passage for Tributary TR will be filled with flowable fill. The flow of
Tributary TR will be maintained through a proposed 30” welded steel pipe that will be constructed using trenchless
installation. The proposed culvert outlet will be installed on the west side of I-95 in the approximate location of Tributary TR.
The proposed system outlet will result in 0.004 acres of permanent impacts and 0.001 acres of temporary impacts to open
water.

Permit Site 14 (Sheet 20): The widening of I-95 will result in impacts within Wetland WJ, located on the west side of I-95.
There will be 0.020 acres of permanent impats and 0.023 acres of permanent impacts to Wetland WJ due to roadway fill and
mechanized clearing.

Permit Site 15 (Sheet 33): The widening of I-95 will result in removal of existing pipes and the installation of two new
pipes. An existing 36” RCP and 42” CMP, that currently provides passage for Stream SO will be removed. The flow of
Stream SO will be maintained through a proposed 2 @ 48” RCP-IV; both ends of pipes will be buried 0.8 ft. The proposed
pipe inlet will be installed on the west side of I-95 in the approximate location of Stream SO. There will be a low flow
channel and flood plain bench (see Detail AI) and 30 lf of channel improvements. Class I rip rap (see Detail L) will be placed
at the culvert inlet for bank stabilization. The proposed outlet will be installed on the east side of I-95 in the approximate
location of Stream SO. There will be a low flow channel and flood plain bench (see Detail AI) and 35 lf of channel
improvements. Class I rip rap will be placed on the banks only at the culvert outlet for bank stabilization The proposed pipes
and associated bank stabilization will result in 108 lf and 0.018 acres of permanent impacts and 20 lf and 0.003 acres of
temporary impacts to Stream SO.

Permit Site 16 (Sheet 21): The widening of I-95 will result in the installation of two new culverts that will impact Wetland
WJ, located on the west side of I-95. A 48” welded steel pipe will be constructed using trenchless installation, the outlet of
which will be installed within Wetland WJ. Class I rip rap will be placed at the culvert outlet for bank stabilization. A 42”
welded steel pipe will be constructed using trenchless installation, the outlet of which will be installed within Wetland WJ.
Class B rip rap will be placed at the culvert outlet for bank stabilization. There will be 0.639 acres of permanent impats
Wetland WJ due to roadway fill and mechanized clearing.

Permit Site 17 (Sheet 21): The widening of I-95 will result in the creation of a new Base Ditch that will impact Wetland WJ,
located on the east side of I-95. A 8.0’ Base Ditch will be excavated within Wetland WJ in order to divert stormwater away

Page 11

from the roadside, into a nearby pipe. The ditch and roadway fill will result in 0.059 acres of permanent impacts to Wetland
WJ.

Permit Site 18 (Sheet 21): The widening of I-95 will result in impacts within Wetland WJ, located on the west side of I-95.
There will be 0.043 acres of permanent impacts to Wetland WJ due to roadway fill and mechanized clearing.

Permit Site 19 (Sheet 22): Per agreement between NCDOT Division 6, USACE, and the NCDWR, post verification,
previously designated Stream SP now extends 109 lf downstream of the 2 @ 48” RCP, on the west side of I-95, to the project
study area boundary. This change was reflected in the April 13, 2021 Non-Merger 30% Hydraulic Review Meeting and has
been recorded as part of the meeting minutes (Attachment F). The widening of I-95 will result in removal of an existing
culvert and the installation of a new culvert. An existing 48” RCP, that currently provides passage for Stream SP will be
removed. The flow of Stream SP will be maintained through a proposed 2@7’x7’ RCBC that will be buried 1’ and will have
a beveled headwall. The RCBC will have a 1’ flood bench, the south barrel will hav have a 1’ sill and the north barrel will
have a 2’ sill. The proposed culvert outlet will be installed on the west side of I-95 in the approximate location of Stream SP.
There will be 20 lf of channel improvement with a 1’ flood bench at the north barrel (see Detail LL). The proposed culvert
and outlet will be installed within Wetland WJ. Class I rip rap will be placed at the culvert outlet for bank stabilization (see
Detail GG). The proposed culvert inlet will be installed on the east side of I-95 in the approximate location of Stream SP.
There will be 19 lf of channel improvement with a 1’ flood bench at the north barrel (see Detail MM). The proposed RCBC
and associated bank stabilization will result in 164 lf and 0.038 acres of permanent impacts and 26 lf and 0.006 acres of
temporary impacts to Stream SP. There will be 0.013 acres of permanent impacts to Wetland WJ.

Permit Site 20 (Sheet 22 & 23): The widening of I-95 will result in removal of an existing culvert and the installation of a
new culvert. An existing 7’x7’ RCBC, that currently provides passage for Cowpen Branch will be removed. The flow of
Cowpen Branch will be maintained through a proposed 2@8’x9’ RCBC. The proposed culvert outlet will be installed on the
west side of I-95 in the approximate location of Cowpen Branch. There will be 20 lf of channel improvement (see Detail
NN). The proposed culvert and outlet will be installed within Wetland WI. Class II rip rap will be placed at the culvert outlet
for bank stabilization (see Detail GG). An existing 18” RCP, running under I-95 that carries stormwater away from the
roadway will be filled with flowable fill. A proposed RCP-IV and stormwater intake will be installed within Wetland WI.
The proposed culvert inlet will be installed on the east side of I-95. There will be 40 lf of channel improvement to Cowpen
Branch (see Detail OO). Two proposed 18” TB 2GI pipes will be installed to divert stormwater away from the roadway, the
outlet of which will be installed within Wetland WI. Class B rip rap will be placed at the pipe outlets for bank stabilization
within Wetland WI. There will be 40 lf of channel improvement to Cowpen Branch (see Detail OO). The proposed RCBC
and associated roadway fill, mechanized clearing and bank stabilization will result in 192 lf and 0.061 acres of permanent
impacts and 104 lf and 0.025 acres of temporary impacts to Cowpen Branch. There will be 0.280 acres of permanent impacts
to Wetland WI.

Permit Site 21 (Sheet 25): The widening of I-95 will result in the creation of a new Special Lateral 6.0’ Base Ditch that will
impact Wetland WH, located on the west side of I-95. The roadway fill, excavation and mechanized clearing will result in
0.291 acres of permanent impacts to Wetland WH.

Permit Site 21A (Sheet 25): The widening of I-95 will result in the creation of a new 10.0’ Base Ditch (see Detail JJ) that
will impact Stream SAB and Tributary TAD, located on the east side of I-95. The roadway fill and tail ditch cleanout will
result in 488 lf and 0.07 acres of temporary impacts to SAB and 0.013 acres of permanent impacts and .040 acres of
temporary impacts to TAD.

Permit Site 22 (Sheet 29): The widening of I-95 will result in removal of an existing pipe and the installation of a new
culvert. An existing 54” RCP, that currently provides passage for Cowpen Branch will be removed. The flow of Cowpen
Branch will be maintained through a proposed 2@8’x7’ RCBC that will be buried 1’ and will have a beveled headwall. The
RCBC will have a 1’ flood bench, the south barrel will hav have a 2’ sill and the north barrel will have a 1’ sill. The
proposed culvert inlet will be installed on the west side of I-95 in the approximate location of Cowpen Branch. The wingwall
of the proposed culvert will also result in impacts to Tributary TP, that flows north into Cowpen Branch at the roadside. Rip
rap will be placed at the inlet for bank stabilization (see Detail GG). There will be 18 lf of channel improvement with a 1’
flood bench at the south barrel (see Detail PP). The proposed culvert inelt will be installed within a portion of Wetland WG.
An existing 12” RCP, that also provides passage for Cowpen Branch will be removed. The proposed culvert outlet will be
installed on the east side of I-95. Class I and II rip rap will be placed at the culvert outlet for bank stabilization (see Detail
GG). There will be 32 lf of channel improvement with a 1’ flood bench at the south barrel (see Detail QQ). The proposed

Page 12

RCBC and associated bank stabilization, mechanized clearing and excavation will result in 119 lf and 0.028 acres of
permanent impacts and 45 lf and 0.007 acres of temporary impacts to Cowpen Branch and 0.022 permanent impacts to TP.
There will be 00.004 acres of permanent impacts to Wetland WG.

Permit Site 23 (Sheet 30): The widening of I-95 will result in removal of an existing pipe and the installation of a new
culvert. An existing 72” CMP, that currently provides passage for Cowpen Branch will be removed. The flow of Cowpen
Branch will be maintained through a proposed 2@8’x7’ RCBC that will be buried 1’ and will have a beveled headwall. The
RCBC will have a 1’ flood bench, the south barrel will hav have a 1’ sill and the north barrel will have a 2’ sill. The
proposed culvert oulet will be installed on the west side of I-95 in the approximate location of Cowpen Branch. Class I Rip
rap will be placed at the outlet for bank stabilization (see Detail GG). There will be 25 lf of channel improvement with a 1’
flood bench at the north barrel (see Detail RR). The proposed culvert inlet will be installed on the east side of I-95. An
existing 72” RCP, that also provides passage for Cowpen Branch will be removed. East of the inlet native material (see Detail
AA) will be used to fill a portion of Cowpen Branch. Class I rip rap will be placed at the culvert outlet for bank stabilization.
There will be 60 lf of channel improvement with a 1’ flood bench at the north barrel (see Detail SS). The proposed RCBC
and associated bank stabilizationwill result in 90 lf and 0.030 acres of permanent impacts and 40 lf and 0.016 acres of
temporary impacts to Cowpen Branch.

Table 11. I-5987B - Wetland Impacts
Permit
Drawing
Site
Number1
NRTR
Label2 Type Structure
Size/Type
Permanent
Impacts
(ac)3
Temporary
Impacts
(ac)
Hand
Clearing
Mitigation
Required4
(USACE)
1 WAF Riparian Channel
Improvements 0.174 -- -- Yes
3 WV Riparian 72” RCP 0.10 -- -- Yes
4 WZ Riparian Fill Slope 0.023 -- -- Yes
5 WF Riparian Fill/Cut
Slopes 2.392 -- -- Yes
5 WF Riparian Utility -- -- 0.094 No
9 WE Riparian 2@8’x8’
RCBC 0.383 -- -- Yes
9 WE Riparian Temporary
Bore Pit 0.030 -- -- Yes
10 WL Riparian 1@6’x7’
RCBC 0.533 -- -- Yes
10 WL Riparian Utility -- -- 0.166 No
11 WN Riparian 1@6’x7’
RCBC 0.018 -- -- Yes
12 WD Riparian Fill/Cut
Slopes 3.815 -- -- Yes
13 WC Riparian 3@9’x8’
RCBC 1.176 -- -- Yes
Total Riparian: 8.644 -- 0.260
Total Non-Riparian: -- -- --
Grand Total: 8.644 -- 0.260
Notes:
- = No impacts
1. Permit Drawing Site Numbers refer to Site numbers presented in the I-5987B Wetland and Surface Water Impacts Permit Drawings (August 24, 2021) included in Attachment
D.
2. Waterbody labels from STIP I-5987 NRTR/NRTM/JD (SAW-2019-01276)
3. Permanent Impacts include Permanent Fill, Excavation, and Mechanized Clearing in wetlands.
4. Mitigation required for streams and wetlands permanently impacted. Mitigation not required for open water features.

Page 13

Table 12. I-5987B - Stream Impacts
Note
* - See the I-5987B Wetland and Surface Water Impacts Permit Drawings (August 24, 2021) summary sheet for additional notes.
1. Permit Drawing Site Numbers refer to Site numbers presented in the I-5987B Wetland and Surface Water Impacts Permit Drawings (August 24, 2021) included in Attachment
D.
2. Waterbody labels from STIP I-5987 NRTR/NRTM/JD (SAW-2019-01276)
3. Mitigation required for features permanently impacted for USACE and DWR. DWR does not require mitigation for any permanent intermittent stream impacts or for permanent
perennial stream impacts less than 300 linear feet.
4. Total Mitigatable includes permanent impacts to perennial streams and intermittent streams as per USACE requirements, the higher mitigation amount.

Permit
Drawing
Site
Number1
NRTR
Label2
Classification
(from
NRTR)
Structure
Size/Type Permanent (ac) Temporary
(ac)
Permanent
(lf)
Temporary
(lf)
Mitigation
Required3
(USACE/DWR)
2 SR Intermittent 42” Welded
Steel Pipe 0.011 -- 30 -- Yes/No
2 SR Intermittent Base Ditch 0.006 0.004 50 20 Yes/No
3 SN Perennial 72” RCP 0.012 0.001 65 20 Yes/No
3 SN Perennial Riprap Pad
Outlet 0.003 0.001 25 10 Yes/No
5
Big
Marsh
Swamp
Perennial Bents and
Causeway 0.001 0.047 10 150 Yes/No
8 SQ Intermittent Rechannelization 0.008 -- 58 -- Yes/No
8 SQ Intermittent Riprap Pad
Outlet 0.006 0.005 25 10 Yes/No
9 Mercer
Branch Perennial 2@8’x8’ RCBC 0.051 -- 73 -- Yes/No
9 Mercer
Branch Perennial Bank
Stabilization 0.006 0.005 20 10 No/No
9 Mercer
Branch Perennial Riprap in
Channel 0.029 0.047 86 100 Yes/No
10 Brisson
Branch Perennial 1@6’x7’ RCBC 0.142 0.013 320 40 Yes/Yes
11 SK Perennial 1@6’x7’ RCBC 0.026 0.003 101 23 Yes/No
12
Little
Marsh
Swamp
Perennial Bents and
Causeway 0.008 0.289 150 30 Yes/No
13 Buckhorn
Swamp Perennial 3@9’x8’ RCBC 0.052 0.029 50 20 Yes/No
13 Buckhorn
Swamp Perennial Riprap in
Channel 0.048 -- 50 -- No/No*
Totals
Total Stream Impact: 0.409 0.444 1,113 433

Total Perennial Stream Impact: 0.378 0.435 950 403
Total Intermittent Stream Impact: 0.031 0.009 163 30
Total Perennial Mitigable: 0.324 -- 880 --
Total Intermittent Mitigable: 0.031 -- 163 --
Total Mitigable4: 0.355 -- 1,043 --

Page 14

Table 13. I-5987B – Open Water Impacts
Permit
Drawing
Site
Number1
NRTR
Label2
Classification
(from
NRTR)
Structure
Size/Type
Permanent
(ac)
Temporary
(ac)
Permanent
(lf)
Temporary
(lf)
Mitigation
Required3
1 TM Tributary Bank Stabilization 0.010 -- -- -- No
1 TM Tributary Channel
Improvemennts 0.062 0.001 -- -- No
6 TJ Tributary 48” Welded steel
Pipe 0.001 -- -- -- No
6 TJ Tributary Riprap Channel 0.014 0.003 -- -- No
7 TAC Tributary 2@54” Welded
Steel Pipe 0.022 -- -- -- No
7 TAC Tributary Riprap Pad Outlet 0.005 -- -- -- No
7 TAC Tributary Rechannelization 0.142 -- -- -- No
7A TH Tributary 2@ 54” RCP 0.008 -- -- -- No
7A TH Tributary Rechannelization 0.009 0.005 -- -- No
Total Open Water4: 0.273 0.009 -- -- No
Notes:
1. Permit Drawing Site Numbers refer to Site numbers presented in the I-5987B Wetland and Surface Water Impacts Permit Drawings (August 24, 2021) included in Attachment
D.
2. Waterbody labels from STIP I-5987 NRTR/NRTM/JD (SAW-2019-01276)
3. No mitigation required for impacts to surface waters verified as open water (ponds or jurisdictional ditches/tributaries).
4. Total Open Water includes impacts only to surface waters verified as open water (ponds or jurisdictional ditches/tributaries)

Permit Site 1 (Sheet 7): The widening of I-95 will result in removal of an existing pipe and the installation of a new pipe.
An existing 36” RCP will be filled will flowable fill. A proposed 54” welded steel pipe, constructed using trenchless
installation, will be installed slightly south of the existing location. The pipe will outlet into a Lateral 4’ Base Ditch (see
Detail AG) that carries stormwater drainange to Tributary TM. The outlet of the Lateral 4’ Base Ditch will have Class I rip
rap (see Detail AV). A Special Lateral V Ditch will also carry stormwater south to Tributary TM (see Deatail G). There will
be 445 Cubic Yards (CY) of channel improvements (see Detail BB) to Tributary TM which will also result in impacts to
Wetland WAF. The proposed channel improvements and associated bank stabilization will result in 0.072 acres of
permanent impacts and 0.001 acres of temporary impacts to Tributary TM, and 0.174 permanent impacts to Wetland WAF.

Permit Site 2 (Sheet 7): The widening of I-95 will result in removal of existing pipes and the installation of a new pipe. An
existing 18” RCP, that runs under I-95 and currently provides passage for Stream SR will be filled will flowable fill. The
flow of Stream SR will be maintained through a proposed 42” welded steel pipe, constructed using trenchless installation, at
the approximate location of Stream SR. The pipe will outlet into Stream SR on the east side of I-95. Class I rip rap will be
placed at the pipe outlet for bank stabilization. A Standard 4’ Base Tail Ditch (see Detail AT) will extend east, beyond the
pipe outlet, and will be constructed within Stream SR. An existing 18” RCP, connecting two segments of Stream SR, will be
removed. The proposed pipe and associated base ditch will result in 80 lf and 0.017 acres of permanent impacts and 20 lf and
0.004 acres of temporary impacts to Stream SR.

Permit Site 3 (Sheet 40): The widening and realignment of SR 1006 (-Y4) will result in removal of existing pipes and the
installation of new pipes. An existing 18” RCP that runs under Great Marsh Church Road, and currently provides passage for
Stream SN, will be removed. The flow of Stream SN will be maintained through a proposed 72” RCP-IV that will be buried
invert 1.00’. The proposed pipe inlet will be installed on the south side in the approximate location of Stream SN and within
Wetland WV. The fill slope along the inlet side will utilize toe protection (see Detail AC) for erosion prevention. The
proposed pipe will outlet to the north; Class II rip rap will be placed at the pipe outlet for bank stabilization. A 2’ Base Ditch
with Class I rip rap bank stabilization (see Detail AR) ties into Stream SN. The proposed pipe and associated bank
stabilization will result in 90 lf and 0.015 acres of permanent impacts and 30 lf and 0.002 acres of temporary impacts to
Stream SN. There will be 0.10 acres of permanent impacts to Wetland WV.

Permit Site 4 (Sheet 40): The widening of SR 1741 (-SR5-) will result in impacts to Wetland WZ due to the fill slope. These
impacts occurred because SR 1006 (-Y4-) was realigned, which caused the intersection of SR 1741 (-SR5-) to be adjusted.
Due to the close proximity to the road, within the proposed right of way, the proposed fill and mechanized clearing will result
in 0.023 acres of permanent impacts to Wetland WZ.

Page 15

Permit Site 5 (Sheet 10 & 11): The widening of I-95 will result in removal of an existing bridge and the installation of new
bridge. An existing 3 span concrete bridge, that currently provides passage for Big Marsh Swamp, will be removed. The flow
of Big Marsh Swamp will be maintained through a proposed 3 span bridge with 45” prestressed concrete girders (1@52.5’,
1@75’, 1@52.5’) with 2.5’ deep caps that is skewed 100 degrees. A workpad will be required to construct the proposed
bridge bents and will result in impacts to Big Marsh Swamp. The proposed southern bent will be installed mostly in the dry,
with slight impacts near the downstream face. The proposed northern bent will be installed completely in the dry, above the
top of bank. The proposed widening of I-95 and the installation of new bridge causeways will result in fill and mechanized
clearing within Wetland WF. Excavation within Wetland WF will occur south of the bridge, west of I-95, due to the creation
of a Special Lateral 6’ Base Ditch (see Detail F). There will be 10 lf and 0.001 acres of permanent impacts and 150 lf and
0.047 acres of temporary impacts to Big Marsh Swamp and 1.827 acres of permanent impacts to Wetland WF. Additionally,
utilities installation will result in 0.094 acres of temporary impacts to Wetland WF due to the installation of a Duke pole and
aerial lines.

Permit Site 6 (Sheet 12): The widening of I-95 will result in removal of an existing pipe and the installation of a new pipe.
An existing 30” RCP that provides passage for Tributary TJ, will be filled with flowable fill. The flow of Tributary TJ will be
maintained through a proposed 48” welded steel pipe that will be installed using a trenchless method. The proposed pipe inlet
will be installed on the east side of I-95. The outlet will be installed on the west in the approximate location of Tributary TJ.
Class I rip rap will be placed at the pipe outlet for bank stabilization and extend south down the channel where a Standard 4’
Base Tailditch (see Detail BD) will intersect. The proposed pipe and rip rap channel will result in 0.001 acres of permanent
impacts and 0.017 acres of temporary impacts to Tributary TJ.

Permit Sites 7 & 7A (Sheet 13 & 13A): The widening of I-95 will result in removal of existing pipes and the installation of
new pipes. An existing 36” RCP, 42” CMP and 42” RCP that provides passage for Tributary TH/TAC, will be filled with
flowable fill. The flow of Tributary TH/TAC will be maintained through two proposed 54” RCP-III pipes under -Y5RPA-,
continued via dual 54” welded steel pipes that will be installed using a trenchless method. Two Standard 8’ Base Ditches,
lined with Class I rip rap, divert stormwater away from the road and into Tributary TH, site 7A. The proposed pipe outlet will
be installed on the east side of I-95 in the approximate location of Tributary TAC, Site 7. Class I rip rap will be placed at the
pipe outlet for bank stabilization. A Standard 6’ Base Ditch (see Detail K) will extend east down the channel from the outlet,
to Sanford Street at a Standard Base Ditch Transition (see Detail BF). An existing 24” RCP, that provides passage for TAC
under Sanford Street, will be removed. Flow of Tributary TAC will be maintained under Sanford Street by two proposed 48”
RCP-IV. The proposed pipe inlets will be installed on the west side of Sanford Street. The proposed pipe outlets will be
installed on the east side of Sanford Street. Class I rip rap will be placed at the outlet for bank stabilization and scour
prevention. A Standard Base Ditch Transition (see Detail BF) will extend east from the outlet before transitioning to a
Standard 6’ Base Tail Ditch (see Detail K). The proposed pipes, rip rap and rechannelization will result in 0.186 acres of
permanent impacts and 0.005 acres of temporary impacts to Tributaries TH and TAC.

Permit Site 8 (Sheet 16): The widening of I-95 will result in removal of an existing pipe and the installation of a new pipe.
An existing 42” RCP that diverts stormwater away from the roadway into Stream SQ, will be filled with flowable fill. A
proposed 66” welded steel pipe, installed using a trenchless method, will divert storwater to Stream SQ. The proposed pipe
outlet will be located on the east side of I-95. Class I rip rap will be placed at the pipe outlet for bank stabilization which will
extend north into the channel of Stream SQ. The proposed rechannelization and rip rap will result in 83 lf and 0.014 acres of
permanent impacts and 10 lf and 0.005 acres of temporary impacts to Stream SQ.

Permit Site 9 (17 & 18): The widening of I-95 will result in removal of an existing culvert and the installation of a new
culvert. An existing 2@7’x6’RCBC, that provides passage for Mercer Branch, will be removed. The flow of Mercer Branch
will be maintained at approximate location through a proposed 2@8’x8’ RCBC. The proposed culvert inlet will be installed
on the west side of I-95 within Wetland WE. Class II rip rap (see Detail 1-1), 2’ thick, will be placed at the inlet (25 lf) within
the channel and along the banks for scour repair/prevention and bank stabilization, respectively. The proposed culvert outlet
will be installed on the east side of I-95 within Wetland WE. Class II rip rap will be placed on the banks only (see Detail 1-2)
for bank stabilization. There will be 32 lf of channel improvements to Mercher Branch at the outlet. The installation of a
temporary bore pit will result in excavation (due to a bore pit from which the pipe will be installed) and mechanized clearing
in Wetland WE. The excavation will be filled once construction is complete (=/- 1 month impacted) and should be considered
“temporary impacts to wetlands”. This small area will not require mitigation. The proposed RCBC and pipe installation, bank
stabilization, and rip rap in the channel will result in 179 lf and 0.086 acres of permanent impacts and 110 lf an 0.052 acres of
temporary impacts to Mercer Branch and 0.946 acres of permanent impacts to Wetland WE.

Page 16

Permit Site 10 (20 & 21): The widening of I-95 will result in removal of existing pipes and the installation of a new culvert
associated with the realignment of Oakland Road. The five existing 36” RCP’s, in series, that provides passage for Brisson
Branch under I-95, will be removed. The flow of Brisson Branch will be maintained through a proposed 1@6’x7’ RCBC,
that will be buried 1’ and will have a beveled headwall. The proposed culvert outlet will be installed within Wetland WL, on
the east side of Oakland road. Class I rip rap will be placed at the outlet for bank stabilization (see Detail 2-2). Class B rip rap
will be placed as toe protection (see Detail AC) at the base of the fill line to the south east of the outlet. The 4’ Special Cut
Base Ditch (see Detail A) will be replacing an existing ditch that is being covered by fill. The proposed culvert inlet will be
installed on the west side of I-95. Brisson Branch will be diverted to a 6’ Base Channel Change (see Detail AG) before
entering the proposed culvert. The proposed RCBC will result in 320 lf and 0.142 acres of permanent impacts and 40 lf and
0.013 acres of temporary impacts to Brisson Branch and 0.533 acres of permanent impacts to Wetland WL. Additionally,
utilities installation will result in 0.166 acres of temporary impact to Wetland WL due to the installation of a Duke pole and
aerial lines

Permit Site 11 (44): The realignment of SR 1726 will result in removal of an existing pipe and the installation of a new
culvert. An existing 60” RCP that provides passage for Stream SK, beneath W McRainey Rd., will be removed. The flow of
Stream SK will be maintained through a proposed 1@6’x7’ RCBC that will be buried 1’ and have a beveled headwall. The
proposed culvert outlet is located to the north east of W McRainey Road and will result in impacts to Wetland WN.
Improvements will be made to the outlet channel (see Detail CSR 3-1) and Class I rip rap will placed for channel and bank
stabilization.The proposed culvert inlet will be installed to the south west of W McRainey Road, in the approximate location
of Stream SK, and will result in impacts to Wetland WN. Class I rip rap will be placed at the inlet for bank stabilization. The
proposed RCBC will result in 101 lf and 0.026 acres of permanent impacts and 23 lf and 0.003 acres of temporary impacts to
Stream SK and 0.18 acres of permanent impacts to Wetland WN.

Permit Site 12 (28-30): The widening of I-95 will result in removal of two existing bridges and the installation of a new
bridge. The two existing 4 span bridges, one south bound and one north bound, that provides passage for Little Marsh
Swamp, will be removed. The flow of Little Marsh Swamp will be maintained through a proposed 2 span bridge at
approximate location of Little Marsh Swamp. A workpad will be required for the construction of causeways and bents for the
new structure. Only one workpad will be allowed in place at one time and will not block more than 50% of the channel. The
proposed upstream face of the bridge will be installed to the west of I-95 in the approximate location of Little Marsh Swamp
and, along with the widening of I-95, will result in impacts to Wetland WD. The proposed downstream face of the bridge will
be installed to the east of I-95 in approximate location of Little Marsh Swamp, with impacts to Wetland WD. Wetland WD
also runs parallel along both sides of I-95 and will require Class B rip rap toe protection (see Detail AC), north and south of
the proposed bridge. The proposed bent, causeways, fill and cut slopes will result in 150 lf and 0.008 acres of permanent
impacts and 30 lf and 0.289 acres of temporary impacts to Little Marsh Swamp and 3.815 acres of permanent impacts to
Wetland WD.

Permit Site 13 (37 & 38): The widening of I-95 will result in removal of a existing culvert and the installation of a new
culvert. The existing 3@9’x7’ RCBC, that provides passage for Buckhorn Swamp, will be removed. The flow of Buckhorn
Swamp will be maintained through a proposed 3@9’x8’ RCBC at approximate location of Buckhorn Swamp. The proposed
RCBC inlet will be installed on the west side of I-95. Class II rip rap (see Detail CSR) will be placed in the channel for
stabilization and scour prevention. The proposed RCBC outlet will be installed on the east side of I-95 in the approximate
location of Buckhorn Swamp. Class II rip rap (see Detail CSR) will be placed in the stream channel for stabilization and
scour prevention, but will not require mitigation. Wetland WC runs parallel along both sides of I-95 and will require Class B
rip rap (see Detail AC) toe protection, north and south of the proposed culvert. The proposed RCBC and associated rip rap in
channel will result in 100 lf and 0.1 acres of permanent and 20 lf and 0.029 acres of temporary stream impacts to Buckhorn
Swamp and 1.176 acres of permanent wetland impacts to Wetland WC.

10.0 Protected Species

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) lists five federally-protected species for Robeson County as of August
23, 2021 (Table 14).

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Table 14. Federally-Protected Species in Robeson County
Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Present Federal Status Biological
Conclusion
Vertebrate:
American Alligator Alligator
mississippiensis Yes T (S/A) N/A
Northern long-eared
bat Myotis septentrionalis Yes T MA-LAA
Red-Cockaded
Woodpecker Picoides borealis Yes E No Effect
Wood stork Mycteria americana Yes T MA-NLAA
Vascular Plant:
Michaux’s sumac Rhus michauxii Yes E No Effect
E – Endangered
T – Threatened
MA-LAA – May Affect Likely to Adversely Affect
N/A – Not applicable
T(S/A) – Threatened due to similarity of appearance

The US Fish and Wildlife Service has revised the previous programmatic biological opinion (PBO) in conjunction with the
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and NCDOT for the northern long-
eared bat (NLEB) (Myotis septentrionalis) in eastern North Carolina. The PBO covers the entire NCDOT program in
Divisions 1-8, including all NCDOT projects and activities. Although this programmatic covers Divisions 1-8, NLEBs are
currently only known in 19 counties, but may potentially occur in 11 additional counties within Divisions 1-8. NCDOT,
FHWA, and USACE have agreed to two conservation measures which will avoid/minimize mortality of NLEBs. These
conservation measures only apply to the 30 current known/potential counties shown on Figure 2 of the PBO at this time. The
programmatic determination for NLEB for the NCDOT program is May Affect, Likely to Adversely Affect. The PBO will
ensure compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act for ten years (effective through December 31, 2030) for all
NCDOT projects with a federal nexus in Divisions 1-8, which includes Robeson County, where I-5987 is located. At
individual project sites where a total of 1.0 acre or more of tree clearing will occur, no tree clearing will occur during the
portion of the day that the air temperature is <40 degrees Fahrenheit in order to protect NLEBs that may be in torpor. This
restriction is only subject to the known/potential range (30 coastal counties) that is shown in Figure 2 of the 2020 PBO.

10.1 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection (BGPA)

In the July 9, 2007 Federal Register (72:37346-37372), the bald eagle was declared recovered, and removed (de-listed) from
the Federal List of Threatened and Endangered wildlife. This delisting took effect August 8, 2007. After delisting, the Bald
and Golden Eagle Protection Act (Eagle Act) (16 U.S.C. 668-668d) became the primary law protecting bald eagles. Nesting
and foraging habitat is present in the project area, however no bald eagle nests or individuals have been seen within a 660-
foot radius of the project area.

10.2 Moratoria

There is no in-stream work moratorium required for I-5987.

11.0 Cultural Resources

11.1 Historic Architectural Resources

The potential effect of the proposed project on historic architectural resources was evaluated in accordance with Section 106
of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. The NCDOT Cultural Resources Group determined that the
project would have No Effect on historic resources.

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11.2 Archaeological Resources

The potential effect of the proposed project on archaeological resources was evaluated in accordance with Section 106 of the
National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, administered under the 2007 Programmatic Agreement for Minor
Transportation Projects (Revised 2015) between the FHWA, NCDOT, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
(ACHP), and SHPO. The NCDOT Cultural Resources Group determinied that no National Register listed archaeological sites
are located within the I-5987 project study area and no National Register eligible sites would be affected by the project.

12.0 FEMA Compliance

The project has been coordinated with appropriate state and local officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) to assure compliance with FEMA, state, and local floodway regulations.

13.0 Mitigation Options

NCDOT is committed to incorporating all reasonable and practicable design features to avoid and minimize jurisdictional
impacts, and to provide full compensatory mitigation of all remaining, unavoidable jurisdictional impacts. Avoidance
measures were implemented to the extent possible during the planning and design phases, and minimization measures were
incorporated into the project design.

USACE has adopted, through the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), a wetland mitigation policy that embraces the
concept of “no net loss of wetlands” and sequencing. The purpose of this policy is to restore and maintain the chemical,
biological, and physical integrity of the waters of the United States. CEQ has defined mitigation of wetland and surface water
impacts to include: avoiding impacts, minimizing impacts, rectifying impacts, reducing impacts over time, and compensating
for impacts (40 CFR 1508.20).

13.1 Avoidance and Minimization

All jurisdictional features were delineated, field-verified, and surveyed within the study area. Proposed widening of I-95
towards the median in areas where possible has aided in reducing the project footprint and overall impact to jurisdictional
resources. The designs were developed in more detail and adjusted to avoid and minimize impacts to jurisdictional areas.
Project designs were reviewed during development stages by an interagency review team consisting of 34 representatives
from NCDOT, NCDEQ-DWR, USACE, NV5, MI Engineering, Mott MacDonald, Wetherill Engineering, Gannett Fleming
and Sungate Design Group. Input from parties concerned have helped develop appropriate and practicable steps to avoid and
minimize impacts to sensitive areas.

NCDOT employs many strategies to avoid and minimize impacts to jurisdictional areas in all of its designs. Many of these
strategies have been incorporated into BMP documents that have been reviewed and approved by the resource agencies that
will be followed throughout construction. All wetland areas not affected by the project will be protected from unnecessary
encroachment. General avoidance and minimization measures are as follows:

• NCDOT’s Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the Protection of Surface Waters shall be incorporated to the maximum
extent practicable;
• Impacts to wetlands, streams, and open waters were avoided and/or minimized by adjusting proposed alignments and
slopes;
• 3:1 fill slopes have been used at most stream and wetland crossings to reduce impacts;
• Stormwater design velocities entering jurisdictional wetlands have been mitigated to be non-erosive (less than 2 fps);
• Stormwater was designed to avoid direct discharge into jurisdictional features to the maximum extent practicable;
• Rip rap stabilization on banks of jurisdictional streams will be implemented to prevent erosion;
• Minimizing “in stream” activities;
• Open shoulder sections were maximized to promote sheet flow from the roadway;
• Pipes via Trenchless installation built offline. This provides faster construction in the dry, less time in/around the
jurisdictional features, and a safer work area for the travelling public and construction crews;
• Utilized “Culvert Avoidance and Minimization Design Guidance” for proposed box culverts, as much as practicable.

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13.2 Compensation

The NCDOT has avoided and minimized impacts to jurisdictional resources to the greatest extent possible as described
above. For linear public transportation projects, mitigation shall be required for impacts equal to or exceeding 150 linear feet
per stream or one acre of wetlands. Since this project is a linear transportation project and jurisdictional impacts exceed 150
linear feet of stream and one acre of wetland, mitigation is required.

Compensatory mitigation requirements for I-5987 jurisdictional features are summarized below in Table 15. This project
proposes to permanently impact a total of 2,061 linear feet of warm water streams, including 1,898 lf of perennial stream
channel (of which 1,462 lf will be subject to mitigation) and 163 lf of intermittent stream channel (of which 163 lf will be
subject to mitigation). The project will also permanently impact a total 14.144 acres of wetlands including 13.853 acres of
riparian wetlands and 0.291 acres of non-riparian wetlands. The unavoidable impacts to Waters of the U. S. will be offset by
compensatory mitigation provided by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Division of
Mitigation Services (DMS) at ratios of 2:1 for wetland and perennial stream impacts, 1:1 for intermittent stream impacts.
There will be no mitigation required for permanent impacts to streams impacted by bank stabilization.

Table 15. I-5987 A & B Jurisdictional Feature Mitigation Summary
Streams and
Wetlands River Basin HUC Eco-Region
Stream (lf) Wetlands (ac)
Cold Cool Warm Riparian Non-
Riparian
Coastal
Marsh
Impacts Lumber 03040203 NICP -- -- 1,625 13.853 0.291 --
USACE1/DWR2 1,625/320 14.144
Grand Total3 1,625 14.144
Notes
1 Mitigation calculations for USACE includes permanent impacts to Perennial streams and Intermittent Streams.
2 Mitigation calculations for DWR includes permanent impacts to Perennial streams with an impact total of 300 or more linear feet.
3 Grand Total reports the higher mitigation amount required for the I-5987 project.

NCDOT is applying for a Section 404 Individual Permit for the entire 16.06-mile widening corridor with final designs from
the I-5987 A & B Sections. NCDOT has coordinated with NCDEQ DMS to reserve mitigation credits for the entire corridor
and will provide an acceptance letter for impacts the project (Table 16 and 17). An acceptance letter from NCDEQ DMS is
attached (Attachment E).

Table 16. I-5987A Jurisdictional Feature Mitigation Summary
Streams and
Wetlands River Basin HUC Eco-Region
Stream (lf) Wetlands (ac)
Cold Cool Warm Riparian Non-
Riparian
Coastal
Marsh
Impacts Lumber 03040203 NICP -- -- 582 5.209 0.291 --
USACE1/DWR2 582/0 5.5
Grand Total3 582 5.5
Notes
1 Mitigation calculations for USACE includes permanent impacts to Perennial streams and Intermittent Streams.
2 Mitigation calculations for DWR includes permanent impacts to Perennial streams with an impact total of 300 or more linear feet.
3 Grand Total reports the higher mitigation amount required by USACE for the I-5987A project.

Table 17. I-5987B Jurisdictional Feature Mitigation Summary
Streams and
Wetlands River Basin HUC Eco-Region
Stream (lf) Wetlands (ac)
Cold Cool Warm Riparian Non-
Riparian
Coastal
Marsh
Impacts Lumber 03040203 NICP -- -- 1,043 8.644 -- --
USACE1/DWR2 1,043/320 8.644
Grand Total3 1,043 8.644
Notes
1 Mitigation calculations for USACE includes permanent impacts to Perennial streams and Intermittent Streams.
2 Mitigation calculations for DWR includes permanent impacts to Perennial streams with an impact total of 300 or more linear feet.
3 Grand Total reports the higher mitigation amount required for the I-5987B project.

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14.0 Indirect and Cumulative Effects

Transportation impact causing activities as a result of this project may include: new network connections, an increase in
access, or creation of activity centers. This project has a low likelihood to increase development potential and intensity in the
areas adjacent to the project corridor. This score is most reflective of the project scope (16.06 miles of widening), public
policy in place to manage growth, abundance of available land, presence of notable environmental features, and a lack of
travel time savings resulting from the project. The project does not require analysis for direct, indirect or cumulative effects
based on the NCDOT Community Studies Screening Tool.

15.0 Essential Fish Habitat

The project will not impact any Essential Fish Habitat afforded protection under the Magnuson Stevens Act of 1996 (16
U.S.C 1801 et seq.)

16.0 Wild and Scenic Rivers

The project will not impact any designated Wild and Scenic Rivers or any rivers included in the list of study rivers (Public
Law 90-542, as amended).

17.0 Regulatory Approvals

Section 404: Application is hereby made for a USACE Individual 404 Permit as required for the above-described activities

Section 401: We are requesting a Section 401 Water Quality Certification from NCDWR, and providing this application to
NCDEQ for their approval.

A copy of this permit request and its distribution list will be posted on the NCDOT website at:
https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/Environmental

Sincerely,

Gregory W. Price, PWS
Division Environmental Officer
North Carolina Department of Transportation

Cc: Hannah Sprinkle, NCDWR
NCDOT Permit Application Standard Distribution List

Attachments

Attachment A: I-5987 Project Vicinity Map
Attachment B: ENG Form 4345
Attachment C: I-5987 State Stormwater Management Plan
Attachment D: I-5987 Wetland and Surface Water Impacts Permit Drawings and Utility Drawings
Attachment E: I-5987 DMS Mitigation Acceptance Letter
Attachment F: I-5987 Non-Merger 30% Hydraulic Design Review Meeting Minutes
Attachment G: I-5987 Permit Drawings Review Meeting Minutes
Attachment H: I-5987 Permit Labels
Attachment I: I-5987 PreFiling Meeting Request
Attachment J: I-5987 Environmental Document