20130832 Ver 1_Scoping Comments_20130402

Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Project Review Form
Project Number: 13 -0378 County: Wake
I)ue. Da;te.4/22�/20,=13
Date Received: 03/27/2013
Project Description: Scoping - Proposed project is for the Smith and Sanford Creek Greenway and
Heritage Lake Road sidewalk project. NCDOT�STIPYC=516^ 4-
This Project is being reviewed as indicated below:
Regional Office
Regional Office Area
In -House Review
Asheville
✓
Air
Air Quality
Coastal Management
Fayetteville
✓
Water
Marine Fisheries
_ Military Affairs
Mooresville
✓
Aquifer Protection
✓ Parks & Recreation
_ Water Quality
✓ Raleigh
✓
Land Quality Engineer
Waste M gm
gR.
�/ Water er Quality -DOT
Ridings
Washington
✓
UST
Water Resources Mgmt
Wildlife
Wilmington
✓ Water Supply Section
✓ Wildlife — DOT T. Wilson
Winston -Salem
Manager Sign- Off /Region:
Response (check all applicable)
No objection to project as proposed.
Insufficient information to complete review
Date: IIn -House Reviewer /Agency:
No Comment
Other (specify or attach comments)
If you have any questions, please contact:
Lyn Hardison at lyn.hardison @ncdenr.gov or [phone] ZO, ��
943 Washington Square Mall, Washington NC 27889 4?, �� 3
Courier No. 16 -04 -01 Uq�/J
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North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Pat McCrory Charles Wakild, P. E. John E. Skvarla, III
Governor Director Secretary
April 1, 2013
MEMORANDUM
To: Candace Davis, Senior Planner, Town of Wake Forest
From: Rob Ridings, NC Division of Water Quality Transportation Permitting Unit J
o\
Subject: Scoping comments on proposed Smith and Sanford Creek Greenway in Wake County, Federal
Aid Project No. CMS -0527(10), State Project No. 46229.1.1, TIP No. C-5164.
Reference your correspondence received March 22, 2013 in which you requested comments for the
referenced project. Preliminary analysis of the project reveals the potential for impacts to streams, buffers
and/or jurisdictional wetlands in the project area. More specifically, impacts to:
River Basin & Stream Index d Listing Stream Name Subbasin Stream Classifications Number 303(d) g
Smith Creek Neuse 02 C; NSW 27-23-(2) Yes
Sanford Creek J Neuse 02 C; NSW 27-23-5 No
Further investigations at a higher resolution should be undertaken to verify the presence of other streams
and/or jurisdictional wetlands in the area. In the event that any jurisdictional areas are identified, the
Division of Water Quality requests that applicant consider the following environmental issues for the
proposed project:
Project Specific Comments:
1. Sanford Creek is class C; NSW waters of the State. NCDWQ is very concerned with sediment and
erosion impacts that could result from this project. NCDWQ recommends that highly protective sediment
and erosion control BMPs be implemented to reduce the risk of nutrient runoff to Sanford Creek and any
tributaries. NCDWQ requests that road design plans provide treatment of the storm water runoff through
best management practices as detailed in the most recent version of NCDWQ's Stormwater Best
Management Practices.
2. Smith Creek is class C; NSW; 303(d) impaired waters of the State. NCDWQ is very concerned with
sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project. NCDWQ recommends that the most
protective sediment and erosion control BMPs be implemented in accordance with Design Standards in
Sensitive Watersheds (15A NCAC 04B .0124) to reduce the risk of further impairment to Smith Creek
and its tributaries. NCDWQ requests that road design plans provide treatment of the storm water runoff
through best management practices as detailed in the most recent version of NCDWQ Stormwater Best
Management Practices.
Transportation and Permitting Unit
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
Location: 512 N. Salisbury St. Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Internet: www.ncwaterguali!y.org
An Equal Opportunity \ Affirmative Action Employer
NorthCarolina
Natl(rallff

3. This project is within the Neuse River Basin. Riparian buffer impacts shall be avoided and minimized
to the greatest extent possible pursuant to 15A NCAC 2B.0233. New development activities located in the
protected 50 -foot wide riparian areas within the basin shall be limited to "uses" identified within and
constructed in accordance with 15A NCAC 213.0233. Buffer mitigation may be required for buffer
impacts resulting from activities classified as "allowable with mitigation" within the "Table of Uses"
section of the Buffer Rules or require a variance under the Buffer Rules. A buffer mitigation plan,
including use of the NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program, must be provided to NCDWQ prior to
approval of the Water Quality Certification. Buffer mitigation may be required for buffer impacts
resulting from activities classified as "allowable with mitigation" within the "Table of Uses" section of
the Buffer Rules or require a variance under the Buffer Rules. A buffer mitigation plan, including use of
the NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program, must be provided to NCDWQ prior to approval of the Water
Quality Certification.
General & Standard Transportation Project Comments:
The environmental document should provide a detailed and itemized presentation of the proposed
impacts to wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping. If mitigation is necessary as
required by 15A NCAC 211.0506(h), it is preferable to present a conceptual (if not finalized)
mitigation plan with the environmental documentation. Appropriate mitigation plans will be
required prior to issuance of a 401 Water Quality Certification.
2. Environmental impact statement alternatives shall consider design criteria that reduce the impacts to
streams and wetlands from storm water runoff. These alternatives shall include road designs that
allow for treatment of the storm water runoff through best management practices as detailed in the
most recent version of NCDWQ's Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual, July 2007, such
as grassed swales, buffer areas, preformed scour holes, retention basins, etc.
After the selection of the preferred alternative and prior to an issuance of the 401 Water Quality
Certification, the applicant is respectfully reminded that they will need to demonstrate the
avoidance and minimization of impacts to wetlands (and streams) to the maximum extent practical.
In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules {I 5A NCAC
2H.0506(h)), mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 1 acre to wetlands. In the event
that mitigation is required, the mitigation plan shall be designed to replace appropriate lost
functions and values. The NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program may be available for use as
wetland mitigation.
4. In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules 11 5A NCAC
2H.0506(h)}, mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 150 linear feet to any single
stream. In the event that mitigation is required, the mitigation plan shall be designed to replace
appropriate lost functions and values. The NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program may be available
for use as stream mitigation.
5. Future documentation, including the 401 Water Quality Certification Application, shall continue to
include an itemized listing of the proposed wetland and stream impacts with corresponding
mapping.
6. NCDWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project.
The applicant shall address these concerns by describing the potential impacts that may occur to the
aquatic environments and any mitigating factors that would reduce the impacts.

7. An analysis of cumulative and secondary impacts anticipated as a result of this project is required.
The type and detail of analysis shall conform to the NC Division of Water Quality Policy on the
assessment of secondary and cumulative impacts dated April 10, 2004.
8. The applicant is respectfully reminded that all impacts, including but not limited to, bridging, fill,
excavation and clearing, and rip rap to jurisdictional wetlands, streams, and riparian buffers need to
be included in the final impact calculations. These impacts, in addition to any construction impacts,
temporary or otherwise, also need to be included as part of the 401 Water Quality Certification
Application.
Where streams must be crossed, NCDWQ prefers bridges be used in lieu of culverts. However, we
realize that economic considerations often require the use of culverts. Please be advised that
culverts should be countersunk to allow unimpeded passage by fish and other aquatic organisms.
Moreover, in areas where high quality wetlands or streams are impacted, a bridge may prove
preferable. When applicable, the applicant should not install the bridge bents in the creek, to the
maximum extent practicable.
10. Whenever possible, NCDWQ prefers spanning structures. Spanning structures usually do not
require work within the stream or grubbing of the streambanks and do not require stream channel
realignment. The horizontal and vertical clearances provided by bridges shall allow for human and
wildlife passage beneath the structure. Fish passage and navigation by canoeists and boaters shall
not be blocked. Bridge supports (bents) should not be placed in the stream when possible.
11. Bridge deck drains shall not discharge directly into the stream. Stormwater shall be directed across
the bridge and pre-treated through site -appropriate means (grassed swales, pre -formed scour holes,
vegetated buffers, etc.) before entering the stream. Please refer to the most current version of
NCDWQ's Stormwater Best Management Practices.
12. Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands or streams.
13. Borrow/waste areas should avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practical. Impacts to wetlands in
borrow/waste areas will need to be presented in the 401 Water Quality Certification and could
precipitate compensatory mitigation.
14. The 401 Water Quality Certification application will need to specifically address the proposed
methods for stormwater management. More specifically, stormwater shall not be permitted to
discharge directly into streams or surface waters.
15. Based on the information presented in the document, the magnitude of impacts to wetlands and
streams may require Nationwide Permit application to the Corps of Engineers and corresponding
401 Water Quality Certification. Please be advised that a 401 Water Quality Certification requires
satisfactory protection of water quality to ensure that water quality standards are met and no
wetland or stream uses are lost. Final permit authorization will require the submittal of a formal
application by the applicant and written concurrence from NCDWQ. Please be aware that any
approval will be contingent on appropriate avoidance and minimization of wetland and stream
impacts to the maximum extent practical, the development of an acceptable stormwater
management plan, and the inclusion of appropriate mitigation plans where appropriate.

16. If concrete is used during construction, a dry work area shall be maintained to prevent direct contact
between curing concrete and stream water. Water that inadvertently contacts uncured concrete shall
not be discharged to surface waters due to the potential for elevated pH and possible aquatic life and
fish kills.
17. If temporary access roads or detours are constructed, the site shall be graded to its preconstruction
contours and elevations. Disturbed areas shall be seeded or mulched to stabilize the soil and
appropriate native woody species shall be planted. When using temporary structures the area shall
be cleared but not grubbed. Clearing the area with chain saws, mowers, bush -hogs, or other
mechanized equipment and leaving the stumps and root mat intact allows the area to re -vegetate
naturally and minimizes soil disturbance.
18. Unless otherwise authorized, placement of culverts and other structures in waters and streamsshall
be placed below the elevation of the streambed by one foot for all culverts with a diameter greater
than 48 inches, and 20 percent of the culvert diameter for culverts having a diameter less than 48
inches, to allow low flow passage of water and aquatic life. Design and placement of culverts and
other structures including temporary erosion control measures shall not be conducted in a manner
that may result in dis-equilibrium of wetlands or streambeds or banks, adjacent to or upstream and
down stream of the above structures. The applicant is required to provide evidence that the
equilibrium is being maintained if requested in writing by NCDWQ. If this condition is unable to
be met due to bedrock or other limiting features encountered during construction, please contact
NCDWQ for guidance on how to proceed and to determine whether or not a permit modification
will be required.
19. If multiple pipes or barrels are required, they shall be designed to mimic natural stream cross section
as closely as possible including pipes or barrels at flood plain elevation, floodplain benches, and/or
sills may be required where appropriate. Widening the stream channel should be avoided. Stream
channel widening at the inlet or outlet end of structures typically decreases water velocity causing
sediment deposition that requires increased maintenance and disrupts aquatic life passage.
20. If foundation test borings are necessary; it shall be noted in the document. Geotechnical work is
approved under General 401 Certification Number 3687/Nationwide Permit No. 6 for Survey
Activities.
21. Sediment and erosion control measures sufficient to protect water resources must be implemented
and maintained in accordance with the most recent version of North Carolina Sediment and Erosion
Control Planning and Design Manual and the most recent version of NCS000250.
22. All work in or adjacent to stream waters shall be conducted in a dry work area. Approved BMP
measures from the most current version of NCDOT Construction and Maintenance Activities
manual such as sandbags, rock berms, cofferdams and other diversion structures shall be used to
prevent excavation in flowing water.
23. While the use of National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps, NC Coastal Region Evaluation of
Wetland Significance (NC -CREWS) maps and soil survey maps are useful tools, their inherent
inaccuracies require that qualified personnel perform onsite wetland delineations prior to permit
approval.
24. Heavy equipment should be operated from the bank rather than in stream channels in order to
minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other pollutants into streams. This

equipment shall be inspected daily and maintained to prevent contamination of surface waters from
leaking fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials.
25. Riprap shall not be placed in the active thalweg channel or placed in the streambed in a manner that
precludes aquatic life passage. Bioengineering boulders or structures should be properly designed,
sized and installed.
26. Riparian vegetation (native trees and shrubs) shall be preserved to the maximum extent possible.
Riparian vegetation must be reestablished within the construction limits of the project by the end of
the growing season following completion of construction.
Thank you for requesting our input at this time. The applicant is reminded that issuance of a 401 Water
Quality Certification requires that appropriate measures be instituted to ensure that water quality
standards are met and designated uses are not degraded or lost. If you have any questions or require
additional information, please contact Rob Ridings at 919-807-6403.
cc: Meredith Van Duyn, Kimley-Horn & Associates, PO Box 33068, Raleigh NC 27636-3068
File Copy

March 21, 2013
TOWN of
WAKE FOREST
To: Crystal Best, NC State Clearinghouse
Renee Gledhill -Earley, NCDCR (SHPO)
Chris Militscher, USEPA
Clarence Coleman, FHWA
Felix Davila, FHWA
Gary Jordan, USFWS
Travis Wilson, NCWRC
Amy Simes, NCDENR
Eric Alsmeyer, USACE
Kevin Hart, NCDMF — Northern Coastal
Rob Ridings, NCDENR-DWQ
Marta Matthews, NCDOT
From: Candace Davis, Senior Planner—Town of Wake Forest
301 S. Brooks Street
Wake Forest, NC 27587
t 919.435.9400
www.wakeforestnc.gov
RE: Project Initiation for the Proposed Smith and Sanford Creek Greenway and Heritage
Lake Road Sidewalk, Town of Wake Forest, Wake County, NCDOT TIP Project C-5164,
WBS 46229.1.1, Federal Aid Number CMS -0527(10)
The Town of Wake Forest is starting the project development, environmental, and engineering
studies for the proposed Smith and Sanford Creek Greenway and Heritage Lake Road sidewalk
project. This is a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) project and is included in the
NCDOT State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) as Project C-5164. It will connect
existing pedestrian and bicycle facilities in the Town of Wake Forest. .• ;'.---
`
Attached for your review and comments are several maps for the subjectiproject: 4e -would
appreciate any information you might have that would be helpful in!eva'luating potential
environmental impacts of the project. If applicable, please identify anypermits or approvals y
that may be required by your agency/department. An agency % oping meetingris,not anticipated
to be scheduled for this project. Please provide written comments by/May 3, 2013 via mail oras ; '
email to me at [e-mail] or Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks Street;;Wake `f
I 1 '� R�cre 2t:Erit
Forest, NC 27587. Environmental documentation (anticipated to beta Programmatic,Categorical r
Exclusion) will be prepared for this project in accordance with�th�e NationaliEnvironmentalEPolicy r
Act. -
Thank you for your assistance in the project development process. Please feeLfree to-contaet 1 1`
me if you have any questions concerning the project.
z of
Thank you,
i I /
Candace Davis
Enclosures

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Legend
Town of Wake Forest Public Schools Heritage Lake Rd Sidewalk Existing Greenway
Town of Rolesville — River/Stream Smith and Sanford Creek Greenway ■ ■ Proposed Greenway
■ ■
Heritacie Garden St O tions
Y Figure 1
Vicinity Map
Smith and Sanford Creek Greenway
TIP Project No. C-5164
Wake Forest, Wake County

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Heritage Lake Rd Sidewalk Existing Greenway Figure 3Topographic Map
Smith and Sanford Creek Greenway ■ ■ Proposed Greenway Smith and Sanford Creek Greenway
`■ ■ e Garden St Options TIP Project No. C-5164
Heritage P Wake Forest, Wake County

Existing Greenway
Forestville Road Bridge over Sanford Creek
Forestville Road at Heritage High Park Driveway
Heritage High School East Driveway
Marshall Farm Trailhead to Sanford Creek Greenway
Bench along Greenway
Figure 4
Photos
f* Smith and Sanford Creek Greenway
TIP Project No. C-5164
— Wake Forest, Wake County