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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-04-27_BR-0076_Status_Mtg_04_Summary BR-0076: NCDOT/Agencies Status Meeting– 4/27/22 Meeting Summary Bridge No. 9 on NC 28 over Little Tennessee River Division 14 – Graham/Swain County Line, NC 5/15/2022 This summary covers the 4th of a series of recurring meetings which took place 4/27/22 at 1:00 p.m. via Microsoft TEAMS. PARTICIPANTS: Josh Deyton NCDOT - Division 14- Project Development Team Lead Stacy Oberhausen NCDOT/TGS – Division 14 – Project Manager Cheryl Knepp NCDOT – EAU- Bio Surveys Ashley Thomas Brookfield Renewables –Public Safety Kevin Mitchell NC DEQ, Division of Water Resources – Environmental Specialist Holland Youngman USFWS – Wildlife Biologist David McHenry NCWRC – Western DOT Coordinator Randy Henegar TGS - GESC Hydraulic Review Jay Twisdale TGS – GESC Hydraulic Review Paul Fisher TGS – GESC Hydraulic Review John Williams RK&K – Planning / Project Manager – Planning Phase DECK DRAINS John summarized a meeting was held 4/01/22 with NCDWR and other agencies regarding deck drains and the follow up to that meeting. Information was shared regarding NC SELDM analysis and costs after the meeting with DWR who agreed that in this situation deck drains are allowable. BROOKFIELD RENEWABLES – CONVEYANCE PROCESS John asked about whether Brookfield’s Ashley Thomas was able to find examples of the conveyance process. Ashley asked DOT to verify that it is only expanded the existing easement a little bit to which John answered “yes”. John responded that a limited amount of new easement would be needed. Ashley indicated that the proposed work would have very little impact to Brookfield Property and that it would require very little from the Shoreline Management Plan. It will require documenting easement across the FERC boundary. The temporary causeways would require a right of entry document which would include a timeline for the work required. John inquired about any NEPA reviews associated with Conveyance of the property. Ashley indicated that in his discussion with FERC that because we are already doing the Endangered Species Surveys and 106 Consultation, we are meeting the requirements of FERC. He asked if this information would be wrapped up in a package. John replied, it would be wrapped up in State Minimum Criteria Documentation, in the BR-0076: NCDOT/Agencies Status Meeting– 4/27/22 Meeting Summary Bridge No. 9 on NC 28 over Little Tennessee River Division 14 – Graham/Swain County Line, NC Permit the Army Corp’s 404/NEPA process and in the information that would be provided for TVA’s 26A permit. Ashley responded that he’d verify with FERC but from his initial conversation, given that there is little effect on operations, that information should be sufficient to cover FERC’s needs. The main action on Brookfield’s part would be to report the easement to FERC at the end of the year the same year it is granted to NCDOT. Ashley confirmed that the conveyance was an internal review only. WRC HYDRAULIC DESIGN CONCERNS Dave McHenry requested to review the Hydraulic Design on the culvert carrying Welch Cove when it becomes available. He’s interested in the overall size and proposed baffling. His particular interest is because of the trout concern at this location. It was agreed to provide that information as soon as it is available. ACTION ITEMS • Ashley Thomas will verify that the review process described earlier with FERC. • NCDOT will provide the hydraulic design to NCWRC (Dave McHenry) when it is available.