R-2553 Kinston Bypass (4)

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OVERNORECRETARY
MINUTES FROM THE BRIDGING DECISIONS AND ALIGNMENT
REVIEW(CP2A)FIELD MEETING FOLLOW-UPON APRIL 17,2014
To:Interagency Merger Process Team & Other Meeting Attendees
From:BobDeaton, AICP
Date:May 5, 2014
Subject:STIP Number R-2553,CP2A Field Meeting follow-up,KinstonBypass, Lenoir
County, North Carolina, WBS 34460
A Section 404/NEPA Interagency Merger Process Team (Merger Team) Meeting was held at 1:00
PM,on Thursday, April 17, 2014, in the NCDOT Century Center Complex Structure Design
Conference Room. Those in attendance are shown on the attached sign-in sheet.
Purpose of Meeting
The purpose of the meeting was to present and review additional information requested for two of the
crossings visited during the March 12, 2014 CP2A field meeting. Outcome of the field meeting
included acceptance of the minimum hydraulically required structures; however, additional
information was requested for crossings 121 and 149.
Merger Meeting Summary
Tom Steffens (USACE) called the meeting to order and completed introductions.Mr.Steffensthen
reviewed the purpose of today’s meeting and turned it over to Chris Werner (URSCorporation).
Chris Wernerrevieweda slideshow presentation that provided an overview of the CP2A approach
for this GIS pilot project, and continued on to review each of the CP2A-related meetings held to date.
Mr. Werner then explained that prior to today’s meeting Mr. Steffens submitteda request for
additional evaluation for Crossing 121 which would further minimizewetland impacts. Mr. Werner
explained to the attendees that during the CP2A field meeting, concern over impacts to wetlands was
briefly discussed; however, it was misunderstoodthat the main issue with Crossing 121was thelack
of adequate clearance for potential wildlife crossing. The original informational packet distributed
onApril 14, 2014 to attendees for today’s meeting addressed providing a minimum of 8–10 feet
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R-2553: CP2A FIELD MEETING FOLLOW-UPMEETING MINUTES
April 17, 2014
Page 2of 3
clearance for potential wildlife crossing, as requested by Travis Wilson (NCWRC) and Gary Jordan
(USFWS).
Mr. Werner explained that the informational packet has been revised to evaluate the ability to
minimize wetland impacts at Crossing 121. Updated packets were distributedto meeting attendees,
and prior to today’s meeting a link to an electronic version was added to the original meeting
invitation forthose not in attendance.Mr. Werner reviewed the format of the revised package, the
scenarios evaluatedand the corresponding tabular information.The following is a summary of the
major discussion points for each crossing.
Crossing 121
is a proposed crossing of Southwest Creek with wetland limits extending just beyond
theproposed bridge limits. There was concern over impacts to wetlands and the current height of the
proposed 945 foot long bridgeas there is a large riparian corridor along Southwest Creek. The
corridor would function better forwildlife if the height of the proposed bridge were raised.
Additional evaluation was prepared and reviewed including the following scenarios:
Raising the proposed profile to provide a minimum of eight to ten feet of vertical clearance to
allow for wildlife crossing.
Extending the proposed bridge presented and reviewed at previous CP2A meetings by 1 span.
Extending the proposed bridge presented and reviewed at previous CP2A meetings by 2
spans.
It was notedthat impacts to the wetlands at this crossing would not have an impact on the overall
wetland system; however, by not providing potential for wildlife crossing at this site would impact
In this situation, wildlife continuity is more
the overall system from a wildlife perspective.
important than the wetland impacts.
It was discussedthat raising the grade of the bridge would
allow for habitat to extend beneath the bridge and encourage vegetation growth, etc.
Conclusion:
The Merger Team agreed the proposed profile will be raised to provide 8-10 feet
clearance to low chord of proposed bridgeto better accommodate wildlife crossing.
Crossing 149
is a proposed crossing of Southwest Creek with wetlands extending approximately 400
feet east of the proposed bridge limits. There were concerns over wetland impacts that would remain
evenwith the proposed 1,025 foot long bridge. Additional evaluation was prepared and reviewed
including the following scenarios:
Shifting the proposed bridgepresented and reviewed at previous CP2A meetingsto the east
approximately 125 feet +/-to minimizewetland impacts.
Extending the proposed bridge presented and reviewed at previous CP2A meetings by 1 span.
Extending the proposed bridge presented and reviewed at previous CP2A meetings by 2
spans.
It was noted that aConditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR)would need to be completed for
impacts to the floodway.
Conclusion:
The Merger Team agreedto shift the proposed bridge length of 1,025 feet to the
east approximately 125’+/-to the edge of the western wetland limits, which also reduce impacts
tothe wetlands on the eastern side of the proposed bridge.

R-2553: CP2A FIELD MEETING FOLLOW-UPMEETING MINUTES
April 17, 2014
Page 3of 3
Ted Devens reminded the Merger Team of the GIS Pilot approach and the probability that corridor
alignments may shift during refined alternative development. Thus, a CP2A revisit would necessarily
occur where alignment shifts affect hydraulic crossing decisions.
The CP2A Concurrence Agreement was reviewedand distributed for signature by the Merger Team.
It was reiterated, as noted on the agreement,that revisiting CP2A decisions may occur if needed
during the normalCP4A Avoidance and Minimization Merger Team Meeting.
Minutes Prepared by Susan Westberry, URS. If there are any questions or edits, please contact Chris
Werner, URS Project Manager, at [phone] or [e-mail]. Participant
comments or edits on these draft minutes are welcome untilMay 12, 2014,at which time final
minutes will be prepared and distributed.