HomeMy WebLinkAboutBridge 890376_Union Co_ DWR CommentsROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
MEMORANDUM
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
October 4, 2022
To: Tanya Thompson, DRMP on behalf of Garland Haywood, PE, NCDOT Division 10 Bridge Program Manager
DS,,''11
From: Dave Wanucha, NC Division of Water Resources, Winston Salem Regional Offic EJw 10/4/2022
Subject: Scoping comments on proposed Bridge No. 890376 replacement on SR 1126 (Bingham Road) over UT to
Waxhaw Creek in Union County. Project No. BPI O R005.
Reference your correspondence dated September 21, 2022, in which you requested comments for the referenced project.
Preliminary analysis of the project reveals the potential for multiple impacts to streams and jurisdictional wetlands in the
project area. More specifically, impacts to:
Stream Index
Stream Name
River Basin
Stream Classification(s)
303(d) Listing
Number
Waxhaw Creek
Catawba
C
11-139
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 Resources
requests that NCDOT consider the following environmental issues for the proposed project:
Project Specific Comments:
General Project Comments:
1. NCDOT 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 (15A NCAC 2H.0506[c]), mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than one acre to
wetlands. In the event that mitigation is required, the mitigation plan shall be designed to replace appropriate lost
functions and values. North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services may be available for assistance with wetland
mitigation.
2. In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules (15A NCAC 2H.0506[c]), mitigation will
be required for impacts of greater than 300 linear feet to any perennial stream. In the event that mitigation is
required, the mitigation plan shall be designed to replace appropriate lost functions and values. The North Carolina
Division of Mitigation Services may be available for assistance with stream mitigation.
3. 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.
4. The NCDWR is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project. The NCDOT
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.
5. The NCDOT 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
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
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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.
6. Where streams must be crossed, the NCDWR 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.
7. Whenever possible, the NCDWR 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.
8. 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. To meet the requirements of NCDOT's NPDES permit NCS000250, please refer to the most recent version
of the North Carolina Department of Transportation Stormwater Best Management Practices Toolbox manual for
approved measures.
9. Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands or streams.
10. 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.
11. 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. Please refer to the most recent version of the North Carolina Department of Transportation
Stormwater Best Management Practices Toolbox manual for approved measures.
12. Based on the information presented in the document, the magnitude of impacts to wetlands and streams may require
a Nationwide (NW) 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 NCDOT and written concurrence from the NCDWR. 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.
13. 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. Concrete shall be handled in
accordance with the NPDES Construction General Permit NCGO10000.
14. 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.
15. Unless otherwise authorized, placement of culverts and other structures in waters and streams shall 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 downstream of the above structures. The applicant is required to provide evidence that the
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 11617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
ee: f D, Fm 919.707.9000
err' M rrr�r r
equilibrium is being maintained if requested in writing by the NCDWR. If this condition is unable to be met due to
bedrock or other limiting features encountered during construction, please contact the NCDWR for guidance on how
to proceed and to determine whether or not a permit modification will be required.
16. 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.
17. If foundation test borings are necessary; it shall be noted in the document. Geotechnical work is approved under
General 401 Certification Number 4085/Nationwide Permit No. 6 for Survey Activities.
18. 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.
19. 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 the 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.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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. NCDOT 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 Dave Wanucha at (336) 403-
5655 or Dave.Wanucha@ncdenr.gov.
Electronic copy only distribution:
Eric Alsmeyer, US Army Corps of Engineers, Raleigh Field Office
File Copy
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 11617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
ee: f D, Fm 919.707.9000
err' M rrr�r r