NC0074268_201 Facilities Plan_19911204

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Architecture Engineering
December 4, 1991
Mr. Rob Brown
Facilities Evaluation Unit
North Carolina Department of Environment,
Health, and Natural Resources
Division of Environmental Management
512 North Salisbury Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Reference:
Planning
Gaston County 201 Facility Plan
Brandon Creek Outfall Amendment
Gastonia, North Carolina
EPA Project No. C370378-01
J.N. Pease Associates' Commission No. 91032-00
Interiors
MOT
[,EC 0 6 1991
Subject: Responses to Comments
Dear Rob:
Enclosed are six copies each of the following documents:
- Responses
- Responses
- Responses
- Responses
to Technical Comments
to Environmental Comments
to DEM Water Quality Comments
to Wildlife Resources Commission Comments
- Original Lists of Comments
- Map showing Public Water Supplies
- Letter to Corps of Engineers
in Project Vicinity
Please accept this submittal for your review and approval. If
you have any questions or need further information, please let
me know.
Sincerely,
John W. McLaughlin, P.E.
JWM/lw
Enclosures
cc: Mr. Samuel Wilkins
Mr. John Shuler
Mr. J. Philip Bombardier
Dr. Robert Goldstein
Mr. Trevor Clements
Mr. Donald Garbrick
- w/enclosures
- w/enclosures
w/enclosures
- w/enclosures
w/enclosures
w/enclosures
ICH
J.N. Pease Associates PC). Box 18725 2925 East Independence Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28218 704 376-6423

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources
Division of Environmental Management
512 North Salisbury Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27611
James G. Martin, Governor George T. Everett, Ph.D.
William W. Cobey, Jr., Secretary Director
November 8, 1991
Mr. Samuel L. Wilkins
Director of Public Works
Citv of . Gastonia
Post Office Box 1748
Gastonia, North Carolina 28053-1748
SUBJECT: Gaston County 201 Facility Plan
Brandon Creek Outfall Amendment
Project No. C370378-01
Dear Mr. Wilkins:
The Construction Grants and Loans Section has completed its review of
the subject amendment to the Crowders Creeek portion of the Gaston County 201
Facility Plan and has the enclosed comments. upon receipt of your response
to these comments we will continue our review of the project.
If there are any questions concerning these comments, please contact me
or Rob Brown of my staff at [phone].
Sincerely,
„D czy7--&(/7)1 /-5
Daniel M. Blaisdell, Acting Supervisor
Facilities Evaluation unit
RB :nan
Enclosure
cc: J. N. Pease Asscciates - w/enclosure
Mooresville Regional Office
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GPF
Pollution Prevention Pays
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GASTON COUNTY BRANDON CREEK OUTFACE
TEcnNICAL COMMENTS
1. Please provide a breakdown of projected flow within the proposed
extension of the Brandon Creek outfall. Included should be anticipated
domestic, commercial, industrial and infiltration/inflow flow.
2. Contingent upon the response to Catment 1 above, eligibility for this
project is in question. Our participation in the cost of an outfall
does not include "(1) cost of interceptor or collector sewers
constructed exclusively, or almost exclusively, to Serve industrial
users; " { (40 CFR 35.2125 (b) (1) } .
3. Will the existing industries tie into this line?
4. Justification of the project should be provided. This would include
documented environmental or public health problems.
5. It should be noted that funding for this project will came from
existing grant funds and will not result in an increase in the overall
grant.
6. A public hearing regarding the 201 Facilities Plan is required. Thirty
days notice of the hearing is also required. The selected alternative
and expected user charges should be discussed and a transcript or
detailed ndnutes of the public hearing must be provided. An affidavit
of publication should also be provided.
7. Please discuss the potential open space and recreational opportunities
associated with this project.
8. Please be advised that all real property associated with the pLopused
project must be acquired in accordance with the Uniform Relocation and
Real pr p Y Acquisition Policies Act of 1973. The following costs
are unallowable under that Act.
a. The costs of acquisition sition of sewer rights -of -way (i.e. legal,
administrative, engineering).
b. Any amount paid by the recipient for eligible land in excess
of just compensation based on appraised value, negotiation or
condemnation proceedings.
c. Koval, relocation of replacement of utilities located on
land by privilege.
9. Based on the data proved in response to Comment 1, design criteria for
the proposed interceptor should be provided. Included should be pipe
size, slope, capacity at 1/2 full, etc.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMENTS
AMENDMENT FOR THE CITY OF GASTONIA PORTION OF THE
GASTON COUNTY 201 FACILITIES PLAN
October 24, 1991
1. The size and length of the proposed interceptor should be identified on
the 8 1/2 x 11 topographical map. The size of the existing line and
the Crowders Creek WWTP must be listed on the figure.
2. Information should be provided about the water supply that is currently
serving the area were the proposed line is to be constructed.
3. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers must evaluate the project to
determine if any permits will be required.
4. Will the proposed line impact any recreational site, floodplain, or
private water supply? What specific secondary compacts are anticipatpa
from the proposed project?
5. The review comments from the Water Quality Planning Branch and the
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission must be addressed.
Attachment

v
State of North Carolina
Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources
Division of Environmental Management
512 North Salisbury Street •. Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
es G. Martin, Governor
Liam W. Cobey, Jr., Secretary
MEMORANDUM
To:
From:
Melba McGee
Alan Clark
September 20, 1991
Subject: EA/FONSI for Brandons Creek
No. 91032-00
Gaston County
Outfall,
'L 9'
City of
George T. Everett, Ph.D.
Gastonia,
The subject document has been reviewed by this office. The
)ivision of Environmental Management is responsible for the
_ssuance of the Section 401 Water Quality Certification for
Lctivities which may impact waters of the state including
ietlands. The following comments are offered in response to the
A prepared for this project which will impact 1.4 acres of
retland.
Director
1 The total width of the access corridor, excavation, and
temporary fill area should be restricted to a maximum
width of 40 feet within areas designated as
jurisdictional wetlands.
2 Wetland areas impacted should be returned to natural
grade and replanted with appropriate vegetation as soon
as practical.
3. Permanent access corridors must be restricted to the
;minimum width practicable and may not exceed 10 feet in
width.
4. As stated above, a 401 -Water Quality Certification will
be required for this project.
5. Endorsement of the EA by DEM does not preclude the denial
of the 401 Certification upon application if wetland
impacts have not been avoided and minimized to the
maximum extent practicable.
Questions regarding the 401 Certification should be directed
Ron Ferrell in DEM's WaterRalrap.Mgs Planning Branch.
itssewelEa WeREF1 Mooresville Raleigh
t20rRon 9 1 1 t11 704/663-1699 919/733-2314
Washington
919/946.6481
"Wilmington Winston-Salem
919/395-3900 919/761-2351
Pollution Prevention Pays
P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer

WrA
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604-1188, 919-733-3391
Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director
MEMORANDUM
TO: Melba McGee, Planning and Assessment
Dept. of Environment, Health, & Natural Resources
K(2,-eP
FROM:Dennis Stewart, Manager A�
Habitat Conservation Section
DATE: September 20, 1991
SUBJECT: Review of Amendment
the
forGaston
BrandonuCreek Outfaldntent,
Environmental Assessment
City of Gastonia, Gaston County.
This correspondence responds to your request for our review
and comments for the Amendment to the Gaston
neCounty
o201 Amendment
and the Environmental Assessment (EA)
for Outfall. These comments are provided in accordance with the
provisions of the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (G.S.
113A-1 through 113A-10; 1 NCAC 25).
This Amendment to the original Gaston County 201 Amendment
covers the extension of a gravity outfall up Brandon Creek
starting at the end of the existing outfall near SR 2420 and
continuing northerly up the creek to the vicinity of SR 2400.
This project is part of the City
rlia's 20-year this Amendmentwastewater
management plan. The work proposed under
tie into and extend the existing Brandon Creek outfall. The
sewer construction corridor for 15-inch sewerline is 3.35 miles
long and 40 feet wide, with a centerline at least 50 feet west of
Brandon Creek. Approximately 9 acres of existing fcrest will be
cleared for this project, and 1.4 acres of 4.3tiands adjacent to
the creek will be impacted.
Staff field biologists of the. North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission (NCWRC) have reviewedhinfo and wildlife information
by the applicant and are familiar
with streams in this area are
of the project area. In general,
somewhat degraded from sedimentation, channelization, and point -
source discharges originating from municipal wastewater treatment
plants and industry. Brandon Creek is too small to provide
significant fishing for gamefish, but it does provide habitat for
nongame fish such as chubs, shiners, and darters. Riparian

Page 2 September 20, 1991
vegetation provides a travel corridor and food source for
'wildlife, along with shade and nutrient inputs to Brandon Creek.
This vegetation also provides bank stabilization and limits
sedimentation into the creek.
The NCWRC is concerned over impacts to fish and wildlife
resources in the project area. We will not object to the
project, provided the following conditions are met by the
applicant:
1) As stated in the EA, sewerlines should cross the creek at
right angles to minimize impacts to the creek and associated
wetlands. Sewerlines should also be buried or placed at
grade with the creek to allow passage of fish and also
people involved with recreation and prevent debris from
being caught and forming a barrier that may cause a
hydrologic change in the creek.
2) The NCWRC is pleased that the centerline of the 40-foot
construction corridor will be at least 50 feet from Brandon
Creek. We infer that riparian vegetation in the 30-foot
zone closest to the creek will not be removed or damaged,
except at crossings. In addition, we encourage limiting
construction impacts to the central 20 feet of the 40-foot
construction corridor and maintaining the right-of-way to
allow a dense shrub layer to persist (page 32 in EA).
3) Disturbed wetland areas should be returned to original
soils and contours. Plant communities should be
reestablished which would result in plant community
succession into habitat of equal or greater value than that
which was destroyed.
4) Stringent erosion control measures should be implemented
where soil is disturbed and maintained until project
completion.
5) Temporary ground cover should be placed on bare surfaces,
including spoil piles, as soon as construction is complete.
Permanent vegetation in these same areas must be established
within 15 days of project completion to provide long term
erosion control.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this
project. If we can be of further assistance, please advise.
DLS/lp
cc: Ms. Stephanie Goudreau, Mt. Region Habitat Biologist
Mr. Chris Goudreau, District 8 Fisheries Biologist
Mr. Jack Mason, District 8 Wildlife Biologist

GASTONIA BRANDON CREEK OUTFALL
RESPONSES TO TECHNICAL COMMENTS
1. Based on comparison with Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZ's), there
are approximately 0.8 persons/acre within the sewer service area
of 2,920 acres. Multiply this by 70 gallons/person/day gives
164,000 gallons per day of domestic flow.
The industrial flow is based on the expected allocations to the
following industries:
PRESENT
INDUSTRY ALLOCATION
A. B. Carter 20,000 GPD
Circular -Precision Seals 90,000 GPD
Homelite 160,000 GPD
Rauch Industries 20,000 GPD
TOTAL 290,000 GPD
Commercial flow in this area will be minimal. We will estimate
10 percent of domestic flow.
164,000 GPD X 10% = 16,400 GPD; Use 17,000 GPD
The maximum I/I allowed is 100 gallons/day/inch diameter/mile.
This would produce approximately 6,000 gallons/day. Because this
will be a new sewer line, we would not expect to see even this
much flow.
The following table summarizes the flows:
SOURCE PRESENT FLOW PERCENT OF TOTAL
Domestic 164,000 GPD 34%
Industrial 290,000 GPD 61%
Commercial 17,000 GPD 4%
I/I 6,000 GPD 1%
TOTAL 477,000 GPD 100%
1

2. See No. 1 above.
3. Those industries shown in the answer to No. 1 above are currently
scheduled to be tied into this line.
4. Information provided by Mr. H. G. Welborn, of the Gaston County
Environmental Health Department, indicate areas of documented
septic system failures and major repairs in neighborhoods
to the south and west of this outfall. Mr. Welborn's telephone
number is [phone].
In addition to this, the major industries along this outfall
currently have individual treatment works and NPDES permits which
could be eliminated upon connection to the Crowders Creek
Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Our survey crews also noted other unidentified pipes emptying
directly into the creek. These lines could be identified and
connected.
5. We acknowledge that funding for this project will come from
existing grant funds and will not result in an increase in the
overall grant.
6. A public hearing will be held with proper advertisement and
notice. A transcript will be provided along with information on
the selected alternative and expected user charges.
7. At least 20 feet of the 40-foot-wide sewer line right-of-way will
be cleared and maintained. This area could eventually be used as
a green -way park, bicycle/jogging path, etc.
8. We are aware of the need to follow the Uniform Relocation and
Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 and that the
listed costs are not allowed under the Act.
9. The Average Daily flow is multiplied by a peaking factor of 2.5
for all outfall lines.
All gravity lines were designed to flow half full for a design
period of 20 years.
The minimum velocity for the gravity outfall lines is 2.0 FPS.
For a 12-inch-diameter RCP, this gives a minimum slope of 0.22%
and a capacity - flowing half full - of approximately 1,000,000
gallons/day.
2

For an 18-inch-diameter RCP, this gives a minimum slope of 0.12%
and a capacity - flowing half full - of approximately 2,300,000
gallons/day.
The actual flow is as follows:
477,000 GPD (ADF) X 2.5 (Peak Factor) X 1.486 (Growth
Factor, 20 Years at 2%/Year) = 1,772,000 GPD
The 18-inch-diameter RCP will carry the entire basin flow, while
the 12-inch-diameter RCP will carry the flow from the upper end
of the basin.
3

GASTONIA BRANDON CREEK OUTFALL
RESPONSES TO ENVIRONMENTAL COMMENTS
1. The revised figure showing the size and length of the proposed
interceptor, the existing line size, and the size of the
Crowders Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant is attached.
2. According to information obtained from City of Gastonia
maintenance maps there is a network of 8-inch to 24-inch-
diameter water lines surrounding the proposed route of the
Brandon Creek outfall. These lines extend in to the
neighborhoods that the outfall passes through.
A map showing a partial listing of these lines and their sizes is
included. Note the pipe diameters are circled.
3. A copy of the letter being sent to the Corps of Engineers is
included with this package.
4. No recreational sites will be impacted.
The outfall will be primarily in the 100 year floodplain. Again,
a copy of the letter sent to the Corps of Engineers requesting a
formal determination of the status of this project, is included.
The survey of this proposed outfall was changed in several places
to specifically avoid being within the protective zone of any
private water supplies.
The only specific negative secondary impact will be with respect
to air quality. This issue is discussed, in detail, in Section
4.4, Page 29 of the Environmental Assessment. No other secondary
impacts are anticipated.
5. The review comments from the Water Quality Branch and the North
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission will be addressed.
4

GASTONIA BRANDON CREEK OUTFALL
RESPONSES TO DEM WATER QUALITY COMMENTS
1. A 40-foot right-of-way will be obtained throughout the project to
complete construction and allow future access to the line.
2. We will be following the rules and requirements of the North
Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural
Resources, Land Quality Section, throughout the project. These
requirements include prompt restoration of disturbed areas.
3. Permanent access corridors will not exceed ten feet in width.
4. A copy of the letter being sent to Mr. Ron Ferrell with DEM's
Water Quality Planning Branch requesting 401 Water Quality
Certification will be transmitted upon receipt of Corps of
Engineers approval.
5. We will minimize impacts on wetlands by crossing, streams as close
to 90' as possible, maintaining adequate buffers and adequate
erosion -control measures. These measures will be taken at a
minimum.
5

GASTONIA BRANDON CREEK OUTFALL
RESPONSES TO THE NORTH CAROLINA
WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION COMMENTS
1. Creek crossings will be kept as close to 90' as possible. Sewer
lines which cross the creek will be either buried or placed at
grade through the creek.
2. Riparian vegetation in the zone closest to the creek will not be
removed or damaged, except at creek crossings. We will make
efforts to control clearing of the right-of-way to only that
required for construction. After construction, right-of-way
maintenance will be limited - as much as possible - to only that
necessary for access and line maintenance.
3. All disturbed areas along the right-of-way will be returned to
original soils and contours as part of our normal procedures and
State erosion -control requirements. Temporary seeding for
erosion control will be required throughout the project. This
seeding will provide initial stabilization of the ground while
other local vegetation reestablishes itself.
4. The entire project will be governed by regulations of the State
of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and
Natural Resources, Division of Land Resources, Land Quality
Section. These regulations are comprehensive and strictly
enforced by State field inspectors and our own construction
observers.
5. We will provide temporary ground cover on bare surfaces as soon
as practical during construction. The Division of Environmental
Management, Land Quality Section, requires temporary ground cover
within 30 days if an area is disturbed and not being actively
worked. We will, however, require permanent ground cover within
15 days of the completion of the project.
6

(,1L,>C,-�
Architecture Engineering
November 19, 1991
Mr. Hugh Heine
Regulatory. Branch
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington District
Post Office Box 1890
Wilmington, North Carolina 28402
Planning Interiors
Reference: Gaston County 201 Amendment
Gastonia Brandon Creek Outfall Amendment
Crowders Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant
Gastonia, North Carolina
EPA Project No. C370378-01
Subject: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Permitting
Request for Formal Determination
Dear Mr. Heine:
We propose to place approximately 19,000 linear feet of 12- and
18-inch-diameter sanitary sewer outfall along the upper reaches
of Brandon Creek in southern Gaston County.
Most of the outfall construction will take place within the
100-year flood plain, but all existing contours will be
restored when construction is complete. All excess material
will be removed to above the 100-year flood plain elevation.
Temporary erosion control measures, in accordance with state
and local guide- lines, will be utilized during construction.
The approximate 100-year flood elevation along the outfall
route varies. At the lower end, near SR 2420, it is
approximately Elevation 680 feet while at the upper end near SR
2400, Neal Hawkins Road, the 100-year floor elevation is
approximately at the ground elevation of 800 feet.
Enclosed is a section from a USGS map, showing our proposed
outfall route and sizes.
All existing contours within the 100-year flood plain will be
restored when the project is complete. Only the sanitary sewer
manholes will remain in the flood plain as permanent
structures, and this will only occur where we must actually be
in the flood plain.
J.N. Pease Associates P.O. Box 18725 2925 East Independence Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28218 704 376-6423

Mr. Hugh Heine
Page 2
November 19, 1991
Should you require any further information or explanation,
please do not hesitate to call. Your time and efforts in this
matter are appreciated.
Sincerely,
John W. McLaughlin, P.E.
JWM/lw
Enclosure
cc: Mr. J. Philip Bombardier
Mr. Donald Carmichael
Mr. Donald Garbrjck

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I** Architecture
Engineering
J.N. Pease Associates Planning
P.O. Box 18725 Charlotte, North Carolina 28218
OUNCAN-PARNELL, INC., CHARLOTTE 000 704-372-T7E0
BRANDON CREEK OUTFALL.__
AMENDMENT TO
GASTON. COMITY- 201. AMENDMENT
SITE PLAN FIGURE 1
tI(L1�q i

NOV-15-1991 17;00 FROM Y. N. PEASE ASSOC.
TO 1704G546554 P.02
P 0 2