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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20071134 Ver 1_Environmental Assessment_20040719TABLE OF CONTENTS I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .....................................................................................1 '~; II. PROJECT DOCUMENTATION AND BACKGROUND ................................... 2 -• ~ III. DEFINITION OF STUDY AREA BOUNDARIES .............................................. 3 IDENTIFICATION OF DEMOGRAPHIC AREA ............................................................................................ 3 IDENTIFICATION OF THE POTENTIAL GROWTH IMPACT AREA ............................................................... 4 IV. STUDY AREA DIRECTION AND GOALS ......................................................... 4 REGIONAL LOCATION INFLUENCES AND IMPLICATIONS ....................................................................... 4 POPULATION TRENDS .......................................................................................................................... . 5 EMPLOYMENT TRENDS ........................................................................................................................ . 6 TRANSPORTATION PLANS AND PROPOSED PROJECTS .......................................................................... 10 LOCAL LAND USE PLANS ................................................................................................................... 11 ZONING ............................................................................................................................................... 12 ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS ........................................................................................................ 13 Water Supply Watersheds ........................................................................................................... 13 303(d) Waters or Other Impaired Waters ................................................................................... 13 V. INVENTORY OF NOTABLE FEATURES ........................................................13 VI. ACTIVITIES THAT CAUSE EFFECTS ............................................................14 PREVIOUS CONCLUSIONS .................................................................................................................... 14 DEVELOPMENT TRENDS ...................................................................................................................... 15 VII. POTENTIAL INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ............................16 CONTEXT FOR POTENTIAL LAND USE CHANGE .................................................................................. 16 POTENTIAL FOR INDUCED GROWTH .................................................................................................... 18 VIII. ANALYSIS OF INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ........................19 IX. EVALUATION OF ANALYSIS RESULTS ....................................................... 20 CONSIDERATION OF INDIRECT EFFECTS .............................................................................................. 2O CONSIDERATION OF CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ....................................................................................... 21 X. APPENDIX .............................................................................................................22 TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 North Carolina Department of Transportation Office of Human Environment Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects (ICE) Report TIP R-2518/R-2519, US 19/19E Widening Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has proposed widening US 19/19E from the future I-26 (existing US 19/23) in Madison County, through Yancey County, to the Town of Spruce Pine in Mitchell County, North Carolina. The NCDOT calls for US 19/19E to be widened from two and three lanes to a four-lane, median- divided facility. The total length of the proposed Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) projects R-2518 and R-2519 is approximately 30 miles. The NCDOT TIP indicates that construction of R-2518 and R-2519A is scheduled to begin in FFY 2006, while construction of the remaining portion of R-2519 (section B) is scheduled to begin in FFY 2009. The Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) report is being delayed due to the discovery of Appalachian Elktoe Mussels in the Cane River. The Natural Resources Technical Report (NRTR) is expected to be completed by March 2004. This report is intended to provide a preliminary analysis of the potential for indirect and cumulative effects associated with these two TIP projects, and to provide information to the United States Fish and Wildlife Agency, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Division of Water Quality (DWQ). The preliminary analysis includes discussion about downstream water quality impacts as they relate to Section 401 Water Quality certification. Study Area Directions and Goals • Although population growth rates in the 1990s were substantially higher than those in the 1980s, the growth rates for all geographies analyzed in this report were much less than the average growth rate of North Carolina (21.4%) during the same time period. _ • Madison County was the only county in the demographic area that experienced a higher rate of employment growth than the State between 1990 and 2002. All three counties experienced substantial losses in the manufacturing industry (ranging from 14.2% to 60.7%); however, manufacturing losses in Yancey and Mitchell Counties were higher than that of the State, which lost 21.5% (176,271) of its 820,249 manufacturing jobs during the same time period. w The TIP R-2518 and R-2519 portion of the US 19/19E corridor is becoming an important tourist destination for the region, with the western terminus of TIP R-2518 only 25 miles from Asheville and the eastern terminus of TIP R-2519 approximately -• 40 miles from Boone. TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 2S, 2004 Indirect and Cumulative Effects • Local officials indicate that the growth occurring in the area is primarily due to tourism, indicating that development is primarily based on construction of second homes, recreational opportunities, and cottage industries (small and informally organized industries), and not large-scale commercial development. -~• • The cumulative impact of TIP R-2518 and R-2519 increases somewhat when considered along with other TIP projects such as A-10 (I-26 multi-lane freeway from Asheville to Tennessee), R-2520 (widening of US 19E/NC 194 from Spruce Pine to US 221) and R-2598 (upgrade of NC 226 from Spruce Pine to the Blue Ridge Parkway). The combination of these transportation improvements will improve regional accessibility throughout this part of western North Carolina. • Although some of the factors used to evaluate indirect and cumulative impacts indicate that the potential for land use change is moderate, it is unlikely that TIP R- 2518 or TIP R-2519 will cause substantial indirect impacts to water quality. Minimal market activity and unsuitable topography for large-scale development should minimize any potential deterioration to water quality. II. PROJECT DOCUMENTATION AND BACKGROUND TIP R-2518 and TIP R-2519 include the proposed widening of US 19/19E from future I- 26 (existing US 19/23) in Madison County, through Yancey County, to the Town of Spruce Pine in Mitchell County, North Carolina (see Figure I). TIP R-2518 includes the widening of US 19/19E from future I-26 to SR 1336, a distance of approximately 14.2 miles. TIP R-2519 includes widening the same roadway from SR 1336 to Spruce Pine, a distance of approximately 15.5 miles. The NCDOT TIP indicates that construction of R- 2518and R-2519A is scheduled to begin in FFY 2006, while construction of the remaining portion of R-2519 (section B) is scheduled to begin in FFY 2009. The 2001 State Environmental Assessment (SEA), which addresses TIP R-2518 and R-2519 Section A, indicates that the purpose of this project is to increase the capacity of US 19/19E, improve system linkage and improve safety. Based on the SEA, the NCDOT recommended the "best fit" widening option, which minimizes social and environmental impacts along the US 19/19E corridor. The NCDOT PDEA Engineer indicates that the roadway will have partial access control and will be a four-lane, divided facility. NCDOT also indicates that there will be two small segments of relocated roadway in the western portion of the project (TIP R-2518). The SEA designates US 19/19E as a principal arterial. In 1997, the annual average daily traffic (AADT) on US 19/19E ranged from 5,800 at the Madison/Yancey County Line to 20,300 just east of Burnsville. The projected AADTs for 2025 ranged from 11,500 to 36,600 (for a situation in which the proposed projects are not built). Those volumes may be greater if capacity is added to US 19/19E. 2 R-1518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey & Mitchell Counties Indirect and Cumulative Effects (ICE) Assessment February 25, 2004 •• ;v ~ 1 _ ~ / ~;. - f ~I ~~ Bak~ersville~ ., ~ ~ I • ~. - - TENNESSEE ~ '~',~ `~ ~ ;.r 1 ~ ~ 4,..._1I''- . I'"~ ~~, ~ .~^-~' ~ `ti4 ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ,~ !COUNTY ~ AVERY r ~`~ ,+ ,-~~r~ - YANCEY COUNTY ~ Jam.' ?," ~.. --' ~, ' `~.. '`~ i ~~ ~\ ~ ~,; ~ `~..~ ~ ~~ Nc s9 ~ ~ 1~ "~ ~~ COUNTY -- r , `~,~ I ~ ~. I. NC 197 ~ ~"~" / ~ ,, ~ ~ ~~ ~ 1 ~ 1 I i ~ ~, ~, ~` `~ ~ ~ ~ ~I l., - f Burnsville ~ ! ~ - Spruce Pine' ~~ ~ , , ~. r \\, - . , ~~~ ~ 19 ~ ~ ~ ~ _ tIP R-2519q ~` v,, ~ , r''1 ~,` ~. ;..~.. TIP R`•2518B t' . _- ) , ^~ . { ~ ( I ~ ~.! i , ~, t ',. ~~ ~` Micaville ~ 1se 'fIP R-25198 ~ ~ ~ 1 x - ` ~ ~ ~f ~ ~ ~ ~'' . ~ ~" NC 226 ~ ~~ ~ -.~ 1 Mars Hill I ~ , , }, ~ `''~ a~! ~ `,/, ~ , ~ , ~--~rt'~A ~ ~; / ... I i'. MADISON%" `~ ~~~ I ~ •.. ` ~ ~ ~~ ~, ~' ~ ~~` COUNTY ~~ ~ m~~ ~.' ~--.,~ . ; ~, \ ~ _ , f ~NC 213 r ~3~..~.s_c~ ~ ~`~,,-•. ~ _ ,~ .~. ~ , ~ , ., ~, r ; H ~ ~ ~~,, ~ S 1, i _ti Bernardsville Hwy / ~ ~,/ _ 1912 ~ A ,~ MCDOWELL COUNTY ~ \ ~ / ~ti ,.. f ~a i•-1 ,~_:^' ~ Mt Mitchell`.. ~ ~ ~ ~ J ~ ~~ ~ ~ BUNCOMBE COUNTY ti State Park ~i_.... \ ~~_, ~ ?~, I ~~_~~,~~~ , ~~/~ - ~ ) \l y '~ 221 ~. ~; ~~ ~,~ ~"~ ~ ', .' ~ ~ ~ ~\ Blue Ridge Pkwy ~ ~ . ~~ . 1 ~~ ~~~ ~~^ Weayerville' ~ ~~~ // V,\ ` I \ .,., _..-: ~. ~ . ~;~,, `" r~~ ~ .,~ ~ C h - .~ , ..; I _ FIGURE I. TIP ALIGNMENT ~ TIP R-2518IR-2519 TIP A-10 TIP R-2520 .... TIP R-2598 -MAJOR ROADS MINOR ROADS ~T RAILROAD RIVERS & STREAMS u WATER BODIES MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY COUNTY BOUNDARY MOUNT MITCHELL STATE PARK 2.5 1.25 0 2.5 5 Miles N MAP SOURCES: NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRAWSPORTATION ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH INSTITUTE (ESR~ MADISON COUNTY MITCHELL COUNTY . YANCEY COUNTY ( _ TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties _, r~ Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 Two existing bridge structures, those over Price Creek and Cane River, must also be widened to accommodate the improvements to US 19/19E. Small-scale commercial uses are concentrated along the US 19/19E corridor, especially at towns or major intersections, such as those at or near US 19/23, the Cane River hamlet (Bald Creek community), Burnsville, NC 80 and NC 226/Spruce Pine. There is also - some scattered industry, primarily between Burnsville and Spruce Pine. The western portion of the corridor is primarily rural in character, with low-density, single-family uses. The eastern portion of the corridor still has low-density housing, but there are more commercial and industrial uses mixed-in with the residential uses. Much of the land is unsuitable for development due to the steep topography, stream crossings and wetlands. III. DEFINITION OF STUDY AREA BOUNDARIES Identification of Demographic Area The TIP R-2518 and R-2519 portion of US 19/19E is located in Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties in western North Carolina. The demographic area is created to illustrate the general population trends of the people who are most directly impacted by these two TIP projects (see Figure II). This demographic area is generally bounded by: • Gabrieles Creek Road, NC 213 and Grapevine Road to the west. • Laurel Valley Road, the Madison/Yancey County Line, the North Carolina/Tennessee State Line, the Yancey/Mitchell County Line, NC 80 and Mine Creek Road to the north. • The MitchelUYancey County Line, Gouge's Creek Road and Hump Back Mountain Road to the east. • The MitchelUMcDowell County Line, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Yancey/Buncombe County Line and the Madison/Buncombe County Line to the south. The demographic area includes the following 2000 Census geographies: • Census Tract 106, Block Groups 1-3 • Census Tract 107, Block Groups 1-2 • Census Tract 601, Block Groups 1-4 • Census Tract 602, Block Groups 2-4 • Census Tract 603, Block Groups 1-2 • Census Tract 604, Block Groups 1-3 • Census Tract 502, Block Group 4 • Census Tract 503, Block Groups 1-3 • Census Tract 504, Block Groups 1-3 - TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties ~., Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 Population Trends The North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management indicates that the populations of Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties were 16,827, 14,934 and 14,428 - (respectively) in 1980. The population grew by 0.7% in Madison, 3.2% in Yancey, and 0.1 % in Mitchell County between 1980 and 1990. By comparison, the population of 0 ,_ North Carolina grew 12.8 /o between 1980 and 1990. Although the 1990 to 2000 population growth rates for all the geographies analyzed were substantially higher than those in the 1980s, Table I indicates that these growth rates were still less than the population growth rate of North Carolina (21.4%) during the same time period. Tahle i. Ponulation Growth. 1990-2000 Po u lation Growth ~0=00 Ares ~ _ 1990 ~ ~ ~~ 2000 ~ ~, ~~~~# ~~ ~~` ~` %.. Demo ra hic Area 27,241 31,641 4,400 16.2% Madison Coun 16,953 19,635 2,682 15.8% Town of Mars Hill 1,611 1,764 153 9.5% Yance Coun 15,419 17,774 2,355 15.3% Town of Burnsville 1,482 1,623 141 9.5% Mitchell Coun 14,443 15,687 1,244 8.6% Town of S ruce Pine 2,010 2,030 20 1.0% North Carolina 6,628,637 8,049,313 1,420,676 21.4% Source: US Census Bureau Growth is not expected to be as strong in the next twenty years. The North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management predicts that the growth rates of all counties in the analysis area will be less than the projected growth rate of North Carolina between 2000 and 2020. Although all counties are expected to experience slower growth rates than North Carolina, Mitchell County's predicted growth rate is substantially lower than Madison and Yancey County's. Table iT_ Ponulation Prniectinnc_ 2000-2020 _, Po ulatfon -. Growth 00-10 ?; Po ~latlon ~ ~Gtowth 10-2Q' Atea °. 2000 2b10 . ;~ # ~' ~ ~'% ~ ' ~' 2010 ~ ~ ~ ~ 2020 f = . : !~ :'/e~ Madison Coun 19,635 22,129 2,494 12.7% 22,129 24,479 2,350 10.6% Yancey Coun 17,774 19,819 2,045 11.5% 19,819 21,639 1,820 9.2% Mitchell Coun 15,687 16,557 870 5.5% 16,557 17,268 711 4.3% North Carolina 8,049,313 9,491,374 1,442,061 17.9% 9,491,374 10,966,138 1,474,764 15.5% { Source: Office of State Budget and Management 5 TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 Emuloyment Trends According to data from the North Carolina Employment Security Commission, Madison County gained 764 jobs between 1990 and 2002, resulting in a 23.0% growth rate. This growth rate is higher than all other geographic areas studied in this report as well as that of North Carolina (21.7%). The construction industry experienced the greatest amount of _ growth, with 190 additional jobs representing a growth rate of 316.7%. The manufacturing industry, and accommodations and food services industry lost 118 (14.2%) and 57 jobs (21.1%), respectively. Tahle >(ii_ F.mnlovment Rv ~ectnr Growth. Madison County ` ~Em to meet , ~~ Glian a '90-'0. -- ? Sect9#'°,. ~ ~ X990 2002` # '' %: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishin & Huntin 11 11 0 0.0% Minin N/A N/A N/A N/A Utilities N/A N/A N/A N/A Construction 60 250 190 316.7% Manufacturin 833 715 -118 -14.2% Wholesale Trade N/A 43 N/A N/A Retail Trade 321 337 16 5.0% Transportation, Warehousing & Information N/A 123 N/A N/A Finance/Insurance/Real Estate N/A N/A N/A N/A Professional & Technical Services 20 45 25 125.0% Management of Companies & Ente rises N/A N/A N/A N/A Administrative & Waste Services N/A 29 N/A N/A Educational Services N/A 1,017 N/A N/A Health Care & Social Assistance 361 510 149 41.3% Arts, Entertainment & Recreation N/A N/A N/A N/A Accommodation & Food Services 270 213 -57 -21.1 Other Services, Ex. Public Administration 35 59 24 68.6% Public Administration 435 446 11 2.5% Unclassified N/A 6 N/A N/A Total'~~ , c ':3 20' ~ ~ 4Q84 7_b4 23.0°/a I * The total column was bases on NCESC's "total(s) of all industries." Source: North Cazolina Employment Security Commission 6 - TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 Yancey County lost 187 jobs between 1990 and 2002, resulting in a -4.4% growth rate. Like Madison County, the construction industry gained employment (139 jobs/65.9%), but the health and social assistance sector gained the most jobs (239 jobs/217.3%) of any industry. The manufacturing industry lost the greatest number of jobs (-1,251 jobs/- 56.5%growth rate). Tahle iV_ F.mnlnvment Rv ~ectnr Growth. Yancey County `>~ ' ,:, Em~ lo~ menu ~ `,:: Chan a '~0-'0~'" Sector 1990 2002:: ' #:. °/u~ Agriculture, Forestry, Fishin & Huntin 28 38 10 35.7% Minin 75 N/A N/A N/A Utilities N/A N/A N/A N/A Construction 211 350 139 65.9% Manufacturin 2,215 964 -1,251 -56.5% Wholesale Trade 49 75 26 53.1% Retail Trade 348 485 137 39.4% Transportation, Warehousing & Information 93 185 92 98.9% Finance/Insurance/Real Estate N/A 103 N/A N/A Professional & Technical Services 35 106 71 202.9% Management of Companies & Ente rises N/A N/A N/A N/A Administrative & Waste Services 9 76 67 744.4% Educational Services N/A 485 N/A N/A Health Care & Social Assistance 110 349 239 217.3% Arts, Entertainment & Recreation N/A N/A N/A N/A Accommodation & Food Services 276 303 27 9.8% Other Services, Ex. Public Administration 65 73 8 12.3% Public Administration 331 357 26 7.9% Unclassified N/A N/A N/A N/A T.otal_ :. ,'.: -..:4279 4 092 .: - -187 -44% *The total column was based on NCESC's "total(s) of all industries." Source: North Carolina Employment Security Commission Although Mitchell County did not experience the amount of employment growth as Madison County, it did have positive job growth (350 jobs/6.6%) between 1990 and j 2002. Like Yancey County, all sectors except manufacturing gained employment during 7 - ~ _ TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 this timeframe. Public administration, and health care and social assistance experienced the greatest amount of personnel growth (264 jobs and 261 jobs respectively), while the administrative and waste services industry experienced the greatest percentage growth (565.5%). The manufacturing industry, as in Madison and Yancey Counties, experienced the greatest loss of jobs (-1,185 jobs/-60.7%). The Situational Analysis Report for Mitchell County by the North Carolina Department of Commerce concludes that the following Mitchell County businesses have closed since 2000: Outboard Marine Company, Lexington Furniture and Vision Legwear LLC. Table V. Emnlovment By Sector Growth. Mitchell County lim io'"menf - C `an a '90-'02 Sector. 1990 ~ '' 20ti2 # ~.. " ' , ~ % ' Agriculture, Forestry, Fishin & Huntin N/A N/A N/A N/A Minin 241 345 104 43.2% Utilities N/A N/A N/A N/A Construction 232 281 49 21.1% Manufacturin 1,953 768 -1,185 -60.7% Wholesale Trade 118 118 0 0.0% Retail Trade 631 807 176 27.9% Transportation, Warehousing & Information 119 233 114 95.8% Finance/Insurance/Real Estate 125 135 10 8.0% Professional & Technical Services 38 64 26 68.4% Management of Companies & Ente rises N/A N/A N/A N/A Administrative & Waste Services 29 193 164 565.5% Educational Services 599 764 165 27.5% Health Care & Social Assistance 498 759 261 52.4% Arts, Entertainment & Recreation 35 81 46 131.4% Accommodation & Food Services 216 298 82 38.0% Other Services, Ex. Public Administration 73 142 69 94.5% Public Administration 312 576 264 84.6% Unclassified N/A 8 N/A N/A Total* ,, .4.,: `5274 5'24 . ". ,'` 350 . ~:: 6.6%' * The total column was based on NC);5C's "total(s) oT all tndustnes." ,~ _ Source: North Carolina Employment Security Commission 8 ` ~ _ TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 Madison County was the only county in the demographic area that experienced a higher rate of employment growth than the State (21.7%) between 1990 and 2002. Its proximity to Asheville may have helped to prevent the losses experienced in the more eastern portions of the demographic area. All three counties experienced substantial losses in the manufacturing industry (ranging from 14.2% to 60.7%). Table VI. Emnlovment By Sector Growth. North Carolina ,,~E~. to metit~-- ~'Chan'e '90-!,02~ Sector 194 2802 -~ .' >~ # ~~ ~ .°fo , . Agriculture, Forestry, Fishin & Huntin 21,827 31,376 9,549 43.7% Minin 3,993 4,203 210 5.3% Utilities 27,287 15,447 -11,840 -43.4% Construction 166,733 219,036 52,303 31.4% Manufacturin 820,249 643,978 -176,271 -21.5% Wholesale Trade 139,697 162,233 22,536 16.1% Retail Trade 381,041 442,878 61,837 16.2% Transportation, Warehousing & Information 161,308 213,393 52,085 32.3% Finance/Insurance/Real Estate 135,534 184,990 49,456 36.5% Professional & Technical Services 91,327 148,043 56,716 62.1% Management of Companies & Ente rises 35,104 63,565 28,461 81.1% Administrative & Waste Services 110,979 209,753 98,774 89.0% Educational Services 233,161 317,043 83,882 36.0% Health Care & Social Assistance 261,592 439,986 178,394 68.2% Arts, Entertainment & Recreation 31,090 50,554 19,464 62.6% Accommodation & Food Services 206,014 288,201 82,187 39.9% Other Services, Ex. Public Administration 80,279 98,844 18,565 23.1% Public Administration 171,716 214,079 42,363 24.7% Unclassified N/A N/A N/A N/A Total ~ ~~` ' 3 Q7$ 931 ~ ~ 3-'147 602- '~~ ~ 668 6'71 ' 21.7%~ -° Source: North Carolina Employment Security Commission Commercial and institutional uses (convenience stores, small retail uses, schools, light ~ industry, etc.) currently exist in several places along the US 19/19E corridor, particularly around the Cane River and the Bald Creek Community, the Town of Burnsville, the ~ - community of Micaville and the Town of Spruce Pine. Similar types of commercial uses, 9 _ TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 plus large retailers such as Wal-Mart, exist along NC 226 from Spruce Pine to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The improved roadway facility may encourage or accelerate some small scale _~ ~ commercial uses and residential communities, but TIP R-2518 and TIP R-2519 will not J provide new access to undeveloped and/or suitable land, limiting the potential amount of ~: induced growth. Commercial Uses along US 19/19E According to NCDOT, Madison County does not have a Thoroughfare Plan. A Thoroughfare Plan Map was prepared for Mars Hill in the 1960s, but there is no written Thoroughfare Plan. According to local officials, the existing map does not include TIP R-2518 or TIP R-2519. Mars Hill, in conjunction with the NCDOT, is currently updating the Thoroughfare Plan Map and writing a textual plan, and local officials indicate that the widening of US 19/19E will be included in the new plan. NCDOT indicates that a Thoroughfare Plan does not exist for the Town of Burnsville; J` however, one was adopted for Yancey County (1993/1994) as part of a Region D study. _ The Mitchell County Thoroughfare Plan was included in this Region D study as well, and Spruce Pine has a Thoroughfare Plan from the same time period. The Region D Plan lists US 19/19E as a rural principal arterial system, which consists of a connected network of ,..~ • continuous routes with substantial statewide or interstate travel. TIP R-2518 and TIP R- 2519 are included in the Region D Plan. The Spruce Pine Plan classifies US 19E as a major thoroughfare that serves as the primary carrier of east-west traffic. It indicates that US 19E is an intrastate highway that is important to the region's economic development 10 Transportation Plans and Proposed Proiects _ TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties ~, Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 effort. The Spruce Pine Plan also includes mention of the NCDOT plan to widen US 19E both east and west of town. TIP R-2518 and R-2519 are included in the NCDOT Statewide Strategic Corridor Map, and are also in the NCDOT 2004-2010 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Other NCDOT TIP projects in the PGIA include (see Figure I for location): • A-10 -1-26 (multi-lane freeway, partially on new location) from Asheville to the Tennessee State Line at Sams Gap. Section B, a 14-mile stretch of I-26 from just south of the Madison/Buncombe County Line to the Tennessee State Line, is currently under construction. The remainder of construction is set to begin in fiscal year 2010. • R-2520 -Widening of US 19E/NC 194 to multi-lanes from east of Spruce Pine to US 221. Construction scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2010 and post years. • R-2598 -Upgrade of NC 226 from US 19E in Spruce Pine to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Under construction. Local Land Use Plans Madison County According to local officials, Madison County has a combined zoning and land use ordinance titled the Madison County Land Use Ordinance (1974). Local officials indicate that small-scale commercial uses are designated along US 19 from the interchange at US 19/23 and approximately one mile eastward from the interchange. The remainder of the corridor is designated as primarily residential. The Official Mars Hill Zoning Map (last revised in 1981) shows a highway business zone along US 19/23 just south of the interchange at US 19/19E and on the west side of that interchange. The vast majority of vacant land north of Mars Hill is zoned as a rural residential and agricultural district. Yancey County The Town of Burnsville does not have a land use plan or map; however, local officials indicate that Yancey County and the Region D Council of Governments developed a Land Use Plan in the 1970s. The Region D Council is also known as the High Country Council of Governments, and serves as amulti-county planning organization for Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey Counties. This Region D plan was not adopted by Yancey County and is not in use. Mitchell County Local officials in Mitchell County indicate that while there are no formal land use plans for the County or for Spruce Pine, both entities have been using a children's book as their r:, • vision for growth. "The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree," by Gloria Houston, embodies the type of close-knit community that Mitchell County residents desire. They j hope that cottage industries such as tree farming, lantern making and other crafts, along with these TIP projects, will bring new jobs and tourists to the area. 11 _ TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties ,~ Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 Although Mitchell County does not have an official land use plan, the North Carolina Department of Commerce (NCDOC) prepared a Situational Analysis Report for Mitchell County. This report lists as a key issue "improvements to transportation, water and sewer, Internet access, etc, are necessary to support and promote economic development." The NCDOC also recommends that the County work closely with the NCDOT to keep highway improvements, such as the widening of US 19E, on schedule or to accelerate them if at all possible. It does not appear that TIP R-2518 or TIP R-2519 are in conflict with any of the local plans or community goals. Local officials are positive about the widening project, and indicate that the community feels the same way. Zonin Madison County Mars Hill enforces zoning within its town limits and aone-mile extraterritorial , jurisdiction, and Madison County enforces zoning throughout the unincorporated areas of the County. According to local officials, most of the land along US 19/23 is zoned as highway commercial, which allows for such businesses as motels, convenience stores, warehouses, etc. The County has zoned much of the land adjacent to US 19 (from US 19/23 and one mile eastward) as residential business (RB), with a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet. The remainder of the PGIA in Madison County is predominantly residentiaUagricultural (RA 26), with a minimum lot size of 26,000 square feet. Yancey County Local officials indicate that Yancey County does not have zoning, but the Town of Burnsville has an ordinance that was developed in the 1960s. Commercial districts are concentrated along US 19E, and there is one industrial zone located near NC 197 and US 19E (where the Glen Raven Plant is situated). The remainder of the town is primarily zoned as residential. Despite the fact that a zoning ordinance is in place, local officials indicate that special permits and variances are commonly requested and granted. Mitchell County Similarly, Mitchell County does not currently have a zoning ordinance. The Town of Spruce Pine, however, does have zoning that is enforced by the Mitchell County Department of Inspections. Although TIP R-2519 ends at the Spruce Pine town limits, it is important to note that the area around the project terminus is primarily zoned as alow- density residential district (R-1). There is also a small neighborhood business district (C- 2) just inside the town limits and along US 19E. This district is designed to provide commercial uses to nearby residential areas. Additionally, there is an industrial district on the south side of US 19E just outside of Spruce Pine. '1 12 TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 Environmental Regulations Water Supply Watersheds A search using NCDOT Statewide Planning GIS information reveals that there are three • water supply watersheds in the PGIA, and all of these watersheds are located within the French Broad River basin. There is one WS-I watershed (Graveyard/Crystal Falls Creek) -a and two WS-II watersheds (Ivy River and Cane River). Refer to Figure III for the watershed areas. The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) regulates development in water supply watersheds. Development is not permitted in WS- I watersheds, and these watersheds are composed entirely of public lands. In WS-II watersheds, residential development is primarily restricted to one dwelling unit per acre, _, and non-residential development to 12% built-upon area. However, development is further restricted to one dwelling unit per two acres or 6% built-upon in the critical area of these watersheds. Higher density options are available in WS-II watersheds depending on storm water controls (in both the balance of the watershed and critical areas) and the 10/70 provision (outside of the critical areas). The 10/70 provision allows local governments to use 10% of the non-critical area of each watershed within its jurisdiction for new development and expansions to existing development up to a 70% built-upon area limit (without stormwater control). In order to do this, the local government must use the low-density option throughout the remainder of the watershed. Local governments often use this technique to trade undevelopable public lands in order to concentrate growth at a higher density in other portions of the watershed. 303(d) Waters The 303(d) list is a product of the Clean Water Act, which requires states to identify those waters that do not meet water quality standards or those that have impaired uses. If control strategies for point and non-point source pollution exist for impaired waters, they may be excluded from the 303(d) list. NCDOT Statewide Planning GIS shapefiles do not reveal any 303(d) waters in the PGIA. V. INVENTORY OF NOTABLE FEATURES This section is based on review of the 2001 State Environmental Assessment for TIP R- 2518 and R-2519A, Geographic Information System (GIS) data provided by the Statewide Planning Office of the NCDOT and a database search of the entire TIP R- 2518/R-2519 project area. Potentially, 54 types of state or federally-protected species _7 , could be located within the PGIA. The Appalachian Elktoe mollusk, an endangered species, has been found in the Cane River; however, NCDOT environmental documents have not been prepared at the time of this study. There are potentially 17 types of .t natural, terrestrial or biotic communities in the PGIA. NCDOT Statewide Planning data reveals that five National Register (historic) structures are located within the PGIA. In 13 - TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 addition, there are approximately 12 solid waste facilities and 26 underground storage facilities in the general project area, and two superfund sites within the PGIA. Detailed tables are located in the appendix at the end of this report. As mentioned previously in this report, the NCDOT Statewide Planning GIS data reveals "~ that there are no 303d waters in the PGIA. The SEA also indicates that there are no -. designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, High Quality Waters (HQW) or Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) within one mile of the project; however, four jurisdictional wetlands were identified within the project study area. The SEA does indicate that TIP R-2518 and R-2519A are located in "trout" counties, and the authorization of a US Army Corps of Engineers permit is contingent on concurrence of the US Wildlife Resource Commission. VI. ACTIVITIES THAT CAUSE EFFECTS Previous Conclusions The State Environmental Assessment (SEA), dated May 31, 2001, addresses potential direct impacts and environmental considerations of TIP R-2518 and R-2519A. The report addresses indirect and cumulative impacts associated with these TIP projects. It indicates that the roadway improvements may encourage land development and sprawl d depending on local land development regulations, demand for development and the availability of water and sewer. Improvement in the level of service of the road, and travel time savings may result in increased growth and development away from the corridor. Any induced growth has the potential to degrade water quality, scenic views and recreational amenities, and this potential is increased when development controls are not in place. The SEA also mentions that the regional population growth rates have been lower than that of North Carolina. This, along with the distance from interstate highways, large metropolitan areas, the lack of water and sewer services, and limited amounts of easily developable lands, may hinder development in the region. However, development pressures do exist along this corridor because of new industries, tourism and a number of other proposed improvements in the area. Based on the report, tourist-oriented businesses could develop along US 19E where water and sewer services are available or proposed, and this could promote a type of "linear sprawl" or "rural sprawl." On the other hand, it was suggested that substantial industrial development is unlikely because of the steep topography. Most of the residential development is expected to be fueled by people building second homes or retirees, but local officials believe that a substantial number of residents commute to other counties or Tennessee for employment, and the improved roadway may make commuting more attractive and may bring new residents to the area. 14 . ~ _ TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 The Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) report is being delayed due to the discovery of Appalachian Elktoe Mussels in the Cane River. The Natural Resources Technical Report (NRTR) is expected to be completed by March 2004. Develoument Trends Madison County Officials in Madison County indicate that approximately 800 acres have been sold just north of Mars Hill and west of US 19/23 to build one- to six-acre mini-farms. Also, a large subdivision (approximately 1,000 acres/8001ots) called Seven Glens is under construction in the southeast corner of Madison County, approximately two to three miles south of the US 19/19E corridor. Growth is also anticipated surrounding the interchange at US 19/23 and NC 213. However, the eventual development of US 19/23 into an - interstate corridor is more of an impetus for growth. County officials expect the commercial growth to be small-scale (i.e. small businesses, motels, small distribution '; centers, etc.) because of proximity to Asheville, and the likelihood that major industry or retail typically locate closer to Asheville rather than Mars Hill. Yancey County Similar to the SEA findings, local officials indicate that recent development trends lean more toward upscale communities of second homes just off of US 19/19E, and small- scale commercial uses along the roadway. Two residential developments have been planned or built on the west side of Burnsville. The private Mountain Air Country Club was built off of Phipps Creek Road just west of the Cane River. This approximate 300- unit development has access to Burnsville sewer, but not water service. In addition, the Northwest Regional Housing Authority plans to build 40 affordable units on the north side of US 19E (across from Mt. Heritage High School). Local officials were not aware of any additional development proposals in the area, and officials indicate that the portion of US 19E east of Burnsville is the growth corridor. Growth is not expected to occur rapidly, but this stretch of roadway should gradually develop with the planned extension of water and sewer services to Micaville and Spruce Pine. Mitchell County Officials in Mitchell County mentioned two tracts of land that may be developed into residential communities. One, called Altapass, is located near the McDowell County Line and the Blue Ridge Parkway. This land has been sold to developers who wish to build a community similar to the Mountain Air Country Club. Additionally, the Penland Bailey Corporation owns approximately 2,000-5,000 acres just north of Spruce Pine, and officials expect the land to be subdivided into one half- to two-acre lots. Based on interviews with local officials, both residential developments are long-term projects, and are not expected to be built-out in the next 20-25 years. .~ ,_ 15 ~;~ TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 - VII. POTENTIAL INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS Context for Potential Land Use Change In Guidance for Assessing Indirect and Cumulative Impacts of Transportation Projects in North Carolina, a set of factors was outlined for use in evaluating the potential for indirect and cumulative impacts, and for determining if further, more detailed analysis is necessary. The following is an assessment of these factors as they apply to TIP R-2518 and R-2519. Conflict with local plan: TIP R-2518 and TIP R-2519 do not appear to be in conflict with any of the local land use and zoning plans, nor does it does it seem to be in conflict with the local thoroughfare plans. In addition, local plans, if available, are somewhat outdated and may not reflect recent transportation plans or development. Explicit economic development purpose: According to the NCDOT PDEA Engineer and the 2001 State Environmental Assessment, TIP R-2518 and TIP R-2519 do not have an explicit economic development purpose. However, local officials indicate that they hope the widening of US 19/19E will encourage new industry and development to boost the local economy. _ ~ Planned to serve specific development: While any existing or future development along US 19/19E may benefit from increased accessibility as a result of these TIP projects, no specific development is being exclusively served by this improved roadway. Likely to stimulate land development having complementary (to highway-related travel) functions: The assessment of this factor involves the evaluation of a subset of factors commonly used to help determine the potential for induced growth. This subset includes: • Distance to a major urban center • Traffic volumes on intersecting roadways • Presence of frontage roads • Availability of water/sewer The project is located in the extreme western portion of North Carolina. Asheville, with a population of 66,889 in 2000, is the largest city in western North Carolina; its Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 225,965 in 2000. The western terminus of TIP R-2518 is approximately 25 miles from downtown Asheville, while the eastern terminus is approximately 55 miles from Asheville. The NCDOT Statewide Planning indicates that the 2002 traffic volume on US 19/23 just south of the interchange with US 19/19E is 15,000 annual average daily traffic (AADT). y - The volume decreases to 8,300 AADT just north of that interchange. Traffic volumes on ~¢ NC 80 (north of US 19E) range from approximately 720 AADT to 1300 AADT. 16 :i _ TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 Volumes are higher on NC 226 in Mitchell County, with 17,000 AADT in the Spruce Pine Corporate Limits and 13,000 just south of Spruce Pine. It appeazs from the site visit and from the Statewide Planning data that traffic volumes on these intersecting roadways aze relatively high for this region; however, the volumes are not particularly high in relation to other major roadways in the state. The site visit did not reveal any frontage roads and neither TIP R-2518 nor R-2519 include plans for frontage roads. Water and sewer service is limited within most of the PGIA and along the project corridor. However, Mazs Hill does provide water and sewer service within its town limits and extending out to the intersection of NC 213 and US 19/23, just south of y the TIP R-2518 terminus. Water and sewer aze also available along US 19E within the Town of Burnsville (water extends approximately three miles west of Burnsville on US 19E), and in the :~ Spruce Pine town limits. Local officials plan to locate a new waste treatment plant in Micaville, between Burnsville and Spruce Pine, in hopes that water and sewer services would eventually be -- extended from Burnsville to Spruce Pine, and north along NC 80 from Micaville to Bakersville. Based on this assessment, TIP R- 2518and TIP R-2519 have some potential to stimulate complementazy land development. It may create infill or small-scale commercial development opportunities along US 19/19E where water and sewer are present or will be in the near future. Residential development, particularly second homes and retiree homes, may occur in areas where the topography will allow. However, this type of development is less dependent on water and sewer services, and it becomes difficult to determine where these residential - developments would be constructed. Likely to influence intraregional land development location decisions: ~, • Typically, if the conditions aze favorable for development and/or a region is currently undergoing urbanization, an improvement in the transportation infrastructure is likely to influence where development will occur. In this case, the project corridor and PGIA have °3 - experienced less population and employment growth than North Carolina as a whole, and more regionally, Asheville. On the other hand, the area is attractive because of its 17 US 19E East of Burnsville, North Carolina - ~ _ TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 proximity to Asheville, recreational opportunities and beautiful scenery. Thus, the widening of US 19/19E may influence intraregional land development location decisions. Notable feature present in Potential Growth Impact Area: There are potentially 54 federally-protected species and 11 natural communities present in the seven USGS quadrants (Barnardsville, Mars Hill, Spruce Pine, Micaville, Burnsville, Bald Creek and Sams Gap) surrounding the project corridor. One of these federally-protected species, the Appalachian Elktoe mussel, has been discovered in the Cane River, and the NRTR is being prepared at the time of this study. In addition, Statewide Planning data reveals that there are five National Register structures in the PGIA. The NCDOT's Statewide Planning data also indicates that there are two hazardous material sites in the PGIA. Four jurisdictional wetlands are listed in the SEA, but there are no 303(d) streams, High Quality Waters, Outstanding Resource Waters or Wild and Scenic Rivers in the PGIA. However, there are numerous trout streams in within the PGIA as shown in Figure III. Potential for Induced Growth The majority of the PGIA is residential in nature, but small-scale commercial uses are concentrated along US 19/19E and at towns or major intersections, such as those at or near US 19/23, the Cane River hamlet, Burnsville, NC 80 and Commercial Uses and Streams along US 19E NC 226/Spruce Pine. While much of the land is unsuitable for development due to the steep topography, it is possible that small-scale retail or industrial uses, or single-family residential uses would locate along US 19/19E. This development would be further constrained by natural factors such as stream crossings and wetlands. The greatest potential for induced commercial and/or industrial growth is near the towns of Burnsville and Spruce Pine, where water and sewer services already exist. Local officials also expect these services to be extended from Burnsville, through the Micaville community, to Spruce Pine, creating the opportunity for more growth along the corridor. There is also potential for residential development on larger tracts of land one to two -a ~ miles off the US 19/19E corridor. Most of the land in this part of the PGIA is steep, and much of the land in Madison County is located within a water supply watershed. `' However, low-density development is possible. The widening of US 19/19E could -~ - accelerate residential development, but it is not likely to induce substantial growth in this i area. 18 _ TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 Local officials indicate that the growth occurring in the area is primarily due to tourism, which often means more second homes, recreational opportunities and cottage industries, not large-scale retail or industrial development. However, these planners do indicate that there are some available industrial sites, and the communities have a desire to grow the manufacturing employment base. VIII. ANALYSIS OF INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS The following set of indicators helps to evaluate the potential for land use change as a result of highway improvements such as the widening of US 19/19E. These indicators also assist in the determination of whether or not a more quantitative analysis is '~ warranted. These factors include change in accessibility, change in property values, forecasted growth, land supply vs. demand, water and sewer availability, market for development and public policy. Potential for Land Use Change, 2000-2020 Land. u Change ~ Supply in ~ vs: Water! Change in ` Property ~ Forecasted .:.Land Sewer.. Market For Public y~; Ratio Accessibili Values Growth Demand' Availat-ili Develo went Polic > 50% increase > 3% < 10- Less > 10 min. in annual year Existing Development stringent; no travel time property pop. supply service activity growth Stron savin s values. rowth of land available abundant mana ement " X X X X " X X X „ No 0-1% > 20- No service More < 2 min. property annual year available Development stringent; travel time value pop. supply now or in activity growth Weak savin s increase Growth of land future lackin mana ement The change in accessibility and mobility as a result of TIP R-2518/R-2519 will be minimal. There should be no noticeable shift in travel patterns, but travel time savings may occur. This roadway is the primary route through Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties, and the TIP projects may serve to relieve some of the congestion along the roadway, particularly around Burnsville. With the current congestion levels, additional travel lanes may reduce travel times by 5-10 minutes over a 30-mile trip. The alleviation of congestion could make retail areas more attractive to shoppers. This, in turn, could slightly increase property values, but only slightly since the market for development is lacking. Local officials also indicate that land values are high in areas where building is suitable based on topography. 19 ©~ TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 The demographic area grew by 16.2% between 1990 and 2000, an annual growth rate of 1.5%. During the same time period, Madison County, Yancey County and Mitchell County grew by 15.8%, 15.3% and 8.6%, respectively. It is reasonable to assume that the county growth rates would be relatively good indicators of how the demographic area and PGIA may grow, and that the demographic area and PGIA may continue to grow at similar or slightly lesser growth rates over the next 20-25 years based on North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management projections. Water and sewer services are available within the Burnsville and Spruce Pine town limits. Water service also extends about three miles west of Burnsville along US 19E. There are plans to extend both water and sewer services between Burnsville and Spruce Pine, but the remainder of the PGIA remains largely without these services. Local planners indicate that development momentum is occurring along the US 19/23 corridor in Madison County and eastward from Burnsville to Spruce Pine. Local officials support the economic benefits of this widening project and land use policies are limited. However, the relative isolation of these towns from large employment centers and the lack of commercial or industrial development momentum suggest that any induced growth would be minimal. IX. EVALUATION OF ANALYSIS RESULTS Consideration of Indirect Effects --1 TIP R-2518 and R-2519 may induce some small-scale development on vacant tracts of land, or re-development of vacant buildings and single-family residential uses along the project corridor. The type of induced growth will vary depending on locations within the -, PGIA. Figure IV shows that portion of the PGIA for which changes are most likely to occur, such as the land adjacent to US 19/19E near US 19/23, the land within or the service limits of Burnsville, the land near the Spruce Pine town limits, and land along the section of US 19E (between Burnsville and Spruce Pine) that is expected to eventually be serviced by water and sewer. Since TIP R-2518 and TIP R-2519 are only widening projects, no new access will be provided, and impacts should be limited to an area within about one mile of the project corridor. While some of the land along the corridor is unsuitable for development due to steep topography, streams, wetlands or other natural features, it is possible for development to occur on smaller tracts of land, particularly residential uses. Additionally, the improved roadway will be divided by a median, which may somewhat limit access in certain areas. Commercial and Industrial Uses: New commercial uses will primarily be clustered °° near the US 19/23 and US 19/19E interchange, within several miles of Burnsville and -1 - near Spruce Pine and the intersection of US 19E and NC 226. These are the most likely locations for new commercial development because of proximity to other commercial 20 R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey & MitcheACounties - Indirect and Cumulative En'ects (ICE) Assessment February 25, 2004 FIGURE II. DEMOGRAPHIC AREA ... TIP R-2518/R-2519 - MAJOR ROADS MINOR ROADS IT RAILROAD RIVERS & STREAMS -~ ~~' WATER BODIES rir~ MUNICIPAL BOUNDARY COUNTY BOUNDARY MOUNT MITCHELL STATE PARK 2.5 1.25 0 2.5 5 Miles N MAP SOURCES: NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH INSTITUTE (ESRI) US CENSUS BUREAU _ R-151&/R-2519, Madison, Yancey & Mitchell Counties Indirect and Cumulative Effects (ICE) Assessment February 15,1004 < 5 ~. I ` ~~ ~ ~ t-: ,~ ~-n.~.~;; J ~ TENNESSEE ~ ~ ~" ` ' I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~"~'',` ~ . ~~ ~YANCEY COUNT,Y~I . ~" ~ ~ / I-. /r ~,* ` { NC 197 ~t S%, t ~ 1 r~ ~,'~ ~ ~, _..MADISON ~ ~ `r CiOUNTY ~` ' ,1,_ ~ ~ 1sw ~ _ 1 Bu nsville _; , i ~. ° 19 ~ ~ ~ , ~~ ~_ 23 ~ ~~ .~ 1 -~ , L,, ~ ..,, -a ~,`' ~~ ~ ,~ `~ ~i ~~ ) ~~ ~"~ ~ f Mars Hill- 1 ~ , ` ~~ ~ r ~, ~~ ~~ \ ~, t.,t ~~, ..~.-~ ~ '~ ~ r ,r`'~~-~ I ,~ , ~ s (~ Cane River /; Watershed ~ ~~~ ~ ~' ~ = Ivy R-verr"~ ~ ~ - ' ~ \ NC 213 _~'`~~` `~ ~ ~ ' ~' ~~i ~ Watershedq ~ , r .1 ; ~; ~. ~~ f ~ ,. r f I ~ ~ t ~t, i ~ ~ ` '~~ ~~ ~ ~ '. 1 r .. .~ , . , f~;l ~ ~ . -~ ~ ~ } ~., ._ ~ 1 ' `` \ ~, ~ ~ S°: ' ~ '~ Bernardsville Hwy 1912 ~~~. v ,~ ~' ~; ~ ~ 7 t i ~ ~~ ...%~' ~ 1 ~ i~c ? ti~ ~ ~?~ ~- Mt Mitchell ~ _ `", S'~ ^ a .:State Park ~" ~~,. ~ ~~?, " .BUNCOMBE COUNTY-~ ,J ,, . ~ ,~ .mot;. ~ ~ ~, ~, .~..,, , ~ -- I RId e ~ ~' it ~, \r `~~~ ~~ `~,_. . ~ ~ y i' 7` _ Bakersville _ ~ t !` .. MITCHELL l ~ COUNTY ~ NC 80~ ~ I'° i`"r~ ~ ,~' ~. ~ ~} ~-~~ ~, ~ ~ ~` ~ ~- `t~ ,~I ~ ~~ r i ~ ~f / ~ ~, Spruce Pir I~ ~ ~~~.'~ ( ~ ~ .~„ / ~t 19E , .~ '~ , 'F' ~ ~ ' ~ ~"'; ~~ .~ ., . ~~ NC / „ ~~ /° Watershed ~ : , ~ ~. NC 226 >. ~~~_ r~ ~I ~,.;~ r,. .r r , MCDOWELL'COUNTY~ ~' r ~' r. ~. ~~ ~ .~ FIGURE III. NATURAL RESOURCES ~ TIP R•2518lR-2519 MAJOR ROADS --- MINOR ROADS .HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE DISPOSAL ~~, MOUNT MITCHELL STATE PARK +-i RAILROAD -RIVERS & STREAMS WATER BODIES POTENTIAL GROWTH IMPACT AREA (PGIA) MUNICIPALITIES ~COUNTYBOUNDARY . WS-I W5-II - WS-IV DWQ CLASS -BTrORW ~CTr -CTrORW WS-II Tr WS-II Tr CA WRC CLASS Undesignated Water 2.5 1.25 0 2,5 5 Miles MAP SOURCES: N NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH INSTRUTE (ESRI) HNTB MADISON COUNTY MITCHELL COUNTY . YANCEY COUNTY . ~ _ R-2518/R-1519, Madison, Yancey ~ Mitchell Counties Indirect and Cumulative E,f~ects (ICE) Assessment Fehruary 15,1D04 _~ ~~ l ~~ ~ ~. ` ~ ~ { ~ , Bakersville ~ ~``C~. TENNESSEE ~`~`~ ~ ~ ~ ~ --~ ~°- ,~ ~ ~'~~~ ~:~~ ~ ~ ~r ~ r ~ ~~ ;. ~t r ~ ' ~ ~,, r" ~i ~,, ,~_. ;i~ .~, ~ ~~ ~ -~ MITCHELL ~~ ~ ,~ ti ,, ~ ~s h ~~' ~ ~~ COUNTY ., .. ` / ~~ w, ~~ ~, ~ '~ ~. - ~ ~.„ ,,,, ,~ ~. ,., ; NC 197 -;~~,~ ~ NC 80~' EIS '"'~` ~ ` °YANCEY COUNTY ` ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~`~ ~ ~ ~~~ ~~ ~,j ~~ , < ~ , -. A "~ ~. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ , r 4 ~• ..' ~'~ 1 lJ ~ ., ^~'~ ~ ~ 'tom ~ 5 ,^ _.. ~ -'~ ~ \ ~,. '1~ ~ ,~ ~ \I , ~ i ' - ~., ~ i ~.~. ~ E t . , ' ,MADISON ~ "~ ~' a~.; COUNTY ~ ~:>~~ ~. 4 ,. ~ ~ ~~ ~~ '`.~~,! i .% r~ Burnsville '~~ ~ ~ z~i , ~ Spruce Pme ~~ - .~ _: , r w 1` ~ . ~~. 19 ~' ' ~ '} ~ '~ t r ~'z ° p ~ ~, 4 23 ~ r> l r ,~ ~ ~~ 5°1 4r~ _ ; i ~ ~, r~a~ !r ~ ~~ ~ I ~.l I I ~ ~ ~ ~ 7 -, ~ r. i' ~f d ~~ ~~~ ~ 19E ~ " _ ';, Micaville ~ ~ k ' ~ > `~ '\ 1. . ; _ ,,~ t; ~;- ~ ~~~~ I` ~~ ~ + '~ - ,. , ,, a ,~,} ~~ ~, . ~~~ ' ~ ~~ z `NC 226. ~, „- - ~: ~ ~ > .. ,, ,. ,~ r. Mars~Hill ~~~ ~ ~~ ' ` ~ r 1~ ~~ ~ .` • ~. h~ r' .z , , ~~ NC 213 ~ ~ ~ ~ -~, ., ~" `~ ~~ ~, r. . ~.. r` -~! Sr' ~ ~ ~ ~ n, ~ ti :~ f .~ ../ 1 l~ r ~ ' ~ .~ '~~ ~ ; ~~ ~ ~ ~ BBrnardsviue Hwy ~ ~CDOWELL~COUNTY ~~ r ; ~„ '~'~, r,.~ ~ i'~ ~ ~ ~, Mt Mitchell ~ '~~ ^' ti ~~ ;~ , _'• ' -~~ ~~ ~.,.. State Park ~ y , R .~.. ~,~-`- ~ ~ , 1 ~, - ~ ''~%°~,,BUNCOMBE:000NT,Y~~ ,, ~ ~ E ~; y~` ~~ ,~1' ~~ ~:',!~_, 1- ~ _~ ~ ~~~ 1 gyn. ~ ~' ~~ ,~fi .~ ~ t ~ ~- i ~ ' v t ~ _1, J ,v %~ ~ ,, . ~ ~ ~.~ ~ ~f7 f ~ Blue Ridge Pkwy / ~~ ~.- ~ h u ~1 h f ~ ~J 'y 1f ,.~I ,`'/~-~~,;~, `;~~:~ >~ ;~^ ~ ~ 1 ~ ~-.,,~ ~ ~ +, f~ ~;,7`--r tiff%,, `.Weaverville~ ~,J~', ~~=f ~ r `~ ~ 4.~' ` f~~ ~r '"'~, ~h " ~~11 ~ 1 f ~ r~ J %`~' ,Jy x A'~ J 11 ~ r' ter' n. ~'~ ,/~, t~ t f ~eJ --- ~ Y 1 1 n Ili 4 ~ ~..~ u, i y. '--~-`J '.'.~ `..il ~ ~ ~ ~ rr;.J J 1 / ~ l; FIGURE IV. IMPACT AREAS ~~ TIP R-25181R-2519 - MAJOR ROADS ---- MINOR ROADS ~- RAILROAD RIVERS & STREAMS '~ WATER BODIES POTENTIAL GROWTH IMPACT AREA (PGIA) MUNICIPALITIES a COUNTY BOUNDARY ®MEDIUM POTENTIAL FOR IMPACT - HIGH POTENTIAL FOR IMPACT MOUNT MITCHELL STATE PARK 2.5 1.25 0 2.5 5 Miles MAP SOURCES: N NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT Of TRANSPORTATION ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS REBEARCH INSTITUTE (ESRI) HNTB MADISON COUNTY MITCHELL COUNTY . YANCEY COUNTY _ TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 Identification of the Potential Growth Impact Area The North Carolina Department of Transportation's and North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources' (DENR) Guidance for Assessing Indirect and Cumulative Impacts of Transportation Projects in North Carolina indicates that the development effects of a new roadway facility are most often found up to one mile around an interchange, and up to two to five miles along major feeder roadways to the interchange. Based on this guidance, an initial review of project area conditions and the understanding that this is a widening and not a new road facility, it was determined that the potential for growth impact as a result of this project would be primarily within atwo- mile radius of the project. This two-mile radius, referred to as the Potential Growth Impact Area (PGIA), determines the data collection and analysis area, but is not necessarily the extent to which growth impacts are expected to occur (see Figure III). The Guidance indicates it's rational to study land use changes over a period of about 20- 25 years, since this is the time horizon used in most Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and local transportation plans. IV. STUDY AREA DIRECTION AND GOALS Regional Location Influences and Implications The rural counties in western North Carolina appear to have been experiencing slower population growth than the State of North Carolina as a whole. This part of North Carolina has experienced a loss in manufacturing jobs, but is an increasingly important tourist destination in the region. The western terminus of TIP R-2518 is approximately 25 miles from downtown Asheville, the largest city in western North Carolina. Asheville had a population of 66,889 in 2000, and its Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 225,965 in 2000. Yancey County is home to Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Mitchell County is home to the Penland School of Crafts, a national center for craft education, and is also home to several prominent artists. In addition, the Blue Ridge Parkway traverses the extreme southern portion of Yancey and Mitchell Counties, and draws visitors from all over the country. US 19/19E is arguably the most vital route through Yancey and Mitchell Counties, and upon widening, will be the only four-lane road in these counties. Other key roads in the project vicinity include US 19/23, which will eventually become an extension of I-26, US 19W, which connects US 19 to Tennessee, and both NC 80 and NC 226, which connect land northwest of US 19E to the Town of Marion (and I-40), south of US 19E. Based on the site visit and discussions with local officials, most of the traffic in the region appears to be traveling east-west along US 19/19E, with most of the congestion around the Town of Burnsville. 4 TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 uses and relatively larger population centers, as well as higher traffic volumes and availability of services. These areas are designated as having a "high potential for impact" on Figure IV. The areas around the Cane River (Bald Creek), and the area between Burnsville and Spruce Pine, where water and sewer services may be extended, have been designated as having a "medium potential for impact." Because the roadway will be median-divided, it makes sense that commercial and industrial uses would be located at these major intersections, as these are the most likely places for median breaks. Although there have been some industrial closings in recent years, local officials hope that the improved accessibility provided by a widened roadway will encourage future industry to locate in the area. It does not seem probable that large-scale industry would locate along US 19 as a result of TIP R-2518 and R-2519, but the project may encourage the location of small, tourist-related industries. If industry does locate to the area, it is likely that some of the existing vacant buildings and sites would be filled before new buildings or sites are developed. Residential Uses: It is difficult to pinpoint where residential development may occur, although it is more likely to take place within one to two miles of the US 19/19E corridor, as this is the main east-west roadway through Madison County, Yancey County and Mitchell County. In addition, local services are concentrated along the corridor. The majority of the PGIA is categorized as having a "low potential for impact," since development may occur, but not necessarily because of the widening of US 19/19E. Consideration of Cumulative Effects The cumulative impact of TIP R-2518 and R-2519 increases somewhat when considered along with other proposed TIP projects such as A-10, R-2520 and R-2598. The combination of these transportation improvements will improve regional accessibility throughout this part of western North Carolina. Although some of the factors used to evaluate indirect and cumulative impacts indicate that there is potential for land use change along US 19/19E, and further analysis may be warranted to estimate impacts to notable features, it is unlikely that these TIP projects will cause substantial indirect impacts to water quality. Slow population and employment growth and the steep natural terrain should minimize any deterioration in water quality that could occur due to these TIP projects. 21 _ TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 X. APPENDIX Ctate and Federally-Protected Species r Common Name Scientific Name Federal Status State Status USGS uad Ma Plant: Daisy-leaf Botrychium Significantly Rare Moonwort matricarii olium N/A -Peri heral Bald Creek Significantly Rare Marsh-maxi old Caltha alustris N/A -Peri heral Bald Creek Significantly Rare Wretched Sed a Carex misera N/A -Limited Bald Creek *TRoan Mountain Bluet Houstonia montana Endan ered Endan ered Bald Creek Largeleaf Hydrophyllum Significantly Rare Bald Creek, Waterleaf macro h Ilum N/A -Peri heral Sams Ga Large Purple- Platanthera Significantly Rare frin ed Orchid andi ora N/A -Peri heral Bald Creek Schweinitz's Senecio Ra wort schweinitzianus N/A Endan ered Bald Creek Roan Prenanthes Significantly Rare Rattlesnakeroot roanensis N/A -Limited Bald Creek Significantly Rare Moss Pink Phlox subulata N/A -Peri heral Bald Creek Yellow Ladies'- Spiranthes Significantly Rare Bald Creek, tresses ochroleuca N/A -Peri heral Micaville American Significantly Rare Bald Creek, S eedwell Veronica Americana N/A -Peri heral Barnardsville Trailing Wolfsbane Aconitum reclinatum N/A Si ificantl Rare Barnardsville Significantly Rare Biltmore Sed a Carex biltmoreana N/A -Limited Barnardsville Significantly Rare Hitchcock's Sed a Carex hitchcockiana N/A -Peri heral Barnardsville Significantly Rare A Wood Sed e Carex le tonervia N/A -Peri heral Barnardsville Broadleaf Significantly Rare Coreo sis Coreo sis lati olia N/A - Throu out Barnardsville Significantly Rare Bleedin Heart Dicentra eximia N/A -Peri heral Barnardsville Eastern Shooting Significantly Rare Star Dodecatheon meadia N/A -Peri heral Barnardsville Hydrastis Endangered - Goldenseal Canadensis N/A S ecial Concern Barnardsville Divided-leaf Species of Ra wort Packera mille olium Concern Threatened Barnardsville Pinnate-lobed Rudbeckia triloba Species of Significantly Rare Barnardsville, Black-e ed Susan var innatiloba Concern - Throu out Mars Hill Burnsville, * Vir inia S iraea S iraea vir iniana Threatened Endan ered Micaville Significantly Rare Climbin Fumito Adlumia un osa N/A -Peri heral Mars Hill Significantly Rare American Barbe Berberis Canadensis N/A - Throu out Mars Hill Mountain Catchfl Silene ovata S ecies of Si ificantl Rare Micaville, 22 - TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 Concern - Throu out Sams Ga Glade S ur a Eu horbia ur urea Species of Concern Significantly Rare - Throu out Sams Ga Meehania Meehania cordata N/A Significantly Raze -Peri heral Sams Ga Mazsh Bellflower Campanula a arinoides N/A Significantly Rare -Peri heral S nice Pine Cree in Sunrose Helianthemum ro in uum N/A Significantly Rare -Peri heral S nice Pine Cranbe Vaccinium macrocar on N/A Significantly Raze -Peri heral S nice Pine *S readin Avens Geum radiatum Endan ered N/A Yance Co. Bird: Appalachian Yellow-bellied Sa sucker Sphyrapicus varius a alachiensis Species of Concern S ecial Concern Baznazdsville *Pere rive Falcon Falco peregrinus anatum Endan ered N/A Yancey & Madison Cos. Mollusk: *TAppalachian Elktoe Alasmidonta raveneliana ndan ered ndan ered Bald Creek, Burnsville, Micaville, Spruce Pine Re tile: o Turtle lyptemya muhlenber ii hreatened hreatened Barnazdsville, Mars Hill, Spruce Pine, Micaville, Burnsville, Bald Creek, Sams Ga Timber Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus N/A S ecial Concern S nice Pine *Bo Turtle Clemmys muhlenber ii Threatened N/A Yance Co. Am hibian: Hellbender Cryptobranchus alle aniensis Species of Concern S ecial Concern Micaville, Spruce Pine Insect• Smyth's Green Comma Polygonia faunus sm thi N/A Si ificantl Rare Barnazdsville Hicko Hairstreak Satyrium ca aevorum N/A Si nificantl Raze Barnazdsville *Spruce-fir Moss S ider Michrohexura montiva a Endan ered N/A Yance Co. Fish: Stri ed Shiner Luxilus ch soce halus N/A Threatened Burnsville Blotched Chub Erim staz insi nis Species of Concern Si ificantl Raze Mars Hill 23 - ~ - TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 Stonecat Noturus avus N/A Endan ered Mars Hill Species of Micaville, Spruce Olive Darter Percina s uamata Concern S ecial Concern Pine Blotchside Darter Percina burtoni N/A Endan ered Micaville Etheostoma Sh head Darter acutice s N/A Threatened S ruce Pine Yancey & *S otfm Chub H bo sis monacha Threatened N/A Madison Cos. Mammal• New England Sylvilagus Species of Cottontail transitionalis Concern Si ificantl Rare Bald Creek Corynorhinus *Virginia Big- townsendii eared Bat virinianus Endan ered N/A Yance Co. Fells concolor *Eastern Cou ar cou uar Endan ered N/A Yance Co. *Carolina Northern Flying Glaucomys sabrinas S uirrel coloratus Endan ered N/A Yance Co. Lichen Alpine Camouflage Significantly Rare Lichen Melanelia s is N/A - D Bald Creek *Rock Gnome Lichen G mnoderma lineare Endan ered N/A Yance Co. * Listed only in the 2UU1 SEA *T Listed in NC National Heritage Program and 2001 SEA. Source: North Carolina National Heritage Program, Bald Creek, Barnazdsville, Burnsville, Mars Hill, Micaville, Sams Gap, and Spruce Pine USGS topographic quadrangles (January 2004), http://ils.unc.edu/pazkproject/nhn Natural C'nmmunities Name USGS: uad Ma Grass Bald Bald Creek Hi h Elevation Red Oak Forest Bald Creek, Baznazdsville Chestnut Oak Forest Barnazdsville Hi h Elevation Granitic Dome Baznazdsville Low Elevation Rock Summit Barnazdsville Montane Red Cedar -Hardwood Woodland Barnazdsville Rich Cove Forest Barnazdsville, Sams Ga Swam Forest - Bo Com lex T is Sub a Bamazdsville Northern Hazdwood Forest T is Sub a Burnsville Montane Mafic Cliff Mars Hill Southern A alachian Bo orthern Sub e S nice Pine *Maintained Disturbed N/A *Mixed Pine-hardwood N/A *Ri azian N/A *Mixed Hardwood Forest N/A *Perennial Surface Waters N/A *Emer ent Wetland N/A * Listed only in the 2001 SEA (as "Terrestrial or 13iohc Communities) Source: North Carolina National Heritage Program, Bald Creek, Barnardsville, Burnsville, Mars Hill, Micaville, Sams _ Gap, and Spruce Pine USGS topographic quadrangles (January 2004), http://ils.unc.edu/pazkproject/nhp 24 ~w TIP R-2518/R-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 Architectural Features and Historic Sites PntPntial f rnwth impact Area Name Address ` Status California Creek Missionary Baptist Church US 23, Mars Hill, Madison Co. National Re ister (NR Former Citizens Bank Buildin Town S uare, Burnsville, Yance Co. National Re ister R John Wesley McElroy 11 Academy Street, Burnsville, House Yance Co. National Re ister Nu-Wra Inn Off of US 19E, Burnsville, Yance Co. National Re ister (NR Yancey County West Main Street at Town Square, Courthouse Burnsville, Yance Co. National Re ister R *Porter and Ollie Briggs Southeast side of US 19 across from Ra House the intersection of US 19 and SR 1520 Eli ible for listin on NR Southeast side of US 19 at the *Otto Buckner House intersection of old US 19 and SR 1510 Eli ible for listin on NR North side of US 19E at the *Sam B d House intersection of US 19E and SR 1394 Eli ible for listin on NR *Bald Creek School and South side of US 19E in the G asium communi of Bald Creek Eli ible for listin on NR *Captain E.E. Neill House North side of US 19E Eli ible for listin on NR North side of US 19E between the Bald * Wilkes Hensle House Creek communi and the Cane River Eli ible for listin on NR South side of US 19E near the intersection of SR 1196, west of *Horton Hill Cemete Burnsville Eli ible for listin on NR * Listed only in 2001 SEA Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation -Statewide Planning Division GIS data (June 2003) ~nlid Waste Facilities Permit Name. T e Location Contact Tom Tipton Rm. 13 County Courthouse Yancey-Mitchell Hwy. 80 N./Arbuckle Rd. Burnsville, NC 28714 10002 C&D Landfill CDLF Burnsville, NC 828) 678-9180 Tom Tipton Rm. 13 County Courthouse Yancey-Mitchell Hwy. 80 N./Arbuckle Rd. Burnsville, NC 28714 10003-T Transfer Station Transfer Burnsville, NC 828 678-9180 Approximately 0.3 mile east of SR 1137 on north *N/A Ti ton Automotive N/A side of US 19 N/A Southwest corner of the Westside Market intersection of US 19E *N/A Place and Nurse N/A and SR 1196 N/A Young and Northwest corner of the McQueen Grading intersection of US 19E *N/A Co., Inc. N/A and SR 1196 N/A Northeast corner of the intersection of US 19E *N/A Dean's Bod Sho N/A and SR 1375 N/A *N/A Avondale Mills N/A North side of Main Street N/A 25 _ TIP R-2518/8-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 South side of US 19E approximately 1,200 feet *N/A S les Automotive N/A east of Hillside Drive N/A South side of US 19E Ken's Muffler and approximately 500 feet *N/A Brakes N/A east of NC 197 South N/A Southeast corner of US Sam's Oil 19E and Claten Wheeler *N/A Com an N/A Road N/A North side of US 19E Burnsville approximately 1,400 feet *N/A E ui rnent N/A east of SR 1141 N/A Southwest corner of the intersection of US 19E *N/A Gou e Truckin N/A and SR 1141 N/A * Listed only in 2001 SEA Source: North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources, Madison, Mitchell, & Yancey Counties (January 2004), htto://wastenot.enr.state.nc.us/dbases.htm Underground Storage Tank (UST) Locations Madison. Mitchell, & Yancev Counties ~. UST Name Location Approximately 0.4 mile east of US 23 on north side of Former Gas Station/Gara e US 19 Approximately 0.5 mile east of US 23 on south side of Leadford's Auto Parts Cit o US 19 Northwest quadrant of the US 19 and SR 1525 P&E Farm Su 1 intersection Northwest quadrant of the US 19 and SR 1520 Former Gulf Gas Station intersection Tri Coun Re airs Just north of SR 1519 on the east side of US 19 Approximately 0.1 mile south of SR 1511 on the west D&N Ente rises side of US 19 Approximately 0.1 mile south of SR 1511 on the west Flea Market site of former as station) side of US 19 Southwest quadrant of the US 19 and SR 1507 Ra mond Chandler Groce P intersection Approximately 0.2 mile east of SR 1134 on the south The Store side of US 19 Price's Creek Store (Amoco) Just east of SR 1136 on the north side of US 19 Approximately 100 feet west of SR 1115 on the south Riddle's Riverside Groce BP side of US 19 Mountain Heritage High School (UST for Approximately 1,600 feet south of the centerline of US heatin oil 19E Approximately 180 feet to the east of SR 1375 on the Ta for Motors north side of US 19E Approximately 200 feet east of SR 1375 on the north And 's side of US 19E Approximately 800 feet to the east of SR 1196 on the Burnsville Amoco south side of US 19E Approximately 1,000 feet east of SR 1139 on the north M&H Chevrolet Buick side of US 19E Riddle Fuel Oil Com an A roximatel 1,600 feet to the west of NC 197 Texaco At the southwestern uadrant of the intersection of US 26 ( _ TIP R-2518/B-2519, Madison, Yancey and Mitchell Counties r~ Qualitative Indirect and Cumulative Effects Report February 25, 2004 19E and NC 197 Burnsville Gas, Inc. At the southwest uadrant of US 19E and SR 1140 Shell Gasoline Station/Racewa Food Mart At the intersection of Main Street and US 19E East Yance Chevron At the intersection of US 19E and SR 1329 S les Groce Approximately 1,000 feet west of SR 1141 on the south side of US 19E Hercules At the intersection of US 19E and SR 1142 Former BP Gasoline Station At the intersection of US 19E and SR 1143 Herita a Tire Approximately 200 feet east of SR 1144 on the south side of US 19E B&R Groce At the intersection of US 19E and SR 1146 source: luu t ~t/a Superfund Sites Potential (:rnwth Tmnact Arpa Name Location Glen Raven Mills Intersection of US 19E and NC 197 Hone ell Micro Switch Division Mars Hill source: Nortn c;aronna lieparunent of '1 ransportanon -Statewide Y-anning Division (i1S data (June 2003) a 27