Table 2-6

Table 2-6. Comparison of Alternatives and Impacts
. •. . . •. . . �. .
. �... . . . . . .. . •. .
.. .. . . ..
-. .� .. .. . . . �.
.. .. ..
Primitive Park AADT would be 144 vehicles. AADT same as the AADT would be 150 vehicles. AADT same as the AADT same as the AADT same as the
Road: baseline Partial-Build baseline Northern baseline Northern Shore baseline Northern Shore
Alternative to Bushnell. Shore Corridor. Corridor. Corridor.
Mobility and Access: Mobility and Access:
Moderate, adverse, short-term Moderate, adverse, short-term
impacts due to truck traffic Mobility and Access: impacts due to truck traffic Mobility and Access: Mobility and Access: Mobility and Access:
during construction and Similar to the baseline during construction and minor, Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline
Potential im acts to negligible to minor, Partial-Build Alternative beneficial or indeterminate Northern Shore Northern Shore Corridor. Northern Shore Corridor.
p Annual Average Daily indeterminate, long-term to Bushnell. long-term impacts to the area Corridor.
traffic outside of GSMNP Traffic (AADT) would be impacts to the study area and and the surrounding region,
would depend on local 64 vehicles. surrounding region, with up to with up to 34 miles of
use of funds. 8 miles of additional road into additional road into the Park.
Traffic, Mobility, Mobility and Access: the Park.
and Access Mobility and Access: Minor, adverse, short-
------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Negligible, indeterm- term impacts due to truck Principal Park AADT would be 226 vehicles. � AADT same as the AADT would be 475 vehicles. AADT same as the AADT same as the AADT same as the
inate, short-term and traffic during construction Road: baseline Partial-Build baseline Northern baseline Northern Shore baseline Northern Shore
long-term impacts to the and ne li ible, beneficial, Alternative to Bushnell. Shore Corridor. Corridor. Corridor.
9 9� Mobility and Access: Mobility and Access:
study area and long-term impacts to the Moderate, adverse, short-term Moderate, adverse, short-term
surrounding region. study area and impacts due to truck traffic I Mobility and Access: impacts due to truck traffic Mobility and Access: Mobility and Access: Mobility and Access:
surrounding region. during construction and minor, Similar to the baseline during construction and Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline
indeterminate, long-term Partial-Build Alternative moderate, beneficial or Northern Shore Northern Shore Corridor. Northern Shore Corridor.
impacts to the study area and to Bushnell. indeterminate, long-term Corridor.
surrounding region, with up to impacts to the study area and
6.5 miles of additional paved the surrounding region, with up
road into the Park. to 31 miles of additional paved
road into the Park.
Population, Housing, Primitive Park Population, Housing, and Population, Housing, Population, Housing, and Population, Housing, Population, Housing, and Population, Housing, and
and Infrastructure: Road: Infrastructure: Moderate, and Infrastructure: Infrastructure: Moderate, and Infrastructure: Infrastructure: Similar to Infrastructure: Similar to
Minor, indeterminate, beneficial or indeterminate Similar to the baseline beneficial or indeterminate Similar to the baseline the baseline Northern the baseline Northern
short-term and long-term short-term and minor, Partial-Build Alternative short-term and minor, Northern Shore Shore Corridor. Shore Corridor.
impacts to Swain County beneficial or indeterminate, to Bushnell. beneficial or indeterminate Corridor.
communities with long-term impacts to long-term, impacts to Social Infrastructure: Social Infrastructure:
negligible to minor communities in or around the communities in and around the
Population, Housing, and Social Infrastructure: Social Infrastructure: Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline
changes in Graham and Infrastructure: Negligible, study area. Similar to the baseline study area. Similar to the baseline Northern Shore Corridor. Northern Shore Corridor.
other surrounding indeterminate, short-term Partial-Build Alternative Northern Shore However, decreased
counties, depending on and long-term impacts to Social Infrastructure: to Bushnell. Social Infrastructure: Major, Corridor. access for those who visit
how the Monetary communities in and Moderate, beneficial or adverse or beneficial, short- cemeteries and other
Settlement is invested in around the study area. adverse, short-term and long- term and long-term impacts historic resources in the
Community the local communities.
term impacts depending on depending on individual's vicinity of Proctor.
Social Infrastructure: ___________________ individual's values or focus. values or focus.
Sociallnfrastructure: ------------------- ---------- ------------ --------------------- - --------------- ------ --------------- --------------- -------------- --------------
Major, beneficial or Princi al Park Similar to the Primitive Park Similar to the Primitive Similar to the Primitive Park Similar to the Primitive Similar to the Primitive Similar to the Primitive
Moderate, beneficial or moderate, adverse, short- p �
adverse or Road: Road. Park Road. Road. Park Road. Park Road. Park Road.
indeterminate, short- term and long-term
term and long-term impacts depending on an
impacts depending on individual's values or
an individual's values or focus.
focus.
Note: All values shown are approximate and based on functional designs prior to final plans for avoidance, minimization, or mitigation.
Description of Alternatives — 2-27
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Table 2-6. Comparison of Alternatives and Impacts
. •. . . •. . . �. .
. �... . . . . . .. . •. .
.. .. . . ..
-. .� .. .. . . . �.
.. .. ..
Primitive Park Construction provides Similar to the baseline Moderate, beneficial, short- Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline
Road: moderate, beneficial, short- Partial-Build Alternative term impacts during Northern Shore Northern Shore Corridor. Northern Shore Corridor.
term and minor, beneficial, to Bushnell. Increases construction and minor, Corridor. Increases in Increases in short-term Reductions in short-term
Moderate, beneficial, long-term impacts associated I in short-term impacts to beneficial, long-term impacts short-term impacts to impacts to employment, impacts to employment,
short-term and long-term with construction costs in the employment, income, due to increase in visitor use. employment, income, income, and retail sales income, and retail sales
economic impacts. short-term and limited long- and retail sales would Increase in visitation would and retail sales would would be attributable to would be attributable to
Provides Swain County term gains in new visitors. be attributable to have a delayed onset. Some be attributable to differences in project differences in project
a unique opportunity to Expands the scale and type of differences in project redirection of travel flows differences in project construction costs. construction costs.
Negligible, beneficial recreation o ortunities in the construction costs. within the re ion, affectin construction costs.
spur local economic and pp g g
short-term and long-term Park. Has little effect on intrare ional com etitiveness.
community development economic im acts due to g p
efforts. Over the long- p intraregional competitiveness Reinforces existing seasonal
Economic term, it could stimulate relatively low construction or economic development. economic cycles and
economic diversification cost and limited draw of dependency on tourism.
the facility for new ------------------- ---------------------------
and sustainability and visitors. Principal Park Major, beneficial, short-term Similar to the baseline Major, beneficial, short-term Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline
result in shifts in Road: impacts due to higher Partial-Build Alternative impacts due to higher Northern Shore Northern Shore Corridor. Northern Shore Corridor.
intraregional construction costs, and minor, to Bushnell. Reductions construction costs and Corridor. Reductions in Reductions in short-term Reductions in short-term
competitiveness to an beneficial, lon term im acts in short-term im acts to moderate, beneficial, lon term short-term im acts to im acts to em lo ment, im acts to em lo ment,
extent not achieved with g p p g p p p y p p y
other alternatives. with somewhat greater employment, income, impacts due to greater employment, income, income, and retail sales income, and retail sales
increases in visitor use than and retail sales increases in visitor use than for and retail sales would would be attributable to would be attributable to
for the Primitive Park Road. attributable to the Primitive Park Road. be attributable to differences in project differences in project
differences in project differences in project construction costs. construction costs.
construction costs. construction costs.
Primitive Park Moderate, adverse, long-term Decrease in GMP Major, adverse, long-term Decrease in GMP Decrease in GMP Decrease in GMP
Road: impacts to land use inside the reclassification by impacts to land use inside the reclassification by reclassification by 60 acres reclassification by 42 acres
Park due to reclassification of 40 acres (16.19 ha), Park due to reclassification of 40 acres (16.19 ha), (24.28 ha), decrease in (17.00 ha), decrease in
GMP management subzones � decrease in potential GMP management subzones decrease in potential potential wilderness potential wilderness
(213 acres [86.20 ha]) and wilderness reduction (906 acres [366.64 ha]) and wilderness reduction reduction area by reduction area by
reduction of potential wilderness area by 451 acres reduction of potential area by 451 acres 687 acres (278.01 ha); 550 acres (222.57 ha);
designation area by 1,839 acres (182.51 ha); Similar wilderness designation area by (182.51 ha); Similar to Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline
No direct impact to land [744.20 ha]; Minor, impacts to the baseline 5,314 acres (2,150.46 ha); the baseline Northern Northern Shore Corridor for Northern Shore Corridor
use or development in indeterminate, long-term Partial-Build Alternative Minor, indeterminate, long- Shore Corridor for land land use change outside outside the Park, except
the area. Indirect land impacts to land use outside the to Bushnell for land use term impacts to land use use change outside the the Park. land use change at
use change likely as the Park due to increased visitor change outside the outside the Park due to Park. western terminus is not
funds provide an use, in combination with the Park. increased visitor use, in expected.
opportunity for Swain other tourism trends in the area combination with other tourism
County to stimulate local increasing beyond. trends in the area.
economic and Negligible impacts to land
--- - -----
Land Use use due to limited draw of
community the facility for new visitor Principal Park Moderate, adverse, long-term Decrease in GMP Major, adverse, long-term Decrease in GMP Decrease in GMP Decrease in GMP
development. Specific Road: impacts to land use inside the reclassification by impacts to land use inside the reclassification by reclassification by 83 acres reclassification by 41 acres
changes and the use. Park due to reclassification of 34 acres (13.76 ha), Park due to reclassification of 34 acres (13.76 ha), (33.59 ha), decrease in (16.59 ha), decrease in
cumulative impact when GMP management subzones decrease in potential GMP management subzones decrease in potential potential wilderness potential wilderness
combined with trends in (163 acres [65.96 ha]) and wilderness reduction (823 acres [333.05 ha]) and wilderness reduction reduction area by reduction area by
tourism, second homes reduction of potential area by 258 acres reduction of potential area by 258 acres 630 acres (254.95 ha); 551 acres (222.98 ha);
and gaming would wilderness designation area �(104.41 ha); Similar wilderness designation area by (104.41 ha); Similar to Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline
depend on local use of by 1,658 acres [670.96 ha]; impacts to the baseline 5,215 acres (2,110.40 ha); the baseline Northern Northern Shore Corridor for Northern Shore Corridor
funds. Slight increase in Partial-Build Alternative Moderate impacts to land use Shore Corridor for land land use change outside outside the Park, except
development and land use to Bushnell for land use outside the Park compared use change outside the the Park. land use change at
change outside the Park change outside the with the Primitive Park Road, Park. western terminus is not
compared with the Primitive Park. due to substantially higher expected.
Park Road due to higher I levels of visitor use.
levels of visitor use; these
impacts remain minor.
Note: All values shown are approximate and based on functional designs prior to final plans for avoidance, minimization, or mitigation.
Description of Alternatives — 2-28
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Table 2-6. Comparison of Alternatives and Impacts
. •. . . •. . . �. .
. �... . . . . . .. . •. .
.. .. . . ..
-. .� .. .. . . . �.
.. .. ..
Primitive Park Moderate, adverse, long-term Avoids the loss of Major, adverse, long-term Avoids loss of Avoids loss of 2 campsites Avoids major, adverse,
Road: impacts due to loss of 1 campsite; Avoids impacts due to loss of 1 campsite; Avoids and avoids impacts to long-term impacts to AT;
2 campsites and impacts to I impacts to 3 trails 7 campsites and impacts to impacts to 3 trails 1 trail (6.1 fewer miles [9.8 Adds a major impact due
5 trails (9 miles [14.5 km] (1.8 fewer miles [2.9 6 trails (32.4 miles [52.1 km] (1.8 fewer miles [2.9 km] eliminated, including to 0.8 mile [1.3 km] reroute
eliminated or rerouted, km] eliminated, eliminated or rerouted, km] eliminated, 5.7 fewer miles [9.2 km] of of AT; Adds adverse
8.3 miles [13.4 km] are including 12 miles 31.3 miles [50.4 km] are including 12 fewer Lakeshore Trail); Fewer impacts to solitude, esp.
Lakeshore Trail); Negligible [1.9 km] of Lakeshore Lakeshore Trail); Major, miles [1.9 km] of impacts to horse use; on the AT; Increases
adverse impact to the AT; Trail); Fewer impacts to adverse, long-term impacts to Lakeshore Trail); Fewer Fewer impacts on fishing; adverse impacts to general
Minor to moderate, adverse, horse use; Fewer AT; Major, adverse, long-term impacts to horse use; Increases adverse impacts scenic views along the AT.
long-term impacts to horse use impacts on fishing; impacts to horse use due to Fewer impacts on to general scenic views.
due to loss of one backcountry Increases adverse the loss of 6 campsites and fishing; Increases
No impact to the AT, campsite and impacts to impacts to general impacts to 6 trails; Major, adverse impacts to
other existing trails, 5 trails; Major, adverse and ' scenic views. adverse and moderate, general scenic views.
campsites, horse use, moderate, beneficial, long-term beneficial, long-term impacts
fishing and scenic driving; impacts to fishing; Negligible to to fishing; Minor to moderate,
Minor, beneficial, long- major, beneficial, long-term beneficial, long-term impacts
term impacts for new day- impacts for new interpretive, for new interpretive and scenic
hiking and interpretive scenic driving, and day-hiking driving opportunities; Moderate
Possible changes due to opportunities; Negligible opportunities; Minor to to major, adverse and minor to
Visitor Use and potential increase in to minor, adverse, long- moderate, adverse and moderate, beneficial, long-term
Experience visitor use, depending term impacts to solitude; beneficial, long-term impacts to impacts to wildlife viewing,
on local use of funds. Negligible, adverse, long- wildlife viewing, photography, photography, nature study,
term impacts to wildlife nature study, nostalgia/refuge, nostalgia/refuge, and solitude.
viewing, photography, and solitude; Major, adverse Major, adverse and minor,
nature study, and and negligible to minor, beneficial, long-term impacts
nostalgia/refuge; Minor, beneficial, long-term impacts to to general scenic views.
adverse, long-term general scenic views.
impacts to general scenic ------------------- --------------------------------- - -
views. Principal Park Similar to the Primitive Park Avoids the loss of Similar to Primitive Park Road Avoids loss of Avoids loss of 2 campsites Avoids major, adverse,
Road: Road for most impacts. 1 campsite; Avoids for most impacts. Moderate, 1 campsite; Avoids and avoids impacts to long-term impacts to AT;
Moderate, adverse and impacts to 3 trails (0.9 adverse and beneficial, long- impacts to 3 trails (0.9 1 trail (6.1 fewer miles [9.8 Adds a major impact due
beneficial, long-term impacts fewer miles [1.4 km] term impacts to fishing. fewer miles [1.4 km] km] eliminated, including to 0.8 mile [1.3 km] reroute
to fishing; Avoids impacts to eliminated, including 0.8 Avoids impacts to 2 trails (0.9 eliminated, including 5.7 miles [9.2 km] of of AT; Adds adverse
2 trails (0.9 fewer miles miles [1.3 km] of fewer miles [1.4 km] 0.8 miles [1.3 km] of Lakeshore Trail); Fewer impacts to solitude, esp.
[1.4 km] eliminated, including Lakeshore Trail); Fewer eliminated, including 0.4 miles Lakeshore Trail); Fewer impacts to horse use; on the AT; Increases
0.4 miles [0.6 km] of impacts to horse use; [0.6 km] of Lakeshore Trail). impacts to horse use; Fewer impacts on fishing; adverse impacts to general
Lakeshore Trail). Fewer impacts on Fewer impacts on Increases adverse impacts scenic views along the AT.
fishing; Increases fishing; Increases to general scenic views.
adverse impacts to adverse impacts to
general scenic views. general scenic views.
Primitive Park No disproportionately high or Similar to the baseline No disproportionately high or Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline
Road: adverse impacts to minorities Partial-Build Alternative adverse impacts to minorities Northern Shore Northern Shore Corridor. Northern Shore Corridor.
or low-income populations are to Bushnell. or low-income populations are Corridor.
expected. expected.
Depends on local use of ------------------- < --------------------------- ---
funds, but not expected No disproportionately principal Park Similar to the Primitive Park Similar to the baseline Similar to the Primitive Park Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline
Environmental to result in dispropor- high or adverse impacts Road: Road. Partial-Build Alternative Road. Northern Shore Northern Shore Corridor. Northern Shore Corridor.
Justice tionately high or adverse to minorities or low- to Bushnell. Corridor.
effects on minorities or income populations are
low-income populations. expected.
Note: All values shown are approximate and based on functional designs prior to final plans for avoidance, minimization, or mitigation.
Description of Alternatives - 2-29
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Table 2-6. Comparison of Alternatives and Impacts
. •. . . •. . . �. .
. �... . . . . . .. . •. .
.. .. . . ..
-. .� .. .. . . . �.
.. .. ..
Primitive Park Archaeology: 3 known Archaeology: 1 fewer Archaeology: 4 known Archaeology: 1 fewer Archaeology: No change in Archaeology: No change in
Road: resources, 2 major adverse major, adverse, long- resources; 2 major, adverse, major, adverse, long- known impacts; 1 fewer known impacts; No change
long-term impacts, 1 minor term impacts; 1 more long-term impacts; 1 minor, term impacts; 1 more unevaluated sites; 27 fewer in unevaluated sites;
adverse long-term impact, unevaluated site; adverse, long-term impact; unevaluated site; No potential historic sites from 5 fewer potential historic
0 unevaluated sites, 3 3 fewer impacts to 1 unevaluated site; 45 change in potential maps; 14.67 fewer acres sites from maps; 4.43 fewer
potential historic sites from potential historic sites potential historic sites from historic sites from maps; (5.94 ha) with moderate to unsurveyed acres (1.79 ha)
maps, 7.66 unsurveyed acres I from maps; Additional maps (many in Proctor Additional 4.42 high probability. with moderate to high
(3.10 ha) with moderate to 4.42 unsurveyed acres vicinity); 59.35 unsurveyed unsurveyed acres (1.79 probability.
high probability. (1.79 ha) with moderate acres (24.02 ha) with ha) with moderate to
to high probability. moderate to high probability. high probability. Historic structures: 6 fewer
major adverse impacts to Historic structures:
Historic structures: No potentially significant 1 additional negligible to
impacts. Historic structures: Historic structures: Major, Historic structures: structures. minor, adverse, long-term
Same as the baseline adverse, impacts to Similar to the baseline impact to Fontana Dam, a
TCPs: 1 minor to moderate, Partial-Build Alternative 6 potentially significant Northern Shore TCPs: 10 fewer minor, potential NHL.
to Bushnell. structures. Corridor.
adverse, short-term impact adverse, short-term,
and 2 minor, adverse, short- impacts; 3 fewer major, TCPs: 2 fewer minor
term impacts; 1 moderate, TCPs: 1 fewer minor to TCPs: 1 minor to moderate, TCPs: 1 fewer minor to beneficial, long-term adverse, short-term
adverse, long-term impact; moderate, adverse, adverse, short-term impact; moderate, adverse, impacts; 7 fewer moderate, impacts; 2 fewer minor,
1 minor to moderate, short-term impact and 16 minor, adverse, short-term short-term impacts and beneficial, long-term indeterminate, long-term
indeterminate or adverse, 1 fewer minor, adverse, impacts; 3 moderate, adverse, 1 fewer minor, adverse, impacts. impacts.
Archaeolo No known long-term impact; 1 major, short-term impact; long-term impacts; 1 minor to short-term impact;
gy' beneficial, long-term impact; 1 fewer moderate, moderate, indeterminate, long- 1 fewer moderate,
resources. No known 1 minor, beneficial, long-term adverse, long-term term impact; 2 minor adverse, long-term Other cultural resources: 2 Other cultural resources:
No/Ne li ible im acts. impacts, 0 unevaluated additional minor, adverse, additional moderate and
9 9� p impacts. impact; 1 fewer minor to indeterminate long-term impacts; 1 fewer minor
Potential for indirect or sites, 1 potential historic indirect, long-term impacts adverse, direct and minor,
moderate, indeterminate impacts; 4 major beneficial to moderate,
cumulative im acts to site from maps, to AT. indirect, long-term impacts
p 3.95 acres 1.60 ha with Other cultural resources: No or adverse, long-term long-term impacts; indeterminate, long- to AT.
Cultural archaeological sites, � � impact. 8 moderate, beneficial, long- term impacts.
Resources historic structures, or the moderate to high impact to AT.
AT outside the Park, probability of site � term impacts; 2 minor,
depending on local use
occurrence. Other cultural beneficial long-term impacts. Other cultural
of funds. resources: Potential resources: 1 additional
negligible to minor, Other cultural resources: minor, adverse, indirect
No impacts to historic adverse, long-term, Moderate, adverse, direct and long-term impact to AT.
structures, TCPs or AT, indirect impact to AT. minor, adverse, indirect long-
term impacts to AT.
; -------
Principal Park Archaeology: 4 known Archaeology: 1 fewer Archaeology: 6 known Archaeology: 1 fewer Archaeology: No change in Archaeology: No change in
Road: resources; 2 major, adverse, major, adverse, long- resources, 1 major and major, adverse, long- known impacts; 1 fewer known impacts; No change
long-term impacts; 1 minor, � term impact; No change 1 moderate, adverse, long- term impact; No change unevaluated site; 27 fewer in unevaluated sites;
adverse, long-term impact; in unevaluated sites; No term impact and 1 minor in unevaluated sites; No potential historic sites from 5 fewer potential historic
1 unevaluated site; 2 potential change in potential adverse long-term impact, change in potential maps; 17.40 fewer sites from maps; 5.32 fewer
historic sites from maps; 6.87 historic sites from maps; 3 unevaluated sites, 41 historic sites from maps; unsurveyed acres (7.04 ha) unsurveyed acres (2.16 ha)
unsurveyed acres (2.78 ha) Additional 3.65 potential historic sites from Additional 3.65 with moderate to high with moderate to high
with moderate to high unsurveyed acres (1.48 maps (many in Proctor unsurveyed acres (1.50 probability. probability.
probability. ha) with moderate to vicinity), 63.81 unsurveyed ha) with moderate to
Historic structures: No high probability. acres (25.82 ha) with high probability.
moderate to hi h robabilit Historic structures: 6 fewer Historic structures:
impacts. g p y' major, adverse, impacts to 1 additional negligible to
Historic structures: Historic structures: potentially significant minor, adverse, long-term
Same as the baseline Historic structures: major Similar to the baseline structures. impact to Fontana Dam an
Partial-Build Alternative adverse impacts to Northern Shore NRHP-eligible property
to Bushnell. 6 potentially significant Corridor. and potential NHL.
' structures.
Note: All values shown are approximate and based on functional designs prior to final plans for avoidance, minimization, or mitigation.
Description of Alternatives — 2-30
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Table 2-6. Comparison of Alternatives and Impacts
. •. . . •. . . �. .
. �... . . . . . .. . •. .
.. .. . . ..
-. .� .. .. . . . �.
.. .. ..
TCPs: 1 minor to moderate, TCPs: 1 fewer minor to TCPs: 16 minor, adverse, TCPs: 1 fewer minor, TCPs: 10 fewer minor, TCPs: 2 fewer minor,
adverse, short-term impact; moderate, adverse, short-term impacts; adverse, short-term adverse, short-term impacts; adverse, short-term
1 minor, adverse, short-term short-term impact. 1 moderate, adverse, long- impacts; 1 fewer 3 fewer major, beneficial, impacts; 2 fewer minor,
impact; 1 fewer moderate, term impact; 2 minor, moderate, adverse, long-term impacts; 7 fewer indeterminate, long-term
adverse, long-term indeterminate, long-term long-term impacts. moderate, beneficial, long- impacts.
1 moderate adverse long-term impact; impacts; 4 major, beneficial, term impacts.
long-term impacts; 8
impact; 1 major beneficial moderate, beneficial, long-term Other cultural Other cultural resources:
long-term impact; 1 minor Other cultural resources: 1 additional Other cultural resources: Additional moderate,
impacts; 2 minor, beneficial,
beneficial long-term impact. resources: Potential minor, adverse, 2 additional minor, adverse, direct and minor,
long-term impacts.
minor, adverse, indirect indirect, long-term adverse, indirect, long-term adverse, indirect, long-
long-term impact to AT. Other cultural resources: impact to AT. impacts to AT. term impacts to AT.
Other cultural resources: No Moderate, adverse, direct and
impact to AT. minor, adverse, indirect long-
term impacts to AT.
Primitive Park An increase in the ' Similar to the baseline An increase in the occurrences Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline
Road: occurrences of illegal activities Partial-Build Alternative of illegal activities is a concern. Northern Shore Northern Shore Corridor. Northern Shore Corridor.
is a concern. Impacts may to Bushnell. Use of street-legal dirt bikes Corridor.
May impact local police, Increased use may lead occur to the local area. ' taken off-road is a concern.
Public Health fire, and EMS protection to additional vandalism at Impacts may occur to the local
and Safety needs; however, impacts tunnel. No impacts to the area.
would depend on the local area outside ------------------- ---- ----------------- -- --- - ------ - ------ -----
use of local funds. GSMNP are expected. Principal Park Similar to the Primitive Park Similar to the baseline Similar to the Primitive Park Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline
Road: Road. Partial-Build Alternative Road. Use of the roadway by Northern Shore Northern Shore Corridor. Northern Shore Corridor.
to Bushnell. motorcycles would require Corridor.
speed enforcement.
Primitive Park Major, adverse, long-term Decreases in Major, adverse, long-term Decreases in Decreases in excavation Decreases in excavation
Road: impacts to geolo�qy; 693,900 excavation and impacts to geology; 1,714,300 excavation and and embankment of rock and embankment of rock
yds3 (530,600 m) of embankment of rock yds3 (1,310,700 m3) of embankment of rock and soil. and soil.
excavation and 356,500 yds3 � and soil. excavation and 1,299,500 yds3 and soil.
(272,500 m3) of embankment (993,600 m3) of embankment
of rock and soil with potential of rock and soil with potential
to produce acid; 337,400 yds3 to produce acid; 414,800 yds3
(258,100 m3) of surplus rock (317,100 m3) of surplus rock
and soil potentially requiring and soil potentially requiring
off-site treatment; potential off-site treatment; potential
Major, adverse, long-term impacts from cut slopes impacts from cut slopes
impacts to �eology; containing sulfide materials; containing sulfide materials;
24,700 yds (18,900 m3) potential for unstable slope potential for unstable slope
Topography, Impacts would depend of excavation and 25,300 conditions. � conditions.
Geolo------------------ — ---- ---- — --------------------------- -----
gy, an on local use of funds. yds3 (19,300 m3) of
Soils Principal Park Major, adverse, long-term Decreases in Major, adverse, long-term Decreases in Decreases in excavation Decreases in excavation
embankment of rock and Road: im acts to eolo 945,100 excavation and im acts to eolo 2,906,600 excavation and and embankment of rock and embankment of rock
soil with potential to ps g �y' p3 g gys'
yds (722,600 m) of embankment of rock yds (2,222,300 m) of embankment of rock and soil. and soil.
produce acid. s s
excavation and 662,800 yds and soil. excavation and 2,512,600 yds and soil.
(506,700 m3) of embankment (1,921,000 m3) of embankment
of rock and soil with potential of rock and soil with potential
to produce acid; 282,300 yds3 to produce acid; 394,000 yds3
(215,900 m3) of surplus rock (301,300 m3) of surplus rock
and soil potentially requiring and soil potentially requiring
off-site treatment; potential off-site treatment; potential
impacts from cut slopes impacts from cut slopes
containing sulfide materials; containing sulfide materials;
potential for unstable slope potential for unstable slope
conditions. conditions.
Note: All values shown are approximate and based on functional designs prior to final plans for avoidance, minimization, or mitigation.
Description of Alternatives — 2-31
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Table 2-6. Comparison of Alternatives and Impacts
. •. . . •. . . �. .
. �... . . . . . .. . •. .
.. .. . . ..
-. .� .. .. . . . �.
.. .. ..
Primitive Park Negligible, adverse, local, Avoid moderate regional Negligible, adverse, local, Minor, adverse, local, Negligible, adverse, local, Moderate, adverse, local,
Road: long-term impacts. impacts. long-term impacts would long-term impacts long-term impacts would long-term impacts would
Moderate, adverse, regional, Minor, adverse, local, include 155 feet (47 m) of would include an include an additional 2,445 include approximately
long-term impacts would long-term impacts would bridge encroachment. additional 420 feet (128 feet (745 m) of bridge 0.2 acres (0.08 ha) less of
include approximately include approximately Minor, adverse, local, long- m) of bridge encroachment. fill.
0.3 acres (0.12 ha) of fill 420 feet (128 m) of term impacts would include encroachment. Minor, adverse, local, long-
within the floodplain. bridge encroachment. approximately 3.7 acres (1.5 Moderate, adverse, term impacts would include
ha) of fill and 180 feet (55 m) regional, long-term 3.7 acres (1.5 ha) less of
of bridge encroachment. impacts would include fill and 180 feet (55 m) less
Moderate, adverse, local, long- 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) less of bridge encroachment.
term impacts would include of fill. Moderate, adverse,
approximately 02 acres (0.08 regional, long-term impacts
ha) of fill. would include
Moderate, adverse, regional, approximately 1.3 acres
long-term impacts would (0.5 ha) less of fill.
include approximately 2.1 Major, adverse, regional,
acres (0.8 ha) of fill. long-term impacts would
Major, adverse, regional, long- include approximately
term impacts would include 1.6 acres (0.6 ha) less of
approximately 1.7 acres fill.
(0.7 ha) of fill.
------------------- -
Major, adverse, local, Principal Park Minor, adverse, local, long- Minor, adverse, local, Negligible, adverse, local, Minor, adverse, local, Negligible, adverse, local, Moderate, adverse, local,
long-term impacts would Road: term impacts would include long-term impacts would long-term impacts would long-term impacts long-term impacts would long-term impacts would
No impact to floodplains include approximately approximately 390 feet (119 include an additional include approximately 240 feet would include an include an additional 2,445 include approximately
within GSMNP. Impacts 0.4 acres (0.16 ha) of fill. m) of bridge encroachment. 100 feet (30 m) of (73 m) of bridge additional 100 feet (30 feet (745 m) of bridge 02 acres (0.08 ha) less of
Floodplains to floodplains outside of No regional impacts expected. bridge encroachment. encroachment. m) of bridge encroachment. fill.
GSMNP would depend Minor, adverse, local, lon encroachment. Minor, adverse, local, lon
Major, adverse, regional, 9- J-
on local use of funds. long-term impacts include term impacts would include term impacts would include
approximately 0.1 acres approximately 1.7 acres (0.7 approximately 1.7 acres
(0.04 ha) of fill. ha) of fill and 570 feet (174 m) (0.7 ha) less fill. Bridge
of bridge encroachment. encroachment same as
Moderate, adverse, local, long- above for the Primitive
term impacts would include Park Road.
approximately 0.4 acres (0.2 Minor, adverse, regional,
ha) of fill. long-term impacts would
Minor, adverse, regional, long- include approximately
term impacts would include 3.1 acres (1.3 ha) less of
approximately 3.1 acres (1.3 fill.
ha) of fill. Moderate, adverse,
Moderate, adverse, regional, regional, long-term impacts
long-term impacts would would include
include approximately 1.2 approximately 1.2 acres
acres (0.5 ha) of fill. (0.5 ha) less of fill.
Major, adverse, regional, long- Major, adverse, regional,
term impacts would include long-term impacts would
approximately 1.6 acres (0.6 include approximately 1.6
ha) of fill. acres (0.6 ha) less of fill.
Note: All values shown are approximate and based on functional designs prior to final plans for avoidance, minimization, or mitigation.
Description of Alternatives - 2-32
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Table 2-6. Comparison of Alternatives and Impacts
. •. . . •. . . �. .
. �... . . . . . .. . •. .
.. .. . . ..
-. .� .. .. . . . �.
.. .. ..
Primitive Park Construction Phase: Similar to the baseline Construction Phase: Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline
Road: Negligible, adverse for Partial-Build Alternative Negligible, adverse for Northern Shore Northern Shore Corridor. Northern Shore Corridor.
Construction Phase: benzene; Minor, adverse for to Bushnell. Reduced benzene; Minor, adverse for Corridor. Reduced Reduced concentrations
Negligible, adverse for VOC and CO; Moderate, � concentrations and VOC and CO; Moderate, concentrations and and emissions. Major
benzene; Minor, adverse adverse for NOX; Major, emissions. Major bridge adverse for NOX; Major, emissions. Major bridge bridge creates sustained
for VOC and CO; adverse for PMio, SOZ, creates sustained adverse for PM�o, SOz, creates sustained source in one location.
Moderate, adverse for nitrogen and sulfur deposition � source in one location. nitrogen and sulfur deposition source in one location.
NOx; Major, adverse for and visibility. and visibility.
PMio, S02, nitrogen and
sulfur deposition, and
Air Quality No/Negligible Impact visibility. Operational Phase: Negligible, Operational Phase: Negligible,
adverse for PMio, SOZ, NOX, adverse for PMZ.S, PM�o, SO2,
CO, benzene, visibility, and CO, benzene, visibility, and
Operational Phase: nitrogen and sulfur deposition. nitrogen and sulfur deposition.
Negligible, adverse for Minor, adverse for NOx, and
PM�o, SOz, NOx, CO, , VOC.
benzene, visibility, and ------------------- - --
- ---- --------------------------- - -- -----
nitrogen and sulfur Principal Park Similar to the Primitive Park Similar to the Primitive Similar to the Primitive Park Similar to the Primitive Similar to the Primitive Similar to the Primitive
deposition. Road: Road. I Park Road. Road. Operational phase Park Road. Park Road. Park Road.
impacts for CO are minor and
adverse.
Primitive Park Minor, adverse, long-term Similar to the baseline Moderate adverse, long-term Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline
Road: impacts; Sound level Partial-Build Alternative impacts; Sound level increases Northern Shore Northern Shore Corridor. Northern Shore Corridor.
increases at or exceeding � to Bushnell. at or exceeding 1 dBA from Corridor.
1 dBA from existing conditions existing conditions within
within 94 feet (28.7 m) of the 82 feet (25.0 m) of the edge of
edge of roadway. Sound roadway. Sound levels would
levels would be at or above be at or above 56 dBA within
56 dBA within 6 feet (1.8 m) of 4 feet (1.2 m) of the edge of
the edge of roadway. roadway. Increases in sound
Minor, adverse, long-term Increases in sound levels levels would be at or above
impacts due to sound would be at or above 15 dBA 15 dBA within 2 feet (0.6 m) of
level increases at or within 9 feet (2.7 m) of the the edge of roadway. An
exceeding 1 dBA from edge of roadway. An individual vehicle may produce
existing conditions within Individual vehicle may a higher level of sound.
58 feet (17.7 m) of the produce a higher level of
edge of roadway. An sound.
Individual vehicle, such ------------------- — - ---
Soundscapes No/Negligible Impact as a motorcycle, may Principal Park Moderate, adverse, long-term Similar to the baseline Major, adverse long-term Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline Similar to the baseline
produce a higher level of Road: impacts; Sound level Partial-Build Alternative impacts; Sound level increases Northern Shore Northern Shore Corridor. Northern Shore Corridor.
sound at a given point in increases at or exceeding to Bushnell. at or exceeding 1 dBA from Corridor.
time compared with traffic 1 dBA from existing conditions existing conditions within
noise level impacts, which within 169 feet (51.5 m) of the 202 feet (61.6 m) of the edge
represent the overall edge of roadway. Sound of roadway. Sound levels
profile of traffic over a levels would be at or above would be at or above 56 dBA
period of an hour. 56 dBA within 19 feet (5.8 m) within 23 feet (7.0 m) of the
of the edge of roadway. edge of roadway. Increases in
Increases in sound levels sound levels would be at or
would be at or above 15 dBA above 15 dBA within 16 feet
within 13 feet (4.0 m) of the (4.9 m) of the edge of
edge of roadway. An roadway. An individual vehicle
Individual vehicle may may produce a higher level of
produce a higher level of sound. Substantial motorcycle
sound. traffic.
Note: All values shown are approximate and based on functional designs prior to final plans for avoidance, minimization, or mitigation.
Description of Alternatives — 2-33
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Wetlands
(Jurisdictional)
Wetlands
(Special Aquatic
Habitats)
Streams and
Lakes
No/Negligible Impact
No/Negligible Impact
No/Negligible Impact
No jurisdictional wetlands
were identified within this
alternative. No direct or
indirect impacts would be
anticipated.
No special aquatic
habitats were identified
within this alternative. No
direct or indirect impacts
would be anticipated.
Moderate, adverse, site-
specific, permanent,
direct impacts due to
9 stream crossings.
Minor, adverse, local,
permanent, indirect
impacts from this
alternative paralleling
Laurel Branch disrupting
the riparian zone and
existing hydrology.
Table 2-6. Comparison of Alternatives and Impacts
Primitive Park Moderate, adverse,
Road: permanent, direct impacts to
1 jurisdictional wetland
totaling approximately 021
acres (0.09 ha). Major,
adverse, permanent, indirect,
impacts to 4 jurisdictional
wetlands totaling
approximately 0.22 acres
(0.09 ha).
Avoids all direct
jurisdictional wetland
impacts. Indirectly
impacts 2 additional
jurisdictional wetland
areas increasing
impacts by
approximately 0.10
acres (0.04 ha).
------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
Principal Park Major, adverse, permanent, � Avoids direct impacts to
Road: direct impacts to 5 3 jurisdictional wetland
jurisdictional wetlands totaling areas, reducing impacts
approximately 0.42 acres by 0.28 acres (0.11 ha).
(0.17 ha). Major, adverse, Indirectly impacts 3
permanent indirect impacts to additional jurisdictional
2 jurisdictional wetlands wetland areas
totaling approximately 0.13 increasing impacts by
acres (0.05 ha). 0.20 acres (0.08 ha).
Primitive Park There are no direct impacts to
Road: special aquatic habitats.
Major, adverse, permanent,
indirect, impacts to 3 special
aquatic habitats totaling
approximately 0.26 acres
(0.10 ha).
Principal Park Moderate, adverse,
Road: permanent, direct impacts to
1 special aquatic habitat
totaling approximately 0.007
acres (0.003 ha). Major,
adverse, permanent indirect
impacts to 3 special aquatic
habitats totaling approximately
0.26 acres (0.11 ha).
Primitive Park
Road:
-------------------
Major, adverse, site-specific,
permanent, direct impacts due
to 34 stream crossings.
Minor, adverse, local,
permanent, indirect impacts
would occur from this
alternative paralleling
3 streams.
Moderate, adverse, local,
permanent impacts to
Fontana Lake due to the
proposed boat ramp.
No change from the
baseline.
Avoids direct impacts to
1 special aquatic
habitat, reducing
impacts by 0.007 acres
(0.003 ha). Avoids
indirect impacts to 1
special aquatic habitat
decreasing impacts by
0.01 acres (0.004 ha).
Similar to the baseline
Partial-Build Alternative
to Bushnell; This option
would have 8 fewer
stream crossings.
This option would avoid
paralleling 1 stream, but
would have greater
impacts to another
stream.
� - I -
Note: All values shown are approximate and based on functional designs prior to final plans for avoidance, minimization, or mitigation.
�
Major, adverse, permanent,
direct impacts to 10
jurisdictional wetland areas
totaling approximately 1.23
acres (0.50 ha). Major,
adverse, permanent, indirect
impacts to 16 jurisdictional
wetland areas totaling
approximately 2.18 acres (0.88
ha).
Major, adverse, permanent,
direct impacts to 15
jurisdictional wetlands totaling
approximately 1.60 acres (0.65
ha). Major, adverse,
permanent indirect impacts to
16 jurisdictional wetlands
totaling 2.09 acres (0.85 ha).
There are no direct impacts to
special aquatic habitats.
Major, adverse, permanent,
indirect impacts to 6 special
aquatic habitats totaling
approximately 0.53 acres
(0.21 ha).
Moderate, adverse,
permanent, direct impacts to
2 special aquatic habitats
totaling approximately 0.03
acres (0.01 ha). Major,
adverse, permanent indirect
impacts to 8 special aquatic
habitats totaling 0.57 acres
(0.23 ha).
Major, adverse, site-specific,
permanent, direct impacts due
to 131 stream crossings.
Major, adverse, local,
permanent, indirect impacts
would occur from paralleling 6
streams.
No/Negligible impacts to lakes.
Description of Alternatives - 2-34
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement
Direct impacts to 9
fewer jurisdictional
wetland areas reducing
impacts by 0.21 acres
(0.09 ha). Indirectly
impacts 2 additional
jurisdictional wetland
areas increasing
impacts by
approximately 0.10
acres (0.04 ha).
Avoids direct impacts to
3 jurisdictional wetland
areas reducing impacts
by 0.28 acres (0.11 ha).
Indirectly impacts 3
additional jurisdictional
wetland areas
increasing impacts by
0.20 acres (0.08 ha).
No change from the
baseline.
Avoids direct impacts to
1 special aquatic
habitat area reducing
impacts by 0.007 acres
(0.003 ha). Avoids
indirect impacts to 1
special aquatic habitat
reducing impacts by
0.01 acres (0.004 ha).
This option would have
8 fewer stream
crossings.
This option would avoid
paralleling 1 stream.
Similar to the baseline
Northern Shore
Corridor for impacts to
lakes.
Direct impacts to 2 fewer
jurisdictional wetland areas
reducing impacts by 0.09
acres (0.04 ha). Indirect
impacts to no additional
jurisdictional wetland
areas, but impacts
increase by 0.19 acres
(0.08 ha).
Direct impacts to 2 fewer
jurisdictional wetland areas
reducing impacts by 0.09
acres (0.04 ha). Indirect
impacts to no additional
jurisdictional wetland
areas, but impacts
increase by 0.19 acres
(0.08 ha).
Indirectly impacts one
additional special aquatic
habitat, increasing impacts
by 0.03 acres (0.01 ha).
No change from the
baseline.
This option would have 8
fewer stream crossings.
This option would avoid
paralleling 2 streams, but
would impact another
stream.
Similar to the baseline
Northern Shore Corridor for
impacts to lakes.
�
Avoids direct impacts to
5 jurisdictional wetland
areas reducing impacts by
0.63 acres (0.26 ha).
Avoids indirect impacts to
3 jurisdictional wetland
areas reducing impacts by
0.68 acres (0.28 ha).
Avoids direct impacts to
5 jurisdictional wetland
areas reducing impacts by
0.63 acres (0.26 ha).
Avoids indirect impacts to
3 jurisdictional wetland
areas reducing impacts by
0.68 acres (0.28 ha).
Avoids indirect impacts to
1 special aquatic habitat,
reducing impacts by 0.02
acres (0.008 ha).
Avoids indirect impacts to
1 special aquatic habitat,
reducing impacts by 0.02
acres (0.008 ha).
This option would have
15 fewer stream crossings.
The option would avoid
impacts to paralleling
unnamed tributaries to
Cheoah Lake.
Similar to the baseline
Northern Shore Corridor
for impacts to lakes.

Water Quality � No/Negligible Impact
No/Negligible impacts to
lakes.
Moderate, adverse, long-
term and permanent
impacts may occur from
increased acidity.
Moderate, adverse, short-
term impacts due to
decreased dissolved
oxygen from
decomposition of organic
material in receiving
waters.
Minor, adverse, short-
term, long-term and
permanent impacts may
occur from increased
heavy metals in receiving
waters; Minor, adverse,
long-term and permanent
impacts from vehicular
sources of heavy metals
Major, adverse, short-
term impacts due to
sedimentation due to
construction-related
activities; Minor, adverse,
long-term and permanent
impacts from runoff from
the parking lot and
recreational activities.
Principal Park
Road:
Primitive Park
Road:
Table 2-6. Comparison of Alternatives and Impacts
Major, adverse, site-specific,
permanent, direct impacts due
to 35 stream crossings.
Minor, adverse, local,
permanent, indirect impacts
would occur from this
alternative paralleling
2 streams.
Moderate, adverse, local,
permanent impacts to
Fontana Lake would occur
due to the proposed boat
ramp.
Moderate, adverse, long-term
and permanent impacts from
increased acidity from
geological sources.
Moderate, adverse, short-term
and long-term impacts and
negligible, adverse,
permanent impacts due to
decreased dissolved oxygen
from decomposition of organic
material in receiving waters.
Moderate, adverse, short-
term, long-term and
permanent impacts from
increased heavy metals in
receiving waters; Minor,
adverse, long-term and
permanent impacts from
vehicular sources of heavy
metals
Major, adverse, short-term
impacts due to sedimentation
due to construction-related
activities; Minor, adverse,
permanent impacts may occur
due to runoff from the gravel
road surface.
Similar to the baseline
Partial-Build Alternative
to Bushnell for impacts
to lakes.
Similar to baseline
Partial-Build Alternative
to Bushnell; This option
would have 12 fewer
stream crossings.
I
This option would avoid
paralleling 1 stream, but
would have greater
impacts to another
stream.
I Similar to the baseline
Partial-Build Alternative
to Bushnell for impacts
to lakes.
Similar to the baseline
Partial-Build Alternative
to Bushnell except this
option would reduce
I dissolved oxygen and
sedimentation impacts.
Note: All values shown are approximate and based on functional designs prior to final plans for avoidance, minimization, or mitigation.
Major, adverse, site-specific, This option would have
permanent, direct impacts due 12 fewer stream
to 141 stream crossings. crossings.
Major, adverse, local, This option would avoid
permanent, indirect impacts paralleling 1 stream.
would occur from paralleling
4 streams.
Similar to the baseline
Northern Shore
No/Negligible impacts to Corridor for impacts to
Fontana Lake or Cheoah Lake. lakes.
Major, adverse, long-term and
permanent impacts from
increased acidity from
geological sources.
Moderate, adverse, short-term
and long-term impacts and
negligible, adverse, permanent
impacts due to decreased
dissolved oxygen from
decomposition of organic
material in receiving waters.
Major, adverse, short-term,
long-term and permanent
impacts from increased heavy
metals in receiving waters;
Minor, adverse, long-term and
permanent impacts from
vehicular sources of heavy
metals
Major, adverse, short-term
impacts due to sedimentation
due to construction-related
activities; Minor, adverse,
permanent impacts may occur
due to runoff from the gravel
road surface.
Description of Alternatives — 2-35
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement
Similar to the baseline
Northern Shore
Corridor except this
option would reduce the
potential impacts from
decreased dissolved
oxygen and increased
sedimentation by
having fewer stream
crossings.
This option would have This option would have
17 fewer stream crossings. 16 fewer stream crossings.
This option would avoid
paralleling 2 streams, but
would impact another
stream.
Similar to the baseline
Northern Shore Corridor for
impacts to lakes.
Similar to the baseline
Northern Shore Corridor
except this option would
reduce the potential
impacts from decreased
dissolved oxygen and
increased sedimentation by
having fewer stream
crossings.
This option would avoid
paralleling unnamed
tributaries to Cheoah Lake.
Similar to the baseline
Northern Shore Corridor
for impacts to lakes.
Similar to the baseline
Northern Shore Corridor
except this option would
reduce the potential
impacts from decreased
dissolved oxygen and
increased sedimentation
by having fewer stream
crossings.

Table 2-6. Comparison of Alternatives and Impacts
. •. . . •. . . �. .
. �... . . . . . .. . •. .
.. .. . . ..
-. .� .. .. . . . �.
.. .. ..
Principal Park Similar to the Primitive Park Similar to the Primitive Similar to the Primitive Park Similar to the Primitive Similar to the Primitive Similar to the Primitive
Road: Road, except permanent Park Road. Road, except permanent Park Road. Park Road. Park Road.
impacts from increased � impacts from increased
sedimentation from the sedimentation from the asphalt
asphalt road surface would be road surface would be
negligible. negligible.
Primitive Park Lakes: Moderate, adverse, Lakes: Reduces Lakes: Negligible, adverse, Lakes: Reduces Lakes: Reduces impacts to Lakes: Avoids impacts to
Road: long-term and permanent, impacts to Fontana long-term and permanent, impacts to Fontana Fontana Lake from the aquatic wildlife in Cheoah
direct impacts from the Lake due to fewer indirect and direct impacts to Lake from the baseline baseline Northern Shore Lake; Same as baseline
construction of a boat ramp. stream crossings; aquatic wildlife in Fontana Northern Shore Corridor due to less Northern Shore Corridor
Moderate, adverse indirect Runoff from the bridge Lake and Cheoah Lake. Corridor due to less sedimentation runoff due to for Fontana Lake.
impacts to aquatic wildlife may increase impacts to sedimentation runoff fewer stream crossings;
within Fontana Lake due to the aquatic wildlife due to fewer stream Runoff from the bridge may
Streams and Wetlands: Major, Streams and Wetlands:
changes in water quality. within Fontana Lake. adverse, long-term and crossings; Runoff from increase impacts to the Reduces impacts from the
the bridge may aquatic wildlife within
permanent, direct and indirect baseline Northern Shore
Streams: Major, adverse, Streams: Reduces impacts to aquatic wildlife increase impacts to the Fontana Lake. Corridor to aquatic wildlife
long-term and permanent, impacts to aquatic within streams and wetlands aquatic wildlife within in streams and wetlands
direct and indirect impacts to wildlife by crossing due to habitat degradation, Fontana Lake. Streams: Reduces impacts by avoiding these habitats.
aquatic wildlife in streams fewer streams. sedimentation, riparian buffer from the baseline Northern
Lakes: Negligible, during and after construction removal, and alteration of Streams: Reduces Shore Corridor to aquatic
adverse, long-term and from sediment runoff and hydrology. impacts from the wildlife by crossing fewer
permanent impacts to the riparian buffer loss. Wetlands: Reduces baseline Northern streams through bridging
aquatic wildlife in Fontana direct impacts but Shore Corridor to the Hazel and Eagle Creek
Lake. increases indirect aquatic wildlife by Embayments.
Wetlands: Moderate, adverse, impacts to aquatic crossing fewer streams.
long-term and permanent, wildlife in wetlands.
Streams: Moderate, direct impacts to aquatic Wetlands: Reduces direct
adverse, short-term, long- wildlife due to loss of habitat; Wetlands: Reduces impacts but increases
term, and permanent, Major, adverse, long-term and direct impacts but indirect impacts to aquatic
direct and indirect permanent, indirect impacts increases indirect wildlife in wetlands.
No/Negligible Impact impacts to aquatic wildlife due to water quality and impacts to aquatic
Aquatic Ecology within streams; And
hydrologic alterations. wildlife in wetlands.
alteration in hydrology
during and after �
------------------- --- ---- = - --- - -----
construction from principal Park Lakes and Streams: Similar to Similar to the Primitive Similar to Primitive Park Road, Similar to the Primitive Similar to the Primitive Similar to the Primitive
sediment runoff and Road: the Primitive Park Road; Park Road, except except avoids sedimentation Park Road, except Park Road, except avoids Park Road, except avoids
riparian buffer loss. Avoids sedimentation impacts � avoids sedimentation impacts from gravel road avoids sedimentation sedimentation impacts sedimentation impacts
from gravel road runoff. impacts from gravel runoff. impacts from gravel from gravel road runoff. from gravel road runoff.
Wetlands: No impacts to road runoff. road runoff.
aquatic wildlife within '
wetlands. Wetlands: Major, adverse,
long-term and permanent,
direct and indirect impacts to
aquatic wildlife due to loss of
habitat, hydrologic alterations,
and water quality changes.
Note: All values shown are approximate and based on functional designs prior to final plans for avoidance, minimization, or mitigation.
Description of Alternatives — 2-36
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Vegetation
Communities
Terrestrial
Wildlife
No/Negligible Impact
No/Negligible Impact
Rare Communities:
Minor, adverse,
permanent impacts due to
direct loss of 3.4 acres
(1.4 ha) of Appalachian
Montane Alluvial Forest
and increased exposure
to invasive species and
abiotic changes.
Secure Communities:
Negligible, adverse,
permanent impacts due to
direct loss of 5.5 acres
(2.2 ha) of habitat.
Habitat Loss and Habitat
Quality: Negligible,
adverse, permanent
impacts are anticipated
due to direct loss of
habitat within the
construction limits and to
changes in habitat quality.
Habitat Fragmentation:
Habitat fragmentation
should not occur as a
result of this option.
Noise: Negligible,
adverse, long-term
impacts (specifically
avoidance of habitat)
created by construction
Primitive Park
Road:
Principal Park
Road:
Primitive Park
Road:
Table 2-6. Comparison of Alternatives and Impacts
Rare Communities: Major,
adverse, permanent impacts
due to direct loss of 18.3
acres (7.4 ha) of Appalachian
Montane Alluvial Forest and
increased exposure to
invasive species and abiotic
changes.
Secure Communities: Minor,
adverse, permanent impacts
due to direct loss 80.8 acres
(32.7 ha) of habitat and
increased exposure invasive
species and abiotic changes.
Rare Communities: Major,
adverse, permanent impacts
due to direct loss of 19.9
acres (8.1 ha) of Appalachian
Montane Alluvial Forest and
increased exposure to
invasive species and abiotic
changes.
Secure Communities: Minor,
adverse, permanent impacts
due to direct loss of 71.5
acres (29.0 ha) of habitat and
increased exposure invasive
species and abiotic changes.
Habitat Loss and Habitat
Quality: Minor, adverse,
permanent impacts due to
direct loss of habitat within the
construction limits and to
changes in habitat quality.
Habitat Fragmentation: Minor,
adverse, permanent impacts
due to fragmentation of
habitat, resulting in changes in
daily and seasonal migration
behaviors.
Noise: Minor, adverse, long-
term impacts from noise
created during and after
construction would cause
wildlife to avoid habitat.
Rare Communities:
Reduces impacts by
5.5 acres (22 ha).
' Secure Communities:
Reduces impacts by
4.3 acres (1.7 ha).
Rare Communities:
Reduces impacts by
7.3 acres (3.0 ha).
Secure Communities:
Reduces impacts by
� 8.0 acres (3.2 ha).
Habitat Loss and
Habitat Quality:
Decrease in direct loss
of habitat and impacts
to habitat quality.
Habitat Fragmentation:
Reduces impacts due to
habitat fragmentation.
Noise: Reduces impacts
from noise.
Note: All values shown are approximate and based on functional designs prior to final plans for avoidance, minimization, or mitigation.
Rare Communities: Major,
adverse, permanent impacts
due to direct loss of 38.8
acres (15.8 a) of Appalachian
Montane Alluvial Forest and
1.1 acres (0.5 ha) of Southern
Appalachian Red Oak Cove
Forest communities and due to
increased exposure to invasive
species and abiotic changes.
Secure Communities: Major,
adverse, permanent impacts
due to direct loss of 359.0
acres (145.3 ha) of habitat and
increased exposure to invasive
species and abiotic changes.
Rare Communities: Major,
adverse impacts due to direct
loss of 36.4 acres (14.7 ha) of
Appalachian Montane Alluvial
Forest and 0.7 acres (0.3 ha)
of Southern Appalachian Red
Oak Cove Forest communities
and due to increased exposure
to invasive species and abiotic
changes.
Secure Communities: Major,
adverse impacts due to direct
loss of 351.3 acres (142.2 ha)
of habitat and increased
exposure invasive species and
abiotic changes.
Habitat Loss and Habitat
Quality: Major, adverse,
permanent impacts due to
direct loss of habitat within the
construction limits and to
decreased habitat quality.
Habitat Fragmentation: Major,
adverse, permanent impacts
due to fragmentation of
habitat, resulting in changes in
daily and seasonal migration
behaviors.
Noise: Major, adverse, long-
term impacts from noise
created during and after
construction would cause
wildlife to avoid habitat.
Description of Alternatives - 2-37
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement
Rare Communities:
Reduces impacts by
5.5 acres (2.2 ha) for
Appalachian Montane
Alluvial Forest.
Secure Communities:
Reduces impacts by
4.3 acres (1.7 ha).
Rare Communities:
Reduces impacts by
7.3 acres (3.0 ha).
Secure Communities:
Reduces impacts by
8.0 acres (3.2 ha).
Habitat Loss and
Habitat Quality:
Decrease in direct loss
of habitat and impacts
to habitat quality.
Habitat Fragmentation
Reduces impacts due
to habitat
fragmentation.
Noise: Reduces
impacts from noise.
Rare Communities:
Reduces impacts by 19.5
acres (7.9 ha) for
Appalachian Montane
Alluvial Forest and 1.6
acres (0.6 ha) for Southern
Appalachian Red Oak
Cove Forest.
Secure Communities:
Reduces impacts by 102
acres (4.1 ha).
Rare Communities:
Reduces impacts by 18.4
acres (7.4 ha) for
Appalachian Montane
Alluvial Forest and 0.1
acres (0.05 ha) for
Southern Appalachian Red
Oak Cove Forest
communities.
Secure Communities:
Reduces impacts by 19.0
acres (7.7 ha).
Habitat Loss and Habitat
Quality: Decrease in direct
loss of habitat and impacts
to habitat quality.
Habitat Fragmentation:
Reduces impacts due to
habitat fragmentation.
Noise: Reduces impacts
from noise.
Rare Communities:
Similar to the baseline
Northern Shore Corridor.
Secure Communities:
Reduces impacts by
18.8 acres (7.6 ha).
Rare Communities:
Similar to the baseline
Northern Shore Corridor.
Secure Communities:
Reduces impacts by
18.8 acres (7.6 ha).
Habitat Loss and Habitat
Quality: Decrease in direct
loss of habitat and impacts
to habitat quality.
Habitat Fragmentation:
Reduces impacts due to
habitat fragmentation.
Noise: Reduces impacts
from noise.

Black Bears � No/Negligible Impact
Migratory Birds � No/Negligible Impact
and other human caused
disturbance activities.
Habitat Loss and
Fragmentation: Moderate,
adverse, permanent
impacts due to direct loss
of habitat within the
construction limits
combined with indirect
loss of habitat from
avoidance behavior from
the human activity
associated with the picnic
area.
Behavior (nuisance
bears): Moderate,
adverse, permanent
impacts due to changes
in the distribution of
individuals and increased
nuisance bear activity as
the result of rewarded
foraging at the picnic
area.
Negligible, adverse,
permanent impacts due to
direct loss of habitat for
migratory birds within the
construction limits.
.. . . .. . . . ..
Southern Option at
Road Partial-Build Alternative to Northern Shore Corrido
Type Bushnell �baseline) Forney Creek (baseline)
Embayment
.. • . .
�... -..• -..• -..•
Primitive Park
Road:
Habitat Loss and
Fragmentation: Major,
adverse, permanent impacts
due to direct loss of habitat
within the construction limits
combined with indirect loss of
habitat from avoidance
behavior from human activity
associated with the road and
recreational facility at
Bushnell. Fragmentation of
bear habitat will also occur.
Behavior (nuisance bears):
Major, adverse, permanent
impacts due to changes in the
distribution of individuals and
increased nuisance bear
activity as the result of
rewarded foraging along the
road and at the recreational
facilities at Bushnell.
---------------------------------
Principal Park I Similar to the Primitive Park
Road: Road.
Primitive Park Minor, adverse, permanent
Road: impacts due to direct loss of
habitat for migratory birds
within the construction limits.
Minor, adverse, permanent
impacts due to facility related
noises on breeding bird
territory.
Habitat Loss and
Fragmentation:
Reduces impacts by
decreasing the area of
the direct habitat loss,
and by decreasing the
interior areas accessible
to human disturbance.
Behavior (nuisance
bears): Similar to
baseline Partial-Build
Alternative to Bushnell.
Similar to the Primitive
Park Road.
Reduces impacts due to
a decrease in the
construction footprint,
noise intrusion and
habitat fragmentation.
Avoids impacts to
interior bird habitat.
Habitat Loss and
Fragmentation: Major,
adverse, permanent impacts
due to direct loss of habitat
within the construction limits
combined with indirect loss of
habitat from avoidance
behavior from the human
activity associated with the
road. Fragmentation of bear
habitat will also occur.
Behavior (nuisance bears):
Major, adverse, permanent
impacts associated with
changes in the distribution of
individuals and increased
nuisance bear activity as the
result of rewarded foraging
along the road and at restroom
facilities.
Similar to the Primitive Park
Road.
Major, adverse, permanent
impacts due to direct loss of
habitat for migratory birds
within the construction limits.
Major, adverse, permanent
impacts due to facility related
noises on breeding bird
territory.
Similar to the Primitive Similar to the Primitive
Park Road. Park Road.
Habitat Loss and
Fragmentation:
Reduces impacts by
decreasing the area of
the direct habitat loss
and by decreasing the
interior areas
accessible to human
disturbance.
Behavior (nuisance
bears): Decreases
potential human-bear
interactions by reducing
the area of road for
potential foraging.
Habitat Loss and
Fragmentation: Reduces
impacts by decreasing the
area of the direct habitat
loss and by decreasing the
interior areas accessible to
human disturbance.
Behavior (nuisance bears):
Decreases potential
human-bear interactions by
reducing the area of road
for potential foraging.
Similar to the Primitive Similar to the Primitive
Park Road. Park Road.
Reduces impacts due
to a decrease in the
construction footprint,
noise intrusion and
habitat fragmentation.
Avoids impacts to
interior bird habitat.
Reduces impacts due to a
decrease in the
construction footprint,
noise intrusion and habitat
fragmentation.
Avoids impacts to interior
bird habitat.
Negligible, adverse, Minor, adverse, permanent Major, adverse, permanent
permanent impacts due to impacts from habitat impacts from habitat
facility related noises on fragmentation would occur. � fragmentation would occur.
breeding bird territory.
--------p --------- ---------------------------
Princi al Park Similar to the Primitive Park Similar to the Primitive Similar to the Primitive Park Similar to Primitive Park Similar to Primitive Park
Road: Road. Park Road. Road. Road. Road.
Negligible, adverse,
permanent impacts from
habitat fragmentation
would occur.
Note: All values shown are approximate and based on functional designs prior to final plans for avoidance, minimization, or mitigation.
Description of Alternatives — 2-38
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement
Similar to the Primitive
Park Road.
Habitat Loss and
Fragmentation: Reduces
impacts by decreasing the
area of the direct habitat
loss and by decreasing the
interior areas accessible to
human disturbance.
Behavior (nuisance bears):
Decreases potential
human-bear interactions
by using existing road
ways.
Similar to the Primitive
Park Road.
Reduces impacts due to a
decrease in the
construction footprint,
noise intrusion and habitat
fragmentation.
Avoid impacts to interior
bird habitat.
Simliar to Primitive Park
Road.

Table 2-6. Comparison of Alternatives and Impacts
. •. . . •. . . �. .
. �... . . . . . .. . •. .
.. .. . . ..
-. .� .. .. . . . �.
.. .. ..
Negligible, adverse, Primitive Park Minor, adverse, regional, Impacts 1.5 fewer miles Major, adverse, regional, and Impacts 1.5 fewer miles Impacts 2.3 fewer miles Impacts 1.6 fewer miles
regional, permanent Road: permanent impacts from 8.0 �(2.4 km) of road. permanent impacts from 34.3 (2.4 km) of road. (3.7 km) road than the (2.6 km) road than the
miles (12.9 km) of road. miles (55.2 km) of road are baseline Northern Shore baseline Northern Shore
impacts from 0.8 miles expected. Corridor. Corridor.
(1.3 km) of road. Eliminates accessibility Less forest edges and
Increases access to the for invasive exotics to roadsides which
The degradation of interior of the Park and spread into a more Increases access to the prevent invasive exotics Less forest edges and Less forest edges and
creates habitats that may northerly interior portion interior of the Park and creates access to more interior roadsides which prevent roadsides which prevent
Invasive Exotics No/Ne li ible Im act habitat caused by the attract invasive exotic plants, ' of the Park. habitats that may attract portion of the Park. invasive exotics access to invasive exotics access to
9 g p picnic area creates vertebrates, invertebrates, invasive exotic plants, more interior portion of the more interior portion of the
favorable habitats that and forest diseases. vertebrates, invertebrates, and Park. Park.
may attract invasive forest diseases.
vertebrates, ,
------------------ - -- - -- --------------------------- - ---------- -----
invertebrates, plants, and principal Park Similar to the Primitive Park I Similar to the Primitive Similar to the Primitive Park Similar to the Primitive Similar to the Primitive Similar to the Primitive
forest diseases that Road: Road; Impacts from 6.5 miles Park Road; Impacts Road; Impacts from 30.8 miles Park Road; Impacts Park Road; Impacts from Park Road; Impacts from
already exist along Lake (10.5 km) of road. I from 1.3 fewer miles (49.6 km) of road. from 1.3 fewer miles 3.1 fewer miles (5.0 km) 1.5 fewer miles (2.4 km) of
View Road. (2.1 km) road. (2.1 km) of road. road. road.
Primitive Park Indiana Bat: Minor, adverse, � Indiana Bat: Reduces Indiana Bat: Minor, adverse, Indiana Bat: Reduces Indiana Bat: Reduces Indiana Bat: Reduces
Road: permanent, direct impacts due impacts due to permanent direct impacts due impacts due to impacts due to decreases impacts due to decreases
to loss of potential habitat decreases in the to loss of potential habitat decreases in the in the construction in the construction
within the construction limits. I construction footprint, within the construction limits. construction footprint, footprint, human influence footprint, human influence
human influence zone, human influence zone, zone, and habitat zone, and habitat
Bald Eagle: Minor, adverse, and habitat gald Eagle: Minor, adverse, and habitat fragmentation. fragmentation.
long-term to permanent I fragmentation. long-term to permanent fragmentation.
impacts to habitat from noise impacts to habitat would be Bald Eagle: Increases Bald Eagle: Increases
associated with road Bald Eagle: Increases expected due to noise Bald Eagle: Increases impacts to habitat due to impacts to habitat due to
construction activities and impacts due to greater associated with road impacts to habitat due greater potential for greater potential for
human disturbances from the potential for construction activities and to greater potential for construction related noise construction related noise
utilization of the road and construction, related human disturbances from the construction related and human disturbance and human disturbance
Indiana Bat: Minor, facilities. Moderate, adverse noise, and human utilization of the road and noise and human within potential eagle within potential eagle
adverse, permanent impacts to foraging associated disturbance within facilities. This alternative disturbance within nesting and foraging nesting and foraging
impacts due to direct loss with increase boating activity. management zone 2; would be located within 1.0 management zone 2; habitat. habitat.
of potential Indiana bat This alternative is adjacent to 3,775 linear feet (1,150 mile (1.6 km) of open water 3,775 linear feet (1,150
habitat. management zone 2(within m) of road located and is adjacent to meters) of road located
Federally 5,860 feet [1,786 m] of an � within management management zone 2(within within management
Protected No/Negligible Impact ea le nest and within 1.0 mile zone 2. No chan e in 5,860 feet 1,786 m of an zone 2.
Species Bald Eagle: No impacts g � g � �
because the location of (1.6 km) of open water. foraging impacts eagle nest).
this alternative is greater associated with boating
than 1.0 mile (1.6 km) activities.
- - --------------------------- ---
from open water. principal Park Similar to the Primitive Park Similar to the Primitive Similar to the Primitive Park Similar to the Primitive Similar to the Primitive Similar to the Primitive
Road: Road for most impacts; 300 Park Road; 2,075 more Road for most impacts; 300 Park Road; 2,075 more Park Road. Park Road.
linear feet (91 m) of road � linear feet (633 m) of linear feet (91 m) of road linear feet (633 m) of
located within management road located within located within management road located within
zone 2. management zone 2. zone 2. management zone 2.
Note: All values shown are approximate and based on functional designs prior to final plans for avoidance, minimization, or mitigation.
Description of Alternatives - 2-39
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement

Table 2-6. Comparison of Alternatives and Impacts
. •. . . •. . . �. .
. �... . . . . . .. . •. .
.. .. . . ..
-. .� .. .. . . . �.
.. .. ..
Primitive Park Minor, adverse, site-specific to Avoids impacts to Minor, adverse, site-specific to Avoids impacts to Avoids impacts to known Reduces impacts to
Road: local and permanent impacts known populations of local and permanent impacts known populations of 5 populations of 6 species, potential habitats.
to 12 species. 5 species, including the to 2 species. species, including the including the olive darter.
olive darter. olive darter. Reduces impacts to
Negligible, adverse, site- Moderate, adverse, site- Reduces impacts to Moderate, adverse, site- Reduces impacts to potential habitats.
specific to local and specific to local and I potential habitats. specific to local and permanent potential habitats.
permanent impacts to permanent impacts to impacts to 19 species.
2 species. 9 species.
Major, adverse, site-specific to
Federal Species Minor, adverse, site- Major, adverse, site-specific to local and permanent impacts
of Concern, specific to local and local and permanent impacts to 1 species, the olive darter.
Candidate and No/Negligible Impact permanent impacts to to 1 species, the olive darter
State Protected 19 species.
Species Principal Park Minor, adverse, site-specific to Avoids impacts to Minor, adverse, site-specific to Avoids impacts to Avoids impacts to known Reduces impacts to
Road: local and permanent impacts known populations of local and permanent impacts known populations of populations of 6 species, potential habitats.
Moderate, adverse, site- to 14 species. 5 species. to 3 species. 5 species, including the including the olive darter.
specific to local and olive darter.
permanent impacts to Reduces impacts to Reduces impacts to
1 species. Moderate, adverse, site- potential habitats. Moderate, adverse, site- Reduces impacts to potential habitats.
specific to local and ' specific to local and permanent Potential habitats.
permanent impacts to impacts to 18 species.
8 species.
Major, adverse, site-specific to
local and permanent impacts
to 1 species, the olive darter.
Primitive Park Major, adverse, long-term 1 less major, adverse, Major, adverse, long-term 1 less major, adverse, 3 additional major, 1 additional major,
Road: impacts to the view points at long-term impact to the impacts to the view points at long-term impact to the adverse, long-term impacts adverse, long-term impact
High Rocks and Tsali as view from High Rocks. Shuckstack, Appalachian Trail view from High Rocks. to the views from Black to the view point at
portions of this alternative South of Shuckstack, Proctor, Gum Gap (during leaf-off Fontana Dam.
would be visible. Fontana Dam, and High conditions), Fontana Dam
Rocks; Minor, adverse, long- and the NC 28 Hazel
term, impacts to the view Creek Overlook; Increases 1 less major, adverse,
points at Tsali and the intensity of the impact long-term impact to the
Meetinghouse Mountain, as at the Shuckstack view; view from the Appalachian
portions of this alternative Moderate, adverse, long- Trail South of Shuckstack.
Aesthetics and would be visible. term impact to the view
Visual No/Negligible Impact No/Negligible Impact from Cable Cove; Minor,
Resources adverse, long-term impact
to the view from Fontana
Lake (Below Lakeshore
Trail).
1 less major, adverse,
long-term impact to the
view from Proctor.
------------------- - --------- !
Principal Park Similar to the Primitive Park Similar to the Primitive Similar to the Primitive Park Simliar to the Primitive Similar to the Primitive Similar to the Primitive
Road: Road. Park Road. Road. Park Road. Park Road. Park Road.
Note: All values shown are approximate and based on functional designs prior to final plans for avoidance, minimization, or mitigation.
Description of Alternatives — 2-40
North Shore Road Final Environmental Impact Statement