20030909 Ver 5_Complete File_20060616

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June 16, 2006
Mr. J.M. Mills, P.E.
Division Engineer, Division 7
North Carolina Department of Transportation
PO Box 14996
Greensboro, North Carolina, 27415
Subject: Greensboro Western Urban Loop
micnaei r. tasiey, vovernor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director
Division of Water Quality
Coleen H. Sullins, Deputy Director
Division of Water Quality
State Project No: 8.U482101
TIP No: U-2524 AB/AC
DWQ No: 030909
Dear Mr. Mills:
On Thursday, June 15, 2006, Mr. Jerry Parker, Division Environmental Officer for NCDOT
Division 7, contacted Sue Homewood, Division of Water Quality (Division) regional staff, to
report offsite sediment loss and wetland impacts as a result of construction activities on the
Greensboro Western Urban Loop project. Mr. Parker reported that due to the cumulative
precipitation amounts over the last few days, two sediment basins failed and sediment migrated
downslope and into an area identified as wetlands on the plan sheets.
Sue Homewood visually inspected the site with Mr. Parker and other DOT staff. DOT provided
documentation of a recent inspection of sediment and erosion control measures in this area.
Documentation showed that the sediment basins that failed had been cleaned out on June 9,
2006. Records of rain gauge totals show that approximately five inches of rain had fallen in this
area since the basins had been cleaned out on June 9, 2006. The area was inspected on June 13,
2006, following a rain event on June 12, 2006 and it was found that the basins had failed and
sediment loss had occurred offsite. In preparation for potential rain on June 14, 2006, the basins
were again cleaned out. DOT was notified while on site that they may continue work in this area
as soon as they could make repairs to the basins. It should be noted that documentation
regarding sediment and erosion control inspections and maintenance activities were extremely
helpful in identifying the situation, and in determining what actions might be necessary to
prevent future occurrences.
The accumulation of sediment in the delineated wetlands is a violation of 15A NCAC 02B
.0231(b)(1). This regulation states: "Liquids, fill or other solids or dissolved gases may not be
present in amounts which may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland uses"

N. C. Division of Water Quality 1650 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 [phone]
Customer Service: 1 800 623-7748
June 16, 2006
DWQ #03-0909
Page 2
DOT should investigate all possible sediment and erosion control measures that can be utilized to
enhance protection in this area. Active grading areas are particularly susceptible to heavy rain
events common to this area during the summer. In addition, DOT shall remove accumulated
sediment in areas where the sediment is greater than six (6) inches deep. Sediment shall be
removed by hand with shovels and buckets and care should be taken to try to avoid disturbing
the natural ground or injuring any trees. Once sediment removal is complete, DOT shall seed the
entire impacted area with an appropriate woodland wetland seed mix.
The Division appreciates the open communication that occurred during this situation. We look
forward to continued communication and assistance on this, and future projects. If you have any
questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact Sue Homewood at 336-771-4964 or at
[e-mail].
Sincerely,
Steve W. Tedder
Water Quality Regional Supervisor
CC: Todd Tugwell, USACE Raleigh Field Office
Jerry Parker, NCDOT, Division 7 DEO
Chris Kirkman, NCDOT Division 7, Resident Engineer
DWQ, Winston-Salem Regional Office
DWQ,=Wetlands,4&1. ramspo t o n t
DWQ, Central Files
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