20110931_Meeting Minutes_20080711

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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

MICHAEL F. EASLEY LYNDO TIPPETT
GOVERNOR SECRETARY

MINUTES

TIP PROJECT No. U-3810
FEDERAL AID NO. STP-1406 (4)
WBS No. 35801.1.1

WIDENING OF SR 1406 (PINEY GREEN ROAD)
FROM NC 24 (LEJEUNE BOULEVARD) TO US 17 (MARINE BOULEVARD)
JACKSONVILLE, ONSLOW COUNTY

MEETING FOR CONCURRENCE POINTS 3 AND 4A
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
HIGHWAY BUILDING - BOARDROOM
THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2008
1:00 PM

ATTENDANCE
Name UnitlAgency Contact Info
Team Members
Ron Lucas FHWA [e-mail]
Brad Shaver USACE [e-mail]
Chris Militscher USEPA [e-mail]
Gary Jordan USFWS [e-mail]
David Wainwright NCDWQ [e-mail]
Steve Sollod NCDCM [e-mail]
Travis Wilson NCWRC [e-mail]
Chris Lukasina Jacksonville MPO [e-mail]
Wade Kirby NCDOT -PDEA [e-mail]
Ron Sechler NMFS (via conference call) [e-mail]
Renee Gledhill-Early SHPO (not present) [e-mail]
Fritz Rohde NCDMF (not present) [e-mail]

Attendees
Richard Spencer USACE [e-mail]
Kathy Matthews USEPA [e-mail]
Brian Yamamoto NCDOT - PDEA [e-mail]
Sam St. Clair NCDOT - Roadway Design [e-mail]
Roger Thomas NCDOT - Roadway Design [e-mail]
MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: [phone] LOCATION:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX: [phone] TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND 1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BRANCH WEBSITE: RALEIGH NC 27601
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548 www.ncdot.org /doh /preconstruct /pe /

U-3810 Piney Green Road Widening
Concurrence Points 3 and 4A
Page 2 of 11
Dena Snead NCDOT - Roadway Design [e-mail]
Andrew Nottingham NCDOT - Hydraulics [e-mail]
Chris Manley NCDOT - NEU [e-mail]
Chris Rivenbark NCDOT - NEU [e-mail]
Tom Stoddard NCDOT - TIP Unit [e-mail]
Mason Herndon NCDOT - Division 3 [e-mail]
Joe Blair NCDOT - Division 3 [e-mail]
Tim Coggins NCDOT - Structures [e-mail]
Omar Azizi NCDOT - Structures [e-mail]
Ed Lewis NCDOT - Public Involvement [e-mail]
Ron Hairr KHA [e-mail]
Meredith Van Duyn KHA [e-mail]
Jeff Moore KHA [e-mail]
Erskine Brooks KHA [e-mail]
Pam Barth KHA [e-mail]
MINUTES FOR CONCURRENCE POINT 3
Mr. Brad Shaver (USACE) opened the meeting by welcoming everyone, and attendees
introduced themselves. Mr. Shaver recognized Mr. Wade Kirby (NCDOT - PDEA), who noted
the purpose of Concurrence Point (CP) 3 was to reach agreement on the Least Environmentally
Damaging Practicable Alternative (LEDPA) for TIP Project U-3810. Mr. Kirby noted the
(combined) Merger meeting for CP 1 and 2 was held on April 11, 2006. The Merger meeting for
CP 2A was held on March 15, 2007. In previous meetings, Merger Team members agreed on the
Purpose and Need, alternatives to be carried forward for further consideration, and details for
bridging the four major stream crossings. Mr. Kirby briefly described the two alternatives
remaining for consideration for LEDPA as follows:

- Alternative I extends for 6.6 miles along the existing alignment of Piney Green Road,
widening and improving the geometry of the roadway mainly to the west side of the
roadway.

- Alternative 3A extends for 6.6 miles along the existing alignment of Piney Green Road,
widening and improving the geometry of the roadway on a "best fit" alignment (mainly
symmetrically).
Mr. Kirby noted the Public Hearing for the project was held on November 8, 2007. Most of the
comments received in writing after the Public Hearing were in favor of Alternative 3A. Mr.
Kirby recognized Mr. Ron Hairr (KHA). Mr. Hairr noted if agreement for CP 3 could be
reached, discussion for CP 4A would immediately follow to determine the adequacy of
avoidance and minimization efforts to date.

Mr. Hain referred attendees to the agenda and to the packet mailed to agency representatives
prior to the meeting.

Project Details
Mr. Hairr reviewed project details as follows:

NCDOT proposes to widen SR 1406 (Piney Green Road) to a four-lane median divided facility
from NC 24 (Lejeune Boulevard) to US 17 (Marine Boulevard) in Jacksonville, Onslow County.
The widening is proposed along the existing alignment, as shown in Figure 1 in the meeting
packet (provided here for reference). Mr. Hairr stated the original seven alternatives presented

U-3810 Piney Green Road Widening
Concurrence Points 3 and 4A
Page 3 of 11
were designed generally to follow the existing alignment. He referred to the wide section in the
middle of the study corridor and noted two of the original seven alternatives proposed to
straighten the alignment on new location in this area. Using Figure 1, Mr. Hairr drew attention to
the streams and tributaries in the study corridor.

Mr. Hairr stated the project is included in the NCDOT's 2007-2013 Transportation Improvement
Program (TIP) as TIP Project No. U-3810. According to the Draft 2009-2015 TIP, right-of-way
acquisition is scheduled to begin in Fiscal Year (FY) 2009, and construction is scheduled to
begin in FY 2011.
The preliminary build alternatives, as previously selected by the Merger Team and presented in
the Environmental Assessment (EA), include Alternatives 1 and 3A, with one revision. In the
Public Hearing Map Review meeting on July 24, 2007, NCDOT staff determined it is preferable
to build only one bridge over Northeast Creek. This decision was due to constructability and
maintenance issues with a section of fill between the two previously proposed bridges. The
dimensions of the single-span bridge are shown in Table 1 in the meeting packet (provided here
for reference). Mr. Hairr noted the slope stake line (SSL) in the preliminary roadway design was
not affected by the change from two proposed bridges to one. Impacts are calculated based on
the SSL plus 25 feet; therefore, this alteration does not affect the number of acres of wetlands.
Per NCDOT guidance, streams are not affected where bridged.

Table 1 from the CP 3/4A Mer ei Meetin Packet

Table 1
Proposed Hydraulic Details for Alternatives 1 and 3A (Presented at CP2A)
Change in Bridge Length - Preferred by NCDOT (July 24, 2007) due to Constructability Issues
Crossing 1 2 3 4

UT to
Stream Name Northeast Northeast Creek Poplar Little Northeast
Creek Creek
Creek
Existing Structure Metal Plate RC Box 21" Cored Slab
Type Arch Culvert (2) 21 " Cored Slab Bridges Culvert Bridge
-
120' Length
Existing Structure - 93" x 72" Bridge 1 - 78' Length (2 @ 39') 2 9' x 8'
Size @ (1 @ 35', 1 @ 50',
Bridge 2 - 98 Length (2 @ 49) 1 @ 35')
Type of Proposed Culvert 21" Cored Slab
Structure Culvert (191') 21" Cored Slab Bridge (148') Bridge
Bridge 1 - 80' Length (2 @ 40')
Bridge 2 - 125' Length (I @ 40', 1
@ 45' 1 @ 40) 125' Length
Dimensions of
Proposed Structure 1 7 x 6 2@ 9 x 8 (1 @ 40', 1@ 45',
315' Length 1 @ 40')
(3@60', I @55 2@40)
Mr. Hairr discussed the details of each of the alternatives as follows:
Alternative 1 extends for 6.6 miles along the existing alignment of Piney Green Road,
widening and improving the geometry mainly to the west side of the roadway. Based on

U-3810 Piney Green Road Widening
Concurrence Points 3 and 4A
Page 4 of [ /
preliminary roadway designs, impacts for Alternative 1 include 2.6 acres of wetlands, 870
linear feet of streams, and 76 total relocations. This alternative requires a total of two new
bridges, including one over Northeast Creek and one over Little Northeast Creek, parallel to
the existing structures. The proposed widening to the west side allows the existing structures
to remain in place. Alternative 1 requires installing a new culvert at an unnamed tributary of
Northeast Creek and extending the existing culvert at Poplar Creek. It impacts two
cemeteries (the Ambrose Cemetery and an unnamed cemetery located along Piney Green
Road near Sheffield Drive) and the Jones-Onslow Electric Membership Corporation's Piney
Green Substation. It also impacts a water pump station.
Alternative 3A (NCDOT's Preferred Alternative) extends for 6.6 miles along the existing
alignment of Piney Green Road, widening and improving the geometry on a "best fit"
alignment (mainly symmetrically along Piney Green Road). Based on preliminary roadway
designs, impacts for Alternative 3A include 3.4 acres of wetlands, 905 linear feet of streams,
and 58 total relocations. This alternative requires a total of two new bridges, including one
over Northeast Creek and one over Little Northeast Creek, parallel to the existing structures.
This "best fit" alignment allows the existing structures to remain in place. Alternative 3A
requires installing a new culvert for the unnamed tributary of Northeast Creek and extending
the culvert at Poplar Creek. Alternative 3A would not disturb any gravesites but would
require easements at the two cemeteries mentioned above. A retaining wall would be
required for the unnamed cemetery located along Piney Green Road near Sheffield Drive.
Alternative 3A does not impact the Piney Green Substation or the water pump station.

Using maps provided in the meeting packet (Figure 4 is provided here for reference), Mr. Hairr
drew the Merger Team's attention to wetland and stream sites along the study corridor. He noted
the change in the number of bridges (from two to one) at Northeast Creek. Mr. Hainr also
indicated the 100 year floodplain, the delineated wetland boundary, and the Coastal Area
Management Act (CAMA) Area of Environmental Concern (AEC), which is 30 feet for public
trust waters.
Project Status

Mr. Hairr detailed events after CP 2A and discussed the project status. The Environmental
Assessment was signed July 17, 2007, and then distributed. Approximately 200 people attended
the Pre-Hearing Open House and Public Hearing held in November 2007. A number of people
were in favor of the proposed improvements, and many attendees wanted a five-lane section.
The attendees who did not want the project at all preferred Alternative 3A over Alternative 1.
The Post Hearing meeting was held in January 2008, and NCDOT decided their Preferred
Alternative is Alternative 3A. The FONSI is scheduled for September 2008. Right-of-way
acquisition is scheduled to begin in July 2009, and construction is expected to begin in the spring
of 2011.
Prior Merger Meetings

Mr. Hairr summarized prior Merger meetings as follows:
Concurrence Point 1: Purpose and Need
The Merger Meeting for Concurrence Point 1 was held in the NCDOT Transportation
Building on April 11, 2006. The Merger Team concurred on the following purpose and
need for the proposed project:
Deficient Capacity - The 2005 average daily traffic on Piney Green Road ranges from
16,200 vehicles per day (vpd) south of US 17 to 24,000 vpd south of SR 1403 (Country
Club Road). The traffic volumes are projected to increase at a rate of approximately

U-3810 Piney Green Road Widening
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Page 5 of 11
1.5 percent per year, forecast to as high as 35,000 vpd along the busiest section by the
year 2030. Piney Green Road currently operates at level of service (LOS) E based on the
Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) two-lane highway methodology. (The LOS is defined
with letter designations from A to F. LOS A is the best operating condition along a
roadway or at an intersection, and LOS F is the worst. In urban areas, LOS D is
generally considered acceptable, while in rural areas, LOS C is considered acceptable.)
By the year 2030, most intersections along Piney Green Road are projected to operate at
overall LOS E or F (without the proposed improvements) based on the HCM signalized
and unsignalized intersection methodology. LOS E and F conditions increase the
potential for accidents and contribute substantially to inefficient traffic operations.
Inefficient operations will delay traffic accessing three schools, several neighborhoods,
and numerous retail and service businesses.
Above Average Accident Rates - The 2001-2004 accident rate along Piney Green Road
of 410.92 accidents per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (100MVM) is substantially
higher than the 2001-2003 average statewide rate for similar roadways (179.94 accidents
per 100MVM for two-lane undivided rural primary routes and 336.47 accidents per
100MVM for two-lane undivided urban primary routes). The most common types of
accidents from 2001-2004 were rear-end collisions (approximately 54 percent) and left-
turn collisions (approximately 20 percent), indicating traffic congestion as a likely cause.

Concurrence Point 2: Alternatives for Detailed Study
The Merger Meeting for Concurrence Point 2 was held immediately following the
Merger Meeting for Concurrence Point 1, on April 11, 2006. The following alternatives
were described in detail:

Alternative I - Widen and improve the alignment completely to the west side of existing
Piney Green Road
Alternative IA - Widen and improve the alignment completely to the west side of existing
Piney Green Road, with partial possible realignment between SR 1860 (Hunters
Trail) and SR 1779 (Balsam Road)

Alternative 2 - Widen and improve the alignment completely to the east side of existing
Piney Green Road

Alternative 2A - Widen and improve the alignment completely to the east side of existing
Piney Green Road, with partial possible realignment between SR 1860 (Hunters
Trail) and SR 1779 (Balsam Road)

Alternative 3 - Widen and improve the alignment using a best fit concept (primarily
widening to the east side) along existing Piney Green Road

Alternative 3A - Widen and improve the alignment using a best fit concept (primarily
widening symmetrically) along existing Piney Green Road
Alternative 3B - Same as Alternative 3 but also including the additional width required
to accommodate a grade separation for the Camp Lejeune Railroad.

The Merger Team agreed to eliminate three alternatives - IA, 2, and 2A - and to retain
Alternatives 1, 3, and 3A for further study. The alternatives proposing to correct the
alignment on new location (Alternatives lA and 2A) were eliminated because of the

U-3810 Piney Green Road Widening
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Page 6 of 11
amount of impacts. The Merger Team agreed to retain the possibility of Alternative 3B
should a grade separation for the railroad be required. (Initially the project team was
informed two trains per day utilized this crossing, which would exceed the exposure
index. The project team later was informed two trains per week utilize the crossing.) In
discussions with PDEA on December 7, 2006, the NCDOT Rail Division suggested
signals, bells, lights, and gates would be sufficient at this crossing. This was confirmed
during a site visit on January 20, 2007, which included NCDOT staff.

Concurrence Point 2A: Bridging
The Merger Meeting for Concurrence Point 2A was held in the NCDOT Transportation
Building on March 15, 2007. Preliminary designs were completed for Alternatives 1, 3,
and 3A. Prior to this meeting, several Merger Team members met on-site in Jacksonville
on February 15, 2007, for a field review and to discuss preliminary hydraulics design and
existing and proposed stream crossings.
The purpose of the Concurrence Point 2A meeting was to agree on bridging decisions
and alternative(s) carried forward. Since the existing bridges cannot be widened, the
Merger Team members agreed to the hydraulic designs and specifications for
Alternatives 1 and 3A.

In the March 15, 2007 CP2A meeting, the Merger Team agreed to carry forward
Alternatives 1 and 3A for additional study. Alternative 3 was eliminated from further
consideration in part due to a potential impact to the recreational/athletic fields of White
Oak High School. These fields are open for local sports organizations for use after
school hours and would involve a Section 4(f) decision by the Federal Highway
Administration. It was also noted Alternative 3 presented no additional environmental or
traffic benefit when compared to Alternatives 1 and 3A.

Environmental Assessment Updates and Comments
The project team has received agency comments about the EA (distributed in July 2007) and
comments from the public at and after the Public Hearing (held in November 2007). These
comments will be addressed in writing in the FONSI.

Mr. Hairr presented updates to the EA as well as some of the comments and the responses.
• The presence of the endangered species pondberry (Lindera melissifolia) was unresolved
in the EA. The study area was surveyed in February 2008, during the pondberry's
flowering season, and no occurrences were found. The USFWS concurred with the
finding of No Effect in March 2008.
• Comments from the NC Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ) raised concerns about
sedimentation and erosion impacts. NCDWQ requested the project utilize NCDWQ Best
Management Practices during construction. The response to this comment is NCDOT
Stormwater Best Management Practices Toolbox will be used since this defines the use
of stormwater controls in the linear highway environment as required by NCDOT's
NPDES permit.
• The NC Division of Coastal Management commented the EA reported the CAMA AEC
incorrectly. The correct AEC buffer for this project is the 30-foot buffer for public trust
waters, rather than the 75-foot buffer for estuarine waters as had been reported.
• The Onslow County School System has requested coordination with NCDOT regarding
sidewalk construction in front of White Oak High School.
• The project team received many written and spoken requests regarding a canoe/kayak
access at Little Northeast Creek. NCDOT will not provide funding for a canoe/kayak

U-3810 Piney Green Road Widening
Concurrence Points 3 and 4A
Page 7 of 11
access but is willing to coordinate with the appropriate state/county agency if access can
be acquired by other means and maintained by another agency. The NCDOT property
adjacent to Little Northeast Creek was purchased for mitigation in association with B-
2158. NCDOT cannot release this property for canoe/kayak access because of potential
impacts.
o Mr. Tom Stoddard (NCDOT - TIP Unit) asked if current access is allowed. Mr.
Hairr replied observations from the field visit revealed small boats have access
but it is blocked by rip rap and a No Trespassing sign. Mr. Stoddard noted the
spot is not conducive to boating and asked about access at Northeast Creek.
Chris Lukasina stated there is full boat access on Northeast Creek. Mr. Hain
stated NCDOT cannot release the site for boat access because of additional
impacts. Mr. Lukasina used Figure 1 to identify the Little Northeast Creek boat
ramp/park.
• Mr. Hairr stated the fire department has requested a mountable median in front of the
Highland Crossings shopping center. NCDOT recommends a left-over at this location to
accommodate fire trucks.
• Mr. Hairr stated a number of residents were in favor of a five-lane divided thoroughfare;
however, NCDOT does not recommend a five-lane divided thoroughfare based on the
volume projections and safety issues.
• Several citizens also requested a new signal be added at the intersection with Halltown
Road, which is near the White Oak Shopping Center. This possibility will be checked
during final design.
• Mr. Hairr stated the project team had received requests for additional bicycle
accommodations. Mr. Hairr noted the 14-foot wide outside lane for bikes.
• NCDOT hopes to minimize impacts to a childcare center during final design.
• Mr. Hairr pointed out several residences between Victoria Lane and Sheffield Drive have
front yard septic drainfields. NCDOT performed an additional survey and identified six
houses. During final design, it will be determined if City sewer will be available for the
residences to connect. If so, then the residences could be preserved. If not, an
additional six relocations would be added to Alternative 3A, for a total of 49 residential
relocations.
Mr. Hairr reviewed the Impact Matrix table (Table 3 in the packet; included below for reference).
Red type highlights the revisions.
• Stream impacts: per NCDOT direction, there are no stream impacts where the stream is
bridged.
• The total number of relocations has changed. Alternative 1 has 76, and Alternative 3A
has 58. Depending on the outcome of the six houses with front yard septic systems, the
total number of relocations (residential, businesses, and institutions) for Alternative 3A
could increase to 64.
• The values for total construction cost were reversed in the EA Summary Impact Matrix
but were reported correctly in the EA's Chapter 2.
o Mr. Joe Blair (NCDOT - Division 3) asked about the $4 million difference
between the two alternatives. Mr. Roger Thomas (NCDOT - Roadway Design)
and Mr. Kirby stated the utility costs accounted for most of the differences. The
Alternative 3A estimate assumes waterline to be relocated exists on both sides of
Piney Green Road.
o Mr. Jeff Moore (KHA) noted it is likely Alternative 3A would use more
pavement, which would also cause cost increases.
o Mr. Hairr explained the impact to the power substation could be more than $2.5
million. The Jones-Onslow EMC's Chief Engineering Utility Officer estimated
the cost at $3.5 million to $4 million.

U-3810 Piney Green Road Widening
Concurrence Points 3 and 4A
Page 8 of 11
0 Mr. Hairr stated previously a KHA senior biologist and Mr. Dave Timpy (USACE)
thought on-site restoration would be possible. The project area was recently reviewed
for onsite mitigation by the NCDOT/ICI Onsite Mitigation Group. Based on current
designs, no practicable onsite mitigation sites exist within the project area. Therefore, it
is likely compensatory mitigation for impacts to jurisdictional resources will be provided
by the NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program.
o Mr. Shaver asked where a possible mitigation site might be located. Mr. Mason
Herndon (NCDOT - Division 3) replied land prices are too high for mitigation.
Discussion ensued about the mitigation possibilities of the manicured field next
to a residential area near Little Northeast Creek. Mr. Chris Manley (NCDOT -
NEU) stated he would send Mr. Shaver documentation about the field visit for
his files.
Table 3 from the CP 3/4A Merger Meetin Packet

Table 3 (Updated from Table S.1 from the EA)
Impact Matrix

Impact Alternative 1 Alternative 3A
Length (miles) 6.6 6.6
Wetland Impacts (acres)' 2.6 3.4

Stream Impacts (linear feet) 2 870 905
Residential Relocations 63 43
Business Relocations 11 14
Institutional Relocations 2 1

Total Relocations 76 58
Low Income Population Impacts - Relocatees 3 1
Minority Population Impacts - Relocatees 24 10

Right-of-Way Cost Estimate (May 2007) $20,055,550 $17,548,150
Construction Cost Estimate (May 2007)3 $39,400,000 $43,300,000
Utilities (Relocation of Power/Telephone Poles) 4 $2,272,970 $2,272,970
Jones-Onslow EMC Power Substation Relocations $2,500,000 -

Total Cost $64,228,520 $63,121,120
New Bridges Required 6 2 2
New Culverts Required 1 1
Railroad Crossings 1 1

Schools Affected 7 1 1
Recreation Areas and Parks Affected 0 0
Churches Affected 8 8 10

Cemeteries Affected 9 2 2
Major Utility Crossings 10 78 78
Historic Properties Affected 0 0
Archaeological Sites Affected N/A N/A

U-3810 Piney Green Road Widening
Concurrence Points 3 and 4A
Page 9 of 11
Federal Listed Species Present in Corridor No No

100 Year Floodplain and Floodway Crossings 4 4
Forest Impacts (acres) 11 16.6 15.2
Prime Farmland Impacts (acres) 0.8 1.2
Hazardous Material Sites 0 0

CAMA Areas of Environmental Concern 2 2
Riparian Buffer Impacts - Zone 1 (sq. ft.) N/A N/A
Riparian Buffer Impacts - Zone 2 (sq. ft.) N/A N/A

Water Supply Watersheds No No
Impact Alternative 1 Alternative 3A
Wildlife Refuges or Gamelands No No
On-Site Restoration Potential 12 No No

Impacted Noise Receptors 23 21
Section 4(f) Impacts 0 0
Federal Lands No No

Significant Natural Heritage Program Areas 0 0
Greenway Crossings - Proposed 5 5
Greenway Crossings - Existing 0 0
Impacts to wetlands include slope stake limits plus an additional 25 feet.
2 Stream impacts reported in the EA were 1,160 linear feet (Alternative 1) and 1,195 linear feet
(Alternative 3A). Per NCDOT guidance on March 17, 2008 streams are not impacted where bridged.
Stream impacts were removed from Little Northeast Creek and Northeast Creek (locations of proposed
bridges).
3 The construction cost estimates were inadvertently flipped in the Executive Summary of the EA but are
correct as reported in Chapter 2. Please note that the correct (estimated) construction cost for
Alternative 1 is $39,400,000 and $43,300,000 for Alternative 3A. Construction costs include relocation
of water main, sewer lines, and the water booster/pump station (for Alternative 1).
4 Utility costs were included in the EA in Table 2.6 (page 2-15).
s NCDOT staff estimated the cost of relocating the Jones-Onslow EMC Power Substation to be
$2,500,000. However, Jones-Onslow EMC's Chief Utility Engineering Officer estimated the cost to be
$3,500,000 to $4,000,000.
6 All existing bridges will be retained. Note: change from 2 proposed bridges over Northeast Creek to 1.
7 Schools: Easement only required.
8 Churches
Alt 1: Two (2) relocations required. Right-of-way and easements required (6 locations).
Alt 3A: One (1) relocation required. Right-of-way and easements required (9 locations).
9 Cemeteries
Alt. 1: Relocations (2 locations).
Alt 3A: Easements required (2 locations); Retaining wall required (1 location).
10 Substation
Alt 1: Possible impacts to equipment. Relocation of Water Booster Station required.
Alt 3A: Easement only required. No impacts to Water Booster Station.
11 Impacts include slope stake limits plus an additional 25 feet.
12 The project area was reviewed for onsite mitigation by the NCDOT/ICI Onsite Mitigation Group.
Based on current designs, no practicable onsite mitigation sites exist within the project area. Therefore,
it is likely that compensatory mitigation for impacts to jurisdictional resources will be provided by the
NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program.
*Updated March 19, 2008

U-3810 Piney Green Road Widening
Concurrence Points 3 and 4A
Page 10 of 11
Mr. Hairr then opened the floor to questions. None were asked. The Merger Team concurred
with the selection of Alternative 3A.
During the ensuing break, Mr. Chris Militscher (USEPA) asked Mr. Hairr to include in the
FONSI a statement clarifying effects on prime farmlands: although the proposed project affects
1.2 acres of prime farmland soil, those areas currently are not being used for farming but instead
are covered by housing and a wooded area. Mr. Militscher also asked for a statement about
archaeology along the study corridor.

MINUTES FOR CONCURRENCE POINT 4A

Mr. Hairr reconvened the Merger Team to discuss Concurrence Point 4A, Avoidance and
Minimization.

Mr. Hairr stated the project alternatives were based on widening the existing alignment (all
alternatives) with possible new location (Alternatives IA and 2A). He discussed Table 6 in the
meeting packet (included below for reference), which illustrates wetland and stream impacts
from each of the seven original alternatives (1, IA, 2, 2A, 3, 3A, 3B). He explained impacts
were initially calculated based on functional designs and survey data provided by NCDOT.
Wetland and stream boundaries were field-verified, which updated the impact totals. Finally,
impact totals were based on the slope stake line plus 25 feet from the preliminary designs.
Table 6 from the CP 3/4A Merger Meeting Packet

Table 6
Avoidance and Minimization Results Quantified
Alternative Functional Design Preliminary Design Total Change

Wetlands' Streamsz Streams' Wetlands Streams Wetlands Streams
(acres) (linear feet) (linear feet) (acres) (linear feet) (acres) (linear feet)
1 5.3 1,010 974 2.62 870 -2.68 -140
IA 8.9 845
2 5.2 985

2A 8.5 810
3 5.6 1,055
3A 5.6 836 1,093 3.43 905 -2.17 +69

3B 5.6 1,055
Wetland impacts for functional roadway designs based on NWI files.
i. Stream impacts for functional roadway designs based on NCDOT surveys.
Stream impacts for functional roadway designs based on field-verification of jurisdictional streams
(March 2006)
4' Preliminary roadway designs with slope stake lines plus 25 feet.
Mr. Hairr referenced pages 17 and 18 in the meeting packet, which provide a history of the
project, and reviewed information presented earlier for CP 3, as follows:
• Functional designs were done for seven alternatives.
• The Merger Team met in January 2006.
• Fieldwork was completed in March 2006, and impacts were recalculated.
• The Merger Team eliminated Alternatives IA and 2A based on wetland and stream
impacts.

U-3810 Piney Green Road Widening
Concurrence Points 3 and 4A
Page 11 of 11
Mr. Hairr reiterated the history of the seven alternatives, the process by which the Merger Team
decided to forward Alternatives 1 and 3A for further consideration, and the decision to change
from two bridges to one bridge over Northeast Creek. Mr. Hairr stated the design and
elimination of alternatives were efforts to avoid or minimize impacts to the study corridor.

Discussion followed as outlined below:
Mr. Militscher commented Wetlands 2 and 5 are the nicest wetlands systems and
requested NCDOT could consider small retaining walls to reduce some footprint. Mr.
Hairr explained NCDOT mitigation site is part of Wetland 5, and the proposed project
impacts it.
Mr. Militscher requested retaining walls on both sides of Little Northeast Creek.

Mr. Travis Wilson (NCWRC) asked how much of the mitigation site would be impacted.
Mr. Erskine Brooks (KHA) replied 0.84 is the acreage of the total plot. Wetlands make
up 0.28 acres, or 34%, of the total plot. Alternative 3A will place fill in 0.10 acres of the
wetlands.

Mr. Herndon asked why the impact areas are shown if the area is being bridged.

Mr. Brooks replied NCDOT policy is to calculate impacts based on SSL plus 25 feet but
not necessarily all of it will be impacted. Impacts will probably be reduced during final
design.

Mr. Shaver asked why the proposed project impacts area south of the bridge.

Mr. Thomas replied the estimation of impacts based on SSL plus 25 feet provides
impacts based on a worst-case scenario and these impacts can be reduced.
Mr. Militscher asked for a commitment to study retaining walls in the FONSI, as
Wetlands 2 and 5 are really nice. NCDOT agreed to investigate minimization by
possible use of retaining walls to reduce impacts at these two wetland sites. Results will
be reported at CP 4B.

The signature sheet was revised to include a phrase about retaining walls (bolded here for ease of
identification):
The U-3810 Merger Process Team met on April 17, 2008, and concurred with
the avoidance and minimization measures for the proposed widening of SR 1406
(Piney Green Road) in Jacksonville, NC, provided additional consideration is
investigated for use of retaining walls or other options at Wetland sites 2
and 5 (as identified at CP4A) at Concurrence Point 4B.

Mr. Kirby thanked attendees for their participation and adjourned the meeting. The signature
sheets for Concurrence Points 3 and 4A were signed after the meeting by those in attendance.
Mr. Kirby retained the original copy for the remaining required signatures. NCDOT videotaped
the meeting and provided Mr. Hairr with a copy of the VHS.