SR 1573 Dow Road

OF W ATFR Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
`OCR QG North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
vj Coleen Sullins, Director
Division of Water Quality
p

June 16, 2008

MEMORANDUM
To: Mr. SunTemple Helgren
Wilbur Smith Associates
421 Fayetteville Street
Suite 1303
Raleigh, NC 27601

From: David Wainwright, NC Division of Water Quality)
A"
Subject: Scoping commends on proposed widening and extension of Dow Road (SR 1573) in New
Hanover County.

Reference your correspondence dated May 26, 2008 in which you requested comments for the referenced
project. Preliminary analysis of the project reveals the potential for multiple impacts to perennial streams
and jurisdictional wetlands in the project area. More specifically, impacts to:

Stream Name River Basin Stream Stream Index
Classifications Number
UT to Cape Fear River Cape Fear SC 18-(71)
UT to Cape Fear River Cape Fear Sc 18-(71)
UT to Cape Fear River Cape Fear SC 18-(71)
Due to the nature of the area in and around the project, this project has the potential to have significant
impacts to wetlands. Wilbur Smith Associates and the Wilmington Area Metropolitan Planning
Organization (WMPO) are strongly urged to consider measures which will keep impacts to natural
resources to a minimum. Wilbur Smith Associates and the WMPO are respectfully reminded that in order
to obtain a 401 Water Quality Certification applicants must show avoidance and minimization to the
greatest extent practicable.
Further investigations at a higher resolution should be undertaken to verify the presence of other streams
and/or jurisdictional wetlands in the,area. In the event that any jurisdictional areas are identified, the
Division of Water Quality requests that Wilbur Smith Associates and the WMPO consider the following
environmental issues for the proposed project:

1. Environmental documentations should provide a detailed and itemized presentation of the
proposed impacts to wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping. If mitigation is
necessary as required by 15A NCAC 2H.0506(h), it is preferable to present a conceptual (if not
finalized) mitigation plan with the environmental documentation. Appropriate mitigation plans
will be required prior to issuance of a 401 Water Quality Certification.

Noe Carolin
Transportation Permitting Unit Ntmalllf
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650
2321 Crabtree Boulevard, Suite 250, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Phone: [phone] / FAX [phone] / Internet: htty//h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncvvetlands
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer - 50%n Recycled/10% Post Consumer Paper

ria that the impacts 2. Environmental assessment alternatives should consider a design criteshould in rude road designso

streams and wetlands from storm water runoff. ement tailed
that allow for treatment of the storm water runoff through
Manaant Practices ractices as grassed
in the most recent version of NC DWQ Stormwater Best gerr
swales, buffer areas, preformed scour holes, retention basins, etc.
the selection of the preferred alternative and prior to an issuance to of the demonstrate Water Quality
3. After
Certification, the NCDOT is respectfully reminded that they will need tll~
avoidance and minimization of impacts weands (and s on' R es (15A NCAC
practical. In accordance with the Environme
2H.0506[h]), mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than I acre to wetlands. In the
should be designed to replace appropriate
event that mitigation is required, the mitigation plan
lost functions anq values. The NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program may be available for use as
wetland mitigation. ules 4. In accordance with the Environmental Management
iof greater thanRl 501inearAfeet to any single
2H.0506[h]), mitigation will be required for impacts on plan should perennial stream. In the event that mitigation is required,
NC EcosystemiEnhancement Program gneday
The
to replace appropriate lost functions and values.
be available for use as stream mitigation. from th 5. pWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that co d result that mayi occour ct the
NC DOT should address these concerns by describing the potential impacts
aquatic environments and any mitigating factors that would reduce the impacts.
6. If a bridge is being replaced with a hydraulic eaPlease contact the US Army CoQrp of
believes the use of a Nationwide Permit may be required.
Engineers to determine the required permit(s).
If the old bridge is removed, no discharge of bridge material into surface
s of Engineers flowed unless
for
7.
otherwise authorized by the US ACOE. Strict adherence tote Crp nes
bridge demolition will be a condition of the 401 Water Quality Certification.
8. Bridge supports (bents) should not be placed in the stream when possible.
g, Whenever possible, the DWQ prefers spanning structures. Spanning structures usually do-not
^
. , and do nt require stream - require work within the stream or grubbing of theeSreambded by bridges allow for human andnel
realignment. The horizontal and vertical clearanc p o
wildlife passage beneath the structure, do not block fish passage and do not block navigation by
canoeists and boaters.
deck drains should not discharge directly into the stream. Stormwawalesshould directed
10. Bridge
across the bridge and pre-treated through site-appropriate means (grassed s wales, pre-formed
scour holes, vegetated buffers, etc.) before entering the stream. Please refer to the most current
version of the DWQ's Stormwater Best Management Practices.

11. If concrete is used during construction, a dry work area should be maintained to prevent direct
ly contacts
hat inadvertent contact between curing concrete and stream water. Wateo the otential for elevate d pH andd
concrete should not be discharged to surface waters duet p
possible aquatic life and fish kills. to its 12. If temporary access roads or detours are constructed,
areas should be seeded ordmulched to
preconstruction contours and elevations.
stabilize the soil and appropriate native woody species should be planted. When using temporary ing the area wi
mowers structures the area should be cleared but not grubbed. eav~ing therst amps and root mataintact llows the
bush-hogs, or other mechanized equipment a
area to re-vegetate naturally and minimizes soil disturbance.
Placement of culverts and other structures in waters, streams, and wetlands should be below the inches, and
13
elevation of the streambed by one foot for all culverts s a di
with a meterl less than 48 inches gto allow low
20 percent of the culvert diameter for culverts having t of culverts
md other anner that mays
structure flow passage of water and aquatic life. Design shou d not benconducted in an
including temporary erosion control measures acent
upstream
and result in dis-equilibrium of wetlands or streambrequired srbanks, to provide ev Bence that the equi]brium
stream of the above structures. The applicant is unable to be met due
is being maintained if requested in writing by the DWQ• If this condition is lease contact the me
to bedrock or other limiting features encountered during construction, p
DWQ for guidance on how to proceed and to determine whether or not a permit modification will
be required. strea
cross 14. If multiple pipes or barrels are required, they barrels at flood plain e evation and/or sills where
section as closely as possible including pipes or Stream
nnel widening at appropriate. Widening the stream channel should be
wate~ e ocity causi gasediment deposition
inlet or outlet end of structures typically decrease
that requires increased maintenance and disrupts aquatic life passage.
ation test borings are necessary; it should be noted in the document. Permit GNoe6 forcal
Survey
15. If foundwork
is approved under General 401 Certification Number 3494/Nationwide
Activities.
-1 ft-Sediment and erosion control measures sufficient to protect water resources must be implemented
and
na Sediment
ntained in accordance with tMamost nual andtthermostrecent tver soniof NCS000250 -
and mai
Erosion Control Planning and Design work area unless 17. All work in or adjacent to stream waters should be foom the in t cdurrent vers on of NCDOT otherwise
approved by NC DWQ• Approved BMP measures
Construction and Maintenance Activities manual such as and agsflwing water cofferdams and
other diversion structures should be used to prevent
18. Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands and streams.
areas should avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practical. Impacts to wetlands
. Borrow/waste
19
in borrow/waste areas could precipitate compensatory mitigation

d Inventory (N WI) maps, NC Coastal Region Evaluation of
20. While the use of Nation CREWS) maps and soil survey maps are useful tools, prior. their to permit
Wetland Significance (N ersonnel perform onsite wetland delineations fied p
inaccuracies require that quali inherent
approval.
rated from the bank rather tuc nsnostream channels in her pollutants into streams.
21. Heavy equipment should be ope
uce the likelihood of prevent contamination of surface
minimize sedimentation seected daily and maintained top materials.
This equipment should p draulic fluids, or other toxic
waters from leaking fuels, lubricants, by
replacement of the existing structure at the same location
22. In most cases, the DWQ prefers the ora detour should be designed and
with road closurss. If road closure is not feasible, a temp d structure should removed
wetland etland impacts, minimize the need for clihe og and to avoid destabilizing
located to avoid
arflooenpt, grass and planted
e ar flood lain. Approach fills should be removed on a stream banks. I the s removed from-ye 100new
and the approach fills
stabilize estored to the natural ground elevation. Thbe usedhn riparian areas. d wit g
and r
with native tree species. Tall fescue should not nel or laced in the streambed in a manner
23. Riprap should not be placed in the active thalweg ~ a boulders or structures should be properly
that precludes aquatic life passage. Bioengineering
designed, sized and installed.
of a 41 W
that water goal Tyater
'n our input at this time. The DOT is remind that issuance
asures be mststu
Thank you for requests g me require
-
Quality Certification requires that appropriate
standards are met and designated uses are not degraded or lost. If 773ou .341 have 5. any questions or
additional information, please contact David Wainwright at (919)
cc: Corps of Engineers, Wilmington Field Office
Brad Shaver, US Army
Travis Wilson, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Steve Sollod, Division of Coastal Management
_ Chris Militscher, Environmental Protection Agency
_Ken Averitte, DWQ Fayetteville Regional Office
File Copy -

rAAFA'FdMjENGINEERS
Sala a PLANNERS
ECONOMISTS
WilburSmith
. R A S S O C I A T E S
4Y2 J.
At" I U's
May 28, 2008

John Hennessy
DENR - Division of Water Quality
1650 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699 -1 621
RE: Dow Road Corridor Study
Carolina Beach & Kure Beach, New Hanover County

Dear Sir,
Wilbur Smith Associates (WSA) has been contracted by the Wilmington Area Metropolitan Planning
Organization (WMPO) to perform a planning study that is considering the widening of Dow Road (SR
1573) from US 421 (Lake Park Blvd.) in Carolina Beach to K Avenue in Kure Beach, and then extending
Dow Road from K Avenue to US 421 (Fort Fisher Boulevard) in Kure Beach. In an effort to identify issues
early in the planning process and engage resource agencies and stakeholders, we are requesting that
your agency comment on the proposed project. Additionally, we would appreciate any information you
might have that would be helpful in evaluating potential environmental impacts of the project. It is
desirable that your agency respond by July 15, 2008 so that the information is provided while the data
collection project activities are still ongoing.
The widening and extension of Dow Road are expected to reduce traffic congestion on US 421, which
currently operates at or above capacity during the peak periods. Additionally, there are existing bike lanes
on Dow Road. The widening and extension is expected to include an adjacent multi-use path that will
improve access between various facilities in and around Carolina and Kure Beaches.
Dow Road (SR 1573) is designated in the Wilmington Urban Area 2030 Long Range Transportation plan
as an Urban Collector Street. Dow Road is currently a two-lane undivided facility with a varying width of
22 to 24 feet from the edge of pavement to the edge of pavement. The current Average Daily Traffic
volume along Dow Road is 7,044 per day between US 421/ Lake Park Drive and Ocean Park Drive in
Carolina Beach, 2,980 from Ocean Park Drive to K Avenue. Future (2025) estimated traffic volumes on
Dow Road ranged from 15,400 to 7,100 vehicles per day.
If you have any questions concerning this project, please contact SunTemple Helgren at [phone].
Si rely,

SunTemple Helgren
Wilbur Smith Associates
919-573-4196
[e-mail]
Enclosures: Project Location Map (11" x 17" aerial)
Project Location Map (11" x 17" quad sheet)

421 Fayetteville Street, Suite 1303 Raleigh, NC 27601
919.755.0583 f919.832.8798 www.WilburSmith.com

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