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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20161268 Ver 1_Consistency Certification U-4751 and R-3300_20170118Carpenter,Kristi From: Brittingham, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2017 4:52 PM To: Steenhuis, Joanne Subject: FW: Consistency certification, U-4751 and R-3300, New Hanover and Pender Counties Attachments: U-4751 and R-3300 certification letter.pdf; Steenhuis.pdf SUBJECT: DCM#20170006, Federal Consistency Certification, Proposed SR 1409 (Military Cutoff Road) extension and US 17 Hampstead Bypass in New Hanover and Pender Counties, TIP Nos. U-4751 and R-3300. Dear Ms. Steenhuis, Please find attached in pdf a certification of consistency with the N.C. Coastal Management Program that was submitted to the N.C. Division of Coastal Management (DCM) by the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for the above referenced project. Please review the certification of consistency and return the attached form to DCM by February 8, 2017. Your response will assist DCM in determining whether the proposed project is consistent with the State's Coastal Management Program. If the proposed project does not conform to your requirements, please identify the measures that would be necessary to bring the proposed project into conformance. Please also note that additional detailed information about the project can be found within the application for a Section 404 Individual Permit and Section 401 Water Quality Certification that is posted on the NCDOT website at https://xfer.services.ncdot. _�ov/pdea/PermA�ps/. If you have any additional questions regarding the proposed project you may contact me at 919-707-9149 or e-mail at cathy.brittingham(a�ncdenr.�. Sincerely, Cathy Brittingham Cathy Brittingham, Transportation Project Coordinator N.C. Division of Coastal Management (919) 707-9149 phone cathv.brittingham(�a,ncdenr. gov Mailine Address: c/o DWR Wetlands Unit 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 Physical Address: 512 North Salisbury Street Archdale Building 12th Floor, Room 1204G Raleigh, NC 27604 Please visit www.nccoastalmanaqement.net to subscribe to Coastal ManagemenYs quarterly newsletter, the CAMAgram. E-mail correspondence to and from this address may be subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties , ,. ?.a Coosta! Management ENVIRONMENTAL OUAIITY TO: FROM: DATE: MEMORANDUM Joanne Steenhuis, Division of Water Resources Cathy Brittingham, Transportation Project Coordinator January 18, 2017 ROY COOPER covemor WILLIAM G. ROSS, JR. /nterim Secrelary BRAXTON DAVIS D7reclar SUBJECT: DCM#20170006, Federal Consistency Certification, Proposed SR 1409 (Military Cutoff Road) extension and US 17 Hampstead Bypass in New Hanover and Pender Counties, TIP Nos. U-4751 and R-3300. Please find attached in pdf a certification of consistency with the N.C. Coastal Management Program that was submitted to the N.C. Division of Coastal Management (DCM) by the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for the above referenced project. Please review the certification of consistency and return this completed form to DCM by February 8, 2017. Your responses will assist DCM in determining whether the proposed project is consistent with the State's Coastal Management Program. If the proposed project does not conform to your requirements, please identify the measures that would be necessary to bring the proposed project into conformance. Please also note that additional detailed information about the project can be found within the application for a Section 404 Individual Permit and Section 401 Water Quality Certification that is posted on the NCDOT website. If you have any additional questions regarding the proposed project you may contact me at 919-707-9149 or e-mail at cathv.brittin ham ncdenr.gov. REPLY No Comment This office supports the project as proposed Comments to this project aze attached This office objects to the project as proposed Signed : Date: RETURN COMPLETED FORM IN ELECTRONIC OR PAPER FORMAT TO: Cathy Brittingham, Transportation Project Coordinator N.C. Division of Coastal Management, c/o DWR Wetlands Unit 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 cathy.brittin ham e ncdenr. o�v S�ate ofNorth Cazolina I Envimnmenlal Quality � Coaztal Management c/o DWR Wetlands Unit I IbU Meil Service Center I Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 919JW-9149 l� ,:s 7Yanspnrtatlon December 21, 2016 N,C. Division of Coastal Management 1G38 Mail Scrvice Center Kalcigh,NC 27699-1638 A"I`PN: Ms. Cathy Bri[tingham, NCDOT Coordinator PAT McCRORY cwernn. NICHOLAS J. TENNYSON Se(/Clary Subject Certification for DCM Consistency for the proposed SR 1409 (Military Cutoff Road) extension and US I7 Flampstead Bypass in New Flanover and Pender Counties. T[P Nos. U-075I & R-3300. WBS 40191.12 Dear Madam: "1'he purpose of this letter and inFormatia� package is to request concurcence Trom the Division of Coastal Management (DCM) for the North Carolina DepaRment of TranspoMaHon's (NCDOT) cansistency certification for the above-mentioned project. This package consists of the supporting informatian, half size plan sheets, permit drawings, utility plans, Transfer of Liability Form from Northeast Cape Fear Mitigation Bank, and the Division of Mitigation Services (DMS) acceptance letter for U-4751 & R-3300. NCDOT proposes to construct a 5.5 mile six-lane divided roadway on new location from its current terminus at US 17 Business (Market Street) in Wilmington north to an interchange with the US 17 Wilmington Bypass (John Jay f3urney Jr. freeway). Partial and full control of access is proposed. NCDOT is also proposing the future US 17 Hampstead Rypass to be constructed as a freeway mostly on new locntion. The US 17 Hampstead Bypass will connect to the proposed Military Cutoff Road Extension at the existing US 17 Wilmington Bypass and extend to existing US 17 north of Hampstead. Full control of access is proposed for the US 17 Hampstead Bypass. "Phe NCDOT is submitting an application for a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Section 4041ndividual Permit as well as a N.C. Division of Water Quality (DWQ) Individua1401 WaterQuality Certification. NCDOT has reviewed the State's coastal program under I S CFR 930.58 and 15A NCAC 07M. Specifically, we have consideied the shoreline erosion, mitigatian and coastal water quality policies, end the New Hanover and Pender Counry CAMA Core Land Use Plans as well as the City of Wilmington'sChorces, The WiGning�on Future l.and U.se Plan, 2004- 2025. The NCDOT certifies that the proposed activiry complies with the enforceable policies of North Carolina's approved management progrnm and will be conducted in a menner consistent with said program. If you have any questions or need additional information please contact Tyler Stanton at (919) 707-6156 or tstanton�ncdotgov. Sincerely, �vf �'hilip S. Flarris 111, P.E., C.P.M. Natural Environment Section Head cc: Mc Stcphen Lane, NCDCM �y'Nothing Compares�.... tilnlco(NonliCamlinx I ��whmcnlofTmns�wrinia� I �UGA-NMumlf:ntironmrnlStcliai 102011irch Ridgc Drivc,27610 I 1598 Mail krvicc Cpntt � Rnleigh, Nonh Caedinn ).1699-1598 919-]09-6000'I' 919-2@-5785F Coastal Zone Consistency Certification Supporting Information for the NCDOT's Request to Construct the Proposed SR 1409 (Military Cutoff Road) Extension and US 17 Hampstead Bypass in New Hanover and Pender Caunties. TIP Nos. U-4751 & R-3300. History Feasibility studies were wnducted for both Military Cutoff Road Extension (U-4751) and the US 17 Hampstead Bypass (R-3300). The Hampstead Bypass Feasibility Study was completed in draft form in February 1999, but was never published as finaL In early 2004, the feasibility study was reinstated. A Feasibility Study for the Military Cutoff Road E3ctension was completed in June of 2004. The proposed project is included in local thoroughfare plans and shown in the 2012-2018 STIP, with both U-4751 and R-3300 shown as Strategic Highway Corridor projects. Project development studies for the proposed project began in 2005. Decision to Combine Projects in One Environmental Document During project development it was recognized that �irojects U-4751 and R-3300 may share a common terminus. Because they may be adjoining new location projects and together they would have a cumulative impact on the human and natural environment, it was decided the two projects should be addressed in a single environmental document. This combined document provides a way ro communicate all direct and indirect impacts the projects would have on the environment, as well as the cumulative impact resulting from the incremental impacts of the two projects when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions. Alternatives Along with the No-Build alternative, a Transportation Systems Management (TSM) alternative, a Travel Demand Management (TDM) altemative, and Mass Transit alternatives, the NEPA/Section 404 merger team reviewed 23 preliminary build alternatives for R-3300 and two preliminary build altematives for U- 4751. Ultimately four new location build alternatives (E-H, O, R, and i� for R-3300 and the two new location build altematives (Ml and M2) for U-4751 were carried forwazd for detailed study. NEPA/404 Merger process This project has followed the NEPA/404 Merger process. The Merger process is an interagency procedure integrafing the regulatory requirements of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act into the National Emironmental Policy Act decision making process. On September 21, 2006, the merger team concursed on the purpose and need (Concuttence Point 1) for this project. The Merger Team concurred on alternatives to be studied in detail at their August 23, 2007 meeting and reached concuttence on Bridging and Alignment Review (CP 2A) on May 27, 2010. U-4751 Alternative Ml and R-3300 Attemative E-H were selected as the Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable Altemative (LEDPA) at the NEPA/ Section 404 Merger Team mee[ing on May 17, 2012. EPA conditionally concurred on selection of U-4751 Altemative Ml as the LEDPA for U-4751. EPA abstained from concurrence on R-3300 Alternative �H as the LEDPA for R-3300. The NEPA/Section 404 Merger Team met on June 14, 2012 to discuss Avoidance and Minimization (CP 4A) for U-4751. The Merger Team concurred on Avoidance and Minimization for U-4751 on September 25, 2012. The CP 4A meeting for U-4751 was conducted separately from the CP 4A meeting for R-3300 to maintain the U-4751 project schedule. The CP 4A meeting for R-3300 was postponed so NCDOT could evaluate the northern interchange design and location in response to commenu received from the public at the U-4751 and R-3300 corridor public hearings. The Avoidance and Minimization (CP 4A) meeting for R-3300 was held on February 2Q 2013. The NEPA/Section 404 Merger Team concurred on Avoidance and Minimization for R-3300 on June 13, 2013, with EPA abstaining. Document Status The NCDOT completed the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) in July 2014 in compliance with State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) guidelines. The FEIS explains the purpose and need for the project, provides a description of the alternatives considered, and chazacterizes the social, economic, and environmental effects. The SFEIS was approved and circulated to federal, state, and local agencies. Then following the FEIS, a State Record of Decision (SROD) was wmpleted in September 2014. Copies of the project documents have been provided to regulatory review agencies involved in the approval process. Additional copies aze available at https://xfer.services.ncdot.gov/pdea/EnvironmentalDocs/Documents/. Project Description The proposed U-4751 action involves construction of a 5.5 mile six-lane divided roadway on new location from its current terminus at US 17 Business (Market Street) in Wilmington north to an interchange with the US 17 Wilmington Bypass (John Jay Bumey Jr. Freeway). Partial and full control of access is proposed. NCDOT is also proposing the future R-3300 to be constructed as a freeway mostly on new location. The R-3300 will connect to the proposed U-4751 at the existing US 17 Wilmington Bypass and extend to existing US 17 north of Hampstead. Full control of access is proposed for the R-3300. Avoidance and Minimization All jurisdictional feamres were delineated, field verified and surveyed within the corridor for U-4751 & R-3300. Using these features, preliminaty designs were adjusted to avoid and/or minimize impacts to jurisdictional areas. NCDOT employs many strategies to avoid and minimize impacts to jurisdictional areas in all of its designs. Many of these strategies have been incorporated into BMP documents that have been reviewed and approved by the resource agencies and which will be followed throughout construction. All wetland areas not affected by the project will be protected from unnecessary encroachment. Individual avoidance and minimization items aze as follows: • No staging of construction equipment or storage oF construction supplies will be allowed in wetlands or near surface waters. • The project was designed to avoid or minimize disturbance to aquatic life movements. • NCDOT and its contractors will not fill or perform land clearing activities within Waters of the U.S. or any areas under the jurisdiction of the USACE, except as authorized by the USACE. To ensure that all borrow and waste activities occur on high ground, except as authorized by permit, the NCDOT shall require its contractors to identify all areas to be used to bonow material, or to dispose of dredged, fill or waste material. Documentation of the location and chazacteristics of all borrow and disposal sites associated with the project will be available to the USACE on request. • Grass swale, median roadway ditches and riprap dissipater treatments have been incorporated where applicable. • Proposed box culverts will be buried 1 ft. to provide for fish passage. • Cross pipes in jurisdictional streams will be buried lft. for all pipes where possible. • Sediment and erosion control devices will be utilized where appropriate. Bank stabili7ation at outlets of pipes will not impact the stream bed where possible. Considering environmental, hydraulic, and roadway perspectives, 3:1 slopes aze proposed within the wetlands where most practical. Mitigation The NCDOT has avoided and minimized impacts to jurisdictional resources to the greatest ex[ent possible. The proposed construction of U-4751 & R-3300 will result in unavoidable impacts 59.99 acres of non-riparian wetlands and 2,122 lineaz feet ofjurisdictional stream that will require mitigation. The stream mitigation will be provided by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDE�-Division of Mitigation Services (DMS). The Department has acquired compensatory mitigation for the unavoidable impacts to non-ripazian wetlands from the Northeast Cape Fear Mitigation Bank. The Northeast Cape Fear Mitigation Bank is located in Pender County within the USGS hydrologic unit 03030007 of the Cape Fear River. The bank is located immediately north of the intersection of NC Highway 21 and Shaw Highway (SR 1522) approximately 12 miles north of Wilmington, NC. It is siwated between northeast Cape Feaz River and the state protected Holly Shelter Game Lands in Pender County. NCDOT purchased 200 acres of non- riparian wetland credits from the bank in March 2016, of which 120.00 acres will be debited from the NECFM Bank's ledger for U-4751 as shown below (Table 1). YIF77[:fl��I�[Nyul Mitigation Type Non-Riparian Wetland Restoration Non-Riparian Wetland Restoration Protected Species Debit Amount 2.64 11734 Site TIP U-4751(03020302) U-4751(03030007) Notes Impacts were 132 acers calculated with a 2:1 ratio Impacts were 58.67 Acres calculated with a 2:1 ratio The USFWS lists 17 species that are federally protected in both New Hanover and Pender Counties as of the April 2, 2015 and March 25, 2015 (respectively) listings (Table 3). Table 3. Federall Protected S cies Listed for New Hanover and Pender Counties Scientitic Name Common Name Federal Habitat Biological County Status Present Conclusion Alligator American Not New Hanover mississippiensis alligator T(S/A) Yes Required Pender Chelonia mydas Green sea turtle T No No Effect New Hanover Pender Caretta Loggerhead sea T No No Effect New Hanover turtle Pender Hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata (=carey) sea E No No Effect New Hanover [urtle Pender Kemp's New Hanover Lepidochelys kempii (=Atlantic) ridley E No No Effect pender sea turtle Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback sea E No No Effect New Hanover turtle Pender Charadrius melodus Piping plover T No No Effect New Hanover Pender Picoides barealis Red-cockaded E Yes MA-LAA New Hanover wood ecker Pender Calidris canutus rufa Red knot T No No Effect New Hanover Pender Acipenser oxyrinchus Atlantic sturgeon E No No Effect New Hanover Pender Acipenser brevirostrum Shor[nose E No No Effect New Hanover stur eon Pender Myotis septentrionalrs Northern long- T Yes MA-LAA New Hanover eared bat Trichechus manatus West Indian E No No Effect New Hanover manatee Pender Schwalbea americana American E Yes* No Effect Pender chaffseed* Thalictrum cooleyi Cooley's E Yes No Effect New Hanover meadowrue Pender Carex lutea Golden sed e E Yes No Effect Pender Lysimachia sperulaefolia Rough-leaved E Yes Mp_IVI„qA New Hanover loosestrife Pender Amaranthus pumilus Seabeach T No No Effect New Hanover amazanth Pender E— Endangered , T— Threatened, T(S/A) — Threatened due to Similazity of Appearance, IV1H-Lflf1 - M8)' HIIBCI� L7K01)' [O AQVOI'SBIY AIIBCI� MA-NLAA - M8)' AiICCS, ivot Llkely to Ativersely AttBc[ *- Historic record ([he species was last observed in the county more than 50 yeazs ago) Biological Conclusions for Federally Listed Species NCDOT has determined the Biological Conclusion for the red-cockaded woodpecker (RC� is May Affect, Likely to Adversely Affect. A Biological Opinion (BO) was signed by the USFWS on July 21, 2016. In the BO the USFWS listed two Reasonable and Prudent Measures and three Terms and Conditions, which implement the Reasonable and Prudent Measures. The Reasonable and Prudent Measures include the requirement that NCDOT completes the transfer of the conservation properties (outlined in the Conservation Measures section the BO) to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) in a timely manner, and an RCW cavity tree survey and foraging habitat analysis data will be updated within the Section 7 action area prior to project construction. The three Terms and Conditions are as follows: 1) Within 90 days of the completion oF formal Section 7 consultation, NCDOT will initiate the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with the NCWRC regarding the management and ownership of the referenced conservation properties, 2) within 180 days of the completion of formal Section 7 consultation, the NCDOT will wmey the title to appro3cimately 81.6 acres (i.e. portions of referenced Hampstead Commons, IBIS, and Pensco properties) to the NCWRC for inclusion into Holly Shelter Game Land, and 3) if at the projected date of project let for any portion of R- 3300 that occurs within the defined Section 7 action azea, the cavity tree survey data and foraging habitat analysis data is more than two yeazs old, additional surveys and foraging habitat analysis will be conducted. At that time, the action agencies and the Service will determine if Section 7 consultation needs to be reinitiated prior to the project let date. NCDOT provided the MOU to NCWRC and began the process to transfer the conservation properties in June 2016. Since the Section 7 action area is within the corridor of R-3300, NCDOT will schedule the cavity tree survey and foraging habitat analysis once R-3300 is programed in the STII' and a project letting date has been determined. In addition to the RCW, NCDOT has concluded the Biological Conclusion for rough-leaved loosestrife is May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect due to the proximity of the project to a known occurrence of this species; however, project construction will not have an impact on existing rough-leaved loosestrife habitat at the site (including future habitat management), nor will the hydrolo� of the site be affected by the project. A minimal amount of fill and clearing will occur along the existing US 17 bypass slope (approximately 0.14 acre along 750' of slope). The fill and clearing is approximately 150' from the rough-leaved loosestrife site. The USFWS has developed a programmatic biological opinion (PBO) in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and NCDOT for the northem long-eared bat (NLEB) in eastern North Cazolina. The PBO covers the entire NCDOT program in Divisions 1-8, including all NCDOT projects and activities. The programmatic determination for NLEB far the NCDOT program is "May Affect, Likely to Adversely Affect" The PBO provides incidental take coverage for NLEB and will ensure compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act for five years for all NCDOT projects with a federal nexus in Divisions 1-8, which includes New Hanover and Pender Counties, where U-4751 and R-3300 aze located. For the remaining federally protected species, NCDOT has concluded these projects will have No Effect (see Table 3). Bald and Golden Eag[e Protection Act (BGPA) In the July 9, 2007 Federal Register (7237346-37372), the bald eagle was declared recovered, and removed (de-listed) from the Federal List of Threatened and Endangered wildlife. This delisting took effect August 8, 2007. After delisting, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (Eagle Act) (16 U.S.C. 668-668d) became the primazy law protecting bald eagles. Nesting and foraging habitat aze not present in the project area, nor have bald eagle nests or individuals have been seen within a 660-foot radius of the project area. Cultural Resources Archaeology and Historic Architecture It was determined the project will have an adverse effect on the Mount Ararat AME Church and archaeological site (31PD344**), both of which have been deemed eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. As a resulted NCDOT, USACE, and SHPO have signed an MOA stipulating steps to mitigate the adverse effects. Please reference the attached MOA for more detailed information on these adverse effects and resultant stipulations. Indirect and Cumulative Effects An Indirect and Cumulative Effects Screening Report and Land Use Scenazio Assessment For the subject projects was completed in September 2013. Cumulatively, the construction of U-4751 and R-3300 combined with past NCDOT projects (US 17 Wilmington Bypass) that provide improved east-west regional access, and continued commercial and residential development within the study azea, could contribute to cumulative impacts to emironmental resources in the study azea. Substantial development resulting exclusively from this project and the associated service roads is not expected. Any development that occurs would be implemented in accordance with local ordinances and land use plans. The proposed project is not likely to result in significant changes in land use. Therefore, cumulative effects beyond those discussed above are expected to be low. Other Permits In addition to the DCM Consistency Determination, permits to be obtained for this project include an Individual Section 404 permit and an Individual Section 401 Water Quality Certification. Division of Coastal Mauagement (DC1Vn General Policy Guidelines for the Coastal Area The general policy guidelines in 15A NCAC 07M have been reviewed for applicability to this project in its entirety. Explicitly, the .0700 rules (mitigation), and the .0800 rules (water quality) were reviewed. This project will not affect shoreline erosion or shoreline access. However, this project will require compensatory mitigation and impact water quality. This project has been designed to avoid and minimize jurisdictional azeas to the lazgest extent possible. Best Management Practices will be in place during construction; compensatory mitigation will be provided through NCDMS. CAMA Land Use Plans The City of Wilmington developed Choices, The Wilmington Future Land Use Plan, 2004- 2025 to guide physical development within the City and to determine how to build or preserve certain aspects of the community. The plan has a long-range planning horiwn of twenty years. The plan notes that Wilmington is nearing build-out and there is a need to redevelop aging or underutilized properties. A small part of the study azea is included in this plads boundaries. A few areas along Market Street south of Military Cutoff Road aze classified as small infill tracts in Vazied Use Areas. This azea of Market Street is.mostly a Tier Two Redevelopment Area. These azeas are characterized by declining or mazginal commercial enterprises and/or businesses that have not kept pace with more recent trends. Tier 2 properties are targeted for upgrade as opportunities arise. The Market Street Corridor Study (July 2010) includes a long-term view on development along the Mazket Sheet corridor that is defined by efficient land use patterns, transportation choices, distinctive azchitecture, and high quality of life. Plans for redevelopment of azeas azound Military Cutoff Road aze premised on the proposed U-4751. The design intent for this area is to create a compact neighborhood center with a walkable street network and neighborhood services. The Study presents the opinion that the U-4751 intersection with Market Street should be grade-separated. Both New Hanover and Pender Counties participate in the cooperative state-local North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) program. CAMA requires local governments within the 20 coastal counties to prepare land use plans that provide a balance of protection, preservation, and orderly development. � The Wilmington-New Hanover County Joint Coastal Area Management Plan 2006 Update functions as the future plan for both the City of Wilmingon and New Hanover County. The future land use for the New Hanover County portion of U-4751 and R-3300 study azea is identified as Wetland Resource Protection Area, Rural, and Conservation Areas (primarily flood prone). According to the plan document, the rural classification is comprised of low intensity land uses (agriculture, forest) and discourages urban- type uses. Only low density residential development (less than 2.5 units per acre) is permitted in the rural area. New Hanover County does not have a separate land use plan outside of the Wilmington- New Hanover County Joint Coastal Area Management Plan 2006 Update. Small azea plans exist for the Middle Sound and Porters Neck communities. However, New Hanover County considers these plans outdated as they are more than 20 years old. The Pender Counry C�LY1i1 Land (7se Plan 2005 Update focuses on policies designed to protect significant and irreplaceable natural systems. It includes a land use classification system as a tool to protect natural systems, but does not provide detailed guidance for land use decisions. In the CAMA plan, future land use for the Pender County portion of the study area is identified as an Urban Growth Area and Conservation Area. The Urban Growth Area classification provides for the continued development of areas provided with water and/or sewer services or where the County is actively engaged in planning these services. This azea classification provides for higher net densities. The Conservation Area Classification is intended to protect natural systems from inappropriate development. The CAMA Land Use Plan shows Conservation Areas along Harrisons Creek, Godfrey Creek, and tributazies to Harrisons Creek, Godfrey Creek, and Island Creek. The June 2010 Pender County Comprehensive Land Use Plan includes future land use classifications that are intended to reflect and expand on the land use classifications used in the CAMA Land Use Plan. The comprehensive plan incorporates a Coastal Pender Small Area Plan that includes the study azea from the Pender County line near Sidbury Road to Holly Shelter Game Land and Sloop Point Loop Road. The small area plan designates a Mixed-Use future land use classification from Sidbury Road to near Harrison Creek Road, between NC 210 and US ]7. The Mixed-Use classification applies to locations where a mix of higher density uses is to be encouraged. The Mixed-Use classification continues along US 17 to Sloop Point Loop Road, with the exception of a few areas classified as Conservation. Conservation azeas have special significance or unique characteristics that make them worthy of preservation. These areas include South Topsail Elementary School, ffie Topsail Schools complex, and Holly Shelter Game Land. Northwest of US 17, from Harrison Creek Road to Holly Shelter Game Land, the future land use classification is predominantly Suburban Growth. The Suburban Growth classification identifies azeas where significant residential growth is expected to occuc The Coastal Pender Small Area Plan indicates regulations should be revised to protect the R-3300 Corridor from future development and to encourage development that is in harmony with the bypass when a corridor altemative is selected. After reviewing the various policy statements, NCDOT concludes that this project is consistent with the relevant CAMA Land Use Plans.