20161268 Ver 1_Start of Study_20170512

Carpenter,Kristi
From: Steenhuis, Joanne
Sent: Friday, May 12, 2017 3:06 PM
To: Susan Westberry
Cc: [e-mail]; Lane, Stephen; Carpenter,Kristi
Subject: Start of Study
Attachments: U-5741 hwy 24 onslow.pdf
FYI and have a good weekend!
Joanne Steenhuis
Environmental Senior Specialist
Transportation Permitting Branch
Department of Environmental Quality
[phone] (office)
[phone] (mobile)
[e-mail]
Wilmington Regional Office
127 Cardinal Drive Extension
Wilmington, NC 28405
Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the
North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties

'_
ROY COOPER
Gov��n,nr
MICHAEL S. RCGAN
Secrciarp
Environmental S. JAY ZIMMERMAN
Quality i��,��•��n„�
May 13, 2017
MF,MORANDUM
To: Ms•. Susan Westberry, AICP, PWS, CPESC
SEPI Engineering and Construction, Inc.
5030 New Center Drive, Siiite I3
Wilminglon, NC 28403 {
From: Joanne Sleenhuis, NC Division ol' Water Resources, WiR
Su�ject Scoping comments on proposed improvements [o NC 24 n Jackso��ville f'rom Johnson [31vd. to NC 172 in
Onslow County, "I'IP U-5741.
Reference your correspondence dated May I, 2017 in which you requested conunents for the referenced project.
Preliminary analysis of the project reveals (he potenfiTl for inul�iple imp�cts lo streams and jurisdictional wellands
in Nie projecl area. More specifically, impacts lo:
Sfream Namc Rivcr 13asin Strcam Classificafion(s) Stream Index 303(d) Listing
Nwnber
Sceles Creek White Oak SC, HQW, NSW 19-16-4
Northeast Creek White Oak SC, HQW, NSW 19-I6 (3.5)
Wallace Creek ('?) While Oak SB, NSW 19-20
I3ellSwmn WhiteOak SA,fIQW 19-41-16-I
P'wther investig�tions at a higher resolution should be undertaken to verify the presence of other stret�ms and/or
jurisdictionnl wetl�nds in the �rea. l�� the event that anyjivisdictional areas are identified, the Division of Water
Resowces requests tha[ SEPI consider the following environmental issues for Ihe proposed project:
Project Specific Comments:
Scales, Nor[heasl and Wallace Creeks are class NSW waters of the State. The NCD W R is very concerned
with sediment and crosion impacts lhat could resulf from this project. The NCDWR reconunends tha[
highly protec[ive scdiment and erosion control BMPs be implemented to reduce llie risk of nutrient runoff
lo thcse Creeks. Additionally, to meet lhe requircments of NCDO'T's NPDES permit NCS0000250, tlie
NCDWR requests lha[ road design plans provide treatincnt ofihe slonn water runoff Ihrough best
managemen[ practices as detailed in Ihe most recent version of the Norlh Cnrolinu Depn�•hne�it o/�
Tnnvspo��mtion Slorm�anter f3e.s! Mm�ogeu�en� Prnc�ices Toolbo.r manual.
2. Review of the project revcals thal Scales and Noitheasf Creeks and Bell Swamp are surface waters
classified as HQW (I ligh Quality Wa[ers) oPthe Slate. This is one of the highest classificalions for water
quality. NCDO"I' will be required [o follow Sediment and erosion conh'ol plans �s specificd in ISA NCAC
4[3 .01 I 8 and stormwater managemant requirements specitic to I SA NCAC 2H.1006.
-' �"Noth(ng Compares'"-.�
State of Nonh Carolina � Gnvimnmenlal QualiTy
1617 M�il Service Center � Ralcigh, Nurth Camlina 27699-IC17

3. NC DWR cannot comment on permit requirements with the limited information provided. Detailed field
delineation is required to determine the presence or absence of impacts to any resources located within the
construction limits oFthe project before we can specifically comment on DWR permit eligibility.
4. Please be advised that a 401 Water Quality Certification requires satisfactory protection of water Quality to
ensure that water quality standards are met and no wetland or stream uses are lost. Final permit
authorization will require the submittal of a formal application by the NCDOT and written concurrence
form NCDWR. Please be aware that any approval will be contingent on appropriate avoidance and
minimization of wetland and stream impacts to the maximum extent practical.
General Project Comments:
The environmental document should provide a detailed and itemized presentation of the proposed impacts to
wetlands and streams with conesponding mapping. If mitigation is necessary as required by l5A 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.
6. Environmental impact statement alternatives shall consider design criteria that reduce the impacts to streams
and wetlands from storm water runofE These alternatives shall include road designs that allow for treatment
of the storm water runoff through best management practices as detailed in the most recent version of the
North Carolina Department oJ Transportation Stormwater Best Management Practices Tool box manual,
such as grassed swales, buffer areas, preformed scour holes, retention basins, etc.
After the selection of the preferred alternative and prior to an issuance of the 401 Water Quality Certification,
the NCDOT is respectfully reminded that they will need to demonstrate the avoidance and minimization of
impacts to weNands (and streams) to the maximum extent practicaL In accordance with the Environmental
Management Commission's Rules Q SA NCAC 2H.0506[h]), mitigation will be required for impacts of
greater than 1 acre to wetlands. In the event that mitigation is required, the mitigation plan shall be designed
to replace appropriate lost functions and values. North Carolina Division oF Mitigation Services may be
available for assistance with wetland mitigation.
8. In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules (15A NCAC 2H.0506[h]),
mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than I50 linear feet to any perennial stream. In the event
that mitigation is required, the mitigation plan shall be designed to replace appropriate lost functions and
values. The North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services may be available for assistance with sheam
mitigation.
9. Future documentation, including the 40l Water Quality Certification Application, shall continue to include an
itemized listing of the proposed wetland and stream impacts with corresponding mapping.
]0. The NCDWR is very wncerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project. The
NCDOT shall address these concerns by describing the potential impacts that may occur to the aquatic
environments and any mitigating factors that would reduce the impacts.
11. An analysis of cumulative and secondary impacts anticipated as a result of this project is required. The Type
and detail of analysis shall conForm to the NC Division of Water Resource Policy on the assessment oF
secondary and cumulative impacts dated April 10, 2004.
12. The NCDOT is respectfully reminded that all impacts, including but not limited to, bridging, fill, excavation
and clearing, and rip rap to jurisdictional wetlands, streams, and riparian buffers need to be included in the
final impact calculations. These impacts, in addition to any construction impacts, temporary or otherwise,
also need to be included as part of the 401 Water Quality Certification Application.

t3. Where streams must be crossed, the NCDWR prefers bridges be used in lieu of culverts. However, we realize
that economic considerations often require the use of culveRs. Please be advised that culverts should be
countersunk to allow unimpeded passage by fish and other aquatic organisms. Moreover, in areas where high
quality wetlands or streams are impacted, a bridge may prove preferable. When applicable, the NCDOT
should not install the bridge bents in the creek, to the maximum extent practicable.
14. Whenever possible, the NCDWR prefers spanning structures. Spanning structures usually do not require
work within the stream or grubbing of the sheambanks and do not require stream channel realignment. The
horizontal and vertical clearances provided by bridges shall allow for human and wildlife passage beneath the
structure. Fish passage and navigation by canoeists and boaters shall not be blocked. Bridge supports (bents)
should not be placed in the stream when possible.
I5. Bridge deck drains shall not discharge directly into the stream. Stormwater shall be directed across the bridge
and pre-treated through site-appropriate means (grassed swales, pre-formed scour ho(es, vegetated bufFers, etcJ
before entering the stream. To meet the requuements of NCDOT's NPDES permit NCS0000250, please refer
to the most recent version of the North Caro[ina Department of Transportation Stormwater Best Management
Practrces Toolbar manual for approved measures.
16. Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands or streams.
17. Borrow/waste areas should avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practicaL Impacts to wetlands in
borrow/waste areas will need to be presented in the 40l Water Quality Certification and could precipitate
compensatory mitigation.
18. The 401 Water Quality Certification application will need to specifically address the proposed methods for
stormwater management. More specifically, stormwater shall not be permitted to discharge directly into
streams or surface waters.
19. Based on the information presented in the document, the potential magnitude of impacts to wetlands and
streams may either require an Individual Permit (IP) or a Nationwide Permit (NW), which will be determined
by the amount of impacts. Application to the Corps of Engineers and corresponding 401 Water Quality
Certification will most likely necessary. Please be advised that a 401 Water Quality Certification requires
satisfactory protection of water quality to ensure that water quality standards are met and no wetland or
stream uses are lost. Final permit authorization will require the submittal of a formal application by the
NCDOT and written concurrence from the NCDWR. Please be aware that any approval will be contingent on
appropriate avoidance and minimization of wetland and stream impacts to the maximum extent practical, the
development of an acceptable stormwater management plan, and the inclusion of appropriate mitigation plans
where appropriate.
20. If concrete is used during construction, a dry work area shall be maintained to prevent direct contact between
curing concrete and stream water. Water that inadvertently contacts uncured concrete shall not be discharged
to surface waters due to the potential for elevated pH and possible aquatic life and fish kills.
2 L If temporary access roads or detours are constructed, the site shall be graded to its preconstruction contours
and elevations. Disturbed areas shall be seeded or mulched to stabilize the soil and appropriate native woody
species shall be planted. When using temporary structures the area shall be cleared but not grubbed. Clearing
the area with chain saws, mowers, bush-hogs, or other mechanized equipment and leaving the stumps and root
mat intact allows the area to re-vegetate naturally and minimizes soil disturbance.
22. Unless otherwise authorized, placement of culverts and other structures in waters and streams shall be placed
below the elevation of the streambed by one foot for all culverts with a diameter greater than 48 inches, and
20 percent of the culvert diameter for culverts having a diameter less than 48 inches, to allow low flow
passage of water and aquatic life. Design and placement of culverts and other structures including temporary
erosion control measures shall not be conducted in a manner that may result in dis-equilibrium of wetlands or
streambeds or banks, adjacent to or upstream and downstream of the above structures. The applicant is
required to provide evidence that the equilibrium is being maintained if requested in writing by the NCDWR.
If this condition is unable to be met due to bedrock or other limiting features encountered during construction,

please contact the NCDWR for guidance on how to proceed and to determine whether or not a permit
modification will be required.
23. If multiple pipes or barrels are required, they shall be designed to mimic natural stream cross section as
closely as possible including pipes or barrels at flood plain elevation, floodplain benches, and/or sills may be
required where appropriate. Widening the stream channel should be avoided. Stream channel widening at the
inlet or outlet end of structures typically decreases water velocity causing sediment deposition that requires
increased maintenance and disrupts aquatic life passage.
24. If foundation test borings are necessary; it shall be noted in the document. Geotechnical work is approved
under Genera1401 Certification Number 3883Mationwide Permit No. 6 for Survey Activities.
25. Sediment and erosion control measures sufficient to protect water resources must be implemented and
maintained in accordance with the most recent version of Nodh Carolina Sediment and Erosion Control
Planning and Design Manual and the most recent version of NCS000250.
26. All work in or adjacent to stream waters shall be conducted in a dry work area. Approved BMP measures
from the most wrrent version of the NCDOT Construction and Maintenance Activities manual such as
sandbags, rock berms, cofferdams and other diversion structures shall be used ro prevent excavation in
flowing water.
27. While the use of National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps, NC Coastal Region Evaluation of Wetland
Significance (NGCREWS) maps and soil survey maps are useful tools, their inherent inacwracies require
that qualified personnel perform onsite wetland delineations prior to permit approval.
28. Heavy equipment should be operated from the bank rather than in stream channels in order to minimize
sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other pollutants into streams. This equipment shall be
inspected daily and maintained to prevent contamination of surface waters from leaking fuels, lubricants,
hydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials.
29. Riprap shall not be placed in the active thalweg channel or placed in the sheambed in a manner that precludes
aquatic life passage. Bioengineering boulders or structures should be properly designed, sized and installed.
30. Riparian vegetation (native trees and shrubs) shall be preserved to the maximum extent possible. Riparian
vegetation must be reestab(ished within the conshuction limits of the project by the end of the growing
season following completion of construction.
Thank you for requesting our input at this time. The NCDOT is reminded that issuance of a 40l Water Quality
Certification requires that appropriate measures be instituted to ensure that water quality standards are met and
designated uses are not degraded or lost If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact
Joanne Steenhuis at [phone] [e-mail].
Electronic copy only dishibution:
Brad Shaver, US Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington Field Office
Stephen Lane, NC Division of Coastal Management
Kris[i Lynn Carpenter, NCDWR
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