Scoping letter U-5736 Western Blvd.pdf

ROY COOPGR
Grmi�rnur
MtCI IAEL S. k2EGAN
Serreimr
Pnvrron�riental S. JAY ZltviMERMAN
Quality i�r, k•� r,,,
September 26, 2017
MCMOIiANDUM
To:
F'rom:
�I'r�ce R. l-lowell, PL:, NCDO'1' Division 3 Design l;ngineer-DDC
Joanne Sleenhuis, NC Division oF W.iter Resotuces, Wilmin�ton Office ��
Subjcct Scoping comments on proposed iinprovemenls [o NC 53 (Western 6oulevard) in Oi�slow County; State
7lP No. U-5736.
ReFerence yow' correspondence dated September 20, 2017 in which you requested comments f'or lht referencecl
project. Prelimiiiery analysis of the project reveals the potential for mul[iple impacts to streams and jw�isdictional
we�lands in thc projec[ area. More s'pecifically, impacts to:
Stream IVame River f3asin Stream Classification(s) Stream Index 303(d) I.,isfing
Number
Sandy Run E3r:inch White Onk SC; NSW 19-10-I N/A
ScalesCrcek WhiteO�k SC;HQW,NSW 19-I6-a N/A
Northe��st Gcck Whitc O�k SC; NSW 19-16-(0.5) NlA
fur[her investiga[ions at a higher resolution shoul�'I I�e unclertaken to vcrify the presence ofother streams and/or
jurisdic[ional wednnds in Ihe are�. In [he even[ that anyjurisdic[ional �rcas arc identitied, [he Division of W�ter
Resow�ces reques[s that NCDOT consider Ihe following cnvironmen[�I issues for [he proposed project:
Piroject Specific Commeuts:
Sandy Run Branch, Sc�les Q�eck and Northeast Creek are all cl�ss NSW wafers oPlhe SITte. 'I'he NCDWR is
very concernecl witl� sediment and zrosion impacts thzt could result from [his projccl. "I�he NCDWR
recoinmends lh�t highly protec[ivc sedimen[ and erosion conh'ol 6MPs be iinplemcnfed to reduce Ihe rish of
nutrient runoff to these Creeks. Additionelly, to mecl thc rcquircmcnts of NCDO"f's NPDfiS permit
NCS000025Q the NCDWR requests tha[ road design plans �rovidc treatmen[ oflhe storm weter runoff
through best managemen[ prlc[ices �s defniled in lhe most recent vcrsion of tlie Norlla Cm•olinri Dcpnrhnent
of �ransy�or[u�ioi� S�a�mmn�er I3es� ti�nirnge�nen� Prnc(ices Tnolba�- manual.
2. Review of Ihe project reveals [he presence of surFace walers clTssilicd as SC; High Quality W�lers of the
State in lhe project sludy area. This is one of Ihe highest classifications for water qualiry.
Scales Creek is also iclentified ro be � Primary Nursciy Area to lhe `Source'.
General Project Conunen[s:
4. The cnvironmental document shoidd provide a detailed and itemired presen[ation of the proposed impacls to
wetlauds and slreams wi[h corresponding mapping. Tf miligelion is neccssaiy as rcquirecl by ISA NCAC
2H.0506(h), it is preferable lo present a concep[ual (iFnot finalized) iniligation plan with the environmental
documentation. Appropriale mitigation plans will be required prior lo issuancc of a d01 Wa[er Quality
Certification.
� �' �'Nothing Compares'-�, �
Slatc u(Norlh Czrolinz � Hnvironmenlal Qunlity
I GI7 Mall tienlce Centee � 2oleigh, Nonh Camlina 27699-1617

5. Environmental impact statement altematives shall consider design criteria that reduce the impacts to streams
and wetlands from storm water runof£ 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 Carolrna Department ojTransportation Stormwa[er Best Managemen! Practices Tool box manual,
such as grassed swales, buffer areas, preformed scour holes, retention basins, etc.
6. After the selection of the preferted 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 wetlands (and sheams) to the maximum extent practical. In accordance with the Environmental
Management Commissiods Rules (15A 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.
7. In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules Q SA NCAC 2H.0506[h]),
mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 150 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 stream
mitigation.
8. Future documentation, including the 401 Water Quality Certification Application, shall continue to include an
itemized listing of the proposed wetland and stream impacts with corresponding mapping.
9. The NCDWR is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project. The
NCDOT shall address these concems by describing the potential impacts that may occur to the aquatic
environments and any mitigating factors that would reduce the impacts.
10. 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 l0, 2004.
1 L 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.
l2. 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 culverts. Please be advised that culvercs 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.
13. Whenever possible, the NCDWR prefers spanning structures. Spanning structures usually do not require
work within the stream or grubbing of the streambanks 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.
14. 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 holes, vegetated buffers, etc.)
before entering the stream. To meet the requirements of NCDOT's NPDES permit NCS0000250, please refer
to the most recent version of the North Carolina Department of Transportation Stormwater Best Management
Practices Toolbox manual for approved measures.
I5. Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands or streams.

l6. 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.
17. The 401 Water Quality Certification application will need ro specifically address the proposed methods for
stormwater management. More specifically, stormwater shall not be permitted to discharge direcHy into
streams or surface waters.
18. Based on the information presented in the document, the magnitude of impacts to wetlands and streams may
require an Individual Permit (IP) or Nationwide (NW) Permit application (depending on the amount of
stream and/or wetland impacts) to the Corps of Engineers and corresponding 401 Water Quality Certification.
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 sheam uses are lost. Final permit authorization
will require the submittal oFa 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.
19. If concrete is used during conshvction, 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.
20. If temporary access roads or detours are constructed, the site shall be graded to its prewnstruction 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.
21. Unless otherwise authorized, placement of culverts and other shuctures 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 shuctures 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 downsheam of the above shuctures. 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.
22. 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. Sheam 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.
23. If foundation test borings are necessary; it shall be noted in the document. Geotechnical work is approved
under General 401 Certification Number 3883/Nationwide Permit No. 6 for Survey Activities.
24. Sediment and erosion control measures sufficient to protect water resources must be implemented and
maintained in accordance with the most recent version of North Carolina Sediment and Erosion Control
Planning and Design Manual and the most recent version of NCS000250.
25. All work in or adjacent to stream waters shall be conducted in a dry work area. Approved BMP measures
from the most current version of the NCDOT Construction and Maintenance Activities manual such as

sandbags, rock berms, cofferdams and other diversion structures shall be used to prevent excavation in
tlowing water.
26. 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 inaccuracies require
that qualified personnel perform onsite wetland delineations prior to permit approval.
27. Heary equipment should be operated from the bank rather than in sheam cha�els in order to minimize
sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of inhoducing 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.
28. Riprap shall not be placed in [he active thalweg channel or placed in the streambed in a manner that precludes
aquatic life passage. Bioengineering boulders or shuctures should be properly designed, sized and installed.
29. Riparian vegetation (native trees and shrubs) shall be preserved to the maximum extent possible. Riparian
vegetation must be reestablished within the construction limits.of the project by the end of the growing season
following completion of construction.
Thank you for reques[ing our input at this time. The NCDOT is reminded that issuance of a 401 Water Quality
Certification requ'ves that appropriate measures be instituted to ensure that water quality standazds aze met and
designated uses aze not degraded or lost. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact
Joacu�e Steenhuis at [phone] [e-mail].
Electronic copy only distribution:
Brad Shaver, US Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington Field Office
Greg S. Purvis, PE, Project Manager Wetherill Engineering
Stephen Lane, NC Division of Coastal Management
Cathy Brittingham, NC Division of Coastal Management
Kristi Lynn Carpenter, NCDWR
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