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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20180839 Ver 1_R-5014 (Colington Road in Dare County) CP 4A_20150815Carpenter,Kristi From: McInnis, Jay Sent: Monday, August 15, 2016 1:07 PM To: Ron.Lucas@dot.gov; Wheeler, Tracey L SAW; Gary Jordan (gary�jordan@fws.gov); Wilson, Travis W.; Brittingham, Cathy; Ward, Garcy; Gledhill-earley, Renee; Daisey, Greg; Cynthia Van Der Wiele (vanderwiele.cynthia@epa.gov); Angela Welsh (awelsh@albemarlecommission.org); ken.riley@noaa.gov Subject: R-5014 (Colington Road in Dare County) CP 4A Attachments: R-5014 CP4A Form.doc; R-5014 CP4A On-Site Merger Meeting Summary.pdf Merger Team, As you all are aware, the CP 4B meeting for R-5014 is scheduled for this Wednesday (8/17). A little over a year ago (July 30, 2015), we met to discuss CP 4A for the project. After exchanging a few emails in the weeks following the meeting, I believe we reached consensus and were ready to sign the concurrence form. Well, just as we were getting ready to send the form out for signature, we got a call from the Park Service asking if we could construct a multiuse path on their property on the south side of Colington Road. There is an existing multiuse path on the north side of the road in this area. We held off on sending the CP 4A form until we knew whether or not the multiuse path would be included in the project. We've now confirmed that it will be included in the project. We had earlier talked with the Park Service about constructing a multiuse path, but they were concerned with the number of trees that would have to be cut, so we didn't pursue it any further. Following the hearing for the project, the Park Service contacted us wanting to see if a path could be added without taking as many trees. We've coordinated a design with the Park Service that is acceptable to them. That design is shown on the CP 4B plans. We've talked with HPO regarding this, and expect the multiuse path will have "no adverse effect" on the National Register-listed Wright Brothers Memorial. The multiuse path will cross one wetland area (404 wetlands), but a pedestrian bridge will be constructed across the wetland. Attached are the minutes from our field meeting and the latest version of the CP 4A form. If this is acceptable to everyone, we'll request concurrence on CP 4A at the beginning of the CP 4B meeting. Thanks, Jay Mclnnis, PE Project Engineer Project Development and Environmental Analysis Unit North Carolina Department of Transportation 919 707 6029 office jmcinnis@ncdot.gov 1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1548 x� ,, �� r.� r.: t t ��. � .� Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties. � �c��ka��l� Tr�ri1:1::�r Y���T��ka� I rr�7all �:urrc,��u � � � � � � � � y I�c rli��;lu�e,rl �u �C�h•ih�rl I i� ci��;e, Cu ai� rur°r7 �mii;, ;;e,i� cr i;, ;;u� ��;� �u Cmie, ,..,u� i�; ta�:ur�: ;, ..,aw ai� ir7a, I�arti��, NEPA / Section 404 Interagency Agreement Concurrence Point No. 4A Avoidance and Minimization Project Title and Project Numbers: SR 1217 (Colington Road) from End of Road to US 158 (Croatan Highway), Dare County; NCDOT STIP Project R-5014; Federal-Aid Project STP-1217(6); State Project 41162.1.1. Avoidance and Minimization: The proposed project minimi�es impacts to resources. However, it is not feasible for the proposed project to completely avoid impacts to the Waters of the US and still meet the purpose and need of the project. The following avoidance and minimi�ation efforts have been incorporated into the proposed project: Section 404 Avoidance and Minimization Measures ■ The steepest side slopes practical and safe will be utilized along the length of the project. ■ The alignment of the preliininary design was modified in the vicinity of Wetland WP reducing CAMA wetlands impacts by 0.1 acre. ■ The alignment of the preliininary design was modified in the vicinity of Wetland WT reducing CAMA wetlands impacts by 0.1 acre. ■ The alignment of the preliininary design was modified in the vicinity of Wetland WAA reducing non-CAMA Section 404 wetlands impacts by 0.1 acre. ■ The use of reduced shoulder widths on the approaches to the existing bridge structures to further reduce wetlands impacts will be investigated during final design. ■ A pedestrian bridge will be constructed to carry the proposed multiuse path on the Wright Brothers Memorial property over Wetland Site WAA. Additional Avoidance and Minimization ■ The use of 2:1 side slopes will be considered, if needed, to avoid or minimi�e submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) impacts in areas where riprap is already present, or where future riprap would be allowed. ■ Colington Road will only be resurfaced from the start of the project at the end of the road to Colington Drive to minimi�e property impacts. ■ The parking area and access path that are within the NCDOT right of way adjacent to the Colington Creek bridge shall be retained and shall remain open for public use after the project is complete. During construction, NCDOT will attempt to keep the parking area and access path open for public use as much as possible. The project team has concurred on the Avoidance and Minimization for the proposed project as listed above. Name Agency Date USACE USEPA USFWS NMFS FHWA NCDCM NCDWR NCHPO NCWRC NCDOT Albemarle RPO �=- M U L IC E Y E_l1GINEERS & CONSLJL7'AN[S' Meeting Notes TO: Meeting Participants FROM: Bobby� Norburn, Mulkey Engineers and Consultants DATE: August 20, 2015 SUBJECT: Concurrence Point 4A On-Site Merger Meeting for Proposed Improvements to SR 1217 (Colington Road), from End of Road to US 158, Dare County, TIP Project R-5014 The on-site Concurrence Point (CP) 4A merger team meeting for the subject project was held on July 30, 2015 in the Commissioners Room of the Kill Devil Hills Town Hall. The purpose of the meeting was to conduct an on-site review of the project corridor and reach concurrence on CP 4A (Avoidance and Minimization) for the Colington Road Improvements project. Meeting attendees are listed below. A summary of the meeting follows. MEETING PARTICIPANTS Paul Atkinson Johnny Banks Cathy Brittingham Greg Daisey Kathy Herring Gary Jordan Liz Kovasckitz Susan Lancaster Gary Lovering Ron Lucas Jay McInnis Shawn Mebane John Merritt Bobby� Norburn Joseph Qubain Shane Staples Mark Staley Cynthia Van der Wiele Garcy Ward Angela Welsh Tracey WheeleY Paul Williams Travis Wilson Matthew York NCDOT — H�Tdraulics Unit Mulkey NCDCM NCDCM NCDOT — NES USFWS Mulkey NCDOT — Roadway Design NCDOT — Roadway Design FHWA NCDOT — PDEA NCDOT — Division 1 NCDOT — NES Mulkey NCDOT — PDEA NCDCM NCDOT — Roadside Environmental Unit USEPA NCDWR Albemarle RPO USACE NCDOT — Division 1 NCWRC NCDOT — Hydraulics Unit MuLKEY Ir�C. 6750 TRYOrv ROAG CaRY, NC 2751B P❑ 9Ox 33127 RA�EiGH, NC 27636 PH: 919-851-1912 FAx' 419-851-1918 www.MI��KEYINC.COM MEETING SUMMARY Joseph Qubain opened the meeting and asked meeting participants to introduce themselves. He noted the field review meeting was a follow-up to the March 12, 2015 CP 4A meeting, as requested by the merger team. Meeting participants were provided with a copy of an updated concurrence meeting packet. Bobby Norburn reviewed the changes in the project packet and status since the March 12, 2015 CP 4A meeting: ■ Safety was added to the project's purpose and need per the suggestion of the merger team at the March 12, 2015 meeting. ■ CAMA and Section 404 wetland information was updated in the handout and figures. ■ T��pical section information was updated as discussed in the handout and shown on Figures 3A and 3B. ■ The impacts summary table (Table 2) was updated to show impacts based on the original design, the modified design with 3:1 side slopes, and a modified design with 2:1 side slopes. In addition, CAMA wetlands impacts, non-CAMA Section 404 wetlands impacts, CAMA coastal shoreline impacts, and NCDOT mitigation sites impacts were added to the table. All impacts shown in Table 2 are based on slope stakes plus 25 feet. There would be no impacts to SAV or NCDOT mitigation sites based on the actual slope stakes. ■ At the request of NCDCM, information on CAMA coastal shoreline was added to the Coastal Area Management Act section at the bottom of page 3. CAMA coastal shoreline is based on the mean high water level plus a 75-foot offset. ■ Table 4 was updated to show wetlands impacts with the oYiginal design and modified designs. The shading in the table indicates a reduction in wetland impacts due to minimization efforts. ■ Figure 2E shows one of the more substantial design modifications for reducing wetland impacts. This figure shows the original design and the modified design (with 3:1 side slopes) in the viciniry of Wetlands WO and WP. ■ The SAV section on page 8 was updated to discuss impacts to SAV with the modified design based on slope stakes plus 25 feet, as well as to indicate the actual slope stakes would not impact SAV. ■ The NCDOT Mirigation Sites section was added (page 8) to discuss the Colington Cut and Colington Creek sites. This section discusses impacts to the mitigation sites with the original and modified designs based on slope stakes plus 25 feet, and also discusses that the actual slope stakes would not impact the mitigation sites. These sites were also added to the figures. ■ Avoidance and minimization measures (Section 3.0) were updated to reflect the wetland impacts reducrions as a result of the modified design with 3:1 side slopes, as well as the modified design to resurface only� through the Memorial property. ■ Although the typical section through the MemoYial property was revised based on fuYther coordination with NPS so that Colington Road will only be resurfaced, it is expected the revised design will also have No Adverse Effect on the Memorial. 2of7 AGENCY COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS The following is a summary of questions and comments received during the meeting: Tracey Wheeler asked why there was a change to the typical section through the Wright Brothers Memorial Property. Jay McInnis responded the National Park Service (NPS) expressed concern with the loss of trees and the right-of-way required for the previously proposed typical section, which included a multi-use path on the south side of Colington Road. NPS representatives requested the minimum design that would meet the project's purpose and need be implemented through the Memorial properry. Since there is a mulri-use trail for pedestrian and bicycle use through the Memorial property on the north side, and that section of Colington Road is neither as curvy nor as prone to flooding, it was determined resurfacing only would be sufficient through the Memorial pYoperry between Baum Bay Drive and appro�mately 900 feet east of Veterans DYive. Cathy Brittingham asked if it was necessary to have 10-foot shoulders on both sides of the road, or if it would be sufficient to provide the wide shoulder on only one side of the road to reduce impacts to adjacent wedands. Mr. McInnis Yesponded the original typical section for the project included four-foot paved shoulders; however, public feedback indicated a desire for a multi-use path. It was deteYmined a multi-use path would cause extensive pYoperty impacts, so a two-way paved bicycle path on only one side of the road was considered. However, having two-way bicycle traffic would cause safety issues at driveways along the corridor. There would also be a similar safety concern with two-way bicycle traffic if only one paved shoulder was provided. Cynthia Van der Wiele added bicycles are required to follow traffic laws, so implementing two- way bic�Tcle traffic on one side of the road would violate the law. Ms. Wheeler said she has concerns about potential impacts to the mitigation sites as a result of the wider cross-section with ten-foot paved shoulders on both sides. Mr. Norburn Yesponded the mitigation site impacts shown in Table 2 of the handout represent impacts for slope stakes plus 25 feet. However, the actual slope stakes for the current preliminary design do not impact either mitigation site. Ron Lucas asked if looking at making the corridor more bicycle friendly started before comments were received from the public related to bicycle and pedestrian safety along the road. Mr. McInnis responded that four-foot paved shoulders were initially proposed to accommodate bicyclists. The proposed paved shoulder width was increased to seven feet (which is arypical) based on local interest and the volume of useYs. Mr. McInnis added that a one-foot-wide painted stripe between the travel lanes and the paved shoulders is also included in the typical section to further increase safety for bicyclists. Ms. Wheeler asked how much of the additional typical section width is related only to bicycle accommodations. Mr. McInnis responded an extra three feet on each side of the road is for bicycle accommodations. Ms. Wheeler asked about the shoulder width on the two existing bridges along the project corridor. Mr. McInnis responded the shoulders on the bridges are narrower (four feet) than the shoulders proposed for the remainder of the project corridor. However, the bridges are relatively� new (built in 1994) and the expense associated with widening the shoulders on them is a factor. Ms. Brittingham and Ms. Wheeler asked if four-foot shoulders are sufficient on the bridges, could four-foot shoulders also be used along the rest of the corridor. Susan Lancaster responded Colington Road is a relatively curvy road with narrow eleven-foot lanes. In addition, there are many vehicles towing boats along the corridor. Four-foot paved shoulders allow less room for 3of7 vehicles passing bicycles, whereas seven-foot shoulders a11ow for more separation between vehicles and bicyclists. Ms. Brittingham asked if the proposed shoulder width could be reduced in certain areas along the project corridor where there are greater wetland impacts, or in areas where there would be impacts to SAV or high quality surface waters. Mr. McInnis responded using reduced shoulder widths may be possible in certain locations. Gary Lovering said reduced shoulder widths could not be used in curves because of bicycle safety concerns. NCDOT will investigate the use of reduced shoulder widths on the approaches to the e�sting bridge structures. Ms. Brittingham pointed out the Section 404 and CAMA portions of Wetland WL are reversed on FiguYe 2D. It was discussed that several of the other CAMA�Section 404 wetland boundaries shown on the figures also appear to be incorrect. John Merritt will coordinate with NCDCM to make corrections to the wetland boundaries, as needed. ■ Ms. Britringham noted the CAMA Coastal Shoreline is not an issue with this project. It was noted some portions of the project corridor are still quite curvy with the current preliminary design. Mr. Lovering responded increasing the design speed to 35 or 40 mph on some of the worst e�sting cuYves was evaluated, but this would cause extensive relocations. As a result, the design speed was left at 30 mph in these locarions. He noted the proposed improvements include clearing trees in certain areas to improve site distance. Mr. Lovering stated balancing impacts to natural resources and homes with proposed safety improvements is a challenge on this project. He noted this is a safety pYoject not just for vehicular traffic, but also for bicyclists and pedestrians. Based on this, he would be very uncomfortable reducing the width of the proposed shoulder. Ms. Brittingham said she would like a commitment to be added to the CP 4A concurrence form stating theYe will be no impacts to mitigation sites or SAV. Mr. Lovering responded he is not comfortable with making any promises there will be no impacts to SAV. Ms. Van deY Wiele asked if a living shoreline could be built. Travis Wilson and Ms. BYittingham responded that was not possible in this case because habitat already exists and SAV is present. Ms. Wheeler said she is not sure if the Colington Cut site was established just for CAMA wetlands mitigation, or if it was established for Section 404 wetlands mitigation as well. She said Section 404 wetlands can contain phragmites. If it was established purely for CAMA wetlands impacts, USACE would not be involved with this site. Mr. Wilson asked if NCDCM accepted the mitigation site. Ms. BYittingham said the site was established as a mitigation site for CAMA wetlands impacts back when there was zero tolerance for phragmites; therefore, the site was reviewed and at the time was not accepted due to the presence of phragmites. Even though the site may not have been accepted b�T CAMA, it does not mean there is not an expectation the site is to be protected. MY. Merritt said he would follow-up on the status of the Colington Cut site. He said the site manager had told him the site was not accepted for CAMA wetlands mitigation, but he did not ask if the site was used for Section 404 wedands mitigation. Ms. Wheeler asked about the avoidance and minimization measure related to avoiding impacts to the manatee. Mr. Jordan said this measure was not needed and could be deleted. Mr. Lovering discussed the likely ramifications of using various side slopes for the proposed project based on the soil types in the project area. With 1:1 or 1.5:1 side slopes, plating would be necessa�y. With 2:1 side slopes, it is likely sloughing would eventually occur. However, 3:1 side slopes will hold up in project area soil conditions. He said based on the low elevations in the 4of7 project area (i.e., one to two feet above sea level), increasing the side slope from 3:1 to 2:1 leads to only an appro�mately six inch decrease in the width of impact. However, this increase in the side slope could cause a maintenance problem, which could result in greater impacts in the future. ■ Ms. Wheeler said 2:1 side slopes should be considered in areas adjacent to SAV or wetlands if impacts would be reduced. ■ Ms. Brittingham asked if the wetlands impacts table could be updated to be more precise when showing "<0.1 acres" of impact. She asked if the acreage impacts could be shown to two decimals, or converted to square feet, so the agencies can see the actual amount of impact reduction. Mr. Merritt responded these impacts could be conveYted to square feet, but we do not want to be misleading as to the accuracy of the impacts because they are based on the preliminary design. In addition, the impacts shown include the 25-foot buffer for a safety margin. Mr. McInnis said the impacts could be shown as requested and a caveat could be added to discuss they are based on the preliminary design. Ms. Brittingham added since they are making preliminary permitting decisions, they want to be careful they undeYstand the level of impacts as precisely as possible. ■ It was determined the following sites would be reviewed during the field portion of the meeting: SAV along Colington Creek (Figure 2H); Colington Creek mirigation site (Figure 2G); and Colington Cut mitigation site and adjacent SAV (Figure 2D). CORRIDOR FIELD REVIEW ■ Colington Creek SAV (Figure 2H) — Mr. Lovering discussed that the goal is to hold the existing riprap line or existing shoreline with the proposed widening. Shane Staples said this would be acceptable to NCDCM. It was discussed that the existing shoulder width looks sufficient to accommodate the proposed widening without impacting the adjacent SAV. However, NCDOT will consider using 2:1 side slopes, if needed, to avoid or minimize SAV impacts in a�eas wheYe Yiprap is already present. It was also discussed that the riprap may need to be extended further along the shoreline with the proposed improvements. Ms. Brittingham responded the extended riprap should not be placed in SAV. Mr. Lovering said extending the riprap along the bank in the Colington Creek aYea may cause impacts to SAV close to the bank. It was discussed NCDCM would need to know the extent of any such impacts before it could agree to them. NCDOT will also consider using 2:1 side slopes, if needed, to avoid or minimize SAV impacts in aYeas where future riprap is allowed to be placed. — Ms. Wheeler said she would like NCDOT to consider equalizer pipes in this area to reduce impacts to the wetlands adjacent to the south side of the Yoad. Water cuYrently periodically flows across the �oad in this a�ea, which likely helps to create and maintain the wetlands on the south side. With the road improvements these wetlands will continue to need periodic inundation to be maintained. Mr. Merritt suggested NCDOT NES confirm the hydrologic source for these wetlands before a decision is made to install equalizer pipes. — NCDOT NES will determine the hydrologic source for the wetlands on the south side of Colington Road adjacent to Colington Creek prior to CP 4B. A commitment will be added to the CP 4A concurrence form to examine the use of equalizer pipes in this area if it is 5of7 determined these wetlands are a result of, or are sustained by, the overtopping of Colington Road by Colington Creek. - Ms. Brittingham said if the SAV would be impacted by the current proposed preliminary design, it would be better to widen the road to the other side. Avoiding SAV impacts should take priority over potential impacts to the wetlands on the south side of the road. ■ Colington Creek Mitigation Site (Figure 2G) - It was noted the mitigation site is shown in the wYong location on Figure 2G. There is a roadside sign marking the location of the mitigation site near the west end of the bYidge. The location shown on Figure 2G is based on GIS data obtained from the NCEEP. NCDOT NES will investigate the error in the GIS data. ■ Colington Cut Mitigation Site (Figure 2D) - A small parking area near the western end of the bridge (across from Schoolhouse Road) and a paved path to provide access for people fishing along the shoreline was noted during the field review. Ms. Brittingham requested that parking and access to this recreational area be maintained with the proposed improvements. Mr. Lovering responded access to the recreational area will be maintained. Some of the existing parking area could potentially be impacted, but the impact could be mitigated by possibly providing marked parking spaces. It was noted NCDOT distinguishes between formal and informal recreational site access facilities. A commitment to determine the ownership of the parking area and recreational site access path will be added to the CP 4A concurrence form. - The presence of phYagmites was noted at the mitigation site. It was discussed that it is likel� years past the monitoring period for this site. NCDOT NES will research the history of the site. - Mr. Qubain will veYify with NCEEP if NCDOT received credit for this mitigation site. ACTION ITEMS NCDOT Roadway will investigate the use of reduced shoulder widths on the approaches to the existing bridge structures. 2. NCDOT Roadway will consider using 2:1 side slopes, if needed, to avoid or minimize SAV impacts in areas where riprap is already present, or where future riprap is allowed to be placed. 3. NCDOT NES will coordinate with NCDCM to correct the GIS data for the Section 404/CAMA wetland boundaries so the figures and impact calculations can be updated. 4. NCDOT NES will further investigate the history and current status of the Colington Cut mitigation site. 5. NCDOT NES will update the GIS data for the location of the Colington Creek mitigation site so the figures and impact calculations can be updated. 6. NCDOT NES will determine the hydrologic source for the wetlands on the south side of Colington Road adjacent to Colington Creek prior to CP 4B. A commitment will be added to the CP 4A concurrence form to examine the use of equalizer pipes in this area if it is determined these wetlands are a result of, or are sustained by, the overtopping of Colington Road by Colington Creek. 6of7 7. A commitment to determine the ownership of the parking area and access path to the recreational aYea adjacent to the Colington Cut bridge will be added to the CP 4A concurrence form. 8. The commitment to implement USFWS's guidelines for avoiding impacts to manatees will be removed from the CP 4A concurrence form. 9. NCDOT NES will contact NCDCM to obtain a copy of the memorandum written by Shane Staples related to the implications of impacts to SAV and e-mail a copy of the memorandum to meeting parricipants at today's meeting. NCDOT will provide updated project information and an updated concurrence form to merger team members via e-mail when the Action Items are addressed. cc: file 2014062.02 Renee Gledhill-Earley, NoYth Carolina State Historic Preservation Office CORRECTIONS & OMISSIONS: This summary is the writer's interpretation of the events, discussions, and transactions that took place during the meeting. If there are any additions and�or corrections, please inform Joseph Qubain at ic�ubain(a�ncdot.gov or the writer in writing within seven days. 7of7