20100466 Ver 0_Scoping Comments_20090210

The National Park Service, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, is preparing an Environmental
Assessment for proposed highway improvements within Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The proposed
improvements would be on 5.28 miles of NC 12, from Whalebone Junction to the Bodie Island District Ranger
Station at the Coquina Beach Access Road. The proposed improvements would include rehabilitation of the
roadway, replacement of existing culverts, and expansion of the existing 2-foot paved shoulder to a paved 5-foot
shoulder. These highway improvements
would be implemented to remedy existing
safety hazards and improve conditions for
ago Ali ,., motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians using
this segment of NC 12.
NC 12

Existing 2 ft Shoulder
Proposed 3 ft Shoulder
The public comment period will open on
February 3, 2009 and close on March 4,
2009. Public scoping is part of the process
to prepare an EA pursuant to the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Public
input is important to identify issues,
concerns, and impacts early in the
process.
PUBLIC SCOPING - COMMENTS ACCEPTED UNTIL MARCH 4, 2009
Written comments may be submitted by mail and by submission through the
park's Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website at
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/caha. Click on the "NC 12 Improvements" link
to view the project scoping documents. Comments can also be mailed to:
Superintendent, Outer Banks Group, 1401 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC
27954. To ensure that your comments are included in the process, all
comments must be entered or postmarked by March 4, 2009.
Page 1 of 1
NC 12 Improvements
Plan Process
The National Park Service (NPS) is working in
Meeting Notices cooperation with the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) proposed highway Y -
Links improvements within Cape Hatteras National
rovements would be
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on 5 28 miles of NC 12 on Bodie Island, from _
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Document-List Whalebone Junction to the Bodie Island District
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Ranger Station at Coquina Beach Access Road '
r 'ice
Open For Public The proposed highway improvements would '
'
Comment include rehabilitation of the roadway, Y '
!
replacement of existing culverts, and expansion
of the existing 2-foot paved shoulder to a paved
5-foot shoulder The proposed improvements are ?.?
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needed to improve the safety of cyclists and 4':i
pedestrians using NC 12
NPS PEPC - NC 12 Improvements
Contact Information
Meghan Carfioli
NPS Natural Resource Manager
[phone] x135
or
Lisa Landers
FHWA Environmental Protection Specialist
[phone]
U S Department of the Interior - FOIA - Privacy Policy - Disclaimer and Ownership - USA Gov - NIPS Home - Accessibility
http //parkplammng nps gov/projectHome cfm?park1d=358&projectId=22422 2/10/2009
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Project Home Cape Hatteras NS
National Park Service Outer Banks Group
U S Department of the Interior Cape Hatteras National 1401 National Park Road
Seashore Manteo, NC 27954
Fort Raleigh National
Historic Site 252-473-2111 phone
Wright Brothers National 252-473-2595 fax
Memorial
National Park Service News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE January 30, 2009
CONTACT 252-473-2111
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD OPENS FOR PROPOSED
IMPROVEMENTS TO NC 12 ON BODIE ISLAND
Superintendent Mike Murray announced today the National Park Service (NPS), in
cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, is seeking public comment on the
proposed highway improvements on 5 28 miles of NC 12 on Bodie Island, from Whalebone
Junction to the Bodie Island District Ranger Station at Coquina Beach Access Road The
proposed highway improvements would include rehabilitation of the roadway, replacement
of existing culverts, and expansion of the existing 2-foot paved shoulder to a paved 5-foot
shoulder The proposed improvements are needed to improve the safety of cyclists and
pedestrians using NC 12
The public comment period will open on February 3, 2009 and close on March 4, 2009
During the 30-day public scopmg period, all interested persons will be given the opportunity
to review and provide comments on the proposed highway improvements Public scopmg is
part of the process to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) pursuant to the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969
Written comments may be submitted by mail and by submission through the park's
Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website at
http //parkplannmg_nps gov/caha Click on the "NC 12 Improvements" link to view the
project scoping documents Comments can also be mailed to Superintendent, Outer Banks
Group, 1401 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC 27954 To ensure that your comments are
included in the process, they must be entered or post-marked by March 4, 2009
For more information, please contact Lisa Landers, Federal Highway Administration
Environmental Protection Specialist, at [phone], or Meghan Carfioh, NPS Natural
Resource Manager, at [phone] x135
-NPS-
The National Park Service, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, is preparing an Environmental
Assessment for proposed highway improvements within Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The proposed
improvements would be on 5.28 miles of NC 12, from Whalebone Junction to the Bodie Island District Ranger
Station at the Coquina Beach Access Road. The proposed improvements would include rehabilitation of the
roadway, replacement of existing culverts, and expansion of the existing 2-foot paved shoulder to a paved 5-foot
shoulder. These highway improvements
would be implemented to remedy existing
safety hazards and improve conditions for
motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians using
this segment of NC 12.
The public comment period will open on
February 3, 2009 and close on March 4,
2009. Public scoping is part of the process
to prepare an EA pursuant to the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Public
input is important to identify issues,
concerns, and impacts early in the
process.
PUBLIC SCOPING - COMMENTS ACCEPTED UNTIL MARCH 4, 2009
Written comments may be submitted by mail and by submission through the
park's Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website at
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/caha. Click on the "NC 12 Improvements" link
to view the project scoping documents. Comments can also be mailed to:
Superintendent, Outer Banks Group, 1401 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC
27954. To ensure that your comments are included in the process, all
comments must be entered or postmarked by March 4, 2009.
4
NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Coleen H Sullins Dee Freeman
Governor Director Secretary
February 10, 2009
MEMORANDUM
To Melba McGee l
W
From David WamwrigH , NC Division of Water Quality
Subject Scoping comments on proposed improvements to NC 12 from Whalebone Junction to Bodie Island District
Ranger Station in Dare County
SCH# 09-204
Reference your news release dated January 30, 2009 in which you requested comments for the aforementioned project
Based on the information reviewed, 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 Stream Index
Stream Name River Basin Classifications Number
Several Unnamed Tributaries to Roanoke Sound Pas uotank River SA/HQW 03-01-56
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 National Park Service consider the following environmental issues for the proposed project
Protect Specific Comments:
1 Review of the project reveals the presence of surface waters classified as SA,High Quality Waters
(HQW) of the State in the project study area This is one of the highest classifications for water quality
Pursuant to 15A NCAC 2H 1006 and 15A NCAC 2B 0224, the NPS may be required to obtain a State
Stormwater Permit prior to construction
General Protect Comments:
Any environmental documentation 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
Transportation Permitting Unit
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650
Location 2321 Crabtree Blvd , Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Phone [phone] FAX [phone]
Internet http //h2o enr state nc us/ncwetlands/
NorthCarohna
An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer

3 Environmental assessment alternatives should consider design criteria that reduce the impacts to streams
and wetlands from storm water runoff These alternatives should include road designs that allow for
treatment of the storm water runoff through best management practices as detailed in the most recent
version of NC DWQ Stormwater Best Management Practices, such as grassed swales, buffer areas,
preformed scour holes, retention basins, etc
4 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 streams) to the
maximum extent practical In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's 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 should be designed to replace appropriate lost
functions and values The NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program may be available for use as wetland
mitigation
In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules (15A NCAC 2H 0506[h]),
mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 150 linear feet to any single perennial stream In
the event that mitigation is required, the mitigation plan should be designed to replace appropriate lost
functions and values The NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program may be available for use as stream
mitigation
6 DWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project The NPS
should address these concerns by describing the potential impacts that may occur to the aquatic
environments and any mitigating factors that would reduce the impacts -
If concrete is used during construction, a dry work area should be maintained to prevent direct contact
between curing concrete and stream water Water that inadvertently contacts uncured concrete should not
be discharged to surface waters due to the potential for elevated pH and possible aquatic life and fish
kills
8 If temporary access roads or detours are constructed, the site should be graded to its preconstruction
contours and elevations Disturbed areas should be seeded or mulched to stabilize the soil and
appropriate native woody species should be planted When using temporary structures the area should 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
9 Placement of culverts and other structures in waters, streams, and wetlands should be 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 should not be conducted in a manner that may result in dis-equilibrium of wetlands or
streambeds or banks, adjacent to or upstream and down stream of the above structures The applicant is
required to provide evidence that the equilibrium is being maintained if requested in writing by DWQ If
this condition is unable to be met due to bedrock or other limiting features encountered during
construction, please contact the NC DWQ for guidance on how to proceed and to determine whether or
not a permit modification will be required
10 If multiple pipes or barrels are required, they should be designed to mimic natural stream cross section as
closely as possible including pipes or barrels at flood plain elevation and/or sills 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
11 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 ofNCS000250
12 All work in or adjacent to stream waters should be conducted in a dry work area unless otherwise
approved by NC DWQ Approved BMP measures from the most current version of NCDOT
Construction and Maintenance Activities manual such as sandbags, rock berms, cofferdams and other
diversion structures should be used to prevent excavation in flowing water
13 Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands and streams
14 Borrow/waste areas should avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practical Impacts to wetlands in
borrow/waste areas could precipitate compensatory mitigation
15 While the use of National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps, NC Coastal Region Evaluation of Wetland
Significance (NC-CREWS) maps and soil survey maps are useful tools, their inherent inaccuracies
require that qualified personnel perform onsite wetland delineations prior to permit approval
16 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
should be inspected daily and maintained to prevent contamination of surface waters from leaking fuels,
lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials
17 When necessary, the DWQ typically prefers the replacement of the existing structure at the same location
with road closure If road closure is not feasible, a temporary detour should be designed and located to
avoid wetland impacts, minimize the need for clearing and to avoid destabilizing stream banks If the
structure will be on a new alignment, the old structure should be removed and the approach fills removed
from the 100-year floodplain Approach fills should be removed and restored to the natural ground
elevation The area should be stabilized with grass and planted with native tree species Tall fescue
should not be used in riparian areas
18 Riprap should not be placed in the active thalweg channel or placed in the streambed in a manner that
precludes aquatic life passage Bioengineering boulders or structures should be properly designed, sized
and installed
Thank you for requesting our input at this time The NPS is reminded that issuance of a 401 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 David Wainwright at [phone]
cc Bill Biddlecome, US Army Corps of Engineers, Washington Field Office
Chris Militscher, Environmental Protection Agency (electronic copy)
Travis Wilson, NC Wildlife Resources Commission (electronic copy)
Gary Jordan, US Fish and Wildlife Service (electronic copy)
Cathy Brittmgham, Division of Coastal Management
Garcy Ward, DWQ Washington Regional Office
File Copy
a ?
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
Project Review Form
ect Number County
q. 1 hq)
RelIceived Date Response Due (firm deadline)
Il?l\rnq r ?I'a -I I cl
cL= WC6 t V O tS aACK OF CAZD.
This project is bei ng reviewed as indicated below

Regional Office Regional Office Area In-House Review

Asheville -XAii - Soil & Water ?IGlarine Fisheries
Fayetteville /Water ?Coastal Management
Mooresville Aquifer Protection .Wildlife_bQ \
Raleigh , -tand Quality Engineer - Forest Resources
,Washington - Water Resources - Environmental Health
_ Wilmington

Winston-Salem arks & Recreation - Solid Waste Mgmt
r Y ? ?i° ,rr F %"
? Water-Quahty7d- Radiation Protection
11
Air Quality - Other
Reviewer/Agency
H
Manager sign-off/Region Date ouse
In-

Response (check all applicable)
No objection to project as proposed
No comment
Insufficient Infoimation to complete review
V f Other (specify of attach comments) ?i oweltQ f
RETURN TO.
Melba McGee
Environmental Coordinator
Office of Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs