20190593_Scoping Comments_20090312

NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Coleen H. Sullins
Governor Director -
Dee Freeman
Secretary
March 12, 2009
MEMORANDUM
To: Robert Deaton, NCDOT PDEA
From: Rob Ridings, NC Division of Water Quality, Transportation Permitting Unit Pl?
Subject: Scoping comments on proposed widening of I-40 (from I-440 to NC 42) in Wake and Johnston
Counties, Federal Aid Project No. 1MNI-IF-040-4(139)301, State Project No. 42346.1.1,
TIP No. I-5111.
Reference your correspondence dated February 24, 2009 in which you requested comments for the
referenced project. Preliminary analysis of the project reveals the potential for multiple impacts to
jurisdictional streams, riparian buffers and jurisdictional wetlands in the project area. More specifically,
impacts to the following streams and/or tributaries:
Stream Name River Basin &
Subbasin Stream
Classifications Stream Index Number 303(d) Listing
Walnut Creek NEU 02 C, NSW 27-34-(4 Yes
Little Arm Branch NEU 02 C, NSW 27-34-11-2 No
Poplar Branch NEU 02 C, NSW 27-34-11-1 No
Big Branch NEU 02 C, NSW 27-34-11 No
White Oak Creek NEU 02 C, NSW 27-43-11 No
Swift Creek NEU 02 C, NSW 27-43-(8 No 11
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 NCDOT consider the following environmental issues for the
proposed project:
Project Specific Comments:
1. Little Arm Branch, Poplar Branch, Big Branch, White Oak Creek and Swift Creek are class C; NSW
waters of the State. NCDWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from
this project. NCDWQ recommends that highly protective sediment and erosion control BMPs be
implemented to reduce the risk of nutrient runoff to these waters. NCDWQ requests that road design
plans provide treatment of the storm water runoff through best management practices as detailed in the
most recent version of NCDWQ's Stormwater Best Management Practices.
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: hdpJlh2o.enr.state.nc.usln=etlandsl
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NorthCarolina
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An Equal Opportunity 1.5ffirmative Action Emyoyer
2. Walnut Creek is class C, NSW; 303(d) waters of the State. NCDWQ is very concerned with sediment
and erosion impacts that could result from this project. NCDWQ recommends that the most protective
sediment and erosion control BMPs be implemented in accordance with Design Standards in Sensitive
Watersheds to reduce the risk of nutrient runoff to Walnut Creek. NCDWQ requests that road design
plans provide treatment of the'storm water runoff through best management practices as detailed in the
most recent version of NCDWQ's Stormwater Best Management Practices.
3. This project is within the Neuse River Basin. Riparian buffer impacts shall be avoided and minimized
to the greatest extent possible pursuant to 15A NCAC 2B.0233.
General Project Comments:
The environmental document shall 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.
2. Environmental assessment alternatives shall consider design criteria that reduce the impacts to
streams and wetlands from storm water runoff. 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 NCDWQ Stormwater Best Management Practices, 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, 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 shall be designed to replace appropriate lost functions and values. The NC Ecosystem
Enhancement Program may be available for use as wetland mitigation.
4. 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 shall be designed to replace appropriate
lost functions and values. The NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program may be available for use as
stream mitigation.
5. NCDWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project.
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.
6. If an old bridge is removed, no discharge of bridge material into surface waters is allowed unless
otherwise authorized by the US ACOE. Strict adherence to the Corps of Engineers guidelines for
bridge demolition will be a condition of the 401 Water Quality Certification.
Whenever possible, NCDWQ 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) shall not be placed in the stream when possible.
8. 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. Please refer to the most current version of
NCDWQ's Stormwater Best Management Practices.
9. 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.
10. 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 should 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.
11. Placement of culverts and other structures in waters, streams, and wetlands shall 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 shall 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 NCDWQ. If this condition is unable to be met due to bedrock
or other limiting features encountered during construction, please contact NCDWQ for guidance on
how to proceed and to determine whether or not a permit modification will be required.
12. 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 shall 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.
13. 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.
14. All work in or adjacent to stream waters shall be conducted in a dry work area unless otherwise
approved by NCDWQ. 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.
15. Sediment and erosion control measures shall not be placed in wetlands and streams.
16. Borrow/waste areas shall avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practical. Impacts to wetlands in
borrow/waste areas could precipitate compensatory mitigation.
17. 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.
18. Heavy equipment shall 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.
19. In most cases, NCDWQ 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 shall 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 shall be stabilized with grass and planted with native tree species. Tall
fescue shall not be used in riparian areas.
20. Riprap shall 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. NCDOT 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 Rob Ridings at [phone].
cc: Eric Alsmeyer, US Army Corps of Engineers, Raleigh Field Office
Chris Murray, Division 5 Environmental Officer
Chris Militscher, Environmental Protection Agency
Travis Wilson, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
File Copy
BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE
GOVERNOR
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
EUGENE A. CO, JR.
SECRETARY
February 24, 2009
MEMORANDUM TO:
FROM:
Mr. Rob Ridings
Division of Water. Quality/Wetlands
Central Office
Gregory J.
Project Dew
Branch
SUBJECT: Start of Study for I-40, Frofn I-440 (Erxit 301) to US 70, Clayton Bypass,
Add Lanes, Wake County, Federal-Aid Project IMNHF-040-4(139)301,
WBS No. 42346.1.1, TIP Project No. 1-5111
The Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch is starting the project
development, environmental and engineering studies for the proposed I-5111. The project is included in
the 2009-2015 North Carolina Transportation Improvement Program and is scheduled for right of way in
fiscal year 2014 and construction in future years.
Attached for your review and comments are the scoping information sheets for the proposed project.
We would appreciate any information you might have that would be helpful in evaluating potential
environmental impacts of the project. If applicable, please identify any permits or approvals that may be
required by your agency. A scoping meeting will be scheduled with NCDOT staff to discuss the proposed
project in more detail. In order to include your comments in our materials for this meeting, we would
appreciate your response by April 24, 2009. If you would like to attend the scoping meeting, please notify
the project engineer.
It is anticipated that a federally funded Environment Assessment will be prepared for this project.
This document will be prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
If you have any questions concerning the project, please contact Robert Deaton, Project Planning
Engineer, of this Branch at [phone], Ext. 323. Please include the TIP Project Number in all
correspondence and comments.
GJT/plr
Attachment
MAILING ADDRESS:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 2 7699-1 548
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
WEBSITE: WLW?.NCDOT.ORG
LOCATION:
TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
RALEIGH NC
Start of Study Project Information Sheet:
I-5111, I-40 in Wake & Johnston Counties
Introduction
The North Carolina Department of Transportation's Project Development and Environmental
Analysis Branch is initiating environmental studies for the proposed improvement of I-40 from I-440
(Raleigh beltline) south and east to NC Highway 42 for a distance of approximately 11 miles.
Proposed Project Description
The proposed project is intended to improve traffic flow and lane transitions along I-40 due to
existing congestion and steadily increasing levels of traffic, by adding travel lanes. The final cross-
section and number of lanes to be added has not yet been determined, but will be dependent upon
traffic forecasts for future years, future funding and other conditions in the field.
Existing Facility
The existing road, I-40 is a primary route for travel into and out of the Raleigh area. The highway
currently consists of six-lanes (3-lanes each direction) from I-440 (Raleigh beltline) south/east to US
Highway 70 Business in Gamer. From the Highway 70 Business interchange south/east to NC
Highway 42, the existing I-40 consists of four-lanes (2-lanes each direction). There are four existing
interchanges along the length of the proposed project; Jones Sausage road, US 70 Business, Clayton
Bypass (the new US 70) and NC Highway 42 in Johnston County.
Over its length, the project ties within the jurisdictions of Wake County, Raleigh, Garner and
Johnston County. There are a variety of land uses throughout the corridor, though access is limited
to those previously mentioned interchanges.. Adjoining land uses range from highway commercial .
activities such as fast food restaurants and gas stations to industrial operations such as the quarry near
US 70 Business. There are also residential communities, farmland and vacant forested lands as well
as other uses situated near the existing highway.
• As I-40 is an interstate highway, there are no pedestrian or bicycle/greenway facilities
associated with the existing freeway.
• There is one grade-separated railroad crossing just north of the US 70 Business interchange.
• The project does not cross any large streams or rivers, nor does it lie within a floodplain.
• At this time, it is unknown if additional right-of-way maybe required to complete the
proposed improvements.
This project is included in the 2009-2015 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and is
designated TIP project number I-5.111. At this time, Right-of-Way acquisition is scheduled to begin
in 2014 and construction is scheduled to begin in future years.
Raleigh
Begin Project
1-5111
sy?
?d 1-40
End Project 1-5111
Clayton Bypass
NC 50 NC 42
Smithfield
NC 210
1-40
1-95
1-95
1.5 3
Fayetteville
Miles
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
PROJECT DEVELOPMENTAND
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BRANCH
TIP 1-5111 -Traffic Forecast Request
140 Raleigh Beltline to Hwy 42
Project Vicinity Map
Wake & Johnston Counties
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