NC116

Beverly Eaves Perdue
Freeman
Governor
NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Coleen H. Sullins Dee
Director Secretary
April 17, 2009
MEMORANDUM
To: Melba McGee, Environmental Coordinator, Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
From: Brian Wrenn, NC Division of Water Quality, Transportation Permitting Unit
Subject: Scoping comments on proposed construction of New Route from NCI 16 to NC107 in Jackson
County, TIP R-500, State Clearinghouse Project No. 09-0255.
Reference your correspondence dated March 11, 2009 in which you requested comments for the
referenced project. 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 Name
River Basin
Stream
ex
Stream Ind d
303O Listing
Classitication(s) Number
Mill- Creek Little Tennessee C 2-79-35 ? N/A
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. NCDWQ has no project specific comments for this project at this time.
General Project Comments:
1. 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
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. httpalh2o.enr.state.nc.uslncwetlandsl
NorthCarolina
Naturally
An Equal Oppohunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer
most recent version of NCDWQ Stormwater Best Management Practices, such as grassed swales, ?-4
buffer areas, preformed scour holes, retention basins, etc.
3. 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 a bridge is being replaced with a hydraulic conveyance other than another bridge, NCDWQ
believes the use of a Nationwide Permit may be required. Please contact the US Army Corp of
Engineers to determine the required permit(s).
7. If the 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
,.- 12. 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.
13. 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.
14. If foundation test borings are necessary; it should be noted in the document. Geotechnical work is.
approved under General 401 Certification Number 3624/Nationwide Permit No. 6 for Survey
Activities.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. Sediment and erosion control measures shall not be placed in wetlands and streams.
18. Borrow/waste areas shall avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practical. Impacts to wetlands in
borrow/waste areas could precipitate compensatory mitigation.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. Inmost 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.
.g
22. 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 Brian Wrenn at 919-733-5715.
cc: Dave Baker, US Army Corps of Engineers, Asheville Field Office
Chris Militscher, Environmental Protection Agency (electronic copy only)
Marla Chambers, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Mike Parker, NCDWQ Asheville Regional Office
File Copy
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Project Review Form
roject Number: 09-0255 County: Jackson Date Received: 03/20/2009
Due Date: 4/15/2009
Project Description: Scoping - TIP Project No. R-500: New Route from 116 to NC 107

s rolec is emg rev ewe as m 1,:0 1 e ow:
Regional Office Regional Office Area In-House Review
? Asheville ? Air - Soil & Water - Marine Fisheries

Fayetteville
? Water
-
Coastal Management - Water Resources
Wildlife ? Environmental Health
Mooresville

- Aquifer Protection
A
? q
-
/

_
Wildlife - DOT

olid Waste Mgmt
Raleigh
- v/ Land Quality Engineer ? Forest Resources _ Radiation Protection
Washington Land Resources Other
Wilmington
-
/ -
Parks & Recreation
- Winston-Salem Water Quality
? Water Quality., DOTS
Air Quality

Date: In-House R eviewer/Agency:
Manager Sign-Off/Regum
0
Response (check all applicable)
_ No objection to project as proposed. - No Comment
Insufficient information to complete review _ Other (specify or attach comments)
If you have any questions, please contact:
Melba McGee, Environmental Coordinator at [e-mail]
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE
GOVERNOR
March 11, 2009
Ms. Valerie McMillan
State Clearinghouse
1301 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Cazolina 27699-1301
A
NAR2009
*Tjz
EUGENE A. CONTI, JR.
SECRETARY -
RE: Request for comments on NCDOT TIP Project R-5000, New Route from NC 116 to
NC 107 in Jackson County
Dear Ms. McMillan:
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is preparing the planning and
environmental studies for the above referenced new location project. The NCDOT proposes to
construct a new location connector road from the existing intersection of NC 116 and Bonnie Lane
to NC 107 at SR 1774 (Evans Road), part of which would traverse the Southwestern Community
College (SCC) campus. The proposed roadway is a two-lane connector (median divided and
undivided in sections), with pedestrian accommodations. The approximate project length is 0.5 mile.
The NCDOT will consider a roundabout at the NC 116 entrance of the SCC campus as an option. It
is anticipated that the project will be processed as a State Minimum Criteria Checklist (MCC).
The purpose of this letter is to solicit your input concerning the potential impacts of the proposed
project upon social, economic, demographic, land use or environmental conditions near the project
site. A vicinity map is attached illustrating the location of the project and its study area.
Please note that there will be no formal interagency scoping meeting for this project. This letter
constitutes solicitation for seeping comments. To allow us to fully evaluate the impacts of the
proposed project, please respond in writing by April 10, 2009 to the address below concerning any
beneficial or adverse impacts of the proposed project relating to the interest of your agency.
If you have any questions or comments concerning the project, please contact me at [phone].
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Steve Williams
Division 14 Design Construction Engineer
SW/cf
Attachment

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Project Area
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Project Vicinity
Figure 1
Project Vicinity
R-5000
New Route, Jackson County
NC 116 to NC 107
' ,
North Carolina
1 Department of Transportation
?5
DfAR2009
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE
GOVERNOR
March 11, 2009
Ms. Valerie McMillan
State Clearinghouse
1301 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1301
EUGENE A. CONTI, JR.
SECR ARY
RE: Request for comments on NCDOT TIP Project R-5000, New Route from NC 116 to
NC 107 in Jackson County
Dear Ms. McMillan:
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is preparing the planning and
environmental studies for the above referenced new location project. The NCDOT proposes to
construct a new location connector road from the existing intersection of NC 116 and Bonnie Lane
to NC 107 at SR 1774 (Evans Road), part of which would traverse the Southwestern Community
College (SCC) campus. The proposed roadway is a two-lane connector (median divided and
undivided in sections), with pedestrian accommodations. The approximate project length is 0.5 mile.
The NCDOT will consider a roundabout at the NC 116 entrance of the SCC campus as an option. It
is anticipated that the project will be processed as a State Minimum Criteria Checklist (MCC).
The purpose of this letter is to solicit your input concerning the potential impacts of the proposed
project upon social, economic, demographic, land use or environmental conditions near the project
site. A vicinity map is attached illustrating the location of the project and its study area.
Please note that there will be no formal interagency scoping meeting for this project. This letter
constitutes solicitation for scoping comments. To allow us to fully evaluate the impacts of the
proposed project, please respond in writing by April 10, 2009 to the address below concerning any
beneficial or adverse impacts of the proposed project relating to the interest of your agency.
If you have any questions or comments concerning the project; please contact me at [phone].
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
??OK;W
Steve Wilhatns
Division 14 Design Construction Engineer
SW/cf
Attachment
Project Area
Figure 1
Project Vicinity
R-5000
New Route, Jackson County
NC 116 to NC 107
North Carolina
?? f Department of Transportation