20210663_NCDWR_U6018_Scoping_Archdale_Guilford_20180412

ROY COOPER
Gurernw
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Sccretari�
Environmental LINDA CULPEPPER
QUClllt�/ hiler�im Drree/n��
April 12, 2018
MEMORANDUM
To
From:
Brian Kemer, Project Engineer, NCDOT
April Norton, NC Division Water Resources, Transportation Permitting Unit
Subject: Scoping Com�nents on the Proposed NC 62 Improvements and Widening from Kelsey Valley Road (SR
1154) to Weant Road (SR 11(2), Archdale, Guilford County, WBS No. 47485.1.1, STIP Project U-60] 8.
A request far comments was dated and received April 2, 2018 for the subject property. Preliminary analysis of the
project reveals tl�at the project may be within the; vicinity of the below waterbodie;s:
Stream Name River Basin & Stream Stream Index Number 303(d) Listing?
Sub Basin Classifications
Taylor Branch Cape Fear; CPF08 WS-IV* 17-7-3 No
Mile Br-anei� Cape Fear; CPF08 WS-IV* 17-9.3-(1) No
• *This symbol identifies waters within a desigilated Critical Supply Watershed and are subject to a special
managemeilt str2tegy specified in 15A NCAC 2B .0248.
Further investigations at a higher resolution should be undertaken to verify the presence of other streams and/or
jLuisdictional wetlands ii� the area. If any jurisdictioilal areas are identified, the Division of Water ResoLu-ces reqliests
that the following environmental issues for tl�e proposed project are considered:
Project Specific Comments:
Taylor Branch, Mile Branch and their tributaries are classifled as Water Supply 1V (WS-1V); Nutrient Sensitive
Waters (NSW) of the State. NCDWR is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from
this project. Tl1e NCDWR reconuliends that tl�e inost protective sediinent and erosion control BMPs be
implemented in accordance with Design Starrcfar•ds in Se���sitive WaCersheds (15A NCAC 04B .0124) to reduce
the rislc of fiu-ther impairment to these streams. Additionally, NCDWR requests that road design plans provide
n-eatment of stormwater runoff tllrough best management practices as detailed in the ���ost recent version of the
North Car•olinr� Depar-tmer�t of Trcrns�o�7atiar Stor�rawater Besz Marzagen�ent Pi�actices Toolbox inanttal.
Tlus project is within the Randleinan Lalce Watershed. Riparian buffer iinpacts shall be avoided and minunized
to the greatest extent possible pursuant to 15A NCAC 2B.0250. New development activities located in the
protected 50-foot wide riparian areas within the basiil shall be limited to "uses" identified within and constrLicted
ii� accordai�ce with 1 SA NCAC .02B .0295. Buffer mitigaiion may be rec�uired for buffer impacts resulting from
activities classified as "allowable with ���itigation" within the "Table of Uses" section of the Buffer Rules or
require a variance tmder the Buffer Rules. A buffer mitigation plan, including Lise of the North Carolina Division
of Mitigation Seivices, i��ust be provided to the NCDWR prior to approval of the Water Quality Certification.
Buffer mitigation may be rec�uired for buffer ii��pacts resultinb fi-om activities classitied as "allowable with
mitigation" within the "Table of Uses" section of the Buffer Rules or require a variance under the Buffer Rules.
A buffer mitigatioil plan, coordinated with the North Carolina Division of Mitigarion Services, must be provided
to the NCDWR prior to approval of tl�e Water Quality Certification.
"`Nnthi�g Cnn��a�res -- _
Stafe of North Carolina I Environmental Quality
1617 Mail Seivice Cenler I Raleigh, Na-lh Carolina 27699-1 6 1 7

3. Review of the project reveals the presence of surface waters classified as Water Supply Critical Area near the
project study area. Given the potential for impacts to these resources during the project implementation, the
NCDWR requests that NCDOT strictly adhere to North Carolina regulations entitled Design Standards in
Sensitive Watersheds (15A NCAC 04B .0124) throughout design and construction of the project. This would
apply for any area that drains to streams having WS CA (Water Supply Critical Area) classifications.
Should the bridge project be located within the Critical Area of a Water Supply, the NCDOT may be required
to design, construct, and maintain hazardous spill catch basins in the project area. The number of catch basins
installed should be deternuned by the design of the bridge, so that runoff would enter said basin(s) rather than
flowing directly into the stream, and in consultation with the NCDWR.
General Project Comments:
The environmental document 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 �inalized) mitigation plan with the environmental
documentation. Appropriate mitigation plans will be required prior to issuance of a 401 Water Quality
Certification.
2. Environmental impact statement alternatives shall consider design criteria that reduce the impacts to streams
and wetlands from stormwater runoff. These alternatives shall include road designs that allow for treatment of
the stormwater runoff through stormwater control measures (SCM, previously referred to as best management
practices) as detailed in the most recent version of the North Carolina Department of Transportation
Stormwater Best Management Practices Tool box manual, such as grassed swales, 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,
avoidance and minimization of impacts to wetlands, buffers, and streams must be demonstrated 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 one acre to wetlands. If 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.
4. In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules (15A NCAC 2H.0506[h]), mitigation
will be required for impacts of greater than 300 linear feet to any perennial stream. If 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.
5. 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.
6. The NCDWR is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project. These
concerns shall be addressed by describing the potential impacts that may occur to the aquatic environments and
any mitigating factors that would reduce the impacts.
7. 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 10, 2004.
8. 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.
9. 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 culverts 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, bridge bents should
not be installed within the creek, to the malcimum extent practicable.
10. 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.
11. 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 recent version of the North Carolina Department of
Transportation Stormwater Best Management Practices Toolbox manual for approved measures.
12. Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands or streams.
13. 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 401 Water Quality Certification and could precipitate
compensatory mitigation.
14. The 401 Water Quality Certification application will need to specifically address the proposed methods for
stormwater management. More specifically, stormwater shall not be permitted to discharge directly into
streams, buffers, or surface waters.
15. 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.
16. 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
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.
17. Unless otherwise authorized, placement of culverts and other structures 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 structures including temporary erosion
control measures shall not be conducted in a manner that may result in dis-equilibrium of wetlands ar
streambeds or banks, adj acent to or upstream and downstream of the above structures. 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 deternune whether or not a pernut modification
will be required.
18. 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. 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.
19. If foundation test borings are necessary; it shall be noted in the document. Geotechnical work is approved under
Genera1401 Certification Number 4132/Nationwide Permit No. 6 for Survey Activities.

20. 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.
21. All work in or adjacent to stream waters shall be conducted in a dry work area. Approved SCMs 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 flowing water.
22. 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.
23. 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 shall be
inspected daily and maintained to prevent contamination of surface waters from leaking fuels, lubricants,
hydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials.
24. 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.
25. 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 proj ect by the end of the growing season
following completion of construction.
Thank you for requesting our input. The 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 April Norton at auril.norton(c�ncdenr. o�v.
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
�4-p.�;C �/'e.,��,
03BAC6376A6340D...
Electronic copy only distribution:
David Bailey, US Army Corps of Engineers, Raleigh Field Office
File Copy