DWR Comments_U-6077_signed

Environ�nen tal
Quality
May 1, 2018
MEMORANDUM
To:
From:
Connie Jaines, PE, NCDOT Division 9
ROY COOPER
Gnrcr�ror
MiCHAEL S. REGAN
5���,re�u, �
LiNDA CULPEPPER
ln�eri�rr Di�z�cloi'
Dave Wanucha, NC Division of Water Resources, Winston Salem Regional Ofifiice bJ�'May,,zo,a
Subject: Scoping comments for widei�ing of SR 4315 (Kernersville Road) from SR 2632 (Sedge Garden Road) to Harmon
Creek Road; STIP U-6077.
Reference your correspondeilee d��ited April 25, 2018 in which comments were reqL�ested for the above referenced project.
Preliminary ��nalysis ofi the proje�ets reveals the potential for multiple impacts ro streams and jurisdictional wetlands in the project
area. More specifieally, poteiltial imp3cts to:
Stream Name River Basin Stream Stream Index 303(d) Listing
Classification(s) Number
Smith Creek Yadkin Pee Dee WS-iTI 12-94-12-2-I No
Fishers Branch Yadlcin Pee Dee WS-IT[ 12-94-12-2-2-(I) No
Further investigatio��s at a hiaher resolu[ion should be undertaken to verify t11e presence ofi od�er sh-eams and/or jurisdictional
wetlands in tl�e area. If any jurisdictional �re�as are� identified, the Division of WaYer Resoiu�ces requesCs that NCDOT consider
the following environmental issues for the proposed project:
General Project Comments:
1. The environi�ental document should provide a detailed and itemized presentatioi� of the proposed impacts to wetl�inds and
streams with eorresponding mapping.
2. Enviroumeutal iinpact statemenC alCernatives shall consicler desi�n criteria that reduce tlle impacts to sh•eams ancl weClands
from storm water runoff. These alternatives shall ii�clude road desigus thaY allow for treatment of Che storm water runoff
tlu•ough best management practices as detailed in the most recent velsion of the North Cnrolina De��artmer�t of
Trc�nsportation Stori�lr��ater Best Managen�erTt Prnctices Tool box manual, such as grassed swales, bu�ffer areas, preformed
scom- holes, retention basins, etc.
3. In accordance with the Environmental Management Cornmission's Rules (15A NCAC 2H.0506[h]), mitigation wil) be
required for impacts of breater than 300 linear feet to any perennial stream. In the event that mitigation is required, the
imiti�ation plan shall be designed to replace appropriate lost functions and values. The North Carolina Division of
Miti�ation Services may be available for assistai�ce with stream mitigation.
4. The NCDWR is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from CIIis project. The 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.
5. The NCDOT is respectfully reminded that all impacts, including but not limited to, bridging, fill, excavatiou and clearing,
and rip rap to jurisdictional wetlands, streaTns, and riparian buffers need to be included in the fiinal impact calculations.
These impacts, in addition to any construction impacts, tempora�y or otherwise, also need to be included as part of the 401
Water Quality Certification Application.
Statc of North Carolina I Environmental Quality
1617 Mail Service Center I Raleiah, Norlh Carolina 27699-1617

6. 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. To meet the requirements of NCDOT's NPDES pernut NCS000250 please refer to the most recent version of the
North Carolina Department of Transportation Stormwater Best Management Practices Toolbox manual for approved
measures.
7. Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands or streams.
8. 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.
9. 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 or surface waters.
10. Based on the information presented in the document, the magnitude of impacts to wetlands and streams may require a
Nationwide (NW) permit application to the Corps of Engineers and corresponding 401 Water Quality Certification.
Please be advised that a 401 Water Quality Certification requires satisfactory protection of water quality to ensure that
water quality standards are met and no wetland or stream uses are lost. Final permit authorization will require the
submittal of a formal application by the NCDOT and written concurrence from the NCDWR. Please be aware that any
approval will be contingent on appropriate avoidance and minimization of wetland and stream impacts to the maximum
extent practical, the development of an acceptable stormwater management plan, and the inclusion of appropriate
mitigation plans where appropriate.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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 far 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 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 determine whether or not a permit
modification will be required.
14. 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.
15. If foundation test borings are necessary; it shall be noted in the document. Geotechnical work is approved under General
401 Certification Number 3883/Nationwide Permit No. 6 for Survey Activities.

16. 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.
17. All work in or adjacent to stream waters shall be conducted in a dry work area. Approved BMP measures 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.
18. 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 pernut approval.
19. 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.
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.
21. Riparian vegetation (native trees and shrubs) shall be preserved to the ma;cimum extent possible. Riparian vegetation must
be reestablished within the construction limits of the project by the end of the growing season following completion of
construction.
Thank you for requesting our input at this time. The 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 Dave Wanucha at [phone]
or [e-mail].
Electronic copy only distribution:
Bryan Roden-Reynolds, US Army Corps of Engineers, Charlotte Field Office
File Copy