R-5814 Agency Meeting Summary

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ENGINEERS + CONSULTANTS
MEETING NOTES
To: Meeting Participants
From: Colista Freeman, P.E., CALYX Engineers and Consultants
Date: May 3, 2018
6750 Tryon Road
Cary, NC 27518
P: 919.836.4800
F: 919.851.1918
CALYXengineers.com
Summary of R-5814 Agency Meeting; US 258 from approximately 0.5 mile south
Subject: of SR 1101 (Browntown Road) to NC 148 (C.F. Harvey Parl<way), Widen to multi-
lanes, Greene and Lenoir Counties.
An Agency Meeting was held for the subject project on March 20, 2018, in the NCDOT
Division 2 Project Development Conference Room. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss
the project background and scope of work. Meeting participants are listed below. A summary
of the meeting follows.
MEETING PARTICIPANTS
Tom Steffens US Army Corps of Engineers
Garcy Ward NC Division of Water Resources
Travis Wilson NC Wildlife Resources Commission (via phone)
Rachelle Beauregard NCDOT Division 2
Jeff Cabaniss NCDOT Division 2
Bill Kincannon NCDOT Division 2(via phone)
Colista Freeman CALYX Engineers and Consultants
Jennifer Harrod CALYX Engineers and Consultants (via phone)
Eric Midkiff CALYX Engineers and Consultants
MEETING SUMMARY
Rachelle Beauregard opened the meeting with a welcome and introductions. Each participant
was provided with an updated Project Data Sheet. Colista Freeman then began the project
presentation with an overview of the project. R-5814 intends to widen US 258 to a four-lane
median divided facility between the existing three-lane section south of Browntown Road in
Greene County and C.F. Harvey Parkway in Lenoir County. The project is state-funded, and the
environmental document is expected to be completed as a combined State Environmental
Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact (SEA/FONSI), which is scheduled to be
completed in 2019. The current State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) includes:
• $15,700,000 for right-of-way in 2023
• $1,800,000 for utilities
• $29,500,000 for construction in 2025
US 258 is currently a two-lane undivided roadway with a posted speed limit ranging 45-55
miles per hour and no access control. The roadway is identified as a hurricane evacuation route
by the Lenoir County Emergency Services Department. There is one major structure along this
section of US 258 — a double 10x7 reinforced concrete box culvert over Wheat Swamp Creel<.

R-5814 Agency Meeting
March 20, 2018
According to the project-level trafFic forecast for R-5814, 2017 traffic volumes along US 258
ranged from 5,500 vehicles per day (vpd) just south of Browntown Road to 10,600 vpd near
C.F. Harvey Parkway. The forecast estimates traffic volumes will increase to between 7,400 and
12,600 vpd by 2040.
US 258 improvements are included in multiple long-range planning documents:
• The 2011 Kinston Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) recommends that US 258 be
widened to a four-lane divided access-controlled facility from the proposed Global
TransPark (GTP) Northern Loop to NC 148 (C.F. Harvey Parkway). A wider US 258 would
serve as the western leg of a potential NC Global TransPark loop facility.
• The 2012 Greene County CTP lists US 258 south of Snow Hill as approaching capacity by
2035. It recommends that US 258 be upgraded to a four-lane median divided expressway.
• The 2001 Lenoir County Future Land Use Plan includes the widening of US 258 from
Kinston to Wilson (with a bypass at Snow Hill). The area west of US 258 is identified as a
"Community growth area", which designates it as one of Lenoir County's most intensive
future development areas. Future development may include residential, commercial, and
industrial facilities.
• The upgrade of US 258 to a four-lane median divided expressway between Lenoir County
and the proposed US 258 Bypass is included in the 2013 Snow Hill Comprehensive Plan.
• While the 2015 Kinston Land Use Plan does not specifically address US 258 improvements
north of the city limits, it expresses support for recommended improvements in the 2011
Kinston CTP. It also emphasizes the importance of the GTP to the area.
Comments
Tom Steffens commented in the meeting that a 2001 plan would no longer be relevant and
should not be referenced. It was later noted that Lenoir County re-adopted the plan in
2016.
- Jeff Cabaniss noted that the Lenoir County CTP is currently in development.
There are two other STIP projects near R-5814:
• U-3618: Carey Road Extension — Construct multi-lanes on new location from SR 1572
(Rouse Road) to US 258. (R/W: 2019. Construction: 2020)
• R-5703: NC 148 Extension - Construct multi-lane facility on new location from NC 58 to
NC 11. (R/W: In Progress. Construction: 2017)
Ms. Freeman then shared the draft Purpose and Need for the project:
Need: US 258 is expected to be a major shipping route for truck freight as manufacturing at
the GTP grows. US 258 also provides regional connectivity between Lenoir County, Greene
County, and Pitt County. Due to the presence of inedical facilities, employment
opportunities, and shopping, Greenville is a major destination for Greene and Lenoir
County residents. Additionally, the crash rates along US 258 between C.F. Harvey Parkway
and Browntown Road are higher than the statewide averages for rural U.S. routes for all
crash categories. The table below shows the comparison of crash rates.
2

Crash Rates (per 100 million vehicle miles of travel)
US 258 (2012-2017)
NorkC� Carolina Rural
W.S. Rou#es (2�Q�3-2015j
To�al Faial
166.5� 1.49
1Q9.01 1.1Q
Non-Faial Inj�ury
52.0�
3m.92
R-5814 Agency Meeting
March 20, 2018
We� Night
32.7�. 63,9�
Z1.86 39.7�
• Purpose: The purpose of the project is to improve regional connectivity for passenger
vehicles and truck freight, as well as to improve safety for the traveling public.
Comments
- Mr. Steffens asl<ed that the crash data be revised to clarify that the rural U.S. route
comparison data is specific to North Carolina. The table above has been revised to show
the data is for North Carolina.
Mr. Steffens also suggested that safety and the crash data be listed first in the project
purpose and need. The Purpose Statement will be revised as follows: The purpose of the
project is to improve safety for the traveling public, as well as to improve regional
connectivity for passenger vehicles and trucl< freight. The Need Statement will be revised
as follows: The crash rates along US 258 between C.F. Harvey Parkway and Browntown
Road are higher than the N.C. statewide averages for rural U.S. routes for all crash
categories. Additionally, US 258 is expected to be a major shipping route for truck freight
as manufacturing at the GTP grows. US 258 also provides regional connectivity between
Lenoir County, Greene County, and Pitt County. Due to the presence of inedical facilities,
employment opportunities, and shopping, Greenville is a major destination for Greene and
Lenoir County residents.
- Travis Wilson expressed concern about crashes along US 258. He would like to see a
breakdown of crash types. He stated that if animal crashes are prevalent, wildlife crossings
might be needed. (Update: The project team will further analyze US 258 crash data and
investigate crash mitigation options. Additional crash information will be incorporated into
the Purpose and Need.)
- Mr. Wilson asked why the project stops south of Browntown Road rather than continuing
north to Snow Hill. Eric Midkiff responded that the project will tie into the existing three-
lane section south of Browntown Road. Bill Kincannon added that the termini were
determined by the Eastern Carolina Rural Planning Organization (RPO) when they
submitted the project for prioritization. They also submitted a separate widening project
that continues northward along US 258 into Snow Hill. Mr. Midkiff stated that traffic
volumes gradually decrease as you go northward along US 258, and there is not enough
traffic north of Browntown Road to currently justify widening. Mr. Steffens agreed with Mr.
Wilson that logical termini should be discussed in the environmental document.
Ms. Freeman continued the presentation with discussion of notable environmental features in
the study area.
• This section of US 258 is a mix of agricultural, residential, and commercial uses.

R-5814 Agency Meeting
March 20, 2018
• Wheat Swamp Creek forms the border between Greene and Lenoir Counties, and is the
location of the only major hydraulic structure on the project.
• A conservation easement is located on the east side of US 258, immediately south of
Wheat Swamp Creek. This easement is part of the Conservation Reserve Enhancement
Program (CREP) by the USDA and NC Soil and Water Conservation. A CREP conservation
easement is a written agreement between a landowner and the state of North Carolina in
which there is an acquired interest in the land to install conservation practices that protect
natural resources. The conservation easement exists for 10, 15, or 30 years or permanently,
depending on the landowner's choice. With CREP, the landowner voluntarily limits future
use of the land for activities such as crop farming and development, yet retains private
ownership.
• It has been determined there are no historic architectural resources. Archaeological surveys
are currently in progress for a number of locations within the project study area. (Update:
The archaeological survey report was completed March 22, 2018. There are no eligible
sites present in the study area.)
• 5 geoenvironmental sites have been identified in the study area based on a corridor study
from EDR.
• Within the study corridor there are:
o Approximately 3.6 acres of wetlands
0 10 streams (estimated 6,458 linear feet)
0 1 tributary water of the US
0 2 ponds
o Approximately 97 acres of agricultural fields
The estimates are based on the study area corridor. Actual impacts will likely be lower for
most resources.
• Some streams in the area are subject to the Neuse River BufFer Rules.
• Suitable habitat for red cockaded woodpecker is in the project area. Surveys of the habitat
were conducted March 9. No cavity trees or pines 60 years or older were observed.
Agency representatives were given an opportunity to share additional comments or questions
related to the project.
USACE
- Mr. Steffens recommended determining the exact limits of the conservation easement in
order to clarify impacts.
- Mr. Steffens asked if any grade separations or service roads would be part of the project.
The project team responded that neither would be included.
- Mr. Steffens asked for clarification of the limited access as proposed for the project. The
project team stated that left turns will be limited to median breaks, and each property
would be allowed one US 258 access point.
- Mr. Steffens asked if there will be relocations. Mr. Kincannon indicated that relocations will
be minimized as much as possible by utilizing a"best-fit" design.
- Mr. Steffens stated that a USACE Individual Permit will likely be required for the project,
unless wetland impacts can be reduced to less than one acre.
4

R-5814 Agency Meeting
March 20, 2018
NCDWR
- Garcy Ward stated that any feature shown as a blue line on USGS maps is subject to buffer
ru I es.
- Mr. Ward commented that an official stream determination of perennial versus intermittent
is valid for five years. He added that no mitigation is required for intermittent streams.
NCWRC
- Mr. Wilson reiterated his previous comments regarding crash data and logical termini.
WRITTEN AGENCY COMMENTS
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) — No project concerns.
- N.C. Department of Public Safety — No project concerns.
- N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation — No project objections.
- N.C. Natural Heritage Program
o No documented element occurrences or natural areas within the project area.
o A Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Easement is located in the project area.
The landowner should be contacted directly for additional information.
o One element occurrence (Coppery emerald dragonfly/damselfly) documented within a
one-mile radius of the project area.
o No natural areas within a one-mile radius of the project area.
o Four managed areas within a one-mile radius of the project area. (NCDOT mitigation
site, CREP easement, Cunningham Research Station, Dobbs Youth Development
Center)
N.C. Division of Waste Management
o Superfund Section: Two superfund sites within one mile of the project area, but outside
of the study area boundary (Dobbs Farm Dump, Everett Garbage Service Dump). Site
files should be reviewed to ensure that appropriate precautions are incorporated into
any construction activities that encounter potentially contaminated soil or groundwater.
o Solid Waste Section: No adverse impact on the surrounding community and no known
situations in the community that would affect the project. Recommends that during
demolition, clearing, and construction, effort should be made to minimize the
generation of waste, recycle materials for which viable markets exist, and use recycled
products and materials where suitable. Any waste generated by the project that cannot
be beneficially reused or recycled must be disposed of at a solid waste management
facility permitted by the Division of Waste Management. Recommends that NCDOT
require all contractors to provide proof of proper disposal.
o Hazardous Waste Section: No objection to the project. Any hazardous waste generated
must be managed in accordance with the N.C. Hazardous Waste Rules.
o UST Section: No adverse impact to groundwater is expected from the project. One
Underground Storage Tank (UST) site and two non-UST sites are located within or near
the project area (all located in the area of NC 258 and C.F. Harvey Parkway). Removal of
any abandoned or out-of-use petroleum USTs or petroleum above ground storage
tanks (ASTs) within the project area is recommended. Any petroleum USTs or ASTs
must be installed and maintained in accordance with applicable regulations. Any
petroleum spills must be contained and the area of impact must be properly restored.
5

R-5814 Agency Meeting
March 20, 2018
Any soils excavated during demolition or construction that show evidence of petroleum
contamination must be reported immediately to the local fire marshal and the UST
Section.
- N.C. Division of Environmental Quality
o Sedimentation and erosion control must be addressed in accordance with NCDOT's
approved program. Particular attention should be given to design and installation of
appropriate perimeter sediment trapping devices as well as stable stormwater
conveyances and outlets.
o If existing water lines will be relocated during construction, plans for water line
relocation must be submitted to the Public Water Supply Section.
- Greene County Emergency Services — Greene County ambulances frequently travel US 258
to Lenoir Memorial Hospital, and construction will have an impact on transporting critical
patients to the emergency room in a timely manner. Concern was also expressed that law
enforcement and fire emergency response to areas along US 258 (especially subdivisions)
would be affected. Emergency median access points are requested.
Ms. Freeman noted that the next several steps for the project will focus on finalizing the
purpose and need, developing alternative concepts, and conducting a public meeting in the
summer. Mr. Wilson then exited the meeting.
The focus of the meeting then shifted to a more detailed review of streams and wetlands in
order to determine whether or not the project should follow the Merger Process. Meeting
participants were provided with figures and a data table of streams and wetlands within the
project area. Each jurisdictional feature was reviewed and comments noted, as follows.
• Mr. Ward stated that ponds located in natural drainage ways are subject to buffer rules.
• Jennifer Harrod noted that biologists were unable to locate the source of stream SL
(Figure 4B) during field investigations.
• Mr. Ward asked why streams SD, SE, and SL are shown in the table as not being subject to
buffer rules. Ms. Harrod stated that she would review those streams and determine if they
should be subject. (Update: The table has been updated since the PDJ field visit and is
attached.)
• It was noted that wetlands WG, WD, WC, and WE, and streams SG and SD will be well
outside of the project construction limits and are not expected to be impacted.
• Meeting participants agreed that the project is not a Merger candidate at this time. The
project team will follow up with the USFWS and NCWRC for their input regarding Merger
eligibility. (Update: An email was sent to WRC and USFWS asking for their input. Both
agencies indicated they agree with keeping the project out of Merger.)
• A Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination (PJD) field visit is scheduled for March 28, 2018.
USACE, NCDWR, NCDOT, and CALYX will participate. (Update: PJD visit occurred
3/28/18. PJD packet is currently being revised.)
CORRECTIONS & OMISSIONS: This summary is the writer's interpretation of the events,
discussions, and transactions that took place during the meeting. If there are any additions
and/or corrections, please inform the author in writing within seven (7) days.
0

Jurisdictional Characteristics of Water Resources in the Study Area
Map ID Stream Name Length (ft.) Classification
SB UT to Wheat Swamp Creek 1048 Perennial
SC UT to Wheat Swamp Creek 448 Perennial
SD UT to Gum Swamp Creek 359 Perennial
SE UT to Gum Swamp Creek 2�8 Perennial
734 Intermittent
SG UT to Gum Swamp Creek 544 Perennial
SH UT to Gum Swamp Creek 141 Perennial
277 Intermittent
SI UT to Gum Swamp Creek 251 Perennial
Wheat Swamp Wheat Swamp Creek 934 Perennial
C k
ree
SL
SM
SN
UT to Wheat Swamp Creek
UT to Wheat Swamp Creek
UT to Wheat Swamp Creek
Total
266 Intermittent
476 Perennial
148 Intermittent
5,904
1,421 linear feet of Tributary Waters of US (TribWoUS)
Jurisdictional Characteristics of Wetlands in the Study Area
Map ID NCWAM Classification Hydrologic Classification
WC Non-Tidal Freshwater Marsh Riparian
WD Non-Tidal Freshwater Marsh Riparian
WE Non-Tidal Freshwater Marsh Non-Riparian
WF Non-Tidal Freshwater Marsh Non-Riparian
WG Non-Tidal Freshwater Marsh Riparian
WI Riverine Swamp Forest Riparian
WJ Non-Tidal Freshwater Marsh Riparian
WK Non-Tidal Freshwater Marsh Riparian
DWR Stream
Form Score
32
30
31.5
33.5
29
31
32
29
31.5
38.5
25.5
30.5
25.5
Compensatory
Mitigation Required
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
NCDWQ Wetland
Rating
40
24
24
40
77
58
32
40
Total
Yes
No
Yes
No
Area (ac.)
0.09
0.01
0.05
0.01
1.75
1.57
0.10
0.79
4.37
River Basin
Buffer
Subject
Subject
Not Subject
Subject
Not Subject
Subject
Subject
Subject
Subject
Not Subject
Subject
Subject
Bank
Hei ht ft
6-8*
4-6
0.5-1.5
3.0-5.0
0.5-3.0
2-3
4-6
4-6
3-4
5-10
0.5-2.0
3-4
2-3
Bankful
Width ft
4-6
2-4
0.50-4.0
3-5
3-5
3-4
4-6
4-6
3-4
10-25
1-2
2-3
1-2
Water
Depth in
6-12
8-15
6-12
6-8
6-8
6-12
6-12
6-12
2-4
12-48
�
�
�
Channel
Substrate
Sand
Sand,Cobble
Sand
Sand,Gravel
Sand,Gravel
Sand
Clarity
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Turbid
Sand Slightly Turbid
Sand Clear
Sand Turbid
Sand Clear
Sand Clear
Sand Slightly Turbid