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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20090157 Ver 1_More Info Letter_20090512SEGO Southern Environmental Group, Inc. 5315 South College Road, Suite E Wilmington, North Carolina 28412 910.452.2711 (office) • 910.452.2899 (fax) Date: 07 May 2009 To: Mr. Ian McMillan Of: DWQ Attached you will find:* Mq y ?? A SEGi Project #: 04-202.01St'' iry 1 " O + 5 'J Client Name: Mr. William H. Smith DWQ Project #: 09-0157 Transmittal Letter ? Proposal ? Sketch(es) ? Permit ? Signed Wetland Map ? Photo(s) ? JD Package ? Report(s) ? Plans ? Information Request ® Other Copies Dated Description 5 05/07/09 Response letter to the DWQ's request for additional information These are being delivered: *If noted items are NOT attached, please contact our office. ? For your Review/Comment ® For your Records ? Returned for Correction(s) ? Corrected and Returned ? For your Signature ? As Requested ? Other: By: ® Hand Delivery ? Fed-Ex ? UPS ? Regular Mail ? Other Notes: Ian: Attached are five copies of SEGi's response package to the DWQ's request for additional information. Please review the attached documentation and let me know if you will need anything further in order to continue with the processing of this permit, or if you have any questions or concerns with the information provided. Thank you for your time and consideration. Signature and (Typed) Name: 4w?a?LD40- Amanda L. Kolb Date: 05/07/09 Soutkern Environmental 6rou D P 5515 Soutk College Road, Suite F - Wilmington, Nortk Carolina 28+12- 910-+52-2711 - Fax. 910.452.2899 www.segws 07 May 2009 United States Postal Service N.C. Division of Water Quality Wilmington Regional Office Attn: Mr. Chad Coburn 127 Cardinal Drive Extension Wilmington, NC 28405 Re: 421 Truck Stop Expansion Project Wilmington, New Hanover County Response to Additional Information Request DWQ Project #: 09-0157 office@segi.us [SEGi Project #: 04-202.011 Dear Mr. Coburn: This letter is in reference to the proposed expansion of an existing truck stop facility, located at 1610 US Highway 421 North in Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina. Southern Environmental Group, Inc. (SEGi) has been retained by Mr. William H. Smith, the Applicant, to address concerns listed within a letter received from the Division of Water Quality (DWQ), dated 16Apri12009. Please see below: This site was previously permitted for 0.21 acres of 404 impacts but as indicated in the application packet, considerably more impacts were constructed than approved. Provide an accurate description of the cumulative impacts to jurisdictional waters for this site. This includes impacts previously permitted under section 404 of the Clean Water Act and proposed impacts for the present expansion. Based off information that was obtained from a file review at the United States Army Corps of Engineer's office, it appears that approximately one acre of wetlands was erroneously filled by the Worlsey Company in 1991. The Worsley Company was issued a cease and desist letter, to which they did not adhere. Subsequently, the Corps sought legal recourse against the Worsley Company. The case was presented to the United State District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina Wilmington Division (Case No. 93-15-CIV-7-F). A Consent Order and Judgment was issued, which, among other conditions, required the Worsley Company restore 0.11 acre of the impacted wetlands on the subject parcel. 21s 5EGi The file review, unfortunately, did not provide a concrete, overall impact tabulation of fill the Worsley Company placed on-site. It is SEGN assertion, based on the information available, that the overall impact acreage associated with the Worsley Company's filling of the subject parcel totaled approximately 0.89 acre of fill (the approximate 1 acre of unauthorized fill, minus the 0.11 acre the Worsley Company was required to restore, totals approximately 0.89 acre of overall fill at the site). The proposed expansion will require the filling of 0.72 acre of wetlands. Combining the previous fill acreage with the proposed fill acreage provides an approximate cumulative impact total of 1.61 acres of fill. You do not appear to have avoided and minimized to the greatest extent practicable. Please explain why buildings and/or parking areas may not be eliminated, reduced in size, or reconfigured to reduce wetland impacts. Also, provide additional information as to the alternative off sites looked at and detail the criteria reviewed and why other sites were deemed unsuitable for this project. Please refer to the previously submitted Attachment 2, Pages 12 - 14 of the "Supplemental Documentation", the section entitled "Alternatives", for discussions on alternative designs and options that were considered during the design phase of this project (an additional copy of the submitted Attachment 2 has been included in this response package as Attachment A). Alternative designs that were considered, and rejected, include: the "no action" alternative (also considered avoidance); the "other project designs" alternative; the "other project locations" alternative; and, minimization. These alternatives are further discussed in Attachment A. Eliminating the proposed parking area would essentially negate the purpose of this project, which is to expand an existing facility. The expansion of the parking area is necessary to accommodate the influx in traffic associated with the completion of the Isabelle Holmes Bridge and increased use of the truck stop facility by patrons. In addition, the proposed parking area will supplement those parking spots that will be lost by the inclusion of an additional fuel canopy and fuel cells. Reducing the size of the proposed parking area in not a viable option, as the proposed parking area must be of adequate size to accommodate tractor- trailers, as well as compact vehicles. A reconfiguration of the proposed parking area is not feasible, for the same reason a reduction in size of the parking area is not possible - one must take V5 SEGO into account the size and length of the vehicles that will be utilizing this facility, as well as the turning radii of tractor-trailers. A reconfiguration of the proposed layout would not allow for as many additional parking spaces for tractor-trailers as the current configuration. As far as acquisitioning an adjacent property, please refer to Attachment B of this document, titled "Adjacent Properties". Utilizing New Hanover County's GIS system, SEGi obtained GIS information on the subject parcel, and subsequently overlayed the "wetland" layer. The attached will demonstrate that, outside of the uplands on which the convenience store was constructed, there are no uplands in the general vicinity of the subject parcel. As is evident on Attachment B, there are no areas in the immediate vicinity on which the Applicant could construct a parking area for his truck stop, that would result in less impacts than what is currently proposed. Therefore, the acquisition of any adjacent property for use as a parking area is not a viable option. Building on an adjacent parcel would most likely result in the same amount, if not exceed what is proposed in the current design, of wetland impacts. Should the Applicant be required to construct his new parking area on a nearby parcel, he would have to incorporate a footpath through the wetlands, leading to the truck stop, that could potentially constitute an additional wetland impact. Without the footpath, patrons would be required to walk along the shoulder of US Highway 421 North, which could be considered unsafe. The Applicant's stated project purpose is to expand an existing facility, in order to accommodate a significant increase in traffic utilizing the NC Highway 133, US Highway 421 and the US Highway 17 corridor, which supports the general north/south and east/west flow of traffic through the region. The construction of a parking area on a different parcel, other than the proposed subject parcel, would not meet the Applicant's stated purpose and need. The design of the project as proposed has not demonstrated that there is no practical alternative that would avoid or result in less adverse impacts to surface waters in accordance with NC Administrative Code 15A NCAC 2H .0506. Specifically, a lack of practical alternatives have not been shown by demonstrating that, considering the potential for a reduction in size, configuration or density of the proposed activity and all alternative designs, the basic project purpose cannot be practically accomplished in a manner which would avoid or result in less adverse impacts to surface waters. It is strongly recommended that you select an alternative design that avoids the wetlands or significantly reduces the impacts on the subject property. ,, SEGO Again, SEGi requests that the DWQ refer to the previously submitted Attachment 2 (provided herein as Attachment A), "Supplemental Documentation," Pages 12-14, entitled "Alternatives". Alternate designs and locations were discussed in the submitted Supplemental Documentation, and the reasonings behind the rejection of those options were also addressed. Some of the options discussed in the previously submitted document include: attempting to construct a pile-supported parking area; restructuring the proposed layout for the expansion project; and, the consideration of additional locations. These alternatives were rejected for a variety of reasons, therefore, the Applicant suggests that, "There is no reasonable or prudent alternate design or location for the project that would avoid the losses to be mitigated." On a site where the remainder of the property has been verified as being a wetland, it is impossible to construct the proposed project on the subject parcel without resulting in a wetland impact. The Applicant has taken every measure possible to avoid and minimize impacts where practicable. Minimization has been demonstrated in that the Applicant is proposing to incorporate a concrete retaining wall as a form of stabilization for the proposed fill material, thereby eliminating the need for additional wetland impacts that would have been associated with side slopes. Also, the 0.70 acre of fill requested is the minimum amount needed in order to accommodate parking for tractor-trailers. The Applicant is proposing to create nine parking spaces, each 80 feet in length, as the average length of a tractor- trailer is somewhere between 70 and 80 feet. In addition, the size of the requested parking expansion accounts for the large turning radii associated with tractor-trailers. The Applicant believes that the proposed project can be considered an "exceptional development". The Applicant feels the project has been "sensitively designed to be in harmony with the sites natural features and natural functions, and provides a balance with the highest and best use of the property." The Applicant's project, as proposed, minimizes erosion, runoff and siltation (by the utilization of stormwater BMPs); minimizes impervious surfaces impacts and protects estuarine resources (as demonstrated by the Applicant's attempts at avoidance and minimization, as well as the consideration of other alternatives, and the implementation of the stormwater BMPs); the project does not interfere with access to or use of navigable waters; does not require extraordinary public expenditures for maintenance; there will be no ground absorption of sewage systems, as the site has its own WWTP; and, no historic, architectural or archaeological resources will be impacted by this project. 515 SEGO Include the location of utilities to show that additional wetland impacts will not be required. The majority of utilities on-site were installed when the truck stop was originally constructed in 1991. The proposed expansion of the parking area will require the installation of an additional power line, which will provide power to the proposed stormwater pumps. The new conduit will run from the existing building, underground, to the proposed stormwater structures' pumps. Additional wetland impacts are not anticipated with the installation of the power line, as the utility will be installed within the new parking area, which has already been requested as a wetland impact. Attachment C, "Utilities Drawing", is attached herein for reference. The areas highlighted in pink depict the location of the proposed stormwater pumps and also show the extent that the utilities will infiltrate the new parking area. As is evident on the attached drawing, no additional wetland impacts will be associated with the installation of any utilities. For clarification of the statements mentioned above, please refer to the following documentation attached to this correspondence: A. Supplemental Documentation to Individual Permit B. "Adjacent Properties" (taken from New Hanover County GIS) C. Utilities Drawing It is SEGi's sincere hope that the submittal of the responses above, and the documentation attached, will satisfy the concerns listed within the Division of Water Quality's Request for Additional Information. If you have any remaining questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me via telephone at 910.452.2711, or email, at amanda(a,se i.us. Thank you for your time and consideration with regard to this project. Sincerely, _A-Yv\WJD,-_) " Amanda L. Kolb Environmental Consultant Enclosures: (3) cc: Mr. Ian McMillan (DWQ) Ms. Emily Hughes (USACE) Ake ac ?nw?e?n? Al 5outkern Envi'ronmental Group, 5315 South College Koacljuite E- • Wilmington, 'k4)- 10.-+52-271 North Carolina 28412 1 Fax: 910.452.2899 www.segi.us sr ?kV y Supplemental Documentation to the Individual Permit Application for the Truck Stop Expansion January 22, 2009 Applicant Mr. William H. Smith 115 Linden Drive Danville, VA 24551 Agent Southern Environmental Group, Inc. 5315 South College Road, Suite E Wilmington, North Carolina 28412 910.452.2711 (Office) 910.452.2899 (Facsimile) 421 Truck 5top IF [2/2 11 sr GO Section ; F ?.. v Page Location - 3 Existing Conditions and Project Eistory 1 1 4 Wetland Systems i 7 Project Description 8 Sequence of Events 10 Purpose and Need ,: 10 _. ,1.._..i ..... .{^d i:.-p ...e.+YP? .... .::.. .a.;, :-_ x. .... .av ..5.... w.nz...r-.a.nr- Alternatives 12 No Action _ . _ . , 12 Other Project Designs 12 Otfier Project Locations . ?,,., a .z -= ?.., ,+?. ;_? , 12 I Minimization d 12, Proposed- Compensatory Mitigation 13 Payment to NC EEP 13 Preservation of Remaining On-site Wetlands 16 Adjacent Property Owners 20 Other Authorizations Figures 21 421 Truck jtop IP [5/21] Location 5F-G1 The proposed project is located at 1610 US Highway 421 North in Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina (34.2530°N, -77.9565°W). To access the site, cross over the Isabelle S. Holmes Bridge (Hwys. 133 & 117) out of Wilmington. Take a right at the first stoplight (US 421 N). Take an immediate right into the parking lot of the subject parcel, the Scotchman #303 Dixie Boy Truck Stop. The subject parcel is comprised of approximately 3.15 acres. The wetlands on the subject property are considered contiguous with the Northeast Cape Fear River, though the site itself does not abut the waterbody. The eastern property boundary is approximately 520 feet from the nearest branch of the Northeast Cape Fear River. Ms. Jennifer Frye (former USACE Field Representative for New Hanover County) visited the site, and verified the wetland line on 31 August 2004 (Action ID Number: SAW-2004-1149-064). The original wetland boundary survey, provided to the Corps, showed 1.025 acres of wetlands on the property (see Attachment 7). A topographic survey was needed, as the wetland boundary survey provided to the engineer did not have any topographic shots for the existing site. When the new surveyor created his topographic survey, he also recalculated the on-site wetlands and determined there were actually 0.91 acre of riparian wetland on the subject parcel (see Attachment 8). It appears that the first survey referred to an existing 0.115 acre unused stormwater retention feature as wetlands, when 421 Truck jtop IF [4/2 I ] SEGO it should not have been accounted for as such. Therefore, the total acreage of jurisdictional wetlands on the subject parcel was determined to be 0.91 acre (39,856 square feet). The property to the north and east is owned by Eagle Island LTD. The parcel to the south is owned by Holmesbridge LLC, and the property to the west of the subject parcel is owned by Mr. Robert L. Bryden and Ann Stapleton. Existing Conditions and Project History A truck stop already exists on the subject parcel and has been in use for approximately 18 years. The truck stop is owned by Mr. William H. Smith and managed by the Worsley Company (the Worsley Company is now owned by an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., a private investment firm, and the name "Worsley Company" was retained during that sale). The truck stop comes complete with a diesel canopy and a fuel canopy, both with their own set of pumps, a convenience store, an asphalt parking area, truck scales, and attendant features one would expect at a truck stop. Currently, the undeveloped portion of the property is comprised of 0.91 acres (39,856 square feet) of freshwater marsh wetlands, with a 0.115 acre existing stormwater retention feature found near the eastern property boundary. -7 7 2 r." - `• -?. . ? ? , ?-; ? ?• _ icy . Figure 2: Existing conditions at subject parcel. Unused stornnwater retention feature is visible along the northeastern property boundary. -1-21 Tru& Stop IP 5/21 ] ' sr-G, This site has a somewhat convoluted past. This parcel was once used for the purpose of an old automobile junkyard, which included old rusting automobiles, old batteries, old tires, etc. The Worsley Company cleaned up the debris and constructed the existing truck stop on the upland portion of the property in 1990. According to old court records (see Attachment 20), on 7 April 1987, Mr. Hugh Heine, the USACE New Hanover County Regulator at the time, made a site visit and discovered 0.13 acre of unauthorized fill material in two areas of the "standing water swamp" complex. At Mr. Heine's request, the Worsley Company removed the unauthorized fill material from the wetlands (on or around 28 May 1987). On 25 August 1987, a 404 permit application was submitted on behalf of the Worsley Company, by Catlin & Associates of Wilmington, North Carolina. The project was given an Action ID number of 198700517. The application requested permission to fill 0.21 acre of wetlands on- site, to allow for an access ramp. The application was retired on 30 November 1987, at the request of the Worsley Company, due to an insufficient compensatory mitigation offer. Sometime before 22 September 1988, the Worsley Company retained the services of Mr. Rob Moul and Land Management Group, to assist in performing a wetland delineation. Mr. Moul performed the delineation, which was verified by Mr. Heine sometime around 19 January 1989. Mr. Heine also verified the wetland boundary survey, performed by Brunswick Surveying, Inc. On 10 September 1991, a mitigation proposal was submitted on behalf of the Worsley Company, by Mr. Moul. As compensatory mitigation was the single lacking factor in the original application submittal, the inclusion of this document re-opened the file for the original application (requesting 0.21 acre of fill). The Corps issued the Worsley Company a 404 permit on 17 October 1991, to allow for the filling of 0.21 acre of wetlands (see Attachment 19). Mr. Michael Smith, the Corps' then-enforcement officer, performed a compliance inspection on 04 December 1991, in response to several telephone calls which reported wetland fill at the subject parcel. Mr. Smith's site visit showed the Worsley Company had filled approximately one acre of wetlands, well beyond the limits of the approved 0.21 acre request. The Worsley Company was given a cease and desist letter that day, requiring them to refrain from any work in waters or wetlands, until the matter got resolved. A site visit on 1 September 1992 showed that truck scales had been constructed and installed at the site, and that the unauthorized fill area had been paved. Both of those actions were in direct violation of the cease and desist order. At that time, the Corps decided to seek legal recourse. The case was presented to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina Wilmington Division (Case No. 93-15-CIV-7-F). The facts of the case were presented, and a Consent Order and Judgment was subsequently issued (see Attachment 26). The Consent Order and Judgment required the Worsley Company to restore 0.11 acre of the impacted wetlands on the subject parcel. Please note, the Order does allow for future permitting of the previously impacted area. The Order states: "Nothing herein shall be construed to 421 Truc? `jtop IF [6/21 ] Sr-6 1 prohibit the corporate defendant from applying for a Department of the Army permit to discharge dredged or fill material into the area after it has completed the restoration work..., or from discharging dredged or fill material into the area in strict compliance with any subsequently issued Department of the Army permit. In the event the corporate defendant applies for a Department of the Army permit to fill the area to be restored, in its review of such permit application, the Corps shall consider the value of the restored area to be its value prior to the performance of the work which was the subject of this action" (see Attachment 26). In addition to the restoration required on the subject parcel, the Worsely Company was required to establish 0.44 acre of wetlands on another property that exuded similar habitat and wetland features. After several property inspections, the ideal location was found. The mitigation property is located approximately 1/2-mile south of Jackey's Creek, along NC 133 in Brunswick County (see photograph below). The tract measures approximately 2.1 acres in size. While the property does not have a physical address, it has a Parcel Identification Number of 05900007. The property is now, and has been since 1994, owned by the Worsley Company (see Attachment 28). The final component of the Consent Order and Judgment was the assessment of a civil penalty to the Worsley Company. The Worsley Company was required to pay $25,000 (twenty-five thousand dollars) to the US Treasury. 421 Truck jtop IF [7/2 l ] 5r-6I Previous Corps' Action Identification Numbers associated with this site include 198700517 and 199103305 (see Attachment 19). The previously issued Stormwater Permit number is SW8- 900421 (see Attachment 20). Research indicates that the requirements associated with the Consent Order and Judgment were satisfied. As is evident in all of the attached documentation pertaining to the court case, the main defendant in this trial was the Worsley Company (the lessee), not Mr. Smith (the property owner, and subsequent Applicant for this individual permit). Mr. Smith did not have any prior knowledge that the Worsley Company would partake in the unauthorized filling of jurisdictional wetlands. Wetland Systems The wetland type within the project area may have once been classified as freshwater marsh. Currently, the entire wetland complex is comprised of a monotypic stand of Phragmites australis, an invasive species that appears to have taken over the entire wetland complex. The wetland area lacks a canopy and shrub layer. Freshwater marshes develop in sounds at the mouths of large rivers. These marshes are semi-permanently to permanently inundated or flooded - these wetlands develop where standing water is generally present throughout the year, so that trees cannot become established. Freshwater marshes are common in the outer coastal plain, and are valuable for storing water and protecting water quality. Their plants retain and filter sediments, thereby reducing pollutants. Freshwater marshes stabilize shorelines and prevent bank erosion and siltation. Freshwater marshes are not generally known for their rare species, though they do provide habitat for a number of common species. I Two soil types were mapped within the Soil Survey of New Hanover County, North Carolina (see Attachment 11). According to the mapped survey, the two types of soil are classified as Dorovan soils and Urban land: Dorovan soils are nearly level, poorly drained soils that are found in bays and long, broad areas of tidal and stream floodplains. These soils are frequently flooded for very long periods of time. The soils is known to subside if drained and tilled.'- Urban land is classified as areas where the original soil has been cut, filled graded or paved so that most of the soil properties have been altered to the extent that the soil series is not recognized. Areas that fall within the mapped areas of Urban land are primarily used as shopping centers, factories, buildings, apartments, etc. The soil is covered by pavement.' 1 A Field Guide to North Carolina Wetlands Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Management, January 1996. 2 Soil Survey of New Hanover County North Carolina United States Department of Agriculture, April 1977. 421 Truck Stop IF [8/21 ] 5EGi Mammals that would utilize this area for foraging habitat may include the raccoon and opossum. The water moccasin may frequent this area, as well as water snakes (Nerodia spp.), and yellow bellied sliders (Trachemys scripta). Snapping turtles may also be common. Avian species which may utilize this area include prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea), pileated wood pecker (Dryocopus pileatus), and barred owl (Stria varia), among other waterfowl. Project Description Due to the influx of traffic associated with the widening and refurbishment of the Isabelle S. Holmes Bridge, the continued work on the Wilmington by-pass, the lack of truck stops in the vicinity of the project site and the increasing activity at the State Ports facility, truck traffic has increased steadily along Highway 421 and in New Hanover County. Continued growth in New Hanover and Brunswick Counties, and the expansion of the State Port, will fuel the increase in traffic now and in the future. Due to the increase in traffic volume, increase in amount and movement of freight to and from the Wilmington Ports, and the number of people relocating to Brunswick and New Hanover Counties, an expansion of this truck stop is necessary and cannot be completed without impacting wetlands. The Applicant owns the subject property, and there are no other properties in the immediate vicinity which can be developed with less impacts to jurisdictional waters. In addition to enlarging the parking area, the Applicant's current expansion request calls for an additional fuel canopy and accompanying pumps. The location of the proposed fuel canopy was chosen so that positive traffic flow within the truck stop parking area would not be inhibited. This location also ensures that tractor trailers utilizing the new parking area will not have their turning radii impeded by the new fuel pump's location. The proposed expanded parking area will replace those parking spots lost in the inclusion of the new fuel pumps and canopy. The proposed additional fuel pumps and canopy will be located in an upland portion of the subject property. They have been situated in their proposed location in an effort to protect the wetlands from possible detrimental environmental effects, such as spills or leaks (see Attachment 3 and 4). Parking creates a safe haven for cargo, while providing truck drivers with a safe place to rest. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has estimated that "driver fatigue is a primary factor in 4.5 percent of truck-involved fatal crashes and is a secondary factor in an additional 10.5 percent of such crashes."' With the regulations set forth pertaining to the length of time a truck driver is allowed to be on the road, and the fact that the nearest truck stop to the subject parcel is located 17.5 miles away in Delco, North Carolina, the expansion of the Scotchman #303 is a necessity. It is imperative that the Applicant be allowed to expand the existing truck stop, to accommodate the influx of traffic, as well as make the road safer for all drivers. The figure on the following page shows the distance between the Scotchman #303, and the next closest truck stop located in Declo. 3 Study of Adequacy of Commercial Truck Parking Facilities Technical Report. Fleger, Stcphen A. ETAL. McLean, Virginia. March 2002. httg://www.tfhrc.goy/safety/pubs/01158 421 Truck Stop IF [912 1 SF-6i Fill will be placed into 0.72 acre (31,165 square feet) of wetlands, in order to allow an expansion of the existing facility. The proposed impact includes the installation of concrete retaining walls and the discharge of clean fill material behind them. Of the 0.72 acre of fill requested, approximately 0.70 acre (30,291 square feet) is attributed to the expansion of the parking area, with the remaining 0.02 acre (874 square feet) being associated with the incorporation of vegetative filters (as required by Stormwater) and the inclusion of a dumpster pad. The dumpster is required by Chapter 23, Article V of New Hanover County's Code of Ordinances, which reads: Every owner, occupant, tenant and lessee using or occupying any commercial, institutional or industrial building or property shall be obligated, jointly and severally, to provide adequate containers to hold the litter generated by operations on the premises. Specifically, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the requirement for such containers shall apply to shopping centers, supermarkets, convenience stores, fast-food restaurants, service stations and similar establishments, and shall likewise apply to commercial establishments, garages, schools, colleges and churches. (Code 1978, § 11-74) The existing, non jurisdictional stormwater retention feature will also be filled, and will be used as part of the proposed parking area. The Applicant is proposing to utilize silt fencing along the exterior of the project boundary, in order to prevent extraneous, unaccounted for, after-the-fact wetland impacts. Fill material is to be brought to the site using heavy machinery (such as: back hoes, bull dozers and front loaders, among others), in order to incorporate the fill material into the proposed parking area. +21 Truck `jtop IF [10/2 11 SEG In addition to the aforementioned items, the Applicant is proposing to regrade a portion of the existing site, to eliminate the existing sand filters on-site, and install two larger sand filters, which will address the increase in impervious surface area on the subject parcel. According to the engineer, State Stormwater requires vegetative filters, to serve as an off-line bypass, so when the storage pipes are full, there is an outlet for the water to discharge. The discharged water must be conveyed through a vegetative filter to assist in pollutant removal. The vegetative filters aide in removing pollutants from water that is not being conveyed through the sand filters. The vegetative filters will be raised one to two feet above the existing wetlands and the raised filters will be planted with grass, to assist in pollutant removal. All proposed impacts associated with the vegetative filters have been accounted for in this permit request. Overall, 439 cubic yards of fill material will be required for the parking area expansion. Due to the increase in traffic volume, increase in amount and movement of freight to and from the Wilmington Ports, and the number of people relocating to Brunswick and New Hanover Counties, an expansion of this truck stop is necessary and cannot be completed without impacting wetlands. Sequence of events The proposed schedule for this project is dependent on the issuance of the appropriate authorizations. Once the permits have been issued, the Applicant would like to begin work immediately, starting with the installation of sedimentation and erosion control structures. Next, the Applicant would have the stormwater system installed, followed by the concrete retaining wall, then discharge the clean earthen fill material, and finally, surface the area with asphalt to construct the proposed parking and rest areas. Once the parking area has been paved over, the Applicant will have the additional fuel pumps and canopy installed, and the expansion will be complete. Purpose and Need The Applicant is proposing to fill 0.72 acre of jurisdictional wetlands, to facilitate the expansion of the existing truck stop. Traffic has increased significantly since the completion of the Isabelle S. Holmes Bridge. This bridge is one of two river crossings connecting the city of Wilmington with NC Highway 133, US Highway 421 and the US Highway 17 corridor. This roadway supports the general north/south and east/west flow of traffic through the region. According to statistics obtained from Mr. Roger Hawkins, with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, traffic counts prior to the completion of the bridge are as stated on the table on the following page: 421 Truck Stop Ir [11/21) SEGO Date # of Vehicles Counted Highway of Reference April 2003 15365 US Hwy 421 N April 2003 19820 NC Hwy 133 E/W May 2003 22476 US Hwy 421 S/ NC Hwy 133E See Attachment 17 to the Supplemental Documentation portion of the application. Again, according to information received from Mr. Hawkins in 2004, the future projections of traffic patterns for the year 2020 are as follows: Date # of Vehicles Counted Highway of Reference 2020 23700 US Hwy 421 N/S 2020 34400 NC Hwy 133 EM - naucnrneno 16 to We uupptementat vocumentation portion ql tpe application. According to NC DOT's website, which provided traffic statistics for the year 2007, traffic counts adjacent to the existing truck stop had an Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) of 24,000 vehicles a This AADT has already exceeded the estimate procured by Mr. Hawkins in 2004 (see Attachment 17). The expansion of this facility will allow the Applicant to serve the increased number of vehicles traversing the corridor daily. Two important factors that contribute to the demand for truck parking are: the need to comply with Federal "hours of service" rules; and, the need for drivers to perform non-driving activities, such as eating or fueling. "Under current hours of service rules, truck drivers ... are generally permitted to drive up to 10 hours, after 8 consecutive hours off-duty." 3 "These regulations induce a demand for parking spaces so that drivers who must drive more than 10 hours between their origin and destination can obtain the required 8 hours of long-tern rest."' The regulations placed on truck drivers by the Interstate Commerce Commission are strict regarding the amount of time a driver can drive, and therefore, drivers must be offered flexibility in parking. The availability of truck parking is becoming a problem with potential safety implications. A major safety issue, according to truckers, is a "lack of safe, available commercial vehicle parking on or near Interstates."3 The subject truck stop is adjacent to US Highway 421, NC Highway 133 and the US Highway 17 corridor. This area is a prime location for truck drivers, due to its close proximity to arterial highway corridors. "An inadequate supply of truck parking spaces can result in two negative consequences: tired truck drivers may continue to drive because they have difficulty finding a place to park for rest; and, truck drivers may choose to park at unsafe locations, such as the shoulder of the road and exit ramps, if they are unable to find available parking. Both of these consequences generate a safety hazard for the truck driver and for other drivers using the national highway system."' Due to the influx of traffic in the project vicinity and the need to service these vehicles, the Applicant proposes to expand his facility. The proposed impact to jurisdictional waters associated with the proposed expansion of the truck 4 NC DOT Traffic Maps. http://www.ncdot.org/it/img/DataDistributionfTmMcSurveyMaps/ 42 1 Truck jtop IF [ 1 2/21 ] 5EGi stop is the placement of 0.72 acre of clean fill material within 404 wetlands (see Attachment 3). No coastal wetlands are to be impacted by this project, and, according to a site visit held 15 November 2005 with Mr. Robb Mairs (former New Hanover County Division of Coastal Management Field Representative), the project is located outside of all Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs). The Applicant does not anticipate any fish species being impacted due to the expansion of his truck stop. The fill material will be stabilized via a retaining wall, and the new area created will be used to incorporate additional parking spaces. The Applicant has proposed to utilize this area of the project specifically for parking, rather than incorporate the additional fuel cells in this location. The placement of a fuel canopy and cells adjacent to wetlands has the potential for detrimental effects on the environment, should a spill or leak ever occur. In addition, the proposed project design calls for the clustering of the proposed fuel canopy with the existing fuel canopy, which will provide a general area to pump gasoline, versus a sprawling layout with fuel canopies scattered throughout the property. Finally, the location of the proposed fuel canopy was chosen so that positive traffic flow within the truck stop parking area would not be inhibited. This location also ensures that tractor trailers utilizing the new parking area will not have their turning radii impeded by the new fuel pump's location. Alternatives The Applicant investigated other potential means of expanding the existing truck stop, and has been unable to find a practicable alternative that would achieve his goal and meet his stated purpose. • No action: The no action alternative is that alternative which does not require filling of 404 jurisdictional wetlands. There is no practicable manner in which this project could be completed on this site without a permit to discharge fill material into wetlands. On a site where the remainder of undeveloped land is jurisdictional, the only way a project might be constructed without DA authorization is to be pile supported. Unfortunately, the Applicant cannot construct additional parking for tractor-trailers on a pile supported structure that would not act as a form of fill. According to Section 323.3 Discharges Requiring Permits, found within the Code of Federal Regulations: Placement of pilings in waters of the United States constitutes a discharge of fill material and requires a Section 404 permit when such placement has or would have the effect of a discharge of fill material. Examples of such activities that have the effect of a discharge of fill material include, but are not limited to, the following: Projects where the pilings are so closely spaced that sedimentation rates would be increased; projects in which the pilings themselves effectively would replace the bottom of a waterbody; projects involving the placement of pilings that would reduce the reach or impair the flow or circulation of waters of the United States; and projects involving the placement of pilings which would result in the adverse alteration or elimination of aquatic functions. 421 Truck jtop !P [13/21) 5r-6i Other project designs: The only alternate design for this project on-site would be to relocate the new fuel pumps to the wetland area and move the truck parking area closer the main building. This would result in pumps being sprawled about the property, instead of being clustering together. Spreading the fuel pumps and canopy about on the site could potentially be extremely environmentally damaging, as the ability to locate and contain a spill or leak may be reduced. Other project locations: The proposed project calls for the expansion of an existing facility, thus, construction on an alternate site would not meet the Applicant's stated purpose and need. In addition, there are no available properties which could be considered suitable, located within approximately 2 miles of the subject property, where a fueling facility of this magnitude could be constructed with less impact to jurisdictional features. • Minimization: Minimization was demonstrated in that the Applicant is proposing to utilize a concrete retaining wall when constructing the parking lot, versus requesting a larger impact to accommodate fill slope. In addition, the Applicant has designed the proposed expansion project so that the new fuel pumps are situated within the existing fill pad. This will assist in reducing the potential that spills or leaks would impact the neighboring wetlands, should the new pumps have been placed in their alternate location. In an effort to reduce impacts to jurisdictional features, the majority of the fill requested by the Applicant, 0.70 acre, is necessary to create a safe haven for the trucking fleet, and is the minimum amount of fill necessary to accommodate parking for tractor-trailers. The Applicant is proposing to create 80 foot parking spaces, as the overall average length of an eighteen wheeler is between 70 and 80 feet.' Information obtained from the Truckers Report, concerning the turning radius of tractor-trailers compared to the minimum road width, can be found on the table below:' Maximum Angle Mjnimum Road Width 30° 16'6", 60° 24'6" 90° 2710" 120° 27'0» 150° 35'0" 180° 33+091 Table 1: wit milretn?c6ersreoort comlturning radins for eighteen wheelers shim! 5 The Truckers Report Watts, Kevin R. Big Sandy, Tennessee. 2006. www.thetruckersrenort.com 42 I Truck Stop Ir C 14/2 I SEGO The remaining 0.02 acre of requested wetland impact is necessary to create vegetative filters, as required by State Stormwater standards, and also to incorporate a dumpster pad. Proposed Compensatory Mitigation Due to the lack of a mitigation bank within New Hanover County, the immediate vicinity of the project, or the same drainage basin, compensatory mitigation for wetland impacts associated with the expansion of the Scotchman #303 is being sought through a combination of mitigation mechanisms. The Applicant is proposing a combination of payment to the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program (NC EEP), and the strict preservation of the remaining on-site wetlands, as mitigation for the proposed impacts. . Payment to NC EEP: Pursuant to the Army Corps of Engineer's new rules regarding Compensatory Mitigation for Losses of Aquatic Functions, baseline information regarding the impact sites, as well as the determination of credits, will be the only two of the twelve components of mitigation discussed with regard to NC EEP: Baseline Information: The wetlands on-site can be classified as freshwater marsh wetlands. The wetlands are vegetated with a monotypic stand of Phragmites australis. Freshwater marshes are semi-permanently to permanently inundated or flooded, and develop where standing water is generally present throughout the year, so that trees cannot become established. They are common in the outer coastal plain, and are valuable for storing water and protecting water quality. Their plants retain and filter sediments, thereby reducing pollutants. Freshwater marshes stabilize shorelines and prevent bank erosion and siltation. Freshwater marshes are not generally known for their rare species, though they do provide habitat for a number of common species) Indicators of hydrology include inundation, and a prevalence of species with an indicator status that was wetter than facultative. Saturated soil was found at 12 inches below the surface. Two soil types were mapped within the Soil Survey of New Hanover County, North Carolina (see Attachment 11). According to the mapped survey, the two types of soil are classified as Dorovan soils and Urban land: Dorovan soils are nearly level, poorly drained soils that are found in bays and long, broad areas of tidal and stream floodplains. These soils are frequently flooded for very long periods of time. The soils is known to subside if I A Field Guide to North Carolina Wetlands. Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Management, January 1996. 421 True: Stop Ir (1 5/21 ) drained and tilled.2 5F-G1 Urban land is classified as areas where the original soil has been cut, filled graded or paved so that most of the soil properties have been altered to the extent that the soil series is not recognized. Areas that fall within the mapped areas of Urban land are primarily used as shopping centers, factories, buildings, apartments, etc. The soil is covered by pavement.Z Determination of Credits: Payment to NC EEP is offered at a 2.08:1 ratio, for riparian wetland impacts (see Attachment 13). This ratio was chosen because the Corps' guidelines state there should be no net loss of wetlands, and the Applicant feels that providing a ratio of 2.08:1 will ensure that the "no net loss" guideline is met. The proposed the ratio should also ofd set the temporal losses which may occur, due to any time lag between NC EEP agreeing to perform the mitigation, and the mitigation efforts actually being undertaken. The stormwater management facilities proposed for the site will filter out pollutants from runoff and rehydrate the wetlands, thereby off-setting the proposed impacts. According to NC EEP's website, "EEP facilitates responsible economic development across North Carolina by offsetting unavoidable damage to the environment. EEP manages the restoration and enhancement of streams and wetlands statewide in [the] In- Lieu Fee program. Through which the state contracts with private-sector companies to perform the needed ofd sets." Payment to NC EEP, in an amount sufficient to off set the proposed impacts, will assist the Applicant in achieving the "no net loss" of wetlands policy set forth by the Corps. The freshwater marsh wetland functionality, flood storage and pollutant removal, will be off-set by the stormwater management facilities. The Applicant's stormwater plan calls for sand filters and vegetated filters, which will filter out pollutants from runoff and rehydrate the wetlands. Freshwater marsh wetlands are not generally known for their rare species, though some common wildlife, such as deer, fox, raccoon, waterfowl and amphibea have been known to utilize this wetland type. Due to the fact that this freshwater marsh wetland complex is located adjacent to a highly traveled roadway, SEGi does not anticipate a significant impact to the habitat value of the wetland. Pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding between NC EEP (a division of NC DENR) and the USACE, once payment is made to the NC EEP, they are then responsible for the compensatory mitigation specified within the issued USACE permit, in this case, compensation to adequately off-set the loss of 0.72 acre riparian wetlands. The Applicant will be purchasing 1.5 acres of riparian mitigation credit, at a cost of approximately $89,400 (Eighty Nine Thousand Four Hundred Dollars). 2 Soil Survey of New Hanover County. North Carolina United States Department of Agriculture, April 1977. 421 Truck Stop IF [ 16/21 ] G 1 5r-, • Preservation of Remaining On-site Wetlands: In accordance with the Corps' new Compensatory Mitigation rules, the twelve components of mitigation will be discussed, with regard to the proposed preservation area: Objectives: The Applicant will be preserving the remaining on-site freshwater marsh wetlands, totaling 0.20 acre (8,881 square feet). Preservation is a mechanism utilized by the Corps, which protects remaining on- site wetlands in perpetuity by using appropriate restrictions or covenants. These restrictions prohibit harmful activities that might otherwise jeopardize the purpose and function of remaining wetlands. These restrictions include: no filling; no grading; no construction of walkways, roads, etc.; no activities which may alter on-site drainage patterns; and, no alteration of vegetation on the property. Preservation is a necessity in this area, as recent urban impacts within, and adjacent to, the conservation site increase the need for preserving wetland functions. The completion of the Isabelle S. Holmes bridge has increased the traffic flow along that length of US421, which has in turn made the area more attractive to business owners. Preservation of this land will provide a significant vital resource protection in the Cape Fear River basin. The preservation easement will be designed to ensure perpetual protection of the wetlands and will be binding to the property (see Attachment 12). Site Selection: As stated in the previous section, recent urban impacts within and adjacent to the conservation site, as well as the increase in traffic associated with the completion of the Isabelle Holmes bridge, augment the need for preserving wetland functions. The preservation area will be located on the subject parcel, which is adjacent to the Northeast Cape Fear River. Though the site does not abut the river, it is located extremely close to the waterbody. Any wetland preservation proposed in close proximity to the river will be advantageous to the feature because the preserved wetlands will serve a multitude of beneficial purposes: filtration of pollutants from run-off; fish and wildlife habitats; natural water quality improvements; flood storage; shoreline erosion protection; and, reducing potential for flood damage, among other functions. Site Protection Instrument: Preservation will be accomplished by utilizing the Model Declaration of Restrictions, found on the Army Corps of Engineer's website, and recording the document and associated exhibit map with the New Hanover County Register of Deeds (see Attachments 6 and 12). The Model Declarations are enforceable by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The site protection instrument will run with the subject property and be binding on all 421 Truck Stop IF 11712 1l SEGO parties that have, or shall have, any right, title, or interest in the property. Baseline Information: The wetlands on-site can be classified as freshwater marsh wetlands. The wetlands are vegetated with a monotypic stand of Phragmites australis. Freshwater marshes are semi-permanently to permanently inundated or flooded, and develop where standing water is generally present throughout the year, so that trees cannot become established. They are common in the outer coastal plain, and are valuable for storing water and protecting water quality. Their plants retain and filter sediments, thereby reducing pollutants. Freshwater marshes stabilize shorelines and prevent bank erosion and siltation. Freshwater marshes are not generally known for their rare species, though they do provide habitat for a number of common species.' Indicators of hydrology include inundation, and a prevalence of species with an indicator status that was wetter than facultative. Saturated soil was found at 12 inches below the surface. Two soil types were mapped within the Soil Survey of New Hanover County North Carolina (see Attachment 11). According to the mapped survey, the two types of soil are classified as Dorovan soils and Urban land: Dorovan soils are nearly level, poorly drained soils that are found in bays and long, broad areas of tidal and stream floodplains. These soils are frequently flooded for very long periods of time. The soils is known to subside if drained and tilled.' Urban land is classified as areas where the original soil has been cut, filled graded or paved so that most of the soil properties have been altered to the extent that the soil series is not recognized. Areas that fall within the mapped areas of Urban land are primarily used as shopping centers, factories, buildings, apartments, etc. The soil is covered by pavement.' Determination of Credits: The ratio of preservation is limited by the amount of wetlands available for preservation on the subject parcel. Overall, 0.20 acre of wetlands will be placed into preservation. The Applicant owns two additional properties in New Hanover County, located at 7111 and 7113 Wrightsville Avenue. These properties already contain a gas station and convenience store, and have no visible wetlands to offer as additional preservation (see Attachment 16). 1 A Field Guide to North Carolina Wetlands Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Management, January 1996. 2 Soil Survey of New Hanover County North Carolina United States Department of Agriculture, April 1977. 421 Truck cJ' top IF [ 18/21 5r-G, Therefore, the preservation ratio was determined, and limited, by the amount of remaining wetlands on-site. The overall preservation ratio proposed for this project is approximately 0.28:1. Mitigation Work Plan: The boundaries of the preservation area were determined by contracting a surveyor to obtain the metes and bounds of the wetlands to be preserved. As the Applicant is offering preservation, not restoration, enhancement or establishment, the remaining information requested in this section is not applicable to the mitigation offer proposed for this project. Maintenance Plan: A maintenance plan should not be required for preservation, as the restrictive covenants and associated exhibit map, to be recorded in the New Hanover County Register of Deeds, should be specific enough with regard to permissible and prohibited actions within preservation areas, and should ensure the wetlands remain in their natural condition (see Attachment 12). Performance Standards: The performance standards have been included in the model declaration of restrictions. Adherence to the restrictions, covenants and conditions within the model declaration of restrictions will ensure the compensatory mitigation area is achieving its objectives. Monitoring Requirements: Visual inspection of the preservation area should be sufficient to determine if the components of the restrictive covenants are being adhered to. The restrictive covenants, to be recorded, allow for the "Corps, its employees and agents and its successors and assigns, [to] have the right, with reasonable notice, to enter the Property at reasonable times for the purpose of inspecting the Property to determine whether the Declarant, Declarant's representatives, or assigns are complying with the terms, conditions and restrictions of this Conservation Declaration." The Corps retains the right to inspect the preservation area, thus, if the restrictions within the preservation document are not being adhered to, the United States of America has the right to seek legal ramifications. Long-term Management Plan: The recordation of the restrictive covenants will serve as the long-term management plan. According to the restrictions, "This Declaration is intended to ensure continued compliance with the mitigation conditions of authorizations issued by the United States of America, US Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District, and therefore may be enforced by the United States of America. This covenant is to run with the land and shall be binding on all parties and persons claiming under the Declarant." Once recorded, the document is binding on all parties claiming under it, thus, deviation from the restrictions could result in prosecution by the United States of America. 421 Truck Stop IF [ 19/2 1 SF-G+ Adaptive Management Plan: An adaptive management plan should not be necessary for the proposed preservation area. The Applicant anticipates the preservation area will succeed, as the methods of protection put into place, namely, recordation of the restrictions, will ensure perpetual preservation of the remaining on-site wetlands. If the District Engineer determines that a deficiency has arisen in the preservation area, then steps will be taken to remediate the situation, either restoration of the resource or payment to the NC EEP in an amount sufficient to off-set the deficient preservation area. Remediation, on behalf of the Applicant, will occur only in the event that man-made activities, taking place within the property boundaries, cause the decline in function of the systems being preserved. Financial Assurances: Financial assurances should not be necessary for the proposed preservation area. The preservation mechanism, recorded with the New Hanover County Register of Deeds, should provide a high level of confidence that the mitigation area will be preserved in perpetuity. 42 ! Truck Stop IF [20/21 ] Adjacent Property Owners Sr-6I The subject parcel does not adjoin a waterbody. The property to the north and east is owned by Eagle Island LTD. The parcel to the south is owned by Holmesbridge LLC, and the property to the west of the subject parcel is owned by Mr. Robert L. Bryden and Ann Stapleton. Eagle Island LTD 3330 River Road Wilmington, NC 28412 Hohnesbridge LLC 2019 Fairview Road Raleigh, NC 27608 Robert L. Bryden & Ann Stapleton 515 North 5'h Street Wilmington, NC 28401 Other Authorizations The proposed project will require other permits, as shown below: i'rOther uthoriz bons F 5 k }_?:" Type Agency Date Issues (11) or Applied For (A) 401 Water Quality Certification NC Division of Water Quality Applying for concurrently with EP State Stormwater Permit NC Division of Water Quality Modification being applied for by Coastal Site Design County Stormwater Permit New Hanover County Modification being applied for by Coastal Site Design Sedimentation & Erosion Control NC DENR Division of Land Modification being applied for by Coastal Site Resources Design Wastewater NPDES Permit NC DENR Surface Water Issued: 04 April 2008 N00065307 Protection 42 ! Truck jtop I; (21/2111sr-61 Figures Figure 1. Data obtained from Google Maps Figure 2. Data obtained from maps.live.com Figure 3. Data obtained from Brunswick County GIS Figure 4. 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