U-6081 SOS Western blvd july 18.pdf

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RbY COOPER Envtranmcnrol Quallty
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MICf IAEL S. RGGAN
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I.INDA CULPEPPER
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July 18, 2018
MCMORAIVDUM
To: Trece R. Howell, PE, NCDOT Division 3
From: Joamie Steenhuis, NC Division of Water Resources, Wilming[o�� Of'fice
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Subject Scoping comments on proposed improvements to NC 53 (Western 131vd.) from SR 1308 (Gum Branch
Road) to US 17 (Marine Blvd.) in Onslow County, STIP Project No. U-6081.
Reference your correspondence da[ed July 9, 2018 in which you requested cotnments for [he referenced projec[.
Yreliminary analysis of [he project reveals the potential for multiple impac[s to streams and jurisdictional wetlands
in [he projec[ area. More specifically, impacts to:
Stream Name River Basin S[ream Classification(s) Stream Index 303(d) Listing
Number
Mill Creeh White Oak SC;NSW 19-9 N/A
UT to Mill Creek White Oak SC;NSW 19-9 N/A
UT to New River White Oak C;NSW 19- 1 N/A
Furlher investigations at a higher resolution should be imdertaken to verify the presence of other streams and/or
jurisdictional weflands in the area. In the event that anyjurisdictional areas are identified, the Division of Water
Resources requests tlia[ NCDOT consider [he following enviromnen[al issues for [he proposed project:
Project Specific Comments:
'1'o meet [he requirements of NCDO"C's NPDES permit NCS00025Q the road design plans shall provide
treatmenl of the stormwa[er runoff through BMPs as de[ailed in tlie mos[ recent version of [he Nnrlh Cnrolrna
Depurmieri� ojTrnnspaTntion S�ormwrner l3es! Munngeureiv! Praclices Toolbar manual. The BMPs should,
to the M�;P, be selected and designed to reduce impac[s of the target pollu[ants of concern (POCs) for [he
receiving waters.
2. Mill Creek and New Kiver have bo[h been iden[ified as Nutrient Se��sitive Waters (NS W) of Ihe Sta[e. The
NCDWR is very co��cerned wi[h sedimen[ and erosion impac[s [hat could result from [his projecL The
NCDWR recmmnends [hat highly protective sediment and erosion control BMPs be implemented to reduce
the risk of nulrient rwioff to both of these water bodies. Post-cons[ruc[ion stormwaler BMPs should, b[he
MLiP, be selec[ed and designed [o reduce nutrieills.
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North Camlina UeU��iment of Environmental Quahty I �ivision of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Streel I 1617 Mail Se!vice Center I Naleigh, Norlh Camlma 27699 16ll
9197U7.9000

General Project Commeufs:
3. '1'he environmental document should provide a detailed and ilemized presenlation of the proposed impac[s [o
wetlands and streams wilh corresponding mapping. If miligation is necessary as required by I SA NCAC
2H.0506(h), i[ is preferable to present a conceplual (if not finalized) mitigation plan with lhe environmenlal
docunten[ation. Appropriate miligalion plans will be required prior to issuance of a 401 Water Quality
Certi fication.
4. Environmental impact statement alternatives shall consider design criteria thal reduce the impacts to streams
and wedands fi�om storm water runoff. These �Iternafives shall include road designs that allow for treahnent of
the storm water runofl�through BMPs as delailed in [he most recent version of the North Cnrolina Depnrlmen[
of Trnnspa�m�io�� Slormwn�er Ues! Manngemeir! Prnctices Too! box manual, such as grassed swales, buffer
areas, preformed scour holes, rete��[ion basins, etc.
After the selection of the preferred alternative and prior to an issuance of the 40l Water Quality Certification,
the NCDOT is respectfully reminded that they will need to demonshate [he avoidance and minimization of
impacts to wetlands (and streams) to the maxintum extent practical. In accordance with the L;nvironmental
Managemen[ Commission's Rules (ISA NCAC 2H.0506[h�), initigation will be required for impacts of
greater [lian I acre ro wetlands. In the event lhat mitigation is required, [he mitiga[ion plan shall be designed
to replace appropriate lost functions and values. North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services may be
available for assistance wilh wetland mitigation.
6. hi accordance with the Cnvironmental Management Commissiods Rules (ISA NCAC 2H.0506[li]),
mi[igation wifl be required for impacts of grea[er than 300 linear faet to any perennial sVeam. In the even[
that mi�iga[ion is reyuired, the mitigation plan shall be designed to replace appropriate lost functions and
values. '1'he Nortli Carolina Division of Mitigation Services may be available for assistance wilh slream
mitigation.
7. f uture documenta[ion, including Ihe 401 Water Quality CeRification Applica[ion, shall continue to include an
ilemized lis�ing of [he proposed wetland and stream impacts wi[h corresponding mapping,
8. The NCDWR is very concerned with sedimen[ and erosion impac[s tha[ could restdt from [his projecL The
NCDOT shall address these concerns by describing the potential impacts [hat may occur to the aquatic
environments and any mitigating factors tha[ would reduce the impac[s.
9. An analysis of cumulative and secondary impac[s an[icipa[ed as a resul[ oPthis project is required. The type
and de[ail of analysis shall conform to the NC Division of Water Resource Policy on Ihe assessmen[ of
secondary and wmulative impacts dated April IQ 2004.
10. The NCDOT' is respeclfully reminded tlta[ all impacts, including but nol limited to, bridging, fill, excavation
�nd clearing, and rip rap tojurisdictional wetlands, streams, and riparian buffers need to be included in the
final impact calculations. "I'hese impacts, in addi[ion [o any consVuction impacts, temporary or ofherwise,
also need to be included as part of the 401 Water Quality Certifica[ion Application.
I I. Where sueams must be crossed, lhe NCDWR prefers bridges be used in lieu of culver[s. However, we realize
that economic considerations oflen require the use of'culverts. Please be advised tliat wlve�4s should be
wun[ersunk to allow unimpeded passage by tisli and other aquatic organisms. Moreover, in areas where high
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North Carolina DeUarUnent ot Enviionmental Qualiry i Orvison ut Wa[ei Resources
512 Nor[h SalisUury Street I 16P Mail Service Cente� � Ralelgh, North Carohna 2lf99 161 /
91g 707.9000

quality weHands or streams are impacted, a 6ridge may prove preferabfe. W hen applicable, the NCDO'f
shoidd not ins[all (he bridge ben[s in tlie creek, to [he maximwn ex[en[ prac[icable.
12. Whenever possible, lhe NCDWR prefers spanning slructures. Spamiing struclines usually do not reyuirc
work wilhin the stream or grubbing of Ihe slreambanks and du nul require stream channel realignment. The
horizontal and vertical clearances provided by bridges shall allow for human and wildlife passage beneath tlie
strucmre. Fish passage and naviga[ion by canoeists and boaters shall nof be blocked. [3ridge supports (bents)
should not be placed in fhe stream when possible.
13. E3ridge deck drains shall not discharge directly into the stream. S[ormwater shall be directed across the bridge
and pre-treated through si[e-appropriate means (grassed swales, pre-formed scour holes, vegelated buffers, etc.)
before entering [he stream. 'I'o mee[ the requiremen[s of NCll07"s NPUkiS permi[ NCS000250, please refer
to Ihe most recen[ version of the Na�th Cnrolinu Depm•hnenl q(�Yi•une•pa�tn(iav Slormwnler Best Manngeme�et
P�•nc�ices Toofbox manual for approved measw-es.
14. Sedimenl and erosion control measures should no[ be placed'ui wetlands or streams.
I5. Borrow/waste areas should avoid wedands to the maximum extent practical. hnpacts to wetlands in
borrow/waste areas will need to be presented in the 401 Water Quality Certification and could precipitate
compensalory mitigation.
16. The 401 Water Quality Certification application will need to specifically address the proposed methods for
stonnwater management. More specifically, srormwaler shall not be pennitted to discharge directly into
streams or surface waters. 'fo meet the reyuirements oPNCDOT's NPDES permil NCS000250, please refer
to the mosl recen[ version oftlie No���h Curo(inn Depur(men( of7rnnsporlalion Sta�m1>>aler Besl d9nnagen�ent
Prnctices Toolbos manual for approved measures.
17. "Che DW R cannot conunent on permit requirements wi[h the limited information provided. Detailed field
delinea[ion is required to deterniine tlie presence or absence ofjurisdictional resources within [he project
limits. In addition, NCDO'I must provide an estimate [o any resources located within Ihe cons[ruction limi[s
of the project area before we can specifically commen[ on NCllW R pennit eligibility.
This proposed projecl may require either an Individual Pennit QP) or a Nationwide Permit (NWP) &om the
Corps of Cngineers (depending on the amount and/ar type of impacts) and may require a corresponding 401
Water Qualiry Certification. Please be advised tha[ a 401 Water Quality Certific�[ion requires satisfactory
protectioii of water quality to ensure that water quality standards are met and no wetland or stream uses are
lost. �inal permit authorization will require the submittal of a formal application by the NCDO7' and written
concurrence from the NCDWR. Please be aware [hat any approval will be contingent on appropriale
avoidance and minimization of wedand and slream impacfs to the maximum exten[ practical, the
developmen[ of an aceep[able stormw�ter managemen[ plan, and the inclusion of appropriate mitigation plans
where appropria[e.
I 8. If conerete is used during construction, a dry work area shall 6e maintained [o prevent direct contact between
cw ing 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. Concrete shall
be handled in accordance with the NPUES Construction General Penni[ NCG010000.
19. If temporary access roads or derours are constructed, the site shall be graded to its preconstruction contours
and elevations. Dislurbed areas shall be seeded or mulched ro stabilize the soil and appropriate native woody
species shall be planted. When using 4emporary struc[ures [he area shall be cleared bW not grubbed. Clearing
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North C�iolina Dr,Parllnenl of Envuonmenlal Qualiry I Uiwsion o( Wa[er Resources
512 North SaiisUury SVeet I 1617 Mail 5ervme Center I Raleigh, Norlh Caruhna 27699� IC�ll
919J07 9000

the area with chain saws, mowers, bush-hogs, or o[her mechanized equipmen[ and leaving Ihe shimps and rwt
mat intacl allows the area to re-vege[ate naturally and minimizes soil disturbance.
20. Unless otherwise authorized, placemen[ of culverts and other slruc[ures in waters and streams shall be placed
below the elevation of the slreambeA by one foot for all culver[s wi[h a diameter greater [han 48 inches, and
20 percent of the culvert diameler for culverts having a diame[er less Uian 48 iuches, to allow low Flow
passage of wa[er and aquatic life. Design and placemen[ of culverts and o[her structures including temporary
erosion control measwes shall no[ be conducled in a manner tha[ may resul[ in dis-equilibrium uf wetlands or
streambeds or banks, adjacent to or upsh eam and downstream of the above structures. The applicant is
required [o provide evidence that the equilibriwn is being mauitained if reques[ed in writing by the NCDWK.
If Ihis condition is unable to be met due to bedrock or other limiting features encountered duru�g construction,
please contact Ihe NCDWR for guidance on how to proceed and [o de[emiine whether or not a permit
modification will be required.
21. If multiple pipes or barrels are required, they shall be designed to mimic natwal stream cross section as
closely as possible including pipes or ban�els at flood plain elevation, floodplain benches, and/or sills may be
reyuired where appropriate. W idening the stream cliaimel should be avoided. Sh'eam channel widening at the
inlet or oullet end of shuctures [ypically decreases water velocity causing sediment deposition that requires
increased maintenance and disrupts aquatic life passage.
22. lf foundation test borings are necessary; it shall be noted in the documenL Geotechnical work is approved
under General 401 Certificalion Number 4085Mationwide Permi[ No. G for Survey Activities.
23. Sediment and erosion control measures sufficien[ to protect water resources ntust be implemented and
main[ained in accordance wi[h [he mosl recen[ version of North Carolina Sediment and Erosion Control
Planning and Design Manual and the most recen[ version of NCS000250.
24. All work in or adjacent to stream waters shall be conducted in a dry work area. Approved BMP measures
from Ihe tnost current version of the NCDO"P Construction and Maintenance Activi[ies manual such as
sandbags, rock berms, cofferdams and other diversion struc[ures shall be used fo prevent excavation in
flowing water.
25. While the use of National Wetland Inventory (N WI) maps, NC Coastal Region Evalua[ion of Wetland
Significance (NGCRL' WS) maps and soil survey maps are useful tools, tlteir inherent inaccuracies require
[hal qualified personnel perfonn onsite wetland delineations prior lo penni[ approval.
26. Heavy equipment should be operated from tlte bank rather than in stream channels in order to minimize
sedimenlation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other pollutants into streams. 7'his equipment shall be
inspected daily and maintained [o preven[ contamination of surface waters from leaking fuels, lubricants,
hydraulic fluids, or otlier toxic materials.
27. Riprap shall not be placed in the active thahveg channel or placed in the streambed in a manner that precludes
aquatic life passage. I3ioengineering boulders or stnmtures should be properly designed, sized and installed.
28. Riparian vegetation (na[ive trees and shrubs) shall be preserved to Ihe maximum extenl possible. Riparian
vegeta[ion mus[ be reeslablished within the consVuction limi[s of [he project by the end of Ihe growing season
following completion of construction.
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NorW Caiolina Departmenl of Envuonmental Qualiry I �ivision ot Wa[er Resources
512 Nmth Salisbury S[reet I 1617 Metl Service Center I Raleigh. North Carolina 27699 161 /
nis �o� s000

7'haiilc you for reques[ing our input at Ihis time. 'I'he NCDOT is reminded Ihat issuance of a 401 Water Quality
Ceiiitica[ion requires tha[ a��propril[e measures be insti[uted to ensure tlia[ water quality stand�rds are met and
designated uses are not degraded or IosC IFyou have any questions or reyuire additional information, please con[act
Jo�nne Steenhuis at [phone] [e-mail].
Electronic copy only distribution:
t3rad Shaver, US Army Corps of Gngineers, Wiltnington Field Office
Mason Herndon, NCDOT Division 3 DEO
Stephen Lane, NC Division of Coastal Managemenf
Cathy I3rittingham, NC Division of Coaslal Management
Kris[i Lynn Carpenter, NCDWR
File Copy
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North Camlina Ueparunen[ of Environmental Qualiry I Uivision uf Watei Resources
512 North Salisbury Street I 1617 Mail Service Cente� I Naleigh, North Carohna 27699 1617
919707 9000