U-5101 SOS.pdf

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0 North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission I�
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT
Gordon Myers, Executive Director
Nicole M. Hackler
Senior Project Manager, NCDOT
Travis Wilson, Highway Project Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Program
August 10, 2018
Response to the start of study notification regarding fish and wildlife concerns for
the proposed improvements to SR 1437, 1614 and 1615 from NC 24 to US 401 in
Cumberland County, North Carolina. TIP project: U-5101.
This memorandum responds to a request for our concerns regarding i�npacts on fish and
wildlife resources resulting from the subject project. Biologists on the staff of the N. C. Wildlife
Resources Commission (NCWRC) have reviewed the proposed improvements. Our comments
are provided in accordance with certain provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (42
U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)) and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16
U.S.C. 661-667d).
The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program list the Bonnie Doone Natural Area within
the project study area; NCDOT should avoid or minimize impacts to this resource during the
design and construction of the project. To help further facilitate document preparation and the
review process our general infonnational needs are outlined below:
l. Description of fishery and wildlife resources within the project area, including a
listing of federally or state designated threatened, endangered, or special concern
species. Potential borrow areas to be used for project construction should be
included in the inventories. A listing of designated plant species can be
developed through consultation with:
NC Natural Heritage Program
Dept. of Environment & Natural Resources
Mailing Address: Habitat Conservation • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

U-5101
and,
PAGE 2 AUGUST 10, 2018
1601 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1601.
WWW.ncnhp.org
NCDA Plant Conservation Program
P. O. Box 27647
Raleigh, N. C. 27611
[phone]
2. Description of any streams or wetlands affected by the project. The need for
channelizing or relocating portions of streams crossed and the extent of such
activities.
3. Cover type maps showing wetland acreages impacted by the project. Wetland
acreages should include all project-related areas that may undergo hydrologic
change as a result of ditching, other drainage, or filling for project construction.
Wetland identification may be accomplished through coordination with the U. S.
Army Corps of Engineers (COE). If the COE is not consulted, the person
delineating wetlands should be identi�ed and criteria listed.
4. Cover type maps showing acreages of upland wildlife habitat impacted by the
proposed project. Potential borrow sites should be included.
5. The extent to which the project will result in loss, degradation, or fragmentation of
wildlife habitat (wetlands or uplands).
6. Mitigation for avoiding, minimizing or compensating for direct and indirect
degradation in habitat quality as well as quantitative losses.
7. A cumulative impact assessment section which analyzes the environmental effects of
highway construction and quantifies the contribution of this individual project to
environmental degradation.
8. A discussion of the probable impacts on natural resources which will result from
secondary development facilitated by the improved road access.
9. If construction of this facility is to be coordinated with other state, municipal, or
private development projects, a description of these projects should be included in
the environmental document, and all project sponsors should be identi�ed.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input in the early planning stages for this
project. If we can further assist your office, please contact me at [phone].