20160787_Other Agency Comments_20090616

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION 4 RALEIGH OFFICE
TERRY SANFORD FEDERAL COURTHOUSE
310 NEW BERN AVENUE
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27601
Date: June 16, 2009
Dr. Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D.
Manager, Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
North Carolina Department of Transportation
1548 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1548
SUBJECT: EPA Review Comments of the Federal Environmental Assessment for
R-3826, NC 125 Williamston Bypass/Connector, Martin County
Dear Dr. Thorpe:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4 (EPA) has reviewed the
subject document and is commenting in accordance with Section 309 of the Clean Air
Act and Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The
North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) are proposing to construct both a 3-lane widening section and a
new location 2-lane connector from SR 1182 (East College Road) to US 64 Alternate, in
Williamston, Martin County for an approximate distance of 2.5 miles.
The proposed project has been in the Section 404/NEPA Merger 01 process and
EPA notes the following concurrence point (CP) milestones: CP 1 Purpose and Need
signed 5/7/02, CP 2 Alternatives to be Carried Forward for Detailed Study signed
10/5/05, and CP 2A Bridging and Alignment Review signed 1015105.
There are 3 detailed study alternatives (DSAs) currently under consideration,
including Alternatives 1, 2N and 4. Three (3) other DSAs were dropped from further
consideration during the Merger 01 process, including Alternatives 2S, 2M and 3A.
Impacts shown in Table 5 were computed based on approximate width required for future
four-lane typical section for the new location section.
EPA acknowledges that the impact summary table provided in the EA was
comprehensive. EPA's environmentally preferred alternative at this time is Alternative 1,
which has the least wetland (1.59 acres) and stream (395 linear feet) impacts, the least
residential relocation (9), the fewest impacted noise receptors (2) and the least cost ($15.1
million). However, EPA plans to stay involved with the Merger 01 process and will
consider input from other agencies during the Concurrence Point 3, Least
Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative (LEDPA) selection meeting. Please
copy Ms. Kathy Matthews of EPA's Wetland Sections on all future NEPA documents
and concurrence meeting notices at matthews.kathy(i,epa.aov. Thank you for the
opportunity to comment and if you have any questions please call me at [phone].
Sincerely,
Christopher A. Militscher, REM, CHMM
Merger Team Representative
NEPA Program Office
For: Heinz J. Mueller, Chief
EPA Region 4 NEPA Program Office
Cc: W. Biddlecome, USACE-Washington Field Office
D. Wainwright, NCDWQ
C. Coleman, FHWA