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US Army Corps PUBLIC N®TIC'l?
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Issue Date: June 17, 2009
Comment Deadline: July 17, 2009
Corps Action ID #: SAW-2009-0909
TIP Project No. U-3321
The Wilmington District, Corps of Engineers (Corps) has received an application from
the North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA) regarding a potential future requirement
for Department of the Army (DA) authorization to discharge dredged or fill material into
waters of the United States associated with the proposed Gaston East-West Connector
from I-85 west of Gastonia in Gaston County to I-485/NC 160 southwest of
Charlotte in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.
Specific alignment alternatives and location information are described below and shown
on the attached plans. This Public Notice and all attached plans are also available on the
Wilmington District Web Site at www.saw.usace.army.mil/wetlands
Applicant: North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA)
Attn: Mr. Steven D. DeWitt, Chief Engineer
1578 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1578
Authority
The Corps will evaluate this application to compare alternatives that have been carved
forward for detailed study pursuant to applicable procedures of Section 10 of the Rivers
and Harbors Act of 1899 and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344).
In order to more fully integrate Section 10 and Section 404 permit requirements with the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and to give careful consideration to our
required public interest review and 404(b)(1) compliance determination, the Corps is
soliciting public comment on the merits of this proposal and on the alternatives evaluated
in the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Draft Environmental Impact Statement
(DEIS) of 24 April 2009. At the close of this comment period, the District Commander
will evaluate and consider the comments received as well as the expected adverse and
beneficial effects of the proposed road construction to select the least environmentally
damaging practicable alternative (LEDPA). The District Commander is not authorizing
construction of the Gaston East-West Connector at this time. A final DA permit may be
issued only after our review process is complete, impacts to the aquatic environment have
been minimized to the maximum extent practicable and a compensatory mitigation plan
for unavoidable impacts has been approved.
Location
The proposed project study area stretches from Bessemer City and Crowders Mountain
State Park on the west to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport on the east passing -
south of Gastonia, Cramerton and Belmont. The proposed alignments for the connector
begin at Interstate 85 just south of Bessemer City in western Gaston County and swing to
the south of Gastonia ending at existing Interstate 485 and NC Highway 160 in western
Mecklenburg County immediately south of the airport, a distance of approximately 22
miles. The proposed bypass alignments cross US Highway 29-74, Linwood Road, Lewis
Road, US Highway 321, Robinson Road, Bud Wilson Road, NC Highway 274, NC
Highway 279, NC Highway 279 and Dixie River Road. More specifically, the project
begins at Latitude 35.2720 N, Longitude 81.2422 W and ends at Latitude 35.1915 N,
Longitude 80.9584 W.
Existing Site Conditions
The project study area of the Gaston East-West Connector is located in the southern
Piedmont physiographic province of North Carolina with topography characterized as
gently rolling, well rounded hills, long low ridges and some low mountains. Elevations
range from a high of 900 feet in the west to a low of 570 feet at the Catawba River (Lake
Wylie) near the eastern end. Land use in the study area is mixed ranging from
agricultural and pasture land to residential, recreational, industrial and commercial
developments. Commercial and retail development is concentrated in areas located near
I-85, US 29-74 and US 321. The study area is experiencing growth particularly in the
development of new residential housing with much of the rural area shifting toward a
more suburban environment. The detailed study alternatives are located within both the
Catawba (Hydrologic- Unit 03050101) and South Fork Catawba (Hydrologic Unit
03050102) River Basins. Named streams in the project area within the study area in
Gaston County include the Abernathy Creek, Oates Creek, Bessemer Branch, Crowders
Creek, McGill Branch, Ferguson Branch, Blackwood Creek, Mill Creek, Catawba Creek,
South Fork Catawba River and Catawba River (Lake Wylie). Named streams in the
project area within Mecklenburg County include Beaverdam Creek and Legion Lake
Stream. Aquatic communities in the study area include both intermittent and perennial
piedmont streams as well as still-water ponds and a large hydro-electric impoundment. A
total of 452 jurisdictional stream segments have been identified within the study area as
well as approximately 370 jurisdictional wetlands adjacent to these streams.
Approximately 58 ponds have also been identified.
Applicant's Stated Purpose
The purpose of the project is to improve east-west transportation mobility in the area
around the City of Gastonia, between Gastonia and the Charlotte metropolitan area, and
particularly to establish direct access between the rapidly growing areas of southeast
Gaston County and western Mecklenburg County. The proposed project will address the
following needs:
- There is poor transportation connectivity between Gaston County and
Mecklenburg County and within southern Gaston County.
- There are existing and projected poor levels of service on the Project Study
Area's major roadways.
Project Description
The NCTA, in cooperation with the FHWA and the North Carolina Department of
Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to construct a project known as the Gaston East-West
Connector, a controlled-access toll road extending from I-85 south of Bessemer City and
west of Gastonia to I-485 just south of Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, a
distance of approximately 22 miles. The proposed project will be constructed on new
location. The proposed design will be a six-lane, median-divided, controlled access
facility with a median width of 46 feet. The proposed right-of-way width will be
approximately 300 feet. The proposed roadway has a design speed of 70 miles per hour.
A typical roadway cross section is shown in Figure 5. Tolls will be collected by an
electronic toll collection system. There will be no cash toll booths.
Detailed Study Alternatives
Twelve endpoint-to-endpoint Detailed Study Alternatives (DSAs) were selected for
further study based upon the outcome of an alternatives screening process, estimated
impacts to the human and natural environments and engineering design considerations.
Figures 3a and 3b show the segments comprising each DSA. Preliminary engineering
designs were prepared for each DSA within the study corridors established during the
alternatives screening process. These study corridors are approximately 1400 feet wide.
The study corridors are wider than 1400 feet in areas where interchanges and/or service
roads will be considered. Each DSA is currently proposed to have 11 to 12 interchanges
with existing roads in the study area including I-85, US 29-74, Linwood Road (SR 1133),
Lewis Road (SR 1126), US 321, Robinson Road (SR 2416), Bud Wilson Road (SR
2423), NC 274 (Union Road), NC 279 (South New Hope Road), NC 273 (Southpoint
Road), Dixie River Road (SR 1155) and I-485. The attached table identifies the expected
environmental impacts from each DSA. Total stream impacts range from a low of 47,188
linear feet for DSA 81 to a high of 60,244 linear feet for DSA 58. Total wetland impacts
range from 6.9 acres (DSA 5) to 13.2 acres (DSA 68). Pond impacts range from 2.1
acres to 6.3 acres. DSAs 68, 27, and 64 would have the least impacts to ponds and DSAs
4, 77, 58, and 76 would have the greatest impacts.
3
Cultural Resources
The FHWA, the lead federal agency for cultural resources coordination on this project,
has determined that registered properties, or properties listed as being eligible for
inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) are located within the
project area and/or will be affected by the proposed work. None of the DSAs would
result in an "Adverse Effect" to a historic property on or eligible for the NRHP. The
applicant has determined that five properties, Wolfe Family Dairy Farm, William
Clarence Wilson House, JBF Riddle House, Harrison Family Dairy Farm and Thomas
Allison House would see "No Adverse Effect" from at least some of the alternatives. The
attached table identifies which DSAs would have an effect on historic properties.
Surveys conducted by the applicant indicate that there are 33 previously recorded
archaeological sites within or immediately adjacent to the DSAs. Most of these sites
show low artifact densities and/or loss of integrity through agriculture and erosion. Eight
sites, 31GS0184, 31GS0210, 31GS0211, 31GS0212, 31GS0085, 31GS0144, 31GS0146
and 31GS0058 were recommended for additional work or monitoring and one site,
31NMO553 was recommended as potentially eligible for the NRIIP. The applicant
recommends additional survey work to determine if other sites eligible for listing on the
NRHP are present.
Endangered Species
There are four federally protected species of plants and animals that have ranges
extending into Gaston County and/or Mecklenburg County: Carolina heelsplitter mussel
(Lasmigona decorata), Michaux's sumac (Rhus michauxii), Schweinitz's sunflower
(Helianthus schweinitzii), and smooth coneflower (Echinacea laevigata). The FHWA,
the lead federal agency for coordination of endangered species issues on this project
pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), has determined that the proposed
project may have an effect on federally listed endangered or threatened species or their
formally designated critical habitat. One population of Schweinitz's sunflower has been
documented along the boundary edge of Corridor Segment K2A (DSAs 4, 22, 58 and 76).
As a result, the FHWA has concluded that the proposed project may affect but is not
likely to adversely affect this species. Under Section 7 of the ESA, concurrence from the
US Fish and Wildlife Service on this conclusion will be needed if DSA 4, 22, 58 or 76 is
selected as the LEDPA. No permit will be issued until this consultation process is
complete. The proposed project is expected to have no effect on the Carolina heelsplitter
mussel, Michaux's sumac or the smooth coneflower.
Evaluation
The decision whether to issue a permit will be based on an evaluation of the probable
impacts, including cumulative impacts, of the proposed activity on the public interest.
That decision will reflect the national concern for both protection and utilization of
important resources. The benefit which reasonably may be expected to accrue from the
proposal must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments. All factors
which may be relevant to the proposal will be considered including the cumulative effects
4
thereof; among those are conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental
concerns, wetlands, historic properties, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, flood plain
values (in accordance with Executive Order 11988), land use, navigation, shoreline
erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy
needs, safety, food and fiber production, mineral needs, considerations of property
ownership, and, in general, the needs and welfare of the people. For activities involving
the discharge of dredged or fill materials in waters of the United States, the evaluation of
the impact of the activity on the public interest will include application of the
Environmental Protection Agency's 404(b)(1) guidelines.
Compensatory Mitigation
The purpose of compensatory mitigation is to replace the lost functions from a project's
impacts to Waters of the United States, including wetlands. Appropriate and practicable
compensatory mitigation will be required for unavoidable impacts from the Monroe
Connector/Bypass. The applicant will make every effort to provide on-site mitigation
where possible. Any mitigation requirements not provided on-site will be met off-site
through utilization of the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program.
Commenting Information
The Corps of Engineers is soliciting comments from the public; Federal, State and local
agencies and officials, including any consolidate State Viewpoint or written position of
the Governor; Indian Tribes and other interested parties in order to consider and evaluate
the impacts of this proposed activity. Any comments received will be considered by the
Corps of Engineers to select the least environmentally damaging practicable alternative
(LEDPA) for this proposal. To make this decision, comments are used to assess impacts
on endangered species, historic properties, water quality, general environmental effects
and the other public interest factors listed above. Comments are used in the preparation
of a Corps of Engineers Environmental Assessment (EA) and/or an Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Comments are also used to determine the need for a public hearing and to determine the
overall public interest of the proposed activity.
Written comments pertinent to the proposed work, as outlined above, will be received
by the Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District, until 5pm, July 17, 2009. Comments
should be submitted to Mr. Steven Lund, US Army Corps of Engineers, Asheville
Regulatory Field Office, 151 Patton Avenue, Room 208, Asheville, NC 28801-5006,
telephone [phone].
5
NORTH CAROLINA o 425 e.5 PROJECT LOCATION IN REGION
Turnpike Authority Miles GASTON EAST-WEST CONNECTOR Source: Gaston, York, and Mecklenburg
STIP PROJECT NO. U-3321 Counties GIS.
Gaston and MerAenburg Counties Map printed Apol 2009. Figure I

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NEW LOCATION ALTERNATIVE
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STIP PROJECT NO. U-3321
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1 APPLICATION FOR DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY PERMIT OMB APPROVAL NO. 0710-003
(33 CFR 325)
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 5 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
Searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send
comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to
Department of Defense, Washington Headquarters Service Directorate of Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite
1204, Arlington VA 22202-4302; and to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0710-003), Washington, DC 20503.
Please DO NOT RETURN your form to either of those addresses. Completed applications must be submitted to the District Engineer having jurisdiction
over the location of the proposed activity.
PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT
Authority: 33 USC 401, Section 10; 1413, Section 404. Principal Purpose: These laws require permits authorizing activities in, or affecting, navigable
waters of the United States; the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, and the transportation of dredged material for the
purpose of dumping it into ocean waters. Routine uses: Information provided on this form will be used in evaluating the application for a permit.
Disclosure: Disclosure of requested information is voluntary. If information is not provided, however, the permit application cannot be processed nor
can a permit be issued.
One set of original drawings or good reproducible copies which show the location and character of the proposed activity must be attached to this
application (see sample drawings and instructions) and be submitted to the District Engineer having jurisdiction over the proposed activity. An
application that is not completed in full will be returned
fl=RAC I TUDI I A Tr% DC CII I P7n i TI4P f'f10PC1
1. APPLICATION NO. 2. FIELD OFFICE CODE 3. DATE RECEIVED 4. DATE APPLICATION COMPLETED
(ITEMS BELOW TO BE FILLED BY APPLICANT)
5. APPLICANT'S NAME B. AUTHORIZED AGENT'S NAME & TITLE (an agent is not required)
North Carolina Turnpike Authority
6. APPLICANT'S ADDRESS 9. AGENT'S ADDRESS
1578 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1578
7. APPLICANT'S PHONE NUMBERS WITH AREA CODE 10. AGENT'S PHONE NUMBERS WITH AREA CODE
a. Residence a. Residence
b. Business 919-571-3000 b. Business
11. STATEMENT OF AUTHORIZATION
I hereby authorize to act in my behalf as my agent in the processing of this
application and to furnish, upon request, supplemental information i n support of this permit application.
APPLICANT'S SIGNATURE DATE
NAME, LOCATION, AND DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT OR ACTIVITY
12. PROJECT NAME OR TITLE (see instructions)
Gaston East-West Connector (U-3321)
13. NAME OF WATERBODY, IF KNOWN (if applicable) 14. PROJECT STREET ADDRESS (if applicable)
15. LOCATION OF PROJECT
Gaston & Mecklenburg, NC
COUNTY STATE
16. OTHER LOCATION DESCRIPTIONS, IF KNOWN (see instructions)
From 1-85 west of Gastonia in Gaston County to 1-485/NC 160 in Mecklenburg County.
17. DIRECTIONS TO THE SITE
Please see attached project study area map and cover letter.
ENG FORM 4345 - ONLINE CESPK-CO-R
18. NATURE OF ACTIVITY (Description of project, include all features)
Proposed six-lane controlled-access toll road on new location in Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties with up to 12
interchanges. The typical section generally has six 12-foot travel lanes with a 46-foot median. Approximately 300 feet of right
of way would be required, with additional right of way required for interchanges, service roads, and improvements to
intersecting roads. Bridges are proposed at most major stream crossings (6 to 8 bridges, depending on alternative).
the reason or purpose of the project, see instructions)
Improve east-west transportation mobility in the area around the City of Gastonia, between Gastonia and the Charlotte
metropolitan area, and particularly to establish direct access between the rapidly growing area of southeast Gaston County
and western Mecklenburg County.
USE BLOCKS 20-22 IF DREDGED AND/OR FILL MATERIAL IS TO BE DISCHARGED
20. REASON(S) FOR DISCHARGE
Construction of the proposed action would result in fill in wetlands and surface waters.
21. TYPE(S) OF MATERIAL BEING DISCHARGED AND THE AMOUNT OF EACH TYPE IN CUBIC YARDS
Fill from roadway.
22. SURFACE AREA IN ACRES OF WETLANDS OR OTHER WATERS FILLED (see instructions)
See attached cover letter.
23. IS ANY PORTION OF THE WORK ALREADY COMPLETE? YES O NO Q IF YES, DESCRIBE THE WORK
24. ADDRESSES OF ADJOINING PROPERTY OWNERS, LESSEES, ETC. WHOSE PROPERTY ADJOINS THE WATERBODY (If more than
can be entered here, please attach a supplemental list)
25. LIST OF OTHER CERTIFICATIONS OR APPROVALS/DENIALS RECEIVED FROM OTHER FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL AGENCIES
FOR WORK DESCRIBED IN THIS APPLICATION
AGENCY TYPE APPROVAL' IDENTIFICATION NUMBER DATE APPLIED DATE APPROVED DATE DENIED
' Would include but is not restricted to zoning, building and flood lain permits.
26. Application is hereby made for a permit or permits to authorize the work described in this application. I certify that the information
in this application is complete and accurate. I further certify that I possess the authority to undertake the work described herein or am
acting s d ly o ' ed agent of the applicant.
5•'1.09
SI A U O AP CANT DATE SIGNATURE OF AGENT DATE
The a plication must be signed by the person who desires to undertake the proposed activity (applicant) or it may be signed by a duly
authorized agent if the statement in block 11 has been filled out and signed.
1 B U.S.C. Section 1001 provides that: Whoever, in any manner within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United
States knowingly and will fully falsifies, conceals, or covers up any trick, scheme, or disguises a material fact or makes any false,
facticlous, or fraudulent statements or representations or makes or uses any false writing or document knowing same to contain any
false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or entry, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than five years or both.
ENG FORM 4345 - ONLINE CESPK-CO-R
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
--- TURNPIKE AUTHORTI'Y
BEVERLY E. PERD[_E 1578 MAU, SERVICE CENTER, RALEIGH, N.C. 27699-1578
GOVERNOR
May 7, 2009
Mr. Steve Lund
US Army Corps of Engineers
Asheville Regulatory Field Office
151 Patton Avenue, Room 208
Asheville, NC 28801-5006
Dear Mr. Lund:
DAVID W. JOYNER
EXECUME DIRECTOR
Subject: SECTION 404 - NEPA MERGER PROCESS APPLICATION for a Department
of the Army (DOA) Permit pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act TO
DISCHARGE DREDGED OR FILL MATERIAL INTO WATERS OF THE
UNITED STATES TO CONSTRUCT the proposed Gaston East-West Connector
"Garden Parkway" from I-85 west of Gastonia in Gaston County to I-485/NC 160 in
Mecklenburg County. STIP Project Number U-3321.
The following application, including separate attachments for (1) ENG Form 4345, and (2)
summary of impacts is submitted for your consideration. As you are aware, a Project Coordination
Plan in accordance with Section 6002 of SAFETEA-LU was finalized in October 2008 and
approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in January 2009 and outlines a process
that mirrors NCDOT's merger process. Draft versions of the plan were shared with the Cooperating
and Participating Agencies and discussed at monthly agency coordination meetings.
As a Cooperating and Participating Agency, the Regulatory Division has provided concurrence with
Purpose and Need (Concurrence Point 1), with the selection of Detailed Study Alternatives
(Concurrence Point 2), and with the Bridging/Alignment Decisions (Concurrence Point 2a). There
are no unresolved project issues or issues of concern related to the Draft EIS. The Federal Draft
EIS was approved by the FHWA on April 24, 2009. The Draft EIS was made available on the
NCTA's Web site on May 1, 2009. Hard copies of the Draft EIS will be circulated in Mid-May
2009.
We are requesting that you issue the public notice for the project at the earliest opportunity so that
we can jointly proceed toward selecting the LEDPA (least environmentally damaging practicable
alternative which meets the purpose and need of the project) following analysis of public input.
Once the LEDPA is selected and approved, efforts will be undertaken to further minimize impacts
to wetlands, streams, and riparian buffers in the LEDPA corridor and to propose suitable
compensatory mitigation to offset unavoidable impacts.
NORTH CAROLINA TURNPn:E AuTHORrrY
TELEPHONE: [phone] FAX: [phone]
The following information is a summary of relevant project details and is being provided to assist in
the Section 404 regulatory review of the project. Please note that more detailed information is
available in the Draft EIS.
Introduction
The North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA) proposes to improve east-west transportation
mobility in the area around the City of Gastonia, between Gastonia and the Charlotte metropolitan
area, and to establish direct access between the rapidly growing area of southeast Gaston County
and west Mecklenburg County. Figures 1 and 2 show the location of the project and the project
study area, Figure 3a-b are maps of the detailed study alternatives, and Figure 4 shows water
resources.
The proposed project is approximately 22 miles long and is located in Gaston and Mecklenburg
Counties. The alternatives consist of a six-lane, median divided, controlled access facility on new
location. The proposed right of way is approximately 300 feet and includes a 46-foot median. The
proposed roadway has a design speed of 70 miles per hour (mph). Figure 5 attached shows the
typical cross sections. The Gaston Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (GUAMPO)
and the Mecklenburg-Union MPO (MUMPO) Long Range Transportation Plans show a new
location roadway running through southern Gaston County and connecting over the Catawba River
to Mecklenburg County.
The Gaston East-West Connector is included in the GUANIPO and MUMPO LRTP as regionally
significant projects. The current LRTP lists the Gaston East-West Connector as a 2030 horizon
year project. The GUAMPO and MUMPO LRTP's are presently being updated to 2035, and are
scheduled to be locally approved and federally reviewed by March 2010. GUAMPO and MUMPO
will incorporate the Gaston East-West Connector into the 2035 LRTP as a toll project with a
horizon year of 2015. NCTA will coordinate with GUAMPO and MUMPO to ensure the.air quality
conformity determination for the region includes the project's design concept and scope consistent
with the Preferred Alternative.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Documentation
The planning, environmental, and engineering studies were initiated in August 2001. A notice of
intent was issued on April 27, 2006. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement was approved by
the Federal Highway Administration on April 24, 2009.
Purpose and Need
The purpose of the proposed action is to improve east-west transportation mobility in the area
around the City of Gastonia, between Gastonia and the Charlotte metropolitan area, and particularly
to establish direct access between the rapidly growing area of southeast Gaston County and western
Mecklenburg County. The primary needs for the project are summarized below:
Page 2 of 16
• There is poor transportation connectivity between Gaston County and Mecklenburg
County and within southern Gaston County.
o Limited crossings of the Catawba River constrain travel between Gaston and
Mecklenburg Counties. No crossings are located in southern Gaston County.
o Projected growth in southern Gaston County and western Mecklenburg County will
continue to increase demands for accessibility and connectivity between the two
counties.
o Within southern Gaston County, south of I-85, a lack of connecting east-west roadways
makes travel circuitous and limits mobility.
o The GUAMPO and the MUMPO include a new location roadway running through
southern Gaston County and connecting over the Catawba River to Mecklenburg County
in their long range transportation plans.
o The Gaston East-West Connector is a state-designated Strategic Highway Corridor,
envisioned as a new freeway facility on the Strategic Highway Corridors Vision Plan.
• There are existing and projected poor levels of service on the Project Study Area's
major roadways.
o Traffic volumes are projected to increase on 1-85,1-485, US 29-74 and US 321 in the
Project Study Area through 2030.
o There are existing poor levels of service on segments of I-85 in Gaston County; from
Exit 19 (NC 7 [Ozark Avenue]) through Exit 27 (NC 273 [Park Street]).
o Levels of service on I-85, US 29-74 and US 321 are projected to worsen in the future.
o Congestion and frequent incidents on 1-85 inhibit regional travel and diminish the ability
of I-85 to function as a Strategic Highway Corridor and Intrastate Corridor.
A detailed discussion of the project's purpose and need is included in Chapter 1 of the Draft EIS.
Detailed Study Alternatives
Table 1 presents the 1,400-foot wide Corridor Segments that comprise the 12 New Location, Toll
Scenario, Detailed Study Alternatives (DSAs) carried forward for further study. Figure 3a-b shows
the corridor boundaries for the DSAs. The preliminary engineering design right-of-way limits in
each Corridor Segment are shown in Figure 2-9a-ii in the Draft EIS. Corridor Segments are wider
than 1,400 feet at areas for which interchanges and/or service roads will be considered. These 12
DSAs are carried forward for detailed study as toll facilities only.
Page 3 of 16
TABLE 1: Twelve Final Detailed Stud Alternatives

Detailed Study
Alternative k West Area-
Generally west of US
321 Central Area-
Generally east of US 321 and west
of NC 279 or the South Fork
Catawba River East Area -
Generally east of
NC 279 or the South
Fork Catawba River
H Segments 1 Segments K Segments
4 H2A-H3 J4a-J46-J2c-J2d-15a-J5b K2A-KX1-K3B-K3C
5 H2A-H3 J4a-J4b-J2c-J2d-1X4-J1e-J1f K1A-K1B-KlC-K4A
9 H2A-H3 J4a-J4b-J2c-J2d-JX4-J1e-11f K1A-K3A-K3B-K3C
22 H2A-H2B-H2C 13-J2c-J2d-J5a-J5b K2A-KXI-K3B-K3C
23 H2A-H2B-H2C 13-J2c-J2d-1X4-J1e-J1f K1A-K1B-K1C-K4A
27 H2A-H2B-H2C 13-J2c-J2d-JX4-Jle-Jlf K1A-K3A-K3B-K3C
58 HJA-HIB-H1C Jla-1X1-J2d-J5a-JSb K2A-KX1-K3B-K3C
64 H1A-HIB-1-11C Jla-Jlb-Jlc-Jld-Jle-J1f K1A-K1B-K1C-K4A
68 HIA-HIB-1-11C Jla-Jlb-Jlc-Jld-Jle-Jlf K1A-K3A-K3B-K3C
76 HIA-HX2 J2a-J2b-J2c-J2d-J5a-J5b K2A-KX1-K3B-K3C
77 H1A-HX2 J2a-J2b-J2c-J2d-JX4-Jle-Jlf K1A-K1B-K1C-K4A
81 H1A-HX2 J2a-J2b-J2c-J2d-1X4-Jle-Jlf K1A-K3A-K3B-K3C
Each Detailed Study Alternative (DSA) currently is proposed to have 11 to 12 interchanges
(depending upon the DSA), as listed below from west to east.
• I-85
US 29-74
• Linwood Rd (SR 1133)
• Lewis Rd (SR 1126)
(DSAs 58, 64, and 68 only)
• US 321
• Robinson Rd (SR 2416)
• Bud Wilson Rd (SR 2423)
• NC 274 (Union Rd)
• NC 279 (South New Hope Rd)
• NC 273 (Southpoint Rd)
• Dixie River Rd (SR 1155)
• I-485
In addition to the 12 build DSAs on new location, the No-Build Alternative is being retained to
provide a baseline for comparison with the DSAs, in accordance with NEPA regulations (40 CFR
Part 1502.14(d)) and FHWA guidelines (Technical Advisory T 6640.8A; Section V.E.1). In
general, the No-Build Alternative assumes that the transportation systems for southern Gaston
County and western Mecklenburg County would evolve as currently planned in their respective
2030 Long Range Transportation Plans, but without the proposed project. However, the No-Build
Alternative would not meet the project's purpose and need.
Recommended Alternative
Based on the information available to date, including this Draft EIS, the FHWA, NCTA and
NCDOT have identified DSA 9 as the Recommended Alternative. This alternative is comprised of
Page 4 of 16
Corridor Segments H2A-H3-J4a-J4b-J2c-J2d-JX4-Jle-Jlf-K1A-K3A-K3B-K3C, as shown in
Figure 3a-b.
It should be noted that the "Recommended Alternative" is only a recommendation; it is not a
Preferred Alternative and it is not a final decision. The FHWA, NCTA and NCDOT have identified
a Recommended Alternative as a way of giving readers of the Draft EIS an indication of the
agencies' current thinking. After the Draft EIS comment period ends, the FHWA, NCTA and
NCDOT will identify a Preferred Alternative based on consultation with local transportation
planning agencies, and state and federal environmental resource and regulatory agencies, as well as
consideration of agency and public comments on this Draft EIS and at the public hearings.
The Preferred Alternative may be developed further in the Final EIS. The NEPA process will
conclude with a Record of Decision, which will document the Selected Alternative to be
constructed.
DSA 9 has been identified as the Recommended Alternative based on the following considerations.
Please note this list is not in order of importance, but is organized by issues as they are presented in
the Draft EIS. Also, this list does not represent all benefits or impacts of DSA 9, just those
elements that differentiated DSA 9 when compared to the other DSAs.
Cost and Design Considerations
• DSA 9 is one of the shortest alternatives at 21.9 miles (all alternatives range from 21.4 to
23.7 miles).
DSA 9 has the second-lowest median total cost ($1,282 million) (all alternatives range from
$1,281 million to $1,378.4 million).
Human Environment Considerations
DSA 9 is one of the four DSAs with the fewest numbers of residential relocations at 348
residential relocations (the range being 326 to 384 residential relocations).
Although DSA 9 is higher in the range of business relocations at 37 (the range being 24 to
40 business relocations), it would avoid impacts to Carolina Specialty Transport (provides
transportations services to special needs groups) that would occur under DSAs 58, 64, 68,
76, 77 and 81.
DSA 9 is in the middle of the range of total neighborhood impacts at 25 impacted
neighborhoods (the range being 21 to 31 impacted neighborhoods).
• DSA 9 would have no direct impacts to schools. (DSAs 5, 23, and 27 also avoid direct
impacts to schools.)
• DSA 9 would not require relocation of known cemeteries. (DSAs 27, 68, and 81 also would
not require relocation of known cemeteries.)
• At Linwood Road, DSA 9 is one of three alternatives (DSAs 4, 5, and 9) that would avoid
impacting either the Karyae Park YMCA Outdoor Family Center or the Pisgah Associate
Reformed Presbyterian Church (part of the church property is also an historic site eligible
for listing on the National Register of Historic Places).
Page 5 of 16
• DSA 9 is one of the three alternatives (DSAs 4, 5, and 9) farthest from Crowders Mountain
State Park.
• DSA 9 would avoid right-of-way requirements from Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. (DSAs
4, 22, 27, 58, 68, 76, and 81 also avoid these right-of-way requirements.)
• DSA 9 would avoid the relocation of Ramoth AME Zion Church and cemetery, which is
part of the Garrison Road/Dixie River Road community. (DSAs 4, 22, 27, 58, 68, 76, and 81
also avoid this church.)
• DSA 9 is one of the eight alternatives (DSAs 4, 9, 22, 27, 58, 68, 76, and 81) with the least
amount of right of way required from future Berewick District Park in Mecklenburg County.
Physical Environment Considerations
DSA 9 is in the middle range of estimated numbers of receptors impacted by traffic noise at
245 receptors (the range being 204 to 309 impacted receptors).
DSA 9 is one of the alternatives (DSAs 4, 5, 9, 22, 23, and 27) that would impact the least
acreage of land in Voluntary Agricultural Districts. DSA 9 also is one that is expected to
have the least indirect and cumulative effects to farmlands.
DSA 9 is one of the alternatives with the fewest power transmission line crossings at 14
crossings (the range being 13 to 18).
Cultural Resources Considerations
• DSA 9 is one of six alternatives (DSAs 4, 5, 9, 22, 23, and 27) that would not require right
of way from the Wolfe Family Dairy Farm historic site. Selection of DSA 9 makes it more
likely that, if the US 321 Bypass is constructed at some future time, the project would also
avoid the Wolfe Family Dairy Farm historic site.
• DSA 9 is one of four alternatives (DSAs 5, 9, 23, and 27) with low to moderate potential to
contain archaeological sites requiring preservation in place or complex/costly mitigation.
Natural Resources Considerations
• DSA 9 is one of eight alternatives (DSAs 4, 9, 22, 27, 58, 68, 76, and 81) that would cross
the South Fork Catawba River and the Catawba River where the rivers have been more
affected by siltation and they are less navigable, and water-based recreation would be
affected less than with DSAs that cross farther south.
• DSA 9 would impact the least amount of Upland Forested Natural Communities at 882 acres
(all alternatives range from 882 to 1042 acres).
• DSA 9 is one of the alternatives (DSAs 4, 9, 22, and 76) having the lowest potential to
indirectly affect upland wildlife species due to habitat fragmentation.
• DSA 9 is lower in the range of impacts to ponds at 4.1 acres (all alternatives range from 2.1
to 6.3 acres).
Page 6 of 16
• DSA 9 is lower in the range of impacts to wetlands at 7.5 acres (all alternatives range from
6.9 to 13.2 acres).
• DSA 9 is lower in the range of impacts to perennial streams at 38,894 linear feet (all
alternatives range from 36,771 to 50,739 linear feet).
• DSA 9 would have the fewest number of stream crossings at 91 (all alternatives range from
91 to 120 crossings).
• DSA 9 is one of eight alternatives (DSAs 5, 9, 23, 27, 64, 68, 77, and 81) that has a
biological conclusion of No Effect relating to the federally endangered Schweinitz's
sunflower.
Costs and Schedule
The estimated construction cost of each alternative carried forward for detailed study is-shown in
Table 2 (Table 2-6 of Draft EIS). Right-of-way costs include acquisition, relocations, utilities, and
land. The construction costs include mobilization, clearing and grubbing, earthwork, drainage,
pavement removal, subgrade, stabilization, pavement, guardrail, erosion control, pavement marking,
signing, major culverts and bridges. These costs are estimates and are subject to change. Cost
estimates are based on preliminary engineering designs and are in year-of-expenditure dollars, as
described in the table notes. These costs will be refined after a Preferred Alternative is selected.
The Final EIS is scheduled for completion in the 2nd Quarter of 2010 and the Record of Decision is
anticipated in the 4d' Quarter of 2010.
The total estimated median costs range from $1,280.5 million for DSA 4 to $1,378.4 million for
DSA 23. In order from lowest estimated total cost to highest, the DSAs are: DSA 4, 9, 76, 81, 68,
5, 58, 77, 22, 27, 64, and 23.
TABLE 2: Cost Estimates for the Detailed Study Alternatives
Approximate Probable Range of Costs Through Year of Expenditure Median Total
DSA Length

(miles) Number
of
Interchanges Construction
Cost

(millions $)• Environmental
Mitigation Cost

(millions $)• Right-of-Way
Cost

(millions $)• Total Cost

(millions $)• Project Cost

(millions $)
4 21.4 11 955.0-1,140.8 38.9-41.1 186.7-228.5 1,180.6-1,410.4 1,280.5
5 21.5 11 980.2-1,173.2 34.8-36.7 199.1-243.0 1,214.1-1,452.9 1,316.9
9 21.9 11 974.5-1,168.4 32.2-34.0 173.9-213.0 1,180.6-1,415.4 1,282.0
22 21.9 11 999.5-1,195.0 40.4-42.6 197.0-241.1 1,236.9-1,478.7 1,342.2
23 22.0 11 1,022.6-1,228.2 36.4-38.4 208.8-255.5 1,267.9-1,522.0 1,378.4
27 22.4 11 1,019.7-1,221.7 33.8-35.7 183.5-224.5 1,237.1-1,481.9 1,342.9
58 23.1 12 978.2-1,171.3 41.5-43.7 197.3-241.3 1,217.0-1,456.3 1,321.2
64 23.3 12 992.4-1,188.6 34.3-36.1 215.7-263.2 1,242.4-1,488.0 1,348.2
68 23.7 12 986.2-1,180.9 31.8-33.5 190.8-233.2 1,208.7-1,447.6 1,312.6
76 21.8 11 982.1-1,174.0 37.7-39.8 182.4-223.2 1,202.1-1,436.9 1,304.3
77 21.9 11 1,007.4-1,209.6 33.2-35.0 194.6-237.6 1,235.2-1,482.3 1,341.9
81 22.2 11 1,000.5-1,199.7 31.1-32.8 169.6-207.3 1,201.2-1,439.8 1,305.0
Page 7 of 16
TABLE 2: Cost Estimates for the Detailed Studv Alternatives

Approximate Probable Range of Costs Through Year of Expenditure
Median Total

DSA
Length Number of Construction Environmental Right-of-Way

Total Cost
Project Cost
(miles) Interchanges Cost Mitigation Cost Cost (millions $)' (millions $)
(millions $)' (millions $)' (millions $)`
Source: Gaston Cost Estimation Support Memorandum, HNTB, March, 21309
' Assumptions and notes regarding costs:
1. Total cost may not add up exactly due to rounding.
2. Construction costs include construction, utility relocations, and agency costs.
3. Year of expenditure costs were modeled using a range of possible inflation rates.
4. Future construction costs were modeled to mid-year of construction using inflation rates ranging from 5%-10%, with 6.02% being
most likely.
5. Future right-of-way costs were modeled to anticipated year of acquisition using inflation rates ranging from 5%-12%, with 8% being
most likely.
6. Future agency costs (included in construction costs( were modeled.to anticipated year of expenditure using inflation rates ranging
from 2.5%-4.5%, with 4% being most likely.
7. Ranges of costs are based on cost projections in which the lowest 10% and highest 10% were discarded. There is an 80% probability
associated with these costs.
8. Year of expenditure costs assume an award date of December 2010 and an opening in August 2015.
9. Environmental mitigation costs are based on current costs of estimated impacts to streams and wetlands.
10. Utility relocation costs (included in construction costs) were estimated in the Utility Impact Reportfor the Gaston East-West
Connector CTBE Group, Inc., August 2008).
11. Right-of-way costs were provided in the Relocation Reports for the Gaston East-West Connector (Carolina Land Acquisitions, Inc.,
April 2008).
Waters of the United States
All of the DSAs have the potential to cause adverse impacts on local water quality. Any of the
Build alternatives would increase the amount of impervious surfaces in Gaston and Mecklenburg
Counties as well as the accumulation of contaminants normally associated with such facilities.
Impacts to surface waters, wetlands, and floodplains are summarized below. The project is located
in the Catawba River basin (USGS Hydrologic Unit Codes 03050101 and 03050102; NCDWQ sub-
basins 03-08-34, 03-08-36, and 03-08-37).
Streams
The number and length of impacted perennial and intermittent streams for each DSA is presented in
Table 3 (Table 6-5 of Draft EIS). The impacts were calculated using the preliminary engineering
designs' construction limits, with an additional 25 feet beyond the slope stake limits. The Natural
Resources Technical Report for the Gaston East-West Connector (Earth Tech, Inc., February 2008)
includes additional details about each stream.
Wetlands
Table 3 provides a detailed listing of total impacts to jurisdictional wetlands, as well as ponds,
based upon the preliminary engineering designs' construction limits, with an additional 25 feet
beyond the slope stake limits. The Natural Resources Technical Report for the Gaston East-West
Connector (Earth Tech, Inc., February 2008) includes additional details about each wetland and
pond.
Page 8 of 16
TABLE 3: Impacts to Waters of the United States
Detailed Study Alternatives
Resource
4 5 9 22 23 27 58 64 68 76 77 81
Ponds
Ponds SO 8 8 9 7 7 12 10 10 12 10 10
(# impacted)'
Ponds (acres) 6.3 5.1 4.1 5.1 3.9 2.9 5.5 3.1 2.1 5.5 6.1 3.3
Wetlands
Wetlands 60 48 52 52 40 44 60 53 57 54 42 46
i
(# impacted)'
Wetlands 7.4 6.9 7.5 8.8 8.2 8.9 12.1 12.5 13.2 9.7 9.1 9.8
Streams
Perennial 74 62 59 78 67 64 86 74 71 80 69 66
(# crossings)
Perennial,
(linear ft) 48,296 42,733 38,894 50,100 44,609 40,766 50,739 40,915 37,223 46,105 40,033 36,771
Intermittent 32 37 32 33 38 33 34 38 32 31 36 31
(# crossings)
Intermittent 9
048 9
501 10
101 8
953 9
406 006
10 9,505 9,537 9,986 9,364 9,678 10,417
(linear ft) , , , , , ,
Total Streams 106 99 91 111 105 97 120 112 103 111 105 97
(# crossings)
Total streams
'
57
344
234
52
48
995
59
053
54
015
50,772
60,244
50,452
47,209
55,469
49,711
47,188
(linear ft) , , , , ,
Sources: Natural Resources Technical Reportfor the Gaston East-West Connector, Earth Tech, Inc., February 2008
Turnpike Environmental Agency Coordination Meeting, April 8, 2008.
`Note: Highest and lowest values are indicated by bold font.
1. Impacts were calculated using the preliminary engineering designs' construction limits, with an additional 25 feet beyond the slope
stake limits, in accordance with NCDOT procedures.
Floodplains
A floodplain evaluation was conducted for the project in accordance with Executive Order 11988
Floodplain Management and 23 CFR Part 650, Subpart A Location and Hydraulic Design of
Encroachments on Floodplains. Both Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties are participants in the
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) administered by the Federal Emergency Management
Administration (FEMA). As part of the NFIP, FEMA determines floodway boundaries as a tool for
floodplain management.
FEMA, in cooperation with federal, state and local governments, developed floodplain and
floodway boundaries and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS) for Gaston County in September
2007, and Mecklenburg County in February 2004.
The preliminary engineering designs for all the DSAs would involve floodplain encroachments at
all floodplain crossings except those of the South Fork Catawba River and the Catawba River. At
these two locations, the proposed bridges would span both the floodway and the floodplain.
Once a Preferred Alternative is selected, a detailed hydrologic and hydraulic analysis will be
performed for each crossing location to determine the actual size and configuration of each
structure. Also, for all new location crossings on FEMA-regulated streams (streams where a
floodway and/or floodplain has been identified), a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR)
Page 9 of 16
and Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) will be prepared and submitted to NC Flood Mapping
Program or Mecklenburg County, as appropriate, for approval.
MitiEation
Mitigation has been defined in the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations for
implementing NEPA to include efforts that: a) avoid; b) minimize; c) rectify; d) reduce or
eliminate; or e) compensate for adverse impacts to the environment [40 CFR 1508.20 (a-e)].
Practicable alternative analysis must be fully evaluated before compensatory mitigation can be
discussed. Each of these aspects must be considered sequentially.
Avoidance
Avoidance mitigation examines all appropriate and practical possibilities of averting impacts to
Waters of the United States. According to a 1990 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE), in determining "appropriate and practical" measures to offset unavoidable impacts, such
measures should be appropriate to the scope and degree of those impacts and practical in terms of
costs, existing technology, and logistics in light of overall project purposes.
Minimization
Minimization includes the examination of appropriate and practical steps to reduce the adverse
impacts to Waters of the United States. Implementation of these steps will be required through
project modifications and permit conditions. Strict adherence to BMPs would assist in minimizing
project impacts. Minimization methods typically include:
• Decreasing the footprint of the proposed project through the reduction of median width,
right-of-way widths, fill slopes and/or road shoulder widths.
• Installation of temporary silt fences, earth berms, and temporary ground cover during
construction.
• Strict enforcement of sedimentation and erosion control BMPs for the protection of surface
waters and wetlands.
• Minimizing clearing and grubbing activity in and adjacent to water bodies.
• Re-establishing vegetation on exposed areas with judicious pesticide and herbicide
management.
• Bridge lengthening in environmentally sensitive areas.
• Minimizing in-stream activities.
Other Avoidance and Minimization Measures
During the development of the preliminary engineering designs for each Detailed Study Alternative,
efforts were made to avoid and minimize impacts to wetlands and streams wherever practicable.
Where stream crossings were unavoidable, they were located, within design constraints, as
perpendicular as possible. Avoidance and minimization efforts are described below.
Page 10 of 16
The DSAs incorporate measures to avoid and minimize impacts to Waters of the US. The
horizontal alignment of the preliminary engineering designs was adjusted where possible to
minimize or avoid impacts to streams, wetlands, and ponds. The presence of wetlands and streams,
and minimizing or avoiding impacts to these resources, was a factor in considering interchange
configurations. Bridge lengths that were extended to maintain roadway and railway access
adjacent to the Catawba River and South Fork Catawba River also avoided or minimized
encroachment into Catawba River buffer areas.
To further address avoidance and minimization, the NCTA met with the environmental resource
and regulatory agencies (USACE, North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ), United
States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), USEPA, and NC Wildlife Resources Commission
(NCWRC)) at Turnpike Environmental Agency Coordination (TEAC) Meetings on February 5,
March 4, and April 8, 2008, to discuss bridging and alignment decisions for the DSAs' preliminary
engineering designs. In the NEPA/404 Merger Process Coordination Plan this is Concurrence Point
2a -.Bridging/Alignment Decisions.
As a result of those meetings, there were no changes to the horizontal alignments of any of the
DSAs. However, the NCTA agreed to include eight additional bridge sites in the preliminary
engineering designs, beyond those required to convey floodwaters, to avoid or minimize stream and
wetland impacts. These bridge sites are listed in 4.7.3 (Floodway/Floodplain Impacts and Major
Drainage Structures) and shown in Figure 2-9a-ii of the Draft EIS.
Compensatory Mitigation
The purpose of compensatory mitigation is to replace the lost functions and values from a project's
impacts to Waters of the United States, including wetlands.
Appropriate and practicable compensatory mitigation is required for unavoidable adverse impacts
that remain after all appropriate and practicable avoidance and minimization have been
incorporated. It is the decision of USACE and NCDWQ whether to require mitigation for impacts
associated with construction.
Because this project would be permitted under an Individual 404 Permit, mitigation for impacts to
surface waters will be required by the USACE and the NCDWQ. Furthermore, in accordance with
its regulations (33 CFR Part 332), the USACE requires compensatory mitigation when necessary to
ensure that adverse effects to the aquatic environment are minimal. It is anticipated that stream
impacts will be greater than USACE and NCDWQ regulatory thresholds and will require
compensatory mitigation.
Compensatory actions often include restoration, creation, and enhancement of Waters of the US.
Such actions should be undertaken in areas adjacent to or contiguous to the discharge site (i.e.,
compensatory on-site mitigation). There are many possible streams in the Project Study Area
whose restoration may qualify as on-site mitigation for stream impacts. On-site restoration can
include removal of existing fill materials at old bridge end bents, stabilization of degraded streams,
and restoration of floodplains surrounding new bridges.
An off-site mitigation program based on in-lieu fee payments made to the NCDENR Ecosystem
Enhancement Program (EEP) was established by the Memorandum of Agreement Among the North
Page 11 of 16
Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the North Carolina Department of
Transportation, and the US Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District (July 22, 2003).
Coordination with the environmental resource and regulatory agencies determined that payment of
an in-lieu fee would be an available option for off-site mitigation.
Federally Threatened and Endaneered Species
Species with federal status of Endangered (E) and Threatened (T) are protected under provisions of
Sections 7 and 9 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), as amended.
Table 4 summarizes the DSAs' potential effects on federal protected species listed for Gaston and
Mecklenburg Counties.
TABLE 4: Summary of Effects on Federally Protected Species
Common Name Scientific Name County Status Potential Habitat Biological Conclusion
Present in DSAs7
Vertebrates
Holioeetus Gaston, Deliste
Bald eagle leucocepholus Mecklenburg d Yes None Required
Bog turtle Clemmys muhlenbergii Gaston T(S/A) Yes None Required
Invertebrates
Carolina

heelsplitter Losmigono decorato Mecklenburg E Yes No Effect
Vascular Plants
Michaux's sumac Rhus michouxii Mecklenburg E Yes No Effect

s
i
Gaston, May Affect/
o
sunflower r Helionthus schweinitzii
Mecklenburg E Yes Not Likely to
Adversely Affect

Smooth coneflower Echinoceo loevigoto Mecklenburg E Yes No Effect
Notes: E Endangered-A species that is threatened with extinction throughout all or a significant portion of
its range.
T Threatened-A species that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future
throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
T(S/A) Similarity of Appearance-Threatened due to similarity of appearance with other rare species and is
listed for its protection. These species are not biologically endangered or threatened and are
not subject to Section 7 consultation
Source for species list: USFWS Web site, www.fws.gov/nc-es/es/countvfr.html Updated 1/31/08
The biological conclusion regarding the Schweinitz's sunflower for all DSAs is "May Affect/Not
Likely to Adversely Affect." Potential habitat for this species is present within the project study
area along roadsides and utility rights of way. These high probability areas were surveyed for the
presence/absence of Schweinitz's sunflower. One population of Helianthus schweinitzii was
observed within the DSAs. This population is located in Corridor Segment K2A (DSAs 4, 22, 58,
and 76), south of Catawba Creek along the western side of Union New Hope Road (SR 2435).
The proposed right of way of the Gaston East-West Connector in Corridor Segment K2A does not
encroach on this population. Due to its location along the northern edge of the DSA corridor, it is
assumed that all direct impacts to the observed Schweinitz's sunflower population can be avoided.
Indirect impacts from the DSAs to this site also are not likely. The preliminary engineering designs
in Corridor Segment K2A have a grade separation with Union New Hope Road (SR 2435) in this
Page 12 of 16
area, with no direct access that could induce adjacent development. Concurrence from the USFWS
on the biological conclusion of May Affect/Not Likely to Adversely Effect will be needed if DSA
4, 22, 58, or 76 is selected as the Preferred Alternative. Only informal consultation is likely to be
required.
Cultural Resources
The potential of the Gaston East-West Connector to impact cultural resources was evaluated in
accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended.
Historic Resources
As shown in Table 5 (Table 5-2 of the Draft EIS), none of the DSAs would result in an Adverse
Effect to a history property on or eligible for the NRHP. Two properties within the Area of
Potential Effects (APE) are listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP): William N.
Craig Farmstead and Steele Creek Presbyterian Church & Cemetery. Two properties (a rural
historic district and a bridge) have previously been determined eligible for the NRHP. In addition,
25 properties warranted intensive evaluation, of which fourteen were determined eligible for listing
on the NRHP. The NC State Historic Preservation Office (HPO) concurred with the eligibility
determinations at the April 21, 2008 meeting.
TABLE 5: Effects to Historic Architectural Resources
Property Name Site No. Approxi
mate Effects Determinationr Additional Notes
Size (Acres)
No Effect - No Adverse Effect for DSAs (58, 64, 68,
DSAs 4, 5, 9, 22, 23, 27 76, 77, and 91) that use the western
Wolfe Family Dairy interchange at 1-85 (Segment 1-11A).
Farm GS 1327 257 No Adverse Effect - Conditions include plantings at right of
DSAs 58, 64, 68, 76, 77, 81 way, replace fencing, and steepen
slopes to minimize footprint on site.
Pisgah ARP Church GS 00547 2 No Effect --
Jake Long Dairy Barn GS 1320 <1 No Effect
--
William Wilson House GS 00198 1 No Effect
--
William Alexander GS O0169 6 No Effect --
Falls House
Mendenhall-Grissom GS 00173 13 No Effect --
House
Stowe-Caldwell- GS 00179 2 No Effect
--
Lowe House
No Effect -
DSAs 4, 5, 9, 22, 23, 27,
William Clarence 58, 76, 77, 81 For DSAs 64 and 68, ensure full access
Wilson House GS 00341 1 to the property is maintained.
No Adverse Effect -
DSAs 64, 68
No Effect - No Effect for DSAs using Segments J5a
DSAs 4, 22, 58, 76 (DSAs 4, 22, 58,76)
1BF Riddle House GS 00337 2 No Adverse Effect - No Adverse Effect for DSAs using
DSAs 64, 68 Segment Jld (DSAs 64 and 68)
Page 13 of 16
TABLE 5: Effects to Historic Architectural Resources
Property Name Site No. Appronimate Effects Determination' Additional Notes
Size (Acres)
No Adverse Effect - No Adverse Effect for DSAS 5, 9, 23, 27,
DSAS 5, 9, 23, 27, 77, 81 77, and 81 provided the shoulder width
and ditch slope do not result in taking
of property either by fee simple or
permanent easement.
No Effect -

Harrison Family Dairy DSAs 4, 22, 58, 76 For DSAS 5, 9, 23, 27, 64, 68, 77 and 81,
GS 1322 80 ensure full access to the property is
Farm
No Adverse Effect - DSAS maintained.
5, 9, 23, 27, 64, 68, 77, 81
William N. Craig

Farmstead GS 00320 19 No Effect --
No Effect -

DSAS 5, 9, 23, 27, 64, 68, For DSAS using Segment K2A (DSAS 4,
22, 58, 76), avoid drainage
Thomas Allison House GS 00316 4 77,81 encroachment (either by fee simple or
No Adverse Effect - permanent easement) into southeast
DSAS 4, 22, 58, 76 corner of site to avoid Adverse Effect.
Dillard-Falls House GS 1323 3 No Effect --
Bridge No. 350022 Pending Bridge No Effect -
footprint
Byrum-Croft House MK 2841 5 No Effect --
Steele Creek
Presbyterian Church MK 01377 20 No Effect
and Cemetery
Steele Creek
Presbyterian Church MK 1378 7 No Effect
--
Manse
Shopton Rural
- 16 No Effect
--
Historic District
Source: April 21, 2008 Effects Meeting-HPO, FHWA, NCTA, and NCDOT
" Effects determination based upon Preliminary Engineering Designs. Unless otherwise noted, the effects determinations apply to all
Detailed Study Alternatives
Archaeolo0cal Resources
A preliminary archaeological background investigation and field survey was conducted in 2007
based on the preliminary corridors. There are 33 previously recorded sites within or immediately
adjacent to the DSAs. Most of these sites have limited potential for additional significant
information due to low artifact densities and/or loss of integrity through agriculture and erosion.
A small number of sites (31GS0184, 31GS0210, 31GS0211, 31GS0212, 31GS0085, 31GS0144,
31GS0146, and 31GS0058), however, were recommended for additional work or monitoring, and
one site was recommended as potentially eligible for the NRHP (31MK0553). These are listed in
Table 6 (Table 5-3 of the Draft EIS). Because of the findings of previous work, the typically low
artifact densities, and loss of integrity through agriculture and erosion, it is unlikely that any of
these known sites would merit preservation in place or be extraordinarily complex and costly to
mitigate.
Page 14 of 16
TABLE 6: Previously Recorded Archaeological Sites Where Further Work Was
Recommended
. Site USGS Recommendations from Corridor
Number Quadrangle Site Type` Previous Studies Segment DSAS
P
58, 64, 68, 76,
31GS0184 Bessemer City Early Archaic Monitoring H1A 77,81
31GS0210 Gastonia South Late Paleoindian and No further work; further H3 4, 5, 9
Early Archaic work if threatened
No further work; further
31GS0211 Gastonia South Early Woodland
work if threatened H3 4, 5, 9
No further work; further
31GS0212 Gastonia South Unknown Precontact
work if threatened H3 4, 5, 9
31GS0085 Gastonia South Early Archaic and Early Further work J1c 64,68
Woodland recommended
No further work; further
31GS0144 Gastonia South Unknown Precontact
work if threatened J1c 64,68
No further work; further
31GS0146 Gastonia South Unknown Precontact
work if threatened J1c 64,68
31GS0058 Belmont Late Archaic and Early Further work K2A 4, 22, 58, 76
Woodland recommended
Further work 41 5, 9, 22, 23,

31MKO553
Charlotte West
18th Century recommended K3C/K4A
27. 58, 64, 68,
(potentially eligible for East of 1-485
76,7781
NRHP)
Source: Archaeological Assessment of Detailed Study Alternatives for the Proposed Gaston East-West Connector (Coastal Carolina
Research, Inc., April 2007).
Note: These sites are within or immediately adjacent to the DSA corridors. Sites listed from west to east.
` Late Paleoindian is 9,000-6,000 BC, Early Archaic is 8,000-6,000 BC, Late Archaic is 3,000-1,000 BC, Early Woodland is 1,000 BC to
AD 1650, Precontact is before European contact, approximately pre-1650
The Preferred Alternative, once defined, is recommended for additional survey to determine if
archaeological sites eligible for listing on the NRHP are present. The results of that archaeological
survey will be reported in the Final EIS.
Conclusion
Enclosed you will find a completed ENG Form 4345. This submittal is in accordance with the
Section 6002 Project Coordination Plan for this project. This letter, along with the previously
distributed Draft EIS, should provide sufficient information for the issuance of a Public Notice for
the project. As discussed, NCTA will include this notice in our project mailing for upcoming
public involvement activities on the project. A series of Pre-Hearing Open Houses are scheduled
for June 22, 23, 24, and 25, 2009 and Public Hearings are schedule for June 23 and 25, 2009. These
meetings will be held within Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties as follows:
Pre-Hearing Open Houses
Pre-Hearing Open House #1 Pre-Hearing Open House #2 Pre-Hearing Open House #3 Pre-Hearing Open House #4
June 22, 2009 June 23 2009 June 24, 2009 June 25, 2009
4:00 PM to 8:00 PM 230 PM to 6:30 PM 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Gaston Adult Recreation Forestview High School South Point High School Olympic High School
Center
519 W. Franklin Blvd, 5545 Union Rd, 906 South Point Rd, 4301 Sandy Porter Rd,
Gastonia Gastonia Belmont Charlotte
Page 15 of 16
NCTA is accepting public comments on the Draft EIS through July 17, 2009. If you have any
questions, or need additional information, please contact Jennifer Harris, P.E., at [phone] or
j ennifer.harrisO.nctumpike.org
Sincerely,

Steven D. DeWitt, P.E.
Chief Engineer
Attachments:
1. Completed ENG Form 4345
2. Draft EIS Table S-2 - Summary of Environmental Impacts
3. Figure I - Project Location
4. Figure 2 - Project Study Area
5. Figure 3 - Water Resources
6. Figure 4 - Map of Detailed Study Alternatives
7. Figure 5 - Typical Cross Sections
8. CD containing Draft EIS, Corridor Design Hearing Maps, and copy of this letter
cc w/attachments:
Jennifer Harris, P.E., NCTA-Staff Engineer
George Hoops P.E., FHWA-Major Projects Engineer
Missy Pair, P.E., NCDOT-PDEA Staff Engineer
Chris Militcher, USEPA
Kathy Matthews, USEPA
Marella Buncick, USFWS
Polly Lespinasse, NCDENR-DWQ
Marla Chambers, NCWRC
Peter Sandbeck, NCDCR-HPO
Barry Moose, P.E., NCDOT-Division 10 Engineer
Mike Holder, P.E., NCDOT-Division 12 Engineer
Page 16 of 16
NORTH CAROLINA 0 425 e.e * PROJECT LOCATION IN REGION
0 Turnpike Authority Miles p_
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STIP PROJECT NO. U-3321 Counties GIS. Figure 1
Gastm and Mecklenburg Countles Map printed April 2009.
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