U-5950 Marine Blvd SOS comments dec 2018

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LINDA CULPEPPf_R
lnlevirn D�rcctar
December 17, 2018
MEMORANllUM
To: Eric C. Murray, NCDOT Division 3 Division Design Construct Adv. Engineering Tec � an
From: Joanne Steenhuis, NC Division of Water Resources, Wilmington Regional Oftice�
Subject Scoping comments on proposed improvements to the intersection of US 17 Business (Marine Blvd.) and
SK 1336 (Henderson Drive) in Onslow County, STIP U-5950.
Reference your correspondence dated October 4, 2018 in which you requested comments for the referenced project.
Preliminary analysis of the project reveals nominal impacts if any to streams andjurisdictional wetlands in the
project area. More specifically, po[en[ial impacts [o:
Stream Name River Basin Stream Classification(s) Stream Index 303(d) Listing
Number
Sandy Run Branch White Oak SC;NSW 19-10-1 � N/A �
Further investigations a[ a higher resolu[ion should be undertaken to verify the presence of other s[reams and/or
jurisdictional wetlands in the area. In the event [hat anyjurisdictional areas are identified, the llivision of Water
Resources requests that NCDO"C consider the following environtnental issues for the proposed project:
Project Specific Comments:
I. To meet the requirements of NCDOT's NPDES permit NCS00025Q the road design plans shall provide
treatment of tlie stonnwater runoff Yhrough BMPs as detailed in the most recent version of the Nw�th
Carolina Depnrtment ofTranspor[ation S[ormwuter Bes! Managemen! Practices Toolbox manual.
2. Sandy Run Branch is class SC; NSW waters ofthe S[ate. T'he NCDWR is very concerned with sediment
and erosion impacts that could result from this projecL 7'he NCDWR recommends [ha[ highly protective
sediment and erosion control BMPs be implemented to reduce the risk of nuhient runoff to Sandy Run
l3ranch. Additionally, [o mee[ the requirements of NCllO'I's NPDES permit NCS0000250, the NCDW R
requests ihat road design plans provide treatment of the storm water runoff through best management
practices as detailed in the most recent version of the North Cnrolina Deparhnent ofTrnnsportation
Stornnyater Best Manageme�zl Praetrces !'oolbox manual.
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North Oa« �lina Department of Environmental QualiTy I Division of W�[er Resources
572 Nor[h Salisbury Streei I 1817 MailService Center I Raleigh. North Carolina 2769&1617
91970 7.9000

General Project Commen[s:
3. "Che environmental document shoald provide a de[ailed and itemized presenta[ion of the proposed impacts
to weda�ds and streams with corresponding mapping. If mi[igation is necessary as required by I SA NCAC
2H.0506(h), it is preferable to present a conceptual (if not finalized) mitigation plan with [he environmental
documentation. Appropriate mitigation plans will be required prior to issuance of a 401 Water Quality
Certification.
4. Emironmental impact statement alternatives shall consider design criteria that reduce [he impacts to
streams and wetlands from storm water runofE "Chese alternatives shall include road designs that allow for
treatment of the storm water runoff through BMPs as detailed in the most recent version of the North
Carolina Department of Transpor[n[ion Storn:wa[er l3est Manngernent Practices Too! box manual, such as
grassed swales, buffer areas, preformed scour holes, retention basins, etc.
5. After [he selection of the preferred al[ernative and prior to an issuance of the 401 Water Quality
CeRification, the NCDOT is respectfully reminded [hat they will need to demonshate Ihe avoidance and
minimization of in�pacts to wetlands (and streams) to the maximum extent practicaL In accordance with
the Environmental Management Commissiods Rules (15A NCAC 2H.0506[h]), mitigation will be required
for impacts of greater than 1 acre to wetlands. In the event that tnitigation is required, the mitigation plan
shall be designed to replace appropriate lost functions and values. North Carolina Division of Mitigation
Services may be available for assistance with wetland mitigation.
6. In accordance with the Environmental Management Commissiods Rules (15A NCAC 2H.0506[h]),
mitigation will be required for impacts of greater [han 300 linear feet to any perennial s[ream. In the event
that mitigation is required, the mitigation plan shall be designed to replace appropriate lost functio��s and
values. The North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services may be available for assistance with stream
mitigation.
7. Future documenta[ion, including [he AOl Wa[er Quality Certification Application, shall continue to include
an itemized lis[ing of the proposed wetla�d and stream impacts with corresponding mapping.
8. The NCDWR is very concerned with sedimen[ and erosion impacts that could result from this project. The
NCDOT shall address these concems by describing the potential impacts [hat may occur to the aquatic
environments and any mitigating factors that would reduce the impacts.
9. An analysis of cumulative and secondary impacts anticipated as a result of this project is required. The
type and detail of analysis shall confonn to the NC Division of Water Resource Policy on the assessment of
secondary and cumulative impacts dated April 10, 2004.
10. The NCDOT is respectfully reminded that all impacts, includi�g but not limited to, bridging fill,
excavation and clearing, and rip rap to jurisdictional wetlands, streams, and riparian buffers need [o be
included in the final impact calculations. These impacts, in addition [o any conshuction impac[s,
[emporary or otherwise, also need [o be included as part of the 401 Water Quality Certification Applica[ion.
1 I. Where streams must be crossed, the NCllWR prefers bridges be used in lieu of culverts. However, we
realize that economic considera[ions often require the use of culverts. Please be advised that wlve�ts
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North Carolina Department o( Envimnmental Quality I Dlvislon o( Wa[ei Fesources
512 North Sallsbury Street', 1817 MeIlServroe Centei I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699�1617
919 707.9U00

should be countersunk to allow unimpeded passage by fish and other aquatic organisms. Moreover, in
areas where high quality we[lands or streams are impacted, a bridge may prove preferable. When
applicable, [he NCll07' should not install the bridge bents in the creek, to Ihe maximum extent practicable.
12. Whenever possible, the NCDWR prefers spanning structures. Spanning structures usually do not require
work within the stream or grubbing of the streambanks and do not require stream channel realignmenL The
horizontal and vertical clearances provided by bridges shall allow for human and wildlife passage beneath
tlie structure. Fish passage and navigation by canoeists and boaters sliall not be blocked. Bridge supports
(ben[s) should not be placed in the s[ream when possible.
13. Bridge deck drains shall no[ discharge directly into the stream. S[ormwater shall be directed across Ihe bridge
and pre-treated through si[e-appropriate means (grassed swales, pre-formed scour holes, vegetated buffers,
etc.) before entering the stream. To meet the requirements of NCDOT's NPDES pennit NCS000250, please
refer to Ihe mos[ recent version of the Norde Cnrolinu Ueparlment af Transportation Stonnwater Bes[
Managwnent Po•actices Toolbox manual for approved measures.
14. Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands or streams.
l5. Borrow/waste areas should avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practical. Impacts to wetlands i�
borrow/waste areas will need to be presented in tlte 401 Water Quality Certification and could precipitate
compensatory mitigation.
16. The 40l Water Quatity Certification application will need to specifically address the proposed methods for
stormwater managemen[. More specifically, s[ormwater shall not be permitted to discharge directly into
streams or surface waters. 'Co meet [he requirements of NCDOT's NPDES permit NCS000250, please
refer to the most recent version of the North Carolina Deparhnent of Transportution Stormwater Best
Managemenr Practices Toolbox manual for approved measures.
17. The DWR cannot comment on pennit requirements with [he limited infonnation provided. Detailed field
delinea[ion is required to determine the presence or absence ofjurisdictional resources within the project
limits. In addition, NCD01' must provide an estimate to any resources located within the construction
limits of the project area before we can specifically comment on NCDWR permit eligibility. Final permit
authorization will require the submittal of a formal application by the NCDOT and written concurrence
from the NCllWR. Please be aware that any approval will be contingent on appropriate avoidance and
minimization of wetland and stream impacts to the maximum extent practical, the development of an
acceptable stormwa[er managemenl plan, and the inclusion of appropriate mitigation plans where
appropriate.
18. If concrete is used during construction, a dry work area shall be main[ained [o prevent direct contact
between curing concrete and stream wa[er. Water [ha[ inadvertently contacts uncured concrete shall no[ be
discharged to surface wa[ers due to Ihe poten[ial for elevated pH and possible ayuatic life and fish kills.
Concrete shall be handled in accordance with Ihe NPDES Construction General Pem�it NCGO10000.
19. If temporary access roads or detours are constructed, the site shall be graded to i[s preconstruction con[ours
and elevations. llisturbed areas shall be seeded or mulched to stabilize [he soil and appropriate native
woody species shall be planted. When using temporary sh'uctures, U�e area shall be cleared but not
grubbed. Clearing the area with chain saws, mowers, bush-hogs, ar other mechanized equipment and
leaving the stumps and root mat intact allows the area to re-vegetate naturally and minimizes soil
disturbance.
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North Carolina DeUartinent uf Environmental Qualiry � Dlvision of Wa[er Resources
512 Nor[h Salisbury Stree[ I 16P Mail Senice Cen[er I Raleigh. North Carolina 27699-16P
919 707.9000

20. Unless otherwise authorized, placement of culverts and other structures in waters and streams shall be
placed below N�e elevation of the sheambed by one foot for all culverts with a diameter greater tlian 48
inches, and 20 percent of the wlvert diame[er for culverts having a diameter less than 48 inches, to allow
low tlow passage of water and aqua[ic life. Design and placement of culverts and olher structures
including temporary erosion control measures shall not be conducted in a manner that may result in dis-
eyuilibrium of we[lands or streambeds or banks, adjacent to or upstream and downstream of the above
structures. T'he applica�t is required to provide evidence that the equilibrium is being maintained if
requested in writing by the NCDWR. If this condition is unable to be tnet due to bedrock or other limiting
features encountered during construction, please contact the NCDWR for guidance on how to proceed and
to determine whether or not a pennit modification will be required.
21. If multiple pipes or barrels are required, they shall be designed to mimic natural sheam cross section as
closely as possible including pipes or barrels at flood plain elevation, floodplain benches, and/or sills may
be required where appropriate. Widening the s[ream channel should be avoided. Stream channel widening
at the inlet or outlet end of structures typically decreases water velocity causing sedimeut deposition that
requires increased maintenance and disrupts aquatic life passage.
22. If foundation test borings are necessary; it shall be noted in the document Geotechnical work is approved
under General 401 Certification Number 4085Ma[ionwide Pennit No. 6 for Survey Activities.
23. Sediment and erosion control measures sufficien[ to protect water resources must be implemented and
main[ained in accordance with the most recent version of Nor[h Carolina Sediment and Erosion Conhol
Pla�ning and Design Manual and the most recent version of NCS000250.
24. All work in or adjacent [o stream waters shall be conducted in a dry work area. Approved BMP measures
from the most current version of the NCDOT Construction and Maintenance Activities manual such as
sandbags, rock benns, cofferdams and other diversion structures shall be used to prevent excavation in
flowing water.
25. While the use of National Wetland Inventory (N Wl) maps, NC Coastal Region Evalua[ion of Wetland
Significance (NGCEt�WS) maps and soil survey maps are useful tools, their inherent inaccuracies require
that qualified personnel perfonn onsite weNand delineations prior to pennit approval.
26. Heavy equipment should be operated from the bank ra[her than in stream channels in order to minimize
sedimenta[ion and reduce the likelihood of introducing other pollutan[s into streams. This equipment shall
be inspected daily and maintained to prevent contamination of surface waters from leaking fuels,
lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or other [oxic materials.
27. Riprap shall not be placed in the active thalweg channel or placed in the streambed in a manner that
precludes aquatic life passage. Bioengineering boulders or structures should be propedy designed, sized
and installed.
28. Riparian vegeta[ion (native trees and shrubs) shall be preserved to the n�aximum ex[ent possible. Riparian
vegetation must be reestablished wi[hin the construction limits of the project by the end of Ihe growing
season following completion of construc[ion.
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North Carolina Uepar[ment of Envuonmental Quality I Division of W&ter Resources
512 Norih Salisbury Strce� I 1617 Mail Service Cente� I Raleigh, Nor[h Cdrolina 27699-1E17
919707 9000

Thank you for reques[ing our input at this time. 'fhe NCllO"1' is reminded that issuance of a 401 Water Quality
Certification requires that appropriate measures be instituted to ensure that water quality standards are met and
designated uses are not degraded or bst. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact
Joanne Steenhuis at [phone] orjoanne.s[eenhuis@ncde�cgov.
Electronic copy only distribution:
Mason Hemdon, NC DOT Division 3
Brad Shaver, US Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington Field Office
Cathy Brittingham, NC Division ofCoastal Management
S[ephen Lane, NC Division of Coastal Management
Kristi Lynn Carpen[er, NCDWR
File Copy
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Nor[h Carolina Uepartment of Environmental Qualiry I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street I 1617 Mail Service Center � Raleigh, North Carolina 2 7 699 161 7
919707.9000