19990316 Ver 1_COMPLETE FILE_19920101

Environmental Review Trackihe?t. 4 -
p d
DWQ - Water Quality Section i n.
104 DENR # ?7,3.
Date: 1 12 71 ? "?1 2 g 10
MEMORANDUM DWQ # ! a 339
Ta. Env. Sciences Branch [WO Labs
O Trish MacPherson (end. sps)
O Kathy Herring (forest/ORW/HQW)
O Larry Ausley (ecosystems)
O Matt Mathews (toxicology)
O Jay Sauber (intensive survey)
Non-Discharee Branch (Archdale 9th)
O Kim Colson (Permitting)
Wetlands (WQ Lab)
O John Dorney (Corps, 401, construction)
O Cyndi Bell (DOT)
eEric Fleek (dredging)
O
Regional Water Quality Supervisors
O Asheville O Mooresville O Washington
O Fayetteville O Raleigh O Wilmington
O Winston -Salem
Planning Branch (Archdale 6th)
O Alan Clark (basinwide planning)
O Boyd DeVane (classifications & standards)
O Annette Lucas (management planning)
O Jeff Coutu (water supply)
O Ruth Swanek (modeling) (Archdale 9th)
Point Source Branch (Archdale 9th)
O Dave Goodrich (NPDEs) O
O Bradley Bennett (stormwater) O
O Tom Poe (Pretreatment) (Archdale 7th) O
FROM: Gloria Putnam, Local Government Assistance Unit, Planning Branch, 6th Floor, Archdale
PROJECT: S-Pr I Rwss N\SA h L.,. A KmAna) r.e HGCOANIM /A- -
Attached is a copy of the above document. Subject to the requirements of the North Carolina Environmental
Policy Act, you are being asked to review the document for potential significant impacts to the environment,
especially pertinent to your jurisdiction, level of expertise or permit authority. Please check the appropriate
box below and return this form to me along with your written comments, if any, by the date indicated.
i %,au u?, Avawivu aL.
phone: [phone], ext. 567
ndsAcirememo - mac version
1 ?
fax: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

Thank you for your assistance.. Suggestions for streamlining this process are greatly: appreciated!
State of North Carolina
Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Wayne McDevitt, Secretary
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director
February 4, 1999
MEMORANDUM
TO: Gloria Putnam
FROM: Eric Flee
THROUGH: John Dorney, .
woo
NC ENR
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
SUBJECT: Hydeland Canal Boat Ramps (DENR# 973, DWQ# 12339)
Based on a review of the EA and the FONSI, the following alteration in the proposed
plan should be examined further by WRC and may be required in the 401 Water Quality
Certification:
1) The 10' vegetated buffer to be left adjacent to the small drainage ditches located on
the periphery of the parking area should be enlarged to at least 20' to better treat the
stormwater runoff from the parking and staging areas.
If there re further questions or comments regarding this project please feel free to contact
me at 73301786 or at [e-mail]
Post-its Fax Note
PC.ID.Pt.
7671 I Date
Co.
Wetlands/401 Unit 4401 Reedy Creek Road Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
Telephone [phone] FAX # [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/10% post consumer paper

Finding of No Significant Impact
Project: NCWRC Boating Access Area on Hydeland Canal
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is planning
to construct a new boating access area on Hydeland Canal in Hyde County
(please refer to the EA and the proposed construction drawings for details).
Based on the findings of the EA, the NCWRC believes that there will be no
significant adverse effects.
Benefits from the access area include increased public recreational
opportunity on Juniper Creek and Pamlico Sound. Currently, there is no
improved parking area at or near the site. This situation promotes blockage of
the narrow road as vehicles and trailers are parked along the right-of-way. The
access area will help reduce congestion and conflicts arising from overcrowding
at the unimproved launch located south of the project site. Use of the access
area will benefit the local economy as fishermen and recreational boaters
patronize commercial businesses in the vicinity of the project area. Although
the project could have adverse impacts on aquatic and terrestrial resources,
such impacts will be minimized through effective erosion and sedimentation
control measures and proper routing of storm runoff.
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not necessary and will not be
prepared.
Environmental Assessment
Hydeland Canal Boating Access Area
Hydeland, SR 1122
Hyde County, North Carolina
This document is prepared as an Environmental Assessment (EA) in compliance with
Section .0500 of the North Carolina Administrative Code relative to the North Carolina
Environmental Policy Act of 1971 (1 NCAC 25; G. S. 113A-1 et seq., as amended). The
purpose of this EA is to analyze environmental impacts from construction of a new boating
access area and an accompanying road paving project located south of Hydeland in Hyde
County, North Carolina.
Project Description
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) is proposing construction of
a new facility that will provide free public boating access at Hydeland Canal. Hydeland Canal (a
tributary of Juniper Creek) is classified as SC waters, with an average depth of 6.0 feet and
average width of 50 to 60 feet. The proposed location of the boat ramp will be approximately 2.5
miles from Juniper Bay, which is classified by the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) as a
primary nursery area. The proposed boating access area will include two single concrete boat
ramps, a single floating dock, one fixed dock, a crushed stone parking lot, and an asphalt-
surfaced maneuvering area. Entrance to the access area will be from SR 1122. SR 1122 is
currently gravel but will be paved by the North Carolina Department of Transportation
(NCDOT) as part of this project.
The project site is located off SR 1122 approximately 1.5 miles southeast of Juniper Bay
Road (SR 1121), and 3 miles south of NC Highway 264 near the community of Lake Comfort.
Current land uses adjacent to the project area include agriculture, forested areas and WRC game
lands. The entire project area along with the adjacent fields and forests are contained within the
WRC's Gull Rock Game Land.
Need for the Proposed Project
Providing public access for recreational uses of wildlife and fisheries resources is
important to accomplishing the WRC's overall management objectives. The Boating Safety Act
(G. S. 75A-1 et seq.) contains provisions for funding and expenditures to purchase or lease areas
for constructing boating access facilities [G. S. 75A-3(c)]. As of July 1, 1998, the WRC has
constructed approximately 180 boating access areas across North Carolina. Requests for new
access areas are received on a regular basis.
Locating an access area at the proposed project site will provide public access to
Hydeland Canal, Juniper Creek and Pamlico Sound for fishermen, recreational boaters and
waterfowl hunters. Data that would project expected use at the project site are not presently
available. However, Juniper Creek has been historically popular among recreational fishermen
and waterfowl hunters, and Pamlico Sound experiences heavy utilization throughout the year.
2
The demand for new boating access areas statewide continues to increase. The popularity
of boating access areas has lead to overcrowding, and long waits for loading and unloading
boats. Currently, there is an unimproved launching area at the end of Hydeland Canal Road that
receives moderate utilization. Because no designated parking area exists near this launch, boat
trailers must be parked along the side of the road. This congestion often renders the road
impassable especially by large farm equipment, and complaints by farmers have been received.
The closest developed public boat ramp to the proposed site is located in Engelhard
approximately 20 miles away. A new facility on Hydeland Canal will help alleviate
overcrowding at the unimproved launch while providing direct access to Juniper Creek and
Pamlico Sound. It is anticipated that the Hydeland Canal ramp will receive moderate utilization
immediately after completion.
Alternatives Considered
The objective of the proposed project is to provide a facility that will enhance public
access to the waters of Juniper Creek and Pamlico Sound. Alternatives to the proposed project
were not considered, as none would accomplish the project objective. Likewise, alternate site
locations were not considered as the majority of land located in the vicinity of Juniper Creek is
undeveloped and consists of freshwater wetlands and coastal marsh.
Environmental Description
Project Area Plant Communities:--The proposed access site on Hydeland Canal is
currently undeveloped. Clearing of two separate upland areas that are currently wooded will be
necessary for project completion. Terrestrial plant species located on the access area and existing
on the periphery of the construction site include loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), red maple (Acer
rubrum), sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua), black cherry (Prunus serotina), pecan (Carya
illinoensis), wax myrtle (Mvca cerifera), Eastern redcedar (Juniperus vir ing iana), Virginia
creeper (Parthenocissus guinquefolia), sumac (Rhus spp.), honeysuckle (Lonicera W.),
multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) and greenbriar (Smilax W.).
Wetlands:--Approximately 0.081 acres of section 404 wetlands have been identified in
the proposed maneuver area and marked by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. An additional
0.344 acres of 404 wetlands are located in the proposed access road alignment, and would be
impacted during road paving. Areas of coastal marsh and isolated pockets of freshwater
wetlands are located south and east of the proposed access area. The primary values associated
with these wetlands include water storage, shoreline stabilization and pollutant removal. Their
proximity to the canal on the eastern border of the parking area allows them to slow and retain
floodwaters while reducing sedimentation and erosion downstream. These wetland areas also
function to remove nitrogen, phosphorus, heavy metals and other pollutants as floodwaters
spread through and sediments are deposited.
Fisheries Resources:--The substrate in Hydeland Canal in the vicinity of the project site is
dominated by silt, sand, and organic detritus. Average water depth in the canal is 6 feet.
Prominent fish species located in Hydeland Canal and Juniper Creek include largemouth bass
(Micropterus salmoides), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), pumpkinseed (L. gibbosus), black
3
crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), white perch (Morone
americana), and chain pickerel (Esox niger). Anadromous fishes utilizing Hydeland Canal
include alewife (Alosa psuedoharengus) and blueback herring (A. aestivalis). Other species
inhabiting the project area include gizzard shad (Dorosoma cgpedianum), golden shiner
(Notemigonus crysoleucas), white catfish (Ictalurus catus), yellow bullhead (I. natalis),
bluespotted sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus), warmouth (Lepomis ug. losus), swamp darter
(Etheostoma fusiforme), and pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus). Hydeland Canal and Juniper
Creek provide suitable spawning habitat and nursery areas for many of the above listed resident
and anadromous fish species.
Wildlife resources:--Because the proposed access area lies within an intensively managed
game land, the area surrounding the site contains adequate vegetative cover and food resources to
support high wildlife diversity. The expansive areas of uplands, isolated wetland pockets, and
coastal marsh adjacent to the project site provide habitat for many wildlife species. Mammalian
species likely to frequent the project site may include raccoon (Procyon lotor), opossum
(Didelphis marsupialus), cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus), cotton mouse (Peromyscus
gossyainus), and old world rats (Rattus spp.). The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus yir ink ianus),
marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus alp ustris), cottontail rabbit (S. floridanus), muskrat (Ondatra zibethica),
bobcat (Lynx rufus), nutria (Myocastor co us), beaver (Castor canadensis), otter (Luta
canadensis), mink (Mustela vison), gray fox (Urocon cinereoar eg nteus), and black bear (U sus
americanus) are likely to occur occasionally on or near the site.
Avian species may include great blue heron (Ardea herodias), green heron (Butorides
striatus), belted kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon), snowy egret (Egtta thula), glossy ibis (Plegadis
falcinellus), red tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), red shouldered hawk (B. lineatus), osprey
(Pandion haliaetus), sharp shinned (Accipiter striatus), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), and
pileated woodpecker (Daocopus ilp eatus). Various neotropical warblers and songbirds are
nus) classified as endangered by
found in the project area. The peregrine falcon (Falco peregri
the state of North Carolina is known to exist in Hyde County. Adjacent waters and forests
provide habitat for many species of wintering migratory waterfowl such as the mallard (Anas
platyrh, nom), black duck (A. rubripes), wood duck (Aix snonsa), and Canada goose (Branta
canadensis). Agricultural fields and upland areas near the project site are managed intensively
for migratory mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), wild turkey (Melea ms gallopavo), and
bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus).
Amphibian species near the proposed site include southern leopard frog (Rana
sphenocephala), American toad (Bufo americanus), Southern toad (fl. terrestris), and squirrel
treefrog (Hy la sauirella).
Reptilian species located in the project area include Eastern painted turtle (C sem s
picta picta), snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina), various box turtles and cooters, banded water
snake (Matrix fasciata), red-bellied water snake (Natrix eW-Uo ag ster eWhro ag ster), Eastern
cottonmouth (ARkistrodon piscivorous) and copperhead (A. contortrix). Although not listed as
threatened or endangered, the rare red phase of the Carolina pygmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus
miliarius miliarius) has been collected in fields adjacent to the proposed parking area. The
American alligator (Alligator mississ^ppiensis) currently designated by the state of North
Carolina as threatened is found within Hydeland Canal.
4
Cultural resources:--There are no known cultural or archaeological resources on the
access area site; however, a formal archeological survey on this site has not been conducted.
Until construction of the current Hyde County canal system, the majority of the site was most
likely part of a vast bottomland hardwood forest. Although remnants of a wooden barge are
located on the project site, historical importance as determined by the N.C. Department of
Archives and History is not significant. The sunken wooden barge and associated timber pilings
are remnants of an old loading and unloading area that was believed to be used to transport
agricultural products. The barge encompasses an area approximately 80' X 25', and is located
adjacent to the proposed ramp location. Removal of the sunken barge and approximately 16 10"
timber pilings spaced 10' apart and offset 8' from the bank will need to be removed to allow for
construction of the boat ramps, docks and boat launching area.
A group of groundwater test wells maintained by the North Carolina Division of Water
Quality (DWQ) is located within the borders of the proposed parking area. According to DWQ,
the parking area will have no effect on continued sampling of these wells. A 30' protective
barrier will be erected to protect the wells from damage during and after construction
Description of the Proposed Action
Access road:--Access to the parking area will be directly from SR 1122. This road is
currently gravel, and will be paved by NCDOT as a road stabilization and improvement project.
Total project length will be 4700 ft; width (including right-of-way) will be 60 ft. Approximately
5 acres of new upland disturbance will accompany road construction. Wetland impacts associated
with the widening and asphalt paving of SR 1122 will approximate 0.344 acres. Road
construction will consist of grading and filling as necessary and covering the area with 6 inches
of crusher run stone and a 2 inch layer of 12 asphalt. Any fill necessary during road construction
will be brought in from an upland borrow site. Drainage from the road will be to shallow ditches
on each side.
Maneuvering area:--Removal of 9,800 ft2 of wooded uplands will be necessary for
completion of the 11,710 ftz vehicle maneuvering area. This clearing will impact approximately
0.081 acres of section 404 wetlands. Once cleared, development of the area will consist of
grading and filling as necessary and covering the area with approximately 6 inches of crusher run
ABC stone. A layer of 12 asphalt approximately 2 inches thick will be placed on top of the stone.
Material excavated from the project site will be graded into the proposed parking area.
Parking area:--To avoid additional isolated wetland pockets located in the vicinity of the
maneuvering area, parking area construction will begin 256 ft. north of the maneuvering area on
the east side of SR 1122. Removal of approximately 23,230 ft' of wooded uplands will be
necessary for construction of the parking area. Development of the parking area will consist of
grading and filling as necessary and covering a 17,510 ft2 area with 6 inches of crusher run ABC
stone (8755 ft3).
Boat ramps:-- Two single lane 62' x 14' boat ramps, one 48' x 8' floating dock, one
45' x 5'6" fixed dock and a 8'6" x 38' concrete apron will be constructed in the southwest corner
of the maneuvering area. Ramps will be constructed of concrete whereas the floating dock and
fixed dock will be constructed of salt treated lumber. Approximately 550 yd3 of material below
normal water level (NWL) and 120 yd3 of material above NWL will be excavated during
construction of the boat ramps and floating docks in order to achieve proper boat launching
5
depth. Excavation depths will not exceed existing depths in the canal. Additionally, 16 timber
pilings and a 80' X 25' wooden sunken barge will be removed for proper placement of the boat
ramp and fixed dock. Approximately 20 yd3 of material (class A stone and No. 5 washed stone)
above NWL will be used as fill beneath the launch ramps; 30 yd3 of material will be used as fill
below NWL.
Permits Required
A State Dredge and Fill and CAMA major permit will be required prior to
commencement of construction activities. Since approximately 0.43 acres of Section 404
wetlands will be impacted to complete the boating access area (0.081 acre) and widening/paving
of SR 1122 (0.344 acre), a Section 404 permit under the Clean Water Act of 1977 may be
required and is dependent upon review by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Because total
project disturbance will exceed one acre, a sedimentation and erosion control plan will be
submitted.
Environmental Impacts from the Proposed Action
Terrestrial:-- Because the majority of the project area is currently undeveloped, direct
impacts to terrestrial species will be unavoidable. As currently proposed, the project area will
result in the alteration of approximately 11,710 ft2 of upland habitat and riparian buffer to
accommodate the maneuvering area, which includes approximately 0.081 acres of localized
wetland pockets. An additional 23,230 ft2 of woodlands and previously cleared high ground will
be converted into a parking area. Road widening and paving will impact 5 acres of terrestrial
habitat along the alignment of SR 1122. Currently, human activity in the proximity of the
project area is moderate with an existing launch area located south of the proposed access area.
An existing campground and fields intensively managed for wildlife attract moderate numbers of
hunters during the fall. Increased human activity may affect some wildlife species including
American alligator. However, boat traffic currently exists in this canal and a significant increase
in human interactions with alligators after project completion is unlikely. Wading birds currently
utilizing the project area appear to be tolerant of disturbances.
Aquatic:-- Shallow water shoreline habitat complexity useful as refugia for many
freshwater fish species will be reduced as existing shoreline habitat is removed to accommodate
the boat ramps. Approximately 550 yd3 of material will be excavated below NWL and 40 yd3 of
material will be placed below NWL resulting in the physical loss of associated benthic
organisms. In addition, 16 timber pilings and an 80' X 25' sunken barge will be removed.
Habitat characteristics of the project site will be modified as an upland riparian area
approximately 11,710 ft2 adjacent to Hydeland Canal is filled with crusher run stone, asphalt and
concrete ramps. Turbidity and sedimentation in the vicinity of the ramp will exist during
construction. Localized turbidity will persist after project completion as canal boat traffic
increases. Snagging will not be required in the canal.
Noise:--Noise levels will increase as construction equipment (bulldozer, backhoe,
dragline, paving machine, steel roller and motorgrader) is used to complete the access area and
6
road paving. However, such adverse impacts will be short-term and will not exceed levels
currently found on construction sites utilizing similar equipment.
Socio-economic:--Socio-economic impacts of the project site are generally regarded as
positive since availability of the access area will result in greater use of commercial businesses
in the immediate vicinity. The demand for additional access areas to Juniper Creek and
especially Pamlico Sound is increasing; thus, opposition to the proposed project is considered
minimal. Due to the remote location of this project site within a managed game land,
construction of the access area will probably not result in greater overall development impacts on
Hydeland Canal. Potential conflict with boaters may arise if underwater hazards (stumps,
pilings, etc.) in the vicinity of the project site are not clearly marked.
Mitigation for Unavoidable Environmental Impacts
Terrestrial and Aquatic Resources:--Due to the previously undisturbed nature of the
project site, direct environmental impacts will occur. Approximately 9,800 ft2 of riparian habitat
will be removed to accommodate ramp construction. Although construction of the parking area
will result in the conversion of 23,230 ft2 of upland habitat, this location was chosen to avoid
isolated wetland pockets. The proposed location of the boat ramps will impact approximately
0.081 acres of wetland pockets, which is unavoidable due to the lack of other alternatives. An
additional five acres of upland habitat and 0.344 acre of wetlands will be impacted during the
widening and paving of SR 1122.
The placement of erosion control stone beneath the boat ramp will provide hard substrate
not presently available in the project area. These areas may be colonized to some extent by
various aquatic organisms tolerant of the characteristics of the altered habitat. Small fish species
may also utilize the stone rip-rap as cover from predators. Because the current, unimproved boat
ramp near the proposed site is privately owned and maintained, shoreline restoration at the old
ramp is not expected.
In order to protect adjacent waters from degradation due to stormwater runoff, the
maneuvering area will be sloped away from the concrete ramp. Excess runoff during storm
events from the maneuvering area will be sent via sheet flow to shallow ditches adjacent to SR
1122; runoff from the parking area will be absorbed by a 6 in. layer of crusher run stone and/or
sent via sheet flow to adjacent upland areas. Silt fences will be used around the project area to
prevent sediment deposition into adjacent wetlands and surface waters. A 10 ft vegetated buffer
will be left adjacent to the small drainage ditches located on the periphery of the parking area. To
minimize localized turbidity after project completion, a no-wake zone will be established within
50 yards of the access area.
In order to assure the proper placement of the launch ramp and appropriate launching
depth, 550 cubic yards of material will be excavated below the normal water level (NWL). This
activity will temporarily increase turbidity in and downstream of the project site. Excavation
depths will not exceed existing depths in the canal. Due to the sensitive nature of Juniper Creek
and Juniper Bay, a sediment curtain will be employed during excavation to minimize sediment
transport downstream. To minimize impacts during critical egg and fry-rearing stages of resident
and anadromous fish in Hydeland Canal and adjacent waters, no excavation will take place
between 1 April and 30 September in any given year.
7
Summary
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is proposing construction of a new
boating access area located 1.5 miles southeast of Hydeland on SR 1122 in Hyde County.
Approximately 34,940 ft2 of upland habitat will be altered to accommodate the proposed access
area, 33,000 ft2 of which is presently wooded. The majority of the project area is currently
undeveloped including 0.081 acres of localized wetland pockets. Total area to be excavated
during construction of two single lane concrete ramps, one floating dock, and one fixed dock
include 120 yd3 above normal water level (NWL) and 550 yd3 below NWL. Removal of one 80'
X 25' sunken wooden barge and 16 timber pilings will be included in the construction of the
proposed project. Fill material beneath the launch ramps will include 20 yd3 above NWL and 30
yd3 below NWL. The maneuvering area will be sloped and graded with 6 inches of crusher run
stone topped with 2 inches of asphalt; the parking area will be crusher run stone only. Access to
the site will be directly from SR 1122, which will be widened and paved by NCDOT as part of
this proposed project. Additional land disturbances accompanying the 6.5 acre road-paving
segment of the project include approximately five acres of upland clearing and the fill of 0.344
acres of wetlands.
Benefits from the access area include increased public recreational opportunity on Juniper
Creek, Juniper Bay and Pamlico Sound. Currently, there is a small, unimproved launch at the
end of SR 1122, but no improved parking area at or near the site. This situation promotes
blockage of the narrow road as vehicles and trailers utilizing the launch park along the right-of-
way. The proposed access area and road widening project will help reduce congestion and
conflicts arising from overcrowding at the unimproved launch. Use of the access area will
benefit the local economy as fishermen and recreational boaters patronize commercial businesses
in the vicinity of the project area. Although the project could have adverse impacts on aquatic
and terrestrial resources, such impacts will be minimized through effective erosion and
sedimentation control measures, proper routing of storm runoff, and an in-water work
moratorium between 1 April and 30 September in any given year.
+t
LL
LLI
a
Z ?
O w
LL.
a
z -o
3
?r
?C
CJ
z
0
?V
O ?
CO ,-
o{ ?Q.
j C)
-?• ?•
l?
/ m r-7
r?
,•?
'- 1
s ?
I
CCP/))/? -
10 ? ?? ?? - / NI NI
/ / ? //mil Y ^I --- --•------•--•.
, ? VVV ? NI
_I o I
LS?I - ?m
?I
I ,•? fig.
ug

a
I'O ;7
+00.00 -L=POT Ilb 9 F.
Z I I ?? ZELMA M. HOWARD O
rj I
I, OIa DB. 109 PG.'20 e•
o R Ln

m
11±00PING __- _
m I •f
I ?• P[CaN ORC
URG
I S 71'35.23" E
C
•
' I
S 72'1 V27" E 1(t
Z'
O ?.i. j
I ` v BEGIN 6
DIT
H 2
DEEP
PP
OPOS.-O P/w / PROPO

' ED
wrPE lEr+;f
--?.
-
-"- ---'---- .

?? ? Tom- ?;
.-_---- ?--?- ..

-•'_ .? .. SED A/1Y
2F00.00 -L- PINC= . - - - -- --- - -- -- - - - -- - - - - - -- -- --- -- -- -- - - - -- --- - - -- - -
0+00.00 -L- PUT i`' --- -- - -? :: -t?"T: iNEw '- - -=4 - -- --' - - - - - - -- - - - - -- --
z i
-_
?. I I
?
I PI?0F+!SE.U Ri •w ?? I FROPOSEE' IE/w

Pl I
C,
I I C i I

? li
fiFlE•
I I.
Z
J I I I
- I I ?.
z =n. _Fc"" z I
I
.

m NELL GRACE BERRY I J.E. BERRY HEIRS
4-F00.00 L- PII9C =?_ 1 DF; ?9 P[:.. t? I
I
I
? l
NORTH CAROLINA
D I!;1'AlZTl1TLNT Ole 'ti ANSPORTA'I'ION
D[VTSTON Ol{ '[ ['[GT.-]AVAYS
COUN'TY; c o 1
PROJECT:
)9QRe,-j , A2Eq c i$oarr ©A) S,e 11ZZ
DATE,,:
SUBJECT: Plan View
SHEET: I oF. Z/
r

'%"MA 11111d
:.1.D:1?rou<?
: k.?.Nn OD
S"AU-101:14 ,110 NOISI:AI.CI
NOLLVJ'UOdSN' Tj' !10 LNi[mI T, Wd'III CI
,1rN1rI:02LVD 1,,,,,TOM
, -1
UI
Z!
aI ?
I ?
JI
II?
SNIGH , 82 839 '3'r
N' o
I
S813H AM30
O
M
}! II

Ot3i1 I
I
I
?GOdl m;d 03cnd0ed
A
-
- -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- ------
--,moo-------- i---

liodOdd p m/d 035GdJdd n

0,31! -I
?
ml
l
m
ll
3 A.LO.ZZ S
3 „LZ.tt.Z[ S
69Z'Od of 190 l
NOSNIlW01 'M'r lil
'tom l I OZL'Od 601 00
t Ih aaVMOH A Vw33Z
-'
O 1 Cil O
;.= ?
III o
- ICI
z
t
1
O
11 + J.W. TOMLINSON
D6. 134 P0.259
FIELD
S 72'08'41" E S 71'57'35" E
v
PROPOSED-R/W - -
---- - ??- ---------- --------- - - - - - - - - - =4
F NO (jED P/. PROPOSED R/V4 I $ x WOODS AL0HG DITCH E-v
E' A
J.E. BERRY, HEIRS
o ED
?io
_. tD
J.E. BERRY HEIRS D°,l
? Av
.y,Z
f
NORTH CAI2OLTNA
llEPkl0'1\4ENT OF' 'T'RANSPORTATION
DIVISION OI{ I-IIGI AVAYS
COUNTY:'
PROJECT:
DATE,,:
Sull.) ECT: Ilan View
SI1)'sl?T:

?=r??? ?.I ??12[[1S
Mot
A mins
SAVAUIOII:-I 1I0 NOISIAIQ
NOI:LvluocISNvw.,)IO 1.N?ILII,I,II.V<1?(CI
ZTNIrIO2IVO I LLIIO N

do
?`0
S
S
s?s?np
cj/ p p.N -jo
v

,-1
ail '\ /' ,n --°f ?•?. Mph al, %'4`E•
"ter-w`3``
C8 OZS
S \?
3 ,ll.l Z.OI 5 OZ 941 .86'68 =1 \
,00.00.t L
scoox a ll ..80.4L'.6l zs'2°ii 0 ry !. J`"r g o `" mow. \
C? 119
7 N$3
3 I? ga
?p S71M li ?to <<°6/.y
00 ?99?q
61.90
3sA /
?\ p l w
9 ?; c t
s
/ • 'r.i5 . ? O ry

1
l
I
I
1
1
Earl Pugh, Jr.
Nw
.
I
J. W. Tomlln5on
I
I ;
I ,
I
i ?
1

Four Groundwater
- Monitonng Wells

''.•. ••• • , `-33'- - _ a Wetland Pockets --
'
-
?•••••??' 39 • ....
.
'
0(approx. 3530 561,ft) --
_
_ ,
• ,
.

1-0
Flood Gates _ -- ------- ' '•'•'•'• 9b
-- o 0
_
` --NWL,
Wood PlhngS
- 'MI 0 : ;
__
----
-------------- -----------------
3.a
` ?N.. \ NWL
` " DELAND
c
- ANAL (Jumper 2.9 \
a
y+l 5.17
4.51
2.9 5.5'
2ni ?NWL--,
264
LEGEND
0 DOT 301 Rlght of Way
d3 0 Ex 5tmg Forested Area
NWL NWT
Crusher Run ABC
Stone on 5R 1 122
0 100 200 300
Scale: I" = 100 '
Ydeland
{
FNCWY arolina Wildlife Resources Cor
xydeland anal BAn ivision of Boating and Inland Fisheri
p RC Proposed Doating ACCes°
Hydeland Canal, Hyde Count}
GVFrq ecWHydeIan4
0 1997 DeLonne. S e Atlaz USA 5LF Dnxnngs?i0(tlyAD j
P Ill 1199
EXISTING SITE
Asphalt Launch Area (0.27 acres)
W

NwL _
Faced Pier (45'X 50)

4'
i
j
I 38
I, Two 14'X 62'
Concrete Launch
?l I Ramps
°
3 5? Excavation and Fill Area below NWL
Area =°7600 square feet
LEGEND
- - DOT 30' Right of Way
NWL- NWL
Concrete
.6 .
Area .to be Dredged
Below NWL
Volume = 550 cubic yards
0 ?
5.5' °
.5'
5.5'
Proposed Canal
Depths after Dredging
D CANAL 8'X 48' Wooden 0 30 GO 30
NWL
Floating Dock Scale: I " = 30'
DIMENSIONS SPIFFY
NWL
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Division of Boating and Inland Fisheries
NCWRC Proposed Boating Access Area
Hydeland Canal, Hyde County
5LP Gerqjectatlydaland! SHEET 3
DESIGN BY Draxing ' CAOO?,h l. W9
5LP 1/11/99
MAWN BY DATE
CHECKED BY DAME OF 4
III BY REVISIONS DAME

Environmental Assessment
Hydeland Canal Boating Access Area
Hvdeland, SR 1122
Hyde County, North Carolina
This document is prepared as an Environmental Assessment (EA) in compliance with
Section .0500 of the North Carolina Administrative Code relative to the North Carolina
Environmental Policy Act of 1971 (1 NCAC 25; G. S. 113A-1 et seq., as amended). The
purpose of this EA is to analyze environmental impacts from construction of a new boating
access area located south of Hydeland in Hyde County, North Carolina.
Project Description
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) is proposing construction of
a new facility that will provide free public boating access at Hvdeland Canal. Hydeland Canal is
classified as SC waters, and is tributary to Juniper Creek which eventually empties into Pamlico
Sound. The proposed boating access area will include a double concrete boat ramp, a floating
dock system and a crushed stone parking lot. Entrance to the access area will be from SR 1122,
which is currently gravel but will be paved before project completion.
The project site is located off SR 1122 approximately 1.5 miles southeast of Juniper Bay
Road (SR 1121), and 3 miles south of NC Highway 264 near the community of Lake Comfort.
Current land uses adjacent to the project area include agriculture, forested areas and WRC game
lands. The entire project area along with the adjacent fields and forests are contained within the
WRC's Gull Rock Game Land.
Need for the Proposed Project
Providing public access for recreational uses of wildlife and fisheries resources is
important to accomplishing the WRC's overall management objectives. The Boating Safety Act
(G. S. 75A-1 et seq.) contains provisions for funding and expenditures to purchase or lease areas
for constructing boating access facilities [G. S. 75A-3 (c)]. As of July 1, 1998, the WRC has
constructed approximately 175 boating access areas across North Carolina. Requests for new
access areas are received on a regular basis.
Locating an access area at the proposed project site will provide public access to
Hydeland Canal, Juniper Creek and Pamlico Sound for fishermen, recreational boaters and
waterfowl hunters. Data that would project expected use at the project site are not presently
available. However, Juniper Creek has been historically popular among recreational fishermen
and waterfowl hunters, and Pamlico Sound experiences heavy utilization throughout the year.
The demand for new boating access areas statewide continues to increase. The popularity
of boating access areas has lead to overcrowding, and long waits for loading and unloading boats
are being experienced. Currently there is an unimproved launching area at the end of Hydeland
Canal Road that receives heavy utilization. Because no designated parking area exists near this
launch, boat trailers must be parked along the side of he road. This congestion often renders the
5
Aouatic:-- Shallow water shoreline habitat complexity useful as ref igia for many
freshwater fish species will be reduced as existing shoreline habitat is removed to accommodate
the boat ramps. Approximately 40 yd3 of material will be placed below NWL resulting in the
physical loss of associated benthic organisms. Habitat characteristics of the project site will be
modified as an upland riparian area approximately 11,000 ft' adjacent to Hydeland Canal is filled
with crusher run stone, asphalt and concrete ramps. Turbidity and sedimentation in the vicinity
of the ramp will exist during construction. Localized turbidity will persist after project
completion as canal boat traffic increases. Snagging will not be required in the canal.
Noise:--Noise levels will increase as construction equipment (bulldozer, backhoe,
dragline and motorgrader) is used to complete the access area. However, such adverse impacts
will be short-term and will not exceed levels currently found on construction sites utilizing
similar equipment.
Socio-economic:--Socio-economic impacts of the project site are generally regarded as
positive since availability of the access area will result in greater use of commercial businesses
in the immediate vicinity. The demand for additional access areas to Juniper Creek and
especially Pamlico Sound is increasing; opposition to the proposed project is considered
minimal. Due to the remote location of this project site within a managed game land,
construction of the access area will probably not result in greater overall development impacts on
Hydeland Canal. Potential conflict with boaters may arise if underwater hazards (stumps,
pilings) in the vicinity of the project site are not clearly marked.
Mitigation for Unavoidable Environmental Impacts
Terrestrial and Aouatic Resources:--Due to the previously undisturbed nature of the
project site, direct environmental impacts will occur. Approximately 11,000 ft-' of riparian
habitat will be removed to accommodate ramp construction; none of which will involve the
destruction of freshwater wetlands. Although construction of the parking area will result in the
conversion of an additional 30,000 ff2 of upland habitat (20,000 ft' of which is presently
wooded), this location was also chosen to avoid isolated wetland pockets. The placement of
erosion control stone beneath the boat ramp will provide hard substrate not presently available in
the project area. These areas may be colonized to some extent by various aquatic organisms
tolerant of the characteristics of the altered habitat. Small fish species may also utilize the stone
rip-rap as cover from predators. Because the current, unimproved boat ramp near the proposed
site is privately owned and maintained, shoreline restoration at the old ramp is not expected.
In order to protect adjacent waters from degradation due to stormwater runoff, the
maneuvering area will be sloped away from the concrete ramp. Excess runoff during storm
events from the maneuvering area will be sent via sheet flow to shallow ditches adjacent to SR
1122; runoff from the parking area will be absorbed by a 6 in. layer of crusher run stone and/or
sent via sheet flow to adjacent upland areas. Silt fences will be used around the project area to
prevent sediment deposition into adjacent wetlands and surface waters. To minimize localized
turbidity after project completion, a no-wake zone will be established within 50 yards of the
access area.
6
Unavoidable impacts from this project include removal of approximately 31,000 ft' of
woodland habitat, and replacement with man-made structures associated with the project.
Benefits to the public through increased recreational opportunities should outweigh these losses.
Summarv
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is proposing construction of a new
boating access area located 1.5 miles southeast of Hydeland on SR 1122, Hyde County. Total
area of proposed development is 41,000 f' (0.94 acres). The majority of the project area is
currently undeveloped. Total area to be excavated during construction of a double concrete ramp
and2 floating docks include 50 yd' above normal water level (NWL). Fill material beneath the
launch ramps will include 35 yd' above W IL and 40 yd' below NWL. Access to the site will be
directly from SR 1122. The maneuvering area will be sloped and graded with 6 inches of crusher
run stone topped with 2 inches of asphalt: the parking area will be crusher run stone only.
Approximately 11,000 ft' of upland riparian habitat adjacent to the ramp, and 20,000 ft' of
wooded uplands near the parking area will be removed to accommodate the proposed access
area. An additional 10,000 ft' of previously developed high ground will be used to complete the
parkin area.
Benefits from the access area include increased public recreational opportunity on Juniper
Creek and Pamlico Sound. Currently, there is no improved parking area at or near the site. This
situation promotes blockage of the narrow road as vehicles and trailers are parked along the
right-of-way. The access area will help reduce congestion and conflicts arising from
overcrowding at the unimproved launch located south of the project site. Use of the access area
will benefit the local economy as fishermen and recreational boaters patronize commercial
businesses in the vicinity of the project area. Although the project could have adverse impacts
on aquatic and terrestrial resources, such impacts will be minimized through effective erosion
and sedimentation control measures and proper routing of storm runoff.