20090451 Ver 1_NC 28 (14)_20051110

F W qTE Michael F. Easley, Governor
O?? RQG William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
\
r Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director
>_ -1 Division of Water Quality

November 10, 2005
MEMORANDUM
To: Melba McGee, Environmental Coordinator, Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental
Affairs
f
From: Brian L. Wrenn, Transportation Permitting Unit
Subject: Finding of No Significant Impact for SR 1323 (Riverview Street) and NC 28 Improvements
in Macon County, Federal Aid Project No. STP-28(1), State Project No. 8. 1970801, TIP
Project R-2408. State Clearinghouse Project No. 06-0122.
This office has reviewed the referenced document. The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) is responsible
for the issuance of the Section 401 Water Quality Certification for activities that impact Waters of the
U.S., including wetlands. It is our understanding that the proposed action, as presented in the Finding of
No Significant Impact (FONSI), would consist of correcting vertical and horizontal road deficiencies and
widening travel lanes on NC 28 and SR 1323 (Riverview Street) in Macon County. The referenced
project would begin in the south at SR 1729 (Depot Street Extension) and end at SR 1378 (Bennett Road)
to the north. The proposed facility would consist of two 12-foot travel lanes with 8-foot shoulders which
would include 4 feet of paved shoulder for bicycle travel. The Division of Water Quality offers the
following comments:
Document Specific Comments:
1. DOT should regularly update the public and the Merger Team on the status of the commitments
listed in the Project Commitments Section of the FONSI. If DOT feels that any commitments
cannot be fulfilled DOT should inform the public and the Merger Team immediately.
2. DWQ has concerns associated with controlling storm water from the expressway gutters proposed
for the project. Outlets from the expressway gutter system should not discharge storm water .
directly into waters of the State. We recommend that storm water be directed to discharge into
the adjacent floodplain. In addition, we prefer that appropriate Best Management Practices
(BMPs)be used to provide diffuse flow at nonerosive velocities. DWQ will work with the DOT
to develop and implement flow spreader devices and other BMPs for this project.
General Comments:
1. In accordance with the Environmental Management Comrission's Rules { 15A NCAC
2H.0506(b)(6) }, mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 150 linear feet to any
single perennial stream. In the event that mitigation is required, the mitigation plan should be
designed to replace appropriate lost functions and values. In.accordance with the Environmental
Management Commission's Rules (15A NCAC 2H.0506 (h)(3) }, the NC Ecosystem
Enhancement Program may be available for use as stream mitigation. A discussion of potential
mitigations strategies should be included in the EA.
One
Transportation Permitting Unit
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650
2321 Crabtree Boulevard, Suite 250, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Phone: [phone] / FAX [phone] / Internet: http,Hh2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetiands
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November 10, 2005
Page 2
2. The 401 Water Quality Certification application will need to specifically address the proposed
methods for storm water management. More specifically, it is suggested that storm water not be
permitted to discharge directly into streams or surface waters.
3. If applicable, NCDOT should not install the bridge bents in the creek, to the maximum extent
practicable.
4. For all bridges on the project, bridge deck drains should not discharge directly into the stream.
Storm water should be directed across the bridge and pre-treated through site-appropriate means
(grassed swales, pre-formed scour holes, vegetated buffers, etc.) before entering the stream.
Please refer to NCDOT Best Management Practices for the Protection of Surface Waters.
5. If foundation test borings are necessary; it should be noted in the document. Geotechnical work
is approved under General 401 Certification Number 3027/Nationwide Permit No. 6 for Survey
Activities.
6. Sediment and erosion-control measures should not be placed in wetlands.
7. Borrow/waste areas should avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practicable. Impacts to
wetlands in borrow/waste areas could precipitate compensatory mitigation.
DWQ appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on your project. Should you have any questions
or require any additional information, please contact Brian Wrenn at 919-733-5715.
cc: Angie Pennock, US Army Corps of Engineers, Asheville Field Office
Marla Chambers, NC WRC
Marella Buncick, USFWS
Chris Militscher, USEPA
Mike Parker, NC DWQ, Asheville Regional Office
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