20090451 Ver 1_Scoping Comments_20010424

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Michael F. Easley
Governor
William G. Ross, Jr., Secretary
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Kerr T. Stevens
Division of Water Quality
April 24, 2001
MEMORANDUM
To: William D. Gilmore, P.E., Manager
NCDOT, Project Development & Environmental Analysis
Through: John Dorney, NC Division of Water Qua1;1?y ?? r
From: Cynthia F. Van Der Wiele, NCDOT Coordinator L,L!&J
Subject: Scoping comments on the proposed improvements to NC 28 and SR 1323.
SR 1323 (Riverview St.) from SR 1659 (TIP Project U-2929 Depot St. Ext.)
in Franklin to NC 28, and NC 28, from SR 1323 (Riverview St.) to SR 1335
(Sanderstown Rd.), Macon County, Federal Aid Project No. STP-28(1), State
Project No. 8.1970801, T.I.P. Project R-2408.
This memo is in reference to your correspondence dated March 20, 2001 (received March 27,
2001), in which you requested scoping comments for the above project. The project will
Cross Jacob Branch, Crawford Branch and potentially impact Lake Emory, located in the
Little Tennessee River Basin. These water bodies are classified as C waters. The NC
Division of Water Quality requests that NCDOT consider the following environmental issues
for the proposed project:
A. NCDWQ prefers replacement of bridges with bridges. However, if the new structure is
to be a Culvert, it should be countersunk to allow unimpeded fish and other aquatic
organisms passage through the crossing. Please be aware that floodplain culverts are
required under Nationwide 14.
B. The document should provide a detailed and itemized presentation of the proposed
impacts to wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping.
C. There should be a discussion on mitigation plans for unavoidable impacts. If
mitigation is required, it is preferable to present a conceptual (if not finalized)
mitigation plan with the environmental documentation. While the NCDWQ realizes
that this may not always be practical, it should be noted that for projects requiring
mitigation, appropriate mitigation plans will be required prior to issuance of a 401
Water Quality Certification.
D. When practical, the DWQ requests that bridges he replaced on the existing location
with road closure. If a detour proves necessary, remcdiation measures in accordance
with the NCDWQ requirements for General 401 Certification 2726/Nationwide Permit
No. 33 (Temporary Construction, Access and Dewatering) must be followed.
North Carolina Division of Water Quality, 401 Wetlands Certification Unit,
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 (Mailing Address)
2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604-2260 (Location)
919.733-1786 (phone), 919-733-6893 (tax), fittp://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetfands/
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E. If applicable, DOT should not install the bridge bents in the creek, to the maximum
extent practicable.
F. Wetland and stream impacts should be avoided (including sediment and erosion control
structures/measures) to the maximum extent practical. If this is not possible,
alternatives that minimize wetland impacts should be chosen. Mitigation for
unavoidable impacts will be required by DWQ for impacts to wetlands in excess of one
acre and/or to streams in excess of 150 linear feet.
G. BOITOw/waste areas should not be located in wetlands. It is likely that compensatory
mitigation will be required if wetlands are impacted by waste or borrow.
H. 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.
L In accordance with the NCDWQ Wetlands Rules { 15A NCAC 2H.0506(b)(6)1,
mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 150 linear feet to any single
perennial stream. In the event that mitigation becomes required, the mitigation plan
should be designed to replace appropriate lost functions and values. In accordance
with the NCDWQ Wetlands Rules { 15A NCAC 2H.0506 (h)(3) }, the Wetland
Restoration Program may be available for use as stream mitigation.
J. Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands.
K. The 401 Water Quality Certification application will need to specifically address the
proposed methods for storm water management. More specifically, storm water should
not be permitted to discharge directly into the creek. Instead, storm water should be
designed to drain to a properly designed storm water detention facility/apparatus.
L. While the use of National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps and soil surveys is a useful
office tool, their inherent inaccuracies require that qualified personnel perform onsite
wetland delineations prior to permit approval.
Thank you for requesting our input at this time The DOT 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-lost.- If you have any - - - -
questions or require additional information, please contact Cynthia Van Der Wiele at (919)
733.5715.
Pc: Steve Lund, USACE Raleigh Field Office
Marella Buncick, USFWS
MaryEllcn Haggard, NCWRC
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