R-5807 start of study DCM letter

ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
BRAXTON C. DAVIS
Director
Barry Hobbs, PE
NCDOT Highway Division 01
113 Airport Drive
Suite 100
Edenton, NC 27932
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
February 12, 2019
RE: Start of Study, Improvements to NC 343, Camden County, TIP No. R-5807.
Dear Mr. Hobbs:
The N.C. Division of Coastal Management (DCM) appreciates the opportunity to comment on
the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Start of Study letter dated December 6, 2018,
including the attached vicinity map, for the above referenced project.
DCM has reviewed the information that was provided by NCDOT to determine if there are any
potential Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC's)
within the project area. Based upon the information received from NCDOT, it appears as though
there are CAMA AEC's within the project area. These include Public Trust Areas, and Coastal
Shorelines AEC's at two locations: Mill Dam Creek and Areneuse Creek.
If a project proposes development in a CAMA AEC, then a CAMA permit is required. If a
project is in one of the 20 coastal counties and it does not propose development in an AEC, but it
requires a federal license, or it receives federal funding, then a determination of federal
consistency with the N.C. Coastal Management Program is required.
DCM requests that NCDOT ensure that existing Public Trust Access and Usage is maintained.
Any impacts to wetlands and waters of the State should be avoided and minimized to the
maximum extent practicable. DCM notes that it appears as though there are Historic
Distriet(s)/Property(ies) within and/or near the project area. Please be aware that the N.C. State
Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is a commenting agency for CAMA permits and federal
consistency determinations. Therefore, NCDOT is encouraged to coordinate with SHPO to
address and resolve any comments and concerns. DCM recommends that the following NCDOT
project be included on a list of other TIP projects in the area: R-2574.
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North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Coastal Management
DWR Wetlands Unit 1512 North Salisbury Street j 1617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh. North Carolina 27699-1617
919.707.9149

Due to this project's potential for impacts to CAMA AFC's and other coastal resources, DCM
requests that NCD©T schedule an agency coordination meeting with DCM and other relevant
agencies at the appropriate time.
During the permitting or federal consistency determination process, DCM may have additional
comments on the project's environmental impacts, and may place conditions on a permit
decision or federal consistency determination to minimize environmental impacts. The applicant
must also demonstrate that the project is consistent with all certified CAMA land use plans that
are current at the time of permit application. The information provided in this letter shall not
preclude DCM from requesting additional information throughout the permitting and/or federal
consistency determination process, and following normal procedures.
Thank you for your consideration of the North Carolina Coastal Management Program.. Please
contact me or Greg Daisey, DCM Field Representative for Transportation Projects, if you have
any questions or concerns. I can be reached at [phone] or via e-mail at
Cathy. rittin hg amgncdenr. og_v. Greg can be reached at [phone] ext. 249 or via e-mail
at Grea.Daisey+raancdenr.gov.
Cc: Greg Daisey, DCM
Shane Staples, DMF
Kyle Barnes, USACE
Garcy Ward, DWR
Paul Williams, NCDQT
Travis Wilson, WRC
Sincerely,
Cathy Brittingham
Transportation Project Coordinator
N.C. Division of Coastal Management
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North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Coastal Management
aWR Wetlands Unit 1 512 North Salisbury Street 1 1617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
919.707,9149