Attach J - TeaCreekBridgeReplacementCE_DM_20240923.pdf

United States

Department of Agriculture

Monongahela National Forest Marlinton Ranger District

PO Box 210 1627 Cemetery Road Marlinton, WV 24954

(304) 799-4334

File Code: 1950 Date: 09/23/2024

Decision Memo: Tea Creek Bridge Replacement

A. Purpose and Need This project is needed to replace the existing bridge along Forest Road (FR) 135 over the Williams River with a new structure to ensure safe public access to the popular Tea Creek Campground and nearby trails. The existing structure functions effectively as a low-water bridge and frequently floods which presents a public health and safety issue. This bridge provides the only access to Tea Creek Campground and nearby areas. Removing and replacing the existing structure will restore natural flow regimes to Tea Creek in this area by allowing water to flow into adjacent natural channels and floodplains. Replacing the existing bridge will also help improve aquatic ecosystem conditions and climate change resiliency in the long-term by allowing for better aquatic organism passage and continuity of fundamental stream channel processes like bedload transport.

The Monongahela National Forest (MNF) Forest Plan states that the Forest Service Road network supplies transportation system needs for multiple uses (including recreation, public safety, and forest management) and that roads needed for long-term objectives are maintained in a way that ensures continued user safety and resource protection (MNF Forest Plan, II-54). Implementation of proposed actions would 1) ensure continued public health and safety (RF01) and 2) protect road and bridge infrastructure needed for long-term objectives (Forest Plan Roads and Facilities Desired conditions, II-54). Implementation of the proposed actions would meet desired conditions for both aquatic and transportation network resources as outlined in the MNF Forest Plan.

B. Proposed Action The project area is located at the intersection of FR 86 (Williams River Road) and FR 135 where it crosses the Williams River. The existing bridge is a 4-span low-water concrete slab bridge measuring 111 feet (ft) long and 15 ft wide. The existing bridge will be removed after new bridge construction is complete. See Figure 1 for map of project site and proposed actions. Conservation measures, Best Management Practices (BMPs), design criteria outlined in Appendix A and the BO will be applied throughout the implementation of this work.

The new bridge will be constructed approximately 100 feet upstream of the existing bridge. New bridge design will consist of a two-span bridge with side-by-side precast concrete box beams approximately 122 ft across the Williams River. The new bridge will require new approaches and bridge abutments along the bank on both sides of Williams River as well as an intermediate pier that will be constructed within the channel of Williams River to support the middle of the multi-span structure. The mid-span pier (3 ft wide x 22 ft high) will be placed in the shallow side of the channel cross section, which will require that the river channel be widened slightly along its right bank to sustain the fluvial dynamics of the Williams River at this location. Concrete footers with micropile reinforcements will be formed in place for the bridge abutments and the intermediate pier.

Because the new bridge will be constructed 100 feet upstream of the existing structure at a slightly higher elevation, vertical road realignments on FR 86 and 135 will be needed to connect these roads to the new bridge.

Specifically, FR 86 will require 600 feet of realignment and FR 135 will need 500 feet of realignment. FR 86

PO Box 210 1627 Cemetery Road will also be paved to restore pre-project conditions. Vertical realignment will consist of placing road fill and stabilizing riprap to raise the elevation of existing road surfaces to the design elevation of the new bridge approaches on both sides of the Williams River. Most fill and riprap placed will be above the ordinary high-water mark, however minor amounts of fill or riprap may need to be placed in the river channel. No horizontal road realignment (movement outside of the existing road prism) is proposed.

MNF Aquatic specialists will be consulted for designs to restore stable channel and floodplain conditions.

Affected areas of the Williams River stream channel will be rehabilitated with heavy equipment and hand labor to repair stream channel banks and bed, enhance in-stream aquatic habitats, and rehabilitate disturbed floodplain areas. Native materials (stream channel bank, bed substrates, large woody structure, floodplain soils) would be re-used to the extent practicable for site rehabilitation. Areas of soil disturbance will be seeded and mulched with Forest Service approved seed mix and monitored for non-native invasive species (NNIS) during implementation and one-year post-construction.

Implementation of in-stream work would only occur between July through October during the low-water season. Ancillary actions such as restoration of the site post-construction may occur outside this timeframe. This work is anticipated to take 1-2 low-water seasons (2025-2026), depending on weather conditions and delays encountered.

PO Box 210 1627 Cemetery Road

Figure 1. Map of Tea Creek Bridge Replacement

C. Reasons for Categorical Exclusion I have concluded that these actions can be categorically excluded from documentation in an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under at 36 CFR 220.6(e)(24).

Proposed actions outlined in Section B meet the requirements of these categories as they include 1) removal and replacement of existing water control structures to restore natural flow regimes and 2) realignment of up to 2 miles of NFS roads to minimize resource impacts and improve access to Tea Creek Campground parking areas and trailheads. CE category (e)(24) also requires Regional Office review and approval, which was completed 05/29/2024 (see project record for further information).

D. Relationship to Extraordinary Circumstances Direction provided in FSH 1909.15 (1909.15-2014-1, effective 05/28/2014) requires the Responsible Official to consider whether effects to extraordinary circumstances related to a proposed action warrant analysis in an EA or EIS. The Handbook also states that the mere presence of these resources does not preclude use of a categorical exclusion. Actions covered under both of the above CE categories will be considered cumulatively

PO Box 210 1627 Cemetery Road during the review of extraordinary circumstances. This project was analyzed for the following resource conditions (per FSH 1909.15, Section 31.2) and the results are as follows:

1. Federally listed threatened or endangered species or designated critical habitat, species proposed for Federal listing or proposed critical habitat, or Forest Service sensitive species:

No significant effects to Federally-listed threatened or endangered species or designated critical habitat, species proposed for Federal listing or proposed critical habitat, or Forest Service sensitive species are expected from this proposal.

Botany: Field surveys of the area were conducted 5/5/2024 and found two populations of one RFSS species (Ilex collina) are present within the project area on both sides of the road into the campground.

Mitigations needed would include flagging these plants for avoidance prior to project implementation.

Aquatics: I have reviewed the project draft decision memo and proposed actions as it pertains to the watershed and fisheries resource. The Biological Opinion (BO) for this project discusses the potential effect this project could have on candy darter and Designated Critical Habitat, and lists conservation measures that will be met by this project. Conservation measures outlined in the BO were included as mitigation measures for the project (see Appendix A). By adhering to these measures, there should be minimal effects to other aquatic biota because it makes all efforts to reduce negative effects to the aquatic system as a whole. Therefore, the determination of May Impact Individuals but Will Not Likely Contribute to a trend towards Federal Listing or Loss of Viability to the population or species is made for the following aquatic RFSS: Tonguetied Minnow, New River Shriner, Appalachia Darter and Eastern Hellbender.

Wildlife: I have reviewed the proposal for the bridge replacement on Tea Creek. No trees are planned to be removed inside the project area and no bats are occupying the current structure. Therefore; no effects are expected for federally listed bat species. No effects are expected for any other federally listed species of terrestrial wildlife and no impacts are expected for any Regional Forester Sensitive Species.

2. Flood plains, wetlands, or municipal watersheds:

Work will occur in floodplain but will follow the guidance in the MNF Forest Plan and required Conservation Measures outlined in Appendix A. Through the process of constructing the new bridge, there will be slight modifications to floodplain and water storage capacity due to the construction of a mid-channel pier taking up some of the cross-sectional area of the river. This will be necessary to construct a long-term solution for access to Tea Creek. No wetlands are found within the project footprint and are not expected to be affected by this project. The Williams River is not a municipal watershed.

3. Congressionally designated areas, such as wilderness, wilderness study areas, or national recreation areas:

There are no congressionally designated areas (wilderness, wilderness study or national recreation) within the project area.

4. Inventoried roadless areas or potential wilderness areas:

The project area is located within the Tea Creek and Turkey Mountain Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs) but is excepted from the Roadless Area Conservation Rule because proposed actions are needed

PO Box 210 1627 Cemetery Road to protect public health and safety in cases of imminent threat of flood, fire or other catastrophic events that, without intervention would cause loss of life or property (36 CFR 294.12(b)(1)). Additionally, per 36 CFR 294.12(B)(4): Road realignment is needed to prevent irreparable resource damage that arises from the design, location, use or deterioration of a classified road and that cannot be mitigated by road maintenance.

Implementation of proposed actions would also enhance the following roadless area characteristics: 1) primitive, semi-primitive nonmotorized and semi-primitive motorized classes of dispersed recreation at Tea Creek Campground and 2) endangered species habitat for the Candy Darter. Designated critical habitat and a known Candy Darter population is located directly downstream of the existing bridge.

Installation of the new bridge would improve hydrologic conditions and endangered species habitat in the long-term as it presents less of a barrier and would better accommodate the high flows that are frequent in this area (36 CFR 294.11(4)).

Regional Office review and approval of this project and associated proposed actions was completed 05/29/2024. See project record for further information.

5. Research natural areas:

There are no designated, candidate, or nominated Research Natural Areas within the project area.

6. American Indians and Alaska Native religious or cultural sites:

No American Indians and Alaska Native religious or cultural sites have been identified within the area of potential effect.

7. Archaeological sites, or historic properties or areas:

The project has been reviewed by Monongahela National Forest Archaeology staff. The undertaking, as proposed, would have no effect to historic properties. There are no archaeological concerns and no further consultation is required. However, if the project area is expanded or modified, an additional review may be required.

E. Scoping This project was submitted to the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for consultation and concurrence. In accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531-1544, 87 Stat. 884), as amended (ESA), the MNF made determinations for three federally listed species. The Biological Assessment requested FWS concurrence with the MNF’s “not likely to adversely affect” determinations for the federally listed endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) and the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis). Additionally, the MNF requested FWS concurrence with the “likely to adversely affect” determination for the federally endangered candy darter (Etheostoma osburni) and its critical habitat. See the FWS_BO_TeaCreekBridge_Feb2023-0121637.pdf for specific information.

Internal scoping was conducted by Forest Service Resource Specialists who reviewed existing conditions in the project area and direction outlined in the MNF Forest Plan. Given the popularity of Tea Creek Campground external scoping was also conducted. This project was announced via a News Release and listed on the SOPA website and MNF Facebook page to solicit feedback from the public by 9/4/2024. Comments received were primarily supportive and have been addressed.

PO Box 210 1627 Cemetery Road

F. Findings Required by Other Laws and Regulations This decision is consistent with MNF Forest Plan direction, standards and guides as required by the National Forest Management Act. The project was designed in conformance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Decision

Jason Hattersley District Ranger Marlinton-White Sulphur& Gauley Ranger Districts

Appendix A: Required BMPs and Conservation Measures Table 1. Conservation Measures, BMPs and associated project design criteria required for the Tea Creek Bridge Replacement Project.

See the BO for more details and specifications required as part of this project.

BMP Specification Criteria/Description

Standard Specifications

Except as modified by Forest Service Supplemental Specifications, all standards in The Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects (FP-14) will be strictly followed.

Project Administration

A construction engineer, Forest contract administrator (e.g., COR), or Forest agent (e.g., partner) will be on-site throughout all in-channel activities to ensure contract requirements or agreement specifications are being satisfied.

Upland Perimeter Control- Installation

Erosion and sediment control BMPs will be installed as perimeter controls to minimize the potential for increased sediment delivery to designated candy darter critical habitat from project activity occurring outside of stream channels.

Upland Perimeter Control- Maintenance

Erosion and sediment control devices will be properly inspected and maintained.

Construction Equipment- Acceptance

Construction equipment will be cleaned of all sediment, vegetation, and seeds and inspected prior to entering MNF lands

Construction Equipment- Management

All construction equipment will be parked in designated areas when not in use and maintained in areas designated as such. This equipment will also avoid tracking excessive levels of sediment outside of the Limits of Disturbance (LOD).

Construction Equipment- Release

When work is performed in areas of known or observed infestations of non-native invasive plant species (NNIS), equipment will be cleaned before being moved to another work location within the MNF.

Refueling Refueling will occur as far from aquatic resources as necessary to contain potential fuel spills from contaminating aquatic resources. Additional provisions designed to address potential hazardous material spills are identified in the details for this BMP.

Stockpiled Soils

All stockpiled soils and similar materials will have appropriate ESC installed around their base and will only be stored in designated staging areas.

PO Box 210 1627 Cemetery Road

Imported Materials

All imported materials, such as rock, culverts, and precast concrete elements will be free from excessive sediment, chemicals, or nonnative plant materials to the extent possible.

In-channel Operations All in-channel work will occur under low-flow conditions.

In-channel Operations

– Candy Darter Restriction

No in-channel work will occur from April 15 - June 30 (spawning period for candy darter).

In-channel Operations - Trout Waters Restriction

No in-channel work will occur from September 15 – March 31(trout spawning period) without an approved waiver from WVDNR.

Stream Flow Management- General

Unless otherwise pre-approved by the Forest and the Service, temporary stream channel diversions, active flow by-pass operations (e.g., water pumps), or coffer dams will be utilized as necessary to dewater and isolate in-channel work areas from potential in-stream flows.

Stream Diversion & Dewatering Plan

Project contractors or FS partners that will implement projects will prepare a Stream Diversion and Dewatering Plan and submit it to the Forest and the Service for review. The Forest and the Service will provide comments on the plan within 6 business days of receiving the plan. Plan approval is required.

Temporary Channels and Cofferdams

Temporary channels and cofferdam walls made of semi-permeable substances (e.g., sandbags) will be lined with impermeable membrane to minimize the potential for water leakage

Temporary Culverts, Pumps, and Hoses

These must be large enough to accommodate flow volumes that could reasonably be anticipated during their expected period of operation.

Water Pumping Operations

Mesh screens (from 1” to 1/8” mesh size) will be placed over the intake pipe; water pumps will be located to minimize risks to aquatic resources from accidental fuel leaks/spills and will be run at lowest revolutions per minute (RPM) necessary to achieve dewatering objectives; contingencies (e.g., backup water pumps) will be available on site as prudent.

Sediment Filter Bags When used, sediment filter bags will be set in Forest-approved upland areas for effectiveness; sediment trapped in filter bags will be emptied and stabilized at locations that are pre-approved by the Forest.

In-channel Perimeter Control-Set-up

To limit sediment plumes, only those in-channel rocks and other materials that are necessary to move will be disturbed when establishing stream diversions, by-passes, or coffer dams. All other in- channel work will occur only after isolated in-channel work areas are established.

In-channel Perimeter Control – Fish Relocation

Prior to installing stream diversions (active or passive) or coffer dams and dewatering associated in-channel work areas, qualified personnel will capture and relocate all fish (and potentially other aquatic organisms) from the work area.

Fish Removal Plan

Approval from the Forest and the Service prior to electrofishing activities is required. Entities must provide qualifications of the lead personnel who will perform electrofishing and a plan that details the means and methods of electrofishing, capture, transport, and the proposed fish relocation area (including suitable habitat for candy darter relocation). The Forest and the Service will provide comments on the plan within 6 business days of receiving the plan.

Candy Darter Monitor Qualified personnel approved by the Forest and the Service will be present during all in-channel operations that occur beyond the limits of a secured, isolated, and dewatered work cell.

Candy Darter Capture

The Forest and Service will be notified within 24 hours of capturing or otherwise positively identifying a candy darter specimen during project activities. The following special conditions apply.

a) Candy darter observations will be documented by recording the general condition and taking a picture of each specimen that is observed.

b) Captured candy darters will be temporarily held in one or more clean (free from potentially harmful contaminants/residues), large containers (e.g., 5-gallon bucket) that are designated for

PO Box 210 1627 Cemetery Road candy darters only. Each container will be filled and maintained with fresh stream water from the capture location; and

Container(s) with candy darters will be immediately transported and released at the predetermined/pre-approved relocation site upstream from potential project impacts.

On-site Concrete Operations

Planning and implementation of on-site wet concrete operations will exercise extreme caution to prevent spills, seepage, or other potential forms of wet concrete introductions from contaminating streams. This will be accomplished by strictly applying and managing all applicable BMPs for negligible risk of non-compliance.

Crossing Structure Demolition

Demolition of existing crossing structures and subsequent rehabilitation of disturbed channel areas will occur within work cells that are isolated from live stream flows. A debris shield will be installed as needed to prevent debris associated with an isolated demolition cell from accidentally falling beyond the work area and into the actively flowing part of the stream. All debris that is generated during demolition will be cleared from the site once demolition is completed and before active stream flow is returned to that area.

Stream Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation of in-channel aquatic habitats (e.g., reconstruction of stream channels, habitat composition, in-stream structure) associated with these projects will occur in consultation with FS aquatic specialists to help re-establish stable channel conditions that conform to the new hydrologic influences.

Seeding and Mulching

Permanent seeding and mulching will be applied to help stabilize soils in all disturbed project areas within 4 days of reaching the final grade.

Seed Mix Forest-approved seed mixes will be used for all temporary and permanent seeded

NNIS Monitoring

During construction and for one-year post-construction, monitoring and selective hand removal of NNIS will be performed at project construction sites by a Forest-designated responsible party as warranted.

RFSS Species Two populations of Ilex collina are present within the project boundary on both sides of FR135 leading into Tea Creek campground. Project lead will coordinate with SZ Botanist prior to implementation so that these populations can be flagged for avoidance and protection.

Agriculture

PO Box 210 1627 Cemetery Rd