Categorical_Exclusion_Form_(NEPA).pdf

Categorical Exclusion Form Blue Ridge Parkway

North Carolina

Project: PRA-BLRI 2F24, 2F25 Date: June 19, 2014

Describe project, including location:

The National Park Service (NPS), in cooperation with the Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division of the Federal Highway Administration, proposes to repair the mainline road section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 275 to milepost 292. Completing this work will ensure visitor safety and prolong the life as part of a cost-effective plan. The repair work will consist of pavement rehabilitation of approx. 15.5 miles of mainline roadway, including pavement rehabilitation of overlooks, parking areas, developed areas, spurs and access roads, as funding allows. Full-depth reclamation (FDR) (pavement pulverization followed by aggregate stabilization and mill and overlay) and/or pavement patching and reconstruction and wedge and leveling course may be required. In addition, all necessary safety and drainage improvements will be made and the centerline will be striped. The project includes evaluating and correcting pavement markings for sight distances and passing zones as well as evaluating to reconstruct bridge approaches within project area. If funding permits, curb resetting/replacement and sidewalk repairs in overlooks and ramps will completed. The project will be completed under one lane traffic control. No work will be permitted on Parkway mainline motor road during the month of October 2015 or 2016.

The existing bridge (091P) at MP 276.35, in Watauga County, NC, was constructed in 2001. The concrete overlay has extensive and severe cracking and has de-laminated from the concrete bridge deck slab, allowing moisture to be trapped between the wearing course and deck.

In addition, the drainage system at the approach next to northern abutment is insufficient and is causing approach pavement to settle, damaging the existing stone masonry on the wingwalls. The repair work will replace the existing concrete deck overlay with High Performance Concrete (HPC) reinforced with fiber optic stands and improve drainage system at north approach by adding an inlet at the low point, connecting it with a pipe culvert to an existing inlet, installing an underdrain next to the north approach slab, and reconstructing the settled pavement as needed.

Work will also include repair and cleaning of the drainage chute above the northwest retaining wall and sealing the vertical joint between the retaining wall and the wingwall.

Mitigation Measures:

• Any work that impacts areas outside the existing road surface will be identified so park biologists can survey for impacts to the plants and animals found there. The Contractor will limit equipment storage only to Parkway approved site locations.

• If the project is accessed via motor road, the Contractor will need to stay within the existing bridge and road load limitations. The Contractor must use the US 421 access ramp as the closest connect point for materials and equipment delivery.

• Existing overlook parking areas within the project area will be used for staging.

Overlooks will be closed while being used as a staging area. Consecutive use of overlooks within the project area is not allowed.

• The Contractor must submit a minimum of four ( 4) color samples of Silica Fume HP concrete to the NPS for approval.

• Curbing that is removed and replaced will require consultation with the park Cultural Resource Specialist.

• Disturbed areas will be restored to original grade and re-seeded according to the park's current seeding specifications once paving has been completed.

• The Parkway can be closed under detour to complete the construction of the HP concrete overlay, rather than allow the Contractor to construct the overlay with a center joint.

• Construction debris will be disposed of at an approved landfill or other off-site approved area.

Describe the category used to exclude action from further NEP A analysis and indicate the number of the category:

23 CFR 771.117 ( d)(1) Modernization of a highway by resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation, reconstruction, adding shoulders, or adding auxiliary lanes (e.g., parking, weaving, turning, climbing).

23 CFR § 771.117(d)(3) Bride rehabilitation, reconstruction or replacement or the construction of grade separation to replace existing at-grade railroad crossings.

Describe any public or agency involvement effort conducted:

In a letter of compliance, dated June 19, 2014, the NPS categorically excluded the project from further NEP A analysis and determined that the project would have no effect on federally-listed species. A Categorical Exclusion was also signed on June 18,2014.

The proposed project would have no adverse effect on cultural resources and meets the conditions for a streamlined review under the 2008 Servicewide Programmatic Agreement for Section 106 compliance. '

23 CFR 771.117 Categorical exclusions (CEs) are actions which meet the definition contained in 40 CFR 1508.4, and, based on past experience with similar actions, do not involve significant environmental impacts.

The J2fO_Qosed action will: YES NO Induce significant impacts to planned growth or X land use for the area Require the relocation of significant numbers of X people

Have a significant impact on any natural, cultural, X recreational, historic, or other resource

Involve significant air, noise, or water quality X impacts

Have significant impacts on travel patterns X

Otherwise, either individually or cumulatively have X any significant environmental impacts

If any box is checked yes, the action may not be categorically excluded and an EA or EIS must be prepared. If none are checked yes, attach Environmental Screening Form, notes from consultation with agencies and/or the public, notes of site visits and any other material related to the environmental impact of the proposal. This becomes the NEP A piece of the statutory compliance file.

On the basis of the environmental impact information in the statutory compliance file, with which I am familiar, I believe the project should be categorically excluded from further NEP A analysis.

Prepared by:

Date I 1 •

On the basis of the environmental impact information in the statutory compliance file, with which I am familiar, I am categorically excluding the described project from further NEP A analysis. No exceptional circumstances (i.e., all boxes in the ESF are marked "no") or conditions apply and the action is fully described in 23 CFR 771.117(d)(l) and CFR 771.117(d)(3).

Environmental Compliance Specialist Federal Highway Administration Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division

Date

Environmental Screening Form

Project: PRA-BLRI 2F24, 2F25 Date: June 19, 2014

Yes No Don't Know

1. Described fully in one of the list of categorically excluded actions? X

2. Consultation with any affected agencies or tribes complete? X

3. Site visit completed? X

4. Are any significant impacts possible on the following physical, natural, or cultural resources?*

A. Geological resources - soils, bedrock, streambeds, etc. X

B. From geohazards? X

C. Air Quality, Traffic, or from Noise X

D. Water Quality or Quantity X

E. Streamflow characteristics X

F. Marine or Estuarine Resources X

G. Land Use, including agricultural lands X

H. Rare or unusual vegetation-old growth timber, riparian, X alpine, etc.

I. Species of special concern (plant or animal; state or federal X listed or proposed for listing) or their habitat

J. Unique ecosystems, biosphere reserves, World Heritage· sites X

K. Unique or important wildlife or wildlife habitat X

L. Unique or important fish or fish habitat X

M. Introduce or promote non-native species (plant or animal) X

N. Recreation resources X

0. Visitor experience, aesthetic resources X

P. Cultural resources, cultural landscape, etc. X

Q. Minority and Low Income Populations X

R. Socioeconomics X

Yes No Don't Know

S. Energy Resources X

T. Other agency or tribal land use plans or policies X

U. Resource, including energy, consevation potential X

V. Urban quality, gateway communities, etc. X

W. Long term management of resources or land/resource X productivity

* Insert the word "none" in the "no" column if the reason that a resource is not impacted is because the resource is not found in the project area.

This form is meant to be annotated with relevant information, such as notes of site visit, personnel conducting the site visit, agency officials contacted and their responses, etc. A site visit is required to complete this form, and so is required to categorically exclude a project (sec 3-4), prepare an EA or prepare an EIS.

If the answers to questions 1-3 are yes, and all answers to number 4 are no, complete the categorical exclusion checklist. If any of the answers to question 4 are don't know, complete an EA. If any are answered yes, either a mitigated EA or EIS is required.

Date: 06/11/2014

~----~~egorica~M9n~r~------------------------------------

Project: PRA-BLRI 2F24/2F25- Repave/Repair Mainline Road Section 2F from MP 275 to 292

PEPC Project Number: 45186

Project Desaiption:

PRA-BLRI ~F24. ..f{econdition Parkway from MP 276.4 to MP 291.9 Scope of Work: This contract work will repair areas of serious damage and renew the entire surface.

Comple!ting this work will ensure visitor safety and prolong the life as part of a CO§t-effectiv~ ,J>!~. Prpject will resurface Parkway Section 2F (from MP 2764 (Bridge over US Route 421) to MP 291.9 (Bridge over

____ _____.r ..... rs"'"""a~~"-~').__.,._ P,__.r""~ojectwiJJ consist ofpav.ementrehabilitation.of..approx.-1J.s..mileuilinainline.roadway_,, ________ _ including pavement rehabilitation of overlooks, parking areas, developed areas, spurs and access roads, as funding allows~ Full-depth reclamation (FDR) (paveme~t pulverization foilowed b~ aggregate stabilization and mill and overhty) and/or pavement patching IUld reconstruction and wedge and leveling course may be required. In addition, all necessary safety and drainage improvements' will be made and the centerline Will~ striped. Evaluate and correct pavement markings for sight distances and passing .zones.

Evaluate to reconstruct bridge..ap.p.ro.ac.hes_within_pmjec.tare.a.Jf.funding.pemrlts,J:'Utb,___t __________ _ .r~selling.lr~soont and sidewalk r~pain in medooks and ramp& wm Cl>mpkt~d.

Projectwi\\ be com-p\etedllllder one \ane traffic contro\. No workw'lfl 'ne permitted on Parkway main\ine motor road during the month of October 2015 or 2016.

PRA-BLRI 2F25, Repairs to US Route 421 Bridge, Milepost 276.3 Scope of Work: The existing bridge (091P) at MP 276.35, in Watauga County, NC, was constructed in 2001. The concrete overlay has extensive and severe cracking and has de-laminated from the concrete bridge deck slab, allowing moisture to be trapped between the wearing course and deck. In addition, the drainage system at the approach next to northern abutment is insufficient and is caUSing approach pavement to settle, damaging the existing stone masonry on the wingwalls. The purpose of this project is to replace existing concrete deck overiay with High Performance Concrete (HPC) reinforced with fibet optic stands and improve drainage &ystem at north approach by adding an inlet at the low point, connecting it with a pipe culvert to an existing inlet, installing an underdrain next to the north approach slab, and reconstructing the settled pavement as needed. Work will also include repair and cleaning of the drainage chute above the northwest retaining wall and sealing the vertical joint between the retaining wall and the wingwall.

Due to the compressed design time, design will proceed directly to 95% and the resolution meeting for the 95% design will be at project site. The Parkway will be closed for the duration of construction; it is planned that construction will occur in April and Mayof2015. The Parkwaywillbereopened pmorto Memorial Day, 2015. Parkway traffic will be detoured onto existing state roads as under NPS-BLRI WMS(1) project.

Plans, specifications, estimates, and contracts will be administered by FHW A. Project oversight and supervision will be provided by the DSC.

~orical Exclusion Form- ~RA-BLRI 2F24/2F25 ~Repave/Repair Mainlin~ Road Section 2F fr.om .tvtP 275 to 292 - PEPC ID: 45186

Project Locations:

County: Wilkes, Ashe, Watauga District: Highlands Geo. Marker: 275 - 291.9 {Milepost)

Mitigation(s):

State:

Section:

Other:

NC

2F

• Any work that impacts areas outside the existing road surface shall need to be identified so park biologists can survey for impacts to the plants and animals found there. The Contractor shall limit equipment storage only to Parkway approved road side locations.

• If project is accessed via motor road, vendor shall have to stay within existing bridge/road load limitations. The contractor shall use the US 421 access ramp as the closest connect p6tnt for materials and equipment delivery.

• Existing overlook parking areas within the project area shall be used for staging. Overlooks shall be closed while being used as a staging area Consecutive use of overlooks within the project area shall not be allowed.

• The contractor ~hall submit a minimal of four ( 4) color samples of Silica Fume HP concrete to 'the NPS for approval.

• Curbing that is removed and replaced shall require consultation with the Park Cultural R:esource

· SpeciaJist ·

• Distw;bed areas shall be restored to original grade and reseeded according to the park's current seeding specifications once paving has been completed.

• The Parl).way can be closed under detour to complete the construction of the HP concrete overlay, rather than allow the contractor to construct the 9verlay with a center joint

• Construction debris wilJ be disposed of at an approved landfill or other off-site approved area

DeKribe the clltegory used to exclude action from further NEPA ana'ysis and indicate the number of the category (see Section 34 of D0-12):.

_____ C ....... .2..Rep~~.acing._s1ripin.g,lnstallation of traffic c.on:troldem.ea.-t~airl_replac.ement_ofguardr__ElUS.,_, _____ _ etc., on existing roads .

. On the bDI£ of the cwitonmentallmp~t tnfocmatioa ln Ute etatuWry c:ompti~ file1 with whlcb l am famHJar, i am categortcatly excJucHng the ctescribed project from further NEPA analysJs. No exceptional circumstances (e.g. all boxes in the ESF are marked "no") or conditions in Section 3-6 apply, and the •ction is fully described in Section 3-4 of 00..12.

Park Superintendent

199 Hemehill Knob Road Address

~ -/1" ... /Y:

Date

Ezn.r.ironnte:ntal .Prct:ecl,ivn Speaiali·s't 2.t.Uft• 11 !' , ,I

828/348-3432 Phone m;nnber

Categorical Exclusion Fonn ~ PRA-BLRI 2F24/2F25 -Repave/Repair Mainline Road Section 2F from MP ------~7~~~£~~~16

Date: 06/19/2014

Letter of Compliance Completion

Memorandum

To: Project Leader, Michael Moiling

From: Environmental Protection Specialist

Subject: NEPA and NHPA Clearance: PRA-BLRI 2F24/2F25- Repave/Repair Mainline Road Section 2F from MP 275 to 292 (PIN 45186)

The Resource Stewardship Division has reviewed the proposed project and completed its environmental assessment documentation, and we have determined that there:

• ·wm not be any adverse effects on threatened, endangered, or rare species and/ or their critical habitat.

• Will not be any adverse effects on historical, cultural, or archeological resources.

• Will: not be serious or lang~ term undesirable emironmenla} or visual effects.

The subject proposed pro)ect~ therefore~ is now cleared for all NEPA and NHPA compliance requirements as presented above. Project implementation can commence.

For the proposed project actions to be within compliance requirements during construction and/or project implementation, the following mitigations must be adhered to:

• Any work that impacts areas outside the existing road surface shall need to be identified so park biologists can survey for impacts to the plants and animals found there. The Contractor shall limit equipment storage only to Parkway approved road side locations.

• If project is accessed via motor road, vendor shall have to stay within existing bridge/road load limitations. The contractor shall u8e the US 421 access ramp as the closest connect point for materials and equipment delivery.

• Existing overlook parking areas within the project area shall be used for staging.

Overlooks shall be closed while being used as a staging area. Consecutive use of overlooks within the project area shall not be allowed.

• The contractor ShaJl submit amiJliiliai of four (4) color samples of Silica Fume HP concrete to the NPS for approval.

• Curbing that is removed and replaced shall require consultation with the Park Cultural Resource Specialist.

Letter of Compliance Completion M PRA·BLRI 2F24/2F25 M Repave/Repair Mainline Road Section 2F ----'-------f'fr~t>.~HmrJ.MP-*5 to292 PEPCID. 45186

• . Disturbed areas shall be restored to original grade and reseeded according to the park's current seeding specifications once pa-..'ing has been completed. ~

• The Parkway can be closed under detour to complete the construction of the HP concrete overlay, rather than allow the contractor to construct the overlay with a center joint.

• Construction debris will be disposed of at an approved landfill or other off-site approved area.

For complete compliance information see PEPC Project 45186. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Suze e Moiling cc: Dennis Atkins Roy jones Debra Flowers David Anderson Dave Bauer MonikaMayr Steven Kidd .

jackie Holt Bambi Teague Bob Cherry Lillian McElrath Susan Gonshor Tina White Kathy Tustanowski Laura Nelson Mark Woods Wesley Greene Larry Hultquist, DSC-T Andy Otten, DSC-T

------------~v~aaRHnm~~~~a~·~e~~.A\~----------------------------------------------------

Letter of CompUance Completion - PRA~BLR12F24/2F25 - Repave/Repair Mainline Road Section 2F from MP 275 to 292 PBPC ID: 45186

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Blue Ridge Parkway Date: 06/11/2014

ASSESSMENT OF ACTIONS HAVING AN EFFECT ON

HISTORIC PROPERTIES

A. DESCRIPTION OF UNDERTAKING

1. Park: Blue Ridge Parkway

2. Project Description:

Project Name: PRA-BLRI 2F24/2F25- Repave/Repair Mainline Road Section 2F fromMP 275 to

Prepared by: Steven Kidd Date Prepared: 05/16/2013 Telephone: 828-348-3438

PEPC Project Number: 45186

Locations:

Describe project:

PRA-BLRI 2F24, Recondition Parkway from MP 276.4 to MP 291.9 Scope of Work: This contract work will repair areas of serious damage and renew the entire surface.

Completing this work will ensure visitor safety and prolong the life as part of a cost-effective plan.

Project will resurface Parkway Section 2F (from MP 276.4 (Bridge over US Route 421) to MP 291.9 (Bridge over US 321). Project will consist of pavement rehabilitation of approx. 15.5 miles of mainline roadway, including pavement rehabilitation 0f overlooks, parking areas, developed areas, ·spurs and access roads, as funding allows. Full-depth reclamation (FD R) (pavement pulverization followed by aggregate stabilization and mill and overlay) and/ or pavement patching and reconstruction and wedge and leveling course may be required. In addition, all necessary safety and drainage improvements will be made and the centerline will be striped. Evaluate and correct pavement markings for sight distances and passing zones. Evaluate to reconstruct bridge approaches within project area. If funding permits, curb resetting/replacement and sidewalk repairs in overlooks and ramps will completed.

Project will be completed under one lane traffic control. No work will be permitted on Parkway mainline motor road during the month of October 2015 or 2016.

PRA-BLRI 2F25, Repairs to US Route 421 Bridge, Milepost 276.3 Scope of Work: The existing bridge (091P) at MP 276.35, in Watauga County, NC, was constructed in 2001. The concrete overlay has extensive and severe cracking and has de-laminated from the concrete bridge deck slab, allowing moisture to be trapped between the wearing course and deck. In addition, the drainage system at the approach next to northern abutment is insufficient and is causing approach pavement to settle, damaging the existing stone masonry on the wingwalls. The purpose of this project is to replace existing concrete deck overlay with High Performance Concrete (HPC) reinforced with fiber optic stands and improve drainage system at north approach by adding an inlet at the low point, connecting it with a pipe culvert to an existing inlet, installing an underdrain next to the north approach slab, and reconstructing the settled pavement as needed. Work will also include repair and cleaning of the drainage chute above the northwest retaining wall and sealing the vertical joint between the retaining wall and the wingwall.

Assessment of Effect Form~ PRA-BLRI 2F24/2F25- Repave/Repair Mainline Road Section 2F from MP 275 to 292 - PEPC ID: 45186

Due to the compressed design time, design will proceed directly to 95% and the resolution meeting for the 95% design will be at project site. The Parkway will be closed for the duration of construction; it is planned that construction will occur in April and May of 2015. The Parkway will be reopened prior to Memorial Day, 2015. Parkway traffic will be detoured onto existing state roads as under NPS-BLRI WMS(1) project.

Plans, specifications, estimates, and contracts will be administered by FHW A. Project oversight and supervision will be provided by the DSC.

Area of potential effects (as defined in 36 CFR 800.16[d])

3. Has the area of potential effects been surveyed to identify historic properties?

No

X Yes

Source or reference: Dr. Ian Firth's Draft 1993 Historic Resource Study/2005 Draft National Historic Landmark Nomination.

4. Potentially Affected Resource(s):

Archeological Resources Notes: Previously disturbed road bed.

Historical Structures/Resources Affected:

Name and number(s): Roadway Prism, Section 2-F Asset 4622 Location: MP 276.4- 292.0 NR status: 5- Found eligible for 106 purposes through consultation with the SHPO

5. The proposed action will: (check as many as apply)

No Destroy, remove, or alter features/elements from a historic structure

~Replace historic features/elements in kind

No Add non-historic features/elements to a historic structure

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Alter or remove features/elements of a historic setting or environment (inc. terrain)

Add non-historic features/elements (inc. visual, audible, or atmospheric) to a historic setting or cultural landscape

Disturb, destroy, or make archeological resources inaccessible

Disturb, destroy, or make ethnographic resources inaccessible

Potentially affect presently unidentified cultural resources

Begin or contribute to deterioration of historic features, terrain, setting, landscape elements, or archeological or ethnographic resources

Involve a real property transaction (exchange, sale, or lease of land or structures)

B. REVIEWS BY CULTURAL RESOURCE SPECIALISTS

The park 106 coordinator requested review by the park's cultural resource specialist/advisors as indicated by check-off boxes or as follows:

[X] 106 Advisor Name: Tommy Jones Date: 05/29/2013 Check if project does not involve ground disturbance [ Assessment of Effect: No Potential to Cause Effect _ No Historic Properties

Assessment of Effect Form- PRA-BLRI 2F24/2F25 -Repave/Repair Mainline Road Section 2F from MP 275 to 292- PEPC ID: 45186

Affected _x_ No Adverse Effect Adverse Effect _x_ Streamlined Review Recommendations for conditions or stipulations:

Doc Method: Streamlined Review (PA) Streamlined Activity:

3. Repair/Resurfacing/Removal of Existing, Roads, Trails and Parking Areas

I X 1 Archeologist Name: Steven Kidd Date: 05/16/2013 Comments: No adverse effect.

Check if project does not involve ground disturbance [ Assessment of Effect: No Potential to Cause Effect Affected _x_ No Adverse Effect Adverse Effect Recommendations for conditions or stipulations:

Doc Method: Streamlined Review (PA) Streamlined Activity:

_ No Historic Properties _x_ Streamlined Review

3. Repair/Resurfacing/Removal of Existing, Roads, Trails and Parking Areas

[X 1 Curator Name: Jackie Holt Date: 01/17/2013 Check if project does not involve ground disturbance [ Assessment of Effect: No Potential to Cause Effect Affected _x_ No Adverse Effect Adverse Effect Recommendations for conditions or stipulations:

[ X 1 Landscape Historian Name: Beth Byrd Date: 05/28/2013 Check if project does not involve ground disturbance [ Assessment of Effect: No Potential to Cause Effect Affected _x_ No Adverse Effect Adverse Effect Recommendations for conditions or stipulations:

Doc Method: Streamlined Review (PA) Streamlined Activity:

_ No Historic Properties Streamlined Review

_ No Historic Properties _x_ Streamlined Review

3. Repair/Resurfacing/Removal of Existing, Roads, Trails and Parking Areas

C. PARK SECTION 106 COORDINATOR'S REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Assessment of Effect:

No Potential to Cause Effects

No Historic Properties Affected ---- X No Adverse Effect

Adverse Effect ----

2. Documentation Method:

[ 1 A. STANDARD 36 CFR PART 800 CONSULTATION

Further consultation under 36 CFR Part 800 is needed.

[X 1 B. STREAMLINED REVIEW UNDER THE 2008 SERVICEWIDE PROGRAMMATIC AGREEMENT

(PA)

Assessment of Effect Form- PRA-BLRI 2F24/2F25 - Repave/Repair Mainline Road Section 2F from MP 275 to 292- PEPC ID: 45186

The above action meets all conditions for a streamlined review under section Ill of the 2008 Servicewide PA for Section 10& compliance.

APPLICABLE STREAMUNED REVIEW Criteria

3. Repair/Resurfacing/Removal of Existing, Roads, Trails and Parking Areas.

3. Additional Consulting Parties Information:

Additional Consulting Parties· No

4. Stipulations and Conditions:

Following are listed any stipulations or conditio~s necessaey to ensure that the assessment of effect above is consistent with 36 CFR Part 800 criteria of effect or to avoid or reduce potential adyerse effects.

All original curbing at overlooks will be removed· and reset. No new curbing will be used.

5. Mitigations/Treatment Measures:

Mea5ures to prevent or minimize lo11s or impairment of historic/prehistoric properties:

(Remember that setting, location, and use may be relevant.)

• Assessment of Effect- Cultural Landscapes -Curbing that is removed and replaced shall require consultation with the Park Cultural Resource Specialist.

Recommended by Park Section 106 coordinator:

Name: Steven .Kidd ·Title: Park Section 106 Coordinator

D. SUPERINTENDENT;S APPROVAL

The proposed work conforms to the NPS Management Polides and Cultural Rtiource Management Guideline. and I have reviewed and approve the recommendations. stipulations. or conditions noted in Section C of this form.

Signature of Park Superintendent • '·'·Date=------~

Assessment of Effect Form • PRA--BLRI 2F24/2F2S ·Repave/Repair Mainline Road Section 2F from MP 215to292 ·PEPCID: 451&6 .