Report_NEPA.pdf

Categorical Exclusion Form Blue Ridge Parkway

Buncombe and Henderson Counties, NC

Project: PRA-BLRI 2P19, T14 Date: January 21, 2015

Environmental Commitments:

• Care shall be taken during selective vegetation clearance on top of the tunnel portals to avoid unnecessary disturbance of non-target vegetation or soils on top of the tunnel or in accessing the top of the tunnels.

• If it becomes necessary to consider work during hours between dusk and daylight, the Park Natural Resource Management Specialist shall be consulted. Nighttime work shall be avoided if at all possible.

• For turf establishment, the Blue Ridge Parkway Guidelines for Seeding and Rehabilitation shall be followed.

• All construction generated debris will be removed from the park to an approved landfill.

• Runoff and erosion shall be controlled according to BLRI Policy Memorandum 96-1, "General Erosion and Sediment Control Standards for Land-disturbing Projects on the Blue Ridge Parkway."

• The disturbance corridor shall follow existing trails and openings, where possible, including roadway shoulders.

• Store all temporary inorganic or construction and demolition materials in a gathered/piled manner that will readily accommodate removal, and will not create fluid or additional waste removal problems.

• All temporary erosion and sediment control measures shall be removed within 30 days after final site stabilization or after the temporary measures are no longer needed. The District Management Specialist shall make this determination.

Project description, including location:

The Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division ofthe Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS), proposes to repair and reconstruct the Tanbark Ridge Tunnel and Buck Springs Tunnel in Buncombe and Henderson Counties, North Carolina. Both project sites are located outside the City of Asheville, NC, and are within the Blue Ridge Parkway. Work would include:

Tanbark Ridge Tunnel

• Repair of all structural deficiencies including 23 square yards of extremely deteriorated concrete lining;

• Removal of 15 cubic yards of loose rock;

• Replacement and repair of 200 linear feet of failed drain chases;

• Removal of 14 square yards of vegetation;

Buck Springs Tunnel

• Installation of 3 full drain chases and 2 half drain chases;

• Installation of additional drains as required during final design;

• Installation of approximately 1,200 feet of new underdrain to replace existing and extend to an outlet location;

• Saw cutting of 1 foot of asphalt from both edges of the existing asphalt to provide area for new underdrain;

• Cleaning of drainage ditches above both portals at top;

• Selective clearing on top of tunnel portals to remove small trees and shrubs that are affecting drainage; and

• Patching of hole in lining.

Describe the category used to exclude the action from further NEPA:

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).

Describe any public or agency involvement effort conducted:

This project meets the conditions for a streamlined review by NPS cultural resources staff, through their 2008 Servicewide P A for Section 106 compliance. Consequently, the NPS Section 106 coordinator requested review by the park's cultural resource specialist/advisors for both tunnel projects. All reviewers made an assessment of No Adverse Effect. Additionally, the park reviewed the potential impacts to endangered and threatened species for Section 7 compliance, and made the determination of No Effect.

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 proposed action will: YES NO Induce significant impacts to planned growth or land X 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 impacts X

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 infonnation 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:

i\!1'ichael A. McDaniels Environmental Protection Specialist Federal Highway Administration Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division

Date

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 Categorical Exclusions.

Environmental Compliance Specialist Federal Highway Administration Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division

Date

Environmental Screening Form

Project PRA-BLRI 2P19, T14 Date: January 21, 2015

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 fi sh 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, conservation 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 fonn is meant to be annotated with relevant infonnation, 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.

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Categorical Exclusion Form

Project PRA-BLRI2P19 (Repair Tanbark Ridge Tunnel)

PEPC Project Number. 36513

Project Desaiption:

Blue Ridge Parkway Date: 01/14/2015

Tanbark Tunnel, located on road section 2P at Milepost 374·2.4. is unsafe and deteriorating and in need of major repairs and rehabilitation. Spalling concrete and cracking is present and rapidly expanding due to the extreme weather conditions during the winter months. Small chunks of concrete have fallen onto the road surface creating an extreme road hazard. Presently, no vehicles have been reported as being hit.

During winter months frequent tunnel closure is necessary during storms due to water leakage that causes a dangerous ice buildup inside the tunnel. When this tunnel is closed, it not only isolates a major visitor day use area and Mt. Mitchell State Park, but also creates an extreme hazard for both visitors and employees. Response to emergencies occurring north of the tunnel require an additional hour or longer.

It is crucial that this tunnel be repaired to prevent further deterioration, correct serious unsafe driving conditions, and to reduce continued escalating maintenance and repair costs.

Based on a December 2011 site visit with FHW A, there is significant drainage issues above both the north and south portals. Overland runoff is currently not being conveyed from above the portals, is collecting in depressions above and directly behind the portal parapet walls, and appears to be the cause of significant deterioration of the liner the portal walls. The FHW A design team will study the situations further and propose solutions.

Proposed work will consist of repairing all structural deficiencies including 23 square yards of extremely deteriorated concrete lining, removal of 15 cubic yards ofloose rock, replacement and repair of200 linear feet offailed drain chases, and 14 square yards of vegetation removal. Work will be contracted by Federal Highway Administration (FHW A).

Photos under Step 5 in PEPC.

Project locations:

location County:

District Geo. Marker:

Mitigation(s):

Buncombe Pisgah

374.2 (Milepost)

State:

Section:

Other.

NC

2P

• Care shall be taken during selective vegetation clearance on top of the tunnel portals to avoid unnecessary disturbance of non-target vegetation or soils on top of the tunnel or in accessing the top of the tunnels.

• If it becomes necessary to consider work during hours between dusk and daylight, the Park Natural Resource Management Specialist shall be consulted. Nighttime work shall be avoided if at all possible.

Categorical Exclusion Fonn- PRA-BLRI 2P19 (Repair Tanbark Ridge Tunnel)- PEPC ID: 36513

• Nearby paved portions of overlooks and parking areas maybe used for staging of vehicles and materials. Staging may also be on the roadway within the tunnels and in one lane of the closed road outside of the tunnel.

• For turf establishment, the Blue Ridge Parkway Guidelines for Seeding and Rehabilitation shall be followed.

• All construction generated debris will be removed from the park to an approved landfill.

Describe the category used to exdude action from further NEPA analysis and indicate the number of the category (see Section 3-4 of D0-12):

C.9 Repair, resurfacing, striping, installation of traffic control devices, repair/replacement of guardrails, etc., on existing roads.

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 NEPA analysis. No exceptional circumstances (e.g. all boxes In the ESF are marked "no") or conditions in Section 3-8 apply, and the action is fully described in Section 3-4 of D0-12.

Suzette Molling NPS Contact Person

199 Hemphill Knob R$ad Address

Date

Environmental Protection Specialist Title

828/348-3432 Phone number

Categorical Exclusion Form - PRA-BLRI 2P19 (Repair Tanbark Ridge Tunnel) - PEPC ID: 36513

National Park Servia

Blue Ridge Parkway Date: 01/14/2015

Letter of Compliance Completion

Memorandum

To: Project Leader, Michael Moiling

From: Environmental Protection Specialist

Subject: NEPA and NHPA Clearance: PRA-BLR12P19 (Repair Tanbark Ridge Tunnel)

(PIN 36513)

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

• Will 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 long-term undesirable environmental or visual effects.

The subject proposed project, therefore, is now cleared for all NEPA and NHP A 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:

• Care shall be taken during selective vegetation clearance on top of the tunnel portals to avoid unnecessary disturbance of non-target vegetation or soils on top of the tunnel or in accessing the top of the tunnels.

• If it becomes necessary to consider work during hours between dusk and daylight, the Park Natural Resource Management Specialist shall be consulted Nighttime work shall be avoided if at all possible.

• Nearby paved portions of overlooks and parking areas may be used for staging of vehicles and materials. Staging may also be on the roadway within the tunnels and in one lane of the closed road outside of the tunnel.

• All construction generated debris shall be removed from the park to an approved landfill.

• For turf establishment, the Blue Ridge Parkway Guidelines for Seeding and Rehabilitation shall be followed.

Letter of Compliance Completion - PRA-BLRI 2P19 (Repair Tanbark Ridge Tunnel) - PEPC ID: 36513

For complete compliance information see PEPC Project 36513. If you have any questions, please letmeknow.

JJ~fJ(~ Suzette Molting cc: Terry McElrath Craig Yow MonikaMayr Steven .Kidd Jackie Holt Bambi Teague Lillian McElrath Neal Labrie Debra Flowers David Anderson Gregory Wozniak Susan Gonshor Michele Maertens Teresa McCall Mark Woods Larry Hultquist, DSC-T Andy Otten, DSC-T Y anina Kirtley, FHW A

Letter of Compliance Completion - PRA-BLRI 2P19 (Repair Tanbark Ridge Tunnel) - PEPC ID: 36513

Blue Ridge Parkway Date: 01/14/2015

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 2P19 (Repair Tanbark Ridge Tunnel) Prepared by: Steven Kidd Date Prepared: 01/13/2015 Telephone: 828-348-3438 PEPC Project Number: 36513

Locations:

Describe project:

Tanbark Tunnel, located on road section 2P at Milepost 374.24, is unsafe and deteriorating and in need of major repairs and rehabilitation. Spalling concrete and cracking is present and rapidly expanding due to the extreme weather conditions during the winter months. Small chunks of concrete have fallen onto the road surface creating an extreme road hazard. Presently, no vehicles have been reported as being hit. During winter months frequent tunnel closure is necessary during storms due to water leakage that causes a dangerous ice buildup inside the tunnel. When this tunnel is closed, it not only isolates a major visitor day use area and Mt. Mitchell State Park, but also creates an extreme hazard for both visitors and employees. Response to emergencies occurring north of the tunnel require an additional hour or longer. It is crucial that this tunnel be repaired to prevent further deterioration, correct serious unsafe driving conditions, and to reduce continued escalating maintenance and repair costs.

Based on a December 2011 site visit with FHW A, there is significant drainage issues above both the north and south portals. Overland runoff is currently not being conveyed from above the portals, is collecting in depressions above and directly behind the portal parapet walls, and appears to be the cause of significant deterioration of the liner the portal walls. The FHW A design team will study the situations further and propose solutions.

Proposed work will consist of repairing all structural deficiencies including 23 square yards of extremely deteriorated concrete lining, removal of 15 cubic yards of loose rock, replacement and repair of 200 linear feet of failed drain chases, and 14 square yards of vegetation removal. Work will be contracted by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

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:

4. Potentially Affected Resource(s):

Historical Structures/Resources Affected:

Name and number(s): Tanbark Ridge Tunnel LCS 334294 Asset 4930 Assessment of Effect Form- PRA-BLRI 2P19 (Repair Tanbark Ridge Tunnel) - PEPC ID: 36513

Location: MP 374.4 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

Yes Replace historic features/elements in kind

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

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 No setting or cultural landscape

No Disturb, destroy, or make archeological resources inaccessible

No Disturb, destroy, or make ethnographic resources inaccessible

No Potentially affect presently unidentified cultural resources

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

No 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 I Archeologist Name: Steven Kidd Date: 01/13/2015 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

1. Preservation Maintenance and Repair of Historic Properties

[ X I Curator Name: Jackie Holt Date: 07/06/2012 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 I Historical Architect Name: Ali Miri Date: 01108/2014 Comments: No Comment.

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

Assessment of Effect Form- PRA-BLRI 2P19 (Repair Tanbark Ridge Tunnel)- PEPC ID: 36513

1. Preservation Maintenance and Repair of Historic Properties

[X) 106 Coordinator Name: Beth Byrd Date: 01/14/2015 Comments:

Checlc 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

1. Preservation Maintenance and Repair of Historic Properties

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:

[)A. STANDARD 36 CFR PART BOO CONSULTATION

Further consultation under 36 CFR Part BOO is needed.

[X] B. STREAMLINED REVIEW UNDER THE 200B SERVICEWIDE PROGRAMMATIC AGREEMENT

(PA)

The above action meets all conditions for a streamlined review under section Ill of the 200B Servicewide PA for Section 106 compliance.

APPLICABLE STREAMLINED REVIEW Criteria

1. Preservation Maintenance and Repair of Historic Properties.

3. Additional Consulting Parties Information:

Additional Consulting Parties: No

Recommended by Park Section 106 coordinator:

Name: Steven Kidd Trtle: Park Section 106 Coordinator

D. SUPERINTENDENT'S APPROVAL

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

Signature ~~rk Superintendent~~ Y/v&tf1 Date: _ 4J_-_,_I _L.IL..-...... J ..... S.____

Assessment of Effect Form- PRA-BLRI 2P19 (Repair Tanbark Ridge Tunnel) - PEPC ID: 36513

Categorical Exclusion Form

Project: PRA-BLRI 2Tl3-Buck Springs Tunnel

PIN: 10356 Date: April 20, 2009

Describe project, including location (reference the attached Environmental Screening Form, if appropriate), and list any mitigations:

Project Description: Perfonn critical repairs to the Buck Springs Tunnel located approximately 18 miles south of Asheville, North Carolina on the 2T section of the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 407.25. Repairs include repairing or replacing approximately 58 lineal feet of failed or badly leaking tunnel drain chases and repairing of holes and spalled areas in the concrete tunnel lining. Deficiencies are documented in the 6/07 FHWA tunnel inspection report available under Step 5.

The 468 foot long Buck Springs tunnel crosses through Mount Pisgah of the Blue Ridge Mountains and provides visitors a vital access link to the offerings of the surrounding Appalachian communities and as part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, links the Shenandoah National Park with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The concrete lined tunnel structure was built in 1964 and has only had work on the lining structure perfonned in 1985. Existing tunnel drain chases have failed or are badly leaking and are causing water damage and ice build up in the tunnel. The accumulation of water or ice presents a safety hazard to visitors and is causing degradation to the tunnel lining and road surface. These repairs would eliminate this problem and allow this section of the parkway to remain open to the visitor longer. This project would patch the existing 18 inch diameter hole and several spalled areas in the concrete tunnel lining and provide protection for exposed reinforcing steel. Repairs to the lining would eliminate the likelihood of falling concrete debris or rock in the tunnel from the hole or spalled areas.

A summary of proposed work follows: 1. Install 3 full drain chases and 2 half drain chases. Install additional drains as required during final design. 2. Install approximately 1 ,200 feet of new underdrain to replace the existing and extend to an outlet location. 3. Saw cut 1 foot of asphalt from both edges of the existing asphalt to provide area for new underdrain. 4. Drainage ditches above both portals at top need to be cleaned. 5. Selectively clear on top of tunnel portals to remove small trees and shrubs that are affecting drainage. 6. Patch hole in lining.

Project Locations:

Location County: Henderson District: Pisgah Geo. Marker: 401.7-407.3 (Milepost)

(See Attached Environmental Screening Fonn)

Mitigation(s):

State:

Section:

Other:

NC

2-T

• Construction and other debris shall be disposed of according to Superintendent' s Order #6, Solid Waste Disposal, dated July 16, 2003.

• Staging and parking for vehicles, equipment and materials shall be confined to paved overlooks and parking areas. Other areas utilized shall be only as designated approved by the local Resource Management Specialist and the Contracting Officer.

• Entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway shall be at the point of access nearest the work site.

• Reseeding shall follow "BLRI Guidelines for Seeding and Rehabilitation."

• Runoff and erosion shall be controlled according to BLRI Policy Memorandum 96-1, "General Erosion and Sediment Control Standards for Land-disturbing Projects on the Blue Ridge Parkway."

• The disturbance corridor shall follow existing trails and openings, where possible, including roadway shoulders.

• Store all temporary inorganic or construction and demolition materials in a gathered/piled manner that will readily accommodate removal, and will not create fluid or additional waste removal problems.

• All temporary erosion and sediment control measures shall be removed within 30 days after final site.

stabilization or after the temporary measures are no longer needed. The District Resource Management Specialist shall make this determination.

Describe the category used to exclude action from further NEP A analysis and indicate the number of the category (see Section 3-4 of D0-12):

C.9. Repair, resurfacing, striping, installation of traffic control devices, repair/replacement of guardrails, culverts, signs and other minor existing features on existing roads when no potential for environmental impact exists.

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 NEPA analysis. No exceptional circumstances (e.g. all boxes in the ESF are marked "no") or conditions in Section 3-6 apply, and the action is fu described in Section 3-4 of D0-12.

Gary W. Johnson NPS Contact Person

199 Hemphill Knob Road Address

Date

Chief, Resource Planning & Professional Services Title

828/271-4779 ext. 210 Phone number

Memo To File

To: L7617 Files

From: Environmental Protection Specialist

Through: Park 'Interdisciplinary Team

Subject: Adequacy of National Environmental Policy Act Documentation

A. Project Information Park Name: Blue Ridge Parkway PEPC Project Number: 10356 Project Trtle: Repair Historic Buck Spring Tunnel (PRA-BLRI 2T13, 2T14) Project Type: Capital Improvement/New Construction (Cl) Project location:

Blue Ridge Parkway Date: 03/30/2014

County, State: Henderson, North Carolina District, Section: Pisgah, 2-T Geographic Marker: 401.7 - 407.3 (Milepost)

Project Leader: Michael Mo1ling Project Trtle: Repair Historic Buck Spring Tunnel (PRA-BLRI 2T13, 2T14)

Administrative Record location: L7617 Files - RPPS Division Administrative Record Contact: Suzette Molling

B. Project Description Perfonn critical repairs to the Buck Springs Tunnel (P150) located approximately 18 miles south of Asheville, North Carolina on the 2T section of the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 407.25. Repairs include repairing or replacing approximately 58 lineal feet of failed or badly leaking tunnel drain chases and repairing of holes and spalled areas in the concrete nmnellining. Deficiencies are documented in the 6107 FHW A tunnel inspection report available under Step 5.

The 468 fooi long Buck Springs nmnel crosses through Mount Pisgah of the Blue Ridge Mountains and provides visitors a vital access link to the offerings of the surrounding Appalachian communities and as part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, links the Shenandoah National Park with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The concrete lined tunnel structure was built in 1964 and has only had work on the lining structure perfonned in 1985. Existing tunnel drain chases have failed or are badly leaking and are causing water damage and icc build-up in the tunnel. The accumulation of water or icc presents a safety hazard to visitors and is causing degradation to the nmnellining and road surface. These repairs would ~liminate this problem and allow this section of the parkway to remain open to the visitor longer. This project would patch the existing 18 inch diameter hole and several spalled areas in the concrete tunnel lining and provide protection for exposed reinforcing steel. Repairs to the lining would eliminate the likelihood of falling concrete debris or rock in the tunnel from the hole or spallcd areas.

Memo to File - Repair Historic Buck Spring Tunnel (PRA-BLRI 2T13, 2T14) • PEPC ID: 10356

A summary of proposed work follows:

l.lnstal13 full drain chases and 2 half drain chases. Install additional drains as required during final design.

2. Install approximately 1,200 feet of new underdrain to replace the existing and extend to an outlet location.

3. Saw cut 1 foot of asphalt from both edges of the existing asphalt to provide area for new underdrain.

4. Drainage ditches above both portals at top need to be cleaned

5. Selectively clear on top of tunnel portals to remove small trees and shrubs that are affecting drainage.

6. Patch hole in lining.

Design Scoping Report (2003) and Tunnel Inspection Report (2007) available under Step 5-Internal Documents.

Note: In January 2014, 2T14 was added to this project. The area of disturbance for this project was previously addressed in the compliance for PIN 10356- Project PRA-BLRI 2113 (Repair Historic Buck Spring Tunnel}; the Categorical Exdusion and Sec. 106 Assessment of Effects were signed by the Park Superintendent on April22, 2009.

A Memo to File is being initiated for this project and no further NEPNNHPA compliance is required for this work. The Memo to File will be placed in the Administrative Record.

A copy of the scoping design report, plans, etc. will be attached under Step 5, and park/DSC-T staff will review and provide comments as they become available.

Memo To File Prepared Date: 03/30/2014

C. Step 4 NEP~: ~e~ I~ file Added to File Date:

3/30/2014

Explanation:

' The area of disturbance for this project was previously addressed in the compliance for PIN 10356 - Project PRA-BLRI 2T13 (Repair Buck Spring Tunnel) completed in 2009. The Categorical Exclusion and Sec. 106 Assessment of Effects were signed by the Park Superintendent on April22, 2009.

The 4escription of impacts from this project (context, intensity and duration) remain as described in PIN 10356 and the NEP NNHPA document that was done for that project, and site conditions are the same as in the aforementioned environmental

,document

Because neither the original CE, nor this evaluation, resulted in any major adverse effects to NPS resources and values, there would be no impairment to National Park System resources and values from implementation of this project Therefore, this

I 1 project compliance is covered under the Categorical Exclusion and Sec. 106 Assessment of Effects signed by the Park Superintendent on April22, 2009. No further NEP NNHPA compliance is required. I

- __ j

D. Mitigations The following is a complete list of all mitigations that shall be incorporated into this project:

• Entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway shall be at the point of access nearest the work site.

• Staging and parking for vehicles, equipment and materials shall be confined to paved overlooks and parkmg areas. Other areas utilized shall be only as designated approved by the local Resource Management Specialist and the Contracting Officer.

Memo to File -Repair Historic Buck Spring Tunnel (PRA-BLRI 2T13, 2Tl4) - PEPC ID: 10356

• The disturbance corridor shall follow existing trails and openings, where possible, including roadway shoulders.

• Store all temporary inorganic or construction and demolition materials in a gathered/piled manner that will readily accommodate removal, and will not create fl\lid or additional waste removal problems.

• Runoff and erosion shall be controlled according to BLRI Policy Memorandum 96-1, "General Erosion and Sediment Control Standards for Land-disturbing Projects on the Blue Ridge Parkway."

• AH temporary erosion and sediment control measures shall be removed within 30 days after final site stabilization or after the temporary measures are no longer needed. The District Resource Management Specialist shall make this determination.

• Reseeding shall follow 'BLRI Guidelines for Seeding and Rehabilitation."

• Construction and other debris shall be disposed of according to Superintendent's Order #6, Solid

Waste Disposal, dated July 16,2003.

• Specific mitigations to avoid adverse impacts to saw-whet owls shall be the following: Daytime work crews shall operate between the hours of 6:00a.m. and 6:00p.m. Outside tunnel work shall only he allowed during daytime working hours. Night time work crews shall operate hetween the hours of 1 0:30p.m. and 6:00a.m., with no exceptions. All night time work shall only be allowed within the tunnel. All vehicles, equipment, and materials be confined within the tunnel so that night time crews are not going in and out of the tunnel. No work shall be allowed between the hours of 6:00p.m. and 10:30p.m. Both tunnel openings shall be enclosed by draping with fabric or plywood gates, thereby reducing light and sound pollution. Hand-operated chipping hammers, rather than jackhammers, shall he used on drainage cha'ies to minimiZe noise.

-~~ lnte_~iscie!inary Te~~

; Interdisciplinary Team leader Name Michael Moiling

Technical Specialists Names David Anderson Dennis Atkins Bob Blythe

1 Jolm Bowers \ Bob Cherry Kent Cochran

' Don Coleman 1 Lee Edwards Debra Flowers Tim Francis j Susan Gonshor Allen Hess Jackie Holt Larry Hultquist

I Tommy Jones Bennie Keel

1 Steven Kidd ! Ryan Kimberley i Neal Labrie Marshall Lovedahl

• Michele Maertens i Monika Mayr

1 Field of Expertise Project Leader

I Field of Expertise Landscape Architect

ETS

SERO Historian District Facilities Wildlife Biologist Regional FLHP Coordinator Supervisory Ranger Regional FLHP Liason

1 Assistant Chief Ranger District Ranger

' Chief oflnterprctation NHPA Specialist i Curator Landscape Architect SERO Section 106 Coordinator SEAC Reviewer

1 Archeologist FHW A Compliance Specialist

' ChiefRanger

· District Facilities i District Interpreter , Chief, Resource Stewardship Division

Memo to File - Repair Historic Buck Spring Tunnel (PRA-BLRI 2T13, 2T14) .. PEPC ID: 10356

---o

I i I I

Li1lian McElrath 1 Ali Miri Michael Moiling Suzette Molling Michael Molting Suzette MoJJing Andy Otten Tony Paredes Michael Ryan Gail Stahlecker Tracy Stakely Bambi Teague Kathy Tustanowski Chris Ulrey John Wilson Mark Woods Craig Yow

F. Conclusion r Resource MgmtSpec-NC SERO Architect Project Leader NEPA Specialist Chief of Maintenance NHPA Specialist DSC Project Specialist SERO Ethnographer District Facilities DSC Landscape Architect SERO Historical Landscape Architect Supervisory Biologist Administrative Officer Plant Ecologist FHW A Project Manager Superintendent District Facilities

Based on the environmental impact information contained in the statutory compliance file and in this environmental screening form, environmental documentation for this stage of the subject project is complete.

Signatory:

Compliance Speciali:~k.aj/;1} ~

Suzette Moiling

Date: 3-?D '--( '{-

Memo to File- Repair Historic Buck Spring Tunnel (PRA-BLRI2T13, 2T14)- PEPC ID: 10356

MEMO TO FILE

To: Administrative Record From: Park Environmental Protection Specialist, Suzette Moiling Through: Chief, Resource Planning & Professional Services, Gary W. Johnson Subject: Adequacy of National Environmental Policy Act Documentation

A. Project Information Park Name: Blue Ridge Pkwy Project Number: 10356 Project Type: Capital Improvement (CI)

Project Location:

County, State: Henderson, North Carolina Marker: 401.7 - 407.3 (Milepost)

Project Originator/Coordinator: Michael Moiling

District, Section: Pisgah, 2-T

Project Title: Repair Historic Buck Spring Tunnel (PRA-BLRI 2Tl3)

Geographic

Contract #/Contractor Name: F514009XXXX I DTFH71 09X50024 /Interagency Acquisition Agreement between NPS and FHW A

Administrative Record Location: L 7617 Files- RPPS Division Administrative Record Contact: Suzette Molling

B. Project Description Based on the findings within the FHW A September 2009 Crash Data Analysis for Projects PRA BLRI 2T13, 2Y13, and 2Sl7, several safety countenneasures were considered for design inclusion for these projects. However, several of the solutions listed within the report were significantly beyond the scope of current rehabilitation work or project limits, or did not fit in context with the Parkway's historical, cultural, and aesthetic environment. Also, solutions presented to improve safety concerning the portal blunt ends would have to be deferred until after the BLRI Guardrail Replacement and Installation Programmatic Environmental Assessment (GRIPEA) has been completed and a determination made on the level of impacts from adding new guardrails at fixed object locations.

Park management has, however, detennined that the following low cost safety countenneasures could be incorporated into the project design to address lane departure occurring within the tunnels:

• Installation of road edge white rumble strips or road edge asphalt rumble strips •Tunnel wall reflectors that meet MUTCD guidelines

The description of impacts from this project (context, intensity and duration) remain as described in the previous NEPA document that was done for PIN 10356 - Repair Historic Buck Spring Tunnel (PRA-BLRI 2T13), and site conditions have not changed since preparation of the environmental document. Because neither the original CE, nor this evaluation, resulted in any major adverse effects to NPS resources and values, there would be no impainnent to National Park System resources and values from implementation of this project.

Therefore, this project compliance is covered under the Categorical Exclusion (CE) that was approved on April22, 2009, by the Park Superintendent. A Memo to File will be placed in the Administrative Record for this project. No further NEP A/NHPA compliance is required.

C. Description of Previous Compliance Documentation A Categorical Exclusion was signed by the Superintendent on April22, 2009. Sec. 106 compliance was completed initially for this project in June 2004, and then reviewed again for impacts in January 2009, with the final Sec. 106 Assessment of Effects signed by the Superintendent on April 22, 2009.

D. Step 4 NEPA: Memo to file Added to File Date: December 2, 2009 Compliance was completed previously for PIN 10356

(Repair Historic Buck Spring Tunnel). A Categorical Exclusion was signed by the Superintendent on 4/22109. A Sec. 106 Assessment of Effects was signed by the Superintendent on 4/22/09, as well.

The description of impacts from the proposed project changes (context, intensity and duration) remain as described in the previous NEPA document, and site conditions have not changed since preparation of the environmental document. After park internal review there were no additional concerns raised. Because neither the original CE, nor this evaluation, resulted in any major adverse effects to NPS resources and values, there would be no impairment to National Park System resources and values ji-om implementation of this project.

Based on these factors no fitrther NEPAINHP A compliance will be required and a Memo to File will be placed in the Administrative Record and a copy provided toFHWA.

It should also be noted that the additional design changes requested by FHWAfor PRA-BLRI 2T13, 2Yl3, and 2S17 (approach guardrails, safety curbing within the tunnels, signage, etc.), if approved, will be analyzed either within the GRIPEA or another NEPA document, and appropriate NEPAINHPA compliance completed.

E I t A mpac na1ysts Are any impacts possible on the Yes No N/A Data Needed to Determine/Notes following physical, natural or cultural resources?

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

X

2. From geohazards

X

3. Air qual ity

X

4. Soundscapes

X

5. Water quality or quantity

X

6. Streamflow characteristics

X

7. Marine or estuarine resources

X

8. Floodplains or wetlands

X

9. Land use, including occupancy, income, values, ownership, type of use

X I 0. Rare or unusual vegetation - o ld growth timber, riparian, alpine

X II. Species of special concern (plant or animal ;

state or federal listed or proposed for listing) or their habitat

X

12. Unique ecosystems, biosphere reserves, World Heritage Sites

13. Unique or important wi ldlife or wildlife X habitat

X

14. Unique or important fi sh or fi sh habitat

X

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

X

16. Recreation resources, including supply, demand, vis itation, activities, etc.

X 17 . Vis itor experience, aesthetic resources

X

18. Cultural resources including cultural landscapes, ethnographic resources

X

19. Socioeconomics, including employment, occupation, income changes, tax base, infrastructure

X

20. Minority and low income populations, ethnography, size, migration patterns, etc.

X

21 . Energy resources

X

22. Other agency or tribal land use plans or policies

X

23. Resource, including energy, conservation potential

X

24. Urban quality, gateway communities, etc.

X

25. Long-tem1 management of resources or land/resource productivity

X

26. Other important environment resources (e.g.

geothermal, paleontological resources)?

F. Mitigations

• Entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway shall be at the point of access nearest the work site.

• Staging and parking for vehicles, equipment and materials shall be confined to paved overlooks and parking areas. Other areas utilized shall be only as designated approved by the local Resource Management Specialist and the Contracting Officer.

• The disturbance corridor shall follow existing trails and openings, where possible, including roadway shoulders.

• Store all temporary inorganic or construction and demolition materials in a gathered/piled manner that will readily accommodate removal, and will not create fluid or additional waste removal problems.

• Runoff and erosion shall be controlled according to BLRI Policy Memorandum 96-1, "General Erosion and Sediment Control Standards for Land-disturbing Projects on the Blue Ridge Parkway."

• All temporary erosion and sediment control measures shall be removed within 30 days after final site stabilization or after the temporary measures are no longer needed. The District Resource Management Specialist shall make this detennination.

• Reseeding shall follow "BLRJ Guidelines for Seeding and Rehabilitation."

• Construction and other debris shall be disposed of according to Superintendent's Order #6, Solid Waste Disposal, dated July 16, 2003.

G I t d' . r n er tsctpl mary T earn (IDT) Interdisciplinary Team Leader Name Field of Expertise Michael Moiling Project Leader

Technical Specialists Names Field of Expertise Bob Blythe SERO Historian (retired) Kent Cochran Regional FLHP Coordinator Anne Dayton FHW A Project Manager Lee Edwards Regional FLHP Liaison Tim Francis District Ranger Allen Hess NHP A Specialist (retired) · AI Hollister DSC Landscape Architect Jackie Holt Curator Larry Hultguist DSC Program Manager Tommy Jones SERO Section I 06 Coordinator Bennie Keel SEAC Reviewer (retired)

Ryan Kimberley Lillian McElrath Ali Miri Suzette Moiling Michael Moiling Tony Paredes Michael Ryan Gail Stahlecker Tracy Stakely Bambi Teague

H. Signatory

FHW A Compliance Specialist Resource Mgmt Spec-NC SERO Architect NEPA Specialist Chief of Maintenance SERO Ethnographer (retired) District Facilities DSC Landscape Architect SERO Historical Landscape Architect Park Sec. 106 Coordinator

Based on the environmental impact information contained in the statutory compliance file and in this environmental screening fonn, environmental documentation for this stage of the subject project is complete.

Recommended:

Environmental Protection Specialist Telephone Number Date

828/271-4779 ext. 219

Professional Services Telephone Number Date

I Jz~£, 828/271-4779 ext. 210

MP 407 (Pisgah District) Buck Spring Tunnel Repair

National Park Service . Department of the Interior

Blue Ridge Pkwy Date: 04/02/2009

ASSESSMENT OF ACTIONS HAVING AN EFFECT ON CULTURAL

RESOURCES

MP 407 Rehabilitation of Buck Spring Tunnel (M&E Project PRA-BLRI 2Tl3/PEPC 1 0356)

Buck Spring Tunnel (BIP Structure No. 5140-150P) is located at milepost 407.25 . Total length of the tunnel is 468 .0 feet with a roadway width of 22.0 feet (see BIP report, dated 217102 for additional information). Vertical clearance at the edge of travel way is 13 feet 4 inches. The tunnel has stone entry portals and is concrete lined. The accumulation of ice from failed drainage chases has caused deterioration of surrounding concrete and pavement surfaces. A summary of proposed work follows:

1. Install 3 full drain chases and 2 half drain chases. Install addition drains as required during final design.

2. Install approximately I ,200 feet of new underdrain to replace the existing and extend to an outlet location.

3. Saw cut 1 foot of asphalt from both edges of the existing asphalt to provide area for new underdrain.

4 . Drainage ditch on both portals at top need to be cleaned.

5. Selectively clear on top of tUJmel portals to remove small trees and shrubs growing on top.

6. Patch hole in lining.

PotentiaUy Affected Resource(s): Buck Spring Tutmel

The proposed action will:

.J':iQ_ Destroy, remove, or alter features/elements from a historic structure Yes Replace historic features/elements in kind ~Add non-historic features/elements to a historic structure .J':iQ_ Alter or remove features/elements of a historic setting or environment (inc.

terrain) .J':iQ_ Add non-historic features/elements (inc. visual, audible, or atmospheric) to a historic setting or cultural landscape ~ Disturb, destroy, or make archeological resources inaccessible .J':iQ_ Disturb , destroy, or make ethnographic resources inaccessible .J':iQ_ 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) __ Other (please specify)

Measures to prevent or minimize loss or impairment of lustoric/prehistoric properties: No Assessment of Effect mitigations identified

Prepared by: Bambi Teague, Chief, Res Mgmt and Science

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:

Curator Jackie Holt Date: I 1/23/2004 Recommendations: All official and non-official records created from this project (textual, electronic, audiovisual, or visual) created from this project are to be accessioned and cataloged in the parks archives collection. Any archeological artifacts or natural history specimens recovered as a result of a systematic investigation will be accessioned and cataloged into the parks museum collection.

Archeologist Bennie Keel Date: I 0/20/2004 Assessment of Effect: No Adverse Effect

Historical Architect Ali Miri Date: 09/27/2004 Comments: None

Anthropologist Tony Paredes Date: I 0/20/2004 Comments: Be prepared for appropriate action (including work stoppage) if human remains or objects subject to NAGPRA are inadvertently discovered in course of ground disturbance.

Historical Landscape Architect Tracy Stakely Date: 09/24/2004 Comments: No comments.

Assessment of Effect: No Adverse Effect

No Reviews From: Historian, 106 Advisor, Other Advisor

PARK SECTION 106 COORDINATOR'S REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Assessment of Effect: No Adverse Effect

Compliance requirements: The proposed action described herein meets all conditions for a streamlined review under section III of the 2008 Servicewide PA for Section I 06 compliance; Criteria I) Preservation Nlai11tenance and Repair of Historic Properties

RECOMMENDATIONS AND APPROVALS

The proposed work conforms to the NPS Management Policies and Cultural Resource Management Guideline, and I recommend its approval.

Bambi Teague, Chief, esource Management and Science 04/02/2009