Report_NEPA.pdf

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Blue Ridge Parkway Date: 06/14/2016

Categorical Exclusion Form Project: FTP 2A15 (Repave/Repair Mainline and Overlooks for Road and Rehab Curbs, Sidewalks, and Other Features in Section 2A)

PEPC Project Number: 36519

Description of Action (Project Description):

Project will repair the pavement of the mainline parkway and associated public parking areas/pulloffs and ramps from MP 216-228. This project will repair critical drainage devices along roadway section 2A. Project oversight and supervision will be provided by DSC-T. Work will proceed under single lane closures using flaggers.

Schedules Base schedule (A) will include pavement overlay and spot patch repairs within the mainline roadway and associated ramps with the length of the project adjusted to be within the programmed funds.

Schedule B will include pavement repairs and striping at NC 1205 (Cumberland Knob Picnic Parking), NC 1000Z-High Piney Spur OL, and NC 1001Z-Fox Hunter Picnic Area.

Schedule C will include pavement repairs and striping at NC 0219-Cumberland Knob Picnic Access.

Schedule D will include sidewalk and curb repairs or replacement at NC 1205, 1000Z, 1001Z, and 0219.

Schedule E will include critical drainage repairs within the mainline roadway and associated ramps.

Scope of Work Mill (3/4" depth) and place an Ultra-thin bonded wearing course overlay on Parkway mainline from MP 216.86 to MP 228.18.

Bridge work: MP 222.68-Big Pine Creek Bridge #1 (075P); MP 223.05-Big Pine Creek Bridge #2

(076P); and MP 224.16-Big Pine Creek Bridge #5 (079P) - install deep pavement patches at the approaches due to settlement.

MP 216.8-NC 128 access ramp to NC 18 west. The two-lane, two-way, 24' wide ramp's pavement will be reconstructed. The existing stone masonry headwall for a CMP will be reset.

MP 217.52-NC 1205-Cumberland Knob Picnic PA- this parking area will be reconstructed at the end of the project. The parking area may be closed in quarter portions and used as a staging area.

Under a separate schedule, the existing 52" wide sidewalk (285' long on the right and 325' long on the left) will be reconstructed and stone curb will be reset.

NC 0219-Cumberland Knob Picnic Access-0.16 miles long. This picnic area loop road is one way, 11' wide and is off NC 1205. This loop road will be included in the project as a separate schedule.

The road and associated pulloffs/ parking stalls will be reconstructed. The slate curb at the parking stalls will be replaced with granite. Some striping will be provided at the pulloffs.

MP 218.65-NC 1000Z- High Piney Spur OL (0.20 lane-miles) - this parking area is not striped. This parking area will be reconstructed. The steel-backed timber surrounding the pulloff on the slope side is substandard in height; however, since it is away from the mainline Parkway, it will not be disturbed.

NC 1001Z-Fox Hunter Picnic Area (0.27 lane-miles) - this area is off the High Piney Spur OL and can be closed in portions for use as a staging area. The picnic area will be reconstructed. The parking area has slate stone curb (4"reveal). Under a separate schedule, slate stone curb will be replaced with granite curb and the 40-inch wide asphalt sidewalk will be reconstructed.

MP 221, Sta. 42+00—intersection here has damaged pavement because of truck traffic and will be patched.

MP 228.2: NC 0126ZZ, access ramp to US NC 21 (0.13 miles long) - pavement will receive a 3/4" depth mill and overlay with a 19' x 20' pavement reconstruction (patch). Due to ditch erosion at one location, the Park requested to extend the existing stone-paved waterway by 200 feet.

Critical Drainage Repairs to be Included in Project:

MP 217, Sta. 12+00‐2 culverts are here sharing the same outlet headwall under Rte. 18 ramp‐ the 24” x 182’ CMP is separated at the joints and needs to be lined. Both culverts are a combination of CMP/RCP. The last three 4’ sections of the 18” concrete pipe were broken up and will be replaced. The 16’x8’ headwall at outlet needs to be reset or replaced with new.

MP 217, sta. 17+80 – the 43’ long 18” CMP has separation, and will be lined. Top is broken off at the outlet.

MP 220, sta. 5+10‐the 18” CMP is shallow, and will be replaced. Additional survey is not needed here, as there is no need for riprap. The headwalls will be rebuilt using existing stone; will be replaced by a 24” culvert (at least).

MP 220, sta. 22+94‐the box culvert is shown incorrectly to outlet to the inlet headwall of the 18” culvert under the driveway, instead it shares the outlet headwall with the driveway culvert. The driveway culvert will be removed and replaced, with the inlet headwall relocated away from the Parkway (the existing inlet headwall shows signs of being hit by trucks). It is not recommended replacing the inlet headwall with a drop inlet, as the headwall is historic. At the inlet, the stone waterway will be extended to the relocated headwall, with two 4’ long waterway sections being replaced. The outlet headwall will be rebuilt around the new 18” or 24” pipe, and the pipe outlet could remain in the same location. The box culvert is in good condition, and it shares the outlet headwall with the pipe, and its portion of the headwall is in good condition. Enough survey exists at this location, and additional survey is not needed. The intersection pavement is in very poor condition and there will be a pavement patch here, as trucks cross the Parkway at this location.

MP 220, Sta. 25+25–2 sections were broken off. Needs a headwall at the outlet with riprap and lining at the very least. May replace culvert with a bigger size as that might be cheaper.

MP 220, Sta. 34+10‐there was no culvert survey done at this location, and none was needed. A 48’ long 18” CMP here will be lined with a headwall rebuilt. Two (18” and 16”) ash trees need to be removed from the top of headwall.

MP 220, Sta. 50+60‐the existing 18”x55’ CMP draining due to sediment and will be cleaned. If problems are noted after cleaning, the pipe will be lined.

MP 222, Sta. 44+50‐a drop inlet is at PwL; no headwall at outlet and none needed. Existing 18”x48’ CMP has separation at the joints and will be lined.

MP 224, Sta. 19+30‐box culvert is 4’span x 3’rise. Existing 4’ white pine tree at outlet appears to cause pavement heaving and will be removed. Geotech team will confirm if pavement damage is caused by tree. From 19+50 to 21+50, lot of pavement damage and there will be a 200’ long, two‐ lane patch added here.

MP 224, sta. 27+15‐north of inlet headwall at Pw L, the existing 5’ of stone waterway needs to be reset and waterway south of inlet needs to be realigned. Inlet headwall will be repointed and outlet headwall will be reset using existing stone. The 18”x38’ CMP has flowing water and will be replaced.

MP 225, Sta. 24+20‐the 5’x4’ box culvert needs a riprap basin and a cutoff wall at outlet. Debris at culvert will be cleaned out. Park wants to align the channel at the inlet using bendway weirs.

Permits will be obtained if channel alignment, a riprap apron to be installed at the inlet.

MP 225, Sta. 34+75‐two 8’x6’ box culverts are located here. There is flowing water here and 20” of scour at the outlet headwall (PwR) that needs riprap.

MP 225, sta. 45+70‐ the existing 18”x43’ CMP will be cleaned.

• MP 225, sta. 50+ 75-existing 18"x40' CMP will be cleaned, and replaced, if needed. The drop inlet will remain, and an outlet headwall is not needed.

• MP 226, sta. 9+80-the 2'x2' box culvert has 3' scour at the outlet (PwR) and will need riprap basin and a cutoff wall.

• MP 226, sta. 18+00-the skewed 6'x2' box culvert has critical performance issues and additional survey is needed here. (Scour protection is needed at both headwalls). Headwall might have to be extended at the outlet.

• MP 228, Sta. 22+60-the 5'x4' box culvert has some pavement heaving over it. Recommended to provide 3'xl 5' selective clearing at the outlet headwall (PwR).

• MP 229, sta. 20+00-this culvert outlets into a retaining wall at PwR and has separation at each joint and will be lined as part of the project

Project Locations:

Location County:

District:

Geo. Marker:

Mitigation(s):

Alleghany Highlands 216-228 (Milepost)

State:

Section:

Other:

NC

2A

• As much original material as possible (keeping slate stone curbs) shall be maintained. All resetting of stone head walls and curbs shall be done with in-kind material and with the same workmanship.

• No work shall be allowed in the streams during trout hatching season from October 15 to April 15.

• Contractor shall obtain any permits, if required, (i.e., Corps of Engineers, etc.) and copies must be sent to the park Environmental Protection Specialist for the Administrative Record and park archives.

• Any work that impacts areas outside the existing road surface would need to be identified so park biologists can survey for impacts to the plants and animals found there.

• Natural Resource Management Specialist familiar with the site shall be contacted if any vegetation removal will take place outside the normal mow zone.

• To ensure unencumbered flow of storm water, each crossing should be inspected and debris removed if possible.

• Project shall be accessed via motor road. Vendor shall have to stay within existing bridge load limitations.

• Cumberland Knob Picnic Parking Area shall be closed in quarter portions for staging to allow visitor access and use during project Fox Hunter Picnic Area Parking shall be closed in portions to allow for continued visitor access to picnic tables and trail. Staging may be done in paved overlooks. Consecutive use of overlooks within the project area shall not be allowed.

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

• Temporary traffic control shall be utilized during road milling and paving.

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

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

Decision: I find that the action fits within the categorical exclusion above. Therefore, I am categorically excluding the described project from further NEPA analysis. No extraordinary circumstances apply.

Superintendent: Date: it'-z1z-4 Mark Woods

Categorical Exclusion Form - FTP 2A15 (Repave/Repair Mainline and Overlooks for Road and Rehab Curbs, Sidewalks, and Other Features in Section 2A) - PEPC ID: 36519

Categorical Exclusion Form - FTP 2A15 (Repave/Repair Mainline and Overlooks for Road and Rehab Curbs, Extraordinary Circumstances:

If implemented, would the proposal... Yes/No Notes

A. Have significant impacts on public health or safety? Yes Motor vehicles will have safer driving surface once project is completed.

B. Have significant impacts on such natural resources and unique geographic characteristics as historic or cultural resources; park, recreation, or refuge lands;

wilderness areas; wild or scenic rivers; national natural landmarks; sole or principal drinking water aquifers; prime farmlands; wetlands (Executive Order 11990); floodplains (Executive Order 11988); national monuments; migratory birds; and other ecologically significant or critical areas?

No

C. Have highly controversial environmental effects or involve unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available resources (NEPA section 102(2)(E))?

No

D. Have highly uncertain and potentially significant environmental effects or involve unique or unknown environmental risks?

No

E. Establish a precedent for future action or represent a decision in principle about future actions with potentially significant environmental effects?

No

F. Have a direct relationship to other actions with individually insignificant, but cumulatively significant, environmental effects?

No

G. Have significant impacts on properties listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, as determined by either the bureau or office?

No

H. Have significant impacts on species listed or proposed to be listed on the List of Endangered or Threatened Species, or have significant impacts on designated Critical Habitat for these species?

No

I. Violate a federal, state, local or tribal law or requirement imposed for the protection of the environment?

No

J. Have a disproportionately high and adverse effect on low income or minority populations (EO 12898)?

No

K. Limit access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites on federal lands by Indian religious practitioners or adversely affect the physical integrity of such sacred sites (EO 130007)?

No

L. Contribute to the introduction, continued existence, or spread of noxious weeds or non-native invasive species known to occur in the area or actions that may promote the introduction, growth, or expansion of the range of such species (Federal Noxious Weed Control Act and Executive Order 13112)?

No

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Blue Ridge Parkway Date: 06/14/2016

ASSESSMENT OF ACTIONS HAVING AN EFFECT ON

HISTORIC PROPERTIES

A. DESCRIPTION OF UNDERTAKING

1. Park: Blue Ridge Parkway

2. Project Description:

Project Name: FTP 2A15 (Repave/Repair Mainline and Overlooks for Road and Rehab Curbs, Sidewalks, and Other Features in Section 2A) Prepared by: Beth Byrd Date Prepared: 06/06/2016 Telephone: 404-507-5793 PEPC Project Number: 36519

Locations:

Describe project:

Project will repair the pavement of the mainline parkway and associated public parking areas/pulloffs and ramps from MP 216-228. This project will repair critical drainage devices along roadway section 2A. Project oversight and supervision will be provided by DSC-T.

Schedules Base schedule (A) will include pavement overlay and spot patch repairs within the mainline roadway and associated ramps with the length of the project adjusted to be within the programmed funds.

Schedule B will include pavement repairs and striping at NC 1205 (Cumberland Knob Picnic Parking), NC 1000Z-High Piney Spur OL, and NC 1001Z-Fox Hunter Picnic Area.

Schedule C will include pavement repairs and striping at NC 0219-Cumberland Knob Picnic Access.

Schedule D will include sidewalk and curb repairs or replacement at NC 1205, 1000Z, 1001Z, and 0219.

Schedule E will include critical drainage repairs within the mainline roadway and associated ramps.

Scope of Work Mill (3/4" depth) and place an Ultra-thin bonded wearing course overlay on Parkway mainline from MP 216.86 to MP 228.18.

Bridge work: MP 222.68-Big Pine Creek Bridge #1 (075P); MP 223.05-Big Pine Creek Bridge #2

(076P); and MP 224.16-Big Pine Creek Bridge #5 (079P) - install deep pavement patches at the approaches due to settlement.

MP 216.8-NC 128 access ramp to NC 18 west. The two-lane, two-way, 24' wide ramp's pavement will be reconstructed. The existing stone masonry headwall for a CMP will be reset.

MP 217.52-NC 1205-Cumberland Knob Picnic PA- this parking area will be reconstructed at the end of the project. The parking area may be closed in quarter portions and used as a staging area.

Under a separate schedule, the existing 52" wide sidewalk (285' long on the right and 325' long on the left) will be reconstructed and stone curb will be reset.

NC 0219-Cumberland Knob Picnic Access-0.16 miles long. This picnic area loop road is one way, 11' wide and is off NC 1205. This loop road will be included in the project as a separate schedule.

The road and associated pulloffs/ parking stalls will be reconstructed. The slate curb at the parking stalls will be replaced with granite. Some striping will be provided at the pulloffs.

MP 218.65-NC 1000Z- High Piney Spur OL (0.20 lane-miles) - this parking area is not striped. This parking area will be reconstructed. The steel-backed timber surrounding the pulloff on the slope side is substandard in height; however, since it is away from the mainline Parkway, it will not be disturbed.

NC 1001Z-Fox Hunter Picnic Area (0.27 lane-miles) - this area is off the High Piney Spur OL and can be closed in portions for use as a staging area. The picnic area will be reconstructed. The parking area has slate stone curb (4"reveal). Under a separate schedule, slate stone curb will be replaced with granite curb and the 40-inch wide asphalt sidewalk will be reconstructed.

MP 221, Sta. 42+00—intersection here has damaged pavement because of truck traffic and will be patched.

MP 228.2: NC 0126ZZ, access ramp to US NC 21 (0.13 miles long) - pavement will receive a 3/4" depth mill and overlay with a 19' x 20' pavement reconstruction (patch). Due to ditch erosion at one location, the Park requested to extend the existing stone-paved waterway by 200 feet.

Critical Drainage Repairs to be Included in Project:

MP 217, Sta. 12+00‐2 culverts are here sharing the same outlet headwall under Rte. 18 ramp‐ the 24” x 182’ CMP is separated at the joints and needs to be lined. Both culverts are a combination of CMP/RCP. The last three 4’ sections of the 18” concrete pipe were broken up and will be replaced. The 16’x8’ headwall at outlet needs to be reset or replaced with new.

MP 217, sta. 17+80 – the 43’ long 18” CMP has separation, and will be lined. Top is broken off at the outlet.

MP 220, sta. 5+10‐the 18” CMP is shallow, and will be replaced. Additional survey is not needed here, as there is no need for riprap. The headwalls will be rebuilt using existing stone; will be replaced by a 24” culvert (at least).

MP 220, sta. 22+94‐the box culvert is shown incorrectly to outlet to the inlet headwall of the 18” culvert under the driveway, instead it shares the outlet headwall with the driveway culvert. The driveway culvert will be removed and replaced, with the inlet headwall relocated away from the Parkway (the existing inlet headwall shows signs of being hit by trucks). It is not recommended replacing the inlet headwall with a drop inlet, as the headwall is historic. At the inlet, the stone waterway will be extended to the relocated headwall, with two 4’ long waterway sections being replaced. The outlet headwall will be rebuilt around the new 18” or 24” pipe, and the pipe outlet could remain in the same location. The box culvert is in good condition, and it shares the outlet headwall with the pipe, and its portion of the headwall is in good condition. Enough survey exists at this location, and additional survey is not needed. The intersection pavement is in very poor condition and there will be a pavement patch here, as trucks cross the Parkway at this location.

MP 220, Sta. 25+25–2 sections were broken off. Needs a headwall at the outlet with riprap and lining at the very least. May replace culvert with a bigger size as that might be cheaper.

MP 220, Sta. 34+10‐there was no culvert survey done at this location, and none was needed. A 48’ long 18” CMP here will be lined with a headwall rebuilt. Two (18” and 16”) ash trees need to be removed from the top of headwall.

MP 220, Sta. 50+60‐the existing 18”x55’ CMP draining due to sediment and will be cleaned. If problems are noted after cleaning, the pipe will be lined.

MP 222, Sta. 44+50‐a drop inlet is at PwL; no headwall at outlet and none needed. Existing 18”x48’ CMP has separation at the joints and will be lined.

MP 224, Sta. 19+30‐box culvert is 4’span x 3’rise. Existing 4’ white pine tree at outlet appears to cause pavement heaving and will be removed. Geotech team will confirm if pavement damage is caused by tree. From 19+50 to 21+50, lot of pavement damage and there will be a 200’ long, two‐ lane patch added here.

MP 224, sta. 27+15‐north of inlet headwall at Pw L, the existing 5’ of stone waterway needs to be reset and waterway south of inlet needs to be realigned. Inlet headwall will be repointed and outlet headwall will be reset using existing stone. The 18”x38’ CMP has flowing water and will be replaced.

MP 225, Sta. 24+20‐the 5’x4’ box culvert needs a riprap basin and a cutoff wall at outlet. Debris at culvert will be cleaned out. Park wants to align the channel at the inlet using bendway weirs.

Permits will be obtained if channel alignment, a riprap apron to be installed at the inlet.

MP 225, Sta. 34+75‐two 8’x6’ box culverts are located here. There is flowing water here and 20” of scour at the outlet headwall (PwR) that needs riprap.

MP 225, sta. 45+70‐ the existing 18”x43’ CMP will be cleaned.

Assessment of Effect Form - FTP 2A15 (Repave/Repair Mainline and Overlooks for Road and Rehab Curbs, MP 225, sta. 50+75‐existing 18”x40’ CMP will be cleaned, and replaced, if needed. The drop inlet will remain, and an outlet headwall is not needed.

MP 226, sta. 9+80‐the 2’x2’ box culvert has 3’ scour at the outlet (PwR) and will need riprap basin and a cutoff wall.

MP 226, sta. 18+00‐the skewed 6’x2’ box culvert has critical performance issues and additional survey is needed here. (Scour protection is needed at both headwalls). Headwall might have to be extended at the outlet.

MP 228, Sta. 22+60‐the 5’x4’ box culvert has some pavement heaving over it. Recommended to provide 3’x15’ selective clearing at the outlet headwall (PwR).

MP 229, sta. 20+00‐this culvert outlets into a retaining wall at PwR and has separation at each joint and will be lined as part of the project.

Work will proceed under single lane closures using flaggers. Photos and a copy of the Design Scoping Report are attached under Step 5.

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

MP 216-228

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

No X Yes

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

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

No Add non-historic features/elements (inc. visual, audible, or atmospheric) to a historic 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

No 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 ] Archeologist Name: Steven Kidd Date: 06/07/2016 Check if project does not involve ground disturbance [ ] Assessment of Effect: No Potential to Cause Effect No Historic Properties Affected X No Adverse Effect Adverse Effect X Streamlined Review Recommendations for conditions or stipulations: Previously disturbed area. No archeological testing required.

Retain as much original material as possible. Remove and reset as much original curbing as possible as opposed to removing and replacing with new granite.

Assessment of Effect Form - FTP 2A15 (Repave/Repair Mainline and Overlooks for Road and Rehab Curbs, Doc Method: Streamlined Review (PA) Streamlined Activity:

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

[ X ] Curator Name: Jackie Holt Date: 06/17/2015 Check if project does not involve ground disturbance [ ] Assessment of Effect: No Potential to Cause Effect No Historic Properties Affected X No Adverse Effect Adverse Effect X Streamlined Review Recommendations for conditions or stipulations:

Doc Method: Streamlined Review (PA)

[ X ] Historian Name: Cynthia Walton Date: 06/09/2016 Check if project does not involve ground disturbance [ ] Assessment of Effect: No Potential to Cause Effect No Historic Properties Affected X No Adverse Effect Adverse Effect X Streamlined Review Recommendations for conditions or stipulations:

Doc Method: Streamlined Review (PA)

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 800 CONSULTATION

Further consultation under 36 CFR Part 800 is needed.

[ X ] B. STREAMLINED REVIEW UNDER THE 2008 SERVICEWIDE PROGRAMMATIC AGREEMENT (PA) The above action meets all conditions for a streamlined review under section III of the 2008 Servicewide PA for Section 106 compliance.

APPLICABLE STREAMLINED REVIEW Criteria (Specify 1-16 of the list of streamlined 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 conditions necessary to ensure that the assessment of effect above is consistent with 36 CFR Part 800 criteria of effect or to avoid or reduce potential adverse effects.

Please retain as much original material as possible (keeping slate stone curbs). All resetting of stone head walls and curbs should be done with in-kind material and with the same workmanship.

5. Mitigations/Treatment Measures:

Measures to prevent or minimize loss or impairment of historic/prehistoric properties:

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

• Assessment of Effect - Cultural Landscapes - As much original material as possible (keeping slate stone curbs) shall be maintained. All resetting of stone head walls and curbs shall be done with in kind material and with the same workmanship.

D. RECOMMENDED BY ACTING PARK SECTION 106 COORDINATOR:

Name: Beth Byrd Title: Acting Park Section 106 Coordinator

E. SUPERINTENDENT'S APPROVAL

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

Signature

Superintendent: Date:

Mark Woods

Assessment of Effect Form - FTP 2A15 (Repave/Repair Mainline and Overlooks for Road and Rehab Curbs,