SEPI is responsible for the coordination and documentation for a group of bridge replacement projects across western NC (B-3488, B-4445, B-4467, B-4574, and B-4633). A Categorical Exclusion (CE) document will be completed for each bridge replacement project. Technical studies performed by SEPI for the CE include: environmental screening and assessment of anticipated impacts; natural resources inventory, review of habitat for federally-protected species; historic and archaeological assessments; and, preliminary and functional design. Hydraulic analysis will be incorporated into the CE document for each bridge. The projects will require coordination with federal, state, and local agencies including: US Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Highway Administration, NC Department of Transportation, NC Division of Water Quality, State Historic Properties Office, and local government officials. Project scoping letters have been sent to these agencies.

SEPI will perform the preliminary and functional design for each of the bridge replacement projects. SEPI will incorporate hydraulic analysis into the design of each bridge.

Public involvement is required in the form of newsletters, displays and handouts, coordination and staffing of Citizens’ Informational Workshops (CIW). At least two CIW will hold for two of the bridge replacement projects. SEPI will respond to comments from the CIW and newsletters. SEPI will meet with local public officials for these two projects. From these meetings and comments as well as the environmental review, SEPI will work with NCDOT in selecting a preferred alternative.

SEPI will complete a natural resources technical report for each of the bridge projects to assist with in preparing the CE document. Project work includes inventorying natural resources in study area for each bridge replacement; reviewing potential habitat for federally-protected species; delineating wetlands/streams; completing standard forms for wetland/stream delineation; using Global Position Systems (GPS) to locate wetland/stream flags; estimating the impacts to natural resources, jurisdictional areas and potential habitat for federally-protected species; completing a narrative with appropriate mapping for each bridge project for existing natural communities, jurisdictional areas, absence/presence of habitat for federally-protected species and anticipated impacts. A field meeting with USACE personnel to verify wetland and stream delineations.