Agenda - 09-01-2009 - 6a - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

ORANGE COUNTY ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM To: Rob�r� Davi s, Current Planning Supervisor From : Rich Shaw, Land Conservation Manager Dale: March 31, 2009 Re: Environmental Assessment for Proposed Solid Wane Transfer Station Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the Environmental Assessment of a site being considered for the proposed orange county Solid Waste Transfer Station. The Environmental Assessment February 009 was conducted for Site 056, which ch i s comprised of two adjacent parcels (151 acres total) located on the north side of NC 54, approximately 1,.500 feet west of the intersection of NC 54 and Orange Grove Road, The Environmental Assessment (EA) provides an excellent overvie r of the propel and its known environmental and historic/archaeological resources. The EA points out, however, that three additional surveys of the property have yet to be conducted: a) wetlands delineation, b flora and fauna survey, -and c Historic value survey. a) Wetlands — the EA states the proposed development will not disturb streams that were identified by the orange County Erosion control Division (page 14)# But the Erosion control Division also noted in its findings that there are several isolated pools located in the southeastern part of the property that drain to an identified stream* The County staff advised that those pools could be wetlands and should be evaluated by the US Army corps of Engineers (USACOE). some of those pools are clearly visible on aerial photos of the property contained in the EA report. The EA states "Fallow up with the USACOE regarding isolated pools located ire the parcel 111arr1 riorarsri� However, construction is not planned to impact the area referenced by the County Staff as requIrIng USACOE input "' It appears that the access road to the transfer station identified on Exhibit A would cross through the area with possible wetlands. It's likely at the facilities could be designed to avoid the wetlands, but ERCD feels the wetland sure is needed before one should conclude that the development would not affect the wetlands. b) Flom and Fanny — the EA identifies a number of significant plants and animals known to exist in the white cross area based on inventories maintained by the NC Natural Heritage Program. No such species of plants or animals are known to exist on the subject property. The EA states on Page 9 "A site-spedflc flora and fauna survey will be conducted on the site prior to acqursrtion... ", and on Page 10 " The fora and fauna survey will allow the County to determine whether impacts from the construction and operation of a solid waste transfer station at this site will si niricantl affect tft� wildlife and natural vegetation or the site." ERCD concurs Frith that find[ a rid recommends that the planned surge include streams that could be affected b y the proposed development, i ncludi nq,, tributaries of Collins Creek a do nstrearn orfion of which is a desicinated Natural Herita a Area known to support federally and state listed-species Haw River Aquatic Habitat . Environment and Resource Conservation PQ Box 8 18 1 / 306-A Re vere Road Hillsborough, NC 27278 ( 1 ) 245 -2590