Agenda - 03-05-1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6 1 . Proposed I-85 Widening 1 Efland Interchanges Danny Rogers asked that Wilson Stroud, the DOT staff person re-evaluating the environmental impact statement (EIS) for 1-85 widening, be allowed to speak first. Stroud stated that the EIS was prepared in the early 1980's and that a finding of no significant impact (FONSI) was approved by the Federal Highway Administration in 1984 . Seven Mile Creek was not proposed as a reservoir at that time and was not addressed in the EIS. In re-evaluating the FONSI he said that while additional impervious surface would be created, pollutant runoff was not expected to be major and no significant impacts on, water quality were foreseen. He did state that control gates in roadside ditches could be considered as a protective measure in the event of a spill. Link asked when the revised EIS would be completed. Stroud said approximately two weeks . Barry Jacobs asked if there would be a comment period. Stroud indicated that a comment period was not normally provided. Link asked if DOT would be receptive to comments from the Planning Board and County Engineer and Stroud responded affirmatively. Chris Best stated that this seemed to be a case of an urban interchange in a rural area and asked how airborne contaminants were accounted for. Stroud said these were not foreseen as a major problem. Link asked Stroud if he could send the revised document to Orange County in two weeks. Stroud said he thought this could be accomplished. Link said if this schedule was adhered to the County could have a response back to DOT by the middle of December. Link then asked when construction was slated to begin on the Efland improvements. Stroud indicated that late 1990 or early 1991 was anticipated as the time for contract letting on the Efland interchanges. In discussing the proposed highway improvements, Lindsay Efland emphasized the importance of not isolating any portions of the Efland Fire Department service area referring to the proposal to close West Ten Road where it is crossed by I-85. Copies of an aerial photo showing the proposed changes were distributed and Blake Norwood assured Efland that Ben Johnson Road would be extended to US 70 to address emergency response concerns . There was additional discussion on the potential impacts from widening I-85 and Link closed by stating he thought control gates should go in regardless of the 1-85 improvements . In summing up discussion on the first topic, Link said he expected to receive the updated EIS in two weeks . The County would then have three weeks in which to review the EIS and forward comments to DOT. The County's comments would be incorporated into the document(s ) DOT would be sending to the federal government.