INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE
SCDOT GENERAL PERMIT ASSESSMENT FORM
and GENERAL PERMIT CHECKLIST
The SCDOT General Permit Impact Assessment form (GPIA) and accompanying
General Permit Checklist must be completed for SCDOT GP submittals to the US
Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). All submittals should be reviewed and approved
by the appropriate SCDOT Environmental Management Office (EMO) permit staff
before being submitted to the USACE.
The GPIA is structured by Sections to provide the USACE all necessary information
for expeditiously reviewing and approving GP submittals. Each Section must contain
the appropriate information as indicated in order for the application to be considered
complete. The red text in the Sections describes what must be contained in the
Section or subsection. The red text should be deleted once the correct information has
been entered into the Section.
Numbers indicated as JFSA ## in red text descriptions correspond to sections/items in
the USACE Joint Federal and State Application form (JFSA). Sections or items on
the JFSA unable to be completed within the space provide on the application should
be referenced to the pertinent section(s) of the GPIA.
The accompanying GP Checklist corresponds to most of the Sections contained in the
GPIA and provides an easy method by which to ensure all necessary elements of the
GP submittal have been included or addressed in the package. Each item in the GP
Checklist sequentially follows the GPIA and indicates in which section of the GPIA
the information should be located. It is the responsibility of the consultant to review
the checklist for each project submittal package and ensure all items have been
addressed or indicated as not applicable (NA). SCDOT EMO permitting staff will
review the GP Checklist before signing off on the application package and submitting
to the USACE.
Samples or examples of items to be incorporated in Appendices are provided in the
designated Appendix of the GPIA. The examples are not all inclusive. Additional
documentation not specifically reference in the GPIA but required by the USACE will
need to be added independently (e.g. soil and topo maps).
SCDOT GENERAL PERMIT ASSESSMENT FORM
(red text should be removed when section completed)
I.
Project Information
1. Name of project:
2. Location (City, County, State, Latitude, Longitude in decimal degrees, Nearest Waterway)
Location map and project area map(s) found in Appendix A (project area map(s) should
include the project limits and be all inclusive as well, see attached sample):
3. Site Assessment (Describe present land use, cover type, surrounding developments and
natural habitat, previous and existing waters impacts and qualitative assessment of aquatic
resources including functional condition):
4. Project Description ([JFSA 32a] Describe activities in waters of the U.S. considered for
approval):
5. SCDOT/ NEPA Purpose and Need ([JFSA 33a] Describe project specific purpose and
need): (Copy of NEPA document included in Appendix B)
6. Does this project have independent utility? (i.e. does this project depend on any other
projects to be built (before or after) or will SCDOT construct it in the absence of any other
projects?)
7. Does the project include expansion, modification, and/or improvement to an existing linear
transportation project? (Yes/No? How so?)
8. Waters of the U.S.(WoUS): (names of WoUS onsite)
9. See Appendix C for copy of approved JD ID# (e.g. SAC-2011-0023-DJM) Issued (Date).
II.
Proposed Impacts to Waters of the United States
[JFSA 32b;33b] All proposed impacts to waters of the U.S., permanent and temporary, must
be listed herein, and must be clearly identifiable on an accompanying project plans. Impacts
must meet GP impact conditions of < 3 acres freshwater wetlands, < 0.5 acre tidal, or < 300
lf of jurisdictional waters. A detailed description of construction techniques/methods,
impacts, timing, etc. must be provided. If project involves bridge demolition, provide
description of how demolition will comply with regulations. Individually listed impacts for
the project are provided in an impact summary table is below: [JFSA 36;37]
[Insert summary table]
Sample Wetland Impact Summary Table
Wetland Impacts including fill, excavation, flooding, draining, shading, etc.
Wetland
Type of Impact
Area of
Distance to
Purpose of
Impact Site
Impact
Receiving
Impact (pipe,
Number
(acres)
Waterbody (LF)
road crossing,
(location)
etc.)
Wetland A
Permanent
1.034
20'
pipe
(sheet 1)
Cut/Fill
Wetland B
Temporary
0.045
50'
shoulder work
(sheet 2)
Cut/Fill
Wetland C
Permanent
0.04
10'
riprap pad
(sheet 3)
Riprap Fill
Wetland C
Temporary
1.2
25'
access
(sheet 3)
clearing
Freshwater
Forested
Tidal Salt
Marsh
Freshwater
Forested
Freshwater
Forested
Seasonal and Perennial stream impacts
Stream Site ID
Impact Type
Impact
(location)
(pipe, road fill, Length (LF)
etc.)
Seasonal or
Perennial
Flow
Stream 1
(sheet 4)
Stream 3
(sheet 6)
Average Stream
Width (LF)
Permanent Fill
13'
10'
Permanent Fill
8'
12'
Purpose of
Impact (pipe,
road crossing,
etc.)
shoulder
widening
pipe
Wetland
Type
Seasonal
Perennial
Open water impacts including lakes, ponds, estuaries, sounds and any other water of the US.
Open Water Type of Impact
Area of
Name of
Type of
Impact Site ID
impact
Waterbody (if
Waterbody (lake,
(location)
(area)
applicable)
pond, estuary,
etc.)
Pond 1 (sheet permanent fill
unnamed
pond
2)
0.2
Tidal Creek
permanent fill
0.02
Sandy Creek
tidal creek
(sheet 2)
1.
Stream assessment worksheets can be found in Appendix D. Stream assessment
worksheets found in the ACE Mitigation SOP should be completed whenever there are
stream impacts associated with the project and included with the GPIA.
2. Proposed project plans can be found in Appendix G (Plans should be in black & white and
include cross section, bankfull, plan view etc. They should show the entire project area
from beginning to end and show every wetland as identified on the JD impacted OR
avoided. Adequate cross sectional diagrams for each typical fill (including pipes etc.)
must be included. If the project is a bridge replacement, a profile of the bridge must be
included. The project impacts depicted on the plans must equal the total impacts in the
application, the summary table, and the mitigation worksheets.)
III.
Alternatives Analysis
Describe alternatives that would meet the project’s purpose to include geographic
alternatives i.e. widening existing roads vs. new road, different locations for new
roads/bridges and site specific alternatives i.e. interchange types. It may be useful to provide
information related to site constraints such as topography, building ordinances, accessibility,
safety concerns and financial viability of the project. Describe all configurations that were
investigated in the preliminary design phase. If an alternative (not chosen) has less wetland
impacts than the proposed alternative, it must be documented why that alternative is not
practicable from a cost, technology, or logistical approach.
IV.
Avoidance & Minimization
[JFSA 39] For the preferred alternative, how were impacts to wetlands/waters minimized?
What design modifications were made to reduce impacts (i.e. 2:1 side slopes, reduce width of
road shoulders in wetland areas, bridges lengthened to reduce causeways, reduction of
medians, pedestrian lanes, alignment shifts etc.)?
Discuss in detail construction
techniques/methods to be followed during construction to reduce impacts for the selected
alternative. This may include use of barges, timber mats, and/or elevated working platforms.
It may be useful to provide information related to site constraints such as topography,
building ordinances, accessibility and safety concerns.
V.
Mitigation
[JFSA 40] Provide a detailed mitigation plan to include worksheets from the Corps’ most
recently approved Guidance (information is available on the Corps’ website
http://www.sac.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory.aspx ). Provide a description of how the
proposed mitigation meets the 2008 Mitigation Rule. Mitigation worksheets, documentation,
and proposed mitigation plan (if required) are included in Appendix E. (Examples of options
1 and 4 are provided in the Appendix E section.)
1. If impacts are to jurisdictional features located parallel to the road and are
relocated channelized streams, man-made conveyances, or man-altered streams, a
Request For No Mitigation Required may be submitted. The following must be
addressed in order to submit a request for the mitigation waiver:
a. Functional assessment of current WoUS including the stream functional
assessment data sheets found in the USACE SOP.
b. Assessment of impact(s) on function, habitat, biology, and hydrology.
c. Cross sectional drawings of the impacted channel and, if applicable, any
new proposed conveyance to be constructed to maintain preconstruction
downstream flows.
d. If a ‘no functional loss’ determination can be made and justified, and a
demonstration is made that the project maintains preconstruction downstream
flows, the request can be made that no mitigation be required.
2. If utilizing SCDOT or other approved mitigation bank(s), provide bank name
and mitigation being debited from each.
3. If proposing permittee-responsible mitigation, include a complete mitigation
plan addressing the 12 fundamental components.
4. If proposing Mitigation Escrow Plan, the following steps must be demonstrated
as having been followed and documented:
a. Demonstrate no mitigation bank(s) available in the area that have
type and amount of credits needed.
b. Provide a statement that in-lieu mitigation is not viable option in South
Carolina at this time.
c. Describe how the permittee responsible mitigation (PRM) is not a
feasible option on-site or off-site. Reasons may include, but are not limited
to, on-site property is too limited to provide adequate mitigation or cost of
off-site PRM would be disproportionate to overall project costs.
d. Propose Mitigation Escrow Plan and demonstrate why it is a more viable
option for the project.
[Sample Mitigation Escrow Plan Template will be provided by SCDOT.]
VI.
Hydrology & Hydraulics
Is the project designed to maintain upstream and downstream flows? Is a culvert planned for
that area? Provide supporting documentation (i.e. culvert sizes (pre and post project),
summary table showing water surface elevations pre and post project, etc.) to demonstrate
hydro analysis. Do the wetlands located in the project area maintain connectivity (i.e. is
there a road that bisects a wetland)?
VII.
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act
Does the proposed project have the potential to cause effects to any historic properties listed
or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, including previously
unidentified properties? State whether potential effects will be negative or not and provide
an explanation why. Appendix F includes supporting documentation and copy of
correspondence and/or coordination letters.
VIII. Threatened and Endangered Species
Provide information regarding the presence of any federally listed threatened or endangered
species or designated critical habitat in the vicinity of the project site that might be affected
by the proposed work. Include any biological assessments or habitat surveys that have been
completed. Appendix F includes copy of correspondence and/or coordination letters with
SCDNR and USFWS. State whether potential effects will be negative or not and provide an
explanation why.
IX.
Essential Fish Habitat (EFH)
Will the proposed project impact EFH? Include an EFH assessment, if applicable; otherwise
do not include Appendix G. Appendix F includes supporting documentation and copy of
correspondence and/or coordination letters.
X.
401 Water Quality and Ocean and Coastal Resources
Does the project require certification by DHEC 401 Water Quality Section and has
notification been submitted to DHEC 401? Will there be an OCRM Critical Area Permit and
certification required for the project? Provide notification date. If no Critical Area Permit is
required, will an individual 401 certification be required? Appendix F includes supporting
documentation and copy of correspondence and/or coordination letters.
XI.
Wild and Scenic Rivers
Will the project be located on or affect a designated “study” river? If ‘yes’ provide
information about effects and the managing agency. Appendix F includes supporting
documentation and copy of correspondence and/or coordination letters.
XII.
Secondary and/or Cumulative Impacts
Will the project cause any secondary or cumulative impacts? This may include but is not
limited to known future projects, anticipated detrimental long-term effects of the project, or
non-direct foreseeable and feasible impacts. Include a discussion about how secondary and
cumulative impacts have been avoided or minimized within the project limits.
/
SCDOT Authorized Agent’s Signature
Date
/ 20
Appendix A
Sample Maps (Location, Project Area, Soils, Topo, ect.)
Appendix B
Sample NEPA Document
DATE
PIN:
#####
SAMPLE CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION
TYPE C
County: COUNTY
File No: ##.#####
To:
Federal Highway Administration
From:
SCDOT, NEPA COORDINATOR, RPG # NEPA Coordinator
Project:
PROJECT NAME
Project Description: The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) proposes to
replace the S-967 (Bryan’s Dairy Road) bridge over Abbapoola Creek in Charleston County, South
Carolina (see Figure 1 for Project Location). The proposed project is located on Johns Island
approximately 6 miles south of the Maybank Highway. The existing bridge is 56 feet in length and
27.5 feet wide with 0.0 feet of clearance at high tide (5.85 feet at low tide).
The proposed project, which would be built by a design-build contractor, includes replacement of
the existing bridge with a new modern structure on alignment (see Figure 2 for Preliminary Bridge
Layout). Preliminary design indicates that the new bridge would be approximately 300 feet in length
and 36 feet in width to accommodate two, 11-foot lanes with 5.5-foot shoulders on either side. The
new bridge would be raised in grade approximately three feet to achieve roadway design
guidelines. A 315’ x 15’ temporary bridge will be constructed west of the existing bridge in order to
maintain traffic during construction.
It is anticipated that additional right-of-way would be needed in the immediate vicinity of the bridge;
however, displacements would not be required. A wetland delineation identified Abbapoola Creek
as a Traditional Navigable Water and several areas of jurisdictional wetlands (tidal salt marsh)
within the project corridor. Preliminary analysis indicates the proposed project would result in
approximately 0.1700 acre of permanent fill impacts to jurisdictional wetlands. It is anticipated that
the proposed project would be permitted under SCDOT’s General Permit (GP).
An essential fish habitat (EFH) assessment completed for the project indicated the proposed project
would have 0.1700 acre of permanent impact and 0.1578 acre of temporary impact on salt marsh.
SCDOT has consulted with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and incorporated EFH
conservation recommendations into the project.
The project is located within the base floodplain (Zone AE) surrounding Abbapoola Creek. A
preliminary assessment of the project by the Department’s hydraulic engineer indicates that the
proposed project may be constructed to meet “No-Rise” requirements.
The project would have no effect on any historic sites, endangered or threatened species,
hazardous materials/underground storage tanks (USTs), farmlands, air quality or noise levels.
Purpose and Need: The purpose of the proposed bridge replacement is to replace a structurally
deficient bridge. The bridge accommodates two lanes of two-way traffic and is classified as a Rural
Local roadway. Existing average daily traffic (ADT) on S-967 is approximately 126 vehicles per day
(vpd), based on 2009 data. By 2029, the ADT on S-967 is expected to increase to 161 vpd. The
existing bridge was built in 1960 and has a sufficiency rating of 49.8 out of 100, classifying the
bridge as structurally deficient and making it eligible for replacement through the Federal Highway
Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program.
Findings: The project has been assessed for possible effects on the human and natural
environment with a determination that no significant environmental impact will occur. The class of
action and impact determination documented by this statement would qualify this project as a
categorical exclusion under 23 CFR 771, Section 115(b).
In consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office, as appropriate, the project will not affect
any properties identified as being on or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic
Places under 36 CFR 800.
This project would involve encroachment on either wetlands and/or floodplains. Therefore, under
Executive Order 11990 and 11988, respectively, it has been determined that no practicable
alternative to this involvement is considered and all practicable measures to minimize harm have
been incorporated. The Department will obtain the appropriate permits, as applicable, and adhere
to any conditions set forth therein. The public will be advised through appropriate notices of this
involvement.
The project is not expected to affect the continued existence of any listed endangered or threatened
species or destroy or adversely modify critical habitat protected under Section 7 of the Endangered
Species Act. Therefore, no further investigation under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act is
necessary.
The project will not require the acquisition of soils designated as prime farmland or farmland of
statewide importance. As a result, the project will not adversely affect farmlands defined under the
Farmland Protection Policy Act.
Environmental Commitments:
Permitting:
Impacts to jurisdictional waters will be permitted under a Department of the Army Section 404
permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Based on preliminary design, it is anticipated that
the proposed project would be permitted under SCDOT’s General Permit (GP).
Stormwater:

Stormwater control measures, both during construction and post-construction, are required
for SCDOT projects constructed in the vicinity of 303(d), TMDL, ORW, tidal, and shellfish
beds in accordance with the SCDOT’s MS4 Permit.

The proposed bridge will include a closed drainage system that will treat stormwater prior to
deposition in Abbapoola Creek. The selected contractor would also be required to minimize
potential impacts through implementation of construction best management practices,
reflecting policies contained in 23 CFR 650 B and SCDOT’s Supplemental Specifications on
Seed and Erosion Control Measures (November 11, 2008).
USTs/Hazardous Materials:
If avoidance of hazardous materials is not a viable alternative and soils that appear to be
contaminated with petroleum products are encountered during construction, the South Carolina
Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) will be informed. Hazardous materials
will be tested and removed and/or treated in accordance with the United States Environmental
Protection Agency and the SCDHEC requirements, if necessary.
Essential Fish Habitat:
Avoidance and Minimization

The selected contractor will be required to minimize impacts of siltation and erosion
through implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs).

All in-water work will take place between November and March.
Compensatory Mitigation

The selected contractor will provide a compensatory mitigation plan to offset the
permanent and temporary impacts to salt marsh and intertidal flats.

The compensatory mitigation plan will include monitoring to verify that areas temporarily
impacted by construction recover within two growing seasons; otherwise, additional
compensatory mitigation may be required.
Coordination

The selected contractor will provide a detailed response to the National Marine Fisheries
Service that includes a final calculation of direct and indirect impacts on essential fish
habitat.
Floodplains:
The selected contractor will send a set of final plans and request for floodplain management
compliance to the Charleston County Floodplain Administrator.
Date
Environmental Project Manager
Date
Federal Highway Administration
Appendix C
Approved JD
Appendix D
Stream Assessment Worksheets
Appendix E
SAMPLE Mitigation Worksheet(s)
Appendix F
Agency Coordination Documents
(SHPO, T&E, EFH, etc.)