. Impacts may be both beneficial and adverse. A significant effect may exist even it the
Federal agency believes that, on balance, the effect will be beneficial. Consideration
of the intensity of environmental effects is not biased by beneficial effects of the action.
Potential beneficial and adverse impacts to the human environment were identified in the
environmental impacts section of the EA (Chapter 3). The direct, indirect and cumulative
effects of the proposed action on public transportation, botany, wildlife, human health and
safety, heritage, and recreation under the forest plan were analyzed and discussed in the
EA for significance. No significant environmental effects were determined to be likely as
a result of the proposed action. Adverse effects to heritage resources will be mitigated as
described in more detail below. It is expected that implementing Alternate 1 will contribute
to a reliable transportation system that provides for public safety and quality aquatic
habitat.

. The degree to which the proposed action affects public health or safety. Public health
and safety will not be adversely affected. A major purpose of this planned action is to
provide for public health and safety (EA page 32-33). The construction of the new bridge
would improve human health and safety by providing a more reliable public transportation
system. There would be a positive impact by implementing this action but the significance
is hard to determine since we cannot know what accidents may have been prevented by
implementing the planned action. State Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Forest
Plan guidelines will be implemented.

. Unique characteristics of the geographic area, such as proximity to historic or
cultural resources, park lands, prime farmlands, wetlands, wild and scenic rivers, or
ecologically critical ares. Proposed actions will not significantly affect any unique
characteristics of the geographic area. There are no wilderness study areas or wild and
scenic rivers identified in the project area. The project does occur in the floodplain of a
small stream but effects to the stream will be minimal due to the use of Best Management
Practices (BMP’s) during construction. T&E mussels are present in small numbers but
will be relocated prior to start of project and will benefit from improved stream flow.
Aquatic resources were analyzed in detail in the environmental assessment.

. The degree to which the effects on the quality of the human environment are likely to
be highly controversial. The effects on the quality of the human environment are not
likely to be highly controversial, because there is no known scientific controversy over the
impacts of the project (EA page 6). The overall transportation system will not be changed
when the proposed action is implemented.

. The degree to which the possible effects on the human environment are higly
uncertain or involve unique or unknown wrisks. There are no known effects on the
human environment that are highly uncertain or involve unique or unknown environmental
risks. Possible effects on the human environment are generally known and well understood.
The construction techniques will meet industry standards and do not involve unique or
unknown environmental risks. The projects are within the scope of the Forest Plan for
National Forests in Alabama


In aces

ordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and
policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs
are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender
expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public
assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity
conducted or funded by USDA {not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by
program or incident,

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large
print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202)
720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionaily, program
information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found
online at http:/Awww.ascr.usda.gov/complaint filing cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA
and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866)
632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-
7442; or (3) email: program.intake @usda.gov .

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.



Forest Service has created barriers adjacent to the structure to prevent vehicle access to the stream
to help protect riparian vegetation. This environmental assessment (EA) documents the analysis
of alternatives to meet this need.

Alternative 1 (Proposed Action) was evaluated against a No Action Alternative. Without the
proposed management actions aquatic passage issues, structural deficiencies and public access
concerns will not be addressed. The No Action Alternative does not meet the purposes and need
established for the proposal.

Alternative 1 (Proposed Action) meets the guidelines set forth in the Forest Plan Goal 8, 9, 11, and
35 plus Objective 35.2.

Implementation of the proposed action of replacing the multi-span bridge with a single span bridge
will provide improved habitat for the federally listed aquatic species known to occupy the stream
in the project area because debris dams will be less likely during high water events. In addition, a
new bridge will correct safety concerns associated with accessing the existing structure during
high flow conditions when the Tallaseehatchee Creek overtops the existing bridge presenting a
hazard to those driving the road.

Public Involvement

Notice of and opportunity for public input and comment on the proposed action was provided by
the following:

(1) The Tallaseehatchee Bridge EA has been on the Talladega Ranger District’s Schedule of
Proposed Actions (SOPA) for the last year. The SOPA is published and updated quarterly
on the National Forests in Alabama website.

(2) A scoping notice was mailed out on February 25"" 2014 to district mailing list and ended
on March 28, 2014. No comments were received.

(3) A legal notice of the Request for Comments for the Tallaseehatchee Bridge EA and draft
Decision Notice was published in The Daily Home on September 11, 2014 and in the
Clay County Times on September 18, 2014.

(4) The draft EA was made available at the district office for public review during the
Comment Period.

Finding of No Significant Impact

After considering the environmental effects described in the EA, I have determined that these
actions will not have a significant effect on the quality of the human environment considering the
context and intensity of impacts (40 CFR 1508.27). Thus, an environmental impact statement will
not be prepared. I base my finding on the following:


6. The degree to which the action may establish a prescedent for future actions with
significant effects, or represents a decision in principle about a future consideration.
All project activities are within the scope of the Forest Plan (as revised) and the associated
Environmental Impact Statement and/or do not set a precedent for future actions with
significant effects. Similar actions have been completed on other areas of the Talladega
Ranger District.

7. Whether the action is related to other actions with individually insignificant but
cumulatively significant impacts. The possible cumulative effects of the proposed
actions have been analyzed with consideration for past and reasonably foreseeable future
activities on adjacent private and public lands. Cumulative impacts over space and time
have been identified in the EA and are not anticipated to be significant.

8. The degree to which the action may adversely affect districts, sites, highways,
structures, or objects listed, or eligible for listing, in the National Register of Historic
Places or may cause loss or destruction of significant scientific, cultural, or historical
resources. The selected actions will have no adverse effects on any sites listed, or sites
eligible for listing, in the National Register of Historic Places, nor will they cause the loss
or destruction of significant scientific, cultural, or historical resources since this bridge is
not eligible for inclusion to the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria A, C, or
D. However, it is assumed that the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built this bridge as
they are believed to have constructed NFSR 607. Research indicates that CCC Company
3478 stationed in Chandler Springs, Alabama may have built the NFSR 607 as they were
working on other roads in the vicinity. Limited maintenance has been conducted on the
bridge but in some cases downgraded the historic integrity (removal of the wingwalls and
replacement by riprap). By producing an architectural report noting the limited history of
the bridge, as well as detailed photographs and drawings, we will establish a record
available for study if future research on this artifact class is needed. This bridge is cast in
place concrete; there are still numerous representations of this type on the Talladega Ranger
District that served as expedient structures to facilitate rapid transportation for CCC
enrollees across the forest. There will be no loss or destruction of significant scientific,
cultural, or historical resources. Alabama State Historic Preservation Office concurrence
and 106 consultations are completed.

9. The degree to which the action may adversely affect an endangered or threatened
species or its habitat that has been determined to be critical under the Endangered
Species Act of 1973. Implementing this decision will not adversely affect threatened or
endangered species, or result in loss of any other species’ viability, or create significant
trends toward Federal listing of the species under the Endangered Species Act. There are
federally endangered species within the project area and their habitat will be improved by
implementation of the proposed action. A Biological Evaluation was prepared by the
District Wildlife Biologist and concluded that there would be no significant effect on any
endangered or threatened species. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service concurred with
the findings of the Biological Evaluation.


DECISION NOTICE
and

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
for the

Tallaseehatchee Bridge Project

June 2017

USDA Forest Service
Southern Region
Talladega National Forest
Talladega Ranger District
Clay County, Alabama

Decision

Based on the analysis presented in the Tallaseehatchee Bridge Environmental Assessment (EA)
for the Talladega Ranger District, and careful examination of potential impacts of the activities I
have decided to implement Alternative 1, removing the existing bridge and replacing it by
constructing a single span bridge. The project area is located on the Talladega Ranger District of
the Talladega National Forest in Clay County, Alabama approximately 0.6 miles east of Rocky
Mountain Church on NFSR 607. The specific area is a corridor extending out from the centerline
of the existing structure, 100 feet in the downstream direction and 100 feet in the upstream
direction. The project area also extends east and west of Tallaseehatchee Creek for approximately
500 feet each direction along NFSR 607 to allow for possible road re-alignment and staging of
construction equipment. Alternative 1 includes the following activities.

a) Clearing of less than 50 trees and associated underbrush and shrubs.

Connected actions: Implement erosion and sediment control Best Management Practices
(BMP’s) consisting of silt fencing and straw wattles in accordance with Alabama Handbook for
Erosion Control, Sediment Control, and Stormwater Management on Construction Sites and Urban
Areas. The project area is located within a corridor that extends from the centerline of the existing
crossing, 100 feet downstream and 100 feet upstream and extends east and west of Tallaseehatchee
Creek for approximately 500 feet each direction along NFSR 607 to allow for possible road re-
alignment and construction staging. Trees and shrubs within the construction limits would be
removed using heavy equipment. The potential impact area of the project would be less than 200
feet wide and approximately 1000 feet long with actual disturbance area estimated at 0.75 acres.

b) Remove the existing bridge. The removal of the existing bridge would include a temporary
diversion of water.

Connected actions: Mussels will be removed prior to starting to demolition of the existing
structure (See project design criteria). Removal of the existing structure will be performed during
the summer months when creek volume is low; temporarily dam half of the stream channel during

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10. Whether the action threatens to violate Federal, State, or local law or requirements
imposed for the protection of the environment. The action will not violate Federal,
State, and local laws or requirements for the protection of the environment. Applicable
laws and regulations were considered in the EA. The action is consistent with the
Revised Land and Resource Management Plan for the National Forests in Alabama.

FINDINGS REQUIRED BY OTHER LAWS AND REGULATIONS
National Forest Management Act

This decision is consistent with the National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976 regarding
the effective management, use, and protection of the natural resources of the area affected by this
project, and is consistent with the Revised Land and Resource Management Plan for the National
Forests in Alabama, January 2004.

Administrative Review Opportunities and Implementation

Pursuant to 36 CFR 218.24, two opportunities were provided to comment on this project and no
comments were received. Pursuant to 36 CFR 218.4 this decision is not subject to objection. This
project may be implemented immediately upon publication of the Notice of Decision in the
newspaper of record.

CONTACT

For additional information concerning this decision, contact: Gloria Nielsen, District Ranger,
Talladega National Forest, 1001 North Street, Talladega, Alabama 35160 (telephone: 256-362-
2909 ext. 121 or email: glorianielsen @fs.fed.us

GLORIA R. NIELSEN Date
District Ranger
Talladega Ranger District


demolition and facilitate excessive stream flow using a pump; following the removal of the
existing structure no additional work will be done to the stream bed or stream bank. The stream
will be allowed to naturally revert back to a state in which no obstruction exists. Construction
equipment in the stream shall be limited to 100 lineal feet (50 feet each side from centerline of low
water crossing) measured along creek during demolition operations; limit construction equipment
to this area.

c) Construct a single span bridge, a minimum of 20 feet wide, across Tallaseehatchee Creek,
within a corridor that extends from the centerline of the existing bridge, 100 feet downstream and
100 feet upstream and extends east and west of Tallaseehatchee Creek for approximately 500 feet
along NFSR 607 in each direction to allow for possible minor road re-alignment and construction
staging.

The new structure will be designed to clear a minimum of 50 year flood event with 5 foot of
freeboard. Subsequently, the roadway approach elevations will have to be raised. It is anticipated
that the approach elevation change will increase from 3 feet to 20 feet. The approach lengths should
not extend more than 110 linear feet on the east approach and 300 linear feet on the west approach.
Guardrail shall be installed to improve safety, if necessary.

Connected actions: 1) Install erosion and sediment control BMP’s. 2) Clear and grub adequate
area to construct bridge, and associated roadway (to stage material and equipment). 3) Excavate
foundation for bridge abutments; all turbid water accumulated inside excavated area shall be
pumped into sediment filter bags located a minimum of 50 linear feet from the BFW of
Tallaseehatchee Creek. 4) Form and pour reinforced concrete footings, abutments, and wind-
walls. 5) Use a lowboy to deliver a crane to install precast concrete beams, or form and pour cast—
in-place beams. 6) Backfill behind abutments and wing-walls. 7) Raise road-way elevation to
facilitate safe transitions onto and off of the new bridge. 8) Re-grade slopes and road prism, as
necessary. 9) Replace road aggregate surfacing. 10) Seed native grasses in areas of disturbed
soil. 11) Remove temporary erosion control measures. 12) Install guardrail if needed.

Decision Rationale

During recent bridge inspections on the Talladega Ranger District, engineers recommended
replacement of the bridge structure located on National Forest System Road (NFSR) 607 in T21S
RSE, Section 15. This multi-span bridge was constructed in 1939. NFSR 607 is open year round
for public traffic and provides access for people recreating, hunting, and accessing private land.

The construction of a new bridge is necessary to replace a multi-span bridge that was constructed
in 1939. The proposed project is an activity implementing the NFA Revised Land and Resource
Management Plan and is subject to pre-decisional objection process‘at 36 CFR 218 Subparts A
and B. This action responds to the goals and objectives outlined in the 2004 Revised Land and
Resource Management Plan (RLRMP) for the National Forests in Alabama (NFA), and helps
move the project area towards desired conditions described in that plan. Goals and objectives
established by the 2004 RLRMP NFA met by this proposal are:

e Goal 8: Riparian ecosystems, wetlands and aquatic systems are managed and/or restored
to protect and maintain soil, water, vegetation, fish and wildlife associated resource values.


e Goal 9: Provide riparian and aquatic ecosystem conditions that are suitable to maintain
well distributed viable populations of all aquatic species native to the planning area. Manage for
diverse, balance, integrated, and adaptive aquatic/riparian communities, and provide habitat
conditions to support desirable population levels and distribution of selected species (e.g. species
with special habitat needs such as shoal, cave or spring obligates; recreationally important species;
threatened or endangered species; or species of special interest).

° Goal 11: Substantially contribute to the recovery of federally listed threatened and
endangered species, and provide for the conservation of sensitive species so as to minimize the
need for additional federal listings under the Endangered Species Act.

e Goal 35: Provide a transportation system that supplies safe and efficient access to forest
users while protecting forest resources.

® Objective 35.2: Prioritize road maintenance and reconstruction projects in accordance
with threatened, endangered and sensitive species recovery and conservation efforts.

Federally listed aquatic species are known to occupy the stream in the project area. Replacing the
multi-span bridge with a single span bridge will make debris dams less likely during high water
events. Debris dams resulting from high water events eventually cause passage issues during the
subsequent low water times.

In addition, a new bridge will correct safety concerns associated with accessing the existing
structure during high flow conditions. Several times a year Tallaseehatchee Creek will flow over
the top of the existing bridge presenting a hazard to those driving the road. The existing structure,
due to its design, is also prone to log and debris jams after flooding.

In 2011, the Talladega Ranger District completed its Travel Analysis. The purpose of this analysis
is to continually provide decision makers with critical information to develop road systems that
are safe and responsive to public needs and desires, are affordable and efficiently managed, have
minimal negative ecological effects on the land, and are in balance with available funding for
needed management actions. All roads on the Talladega Ranger District were analyzed and rated
by an interdisciplinary team based on their benefit and risks. NFSR 607 was rated as a moderate
benefit, low risk road. The principle benefit, and purpose, of this road is timber management
access. NFSR 607 also provides numerous ancillary benefits including access for wildland fire
suppression, fuels management, public recreation access, plus ingress and egress to a local church.
The decision was made in the Travel Analysis process to continue to maintain NFSR 607 as a
maintenance level 3 road. The current structure at MP 0.643 on NFSR 607 is load rated at 6 tons.
Recent bridge inspections have revealed structural deficiencies that limit the capacity of this
structure to fulfill the intended purposes of NFSR 607 as listed above.

The stream banks upstream and downstream of the bridge are stable and have mature trees and
shrubs growing on them. There is no indication of recent or historical bank erosion, stream
widening, down cutting or aggradation on either side of the existing structure. The mature trees
and shrubs on the stream banks help to retain appropriate channel dimensions at this time, and the

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