FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

MILITARY OCEAN TERMINAL, SUNNY POINT

RAILROAD RECONFIGURATION

JULY 2009

Prepared for:

Public Works Division

596th Transportation Terminal Group

Military Ocean Terminal, Sunny Point

Southport, North Carolina

and

US Army Corps of Engineers

Wilmington District

Prepared by:

Dial Cordy and Associates Inc.

201 North Front Street, Suite 601

Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
Finding of No Significant Impact Dial Cordy and Associates Inc.

MOTSU Railroad Reconfiguration July 2009

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Table of Contents

Page

1.0 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 1

2.0 PROPOSED ACTION – RAILROAD RECONFIGURATION ............................................ 1

3.0 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED..................................................................................... 1

4.0 PUBLIC AND AGENCY COORDINATION ...................................................................... 2

5.0 EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED ACTION....................................................................... 2

6.0 STATUS OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE ............................................................ 6

6.1 Water Quality (including Section 401 Certification) ...................................................... 6

6.2 Endangered and Threatened Species.......................................................................... 6

6.3 Cultural Resources ...................................................................................................... 6

6.4 Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management)....................................................... 7

6.5 Executive Order 11990 (Protection of Wetlands) ......................................................... 7

6.6 Executive Order 13186 (Protection of Migratory Birds) ................................................ 7

6.7 Executive Order 12898 (Environmental Justice) .......................................................... 7

6.8 Coastal Zone Management Act.................................................................................... 7

7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS.............................................................................. 7

8.0 FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT........................................................................ 8

List of Tables

Table 1. Effects on Resources .................................................................................................. 3

Appendix A Public and Agency Comments on the EA

Appendix B Agency Coordination
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LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

AEC Area of Environmental Concern

BA Basal Area

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

DBH Diameter Breast Height

EA Environmental Assessment

FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact

ICRMP Integrated Cultural Resource Management Plan

MOTSU Military Ocean Terminal, Sunny Point

NC North Carolina

NCDCM North Carolina Division of Coastal Management

NCDENR North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources

NCDWQ North Carolina Division of Water Quality

NCEEP North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program

NCSHPO North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office 

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act

PL Public Law

RCW Red-cockaded Woodpecker

RLL Rough-leaved Loosestrife

SEPA State Environmental Policy Act

USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers

USC United States Code

USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service
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MOTSU Railroad Reconfiguration July 2009

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), requires consideration of 

the environmental effects for major federal actions. The Proposed Action and the environmental 

effects of the Proposed Action were addressed in the Environmental Assessment, Railroad 

Reconfiguration Military Ocean Terminal, Sunny Point (EA), dated May 2009. The EA was 

coordinated with various regulatory agencies, and the public and comment letters were 

received. This Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) documents the environmental 

considerations, the decision that no significant effects would occur if the proposal is 

implemented, and explains the rationale used in selecting the alternative proposed for 

implementation. 

This EA and FONSI have been prepared pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality 

regulations [40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 1500-1508] implementing the procedural 

provisions of the NEPA and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Department 

of the Army procedures for implementing NEPA (33 CFR parts 230 and 325).

2.0 PROPOSED ACTION – RAILROAD RECONFIGURATION

The Department of the Army and the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command propose 

to reconfigure and upgrade the rail infrastructure at the Military Ocean Terminal, Sunny Point 

(MOTSU) Main Terminal munitions’ depot. MOTSU’s rail infrastructure was designed and built 

by 1950s standards; and at that time, 40-foot to 60-foot railcars were the rail standards for 

moving and handling breakbulk munitions’ cargo. Today, railcars are 90-foot to 110-foot in 

length and designed to service containerized cargo with specialized handling equipment. Rail 

reconfigurations and upgrades in the North and South Rail Holding Yards and on the South and 

Center Wharves include rail strength upgrades from 100 pounds/foot to +150 pounds/foot, 

refurbished frogs (intersecting rail configurations), improved turnout geometries, and associated 

rail infrastructure appurtenances. The rail improvements would primarily take place within the 

current rail alignments. However, rail turnout geometric improvements would require the reestablishment of the 50-foot rail right of way easements and associated drainage ditches. 

3.0 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

The alternatives investigated in the EA were:

• Proposed – Railroad Reconfiguration

• No Action – Continued Use of Current Rail Configuration

• Alternatives Considered and Dismissed

The EA only considered in detail the Proposed and No Action Alternatives. Two additional 

alternatives were dismissed due to operational inefficiencies and potential capital outlay. Those 

alternatives were:

1. Holding Yard Segregation by Railcar Lengths

2. Construction of New Ammunition Hardstands, Disposal Area No. 2 
Finding of No Significant Impact Dial Cordy and Associates Inc.

MOTSU Railroad Reconfiguration July 2009

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4.0 PUBLIC AND AGENCY COORDINATION

On 4 June 2009, the Public Notification and the EA were mailed to federal and state agencies 

and the interested public for a 30-day review and comment period. Letters, memoranda, and/or

emails on the EA (Appendix B) were received from the following:

Federal Agencies

• US Fish and Wildlife Service

• US Environmental Protection Agency

• National Marine Fisheries Service

• National Resource Conservation Service

State Agencies

• North Carolina (NC) Department of Administration, State Clearinghouse (Note: This 

agency is responsible for coordinating North Carolina’s review of federal environmental 

documents and responding to appropriate federal officials on behalf of North Carolina)

• NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR), Division of Coastal 

Management (NCDCM)

• NCDENR, Division of Environmental Health

• NCDENR, Basinwide Planning Unit and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Program

• NCDENR, Division of Water Quality

• NCDENR, State Historic Preservation Office

Local Communities

• No Comments Received

Elected Officials

• No Comments Received

Conservation Groups

• No Comments Received

Interested Businesses, Groups, and Individuals

• No Comments Received

None of the comments received identified any reasonable alternatives or major substantive 

issues that are not already addressed in the EA. Comments received did not require 

substantive project changes or change the EA effect determinations.

5.0 EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED ACTION

Table 1 summarizes the potential effects to resources due to the Proposed Action (Railroad 

Reconfiguration) and the No Action Alternative (Current Rail Configuration).
Finding of No Significant Impact Dial Cordy and Associates Inc.

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Table 1. Effects on Resources

Alternative

Resource Railroad Reconfiguration No Action – Current Rail Configuration

Topography and Soil 

Resources

• Minor potential effects from grading the re-established 

50-foot rail easements.

• No adverse effects on the site’s soils and topography

Water Quality • Minor potential stormwater effects within rail areas of 

geometric improvement.

• No adverse effects on potable water resources.

• No adverse effects on the water quality. 

Air Quality • No adverse effect on the area’s air quality attainment 

status.

• No adverse effect on the area’s air quality attainment 

status.

Estuarine Resources • No adverse effects on estuarine resources. • No adverse effects on estuarine resources.

Essential Fish Habitat • No adverse effects on essential fish habitats. • No adverse effects on essential fish habitats.

Wetland Resources • A direct loss of 0.502 acres of jurisdictional and 

isolated, non-jurisdictional wetlands.

• No adverse effects on wetland resources.

Timber Resources • A direct loss of 35 acres of timber production/foraging 

areas (approximately 0.4% of the Main Terminal 

acreage).

• No adverse effects on terrestrial resources.

Endangered and 

Threatened Species

• No likely adverse effects on endangered and 

threatened resources.

• No adverse effects on endangered and threatened 

resources.

Cultural Resources • No adverse effects on cultural resources. • No adverse effects on cultural resources.

Esthetic and Visual 

Resources

• No adverse effects on esthetic or visual resources. • No adverse effects on esthetic or visual resources.

Socio-Economic 

Resources

• No adverse effects on socio-economic resources. • The no action would result in the continued use of 

undersized rail geometries.

• Operational inefficiencies would continue through 

increased labor costs, equipment costs, vessel loading 

time losses, and the increased potential for handling 

mishaps.

Other Resources • No adverse effects. • No adverse effects.
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MOTSU Railroad Reconfiguration July 2009

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The following paragraphs provide an explanation of why the selected action will have no 

significant adverse effects on the quality of natural and cultural resources. 

Topographic and Soil Resources – Implementation of the Proposed Action would take place in 

currently disturbed areas and relatively undisturbed areas immediately adjacent to the current 

rail infrastructure. The reconfigurations are not anticipated to affect any known karst 

topographic areas or areas with current ground subsiding traits. The soil structures and ground 

contours would be manipulated facilitating the maintenance of the 50-foot rail easement, the reestablishment of the existing man-made ditches, and the replacement turnouts’ geometry. The 

re-established 50-foot easements would be maintained as natural pervious areas resulting in 

minimal if any additional stormwater runoff.

Water Quality and Wetlands - Implementation of the Proposed Action would not directly affect 

surface water features through reconfiguring rail turnouts over or through surface water bodies 

located on MOTSU’s Main Terminal grounds. The South and Center Wharves are currently 

developed areas; and the wharves’ rail turnout improvements would not result in additional or 

new impervious areas or surface water effects on the adjacent Cape Fear River. The North 

Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ) issued a 401 Water Quality Certificate (NCDWQ 

Project Number 09-0164) on 24 February 2009 (Appendix B Agency Coordination). MOTSU 

has in place a stormwater pollution prevention plan with implemented best management 

practices and employee training to prevent contaminated stormwater discharges. The rail 

reconfiguration areas would continue to be covered by the current National Pollutant Discharge 

Elimination System permit’s required stormwater pollution prevention plan. The Proposed Action 

would not result in any new sources or increased uses of current potable water sources, either 

from the county supplied water (Cape Fear River, Kings Bluff Intake) or onsite groundwater 

resources (Castle Hayne Aquifer). Implementation of the Proposed Action would affect ditched 

and disturbed jurisdictional wetland areas (0.352 acres) and isolated, non-jurisdictional wetland

areas (0.15 acres). The project footprint’s total effected wetlands are 0.502 acres. 

Compensatory mitigation has been implemented through coordination with the NC Ecosystem 

Enhancement Program. MOTSU has provided 0.5 acres in an in-lieu fee for the unavoidable 

impacts to 0.352 acres of jurisdictional wetlands. 

Air Quality - Implementation of the Proposed Action would not result in new sources or 

increases in current sources of air pollution. There would be no anticipated adverse 

environmental effects on MOTSU’s or the surrounding region’s ambient air quality attainment 

status.

Estuarine Resources - Implementation of the Proposed Action would take place in previously 

disturbed upland areas and outside the NCDCM 75-foot estuarine area of environmental 

concern. There would be no anticipated adverse environmental effects on estuarine resources 

expected from implementation of the Proposed Action.

Essential Fish Habitat - Implementation of the Proposed Action would not have adverse effects 

on essential fish habitat components. MOTSU’s Governors and Walden Creeks both provide 

habitat for initial post-larval fish development; however, the Proposed Action would take place in 

previously disturbed upland areas. There would be no anticipated adverse environmental 

effects on essential fish habitats.
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MOTSU Railroad Reconfiguration July 2009

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Endangered & Threatened Resources - Implementation of the Proposed Action would affect 

approximately 35 acres of potential timber production/foraging areas. The acreage lost is 

primarily associated with the rail required 50-foot easement within turnout reconfiguration 

locations. The 35 acres represent approximately 0.4 percent of MOTSU’s Main Terminal 

acreage; and does not contain critical habitat (cavity trees) or ecotones deemed necessary to 

support and maintain the federal and state listed red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) and roughleaved loosestrife (RLL). The remaining pine basal area (BA) calculated from pine trees with 

≥8" dbh (diameter breast height) within each RCW cluster’s foraging habitat would retain 

sufficient BA as stipulated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) RCW 

Recovery Plan. The USFWS coordination letter is found in Appendix B. The Proposed Action

would not likely have adverse environmental effects on MOTSU’s endangered and threatened

resources. 

Cultural Resources – The Proposed Action would not result in land clearing, grading, or soil 

disturbances within areas previously delineated for MOTSU’s cultural resources. Based on the 

Integrated Cultural Resource Management Plan [ICRMP (2002)], there are no nationally 

registered or eligible sites within the project footprint. The Proposed Action would not have any 

adverse environmental effects on MOTSU’s cultural resources (Appendix B Agency 

Coordination). 

Esthetic and Visual Resources – Implementation of the Proposed Action would not adversely 

affect MOTSU’s view shed. The overall visual quality of the Main Terminal’s surrounding 

landscape would remain rural while retaining a distinctively developed appearance. MOTSU’s 

Main Terminal rail infrastructure, including the Proposed Action, would remain well within the 

facility grounds and visually buffered by maintained forest resources, facility infrastructure, and 

the Cape Fear River. The Proposed Action would not have any anticipated adverse 

environmental effects on the Main Terminal’s view shed or esthetic perspective.

Socio-Economic Resources – Implementation of the Proposed Action would improve MOTSU’s 

potential to realize the intermodal handling efficiencies directed by the Department of Defense 

for trans-shipping 10,000 containers in a 14-day period (approximately 30 moves per hour). 

The Proposed Action would eliminate supplemental container transfers or touches from railcars 

to staging areas. With each supplemental touch, MOTSU’s operational inefficiencies are 

exacerbated through increased labor costs, equipment costs, vessel loading time losses, and 

the increased potential for handling mishaps. The Proposed Action would result in positive 

operational, security, and safety effects within the Main Terminal’s compound. 

Other Resources – Noise in the project area may slightly increase with the additional rail 

reconfiguration equipment and supply vehicles; however, the potential audible increases would

be short in duration and buffered by the Main Terminal’s natural surrounding features and 

facility infrastructure. The Proposed Action would not have significant adverse environmental 

effects on MOTSU’s ambient noise levels.

MOTSU would retain all rights to request complete copies of waste characterizations, 

transportation manifests, disposal facility authorizations, or final disposal documentation for all 

wastes generated from the rail reconfiguration project. Contract language would hold the 

contractor responsible for the proper handling and disposal of all waste streams resulting from 

the rail reconfiguration construction project. The Proposed Action would not have any 

anticipated adverse environmental effects on MOTSU’s waste generation volumes or disposal 

techniques.
Finding of No Significant Impact Dial Cordy and Associates Inc.

MOTSU Railroad Reconfiguration July 2009

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Cumulative Effects - MOTSU’s Real Property Master Plan involves numerous short and long 

range projects over the plan’s 20-year horizon. All future projects would occur within the Main 

Terminal’s footprint. As a munitions import/export operation, the Main Terminal has unique 

development characteristics as well as customary administration, operations, and maintenance 

areas. Much of the operational grounds have been disturbed by ditching, clearing, and general 

development since its initial construction in the 1950s. Therefore, the Proposed Action’s 

environmental effects, when considered with historical and potential future effects, would be 

minimal. Future projects enhancing MOTSU’s military mission would incrementally reduce 

potential timber production areas and potentially increase impervious munitions’ staging areas. 

Such future project effects, within the 8,637-acre terminal grounds, could potentially have 

minimal cumulative adverse effects from losses of habitat, forest resources, localized soil matrix 

conversion, and minor potential increases of stormwater runoff.

6.0 STATUS OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

6.1 Water Quality (including Section 401 Certification)

Specific aspects of the Proposed Action require a Section 404(b)(1) evaluation and a Section 

401 Water Quality Certificate under the Clean Water Act of 1977 [Public Law (PL) 95-217], as 

amended. The proposed project actions are covered by the NCDWQ Certificate #3704 dated 

24 February 2009 and USACE Nationwide Permit 14 dated 15 June 2009 (Appendix B). All 

conditions and requirements of this water quality certification will be adhered to in the 

implementation of the proposed rail reconfiguration

6.2 Endangered and Threatened Species

The Proposed Action would remove approximately 35 acres of potential tree production/foraging

areas or 0.4 percent of MOTSU’s total acreage. The acreage lost is not considered critical 

habitat for the listed species, and there would be no losses of RCW cavity trees or RLL habitat 

with the Proposed Action. There would be an effect on the RCW’s potential foraging habitat; 

however, the remaining pine BA calculated from pine trees with ≥8" dbh within each cluster’s 

foraging habitat would retain sufficient BA as stipulated by the USFWS’s RCW Recovery Plan. 

The Proposed Action would only minimally affect RCW foraging partitions within the North Rail 

Holding Yard’s RCW recruitment clusters. 

The following is an excerpt from the USFWS coordination letter dated 21 November 2008. “The 

proposed rail realignment would not involve federally listed plant species known to occur in

Brunswick County. Based on a review of the information provided, the Service concurs with 

your determination that the project is not likely to adversely affect the RCW or any other 

federally-listed species on Military Ocean Terminal, Sunny Point. We believe that the 

requirements of section 7(a)(2) of the Act have been satisfied.”

6.3 Cultural Resources

This Proposed Action is in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act 

of 1966, as amended through 2000. Coordination with the North Carolina State Historic 

Preservation Office (NCSHPO) has been completed and the coordination letter is found in 

Appendix B. 
Finding of No Significant Impact Dial Cordy and Associates Inc.

MOTSU Railroad Reconfiguration July 2009

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6.4 Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management)

The Proposed Action would take place outside the 100-year floodplain. The Proposed Action

would not have any anticipated adverse environmental effects on the Main Terminal’s floodplain 

or current Federal Emergency Management Agency mapping designations. 

6.5 Executive Order 11990 (Protection of Wetlands)

Compensatory mitigation has been implemented through coordination with the NC Ecosystem 

Enhancement Program (NCEEP). MOTSU has provided 0.5 acres in an in-lieu fee for the 

unavoidable impacts to 0.352 acres of jurisdictional wetlands. The NCEEP acceptance letter is 

found in Appendix B.

6.6 Executive Order 13186 (Protection of Migratory Birds)

Bird species protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, as amended, would not be

affected by the Proposed Action. 

6.7 Executive Order 12898 (Environmental Justice)

No impacts to either minority/low-income populations or low-income communities are 

anticipated as a result of the Proposed Action. 

6.8 Coastal Zone Management Act

The Proposed Action is consistent with the enforceable policies of the NCDCM program. The 

NCDCM’s consistency certification dated 24 June 2009 is attached in Appendix B.

7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS

MOTSU will adhere to the conditions of the Nationwide 14 Permit and the NC Coastal 

Consistency Determination found in Appendix B. MOTSU has also agreed to the following

environmental commitments relating to the proposed rail reconfiguration.

a. MOTSU will implement erosion and sedimentation best management practices and 

any NCDENR authorized stipulations along soil disturbed areas for the duration of 

the project. 

b. MOTSU will continue stormwater pollution prevention measures and best 

management practices and any NCDENR authorized stipulations for the duration of 

the project. 

c. MOTSU will continue forest resource management efforts supporting the federal and 

state listed RCW and RLL. 

d. Compensatory mitigation has been implemented through coordination with the 

NCEEP. MOTSU has provided 0.5 acres in an in-lieu fee for the unavoidable 

impacts to 0.352 acres of jurisdictional wetlands. 
8.0 FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

I have reviewed the Environmental Assessment. Railroad ReconfiQuration Military Ocean

Terminal. Sunnv Point, information provided by interested parties, and the information contained

in this Finding of No Significant Impact; and I find that the proposed rail reconfiguration plan will

not significantly affect the quality of the human environment. Therefore, preparation of an

Environmental Impact Statement pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental

Policy Act of 1969, as amended, is not required.

Finding of No Significant Impact

MOTSU Railroad Reconfiguration

8

~¢

Mark J. Hagan

Colonel, US Army

Commander,

Military Ocean Terminal, Sunny Point

Dial Cordy and Associates Inc.

July 2009
APPENDIX A

PUBLIC AND AGENCY COMMENTS

RECEIVED DURING THE EA COMMENT PERIOD
A-1

APPENDIX A

Comments Received on Environmental Assessment

Railroad Reconfiguration Military Ocean Terminal, Sunny Point

May 2009

A.1 NC Division of Coastal Management

Comment: The EA does not clearly delineate the estuarine shoreline area of 

environmental concern (AEC).

Response: A project site visit was provided and two additional figures were prepared 

delineating the estuarine shoreline AEC. Following the site visit and draft review of 

Figures 10 and 11, DCM responded by email with: “Steve & I do not have any concerns 

regarding the proposed improvements to the rail system in regards to 15A NCAC 07H of 

the NC general statutes, but ask that you please submit a revised site plan showing the 

approximate AEC boundaries for our files.” Figures 10 and 11, and the DCM response 

email are attached in Appendix B.

A.2 NC Basinwide Planning Unit and SEPA Program

Comment: Minimize timber clearing and wetlands fill; and implement sediment and 

erosion control measures during clearing and construction activities (Appendix A).

Response: Timber clearing and wetland effects have been minimized to the most 

practicable extent while meeting the 50-foot line of sight rail easement safety/security 

requirement. The Proposed Action will adhere to all authorized erosion control 

stipulations.

A.3 NC Division of Environmental Health

Comment: All water system improvements must be approved by the Division prior to 

the award or initiation of construction (Appendix A).

Response: There are no water system improvements associated with the rail 

reconfiguration. 

A.4 NC Division of Environmental Health

Comment: Existing water line relocation plans must be submitted to the Division

(Appendix A). 
A-2

Response: There are no water system line relocations associated with the rail 

reconfiguration.

A.5 US Fish and Wildlife Service

Comment: The USFWS deems the proposed rail realignment’s Proposed Action as 

effective in meeting MOTSU’s mission while facilitating the Main Terminal’s 

conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish, wildlife, and plant resources their 

and associated habitats (Appendix A).

Response: MOTSU concurs with the USFWS comment.

A.6 US Environmental Protection Agency

Comment: If EPA provided criteria are maintained, EPA concurs that the Proposed 

Action (Rail Reconfiguration) will not constitute a major federal action resulting in 

significant impacts on the human or natural environment (Appendix A).

Response: The EPA provided criteria mirrored the Proposed Action as described 

within the EA; therefore, said criteria will be maintained as put forward in the EA.

A.7 NC Division of Coastal Management

Comment: The Division of Coastal Management concurs that the proposed federal 

activitity is consistent to the maximum extent practicable with North Carolina’s coastal 

management objectives and enforceable policies found in Subchapters 7H and 7M of 

Chapter 7 of Title 15A of North Carolina’s Administrative Code.

Response: MOTSU agrees; and will meet all conditions of the Coastal Consistency 

Certification found in Appendix B. 

A.8 NC Division of Water Quality

Comment: The Division of Water Quality determined that the project effects are 

covered by a General Water Quality Certification and State General Permit.

Response: MOTSU agrees; and will meet all conditions of the General Water Quality 

Certification and State General Permit found in Appendix B. 
A-3

A.9 US Fish and Wildlife Service

Comment: The USFWS concurs with the determination that the project is not likely to 

adversely affect the RCW or any other federally-listed species on Military Ocean 

Terminal, Sunny Point (Appendix B).

Response: MOTSU concurs with the USFWS comment.

A.10 NC Department of Cultural Resources

Comment: The NC Historic Preservation Office concurs that the activity will have no 

effect on archeological resources (Appendix B).

Response: MOTSU concurs with the Department of Cultural Resources comment.

A.11 National Marine Fisheries Service

Comment: The National Marine Fisheries Service did not anticipate any adverse 

effects on essential fish habitat or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

trust resources (Appendix A). 

Response: MOTSU concurs with the National Marine Fisheries Service comment.

A.12 Natural Resources Conservation Service

Comment: The Natural Resources Conservation Service anticipated no adverse 

effects (Appendix A). 

Response: MOTSU concurs with the Natural Resources Conservation Service 

comment.

















APPENDIX B

AGENCY COORDINATION




Beverly Eaves Perdue, Governor

Linda A. Carlisle, Secretary

Jeffrey J. Crow, Dcputy Secretary

February 2, 2009

North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources

State Historic Preservation Office

Peter B. Sandbeck, Administrator

Office of Archives and History

Division of Ilistorical Resources

David Brook, Director

Richard Lockwood, P.E.

Environmental and Land Management Division

Department of the Army

6280 Sunny Point Road SE

Southport, NC 28461-7800

Re: Military Ocean Terminal, Sunny Point Rail Reconfiguration, Brunswick County, ER 08-3070

Dear Mr. Lockwood:

We have received your letter of December 10, 2008, regarding the necessary upgrades for the Military Ocean

Terminal, Sunny Point's rail infrastructure. Our staff has reviewed the project and concurs with your findings

that, as proposed, the activity will have no effect on archaeological resources.

The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36 CFR

Part 800.

Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above comment,

please contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919-807-6579. In all future

communication concerning this project; please cite the above-referenced tracking number.

Sincerely,

~ ~LM~~

teter Sandbcck .

Location: 109 East)ones Street, Raleigh NC 27601 Mailing Address: 4617 Mail Service Ccnter, Raleigh NC 27699-4617 Telephone/Fax: (919) 807-6570/807-6599








From: Coats, Heather

To: Layton Bedsole; "Heine, Hugh SAW"; Richter, Jeffrey H; Everhart, Steve; 

Rynas, Stephen; 

Subject: RE: MOTSU site visit

Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 12:01:10 PM

Hello Layton,

Thank you once again for arranging our site visit yesterday to MOTSU. As 

discussed, Steve & I do not have any concerns regarding the proposed 

improvements to the rail system in regards to 15A NCAC 07H of the NC general 

statutes, but ask that you please submit a revised site plan showing the 

approximate AEC boundaries for our files. As we said yesterday, due to the large 

scale of the project and great distance of the proposed work from the high water/

coastal wetland line, we feel an approximate joint Estuarine Shoreline/Coastal 

Wetland AEC shown on an overview of the workplan drawing is acceptable to 

sufficiently demonstrate the limits of the project are well outside of CAMA AEC’s 

and is at least in compliance with the rules set forth in 07H, thus satisfying my 

previously stated comments on the project. 

From: Layton Bedsole [mailto:lbedsole@dialcordy.com] 

Sent: Monday, June 08, 2009 11:23 AM 

To: 'Heine, Hugh SAW'; Coats, Heather 

Subject: MOTSU site visit

Okay,

 Tomorrow at 9 a.m. at the COE District. Please remember hard hat, 

reflective vest, and steel toes. Heather, no worries for separate driving to visitor 

center.

Thanks,

L.

H.Layton Bedsole Jr., REM

Dial Cordy and Associates Inc.

201 North Front Street, Suite 601

Wilmington, N.C. 28401

Ph: (910) 251 9790

Fax: (910) 251 9490

Email: lbedsole@dialcordy.com
I

0 1,000 2,000 3,000Feet

650 ft. to AEC

375 ft. to AEC

75 ft. to AEC

Source: Brunswick County Color Aerial (2004)

APPROXIMATE ESTUARINE SHORELINE AEC - NORTH

MOTSU RAILROAD RECONFIGURATION PROJECT

Scale: 1 inch = 1,000 feet

Date: June 2009

Drawn By: MR

Approved By: LB

J08-1087

FIGURE 10

Legend

MOTSU Boundary

Coastal Marsh Line

Estuarine Shoreline AEC (75 feet)
I

0 1,000 2,000 3,000Feet

240 ft. to AEC

400 ft. to AEC

270 ft. to AEC

Source: Brunswick County Color Aerial (2004)

APPROXIMATE ESTUARINE SHORELINE AEC - SOUTH

MOTSU RAILROAD RECONFIGURATION PROJECT

Scale: 1 inch = 1,000 feet

Date: June 2009

Drawn By: MR

Approved By: LB

J08-1087

FIGURE 11

Legend

MOTSU Boundary

Coastal Marsh Line

Estuarine Shoreline AEC (75 feet)