20030737 Ver 1_More Info Received_20030828

Brown Jurkowski
Architectural Collaborative

August 21, 2003
CONFERENCE MEMORANDUM
Project: BioQuest II
North Carolina Museum of Life and Science
Durham, North Carolina
Date: August 7, 2003
Location: N.C. Division of Water Quality
Raleigh, North Carolina
Attendees: NCDENR Division of Water Quality
John Dorney
Bob Zarzecki
North Carolina Museum of Life and Science
Roy Griffiths
Brown Jurkowski Architectural Collaborative, p.a.
Jennifer Amster
S&EC
Kevin Martin
Todd Preuninger
MINUTES
NET NaS/401 GROUP
AUG
HATER QUALITYSECTI®N
03 0773'7
0 S_ _Z_
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss process for obtaining a variance from the DWQ to allow tree demolition in a
buffer.
1. The current design for the Lemur exhibit would require removal of four trees in the Buffer. DWQ confirmed that
a variance would be required to remove these trees. Fencing is allowed in the buffer, as is removal of exotic
plants.
2. The variance application would be.reviewed by DWQ staff, which would work with the design team to confirm
details of the project. They would then make a recommendation to the State Environmental Management
Commission (EMC). The EMC has ultimate authority to grant the variance and may do so even without DWQ
support.
3. Review Process: A draft variance request package is sent to DWQ for review. DWQ and Owner/Design Team
meet to discuss. DWQ's preliminary findings are attached to a formal application, which must be submitted
two-three weeks prior to EMC meeting. The EMC meets monthly; upcoming meeting dates are October 8, no
meeting in November, and December 10.
811 West Hargett Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27603 • Voice 919.833.8818 • Fax [phone] www.biac.com

Conference Memorandum
Museum of Life and Science
Bioquest II
August 7, 2003
4. EMC usually requires demonstration of "trade-offs" in other portions of the project to mitigate the demolition
allowed by the variance.
5. Once the variance request is made, a variety of issues concerning the Lemur exhibit may be evaluated. DWQ
pointed out potential water quality concern about animal waste in the stream. A variance may be contingent on
piping and collecting sanitary sewer waste before it can reach the stream.
6. S&EC confirmed that they have reviewed the project proposed site plan and do not see any work that would
impact the water quality buffers.
7. In the area to the east of the Lemur exhibit, DWQ confirmed that minor grading for slope stabilization adjacent
to the existing service road is acceptable. However, the existing storm drainage pipe may not be extended.
8. DWQ confirmed that upgrading the existing 24" RCP between the Wetland and the area south is acceptable.
9. As part of the variance request, the Museum would have to demonstrate why the proposed Lemur habitat is
the only viable location on the project site. Factors that may be addressed are:
o Accessibility
o Tree save
o Size and Configuration of enclosure for practical viewing
o Animal care requirements
o Types of vegetation
10. DWQ recommended that the civil engineer confirm that the appropriate wetlands delineation is being used in
the project site plan. DWQ questioned the configuration of the stream in the Lemur area.
11. The variance application should list measures to improve water quality that are already included in the project
(i.e. Wetlands reclamation, Bio-retention, removal of existing impervious surface from buffers, or storm water
treatment) and demonstrate that the area of mitigation is greater than the proposed area of disturbance.
12. The existing wetland is an example of storm water treatment prior to entering watershed.
13. S&EC will provide the Museum examples of variance applications that have been particularly effective.
These minutes were prepared to record the information covered at this meeting. Should anyone attending disagree with
statements or interpretations contained herein, please advise us within seven days after receipt, or the minutes stand as
written.
Sincerely,
Brown Jurkowski Architectural Collaborative, p.a.
Jennifer Amster, AIA
Associate
JRAIja
cc: Attendees
Terry Boylan, Stewart Engineering
Marsha Lea, EDAW
Laura Kulkehan, Bassett Associates
P:17376_NCMLS-Bioquest-Phase-21Documents\Design111-M Conference17376_MM_080703.doc