Army Corp of Engineers-Blennerhassett Island

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
NASHVILLE DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
P. O. BOX 1070
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37202-1070
I�7
IN REPLY REPEN TO
Planning Branch
PMC
]I-
ToProject
All Interested Parties:
D E C 18 2000
Section 14 of the Flood Control Act of 1946, as amended,
authorizes the Corps.of Engineers (Corps) to study, adopt, and
construct emergency streambank and shoreline protection measures
to protect highways, bridges, other public works, and non-profit
public facilities such as hospitals, churches, and schools..
Blennerhassett Island is a mid -channel island located at French -
Broad River Mile (RM) 125 in the Town of Marshall, Madison
County, North Carolina. The downstream half of the island has
been rapidly eroding threatening the local wastewater treatment
facility, school, county offices, and appurtenant buildings
there. The Corps Nashville District proposes to regrade
approximately one thousand linear feet of the eroded banks and
install a combination of bioengineering and riprap to prevent
further erosion.
Alternatives available to the Corps and presently under
consideration include: (1) the proposed combination
bioengineering and limited riprap restoration of the downstream
end.of Blennerhassett Island, (2) restoration of the downstream
end--of,Blennerhassett Island using riprap only, and (3) "No
Action." "No Action" is defined as not engaging in any stream
bank restoration activities at French Broad River Mile 125.
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA), we.have prepared a draft Environmental Assessment (EA)
concerning the proposed streambank protection. The draft EA
describes alternatives and evaluates potential environmental
impacts tb­land and water..
As a result -of
result, depending on
associated with the
the EA, one of two possible outcomes
the extent of environmental impacts
project; a "Finding of No Significant
will
Impact"

1c✓ 1 A-
- 2 -
(FONSI), or a finding that there would be significant impacts
requiring further evaluation in an Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS). If a FONSI is issued, no EIS is necessary. If an EIS is
required, further evaluation must be.conducted and a more
extensive public involvement program must be implemented. Based
on the information available to date in the draft EA, we have
prepared a draft FONSI for consideration.
As part of the NEPA process, the Nashville District is
soliciting written comments from the public and agencies about
environmental issues addressed in the draft EA. If you would
like to participate in the draft EA review process, please submit
your comments no later than January 26, 2001, to assure
evaluation and inclusion in the final EA. Please note that we
consider the proposed streambank protection to have been
previously approved for purposes ,of Section 404 of the Clean
Water Act under Nation Wide Permit (NWP) 13, as published in the
Federal Register (61 FR 65874,65915) on December 13, 1996. AS a
coordination agency under the "Notification" general condition
for NWP's, please consider this draft EA/FONSI package a Pre -
Construction Notification with comment period running concurrent
with the above.
Your participation is appreciated. If you have any questions
concerning this process, please feel free to contact Mr. Ray
Hedrick at [phone].
Sincerely,
Step n W. E i, P.E.
Chief, Project Planning Branch

I
U. S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
NASHVILLE DISTRICT
DRAFT
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
Blennerhassett Island Erosion Control and Stream Bank
Restoration
Madison County, North Carolina
1. Under the authority of Section 14 of the Flood Control
Act of 1946, as amended, the Corps of Engineers is.
authorized to study, adopt, and construct emergency
streambank and shoreline protection works to protect
highways, bridges, other public .works, and non-profit
public facilities such as hospitals, churches, and schools.
Blennerhassett Island is a mid -channel island located'at
French Broad River Mile (RM) 125 in the Town of Marshall,
Madison County, North Carolina. The downstream half of the
island has been rapidly eroding threatening the local
wastewater treatment facility, school, county offices, and
appurtenant buildings there. The Nashville District
proposes regrading approximately one thousand linear feet
of the eroded banks and installing a combination of
bioengineering and riprap to prevent further erosion.
2. Limited use of hardened armoring in conjunction with
the replacement of riparian vegetation is the preferred
method of restoring streambanks in North Carolina. The
vertical banks would be regraded to a slope of not more
than 2H:1V and the in -stream toe stabilized with minimal
use of riprap. Willow (Salix nigra) posts -or fascines (a
cylindrical bundle of sticks bound together) installed at
0.6-meter intervals from the toe to the top of the bank and
protected by a "brush fascine revetment" would serve as the
basis for maintaining the slope's integrity. Native
hardwoods, herbaceous plants, and grasses would then be
planted to complete the riparian buffer.
3. An Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared
following the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA),
Council for Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations
implementing NEPA (40 CFR, 1500-1508); and Corps of
Engineers Regulations ER 200-2-2 Policy and Procedures for
Implementing NEPA (33 CFR, 230). The EA was prepared to

E
describe existing conditions and evaluate potential impacts
associated with the Proposed Action and alternatives. The
alternatives considered are the proposed combination
bioengineering and limited riprap restoration of the
downstream end of Blennerhassett Island, riprap only, and
"No Action." "No Action" is defined as not engaging in any
stream bank restoration activities at French Broad River
Mile 125.
4. The EA did not reveal significant onsite impacts
resulting from the proposal. There would be a short-term
impact to water quality due to increased turbidity during
regrading of the banks and placement of slope protect ion.
The "No Action" alternative would have unacceptable social
impacts and negative effects on downstream water quality.
5. On 24 August 2000, Public Notice No. 00-84 describing
the proposed streambank restoration activities and serving
as a scoping document was sent to members of the public and
to agencies with jurisdiction by law or special expertise.
Nation Wide Permit No 13 (NWP) authorizing certain stream
bank stabilization activities (including the proposed
action) under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act also
requires pre -construction notification of certain resource
agencies: the North Carolina Division of Water Quality
(NCDWQ), North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
(NCWRC), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The (NCDRC) has
issued State Water Quality Certification for NWP No. 13,
subject to specific conditions. NCWRC has confirmed by
letter (5 October 2000) that although Madison County is a
designated Trout County, there is no critical habitat for
trout in the project's area of effect. The letter also
indicated that NCWRC has no objection to the proposed
project and listed best management practices for
construction that the project should maintain.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) did not send a
written response but had been involved through telephone
and email. Their comments during these discussions have
been included in the EA and have been addressed. The USFWS
was concerned that there may be short term impacts on
threatened plants in Madison County but have not indicated
that there are any in the project area. A site visit by
the Nashville District did not locate any threatened
plants. USFWS was assured that native species would be
used in the reseeding on the streambanks. North Carolina
2

f
Department of Transportation has expressed an interest in
the EA but had no comments concerning the scope or nature
of the proposed project. The draft EA with a cover letter
acting as the pre -construction notice is being circulated
for 30-day public and agency review and comment. All
comments will be addressed in the final EA.
6. Section 106 of the National Historic(Preservation Act
of 1966 requires that Federal agencies take into account
the effects of their undertakings on historic properties
included in or eligible for listing in the National
Register of Historic Places. The North Carolina Department
of Transportation (NCDOT) has planned a bridge realignment
on the upstream -end of the island and has conducted a
review ,for Section 106 compliance. Due to the immediate
proximity of the NCDOT study to the proposed project, the
NCDOT review has been included as part of the Corps study.
The North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
(NCDCR), in letters to NCDOT, dated 6 October 1998 and 11
October 1999, concerning the replacement of Bridge 328 on
SR 1001 over the French Broad River, identified several
additional properties in the general area of Marshall that
are considered eligible or potentially eligible for listing
on the National Register of Historic Places. The NCDCR
further noted, concerning the bridge replacement affecting
the upstream end of Blennerhassett Island, that no
archeological sites were known to occur within the proposed
project area and that it is unlikely that National Register
eligible archeological resources would be affected by
project construction. In accordance with 36 CFR
800.5(d)(1), the Corps finds that the proposed activity
will not adversely affect historic properties.
7. I have reviewed the EA for the proposed Blennerhassett
Island Erosion Control and Streambank Restoration (French
Broad River Mile 125), responses to Public Notice No. 00-
84, and comments on the draft EA. I have determined that
the work would not constitute a major federal action
significantly affecting the quality of the human
environment within the meaning of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Accordingly, I have
concluded that an Environmental Impact Statement covering
the proposed work is not required. Finally, having weighed
the potential benefits that may be accrued as'a result of
implementing the proposed plan against the reasonably
foreseeable detrimental effects, I conclude that the
proposed Blennerhassett Island Erosion Control and
3-

Streambank Restoration, as set forth in the EA, would be in
the public interest.
Date Peter F. Taylor, Jr., P.E.
Lieutenant Colonel
Corps of Engineers
District Engineer
E

US, Army Corps
r
of-Engine-ers
Nashville District-
C.poperati ng: Agency:
Tennessee Valley Authority
Ble'nnerhassett Island, Maeshall,, North Carolina
Erosion:Control
. a . ndStream I bank Restoration
Dr'En'virdn'm'e''n'tal'�Assess'm6nt
ap.
December 2000.

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL.AS.SESSMENT
Blennerhassett Island
Erosion Control and Streambank
Restoration
Town of Marshall, North Carolina
DECEMBER 2000
For Further Information, Contact:
Ray Hedrick
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Nashville District
P.O. BOX 1070
Nashville, Tennessee'37202-1070
Telephone: [phone]

Environmental Assessment .
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Nashville District
CONTENTS
Section
Page
1.0 Preface .......................... .................................................................................................
1
A2.0 Purpose and Need........................................................................................................1
V 3.0 Alternatives.............................................................. ... ...................................................
2
3.1 No Action............................................................................:..............................2
3.2 Riprap Armoring................................................................................................2
3.3 Bioengineering....................................................................................................3
3.4 Environmental Commitments.:............................:.............................................3
3.5 Permits and Other Environmental Compliance.•...............................................5
3.5.1 Section 404/401............................................................................................5
3.5.2 Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act(FWCA)•••••,;........................
:..............7
3.5.3 Endangered Species Act...............................................................................8
3.5.4 Cultural Resources Requirements••••,•••••,••,....•............:................................8
3.5.5 Executive Order 12898, Environmental Justice ...........................................
9
3.5.6 Hazardous, Toxic and Radiological Wastes•••••......•....................................9
3.5.7 Clean Air Act Conformity Rule.................................................................10
3.5.8 Floodplain Management Executive Order 11988•.•••,•...............................10
3.5.9 Section 26a.................................................................................................10
3.5.10 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) ....................11
4.0 Environmental Setting .................. ........................................... .............................:.....11
4.1 General.............................................................................................................11
4.2 Significant Environmental Resources..............................................................12
4.2.1 Aquatic Resources......................................................................................12
4.2.2 Terrestrial Resources..................................................................................13
4.2.3 Wetlands ........................................ ...................... ........................ ...14
4.2.4 Threatened and Endangered Species ..........................................................
14
4.2.5 Aesthetics...................................................................................................14
4.2.6 Socioeconomics..........................................................................................14
4.2.7 Health and Safety.......................................................................................15
4.2.8 Cultural Resources...................................................................:.................15
z
5.0 Environmental Impacts.............................................................................................17
5.1 Aquatic Resources...........................................................................................17
5.1.1 No action..........................:..................................................................,......17
5.1.2 Riprap Armoring .......................................
5.1.3 Bioengineering ................................ ..............................................................
17
5.2 Terrestrial Resources..................................................................................:.....18
December 2000

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Nashville District
Environmental Assessment
B/enner6oxxett Island, North Carolina _
52.1 No Action '--------------------------------'
18
5.2.2 Rinrun Armoring ___._______________________..
_..l#
52.3 Bioengineering ..................___________.______._______.l8
5'3 Wetlands ..........................................................................................................
l9
5.3.1\ NoAction .................................. :....................................................................
l9
5.3.2 Rip Rap Armoring __________.___._.______________l9
� _______.__________..____.________l9
5.3.3 Bioengffieering
�
5/4 Threatened and Endangered^ i .--_—.-----.----_.-_---'—_
19
5.4.1 NoAction ...................................................................................................
l9
5.4.2 ^ ^ .------------------'----------..
l9
' 54.3 Bioengineering'-----------.---.---------------..
2O
5.5 Aesthetics ................
20
� 5.5.1 NoAction ...................................................................................................
2O
5.52 Rinrun Armoring _____________________________.20
5.53 _____________.__'_____.._______.__3l
� �
5.6 - ci'no--------_----,.-----_---.---------.
2l
�
�
5]5.1 NmAction ,._______________________.______.__.2l
- g.
5�i2 T��oruoArmoring
--,'-,'_---'----.------------------.-.^--.--
21
5.6.3 Bioengineering ................... ........................................................................
23
5.7 Health n'Snfetn_.__,___.__.___________.___.______.__.22
� 5I1 No Action..
5.7.2 = �
--�,_�'--','-`"------- ............................................................
........22
�
. ___=___-�.-------^-----------------------
22
5.0 Cultural Resources ................................................. ..........................................
23
' __.______,______._____
5.0.1 No Action
...................................
� 5.0.2 Rip Rap Armoring _____.________._.___.__________33
� __._____________'____,______,___.23
5.8.3 Bioengineering
6.0
� _____._.__...____________________24
Public and Agency Involvement
7.0
Conclusion ................................... ____._________.___._.__._______25
8.0
References ........... .......................................................................................................
27
9.0
List of Preparers `....................... ________._____________________
28
Appendices
Appendix l Maps and Photographs
Appendix 2 Bmofhio Invertebrates Tofozozo1ioo
Appendix 3 Endangered Species List Madison County NC
Appendix 4 Scoping Documentation/Correspondence
Appendix Sto1e40l CertifioatioomfNationwide Permit om' 13
"
/
December 2000

Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina Nashville District
Acronyms and Abbreviations
BMP Best Management Practices
CORPS U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
DE District Engineer
EA Environmental Assessment
ESA Endangered Species Act
FCA Flood Control Act
FWCA Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
NCDENR North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural
Resources
NCDCR North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
NCDNH North Carolina Division of Natural Heritage
NCDWQ North Carolina Department of Water Quality
NCIBI North Carolina Index of Biotic Integrity
NCWRC North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
NHPA National Historic Preservation Act
NRHP National Register of Historic Places
NWI National Wetland. Inventory
NWP Nation Wide Permit
PCN Pre Construction Notice
RM River Mile
SHPO State Historic Preservation Officer
TVA Tennessee Valley Authority
USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture
USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
USGS U.S. Geological Survey
WQC a State Section 401 Water Quality Certification
iii December 2000

Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina Nashville District
1.0 PREFACE
Blennerhassett Island is located in the French Broad River at
the Town of Marshall in Madison County, North Carolina (Figure
1). Over the past 20 years, the island, on which is a.school,
a county administration building, and the Town of Marshall's
waste water treatment plant, has been steadily eroding at a
maximum rate of five feet per year from its downstream end.
This erosion now threatens to undermine the treatment plant
and other facilities unless the streambank is stabilized and
restored.
Section 14 of the 1946 Flood Control Act (FCA), as amended,
authorizes the Corps to study, adopt, and construct emergency
streambank and shoreline protection works to protect highways,
bridges, -other public works, and nonprofit facilities such as
churches, hospitals, and schools. Clearly, the loss of the
streambank at the wastewater treatment facility fulfills the
requirements under this authority.
2.0 PURPOSE AND NEED
The French Broad River is a rapid flowing montane waterway
that originates in North Carolina and joins the Holston River
to form the Tennessee River east of Knoxville, Tennessee.
Blennerhassett Island, a mid -channel silt/sand island, is in
the French Broad River (French Broad River.Mile (RM) 125) in
the Town of Marshall, Madison County, North Carolina.
According to aerial photography during the past 20 years, the
island has been steadily eroding -from its downstream end
nearly five feet per year (Figure 2. The eroding streambank
is now encroaching on the Town of Marshall's wastewater
treatment plant.
1 December 2000

Environmental Assessment
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Nashville District
This problem was recognized during the initial site visit for
a Section 205 Flood Reduction Study reconnaissance
investigation being conducted by the Corps of Engineers in
1997. It was determined that there is a federal interest
under the Continuing Authorities Program for streambank
protection under Section 14.
3.0 ALTERNATIVES
3.1 NO ACTION
The `No Action' alternative would involve continued monitoring
of the erosion by the North Carolina Division of Natural
Heritage and the local municipality but no federal action at
this time. Current conditions and trends would continue
throughout the foreseeable future without impacts or
influences of streambank restoration measures constructed by
the Corps.
3.2 RIPRAP ARMORING
The regrading of vertical banks to allow a 2:1 final slope
would be accomplished prior to the placement of riprap around
the affected erosional zones of the island. The total linear
length of the riprap would be about one thousand feet. The
fence on the left side of the island that surrounds the
treatment plant would have to'be relocated to allow for the
grade changes. This alternative also involves the removal of
many of the few remaining riparian trees along the edge of the
banks to allow regrading. The ecological benefit of these
trees is, at best, negligible.
Upon completion of construction, additional trees and
herbaceous plants would be added to the island for erosion
protection and aesthetic benefit. The use of extensive
hardened armor is not acceptable under Nationwide Permit (NWP)
13 as certified by the State of North Carolina and would
require an individual Section.401 Water Quality Certification.
2 December 2000

C,
Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina - Nashville District
The local sponsor has applied for matching funds for the
proposed project through a state Water Quality Improvement
grant that cannot be used for riprap. Therefore, a
bioengineering method of streambank stabilization and
restoration has been developed as the " preferred' means of
preventing,further bank erosion.
3.3 BIOENGINEERING
Limited use of hardened armoring in conjunction with the
replacement of riparian vegetation is the preferred method of
restoring stream banks in North Carolina. The vertical banks
would be regraded to a slope of not more than 2H:1V. and the
in -stream toe stabilized with minimal use of riprap. Willow
(Salix nigra) posts or fascines (a cylindrical bundle of
sticks bound together) installed at 0.6-meter intervals from
the toe to the top of -the bank and protected by a "brush
fascine revetment" would serve as the basis for maintaining
the slope's integrity. .,Native hardwoods, herbaceous plants,
and grasses would then be planted to complete the riparian
buffer.
This solution is expected to be as effective as riprap and
enhances the natural beauty of the restoration by allowing
regrowth of native trees. The left side of the island would
possibly need intermittent hard armoring where the bank has
encroached on,local public utility. The bioengineering work
would have to be completed during the winter months (November.
to March) when the vegetation used for the project is dormant.
3.4 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS
The Nashville District is committed to ensuring the use of
"best management practices" (BMP's) or other environmental
measures and incorporating conditions of environmental permits
or approvals in its projects. For this proposal,
environmental commitments would derive from (1) BMP's and
3
December 2000

Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
BlennerhassettIsland. North Carolina Nashville District
environmental measures normally included in Corps construction
specifications, (2) criteria and conditions for Nation Wide
Permit (NWP) No. 13 (61 FR 65874,65915), (3) conditions for
the North Carolina Division of Water Quality Section 401
Certification of NWP No. 13, and (4) conditions provided by
the North Carolina.Wildlife Resources Commission. Section
01354 of the Corps construction specifications, "Environmental
Protection", is devoted to BMP's and other environmental
provisions applicable to the project. Other non-standard
environmental measures may appear in appropriate sections of
the specifications. The specifications address such issues as
preparation of an environmental protection plan, BMP's, spill
control, protection of environmental features, sediment
control, waste disposal, and protection of water resources.
Conditions from environmental permits and other approvals are
also incorporated into the construction specifications as
appropriate. Other environmental commitments as currently
developed relate to approval of the project under NWP 13 and
to the Fish and wildlife Coordination Act. The project is
being designed to meet the criteria and conditions of NWP No
13 as discussed in Paragraph 3.5.1, below. The project will
also comply with the conditions placed by the NCDWQ on its
certification of NWP No. 13. Full text of the NWP
certification appears in Appendix 5. Finally, specific
conditions were requested by the NCWRC in its letter (5
October 2000) to ensure that potential adverse effects of the
proposed project are prevented. These conditions include:
No pre-existing rock, sand, or other materials would be
dredged from the stream channel or opposite banks.
Stabilization measures would be applied only at or near
.existing erosion sites. Grading and backfilling would be
minimized and vegetative growth would be retained, if
possible to ensure cover for game fish and wildlife.
4 December 2000

Environmental Assessment
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Nashville District
Backfill would be obtained from bank shaping and upland
sources.
Rock,used for stabilization would be clean and sediment
free. Rock would be minimized in favor -of vegetative
a:tabilization.
Adequate sedimentation controls would be installed and
maintained to prevent impact to downstream aquatic
resources.
Repairs :would be conduct in a dry area to'the extent
possible. Flow control structure would be used to prevent
excavation in areas of flowing water.
Mechanized equipment operated near the waters would be
regularly inspected and maintained to prevent
contamination from fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids,
or other toxic materials.
Native trees would be planted along the bank to provide
long-termerosion control.
All the above measures and any additional ones developed as
result of public and agency review of' -this EA will be
incorporated into the proposed project.
3.5 PERMITS AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
3.5.1 Section 404/401
The Clean Water Act, Section 404(33 U.S.C. 1344) regulates the
placement of fill material into the waters of the United
States. These discharges.include the proposed erosion
protection and streambank restoration.. Certain activities
for -bank stabilization have been previously approved under
5 December 2000

Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina Nashville District
Nation Wide Permit (NWP) 13, as published in the Federal
Register (61 FR 65874,65915) on December 13, 1996. Bank
stabilization activities necessary for erosion prevention are
authorized under this NWP provided the activity meets all of
the following criteria:
• No material is placed in excess of the minimum needed for
erosion protection;
• The bank stabilization activity is less than 500 feet in
length;
• The activity will not exceed an average of one cubic yard
per running foot placed along the bank below the plane of
the ordinary high water mark or the high tide line;
• No material is placed in any special aquatic site, including
wetlands;
• No material is of the type, or is placed in any location, or
in any manner, so as to impair surface water flow into or
out of any wetland area;
• No material is placed in a manner that will be eroded by
normal or expected high flows (properly anchored trees and
treetops may be used in low energy areas); and,
• The activity is part of a single and complete project. -
Bank stabilization activities, such as this proposal, in
excess of 500 feet in length or greater than an average of one
cubic yard per running foot may be authorized in accordance
with the "Notification" general condition. A Pre -Construction
Notice (PCN) has been incorporated into the cover letter for
this EA as it is circulated to NCDWQ, and other agencies.
6 December 2000

Environmental Assessment
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Nashville District
North Carolina has.issued a Water Quality Certification (WQC)
for NWP 13 (See Appendix 5). The WQC includes several special
conditions and limits the amount of riprap that may be placed
without individual certification. Bank stabilization methods
with greater than or equal to a total of 500 linear feet
(152.5 meters) of impact which do not utilize hard structures
do not require written approval. This certification was
issued in conformity with the requirements of Section 401,
Public Laws 92-500 and 95-217 of the United -States and subject
to the North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ)
regulations for the discharge of fill material to waters. The -
Division Engineer (DE) has made the special conditions, set
forth by NCDWQ, regional conditions of NWP 13 for activities
that may result in a discharge into waters of United States in
North Carolina. The use of NWP 13 helps to streamiline the
process of approval for Section 14 Emergency Streambank
Stabilization projects to expedite halting the loss of -
additional bank to erosion.
North Carolina has designated counties with critical habitat
for trout fisheries protected water resources counties. As
part of the Section 404/401 review process, NCWRC requires
that any project involving the waterways in so designated
counties be assessed for potential impact to trout. Although
Madison County is listed as a Trout County, NCWRC has
indicated that there are no trout concerns in the project
area, but has requested that conditions listed in Paragraph
,3.4, above, be followed to reduce potential impacts to aquatic
resources.
3.6.2 Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA)
The Fish and'Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA) (16 U.S.C. 661
et seq.) requires that all Federal agencies consult with the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the appropriate
7 December 2000

Environmental Assessment U.S. Arm} Corps of Engineers
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina Nashville District
state wildlife agencies for water resource projects. Under
the Act, USFWS has responsibility for project review including
addressing concerns about general plant and wildlife species.
The USFWS may also recommend avoidance of impacts, the
incorporation of measures to minimize adverse effects, or
mitigation actions. The USFWS has tentatively commented
through email and telephone conversations (Appendix 4). The
NCWRC in its 5 October 2000 letter indicated that the French
Broad River at Blennerhassett Island is not spawning habitat
for trout or habitat for endangered species and has granted
its conditional approval of the proposed project (Appendix 4).
Additional comments will be solicited from the USFWS and NCWRC
during the draft EA circulation.
3.5.3 Endangered Species Act.
The Endangered Species. Act (ESA) of 1973 provides protection
for federally listed threatened and endangered species.
According to the NCWRC, there are federally listed species
),within Madison County but no suitable habitat for these
species exists within the project area nor would any habitat
be affected secondarily as a consequence of this project. The
USFWS has not commented concerning endangered species but will
be given an opportunity to comment during the draft EA
circulation period.
3.5.4 Cultural Resources Requirements
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)
of 1966 requires Federal agencies to take into account the
effects of their undertakings on properties that are
determined eligible for or listed in the National Register of
Historic Places (NRHP). Regulations guiding this process,
defined at 36 CFR Part 800, require identification and
evaluation of potentially affected resources, assessment of
effects, and resolution of adverse affects through
8 December 2000

Environmental Assessment
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Nashville District
consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer
(SHPO). If adverse effects cannot be resolved, the comments
of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation may be
requested. Pursuant to Section 106'compliance the draft EA is
being provided for comment to the North Carolina SHPO, the
F
Cherokee Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, the Town of
Marshall, and the public.
3.5.5 Executive Order 12898, Environmental Justice
The order requires Federal agencies to promote
nondiscrimination in Federal programs substantially affecting
human health and the environment. In response to this
direction, Federal Agencies must identify and address
disproportionately high and adverse human health or
environmental effects of their programs, policies, and
activities on minority and low-income populations. The
project would prevent further erosion of the island, prevent
loss of the existing wastewater treatment plant, and improve
the general aesthetics of the island. This project would not
impact any class of the population disproportionately.
3.5.6 Hazardous, Toxic and Radiological Wastes
The wastewater treatment plant located on the island
discharges treated water into the French Broad River in the
proposed project area. A phase I HTRW investigation was
conducted to identify recognized environmental conditions that
indicate a potential for HTRW contamination. No contaminants
have been identified in the water at the treatment facility..
In addition, there were no signs'of HTRW contamination within
the proposed project limits.
9 December 2000

Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina Nashville District
3.5.7 Clean Air Act Conformity Rule
The requirements of 40 CFR Part 51, Subpart W, apply to the
proposed action. Section 51.853 of the Subpart lists
exemptions to the general conformity provisions. The proposed
project is within an attainment area and is exempt from
further evaluation.
3.5.8 Floodplain Management Executive Order 11988
According to the Flood Insurance Map for the Town of Marshall,
North Carolina, the one hundred -year floodplain elevation on
Blennerhassett Island is 1646' Mean Sea Level. The planned
streambank restoration would replace the eroded bank up to the
one hundred -year flood level and would have negligible impact
on the limited floodplain. The regrading and protection of
the downstream banks of the island would reduce sediment from
entering the river. This will have the added benefits of
filtering floodwater of debris and sediments and locally
improving the quality of the water. The proposed project
meets the requirements of the order.
3.5.9 TVA Section 26a Permit
In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the Department of the
Army, signed on August 12, 1985, TVA acts as a cooperating
agency in the preparation of EA's for Section 14 emergency
streambank stabilization projects in the Tennessee River
watershed. Section 26a of the Act requires that TVA's
approval be obtained prior to the construction, operation, or
maintenance of any dam, appurtenant works, or other
obstruction affecting navigation, flood control, or public
lands or reservations along or in the Tennessee River or any
of its tributaries. Blennerhassett Island, located at French
Broad River Mile 125, Madison County, North Carolina, falls
10 December 2000

Environmental Assessment
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina
U.S.'Army Corps of Engineers
Nashville District
within the regulated area and TVA approval is required. The
local sponsor is responsible for coordinating with TVA to
obtain the Section 26a.permit.
3.5.10 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System'(NPDES)
The proposed project would affect less than five acres and
therefore does not require a storm water permit. No
additional permits would be required.
4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
4.1 . GENERAL
The study area is located on the French Broad.River at River
Mile (RM) 125 within the Town of Marshall, North Carolina.
The project includes the downstream half of Blennerhassett
Island, a mid -channel silt/sand island that.in recent years
has begun rapidly eroding. Land use in the surrounding area
is primarily agriculture/timber and light industrial.
The Town of Marshall consists of several historic structures
including the Marshall House and the Marshall Courthouse.
Numerous small businesses and residences are located along the
French Broad River with other residences scattered among the
nearby mountains.
i
Since the study area is., -mountainous, development is confined
to the narrow floodplain on both sides of the river. The
railroad and highways have taken up a great.deal of the
= remaining narrow floodplain. Due to the minimal floodplain
area available for construction, riparian forests on these
floodplains have been significantly thinned, if not altogether
removed, for residential and commercial structures. The
island in mid -channel of the river is approximately 3500' long
and 250' at it's widest point. This represents a large
]] December 2000

Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina Nashville District
buildable area that the town has used for placement of its
wastewater treatment facility, a school, and several other
small appurtenant buildings.
Vegetation in the project area on the island is sparse but`,
otherwise typical bottomland trees and herbaceous plants for
this part of the state as further discussed in 4.2.2.
r
4.2 SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
4.2.1 Aquatic Resources
The French Broad River, at the head of Blennerhassett Island,
is nearly 400 feet wide, flowing rapidly over a sand and
cobble bed with copious silt/sand depositional areas. The
river is relatively shallow (2' to 12') for it's width. North
Carolina Department of Environment.and Natural Resources
(NCDENR) has designated the French Broad a Class C river
(8/3/92) meaning these waters are protected for secondary
recreation, fishing, wildlife, fish and aquatic life
propagation and survival, agriculture and other uses.
Secondary recreation includes wading, boating, and other uses
involving human body contact with water where such activities
take place in an•infrequent, unorganized, or incidental
manner.
NCDENR has a sampling station located at Bridge no. 328
(#7336) SR 1001, 0.1 miles south of the Town of Marshall, at
the head of Blennerhassett Island. Records from this station
show that the river is consistently listed as Good -Fair on the
North Carolina Index of Biotic Integrity (Appendix 2). Water
quality in this reach of the French Broad is also listed as
fair to good but is subject to rapid -degradation during storm
events (U.S Environmental Protection Agency, 2000).
12 December 2000

Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina Nashville District
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC)
indicated that the following fish species are found in this
reach of the French Broad River (Letter to NCDOT 28 May 1999
(Appendix 4)): muskellunge (Esox masquinongy), brown bullhead
(Ameirus nebulosus), channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus),
smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), and largemouth bass
(Micropterus salmoides). Mussels identified in the -area during
a 1998 study by'Resources Southeast, Ltd. located only the
Asiatic clam (Corbicula fluminia), although other Unionid
mussels have been noted historically in the French Broad
River.. These•are discussed in Section 4.2.4. Madison County
is designated as a trout county although this reach of the
French Broad River is not listed as a trout -bearing stream.
4.2.2 Terrestrial. Resources
Herbaceous vegetation is scattered throughout the sandy areas
around the island. ,The majority of the riparian zone on the
island has sloughed off due to erosion with the remaining land
cleared.for a baseball field, the school buildings, and the
wastewater treatment plant. Some small trees exist along the
shore such as river birch-(Bet.ula nigra), sycamore (Platanus
occidentalis), boxelder (Acer negundo), and mulberry (Morus
-alba). A scattered number of larger hardwood trees are on the.
upstream.end of the island where a nature -walk trail is being
developed.
The wildlife community is sparse due to the lack of habitat
and cover. Some neo-tropical migrant songbirds
.(Passeriformes) and waterfowl are present on the island -
periodically during the year'. No other native terrestrial
wildlife was noted by the Nashville District during a visit to
the project site in 2000.
13 December 2000

Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina Nashville District
4.2.3 Wetlands
There are no designated wetlands within the project area.
4.2.4 Threatened and Endangered Species
There are three species on the federal list of threatened and
endangered'species in Marshall County: the peregrine falcon
(Falco peregrines anatum), the Oyster Mussel (Epioblasma
capsaeformis), and the spotfin chub (Hybopsis monacha). None
of these species has suitable habitat in the proposed project
area or has been recorded either at the island or directly
downstream in the project's area of effect.
Historic records of endangered mussel populations include the
Appalachian Elktoe, Carolina Heelsplitter, and the Little -wing
Pearlymussel. Although none of these mussels have been
identified recently in this reach of the French Broad in
Madison County, other more common riverine mussels may be
present. The NCWRC has indicated that there are no endangered
species in the area of effect of the proposed project.
4.2.5 Aesthetics
The trailing end of Blennerhassett Island suffers from regular
erosion of its banks on both sides of the island. The loss of
the streambank has contributed to the loss of riparian
vegetation and denuding of the associated vertical banks.
This has diminished the visual appeal of the island and has
contributed to the siltation of the French Broad River,
further reducing the overall quality of the watershed.
4.2.6 Socioeconomics
The Town of Marshall is the county seat of Madison County,
North Carolina. According to data from the United States
14 December 2000

Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina Nashville District
Census Bureau, the county has`a population of 18,906 and a
mean income of approximately $25,868. Land use in Madison
County is primarily timber, services, and light industrial.
Since the area is mountainous, development is confined to the
narrow floodplain on both sides of the river. The town has
numerous small businesses and residences with other structures
scattered among the nearby mountains.
i
4.2.7 Health and Safety
Theexisting conditions present a health hazard as the
degradation of the island on its downstream end continues to
encroach upon the wastewater treatment.facility. The
potential exists to undermine and disable operations. at the
facility, which would -result in the.need for repair or
replacement of the damage or relocation of the entire
treatment plant. A Phase I HTRW investigation has been
conducted at the site and has determined there are no HTRW
concerns affecting the scope of the proposed project.
4.2.8 Cultural Resources
Three properties in the Town of Marshall are listed on the
National Register of Historic Places:
The Madison County Courthouse, Main Street
The James H. White House, 5 Hill Street
The Jeff White House, NE of Marshall on NC 213
The North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources (NCDCR),
in letters to. the North Carolina Department of Transportation,
dated 6 October 1998 and-11 October.1999,.concerning the
replacement of Bridge 328 on SR 1001 over the French Broad
River, identified.several additional properties in the general
area of Marshall that are considered eligible.or potentially
15 December 2000

Environmental Assessment
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Nashville District
eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic
Places (Appendix 4). These properties include:
The Marshall Commercial Historic District
The Rock Cafe
The Samantha Lee Mill
The (Former) Marshall High School
The NCDCR further noted, concerning the bridge replacement
affecting the upstream end of Blennerhassett Island, that no
archeological sites were known to occur within the proposed
project area and that it is unlikely that National Register
eligible archeological resources would be affected by project
construction.
The.(former) Marshall High School is the only historic
property within the "area of potential effects" subject to
this Environmental Assessment. The (former) Marshall High
School, located `on the upstream end of Blennerhassett Island,
is eligible for listing under Criterion A as representative of
the -school consolidation movement that swept North Carolina
and Madison County between the 1920's and World War II, and
Criterion C as a well preserved example of 1920's school
architecture in North Carolina. The remaining National
Register properties occur within or near the Town of Marshall
opposite Blennerhassett Island.
A brief pedestrian survey of Blennerhassett Island, including
the examination of the eroding bank along the downstream end
of the island, supportprevious conclusions that significant
archeological properties are unlikely to occur. in the project
area.
16 1 December 2000

v
Environmental Assessment
Blennerhassett Island, North. Carolina
5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
5.1 AQUATIC RESOURCES -
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Nashville District
5.1.1. No action
Current conditions and trends would continue throughout the_,
foreseeable future without impacts or influences of streambank
.restoration measures constructed by the Corps.. Erosion of the
island would introduce additional silt load into the French
Broad River. The added turbidity of the water would continue
to limit the light penetration to aquatic plants and
macrophytes in the channel. Heavy sediments would also
continue to settle to the bottom further embedding the strata,
reducing the available.habitat for macroinvertebrates and
native mussels.. Continued degradation of the streambank will
likely result in the loss -of the wastewater treatment
facilities located on the island within twenty years:
5.1.2 Riprap Armoring
Hardened armoring would stabilize the island and prevent
further loss 'of the streambank. The use of the riprap would
improve water quality by filtering the water that passes
through it of silt and debris and providing,some additional
aquatic habitat for fish and macroinvertebrates. The use of
riprap, however, would not add any riparian vegetation, the
most effective natural filter of debris and silt, to the
streambank.
5.1.3 Bioengineering
The limited use of hardened armor in conjunction with the
replacement of riparian vegetation is the preferred method of
restoring streambanks in North Carolina. The replacement of a
vegetative buffer zone would improve aquatic habitat for -fish
along the streambank, improve the macroinvertebrate habitat,
P
17 December 2000

Environmental Assessment
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Nashville District
halt additional erosion of the streambank, and provide a
filtration of the waters that pass through it. ,Reduced
siltation would promote colonization of the riverbed -with a
greater diversity and quantity of aquatic macroinvertebrates,
a primary food source for the fishery. Native mussels will
also benefit from the reduced silt load in the channel
allowing them to inhabit the waters below the island. The
prevention of sediments from sloughing into the waters and the
silt load reducing ability of bioengineering would improve the
overall quality of the waters downstream of the project site.
5.2 TERRESTRIAL RESOURCES
5.2.1 No Action
The continued erosion of the streambank would result in the
loss of the few remaining riparian trees. The nearly vertical
banks provide little or no opportunity for regrowth of
riparian vegetation. The banks provide little or no cover for
terrestrial wildlife and would degrade further over time.
5.2.2 Riprap Armoring
While the armoring would stop the erosion of the streambank,
it would not provide any additional forested or herbaceous
cover on the island. Riprap would not provide additional
habitat for terrestrial wildlife on the island. This
alternative would neither add nor detract significantly from
the existing conditions.
5.2.3 Bioengineering
The replacement of riparian vegetation and planting of
successional hardwood trees would greatly enhance the amount
of ground cover for terrestrial wildlife. Nesting
opportunities for neo-tropical migrant songbirds would be
increased as well as cover for ground dwelling mammals. The
18 December 2000
,t
r

Environmental Assessment
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
. Nashville District
increase in prey species would potentially improve the raptor
population in the local area, including the endangered
peregrine falcon. The replanting would improve both the
forested and the herbaceous resources of the island. This
would also improve the quality of available habitat for
wildlife in the project area. Being in the floodplain, the
additional cover would act as a filter for floodwaters.that
encroach onto the island, reducing.the'silt load -and slowing
the flow of.the river during, flood events.
5.3 WETLANDS
5.3.1 No Action
Therefare no designated wetlands,.in the project.area.-
Therefore, there would be no impact on.this resource..
5.3.2 Rip Rap Armoring
There would be no impact by this alternative.
5.3.3 Bioengineering
There would, be no impact by this alternative.
5.4 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES
5.4.1 No Action
This alternative would have no impact -on the current
conditions on the island. There.is no habitat available for
any listed species on the island at this time.
5.4.2 Riprap Armoring
Riprap armoring would neither have detrimental effects to any
listed species nor provide any additional habitat for these
species. The prevention,of erosion will reduce the amount;of
sediment introduced into the stream and may produce conditions
19 December 2000

Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina Nashville District
favorable for native mussel colonization below the island.
According to a December 1998 survey by Resource Southeast,
Ltd. and the USFWS, there are currently no listed species in
the project area.
5.4.3 Bioengineering
The addition of riparian vegetation would provide additional
habitat for voles, rabbits and mice, which are primary prey
species for hawks, owls, and falcons. The endangered
peregrine falcon which is not currently located in the project
area would be more likely to return to this area when an
abundance of prey species becomes available. The addition of
water filtration by the instream vegetation would improve
water quality and mussel habitat downstream of the project
location.
5.5 AESTHETICS
5.5.1 No Action
Current conditions and trends would continue throughout the
foreseeable future without impacts or influences of streambank
restoration measures constructed by the Corps. The erosion of
the shoreline has contributed to the loss of riparian
vegetation and denuding of the associated vertical banks.
This has diminished the visual appeal of the island.
5.5.2 , Riprap Armoring
The addition of hardened armor would make the downstream bank
of the island uniform in both slope and constituent. This
would somewhat improve the current aesthetic condition of the
island.
20 December 2000

Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina Nashville District
5.5.3 Bioengineering
Planting riparian vegetation would -simulate the streambank's
original condition.. The planting of successional hardwoods
above the proposed brush fascines would result in regrowth of
native flora -,'enhancing the natural beauty of the island and
the river. The visual appeal of the island would benefit from
the additional shade, flowering trees and herbaceous plants.
5.6 SOCIOECONOMICS
6.6.1 No Action
This alternative would result in the eventual replacement of
the Town'of Marshall wastewater treatment -plant. This would
put a significant cost burden on the local community and could
result in untreated effluent discharge during the replacement.
The minimal amount of buildable land in the narrow floodplain
makes the Iisland a valuable real estate commodity for the
focal community. This alternative would not prevent the loss.
of the land value of the island. Continued erosion would
diminish opportunities for local fishermen as the island
degrades and sediments embed the channel degrading the quality
of the fisheries.
5.6.2 Riprap Armoring
The prevention of further erosion would save the local economy
the cost of replacing the water treatment facility in the near
future. The use of riprap would prevent further land'value
loss by preserving the island from further degradation. Local
fishing will benefit from the reduced silt load and the added
macroinvertebrate habitat.
21 December 2000

Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina Nashville District
5.6.3 Bioengineering
This alternative would also prevent the loss of the existing
wastewater treatment facility and would be self -maintaining.
The real estate value would be preserved at its current level..
The improved water quality downstream of the island would
enhance recreational fishing opportunities for local
sportsmen.
5.7 HEALTH AND SAFETY
5.7.1 No Action
The current conditions on the island present a hazard to
public health due to encroachment of the French Broad River
upon the existing wastewater treatment facilities. There are
no other water intakes or effluent spillways between the
island and the. hydropower generation dam located approximately
two miles downstream. Without action, to prevent further
erosion, the facility would likely need to be abandoned and a
new facility built elsewhere. During this time, untreated
effluent from the Town of Marshall could be introduced into
the river resulting in a_significant health risk.
5.7.2 Riprap Armoring
This alternative would prevent either further erosion of the
island or damage to the structures currently installed there.
The armoring would not have.any detrimental impact on either
health or safety, but would be more difficult to traverse for
foot traffic.
5.7.3 Bioengineering
The regrading and replanting of riparian vegetation would halt
the erosion and prevent the loss of the wastewater treatment
facility. The additional buffering capacity of the instream
22 December 2000

Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Blennerhassett Island. North Carolina Nashville District
vegetation -would improve water quality and reduce the impact -
of siltation downstream of the project location.
5.8 CULTURAL RESOURCES
5.8.1 No Action
Under the no action alternative, the erosion of Blennerhassett
Island would continue as at the present time. Although not
threatened at this time, erosion of the island would
eventually affect the (former) Marshall High School, a
property that is considered eligible for listing on the
National Register of Historic Places. The building is
currently in use as an elementary school; it may be used for
county offices when a new elementary school is constructed.
5.8.2 Rip Rap Armoring
Riprap armoring would stabilize the erosion of the downstream
end of Blennerhassett Island. Riprap stabilization is an
undertaking for purposes of Section 106 compliance in that it
is an activity having the potential to,affect'historic
properties. Applying,the criteria of adverse effect, as
defined at 36 CFR 800.5(a)'(1),) the effect is considered not
adverse; none of the characteristics that' qualify the (former)
Marshall High School for listing on the National Register
would be altered by the undertaking.
5.8.3 Bioengineering
Bioengineering, as described in this Environmental Assessment,
would stabilize the erosion of the downstream end of
Blennerhassett Island and add to the aesthetics of the island.
Bioengineering, as a stabilization measure, is an undertaking
for purposes.of Section 106 .compliance in that it is an
23 December 2000

Environmental Assessment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina Nashville District
activity having the potential to affect historic properties.
Applying the criteria of adverse effect, as defined at 36 CFR
800.5(a)(1), the effect is considered not adverse; ,none of .the
characteristics that qualify the (former) Marshall High School
for listing on the National Register would be altered by the
undertaking. By letter of November 30, 2000, the North
Carolina State Historic Preservation Officer responding to
preliminary project information has concurred in a finding of
no adverse effect on historic properties (Appendix 4).
6.0 PUBLIC AND AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
A Public Notice (PN 00-85) dated 24 August 2000 was sent to
cooperating agencies and the- general public to solicit
comments concerning the scope of the proposed project. North
Carolina Department of Transportation requested a final copy
of the EA but otherwise 'had no comments on. the project. TVA
advised that a Section 26A permit would be required since the
project lies within their jurisdictional waters. The local
sponsor is responsible for applying for all required permits
other than the water quality certification. USFWS was
consulted with by both telephone and email concerning this
project (Appendix 4). At the writing of this draft the Corps
has not received a written response from FWS and is
incorporating comments from the other communication as
response to scoping. The NCWRC has confirmed that, according
to their database, there are no trout or endangered species
issues in the proposed project area and has no objection to
the project, provided specific conditions are met, including
T
standards for silt and hazardous material control during
construction (Appendix'4). Finally, by letter of November 30,
2000, the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Officer
responding to preliminary project information has concurred in
a finding of no adverse effect on historic properties
24 December 2000

Environmental Assessment
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Nashville District
(Appendix 4). The draft EA is being circulated for 30 days
for review and comments from agencies and the public.
7.0 CONCLUSION,
This EA has evaluated three options for the proposed Section
14, Emergency Streambank Protection project in the Town of
Marshall: `No Action', Riprap, and Bioengineering. The `No
Action' alternative would result in continued loss of the
island until the wastewater treatment plant was threatened
structurally requiring construction of a new wastewater
facility. This would result in an undue burden to the local
community.
The riprap alternative would adequately protect the-streambank
from further erosion but would have minor environmental or
aesthetic benefit. Hard armoring of the streambank would
require certification as an individual permit by the North
Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources and
would not qualify for_the proposed grant the local sponsor
would obtain for matching funds.
The use of a bioengineering solution would present both an
effective means of protecting the streambank from further
erosion and provide significant environmental and aesthetic
benefits. Bioengineering also meets the criteria set forth as
a condition for the utilization of NWP 13 under Section 401 as
accepted by the State of North Carolina and the criteria for
the Water Quality Improvement grant.
Proposed alternatives for stabilization of the banks of
Blennerhassett Island are undertakings for the purposes of
compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act; however, it is the finding of the Corps of
Engineers that the proposed stabilization measures will not
25 December 2000

Environmental Assessment
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Nashville District
adversely affect historic properties located within the
project's "area of potential effects."
In summation, the rapid erosion of the lower end of the island
would potentially result in the loss of the wastewater
treatment facilities located thereon causing extraordinary
environmental and social damage. The proposed project will
have both short term and long term benefits to the.community,
the environment, and would improve the water quality of the
French Broad River.
26 December 2000

Environmental Assessment "
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina
U.S. Army (7orps of Engineers
Nashville District
8.0 REFERENCES
North Carolina Division of Water Quality,- 1997. Benthic Macroinvertebrate Collections in
the French Broad River Basin. 1983-1997.
} North Carolina Division of Water Quality, 18 June 2000. French Broad River Basin Ambient
Monitoring. Madison County, North Carolina.
North Carolina Department of Transportation, March 2000.- Madison County Bridge No. 328
on SR 1001 over the French Broad. River.
USDA, -1996. Soil Survey of Madison County, North Carolina.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2000., Census information on website http://www.cen.sus.gov/statab.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2000. STORET Legacy Data Center water quality
data on website http//www.elia.gov/storet/dbtop.btml. STORET # E5120000.
USFWS, Undated, based_ on 1981 aerial photography. Marshall, North Carolina National
Wetland Inventory Map.
USGS, 1956, Photorevised 1975. Marshall, North Carolina 7.57minute Topographic
Quadrangle Map.
f
i
27 December' 2000

Environmental Assessment US. Army Corps of Engineers
Blennerhassett Island, North Carolina Nashville District
9.0 LIST OF PREPARERS,
The following personnel prepared portions of and/or reviewed this EA:
Brian Canada, Biologist s
NEPA and Technical Review
Ray Hedrick, Biologist
Independent Technical Review
Patricia Coffey, Biologist
NEPA and Technical Review
Rob Karwedsky, Archeologist
Cultural Resources
LaNita Bonds, Engineer
Project Manager
Vincent Greer, Civil Engineer
HTRW
David Hendrix, Hydrologist
Floodplain Analysis
Daphne Jackson
Geotechnical Engineer
28 December 2000

6
Appendix 1
I

9
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Map

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iy bank.

trees on the
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Within 2 feet of bank.
•osion to right
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3
NOTES PERFORMED ON A NOW
1. THE WORK IS BEING PROVIDED BY NORTH
NAVIGABLE RIVER.
2. SURVEY INFORMATION WASOF TRANSPORTATION.
CAROLINA'S DEPARTMENT IN METERS.
SHOWN URLT SURVEY OF THE
3. ALLIN�MA�SAND AN AS-B INFORMATION SHALL
q. AN REOUIRED. THE OFFICER.
PROJECT ARE THE CONTRACTINCONTRACTORSITE
BE GIVEN TO FB-3/2 FOR HARVEST
5. SEE DWG• No. BIOENGINEERING MAP.
HAUL ROAD THE VICINI64/21FOR CROSS
INFORMATIONos NO2-FFB6q/1.1 AND
6. SEE DWG• DETAILS.
SECTIONS. No. 02-FB-64/3.IFOR
7.SEE DWG.
10 m
10 m
0
GrOOMc Scde
O.S 1R�T. ENGINEER OISTRICI
CARPS OF ENGINEERS
' 1�0' NpSHV IEEE, IENNESSEE A
ndat�,°.a nu
tWNNAIIAssil IpStOLINA
Brawn Br. MARS WNlcp.
T J..C. SECTION 11
CPackad BpRWj,.ANK *RO/EG110N RO1ECf
p.lA.J.
GENERAE PWN
ppVHNE
JACKSON Soolm AS SHOwN
Botts JUN 2000 _
koproved By,
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SECTION D-D
NOTES
I. THE WORK IS BEING PERFORMED ON A NON -
NAVIGABLE RIVER.
2. SURVEY INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED BY NORTH
CAROLINA'S DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.
3. ALL DIMENSIONS SHOWN ARE IN METRIC.
4. AN INITIAL AND AN AS -BUILT SURVEY OF THE
5. SPROJECT ARE REQUIRED. THE INFORMATION SHALL
E GIVEN TO THE CONTRACTING
EE DWG, No. 02 FB-32FORCONTRACTOR
HAUL ROAD AND BIOENGINEERING HARVEST SITE
INFORMATION AND FOR THE VICINITY MAP.
6. SEE DWG, No. 02-FB-64/2,I FOR CROSS
SECTIONS F-F THROUGH 1-I.
3
f
2
STONE PROTECTION
EXCAVATION
MODIFIED BRUSH LAYER
BRUSH FASCINE
`1
Urazn By: —
r.I..c.
Checked By:
D.A1.J.
DAPIINE V. JACK ON
ENIMEEN
=e�>�*E4
ByAIDED
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SEC
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ov. uo¢EwuE ma
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QU.S. ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT
CORPS OF ENGINEERS NASHVILEE. TENESSEE
nEHcx uoao rrvrR
RLINNAHASSETT ISLAND
AVERSHAU, NORTH CAROLINA
M4DDDN CO.—
SERION IC
RIMMINK PROTECTION rROSECr
SECTIONS
A -A THRU E-E
JUN 2000 SCDIe: AS SHDNN
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498 S.rQNE.P.R.O.TECT.[ON.'...- GROUND. [NE 99
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m 497 13:-------- --- 98
1- 4
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SCALE 450
OUARRY•RUN STONE
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GEOTEXTILE DETAIL
SCALE: 450
2
E
0
C
NOTES
L THE WORK IS BEING PERFORMED ON A NON- B
NAVIGABLE RIVER.
2. SURVEY INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED BY NORTH
OF
3. ALL DIMENSIONS DEPARTMENT
SHOWN TR
ARE INMETRIICRTATION.
4, AN INITIAL AND AN AS -BUILT SURVEY OF THE
PROJECT ARE REQUIRED. THE INFORMATION SHALL
BE GIVEN TO THE CONTRACTING OFFICER,
5. SEE DWG. No. 02-FB-3/2 FOR CONTRACTOR
HAUL ROAD NFORMATIONAND ANDBIOENGINEERING
FOOR G THE VI C N TYRMAP- SITE
6. SEE DWG, No. 024B4,4/2.1 AND 64/1.1 FOR
CROSS SECTIONS.
Graphic Scde
OU.S. CO�R ENGINEER INEERSRICi
NASHVILLE. TENNESSEE
Drarn BY:L
aLANNArw "•' --
CAROUNA
T.L.C.YA....
pySHALL.NORTH
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CheckOd By:S
ECTION 1�
D.AI.U.ERHDETAILSnaECfDAPHNEScde:
PROTECTION
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pS SHOVIN
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1 �
A
3

0
A
B
A
t
4
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6 indings of UDD=r and
LONGITUDINAL SECTION
NOT TO SCALE
Overlooped Shingle Style
Lbstream Fascin, on Tor
� Soling Wire
INDIVIDUAL FASCINE SECTION
— ^ � 5 rtm to 50 rtm Max. Dio.
c l� Dormant Brush
o}'
E 2.54 mm x 610 mm Wooden Stakes
6
Ll
CROSS SECTION
DETAIL - BRUSH FASCINE
NOT TO SCALE
Overseed and IAulch
Beneath Coir Webbing
Modified
brush Layers Extend Coir Webbing a
Mini-Im of 1.5 from Fare
V Of
of SIOre
\\�\\ TODSail-Like Moterial
Within 6rV5h
DETAIL - BRUSH LAYERING
NOT TO SCALE
Live Stakes
c
OPTIONAL * PIA -
NOT TO SCALE
• GOVEF,NMENT APPF.OViL ONL1 - SEE SFECIF
5
4

Appendix.2

FBR 03
Site
Site #
Index #
Date
SBPT S
BIBIEPT
Bioclass
Davidson R, US 276 ab campground, Trans.
B-1
6-54-(15.5)
07/97
113/52
3.60/2.42
Excellent
07/92
444
41.83
Excellent
Boylston Cr, SR 1314, Henderson
B-2
6-52-(0.5)
07/97
71/23
5.38/4.08
Good -Fair
07/92
426
44.71
Good -Fair
Mills R, SR 1337 at Mills River, Henderson
B-3
6-54-(l)
67/97
115/53
3.32/2.18
Excellent
08/94
443
42.45
Excellent
07/92
89/51
3.05/2.14
Excellent
07/90
105151
3.52/2.34
Excellent
08/88
-/32
42.34
Good
08/88
84/37
3.91/2.68
Excellent
07/86
90/48
3.51/2.71
Excellent
08/84
90/45
3.30/2.42
Excellent
N Fk Mills R, FS Rd 5000
B-4
6-54-2-(4)
09/97
54/34
2.84/2.40
Good
N Fk Mills R, ab Rocky Br, Henderson
B-5
6-54-2-(4)
07/97
441
41.66
Excellent
06/93
93/47
2.87/1.84
Excellent
Wash Cr, off SR 1345 (Rec Area Trail),
B-6
6-54-2-6
06/93
73/47
2.11/1.71
Excellent
Henderson
N Fk Mills R, SR 1341, Henderson
B-7
6-54-2-(9)
06/93
103/51
2.85/2.11
Excellent
09/85
91/37
4.04/2.90
Excellent
Bradley Cr, FSR 1206, Transylvania
B-8
6-54-3-17
04/91
-155
41.58
�xcellent
Bradley Cr, FSR 1206 ab State Rock Cr,
B-9
6-54-3-17
04/91
447
41.82
Excellent
Henderson
Bradley Cr, FSR 1206 ab Yellow Gap Cr,
B-10
6-54-3-17
07/91
438
41.52
Excellent
Hender.
04/91
460
41.61-
Excellent
Bradley Cr, be Laurel Cr
B-I 1
6-54-3-17
69/97
66/40
2.40/1.74
Excellent
S Fk Mills R, SR 1340, Henderson
B-12
6-54-3-(17.5)
06/93
113/57
2.95/1.98
Excellent
Mills R, SR 1353, Henderson
B-13
6-54-(5)
07/97
78/24
5.09/3.28
Good -Fair
08/94
31/5
5.8214.43
Poor
06/93
90/40
4.08/2.70
Good
07/92
81/35
4.07/3.07
Good
UT Mills R, SR 1345, Henderson
B-14
6-54-(5)
10/94
419
42.65
Good -Fair
Brandy Br, NC 191, Henderson
B-15
6-54-6
10/94
49/10
6.58/5.67
Fair
FBR 04
Site
Site #
Index #
Date
SBPT S
BIBIEPT
Bioclass
French Broad R, NC 213 at Marshall, Mad.
B-1
6-(67.5)
07/97
52/24
4.68/3.82
Good -Fair
07/92
67/25
5.23/4.42
Good -Fair
07/90
49/18
5.34/4.53
Good -Fair
08/88
71/22
5.82/4.56
Fair
07/86
79/31
5.39/3.85
Good -Fair
08/85
62/18
5.58/4.28
Good -Fair
08/84
41/16
5.18/4.04
Good -Fair
08/83
54/19
5.54/4.22
Good -Fair
Ivy Cr (R), SR 2153, Buncombe
B-2
6-96-(0.5)
08/93
100/41 .
4.41/3.59
Good
Ivy Cr (R), SR 2150, Buncombe
B-3
6-96-(0.5)
07/97
427
42.78
Good -Fair
07/92
438
43.35
Excellent
Dillingham Cr, SR 2173, ab Stoney Cr,
B-4
6-96-1-(1)
08/93
431
42.32
Good
Buncombe
Dillingham Cr, SR 2173, be Stoney Cr,
B-5
6-96-1-(1)
08/93
86/36
4.20/2.85
Good
Buncombe
Stoney Cr, SR 2178, Buncombe
B-6
6-96-1-5
08/93
77/33
3.15/2.12
Good
Carter Cr, off SR 2178, Buncombe
B-7
6-9671-5-1
08/83
429
41.92
Excellent
Mineral Cr, off SR 2178, Buncombe
B-8
6-96-1-5-2
08/93
429
41.39
Excellent
N Fk Ivy Cr, SR 2027, Buncombe
B-9
6-96-3
09/93
435
-/2.70
Good
Little Ivy Cr, SR 1547, Madison
B-10
6-96-10
01/97
424
43.63
Good -Fair
Little Ivy Cr, SR 1610, Madison
B-11
6-96-10
07/97
416
43.91
Fair
08/93
427
44.21
Good -Fair
07/92
434
43.26
Good
I

Appendix 3

T&E Species by State and Territory
Page 1 of 2
North Carolina - 57 species
Animals -- 31 ^
E -- Bat, Indiana (Myotis sodalis)
E -- Bat, Virginia big -eared ( Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus)
E -- Butterfly, Saint Francis' satyr ( Neonympha mitchellii francisci)
T =- Chub, spotfin (Cyprinella monacha.) .
T -- Eagle, bald ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
E -- Elktoe, Appalachian (Alasniidonta raveneliana)
E -- Heelsplitter, Carolina ( Lasmigon'a decorata)
E -- Manatee, West Indian ( Trichechus manatus)
E -- Pearlymussel, littlewing (P,egias fabula)
T -- Plover, piping ( Charadrius melodus)
E -- Puma, eastern ( Puma concolor couguar)
T -- Sea turtle, green ( Chelonia mydas)
E -- Sea turtle, hawksbill ( &etmochelys imbrieata)
E -- Sea turtle, Kemp's ridley ( Lepidochelys kempfl
E -- Sea turtle, leatherback ( Dermochelys coriacea)
T -- Sea turtle, loggerhead ( Caretta caretta)
E - Shiner, Cape Fear (Notropis niekistocholas)
T -- Silverside, Waccamaw (Menidia extensa)
T -- Snail, noonday ( Mesodon clarki nantaha
E -- Spider, spruce -fir la)
uce-fir moss ( Microhexura montivaga)
E -- Spinymussel, Tar River ( Elliptio steinstansana)
E -- Squirrel, Carolina northern flying ( Glaucomys_sabrinus colors
E -- Sturgeon, shortnose (Acipenser brevirostrum)
E, T -- Tern, roseate ( Sterna dougallii dougallii)
E -- Wedgemussel, dwarf (Alasmidonta heterodon)
E -- Whale, finback ( Balaenoptera physalus)
E -- Whale, humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae)
E -- Whale, right (Balaena glacialis)
E -- Whale, sperm ( Physeter. catodon)
E -- Wolf, red ( Canis rufus)
E -- Woodpecker, red -cockaded ( Picoides borealis)
Plants -- 26,1
T -- Joint -vetch, sensitive (Aeschynomene virginica)
T -- Amaranth, seabeach (Anzaranthus pumilus)
E -- Bittercress, small-anthered ( Cardamine inicranthega)
E -- Coneflower, smooth ( Echinacea laevigata)
E -- Avens, spreading ( Geum radiatum)
E -- Lichen, rock gnome ( Gymnoderma lineage)
E -- Bluet, Roan Mountain ( Hedyotis purpurea nzontana)
E -- Sunflower, Schweinitz's (Helianthus schweinitzii)
T -- Pink, swamp (Helonias bullata)
T -- Heartleaf, dwarf -flowered ( Hexastylis naniflora)
T -- Heather, mountain golden ( Hudsonia montana)
T -- Pogonia, small whorled (Isotgia medeoloides)
T -- Blazingstar, Heller's ( Liatris helleri)
E -- Pondberry (Lindera melissifolia) ,
E -- Loosestrife, rough -leaved ( Lysimachia asperulaefolia)
E -- Dropwort, Canby's ( nxypolis canbyi)
httpI:Hecos.fws.gov/Webpage/webpage_usa_lists.htnil? 6/5/00

T&E Species by State and Territory Page 2 of 2
E'-- Harperella ( Ptilimnium nodosum)
E -- Sumac, Michaux's (Rhos nzichauxii)
E -- Arrowhead, bunched ( Sagittaria fasciculata)
E -- Pitcher -plant, green ( Sarracenia &eophila)
E -- Pitcher -plant, mountain sweet ( Sarracenia rub
E -- Chaffseed, American (Schwalbea americans)
E -- Irisette, white ( Sisyrinchium dichotomum)
T -- Goldenrod, Blue Ridge (Solidago spithamaea)
T -- Spiraea, Virginia ( Spiraea virginiana)
E -- Meadowrue, Cooley's (_Thalictrum cooleyi)
http://ecos.fws.gov/webpage/webpage_usa_lists.html? 6/5/00

Appendix 4

1 1
1..,1
Public
Notice
US Army Corps
of Engineerse
Public Notice No. 00— 84 ,
File No. COE-171 Date: August 24, 2000
Nashville District
Please address all comments to:
Nashville District Corps of Engineers, Project Planning Branch
q
P.O. Box 1070, Nashville, TN 37202-1070
t
PUBLIC NOTICE
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
AND
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
SUBJECT: Proposed Section 14 Emergency Streambank Stabilization
of Blennerhassett Island, French Broad River Mile 125, Madison
County, North Carolina.
TO ALL CONCERNED: In compliance with Section 404 of the Clean
Water Act (CWA) PL 92-500, notice is hereby given that the
Nashville District Corps of Engineers and the City of Marshall
propose to discharge fill material into waters of the United
States as described below. Before the work can be performed,
certification must be obtained from the State of North Carolina,
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of
Water Quality, pursuant to Section 401(a)(1) of the CWA, that
applicable water quality standards will not be violated. By copy
of this notice, the Corps of Engineers on behalf of the City of
Marshall hereby applies for the required certification. -
LOCATION: River Mile 125, Blennerhassett Island, French Broad,
City of Marshall, North Carolina, Madison County, (USGS Marshall,
NC 7.5 Minute Series Quadrangle).
• DESCRIPTION: The proposed work consists of regrading and
reinforcing through bioengineering methods approximately 1000' of
both the left and right banks of the downstream third of the
island. Bioengineering techniques will also be used in
conjunction with the limited riprap. Excavation will be minimal
and incidental to bank shaping and placement of'either Black
Willow '(Salix nigra) or bundled fascines. The excavated material
will be used as backfill, where needed, in this process.

An Environmental Assessment (EA) is being prepared to document
anticipated impacts of the work. Copies of the EA may be
obtained by writing to: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Planning
Branch, Attention: Brian Canada, PO Box 1070, Nashville, TN,
37202-1070, or by calling Mr. Canada at [phone]. This
notice serves as Notice of Availability of the EA for review at
the Estes Kefauver Federal Building Room A525, 110 Ninth Avenue
South, Nashville, Tennessee. In addition to consideration of
other factors of the public interest, the review process will
include application of the guidelines promulgated by the
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under
authority of Section 404 (b) (1) of the Clean Water Act (40 CFR
Part 230). A copy of the District Engineer's preliminary 404-(b)
(1) evaluation is also available for review at the location
listed above.
The National Register of Historic Places has been consulted and
no properties listed in or eligible for the National Register is
known which would be affected by the proposed work. This review
constitutes the full extent of cultural resources investigations
unless comment to this notice is received documenting that
significant sites or properties exist which may be affected by
this work, or that adequately documents that a potential exists
for the location of significant sites or properties within the
permit area. Copies of this notice are being sent to the office
of the SHPO and the U.S. Department of the Interior, National
Park Service, and Interagency Archaeological Services - Atlanta.
Other federal, state and local approvals required for the
proposed work are as follows:
a. Water quality certification from the State of North Carolina
in accordance with Section 401(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act.
Any person may request, in writing, within the comment period
specified in this notice, that a public hearing be held to
consider this application. Requests for public hearings shall
state, with particularity, the reasons for holding a public
hearing.
Written statements received in this office on or before September
22, 2000, will become a part of the record and will be considered
in the determination. Any response to this notice should be
directed to the Project Planning Branch, Brian Canada, P.O. Box
1070, Nashville, Tennessee 37202-1070, [phone].
2

Figure 1 USGS Aerial Photo - Marshall, NC

CELRN-PM-P
MEMORANDUM FOR Record
SUBJECT: Blennerhassett Island Section 14 Streambank Restoration
1. This is a record of a telephone conversation with ScottCantrell of the USFWS, 19 August
2000, on the above subject.
7
2. .Mr. Cantrell indicated project is not located within a federally designated wetland.
3. Mr. Cantrell confirmed that endangered species are known to reside in Madison County and
may exist within the immediate project area, specifically mentioning the Appalachian Elktoe.
4. He did not have any specific knowledge of extant species in or around the island but would
review the literature and make a site visit once our coordination letter was received.
5. He did not have any objections to the project at this time but could not definitively make a
comment without full review of the project.
Brian Canada /7666.

Canada, Brian K LRN
From:
Mark [e-mail]
Sent:
Saturday, August 19, 2000 3:04 PM
To:
Canada, Brian K LRN
Cc:
Mark [e-mail]
Subject:
Re: BlennerHassett Island Section 14
JPEG File Interchange JPEG File Interchange Microsoft Word 4
"Canada, Brian K LRN"
<[e-mail] To: "'[e-mail]"' <[e-mail]>
.ARMY.MIL> cc:
Subject: BlennerHassett Island Section 14
08/18/00 03:18 PM
Mark,
Thanks for the quick return phone call. I will have the letter out
to you by Friday of next week. I am including some aerial and site photos
of the'Area in question. The island is host to the City of Marshall's water
treatment plant, an elementary school and some administration buildings.
The water plant may require future relocation, as we discussed, but in the
interim, halting or slowing the degredation of the island is of high
priority. Thanks again for your help.
Brian Canada
Biologist
USACE
<<marshall 5X.jpg>> <<marshalltopo.jpg>> «Blannarhassett pics.doc>>
(See attached file: marshall5X.jpg)
(See attached file: marshalltopo.jpg)
(See attached file: Blannarhassett pics.doc)

Canada, Brian K LRN
From: Mark_ A_ [e-mail]
Sent: Friday, August 25, 2000 5:39 PM
To: Canada, Brian K LRN
Subject: Re: FWS Coordination Act
Brian
I will provide comments pursuant to ESA as well as F&W Coordination Act.
.How much detail do you want for FWCA?
If I need to do -a lot of sampling, then I will need to schedule more time
obviously. What are your expectations?
Thanks,
Mark
r
"Canada, Brian K LRN"
<[e-mail] To: "' Mark [e-mail]"'
.ARMY.MIL> <Mark_A [e-mail]>
cc:
08/25/00 01:20 PM Subject: FWS Coordination Act
Mark,
It just struck me to clarify a question in my own mind. Are you going to
review for Endangered Species only or can you also handle the Coordination
Act as well? Let me know.
Brian Canada
4
1

Canada, Brian K LRN
From:
Draper, Harold M. [[e-mail]]
Sent:
Thursday, August 31, 2000 2:53 PM
To:
'[e-mail]'
Cc:
Davis, Stanford E.
Subject:
Public Notice 00-84, streambank stabilization
In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between TVA and the
Department of the Army, signed on August 12, 1985, please include TVA as a
cooperating agency in the preparation of the EA for the Section 14 emergency
streambank stabilization of Blennerhassett Island, French Broad River Mile
125, Madison County, North Carolina. TVA has previously served as a
cooperating agency on streambank stabilization projects in both Tennessee
and Alabama.
The EA should note that the City of Marshall needs a Section 26a approval
from TVA for the proposed streambank stabilization.
As a cooperating agency, please provide us with an opportunity to comment on
the EA before it is finalized.
Harold Draper
TVA NEPA Administration
400 West Summit Hill Drive, WT 8C-K
Knoxville, Tennessee 37902-1499
[phone] (voice)
[phone] (fax)
[e-mail] (e-mail)

• ® North CarolinaWildhfe Resources Commission .®
Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director
October 5, 2600
Mr. Brian Canada
Project Planning Branch
US Army Corps of Engineers
P.O. Box 1070
Nashville TN 37202-1070
Subject: Public Notice on Section 14 Emergency Streambank Stabilization of -
Blennerhassett Island, French Broad River Mile` 125, Madison County, North
Carolina
Dear Mr. Canada:
Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission have reviewed your
request to stabilize streambanks on the left and right sides of the downstream lower third of
Blennerhassett Island. We are familiar with habitat values of the area. These comments are
provided in accordance with provisions of the Clean Water Act of 1977 (33 U.S.C. 466 et. seq.)
and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d).
The proposed work consists of regrading and reinforcing through bioengineering methods
approximately 1000 feet of streambank. -Excavation-will be minimal and incidental to bank
shaping and placement of either black willow or bundled fascines. The excavated material will
be used as backfill where needed. -
We support stabilization of eroding streambanks using native vegetation and
bioengineering methods. Long-term this project should benefit fish and wildlife resources..
We have checked our databases and do not have records of endangered species in close
proximity of the project area. This reach of the French Broad does not serve as trout -spawning
habitat so this resource would not be adversely impacted by the project. .
We are concerned about the potential impacts to aquatic resources from this project. We
do not object to the project provided the following conditions are adhered to:
1. Under no circumstances should pre-existing rock, sand, or other materials be dredged
from the stream channel or opposite banks.
Mailing Address: Division.of Inland Fisheries - 1721 Mail Service Center - Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] ext. 281 - Fax: [phone]

US Army Corps of Engineers 2 October 5, 2000
Madison County, Blennerhassett Island.
2. Stabilization measures should only be applied on or near existing erosion sites,
leaving other stable shoreline areas in a natural condition. Grading and backfilling
should be minimized, and tree and shrub growth should be retained if possible to
ensure long term availability of shoreline cover for gamefish and wildlife. Backfill
materials should be obtained from bank shaping and upland sites.
3. Rock used for the bank stabilization measures should be clean and sediment free:
Rock should be minimized to the extent possible in favor of stabilization with
vegetation.
4. Adequate sedimentation.and erosion control measures must be implemented and
maintained on the project site to avoid impacts to downstream aquatic resources.
5. Repairs to eroded banks should be conducted in a dry work area. Sandbags or other
diversion structures.should be used where possible to minimize -excavation in flowing
water.
6. All mechanized equipment operated in or near surface waters should be regularly
inspected and maintained to prevent contamination of stream waters from fuels, .
lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials.
7.. Native trees (e.g., willows, alders, sycamores, dogwoods, black walnut and red
maple), and herbaceous shrubs, should be planted along the stream bank to reestablish
_the riparian zone and to provide long-term erosion control..
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on this project. If we can provide further
assistance or clarification of the above comments, please contact me at [phone].
Sincerely,
6 ter.
Owen F. Anderson
Mountain Region Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Program
Cc: Mr.. David Baker, US Army Corps of Engineers, Asheville
Mr. Mark Cantrell, Biologist, USFWS Asheville

1.
JAMES B. HUNT JR.
GOVERNOR
M
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
September 14, 2000
US Army Corps of Engineers — Nashville District
Attn: Brian Canada
Post Office Box 1070
Nashville, TN 37203-3863
DAVID MCCOY
SECRETARY
Subject: Replacement of Bridge No. 328 on SR 1001 over French Broad River, Madison
County, TIP No. B-2583
Dear Mr. Canada:
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is very interested in the results of the
Corps of Engineers evaluation of the Town of Marshall and Blennerhassett Island. As you are
aware the Department is currently in the planning and design phases to replace the subject bridge
over the French Broad River in Marshall. The Corps findings could have a significant bearing on
the choices and conclusions outlined in the environmental document being prepared for this
project.
Please provide the Department with a copy of your report, or if the report is not complete
at this time, please provide an expected availability date for your report. If the Department can
provide additional information on the bridge replacement project please let us know.
If you have any questions or comments concerning this project, please contact Ms. Stacy
Harris, P. E. of this Branch at [phone], ext. 264.
WDG/sbh
MAILING ADDRESS:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548
Sincerely,
William . Gilmore, P.E., Manager
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone] '
WEBSITE. WWW.DOH.DOT.STATE.NC.US
LOCATION:
TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
RALEIGH NC

ATZ
a �Sr �o
a.w
North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
State Historic Preservation Office
David L. S. Brook, Administrator
James B. Huntlr., Governor
Betty Ray McCain, Secretary
October 11, 1999
MEMORANDUM
TO:' William D. Gilmore, P.E., Manager
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
Division of Highways
Department of Transportation
FROM: David Brook
l t3' .✓
Deputy State Hisfonc Preservation Officer
RE: Replace Bridge No. 328 on SR 1001 over French
Broad River TIP No. B-2583, State No. 8.2860,401,
Federal Aid No. BRZ-1001(14), Marshall, Madison
County, ER 00-7566
Division of Archives and History
Jeffrey J. Crow. Director
Thank you for transmitting the survey report by Mattson, Alexander and Associates, Inc., concerning the
above project.
For purposes of compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, we concur that
the following properties are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under the criterion cited:
Marshall Commercial Historic District. The Marshall Commercial. Historic District is
considered eligible for listing on the National Register under Criterion A for community
Development and Planning as it illustrates the geographical demands that shaped the development
of towns throughout the mountain counties. ' The district is also eligible under Criterion A for
Transportation as its single long main street and railroad tracks, both of which run,parallel to the
river are part of historic transportation routes through the region.
The Marshall Commercial Historic District is also eligible for listing in the National Register
under Criterion C for Architecture as it retains a variety of well preserved building types and
architectural styles exemplary of prosperous county seats in western North Carolina during the late
nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
,(Former) Marshall High School. The (Former) Marshall High School is eligible for listing in
the National Register under Criterion A for Education as representative of the school consolidation
movement that swept North Carolina and Madison County between the 1920s and World War II.
109 East Jones Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807

William D. Gilmore
ER 00-7566
October 13. 1999
Page 2
The (Former) Marshall High School is also eligible for listing in the National Register
under Criterion C for architecture as a well-preserved example of 1920s school
architecture in North Carolina, a simple mix of Tudor and Colonial ;motifs.
The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act
s
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 919/733-
4763.
DB:ldb '
cc. B.Church
ACOE
171
I

MAY 2 1�99
® North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604-1188, 919-733-3391
Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director
MEMORANDUM
TO: William D. Gilmore, P.E., Manager
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch, NCDOT
.FROM: Mark S. 'Davis Mountain Region Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Program .
DATE: May 24, 1999
SUBJECT: Comments on Group XV Bridge Replacement Projects in Haywood, Henderson, Jackson
and Madison Counties.
This memorandum responds to your request for our concerns regarding impacts on fish and
wildlife resources resulting from the subject projects. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
(NCWRC) has reviewed the proposed projects, and our comments are provided in accordance with
provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)) and the Fish and Wildlife
Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.0 661-667d).
The proposed work involves 5 bridge replacement projects in western North Carolina (listed
below). Construction impacts on wildlife and fisheries resources will depend on the extent of disturbance
in the streambed and surrounding floodplain areas. We prefer bridge designs that do not alter the natural
stream morphology or impede fish passage. Bridge designs should also include provisions for the deck
drainage to flow through a vegetated upland buffer prior to reaching the subject surface waters. We are
also concerned about impacts to designated Public Mountain Trout Waters (PMTW) and environmental
documentation for these projects should include description of any streams or wetlands on the project site
and surveys for any threatened or endangered species, that may be affected by construction.
B-2583 - Madison County, Bridge No. 328 on SR'1001 over French Broad River
We have not identified any special concerns associated with this project.
9-3187 - Haywood County, Bridge No. 79 on SR 1112 over West Fork Pigeon River -
The West Fork Pigeon River is designated Hatchery Supported PMTW. The river also supports a
wild trout population in the project area. We would prefer that the existing bridge be replaced with
another spanning structure. In reference to the Bridge Demolition Form, the moratorium required
by NCWRC should read instream work should not be conducted between November 1 and April
15.

�r f
m
Tennessee Valley Authority, 40U Mat Surnrnt Hill Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902-1499
October 22, 1998
Mr. William D. Gilmore, P.E., Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
North Carolina, Department of Transportation
Post Office Box 25201
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-5201
Dear Mr. Gilmore:
f
Ree
oil Q
,y„� Zvi 6i9
GROUP XV BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECTS, FRENCH BROAD RIVER, WEST FORK PIGEON
RIVER, SOUTH MILLS RIVER, WEST FORK TUCKASEGEE RIVER, AND FINES CREEK, HAYWOOD,
HENDERSON, JACKSON, AND MADISON COUNTIES, NORTH CAROLINA
TVA has reviewed the scoping.notice for the following proposed bridge replacements in western North Carolina:
• B-25.83, SR 1001 over French Broad River, Madison County
• B-3187, SR 1112 over West Fork. Pigeon River, Haywood County
• B-3660, SR 1334 over Fines Creek, Haywood County
• B-3191, SR 1338 over South Mills River, Henderson County
• B-3196, SR 1157 over West Fork Tuckasegee River (Thorpe Dam Spillway), Jackson County
The environmental document prepared for these projects should note that approvals. under Section 26a of the
TVA Act would be required for the bridge replacements and structure modifications. TVA would hope to use the
Federal Highway Administration Categorical Exclusion documents as support for its. environmental•review of the
same actions. Therefore, the inclusion of information related to wetlands and potential mitigation, Floodplain
Management Executive Order, National Historic Preservation. Act compliance, and Endangered Species Act
compliance would lower TVA's review costs and greatly facilitate TVA's eventual approval of the projects. " -
Other issues to be discussed,would vary according to project location and impacts butmay include, as
appropriate, state -listed species (biodivemity impacts) and visual i:nipacts.
Please invite TVA to any interagency meetings, if any are found to be necessary. Please send a copy of the
completed environmental docutttents to TVA.
Should you have any questions, please contact I larold M. Draper at [phone] or [e-mail].
Sin rely,
Jon M.
Frivironi-hental Management

North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
James B. Hunt Jr., Governor
Betty Ray McCain, Secretary
October 6, 1998
MEMORANDUM
r V
Q'
O.1.0 8 1995
'r, O►V►S►ON Of
H►GHW AYS�
Division of Archives and History
Jeffrey J. Crow, Director
TO: William D. Gilmore, P.E., Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
Division of Highways
Department of Transportation
! (� /,,
FROM: � David Brook
Deputy Stat "is ric Preservation fficer
SUBJECT: Bridge Group XV,' Bridge.328 on SR 1.001 over
French Broad River, Madison County, B-2583, ER
99-7415
Thank you for your letter of July 17, 1998, concerning the above project. We
apologize for the. delay in responding..
We have conducted a search of our maps and files and, have located the following
structures of historical or architectural importance within the general area of the
project:
Marshall Historic District. This district is included on the state study list.
Madison County Courthouse (MD 1). This property is listed in the National
Register of Historic Places:
Rock Cafe (MD 4. This property is included on the state study list.
Samantha Lee Mill
We look forward to meeting with an architectural historian from the North Carolina
Department of Transportation to review the aerial and photographs of the project
area so we can make our survey recommendation.
There are no known archaeological. sites within the proposed project area. -Based
on our present knowledge of the area, it is unlikely that any archaeological
resources which may be eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic
Places will be affected by the project construction. We, therefore, recommend that
no archaeological investigation be conducted in connection with this project..
V.
6
109 East Jones Street - Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807 g0D,

William D. Gilmore
October 6, 1998, Page 2
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 919/733-4763.
{ DB:slw
cc: N. Graf
B. Church
T. Padgett
Doug MacKenzie, P.O. Box 489, Marshall NC 28753

North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
State Historic Preservation Office
David L. S. Brook, Administrator
James B. Hunt Jr., Governor Division of Archives and History
Betty Ray McCain, Secretary Jeffrey J. Crow, Director
November 30, 2000
Brain Canada
US Army Corp of Engineers
P. O. Box 1070
Nashville, 'TN 37202-1070
RE: Emergency streambank stabilization, Blennerhassett Island, French Broad River,
Madison County, ER 01-7516
Dear Mr. Canada:
Thank you for your letter of September 8,.2000, concerning the above project.
We have conducted a search of our maps and files and have located the following structures of
historical or architectural importance within the general area of the project.
former Marshall High School (DE) is located on the Blennerhassett Island.
If the proposed project avoids impacts on the Marshall High School then there will be no effect
on this historic property.
There are no known archaeological sites within the proposed project area. Based on our present
knowledge of the area, it is unlikely that any archaeological resources, which may be eligible for
inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, will be affected by the project construction.
We recommend that no archaeological investigation be conducted in connection with project.
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.
,4
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above
comment, contact Renee Gledhill -Earley, Environmental Review Coordinator, at 919/733-4763.
Sincerely, . "
David Brook
Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer
DB:kc Location Mailing Address Telephone/Fag
ADMINISTRATIUN 507 N. Blount St., Raleigh NC 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-4617 [phone] • 733-8653
ARCHAEOLOGY 421 N. Blount St., Raleigh NC 4619 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-4619 [phone] 715-2671
RESTORATION 515 N. Blount St., Raleigh NC 4613 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-4613 [phone] 715-4801
SURVEY & PLANNING 515 N. Blount St., Raleigh NC 4618 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-4618 [phone] • 715-4801

Appendix 5

STREAM BANK STABILIZATION CERTIFICATION
GENERAL CERTIFICATION FOR BANK STABILIZATION PROJECTS INCLUDING
PROJECTS ELIGIBLE FOR CORPS'OF ENGINEERS NATIONWIDE PERMIT
NUMBER 13 AND REGIONAL PERMIT 197800080
This General Certification isissued in conformity with the requirements of Section 401, Public
Laws 92-500 and 95-217 of the United States and subject to the North Carolina Division of
Water Quality Regulations in 15A NCAC 21-1.0500 and 15A NCAC 2B. 0200 for the discharge
of fill material to waters as described in 33 CFR 330 Appendix A (B) (13) of the Corps of
Engineers regulations (i.e. Nationwide Permit Number 13) and Regional Permit 197800080. The
category of activities shall include any activity for bank stabilization as long as impacts to waters
or significant wetlands are minimized. This Certification replaces Water Quality Certification
(WQC) No. 1272 issued November 10, 1978; WQC Number 1663 issued on'September 8, 1983;
and WQC No. 2665 issued on 21 January 1992; and WQC No. 3102' issued on February 11,
1997. This WQC is rescinded when the Corps of Engineers reauthorize Nationwide Permits 13
or Regional Permit 197800080 or when deemed appropriate by the Director of the Division of
Water Quality (DWQ).
The State of North Carolina certifies that the specified category of activity will not violate
applicable portions of Sections 301, 302, 303, 306 and 307 of the Public Laws 92-500 and 95-
217 if conducted in accordance with the conditions set forth.
Conditions of Certification
1. Stream bank stabilization methods with greater than or equal to a total of 500 linear
feet (152.5 meters) of impact which do not utilize hard structures (including but not
limited to all varieties of rip rap and gabion baskets except as noted in condition number
6 do not require written approval from the Division. The applicant is required to notify
the Division in writing with three copies of project specifications before the impact
occurs. If the Division determines that the project utilizes hard structures for stream bank
stabilization, then the Division shall notify the applicant in writing within 30 days of
receipt of the notification to require application and payment of the appropriate fee. If no
notification is sent from DWQ within 30 days of receipt of the notification, the project
may proceed provided that the project complies with all other conditions of this General
Certification. Projects which propose greater than or equal to 500 linear feet (152.5
meters) of hard structures require written concurrence;
2. Proposed bank stabilization less than a total of 500 feet (152.5 meters) in length does
not require written application to and approval from the Division of Water Quality as
long as all other conditions of this Certification are met except as noted below.
3. Methods of bank stabilization that avoid or minimize the use of hard structures (such
as bioengineering) are preferred rather than installation of hard structures. Information
about these methods is attached;
4. Appropriate sediment and erosion control practices which equal or exceed those
outlined in the most recent version of the "North Carolina Erosion and Sediment Control
Planning and Design Manual" or "North Carolina Surface Mining Manual" whichever is
more appropriate (available from the Division of Land Resources at the DENR Regional

and Central Offices) shall be designed, installed and maintained properly to assure
compliance with the appropriate turbidity water quality standard (50 NTUs in streams
and rivers not designated as trout waters by DWQ; 25 NTUs in all saltwater classes and
all lakes and reservoirs; 10 NTUs in DWQ-classified trout waters);
5. All sediment and erosion control measures placed in wetlands or waters shall be
removed and the natural grade restored after the Division of Land Resources or delegated
local program has released the project;
6. Except as provided in condition number 2, riprap shall not be installed in the
streambed unless required for velocity control and approved by the Division of Land
Resources and the Division of Water Quality. All riprap approved to be installed shall be
of such a size so as not to be able to be carried off by wave or current action and consist
of clean rock or masonry material free of,debris or toxic pollutants. However rock veins,
wing deflectors, weirs and similar structures which direct flow from the stream bank
toward the thalweg (deepest point of the stream cross section) of the channel are
acceptable;
7. Measures shall be taken to prevent live or fresh concrete from coming into contact with
waters of the state until the concrete has hardened;
8. If an environmental document is required, this Certification is not valid until a Finding
of No Significant Impact or Record of Decision is issued by the State Clearinghouse;
9. Additional site -specific conditions may be added to projects which require written
concurrence under this Certification in order to ensure compliance with all applicable
water quality, and effluent standards;
10. Concurrence from DWQ that this Certification applies to an individual project shall
expire three years from the date of the cover letter from DWQ or the notification is sent
to DWQ.
Non-compliance with or violation of the conditions herein set forth by a specific project shall
result in revocation of this Certification for the project and may also result in criminal and/or
civil penalties.
The Director of the North Carolina Division of Water Quality may require submission of a
formal application for individual Certification for any project in this category of activity, if it is �>
determined that the project is likely to have a significant adverse effect upon water quality or
degrade the waters so that existing uses of the wetland or downstream waters are precluded.
Public hearings may be held for specific applications or group of applications prior to a _
Certification decision if deemed in the public's best interest by the Director of the North Carolina
Division of Water Quality.
Effective date: November 22, 1999

DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
By
Kerr T. Stevens
WQC # 3258
BIOENGINEERING METHODS (attachment to General Certification for Streambank
Stabilization - NWP 13)
Alternatives to full use of hard structures
Root wads along with 20 to 30 feet of tree trunk from hardwood trees have been used by the
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission in various projects for stabilization in rural areas and by
other applicants in urban areas. Root wads are installed into the eroding bank and anchored by
rocks or rebar. By the time the root wads rot out, native vegetation is replaced. Tag alder,
dogwood, buttonbush and willows are frequently used as plantings among the root wads. Shorter
tree trunk lengths are acceptable if additional anchoring measures are used. Root wads should be
placed at the bankfull stage. Rootwads can often be used successfully in areas where velocities
exceed 6 fps.
Brush layering consists of laying willow cuttings (several feet in length) horizontally, with the
branch tips toward the stream and rooting end away from the stream. Soil is piled on top of the
cuttings and several more layers are installed. When installed during a dormant period (winter or
fall), growth should occur the following spring. Dormant cuttings may be inserted in the banks or
in spaces in between the synthetic product (if used) for bank stability. Black willow and tag alder
are good species to use for bioengineering since they root easily and grow well in the eastern
U.S.
Riprap may be used on a very limited basis when necessary to protect the outer toe of meanders.
When utilized, riprap should be placed on the outside curves from the toe to bankfull height.
Bankfull is considered to be the corresponding stage at the incipient point of flooding. It is often
associated with an average return interval of about 1.5 years. Bankfull can sometimes be detected
by one or more of the following features —1) lack of point bars, 2) significant breaks in slope, 3)
changes in vegetation, 4) height of the highest scour line, and 5 ) (more rarely) top of bank.
Lunkers are another stabilization device which are elongated bench -like structures that are open
on three sides allowing water to flow through them, while also providing fish habitat. They can
be made of recyclable material (plastic) or of oak.
Vegetative plantings
Bioengineering methods in conjunction with native plantings can be used to produce
aesthetically pleasing,' biologically diverse streams. The use of native vegetation is desirable
since native species ar1. non-invasive and they reduce velocity, protect banks from scour and
have root systems that create bank support. Vegetation also contributes organic matter and
provides shade to protect aquatic life. Shading helps reduce water temperatures and enables
higher levels of dissolved oxygen to be held in water.
In addition to establishing bank vegetation for shading, plantings should be placed on. the
erosional side (or outside curve) of streams where velocity is greatest. Vegetative plantings
dissipate erosive forces and hold sediment in place. Plants most effective for bank stabilization