20110175 Ver 1_Certified Return Receipt_20110224

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North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Coleen H. Sullins
Governor Director
February 24, 2011
CERTIFIED MAIL - RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Dr. Greg Thorpe, PhD., Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
North Carolina Department of Transportation
1595 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina, 27699-1595
Subject: Proposed Neuse River Greenway in Johnston County, TIP No. EB-4993
DWQ Project # 20110175
Dear Dr. Thorpe:
Dee Freeman
Secretary
The NC Division of Water Quality has reviewed your submittal for a 401 Water Quality Certification and
Neuse Buffer Rules Authorization for the aforementioned project. Review of your application revealed it
lacking necessary information required for making an informed permit decision. The permit application
was deficient in the following areas:
1. The amount of Neuse Riparian Buffer impacts proposed in the application is 102,227 square feet of
Zone 1 and 154,986 square feet of Zone 2. While the Neuse Buffer Rules Table of Uses indicates that
greenway impacts are "Allowable", they are still subject to review for avoidance and minimization. For a
greenway that is 3.5 miles in length, the amount of buffer impact seems excessive. DWQ understands
the need to locate the greenway along the Neuse River, but would prefer the path be pushed further back
away from the banks. In addition, DWQ has indicated in Buffer Clarification Memo 2009-004 dated
October 26, 2009 (attached) that trails should be outside of Zone I to protect streambank stability. If an
applicant must encroach on Zone 1, specific written justification and documentation should be included in
the application.
2. The amount of permanent stream impacts proposed in the application is 409 linear feet, divided among
nine stream crossings. A standard paved greenway width is 10 feet of asphalt plus 2 feet of grass along
each side. DOT proposes piped stream crossings ranging from 3-4 times as wide. Please clarify the need
-> for such long culverts on this greenway at these numerous'crossings.
Therefore, pursuant to 15A NCAC 2H .0507(a)(5), we will have to place the permit application on hold
until we are supplied the necessary information. You have 21 days to respond in writing with the
requested information or notification to this office that the information is forthcoming. If, at the end of
the 21 days, this office has not received this information in writing, we will assume you are withdrawing
your application and it will be returned. Furthermore, until the information is received by the NC
Division of Water Quality, we request (by copy of this letter) that the US Army Corps of Engineers place
the permit application on hold.
Transportation Permitting Unit
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650.,
Phone: 919;807.-6301.\ FAX: [phone]
Internet: ht}p:11h2o.enr.siate.4c.usl6cwetlandsl ;
NorthCarolina
Naturally
An Equal opportunity 1 Attractive Action Employer

Please send your response to the Division of Water Quality, Transportation Permitting Unit and send a
copy to the US Corps of Engineers, Washington Field Office.,Also, please indicate on the response
DWQ Project Number 20110175 for swift processing.
If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Rob Ridings at 919-807-6403.
Sincere) , 1470
Coleen H. Sullins
u Director
CC:
W/attachments
Amy James, NCDOT Natural Environment Unit
W/O attachments
Tom Steffens, US Army Corps of Engineers, Washington Field Office
Chad Coggins, Division 4 Environmental Officer
Travis Wilson, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
File Copy

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