Email Correspondence - Agency Notice 2

Flowers, Katherine
From: Coats, Heather
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 9:55 AM
To: Harrison, James A; Dunn, Maria T.
Cc: Pullinger, Robert C; Pelletier, Josh R CIV CESAW CESAD (US); Howell, Jonathan; Spivey, Kelly
Subject: FW: [External] RE: South Ferry Channel
Hi guys,
Ken just sent further clarification that they are not looking to place material on areas that are currently above MLW, but
that they be allowed to continue to cast on areas that may become raised during the course of the dredge event.
Would you still have concerns in that case?
Thanks,
Heather
From: Ken Willson <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 9:50 AM
To: Coats, Heather <[e-mail]>; Pelletier, Josh R CIV CESAW CESAD (US)
<[e-mail]>; Pullinger, Robert C <[e-mail]>
Cc: Adam Priest <[e-mail]>;
<brosov@coasta I protectioneng.com>
Subject: RE: [External] RE: South Ferry Channel
Dustin Peele <[e-mail]>; Brad Rosov
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Thanks Heather,
Just to clarify though, the intention of what is being asked would be that if a particular area is raised during the 3 — 5
days of dredging, to the point that the area is now emergent at low tide, that during the remaining few days, the
sidecaster could continue to place material on that area that was just raised to the level above MLW. We are not asking
for the ability to place material on areas that are above MLW at the start of dredging. Not sure if that makes a
difference, but would you mind following up on that specific point?
Kind Regards,
Ken Willson
Senior Project/Program Manager
Main:910-399-1905
Mobile: [phone]
kwi I Ison(a)coastal protectioneng.com

Coastal Protection Englmean A
0038 Mastr om Loop Road
Wilmington, NC 28009
From: Coats, Heather <beatbeccoatsPn denceov>
Sent Tuesday, June 1, 20219:40 AM
To: Ken Willson <kwlllson( m a s alprotectonenecom>;Pell rafter, Josh R C V CFSA W CESAD (US)
Uosh.R.PeII conduct usace.army. nuI>; PuII nger, Robert C<chrls.puI I neeroncdenceov>
Cc Adam Priest <a pbestPm astalpmtectonene.mm>; Dustin Peel <dusumpeelePtlarencmm>;Brad Rosov
<brasov(a coasta Ipro truck neni to
Subject: RE: [External] RE: South Ferry Channel
I haven't spoken to Chris and Josh about this, so I don't know wherethey as with beir approvals, but after consulting
with DMF and WRC they have said they are amenable to a one imeapproval fora abreast tlatlge event to be
conducted for a few days In the coming weeks, but they onion not express support for allowing the deposition of material
above mean low water contour. WRCin particular reiterated the concern that those areas as Important foraging and
habitat areas for bird species and said those areas should be avoided. DMF also requested that those areas be avoided
to the fullest extent possible.
Please Iet me know ifyou have any questions and also let us know when you have the updated survey.
Thanks,
Heather
From: Ken Willson <kwlllsonctcoastalpmteaionen¢.com>
Sent Thursday, May 27, 202110:13 PM
To: Coats, Heather <heamer.matsPn denroov>; Pelletier, Josh R a V CESAW CFSAD (US)
Uosh.R.PeII conduct usace.army. nuI>; PuII nger, Robert C<Chrls.anI I n¢erctncdenc¢ov>
Cc Adam Priest <a pdestPm astalpmtectonene.mm>; bustln Peel <dustlapeelectdarencmm>;Brad Rosov
<brasovct coasta IorrForce nene.co to
Subject: [External] RE: South Ferry Channel
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H eat hei ash/Cbtlg
Just wanted to check back with you all and see what sort of feedback you aregetting through your agency
pturnabout There maybe some opening In the USAGE Dredge Merritt schedule next week. The County Is also under
lot of pressure to try to Improvetbe situation. The Coast Guard received multiple reports of vessels bitting ground In
the vicinity of South Ferry Channel due primarily to the narrow width. We are hoping that the USAGE an get In there
and make some Improvements over the course of several days. We are also anticipating having anew survey sometime
next week. Please let me know If you have any atltlttlonal questlo us. Word like to gap some feedback sooner than later
so we an plan accordingly.

Kura Regards,
Ken Willson
Senior Project/Program Manager
Main:910 399-1905
Mobile: [phone]
WellsonPma4aloatecllonene.mm
■
Coastal Protection Engineering
4038 Masonbom Loop Road
Wilmington, NC28009
From: Ken Willson
Sent Friday, May 21, 20212:21 PM
To: Heather Coats <Heather.coats( ncdenr.eoy>; Peueneglofi R avCFSA W CESAD (US)
Uosh.R.PelletierOusace.armv.mll>; Pullinger, Robert C<cbrls.oulllneerstncdenceov>
CC AoriestPcoastalomtectlonene.mm: Dustin Peels <dustln.oeelestdarencm m>; bmsovPmastalorotectlonene.com
Subject South Ferry Channel
Good Afternoon,
Asyou areall aware, maintenance dredging of the Ferry Channel wascompleted on April24 forthe latest
maintenance event. We are putting our finishing touches on the project completion report and should be sending that
along shortly. A postconstmctlon survey of channel was conducted on April 27following completion of dredging. A
check survey was conducted approximately Swards later on May 17to evaluate conditions In the channel. Attached are
charts showing both surveys.
Also attached Isan Internal document we developed to evaluatethe changesthat have occurred overthe past Swards
since mpletion of dredging. On profiles 3through 6, the cross sections indicate that the channel narrowed overthe
past Swards. While the depth appearsto be holding to some extenpthe relatively narrowwldth of channel has
presented safety concernsfor marinerstrying to navlgatethe relatively narrow cut.
Restdentsand business ownersof Dare County are concerned that the current conditions of the channel, much lessany
deterioration of the channel, could have severe economic impacts onmelocal economy,whlch depends heavily onme
summertime fishing and boating season. COE, Dare County, andthe USAGE have discussed posslbllicesfor maintaining
the channel to a safe navigation width overthe next couple of monthsglven environmental concerns, funding
limitations, and dredge availability. Informs of environmental concerns, wearewell aware of prohibition on
conducting dredge operations between April 1 and September 30 In the absence of empoary relief being issued by the
regulatory agencies. Furthermore,the pennitsdlsallow placement of material abovethe mean low water(MLW)
contour. TMscondttlon Islntended to avoid Impaarto federally listed Seabeach Amaranth, Piping Plover, Red Knot,
Green sea turtle, Hawksbill sea turtle, Kemp'shdley sea turtle Leatherback sea turtle Loggerhead sea turtle, and their
habitat. During thewaning daysof the Iasi dredge event,the sideasi dredge noted that the dredge spodsasi along
portions of the north side of the channel were exposed at hospice, suggesting throwers near the MLW elevation. After
observing this the USAGE operated dredges refrained from placement of additional volume along those portions of the
channel to remain In compliance with letter of permit conditions.
The USAGE, the County, and CPEare In agreement that the beat way to proceed with attempting to maintain tha vtal
navigation corridor, while balancing environmental concerns, late conduct 2to 5 daysof dredging withinthe channel

and evaluate whether these efforts are effective The 05ACE has indicated that the dredge could be available for a short
period of dredging between June land June 15. Dare County Is formally requesting relief to conduct 2 to 5 days of
dredging using the uSACE siderest Dredge Merritt starting between June land June 15. Furthermore, the County Is
requesting relief from the condition that pro Mbits placement of material above the MLW. The County commits to
rvoiding any placement of material on dry sand shoals but asks for relief fort his particular event, from the condition
estricting placement of material above the MLW.
DareCounty is working diligently with the uSACE and WEto adhereto all permit conditions and minimize the need for
dredging between April land September30. The April 27, 2021 survey shown In the first attachment, Indiatesthata
shallow channel maybe opening up south of current South Ferry Channel Route We continue to montorthis
closely as this channel Iswhere the channel was maintained In previous years when the County was able to maintain
dependable navigation without the need for dredging outside the allowed dredge window.
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions.
Sincere Regards,
Ken Willson
Senior Project/Program Manager
Main:910 399-1905
Mobile: [phone]
kwlllson(amastalprotectlonen¢.mm
m
li
Coastal Protection Engineering
0038 Masonboro Loop Road
Wilmington, NC28009