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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20010212 Ver 1_COMPLETE FILE_20010213O? y.,,rCn Q Michael F. Easley ?O G Governor Sherri Evans-Stanton, Acting Secretary O Department of Environment and Natural Resources Kerr T. Stevens Division of Water Quality March 19, 2001 Buncombe County DWQ Project # 010212 APPROVAL of 401 Water Quality Certification Mr. J. L. Sales 235 Charlotte Hwy Asheville, NC 28803 Dear Mr. Sales: You have our approval, in accordance with the attached conditions, to place fill material in less then 150 feet of streams for the purpose of improving safety at the Covenant Community United Methodist Church, as you described in your application dated February 12, 2001. After reviewing your application, we have decided that this fill is covered by General Water Quality Certification Number 3287. This Certification allows you to use Nationwide Permit Number 39 when the Corps of Engineers issues it. In addition, you should get any other federal, state or local permits before you go ahead with your project including (but not limited to) Sediment and Erosion Control, Coastal Stormwater, Non-Discharge and Water Supply Watershed regulations. Also-this approval will expire when the accompanying 404 or CAMA permit expires unless otherwise specified in the General Certification. This approval is only valid for the purpose and design that you described in your application. If you change your project, you must notify us and send us a new application. If the property is sold, the new owner must be given a copy of this Certification and approval letter and is thereby responsible for complying with all conditions. If total wetland fills for this project (now or in the future) exceed one acre, compensatory mitigation may be required as described in 15A NCAC 2H .0506 (h). For this approval to be valid, you must follow the conditions listed in the attached certification. This approval shall expire when the corresponding Nationwide Permit expires or as otherwise provided in the General Certification. If you do not accept any of the conditions of this certification, you may ask for an adjudicatory hearing. You must act within 60 days of the date that you receive this letter. To ask for a hearing, send a written petition which conforms to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes to the Office of Administrative Hearings, P.O. Box 27447, Raleigh, N.C. 27611-7447. This certification and its conditions are final and binding unless you ask for a hearing. This letter completes the review of the Division of Water Quality under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. If you have any questions, please telephone John Dorney at 919-733-1786. Sincerely, rr tevens Attachment cc: Corps of Engineers Asheville Field Office Asheville DWQ Regional Office File Copy Central Files io W"A NCDENR Division of Water Quality 1650 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 Wetlands/401 Unit: (919) 733-1786 Fax: (919) 733-6893 MEMORANDUM TO: John Dorney Regional Contact: Michael R. Parker Non-Discharge Branch WO Supervisor: Forrest Westall Date: SUBJECT: WETLAND STAFF REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS Facility Name J. L. Sales Project Number 01 0212 Recvd From APP Received Date 2/13/01 Recvd By Region Project Type church construction Certificates Permit Wetland Wetland Wetland Stream Type Type Impact Score Index County Buncombe County2 Region Asheville Stream Class Acres Feet Prim. Supp. Basin Req. Req. Stream Impacts (ft.) M 0 39 Stream O Y O N F-?R.-?] C 40,302. 150.00 150A0 Mitigation Wetland MitigationType Type Acres Feet Is Wetland Rating Sheet Attached? O Y (ON Did you request more info? O Y *N Have Project Changes/Conditions Been Discussed With Applicant? O Y O N Is Mitigation required? O Y O N Recommendation: O Issue O Issue/fond O Deny Provided by Region: Latitude (ddmmss) 353252 Longitude (ddmmss) 822833 Comments: Discussed project with Mr. Sales on 03/15/01 and he wants to fill in a 30 ft, deep hole. His prop lies between the Reynolds Hjgh School property and the Covenant Community Methodist Church propedy_ He thinks it will be an eye sore and a safety issue if this area is not filled. Because of the U.S. Highway 74 DOT Project and disposal of rock from this project approAmately 600 to 700 of stream will be lost in this one section. Since there is no way to deny this it is recommended that a 401 be issued with conditions related to concrete and sediment and erosion control. cc: Regional Office Central Office Page Number 1 WESTALL, GRAY, CONNOLLY & DAVIS, P.A. ATTORNEYS AT LAW 81 CENTRAL AVENUE ASHEVIL7 E. NORTH CAROLINA 28801 JACK W. WESTALL. JR. DAVID G. GRAY. JR.' JOSEPH A. CONNOLLY (828) 254-6315 SARA H. DA S • FAX: (828) 255-0305 'BOARD CE IFIED SPE[`i&i.icTB February 12, 2001 BANKRUFTCY LAW '-- . - - - - ^ -+ 1 -_ = FEB 13 2001 010212 TRANSMITTAL MEMORANDUM .?QUP Sr,TIQP: TO: Wetlands/401 Unit Division of Water Quality PAYMENT North Carolina Department of . Environment and Natural Resources RECEIVED 4401 Reedy Creek Road Raleigh, North Carolina 27607 FROM: Jack W. Westall, Jr. SUBJECT: Covenant Community United Methodist Church Permit Request J. L. Sales Permit Request PLEASE FIND ENCLOSED THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENT(S): 1. Eight copies of the Permit Request for Covenant Community United Methodist Church with previously missing questions 7 through 11 attached. 2. Eight copies of the Permit Request for J. L. Sales with previously missing questions 7 through 11 attached. 3. A check in the amount of $200 for processing of the J. L. Sales Permit Request 4. A check in the amount of $675 for processing of the Covenant Community United Methodist Church Permit Request. WESTALL, GRAY, CONNOLLY & DAVIS, P.A. BY: DEM ID: 4- 0 CORPS ACTION ID: NATIONWIDE PERMIT REQUESTED (PROVIDE NATIONWIDE PERMIT #): ? C=D N PRE-CONSTRUCTION NOTIFICATION APPLICATION 0 FOR NATIONWIDE PERMITS THAT REQUIRE: 1) NOTIFICATION TO THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS 2) APPLICATION FOR SECTION 401 CERTIFICATION 3) COORDINATION WITH THE NC DIVISION OF, COASTAL MANAGEMENT SEND THE ORIGINAL AND (1) COPY OF THIS COMPLETED FORM TO THE APPROPRIATE FIELD OFFICE OF THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS (SEE AGENCY ADDRESSES SHEET). PLEASE PRINT. 1. OWNERS NAME: 2. MAILING ADDRESS: cnar to i te) Al ke v,i I le, NC SUBDIVISION NAME: n Ia CITY: AJh V1 I Ie? STATE: ZIP CODE:0 ?J PROJECT LOCATION ADDRESS, INCLUDING SUBDIVISION NAME (IF DIFFERENT FROM MAILING ADDRESS ABOVE) : 60.me, 0 (tibo ye- 3. TELEPHONE NUMBER (HOME) : ? V 0 ???1 A 0 ' 0 0 o "/ (WORK) 01) 9 7 4. IF APPLICABLE: AGENT'S NAME OR RESPONSIBLE CORPORATE OFFICIAL, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER: Sctm? ag above- 5. LOCATION OF WORK (PROVIDE A MAP, PREFERABLY A COPY OF USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP OR AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY WITH SCALE): 62e CtT1aGhed F?ure- I COUNTY: Ell inc n mhe_ . NEAREST TOWN OR CITY: she- vI I le. SPECIFIC LOCATION (INCLUDE ROAD NUMBERS, LANDMARKS, ETC.) A35 aarlb-W qh(, a,4 A So'?1t1 Gl DroX mi??s ?uYn ricrhf c? X35 Chrjofl-?-, M-iGhava,cl 5oK--hw-es4- e e r '" / 6. IMPACTED OR NEAREST STREAM/RIVER: otsh is-+ e K RIVER BASIN: Isooant,\,a oo- French '?-QQU PAYMENT RECEIVED US R'RMY CORPS/ENGRS ID:18282714858 FED 12'01 15:11 No.002 P.02 70. IS PROJECT LOCATED NEAR WATER CLASSIFIED AS TROUT, TIDAL SALTWATER (SA), HIGH QUALITY WATERS (HOW), OUTSTANDING RESOURCE WATERS (ORW), WATER SUPPLY (WS-1 OR W$-TI)? YES [ ] NO III] IF YES, EXPLAINt 7b. IF THE PROJECT IS LOCATED WITHIN A NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT ARE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN (AEC)? YES [ ] NO [X] 7C. IF. THE PROJECT IS LOCATED WITHIN A COASTAL COUNTY (SEE PAGE 7 FOR LIST OF COASTAL COUNTIES), WHAT IS THE. LAND USE PLAN (LUP) DESIGNATION:._ 8a. HAVE ANY. SECTION'.404 PERMITS BEEN. PREVIOUSLY REQUESTED FOR USX ON THIS PROPERTY? YES [ ] NO ] -IF YES, PROVIDE ACTION I.U. NUMBER OF PREVIOUS PERMIT AND ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (INCLUDE PHOTOCOPY OF 401 CERTIFICATION): Bb. ARE ADDITIONA?LJ PERMIT REQUESTS EXPECTED FOR THIS PROPERTY IN THE FUTURE? YES ( ] NO [`? ] IF YES, DESCRIBE ANTICIPATED WORK- 9A.' ESTIMATED.. TOTAL NUMBER OF. ACRES IN TRACT OF LAND s .. l 9B. ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBER OF ACRES OF WETLANDS LOCATED ON PROJECT SITE: ? 0.3 xJ IOA. NUMBER OF ACRES'•OF'WETLANDS:IMPACTED. BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT BY FILLING: EXCAVATION: h?Gt. FLOODING: J na OTHER: _ -la ; q 0'. TOTAL ACRES TO BE IMPACTED: ?33 DRAINAGE y 10B. (1) STRAAM CHANNEL TO BE IMPACTED BX THE PROPOSED PROJECT. (IF RELOCATED, PROVIDE DISTANCE BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER RELOC TXON) CULVERT LENGTH: _FT LENGTH OF BANK, STABILIZATION: ?SZf. FT LENGTH BEFORE: fJr? FT AFTER: WIDTH BEFORE (based an normal high water contours): FT WIDTH AFTER: I\ CL FT AVERAGE DEPTH 13EFORE: FT AFTER: )-to- (a) 3TR$ CHANNEL IMPACTS WILL RESULT FROM: (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) OPEN CHANNEL RELOCATION: PLACEMENT OF PIPE IN CHANNEL:_ CHANNEL ELEVATION: CONSTRUCTION OF A DAM/FLOODING: OTHER: 11. IF CONSTRUCTION OF A POND IS PROPOSED, WHAT TS THE SIZE OF THE WATERSHED DRAINING TO THE POND? ?Oa WHAT IS THE EXPECTED POND SURFACE AREA? ??a 12 13 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED WORK INCLUDING DISCUSSION OF TYPE OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT mn RR USED (ATTACH PLANS : 8 M X 11" DRAWINGS ONLY) : See Q f+Q'--hed r c9`'`'re A-, ced h CauYch owd School prnpv4-,'s. 14. STATE REASONS WHY IT IS BELIEVED THAT THIS ACTIVITY MUST BE CARRIED OUT IN 15. DOES THE PROJECT INVOLVE AN EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC FUNDS OR THE USE OF PUBLIC (STATE)-LAND? YES [ ] NO lJ I (IF NO, GO TO 16) a. IF YES, DOES THE PROJECT REQUIRE PREPARATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT? YES [ ] NO [ ] n b. IF YES, HAS THE DOCUMENT BEEN REVIEWED THROUGH THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION STATE CLEARINGHOUSE? YES [ ] NO [ ] 'n-ja IF ANSWER TO 15b IS YES, THEN SUBMIT APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION FROM THE STATE CLEARINGHOUSE TO DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT REGARDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT. QUESTIONS REGARDING THE STATE CLEARINGHOUSE REVIEW PROCESS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO MS. CHRYS BAGGETT, DIRECTOR STATE CLEARINGHOUSE; NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, 116 WEST JONES STREET, RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27603-8003, TELEPHONE (919) 733-6369. 16. THE FOLLOWING ITEMS SHOULD BE INCLUDED. WITH THIS APPLICATION IF PROPOSED ACTIVITY INVOLVES THE DISCHARGE OF EXCAVATED OR FILL MATERIAL INTO WETLANDS: a. WETLAND DELINEATION MAP SHOWING ALL WETLANDS, STREAMS, LAKES AND PONDS ON THE PROPERTY (FOR NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBERS 14, 18, 21, 26, 29, AND 38). ALL STREAMS (INTERMITTENT AND PERMANENT) ON THE PROPERTY MUST BE SHOWN ON THE MAP. MAP SCALES SHOULD BE 1 INCH EQUALS 50 FEET OR 1 INCH EQUALS 100 FEET OR THEIR EQUIVALENT. y_ b. IF AVAILABLE, REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOGRAPH OF WETLANDS TO BE IMPACTED BY PROJECT. -n ja c. IF DELINEATION WAS PERFORMED BY A CONSULTANT, INCLUDE ALL DATA SHEETS RELEVANT TO THE PLACEMENT OF THE DELINEATION LINE. u , min fi ,? ?? I I b2 us PURPOSE OF PROPOSED WORK: n. i ._1 WETLANDS. (INCLUDE ANY MEASURES TAKEN TO MINIMIZE WETLAND IMPACTS) : Its ' low," Ilk 0 "11 ? f ?:':,dw'? •?/fir`' s +v,, µ ,? ?.: ? ,?'if, .: •o V fem. al 3 ti ? ? 4. ?? ? ? ? ? t » ; +,. :? T ? -..yam.-r'"`'• f ,.'? ' Y i ?. ... * y? r ? ? 1 f r f ? lI 727 / 1 ! + 1 * + {i ?.+,°?^°?.. ? f;?J +„-_ '_. 10 e;P 17 +h t 4 ? it ?• ?.?? ti ./ {, f?'...?? ?. `+r M ` i \s- i r R rigor H i- + 600 + a + + Jrl -t icy 4° G ft??^' !\\ll ?? Yn Icy' r s a.?``,, tf,! r?'y as ?''' ` f Q ?y>w.,. /??,??? 'ti ? ! ? lan ? ? ? :• fFRU1TLAN0r202•NWd370 FLS'cHER6.e Ml. Ir 1371 25'. x'12 1 1373 +• IN3e.Rw ew.aclcAL SURre R. N. Nncwu-i5vo 1EI 82°2230' ROAD CLASSIFICATION (TVA201-SW) m ? 9T Primary highway, Light-duty road, hard or 1T hard surface ...... ........... - improved surface- ILL ; F . Secondary highway, KENTUCKY hard surface-.....-........... Unimproved road SCALE V = 50' MO.. •.: VA. TENNESSEE ¦: N.C. Interstate Route U. S. Route O State Route MISS.-•' AIA.: - GA. S.C. PLIES WITH NATIONAL MAP ACCURACY STANDARDS QUADRANGLE LOCATION OTEEN, N.C. :VEY, DENVER, COLORADO 80225, OR RESTON, VIRGINIA 22092 Revisions shown in purple and woodland compiled by the Geological Survey 35082-E4-TF-024 /ALLEY AUTHORITY, CHATTANOOGA, TENN. 37402 in cooperation with State of North Carolina agencies from aerial 1s6z SRAPHIC MAPS AND SYMBOLS IS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST taken 1987 and othersources. This information not field checked photographs PHOTOREVISED 1990 Map edited 1990 L p DMA 4555 111 SW-SERIES V842 ' ' .../ , /. . .;... .. i ff J ? .+v " c-d •~ .: ?. :.: ...? .. i '.. .• r f Irk 4i?\?%n?,),J:?:, s`pr e. ,i .,: j r ; r• - ?? .,?. s . / A ktl,CtK?T7'Jrr't?.o i? 5' / .` :.•r -...." i s +?f its l hY iA.hvL Sf f}•rKtj h`.. ' i tN YeetJ •a 'A ., rr..?? ?, ^. ..H?, k t)• a .?*.:s.? k,styt`vc+•ta i 4 Q M ' .. ??.. jj r ? 8 h Air,. 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Y ??` )'') f ? < YN,?'t t• l^1 tM.Y"? i' A. "?cfw-h`? tH''!t'?;?r„? ?f't.« /.•,. ,\if ? t..•'tr\ t' f? .?i)s'^•u?'r??w,1)?'??, `s ?:? ?,- „ ;??F%•'. T r . a }43! ys 4y s r '/ ?v iia l i' . •: {tom?g.?' a *i?c7` f? ; It 9_:. S t >JvX ;)Ft+! )Y f - J. J• t t? tt »`?u Lnr"T.F. r?x({`?'??p? '?s t . t*1l. .. Ar x...I H .i •?!y;tt i, T r'!' ?J?' e . -'s'I,i'?, v - IA, t7 fWks`4 ... cckR?3s?1Yi f?? Ni:???8i? . 'Lau .... s) i igtag s.. .? i ,r / ' +? ' v>•??.Y , ,.a,?)_',Ji:tr..- : , - ... t. 1 fr ?sl `z l E s ` I i r . J . . ;.c•/ •. iy?},r .i* clk ?i??n / t ! i ?... ,` ,H) Jju j 'f : J. Y J ! ?' k s f ? 77Jtlti}k? `fj7t . ?ft)It f Jsr ii/2j J?`?s '\f(? i.•:.. ..,::.. ` ..? rt oJl3+ ? . ?/ - ? '? % ?J : 4,,• t ? i::i'?''?1\?{?J'?fll? ? . 7if Ofd J J f` k i• ` X k' f t7t pp? ?. -f •• + ` .. ) F3 J r. k t 1 ry .. - ,J) )) j i.f ! I 1 v ? i AC JrfJ??1?? jF >! '. ( i / ( 1 ?. t ) a ,+ i 1 { ' fy t Z n ns S { 2 - i , ? 1 _u F? w r'•o t a - . •i h ;?_ :... 1 fA i soma ? ¦ ¦' I. low FEE-19-01 10=22 FROM=WESTALL GRAY CONNOLLY PA SID=7042550305 W MALL, GRAY, CONNOLLY DAVIS, P.A. ATTORNEYS AT QS ? 81 CENTRAL A ASHEVII,,LE, NORTH CARD A 28901 (828) 254-6315 FACSIMILE COVER TO: John R- Dormey FAX Nt. 919-733-9959 Wetlands/401 Unit FROM: Eileen Klope for FAX *-*"''_ 928-255-0305 Jack W. Westall, Jr. DATE: February 19, 2001 NO.O PAGES TOTAL: 3 SUBJECT: Covenant Community United l J. L. Sales-Project No. 010212 Dear Mr. Domey: On February 12 we sent you eight copies each of the ] cationed projects along with the required fees for pr( We have since discovered that page 4 of the requests Therefore, attached to this facsimile is Page 4 of the F Community United Methodist Church, Project No. 01 Permit Request, Project No. 010212. Please combine you already have. A conformation copy of this facsimile, along with Requests will follow by mail- Thank you for your attention to this mutter. Very truly yours, Eileen Klope The information contained in this facsimile message confidential information intended only for the use of the i the reader is not the intended recipient, be hereby notifie< or copy of this communications is strictly prohibited. If y< error, please notify us immediately by telephone and re address at the top of this page via the U.S_ postal Service. PAGE 1/3 Church--Project No. 010211 it Requests for the above- s not included in the packets. nit Request for Covenant 11, and Page 4 of the J_ L. Sates ?se pages with the project packets of Page 4 of each of the Permit ATTORNEY PRWILEGED and ividual entity named as recipient If hat any dissemination or distribution have received this communication in n the original message to us at #te lank you FEB-19-01 10=23 FROM=WESTALL GRAY CONNOLLY PA d- ATTACH A COP$ OF TgE STORMNATER MANAG e. WF3AT IS LAND USE OF SURROUNDING PROP5 ID=7042550305 PAGE 3/3 WT PLAN IF REQUIRED. 140. (not rend red) Sax= ? Ctt?CbSd Cf.?L-??51.?L F1?. - €. IF APPLICABLE, WHAT IS PROPOSED METHOD F SEWAGE DISPOSAL? . 5• SIGHED AND DATED BY AGENT AUTHORIZATION NOTE: WBTLAPIDS OR WATERS OF TEM . u- S . MAY NOT E] 1) ISSUANCE OF A SECTION 404 CORPS OF ENE 2) EIT$ER TIM ISSVANCH OR WAIVER OF A 402 (WATER QUALITY) CERTIFICATION. (S SIGNATURT VALID ONLY IF XbTHOR17ATION LWrr R FROM THE OWNER IS PROVIDED (16G.)) IF APPLICABLE. IMPACTED PRIOR TO: NELRS PERMIT, AND DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANA.GEME21'Z' - OC -0 DATE r -. ® North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604-1188, 919-733-3391 Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director March 23, 2001 Mr. David Baker L U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Branch 151 Patton Avenue, Room 208 Asheville, North Carolina 28801-5006 SUBJECT: J.L. Sales Nationwide 404 Permit Application Culvert Installation UT Gashes Creek, French Broad River Basin Buncombe County, North Carolina Dear Mr. Baker: Mr. J. L. Sales is requesting a letter of concurrence from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) to obtain a 404 permit from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. I have reviewed information provided by the applicant, and I am familiar with habitat values in the project area. A site visit was made on February 12, 2001 to further assess the potential for impacts to fish and wildlife resources. 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 applicant proposes to fill 150 linear feet of an unnamed tributary to Gashes Creek and a small (<0.33 acres) of shrub-scrub wetland associated with the stream. An adjacent property owner, Covenant Community United Methodist Church (Church) in conjunction with this project is requesting an additional 300 linear feet of stream impact. Mr. Sales' stated purpose is to reduce liability and safety issues relating to the extremely deep ravine located next to a church and school. a J.L. Sales Stream & Wetland Fill 2 March 23, 2001 Buncombe County, UT Gashes Creek We believe this area provides a valuable natural area for the community. The day of the site visit, several birds (i.e., cardinal and mockingbird) and a rabbit were observed in the short period of time I was on site. The stream is large enough and habitat is suitable for small fish, salamanders and aquatic life. We are also concerned about the adverse impacts on the banks of Gashes Creek at and downstream of the confluence of this tributary. If property owners downstream are impacted from eroding streambanks or flooding due to additional discharge, impacts to aquatic habitat may result from these property owners' attempts to mitigate such problems. Additionally, we are very concerned about the cumulative adverse impacts within the Gashes Creek watershed from other urbanization and commercial development. Reducing liability for the school and church is stated as the major reason for filling this stream. We agree the slope is steep but we believe this could be altered and improved to provide better access to the creek, to address the safety concerns and to avoid filling the creek. If there is a legitimate safety concern then the area could be fenced to prevent small children or adults from falling down the hill. The location of this small stream next to a school and church provides an excellent opportunity for these institutions to use this area in environmental education and promote environmental stewardship. Creating a trail along the creek and installing some bird boxes and planting species valuable to wildlife could increase the opportunities for urban wildlife viewing. This tributary is not classified as trout waters by the Division of Water Quality or designated as a trout stream by the NCWRC. It is the opinion of biologists with the NCWRC that this project will not result in adverse impacts to trout. This project appears to be linked to the fill requested by the Church, since safety issues involving the church are sited in both and the applications were submitted together. Therefore, we believe these projects should be considered as one impact and the appropriate mitigation made for any permitted impacts for the linked project. The NCWRC believes there are alternatives to filling this creek. If the Corps of Engineers comes to a different conclusion than ours, we recommend the permit be conditioned as follows. 1. Avoid and minimize impacts. Consider alternatives to filling this stream such as decreasing the slope and providing access to the creek and using it as a natural amenity for environmental education programs. If there is a concern about persons falling down the hill, create gentler slopes and/or fence the area. 2. Require an approved mitigation plan that provides stream restoration at a ratio 2:1 (restored: impacted) and wetland restoration at a ratio of 2:1 (restored: impacted) for the wetland impacts since this project is linked to the 300 feet of stream impact requested by the Church. A mitigation plan should be approved prior to permits being issued. J.L. Sales Stream & Wetland Fill 3 March 23, 2001 Buncombe County, UT Gashes Creek 3. If the project is permitted as requested, require the incorporation of stormwater management for the site to replace functions-Jost to the culverting. Adetention pond or created wetland to manage both quantity and quality of stormwater discharged from parking lots, buildings and other impervious surfaces is recommended. Measures should be put in place (e.g., rock at the outlet and rock vanes in Gashes Creek) to dissipate energy to prevent blowing out the banks of Gashes Creek from the high- energy discharge from the culvert. 4. If possible, the culvert should be placed in a dry work area. Sandbags, flexible pipe, or other diversion structures should be used where possible to minimize excavation in flowing water. 5. Adequate sedimentation and erosion control measures must be implemented and maintained on the project site to minimize impacts to downstream aquatic resources. 6. If concrete is used during culvert installation, a dry work area must be maintained to prevent direct contact between curing concrete and stream water. Uncured concrete affects water quality and is highly toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. 7. All mechanized equipment operated near surface waters should be regularly inspected and maintained to prevent contamination of stream waters from fuels, lubricants,_ hydraulic fluids or other toxic materials. Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project. Pending availability of field staff, the NCWRC may inspect the work site during or after construction. If there are any questions regarding these comments, please contact me at (828) 452-2546. Sincerely, Owen F. Anderson Mountain Region Coordinator Habitat Conservation Program cc: Mr. J. L. Sales, Applicant Mr. Mike Parker, Wetland Scientist, DWQ, Asheville Mr. John Dorney, Wetland Scientist, Division of Water Quality