20200689 Ver 1_Pre Application Documents_20200228

Homewood, Sue
From:
Jake McLean <[e-mail]>
Sent:
Friday, February 28, 2020 5:09 PM
To:
Fuemmeler, Amanda J CIV (US); Homewood, Sue; Leslie, Andrea J; Goudreau, Chris J.;
[e-mail]; [e-mail]; Laura_Fogo; Williams, Lori A;
Etchison, Luke
Cc:
Brubaker, John (Dan) (NCEM);[e-mail]; Eric Neuhaus; Angela Allen;
Scott Gregory; Eplin, Tamera; gang [e-mail]; Christopher Grubb; Derek
Martin; [e-mail]; Andy Hill; Mimi Caddell; [e-mail];
Erin McCombs; Jonathan Hartsell
Subject:
[External] RE: Ward Mill Dam Removal check -in Meeting March 6, 1lam
Attachments:
Wards Mill Tier 1 Eva luation_Final.pdf, Wards -Preliminary Approach.pdf
External email. Do not click links or open attachments unless you verify. Send all suspicious email as an attachment to
[e-mail]
Folks,
This serves as a reminder that next Friday we are hosting a meeting at our office for the Ward Mill Dam Removal
project. Attached is the Tier 1 Sediment Evaluation and a figure showing the preliminary approach we are working on
providing more details on for the meeting. It would be great if you have a chance to review, but we will summarize
these during the meeting and have some follow-up information to expand upon these.
I look forward to seeing you next week.
Thanks,
Jake
From: Jake McLean
Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 1:37 PM
To: Fuemmeler, Amanda J CIV (US) <[e-mail]>; sue. [e-mail]; Leslie, Andrea J
<[e-mail]>; [e-mail]; [e-mail]; [e-mail];
Laura_Fogo <[e-mail]>; [e-mail]; [e-mail]
Cc: Brubaker, Dan <[e-mail]>; [e-mail]; Eric Neuhaus <[e-mail]>;
Angela Allen <[e-mail]>; Scott Gregory <[e-mail]>; [e-mail];
[e-mail]; Chris.Grubb <[e-mail]>; Derek Martin <[e-mail]>;
[e-mail]; Andy Hill <[e-mail]>; Mimi Caddell <[e-mail]>;
Graham. [e-mail]; Erin McCombs <[e-mail]>; Jonathan Hartsell
<[e-mail]>
Subject: Ward Mill Dam Removal check -in Meeting March 6, 11am
Here are the details for the project check -in meeting at Wildlands' office in Asheville:
Date: Friday, March 6, 2020
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Entrance is on the left side of the building. parking is the gravel lot or out front. It will be tight, you may
have to park at Hole (doughnut shop) or on an adjacent street
167-B Haywood Road

Asheville, NC 28806
Call -in: 800-780-8834
Passcode: 3447885#
If you are not on the list below but plan to attend, please confirm attendance by emailing: [e-mail].
Or, please let me know if you plan to call in so we can anticipate you. Digital materials will be sent out prior.
We are anticipating the following attendees (and hoping for someone from USFWS Q as well!)
• Andrea Leslie
• Chris Goudreau
• Amanda Jones
• Sue Homewood
• Angela Allen (call -in), Mimi Caddell, Jake (Wildlands)
• Jonathan, Andy, Erin & Jessica (PM Team)
Thanks,
Jake
From: Jake McLean
Sent: Wednesday, February 19, 2020 7:16 AM
To:'Fuemmeler, Amanda J CIV (US)' <[e-mail]>;'[e-mail]'
<sue. homewood@ ncdenr.gov>; 'Leslie, Andrea J'<[e-mail]>;'[e-mail]'
<[e-mail]>; '[e-mail]' <byron hamstead @fws.gov>; '[e-mail]'
<susan [e-mail]>;'Laura_Fogo' <Laura [e-mail]>;'[e-mail]'
<[e-mail]>;'[e-mail]' <[e-mail]>
Cc: 'Brubaker, Dan' <Dan. Brubaker@ ncdps.gov>; '[e-mail]' <[e-mail]>; Eric Neuhaus
<[e-mail]>; Angela Allen <[e-mail]>; Scott Gregory
<[e-mail]>;'[e-mail]'<[e-mail]>;'[e-mail]'
<[e-mail]>;'Chris.Grubb' <[e-mail]>;'Derek Martin' <[e-mail]>;
'[e-mail]' <[e-mail]>;'Andy Hill' <[e-mail]>; Mimi Caddell
<[e-mail]>;'[e-mail]' <[e-mail]>;'Erin McCombs'
<[e-mail]>; 'Jonathan Hartsell' <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: Feb -Mar Project Check -in Meeting - Doodle poll
Let's plan on doing this on March 6t" in in the 9-12 slot, but towards or at 12. I'm going to check in with Sue and Amanda
and see if we can figure out a slot that works for both of them.
For attendees, based on the doodle poll I have:
• Andrea Leslie
• Chris Goudreau
• Amanda Jones
The PM Team will be in attendance, and I hope to also have a representative from USFWS attend, and to perhaps work
out a time that Sue Homewood from DEQ can attend or at least call in.
Thanks everyone!
Jake
From: Jake McLean
Sent: Friday, February 7, 2020 1:47 PM
To:'Fuemmeler, Amanda J CIV (US)' <[e-mail]>;'[e-mail]'

<sue. homewood@ ncdenr.gov>; 'Leslie, Andrea J'<[e-mail]>;'[e-mail]'
<[e-mail]>; '[e-mail]' <byron hamstead @fws.gov>; '[e-mail]'
<susan [e-mail]>;'Laura_Fogo' <Laura [e-mail]>;'[e-mail]'
<[e-mail]>;'[e-mail]' <[e-mail]>
Cc: 'Brubaker, Dan' <Dan. Brubaker@ ncdps.gov>; '[e-mail]' <[e-mail]>; Eric Neuhaus
<[e-mail]>; Angela Allen <[e-mail]>; Scott Gregory
<[e-mail]>;'[e-mail]'<[e-mail]>;'[e-mail]'
<[e-mail]>;'Chris.Grubb' <[e-mail]>;'Derek Martin' <[e-mail]>;
'[e-mail]' <[e-mail]>;'Andy Hill' <[e-mail]>; Mimi Caddell
<[e-mail]>;'[e-mail]' <[e-mail]>;'Erin McCombs'
<[e-mail]>; 'Jonathan Hartsell' <[e-mail]>
Subject: Feb -Mar Project Check -in Meeting - Doodle poll
Folks, we are requesting you complete the doodle poll below regarding your availability to attend a regulatory check -in
meeting during the last week in Feb (2/27) or the first week March (3/3 or 3/6). It is anticipated the meeting will be in
Asheville at Wildlands' office. Plan on it being a 90 minute meeting with the following main agenda items:
• Findings of Tier 1 sediment analysis- a copy of the report will be delivered ahead of the meeting
• Predicted geomorphic response to dam removal
• Preliminary approach concept map
• Preliminary sediment management recommendations/options
• Discuss agency concerns, project approach, etc.
We will provide scoping letters in advance of the meeting that summarize the information that will be discussed and
requests formal comment from USFWS, WRC, and DEQ in advance of submitting for permits. The SHPO/THPO letters
went out today. We hope that this meeting can be an opportunity to review approach, primary concerns and develop
solutions or additional questions so that a clear permitting path can be established towards the end of March at which
time we anticipate to submit for 404/401 and floodplain permits.
The attendees (in person or via call) that we will consider as necessary for the upcoming meeting are USACE, DEQ, WRC,
and USFWS representatives. All others are welcome and encouraged to join in person or via conference call. I will send
out a follow up email with final details on meeting time, place, call -in #.
https://doodle.com/poll/chmkhw8gbcme6pcx
If none of these doodle dates are options for you, please let me know, by sending me an email, if you'd be available on
either the 241n or 28tn
Thanks,
Jake
From: Jake McLean
Sent: Friday, January 17, 2020 2:58 PM
To: 'Chris.Grubb' <[e-mail]>; 'Fuemmeler, Amanda J CIV (US)' <[e-mail]>;
'sue. [e-mail]' <[e-mail]>; 'Leslie, Andrea J' <[e-mail]>;
'[e-mail]' <[e-mail]>;'Derek Martin' <[e-mail]>;
'[e-mail]' <[e-mail]>;'Erin McCombs' <[e-mail]>;'Jonathan
Hartsell'<[e-mail]>;'Andy Hill' <[e-mail]>; Mimi Caddell
<[e-mail]>;'[e-mail]' <[e-mail]>
Cc: 'Brubaker, Dan' <Dan. Brubaker@ ncdps.gov>; '[e-mail]' <[e-mail]>; Eric Neuhaus
<[e-mail]>; Angela Allen <[e-mail]>; Scott Gregory
<[e-mail]>;'[e-mail]' <[e-mail]>;
'[e-mail]' <[e-mail]>;'[e-mail]'

<byron [e-mail]>; '[e-mail]' <susan [e-mail]>; 'Laura_Fogo'
<Laura [e-mail]>;'[e-mail]'<[e-mail]>;'[e-mail]'
<ga ng I off m @ a p pstate. ed u>
Subject: RE: Ward's Mill Dam Removal - December Site Visit Meeting Minutes
Hey Everyone,
Attached are the meeting minutes from December, please send me directly any corrections or additions that are
pertinent. Thanks for attending, and to the rest of you for staying tuned.
We are making good headway on our survey/geomorphic data processing and sediment work this month. We will push
some additional information out to you all in the next couple weeks, likely with a scoping letter that asks for formal
comments.
Also, look for a meeting request soon (next week) to line up a date in February. We'd like to convene in February to
discuss in greater detail our preliminary findings and those permitting considerations which need to be in focus as we
move forward.
By the meeting we plan to have a preliminary plan layout which shows the anticipated stream profile and geomorphic
predicted redeveloping cross section geometry, as well as a draft sediment management report which helps quantify the
impacts and management options for sediment.
Apologies for the slow delivery on these minutes, but it's a good time to strike this conversation back up!
Kind Regards,
Jake
From: Jake McLean
Sent: Tuesday, December 3, 2019 5:17 PM
To: [e-mail]; Chris.Grubb <[e-mail]>; Fuemmeler, Amanda J CIV (US)
<[e-mail]>; sue. [e-mail]; Leslie, Andrea J <[e-mail]>;
[e-mail]; [e-mail]; [e-mail]; byron [e-mail];
susan [e-mail]; Laura_Fogo <Laura [e-mail]>; Derek Martin <[e-mail]>;
[e-mail]; [e-mail]
Cc: Erin McCombs <[e-mail]>; Jonathan Hartsell <[e-mail]>; Andy Hill
<[e-mail]>; Brubaker, Dan <[e-mail]>; [e-mail]; Mimi Caddell
<[e-mail]>; Eric Neuhaus <[e-mail]>; Angela Allen
<[e-mail]>; Scott Gregory <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: Ward's Mill Dam Removal - December Site Visit Date Selection
For those of you attending, we're anticipating chilly temps and high wind tomorrow so dress warm! We are still
planning on meeting AT THE SITE at 11am. The previously provided agenda is attached for reference.
We plan to keep the project introduction short and sweet and then walk the site. At that time we would like to head to
town and resume the gathering at the MountainTrue Office conference room and talk more about the project where we
can all feel our fingers and toes
Also, we'd be glad to have you join for lunch with us afterwards for those that wish to grab a bite before getting back on
the road.
Thanks,
Jake

828-545-3865
From: Jake McLean <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 2:40 PM
To: [e-mail]; Chris.Grubb <[e-mail]>; Fuemmeler, Amanda J CIV (US)
<[e-mail]>; sue. [e-mail]; Leslie, Andrea J <[e-mail]>;
[e-mail]; [e-mail]; [e-mail]; byron [e-mail];
susan [e-mail]; Laura_Fogo <Laura [e-mail]>; Derek Martin <[e-mail]>;
[e-mail]; [e-mail]
Cc: Erin McCombs <[e-mail]>; Jonathan Hartsell <[e-mail]>; Andy Hill
<[e-mail]>; Brubaker, Dan <[e-mail]>; [e-mail]; Mimi Caddell
<[e-mail]>; Eric Neuhaus <[e-mail]>; Angela Allen
<[e-mail]>; Scott Gregory <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Ward's Mill Dam Removal - December Site Visit Date Selection
Reminder that as of tomorrow we're two weeks out from the Ward's Mill Dam Removal site visit on December
4th; time has been set for 11 am.
We look forward to seeing many of you there, and I understand that some of you have indicated to me that
you will not be able to attend. Again, I am happy to remove folks from subsequent emails to the group which
will include meeting summary and future stakeholder updates during later milestones of the project -just let
me know.
Please find the proposed agenda attached
.... and note the alternate indoor location at the MountainTrue office in Boone in the event of rain or bad
weather. I will email by 7:30 am the day of if we are switching to the alternate indoor location. If the meeting
is held indoors, we will still visit the site after for those that wish to.
Thanks,
Jake
828-545-3865 (c)
From: Jake McLean
Sent: Thursday, November 7, 2019 11:50 AM
To: [e-mail] <[e-mail]>; Chris.Grubb <[e-mail]>; Fuemmeler,
Amanda J CIV (US) <[e-mail]>; [e-mail] <[e-mail]>;
[e-mail] <[e-mail]>; [e-mail] <[e-mail]>; Leslie, Andrea J
<[e-mail]>; [e-mail]<[e-mail]>;
[e-mail] <[e-mail]>; [e-mail]
<[e-mail]>; byron [e-mail] <byron [e-mail]>; susan [e-mail]
<susan [e-mail]>; Laura_Fogo <Laura [e-mail]>; Eric Neuhaus <[e-mail]>;
Angela Allen <[e-mail]>; Scott Gregory <[e-mail]>; Derek Martin
<[e-mail]>; [e-mail] <[e-mail]>; [e-mail]
<hcwatershed(@2mail.com>
Cc: Jake McLean ([e-mail]) <[e-mail]>; Erin McCombs
<[e-mail]>; Jonathan Hartsell <[e-mail]>; Andy Hill
<[e-mail]>; Brubaker, Dan <[e-mail]>; [e-mail]

<I a n i e. Poe @watgov. o rg>
Subject: RE: Ward's Mill Dam Removal - December Site Visit Date Selection
Hi everyone, we'll be doing the meeting on December 4t". Thanks to you all for your response and those of you that
indicated you could make it on the 4t", we'll look forward to seeing you then. I'll send out an agenda and specific time as
indicated below.
I didn't want to prematurely remove folks from this, so let me know if you'd prefer I take your name off this email
thread so as to not clutter your email.
Thanks,
Jake
From: Jake McLean
Sent: Wednesday, October 30, 2019 4:54 PM
To: [e-mail]; Chris.Grubb <[e-mail]>; Fuemmeler, Amanda J CIV (US)
<[e-mail]>; sue. [e-mail]; [e-mail]; [e-mail]; Leslie, Andrea J
<[e-mail]>; [e-mail]; [e-mail];
[e-mail]; byron [e-mail]; susan [e-mail]; Laura_Fogo
<Laura [e-mail]>; Eric Neuhaus <[e-mail]>; Angela Allen <[e-mail]>; Scott
Gregory <[e-mail]>; Derek Martin <[e-mail]>; [e-mail];
[e-mail]
Cc: Jake McLean ([e-mail]) <[e-mail]>; Erin McCombs
<[e-mail]>; Jonathan Hartsell <[e-mail]>; Andy Hill
<[e-mail]>; Brubaker, Dan <[e-mail]>; [e-mail]
Subject: Ward's Mill Dam Removal - December Site Visit Date Selection
Dear Stakeholder,
We would be pleased if you could attend a site visit designed to orient your and our agency/organization with this
exciting project to remove Ward's Mill Dam on the Watauga River - the highest ranking dam removal project for aquatic
passage in the State of NC! Please find a primer on the project attached.
I previously discussed this project with you or one of your coworkers via recent email and phone outreach efforts. We
have begun assessment work and will have some preliminary data to share. An agenda will be provided at least two
weeks prior to the meeting and you may contact me directly with any requested agenda topics.
Please indicate your availability in the doodle poll. We intend to have the meeting late morning or early afternoon to
allow for folks to travel to and from.
https://doodle.com/poll/5bzge3hvkr67isd
If you need to reach out to me, please reply to just me and I'd be glad to answer any questions or discuss any details
with you directly.
We are excited to have you participate in this project and hope you can make the site visit! Thanks,
Jake
..................................................
Jake McLean I Senior Water Resource Engineer, Project Manager
0: 828.774.5547 M: 828.545.3865
Wildlands Engineering, Inc.
167-B Haywood Road

Asheville, NC 28806

Figure 3 Site Plan
W I L D LANDS 0 100 200 Feet Ward Mill Dam Removal Project
ENGINEERING I i i i I Watauga River Basin (06010103)
Watauga County

Tier 1 Sediment Evaluation
February 2020
Prepared By:
Wildlands Engineering, Inc
312 W. Millbrook Rd., Suite 225
Raleigh, NC 27609
Phone: [phone]
Wildlands Engineering, Inc
167-B Haywood Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806
Phone: [phone]
Ward Mill Dam Removal Project
Watauga County, NC
Watauga River Basin
HUC 06010103
Prepared For:
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Asheville Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801

Contents
Section 1: Executive Summary ...................................................
Section 2: Introduction..............................................................
Section 3: Tier 1 Evaluation.......................................................
3.1 Approach.......................................................................
3.2 Pollutant Source Identification .....................................
3.2.1 Methods................................................................
3.2.2 Results...................................................................
3.2.3 Conclusions...........................................................
3.3 Sediment Volume and Texture .....................................
3.3.1 Methods................................................................
3.3.2 Results and Conclusions ........................................
3.4 Tier 1 Evaluation Conclusions .......................................
FIGURES
Figure 1
Project Area
Figure 2
Tier 1 Assessment Area
Figure 3
Bathymetric Survey
Figure 4
Watauga River Profile
APPENDICES
Appendix A
Photo Log
Appendix B
Sediment Samples
............................................................
............................................................. 1
............................................................. 2
............................................................. 2
............................................................. 2
............................................................. 2
............................................................. 4
............................................................. 4
............................................................. 5
............................................................. 5
............................................................. 6
............................................................. 6
WWard Mill Dam Removal Project
Tier 1 Sediment Evaluation

Section 1: Executive Summary
The Ward Mill Dam is a 20'-tall privately -owned rock and concrete dam that has been retired from
operations since 2017. The dam which impounds approximately 2,500 linear feet of the Watauga River
in Watauga County, NC, is located approximately 11 river miles upstream of the TVA Watauga River
Reservoir. A dam was first constructed on the site in 1892 and has since been rebuilt, modified and
refurbished several times, notably in 1963 when the primary rock and concrete structure was
constructed.
The dam is being proposed for removal by the following project partners: Watauga Soil and Water
Conservation District, Blue Ridge Resource Conservation and Development Council, MountainTrue,
American Rivers with support from the owners, Ray and Virginia Ward. Appalachian State University is
assisting with pre- and post -project data collection and analysis. Wildlands Engineering is providing
design, permitting and construction oversight. The dam deconstruction will be implemented by the
United States Fish & Wildlife service National Fish Passage Program Aquatic Restoration Team. The
purpose of the dam removal is to restore the river from its currently impounded state back to a free -
flowing state. The removal of the Ward Mill Dam will open approximately 2,500 feet of river habitat and
reconnect 25 miles of the mainstem river and 140 miles in total. It ranks #1 for removal benefit in the
state based on the NC Barrier Prioritization Tool, and within the top 5% of dams within the entire region
based on connectivity.
A Tier 1 evaluation was performed to identify potential sources of pollution in the impoundment to
determine the likelihood of contamination in the sediments stored behind the dam. The evaluation area
was set at 1-mile surrounding the impoundment for all potential pollutant sources and extended
upstream to the town of Valle Crucis for the purpose of evaluating direct discharges. The evaluation
yielded two potential results: the Valle Crucis Elementary School and the Valle Landing Shopping Center
wastewater treatment plant. These discharges, while a potential source of bacteria, are an improbable
source of potential toxins.
The Tier 1 evaluation also involved a determination of the volume and characteristics of the sediment
wedge. A combination of a bathymetric survey and sediment probing revealed the sediment wedge has
a mobile layer of fine material over a restrictive layer of harder material which is likely the natural river
bottom. The sediment wedge has an estimated volume of 13,000 CY and the remainder of the
impoundment stores between 6,000 and 8,000 CY.
It is Wildlands conclusion that with little to no potential for contamination of the sediment based on
database evaluations, a Tier 2 evaluation is not required. However, due to the volume of sediment
within the wedge and the volume of highly mobile sediment, a sediment management plan is being
prepared to evaluate the ability of the Watauga River to process excess sediment that will be input from
the impoundment, and in order to evaluate potential activities or approaches that would reduce project
impacts to the Green Floater Mussel (Lasmigona subviridis) and the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus
alleganiensis), as well as other aquatic life.
WWard Mill Dam Dam Removal Project iii
Tier 1 Sediment Evaluation

Section 2: Introduction
The Ward Mill Dam is located in Watauga County (36° 14' 28.64" N, 81° 49' 49.58" W) along Old
Watauga River Road approximately three miles southwest of Sugar Grove. The dam is positioned on the
Watauga River approximately 11 river miles upstream of the TVA Watauga River Reservoir. Land use
directly adjacent to the dam and impoundment is predominately undisturbed woodland and agriculture
(Figure 1). At the Dam, the Wautaga River has a drainage area of 92.6 square miles; there is a USGS
hydrologic gaging station immediately upstream of the impoundment upstream of Rominger Road. The
entire impoundment is estimated at 4.6 acres (approximate ly2,S00 linear river feet) with a gross storage
capacity of 16.3 acre-feet.
The original dam on this site was constructed in 1892. Subsequent to flooding, the dam was
reconstructed in 1906 with hemlock logs, cobble, and mud. In 1963, the current rock and concrete dam
was constructed immediately downstream of the previously existing log dam, with 1" diameter vertical
steel rods spaced at 4' intervals across the interior structure of the dam and doweled 2 %' into bedrock
with horizontal reinforcing steel. The dam is approximately 130 feet long and 20 feet high from the
bedrock base to the top of the dam with a 21-foot thick base. The historic facility was a run -of —the -river
operation where outflow from the powerhouse and spillway are approximately equal to the flow
entering the impoundment on the Watauga River. Over its history, it has been used for hydroelectricity
to power a gristmill, sawmill, and for local electric service to homes in the valley. After a period of
inactivity, the dam and powerhouse were rehabilitated in 1982 and a FERC license was re -issued in
1986. The FERC permit was up for renewal in 2016, and in 2017 the Ward family declined the license
and submitted paperwork for the surrender of the license and to stop generating electricity. The dam is
currently inactive as a hydroelectric dam, and power generating facilities have been decommissioned.
The dam represents a significant blockage to aquatic species migration as well as a blockage for public
recreational activities including kayaking and canoeing. Aquatic species of interest on site are the Green
Floater Mussel (Lasmigona subviridis) and the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis).
Snorkeling and SCUBA surveys in 2012-2013 and 2019 did not identify individuals or live mussels
upstream or downstream of the dam. Additionally, although a diversity of fish species were found in
2013, no elevated conservation -concern aquatic species were encountered (Gangloff, Perkins, Holcomb
and Pugh, 2013). To facilitate aquatic organism passage (AOP) and habitat goals, the project team will
remove the full vertical extent of the dam and reestablish the natural geomorphic character of the river.
Ward Mill Dam is being proposed for removal as part of a joint project between the Watauga Soil and
Water Conservation District, Blue Ridge Resource Conservation and Development Council,
MountainTrue, and American Rivers with assistance from Appalachian State University and Wildlands
Engineering.
As the dam has been in its present location since being reconstructed in 1906 following the 1901 flood,
there is potential for sediment accumulation upstream of the dam within the impoundment. The
landowner (former operator of the facility) has indicated that sediment is routinely flushed out of the
impoundment by high flows. However, in the even that some of the accumulated sediment does
become stored over a longer period of time, a Tier 1 evaluation has been completed in order to
determine the potential for contamination within the accumulated sediment and the approximate
volume and characterization of sediment. The results of the evaluation will serve to guide sediment
management during dam deconstruction.
WWard Mill Dam Removal Project
Tier 1 Sediment Evaluation

Section 3: Tier 1 Evaluation
3.1 Approach
Currently, there are no regulations regarding the assessment of potential contamination of sediment at
a dam site. Previous dam removal projects in North Carolina have used the framework provided in the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)/ U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Evaluation of
Dredged Material Proposed for Discharge in Waters of the U.S. —Testing Manual (1998) (dredging
manual); specifically, the tiered evaluation approach.
The first step in the tiered evaluation is Tier 1. This involves the compilation and assessment of readily
available data to determine if sources of potential contaminant exist or have existed within a specified
distance of the accumulated sediment upstream of the dam. The Tier 1 evaluation also involves the
characterization of accumulated sediment to determine if it can be classified as inert (sand and gravel),
an approximation of the volume of sediment, and identification of any potential pollutants.
The aforementioned dredging manual states that if the facts gathered in the Tier 1 evaluation are
sufficient to satisfy the exclusionary criteria set out in the regulation, then no further evaluation is
necessary. However, if there are still concerns that contamination may be present, the evaluation will
continue in a step -wise fashion from Tiers 2-4, to the extent necessary. These tiers involve further
biological and chemical testing.
This report includes the Tier 1 evaluation for the accumulated sediment in upstream of the Ward Mill
Dam. This evaluation, in conjunction with a sediment management plans that presents further analysis
of background sediment loading rates and strategies for sediment management during the construction
phase of the project, will be used by FWS to determine if further action is required.
3.2 Pollutant Source Identification
3.2.1 Methods
The assessment area for the Tier 1 evaluation (Figures 2) is a 1-mile buffer around the impoundment
area. Additionally, Wildlands looked at direct discharges into the Watauga River up to the town of Valle
Crucis (approximately 5.7 miles upstream). This evaluation zone is consistent with the American Society
of Testing and Materials Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental
Site Assessment Process (ASTM 2005, 2008).
Wildlands used the most up to date state and federal files and databases to search for potential
contaminant sources. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Division of
Waste Management (DWM) produced a site locator tool that was used to identify facilities, sites, or
places subject to environmental regulations of air, water, and waste. The site locator tool is an ArcGIS
Online (AGOL) web application that displays and updates a wide range of datasets from state and
federal regulatory agencies in real time. The tool was used to query data on facilities with air and
wastewater discharge permits, solid and/or hazardous waste sites, brownfields, facilities that handle
hazardous materials, and information regarding any incidents at those facilities. Relevant information on
potential pollutant sources is compiled in Table 1 below.
WWard Mill Dam Removal Project
Tier 1 Sediment Evaluation

Table 1: Data compiled for Tier 1 Evaluation
Ward Mill Dam Removal Project
Active Permitted Landfills
No Records Found
Animal Feeding Operations
No Records Found
Brownfields
No Records Found
Dry -Cleaning Solvent Clean -Up Program Sites
No Records Found
FRS AIRS (Air Facility Program) AFS (Air Facility System)
No Records Found
FRS CERCLIS (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability System)
No Records Found
FRS ICIS (Integrated Compliance Information System)
No Records Found
FRS (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) RCRA
No Records Found
FRS RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) Active
No Records Found
FRS RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) Inactive
No Records Found
FRS TRI (Toxic Release Inventory)
No Records Found
Hazardous Waste Sites
No Records Found
Inactive Hazardous Waste Sites
No Records Found
Pre -Regulatory Landfill Sites
No Records Found
Manufactured Gas Plant Sites
No Records Found
NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Sites)
Valle Crucis Elementary School (Reg ID 110006708303) (Permit NC0067024)
Valle Landing Shopping Center WWTP (Reg ID 110009842992) (Permit NC0072559, terminated 12/04/2017)
National Priorities List (Superfund Sites)
No Records Found
Sanitary Sewer Discharges
Valley Crucis Elementary School, Valley Landing Shopping Center WWTP
Sanitary Sewer Treatment Plants
Valley Crucis Elementary School, Valley Landing Shopping Center WWTP
Swine Lagoons
No Records Found
Underground Storage Tanks (UST)
UST Incident at Fouts Property (UST Number WS-8928) (Incident Number 44173)
Aboveground Storage Tanks (AST)
Ward Mill Dam Removal Project
Tier 1 Sediment Evaluation

No Records Found
Coal Ash Structural Fills (Coal Combustion Byproducts, CCB)
No Records Found
Petroleum Contaminated Soil Remediation
No Records Found
* FRS (Facility Registry Services)
3.2.2 Results
The assessment areas for the Tier 1 evaluation are depicted in Figure 2, with the potential pollutant
sources within the area listed in Table 1. There was one potential pollutant source identified within the
1-mile buffer area of the Ward's Mill Dam impoundment. On June 28, 2013, a residential underground
storage tank (UST) incident was reported at the property of Dave Fouts, approximately 2.6 stream miles
upstream of the dam and near the limits of the 1-mile buffer area. According to NCDEQ DWM records,
the incident was closed the same day it occurred and was characterized as low risk with a risk rank of 0.
In the search for direct discharges along the Watauga River outside of the 1-mile buffer, two were
found: The Valle Crucis Elementary School and the Valle Landing Shopping Center wastewater treatment
plant. Although neither source discharges directly into the Watauga River, they were identified because
they discharge into Dutch Creek less than one mile from Dutch Creek's terminus into the Watauga River.
The treatment plants are located approximately 0.2 miles away of each other on Dutch Creek and
approximately 5.5 — 5.7 stream miles upstream from the Ward Mill Dam. The plants are both listed as
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Sites (NPDES) facilities, although the Valley Landing
Shopping Center WWTP is no longer operating and the permit was terminated in 2017. According to
USEPA records, the Valle Crucis Elementary School plant is permitted for 0.0065 MGD, was last
inspected on October 16, 2019, and has four "Reportable Noncompliance" violations on record for the
past five years, as well as an informal enforcement action in the form of a notice of violation. The
violations were a result of late or missing Discharge Monitoring reports (DMR) as well as exceedances in
fecal coliform and total flow.
The reach of the Watauga River that contains Ward Mill Dam is not currently a 303(d)-listed stream.
Even with the listed violations by the plant, its distance from the impoundment and small size suggest
that it is unlikely that the Valle Crucis Elementary School treatment plant is a source of potential
microbial or nutrient contaminants for the sediment in the impoundment behind Ward Mill Dam.
3.2.3 Conclusions
The database pollutant source evaluation yielded only one potential source of pollutants in the vicinity
of the impoundment, a residential UST that was characterized as low risk by NCDEQ officials and
therefore is not a likely source of sediment contamination. The wastewater treatment plant in Valle
Crucis, while a potential source of bacteria, is an improbable source of potential contamination. These
results adequately fulfill the exclusionary criteria for further testing based on evaluation of potential
pollutant sources, as listed in the dredging manual.
WWard Mill Dam Removal Project 4
Tier 1 Sediment Evaluation

3.3 Sediment Volume and Texture
3.3.1 Methods
eathymetric Survey
A bathymetric survey of the dam, streambed, streambanks, and floodplain was completed by Kee
Mapping and Surveying in November 2019. The survey extended 1,000 feet upstream of the dam and
260 feet downstream. Elevation point transects were taken across the river a minimum of 50 feet apart
along the length. The bathymetric survey is depicted in Figure 3.
Volume of Mobile Sediment
In order to determine the volume of mobile sediment stored in the wedge behind the dam, Wildlands
performed a survey of the impoundment using a soil probe rod and standard survey equipment. The
survey was done in a grid pattern from the dam and upstream 1,000 linear feet, matching the extents of
the bathymetric survey. At each measurement point, an elevation reading was taken at the top of the
sediment, and at the depth of refusal of the soil probe. The first measurement was used to validate the
data against the bathymetric survey. The second was used as the elevation of the restrictive layer; this
being bedrock, or probable original channel bottom below the mobile sediment.
The bathymetric survey data and the depth to refusal data were put into AutoCAD to create an existing
surface and a surface representing the restrictive layer. These surfaces were compared to determine a
volume of mobile sediment within the wedge. The sediment wedge extends approximately 650 linear
feet upstream from the dam face and contains approximately 13,000 Cubic Yards of sediment. This is
depicted in Figure 4.
On -site observations of sediment deposition within the impounded reach, but beyond the sediment
wedge, led us to consider the additional amount of sediment that could be mobilized within the
remainder of the impounded reach after dam removal. The sediment probe data for the 300 linear feet
upstream of the sediment wedge showed the depth to refusal varying between 1 and 1.5 feet. If this is
multiplied by the surface area of the impounded reach upstream of the wedge, the volume is estimated
between approximately 6,000 to 8,000 Cubic Yards. It is unlikely that there would be a uniform
distribution across the channel bottom. There are bedrock outcrops with little to no mobile sediment
layer and areas of visible sediment storage. This range is judged to be a reasonable approximation. The
reader is reminded that this may not be significantly more sediment than would be found in a
comparable length of free -flowing river.
Sediment Composition
A petit dredge was used to collect two sediment samples within the impoundment to determine the
sediment composition. The petit dredge was only able to collect a sample from the top six inches of
sediment. A subpavement sample was taken in a riffle upstream of the impoundment to compare the
impoundment sample to typical riffle bed material (Table 2). The samples in the impoundment had a
much finer composition than the upstream riffle, confirming that there is a mobile layer of sand and
silt/clay in the impoundment covering the native sand and gravel streambed. The fine materials
sampled with the petit dredge in the mobile layer of sediment are likely particles that would stay
entrained in a free -flowing system but settle out of the water column in the impoundment due to a long
residence time. A significant amount of leaf litter was also present in this layer of sediment. This layer of
sediment likely mobilizes on a frequent basis during moderate and large storm events.
WWard Mill Dam Removal Project 5
Tier 1 Sediment Evaluation

Table 2: Data compiled for Tier 1 Evaluation
Ward Mill Dam Removal Proiect
Sample Location
% Gravel
% Sand
% Silt/Clay
Impoundment Sample 1
3.4
55.3
41.3
Impoundment Sample 2
5.5
53.8
40.7
Upstream Subpavement
Sample
65
9
26
3.3.2 Results and Conclusions
While this data is representative of conditions at the time of the survey, it is relevant to note this history
of sediment deposition at the site. FERC Relicensing documentation indicates that during 25 years of
operation of the project, since trash rack improvements in 1987, there had been no sand/silt build-up
within the reservoir and no maintenance events to remove sand from the reservoir. Documentation
specifically suggests that floods evacuate accumulated sand from the impoundment (License Application
DRAFT Exhibit A, 8/28/2014). Furthermore, comparison of bathymetric survey data collected in fall of
2019 to detailed FEMA survey cross -sections that are greater than 10-years old do not indicate
significant aggradation to the channel bed within the impounded area. The 6,000 — 8,000 CY within the
impoundment may represent a highly mobile layer of sediment that frequently flushes through the
system and that may be present to a large degree in free -flowing segments of the river as well. The
13,000 CY sediment wedge itself may also evacuate during storm events due to back eddies on the back
face of the dam during high flows. However, it is more apparent that this volume in the lower
impoundment is in obvious excess to what would be otherwise moving through the system. Follow-up
efforts are underway to compare this volume to typical transport volume (annual sediment yield), and
to also consider geomorphic factors that would contribute to the ability of the river to assimilate excess
sediment that will be present during the immediate aftermath of the dam removal.
3.4 Tier 1 Evaluation Conclusions
The purpose of the Tier 1 evaluation is to determine the potential for contamination of the sediment
wedge upstream of Ward Mill Dam. The evaluation process assumes that potential for contamination
increases with a greater presence of potential pollutant sources. If pollutant sources are present, it then
assumes that the potential for contamination increases with increased concentration of silt, clay, and
organic material in the sediment wedge.
The evaluation of potential pollutant sources, described in Section 3.2, yielded one potential source of
pollutants in the vicinity of the impoundment, a residential UST that was characterized as low risk by
NCDEQ officials and therefore is not a likely source of sediment contamination. The only direct discharge
into the river is a wastewater treatment plant in Valle Crucis. While it may be a potential source of
bacterial, it is an improbable source of sediment contamination. according to the results of this study.
These results satisfy the Tier 1 evaluation.
While there is potentially 13,000 CY of sediment stored in the wedge and an additional 6,000 — 8,000 CY
present in the upper impoundment, according to observations, the sediment has been known to
periodically flush through the system and does not build up further over time. This indicates that the
flushing of sediment during dam removal would not be an abnormal event for this watershed.
WWard Mill Dam Removal Project 6
Tier 1 Sediment Evaluation

It is Wildlands conclusion that the likelihood of contaminated sediment is low, and that it is highly likely
that this system frequently experiences pulses of sediment during moderate to large storm events.
However, further evaluation of the assimilative capacity of the River, as well as the development of
sediment management activities that will minimize sediment impacts to aquatic life and habitat are
warranted to protect downstream habitat resources. These evaluation and planning efforts are
underway and will be presented in a memo or report that describes the findings of additional sediment
transport evaluation and discusses the sediment management activities proposed. No further
evaluation of sediment for contaminants is proposed.
References:
Effects of Ward's Mill Dam on Fishes, Mussels and Hellbenders in the Watauga
River, Watauga County, North Carolina
Michael M. Gangloff, Michael Perkins, Jordan Holcomb and M. Worth Pugh
Appalachian State University, Biology Department, 572 Rivers Street, Boone, NC
28608-2027
FINAL REPORT
Prepared for
Ray and Virginia Ward
443 Old Watauga River Road
Sugar Grove, NC 28679
5 November 2013
WWard Mill Dam Removal Project
Tier 1 Sediment Evaluation

.r1 :
Project
. • .
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it
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USGSTopographic Map
W,V-,WW I L D L A N D S 0 500 1,000 Feet Wards Mill Dam Removal Project
E N G I N E E R I N G I I I I I Watauga River Basin (06010103)
Watauga County

Sugar Gr
4
321 9
Ward's Mill Dam Streams
Impoundment Area ® 1 Mile Buffer of Impoundment
'I
WTP NPDES Facilities Underground Injection Control
i, Oa Underground Stroage Tank Incidents Aboveground Storage Tank Incidents
High Risk - High Risk
Intermediate Risk Intermediate Risk
a Low Risk Low Risk
Unknown Risk Unknown Risk
_—a
- - Blank Risk Q Blank Risk
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Figure 3
Ward's Mill Dam
O' W I L D L A N D S 0 1,250 2,500 5,000 Feet Assessment Area
ENGINEERING I I I I I I I I I Watauga River Basin (o6010103)
Watauga County, NC

\\ CONTROL POINT I
\ 518" RBC "KEE" (305) I A BATHYMETRIC SURVEY FOR:
ul
\ \ GROUND COORDINATES
\ \ N918WILDLANDS ENGINEERING INC
\ E..1165080.81' 5080.8
ELEV: 2613.06'
\\� 1 PIN: 1961-59-3545 N9 "WARDS MILL DAM"
\ N 1 \
\ •'v :\PIN: 1961-48-6427 \ \ 9
y ` THIS IS A TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY INTENDED FOR
sTy •° • \ \s INFORMATIONAL & DESIGN PURPOSES ONLY. IT SHOULD NOT
-a" BE USED FOR CONVEYANCE OR LEGAL PURPOSES. KEE
MAPPING & SURVEYING DOES NOT CERTIFY THE SPATIAL
LL ACCURACY FOR GIS DATA SHOWN HERE & MADE PUBLICLY
AVAILABLE BY THE NC ONEMAP GEOSPATIAL DATA PORTAL,
NORTH CAROLINA'S ONLINE FLOOD RISK INFORMATION SYSTEM
& THE CADASTRAL WEB MAP OF WATAUGA COUNTY, NC.
CONTROL POINT
sT •, • \ MAG NAIL IN CONC (600)
\ y9 \
\ \ � GROUND COORDINATES
DRAFTED FROM AERIAL \ \ \ \ 2S90 N:918588.22' PIN: 1961-58-8545
(SEE NOTE #8) sFyq E: 1165371.85'
ELEV: 2608.62'
\ a
GRID NORTH
(2011)
GRID TIE INFORMATION
CERTIFICATE OF SURVEY AND ACCURACY
1 _ PHILLIP B. _KEECERTIFY THAT THE GROUND
TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY PORTION OF THIS PROJECT WAS
\ COMPLETED UNDER MY DIRECT SUPERVISION FROM AN ACTUAL
�'y \ 'CONTROL POINT #500 BEING LOCATED N 40°46'34" W A GRID DISTANCE OF SURVEY MADE UNDER MY DIRECT SUPERVISION; THAT THIS
s� 932.22' FROM CONTROL POINT #501 AND CONTROL POINT #501 BEING SURVEY WAS PERFORMED AT THE 95% CONFIDENCE LEVEL TO
CONTROL POINT LOCATED S 77'09'17" W A GRID DISTANCE OF 562.00' FROM NGS ROMINGER MEET THE FEDERAL GEOGRAPHIC DATA COMMITTEE STANDARDS;
5/8" RBC "KEE" (304) THAT THIS SURVEY WAS PERFORMED TO THE CLASS A
GROUND COORDINATES HORIZONTAL AND CLASS C VERTICAL WHERE APPLICABLE; THAT
N:918580.03' THE ORIGINAL DATA WAS OBTAINED BETWEEN THE DATES OF
CONTROL POINT \ llp\ ,s \ sFyq E:1165616.07' 1f25119=1112f19_; THAT THE CONTOURS SHOWN AS
5/8" RBC "KEE" (306) '\ ELEV: 2614.75' ELEVATION DATUM: NAVD 88 BROKEN LINES MAY NOT MEET THE STATED STANDARD AND ALL
GROUND COORDINATES \ \ \� sFyq CONTOUR INTERVAL: 1 FOOT COORDINATES ARE BASED ON NAD 83 (NSRS 2011) AND ALL
N: 918596.15' \ a . �T _ \ ELEVATIONS ARE BASED ON NAVD 88; THAT THE GPS PORTION
E: 1165241.84' \ \ \ sTyq OF THIS PROJECT WAS TO PERFORM A GRID TIE TO THE NC
ELEV:2616.28' \ 0' 60' 120' 180' STATE PLANE COORDINATE SYSTEM AND INFORMATION USED IS
\\.0�9�, o \ \\ \ST SHOWN & NOTED HEREON;THAT THIS MAP MEETS THE
A yi,L --- SPECIFICATIONS FOR TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEYS AS STATED IN
�\ \9 F�TITLE 21, CHAPTER 56, SECTION .1606; THAT THIS MAP WAS
O \ ` /x P/>,, `\\ \sue ONE INCH = SIXTY FEET NOT PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH G.S. 47-30, AS AMENDED
S' ti9 AND DOES NOT REPRESENT AN OFFICIAL BOUNDARY SURVEY.
\ GPS METADATA
\�60s CLASS OF SURVEY: HORIZONTAL: A VERTICAL: C
� re
\ FIELD PROCEDURE: STATIC NETWORK
o
DATES: 10/25/19-10/28/19
' DATUM: NAD83(2011) NAVD 88
.°'• � EPOCH: 2010
a.: • \ 9% sT SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA
yq GEOID: 12B
PER F.I.R.M. PANEL 3710196100J DATED 12/03/2009 AVERAGE COMBINED FACTOR: 099990001
POSITIONAL ACCURACY: HORIZONTAL: 0.01' VERTICAL: 0.12'
9z yq UNITS: USFT
qeF,Sj CORS USED: TN11, NCWJ, TN18, ASUB
LEGEND:
WITNESS MY ORIGINAL SIGNATURE, LICENSE NUMBER, AND
CONTROL POINT (AS NOTED) `\sF \ \ \ \ yq SEAL THIS _ 26TH__ DAY OF _NOVEMBER2019_, A.D.
- - - - - - TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY LIMITS DRAFTED FROM AERIAL \ \s\s�yq ®®®®®®\IIICIe�I///®7®®
EDGE OF WATER (SEE NOTE #8) �yq ' • PIN: 1961-48-6427 \ \\ 6°° \ \ \ ®®®® O�Y� ... z/ ®®®®
MINOR CONTOUR \\ \Scy a \ `\ scy9 \ ess®0
2605 MAJOR CONTOUR \A \ °�' \ �600 sFHq �° SEAL Docusigned by:
SFHA SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA \ \ `• : `os \ \ sFya /'` `� ' s I �r-
- - GIS PARCEL LINE (NOT SURVEYED) yq a. \ \sRy; �'`lb
�/ °®� ® D965004A7692407...
.. ... � o - -------------------------
WATER SURFACE CONTROL POINT sFy<�Yv °• q \ s ®®®® �® ,�®®� PHILLIP B. KEE, PLS L-4647
BEDROCK 5/8" RBR "WEI" (601) \ \S % `\ nq ®®®A�9��0P 8
GROUND COORDINATES
- CONCRETE N:1165545.11
E: 5545.13' � 2r �/4 • a .. �� � \ \
�., GRAVEL ROADBED ELEV:2611.65' RQ `\ sFyq
NOT TO SCALE (NTS)
PG: PAGE
RBR REBAR
RBC REBAR WITH ID CAP
N.A.V.D. NORTH AMERICAN VERTICAL DATUM (1988)
N.A.D. NORTH AMERICAN DATUM (1983)
SPC STATE PLANE COORDINATES
NGS NATIONAL GEODETIC SURVEY
CONTROL POINT
CONTROL POINT
NGS ROMINGER
RBCC "KEE" (500)
RBCC "KEE" (501)
(PID: DF8595)
STATE PLANE COORDINATES
STATE PLANE COORDINATES
STATE PLANE COORDINATES
N: 917583.65'
N: 916877.71'
N: 917002.65'
E: 1167887.05'
E: 1168495.89'
E: 1169043.83'
ELEV: 2616.09'
ELEV: 2622.21'
ELEV: 2626.14'
CF: 0.99990061
CF: 0.99989975
CF: 0.99989968
PIN.1961-68-2331
• ° 4 \� S,cyq
PIN: 1961-48-6427
n ' \ 2600 \ �605 \
CONTROL POINT s�y9 d
5/8" RBR "WEI" (602)
GROUND COORDINATES
N:918261.15' yv \ sT
E: 1165771.45'
ELEV: 2610.87' sFyq : \` `os
� SFHA � • • � \ \ ST / �
SURVEYOR NOTES:
1. ALL DISTANCES AND COORDINATES ARE GROUND 7. BY GRAPHIC DETERMINATION, A PORTION OF THE \ \a \ \ ` \ \\ a1°s` PIN: 1961 68 4069
MEASUREMENTS IN US SURVEY FEET UNLESS SUBJECT PROPERTY APPEARS TO LIE WITHIN A
OTHERWISE NOTED. SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA (SFHA) AS \ \
2. AREAS CALCULATED BY THE COORDINATE METHOD. DETERMINED BY THE F.E.M.A. MAP# 3710196100J sF�a \s� .d�s°o \ sTyq
3. PROPERTY SUBJECT TO ALL EASEMENTS, RIGHT OF DATED 12/03/09. / yA a �O j96 oho \ \
WAYS AND RESTRICTIONS THAT ARE RECORDED, 8. THE LIMITS OF THIS BATHYMETRIC TOPOGRAPHIC sT �Q js \\ s
UNRECORDED, WRITTEN AND UNWRITTEN. SURVEY ARE DEFINED BY THE EDGE OF WATER `� s• �'/i \` \
ABOVE AND BELOW THE EXISTING DAM. ALL DATA CONTROL POINT99 `\ /
4. WATAUGA COUNTY GIS WEBSITE USED TO IDENTIFY j
ADJOINING PROPERTY OWNERS. SHOWN OUTSIDE OF THE LIMITS ARE FOR / 5/8" RBC "KEE" (303)
GROUND COORDINATES
REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY AND WERE DERIVED \ \
5. UTILITIES WERE LOCATED BASED ON VISIBLE ABOVE FROM THE NC ONEMAP GEOSPATIAL DATA PORTAL, N:918128.70'
GROUND STRUCTURES, THEREFORE THE LOCATION OF E:1165970.28'
UNDERGROUND UTILITIES ARE APPROXIMATE OR MAY
q
NORTH CAROLINA'S ONLINE FLOOD RISK \ \ \ • °. • .4• F,p \ \
BE PRESENT AND NOT SHOWN HEREON. CALL INFORMATION SYSTEM &THE CADASTRAL WEB \ \ ELEV: 2613.68'
MAP OF WATAUGA COUNTY, NC. Q \
1-800-632-4949 BEFORE DIGGING.
6. THE PROFESSIONAL SURVEYOR HAS MADE NO 9. FIELD WORK WAS CONDUCTED BETWEEN THE \
INVESTIGATION OR INDEPENDENT SEARCH FOR DATES OF 10/25/19 AND 11/20/19. PIN: 1961-57-8991 \ s \ \
EASEMENTS, RIGHT OF WAYS, ENCUMBRANCES,
RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS, CORRECT OWNERSHIP \
OR ANY OTHER FACTS THAT AN ACCURATE AND 1 \
CURRENT TITLE SEARCH MAY DISCLOSE. A NC `
LICENSED ATTORNEY SHOULD BE CONSULTED.

:i Nw_.T. ,$
2620
2615
2610
2605
2600
2595
2590
2585
2580
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ff
PLAN VIEW
END OF IMPOUNDMENT ALL `` 4� a
p A0 t.
az
Od
AREA OF MOBILE
SEDIMENT LAYER
LIDAR SURFACE
- REPRESENTS WATER SURFACE
EXTENT
OF
BATHYMETRIC SURVEY -
�l
WARD MILL DAM
II�
BATHYMETRIC SURVEY SURFACE
IL
-I
:-
5
CHANNEL
INVERT DEVELOPED
FROM
FEMA
CROSS -SECTIONS
DEPTH
TO REFUSAL
i
FROM SEDIMENT
SAMPLING
i
\
I EST�M�TED RANGE OF SEDIMENT
BETWEEN
SEDIMIENT
WEDGE
APPROX
1I3,000
CY
FROM DAM TO STATION
479+00
L 6,000 AND 8, 00 CY BASED ONAVERAGE
FROM STATION 476+00 TO 479+00
DEPTH OF MOBILE
ESEDIM SEDIMENT
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2620
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2600
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'

Appendix A

Ward Mill Dam —facing upstream
Downstream of Ward Mill Dam - facing upstream
Sawmill/Gristmill - facing downstream
Ward Mill Dam Powerhouse - facing upstream
Impoundment and Sawmill/Gristmill - facing downstream
Watauga River Impoundment - facing upstream

Rominger Road Bridge — left bank facing river I Upstream Extent of Impoundment - facing downstream
Sediment Probe - Watauga River I Sediment Probe - Watauga River
Subpavement Sample - Watauga River I Ward Mill Dam - high flow conditions
Ward Mill Dam Tier 1 Report
Appendix: Project Site Photographs

Appendix B

Form No: TR-D422-WH-1Ga SIEVE ANALYSIS OF SOILS
Revision No. 1
Revision Date: 8/10/17
ASTM D 422
S&ME, Inc. - Asheville: 44 Buck Shoals Road, Unit C3, Arden, INC 28704
Project #: 3341-20-001 Report Date: 1121120
Project Name: Wards Mill Dam - Lab Testing Test Date(s): 1/16/20 - 1121120
Client Name: Wildlands Engineering, Inc.
Client Address: 167-B Haywood Rd., Asheville, North Carolina 28806
Sample Id. #1 Type: Bulk Sample Date:
Location: Sample: Elevation:
Sample Description: Silty SAND (SM) - Brown, fine sand, some organics / leaves, very wet
� � ' 11�■■■rr�iii� �'!�■�11■■■r■rr11�■■■■■�
11■■■■■■�11■■■■■■Ili
.!I■■�11■■■■■■�
�
11■■■■■■�11■■■■■■�11■■■■■■\III■■■■■■�
11■■■■■■�11■■■■■■�11■■■■■■�11■■■■■■�
Cobbles
< 300 mm (12") and > 75 mm (K)
Fine Sand
< 0.425 mm and > 0.075 mm
Gravel
< 75 mm and > 4.75 mm (#4)
Silt
< 0.075 and > 0.005 mm
Coarse Sand
< 4.75 mm and >2.00 mm (#10)
Clay
< 0.005 mm
Medium Sand
< 2.00 mm and > 0.425 mm (#40)
1 Colloids
I < 0.001 mm
Maximum Particle Size 0.51, Coarse Sand 4.2% Fine Sand 39.8%
Gravel 3.4% Medium Sand 11.3% Silt & Clay 41.3%
Liquid Limit -- Plastic Limit -- Plastic Index --
Specific Gravity -- Cc = * Cu = * Moisture Content --
Coarse Sand 4.2% Medium Sand 11.3% Fine Sand 39.8%
Description of Sand & Gravel Particles: Rounded ❑x Angular ❑x
Hard & Durable ❑x Soft ❑ Weathered & Friable ❑
Notes/Deviations/References: Gravel particles include rounded and angular pieces and small shell pieces.
*Cc and Cu cannot be determined without performing hydrometer analysis.
Christopher Mentch / ��_; /�- L 4--L Staff Professional 1/21/2020
Technical Responsibility `' K/ ' Signature Position Date
This report shall not be reproduced, except in full, without the written approval of S&ME, Inc.
S&ME, Inc. - Corporate 3201 Spring Forest RoadVards Mill Dam - Sample I - #200 Wash Gradation.xlsx
Raleigh, NC. 27616 Page 1 of I

Form No: TR-D422-WH-1Ga SIEVE ANALYSIS OF SOILS
Revision No. 1
Revision Date: 8/10/17
ASTM D 422
S&ME, Inc. - Asheville: 44 Buck Shoals Road, Unit C3, Arden, INC 28704
Project #: 3341-20-001 Report Date: 1121120
Project Name: Wards Mill Dam - Lab Testing Test Date(s): 1/16/20 - 1121120
Client Name: Wildlands Engineering, Inc.
Client Address: 167-B Haywood Rd., Asheville, North Carolina 28806
Sample Id. #2 Type: Bulk Sample Date:
Location: Sample: Elevation:
Sample Description: Silty SAND (SM) - Brown, fine sand, some organics / leaves, very wet
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Cobbles
< 300 mm (12") and > 75 mm (K)
Fine Sand
< 0.425 mm and > 0.075 mm
Gravel
< 75 mm and > 4.75 mm (#4)
Silt
< 0.075 and > 0.005 mm
Coarse Sand
< 4.75 mm and >2.00 mm (#10)
Clay
< 0.005 mm
Medium Sand
< 2.00 mm and > 0.425 mm (#40)
Colloids
< 0.001 mm
Maximum Particle Size 0.51, Coarse Sand 7.9% Fine Sand 35.9%
Gravel 5.5% Medium Sand 10.1% Silt & Clay 40.7%
Liquid Limit -- Plastic Limit -- Plastic Index --
Specific Gravity -- Cc = * Cu = * Moisture Content --
Coarse Sand 7.9% Medium Sand 10.1% Fine Sand 35.9%
Description of Sand & Gravel Particles: Rounded ❑x Angular ❑x
Hard & Durable ❑x Soft ❑ Weathered & Friable ❑
Notes/Deviations/References: Gravel particles include rounded and angular pieces and small shell pieces.
*Cc and Cu cannot be determined without performing hydrometer analysis.
Christopher MentchStaff Professional 1/21/2020
Technical Responsibility Signature Position Date
This report shall not be reproduced, except in full, without the written approval of S&ME, Inc.
S&ME, Inc. - Corporate 3201 Spring Forest RoadVards Mill Dam - Sample 2 - #200 Wash Gradation.xlsx
Raleigh, NC. 27616 Page 1 of I

Form No: TR-D422-WH-1Ga SIEVE ANALYSIS OF SOILS
Revision No. 1
Revision Date: 8/10/17
ASTM D 422
S&ME, Inc. - Asheville: 44 Buck Shoals Road, Unit C3, Arden, INC 28704
Project #: 3341-20-001 Report Date: 1120120
Project Name: Wards Mill Dam - Lab Testing Test Date(s): 1/16/20 - 1120120
Client Name: Wildlands Engineering, Inc.
Client Address: 167-B Haywood Rd., Asheville, North Carolina 28806
Sample Id. #3 Type: Bulk Sample Date:
Location: Sample: Elevation:
Sample Description: Poorly Graded Gravel (GP) - tan, coarse to medium sand
Cobbles
< 300 mm (12") and > 75 mm (K)
Fine Sand
< 0.425 mm and > 0.075 mm
Gravel
< 75 mm and > 4.75 mm (#4)
Silt
< 0.075 and > 0.005 mm
Coarse Sand
< 4.75 mm and >2.00 mm (#10)
Clay
< 0.005 mm
Medium Sand
< 2.00 mm and > 0.425 mm (#40)
Colloids
< 0.001 mm
Maximum Particle Size
1.5" Coarse Sand 12.3% Fine Sand 1.1%
Gravel
62.7% Medium Sand 23.5% Silt & Clay 0.3%
Liquid Limit
-- Plastic Limit -- Plastic Index --
Specific Gravity
-- Cc = 0.865 Cu = 10.400 Moisture Content 0.2%
Coarse Sand
12.3% Medium Sand 23.5% Fine Sand 1.1%
Description of Sand & Gravel Particles: Rounded 0 Angular ❑
Hard & Durable
❑x Soft ❑ Weathered & Friable ❑
Notes / Deviations / References:
Christopher Mentch
A/4 Staff Professional 1/21/2020
Technical Responsibility
Signature Position Date
This report shall not be reproduced, except in full, without the written approval of S&ME, Inc.
S&ME, Inc. - Corporate
3201 Spring Forest RoadVards Mill Dam - Sample 3 - #200 Wash Gradation.xlsx
Raleigh, NC. 27616 Page 1 of I

100%
90%
80%
70%
LL
50%
m
U
L
d
a- 40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
0.01
Wards Mill Dam
Upstream at USGS gage
Subpavement Particle Size Distribution
—o—Subpavement
0.1 1 10 100 1000 10000
Particle Size (mm)
X:\Shared\Projects\005-10007 Wards Mill Dam\Assessment\Sediment\WMD-SIEVE ANALYSIS.xls, Distribution Graph 1/27/2020

100%
90%
80%
70%
c�
U 40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Wards Mill Dam
Upstream at USGS gage
Sieve Analysis Class Distribution
46 ok oo
Particle Size Class (mm)
X:\Shared\Projects\005-10007 Wards Mill Dam\Assessment\Sediment\WMD-SIEVE ANALYSIS.xls, Class Percent Graph 1/27/2020