ScopingDocs_20200615

Division of Water Quality
Asheville Regional Office
Surface Water Protection Section
July 22,2013
Memorandum
To: Lyn Hardison,Environmental Coordinator
From: Susan A. Wilson,Environmental Engineer
Subject: Ford Street Area Water and Sewer Line Replacement
Town of Robbinsville
NCDENR Project 13-0493
Graham County
The Town of Robbinsville is proposing to replace outdated water and sewer lines along Ford Street in
Graham County.
The following concerns may,or will likely,need to be addressed:
1. NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit NCGO10000—This permit is issued concurrently with
an approved Sediment and Erosion Control plan to control stormwater discharges during
construction activities. If the proposed project will disturb greater than one acre, an NCGO10000
permit is required.
2. 401 Water Quality Certification—If a 404 permit is required by the Army Corp of Engineers,a
401 Water Quality Certification is necessary. Depending on the amount of impact to a stream,
open waters, and/or wetland—written concurrence from this office may be required. From the
map included with the documentation, it does not appear that surface waters will be impacted
with the replacement lines; however,the Town's consultants should confirm this.
3. The Town and/or its consultant should ensure that the sewer line replacement is properly
permitted through the Division of Water Quality and meet the minimum design criteria.
Likewise,the Town should contact Public Water Supply to ensure the replacement water supply
lines are properly permitted.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Please contact me at(828)296-4665 or
susan.a.wilson a,ncdner.gov should you have any questions regarding this memo.
cc: ARO files
SASWP\Graham\Z-Loose Docs\A95s-EAs-Scoping docs\Raw Water Intake Santeetlah.2 2012.doc

Division of Water Quality
Asheville Regional Office
Surface Water Protection Section
June 10,2013
Memorandum
To: Lyn Hardison, Environmental Coordinator
From: Susan A. Wilson,Environmental Engineer
Subject: Cheoah Ranger District—Nantahala National Forest—Forest Road Expansion
Scoping Comments
Project No. : 13-0427
Graham County
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians(ECBI)proposes to expand the width of Forest Road 385 and
385A by 25 feet from center on either side. The Forest Road is located in the Cheoah Ranger District of
the Nantahala National Forest, Graham County. The comments below are similar to the comments offered
in May2011.
Based on the minimal project information provided,the following concerns may need to be addressed:
l. NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit NCGO 10000—This permit is issued concurrently with
an approved Sediment and Erosion Control plan to control stormwater discharges from
construction activities. If greater than one acre is disturbed(and an approved Erosion and
Sediment Control Plan is required by the Division of Land Resources or a delegated program), a
NCGO10000 is required.
2. 401 Water Quality Certification—Depending on the amount of impact to a stream and/or wetland
—a 401 permit from this office may be required. [The Forest Service should also confirm if a 404
permit is necessary from the Army Corp of Engineers].
These concerns are dependent on the owner/holder of the property(if EBCI held, state regulatory
authority may not be applicable).
Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Please contact me at(828)296-4665 or
susan.a.wilson@,ncdner.g_ov should you have any questions regarding this memo.
cc: ARO file
S:\SWP\Graham\Z-Loose Docs\A95s-EAs-Scoping docs\Cheoah Ranger Dist-Nant.EBCI road widening.6 2013.doc

Division of Water Quality
Asheville Regional Office
Surface Water Protection Section
May 28, 2013
Memorandum
To: Environmental Coordinator,DENR
From: Susan A. Wilson,Environmental Engineer
*,
Subject: Cheoah Ranger District—Franks Creek Project
Project No. : 13-0422
Graham County
The Forest Service proposes various land and vegetation management in Cheoah Ranger District of the
Nantahala National Forest, Graham County [Franks Creek Project]. DWQ/ARO offered comments on
this project in November 2013 and has no additional comments from those(listed again below).
The Division of Water Quality has the following concerns:
1. The USDA should ensure that all Forestry Practice Guidelines are met/maintained during and
after completion of the project, so that sediment due to exposed soils does not enter surface
waters.
2. 401 Water Quality Certification—If a 404 permit is required by the Army Corp of Engineers
(ACOE), a 401 Water Quality Certification is necessary. From review of the document, it
appears that a portion of Bear Creek will be restored,with structures added,which may require
approval through both agencies.
3. NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit NCGO10000—This permit is issued concurrently with
an approved Sediment and Erosion Control plan to control stormwater discharges from
construction activities. If the proposed project will disturb greater than one acre, an NCGO 10000
permit is required.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Please contact me at(828)296-4665 or
susan.a.wilson a,ncdner.gov should you have any questions regarding this memo.
cc: ARO file
S:\SWP\Graham\Z-Loose Docs\A95s-EAs-Scoping docs\Cheoah Ranger Dist-Franks Creek Project Alt B FONSI.5 2013.doc

Division of Water Quality
Asheville Regional Office
Surface Water Protection Section
December 14, 2012
Memorandum
To: Environmental Coordinator
From: Susan A. Wilson, Environmental Engineer
Subject: Cheoah Ranger District—Limestone Addition- Santeetlah
Scoping Environmental Review Comments
Graham County
The Forest Service proposes to introduce limestone sand/gravel in the Cheoah Ranger District of the
Nantahala National Forest, Graham County [upper Santeetlah Watershed] to restore habitat for brook
trout.
Based on the project information provided,the following concerns may need to be addressed:
1. Limestone sand/gravel addition—the Forest Service should investigate the need for a 404 permit
from the Army Corp of Engineers. Likely,the Forest Service may only need to go through the
Corp for permitting this relatively small impact(and not require written concurrence from the
Division of Water Quality).
2. Final Report—the Division of Water Quality requests that the final report(including results of
quarterly monitoring),be submitted to the Asheville Regional Office after completion of the
project.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Please contact me at(828)296-4665 or
susan.a.wilsoii@,ncdner.gov should you have any questions regarding this memo.
cc: ARO file
S:\SWP\Graham\Z-Loose Docs\A95s-EAs-Scoping docs\Cheoah Ranger Dist-Limestone Addn.12 2012.doc

SDI United States Forest National.Forests in North Carolina 10.70 Massey Branch Road
I Department of Servic n'tahala National Forest Robbinsville,NC 25771 t.
4 ricutture �h Ranger District 828-479-6431
° DEC 20� 61 File Code: 1950-1
^- Date: November 13,?0:1?1 _
ZZt .
00A
Dear Forest User: GL,6` B' � ��v
This letter is part of the scoping and public involvement phase for a proposal to complete watershed
improvement project on the Yreaali�Raii ®�su�zct. `altit at-iolaal F--o7-est, GFaha�� Caurz
North Carolina. We are analyzing th�e'potential effects of this project and invite questions and
comments-at this time:
The Forest, Service is proposing to introduce IitnesCorz a a e irI sarkze heael�vacet=streams o,
h. pp ��teetlah ateBsYl t-ocA tore v ater c ra ityraf ts�vo area s� �r s ti pert. p� alaclri;an
brK rroU01P•This watershed historically supported healthy populations of native brook trout, but due
to stream acidification and other factors,populations are either low or non-existent. Liming these
i
streams would cause the chemical characteristics to return to a normal level, allowing fish and
aquatic communities to recover. This effect is expected to last 3 to 7 years. Information gained from i
this project-would prepare Forest biologists to make future decisions for brook trout restoration..
e
The project ,vould`include the placement of limestone sand/gravel in.the stream. or within the � N�
stream bank full.channel utilizing existing roads at stream crossings. Monitoring of;stream
chemistry would occur „ artser �>�du ar�g srot�aante eats Additionall}t, biological monitoring(fish;,
salamanders, aquatic invertebrates, and in-stream plants) would occur at both treatment sites and' ,��
one control site. vvM���
We welcome your involvement in this decision. If you have questions about this project,Olease.
contact Jason Farmer at the Cheoah Ranger District at 828-479-6431 ex t 4101. Following the.
comment period, I will be publishing a decision.for the project. Please make your comments as.
specific as possible and you must provide the following information: (1) your name and address; (2)
title of the proposed action; (3) specific substantive comments on the proposed action.,along with
supporting reasons that I should consider in reaching a decision; and (4) your si`7natute or other
means of identification verification. For organizations, a signature or other means of Identification 60*
1.
verification must be provided for the individual authorized to represent your-organization. fotL
�� ..
}
Ln accordance with 36 CFR 215.6(2)(4),comments must be postmarked or received within 30 days beginning
the day after publication of this notice.in 777e Graham Star. Oral or hand-delivered comments must be
received w'lth�in our normal business hours of 8:00 a.m.,to 4:30 p;m. Comments may�be mailed electronically,
inn common digital format,to: comments-southern north-carolina-nantahala-tusquitee0fs.fed..us;or by
regular mail to: Cheoah Ranger'District, 1070 l ssey Branch Road. Robbins,,--il le.,NC=8771. er fl A.,6.d w
828-479-.67.84. . . ...
Sincerely, r _, DIF
5 �a
Lauren Stull' tom' %ham
District.Ranger
'0� 5 co-'
Caren-[or the 1 arid.and-Jcr•vine 1''e0�le Pt don F- vue^�upE.
I _

Division of Water Quality
Asheville Regional Office
Surface Water Protection Section
November 9, 2012
Memorandum
To: Environmental Coordinator,DENR
From: Susan A. Wilson,Environmental Engineer
Subject: Cheoah Ranger District—Franks Creek Project
Environmental Review Comments
Project No. : 13-0122
Graham County .
The Forest Service proposes various land and vegetation management in Cheoah Ranger District of the
Nantahala National Forest, Graham County [Franks Creek Project].
The Division of Water Quality has the following concern:
1. The USDA should ensure that all Forestry Practice Guidelines are met/maintained during and
after completion of the project, so that sediment due to exposed soils does not enter surface
waters.
2. 401 Water Quality Certification—If a 404 permit is required by the Army Corp of Engineers
(ACOE),a 401 Water Quality Certification is necessary. From review of the document, it
appears that a portion of Bear Creek will be restored, with structures added,which may require
approval through both agencies. The creation of vernal ponds may impact existing wetland areas,
which also may require approval through the ACOE and DWQ.
3. NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit NCGO10000—This permit is issued concurrently with
an approved Sediment and Erosion Control plan to control stormwater discharges from
construction activities. If the proposed project will disturb greater than one acre, an NCGO10000
permit is required.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Please contact me at(828) 296-4665 or
susan.a.wilson�ncdner.gov should you have any questions regarding this memo.
cc: ARO file
S:\SWP\Graham\Z-Loose Docs\A95s-EAs-Scoping docs\Cheoah Ranger Dist-Franks Creek Project.I 12012.doc

Division of Water Quality
Asheville Regional Office
Surface Water Protection Section
July 26, 2012
Memorandum
To: Ms. Melba McGee, Environmental Coordinator
From: Susan A. Wilson, Environmental Enginee A1-----
Subject: Cheoah Ranger District—Nantahala National Forest
Fiber Optic Cable
NCDENR Project No. 13-0013
Environmental Review Comments
Graham County
The Forest Service is proposing to grant special use authorization for installation of a fiber optic cable
network along existing roads and rights-of-way in the Cheoah Ranger District, Graham County.
The following concerns may, or will likely, need to be addressed:
1. NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit NCGO 10000—This permit is issued concurrently with
an approved Sediment and Erosion Control plan to control stormwater discharges from
construction activities. The proposed project will likely disturb greater than one acre, so an
NCGO10000 permit is required.
If an approved Sediment and Erosion Control Plan is not required,the Forest Service and/or its
agents should ensure that sediment is not lost to surface waters during and after construction
activities.
2. 4.01 Water Quality Certification— If a 404 permit is required by the Army Corp of Engineers, a
401 Water Quality Certification is necessary. Depending on the amount of impact to streams
and/or wetlands along the proposed routes—written concurrence from this office may be
required.
The document indicates directional boring under riparian areas— in which case there should be no
temporary or permanent impact to surface waters.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Please contact me at(828)296-4665 or
susan.a.wilsongncdner.gov should you have any questions regarding this memo.
cc: ARO files
SAS WP\Graham\Z-Loose Docs\A95s-EAs-Scoping docs\Cheoah Ranger Dist-Proposed Fiber Optic.7 2012.doe

Division of Water Quality
Asheville Regional Office
Surface Water Protection Section
July 25, 2012
Memorandum
To: Melba McGee, Environmental Coordinator
From: Susan A. Wilson, Environmental Engineer
Subject: Cheoah Ranger District—Trail Projects
Environmental Review Comments
Project No. : 13-0018
Graham County
The Forest Service proposes three trail improvement projects in Cheoah Ranger District of the Nantahala
National Forest, Graham County [Benton Mackaye Trail Bridge Replacement, Grassy Gap
Relocation/AT, Massey Branch Fitness Trail Connector].
Based on the project information provided, the following concerns may need to be addressed:
l. NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit NCG010000—This permit is issued concurrently with
an approved Sediment and Erosion Control plan to control stormwater discharges from
construction activities. If greater than one acre is disturbed (and an approved Erosion and
Sediment Control Plan is required by the Division of Land Resources or a delegated program), an
NCGO10000 is required.
If an approved Sediment and Erosion Control Plan is not required,the Forest Service and/or its
agents should ensure that sediment is not lost to surface waters during and after trail construction
activities.
2. Trail Bridge Replacement—if no bridge footers (or structures) are placed in waters or located
below the ordinary high water mark, likely no 404 authorization will be required by the Army
Corp of Engineers (and no corresponding 401 Certification from the Division of Water Quality).
Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Please contact me at(828)296-4665 or
susan.a.wilson�i?ncdner.�,ov should you have any questions regarding this memo.
cc: ARO file
S:\SWP\Graham\Z-Loose Docs\A95s-EAs-Scoping docs\Cheoah Ranger Dist-Trail Projects.7 2012.doc

Division of Water Quality
Asheville Regional Office
Surface Water Protection Section
February 24, 2012
Memorandum
To: Melba McGee,Environmental Coordinator
From: Susan A. Wilson, Environmental Enginee
Subject: Raw Water Intake at Santeetlah Lake
NCDENR Project 1564
Draft Environmental Review Comments
Graham County
The Town of Robbinsville is proposing to place a raw water intake and pump station, along with
associated infrastructure, at Santeetlah Lake in Graham County. The raw water will then be pumped to
Robbinsville's Talulah Creek WTP.
Santeetlah Lake is currently classified as a B—Trout water body(Stream Index No. 2-190-(5)) in the
Little Tennessee River Basin.
The following concerns may, or will likely, need to be addressed:
1. Reclassification to Water Supply Watershed—Santeetlah Lake must be reclassified by the
Division of Water Quality in order to serve as a public water supply. Please contact Elizabeth
Kountis of the Division's Planning Section at(919) 807-6418 to obtain more information
regarding the process and timeline for reclassification.
2. 401 Water Quality Certification—If a 404 permit is required by the Army Corp of Engineers, a
401 Water Quality Certification is necessary. Depending on the amount of impact to a stream,
open waters, and/or wetland—written concurrence from this office may be required. Depending
on the type of Certification required, stormwater management may be necessary.
3. NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit NCGO 10000—This permit is issued concurrently with
an approved Sediment and Erosion Control plan to control stormwater discharges during
construction activities. If the proposed project will disturb greater than one acre,`an NCGO 10000
permit is required. Turbidity impacts should be minimized during construction(and construction
of the intake should take place during lake drawdown, if feasible).

Santeetlah Lake Intake
February 23,2012
Page 2 of 2
4. Trout buffer—Santeetlah Lake is classified as a B Trout water body. The Town and/or its
consultant should contact NC Division of Land Resources to determine if a Trout buffer waiver
may be necessary for the project.
5. Water Treatment Plant Capacity—the current proposal appears to have the raw water intake
pumped to the existing Talulah Creek Water Treatment Plant(WTP),which has a capacity of 0.4
MGD. Without expansion of the WTP,the Division is unsure if this is a viable long term
solution. The Town and/or its consultants should seek guidance from the Public Water Supply
Section regarding this matter.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Please contact me at(828)296-4665 or
susan.a.wilsonnncdtier.gov should you have any questions regarding this memo.
cc: ARO files
PWS—Buddy Melton
S:\SWP\Graham\Z-Loose DocAA95s-EAs-Scoping docs\Raw Water Intake Santeetlah.2 2012.doc

Division of Water Quality
Asheville Regional Office
Surface Water Protection Section
January 17,2012
Memorandum
To: Melba McGee,Environmental Coordinator
G
�Z 1.C!1.
From: Susan A. Wilson,Environmental Engineer .*,'
Subject: Cheoah Ranger District—Nantahala National Forest—Prescribed Burn
Environmental Review Record Comments
Project No. : 12-0167
Graham County
The Cheoah Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest proposes to perform a prescribed burn in
Graham County(Ledbetter 1,Mud Cut, and Town Branch).
The Division of Water Quality has the following concern:
1. The USDA should ensure that all Forestry Practice Guidelines are met/maintained during and
after completion of the prescribed burn, so that sediment due to exposed soils does not enter
surface waters.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Please contact me at(828)296-4665 or
[e-mail] should you have any questions regarding this memo.
cc: ARO file
S:\SWP\Graham\Z-Loose Docs\A95s-EAs-Scoping docs\Cheoah Ranger Dist-Pisgah Natl Forest.Prescribed Burn 12 0167.1
2012.doc

Division of Water. Quality
Asheville Regional Office
Surface Water Protection Section
December 23, 2011
Memorandum
To: Melba McGee,Environmental Coordinator
NC DENR
From: Susan A. Wilson,Environmental Engineer
Subject: Graham County Senior Center
CDBG Environmental Review Comments
Graham County
Graham County proposes to construct a Senior Center at 205 West Fort Hills in Robbinsville. The site
location has been modified from the original location to avoid an underground storage tank nearby.
The following concerns may, or will likely,need to be addressed:
1. NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit NCGO10000—This permit is issued concurrently with
an approved Sediment and Erosion Control plan to control stormwater discharges from
construction activities. If the proposed project will disturb greater than one acre,an NCGO 10000
permit is required.
2. 401 Water Quality Certification—If a 404 permit is required by the Army Corp of Engineers, a
401 Water Quality Certification is necessary. Depending on the amount of impact to a stream
and/or wetland—written concurrence from this office may be required. Based on the information
provided, it does not appear that jurisdictional'waters or wetlands will be disturbed—this should
be confirmed prior to impacts to the site.
During site grading should petroleum products be detected,please contact the Department's Underground
Storage Tank Section(for the Asheville Regional Office, [phone]).
Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Please contact me at(828)296-4665 or
[e-mail] should you have,any questions-regarding this memo.
cc: ARO files
SASWP\Graham\Z-Loose Docs\A95s-EAs-Scoping docs\Graham Co Sr Center.12 201 Ldoc

Division of Water Quality
Asheville Regional Office
Surface Water Protection Section
August 16, 2011
Memorandum
To: Melba McGee,Environmental Coordinator
From: Susan A. Wilson,Environmental Engineer
Subject: Cheoah Ranger District—Nantahala National Forest/USDA
EBCI—Snowbird Youth Center Project
Environmental Review Comments
Project No. : 12-0031
Graham County
The Forest Service proposes to grant a Special Use Authorization to the Eastern Band of Cherokee
Indians(EBCI)for a youth center on approximately 20 acres. The Snowbird Youth Center will be located
in the Cheoah Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest, Graham County.
Based on the project information provided,the following concerns may need to be addressed:
1. NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit NCGO 10000—This permit is issued concurrently with
an approved Sediment and Erosion Control plan to control stormwater discharges from
construction activities. If greater than one acre is disturbed(and an approved Erosion and
Sediment Control Plan is required by the Division of Land Resources or a delegated program), a
NCG010000 is required. The USDA and EBCI should also be aware that Santeetlah Lake
(Stream Index 2-190-(5)) is a Class B,Trout water body. Massey Branch(and its unnamed
tributaries, Stream Index 2-190-7) is a Class C water body.
2. 401 Water Quality Certification—Depending on the amount of impact to a stream and/or wetland
—a 401 permit from this office may be required. [The Forest Service should also confirm if a 404
permit is necessary from the Army Corp of Engineers]. Depending on the type of 404 permit
issued by the Army Corp of Engineers, a Stormwater Management Plan may be required through
the General Certification issued by the DWQ. Potentially, if the project is greater than or equal to
24% impervious surface, stormwater BMPs will be required. Vegetated setbacks of 30 feet
would also be required.
These concerns are dependent on the owner/holder of the property(if EBCI held, state regulatory
authority may not be applicable) and the actions required by the Army Corp of Engineers.
Therefore,DWQ cannot at this time definitively state the conditions that may be required.

Nantahala National Forest
Snowbird Youth Center—EBCI
Graham County
Page 2 of 2
3. Wastewater Disposal—It is unclear from the project what method of wastewater disposal will be
provided. If discharge of treated wastewater will be proposed, an NPDES Permit from the DWQ
is required. If spray or drip irrigation is proposed, a Water Quality permit is required from the
DWQ's Aquifer Protection Section. If septage disposal is proposed,the local County Health
Department should be contacted.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Please contact me at(828)296-4665 or
[e-mail] should you have any questions regarding this memo.
cc: ARO file
S:\SWP\Graham\Z-Loose DocAA95s-EAs-Scoping dots\Cheoah Ranger Dist-Nant.EBCI Snowbird Youth Center.8 201 Ldoc

i
i
i
Division of Water Quality
Asheville Regional Office
Surface Water Protection Section
January 31, 2011
Memorandum
To: Melba McGee, Environmental Coordinator
From: Susan A. Wilson,Environmental Engineer
Subject: Cheoah Ranger District—Nantahala National Forest—Prescribed Burn
Environmental Review Record Comments
Project No. : 11-0176
Graham County
The Cheoah Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest proposes to perform a prescribed burn in
Graham County(Fishtrap burn and Old Roughy burn).
The Division of Water Quality has the following concern:
1. The USDA should ensure that all Forestry Practice Guidelines are met/maintained during and
after completion of the prescribed burn, so that sediment due to exposed soils does not enter
surface waters.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Please contact me at(828)296-4665 or
[e-mail] should you have any questions regarding this memo.
cc: ARO file
S:\SWP\Graham\Z-Loose Docs\A95s-EAs-Scoping docs\Cheoah Ranger Dist-Pisgah Natl Forest.Prescribed Bum.1 2011.doc

Division of Water Quality
Asheville Regional Office
Surface Water Protection Section
May 9, 2011
Memorandum
To: Melba McGee, Environmental Coordinator
From: Susan A. Wilson, Environmental Engineer
Subject: Cheoah Ranger District—Nantahala National Forest—Forest Road Expansion
Environmental Review Comments
Project No. : 11-0256
Graham County
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians(ECBI)proposes to expand the width of Forest Road 385 and
385A by 25 feet on either side. The Forest Road is located in the Cheoah Ranger District of the
Nantahala National Forest, Graham County.
Based on the minimal project information provided,the following concerns may need to be addressed:
1. NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit NCGO 10000—This permit is issued concurrently with
an approved Sediment and Erosion Control plan to control stormwater discharges from
construction activities. If greater than one acre is disturbed(and an approved Erosion and
Sediment Control Plan is required by the Division of Land Resources or a delegated program), a
NCGO10000 is required.
2. 401 Water Quality Certification—Depending on the amount of impact to a stream and/or wetland
—a 401 permit from this office may be required. [The Forest Service should also confirm if a 404
permit is necessary from the Army Corp of Engineers].
These concerns are dependent on the owner/holder of the property(if ECBI held state regulatory authority
may not be applicable).
Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Please contact me at(828)296-4665 or
[e-mail] should you have any questions regarding this memo.
S:\SWP\Graham\Z-Loose Docs\A95s-EAs-Scoping docs\Cheoah Ranger Dist-Nant.EBCI road widening.5 201 Ldoc