HomeMy WebLinkAbout19960849 Ver 3_401 Application_20070713COUNTRY C L U B
July 12, 2007
Ms. Cyndi Karoly
~3 q~ - os~kq
Supervisor
Division of Water Quality
401 Oversight & Express Permits Unit
2321 Crabtree Blvd.
Raleigh, NC 27604
Dear Ms. Karoly:
I am leaving the enclosed information for you in preparation for a conversation that we
can hopefully have early next week regarding our application to the Division of Water
Quality so we can relocate our Practice Range to a safer location on our property.
I sent the enclosed letter to your office on May 16, 2007 after a conversation with Ian
McMillan regarding our application. The letter states that my understanding, based on
my conversation with him on May 15, 2007, was that there was no longer a requirement
for us to obtain a permit. The letter goes onto say that if I do not receive correspondence
to the contrary then I will assume that my understanding is correct. The letter was sent to
you with a copy of the latest rendition of our plan; dated 5/13/07. The plan indicates that
.14 acres of wetlands would be impacted. I have highlighted the information for your
benefit.
I have, in the ensuing months, received no correspondence from your office to inform me
of a "miscommunication" or that I was incorrect in my understanding. We now have to
start the entire process over again. I believe that a two month waiting period for your
office to process our "new" application is a substantial and unwarranted penalty for the
Club to have inflicted upon it. Any assistance you might be able to lend us regarding this
matter would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Mike Sp d CCM
General Ma ager
~UL 1 3 2007
n~NR - warEk c~v~irr
twos nrr~ src~.~a~R t
2000 Seven Lakes South Seven Lakes, North Carolina 27376 Telephone; (910) 673-1088
COUNTRY C L U B
May 16, 2007
Ms. Cyndi Karoly
Supervisor
Division of Water Quality
401 Oversight & Express Permits Unit
2321 Crabtree Blvd.
Raleigh, NC 27604
Dear Ms. Karoly:
I am writing as per my conversation yesterday with Ian McMillan regarding our updated
design for the development of our new practice range. I am enclosing a new rendering
which shows that the range tee will now be built outside of the stream bed that we had
previously sought to redirect. It is my understanding that due to this change, we are no
longer required to obtain a permit for this project from the state of North Carolina.
If I do not receive correspondence to the contrary, I will assume that our project is indeed
no longer in need of any approval from your office.
Sincerely,
Mike Spa d CM
General Ma ager
2000 Seven Lakes South Seven Lakes, North Carolina 27376 Telephone: (910) 673-1088
COUNTRY C L U B
v3 q~-°$y9
July 12, 2007
Ms. Cyndi Karoly
Supervisor
Division of Water Quality
401 Oversight & Express Permits Unit
2321 Crabtree Blvd.
Raleigh, NC 27604
Dear Ms. Karoly:
Enclosed please find five updated site maps and applications for the proposed relocation
of our practice range. I am submitting this material to your office because I have just
been informed that the previous information obtained from your office regarding our
application and need for a permit from the Division of Water Quality was incorrect.
Working with Ms. Emily Burton in the Wilmington office of the U. S. Army Corps of
Engineers we have modified our original plan to reduce the amount of wetlands impact
and have now been issued a Nationwide #39 permit.
I appreciate your assistance in updating the material that was previously sent into your
office in our original submittal of February 9, 2007. Please feel free to contact me if any
additional information is required for our application.
Sincerely,
Mike Sp CCM
General ager
DL~C~~~~IC p
JUL 1 ~ ~ppl
DENFi - WHi fir, c;?Lrrelt'1~
WETlANOgN~D 3Tgft#~Vy~~ ~I
2000 Seven Lakes South Seven Lakes, North Carolina 27376 Telephone: (910) 673-1088
Uffice USC Only: Form Version March 0>
USACE Action ID No. DWQ No. Ql l~ - fl $ ~ ~ V 3
/TC __.. __~____~__ _a_~ __ _..• ..~~I:,,..il„ a.. al_:.. ~-,.:._„• _l,_., .,., „~a__ nT.T.,a A__l___it_n __ nT.T/A n
`A u~~~ rw aia. ulua l~~a~~ ~.r Sava ujiY a~vu v~v •v uu.a Ya ~v , Ya..u.av vaai..a A~va i aY~aaw vaa. va a.ir~ .~
I. Processing
I . Check all of the approval(s) requested for this project:
^ Section 404 Permit ^ Riparian or Watershed Buffer Rules
^ ection 10 Permit ^ Isolated Wetland Permit from DWQ --
401 Water Quality Certification ^ Express 401 Water Quality Certification
2. Nationwide, Regional or General Permit Number(s) Requested:. _
3. If this notification is solely a courtesy copy because written approval for the 401 Certification
is not required, check here: ^
4. If payment into the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program (NCEEP) is proposed
for mitigation of impacts, attach the acceptance letter from NCEEP, complete section VIII,
and check here: ^
S_ If your project is located in any of North Carolina's twenty coastal counties (listed on page
4), and the project is within a North Carolina Division o.f Coastal Management Area of
Environmental Concern (see the top of page 2 for further details), check her D ~ ~ ~n/](a
II. Applicant Information ~~::// 1i~s D
JUL 1 ~ 2007
I . Owner/Applicant Information DENR WATER QUAI~TY
Name: 5 Ey ~--~.~ ~ 1 ~ ~ S ~ ~f `i'ce-~ C L-y ~ ~4ETlAND3 ANO ST(~A4YIITER BRANCH
Mailing Address: o`?pOa SE~J6tJ ~-~Arl~-mac S ~r~-cJi~
SEJG1i.~ t-~Pr 1G t S ~N G a'13~n
Telephone Numbe ~0 3-~~$'g Fax Number: ~ ~ 3-7 a'~
E-mail Address: S t- G ~- @ r.1 e.. R,)Z. C.~r•~.
2. Agent/Consultant Information (A signed and dated copy of the Agent Authorization letter
must be attached if the Agent has signatory authority for the owner/applicant.)
Name:
Company Affiliation:
Mailing Address:
Telephone Number:
E-mail Address:
Fax Number:
Pagc 5 of 12
III. Project Information
Attach a vicinity map clearly showing the location of the property with respect to local
landmarks such as towns, rivers, and roads. Also provide a detailed site plan showing property
boundaries and development plans in relation to surrounding properties. Both the vicinity map
and site plan must include a scale and north arrow. The specific footprints of all buildings,
impervious surfaces, or other facilities must be included_ If possible, the maps and plans should
include the appropriate USGS Topographic Quad Map and NRCS Soil Survey with the properly
boundaries outlined. Plan drawings, or other maps may be included at the applicant's discretion,
so long as the property is clearly defined. For administrative and distribution purposes; the
USACE requires information to be submitted on sheets no larger than 11 by 17-inch format; --
however, DWQ may accept paperwork of any size. DWQ prefers full-size construction
drawings rather than a sequential sheet version of the full-size plans. If full-size plans are
reduced to a small scale such that the final version is illegible,~the applicant will be informed that
the project has been placed on hold until decipherable maps are provided_
1. Name of project: SE.~fEtJ I-~K~S r~i~;-r4.~ C Ly~~~'i C~~~i~E
2 T.LP. Project Number or State Project Number (NCDOT Only): ~~A
3 Property Identification Number (Tax PIN) ~~2E ~cwt`i ~1__L~-K__~ ct_G.7 3~
Location
County: ~ ~R.F Nearest Town: ~1U E S i ~-N l~
Subdivision name (include phase lot number): S E3 ~+~ 1.J~1~ES .~~-J
Directions to site (include road numberslnames, landmarks, .etc.): A~~Ptc_C-i.; + ~ ~~-i~+E
BAs; ~;~~ a~ ~ sE~~~~s ~~~:~~-~ e.~~~ c~~~3+-~s~,
~ CA-`Z~ ~ t 3 4 E 1~ E v c N S t-Fi ~ E Av ~- SEV Er.= i-AKE S N C a ~ 3-1 !a
5. Site coordinates (For linear projects, such as a road or utility line, attach a sheet that
separately lists the coordinates for each crossing of a distinct waterbody.~
Decimal Degrees (6 digits minimum):~5° Ilo -3`iy l °N 0~1~( 33-55 ~i'a(o °W
To:A~
6. Property size (acres): ~~ Z-E ~F ~CS~c- ~ - 7< 5 3 ~} C1Z.~ S - C1s 3 --02 S~-r-F
~{-~ 5~~ - s .°ti~ c v t ~ E f-# C-Hi~P~--2 S
7. Name of nearest receiving body of water: O~ L~-~-~ RI v E lZ
8, River Basin: GAL ~ `~A-SZ-.
(Note -this must be one of North Carolina's seventeen designated major river basins. The
River Basin map is available at http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/admin/maps/.)
9. Describe the existing conditions on the site and general land use in the vicinity of the project
at the time of this application: ~~ S ~ ~ 'r s i rJ ~ N f-1--1 ~ E d tL ~ ~ at/~ ct_~-~
(_... cam; r ~ n-w) . i..-r- i 5 .~'D~c CENT 'lb Oi1't~R- DEV t-C - S
F'~ ttC-: CLUt
~~sa~.,•yccs ~~.~ss E.~v~~sh--z-~ f~~t~u~
I'a~c (~ ut 12
10. Describe the overall project in detail, including the type of equipment to be used:
I..EA S ~ J E E ~-! ~"Pt C- t~E~J
11. Explain the purpose of the proposed work:
Pc,~ rases 5~~ ~~ µc-~,.~ ~--
IV. Prior Project History
If jurisdictional detemunations and/or permits have been requested and/or obtained for this
project (including all prior phases of the same subdivision) in the past, please explain. Include
the USACE Action ID Number, DWQ Project Number, application date, and date permits and
certifications were issued or withdrawn. Provide photocopies of previously issued permits,
certifications or other useful information. Describe previously approved wetland, stream and
buffer impacts, along with associated mitigation (where applicable). If this is a NCDOT project,
list and describe permits issued for prior segments of the same T.I.P. project, along with
construction schedules. N /A
V. Future Project Plans
Are any future permit requests anticipated for this project? If so, describe the anticipated work,
and provide justification for the exclusion of this work from the current application.
1y o +- %. 3z. f~~: Z cu ; ~L `3 ~ QE:A V:~ s :~--ice t-~R `~-+ S
VI. Proposed Impacts to Waters of the United States/Waters of ifie State
It is the applicant's (or agent's) responsibility to determine, delineate and map all impacts to
wetlands, open water, and stream channels associated with the project. Each impact must be
listed separately in the tables below (e. g., culvert installation should be listed separately from
riprap dissipater pads). Be sure to indicate if an impact is temporary. All proposed impacts,
permanent and temporary, must be listed, and must be labeled and cleazly identifiable on an
accompanying site plan. All wetlands and waters, and all streams (intermittent and perennial)
should be shown on a delineation map, whether or not impacts are proposed to these systems.
Wetland and stream evaluation and delineation forms should be included as appropriate.
Photographs may be included at the applicant's discretion. If this proposed impact is strictly for
wetland or stream mitigation, list and describe the impact in Section VlII below. If additional
space is needed for listing or description, please attach a separate sheet.
1. Provide a written description of the proposed impacts: l~i~s~ ~~E ~t ~ l ~C~~
Page 7 of ] 2
2. Individually list wetland impacts. Types of impacts include, but are not limited to
mechanized clearing, grading, fill, excavation, flooding, ditching/drainage, etc. For dams,
canaratPly lief im»artc rliiP to h~th structure and flooding.
Wetland Impact
Site Number
(indicate on map)
Type of Impact Type of Wetland
(e.g., forested, marsh,
herbaceous, bog, etc.) Located within
100-year
Floodplain
(yes/no) Distance to
Nearest
Stream
(linear feet) Area of
Impact
(acres)
Lj t.~ N ~ 5cu PrMP ~~-
Ta c-~.
~~
~~~~
Total Wetland Impact (acres) . ~
3. List the total acreage (estimated) of all existing wetlands on the property: I• S ~{
4. Individually list all intermittent and perennial stream impacts. Be sure to identify temporary
impacts. Stream impacts include, but are not limited to placement of fill or culverts, dam
construction, flooding, relocation, stabilization activities (e.g., cement walls, rip-rap, crib
walls, gabions, etc.), excavation, ditching/straighterung, etc. If stream relocation is proposed,
plans and profiles showing the linear footprint for both the original and relocated streams
r,,,,~t hP incl„rtPrl Tn calrnlate arreaQe multinly length X wihih_ then divide by 43.560.
Stream Impact
Number
indicate on ma)
Stream Name
Type of Impact
perennial or
Intermittent? Average
Stream Width
Before Im act Impact
Length
linear feet) Area of
Impact
acres)
Total Stream Impact (by length and acreage)
5. Individually list all open water impacts (including lakes, ponds, estuaries, sounds, Atlantic
Ocean and any other water of the U.S.). Open water impacts include, but are not limited to
fill r>tirravatinn rlrarlvina flnnrlina rlrainane hulkhParls etr.
Open Water Impact
Site Number
(indicate on map) ~ .. v'
Name of Waterbody
(if applicable) v
Type of Impact Type of Waterbody
(lake, pond, estuary, sound, bay,
ocean, etc.) Area of
Impact
(acres)
Total Open Water Impact (acres)
Page K of 12
6. List the cumulative impact to all Waters of the U.5. resulting from the project:
Stream Impact (acres): p
Wetland Impact (acres): ,
en Water Im act acres
Total Impact to Waters of the U. S. (acres) p
Total Stream Im act linear feet
7. Isolated Waters
Do any isolated waters exist on the property? ^ Yes ~ No
Describe all impacts to isolated waters, and include the type of water (wetland or stream) and
the size of the proposed impact (acres or linear feet). Please note that this section only
applies to waters that have specifically been determined to be isolated by the USACE.
Pond Creation ~//-~
If construction of a pond is proposed, associated wetland and stream impacts should be
included above in the wetland and stream impact sections. Also, the proposed pond should
be described here and illustrated on any maps included with this application.
Pond to be created in (check all that apply): ^ uplands ^ stream ^ wetlands
Describe the method of construction (e.g., dam embankment, excavation, installation of
draw-down valve or spillway, etc.)
Proposed use or purpose of pond (e.g., livestock
local stormwater requirement, etc.):
Current land use in the vicinity of the pond:
Size of watershed draining to pond:
VII. Impact Justification (Avoidance and Minimization)
Expected pond surface area:
Specifically describe measures taken to avoid the proposed impacts. It may be useful to provide
information related to site constraints such as topography, building ordinances, accessibility, and
financial viability of the project. The applicant may attach drawings of alternative, lower-impact
site layouts, and explain why these design options were not feasible. Also discuss how impacts
were minimized once the desired site plan was developed. If ap licable, discuss construction
techniques to be followed during construction to reduce impacts. ASr 5 ~ ~
VIII. Mitigation
DWQ - h1 accordance with 15A NCAC 2H .0500, mitigation may be required by the NC
Division of Water Quality for projects involving greater than or equal to one acre of impacts to
freshwater wetlands or greater than or equal to 150 linear feet of total impacts to perennial
streams.
watering, irrigation, aesthetic, trout pond,
}'age 9 of 12
USACE - In accordance with the Final Notice of Issuance and Modification of Nationwide
Permits, published in the Federal Register on January 15, 2042, mitigation. will be required when
necessary to ensure that adverse effects to the aquatic environment are minimal. Factors
including size and type of proposed impact and function and relative value of the impacted
aquatic resource wit! be considered in determining acceptability of appropriate and practicable
mitigation as proposed. Examples of mitigation that may be appropriate and practicable include,
but are not limited to: reducing the size of the protect; establishing and maintaining wetland
and/or upland vegetated buffers to prated open waters such as streams; and replacing losses of
aquatic resource functions and values by creating, restoring, enhancing, or preserving similar `.~
functions and values, preferable in the same watershed.
if mitigation is required for this protect, a Dopy of the rraitigation plan must be attached in order
for USACE or DWQ to consider the application oor~lete for processing Any application
lacking a required mitigation plan or NCEEP concurrence shat! be placed orr hold as incomplete.
An applicant may also goose to review the cturent guidelines for stream restoration in DWQ's
Draft Tet~ical Guide for Stream Work in North Carolina, available at
http://h2o.enr.state.nc. us/ncwetlands/strmeide.html,
Provide a brief description of the proposed mitigation plan. The description should provide
as much inforrnation as possible, including, but not limited to. site location (attach directions
and/or map, if offsite), affected stream and river basin, type and amount (acreage/linear feet)
of mitigation proposed {restoration, enhancement, creation, or preservation), a plan ~zew,
preservation mechanism (e.g., deed restrictions, conservation easement, etc.), and a
description of the current site conditions and proposed method of construction. Please attach
a separate sheet if more space_is needed.
- ~~ ~ _L.1~~iiF cTr'1.t Go
2. Mitigation may also be made by payment into the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement
Program (NCEEP). Please note it is the applicant's responsibility to contact the NCEEP at
{919) 715-04?6 to determine availability, and written approval from the NCEEP indicating
that they are will to accept payment for the mitigation must be attached to this form. For
additivna! information regarding the application process for the NCEEP, check the NCEEP
website at http:i/h2o.enr.state.nc.usiwr~/index.htm If use of the NCEEP is proposed, please
check the appropriate box on page five and provide the following information:
Amount of stream mitigatison requested {linear feet): N~~
Amount of buffer mitigation requested (square feet):
Amount of Riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres):
Amount of Non-riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres):
Amount of Coastal wetland mitigation requested (acres):
PAC ~ t} E7~ ~ 2
IX.
X.
Environmental Documentation (required by DWQ)
Does the project involve an expenditure of public (federal/state/local) funds or the use of
public (federal/state) land? Yes ^ No
2. If yes, does the project require preparation of an environmental document pursuant to the
requirements of the National or North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA)?
Note: If you are not sure whether a NEPA/SEPA document is required, call the SEPA
coordinator at (919) 733-5083 to review current thresholds for environmental documentation. _
Yes ^ No ^ `-
3. If yes, has the document review been finalized by the State Clearinghouse? If so, please
attach a copy of the NEPA or SEPA final approval letter. Yes ^ No ^
Proposed Impacts on Riparian and Watershed Buffers (required by DWQ)
It is the applicant's (or agent's) responsibility to determine, delineate and map all impacts to
required state and local buffers associated with the project. The applicant must also provide
justification for these impacts in Section VII above. All proposed impacts must be listed herein,
and must be clearly identifiable on the accompanying site plan. All buffers must be shown on a
map, whether or not impacts are proposed to the buffers. Correspondence from the DWQ
Regional Office may be included as appropriate- Photographs may also be included at the
applicant's discretion.
1. Will the project impact protected riparian buffers identified within 15A NCAC 2B .0233
(Meuse), 15A I~AC 2B _0259 ~'ar-Pamlico), -15A-NCAC ~2B .0?.43 :(Catawba) 15A-NCAC
2B .0250 (Randleman Rules and Water Supply Buffer Requirements), or other (please
identify )? Yes ^ No
2. If "yes", identify the square feet and acreage of impact to each zone of the riparian buffers.
If buffer mitigation is required calculate the required amount of mitigation by applying the
buffer multialiers.
--
Impact Required
Zone* Multiplier
3 (2 for Catawba)
1.5
Total
* Zone 1 extends out 30 feet perpendicc
additional 20 feet from the edge of Zone I.
the top of the near bank of channel; Zone 2 extends an
3. If buffer mitigation is required, please discuss what type of mitigation is proposed (i.e.,
Donation of Property, Riparian Buffer Restoration /Enhancement, or Payment into the
Riparian Buffer Restoration Fund). Please attach all appropriate information as identified
within 15A NCAC 2B .0242 or .0244, or .0260. ~/~ -
Page 11 of 12
XI. Stormwater (required by DWQ}
Describe impervious acreage (existing and proposed} versus total acreage on the site. Discuss
stormwater corrtrols proposed in order to protect surface waters and wetlands downstream from
the property. If percent impervious surf exceeds 20%, please provide calculations
demonstrating total proposed impervious level. ~ ~ pct;.. T
XII. Sewage Disposal (required by DWQ)
Clearly detail the ultimate treatment methods and disposition (non-discharge or discharge) of
wastewater generated from the proposed project, or available capacity of the subject facility.
XIII. V~latians (required by DWQ)
Is this site in violation of DWQ Wetland Rules (i5A NCAC 2H .OSOQ} or any Buffer Rules?
Yes ^ No
Is this anafter-the-fact permit application? Yes ^ No
XIV. Cumula#ive Impacts (required by DWQ)
Will this project (based on past and reasonably anticipated fixture impacts) result rn di ~onal
development, which could impact nearby downstream water quality? Yes ^ No~
If yes, please submit a qualitative or quantitative cumulative rmpact analysis in accordance wrth
the most recent North Carolina Division of Water Quality policy posted on our website at
http://h2o.enr. state.nc. us/ncwetlands. If no, please provide a short narrative description: 5~~...
XV. Other Circumstances (Optional):
It is the applicant's responsibility to submit the application sufficiently in advance of desired
construetion dates to allow processing time for these permits. However, an applicant may
choose to list constraints associated with construction or sequencing that may impose limits on
work schedules (e.g., draw-down schedules far lakes, dates associated with Endangered and
Threatened Species, accessibility problems, or other issues outside of the applicant's control).
`7
`'"""+A~~cantlAg r' Signature ~D;
(Agent's e is vale only if an authorization letter from the applrc t rs
Page I2 of 12
ATTAHCMENTS FOR U.S. ARMY
CORPS OF ENGINEERS NATIONWIDE 39 PERMIT
AND NC DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
III. PROJECT INFORMATION
10) The project will begin with logging equipment being brought into the site to clear
7.53 of the 9.3 acres. Once the site has been cleared, earthmoving equipment will be
introduced to shape and contour the space to accommodate the creation of a practice
range 100 yards wide and 200 yards long which will be surrounded by a 25 foot deep
protective barrier of existing mature trees. A small stream in the existing wetlands area
will not be impacted. The range area will then be sprigged while the tee will be sodded
with a hybrid 419 Bermuda turfgrass. This turf is ideal for this application due to its
drought tolerance, thus reducing water requirements and also because of its resistance to
insect infestation, thus reducing the need for pesticide applications. Poles and protective
netting at a height of fifty-five feet will be installed at the top of the range to control
longer shots.
11) The purpose of this project is to build a new practice range for the Club members and
their guests to eliminate a public safety issue that exists with the current practice range
which is parallel to Seven Lakes Drive. The safety issue that exists with the current
practice range is the ongoing damage that occurs when errant golf balls leave the
boundaries of the range which is only 35 yards wide and enter East Devonshire Drive,
Seven Lakes Drive or the homes that are on the other side of Seven Lakes Drive. In the
past these errant shots have resulted in broken windshields and broken windows. In
relocating the range, it is our intention to eliminate not only these occurrences but the
potential harm that might occur if an errant shot hit a car and caused a major traffic
accident on an ever increasingly busy Seven Lakes Drive or hit a resident in one of the
homes across from the range that back up to Seven Lakes Drive. The Club has
incorporated the following elements into the design of the proposal for the new range.
First, the range will be approximately one hundred yards wide, nearly three times the
width of the current practice range. This in itself will be of tremendous assistance in
containing practice shots within the boundaries of the range. Second, the tee area has
been located at the eastern side of the site. This will result in shots being hit uphill into a
slope that incorporates an increase of elevation of sixty feet from the tee to the end of the
range, two hundred yards away. Third, the Club will be installing protective netting at a
height of fifty-five feet at the top of the range to control longer shots. The protective
netting will be similar to the netting installed at Mid-Pines Resort along Midland Road
and more recently at the Country Club of North Carolina's practice range. Lastly, the
entire practice range will be surrounded by a twenty-five foot protective barrier of
existing mature trees. These design elements will address the safety issues that exist with
the current practice range and the ongoing damage that occurs when errant golf balls
leave the boundaries of the existing range.
VI. PROPOSED IMPACTS
The proposed impacts to the existing wetlands area will result in .14 of the 1.54 acres
being affected to facilitate theconstruction of the practice tee. The type of material to be
used will be a mixture of native soil and imported topsoil. The total fill requirement will
be approximately 3,000 cubic yards.
VII. IMPACT JUSTIFICATION
Regarding the issue of avoidance and minimization, there is no other Club owned
property that could be used as a new site for a practice range. As far as addressing the
safety issues with the current range with safety netting, our research into this option
proved it to be impractical and not possible. Based on golf ball flight characteristics
proved to us by industry experts, we would have to erect netting on both sides of the
range at a minimum height of 120 feet to contain errant shots. In addition to the height,
there are utility lines that run along Seven Lakes Drive that would require the poles for
the netting to be placed at least 15 feet inside the existing utility poles. The impact of this
requirement would be to reduce the width of the range from its current 35 yards to a
width that, with netting on both sides, would resemble a batting cage or bowling alley.
This option was reviewed in the past when the Club previously applied for and was
granted a Nationwide Permit for this same site and the community deemed the poles and
netting to be unsightly, unacceptable and a detriment to property values.
Concerning the efforts to minimize losses of waters, the architect has limited the required
clearing in the wetlands area to 1.12 of the 1.54 acres. The Club and our architect
examined a number of tee placement options before coming to the conclusion that a tee in
any other location would not deliver the same degree of protection as the proposed site
does. The first factor to consider is that the tee maximizes the benefit of the topography
of the site. Hitting balls uphill will effectively increase the protective properties of the
netting at the top of the range. The elevation of the proposed tee site is 535 feet while the
elevation at the top of the range is 585 feet. The 50 foot increase in elevation has the
effect of doubling the height of the safety netting and shortening the effective length of a
shot in comparison to a shot hit on level ground. According to golf ball trajectory data
supplied by practice range design firms, protective netting would need to be at a
minimum height of 82 feet to provide adequate protection for a shot of 250 yards in
length. While the overall length of the range is far from the ideal length of 300 yards, the
increase in elevation and the height of the netting will be able to provide an acceptable
practice environment for the average country club member. Moving the tee north to
escape the wetlands area and the intermittent stream will diminish the numerous built in
safety features of the current design. To begin with, the protection provided by the
change in elevation in the current design would be negated. The elevation in the area to
the north of the current site that would be outside of the wetlands is approximately 545
feet. Shots would then be landing at the back of a differently aligned range at an
elevation of 565 feet. This alignment would yield only a 20 foot elevation gain as
opposed to the far greater 50 foot gain built into the design. Additionally, this alignment
would not provide us with a safe width for the range. In his book, Golf Course
Architecture, Dr. Michael J. Hurdzan cites data that indicates that 92% of golf shots fall
within 15 degrees on either side of the intended line of play to a specific aiming point.
This information supports additional golf ball trajectory studies which establish a width
of 110 yards as an acceptable width for a practice range to enable it to contain errant
shots. A narrower landing area would bring the adjoining road and residential lots into
harms way. The very risks that we are attempting to eliminate by relocating our practice
range.
Regarding the size of the tee space itself and the need for the 12,000 square feet of space,
I submit the following. In the July/August 2005 edition of the United States Golf
Association Green Section Record, an article written by David A Oatis, titled Building a
New Driving Range Tee? states that "the typical private course needs at least one acre
and preferably two acres of usable tee space" on a practice range tee. While it may seem
large, our 12,000 square feet represent only 27.5% of his minimum requirement. This
amount of space is required to not only allow for an appropriate number of players to use
the range at any given time but also for agronomic reasons as well. To maintain healthy
turf on the tee regular movement of the practice stations is vital. The greatest amount of
recovery from a single divot in Bermuda turf is achieved through lateral growth. If
proper rotation and movement of the stations is not possible, the divots become
concentrated. Divots that are too close together nearly eliminate the percentage of
recovery that could come from lateral regrowth resulting in thin turf, increased recovery
time and weaker turf that is more susceptible to wear injury. Spreading out the divots
and moving the stations frequently allows for play to return to a given area much sooner
because less of the thatch layer is removed. The turf retains more resiliency and stability
as well as being able to handle traffic better during recovery and after turf cover is
restored. Mr. Oatis states that "insufficient space is usually the single biggest limiting
factor in driving range tee quality... bigger is most certainly better, so make your new tee
as big as possible."
XI. STORMWATER
Currently there is no impervious acreage on the site. The project will require only a
minimal amount of impervious surface to be created. An asphalt cart path is included in
the design which will be approximately 650 feet long by 12 feet wide for a total of 7,800
square feet. In addition, there will be a 35 foot square golf cart parking area which will
add another 1,225 square feet, for a total of 10,025 square feet of impervious space. This
total represents approximately .23 of an acre. The total represents a mere 2% of the total
acreage of the site which is 9.3 acres. The plan also includes a series of three catch
basins which will feed into a sediment basin at the south side of the site to control
stormwater runoff.