20220049 Ver 1_Approval Letter_20220127

SENT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ONLY: NO HARD COPY WILL BE MAILED

January 27, 2022

DWR # 22-0049
Jackson County

Al Ossorio
Email: [e-mail]

Subject: 401 WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION COVERAGE
Ossorio Seawall – Lake Glenville; 227 Prism Lane, Cullowhee

Dear Mr. Ossorio:
The Division has reviewed the proposed project as described in your application dated January 7, 2022
and received by the Division of Water Resources (Division) January 7, 2022. These impacts are covered
by the attached Water Quality General Certification Number 4502. This general certification is
associated with the use of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District’s Regional General Permit
Number 30 or 79. Please note that you should get any other federal, state or local permits before
proceeding with your project, including those required by (but not limited to) Sediment and Erosion
Control, Non-Discharge, and Water Supply Watershed or State Riparian Buffer regulations.
The Division has determined that the proposed project will comply with water quality requirements
provided that you adhere to the conditions listed in the enclosed certification.
This acknowledgement is specific for the purpose and design, plans, specifications and impacts as
described in your application. If you change your project, you must notify the Division and you may be
required to submit a new application package with the appropriate fee. If the property is sold, the new
owner must be given a copy of this Letter and General Certification and is responsible for complying
with all conditions. [15A NCAC 02H .0507(d)(2), 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)]. The following proposed
impacts are described in your application:

Type of Impact

Amount Approved (units)
Permanent

Open Waters Above Pool Below Pool
O1 0.029 (acres) 0.029 (acres)
If you are unable to comply with any of the conditions of the attached Water Quality General
Certification, you must notify the Asheville Regional Office within 24 hours (or the next business day if a
weekend or holiday) from the time the permittee becomes aware of the circumstances.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 5CB3A97C-D697-402F-A4B8-6047B62325A1

Al Ossorio
DWR# 22-0049
401 Certification
Page 2 of 2

The permittee shall report to the Regional Office any noncompliance with, and/or any violation of,
stream or wetland standards [15A NCAC 02B .0200] including but not limited to sediment impacts to
streams or wetlands. Information shall be provided orally within 24 hours (or the next business day if a
weekend or holiday) from the time the permittee became aware of the non-compliance circumstances.
This letter is final and binding unless contested and can be contested as provided in Chapter 150B of the
North Carolina General Statutes by filing a Petition for a Contested Case Hearing (Petition) with the
North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) within sixty (60) calendar days. Requirements
for filing a Petition are set forth in Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes and Title 26 of
the North Carolina Administrative Code. Additional information regarding requirements for filing a
Petition and Petition forms may be accessed at http://www.ncoah.com/ or by calling the OAH Clerk’s
Office at [phone].
One (1) copy of the Petition must also be served to the North Carolina Department of Environmental
Quality:
William F. Lane, General Counsel
Department of Environmental Quality
1601 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1601

This letter completes the Division’s review under section 401 of the Clean Water Act and 15A NCAC
02H .0500. Please contact Kaylie Yankura at 828-296-4685 or [e-mail] if you have
any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

G. Landon Davidson, P.G.
Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ – Asheville RO

Enclosures: GC 4502
Certificate of Completion

ec: Hubert Bryson – Bryson Grading and Paving
David Brown - USACE Asheville Regulatory Field Office
Andrea Leslie - NCWRC
Kevin Holland – Duke Energy
Tony Elders – Jackson County
Tiffany Qualls – Jackson County
DWR 401 & Buffer Permitting Unit file
DocuSign Envelope ID: 5CB3A97C-D697-402F-A4B8-6047B62325A1
DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AB8F9AE-0944-472F-9939-465216A3F5A9
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
WATER QUALITY GENERAL CERTIFICATION NO. 4502
GENERAL CERTIFICATION FOR PROJECTS ELIGIBLE FOR US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
REGIONAL GENERAL PERMIT 198200030 (WORK IN LAKES AND RESERVOIRS OWNED,
OPERATED AND/OR REGULATED BY PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES, TVA, AND LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS)
Water Quality Certification Number 4502 is issued in conformity with the requirements of
Section 401, Public Laws 92-500 and 95-217 of the United States and subject to the North
Carolina Regulations in 15A NCAC 02H .0500 and 15A NCAC 02B .0200 for the discharge of fill
material to surface waters and wetland areas as described in the US Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington District's Regional General Permit 198200030.
The State of North Carolina certifies that the specified category of activity will comply with
water quality requirements and applicable portions of Sections 301, 302, 303, 306 and 307 of
the Public Laws 92-500 and 95-217 if conducted in accordance with the conditions hereinafter
set forth.
for
Effective date: January 3, 2022
Signed this day: October 28, 2021
By
DocuSigned by:
Poavt
RFR19RE44RR747A
S. Daniel Smith
Director
DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AB8F9AE-0944-472F-9939-465216A3F5A9
GC4502
GENERAL CERTIFICATION COVERAGE:
Activities that are eligible for US Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District's Regional
General Permit 198200030 qualify for coverage under this General Certification unless they
meet one of the thresholds listed below.
Activities meeting any one (1) of the thresholds or circumstances listed below shall provide
notification to the Division of Water Resources (DWR) by submitting a Shoreline Stabilization
Application Form and shall receive confirmation from the Division that the project is eligible
for coverage under this General Certification prior to initiating the activities:
a) If any of the Conditions of this General Certification cannot be met; or
b) Maintenance dredging activities of more than 0.5 acre of open water; or
c) Activities which disturb more than 0.1 acres of wetlands; or
d) Installation of any new non -vegetation materials (e.g. riprap, boulders, seawall,
bulkhead) for the purpose of shoreline stabilization; or
e) Maintenance of existing shoreline stabilization areas when maintenance activities
include the complete removal of existing materials re -grading or rebuilding the
shoreline prior to replacement of the materials, or replacement with a different type of
stabilization (e.g. replacing riprap with bulkhead); or
f) Any permanent impacts to shorelines, waters, or to wetlands adjacent to waters,
designated as: ORW (including SAV), HOW (including PNA), SA, WS-I, WS-II, Trout, or
North Carolina or National Wild and Scenic River; or
g) Any permanent impacts to coastal wetlands [15A NCAC 07H .0205], or Unique Wetlands
UWL); or
h) Any impacts to subject water bodies and/or state regulated riparian buffers along
subject water bodies in the Neuse, Tar -Pamlico, or Catawba River Basins or in the
Randleman Lake, Jordan Lake or Goose Creek Watersheds (or any other basin or
watershed with State Regulated Riparian Area Protection Rules in Chapter 2B of Title
15A in the North Carolina Administrative Code in effect at the time of application)
unless:
i. The activities are listed as "EXEMPT" or "DEEMED ALLOWABLE" from these rules;
or
ii. A Buffer Authorization Certificate is issued by the NC Division of Coastal
Management (DCM); or
iii. A Buffer Authorization Certificate, Certificate with Exception, or a Minor
Variance is issued by a delegated or designated local government implementing
a state riparian buffer program pursuant to 143-214.23.
In accordance with 15A NCAC 02H .0503(f), the Director of the North Carolina Division of Water
Resources may require submission of a formal application for Individual Certification for any
project if it is deemed in the public's best interest or determined that the project is likely to
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have a significant adverse effect upon water quality, including state or federally listed
endangered or threatened aquatic species, or will degrade the waters so that existing uses of
the waters or downstream waters are precluded.
This General Certification does not relieve the permittee of the responsibility to obtain all other
required Federal, State, or Local approvals before proceeding with the project, including those
required by, but not limited to, Sediment and Erosion Control, Non -Discharge, Water Supply
Watershed, and Trout Buffer regulations.
This General Certification neither grants nor affirms any property right, license, or privilege in
any waters, or any right of use in any waters. This General Certification does not authorize any
person to interfere with the riparian rights, littoral rights, or water use rights of any other
person and does not create any prescriptive right or any right of priority regarding any usage of
water. This General Certification shall not be interposed as a defense in any action respecting
the determination of riparian or littoral rights or other rights to water use. No consumptive
user is deemed by virtue of this General Certification to possess any prescriptive or other right
of priority with respect to any other consumptive user regardless of the quantity of the
withdrawal or the date on which the withdrawal was initiated or expanded.
Upon the presentation of proper credentials, DWR may inspect the property.
This General Certification shall expire on the same day as the expiration date of the
corresponding Regional General Permit. The conditions in effect on the date of issuance of
Certification for a specific project shall remain in effect for the life of the project, regardless of
the expiration date of this General Certification. This General Certification is rescinded when
the US Army Corps of Engineers reauthorizes the corresponding Regional General Permit or
when deemed appropriate by the Director of the Division of Water Resources.
Non-compliance with or violation of the conditions herein set forth by a specific project may
result in revocation of this General Certification for the project and may also result in criminal
and/or civil penalties.
I. ACTIVITY SPECIFIC CONDITIONS:
1. Rip -rap shall be installed waterward of bulkheads to ensure protection of aquatic habitat.
Construction over wetlands shall be elevated at least three (3) feet above any wetlands, and
floating structures shall not rest periodically on the bottom.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506; 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable
for all best uses provided for in state rule (including, at minimum: aquatic life propagation,
survival, and maintenance of biological integrity; wildlife; secondary contact recreation;
agriculture); and that activities must not cause water pollution that precludes any best use
on a short-term or long-term basis.
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2. Piers and boat houses shall be constructed to provide for storage and removal of sewage
rather than allowing raw waste or other sewage to be disposed directly into surface waters.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506; 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c), 15A NCAC 028 .0200
Justification: In order to protect against impairment of water quality standards and best
usage of receiving and downstream waters, water quality based management practices
must be employed to protect against direct or indirect discharge of waste or other sources of
water pollution. Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be
suitable for all best uses provided for in state rule (including, at minimum: aquatic life
propagation, survival, and maintenance of biological integrity; wildlife; secondary contact
recreation; agriculture); and that activities must not cause water pollution that precludes
any best use on a short-term or long-term basis.
3. Canals or boat basins shall not be dredged beyond their original depth and width. The area
shall not be dredged to a depth deeper than the receiving water.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506; 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable
for all best uses provided for in state rule (including, at minimum: aquatic life propagation,
survival, and maintenance of biological integrity; wildlife; secondary contact recreation;
agriculture); and that activities must not cause water pollution that precludes any best use
on a short-term or long-term basis.
4. All dredge and/or fill material shall be placed on high ground.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506; 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable
for all best uses provided for in state rule (including, at minimum: aquatic life propagation,
survival, and maintenance of biological integrity; wildlife; secondary contact recreation;
agriculture); and that activities must not cause water pollution that precludes any best use
on a short-term or long-term basis.
II. GENERAL CONDITIONS:
1. The permittee shall report to the appropriate DWR Regional Office any noncompliance with,
and/or any violation of, stream or wetland standards [15A NCAC 02B .0200], including but not
limited to sediment impacts to streams or wetlands. Information shall be provided orally
within 24 hours (or the next business day if a weekend or holiday) from the time the
permittee became aware of the non-compliance circumstances.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Timely reporting of non-compliance is important in identifying and minimizing
detrimental impacts to water quality and avoiding impacts due to water pollution that
precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis.
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2. No waste, spoil, solids, or fill of any kind shall occur in wetlands or waters beyond the
footprint of the impacts (including temporary impacts); or beyond the thresholds
established for use of this General Certification and Regional General Permit.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506; 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable
for all best uses provided for in state rule (including, at minimum: aquatic life propagation,
survival, and maintenance of biological integrity; wildlife; secondary contact recreation;
agriculture); and that activities must not cause water pollution that precludes any best use
on a short-term or long-term basis.
3. All activities shall be in compliance with any applicable State Regulated Riparian Buffer
Rules in Chapter 2B of Title 15A in the North Carolina Administrative Code.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: The referenced Riparian Buffer rules were adopted to address water quality
impairments and further protect existing uses.
4. When applicable, all construction activities shall be performed and maintained in full
compliance with G.S. Chapter 113A Article 4 (Sediment and Pollution Control Act of 1973).
Regardless of applicability of the Sediment and Pollution Control Act, all projects shall
incorporate appropriate Best Management Practices for the control of sediment and
erosion so that no violations of state water quality standards, statutes, or rules occur.
Design, installation, operation, and maintenance of all sediment and erosion control
measures shall be equal to or exceed the requirements specified in the most recent version
of the North Carolina Sediment and Erosion Control Manual, or for linear transportation
projects, the North Caroline Department of Transportation Sediment and Erosion Control
Manual.
All devices shall be maintained on all construction sites, borrow sites, and waste pile (spoil)
sites, including contractor -owned or leased borrow pits associated with the project.
Sufficient materials required for stabilization and/or repair of erosion control measures and
stormwater routing and treatment shall be on site at all times.
For borrow pit sites, the erosion and sediment control measures shall be designed,
installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the most recent version of the
North Carolina Surface Mining Manual. Reclamation measures and implementation shall
comply with the reclamation in accordance with the requirements of the Sedimentation
Pollution Control Act and the Mining Act of 1971.
If the project occurs in waters or watersheds classified as Primary Nursery Areas (PNAs), SA,
WS-I, WS-II, High Quality Waters (HQW), or Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), then the
sedimentation and erosion control designs shall comply with the requirements set forth in
15A NCAC 04B .0124, Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds.
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Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 02B .0200; 15A
NCAC 02B .0231
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses,
and the water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water
pollution that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream
Standards: (2) Oils, deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as
shall not render the waters injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life
and wildlife, or adversely affect the palatability of fish, aesthetic quality, or impair the
waters for any designated uses; and (12) turbidity in the receiving water shall not exceed 50
Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) in streams not designated as trout waters and 10 NTU
in streams, lakes, or reservoirs designated as trout waters; for lakes and reservoirs not
designated as trout waters, the turbidity shall not exceed 25 NTU; if turbidity exceeds these
levels due to natural background conditions, the existing turbidity level shall not be
increased. As cited in Wetland Standards: (1) Liquids, fill or other solids, or dissolved gases
shall not be present in amounts that may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland uses;
and (3) Materials producing color or odor shall not be present in amounts that may cause
adverse impacts on existing wetland uses.
5. Sediment and erosion control measures shall not be installed in wetland or waters except
within the footprint of temporary or permanent impacts otherwise authorized by this
Certification. If placed within authorized impact areas, then placement of such measures
shall not be conducted in a manner that results in dis-equilibrium of any wetlands,
streambeds, or streambanks. Any silt fence installed within wetlands shall be removed
from wetlands and the natural grade restored within two (2) months of the date that
DEMLR or locally delegated program has released the specific area within the project to
ensure wetland standards are maintained upon completion of the project.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 02B .0200; 15A NCAC
02B .0231
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses,
and the water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water
pollution that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream
Standards: (2) Oils, deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as
shall not render the waters injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life
and wildlife, or adversely affect the palatability of fish, aesthetic quality, or impair the
waters for any designated uses; and (12) turbidity in the receiving water shall not exceed 50
Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) in streams not designated as trout waters and 10 NTU
in streams, lakes, or reservoirs designated as trout waters; for lakes and reservoirs not
designated as trout waters, the turbidity shall not exceed 25 NTU; if turbidity exceeds these
levels due to natural background conditions, the existing turbidity level shall not be
increased. As cited in Wetland Standards: (1) Liquids, fill or other solids, or dissolved gases
shall not be present in amounts that may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland uses;
and (3) Materials producing color or odor shall not be present in amounts that may cause
adverse impacts on existing wetland uses.
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6. Erosion control matting that incorporates plastic mesh and/or plastic twine shall not be
used along streambanks or within wetlands.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses
including aquatic life propagation and biological integrity), and the water quality to protect
such uses, are protected. Protections are necessary to ensure any remaining surface waters
or wetlands, and any surface waters or wetlands downstream, continue to support existing
uses during and after project completion. The Division must evaluate if the activity has
avoided and minimized impacts to waters, would cause or contribute to a violation of
standards, or would result in secondary or cumulative impacts.
7. If the project is covered by NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit Number NCG010000 or
NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit Number NCG250000, full compliance with permit
conditions including the erosion & sedimentation control plan, inspections and
maintenance, self -monitoring, record keeping and reporting requirements is required.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) shall be required to be in full
compliance with the conditions related to construction activities within the most recent
version of their Individual NPDES Stormwater Permit Number NCS000250.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 02B .0200; 15A NCAC
02B .0231
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses,
and the water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water
pollution that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream
Standards: (2) Oils, deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as
shall not render the waters injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life
and wildlife, or adversely affect the palatability of fish, aesthetic quality, or impair the
waters for any designated uses; and (12) turbidity in the receiving water shall not exceed 50
Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) in streams not designated as trout waters and 10 NTU
in streams, lakes, or reservoirs designated as trout waters; for lakes and reservoirs not
designated as trout waters, the turbidity shall not exceed 25 NTU; if turbidity exceeds these
levels due to natural background conditions, the existing turbidity level shall not be
increased. As cited in Wetland Standards: (1) Liquids, fill or other solids, or dissolved gases
shall not be present in amounts that may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland uses;
and (3) Materials producing color or odor shall not be present in amounts that may cause
adverse impacts on existing wetland uses.
8. All work in or adjacent to streams and open waters shall be conducted so that the flowing
stream and/or open waters are isolated from the disturbed area. Approved best
management practices from the most current version of the NC Sediment and Erosion
Control Manual, or the NC Department of Transportation Construction and Maintenance
Activities Manual, such as sandbags, rock berms, cofferdams, and other diversion structures
shall be used to minimize excavation in surface waters.
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Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 02B .0200
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable
for all best uses provided for in state rule, and that activities must not cause water pollution
that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream
Standards: (2) Oils, deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as
shall not render the waters injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life
and wildlife, or adversely affect the palatability of fish, aesthetic quality, or impair the
waters for any designated uses; and (12) turbidity in the receiving water shall not exceed 50
Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) in streams not designated as trout waters and 10 NTU
in streams, lakes, or reservoirs designated as trout waters; for lakes and reservoirs not
designated as trout waters, the turbidity shall not exceed 25 NTU; if turbidity exceeds these
levels due to natural background conditions, the existing turbidity level shall not be
increased.
9. If activities must occur during periods of high biological activity (e.g. sea turtle nesting, fish
spawning, or bird nesting), then biological monitoring may be required at the request of
other state or federal agencies and coordinated with these activities.
All moratoriums on construction activities established by the NC Wildlife Resources
Commission (WRC), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), NC Division of Marine Fisheries
DMF), or National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) shall be implemented. Exceptions to
this condition require written approval by the resource agency responsible for the given
moratorium.
Work within a designated trout watershed of North Carolina (as identified by the
Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers), or identified state or federal
endangered or threatened species habitat, shall be coordinated with the appropriate WRC,
USFWS, NMFS, and/or DMF personnel.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 04B .0125
Justification: In order to protect against impairment of water quality standards and best
usage of receiving and downstream waters, water quality based management practices
must be employed to protect against direct or indirect discharge of waste or other sources of
water pollution. Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be
suitable for all best uses provided for in state rule (including, at minimum: aquatic life
propagation, survival, and maintenance of biological integrity, wildlife, secondary contact
recreation, agriculture), and that activities must not cause water pollution that precludes
any best use on a short-term or long-term basis.
10. Application of fertilizer to establish planted/seeded vegetation within disturbed riparian
areas and/or wetlands shall be conducted at agronomic rates and shall comply with all
other Federal, State and Local regulations. Fertilizer application shall be accomplished in a
manner that minimizes the risk of contact between the fertilizer and surface waters.
Citation: 15A 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 02B .0200
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Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses,
and the water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water
pollution that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream
Standards: (2) Oils, deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as
shall not render the waters injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life
and wildlife, or adversely affect the palatability of fish, aesthetic quality, or impair the
waters for any designated uses.
11. If concrete is used during construction, then all necessary measures shall be taken to
prevent direct contact between uncured or curing concrete and waters of the state. Water
that inadvertently contacts uncured concrete shall not be discharged to waters of the state.
Citation: 15A 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 02B .0200
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses,
and the water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water
pollution that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream
Standards: (2) Oils, deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as
shall not render the waters injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life
and wildlife, or adversely affect the palatability of fish, aesthetic quality, or impair the
waters for any designated uses.
12. All proposed and approved temporary fill and culverts shall be removed and the impacted
area shall be returned to natural conditions within 60 calendar days after the temporary
impact is no longer necessary. The impacted areas shall be restored to original grade,
including each stream's original cross -sectional dimensions, planform pattern, and
longitudinal bed profile. All temporarily impacted sites shall be restored and stabilized with
native vegetation.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses,
and the water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Protections are necessary to
ensure any remaining surface waters or wetlands, and any surface waters or wetlands
downstream, continue to support existing uses after project completion.
13. All proposed and approved temporary pipes/culverts/rip-rap pads etc. in streams shall be
installed as outlined in the most recent edition of the North Carolina Sediment and Erosion
Control Planning and Design Manual or the North Carolina Surface Mining Manual or the
North Carolina Department of Transportation Best Management Practices for Construction
and Maintenance Activities so as not to restrict stream flow or cause dis-equilibrium during
use of this General Certification.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable
for all best uses provided for in state rule, and that activities must not cause water pollution
that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. Ensuring that in -stream
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structures are installed properly will ensure that surface water quality standards are met
and conditions of waters are suitable for all best uses.
14. Any rip -rap required for proper shoreline stabilization or restoration of temporarily
disturbed areas shall be restricted to the area directly impacted by the approved
construction activity. All rip -rap shall be of a size and density to prevent movement by
wave, current action, or stream flows, shall consist of clean rock or masonry material free of
debris or toxic pollutants. Placement of stabilization materials shall not result in de-
stabilization of shoreline upstream or downstream of the area.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable
for all best uses provided for in state rule, and that activities must not cause water pollution
that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. The Division must evaluate if
the activity has avoided and minimized impacts to waters, would cause or contribute to a
violation of standards, or would result in secondary or cumulative impacts.
15. All mechanized equipment operated near surface waters shall be inspected and maintained
regularly to prevent contamination of surface waters from fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids,
or other toxic materials. Construction shall be staged in order to minimize the exposure of
equipment to surface waters to the maximum extent practicable. Fueling, lubrication, and
general equipment maintenance shall be performed in a manner to prevent, to the
maximum extent practicable, contamination of surface waters by fuels and oils.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 028 .0200
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses,
and the water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water
pollution that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream
Standards: (2) Oils, deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as
shall not render the waters injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life
and wildlife, or adversely affect the palatability of fish, aesthetic quality, or impair the
waters for any designated uses.
16. Heavy equipment working in wetlands shall be placed on mats or other measures shall be
taken to minimize soil disturbance and compaction.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 028.0231
Justification: Wetland standards require maintenance or enhancement of existing uses of
wetlands such that hydrologic conditions necessary to support natural biological and
physical characteristics are protected; populations of wetland flora and fauna are
maintained to protect biological integrity of the wetland; and materials or substances are
not present in amounts that may cause adverse impact on existing wetland uses.
17. In accordance with G.S 143-215.85(b), the permittee shall report any petroleum spill of 25
gallons or more; any spill regardless of amount that causes a sheen on surface waters; any
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AB8F9AE-0944-472F-9939-465216A3F5A9
GC45O2
petroleum spill regardless of amount occurring within 100 feet of surface waters; and any
petroleum spill Tess than 25 gallons that cannot be cleaned up within 24 hours.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); N.C.G.S 143-215.85(b)
Justification: Person(s) owning or having control over oil or other substances upon notice of
discharge must immediately notify the Department, or any of its agents or employees, of the
nature, location, and time of the discharge and of the measures which are being taken or
are proposed to be taken to contain and remove the discharge. This action is required in
order to contain or divert the substances to prevent entry into the surface waters. Surface
water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable for all best uses
provided for in state rule (including, at minimum: aquatic life propagation, survival, and
maintenance of biological integrity; wildlife; secondary contact recreation; agriculture); and
that activities must not cause water pollution that precludes any best use on a short-term or
long-term basis.
18. The permittee and their authorized agents shall conduct all activities in a manner consistent
with State water quality standards (including any requirements resulting from compliance
with §303(d) of the Clean Water Act), and any other appropriate requirements of State and
Federal Law.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable
for all best uses provided for in state rule, and that activities must not cause water pollution
that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. The Division must evaluate if
the activity has avoided and minimized impacts to waters, would cause or contribute to a
violation of standards, or would result in secondary or cumulative impacts.
19. The permittee shall require its contractors and/or agents to comply with the terms and
conditions of this permit in the construction and maintenance of this project, and shall
provide each of its contractors and/or agents associated with the construction or
maintenance of this project with a copy of this General Certification. A copy of this General
Certification shall be available at the project site during the construction and maintenance
of this project.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Those actually performing the work should be aware of the requirements of
this 401 Water Quality General Certification to minimize water quality impacts.
History Note: Water Quality Certification (WQC) Number 4502 issued October 28, 2021 replaces
WQC 4145 issued December 1, 2017; WQC 4098 issued March 3, 2017; WQC 3898 issued March
19, 2012; WQC Number 3693 issued November 1, 2007; WQC Number 3639 issued March 19,
2007; WQC Number 3492 issued December 31, 2004; and WQC Number 3373 issued March 18,
2002.
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WR Project No.: County: Applicant: Project Name: Date of Issuance of 401 Water Quality Certification:

Certificate of Completion
Upon completion of all work approved within the 401 Water Quality Certification or applicable
Buffer Rules, and any subsequent modifications, the applicant is required to return this certificate to
the 401 and Buffer Permitting Unit, North Carolina Division of Water Resources, 1650 Mail Service
Center, Raleigh, NC, 27699-1650. This form may be returned to DWR by the applicant, the
applicant’s authorized agent, or the project engineer. It is not necessary to send certificates from all
of these.

Applicant’s Certification
I, _, hereby state that, to the best of my abilities,
due care and diligence was used in the observation of the construction such that the construction was
observed to be built within substantial compliance and intent of the 401 Water Quality Certification
and Buffer Rules, the approved plans and specifications, and other supporting materials.
Signature: Date:

Agent’s Certification
I, _, hereby state that, to the best of my abilities,
due care and diligence was used in the observation of the construction such that the construction was
observed to be built within substantial compliance and intent of the 401 Water Quality Certification
and Buffer Rules, the approved plans and specifications, and other supporting materials.
Signature: Date:

If this project was designed by a Certified Professional
I, , as a duly registered Professional (i.e.,
Engineer, Landscape Architect, Surveyor, etc.) in the State of North Carolina, having been authorized
to observe (periodically, weekly, full time) the construction of the project, for the Permitee hereby
state that, to the best of my abilities, due care and diligence was used in the observation of the
construction such that the construction was observed to be built within substantial compliance and
intent of the 401 Water Quality Certification and Buffer Rules, the approved plans and specifications,
and other supporting materials.
Signature:
Date
Registration No.