20230358_Oxford Station_4-13-23

DocuSign Envelope ID: EDEAEDDB-2B9E-451E-BE64-OODF8121 FBB3
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
Mr. Reid Owen
Meritage Homes of the Carolinas, Inc.
13925 Ballantyne Corporate Place, Suite 300
Charlotte, NC 28277
Reid.Owen(&meritagehomes. com
704-944-8943
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
April 13, 2023
Subject: 401 Water Quality Certification Pursuant to Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act with
ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS for the impacts regarding the culvert installation and road crossing
proposed for the Oxford Station Project located west of Old Mocksville Road in Rowan County.
NCDWR Project No. 20230358.
Dear Mr. Owen,
Attached hereto is a copy of Certification No. 005828 issued to the Meritage Homes of the Carolinas, Inc.
dated April 13, 2023. If we can be of further assistance, do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely
DocuSigned by:
C-�
9C9886312DCD474...
Richard E. Rogers, Jr. Director
Division of Water Resources
Electronic copy only distribution:
Amber Lipsky, Wetlands and Environmental Planning Group, PLLC
Chris Hopper, US Army Corps of Engineers, Charlotte Field Office
Meagan Jolly, US Army Corps of Engineers, Charlotte Field Office
DWR 401 & Buffer Permitting Branch File, LF

DocuSign Envelope ID: EDEAEDDB-2B9E-451E-BE64-OODF8121 FBB3
401 Water Quality Certification Pursuant to Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act with ADDITIONAL
CONDITIONS.
THIS CERTIFICATION 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 Division of Water Resources (NCDWR) Regulations in 15
NCAC 2H .0500. This certification authorizes Meritage Homes of the Carolinas, Inc., to impact 124 linear feet of
jurisdictional streams in Rowan County. The project shall be constructed pursuant to the application dated received
March 7, 2023. The authorized impacts are as described below:
Stream Impacts in the Yadkin/Pee-Dee River Basin
Perm. Fill in
Temp. Fill in
Total Stream
Stream Impacts
Site
Perennial
Perennial
Impact
Requiring
Stream
Stream
(linear ft)
Mitigation
(linear ft)
(linear ft)
(linear ft)
S1- Road Crossing- culvert
84
84
S2- Bank Stabilization
25
25
S3- Workpad/Causeway
15
15
Totals
109
15
124
Total Stream Impacts: 124 linear feet.
The application provides adequate assurance that the discharge of fill material into the waters of the Yadkin/Pee-Dee
River Basin in conjunction with the proposed development will not result in a violation of applicable Water Quality
Standards and discharge guidelines. Therefore, the State of North Carolina certifies that this activity will not violate
the applicable portions of Sections 301, 302, 303, 306, 307 of PL 92-500 and PL 95-217 if conducted in accordance
with the application and conditions hereinafter set forth.
This approval is only valid for the purpose and design that you submitted in your application dated received March 7,
2023. Should your project change, you are required to notify the NCDWR and submit a new application. If the
property is sold, the new owner must be given a copy of this Certification and approval letter, and is thereby
responsible for complying with all the conditions. If any additional wetland impacts, or stream impacts, for this project
(now or in the future) exceed one acre or 150 linear feet, respectively, additional compensatory mitigation may be
required as described in 15A NCAC 2H .0506 (h) (6) and (7).
For this approval to remain valid, you are required to comply with all the conditions listed below. In addition, you
should obtain all other federal, state or local permits before proceeding with your project including (but not limited
to) Sediment and Erosion control, Coastal Stormwater, Non -discharge and Water Supply watershed regulations. This
Certification shall expire on the same day as the expiration date of the corresponding Corps of Engineers Permit.
This Water Quality Certification neither grants nor affirms any property right, license, or privilege in any lands
or waters, or any right of use in any waters. This Water Quality 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 Water Quality 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 Water Quality 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, the Division may inspect the
property.
E Q�� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 11617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
NORTH CAROLINA �
Department of wronmentalouaifty r 919.707.9000

DocuSign Envelope ID: EDEAEDDB-2B9E-451E-BE64-OODF8121 FBB3
Condition(s) of Certification:
Project Specific Conditions
Unless otherwise approved in this certification, placement of culverts and other structures in open waters and
streams, shall be placed below the elevation of the streambed by one foot for all culverts with a diameter greater
than 48 inches, and 20 percent of the culvert diameter for culverts having a diameter less than 48 inches, to allow
low flow passage of water and aquatic life. Design and placement of culverts and other structures including
temporary erosion control measures shall not be conducted in a manner that may result in dis-equilibrium of
wetlands or streambeds or banks, adjacent to or upstream and down stream of the above structures. The applicant
is required to provide evidence that the equilibrium is being maintained if requested in writing by the NCDWR.
If this condition is unable to be met due to bedrock or other limiting features encountered during construction,
please contact the NCDWR for guidance on how to proceed and to determine whether or not a permit modification
will be required. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2)].
2. If multiple pipes or barrels are required, they shall be designed to mimic natural stream cross section as closely
as possible including pipes or barrels at flood plain elevation and/or sills where appropriate. Widening the stream
channel should be avoided. Stream channel widening at the inlet or outlet end of structures typically decreases
water velocity causing sediment deposition that requires increased maintenance and disrupts aquatic life passage.
[I 5A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2)]
3. Riprap shall not be placed in the active thalweg channel or placed in the streambed in a manner that precludes
aquatic life passage. Bioengineering boulders or structures should be properly designed, sized and installed. [ 15A
NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2)]
4. The stream channel shall be excavated no deeper than the natural bed material of the stream, to the maximum
extent practicable. Efforts must be made to minimize impacts to the stream banks, as well as to vegetation
responsible for maintaining the stream bank stability. Any applicable riparian buffer impact for access to stream
channel shall be temporary and be revegetated with native riparian species. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2)]
5. No drill slurry or water that has been in contact with uncured concrete shall be allowed to enter surface waters.
This water shall be captured, treated, and disposed of properly. [ 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(3).
General Conditions
1. If concrete is used during construction, a dry work area shall be maintained to prevent direct contact between curing
concrete and stream water. Water that inadvertently contacts uncured concrete shall not be discharged to surface
waters due to the potential for elevated pH and possible aquatic life and fish kills. [ 15A NCAC 0213.0200]
2. During the construction of the project, no staging of equipment of any kind is permitted in waters of the U.S., or
protected riparian buffers. [I 5A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2)]
3. The dimension, pattern and profile of the stream above and below the crossing shall not be modified. Disturbed
floodplains and streams shall be restored to natural geomorphic conditions. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2)]
4. The use of rip -rap above the Normal High Water Mark shall be minimized. Any rip -rap placed for stream stabilization
shall be placed in stream channels in such a manner that it does not impede aquatic life passage. [15A NCAC
02H.0506(b)(2)]
5. The Permittee shall ensure that the final design drawings adhere to the permit and to the permit drawings submitted
for approval. [15A NCAC 02H .0507(c) and 15A NCAC 02H .0506 (b)(2) and (c)(2)]
6. Heavy equipment shall be operated from the banks rather than in the stream channel in order to minimize
sedimentation and reduce the introduction of other pollutants into the stream. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(3)]
E Q�� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 11617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
NORTH CAROLINA �
Department of wronmentalouaifty r 919.707.9000

DocuSign Envelope ID: EDEAEDDB-2B9E-451E-BE64-OODF8121 FBB3
7. All mechanized equipment operated near surface waters must be regularly inspected and maintained to prevent
contamination of stream waters from fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials. [15A NCAC
02H.0506(b)(3)]
8. No rock, sand or other materials shall be dredged from the stream channel except where authorized by this certification.
[15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(3)]
9. Discharging hydroseed mixtures and washing out hydro seeders and other equipment in or adjacent to surface waters is
prohibited. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(3)]
10. The permittee and its authorized agents shall conduct its 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. If the NCDWR determines that such standards or laws are not being
met (including the failure to sustain a designated or achieved use) or that State or federal law is being violated, or that
further conditions are necessary to assure compliance, the NCDWR may reevaluate and modify this certification. [15A
NCAC 02B.0200]
11. All fill slopes located in jurisdictional wetlands shall be placed at slopes no flatter than 3:1, unless otherwise authorized
by this certification. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2)]
12. A copy of this Water Quality Certification shall be maintained on the construction site at all times. In addition, the
Water Quality Certification and all subsequent modifications, if any, shall be maintained with the Division Engineer and
the on -site project manager. [15A NCAC 02H .0507(c) and 15A NCAC 02H .0506 (b)(2) and (c)(2)]
13. The outside buffer, wetland or water boundary located within the construction corridor approved by this authorization
shall be clearly marked by highly visible fencing prior to any land disturbing activities. Impacts to areas within the
fencing are prohibited unless otherwise authorized by this certification. [15A NCAC 02H.0501 and .0502]
14. The issuance of this certification does not exempt the Permittee from complying with any and all statutes, rules,
regulations, or ordinances that may be imposed by other government agencies (i.e. local, state, and federal) having
jurisdiction, including but not limited to applicable buffer rules, stormwater management rules, soil erosion and
sedimentation control requirements, etc.
15. The Permittee shall report any violations of this certification to the Division of Water Resources within 24 hours of
discovery. [15A NCAC 02B.0506(b)(2)]
16. There shall be no excavation from, or waste disposal into, jurisdictional wetlands or waters associated with this permit
without appropriate modification. Should waste or borrow sites, or access roads to waste or borrow sites, be located in
wetlands or streams, compensatory mitigation will be required since that is a direct impact from road construction
activities. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(3) and (c)(3)]
17. Erosion and sediment control practices must be in full compliance with all specifications governing the proper design,
installation and operation and maintenance of such Best Management Practices in order to protect surface waters
standards [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(3) and (c)(3]):
a. The erosion and sediment control measures for the project must be designed, installed, operated, and
maintained in accordance with the most recent version of the North Carolina Sediment and Erosion
Control Planning and Design Manual.
b. The design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the sediment and erosion control measures must
be such that they equal, or exceed, the requirements specified in the most recent version of the North
Carolina Sediment and Erosion Control Manual. The devices shall be maintained on all construction
sites, borrow sites, and waste pile (spoil) projects, including contractor -owned or leased borrow pits
associated with the project.
c. For borrow pit sites, the erosion and sediment control measures must be designed, installed, operated,
and maintained in accordance with the most recent version of the North Carolina Surface Mining Manual.
d. The reclamation measures and implementation must comply with the reclamation in accordance with the
requirements of the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act.
E Q�� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 11617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
NORTH CAROLINA �
Department of wronmentalouaifty r 919.707.9000

DocuSign Envelope ID: EDEAEDDB-2B9E-451E-BE64-OODF8121 FBB3
18. Sediment and erosion control measures shall not be placed in wetlands or waters unless otherwise approved by this
Certification. [I 5A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(3) and (c)(3)]
19. 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. [15A NCAC 02H .0506{b)(3) and (c)(3)
and 15A NCAC 02B .0200]
This Certification shall become null and void unless the above conditions are made conditions of the Federal 404
and/or Coastal Area Management Act Permit. This Certification shall expire upon the expiration of the 404 or CAMA
permit. Please be aware that impacting waters without first applying for and securing the issuance of a 401 Water
Quality Certification violates Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC) 2H .0500. Title 15A
NCAC 2H .0500 requires certifications pursuant to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act whenever construction or
operation of facilities will result in a discharge into navigable waters, including wetlands, as described in 33 Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 323. It also states any person desiring issuance of the State certification or coverage
under a general certification required by Section 401 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act shall file with the
Director of the North Carolina Division of Water Quality. Violations of any condition herein set forth may result in
revocation of this Certification and may result in criminal and/or civil penalties. Pursuant to G.S. 143-215.6A, these
violations and any future violations are subject to a civil penalty assessment of up to a maximum of $25,000.00 per
day for each violation.
This approval and its conditions are final and binding unless contested [G.S. 143-215.5]. Please be aware that
impacting waters without first applying for and securing the issuance of a 401 Water Quality Certification violates
Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC) 2H .0500. Title 15A NCAC 2H .0500 requires
certifications pursuant to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act whenever construction or operation of facilities will
result in a discharge into navigable waters, including wetlands, as described in 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
Part 323. It also states any person desiring issuance of the State certification or coverage under a general certification
required by Section 401 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act shall file with the Director of the North Carolina
Division of Water Quality. Pursuant to G.S. 143-215.6A, these violations and any future violations are subject to a
civil penalty assessment of up to a maximum of $25,000.00 per day for each violation.
This Certification 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].
A party filing a Petition must serve a copy of the Petition on:
William F. Lane, General Counsel
Department of Environmental Quality
1601 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1601
If the party filing the Petition is not the pennittee, then the party must also serve the recipient of the Certification in
accordance with N.C.G.S 15013-23(a).
This the 13' day of April, 2023
DIVISIQN OF WATER RESOURCES
ocuSigne y:
Q*4PM,(A
Rich 91 8Ro1gef94-3r:, Director
WQC No. 005828
E Q-North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 11617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
NORTH CAROLINA �
oewemmEnwmnmemeio�ai1 r 919.707.9000