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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230805 Ver 1_Approval Letter_20230714ROY COOPER Governor ELIZABETH S. BISER Secretary RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR. Director NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality July 14, 2023 DWR # 20230805 Sampson County Piedmont Natural Gas Attn: Kelsey Pace 4720 Piedmont Row Drive Charlotte, NC 28210 Delivered via email to Kelsey Pace (Kelsey. Pace@ duke-energy.com) Subject: Approval of Individual 401 Water Quality Certification PNG Line 481 (232 Replacement) USACE Action ID. No. SAW-2023-01134 Dear Ms. Pace: Attached hereto is a copy of Certification No. WQC006090 issued to Kelsey Pace and Piedmont Natural Gas, dated July 14, 2023. This approval is for the purpose and design described in your application. The plans and specifications for this project are incorporated by reference as part of this Water Quality Certification. 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 Certification and is responsible for complying with all conditions. [15A NCAC 02H .0507(d)(2)]. This Water Quality 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 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 North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Fayetteville Regional Office 1 225 Green St., Suite 714 1 Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301-5043 NOR1H CAROL Na 910.433.3300 Piedmont Natural Gas DWR# 20230805 Individual Certification #WQC006090 Page 2 of 13 by virtue of this Water Quality Certification to possess any prescriptive or other right of priority with respect to any other consumptive user. Upon the presentation of proper credentials, the Division may inspect the property. This Water Quality Certification shall expire on the same day as the expiration date of the corresponding Section 404 Permit. The conditions shall remain in effect for the life of the project, regardless of the expiration date of this Water Quality Certification. Non-compliance with or violation of the conditions herein set forth may result in revocation of this Water Quality Certification for the project and may also result in criminal and/or civil penalties. If you are unable to comply with any of the conditions of this Water Quality Certification you must notify the Washington 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. The permittee shall report to the Washington 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 approval and its conditions are final and binding unless contested [G.S. 143-215.5]. 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 (919) 431-3000. 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 permittee, then the party must also serve the recipient of the Certification in accordance with N.C.G.S 15013-23(a). This letter completes the Division's review under section 401 of the Clean Water Act and 15A NCAC 02H .0500. Please contact Chad Turlington at (910) 433-3320 or chad.turlington@ncdenr.gov if you have any questions or concerns. `y� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources D ��/� Fayetteville Regional Office 1 225 Green Street, Suite 714 1 Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301-5043 NOR1H cARouNa 910-433-3300 Piedmont Natural Gas DWR# 20230805 Individual Certification #WQC006090 Page 3 of 13 Sincerely, DocuSignedd by: EO -Q RAI DD5C42B.. Trent Allen Regional Supervisor Division of Water Resources Water Quality Regional Operations Section Electronic cc: Sara Duquette — Kleinfelder, Inc. (via email — sduquette@kleinfelder.com) Liz Hair, USACE Wilmington Regulatory Field Office (email) DWR 401 & Buffer Permitting Branch Electronic file `y� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources D ��/� Fayetteville Regional Office 1 225 Green Street, Suite 714 1 Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301-5043 NOR1H CARouNa 910-433-3300 Piedmont Natural Gas DWR# 20230805 Individual Certification #WQC006090 Page 4 of 13 NORTH CAROLINA 401 WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION CERTIFICATION #WQC006030 is issued in conformity with the requirements of Section 401, Public Laws 92-500 and 95-217 of the United States and subject to North Carolina's Regulations in 15 NCAC 02H .0500 and 15A NCAC 0213.0200, to Kelsey Pace and Piedmont Natural Gas, who have authorization for the impacts listed below, as described within your application received by the N.C. Division of Water Resources (Division) on June 5, 2023 and by Public Notice issued by the Division on June 9, 2023. The State of North Carolina certifies that this activity will comply with water quality requirements and the applicable portions of Sections 301, 302, 303, 306, 307 of the Public Laws 92-500 and PL 95-217 if conducted in accordance with the application, the supporting documentation, and conditions hereinafter set forth. The following impacts are hereby approved. No other impacts are approved, including incidental impacts. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)] Type of Impact Amount Approved Permanent Amount Approved Temporary Mitigation Amount Required Perennial Streams Pipe Installation linear feet 964 linear feet credits Intermittent Streams Pipe Installation linear feet 173 linear feet credits Wetlands Pipe Installation and maintenance corridor (conversion only — no loss) 8.535 acres acres credits Pipe Installation (construction corridor) acres 0.669 acres credits Temporary Workspace acres 1.538 acres credits Line of Sight Clearing (conversion only — no loss) 1.094 acres acres credits Permanent access Road 0.031 acres acres credits Jurisdictional Ditch Pipe Installation acres 0.171 acres credits North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Fayetteville Regional Office 1 225 Green Street, Suite 714 1 Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301-5043 NORTH CAROL NA i 910-433-3300 Piedmont Natural Gas DWR# 20230805 Individual Certification #WQC006090 Page 5 of 13 This approval requires you to follow the conditions listed in the certification below. CONDITIONS OF CERTIFICATION [15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)]: 1. Any utility construction corridor that is parallel to a stream or open water shall not be closer than 10 feet to the top of bank or ordinary high-water mark. 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. In determining that the proposed activity will comply with state water quality standards (including designated uses, numeric criteria, narrative criteria and the state's antidegradation policy), 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. 2. Where there are temporary or permanent impacts from stream crossings, utility lines shall cross the stream channel at a near -perpendicular direction (i.e., between 75 degrees and 105 degrees to the stream bank). 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. In determining that the proposed activity will comply with state water quality standards (including designated uses, numeric criteria, narrative criteria and the state's antidegradation policy), 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. 3. Construction corridors in wetlands and/or across stream channels shall be minimized to the maximum extent practicable and shall not exceed 50 feet wide. For construction corridors in wetlands and across stream channels, stumps shall be grubbed only as needed to install the utility, and remaining stumps shall be cut off at grade level. The general stripping of topsoil within wetlands along the construction corridor is prohibited. 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. In determining that the proposed activity will comply with state water quality standards (including designated uses, numeric criteria, narrative criteria and the state's antidegradation policy), 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. 4. Permanent maintained access corridors in wetlands and across stream channels shall be restricted to the minimum width practicable and shall not exceed 30 feet wide. North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Fayetteville Regional Office 1 225 Green Street, Suite 714 1 Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301-5043 NORTH CAROL NA i 910-433-3300 Piedmont Natural Gas DWR# 20230805 Individual Certification #WQC006090 Page 6 of 13 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. In determining that the proposed activity will comply with state water quality standards (including designated uses, numeric criteria, narrative criteria and the state's antidegradation policy), 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. 5. For all utility lines constructed within wetlands, an anti -seep collar shall be placed at the downstream (utility line gradient) wetland boundary and every 150 feet up the gradient until the utility exits the wetland. Anti -seep collars may be constructed with class B concrete, compacted clay, PVC pipe, or metal collars. Wetland crossings that are directionally drilled, and perpendicular wetland crossings that are open cut and less than 150 feet long do not require anti -seep collars. The compacted clay shall have a specific infiltration of 1 X 10-5 cm/sec or less. A section and plan view diagram is attached for the anti -seep collars. The following specifications shall apply to class B concrete: i. Minimum cement content, sacks per cubic yard with rounded coarse aggregate 5.0 ii. Minimum cement content, sacks per cubic yard with angular coarse aggregate 5.5 iii. Maximum water -cement ratio gallons per sack 6.8 iv. Slump range 2" to 4" v. Minimum strength - 28-day psi 2,500 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. In determining that the proposed activity will comply with state water quality standards (including designated uses, numeric criteria, narrative criteria and the state's antidegradation policy), 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. 6. The permittee shall restore wetland contours to pre -construction conditions. Any excess material will be removed to a high ground disposal area. The mixing of topsoil and subsoils within the wetlands along utility corridors shall be minimized to the greatest extent practical. During excavation, the soils shall be placed on fabric to minimize impacts whenever possible. Topsoil excavated from utility trenches will be piled separately from subsoils and will be backfilled into the trench only after the subsoils have been placed and compacted. 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. In determining that the proposed activity will comply with state water quality standards (including designated uses, numeric criteria, narrative criteria and the state's antidegradation policy), 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. North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Fayetteville Regional Office 1 225 Green Street, Suite 714 1 Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301-5043 NORTH CAROL NA i 910-433-3300 Piedmont Natural Gas DWR# 20230805 Individual Certification #WQC006090 Page 7 of 13 7. The permittee shall report to the DWR Fayetteville 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. 8. No waste, spoil, solids, or fill of any kind shall occur in wetlands or waters beyond the footprint of the approved impacts (including temporary impacts). 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. 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. Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b), 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCACO28 .0200; 15A NCAC 028 .0231 North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Fayetteville Regional Office 1 225 Green Street, Suite 714 1 Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301-5043 NORTH CAROL NA i 910-433-3300 Piedmont Natural Gas DWR# 20230805 Individual Certification #WQC006090 Page 8 of 13 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: (12) 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 offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated uses; and (21) 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: (c)(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. 10. 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 028 .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: (12) 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 offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated uses; and (21) 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: (c)(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. 11. 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) North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Fayetteville Regional Office 1 225 Green Street, Suite 714 1 Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301-5043 NORTH CAROL NA i 910-433-3300 Piedmont Natural Gas DWR# 20230805 Individual Certification #WQC006090 Page 9 of 13 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. 12. 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. Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 028 .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: (12) 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 offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated uses; and (21) 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: (c)(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. 13. All work in or adjacent to streams shall be conducted so that the flowing stream does not come in contact with 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 flowing water. Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 028 .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: (12) 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 offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated uses; and (21) turbidity in the receiving water shall not exceed 50 Nephelometric Turbidity Units North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Fayetteville Regional Office 1 225 Green Street, Suite 714 1 Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301-5043 NORTH CAROL NA i 910-433-3300 Piedmont Natural Gas DWR# 20230805 Individual Certification #WQC006090 Page 10 of 13 (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. 14. 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 028 .0200, 15A NCAC 028 .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: (12) 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 offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated uses. As cited in Wetland Standards: (c)(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. 15. 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 028 .0200; 15A NCAC 028 .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: (12) 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 offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated uses. As cited in Wetland Standards: (c)(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. 16. 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) North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Fayetteville Regional Office 1 225 Green Street, Suite 714 1 Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301-5043 NORTH CAROL NA i 910-433-3300 Piedmont Natural Gas DWR# 20230805 Individual Certification #WQC006090 Page 11 of 13 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. 17. Any rip -rap required for proper culvert placement, stream 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 placed such that the original streambed elevation and streambank contours are restored and maintained and shall consist of clean rock or masonry material free of debris or toxic pollutants. Placement of rip -rap or other approved materials shall not result in de -stabilization of the stream bed or banks upstream or downstream of the area or be installed in a manner that precludes aquatic life passage. 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. 18. 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; 15A NCAC 028 .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: (12) 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 offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated uses. As cited in Wetland Standards: (c)(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. 19. 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 North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Fayetteville Regional Office 1 225 Green Street, Suite 714 1 Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301-5043 NORTH CAROL NA i 910-433-3300 Piedmont Natural Gas DWR# 20230805 Individual Certification #WQC006090 Page 12 of 13 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. 20. In accordance with 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 petroleum spill regardless of amount occurring within 100 feet of surface waters; and any petroleum spill less 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. 21. 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. 22. The permittee shall require its contractors and/or agents to comply with the terms and conditions of this certification 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 Water Quality Certification. A copy of this Water Quality 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 Certification to minimize water quality impacts. North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Fayetteville Regional Office 1 225 Green Street, Suite 714 1 Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301-5043 NORTH CAROL NA i 910-433-3300 Piedmont Natural Gas DWR# 20230805 Individual Certification #WQC006090 Page 13 of 13 This approval to proceed with your proposed impacts or to conduct impacts to waters as depicted in your application shall expire upon expiration of the 404 Permit. The conditions in effect on the date of issuance shall remain in effect for the life of the project, regardless of the expiration date of this Certification. [15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)] This, the 14th day of July, 2023 Do"c"uSigL'�ne/dbyU 5189=3DD5C42B... Trent Allen Regional Supervisor Division of Water Resources Water Quality Regional Operations Section North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources Fayetteville Regional Office 1 225 Green Street, Suite 714 1 Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301-5043 NOR1H CAROL Na i 910-433-3300