20121041 Ver 3_USACE Permit_20231114

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
WILMINGTON DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
69 DARLINGTON AVENUE
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28403-1343
November 15, 2023
Regulatory Division
Action ID No. SAW 2009-01231
Sent via Email
River Bluffs Development Corporation
Attn: Burrows Smith
200 Chair Road
Castle Hayne, NC 28429
Dear Mr. Burrows:
Reference your application to renew a Department of the Army permit to construct a
143-slip marina and to install seven (7) areas of living shoreline with associated grading,
riprap, and planting of wetland grass (Spartina cynosuroides). The ongoing work will
occur along the east bank of the Cape Fear River near Castle Hayne, New Hanover
County, North Carolina.
The work to be finished to the marina consist primarily of marina construction south
of the existing debris deflector, Docks 1 through 10 with associated finger piers and
slips. The living shoreline work will consist of repair, maintenance and plantings of
seven (7) living shoreline areas along the edge of the Cape Fear River.
Your proposal has been reviewed and found to be consistent with the provisions and
objectives of the CAMA-Corps Programmatic Permit process, via Regional General
Permit 291 (copy attached), for construction activities that receive authorization from the
State of North Carolina. Therefore, you may commence construction activity in strict
accordance with the applicable State authorization, attached Federal special conditions,
RGP-291 conditions and the approved plan. Failure to comply with the State
authorization or conditions of the Federal permit could result in civil and/or
administrative penalties. This authorization expires December 31, 2026.
If any change in your work is required because of unforeseen or altered conditions or
for any other reason, plans revised to show the change must be sent promptly to this
office and the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management prior to performing any
such change or alteration. Such action is necessary as revised plans must be reviewed
and the authorization modified.

-2-
Questions or comments may be addressed to Greg Currey, Wilmington Field Office,
Regulatory Branch, telephone [phone] or email
[e-mail].
Sincerely,
CU RREY.GREGOR Digitally signed by
CURREY.GREGORY.EUGENE.1
Y.EUGENE.10510 051011950
Date: 202 3.1 1.15 12:52:21
11950 -05,00,
Greg Currey, Project Manager
Wilmington Regulatory Field Office
Enclosed:
Plans
RGP 291 Permit
Manatee Guidelines
CAMA Permit
401 Water Quality Certification
Copies Furnished by Email:
NCDEQ/DWR; Ms. Holley Snider
NCDEQ/DCM; Mr. Cameron Luck
NCDEQ/DCM; Ms. Amanda Cannon
Davey Resource Group; Mr. William Dortch

51
Special Conditions
1. All work authorized by this permit must be performed in strict compliance with the
submitted plans, dated December 12, 2019, which are a part of this permit. Any
modification to these plans must be approved by the US Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE) prior to implementation.
2. No dredging is authorized.
3. Except as specified in the plans attached to this permit, no excavation, fill or
mechanized land -clearing activities shall take place at any time in the construction or
maintenance of this project, in such a manner as to impair normal flows and circulation
patterns within waters or wetlands or to reduce the reach of waters or wetlands.
4. Except as authorized by this permit or any USACE approved modification to this
permit, no excavation, fill or mechanized land -clearing activities shall take place at any
time in the construction or maintenance of this project, within waters or wetlands. This
permit does not authorize temporary placement or double handling of excavated or fill
material within waters or wetlands outside the permitted area. This prohibition applies
to all borrow and fill activities connected with this project.
5. The permittee understands and agrees that, if future operations by the United
States require the removal, relocation, or other alteration, of the structure or work herein
authorized, or if, in the opinion of the Secretary of the Army or his authorized
representative, said structure or work shall cause unreasonable obstruction to the free
navigation of the navigable waters, the permittee will be required, upon due notice from
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to remove, relocate, or alter the structural work or
obstructions caused thereby, without expense to the United States.
6. Unless otherwise authorized by this permit, all fill material placed in waters or
wetlands shall be generated from an upland source and will be clean and free of any
pollutants except in trace quantities. Metal products, organic materials (including debris
from land clearing activities), or unsightly debris will not be used.
7. If the permittee discovers any previously unknown historic or archeological
remains while accomplishing the authorized work, he will immediately notify the
Wilmington District Engineer who will initiate the required coordination procedures.
8. The permittee must install and maintain, at his expense, any signal lights and signals
prescribed by the U.S. Coast Guard, through regulations or otherwise, on authorized
facilities. For further information, the permittee should contact the U.S. Coast Guard
Marine Safety Office at [phone].

-4-
9. Approval of the structure is based on determinations that there would be no
obstruction to navigation. The structure may be damaged by wave wash from passing
vessels. Issuance of this permit should not be construed, as relieving the permittee of
taking proper steps to ensure the structure and moored boats will not be damaged by
wave wash.
10. The authorized structure and associated activity must not interfere with the
public's right to free navigation on all navigable waters of the United States. No attempt
will be made by the permittee to prevent the full and free use by the public of all
navigable waters at or adjacent to the authorized work for reason other than safety.
11. All mechanized equipment will be regularly inspected and maintained to prevent
contamination of waters and wetlands from fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or other
toxic materials. In the event of a spill of petroleum products or any other hazardous
waste, the permittee shall immediately report it to the N.C. Division of Water Resources
at [phone], Ext. 526 or [phone] and provisions of the North Carolina Oil
Pollution and Hazardous Substances Control Act will be followed.
12. 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 permit. A copy of this permit, including all
conditions, shall be available at the project site during construction and maintenance of
this project.
13. The permittee shall employ all sedimentation and erosion control measures
necessary to prevent an increase in sedimentation or turbidity within waters and
wetlands outside the permit area. This shall include, but is not limited to, the immediate
installation of silt fencing or similar appropriate devices around all areas subject to soil
disturbance or the movement of earthen fill, and the immediate stabilization of all
disturbed areas. Additionally, the project must remain in full compliance with all aspects
of the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973
14. The activity will be conducted in such a manner as to prevent a significant increase
in turbidity outside the area of construction or construction -related discharge. Increases
such that the turbidity in the waterbody is 50 NTU's or less in all rivers not designated as
trout waters by the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management (NCDEM), 25
NTU's or less in all saltwater classes and in all lakes and reservoirs, and 10 NTU's or
less in trout waters, are not considered significant.
15. In order to protect juvenile finfish resources, no excavation or filling activities will
be permitted between the dates of February 1 st and July 31 st of any year without the
prior approval of the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management and the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers.

-5-
16. In order to further protect the endangered West Indian Manatee, Trichechus
manatus, the applicant must implement the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Manatee
Guidelines, and strictly adhere to all requirements therein. The guidelines can be found
at http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/mammal/manatee_guidelines.pdf.
17. The permittee, upon receipt of a notice of revocation of this permit or upon its
expiration before completion of the work will, without expense to the United States and
in such time and manner as the Secretary of the Army or his authorized representative
may direct, restore the water or wetland to its pre -project condition.
18. Violations of these conditions or violations of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act must be reported in writing to the
Wilmington District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers within 24 hours of the permittee's
discovery of the violation.

Adjacent Riparian Owner
General Electric Co.
Boat Ramp Site
(Constructed)
Permitted Living
Shoreline Areas
(Constructed. Typ)
Permitted Marina
(Partially Constructed)
Proposed Floating Lifts
and Dock Additions
(See Sheet 2 of 2)
Dock 6
Adjacent Riparian Owner
Dock 5
Loughlin /
Dock 4
Dock 3
Dock 2 �/'•
Dock 1
LEGEND
75' Coastal Shoreline AEC
30' Coastal Shoreline Buffer
0 100 200 400
iiiiii
--- River blutts.
Debris Deflector
Dock 10
Dock 9
Dock 8
30' Buffer
75' AEC
Permitted Fixed Dock
(Constructed)
Permitted Floating Dock
(Constructed)
Approximate MLW
2017 MHW
Permitted Shoreline Grading
(Completed)
136'ROW MB 31 PG 216
143 a�IIIIIIIID
1
i
/ I
L7a. . . _ . . _ . . . .
. . . Wetlands /
f WETLANDS _ �' i _ . . . . . . . . % i
I I I I I I I
.+• � Q � tt I
—A—L—L-LA
�'��� Permitted Marsh Sill
/- and Living Shoreline
NOTES:
1. FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING ONLY. NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION.
2. NOT AN ENGINEERED OR SURVEYED DRAWING.
3. BASE DRAWING PROVIDED BY NORRIS & TUNSTALL ENGINEERING.
;;�LMG
LAND MANAGEMENT GROUP
a DAVEY1 company
3805 Wrightsville Ave, Suite 15
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
Telephone: [phone]
Boat s aver luffs Minor Mod -Boat Lifts. wo
Project: River Bluffs
CAMA Permit 30-13
Minor Modification Request
Title:
Plan View
and Site Location
Date:
12/12/19
scale:
1"=200'
Drawn By:
EBF
Revision Date:
NA
Job Number:
LMG11.189
Figure:
1 of 2
I
I
II
II
I
i

u-U-U-U-U-U-U-U-U- I I \
Proposed Floating III \
GC,� Boat Lifts (5)
O
0 o
---
JIM-
0 0 r 0 0 0
G�CJ Proposed Floating
OO Boat Lifts (4)
M N
00 1 r
r
Cl r ��
V
a, Oo 0o 00 00�00A]
00
G�
O Proposed 6'x8'
Proposed Floating Dock
Boat Lifts (5) -�yr0� r,
r /
� �\O�o�
I �
/------00
r
OClco
Proposed Floating
Boat Lifts (5) o `' It
® OI®K
ko /
^"
Ta'g�
FLf1 L!1 LLr1 Lr) ` ♦ �i I! M
G�cO
O Permitted 6'x8' ♦ \�l
ermitted Floating Dock
Boat Lifts
Ln
N
® ®Ln
r
Ln �Fqn
N O
OOP' Permitted 6'x8' /
i
Dock
i
1� N '6
/
aa
o r
Mn m ran ran i♦ / s``�
vo
M
Perini ted Floating
Boat L ifts I
Proposed Floating
Boat Lifts (5)
I
N rn 0o I
(b N N � � I �
O e
=—Ln—q
I
I
NOTES:
1. FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING ONLY. NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION.
2. NOT AN ENGINEERED OR SURVEYED DRAWING.
3. BASE DRAWING PROVIDED BY NORRIS & TUNSTALL ENGINEERING. 0 30 60 120
LEGEND
LM G Project: River Bluffs Date: Revision Date:
75' Coastal Shoreline AEC--~—°E— CAMA Permit 30-13 12/12/19 NA
Minor Modification Request Scale: Job Number:
30' Coastal Shoreline Buffer LANDMANAGEMENTGRouP Title: 1"=60' LMG11.189
a # company
3805 Wrightsville Ave, Suite 15 Detailed Plan View with Proposed Drawn By: Figure:
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403 Floating Boat Lifts EBF 2 of 2
Tele hone:910-452-0001
L:\CAMA\2011 CAMA FILES\02-11-189 --- River Bluffs, Burrows Smith\2019 Minor Mod - Boat Lifts\River lulls Minor Mod -Boat Lifts.dwa

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Wilmington District, Corps of Engineers
69 Darlington Avenue
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403-1343
http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/Re ug latoryPermitPro rg am.aspx
General Permit No. 198000291
Name of Permittee: General Public
Effective Date: January 01, 2022
Expiration Date: December 31, 2026
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
REGIONAL GENERAL PERMIT (RGP)
A RGP to do work in or affecting navigable waters of the U.S. and waters of the U.S., upon
recommendation of the Chief of Engineers, pursuant to Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act
of March 3, 1899 (U.S.C. 403), and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344), is
hereby issued by authority of the Secretary of the Army by
District Engineer
U.S. Army Engineer District, Wilmington
Corps of Engineers
69 Darlington Avenue
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403-1343
TO AUTHORIZE THOSE CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES IN THE 20 COASTAL
COUNTIES RECEIVING PRIOR APPROVAL FROM THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
IN THE FORM OF A COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT ACT (CAMA) PERMIT, AND/OR
A STATE DREDGE AND FILL PERMIT, AND IF REQUIRED, A WATER QUALITY
CERTIFICATION, THAT ARE OTHERWISE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL
AUTHORIZATION IN THE FORM OF A NATIONWIDE PERMIT OR ANOTHER RGP.
Operatinst Procedures
a. Applications for joint state and federal authorization under this programmatic RGP will
be accepted through the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management (NCDCM). Receipt of
a complete application by the NCDCM will initiate the State's field review that will include a site
visit and preparation of a Field Investigation Report and a state Bio-Report. The NCDCM will
forward a copy of the complete application, its Field Investigation Report, and its Bio-Report, to
the appropriate Corps of Engineers field office, thereby initiating federal review of the project.
The Corps, upon receipt of an application, will immediately assign an action identification
number, acknowledge receipt thereof, and examine the application to assure that it can be
processed pursuant to this programmatic RGP. The applicant and the NCDCM will be furnished
written notification of the Corps' determination. Notification to the applicant will include a brief
description of the administrative process.

b. For those proposals that may result in a discharge into waters of the U.S., including
wetlands, the North Carolina Division of Water Resources (NCDWR) and the applicant will be
informed regarding the applicant's need to obtain a Water Quality Certification in accordance
with section 401 of the Clean Water Act.
c. If, at any time, the Corps determines that a proposed activity is eligible for
authorization under another regional RGP or a nationwide permit (NWP), this procedure may be
terminated and the activity authorized pursuant to the terms and conditions of the appropriate
RGP or NWP.
d. The permit review process conducted by the NCDCM is a public process involving
publication of public notices in local newspapers, public hearings, and various public appeal
procedures. The Corps may issue a separate public notice for a specific proposal if it is deemed
necessary for compliance with appropriate laws, regulation, and guidance.
e. This RGP does not, in any way, alter established procedures or responsibilities, as
required by federal laws, memoranda of agreements (MOA's) or administrative regulations, with
respect to the Corps' coordination with appropriate review agencies. The applicant will continue
to have the opportunity to rebut any objections to a proposal.
f. The Corps will provide copies of the application and plans, the NCDCM's Field
Investigation Report, and the state Bio-Report, to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS),
the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), and any other federal agency that the Corps determines to be a necessary review agency
(collectively, the "Federal Agencies"). Receipt of this material will initiate the Federal Agencies'
review. The Federal Agencies will be allowed sufficient time, normally thirty (30) days, to
provide the Corps with their comments and recommendations, including any proposed permit
special conditions and recommendations of denial. The Corps may grant extensions of time for
Federal Agency review if justified by unusual circumstances. If an extension is granted that
would substantially delay an NCDCM decision, the application may be removed from this RGP
process.
g. The Corps will receive and review all Federal Agency comments as well as any
applicant rebuttal. Provided all Federal Agencies and the Corps are in agreement, the Corps will
prepare a coordinated federal position incorporating all Federal Agency comments, including
proposed permit special conditions and any recommendations for denial. The Corps will
typically furnish this coordinated federal position to the NCDCM within 45 days of its receipt of
the complete application, and copies of the Field Investigation Report and Bio-Report.
h. If the Corps does not concur with a Federal Agency's comments or recommendations,
the Corps will contact the Federal Agency and advise it of the Corps' position. Attempts to
resolve the issue may include initiating the referral procedures outlined by current memoranda of
agreement (MOA's) between the Department of the Army and the agency. No coordinated
federal position will be furnished to the NCDCM until and unless the Corps receives written
agreement from the Federal Agency that all issues have been resolved to the satisfaction of that
agency.

i. If any of the recommendations and/or conditions included in the coordinated federal
position are unacceptable to the NCDCM, the NCDCM will contact the Corps within ten (10)
days of receipt of the coordinated federal position and attempt to resolve the conflict. If
resolution of the conflict involves changes to the conditions or recommendations provided by the
Federal Agencies, the provisions of paragraphs g. and h. (above) will apply. If the conflict is
resolved to the satisfaction of the Corps and any affected Federal Agency, the NCDCM permit
will be issued and the authority of this RGP will apply.
j. If a Federal Agency conflict is not resolved within the time necessary for a decision by
the NCDCM, the NCDCM may proceed, independently, to conclude the state action without
inclusion of the federal position. In such case, the applicant and the NCDCM will be notified
immediately, in writing, that the state permit does not satisfy the federal permit requirements and
that the proposal in question may not proceed without federal authorization.
k. If the coordinated federal position is not in conflict with state agencies' positions, law,
regulation, or policy, and is acceptable to the NCDCM, a state permit will be developed by the
NCDCM fully incorporating the state and federal positions. The NCDCM will furnish copies of
the final permit to the applicant and the Corps. The NCDWR will furnish a copy of the Section
401 Water Quality Certification, if required, to the applicant and the Corps. The Corps will not
confirm the authorization of a proposed project under this RGP until the issuance of the NCDCM
permit and, if required, the Section 401 Water Quality Certification.
1. If the NCDCM permit or Section 401 Water Quality Certification is denied, the
applicant will be informed that federal authorization is denied without prejudice.
in. No work may proceed under this RGP until the Wilmington District Engineer or his
representative provides written verification that the procedures and conditions of the RGP have
been satisfied.
n. The NCDCM and the Corps will monitor all permitted work and periodically inspect
projects for compliance with permit conditions and applicable state and federal regulations. If
any violation of the NCDCM permit is discovered which would also constitute a violation of the
federal position, both the NCDCM and the Corps, in accordance with their respective regulations
and policies, may take enforcement action.
o. This RGP will not be used to authorize an activity when the Wilmington District
Engineer determines that the proposed activity would significantly affect the quality of the
human environment and therefore require preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS).
General Conditions
a. Authorized structures located on or adjacent to Federally authorized waterways will be
constructed in accordance with the latest setback criteria established by the Wilmington District
Engineer. You may review the setback policy at

http://www.saw.usace.arM.mil/Missions/Navigation/Setbacks.awx. This RGP does not
authorize the construction of hardened or permanently fixed structures within the Federally
Authorized Channel Setback, unless the activity is approved by the Corps. The Permittee must
obtain approval from the Corps prior to the construction of any structures within the Federally
Authorized Channel Setback.
b. Except as authorized by this RGP or any Corps approved modification to this RGP, no
excavation, fill or mechanized land -clearing activities shall take place, at any time in the
construction or maintenance of this project, within waters or wetlands. This permit does not
authorize temporary placement or double handling of excavated or fill material within waters or
wetlands outside the permitted area. This prohibition applies to all borrow and fill activities
connected with this project.
c. Authorization under this RGP does not obviate the need to obtain other federal, state,
or local authorizations.
d. All work authorized by this RGP must comply with the terms and conditions of the
applicable Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification for this RGP issued by the
North Carolina Division of Water Resources.
e. The Permittee shall employ all sedimentation and erosion control measures necessary
to prevent an increase in sedimentation or turbidity within waters and wetlands outside the
permit area. This shall include, but is not limited to, the immediate installation of silt fencing or
similar appropriate devices around all areas subject to soil disturbance or the movement of
earthen fill, and the immediate stabilization of all disturbed areas. Additionally, the project must
remain in full compliance with all aspects of the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973
(North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 113A Article 4).
f. The activities authorized by this RGP must not interfere with the public's right to free
navigation on all navigable waters of the U.S. No attempt will be made by the Permittee to
prevent the full and free use by the public of all navigable waters at or adjacent to the authorized
work for a reason other than safety.
g. The Permittee understands and agrees that, if future operations by the United States
require the removal, relocation, or other alteration, of the structure or work herein authorized, or if,
in the opinion of the Secretary of the Army or his/her authorized representative, said structure or
work shall cause unreasonable obstruction to the free navigation of the navigable waters, the
Permittee will be required, upon due notice from the Corps , to remove, relocate, or alter the
structural work or obstructions caused thereby, without expense to the United States. No claim
shall be made against the United States on account of any such removal or alteration.
h. The Permittee, upon receipt of a notice of revocation of the permit for the verified
individual activity, may apply for an individual permit, or will, without expense to the United
States and in such time and manner as the Secretary of the Army or his/her authorized
representative may direct, restore the affected water of the US to its former conditions.

i. This RGP does not authorize any activity that would conflict with a federal project's
congressionally authorized purposes, established limitations or restrictions, or limit an agency's
ability to conduct necessary operation and maintenance functions. Per Section 14 of the Rivers
and Harbors Act of 1899, as amended (33 U.S.C. 408), no project that has the potential to take
possession of or make use of for any purpose, or build upon, alter, deface, destroy, move, injure,
or obstruct a federally constructed work or project, including, but not limited to, levees, dams,
jetties, navigation channels, borrow areas, dredged material disposal sites, flood control projects,
etc., shall be permitted unless the project has been reviewed and approved by the appropriate
Corps approval authority.
j. The Permittee shall obtain a Consent to Cross Government Easement from the
Wilmington District's Land Use Coordinator prior to any crossing of the Corps easement and/or
prior to commencing construction of any structures, authorized dredging, or other work within
the right-of-way of, or in proximity to, a federally designated disposal area. The Land Use
Coordinator may be contacted at: CESAW-OP-N, 69 Darlington Avenue, Wilmington, North
Carolina 28403-1343, email: SAWWeb-NAVgusace.army.mil.
k. The Permittee will allow the Wilmington District Engineer or his/her representative to
inspect the authorized activity at any time deemed necessary to assure that the activity is being
performed or maintained in strict accordance with the Special and General Conditions of this
permit.
1. This RGP does not grant any property rights or exclusive privileges.
in. This RGP does not authorize any injury to the property or rights of others.
n. This RGP does not authorize the interference with any existing or proposed federal
project.
o. In issuing this RGP, the Federal Government does not assume any liability for the
following:
(1) Damages to the permitted project or uses thereof as a result of other permitted or
unpermitted activities or from natural causes.
(2) Damages to the permitted project or uses thereof as a result of current or future
activities undertaken by or on behalf of the United States in the public interest.
(3) Damages to persons, property, or to other permitted or unpermitted activities or
structures caused by the activity authorized by this RGP.
(4) Design or construction deficiencies associated with the permitted work.
(5) Damage claims associated with any future modification, suspension, or
revocation of this RGP.

p. Authorization provided by this RGP may be modified, suspended, or revoked in whole
or in part if the Wilmington District Engineer, acting for the Secretary of the Army, determines
that such action would be in the best public interest. The term of this RGP shall be five (5) years
unless subject to modification, suspension, or revocation. Any modification, suspension or
revocation of this authorization will not be the basis for any claim for damages against the
United States Government.
q. No activity may occur in a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System,
or in a river officially designated by Congress as a "study river" for possible inclusion in the
system while the river is in an official study status, unless the appropriate Federal agency with
direct management responsibility for such river, has determined in writing that the proposed
activity will not adversely affect the Wild and Scenic designation or study status. Information on
Wild and Scenic Rivers may be obtained from the appropriate Federal land management agency
responsible for the designated Wild and Scenic River or "study river" (e.g., National Park
Service, U.S. Forest Service, etc.)
r. This RGP does not authorize any activity within, or directly affecting, a marine
sanctuary established by the Secretary of Commerce under authority of Section 302 of the
Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, unless the applicant provides the
Corps with a certification from the Secretary of Commerce that the proposed activity is
consistent with the purposes of Title III of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act.
Information on marine sanctuaries may be obtained at http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/#MN.
Permittees may not begin work until they provide the Corps with a written certification from the
Department of Commerce.
s. In cases where the Wilmington District Engineer determines that the activity may
affect properties listed, or eligible for listing, in the National Register of Historic Places and its
codified regulations, the National Historic Preservation Amendment Acts of 1980 and 1992, the
Abandoned Shipwreck Act of 1987 and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation
Act, the activity is not authorized, until the requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act (NHPA) have been satisfied. Permittees may not begin work until notified by
the Corps that the requirements of the NHPA have been satisfied and that the activity is
authorized.
t. If you discover any previously unknown historic, cultural, or archeological remains
and artifacts while accomplishing the activity authorized by this RGP, you must immediately
notify the Wilmington District Engineer of what you have found, and to the maximum extent
practicable, avoid construction activities that may affect the remains and artifacts until the
required coordination has been completed. The Wilmington District Engineer will initiate the
Federal, tribal, and state coordination required to determine if the items or remains warrant a
recovery effort or if the site is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
u. Endangered Species.
(1) No activity is authorized under this RGP which is likely to jeopardize the continued existence
of a threatened or endangered species directly or indirectly or a species proposed for such

designation, as identified under the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), or which will
directly or indirectly destroy or adversely modify the critical habitat of such species. No activity
is authorized under this RGP which "may affect" a listed species or critical habitat, unless
Section 7 consultation addressing the effects of the proposed activity has been completed.
(2) Federal agencies should follow their own procedures for complying with the requirements of
the ESA. Federal prospective Permittees (and when FHWA is the lead federal agency) must
provide the District Engineer with the appropriate documentation to demonstrate compliance
with those requirements. The District Engineer will review the documentation and determine
whether it is sufficient to address ESA compliance for the RGP activity, or whether additional
ESA consultation is necessary.
(3) As a result of formal or informal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) or NMFS, the District Engineer may add species -specific endangered species
conditions to the RGP verification letter for a project.
(4) Authorization of an activity by a RGP does not authorize the "take" of a threatened or
endangered species as defined under the ESA. In the absence of separate authorization (e.g., an
ESA Section 10 Permit, a Biological Opinion with "incidental take" provisions, etc.) from the
USFWS or the NMFS, the ESA prohibits any person subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. to
take a listed species, where "take" means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap,
capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct. The word "harm" in the
definition of "take" means an act which actually kills or injures wildlife. Such an act may include
significant habitat modification or degradation where it actually kills or injures wildlife by
significantly impairing essential behavioral patterns, including breeding, feeding, or sheltering.
(5) Information on the location of threatened and endangered species and their critical habitat can
be obtained directly from the USFWS in Raleigh, North Carolina at the address provided below,
or from the USFWS and NMFS via their world wide web pages at http://www.fws.gov/
or http://www.fws.g_ov/ipac and http://www.noaa.gov/fisheries.html respectively.
The Raleigh USFWS Office covers all NC counties east of, and including, Richmond,
Montgomery, Randolph, Guilford, and Rockingham Counties.
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Raleigh Field Office
Post Office Box 33726
Raleigh, NC 27636-3726
Telephone: [phone]
(6) The Wilmington District, USFWS, NCDOT, and the FHWA have conducted programmatic
Section 7(a)(2) consultation for a number of federally listed species and habitat, and
programmatic consultation concerning other federally listed species and/or habitat may occur in
the future. The result of completed programmatic consultation is a Programmatic Biological
Opinion (PBO) issued by the USFWS. These PBOs contain mandatory terms and conditions to
implement the reasonable and prudent measures that are associated with "incidental take" of

whichever species or critical habitat is covered by a specific PBO. Authorization under this RGP
is conditional upon the Permittee's compliance with all the mandatory terms and conditions
associated with incidental take of the applicable PBO (or PBOs), which are incorporated by
reference in this RGP. Failure to comply with the terms and conditions associated with incidental
take of an applicable PBO, where a take of the federally listed species occurs, would constitute
an unauthorized take by the Permittee, and would also constitute Permittee non-compliance with
the authorization under this RGP. If the terms and conditions of a specific PBO (or PBOs) apply
to a project, the Corps will include this/these requirements in any RGP verification that may be
issued for a project. The USFWS is the appropriate authority to determine compliance with the
terms and conditions of its PBO, and with the ESA.
(7) Northern long-eared bat (NLEB) (Myotis septentrionalis). Standard Local Operating
Procedures for Endangered Species (SLOPES) for the NLEB have been approved by the Corps
and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. See
http://www.saw.usace.ariny.mil/Missions/Re ug latory-Permit-Pro rg am/A ency-
Coordination/ESA/. This SLOPES details how the Corps will make determinations of effect to
the NLEB when the Corps is the lead federal agency for an NCDOT project that is located in the
western 41 counties of North Carolina. This SLOPES do not address NCDOT projects (either
federal or state funded) in the eastern 59 counties in North Carolina. Note that if another federal
agency is the lead federal agency for a project in the western 41 counties, procedures for
satisfying the requirements of Section 7(a)(2) of the ESA will be dictated by that agency and will
not be applicable for consideration under the SLOPES; however, information that demonstrates
the lead federal agency's (if other than the Corps) compliance with Section 7(a)(2) / 4(d) Rule
for the NLEB, will be required in the PCN. Note that at the time of issuance of this RGP, the
federal listing status of the NLEB as "Threatened" is being litigated at the National level. If, as a
result of litigation, the NLEB is federally listed as "Endangered", this general condition ("s")
will no longer be applicable because the 4(d) Rule, and this NLEB SLOPES, will no longer
apply/be valid.
(8) In order to further protect the endangered West Indian Manatee, Trichechus manatus, the
applicant must implement the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Manatee Guidelines, and strictly
adhere to all requirements therein. The guidelines can be found at
https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/pdfs/1\4anateeGuidelines20l7.pdf
(9) If the Permittee discovers or observes any live, damaged, injured, or dead individual of an
endangered or threatened species during construction, the Permittee shall immediately notify the
Wilmington District Engineer so that required coordination can be initiated with the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service and/or National Marine Fisheries Service.
v. Permittees are advised that development activities in or near a floodway may be
subject to the National Flood Insurance Program that prohibits any development, including fill,
within a floodway that results in any increase in base flood elevations. This RGP does not
authorize any activity prohibited by the National Flood Insurance Program.
w. The Permittee must install and maintain, at his/her expense, any signal lights and
signals prescribed by the U.S. Coast Guard, through regulations or otherwise, on authorized

facilities. For further information, the Permittee should contact Coast Guard Sector North
Carolina at [phone] or email Coast Guard Fifth District at cgd5waterways&uscg.mil.
x. If the display of lights and signals on the authorized structure is not otherwise
provided for by law, such lights and signals as may be prescribed by the U.S. Coast Guard will
be installed and maintained by and at the expense of the Permittee.
y. It is possible that an authorized structure may be damaged by wave wash from
passing vessels. The issuance of this RGP does not relieve the Permittee from taking all proper
steps to ensure the integrity of the permitted structure and the safety of moored boats. The
Permittee will not hold the United States liable for any such damage.
z. Structures and their attendant utilities, authorized by this RGP, located on lands subject
to an easement in favor of the United States for the operation, maintenance, improvement, and
enlargement of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW), will be removed at the expense of
the Permittee, in the event that, in the judgment of the Corps acting on behalf of the United
States, the lands are needed at any time for any purpose within the scope of the easement.
Permanent buildings will not be constructed within the easement.
aa. The Permittee must maintain any structure or work authorized by this RGP in good
condition and in conformance with the terms and conditions of this RGP. The Permittee is not
relieved of this requirement if the Permittee abandons the structure or work. Transfer in fee
simple of the work authorized by this RGP will automatically transfer this RGP to the property's
new owner, with all of the rights and responsibilities enumerated herein. The Permittee must
inform any subsequent owner of all activities undertaken under the authority of this RGP and
provide the subsequent owner with a copy of the terms and conditions of this RGP.
bb. At his/her sole discretion, any time during the processing cycle, the Wilmington
District Engineer may determine that this RGP will not be applicable to a specific proposal. In
such case, the procedures for processing an individual permit in accordance with 33 CFR 325
will be available.
cc. Except as authorized by this RGP or any Corps approved modification to this RGP,
all fill material placed in waters or wetlands shall be generated from an upland source and will be
clean and free of any pollutants except in trace quantities.
dd Except as authorized by this RGP or any Corps approved modification to this RGP,
all excavated material will be disposed of in approved upland disposal areas.
ee. Activities which have commenced (i.e., are under construction) or are under contract
to commence in reliance upon this RGP will remain authorized provided the activity is
completed within twelve months of the date of the RGP's expiration, modification, or revocation.
Activities completed under the authorization of this RGP that were in effect at the time the
activity was completed continue to be authorized by the RGP.

BY AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY:
WamiA.ett
Colonel, U.S. Army
District Commander

United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Raleigh Field Office
Post Office Box 33726
Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726
GUIDELINES FOR AVOIDING IMPACTS TO THE WEST INDIAN MANATEE
Precautionary Measures for Construction Activities in North Carolina Waters
The West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), also known as the Florida manatee, is a Federally -listed
endangered aquatic mammal protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C.
1531 et seq.) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.0 1461 et seq.). The
manatee is also listed as endangered under the North Carolina Endangered Species Act of 1987 (Article
25 of Chapter 113 of the General Statutes). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is the lead
Federal agency responsible for the protection and recovery of the West Indian manatee under the
provisions of the Endangered Species Act.
Adult manatees average 10 feet long and weigh about 2,200 pounds, although some individuals have been
recorded at lengths greater than 13 feet and weighing as much as 3,500 pounds. Manatees are commonly
found in fresh, brackish, or marine water habitats, including shallow coastal bays, lagoons, estuaries, and
inland rivers of varying salinity extremes. Manatees spend much of their time underwater or partly
submerged, making them difficult to detect even in shallow water. While the manatee's principal
stronghold in the United States is Florida, the species is considered a seasonal inhabitant of North
Carolina with most occurrences reported from June through October.
To protect manatees in North Carolina, the Service's Raleigh Field Office has prepared precautionary
measures for general construction activities in waters used by the species. Implementation of these
measures will allow in -water projects which do not require blasting to proceed without adverse impacts to
manatees. In addition, inclusion of these guidelines as conservation measures in a Biological Assessment
or Biological Evaluation, or as part of the determination of impacts on the manatee in an environmental
document prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, will expedite the Service's review
of the document for the fulfillment of requirements under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.
These measures include:
1 The project manager and/or contractor will inform all personnel associated with the project that
manatees may be present in the project area, and the need to avoid any harm to these endangered
mammals. The project manager will ensure that all construction personnel know the general appearance
of the species and their habit of moving about completely or partially submerged in shallow water. All
construction personnel will be informed that they are responsible for observing water -related activities for
the presence of manatees.
2. The project manager and/or the contractor will advise all construction personnel that there are civil and
criminal penalties for harming, harassing, or killing manatees which are protected under the Marine
Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act.

3. If a manatee is seen within 100 yards of the active construction and/or dredging operation or vessel
movement, all appropriate precautions will be implemented to ensure protection of the manatee. These
precautions will include the immediate shutdown of moving equipment if a manatee comes within 50 feet
of the operational area of the equipment. Activities will not resume until the manatee has departed the
project area on its own volition (i.e., it may not be herded or harassed from the area).
4. Any collision with and/or injury to a manatee will be reported immediately. The report must be made
to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (ph. 919-856-4520), the National Marine Fisheries Service (ph. 252-
728-8762), and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (ph. 252-448-1546).
5. A sign will be posted in all vessels associated with the project where it is clearly visible to the vessel
operator. The sign should state:
CAUTION: The endangered manatee may occur in these waters during the warmer months,
primarily from June through October. Idle speed is required if operating this vessel in shallow
water during these months. All equipment must be shut down if a manatee comes within 50 feet
of the vessel or operating equipment. A collision with and/or injury to the manatee must be
reported immediately to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (919-856-4520), the National Marine
Fisheries Service (252-728-8762), and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (252-
448-1546).
6. The contractor will maintain a log detailing sightings, collisions, and/or injuries to manatees during
project activities. Upon completion of the action, the project manager will prepare a report which
summarizes all information on manatees encountered and submit the report to the Service's Raleigh Field
Office.
7. All vessels associated with the construction project will operate at "no wake/idle" speeds at all times
while in water where the draft of the vessel provides less than a four foot clearance from the bottom. All
vessels will follow routes of deep water whenever possible.
8. If siltation barriers must be placed in shallow water, these barriers will be: (a) made of material in
which manatees cannot become entangled; (b) secured in a manner that they cannot break free and
entangle manatees; and, (c) regularly monitored to ensure that manatees have not become entangled.
Barriers will be placed in a manner to allow manatees entry to or exit from essential habitat.
Prepared by (rev. 02/2017):
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Raleigh Field Office
Post Office Box 33726
Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726
919/856-4520
2

Figure 1. The whole body of the West Indian manatee may be visible in clear water; but in the dark and
muddy waters of coastal North Carolina, one normally sees only a small part of the head when the
manatee raises its nose to breathe.
, 73
Illustration used with the permission of the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences.
Source: Clark, M. K. 1987. Endangered, Threatened, and Rare Fauna of North Carolina: Part I. A re-
evaluation of the mammals. Occasional Papers of the North Carolina Biological Survey 1987-3. North
Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences. Raleigh, NC. pp. 52.
3

Permit Class
RENEWAL
Permit Number
30-13
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
Department of Environmental Quality
and
Coastal Resources Commission
,Perm it
for
X Major Development in an Area of Environmental Concern
pursuant to NCGS 113A-118
X Excavation and/or filling pursuant to NCGS 113-229
Issued to River Bluffs Development Corp c/o Burrows Smith, 3571 Hansa Drive, Castle Hayne, NC 28429
Authorizing development in New Hanover County at adj. Northeast Cape Fear River, 200 Chair
Road, Castle HUne as requested in the permittee's application dated letter dated
12/13/22.
This permit, issued on January 9, 2023 , is subject to compliance with the application (where consistent
with the permit), all applicable regulations, special conditions and notes set forth below. Any violation of these terms may
be subject to fines, imprisonment or civil action; or may cause the permit to be null and void.
1) This renewal shall be attached to Permit No. 30-13, which was issued to the permittee on 2/27/13, as
well as all subsequent modifications, refinements, and renewals, and copies of all documents shall be
readily available on site when a Division representative inspects the project for compliance.
2) All conditions and stipulations of the active permit remain in force under this renewal.
NOTE: The N.C. Division of Water Resources has assigned the proposed project DWR Project No.
2012-1041 v3.
NOTE: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has assigned the proposed project SAW Action Id. No.
2009-01231.
NOTE: A permit renewal application processing fee of $100 was received by DCM for this project.
This permit action may be appealed by the permittee or
other qualified persons within twenty (20) days of the issuing
date.
This permit must be accessible on -site to Department
personnel when the project is inspected for compliance.
Any maintenance work or project modification not covered
hereunder requires further Division approval.
All work must cease when the permit expires on
December 31, 2024
In issuing this permit, the State of North Carolina agrees
that your project is consistent with the North Carolina Coastal
Management Program.
Signed by the authority of the Secretary of DEQ and the Chair
of the Coastal Resources Commission.
For Braxton C. Davis, Director
Division of Coastal Management
This permit and its conditions are hereby accepted.
Signature of Permittee

ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
November 14, 2023
DWR # 201210410
New Hanover County
River Bluffs Development Corporation
ATTN: Burrows Smith
3571 Hansa Drive
Castle Hayne, NC 28429
Sent via email to: [e-mail]
Subject: No Written Approval
River Bluffs Subdivision — 200 Chair Road — Castel Hayne — Northeast Cape Fear River
USACE Action ID- SAW2009-01231
DCM Major Permit #30-13
Dear Mr. Smith:
The Division of Water Resources (DWR) has received a copy of your CAMA major application renewal
request received by this office on December 23, 2022, to construct a 143-slip residential docking facility
to provide mooring for 143 vessels and to impact approximately 0.75 acres of shallow bottom habitat with
the construction of seven (7) living shorelines. The approval authorizes the impacts associated with the
plans (sheets 1 through 5) dated April 12, 2019. DWR issues approval in the form of a Water Quality
Certification (WQC) in conjunction with the CAMA Major Permit and General Permit(s) 198000291 or
197800056 issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). This Certification allows you to use the
CAMA Major Permit when the Division of Coastal Management issues it.
In accordance with the attached General Certification #4501 (GC 4501), the impacts described in your
application do not require written authorization to utilize GC 4501. However, you are required to follow
the conditions listed in the attached certification. You should get or otherwise comply with any other
federal, state and local requirements before you go ahead with your project including (but not limited to)
erosion and sediment control regulations.
This Certification can be contested as provided in Articles 3 and 4 of General Statute 150B by filing a
written petition for an administrative hearing to the Office of Administrative Hearings (hereby known as
OAH). A petition form may be obtained from the OAH at http://www.ncoah.com/ or by calling the OAH
Clerk's Office at [phone] for information.
Within sixty (60) calendar days of receipt of this notice, a petition must be filed with the OAH. A petition
is considered filed when the original and one (1) copy along with any applicable OAH filing fee is received
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
4NORT�HCv 127 Cardinal Drive Ext. WiUmington, North Carolina 28i405-5406
NORTHCAROUNA 910.796.7215
Department ofEnvlronmantal Duali�

River Bluffs Development Corp- NE CFR
DWR Project #201210410
Page 2 of 2
in the OAH during normal office hours (Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 5:00pm, excluding
official state holidays).
The petition may be faxed to the OAH at [phone], provided the original and one copy of the petition
along with any applicable OAH filing fee is received by the OAH within five (5) business days following the
faxed transmission.
Mailing address for the OAH:
If sending via US Postal Service: If sending via delivery service (UPS, FedEx,
etc.):
Office of Administrative Hearings Office of Administrative Hearings
6714 Mail Service Center 1711 New Hope Church Road
Raleigh, NC 27699-6714 Raleigh, NC 27609-6285
One (1) copy of the petition must also be served to DEQ:
William F. Lane, General Counsel
Department of Environmental Quality
1601 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1601
This letter completes the review of the Division under section 401 of the Clean Water. Please contact me
at 910-796-7303 or [e-mail] if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
tla(� svcide-r
Holley Snider
Environmental Specialist II
401 Buffer Permitting Branch
Division of Water Resources
Enclosures: GC 4501
cc: Greg Finch, consultant [e-mail]
Gregg Bodnar & Cameron Luck, DCM Morehead City Office, EC
Greg Currey, USACE Wilmington District
DWR 401 & Buffer Permitting Branch file-LF
WiRO
D E Q�� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
127 Cardinal Drive Ext. Wipmington, North Carolina 28405-5406
NORTH CAROLINA 910.796.7215
Depanmem of Envlmnmenml Dual

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. 4501
GENERAL CERTIFICATION FOR PROJECTS ELIGIBLE FOR US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
PROGRAMMATIC GENERAL PERMIT NUMBER 198000291 (NC COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT
ACT)
Water Quality General Certification Number 4501 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 Programmatic General Permit 198000291.
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.
Effective date: January 3, 2022
Signed this day: October 28, 2021
U Docu Signed by:
ralyowf
SFB19B649DD2478...
for
S. Daniel Smith
Director

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AB8F9AE-0944-472F-9939-465216A3F5A9
GC4501
GENERAL CERTIFICATION COVERAGE:
Activities that are eligible for US Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District's Programmatic
General Permit 198000291 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 are not eligible for coverage under this General Certification and
require an Individual401 Water Quality Certification from the Division of Water Resources
(DWR):
a) If any of the conditions of this General Certification cannot be met; or
b) Activities authorized by CAMA Major Development Permits, except:
i. Boat Ramps and associated access (i.e. roads and parking lots) that involve the
excavation or filling of less than 500 square feet total of wetland and open water
area, with the exception that the excavation or filling of coastal wetlands (as
defined in 15A NCAC 07H .0205) shall not exceed 100 square feet;
ii. Shoreline protection measures (excluding living shorelines/marsh sills) that (1) tie
into existing bulkheads, land, or other shoreline protection measures or (2) do not
extend waterward of the normal high water or normal water line more than 10
feet, provided the activity will not involve the excavation or filling of any
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) or significant shellfish resources (as
identified by the Division of Marine Fisheries) and impacts less than 500 square
feet total of wetland, with the exception that the excavation or filling of coastal
wetlands (as defined in 15A NCAC 07H .0205) shall not exceed 100 square feet;
iii. Living shorelines/marsh sills where (1) the landward edge of the sill does not
extend waterward of the normal high water or normal water line more than 30
feet or five feet waterward of the existing wetlands whichever distance is greater,
(2) the activity will not involve the excavation or fill of any Submerged Aquatic
Vegetation (SAV) or significant shellfish resources (as identified by the Division of
Marine Fisheries), and (3) does not result in any fill landward of the toe of the sill
alignment, provided the Division of Coastal Management representative submits a
copy of the written authorization for the General Permit to the Division upon
issuance; or
iv. Piers and docks designed to accommodate up to but not exceeding 10 vessels
(except where prohibited in Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) as defined in
15A NCAC 02B. 0225(7) & (8)) and where the water depth is equal to or greater
than two feet of water at normal low water level or normal water level (whichever
is applicable);
V. Maintenance dredging of less than 0.5 acres of open water or non -vegetated
wetlands, provided that the applicant can provide documentation showing the
historic dimensions of the dredged channel, and no SAV or shellfish beds are
excavated or filled;
vi. Projects that involve only shading of waters or wetlands that do not meet the
criteria listed in item (iv) above;
Page 2 of 15

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AB8F9AE-0944-472F-9939-465216A3F5A9
GC4501
vii. Utility lines, except wastewater lines and potable water discharge lines which are
subject to an NPDES Permit, as long as all impacts are temporary;
viii. Upland development which involves no more than 1/10 of an acre of excavation or
filling of non -coastal wetlands, with the exception that no more than 2,000 square
feet of the non -coastal excavation or filling may take place within a Coastal
Shoreline Area of Environmental Concern (AEC). For the purposes of this area
calculation, the excavation or filling impacts of the entire project shall be
considered, which may include boat ramps, bulkheads or other shoreline
stabilization measures; and
ix. Single family home construction that results in fill of wetlands; or
c) Any stream relocation or stream restoration; or
d) Any high -density project, as defined in 15A NCAC 02H .1003(3) and by the density
thresholds specified in 15A NCAC 02H .1017, which:
i. Disturbs one acre or more of land (including a project that disturbs less than one
acre of land that is part of a larger common plan of development or sale); and
ii. Has permanent wetland, stream or open water impacts; and
iii. Is proposing new built -upon area; and
iv. Does not have a stormwater management plan reviewed and approved under a
state stormwater program' or a state -approved local government stormwater
program2.
Projects that have vested rights, exemptions, or other legacy rights or exemptions from
state or locally -implemented stormwater programs and projects that satisfy state or
locally -implemented stormwater programs through use of community in -lieu fee
programs require an Individual 401 Certification; or
e) Any impacts to SAV or significant shellfish resources as identified by the (DMF); or
f) Any permanent impacts to Unique Wetlands (UWL) [15A NCAC 02B .0231]; or
g) 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 Minor Variance
is issued by a delegated or designated local government implementing a state
riparian buffer program pursuant to 143-214.23.
1 e.g. Coastal Counties, HQW, ORW, or state -implemented Phase II NPDES
z e.g. Delegated Phase II NPDES, Water Supply Watershed, Nutrient -Sensitive Waters, or Universal Stormwater
Management Program
Page 3 of 15

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AB8F9AE-0944-472F-9939-465216A3F5A9
GC4501
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
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 Nationwide 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 Nationwide 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. The effluent water from the dredge spoil shall not be released into open shellfish waters
unless Shellfish Sanitation and the DWR Washington (252-946-6481) or Wilmington (910-796-
7215) Regional Office, as applicable, are notified and provide approval prior to the release.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02B .0221
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, primary contact recreation,
Page 4 of 15

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AB8F9AE-0944-472F-9939-465216A3F5A9
GC4501
agriculture, and shellfishing for market purposes); and that activities must not cause water
pollution that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis.
2. If this Water Quality Certification is used to access residential, commercial or industrial
building sites, then all parcels owned by the permittee that are part of the single and
complete project authorized by this Certification must be buildable without additional
impacts to streams or wetlands.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0502(a);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. For road construction purposes, this Certification shall only be utilized from natural high
ground to natural high ground.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0502(a);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. Deed notifications or similar mechanisms shall be placed on all lots/parcels with retained
jurisdictional wetlands, waters, and state regulated riparian buffers within the project
boundaries in order to assure compliance with NC Water Quality Certification Rules (15A
NCAC 02H .0500), NC Isolated Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 02H .1300), Non -Jurisdictional
Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 02H .1400), and/or State Regulated Riparian Buffer Rules in
Chapter 2B of Title 15A in the North Carolina Administrative Code. These mechanisms shall
be put in place at the time of recording of the property or individual parcels, whichever is
appropriate.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0502(a); 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 living shorelines, the sills shall have at least one five-foot opening every 100 feet and may
be staggered or overlapped or left open as long as the five-foot separation between sections
Page 5 of 15

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AB8F9AE-0944-472F-9939-465216A3F5A9
GC4501
is maintained. Overlapping sections shall not overlap more than 10 feet.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(1) and (3); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable
for all best uses (including aquatic life propagation, survival, and maintenance of biological
integrity) 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.
6. For living shorelines, the permittee shall employ all sedimentation and erosion control
measures necessary to prevent an increase in sedimentation and turbidity within waters and
wetlands outside the permitted area. This shall include, but is not limited to, the immediate
installation of silt fencing, turbidity curtains or similar appropriate devices around all areas
subject to soil disturbance. Additionally, the project must remain in full compliance with all
aspects of the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act and the Mining Act of 1971.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(1) and (3); 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 (including aquatic life propagation, survival, and maintenance of biological
integrity) 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.
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.
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 Programmatic 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.
Page 6 of 15

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AB8F9AE-0944-472F-9939-465216A3F5A9
GC4501
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.
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 offish, 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
Page 7 of 15

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AB8F9AE-0944-472F-9939-465216A3F5A9
GC4501
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 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: (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 offish, 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.
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.
Page 8 of 15

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AB8F9AE-0944-472F-9939-465216A3F5A9
GC45O1
7. If the project is covered by NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit Number NCGO10000 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 offish, 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 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 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 offish, 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
Page 9 of 15

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AB8F9AE-0944-472F-9939-465216A3F5A9
GC4501
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 048.0125
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. In -stream structures installed to mimic natural channel geomorphology such as cross -vanes,
sills, step -pool structures, etc. shall be designed and installed in such a manner that allow
for continued aquatic life movement.
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
structures are installed properly will ensure that surface water quality standards are met
and conditions of waters are suitable for all best uses.
11. Culverts shall be designed and installed in such a manner that the original stream profiles
are not altered and allow for aquatic life movement during low flows. The dimension,
pattern, and profile of the stream above and below a pipe or culvert shall not be modified
by widening the stream channel or by reducing the depth of the stream in connection with
the construction activity. The width, height, and gradient of a proposed culvert shall be
such as to pass the average historical low flow and spring flow without adversely altering
flow velocity. If the width of the culvert is wider than the stream channel, the culvert shall
Page 10 of 15

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AB8F9AE-0944-472F-9939-465216A3F5A9
GC4501
include multiple boxes/pipes, baffles, benches and/or sills to maintain the natural width of
the stream channel. If multiple culverts/pipes/barrels are used, low flows shall be
accommodated in one culvert/pipe and additional culverts/pipes shall be installed such that
they receive only flows above bankfull.
Placement of culverts and other structures in streams shall be below the elevation of the
streambed by one foot for all culverts with a diameter greater than 48 inches, and 20% of
the culvert diameter for culverts having a diameter less than or equal to 48 inches, to allow
low flow passage of water and aquatic life. If the culvert outlet is submerged within a pool
or scour hole and designed to provide for aquatic passage, then culvert burial into the
streambed is not required.
For structures less than 72" in diameter/width and in area where topographic constraints
dictate culvert slopes will be greater than 2.5%, culvert burial is not required, provided that
all alternative options for flattening the slope have been investigated and aquatic life
movement/connectivity has been provided when possible (e.g. rock ladders, cross -vanes,
sills, baffles etc.). Notification, including supporting documentation to include a location
map of the culvert, culvert profile drawings, and slope calculations, shall be provided to
DWR 30 calendar days prior to the installation of the culvert.
When bedrock is present in culvert locations, culvert burial is not required, provided that
there is sufficient documentation of the presence of bedrock. Notification, including
supporting documentation such as a location map of the culvert, geotechnical reports,
photographs, etc. shall be provided to DWR a minimum of 30 calendar days prior to the
installation of the culvert. If bedrock is discovered during construction, then DWR shall be
notified by phone or email within 24 hours of discovery.
Installation of culverts in wetlands shall ensure continuity of water movement and be
designed to adequately accommodate high water or flood conditions. When roadways,
causeways, or other fill projects are constructed across FEMA-designated floodways or
wetlands, openings such as culverts or bridges shall be provided to maintain the natural
hydrology of the system as well as prevent constriction of the floodway that may result in
destabilization of streams or wetlands.
The establishment of native woody vegetation and other soft stream bank stabilization
techniques shall be used where practicable instead of rip -rap or other bank hardening
methods.
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
structures are installed properly will ensure that surface water quality standards are met
and conditions of waters are suitable for all best uses.
Page 11 of 15

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AB8F9AE-0944-472F-9939-465216A3F5A9
GC4501
12. Bridge deck drains shall not discharge directly into the stream. Stormwater shall be
directed across the bridge and pre-treated through site -appropriate means to the maximum
extent practicable (e.g. grassed swales, pre -formed scour holes, vegetated buffers, etc.)
before entering the stream.
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
structures are installed properly will ensure that surface water quality standards are met
and conditions of waters are suitable for all best uses.
13. 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 NCAC 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 offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the
waters for any designated uses.
14. 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 NCAC 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 offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the
waters for any designated uses.
15. 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.
Page 12 of 15

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AB8F9AE-0944-472F-9939-465216A3F5A9
GC4501
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.
16. 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
structures are installed properly will ensure that surface water quality standards are met
and conditions of waters are suitable for all best uses.
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. Any rip -rap used for stream or shoreline stabilization shall be of a size and density to
prevent movement by wave, current action, or stream flows, and shall consist of clean rock
or masonry material free of debris or toxic pollutants. Rip -rap shall not be installed in the
streambed except in specific areas required for velocity control and to ensure structural
integrity of bank stabilization measures.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c), 15A NCAC 02B .0201
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
Page 13 of 15

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AB8F9AE-0944-472F-9939-465216A3F5A9
GC4501
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. Rip -rap groins proposed in accordance with 15A NCAC 07H .1401 (NC Division of Coastal
Management General Permit for construction of Groins in Estuarine and Public Trust Waters
and Ocean Hazard Areas) shall meet all the specific conditions for design and construction
specified in 15A NCAC 07H .1405.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 07H .1400 et seq.
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.
20. 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 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 offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the
waters for any designated uses.
21. 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 02B .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.
22. 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
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)
Page 14 of 15

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AB8F9AE-0944-472F-9939-465216A3F5A9
GC4501
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.
23. 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.
24. 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 4501 issued October 28, 2021 replaces
WQC 4175 issued February 1, 2019; WQC 4175 issued December 14, 2018; WQC 4144 issued
December 1, 2017; WQC 4097 issued March 6, 2017; WQC 3900 issued March 19, 2012; WQC
3641 and 3642 issued March 19, 2007; WQC 3371 and 3400 issued March 18, 2002; WQC 3274
issued June 1, 2000, WQC 3112 issued February 11, 1997, and WQC 3025 issued September 6,
1995.
Page 15 of 15