20240409 Ver 1_00_Bridge82_Section404_USACE_PCN Package_03112024_compiled final_20240311

March 11, 2024
Mr. Doug J. Perez
US Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington District - Charlotte Regulatory Field Office
8430 University Executive Park Drive, Suite 615
Charlotte, North Carolina 28262
via ePCN: https:Iledocs.deg. nc.pov/Forms/Pre-Construction Notification Form
RE: USACE NATIONWIDE PERMIT PRE -CONSTRUCTION NOTIFICATION SUBMITTAL
FOR THE DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC — BRIDGE NO. 82 DISTRIBUTION
REBUILD PROJECT
Dear Mr. Perez,
On behalf of Duke Energy Carolina, LLC (Applicant; Duke Energy), HDR is submitting the electronic
Pre -Construction Notification (ePCN) Form (online e-submittal) for the proposed Bridge No. 82
Distribution Rebuild Project crossing the South Fork Catawba River within Gaston County in the
Town of Cramerton, North Carolina.
The proposed work involves construction activities required to relocate a portion of Duke Energy's
existing overhead transmission facilities to allow the planned widening of Wilkinson Boulevard
(State Highway [SH] 74). The South Fork Catawba River is regulated as a navigable waterway
under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbor Act and as a jurisdictional water of the U.S. under
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
Based on the project information provided in this Pre -Construction Notification (PCN) submittal and
review of the applicable nationwide permit (NWP), we respectfully request Section 10 and Section
404 permit authorization of this project under a NWP 57 for Electric Utility Line and
Telecommunications Activities.
Additional project information is included in the following attachments:
- Attachment A— Pre -Construction Notification (PCN) Form
- Attachment B — Agent Authorization Form
- Attachment C — Figures / Maps
- Attachment D — Design Plans
- Attachment E — Parcel Data, Property Owners, and Easements
- Attachment F — Site Photographs
- Attachment G — USFWS and SHPO/Tribal Concurrence Letters
hdrinc.com
1201 Market Street 31322
[phone]

AW - (Pending Assignment)
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC I USACE Reference No. S USACE NWP57 PCN Application Submittal F \
Bridge No. 82 Distribution Rebuild Project
Attachment H — USFWS IPaC and NCNHP Reports
Attachment I — Erosion and Sediment Control Plan & NCDEQ Certificate of Approval
The information provided in this e-submittal should provide the US Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE) a complete application submittal and we respectfully request processing of the PCN
submittal package as expeditiously as practicable. If you have any questions, please contact me by
email at [e-mail] or by phone at [phone].
Thank you for your time and attention to this important planned project to relocate the existing
transmission line to accommodate the planned widening for Wilkinson Boulevard (SH 74).
Sincerely,
HDR Engineering, Inc.
C-el
i_
Cry tad•Joyce, CEP, CPESC; CISEC
Senior Environmental Project Manager
Cc: Andrew Olah — Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (Andrew.olaha-duke-energy.com)
Subodh Poudel — HDR (Subodh.Poudela-hdrinc.com)
Brooke Ahrens, PE, CDT — HDR (Brooke.Ahrensa-hdrinc.com)
Eric Mularski, PWS, PMP — HDR (Eric. Mu larskia-hdrinc.com)
Johanna Velasquez — HDR (Johan na.Velasgueza-hdrinc.com)
hdrinc.com 1201 Market Street(423) 414-3551

AW - (Pending Assignment)
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC I USACE Reference No. S USACE NWP57 PCN Application Submittal FN
Bridge No. 82 Distribution Rebuild Project
hdrinc.com 138 Canal Street, Suite 501, Pooler, GA 31322
[phone]

A r�R4G
oNiii� �1
Office Use Only:
Corps action ID no.
DWQ project no.
Form Version 1.4 January 2009
Pre -Construction Notification (PCN) Form
A.
Applicant Information
1.
Processing
1a.
Type(s) of approval sought from the Corps:
❑ Section 404 Permit ❑X Section 10 Permit
1b.
Specify Nationwide Permit (NWP) number: 57 or General Permit (GP) number: n/a
1c.
Has the NWP or GP number been verified by the Corps?
❑X Yes ❑ No
1d.
Type(s) of approval sought from the DWQ (check all that apply):
❑X 401 Water Quality Certification — Regular ❑ Non-404 Jurisdictional General Permit
❑ 401 Water Quality Certification — Express ❑ Riparian Buffer Authorization
1 e.
Is this notification solely for the record
because written approval is not required?
For the record only for DWQ
401 Certification:
❑ Yes ❑X No
For the record only for Corps Permit:
❑ Yes ❑X No
1f.
Is payment into a mitigation bank or in -lieu fee program proposed for
mitigation of impacts? If so, attach the acceptance letter from mitigation bank
or in -lieu fee program.
❑ Yes ❑X No
1 g.
Is the project located in any of NC's twenty coastal counties. If yes, answer 1 h
below.
❑ Yes ❑X No
1 h.
Is the project located within a NC DCM Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)?
❑ Yes ❑X No
2.
Project Information
2a.
Name of project:
Bridge No. 82 Distribution Rebuild Project
2b.
County:
Gaston County
2c.
Nearest municipality / town:
Cramerton
2d.
Subdivision name:
n/a
2e.
NCDOT only, T.I.P. or state project no:
n/a
3.
Owner Information
3a.
Name(s) on Recorded Deed:
The Project crosses multiple parcels, see attached supplemental project information.
3b.
Deed Book and Page No.
See attached supplemental project information sheet.
3c.
Responsible Party (for LLC if
applicable):
See attached supplemental project information sheet.
3d.
Street address:
See attached supplemental project information sheet.
3e.
City, state, zip:
See attached supplemental project information sheet.
3f.
Telephone no.:
See attached supplemental project information sheet.
3g.
Fax no.:
See attached supplemental project information sheet.
3h.
Email address:
See attached supplemental project information sheet.
Page 1 of 10
PCN Form — Version 1.4 January 2009

4.
Applicant Information (if different from owner)
4a.
Applicant is:
❑ Agent ❑X Other, specify: Project Manager for Duke Energy
4b.
Name:
Andrew Olah
4c.
Business name
(if applicable):
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC
4d.
Street address:
P.O. Box 70516
4e.
City, state, zip:
Charlotte, NC 28272
4f.
Telephone no.:
704-382-4596
4g.
Fax no.:
n/a
4h.
Email address:
[e-mail]
5.
Agent/Consultant Information (if applicable)
5a.
Name:
Crystal Joyce, CEP, CPESC, CISEC
5b.
Business name
(if applicable):
HDR, Inc.
5c.
Street address:
138 Canal Street, Suite 501
5d.
City, state, zip:
Pooler, GA 31322
5e.
Telephone no.:
210-841-2975
5f.
Fax no.:
n/a
5g.
Email address:
[e-mail]
Page 2 of 10

B.
Project Information and Prior Project History
1.
Property Identification
1a.
Property identification no. (tax PIN or parcel ID):
See attached supplemental project information sheet.
1 b.
Site coordinates (in decimal degrees):
Latitude: 35.249059 Longitude:-81.073016
1 c.
Property size:
1.86 acres
2.
Surface Waters
2a.
Name of nearest body of water to proposed project:
South Fork Catawba River
2b.
Water Quality Classification of nearest receiving water:
WS-V
2c.
River basin:
Catawba River Basin
3.
Project Description
3a. Describe the existing conditions on the site and the general land use in the vicinity of the project at the time of this
application:
Please see the attached supplemental project information sheet for complete project site description.
3b.
List the total estimated acreage of all existing wetlands on the property: 0.001
3c.
List the total estimated linear feet of all existing streams (intermittent and perennial) on the property: 213
3d. Explain the purpose of the proposed project:
Please see the attached supplemental project information sheet for further details.
3e. Describe the overall project in detail, including the type of equipment to be used:
Please see the attached supplemental project information sheet for further details
4.
Jurisdictional Determinations
4a.
Have jurisdictional wetland or stream determinations by the
Corps or State been requested or obtained for this property /
roject includin all rior hases in the ast?
❑ Yes ❑X No ❑ Unknown
Comments: A delineation was conducted for the site.
4b.
If the Corps made the jurisdictional determination, what type
of determination was made?
❑ Preliminary ❑ Final
4c.
If yes, who delineated the jurisdictional areas?
Name (If known): HDR, Inc.; see Attachment C for delineated areas
Agency/Consultant Company: HDR, Inc.
Other:
4d.
n/a
If yes, list the dates of the Corps jurisdictional determinations or State determinations and attach documentation.
5.
Project History
5a.
Have permits or certifications been requested or obtained for
this project (including all prior phases) in the past?
❑X Yes ❑ No ❑ Unknown
5b. If yes, explain in detail according to "help file" instructions.
Please see the attached supplemental project information sheet for further details.
6.
Future Project Plans
6a.
Is this a phased project?
❑ Yes ❑X No
6b.
n/a
If yes, explain.
Page 3 of 10
PCN Form — Version 1.4 January 2009

C. Proposed Impacts Inventory
1. Impacts Summary
1 a. Which sections were completed below for your project (check all that apply):
❑X Wetlands ❑X Streams —tributaries ❑ Buffers ❑ Open Waters ❑ Pond Construction
2. Wetland Impacts
If there are wetland impacts proposed on the site, then complete this question for each wetland area impacted.
2a.
2b.
2c.
2d.
2e.
2f.
Wetland impact
Type of impact
Type of wetland
Forested
Type of jurisdiction
Area of
number
Corps (404,10) or
impact
Permanent (P) or
DWQ (401, other)
(acres)
Temporary T
W1
Choose one
Choose one
Yes/No
-
W2
Choose one
Choose one
Yes/No
W3
Choose one
Choose one
Yes/No
W4
Choose one
Choose one
Yes/No
W5
Choose one
Choose one
Yes/No
W6
Choose one
Choose one
Yes/No
2g. Total Wetland Impacts:
0
2h. Comments:
One PEM 1 wetland measuring 0.001 acres was delineated immediately adjacent to the South Fork Catawba River within the survey area (see
Attachment C - Figures/Maps). Project activities will avoid impacts to this wetland area; therefore temporary or permanent impacts are not anticipated
to this wetland.
3. Stream Impacts
If there are perennial or intermittent stream impacts (including temporary impacts) proposed on the site, then complete this
question for all stream sites impacted.
3a.
3b.
3c.
3d.
3e.
3f.
3g.
Stream impact
Type of impact
Stream name
Perennial (PER) or
Type of
Average
Impact
number
intermittent (INT)?
jurisdiction
stream
length
Permanent (P) or
width
(linear
Temporary (T)
(feet)
feet)
S1 P
Overhead Crossing
S. Fork Catawba River
PER
Corps
213
213
S2
Choose one
S3
Choose one
S4
Choose one
S5
Choose one
S6
Choose one
3h. Total stream and tributary impacts
213
3i. Comments:
The South Fork Catawba River has been identified as a Section 10 waterway. The project will relocate an existing overhead transmission line and
therefore is considered a permanent impact requiring a Section 10 permit. All new transmission line facilities will be constructed outside of the
jurisdictional limits of the river and construction work would not occur within the jurisdictional boundaries of the river. Section 404 impacts are not
proposed for this project as all construction work will avoid temporary and permanent impacts to the river (see Attachment C - Figures/Maps).
Page 4 of 10
PCN Form — Version 1.4 January 2009

4. Open Water Impacts
If there are proposed impacts to lakes, ponds, estuaries, tributaries, sounds, the Atlantic Ocean, or any other open water of
the U.S. then indivi ually list all open water impacts below.
4a.
Open water
impact number
Permanent (P) or
Temporary T
4b.
Name of waterbody
(if applicable)
4c.
Type of impact
4d.
Waterbody
type
4e.
Area of impact (acres)
01
Choose one
Choose
O2
Choose one
Choose
03
Choose one
Choose
04
Choose one
Choose
4f. Total open water impacts
0
4g. Comments: n/a
5. Pond or Lake Construction
If pond or lake construction proposed, the complete the chart below.
5a.
Pond ID number
5b.
Proposed use or
purpose of pond
5c.
Wetland Impacts (acres)
5d.
Stream Impacts (feet)
5e.
Upland
(acres)
Flooded
Filled
Excavated
Flooded
Filled
Excavated
P1
Choose one
P2
Choose one
5f. Total:
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5g. Comments: n/a
5h. Is a dam high hazard permit required?
❑ Yes ❑X No If yes, permit ID no:
5i. Expected pond surface area (acres):
0
5j. Size of pond watershed (acres):
0
5k. Method of construction:
n/a
6. Buffer Impacts (for DWQ)
If project will impact a protected riparian buffer, then complete the chart below. If yes, then individually list all buffer impacts
below. If any impacts require mitigation, then you MUST fill out Section D of this form.
6a. Project is in which protected basin?
❑ Neuse ❑ Tar -Pamlico ❑X Catawba ❑ Randleman ❑ Other:
6b.
Buffer Impact
number -
Permanent (P) or
Temporary (T)
6c.
Reason for impact
6d.
Stream name
6e.
Buffer
mitigation
required?
6f.
Zone 1
impact
(square
feet)
6g.
Zone 2
impact
(square
feet)
B1
no buffer impact
South Fork Catawba River
No
0
0
B2
Yes/No
B3
Yes/No
B4
Yes/No
B5
Yes/No
B6
Yes/No
6h. Total Buffer Impacts:
0
0
6I. Comments: The Project is not located within 50 feet of the Catawba River mainstem or any other regulated lake shoreline of the Catawba River.
As such, the Catawba Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 02B.0614) do not apply for this Project.
Page 5 of 10

D.
Impact Justification and Mitigation
1.
Avoidance and Minimization
1a. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts in designing project.
Please see the attached supplemental project information sheet for further details.
1 b. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts through construction techniques.
Please see the attached supplemental project information sheet for further details.
2.
Compensatory Mitigation for Impacts to Waters of the U.S. or Waters of the State
2a.
Does the project require Compensatory Mitigation for
impacts to Waters of the U.S. or Waters of the State?
❑ Yes ❑X No
2b.
If yes, mitigation is required by (check all that apply):
❑ DWQ ❑ Corps
2c.
If yes, which mitigation option will be used for this
project?
❑ Mitigation bank
El Payment to in -lieu fee program
❑ Permittee Responsible Mitigation
3.
Complete if Using a Mitigation Bank
3a.
Name of Mitigation Bank: n/a
3b.
Credits Purchased (attach receipt and letter)
Type: Choose one
Type: Choose one
Type: Choose one
Quantity:
Quantity:
Quantity:
none
3c. Comments:
4.
Complete if Making a Payment to In -lieu Fee Program
4a. Approval letter from in -lieu fee program is attached.
❑ Yes
4b.
Stream mitigation requested:
linear feet
4c.
If using stream mitigation, stream temperature:
Choose one
4d.
Buffer mitigation requested (DWQ only):
square feet
4e.
Riparian wetland mitigation requested:
acres
4f.
Non -riparian wetland mitigation requested:
acres
4g.
Coastal (tidal) wetland mitigation requested:
acres
4h.
Comments: none
5.
Complete if Using a Permittee Responsible Mitigation Plan
5a.
n/a
If using a permittee responsible mitigation plan, provide a description of the proposed mitigation plan.
Page 6 of 10
PCN Form — Version 1.4 January 2009

6. Buffer Mitigation (State Regulated Riparian Buffer Rules) — required by DWQ
6a. Will the project result in an impact within a protected riparian buffer that requires
❑ Yes ❑X No
buffer mitigation?
6b. If yes, then identify the square feet of impact to each zone of the riparian buffer that requires mitigation. Calculate the
amount of mitigation required.
6c.
6d.
6e.
Zone
Reason for impact
Total impact
Multiplier
Required mitigation
(square feet)
(square feet)
Zone 1
3 (2 for Catawba)
Zone 2
1.5
6f. Total buffer mitigation required:
0
6g. If buffer mitigation is required, discuss what type of mitigation is proposed (e.g., payment to private mitigation bank,
permittee responsible riparian buffer restoration, payment into an approved in -lieu fee fund).
n/a
The Project crosses the South Fork Catawba River and is not located within 50 feet of the Catawba River mainstem or any other
6h. Comments: regulated lake shoreline of the Catawba River; therefore, riparian buffers do not apply for this Project in accordance with the
Catawba Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 02B.0614).
Page 7 of 10

E.
Stormwater Management and Diffuse Flow Plan (required by DWQ)
1.
Diffuse Flow Plan
1a.
Does the project include or is it adjacent to protected riparian buffers identified
❑ Yes ❑X No
within one of the NC Riparian Buffer Protection Rules?
1 b.
If yes, then is a diffuse flow plan included? If no, explain why.
n/a
❑ Yes ❑X No
2.
Stormwater Management Plan
2a.
What is the overall percent imperviousness of this project?
5 %
2b.
Does this project require a Stormwater Management Plan?
❑X Yes ❑ No
2c.
If this project DOES NOT require a Stormwater Management Plan, explain why:
2d.
If this project DOES require a Stormwater Management Plan, then provide a brief, narrative
description of the plan:
The erosion and sedimentation control plan establishes measures for the Project site and proposed construction activities to prevent and reduce any
potential erosion and/or sedimentation occurring to the South Fork Catawba River and the adjacent wetland
area. This plan has been submitted to
NCDEQ for review and approval. NCDEQ approval of the plan was received on January 10, 2024 and certificate
issues (Project ID No.
GASTO-2024-0100). Please see Attachment I for a copy of the erosion and sediment control plans and the NCDEQ approval certificate.
2e.
Who will be responsible for the review of the Stormwater Management Plan?
NCDEQ
3.
Certified Local Government Stormwater Review
3a.
In which localgovernment's jurisdiction is thisproject?
Cramerton
❑X Phase II
❑ NSW
3b.
Which of the following locally -implemented stormwater management programs
❑ USMP
apply (check all that apply):
❑ Water Supply Watershed
❑ Other:
3c.
Has the approved Stormwater Management Plan with proof of approval been
❑X Yes ❑ No
attached?
4.
DWQ Stormwater Program Review
❑Coastal counties
❑HQW
4a.
Which of the following state -implemented stormwater management programs apply
❑ORW
(check all that apply):
❑Session Law 2006-246
❑Other: n/a
4b.
Has the approved Stormwater Management Plan with proof of approval been
❑X Yes ❑ No
attached?
5.
DWQ 401 Unit Stormwater Review
5a.
Does the Stormwater Management Plan meet the appropriate requirements?
❑X Yes ❑ No
5b.
Have all of the 401 Unit submittal requirements been met?
❑X Yes ❑ No
Page 8 of 10
PCN Form — Version 1.4 January 2009

F.
Supplementary Information
1.
Environmental Documentation (DWQ Requirement)
1a.
Does the project involve an expenditure of public (federal/state/local) funds or the
❑ Yes ❑X No
use of public (federal/state) land?
1 b.
If you answered "yes" to the above, does the project require preparation of an
environmental document pursuant to the requirements of the National or State
❑Yes ❑ No
(North Carolina) Environmental Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA)?
1 c.
If you answered "yes" to the above, has the document review been finalized by the
State Clearing House? (If so, attach a copy of the NEPA or SEPA final approval
❑ Yes ❑ No
letter.)
Comments:
2.
Violations (DWQ Requirement)
2a.
Is the site in violation of DWQ Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H .0500), Isolated
Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H .1300), DWQ Surface Water or Wetland Standards,
[]Yes ❑X No
or Riparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 2B .0200)?
2b.
Is this an after -the -fact permit application?
❑ Yes ❑X No
2c.
If you answered "yes" to one or both of the above questions, provide an explanation of the violation(s):
n/a
3.
Cumulative Impacts (DWQ Requirement)
3a.
Will this project (based on past and reasonably anticipated future impacts) result in
❑Yes ❑X No
additional development, which could impact nearby downstream water quality?
3b.
If you answered "yes" to the above, submit a qualitative or quantitative cumulative impact analysis in accordance with the
most recent DWQ policy. If you answered "no," provide a short narrative description.
n/a
4.
Sewage Disposal (DWQ Requirement)
4a.
Clearly detail the ultimate treatment methods and disposition (non -discharge or discharge) of wastewater generated from
the proposed project, or available capacity of the subject facility
Waste
generated from activities on site will be disposed of at a facility regulated by the Division of Solid Waste Management or per Division of Solid
Waste
Management or Division of Water Resources Rules and Regulations 15A NCAC 413.0110 (Attachment 1). Portable toilets will be monitored for
leaking and a licensed sanitary waste hauler will be utilized for evacuating, removing, and/or replacing portable toilets. A hazardous waste collection
area will be designated on site as needed and all hazardous materials will be stored in accordance with regulations. Liquid waste within concrete
washout stations will be pumped out and removed from the project site for proper disposal.
Page 9 of 10
PCN Form — Version 1.4 January 2009

5. Endangered Species and Designated Critical Habitat (Corps Requirement)
5a. Will this project occur in or near an area with federally protected species or
❑X Yes ❑ No
habitat?
5b. Have you checked with the USFWS concerning Endangered Species Act
❑X Yes ❑ No
impacts?
5c. If yes, indicate the USFWS Field Office you have contacted.
Asheville
5d. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact Endangered Species or Designated Critical
Habitat?
USFWS IPaC database and NCNHP Data Explorer database. USFWS concurrence for no potential impacts on federally listed protected species was
received on January 10, 2024 and is included in Attachment G.
6. Essential Fish Habitat (Corps Requirement)
6a. Will this project occur in or near an area designated as essential fish habitat?
❑ Yes ❑X No
6b. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact Essential Fish Habitat?
NOAA Fisheries - Essential Fish Habitat Mapper.
7. Historic or Prehistoric Cultural Resources (Corps Requirement)
7a. Will this project occur in or near an area that the state, federal or tribal
governments have designated as having historic or cultural preservation
❑ Yes ❑X No
status (e.g., National Historic Trust designation or properties significant in
North Carolina history and archaeology)?
7b. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact historic or archeological resources?
NRHP GIS Public Dataset and NCSHPO HPOWEB GIS Web Service. Also, NCDNCR concurrence was received on January 17, 2024 and tribal
concurrence from the Catawba Nation was received on January 12, 2024 (see Attachment G).
8. Flood Zone Designation (Corps Requirement)
8a. Will this project occur in a FEMA-designated 100-year floodplain?
❑X Yes ❑ No
8b. If yes, explain how project meets FEMA requirements:
Duke Energy is currently coordinating with the Gaston County Floodplain Administrator and the Town of Cramerton for project work that may fall within
the floodplain boundaries of each agency. Gaston County has regulatory authority for the floodplain on the west side of the river and the Town of
Cramerton has regulatory authority for the floodplain on the east side of the river. Duke Energy will obtain the necessary floodplain development permit
(s) as needed based on coordination efforts with these two offices.
8c. What source(s) did you use to make the floodplain determination?
FEMA National Flood Hazard FIRM Panel No. 3710358500J. See Attachment C for floodplain
map.
Crystal Joyce, CEPS_
03/11/2024
Applicant/Agent's Printed Name
Date
' pplicant/Agent's Signature
(Agent's signature is vajid only if an authorization
letter from the applicant isprovided.)
Page 10 of 10

Pre -Construction Notification (PCN) Form
Supplemental Project Information Sheet
A.3 Owner Information
The Project crosses multiple parcels, please see Attachment E for parcel map (Figure E.1), owner
information (Table E-1 to include items A.3a. through A.3h.), and easement records provided by
Duke Energy.
B.1 Property identification:
The Project crosses multiple parcels, please see Attachment E for parcel map (Figure E.1), owner
information (Table E-1 to include items B.1a. through B.1c.), and easement records provided by
Duke Energy.
B.3a Describe the existing conditions on the site and the general land use in the vicinity of the
project at the time of this application:
The Project site consists of Duke Energy and North Carolina Department of Transportation
(NCDOT) right-of-ways (ROWS) along Wilkinson Boulevard (State Highway [SH] 74) and extends
through forested, commercial, and residential areas (Attachment C, Figures 1 through 3). The
proposed transmission line corridor is in a partial urban area of Cramerton, North Carolina and
Gaston County, and crosses natural riparian areas of the South Fork Catawba River.
B.3d Explain the purpose of the proposed project:
NCDOT is planning to widen Wilkinson Boulevard (SH 74), as such Duke Energy is required to
remove, relocate, and rebuild an existing 13 kilovolt (kV) single overhead transmission line to
avoid construction impacts with the planned roadway widening. The Project will rebuild
approximately 0.5 miles of overhead electrical distribution line, single 13kV line, along an
adjacent alignment immediately north of the existing line in order to accommodate the NCDOT
corridor widening. The new overhead transmission line will span above the South Fork Catawba
River, no work is proposed within the river.
B.3e Describe the overall project in detail, including the type of equipment to be used:
The overall Project extends approximately 0.5 miles from the intersection of Market
Street/Wesleyan Drive and Wilkinson Boulevard (SH 74) eastward along Wilkinson Boulevard to
the intersection of Orchard Groves Court and Wilkinson Boulevard. Construction activities will
include removing 51 poles and installing 42 new poles as well as overhead conductors. A portion
of the proposed overhead lines will span over the South Fork Catawba River on the north side of
Bridge No. 82, no work is proposed within the river (Attachment C, Figure 2).
Page 1 of 3

Duke Energy is proposing one (1) replacement / permanent aerial distribution line that will cross
over/above the South Fork of the Catawba River. The 13kV line removal and relocation will be
contained within existing right-of-way (ROW) and adjacent Duke Energy owned land. The new
alignment will be position immediately north and adjacent to the current existing line. All
replacement distribution structures will be located outside of the jurisdictional boundaries of
the Catawba River and construction work would not occur within the river. The proposed water
crossing vertical clearance for the Catawba River shall exceed the National Electric Safety Code
(NESC) requirement of seventeen (17) feet, pursuant to Part 2, Rule 232B, above the Catawba
River full pond elevation of 569.4 ft (AMSL) at the bottom of the conductors' maximum sag
condition.
B.Sb If yes, explain in detail according to "help file" instructions.
The existing line was previously approved by Lake Services for the NCDOT portion of work.
The project erosion and sedimentation control plan has been approved by NCDEQ and was
received on January 10, 2024 (Project ID No. GASTO-2024-0100).
Duke Energy is currently coordinating with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for
the appropriate conveyance permit for an overhead line crossing within FERC jurisdiction lake
boundaries. The FERC jurisdiction of Lake Wylie extends up the South Fork Catawba River into
the proposed Project area along Wilkinson Boulevard (SH 74). Project construction will be
conducted outside of the FERC boundaries of the river. To date, Duke Energy has coordinated
with respective agencies and received their approvals as part of the FERC permitting process.
Issuance of the FERC permit is currently pending.
Duke Energy is currently coordinating with the Gaston County Floodplain Administrator and the
Town of Cramerton for project work that may fall within the floodplain boundaries of each
agency. Gaston County has regulatory authority for the floodplain on the west side of the river
and the Town of Cramerton has regulatory authority for the floodplain on the east side of the
river. Duke Energy will obtain the necessary floodplain development permit(s) as needed based
on coordination efforts with these two offices.
D.1a Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts in designing
project.
All Construction activities will be conducted in upland areas to avoid direct impacts to the South
Fork Catawba River and the adjacent wetland area. No structures are proposed within the limits
of these resources and all access will be conducted via upland areas to either side of the river.
The project will also implement best management practices (BMP), including control measures,
as outlined in the Project erosion and sediment control plan (Attachment 1). Erosion and
sediment control measures will be maintained throughout construction activities and will be
removed once final ground stabilization has occurred. Areas of cleared/cut vegetation will be
revegetated as appropriate following completion of construction activities.
D.1b Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts through
construction techniques.
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