20240587 Ver 1_WRC Comments_20240604

Homer, Seren M
From: Munzer, Olivia
Sent: Tuesday, June 4, 2024 5:23 AM
To: Brad Luckey
Cc: [e-mail]1; Homer, Seren M
Subject: NCWRC Comments - Old Lexington Road - Harvest Creek - DWR NO. 2024 0587
Good morning,
In reviewing this PCN, the NCWRC has a few questions/comments on this application:
1. It seems that the applicant could further minimize impacts to wetlands by putting some of the
houses (Lots 76-80) on the other side of the wetlands/stream since there is a road stub and no
houses, or put the COS over in that region and rearrange the development.
2. a) The culvert must be designed to allow for aquatic life and fish passage. Generally, the culvert or
pipe invert should be buried at least 1 foot below the natural streambed (measured from the natural
thalweg depth). If multiple barrels are required, barrels other than the base flow barrel(s) should be
placed on or near stream bankfull or floodplain bench elevation (similar to Lyonsfield
design). These should be reconnected to floodplain benches as appropriate. This may be
accomplished by utilizing sills on the upstream and downstream ends to restrict or divert flow to
the base flow barrel(s). Silted barrels should be filled with sediment so as not to entrap wildlife or
support mosquito breeding conditions. Sufficient water depth should be provided in the base flow
barrel(s) during low flows to accommodate fish movement. If culverts are longer than 40-50 linear
feet, alternating or notched baffles should be installed in a manner that mimics existing stream
pattern. This should enhance aquatic life passage: 1) by depositing sediments in the barrel, 2) by
maintaining channel depth and flow regimes, and 3) by providing resting places for fish and other
aquatic organisms. In essence, base flow barrel(s) should provide a continuum of water depth and
channel width without substantial modifications of velocity.
b) If multiple pipes or cells are used, at least one pipe or box should be designed to remain dry
during normal flows to allow for wildlife passage.
c) Culverts or pipes should be situated along the existing channel alignment whenever possible to
avoid channel realignment. Widening the stream channel must be avoided. Stream channel
widening at the inlet or outlet end of structures typically decreases water velocity causing sediment
deposition that requires increased maintenance and disrupts aquatic life passage.
d) Riprap should not be placed in the active thalweg channel or placed in the streambed in a
manner that precludes aquatic life passage. Bioengineering boulders or structures should be
professionally designed, sized, and installed.
3. There are many culverts on the property. Will the culverts be removed and the stream restored? Are
any of the proposed crossings (road/sewer) at any of the existing culvert crossings.
4. Erosion control matting made of plastic mesh or twine should not be used throughout the project
area because it can injure or kill wildlife.
5. We recommend not clearing the entire site, but rather maintaining the maximum amount of
native vegetation as possible, particularly in the common open space and in the floodplain.
Thank you. Please let me know if you have questions,

Olivia
Olivia Munzer
Western Piedmont Habitat Conservation Coordinator
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Rogers Depot
1718NCHwy 56W
Creedmoor, NC 27522
Office: 919-707-4056 (note new number)
Cell: 336-269-0074
oLivia. munzerancwildlife.org
www.ncwi[dLife.org
0 a 12 M
Email correspondence to and from this sender is subject to the N.C. Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.